the givenchy crown

I have been admiring this gold givenchy crown for some years now. there is something about it that is so appealing. it is both elegant, regal, and even has an element of punk rock thrown in. let's also not forget how beautiful and cutting edge supermodel mariacarla boscono is....totally love her style, whether on the runway or in real life. I know a lot of people find the gold crown look a bit sinister, but I think it is quite stunning. just study the crown from up close or far away and you can see all the gorgeous details. I must say I think mariacarla boscono's hair is executed perfectly with that sleek bun and I love how that gold crown stands out in such a major, but simplified manner. I also can't help but admire the silhouette and shape of that lace white dress...plus, as you can see mariacarla boscono has matching gold bracelets and rings to complement the headband. the accessories are such a lovely accent for the overall look. personally, I think this dress would make for such an exquisite wedding gown....how cool would it be too see a bride don a gold crown with some severe gold bracelets and rings down an aisle?....nothing more chic than a punk rock givenchy bride!


givenchy haute couture fall/winter 2009

in my crown

photo by my sister

for a couple of years now, I have been on a search for a crown much like the one seen on supermodel mariacarla boscono from the givenchy haute couture fall/winter 2009 collection. I pretty much looked in every department store and even attempted constructing my own crown out of wire, but I had no such luck with both. oddly enough, as a holiday gift my sister surprised me with a silver crown headband. I don't know how she found one, but either way, it was the absolute perfect accessory that I needed to go with my everyday black uniform look. interestingly, while in italy, this past september, I bought a really beautiful and intricate silver ring (as seen in photo) that very much resembles vines from a tree and I remember thinking to myself if only I had a silver crown to go with....well, I am glad too say that it is no longer a fantasy! I must thank my sister for finding me this amazing crown. it is such a perfect mixture of punk rock, glam, and even a little statue of liberty. yes, all that together may sound a little strange, but I like how that unlikely combination somehow, works. thanks again to my sister..for totally understanding my style!

inside the pages of CR

photo by jean-baptiste mondino

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 inside three of my favorite editorials from the current fall/winter issue of CR's Fashion Book. of course, there are many looks to discuss, but I tried to focus on the winter fashions that I found most inspiring...much like this look featured on model stef van der laan. love the blend of bling with black! carine roitfeld has such a gift for styling jewelry especially, diamonds! if you love the fantasy, humor, and sophistication that carine roitfeld brings into all her layouts I highly suggest you have a read....and do stay tuned the next CR Fashion Book issue will be out in february. can't wait to see what she has in mind for spring...much more style and inspiration ahead, guaranteed!

here is the link:
http://www.iwanttobearoitfeld.com/journal/2013/1/24/inside-the-pages-of-cr.html

our four year blogoversary!

photo by robert erdmann

today, marks our four year blogoversary....where has the time gone? writing this blog has been such a stylish, creative, and inspiring process. I remember when we first started this blog we had no idea of what exactly we were writing about...we just mentioned things here and there, but as the time went on, all our style finds and interests have become such fascinating creative adventures for us. its quite intriguing too see that evolution unfold...not sure if all our readers understand, but at this point we don't really care its all about educating, inspiring, and chronicling the process. just to be able to have a way to connect all our thoughts and put it into writing and photographs has been such an enlightening journey!

recently, a stylish friend sent me a quote by fashion designer vivienne westwood the line was..... the only reason I'm in fashion is to destroy the word 'conformity'. nothing's interesting to me unless it's got that element," I don't know why, but that quote totally stuck in my head. I know we are by no means as revolutionary as vivienne westwood, but it got me thinking as to why we blog. perhaps, to break down fashion barriers to show all kinds of beauty and style in the world. fashion is not just on the runways or what you see in the media, but it is everywhere and it is all around us. observe everyday people on the street, open up an issue of national geographic, look up at the sky, you are bound too see something captivating....as us sisters always do. no matter where we go and what we see our eyes are always open trying to discover and report on looks that we find inspiring...whether traditionally beautiful or not. at any rate, hope this all makes sense and thank you to all our readers, we appreciate you greatly. hope you will celebrate with us today, by wearing your finest black attire, you know us sisters in black will....perhaps, we will use this image as our inspiration!

