new year's yves!

photo by david sims

happy new years yves as in saint laurent! I always feel the need to pay homage to the legendary designer on this day! after all, he was such a major force in the fashion world. personally, when I think of the three letters YSL I forever associate them with the term french chic. I don't know about you, but sometimes I wonder what fashion would be like if yves saint laurent had not designed the iconic le smoking suit, the safari jacket, the trapeze dress, or the famous mondrian shift....let's face it he was more than just a designer, but a true artist and he totally transformed the concept of ready-to-wear fashion!

recently, while looking back at some of his iconic looks I stumbled upon this image. I have never seen this look before, but I totally love the way supermodel linda evangelista looks in this ensemble. first of all, I always believe that a woman can never go wrong in an asymmetrical black dress and I love the oddly shaped black hat! I like how the shape very much reminds me of a spanish matador. plus, I think the purple gloves correspond so beautifully with her purple lipstick shade. in case you were wondering this look is actually from yves saint laurent's spring/summer 1996 collection! not sure, if the everyday woman could get away with the hat and gloves, but I think linda evangelista totally works it in such an effortlessly-chic manner. whether you agree or disagree, let's indeed take a moment to celebrate new years yves, the saint laurent way!

the new saint laurent

saint laurent spring/summer 2013

yes, a vintage yves saint laurent black matador hat will forever be chic, but so is this wide-brimmed black hat from hedi slimane's most recent spring/summer 2013 collection for saint laurent. not sure how fashion critics are feeling about hedi slimane, but I so love seeing him back in the fashion scene. it has been way too long since his early days at dior homme. personally, I think he totally transformed the male silhouette...who could ever really forget those exquisitely made skinny black trouser suits? whether you are a male or a female, you must agree that his suits were so well-tailored and I was so very pleased to see all of that somehow revamped in his first collection for saint laurent....so many chic black skinny suits for spring! I think my favorite look from the season was this black hat ensemble. totally love the black leather gloves, ruffled cape, all paired with that black skirt with matching leather belt. the look is a bit california 70's cool mixed in with a witch-goth element. for some reason, I think of stevie nicks when I see this look...I could totally see her wearing this on stage in the 70's. not sure, if stevie nicks was a source of inspiration, but either way, I love trying to figure out his influences. it is indeed, quite a joy seeing hedi slimane designing again! perhaps, betty catroux, longtime muse to yves saint laurent, was right when she proclaimed hedi slimane the savior for all womankind!

don a dress

givenchy couture fall 2009

while waiting at the doctor's office earlier this week, I decided to look through an issue of natural health magazine to kill some time. oddly enough, I opened up the issue to an interesting article about 10 ways to go natural...inside the pages, there were some fascinating facts mentioned like how watching a tragic film just might lift your spirits. supposedly, watching a sad movie helps people to count their blessings and to reflect on important relationships, resulting in a boost of happiness. personally, I have always felt this way and to see this in print was such a breath of fresh air. I always try to stress this idea to my friends and family.

my favorite part of the article was when I read how research suggests that people's choice of attire is strongly influenced by how they're feeling. apparently, jeans are the outfit of choice for depressed women versus a favorite dress for those who feel happy. the article also stated how many women believe they can change their state of mind by simply wearing something nice. it seems that ditching denim just might improve your mood....somehow, I can believe that!

I must admit, reading this fashion fact was total music to my ears. I have always believed in the power of fashion, especially when one is not feeling their best! as I get older, I am starting to realize that you really should not just save your nicest dress for a special occasion because who knows when that day will be. life is short, time passes by, things change and I hate too see something fabulous sit in the closet. I have now made a goal with myself to try and wear all my finest clothes when I can, especially in 2013...reading this article just re-enforced that idea. who knew I could find such inspiration in the pages of natural health magazine....now, if only I had a long-sleeved black pailletted givenchy gown from riccardo tisci's fall 2009 couture collection to wear this weekend, such a brilliant season!

gun controlled

I was really quite impressed with photographer steven klein in 2012. his photos seemed a bit darker perhaps, even a bit more cutting edge compared to previous years. I think it all started with w magazine's march issue featuring kate moss in the layout entitled good kate bad kate. if you study the editorial, you can see both a light and dark side to kate moss...plus, I totally loved how aged she looked in the layout, it is kind of refreshing too see such strange beauty like that depicted in an american publication. oddly enough, US vogue also had some interesting steven klein photos in 2012. I loved seeing supermodel lisa cant looking perplexed in a jil sander veil surrounded by thousands of newborn babies in a hospital nursery...certainly unique and such a fascinating article about how a pregnant woman's diet and exercise can affect her baby's suseptibility to disease for life!

I think my favorite steven klein editorial of 2012 had to be this one entitled new order from the interview magazine september issue! yes, I know these images are quite controversial especially with all the recent gun shootings taking place in connecticut and colorado, but I think if you are able to not associate those tragedies with these images you can certainly see all the art and style represented. interestingly, these images were taken before all the tragic events so there really is no direct connection. the layout was styled by ludivine poiblanc and I love how revolutionary it appears. the looks are strict, military-esque, and are dominated by leather and black-on-black. all the models look very minimal, streamlined, and pulled together in such a darkly manner. I think if you look beyond this editorial and skim through a majority of the current fall/winter collections especially from designers like riccardo tisci at givenchy or francisco costa at calvin klein you can definitely see all that noir glamour executed perfectly.

on a side note, I think it is important to know that I do not promote guns or violence, but I think with fashion it is okay to be a bit daring and over the top...that is really what thought provoking editorials should be about...certainly, a lot of the most memorable editorials tend to include elements of fantasy, metamorphosis, and escapism. I am not sure if steven klein was making a political statement with these images about the current state of the world or maybe the future of fashion, but I do think it is definitely one for thought!








