ISABEL Rose isn ‘t afraid to admit she ‘s a JAP.
The derogatory acronym – for Jewish American Princess – stereotypes them as privileged princesses,but the witty red-headed actress/ novelist is set on proving that a JAP is just the opposite.
In reality,Rose says,she ‘s a woman who should be appreciated,praised and celebrated. In her one-woman off-Broadway musical “The JAP Chronicles ” ((adapted from her 2005 novel),Rose portrays six women who all have their
materialistic meshugas .
“If queers could take the term queer and say,’We ‘re queer,we ‘re here,'” Rose says.
“I think the term JAP in the Jewish community can be construed with a wink.”
We asked Rose to find an outfit for under $100 that a stereotypical JAP would wear.
“A JAP will wear a little Juicy Couture sweatshirt,blow-dried hair in a ponytail,and sneakers – with a bling–bling diamond watch and full makeup,” says Rose.”And that ‘s dressed down.”
For inspiration,she looks to Paris Hilton and Carrie Bradshaw – noting that you don ‘t have to be Jewish to be a JAP.
So,where to begin?
Laila Rowe,a jewelry chain store,is “too arts and craftsy.”
NYPULL (pronounced nipple) is “too expensive.” After shopping for an hour and finding nothing,Rose resorts to …
Bloomingdale ‘s.
Bloomingdale ‘s
504 Broadway;
(212)729-5900
“This is the heartbeat for the JAP,” says Rose..”Let ‘s see what the girls are up to.”
The Yale graduate yearns for the gold Juicy Couture handbags ($325)and an orange LaRok top on the sale rack
($128),but settles for a stop at the makeup counter on the way out.
Chanel ‘s Glossimers lip gloss are a JAP staple.
“It ‘s amazing to put something that luxurious on your lips,” she says..”The truth is,if you gave me Vaseline with the
two C ‘s on it,I would be like, Oh my god,this is so amazing.”
Rose purchases a Summer Plum for $24.50 and heads next door to Necessary Objects for some knockoff duds.
Necessary Objects
470 Broadway;(212)966-9011
Nothing is necessary in this store.The only reason it stays in business is because the prices are unbeatable – perfect for the woman who wants to keep up with disposable trends.
Rose pulls a purple sequin top from the racks that looks a little too tacky.
“There ‘s a thin line between JAP-py and trashy,” she advises.. Her eyes land on a gorgeous brown,yellow and white halter dress.She tries it on,and it was made for her:She looks drop dead JAP-alicious in it.
“It looks exactly like a Valentino dress I saw Nicole Kidman wear a year ago,” she says.”It ‘s magnificent and I
covet it.It ‘s got kooky colors, but it ‘s very classy.I swear to god,if you told me this dress was $1,200,I would believe it.”
It is the most expensive item in the store,natch,at $85.99.But now all Rose needs is a pair of shoes,so we go to Daffy ‘s.
Daffy ‘s
462 Broadway;(212)334-7444
Practically guaranteed success,Rose heads downstairs to the sale racks.Right away,she finds a pair of bronze strappy shoes that fit perfectly and look it,too.
“These shoes are really cute,” she says.”You can find amazing stuff at Daffy ‘s.”
Sure,Rose went over $100. But she certainly didn ‘t break the bank – and she did prove that the P in JAP doesn ‘t stand for Princess,after all.More like Powerhouse.
HOW TO GET THE LOOK
Hamptons summer dress, $85.99 at Necessary Objects
Strappy bronze heels, $17.99 at Daffy ‘s
Chanel lip gloss, $24.50 at Bloomingdale ‘s
TOTAL:$128.48