cape nostalgia

my sister

this probably has to be one of my sister's best fall/winter looks in her closet. not sure, if you can see what she is wearing, but it is actually a patterned blanket cape that she found at zara...yes, zara! I don't know how my sister always finds such chic, yet affordable finds, but she does it so well. I love the shape, design, and how it almost even resembles that louis vuitton fall/winter 2000 cape I have been obsessing over, lately. there might also be some elements of hermès and céline, too, in that cape, but I like how my sister wears it in a way that is all her own....just leave it to her to add some 90's grunge, navajo, and a little phoebe philo aesthetic to it. I actually took this photo of her two years ago while at her husband's family ranch in ojai, california. it is kind of the perfect fall photo and I love the way her cape blends in so accordingly with those autumn leaves...very camouflage-chic!

all bundled up

as I get older, I am starting to realize that it is always necessary to find style inspiration no matter what you go through in life, whether positive or negative. all this week, I probably experienced the most intense sinus infection ever. usually, I can deal with some winter head and nose pain, but this time it affected my whole body. the chills and body aches were excruciating...it felt like a flu, but it wasn't. to be honest, all I could think about for the past couple of days was wrapping myself up in a blanket and hibernating. luckily enough, when I started to feel better I found some surprising street style inspiration via tommy ton. this happens to be one of my favorite louis vuitton looks ever....going all the way back to his fall/winter 2000 collection, so I was very surprised too see this on the streets. not sure, if marc jacobs has reissued this look, but I love the way it looks on these two stylish individuals. they look chic, comfortable, but most importantly, warm. three very important qualities for the winter sinus season....perhaps, it is a little strange to turn my sinus infection into unexpected style inspiration, but that is the way my style brain works. perhaps, diana vreeland summed it up best with this quote....

"there’s only one thing in life, and that’s the continual renewal of inspiration."

need I say more...


photos by tommy ton

the alt way

photo by inez van lamsweerde and vinoodh matadin

not sure, why I am seeing this marc jacobs for louis vuitton cape everywhere, but I do enjoy staring at it. just last week, I was looking back at the february 2012 issue of vogue paris and stumbled upon an interview on marc jacobs. after his q & a, vogue paris featured a sleek editorial showcasing some of marc jacobs most memorable looks at louis vuitton from over the years....I was so glad this one made the cut. I thought emmanuelle alt did a brilliant job styling the layout especially with this image. I totally love the way daria werbowy looks in this cape from his fall/winter 2000 collection. all those dark brown tones correspond in such an exceptionally chic manner and even that vast desert background works perfectly...so many textures going on in all the right directions. not sure what emmannuelle alt's main inspiration was, but I love the whole navajo-western influence. if anything, I think emmanuelle alt proves how important personal style is and how it is always important to mix things up especially when wearing a label like louis vuitton.

blanket wrap

photo by michael thompson

looking at those previous louis vuitton winter cape jacket looks I couldn't help but think of this w magazine cover from the september 1999 issue. in case you are wondering, that blanket wrap is also by marc jacobs for louis vuitton. its interesting how this eye-catching print has been making quite a comeback in the fashion world, lately. I don't know why I love it, but I think it works brilliantly in editorials....this wrap is even more unique, I totally love a blanket shape with asymmetry. I remember I was so in awe by the styling of this cover back in 1999...what is not to love? the silhouette, the zig-zag pattern, the gray silk pants, plus, I love the extra added element of those diamond fred leighton earrings. I think this has to be one of kate moss's best covers, yet, I love how so many people have forgotten about this hidden gem of an image. personally, I think that makes it even better. its always fascinating too think back on how you use to dress and what your inspirations were at the time and I kind of like how my style hasn't changed much since the late 90's. either way, I must say after 14 years I still find this cover just as inspiring as the day I bought the issue.

overlooked

renée zellweger

there was a time, when I use to love watching celebrities on the red carpet especially during awards season. don't get me wrong, I still watch all the shows, but I don't know if I feel the same. it seems like red carpet fashion has now become such a publicity event. I remember in the 90's, it felt like many actresses wore dresses because they loved the dress and the designer. now, I feel like actresses are maybe forced by their agents and public relations people into wearing a certain designer. am I wrong for thinking that marchesa has taken over the red carpet?

either way, with the golden globes this weekend, I thought it would be appropriate to pay homage to one of the most overlooked golden globe dresses. I know so many fashion critics hated this black dress that renée zellweger wore to the ceremony back in 2009, but I actually love the way it looked on her and I applaud her for wearing this risk taking ensemble. when I first saw renée zellweger pose in this dress I thought maybe it was designed by olivier theyskens. there is something about that black mermaid train that reminds me so much of his design aesthetic. unfortunately, it was not a theyskens, but actually a carolina herrera..renée zellweger's favorite designer for the red carpet!

