But this Passover, in addition to the usual shopping malls and high street shops to browse, we’d highly recommend a couple of great designer markets to check out: T-Market and Shoofuni.

T-Market, which will be happening at HaRechev 13 in Tel Aviv and running from the 12-14 April. The market will be open from 11:00-19:00 for the first two days, and on the third day from 11:00-21:00. Here you can grab some great t-shirts for both men and women, with plenty of hip and happening designers selling their wares, as well as cool, imported stuff. Might not be the cheapest t-shirts you’ll ever find in Tel Aviv, but they might just be the coolest. You can also find  accessories, shoes and pretty much anything to do with the latest fashion trends. There is an entrance fee of 10 shekels.

Shoofuni will also be running from 12-14 April, and will be taking place in Jaffa Port. As you might have guessed, Shoofuni is all about shoes, plus a few bags. There’ll be some pretty amazing Israeli shoe designers to choose from, so if you fancy doing your Imelda Marcos impression, Shoofuni is for you! Shoofuni will be open from 10:00-17:00 on the 12th, 10:00-19:00 on the 13th and 10:00-20:00 on the 14th.

Here’s what the T-Market is all about, in case you were wondering…

Click here to view the embedded video.

What better place to shop than Dizengoff Street, Tel Aviv’s first fashion avenue.

Every time we take a stroll down this street, without fail, we always end up in our favorite shops!

Mel Boutique, 138 Dizengoff St

We love Mel Boutique because it carries a lot of stylish items we crave at affordable prices.  The clothes are imported frequently from France and are always on trend.  It’s an especially great stop if you want to find something unusual and dressy for a last minute event without breaking the bank.  For Winter 2012 – there are lots of sparkly items and cozy sweaters, perfect for Silvester and keeping warm! Currently there is 30% off of on jackets, knitted tops, dresses and more.

We also love how the store owner frequently updates her Facebook page modeling her stores latest arrivals!

Go here if:  You are craving new trends and fancy dress for less!  Youthful spirit mandatory!

Hours: Mon-Wed 10:00-20:00, Thurs 10:00-21:30, Fri 09:00-17:00, Sun 10:00-20:00

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Couple of, 207 Dizengoff St

We can never pass up a pit stop at Couple Of  to see what innovative and creative concepts they are busy pumping out.  Their shoes are hand made in Israel and guaranteed to be both comfortable and pretty.

Go here if:  You want quality shoes that you can actually walk in and want an innovative conceptual shoe that’s bound to turn heads.

See their Winter collection for 2012 http://dreedtea.com/couple-ofs-winter-collection-1112.html

Tel: +972.3.5291098

Story, 246 Dizengoff St

Story never disappoints with their curated collection of shoes that includes: Melissa, Bloch, and Fly London.  They have both guys and girls clothing from hard to find imported brands like: Nudie, Fornarina, Junk Deluxe, and True Religion.  Plus they carry famous Israeli designs from: Medusa, Michal Miller.

Go here if:  You like funky shoes  and quality International fashion labels!  Perfect place for couples to shop because both guys and girls clothes and shoes are there. If you are a picky shopper and just can’t find what you are looking for in most Israeli stores, Story is sure to have what you want, especially for guys!

Here’s a glance at what’s hot now in the store:

Tel: +972.3.5448911

Umbrella, 252 Dizengoff St

Umbrella is the first collective designer shop that opened in Israel. It combines 10 talented and accomplished Israeli designers under ‘one Umbrella’. Founded in 2011, by the designer Ellen Ruben, Umbrella offers a wide range of clothing and accessories customized to provide customers with the most contemporary and updated fashion. Each designer operates a mini shop, so the shopper can really experience each brand separately within the larger Umbrella store.

If you are looking for Israeli design, this is the perfect stop.  They curate from top Israeli brands including: Ellen Rubin leather bag and shoes, Myka, Yolla, Nata, Meital Katz, Anna Meyer, Michal Emma, Ronica Design, Hadas Shahamand import the amazing shoes from Frank Toro.

Go here if:  You are craving quality hand made shoes with practical heel height and investment pieces bags, stunning contemporary jewelry. Its a great place to take your mom to, since both you and her will be able to find something to love here. If you are younger the versatile sweaters or trendy tops will appeal to you, the older generation is sure to find slacks, dresses, or jackets to suit their taste.

Here’s a glance at what’s hot now in the store:

Open: Sun-Thurs 10.00-20.00 (in the winter 09.30-19.30), Fri 09.30-15.00
Tel: +972.3.5463867
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Now, we must warn you, this one isn’t for the fainthearted. There are even plenty of Israelis who’ve never set foot in this little market, set in the earthy and cheap (meaning it has a reputation for poverty and crime…) HaTikva neighborhood, which is otherwise known in Hebrew as Schunat HaTikva. But if you love meeting the locals and love the sights and sounds of a real market in action, this one could be for you.