photos by steven klein

sweater weather

alexander mcqueen fall/winter 2000

today, is the official first day of winter. I don't know why, but when the weather starts to get a little colder I start to think about sweaters. there is just something so stylish about staying warm in a beautifully crafted handmade sweater. if there was one sweater that has made such a stylish impression in my mind it would have to be this show stopping piece by alexander mcqueen from his fall/winter 2000 collection entitled, eshu.

there is just so much I admire about this sweater...the details are truly exquisite. the quilting, the silhouette, and of course I love all that shredded detail around the neck and bodice area. this was by far, one of my all-time favorite alexander mcqueen collections. I remember as a teenager seeing eshu on tim blank's tv program, fashion file and being completely blown away. I just loved listening to alexander mcqueen talk about his main influence for that season. he went into major detail about how he was mainly inspired by the pre-colonial yoruba tribe of west africa and how tried to mix tribal details with luxurious fabrics to emphasize the raw power of clothes. I don't know how he did it, but I do think his fashion concept was marvelously depicted.

just hearing alexander mcqueen say all that totally made me realize what a genius he was....his inspiration and vision was something I have never seen before and it was from this collection on, that I totally took note of every mcqueen collection. eshu, was totally groundbreaking and for some reason whenever I think of the first day of winter...this gorgeous handmade sweater comes to mind....one must never forget the power of alexander mcqueen!

my sister's sweater

my sister in her dior sweater

I am a bit jealous of my sister's sweater collection. I swear every year she always manages to find a sweater that is unique, beautifully crafted, and one of a kind. this summer, while shopping at one of her favorite vintage boutiques in los angeles she found this stunning christian dior off-white sweater. I was in complete awe when I first saw it on her. I thought maybe it was from john galliano's fall/winter 2000 collection for dior, but I couldn't quite figure it out. at any rate, I thought her new sweater just complimented her style, so well. I think what I admire most about is that layered collar. the neck portion, is quite stunning and I love the way it accentuates my sister's beauty. plus, the stitch details are quite intricate and delicate...total couture, but completely wearable. I actually took this photo of my sister this past august and I so appreciate how even in the hotter months she knows how fashionable it is to hide behind a chic sweater. now, that is true sisters in black style, ladies and gentlemen, do take notes!

tasseled perfection

hermès cape-jacket

I always love it when I discover a collection a little too late. recently, I stumbled upon the hermès fall/winter 2011 season and totally fell in love with the impeccable styling of this collection. what I loved most were all those gorgeous caftans, elongated kurtas, and glamorous kimonos all done in such amazing neutral tones. also, the details were just as stunning—loved the obi belts, tassels, and of course, the quilting. I don't know where I have been, but I am very much inspired by the design aesthetic of christophe lemaire...he was previously at lacoste and I love how he is bringing that type of sporty-glam look to hermès, but making it a bit more luxurious. his style is completely elegant, dignified, but still very relaxed...the proper way to dress in the winter!

my favorite look from the hermès fall/winter collection had to be this tasseled cape- jacket as shown in this photograph.....I just love how winter-ready it looks. its definitely perfect for the day, night, and even looks quite suiting for a nap. I love fashion that can easily fit in any of those categories. personally, I think in winter it is important to be comfortable, while still remaining chic....I don't know about you, but I say forget the hermès birkin, its all about a quilted tasseled hermès cape-jacket, way more stylish and unique if you ask me!

mode/sport

photo by mario testino

to all our readers, please check out my latest article featured on I want to be a roitfeld. this month, I take an in-depth look at carine roitfeld's iconic november 2004 issue dedicated to sportswear. this particular issue, has had such a huge impact on my own athletic style especially when I head to the gym or take a dance class! personally, I loved the way carine roitfeld beautifully balanced high-end glamour with sporty-chic in this issue....yes, this is something that many fashion magazines try to do, but carine roitfeld's vision was way more cutting-edge, and visionary compared to the others. indeed, the vogue paris woman certainly knows how to turn heads when she works out! if you love to look chic while breaking a sweat do have a read....so very fashion-relevant in november 2004 and still to this day!

here is the link:
http://www.iwanttobearoitfeld.com/journal/2012/12/13/modesport-vogue-paris-november-2004.html

hasidic chic

st. bessarion fall/winter 2011



tight body-covered dresses....


black nails, black hats, and side curls....

hanukkah is here, and on that note, I thought it would be appropriate to pay homage to orthodox jewish style. I have always been a fan of this type of style. what is not to love about the way orthodox men dress?...form-fitted suits, sleek black jackets, and of course those hats! I don't know if it is taboo to discuss, but I really see the beauty in the way they dress. recently, I discovered a designer named st. bessarion and an orthodox inspired collection he designed back in 2011 at moscow fashion week. this was such a pleasant delight to come across considering I sometimes feel alone in the way I feel about this type of style. it is quite obvious that st. bessarion was very much inspired by jean-paul gaultier's controversial, yet cutting-edge fall/winter 1993 collection. I remember gaultier was sinned for that collection, but I respect him highly for going in that religious direction....I believe he was the first and he no doubt paved the way for designers like st. bessarion. either way, I applaud st. bessarion with this collection and his interpretation of jewish hasidic style. I totally love those body-covered dresses, leather gloves, high-boots with stockings, and of course those black hats with side curls. this is hasidic chic at its finest...whether jean-paul gaultier circa 1993 or st. bessarion in 2011 it is always inspiring too see designers who are influenced by something totally unexpected like orthodox jewish culture...gotta love fashion that pushes boundaries!



high boots and leather gloves....total jewish orthodox perfection!



one last bonus photo...gotta love those hats, its all in the details!

hasidic holly golightly!

photo by our dad

since it is hanukkah, that leaves me no choice, but to once again, re-post probably one of the best photo moments that has ever occurred in my life. this seriously has to be one of my favorite impromptu photoshoots ever. my dad actually took this photo of me while on vacation in israel a couple of years ago. I talked to him many times before our trip about trying to get an image like this. of course, he thought I was crazy, but I knew inside his head he was totally understanding my hasidic black vision.