when I observe this dress, its not just the silhouette that I admire, but also that nude illusion bodice with those cut-out shoulders. plus, I totally approve of her accessories...the gold bracelets are the perfect complement! I am not sure if a lot of actresses could get away with wearing this ensemble, but I love the grace and body language she exudes when she poses for the camera...she is the epitome of elegance. I never understood why fashion critics were so cruel towards this dress, but I think its fitted perfection and I think if it was on a runway, critics would feel different. on a side note, I have always admired the design/muse relationship between carolina herrera and renée zellweger...I feel like she wears what she feels most comfortable and chic in and I love that carolina herrera really understands her figure...that kind of design relationship is always the best. now, if only we could see more design/muse relationships on the red carpet rather than wearing something tacky for publicity!

a givenchy great

givenchy spring 2007 couture

speaking of gorgeous black dresses....lately, I have been totally inspired by riccardo tisci. yes, I love his current fall/winter 2013 collection for givenchy, but I love looking back at some of his early years when he first started at the label. sometimes, the beginning is the best part of a designer's career. recently, I came across his stunning spring 2007 couture collection and stumbled upon this amazing black creation. love how romantic this dress looks. plus, those black gloves really add a beautiful melancholic vibe. tisci's main inspiration for this collection was all about metamorphosis...particularly, sailors into mermaids. the idea stemmed from him growing up in taranto, which is a seaport in italy. the concept is a bit obscure and hard to figure out on your own, but I definitely get an ethereal mermaid feel to the collection, especially with this look. this gown is practically molded to her body and I love the way that silhouette trails across the floor. there is something very edwardian about it that I so appreciate...almost reminding me of olivier theyskens, particularly his work at rochas. I see some connections between these two designers, which is probably why I admire tisci's design aesthetic. if you love that signature theyskens look, I suggest you take a nostalgic trip back through tisci's early years at givenchy...many strange similarities between these two design geniuses.

black dress girl

photo by steven meisel

earlier in the week, while waiting in line at the pharmacy I happened to skim through the annual vogue best dressed issue for 2012. yes, I was in agreement with a lot of the women mentioned, but then there were a few I didn't care for. I don't want to name names, but one young actress stated something that I thought was inappropriate for vogue magazine...she said, "I’m not a black-dress girl!"... don't get me wrong, not all my dresses are black and I do occasionally love some color...but it totally got me thinking has it become a sin to love a black dress?

I don't know why, but I found this a bit irritating too read. first of all, when I think about the quintessential vogue woman...a black dress will always appear in my mind. so many classic vogue editorials, always feature a refined black gown. personally, I think a woman can never really go wrong if she keeps it elegant and simple, especially in black...just look to women like sofia coppola, winona ryder, and carine roitfeld....they all understand that the key to looking sharp and sophisticated is always found in a gorgeous black frock!

I am proud too say that I will always remain a black-dress girl and I will never get tired of this look, no matter what people say. starting back from my teen years in the 90's through today I have always found that a black dress whether for day or night will never let me down. I have also found so much inspiration in a black dress, much like this gorgeous black valentino couture dress as seen on supermodel linda evangelista. interesting, how this look is from the 90's and yet it still looks so appropriate for 2013....that silhouette is absolute perfection. not too be a fashion snob, but I think vogue magazine should think twice about some of the young actresses they feature in their best dressed issues...younger is not necessarily, always wiser.

wearable art

wearing a rubber cape-creation

I have been meaning to post these images for awhile, but somehow I forgot due to other inspiring ideas. a couple of months ago, my sister and I were in chicago and we randomly decided to browse through the gift shop at the museum of contemporary art. we both love to look at museum stores just because you can always find something unique and one of a kind...whether it is art or fashion related. by accident, my sister and I both stumbled upon these two interesting designs hanging on the wall in the shop. my sister (above) tried on this amazing cape-necklace held together by rubber strands. if you look closely you can see how intricate and detailed it is. I know the material sounds strange, but it is actually very wearable....totally love the way it looks over my sister's tank top...this rubber cape-necklace matched her style, so perfectly!