Definitely not on the typical tourist trail, this market is as authentic and as close to the bone as you can get. And don’t expect your tourist looks and your expensive camera to get you any favors; none of the stallholders or locals will likely look twice…people are just so much more interested in getting their shopping done.

Possibly the best way to describe HaTikva market is a poor man’s HaCarmel market (one of the must sees in any visit to Tel Aviv). You’ll find plenty of great fresh produce at great prices (though the locals will always complain that the prices are never as cheap as they should be!), as well as a number of hidden away restaurants serving up some awesome home-cooked food with a Moroccan or Iraqi flavor…

Our top tip: start at the main entrance to the shuk (the easiest way to get to the shuk is to head down to the end of Yigal Allon Street, turn right, and you can see the entrance to the shuk 100 meters down on your left), stop by at the Asaluf Yemenite Bakery, maybe 3 or 4 stalls into the market on your left. Great local food, and great atmosphere, with plenty of locals supping a beer and holding conversation (loudly…). Once fed and refreshed, head down the main market lane and see what you can find!

As far as we’re aware, HaTikva market is open every day except Shabbat.

For a little taste of what to expect, check out this video…

Click here to view the embedded video.

In its past many of the city’s most inspirational alternative music and theater and dance groups emerged from Shenkin Street, primarily during the 1980s. Today things are a bit more mainstream but it remains a popular location with its many cafes and funky little stores keeping this area alive.

What NOT to miss if you’re in a shopping mood

There is plenty to do on Shenkin Street. As the location of many of Israel’s coolest designers the area is a shopping paradise with a broad range of wares from clothes to gifts to choose from. For designer clothes you can’t go wrong with Ronen Chen (49 Shenkin Street) and Naama Bezalel and Banot – Luli Liam (40 Shenkin Street). If you are after some interesting jewelry pieces, designer Michal Negrin (37 Shenkin Street) will be able to assist. There are a plethora of shoe shops to browse, but Daniella Lehavi (35 Shenkin Street) is famed for her shoes and leather bags. Music lovers should certainly check out trendy music shop Krembo (18 Shenkin Street).

Other popular shops on the street include Luchy (13 Shenkin Street), a cute shop which offers simple items at a very affordable price, great for those on a budget. Elite is another option offering great items in a pleasant setting. If second-hand bargains are a favorite, head to Shtaim (Two) (38 Shenkin Street). Dig around in this renowned second hand store and you may be delightfully surprised with what you find. You could also take a trip to Asia by stepping through the door of The Third Eye. Located on 7 Shenkin Street you can browse and purchase clothes that have been imported from India, Thailand and other Asian countries, giving you the chance to find something just a little unique. One last shop to recommend is Uri Kling who is located near the Rothschild Street end. He has some amazing jewelry and small furniture pieces to browse.**

The street also has a tiny park situated half way down, which is a nice place to stop and people watch. But if you are seeking refreshments during your shopping break, there is no better place than Café Tamar. This Tel Aviv landmark at 57 Shenkin Street has been serving coffee to an eclectic mix of customers ranging from Israel’s top politicians, journalists and artists alike for over 40 years. Another healthy option is to grab a juice at one of the colorful juice stands in the street.

If you are looking for more sustenance than coffee and pastries or juice, we’d recommend you visit Orna and Ella (one of our ten awesome Tel Aviv restaurants). A firm favorite and by far the best restaurant in the area, this is the nicest spot to grab a bite to eat.

Given the popularity of this area, you should avoid visiting on Fridays when things generally get very crowded. If crowds and buzz are your thing, there is no better time than a Friday to put yourself in the midst of Shenkin Street’s bustling sidewalks while grabbing some shopping and then jostling for a lunchtime spot. If you’d rather have the street a little more to yourself, try any other day.

Shenkin Street, a Tel Aviv street well worth a stroll down. And here’s a great little clip to give you a taste of life on the Street…

Click here to view the embedded video.

** Note that by the time you visit, some of these stores may no longer be alive and kicking, as many stores come and go…

If you think you’ve got an ounce or two of street cred and love looking for hot, new fashion items from some of the Middle East’s (and beyond the Middle East) coolest, hip t-shirt and clothes designers, then the T-Market is where you need to be between the 13-15 October.

Head down to HaRachev 13 in Tel Aviv (off HaMasger Street) to catch some great clothing items, plus accessories and other goodies. The clothing is aimed at both men and women, but is definitely on the cool and clubber side of things.

It will cost you 10 shekels to get in, but that’s pretty cheap considering the number of designers on display and the discounts expected on many items (not always though, so shop wisely). There’s also a DJ spinning some tunes in the background, just to get you in the mood to part with your hard earned money.

