St-EYE-lista  

Take 2

         I enjoy eclectic and varying viewpoints on interpretive fashion. This explains why I chose to feature two women who contrast in their age, region, and role in the fashion industry for November’s St-EYE-listas. This month's first St-EYE-lista was J.Crew’s Creative Director Jenna Lyons. She’s been in the fashion business for a good amount of years and is globally famous for her role in America’s top-selling brand. Who then is the second style icon of the month? Doina Ciobanu, a young woman in her late teens from Moldova. Now, how's that for a different point-of-view?

         Unlike Jenna,  Doina has not yet reached the pinnacle of an illustrious fashion career, but in the direction she’s headed, that should become her destiny! Doina Ciobanu tiptoed her way into fashion fame when she started her blog “The Golden Diamonds” in 2010. Since then she has been featured in Vogue Russia, Vogue Paris, Elle China, and Harper's Bazaar. Doina has also caught the eye of renowned street style photographers such as The Sartorialist. In fact, The Sartorialist’s photo was my first introduction to Doina.

Here it is:

 

I love this photo of Doina. Her striking gaze, vintage floral dress, and killer shoes truly stand out in the crowd (as does the woman in the green shawl and blue dress! Perfect).

 

THE STYLISH STUDENT

       

         Dear college students, I’m sure midterms recently snaked their way into your life (for better or for worse). Either way, they’re over! Whew. I hope you celebrated your midterm finale with a glass of your favorite champagne and soap opera. Kidding. There are even better ways to celebrate…like enjoying quality time with your family and friends over Thanksgiving break.     

 

        Yet, now the holiday is over and you’re bound towards your college classroom. Is there a way to perk up the rest of your semester? How can you tackle another round of Greek and Roman History? Actually, never mind History. What about Organic Chemistry? Hmm?!

 

Well, I can’t help you with the befuddling facts and figures that you must confront, but I can offer one itsy, bitsy tip. What’s that itsy bitsy tip? Dress for the part. Seriously. It has 2 benefits:

 

 

 

1) Confidence: You’ll be more astute when you argue with your professor (about why you deserve an A of course) when you’re wearing an outfit that makes you feel good, as opposed to a dull, uninspired one. Take my word.

2) Self-Expression: I know this may sound ridiculous, but I’ve realized through my own experience that experimenting with clothing is one of the coolest aspects of college. Mull this over: Once you hit the end of the collegiate road and start working, your dress code will be quite restrictive. Of course, not all work environments have uptight dress codes, but still…you can’t exactly toss on your idiosyncratic sweater or well-loved but scuffed boots. Your boss will prefer polished over punk--unless he’s the CEO of Vespa, in which case, go ahead and rock your studded vest.

Thanksgiving!

 

HAPPY TURKEY DAY DEAR READERS!

 



 

Love,

Wear Your Invisible Crown

Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina Collection in Banana Republic
 

www.vogue.com 

         I finally picked up a copy of Anna Karenina at a local book shop. Five dollars! Definitely one of the best ways I spent five dollars. Like many classics, the beginning can be a bit slow-paced, but once you dig into the meat of the story…ah, then what a pleasure. I am only up to Part 2 of this gargantuan tale, but Mrs. Karenina has already swept me away in her tale of twisted passion and suppressed yearning.

        Tolstoy’s masterpiece has been filmed and is currently playing in theatres now! I’ve only seen the trailer and was practically drooling over the breathtaking cinematography and costumes.

Israel, we love you.

 

 

      

         There is no need for elaboration on what is currently occurring in Israel. We know that Israel is liable to pointed fingers of blame. We realize that Israel is surrounded by a hurdle of ravenous wolves. I also don’t want to post a megila on this subject because social media and news pages are being filled with Gaza War updates. It truly makes the heart sink like a stone.

        We can only rely on our prayers, good deeds, and G-d’s mercy to safeguard soldiers and citizens alike. I know my previous post was about how “waiting” can subsequently lead to genuine appreciation, but a 2,000-year exile is a wait that seems never-ending.  

     A spontaneous rally in support of Israel. Times Square, November 15th 2012:  

 

Israel, we love you. Let's return to your borders in peace and joy.

 

Parshat Toldot

“THE BENEFIT OF THE WAIT”

        The very beginning of Parshat Toldot is what I ruminated over this past week. In the first chapter of Parshat Toldot we discover that our matriarch Rivka is barren. In fact, she was barren for 20 years of her life. She and her husband Yitzchak were deeply distraught and consistently prayed to G-d for children.

         Since 1^st grade, my teachers have lectured that righteous individuals (such as Yitzchak and Rivka) do not receive their heart’s desires right away. Instead, they are inclined to pore over their prayer book with continued fervor and faith, beseeching G-d for what they need. When our innocent faces puckered with puzzlement over this, our teachers would enthusiastically state: G-d yearns for the prayers of righteous people. This is why He does not deliver what they ask for right away.

Color Coding: Cobalt

COLOR CODING
  Last month’s color was the rich, highly sophisticated, and sultry oxblood. This month’s COBALT is equally rich, but possesses more of an energy and buoyancy. Let’s just say that I have a crush on cobalt.

        I not only crush on it because it’s the season’s boldest hue, but also because it has the distinct ability to add a glow to many skin tones and features. Think about it: Cobalt beautifully highlights light eyes and intensifies dark ones. It adds depth and verve to whatever you wear.

Here’s a peek of how to wear this divinely vivid hue:

Full On Cobalt
Actress Uma Thurman dazzles in a form-fitting cobalt Armani Prive dress. The beauty of this dress truly motivates me to bail out on black the next time I have an evening event.