as for me, I tried on this stellar necklace that was made from old deodorant balls (below). at first, I didn't know what it was, but the saleswoman told me about the artist and how it was made...I was totally fascinated by this creation. the look is sci-fi, but extremely elegant at the same time. I thought it actually looked so perfect with my ann taylor black turtleneck and dior sunnies. sadly, my sister and I didn't purchase any of these lovely designs. I am not sure how my sister feels, but I am having some fashion regrets. I don't know why, but it is always such a challenge for me to try and find interesting jewelry pieces and this certainly was one of them. I am hoping in my fashion future, I can find something similar to these looks...either way, I am glad my sister and I both took these photos to remind ourselves of this avant-garde jewelry experience. now, if only I could have remembered the designer of these amazing creations....oops!


wearing a deodorant ball necklace

yummy in yohji

photo by steven meisel

I don't know why, but in the winter months, all I feel like doing is bundling up inside a warm, well-tailored jacket. for some strange reason, I have black leather on my mind. perhaps, it all started when I was reminiscing back at the october 2002 issue of us vogue and came across a beautiful camilla nickerson-styled editorial entitled coat check. my favorite winter ensemble from the layout, was this yohji yamamoto leather motorcycle coat with detachable hem and pleated wool skirt. I love the way supermodel natalia vodianova looks in this outfit....very tough, rebellious, but yet, still so feminine. its oversized, but completely fitted to her body in that yohji yamamoto way we all know and love. I don't know about you, but when I think of yohji yamamoto I usually think of oversized black silhouettes with gorgeous drapery, not necessarily black leather...so this was quite a pleasant discovery and such an amazing source of winter style inspiration. I totally feel like putting together a look much similar to this.... who knew yohji yamamoto could make leather look so yummy!

balenciaga biker

balenciaga fall/winter 2002

yes, I am still saddened by nicolas ghesquière's departure from balenciaga and even more surprised that alexander wang will be taking over. he was not exactly, my first choice, but I don't want to judge until I see his first show. lately, I have been thinking about some of ghesquière's most memorable collections or at least the ones that have a had a profound impact on my personal style and his fall/winter 2002 was certainly one of those seasons.

who could seriously forget those dramatic and exaggerated ivory knit collars worn with super tight pants? also, those oversized sweaters and jackets, plus those colorful knee-length collage dresses loosely inspired by cubist paintings, and last but not least, ghesquière's brilliant variation on the motorcycle jacket as seen in this photo (above). this was by far, my favorite look from the collection. the jacket fits impeccably and I love those skinny black pants paired with the jacket...it is total tough-girl chic. I remember when I first saw this look I immediately tried to copy it...of course, I didn't look quite as good as this balenciaga biker babe, but I tried my best.

interestingly, 11 years later I am still trying to emulate this ensemble with my bcbg leather jacket and a pair of splendid skinny pants....yes, its not exactly the same, but I like to take balenciaga elements and make it my own. after all, that is what inspiration is all about. I love fashion that gets better with time and this leather look certainly does. I have no idea about what alexander wang has in mind for balenciaga in the future, but somehow I can imagine his vision perhaps being a bit similar to ghesquière's brilliant fall/winter 2002 season...I guess we will just have to wait and see!


my leather look loosely inspired by balenciaga's fall/winter 2002

fancy in leather

carine roitfeld

I love how leather has transformed over the years...it really is quite interesting too see this evolution. much like denim, leather has now become such a luxury item. personally, I think rick owens started the trend...I have always been obsessed with the way he uses leather....if I were to describe his leather jacket aesthetic I would say its part levi, part biker, part madeleine vionnet all cut apart and somehow scotch-taped together resulting in a look that beautifully fits and flatters the body. the best part about his jackets is that they can easily go from casual to fancy...it all depends on how you style it!

one woman, who knows a thing or two about looking chic in a rick owens leather jacket is carine roitfeld. I swear she is always caught by the paparazzi in a sleek black leather jacket when she is out and about, especially during fashion week. last year, I stumbled upon this image of her at the paris spring 2013 shows and fell in love with this leather jacket...I actually could not find out who designed her leather look, but I thought perhaps it could be rick owens. whoever the designer may be, I love the shape and silhouette of the jacket. it is fitted perfectly and I love that emphasis on her waist especially with those pockets. her look is effortless, nonchalant, and I love how the jacket compliments her pencil skirt, heels, and even her oversized black sunnies. carine roitfeld knows that the key to looking sharp is all about classic pieces in luxurious fabrics. she never complicates her look, which is one of the main reasons why I admire her approach to fashion. she always wears a basic uniform and pretty much sticks to black...no wonder why us sisters in black appreciate her style...so much to be learned from CR, especially on how to properly wear leather...do take notes!