Happy New Years Everyone!

 

We appreciate your support and readership and wish you a grand 2013. Keep in mind that “13” is the numerical equivalent of the Hebrew word “Ahava” which means Love. This should be a good sign – don’t you think?

 

XOXO,

Wear Your Invisible Crown

 

 

Prelude to Post: I can’t seem to fight it. Late Parsha posts are my fatal flaw (well one of them…you’ll soon see that I have many others). Bear with me anyways?

Comparison is the Thief of Joy



        I’m convinced that I’m an old soul. In fact, I like to think of my soul or consciousness (or whatever you’d like to call it) as a stereotypically portrayed grandmother. There she is with her silvery hair coiled into an immaculate bun, quilt thrown over her legs, knitting a hat, murmuring to herself in Yiddish (which is kind of odd because I’m of Middle-Eastern descent and all…huh).

St-EYE-lista

Take 2

        Welcome back to our bi-monthly column "The St-EYE-lista!" This column features an individual whose personal style captured our EYE and whose fashion sense can be reinterpreted for the modest dresser. Wear Your Invisible Crown is eclectic. We enjoy representing styles that swing all over the fashion pendulum. Whether your P.S. (personal style) is tomboyish, retro, glamourous, edgy, or classic, we've got you covered.
       This month’s St-EYE-lista is a 21^st century Anna Karenina, Lucille Ball, Russian Babushka, and Grace Kelly all rolled into one. Did that pique your interest? Good…It totally should. Her name is Ulyana Sergeenko and she is the second wife to Russian insurance billionaire Danil Khachaturov. At first glance, Sergeenko appears to be yet another Eastern European beauty with the graceful mannerisms of a well-pampered, hoity-toity, high-society woman. Yet, upon closer inspection, one will realize that she is also a deeply creative, avant-garde artiste.  

  

       Over the past couple of years, Sergeenko has focused on developing a couture line founded in Moscow. Although she does not yet possess the fame and publicity of other European couture labels (Chanel and Dior), she is still highly illustrious in the fashion universe (especially the Russian fashion universe—Miroslava Duma and model Natalie Vodianova are dedicated followers).

 

       Sergeenko’s couture collection is a gift to all vintage-infatuated women. It's simultaneously reminiscent of Jane Austen novels, Grimm’s fairy-tales, Old Hollywood glamour, and Russian aristocracy. The silhouettes, patterns, and textures of Sergeenko’s collection emanate a certain eloquence and nostalgia, one that touches upon every woman's whispered yearning to be queen for a day. (This fantasy starts when a girl is about three and never seems to end...). In addition, although Sergeenko isn’t Jewish, her style is very modest. (Perhaps more modest than the author's? Oy vey).

Without further ado, let us revel in the womanly and aristocratic style of Ulyana Sergeenko!

  

 Prelude to Post: My friend (the talented journalist Atara Arbesfeld) and I recently published an article in The Jewish Press. We wrote a review on Jew in the City's spectacular Chanukah party and her Jewish Orthodox "All-Stars" Video. Please click on http://www.jewishpress.com/sections/features/jew-in-the-city-all-stars-party-lights-up-with-chanukah-inspiration/2012/12/21/to read all about it! If you haven't yet heard of the fabulous Jew in the City, then you must check out her site ASAP (at www.jewinthecity.com).

 

WINTER LAYERING PART 1: THE DENIM JACKET

 

        The advantage to being a nifty, thrifty college graduate without a full-time job (yet!) is that you have no choice but to become innovative and economical. You transform into a quasi-Sherlock Holmes and compel yourself to think out-of-the-box. Let's see now--sugar cubes can sweeten my tea and exfoliate lips, while a hairdryer can style my locks and dry the icing on cakes. Clever, huh? From ramen noodles to hairpins, and from rubber bands to lipstick, everything in your house must now serve double-duty. If that's not possible, then we've got a problem here Watson...

 

“Ten Things We Did Better as Children”

This girl is wearing her "Invisible (or not so invisible...heh-heh) Crown." Yay!

 

       As mentioned in a previous post (October’s “Parshat Vayeira, Hurricane Sandy, and Children”), I don’t believe it’s a mere coincidence that recent head-lining tragedies have centered around the murder of children (Casey Anthony, Leiby Kletzky, the two children and the nanny in Manhattan, the child that passed during the Colorado shooting, and now the Connecticut massacre). As I forge my way into adulthood, I only realize now how “cheated” I feel over my lost childhood. A child’s unadulterated optimism and belief in humanity have not yet been overshadowed by adulthood’s cynicism, embitterment, and blasé attitude towards (almost) everything.