I remember this happened on a very hot day in jerusalem, while we were walking to the wailing wall. the walk was quite long and I remember being surrounded by an elderly orthodox man. he walked so slowly, while reading his torah, and with each stagnant step he took, I was able to plot out and signal to my dad to get this shot. luckily, I dressed appropriate in my baggy black pants, with black dress, and oversized hat to coordinate with his look. personally, I think the hat makes this photo complete. I just love the way it looks together with this man. perhaps, you could say that I look like a hasidic holly golightly. whatever you want to call my hasidic style, I must say I loved this moment and still to this day, my dad and I, always talk about this impromptu hasidic fashion moment...am so glad that he can now see how chic and stylish orthodox men can be!

together in black

othodox jews in israel

I can't help it, but I am just so intrigued by the color black, especially when I see a group of orthodox jewish men walking all together. I have always had this fascination with orthodox jews and I think it all started from my dad's amazing national geographic magazine collection...he has an issue dedicated to israeli culture from back in the 1980's and in the magazine there were so many interesting photos of orthodox jewish men. I just love the way they look in their black suits and black hats especially as a group....almost like a chic herd in black! I know when I visited israel a couple of years ago I had that national geographic issue on my mind and this photo, in particular. this pic served as major style inspiration. I don't know why, but when I study this photo, it reminds me so much of an image hedi slimane would photograph and perhaps, I can see a lot of his design style in the way these orthodox men are dressed. I know that is a strange thing to say, but there is a bit of an odd connection between the two. on a side note, I also must admit that I love finding beauty in the obscure and sometimes unfamiliar....that is where true style comes from, if you ask me!

beneath the surface

photo by matthieu belin

I always love to discover new and interesting designers. lately, I have been totally inspired by fashion designer qiu hao. he has so many intriguing looks from his collections, but this puffy white jacket with dramatic skirt from his fall/winter 2011 collection has totally caught my eye. not too sound morbid, but I think when I die, I want to arrive in the afterlife, in this outfit. it just looks so soft, streamlined, and completely elegant. I always think if a designer can make an outfit that looks amazing on the street and for bed than it is a true style winner. I am not sure why qui hao is not getting a lot of publicity, but I really think he is a designer that deserves to be noticed.

at any rate, I discovered qiu hao in surface magazine. I have been a huge fan of this magazine for a couple of years now and if you are like myself a little bit bored with so many fashion publications, I say check this one out. it combines interior design, fashion, and overall lifestyle into something really innovative and dynamic. by far, one of the most cutting edge publications....totally sisters in black frocks approved. only in surface magazine would they promote a visionary like designer qui hao....definitely have a read!

ford's finest

gucci fall/winter 2003

I am still in the midst of finding white coat inspiration....all this week I have been feeling nostalgic for tom ford's brilliant fall/winter 2003 collection. I think this has to be one of tom ford's finests. in case you need to refreshed, this unforgettable season was all about dramatic coats with huge collars, ballooned push-up sleeves, and form-fitting dress silhouettes that fit like a glove. when studying the details of this collection, I can't help but think of thierry mugler circa 1980 mixed in with a little azzedine alaïa. I can totally see a mugler and alaïa influence with so many looks especially with the shape, and overall aesthetic of this collection. plus, there is a sexiness factor that these two designers possess and with tom ford you know that glamour and sex appeal play a huge part especially when designing for the ideal gucci woman.

my favorite look from the collection has to be this white wool coat with dramatic, upstanding collar. I just love the overall balance of it....the jacket fits so perfectly on her waist and I can't help, but appreciate the way that model hides her face in that collar. certainly, in the winter time us sisters in black feel like doing the same. the only thing I would maybe add is a nice pair of sunnies...this kind of coat certainly needs a little incognito glam! either way, I think this may be one of my all-time favorite tom ford looks. he has such a gift for creating amazing silhouettes and I must say I always love it when he works with white...he definitely has created many iconic looks in this color!

part II: what's that jacket margiela?

in maison martin margiela for h&m

I must admit I have been quite hesitant for some time now about h&m and their collaborations with fashion designers. usually, the fit and cut is all wrong and I end up leaving the store due to frustration and anger, but things changed when I decided to take a look at the latest h&m project with maison martin margiela. first of all, I want to thank my fellow sister in black and our stylish blog friend prêt-à-porter for suggesting I take a look. I was quite content with my new MM6 cape and to find this sleeping bag coat was just icing on the cake. indeed, the jacket is a bit oversized, but it somehow works in a strange high-fashion way. I would compare this coat to wearing a bed spread. it feels exactly that soft and wearing it is almost like taking a nap. it certainly brings new meaning to the term comfy-chic.

when I tried it on I had many style thoughts running through my head. the number one idea I had was how would this coat look with a belt?.... when I got home, I immediately styled it with an oversized black belt and what do you know the silhouette completely transformed into a whole new shape. I so love it when fashion has the ability to change into something so unexpectedly chic! I am so glad to welcome my new margiela for h&m sleeping bag coat into my wardrobe. winter is not only looking, but feeling very comfy-chic this season!

margiela magic!