The scheduled opening times over the three days is as follows: Thursday 13 Oct: 11:00 – 21:00,  Friday 14 Oct: 10:00 -17:00, Saturday 15 Oct 11:00 – 21:00.

Below is a taste of what it was like a couple of years ago…Happy Shopping!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Contained within a picturesque pedestrianized walkway in the heart of Tel Aviv, Nahalat Binyamin is home to craft stands selling a wide variety of items from jewelry and painted ceramics to toys, paintings, framed photographs and judaica pieces.

Through the efforts of its artists, old and new, the market continually reinvents itself so that the arts and crafts are perpetually fresh and innovative. All of the products are sold by the artists in person so not only do you get to provide the creator’s with support first hand, you could be exchanging small talk with Israel’s next top artist.

Everything at the market is handmade, guaranteeing a unique piece rather than yet another mass produced slice of tourist tat. Nahalat Binyamin really is the perfect place to treat you or your friends and family back home to a unique gift.

Beyond the stalls, Nahalat Binyamin is set amongst some very interesting architecture and enticing cafes. Regular street performances including fortune tellers, actors and musicians make for an extra special experience.  Even if you are just browsing, the atmosphere is wonderfully entertaining, particularly on a Friday afternoon when the promise of the weekend is palpable.

Make sure you plan your visit if you want to see the market. Although it is open year round it is only held on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am to 5pm (later in summer). But for those of you that visit outside of market days, you won’t be disappointed. Revel in the relative serenity of Nahalat Binyamin, something that can feel a rarity in the otherwise vibrant city of Tel Aviv. The mix of old school textile shops and cute, trendy restaurants make this area an everyday attraction, especially if you combine it with a visit to the must-see Carmel market (open every day except for Shabbat) in the street parallel to Nahalat Binyamin.

Where there are shoppers there will inevitably be restaurants and those in Nahalat Binyamin are second to none. Here are three restaurants and a pub we’d highly recommend:

If you’re looking for upmarket food then Carmela Banachala can’t be beat. This delightful bistro on the edge of the shopping area (46 HaTabor Street) offers great meat and seafood dishes in a wonderfully welcoming ambiance. Situated in a beautifully restored building you will be able to feast your eyes as well as your stomach.

Agadir Bar Burger, with an excellent location in the center of the pedestrian walkway, means you don’t need to go far to access gourmet burgers. There’s nothing even remotely fast food about this joint but for your convenience, it is open late.

For those wanting something a little more local, you can’t beat the Israeli and North African homemade offerings at Hamitbahon (located at Rabbi Akiva 18, on the other side of Carmel market). Feast on Tahini, beans and couscous to your heart’s delight. A blackboard affair, this restaurant conjures up a rustic, authentic feel and the prices are just as attractive.

At the end of a long day of souvenir shopping, reward your efforts with a chilled beer at the Minzar Bar (the Monastery, located at Hilel Zaken and the corner of Gedera (just off the Allenby entrance to the Carmel market). With the perfect mix of locals and visitors, this bar provides a wonderful atmosphere to relax in. The music is interesting and the hours unorthodox. Sit back and enjoy…and check out the clip below for a taste of Nahalat Binyamin in the flesh!

While you’re in the neighborhood, we’d highly recommend a visit to the amazing Neve Tzedek, one of Tel Aviv’s most charming ‘hoods.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Where to find the big name brands isn’t such an issue; the much buzzed about arrival of international names to the Israeli market is big news (including some of the biggies of the last couple of years, Benetton and H&M). And once they’ve landed, it’s not too hard to seek and apply thy credit card…

But where does that leave the home-grown talent? There are many new, and established brands in Israel, producing awesome fashion goods for our ever expanding tastes. So where can you find out about smaller, but no less important, Israeli brands, designers and boutiques?

A great place to find up to date information about Israeli fashion and where to shop in Tel Aviv is DreedTea.com.  This online fashion magazine focuses on independent, up and coming designers and places that sell their clothing, accessories and jewelry.  Not only will you discover where all the great shops are and which designers they carry at what prices, but you can also peruse designer look-books so you can plan out exactly where you want to go and what specific pieces you are interested in buying.

In addition, Dreed*Tea is full of great articles by industry insiders who share news about the fashion scene, fabulous photo shoots, designer spotlights and much much more. If you want to get a feel for Israeli street fashion, DreedTea.com has also collected the most popular blogs for your browsing pleasure. There is even a section on how to style must have pieces that are certainly in your closet already.

If your interests in the Tel Aviv fashion scene go even deeper, you can find out about events, sales and giveaways by signing up for their Dreed*Tea Digest.

It’s always great checking out international brands finally arriving in Israel, but don’t let that divert you from inventive and original Israeli designers.  For the essentials, big brands are great, but if you want to be truly unique you really should check out some of the boutiques that carry local brands.