        Many children have a sheer confidence towards life, a “fall down to rise again” doctrine, and a fascination with the smallest trinkets and bugs and flowers. The horrific tragedies involving children not only remind us of how incredibly fragile they are, but also of life’s general fragility. Although I attached this link to October’s post regarding “Children,” I’m not sure if actually worked. I don’t like to take chances again, so I re-typed “Ten Things We Did Better as Children” from www.ThoughtCatalog.com This article is by Chelsea Fagan. It’s worth a read!

Would You Wear...?

Would You Wear…?

Velvet

Welcome back to our “Would You Wear…?” column! This column introduces trends that would perhaps challenge the status-quo (as far as wardrobes are concerned). It will usually feature a style that is either unfamiliar to you or requires a bit of daring on your part. If you haven't seen our last "Would You Wear...?" post, then please click on the label below THIS post.

Tom Ford Fall 2011

        There are days when my mother’s tendency to keep clothing from the 1950s-1990s can overcrowd that random wardrobe on the first floor, making it increasingly difficult to eye my own random skirt lying pitifully in the clutter. Why is there so much unnecessary stuff? Then there are days when I proclaim my mother a genius for stubbornly clutching on to the Anne Klein heels circa 1990 (back in the days when they were crafted in Italy!) and a purely wool, Anne Taylor “Grandpa” cardigan circa 1982 (Williamsburg hipsters--be jealous). One of my favorite items from the “random wardrobe-slash-Mother’s personal Smithsonian” is a deep green, velvet GAP skirt from the early nineties.

 

       As soon as I found it, I tried it on, zipped it up and twirled it around. Fortunately, the skirt is the perfect fit and length. To this day, I marvel at its magnetic simplicity. Wearing this skirt is like wrapping caramel around my legs—minus all the stickiness of course. The texture and color are delicious. But, there is one conundrum: What on earth do I wear with velvet? Especially hunter green velvet? Do you have a modus operandi for tackling this striking yet notoriously tricky fabric? I don’t!

So, let’s go on a journey and see what pairs well with it:

This week has been a bit hectic. We apologize for the AWOL. Without further ado:

 

JEWISH HEROINES:

"Quappi in a Pink Jumper" by Max Beckmann
 

       America has experienced the clichéd “straw that broke the camel’s back” this Friday. The movie theatre shooting that occurred in July carved a deep wound in the nation’s heart, but the Connecticut school tragedy fatally and mercilessly squeezed it. This tragedy is purely unfathomable. The ONLY solace is for G-d to joyously reunite parent with child upon the coming of Moshiach. Any other attempt at consolation is pathetically feeble and terribly inadequate.

      The evil that reared its repulsive face on Friday propelled me to consider the classic Good vs. Evil theme in general. Harry Potter established that “Good” wins as does every other Grimm’s Fairy Tale.

St-EYE-lista

       From talk-show hosts to socialites and from Creative Directors to bloggers, Wear Your Invisible Crown prides itself on revealing the kaleidoscopic gamut of fashion ingénues and icons. Since the month of December definitely calls for chic versatility (work, weekend, Chanukah soirees, and winter weddings), is there a better moment to feature the multi-faceted style of Kate Bosworth? Nope, there isn’t.

       Although Kate Bosworth is well-known for being an actress (and for her different colored eyes!) she is even more well-known for her trend-setting credentials. In fact, I barely ever watched a film that Kate Bosworth was in, but I have seen scores of her stylish snapshots in Vogue. The fashion universe constantly focuses their lens on Ms. Bosworth, because more often than not, she’ll be perfectly executing a bohemian, sporty, sleek, or luxurious look. This girl is definitely a fashion chameleon in her own right.

Check out her modest ensembles below!

CAREER CONFUSION

 

       In second grade our teacher asked my fellow classmates and I to sketch a picture of the proverbial “what you want to be when you grow up” in our journals. I happily grabbed my pencil and began to draw a girl who was wearing many hats. Literally. She simultaneously managed to don the clichéd beret of a French artist, a chef’s towering Dodin Bouffant, and the headgear of a submarine swimmer. Talented girl she was. Oh, and she also had five arms. One was to feel a puppy’s heartbeat with her stethoscope, another was to vigorously scribble her N.Y.Times article, another was to distribute prizes to her Preschool students, and so on.

 

Let’s Get Ready to Partay!

       HAPPY CHANUKAH dear readers! May we all experience genuine joy during this auspicious season. Below is a brief guide to aid you in case you become possessed with the “I’ve got nothing to wear” syndrome right before a Chanukah (or office Holiday) party. The clothing suggestions are founded on one’s “style personality.” Mix and match the various looks if you feel like it. Go ahead…It’s party time! 