photo by mario testino

I am currently in the process of writing my latest article for I want to be a roitfeld, which is all about sporty-chic glam, particularly the importance and impact of the november 2004 issue of vogue paris. randomly, while skimming through the pages I discovered the original maison martin margiela sleeping bag coat from his fall/winter 2000 collection. this was such a pleasant surprise to find and I love how carine roitfeld featured and styled this coat...it is actually a winter-ski inspired editorial done with a very avant-garde vogue paris vibe. personally, I prefer my jacket with a belt, but if I don't wear one, the jacket resembles this look exactly....pretty much like a bed spread gone wild. so happy too see this in the pages of vogue paris and of course this image will be featured in my latest article...love it when unexpected photo and style inspiration occurs!

honorable mention

basic instinct (1992)

all this week I have been thinking about white coats. naturally, with my new martin margiela for h&m coat I am trying to find some style inspiration. one coat that comes to mind is the one sharon stone wore in the 1992 erotic thriller basic instinct. I know that this was not the greatest movie and I guess you might even say it was a bit trashy, but the one thing I do appreciate and take away from this film was sharon stone's style.

before I go into detail, I think its important to take a moment to discuss how influential sharon stone's style was in the 90's. growing up, I was totally inspired by her fashion sense especially at the academy awards. I remember one year she wore a gorgeous valentino black dress with matching veil, which totally got me appreciating the whole burqa veil concept. also, at the 1996 oscars, who could forget when she wore that gap turtleneck with valentino skirt? I don't know about you, but I totally went to the gap the next day and bought the same shirt. who could also forget when she wore her husbands white button down shirt and paired it with a lavender vera wang silk skirt back in 1998? clearly, sharon stone is a woman who likes to think forward with fashion and with all that said I think that is why I am taking the time to appreciate her style in basic instinct....she really knows that chic style is not about who you wear, but how you wear it.

now back to the film, I don't think I will ever forget this white-hot look she wore during this very controversial scene. personally, I think sharon stone exemplified minimalism in this form fitted shift dress with high collar. when I study her style in this moment I totally think of 90's calvin klein and jil sander. its simple, chic, and kind of the perfect winter look when getting dressed up. not sure if I am the only one who appreciates sharon stone's style in this movie, but I think there is something special about this white dress and wool coat. I know my margiela coat is a bit more avant-garde....but I find this a very inspiring white winter look. sharp, simplicity at its finest!

do you remember the first time?

photo by corrine day

to all our readers, please check out my latest article entitled do you remember the first time? featured on I want to be a coppola. it was actually published a couple of weeks ago, but I somehow forgot to link it. at any rate, the article takes an in-depth look at a photo and text collaboration between director sofia coppola and the late photographer corrine day, which was featured in the face magazine back in may of 2000. in case you are unfamiliar with corrine day, she was the photographer who first discovered kate moss back in the early 90's at the age of sixteen. the face was also the first publication to feature her in their magazine. their collaboration entitled the third summer of love will always remain a classic and will most likely be one of kate moss's most iconic editorials. corrine day had such a way of capturing youth very much like the way sofia coppola did in her 1999 film the virgin suicides. its seriously no surprise why these two worked together....so many creative parallels between these two dynamic women. if you are a fan of the virgin suicides, the cutting edge look of the face magazine, and the visual style of corrine day I highly suggest you have a read!

here is the link:
http://www.iwanttobeacoppola.com/journal/2012/11/13/sofia-coppola-and-corinne-day-do-you-remember-the-first-time.html

dad & dylan

photo by barry feinstein

today is our dad's birthday and on that note we thought it would be appropriate to thank him for being such a creative and innovative force in our lives. our dad has always been so inspiring to us sisters. he has consistently encouraged us to think different from everyone and to never be scared to go after what you believe in. I must admit from time to time I feel a bit timid about what I write on the blog, but he has always said just write what you feel is important to you. growing up and still to this day, our dad still remains such a positive inspiration with our writing and all our other creative endeavors....even with strange concepts like photographing hasidic jews in israel or capturing nuns in italy he has continuously supported us with our obscure photo projects. I don't know if most dad's are like him, but I like that he encourages us to stand out from the crowd and to think opposite from everyone.

at any rate, I saw this bob dylan photograph at the annenberg space for photography this past august and I thought of him, immediately. there is something about this image that is so nonchalantly cool much like our dad. I see a lot of my dad's style in the way bob dylan use to dress in the 1960's. perhaps, it is the black coat and the sunnies? whatever it is, I think we know where we get 50 percent of our style from. I know he loves this photo so we thought we would dedicate this image to him on his birthday! thanks dad again, for being who you are...a bad ass much like dylan, himself!

guinness glam!

daphne guinness

the day has finally arrived...it is black friday! we always get excited on this day because it gives us another excuse to write about some of our favorite black ensembles. this is a black dress that we have been meaning to write about for some time now! I feel strange for even talking about this, but I like observing the way people dress when attending funerals. yes, I know that is a weird topic to discuss and it is probably a bit taboo, but I am always intrigued by this style of fashion especially when a high profile fashion designer dies. I think when yves saint laurent passed away in 2008 the funeral service turned into a somberly chic fashion show of some sort. sadly, when alexander mcqueen died in 2010 the same happened, as well. the funeral turned into a total black fashion extravaganza...something us sisters can totally respect and appreciate!

secretly, I loved the way so many people looked at alexander mcqueen's funeral...but I think this was my favorite look that melancholy day as seen on heiress and haute couture aficionado daphne guinness. I remember she totally stunned me when she arrived for the service at saint paul's church in that billowing black cape from the designer's autumn 2002 collection. plus, she even glammed it up with a dramatic black veil and sky-high black heels. I love that she wore something classic and personal to her from his fall 2002 season. she proved in this black gown that it wasn't just about the clothes, but more about paying respect and homage to such a visionary and talent. I know he considered her one of his main muses and best friends so he most likely would have wanted her to wear such a statement making look. I must admit that I did not know much about daphne guinness till after mcqueen's untimely death, but I am now slowly starting to appreciate her approach to style and glamour. she is eccentric, complex, but overall fascinatingly stylish. she definitely puts the letters fun in the word...funeral. she certainly represents what fashion should be all about!

