Are you often disappointed when you go shopping for clothes? Do you return home empty handed because you couldn’t find that special outfit you wanted? Does it seem like almost all the clothes are inappropriate for you because they are strapless, sleeveless, too low cut or too short? With a good imagination, a great tailor and a visit to a well stocked fabric shop, these issues can be remedied and clothing that you passed by before can be made to fit your very own specifications.

This year the Aleh Foundation will honor distinguished leaders impacting areas of medicine and mental health, education and arts at their dinner on May 21, 2014 at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. The distinguished Civic Leadership Award will be presented to Congressman Robert Turner who has shown dedication to—and support for—important global causes, as well as major Jewish causes. Congressman Turner recently commended Israel for the manner in which it is defending its citizens and called on President Obama to back his statements.

In 2008, Jennifer Hyman was in New York City on Thanksgiving break from her second year at Harvard Business School when her younger sister Becky showed off a $1,600 Marchesa dress she had just purchased for a wedding. The price tag was far out of Becky’s budget, and Hyman, after seeing the “kazillion other dresses” in Becky’s closet, asked her sister why she couldn’t just wear one of those. The three-pronged answer: She didn’t like any of them anymore; she had already been photographed in all of them (and pictures from the wedding would go all over Facebook); and she couldn’t stand to repeat an outfit.

There is a long history to the evolution of invitations. Knowing the history and the traditions behind the invitation will help you in your selection. Invitations to social events were used by the aristocracy in England and France beginning in the 18th century. It may be possible to go back another hundred or two hundred years to find the foundations of the invitation.

The little black dress is a timeless classic. Every woman simply must have this chic go-to garment in her closet. When you’re wearing one, you never have to worry about being unfashionable—because they’re always in style. A little black dress is a classic choice, a sassy choice, and a flattering choice. They’re slimming and look great—whether you’re a size 6 or 16! Find one that looks great on you and you’re sure to look polished and pretty.

It all began four and a half years ago when I wanted to take my 3 year old and 6 month old daughters for a professional photo session. Because every little girl needs a beautiful bow for every occasion, I searched high and low for the perfect headbands to match their outfits. I did find some beautiful pieces, however, the prices were a bit higher than I was comfortable spending and the quality was not up to par. Being that I always loved crafts, and especially loved dolling up my girls, I decided to give bow making a try.

Weddings are going softer, sweeter, lusher and more heartfelt. 2014 has brought a return to the classics. The return to romance ushers in a new love for the formality of days gone by. Think white-gloved waiters and big band dancing, crystal candlesticks and gold-rimmed china.

STAR-K Kosher Certification recently held its first Winter Kashrus Training Program for a group of mashgichim from New York. The participants, who live in Boro Park, traveled to attend the seminar in Baltimore on three consecutive Sundays, January-February. The program was the brainchild of Mr. Meir Rand, a Chasidishe mashgiach who has worked in various kitchen venues in Boro Park.