The Classicist

First up is The Classicist: She is a mademoiselle who usually opts for timeless dresses and separates. How can a Classicist revamp her Chanukah party style? Sequins of course. At this point, sequins are practically synonymous with winter festivities. It is and will always be the traditional Holiday fashion. A P.O.C (pop of color) in your accessories will surely add further cheer to a sparkly outfit. Speaking of accessories, a statement-making necklace will definitely be welcome when paired with solid yet richly hued separates. A Collar Necklace is what I have in mind.

Model Hilary Rhoda (left) and blogger Jenny from JennyinJacquard wear collar necklaces with deep colors.

LEV COLLECTION

 

       It’s quite interesting how I met Carolina, the founder and designer of Lev Collection. It was three years ago. I was with my friend in a Manhattan pizza store. We noticed a young Sephardic-looking woman eating her lunch nearby. She met a few acquaintances there and her demeanor appeared to be sweet and relaxed. I was considering approaching her and introducing myself. You see, I was on a quest to find an appropriate Shidduch for a specific family member of mine. I wanted to speak to her but my “What the heck? You never know” attitude was restrained by shyness. I finally mustered the courage to introduce myself and we exchanged each others’ contact information. Although the potential Shidduch I conceived did not blossom to fruition, I’m still quite grateful that I met Carolina on that blistering June day (she’s married now by the way!).  

 

      Around a year ago, Carolina began to post photos of dazzling evening and cocktail dresses on Facebook. I quickly discovered that she designed those dresses. Impressive! Carolina’s Lev Collection can be viewed and purchased on www.levcollection.com. Lev Collection offers evening wear for Simchot and formal wear for Shabbat and the Holidays. The clothing is perfectly modest, so you can say adieu to purchasing extra fabric and “fixing it.” Who needs that hassle, right? In addition, the elegant simplicity of Lev Collection’s dresses is truly covetable. Sequins! Feminine silhouettes! Lace detailing! This is the modest yet fashionable woman’s dream. Let’s get to know Lev Collection’s founder and designer a bit better!

CHANUKAH 2012

Need I remind you how beloved these eight days are to your Jewish calendar, Jewish soul, and inner Jewish party girl? 

Here’s a list of a few upcoming Chanukah events in N.Y.

This sounds fantastic: Jewish music performed by the Chassidic-Alt-Rock group, Bulletproof Stockings (interview with them coming up soon on Wear Your Invisible Crown!), designer fashion at affordable prices presented by The Frock Swap, cuisine, yoga, mini-makeovers, and Jewish female talent brimming forth.

 

Wow. Charity and delicious Persian food? Sign me up please.

 

 

Oorah Concert 2012

 

 

Join us at Oorah's FREE CHANUKAH CONCERT for Oorah families.

Featuring Lipa Schmeltzer, Yoni Z,
Shloime Dachs and NYBC
with music by the Shloime Dachs Orchestra.

Special section for The Zone

The concert will be held on
Tuesday, December 11, 2012,
the fourth night of Chanukah.
Doors open at 7:00, concert begins at 7:30

at the Walt Whitman Theatre -Brooklyn College
Avenue H and Nostrand Avenue
Brooklyn, NY

Important note:
New this year: we will be mailing tickets to you prior to the concert.
You must bring your tickets to be admitted.

Y.U. Chanukah Concert 2012

Edon Pinchot, the teen music sensation who burst onto the scene this year as a semifinalist on the TV show “America’s Got Talent,” and veteran Jewish music group Shalsheles, will headline this year’s annual Yeshiva University Chanukah Concert on Thursday, December 13 at 8 p.m. YU a cappella group, the Y-Studs, will open the show. The concert will take place at YU’s Lamport Auditorium, 2540 Amsterdam Ave. in Washington Heights. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

 

 

"America's Got Talent" Eden Pinchot

 

We hope this was informative. Enjoy these eight days. Woohoo!

 

EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW! TEL AVIV FASHION SHOW REVIEW BY TIARA!!!

Tel Aviv Fashion Show at Greenhouse, Soho

By Atara Arbesfeld

 

         

        It was Thursday night November 15, when Israeli fashion crossed the Atlantic and arrived in New York City. I would normally be heading back home in Queens on the F train or catching up on late night studying. Instead I was at a swanky bar in Soho and feeling pathetically out of place with my kikki rikki, black cardigan, black pencil skirt and flats. It was my first foray into the world of fashion and my expectations were high. I was expecting to be witnessing the cutting edge of Israeli style, kosher food, and extraordinary entertainment, which I did, but not without some initial awkwardness...

This is an exclusive sneak peak - stay tuned soon for the full review!