beneath the burqa

photos by brigitte niedermair

I have been meaning to share these burqa images for awhile and since it is black friday I thought the timing seemed right. brigitte neidermar is a photographer I recently discovered while skimming through the pages of the current issue of CR magazine and I must say I have become quite intrigued by her style. her photos are primarily focused on female portraiture and I so appreciate how neidermar examines the culture of tradition and modernity. she has a unique ability to contrast opposing forces in a single photograph much like what is shown here....who would ever think prosthetics and burqas would work so well together?

personally, I love the idea of combining burqas and prosthetics....strangely chic! love how the these burqas almost have a batman quality...like a caped crusader! when I first saw these images I thought of photographers helmut newton and jean-baptiste mondino. I know helmut newton liked to work with prosthetics in his many of his editorials and somehow I was also reminded of jean-baptiste mondino and an interesting editorial he did with burqas some years ago. I don't know if brigitte neidermair was inspired by newton and mondino, but I can certainly see some odd similarities. at any rate, she is definitely a photographer that I am very fascinated by...can't wait too see more of her work. hopefully, she will be featured in the upcoming spring issue of CR magazine....am keeping my fingers crossed!

the mcqueen burqa

alexander mcqueen spring/summer 2000

speaking of burqas....for some odd reason, when I was looking at those brilliant brigitte niedermair photographs I was somehow reminded of alexander mcqueen's shockingly-chic spring/summer 2000 collection entitled the eye. in case you need to be refreshed, alexander mcqueen turned heads that season by transforming the runway into a terrifying bed of metal spikes and nails. models were also lifted into the air showing off sheer knits, body hugging jerseys, and a controversial makeover of the burqa among other racy interpretations of middle eastern dress....as seen in this photo.

this was the burqa featured in the show and I so love how the model is both covered and revealed at the same time. I must admit that I have never seen a woman in a burqa quite like this...very daring, sexy, and cutting edge nonetheless, but that is why I think we all loved alexander mcqueen. I so admire how mcqueen could always see beauty in the strange and unfamiliar. he had a rare ability to manifest all those qualities into so many astonishing collections, much like this one. I know in the middle east a woman would be punished for wearing this outfit, but I applaud him for pushing the fashion envelope with this controversial ensemble. personally, I think burqas are beautiful...the way they move and of course I love the idea of hiding behind black fabric. I totally admire mcqueen's interpretation of this look. I don't know about you, but I still to this day miss the all the drama and theatrics he brought to the runway...I don't think there will ever be someone quite like him!

those eyes

photo by herb ritts

about a month ago, I was at my favorite bookstore browsing through fashion magazines and books when I suddenly stumbled upon some interesting postcards in a special section. back in the day, I use to collect postcards and from time to time, I still will buy them, but they truly have to be unique and unlike any other. I must admit when I first saw this postcard of elizabeth taylor I totally did a double take...so many thoughts went through my mind...first of all who photographed this?....I love how mysterious elizabeth taylor looks...and of course, I thought to myself now I know where carine roitfeld found her inspiration for her brilliantly styled september 2011 issue of V magazine. I often wondered for almost a year, about where her direct influences actually came from...but now I can tell exactly!

interestingly, I thought I had pretty much seen every herb ritts photograph, but I guess I was wrong. personally, I think this may be my all-time favorite ritts image. there is so much I admire about this pic....the way elizabeth taylor's eyes look, that towel in her hair, and of course, that diamond ring on her finger. most importantly, I so appreciate the obscurity of this portrait...I totally love her glamorous expression with those eyes! when I look at this photo I totally wonder what is elizabeth taylor thinking? I think that is what makes this such an fascinating photograph. at any rate, this was such a pleasant image to discover and I am so glad to welcome this glamorous postcard into my collection...definitely, the most stylish postcard of them all!

becoming liz

photo by my sister

please feel free to laugh! I couldn't resist.... I just had to turn myself into that stunning herb ritts photograph of elizabeth taylor. I know I do not have her amazing eyes or her timeless glamour, but I love it when I feel inspired to take on such a dramatic look! this was actually a very easy style to recreate all I needed was an oversized towel for a turban look, some heavy eyeliner, and a dramatic ring. I know elizabeth taylor loved her jewelry and with all that I suddenly became a sisters in black version of dame elizabeth. I must thank my sister for styling me and for taking the photograph...she always knows how to manifest everything I say and turn it into something unexpectedly chic. on a side note, I highly suggest trying this look and taking some similar photos...its perfect for those I want to stay in my bathrobe and hide from the world kind of days...something we both know a thing or two about!

the liz effect

photo by mario testino

I don't know why, but I always find myself looking back at the september 2011 issue of V magazine....a total classic. I so loved how the entire magazine was dedicated to the iconic beauty, style, and glamour of the late elizabeth taylor. out of all the editorials in the issue, this was my favorite image. in case you cannot tell, it is actually a very incognito-glam portrait of kate winslet trying to do her best liz taylor. the layout was styled by the one and only carine roitfeld...so there is no surprise there as to why I like it....I can just look at this photo and tell that it was styled by carine and shot by testino...they have such a signature style and I always get ecstatic when they work together. I so love that kate winslet is wearing a towel in her hair a la liz and I so appreciate that gorgeous chanel brooch in the center...a definite liz taylor signature! it took me a year to figure out where carine roitfeld actually found the inspiration for this photo, but now I know she was very much influenced by herb ritts and that photo he took of liz back in 1991. this is such a brilliant homage and I must say, I think this has to be one of the best photos I have ever seen of kate winslet. she certainly has such captivating eyes much like dame elizabeth!