Shop til you drop baby!

And Jaffa shenanigans are all good, honest! There’ll be plenty of late-night shopping in the Flea Market itself, and expect most of the neighboring shops and cafes to follow suit and join in the fun.

Expect a lot of street performances too, with local musicians popping up everywhere and exhibitions and lots of culture to sink your teeth into at almost every corner of the streets around the Flea Market.

One thing that won’t be in abundance is parking…so it might be an idea to catch the sunset on the promenade in Tel Aviv and walk those few minutes into the heart of Jaffa. To be honest, even a taxi ride might not be worth your trouble as you’ll probably be stuck in some horrendous traffic at the entrance to Jaffa.

You’ll be able to catch the late night fun on August 4, 8, and 18. Not sure why they are not doing it every Thursday as they usually do each year…

If you get a little peckish while touring the old Flea Market, we highly recommend you stop by at Dr Shakshuka for an authentic eating experience. It’s right next to the Flea Market in Jaffa, and is one of the most original places for a slice of Middle Eastern cuisine, nothing fancy but definitely worth a visit.

By the way, the Flea Market is known as Shuk HaPishpishim in Hebrew. So, a nice little play on words to give us Pishpeshuk. Just in case you were wondering.

Benetton is believed to be investing NIS 1.5 million ($430,000) in the Dizengoff store. Plans are to keep Israelis and tourists awash with Benetton goodies with ten stores in total. Each store is expected to mirror Benetton stores throughout Europe, with the United Colors of Benetton and Undercolor brands.

For those of us who remember, Benetton were here in the 1990s but screwed up price-wise. Meaning they overcharged an ever-consumer price savvy Israeli public…

That expensive branding has now gone and Benetton is expected to compete with other lower-priced brands such as H&M and Forever21.

And talking of H&M, the Swedish retailers are planning to open their first store in southern Israel in 2013, in a new shopping mall in Beersheba, capital of the Negev region. H&M has proven very successful ever since landing in Tel Aviv just over a year ago (remember the H&M tsunami?), with additional stores in Jerusalem, Haifa, Kfar Saba, Petah Tikva and Netanya.

Guys, all we can say is make sure there’s a bar nearby…

Damn shame. I was looking forward to her and Johnny Depp adding some buzzz to a typically boring February, but what you can do. The reasons are as yet unclear, but pressure on hubby Depp from anti-Israel groups seems to be the consensus.

Anyway, to lessen the pain you’ll probably be delighted to know that you can now get your chavtastic Burberry gear from a local store here in Tel Aviv. The store opened in Tel Aviv’s Kikar HaMedina last week, and covers some 370 square meters over three levels.

The Tel Aviv store has apparently adopted the new creative design of Burberry Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey, as the company continues to try to disassociate itself from the UK underclass…

Our question: will the arsim of Israel soon be swanning around in Burberry?

The friend, who shall remain nameless, was walking down Ibn Gvirol around the Kikar Rabin (Rabin Square) area in Tel Aviv when she noticed a huge H&M billboard. In the sign, a woman is popping out of her turtleneck. Underneath, the Hebrew words, “Sof sof, we’re here.” Slowly, slowly, the international budget-phenom brand H&M makes its way to Israel and its fashion capital, Tel Aviv.

The billboard directly opposite it in the same area is one by Castro, one of Israel’s most popular clothing retail chains. One that hasn’t yet made a dent on the international scene…and perhaps it never will. The sign shows a woman lying in a field of flowers. You can’t see her face clearly. But underneath, the Hebrew letters read “We are the people of the city.”

Looks like Castro is quite nervous about the incoming of H&M. Looks like they are truly afraid of getting pushed out as Israel’s most popular retail brand. More so, it sounds like they are angry over the “Americanization” of Israel and want to hone in on the fact that they are truly “Israeli.”

With the inception of stores like Gap, FCUK, and H&M making their mark on this tiny Middle Eastern country and the fact that Israelis know the English language quite well, watch American and English-speaking TV and movies, often hope to leave the country, and overall, yearn to dress and act like Americans, perhaps stores like Castro are afraid that these Israelis are losing their identity. The essence that truly makes Israelis what they are today.

The culture I love and the reason I moved to this country.

Should we be afraid?

A huge billboard prominently displayed on Ibn Gvirol (central street in Tel Aviv) announces the arrival of Gap to the Azrieli Center at the end of February!

While I’m not as huge a fan of Gap as I am of H&M, the Israelis can’t possibly be getting any more American! Gap, known for its grungy, but stylish flannel shirts for men, khaki pants and soft knit cardigan for women is the epitome of rugged American fashion.

The corporation that owns Gap announced a franchise agreement with Israel’s Elbit Trade & Retail Ltd just last year. Looks like Banana Republic won’t be far behind…

And the American fashion keeps on coming…