classic cape

photo by david sims

as promised, with nicolas ghesquière's shocking news that he is leaving balenciaga we have promised to showcase some of his most iconic pieces from seasons pasts. on that note, who could forget this stunning voluminous gray silk cape, with black riding hat, and vertiginous platform boots from his fall/winter 2006 collection? I must admit that whenever the winter season comes around I always think about this look. I think what I love most about the colder months is hiding behind a warm jacket or cape and with this balenciaga collection you get just that. what I found so genius about this collection was the way ghesquière took classic cristóbal balenciaga techniques from the 1960's and totally updated it with a futuristic vision all his own. I don't know how he was able to conceive and execute all that, but the outcome was phenemonal and he has left a forever lasting style impression in my mind.

I keep this US vogue image of giselle in that balenciaga cape on my desk from the july 2006 issue and I always look to it for winter style inspiration. the volume, silhouette, and the fluidity is everything that I look for when wearing a cape. I think in the future when we think about some of ghesquière's most memorable and fashion forward pieces...this will definitely be one of the many looks that will come to mind....by far, one of ghesquière's greatest!

what's that jacket, margiela?

in my martin margiela cape

indeed, the kanye west lyric is correct....my jacket is martin margiela! actually, its a cape and it is from his new sporty label entitled MM6. I actually did not know about this line till late august and I must say it was such an unexpected discovery. I found this gray cape by accident while shopping in venice, california at a store called heist. at first, when I saw it, I thought for sure in my head that it was norma kamali or maybe even issey miyake. the shape and silhouette has a very japanese aesthetic, very similar to their design styles! so naturally, I was very shocked, yet pleased, to discover that it was a margiela creation.

in case you are unfamiliar, his MM6 line is all about practical and multifunctional daywear with a sporty-feel, which is certainly very suiting to my own personal style. the fall 2012 line features puffy parka coats, wool pullover sweaters, and even footwear...margiela's signature. overall, there is a very utilitarian edge to this line that is very wearable and if you are into all that I have mentioned I suggest you check out it. I always love it when I discover something chic and random....this MM6 gray cape is exactly just the piece I need to complete my winter sporty look. I know material items don't equal happiness, but I am thinking the person who coined that phrase never tried on the MM6 label!

an evening cape

haider ackermann fall/winter 2010

as much as I love a sporty cape for the day...I also believe in a long dramatic cape for the evening, too. yes, a long cape is not for everyone, but if you have the style and confidence to wear one, I say go for it. recently, I stumbled upon this brown cape from the haider ackermann fall/winter 2010 collection and I completely fell in love with it all over again. I so admire that undulating collar, those suede leggings and how it is all paired with that floor-scraping cape. plus, that chocolate brown color is exquisite! I do love a brown shade in winter. this is definitely the kind of winter cape that I would go for. it is a total winning combination of elegance, sophistication, and utilitarianism, which is what haider ackermann does best. for anyone looking for a perfect winter cape, do yourself a favor and reminisce back at this collection...you won't be disappointed, trust me!

ghesquière's greatest

balenciaga spring/summer 2006

I must admit I was completely shocked on monday when I read the headline nicolas ghesquière parts ways with balenciaga! I totally thought I was misreading, but I kept seeing statements like....last week you have sandy. this week you have nicolas ghesquière leaves balenciaga. perhaps, that is a bit fashion dramatic, but I was still very saddened by the unexpected news. I swear every month I chronicle a piece from one of his many amazing collections. it is so hard to pick a favorite nicolas ghesquière season because each is so special, forward thinking, and unique in its own ways, but if I were to pick a favorite black dress it would have to be this one. I love that asymmetrical silhouette but also how dramatic and glamorous that overall shape looks. also, if you examine closely you can certainly see all the detail that went into making this dress. I so admire all that intricately worked in lace and chiffon. ghesquière called this collection the baroque rock star and I can truly see that...its a perfect blend of embellishment, architecture, and sharpness. this dress certainly has sisters in black frocks written all over it.

on a side note, whatever nicolas ghesquière decides to do next with his career is still unknown. I am not really worried about him and what he chooses to do, but I am curious though, to find out who will take over for him at balenciaga. that person has some serious shoes to fill. either way, now I have an excuse to post more great ghesquière pieces from many of his standout collections. stay tuned!

gothic glam

rooney mara (2012)

speaking of gorgeous black asymmetrical lace dresses...who could forget the way actress rooney mara looked at the met gala this past may?!! mara totally embodied the darkness and romantic sensibility of the givenchy woman. I so loved her lace gown and that asymmetrical neckline with leather at the bodice and that sheer floor length skirt. plus, her sleek bun and lipstick color are the perfect finishing touches. I don't know why, but when I look at this dress it reminds me so much of that black lace dress from nicolas ghesquière's spring/summer 2006 collection. I know both ricardo tisci and nicolas ghesquière are not exactly similar in their design aesthetics, but I can definitely see a strange connection between these two looks. I guess when I start to examine their design aesthetics both designers are quite brilliant at creating a dark, ethereal, and a very edgy look to their clothes. however, you want to categorize the two, I must say both dresses are extremely detailed and majorly astounding. this was certainly one of my favorite black frocks of 2012. rooney mara has really amazed me with her style this year...totally unexpected. I really love that she epitomizes her character from the girl with a dragon tattoo...now, I know why ricardo tisci considers her such a style inspiration!

sorrento style hat

in my new black hat

I love it when I unexpectedly find an interesting black hat. just this past september, on my trip to italy I found this amazing black hat in sorrento while waiting to catch a ferry to capri. it was so happenstance that I found it...originally, I saw this hat in green and asked the saleswoman if they had it in black and luckily she only had one black hat left. of course, I immediately tried it on and fell in love with the shape and style of the hat. it certainly is unique and everything I have been looking for. the best part about the hat is that it was 20 euro, which is about $25 in US. I so love a hat that is not only chic, but affordable as well.

I must admit I have been wearing this hat non-stop in the united states and the compliments have been surprisingly endless. people have been saying how lovely the silhouette is and that I remind them of lydia deetz from beetlejuice, which I think is a good thing. people have also asked me what designer makes it and I love to say that it is no designer at all just something I found in italy. this is truly a special find and I am pretty sure I will be wearing this hat for a very long time to come...I think I have a new found respect for sorrento, thank you italy!

mad hatter

marc jacobs fall/winter 2012

yes, indeed I love a good hat for the winter and by far I think the best hat of the season has to be this marc jacobs black fur hat from his fall/winter 2012 collection. I have heard fashion critics refers to it as a pimp hat, or perhaps something out of alice in wonderland and even dr. seuss, but I think it has a more jamiroquai feeling to it. I just look at this hat and automatically I think of jamiroquai's classic virtual insanity video. perhaps, you can see it too... I don't know if marc jacobs had jay kay in mind, but I certainly see a distinct connection.

on a side note, I must admit that a couple of months while in chicago I happened to stumble upon a marc jacobs boutique and of course I walked in and asked if this hat was available. it certainly has a very sisters in black vibe to it, so why not at least try it on too see how it looks, right? unfortunately, that will never happen the salesperson at marc jacobs told me that these hats were only for the show and that they would not be available to the public. apparently, these hats go into some marc jacobs archive, somewhere. I was completely shocked to hear this, after all this hat was probably the real standout piece from that collection. the salesperson told me that many marc jacobs customers were very upset that these hats were not being sold to the public. whoever those people are I wish we could do something about this...seriously, a hat like this does not belong in an archive somewhere but meant to be worn by the people. I would think marc jacobs would know better than that! at any rate, I am all for keeping fashion for the people and not sitting in some abandoned closet!

balenciaga visor

balenciaga visor spring/summer 2012

evidently, the marc jacobs jamiroquai hat isn't the only hat that is not available. let's go back to this past spring/summer and this balenciaga visor. some people called it ridiculous, maybe even a bit darth vader-esque, but I thought it was a total piece of art, certainly going beyond fashion, or as I like to say a perfect example of incognito chic...that is probably why I appreciate this look so much, its so unique and I love the idea of looking like a high fashion sci-fi character.

just this past spring, I went on a mad fashion hunt for this hat...I looked at the balenciaga store in los angeles and even tried to look for it in new york city for my birthday. my luck was very bad. I talked with someone who worked at balenciaga in new york city and he told me that there were maybe 7 of these hats in the united states and they sold for approximately $3000 each, yikes!...but I must say for the person who got their hands on this hat I hope you are appreciating it. I also might add that I am way jealous and I am praying that they got photographed by a street photographer in it because it really is that special.

I was thinking that maybe H&M or zara would make a similar version but they did not. I really hate it when designers do not make interesting fashion available to the masses. I really think there are people out there who want too wear something individual. I wonder if I am the only one who felt that way about this balenciaga visor?!!!...at any rate, I think of fashion as art and sometimes it is worth spending a little more money on something that you will keep in your closet forever than something cheap and useless that you will forget about the next season. personally, I think this balenciaga visor is a forever classic piece despite what some fashion critics have said about it....p.s. for some odd reason I still in the back of mind think that I will one day find this hat, let's keep our fingers crossed!

90's hair inspiration

photo by inez van lamsweerde and vinoodh matadin

I am cutting my hair this weekend so naturally I am looking for inspiration. just a couple of days ago, I stumbled upon this image of supermodel daria werbowy, which actually appears in the current issue of vogue paris. I must admit that when I found out that daria werbowy had cut her hair a couple of months ago, I was a bit disappointed. I always felt like her hair was such a great accessory especially in editorials. I would definitely put her in that giselle category as far as models go with amazing hair. when I saw her hair shorter, I remember thinking to myself, what if she loses her appeal and edge.... but I was glad to know that I was majorly wrong. I have been thinking about this photo for some days now and I am totally in love with the length and that whole effortless 90's vibe of it all. she looks as if she just went for a ride on her motorcycle...which is exactly the look I am going for. plus, that leather jacket is the perfect finishing touch. personally, I love hair that is nonchalant, shoulder length, and just overall cool. I think this photo really embodies all those qualities...just what I needed. perhaps, I better wear my leather jacket to the hair salon this weekend!

black dress, white collar

a sister in black

I always struggle with halloween inspired blogs, but I thought this year I would bring a little goth, religious-glam, loosely inspired by wednesday addams from the addams family, winona ryder in mermaids, and even a little catherine deneuve in belle de jour. the whole concept happened so randomly, too. a couple of weeks ago, I was looking through my closet and stumbled upon a dress I wore in my teens. I decided to try it on and surprisingly it still fit. as you can tell the dress is quite simple...just your basic LBD with a white collar....very catholic school girl. interestingly, I felt very much inspired by the experience of re-trying this dress on that I asked my sister to take some photos. I told her to capture something representative of my three style inspirations mixed in with some darkness. I think she did an excellent job of combining all those qualities together. personally, what I love most about this image is that amazing shadow on the wall of my reflection...it makes the dress appear that much more spooktacular!

that was then....

mermaids (1990)

coincidentally, today happens to be winona ryder's birthday and with that in mind us sisters thought we should pay respect. what's not to love about winona ryder? she is a true actress, and she has such a unique ability to ride the fashion trend train in first class. I guess you could say she is part gen-x icon, blended with some old hollywood glamour. better yet, she is a perfect example in elegant contradictions and I love the fact that she never works with a stylist...very rare for most actresses. its quite interesting how her birthday is so close to halloween...she certainly has a darkness about her that I find so relatable not just in her films, but also in terms of personal style.

its always difficult to pick a favorite winona ryder film, but the one I find myself always thinking about is her 1990 film mermaids. I don't know why, but recently I found myself obscurely inspired by her role as charlotte flax. I have always felt a close connection to that character. she is a bit neurotic, introverted, over analytical and I can certainly understand her fascination with nuns...I do the same. in terms of style, I like her whole catholic school girl look she conveys...the black dress with white trim collar and of course the mid-length hair with headband. her look is very plain in the film and there is nothing really high-fashion at all about it, but I like the way she does simplicity. she is herself! I totally had this image in mind when I was styling my look in the previous photo. I thought perhaps a religious concept blended together with a winona ryder edge....I know it is strange, but that is how my mind works. perhaps, it is an obscure influence but I like it when I find inspiration from the unexpected. somehow, I think winona ryder has that kind of effect on people.

and this is now...

winona ryder (2012)

what I appreciate most about winona ryder is that her look has always remained the same. she truly has such a great knowledge of fashion and personal style and I so admire the fact that she never gets bored of a little black dress. when I saw this image about a month ago of winona ryder at the premiere of frankenweenie I automatically thought of charlotte flax, her character from mermaids. she totally wore the same black dress with white collar in that film. I like that she decided to do a more modern version of charlotte flax, mixed in with a little wednesday addams. I guess you could call this look gothly glamorous. on a side note, us sisters will always have high respect for winona ryder especially when it comes to her love of a great black frock...she clearly understands the importance and value of a simple black dress that fits beautifully...brava!

part of the process

haider ackermann fall/winter 2012

perhaps, the red inspiration continues....just this past week, I was looking back at the current haider ackermann fall/winter 2012 collection. I think my favorite look from the collection has to be this gorgeous dark red sweater wrap dress. I remember being completely amazed by this look earlier in the year, but somehow completely forgot about it....not sure why?!! as of now, what I admire so much about this ensemble is all the exuberant draping and that high waisted silhouette. personally, I think that is what haider ackermann does best....his eye is truly impeccable!

looking at this dress it reminded me of a recent interview I read with haider ackermann in the august 2012 issue of w magazine. I always love to read articles with designers, but lately I have become so fascinated by haider ackermann...he always says the most remarkable statements. its as though you can almost go through his design process with him. what I appreciate most about haider ackermann is that you can see so much of his personal style and design philosophies in the clothes he makes. he truly embodies his clothes and there is always some kind of meaning and obscure influence with his designs that I find so thought provoking....this quote mentioned in the interview had a lasting impression in my mind. I can definitely see what was going through his head when he was designing that amazing blood red sweater dress. if you appreciate his design aesthetic and the creativity process do take a moment to absorb these amazing words by haider ackermann....very inspiring, indeed!

when you prick the tip of your finger, the blood is this beautiful shade of dark red. The color does not last very long—as the blood dries, it goes brownish and looks horrible, but for a fraction of a second it’s incredible. discovering that you have cut your finger can be distressing and painful, of course—but looking at that magnificent shade of red is a beautiful distraction. I long to work with fabric in that color, and I am always looking for it, but I’ve never found it. I have seen reds in francis bacon and mark rothko paintings that are as intense as blood red, with the same violence and fear and with a kind of perversion. all those layers of red paint, one on top of the other, feel very sexual.

the coat of the season

jil sander fall/winter 2012

usually around this time of the year when it starts to get a little bit colder I tend to think about a powerful, yet chic, and comfy coat. I must confess the one that comes to mind is this gorgeous crimson red coat by raf simons for his last collection at jil sander. I don't know about you, but when I first saw this walk down the runway I think a tear came to my eye. this is truly what fashion is all about....I just love that red shade and the way it covers her body like a cocoon. when observing the details of this coat I can't help but think of those classic innovative silhouettes by the amazing cristóbal balenciaga. this just looks so reminiscent of his work. I somehow think raf simons had his design aesthetic in mind when creating this look. whatever the inspiration may be, I think this is definitely the coat of the season and there is no better color (well, except for black) to make a fashion statement than in red...its not only colorful, but completely wearable and architectural, too....gotta love the forward thinking of raf simons!

italian red

me and my red skirt

when packing for italy last month, I made a deal with myself to try and wear a little bit of color. it was a difficult decision to make, but I decided that it would be interesting for me to take a colorful fashion risk. I am okay with subtle hints of color as long as it is not too over the top and it can somehow work with my traditional black uniform.

I must admit that after viewing and observing that amazing red coat from the jil sander fall/winter 2012 collection I felt motivated to go back into my closet and put on my dramatic red skirt that I bought back in the 90's at pier 1 imports. I know exactly, what you are thinking, but pier 1 imports was quite cutting edge and fashion forward, nowadays is a much different story. I have kept this skirt for years and due to raf simons' attention to detail and the way he incorporated red tones I felt totally inspired and thought italy would be a great place to revamp this look.

this was one of my favorite red skirt moments in italy...I like how you get too see the fluidity and vibrancy of my skirt from the back. on this day, I just paired the skirt with a dramatic black undulating t-shirt by splendid and some open toed calvin klein sandals. to finish the look, I accessorized with a turban headband and of course some dior cat-eyed sunnies. personally, I love how incognito chic this moment is and I must admit I do miss those cobblestone streets in rome...it totally adds such a beautiful contrast and texture to my pier 1 imports skirt!