the world according to sherimaven

Good morning, Tuesday. It's been a while since I've shouted out any beauty products, so here's a few new doo dads I've been enjoying of late.  It's the holiday season and it's time to get the product mix right when it comes to personal gifting. Yes, that's Anja Rubik shot by Daniel Jackson for Vogue Germany a few months back. But don't you just? I know. Me too.

Here are a few high and low things for the holidays- leopard coat and boots not included.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer. OK maybe I saw some young influencer type waxing poetic on Instagram stories about this. Maybe she's about 23. But maybe I found her post intriguing enough to try this product for myself- and boy, do I love it. Fabulous, low cost concealer. Does a dark circle good. Or bad as it were. Really brightens the under eye area beautifully. That packaging though....get your mind out of the gutter. And I'll get mine out of it too. ;)

Oribe Mystify Restyling Spray. THIS. A cross between a dry shampoo and a re-styler- it's the best thing EVER to remove your ponytail bump post barre class or just give a bit of zing to a tired, day old hairstyle. I'm obsessed with it and used it between washings on my shoot and it was an absolute lifestyle. Gives just the right amount of texture and crunch. So good.

Chanel Le Volume Revolution Mascara. Oh hells to the yes this may be my fav mascara of all time. Thickens and almost allows for a naked eye if you're so inclined (only thing you really need for your eyes to not look dead). I love this product. I think mascara is all about the wand and love this wand/brush so much- easy to apply and gives max volume and thickness. Great. I gotta say- Chanel really knocks it out of le parc every time lately when it comes to beauty. Amazing products and lots of fun launches.

Essie Leggy Legend. So lately I've taken to 70s hues when painting my nails. I'm LOVING this color- a copper that goes well with my tresses and just has that rock and roll 70s feel that I love so much. And festive in its own right for the holidays.

Aesop body oil. I've always been a big fan of Neutrogena's body oil but this version, though certainly more spendy, is just so lovely. The scent is vaguely medicinal but in a chic, hippie homeopathic way. And it's great when you just get out of the shower and want to protect against winter skin because it's Vitamin E enriched and super nourishing. Highly recommend.

So there you have it- a few of my favorite things for December and excellent self gifting opportunities to boot. You're welcome, darlings. 

Cause that's what's up this beauty-ful morning in NJ (again). Yours, in products make the world go 'round. XO

Good morning, Monday. I'm working on a new writing project right now which should be really fun and I'm happy to be working through the holidays. For some reason, I love working through Christmas because it's a nice way to end the year. And as some of you know, I'm off to Israel on Christmas Day with my husband and his family. Looking forward to that.

Anyhoo, nostalgia much? I'm not sure what's happening in fashion (besides some bonafide desperation), but feels like we only go backwards now. Case in point- the Marc Jacobs redux of his now infamous grunge collection for Perry Ellis back in 1992 (still at the top of the post is from the original collection). We all know this collection was a precedent setting, groundbreaker fo the designer, but to re-release it feels a bit- hmm. Not sure. Although I am fully onboard for that Doc Martens collab he's doing. Must haves. But seeing that baby cardigan and slip dress combo made me feel stuff. Good stuff, but not sure I can wear it again stuff. I do have a bit of a rule that if I was old enough to rock the trend the first time, I may not go there again. 90s minimalism is of course exempt from this rule- because it's classic and always works. But everything else? Ya. Pretty much. And just so you know- I didn't wear Docs AT ALL growing up- even though I was a moody, suburban art school chick with an asymmetrical bob back in the day. Link to a great article from the CUT here as well as a link to shop. 

Husband, if you're reading- those Docs for the holidays would make a great gift for your former art school wifey. ;)

Then last night I caught some pre-Fall Versace. And guess what? Not only is the eponymous safety dress back, but so is the infamous J. Lo plunge neck, worn by Amber Valletta back in the day (the year 2000 to be exact) on the original runway, and now, yet again on the most recent turn. You better work. She's major. And breaks all my rules. Love the new print,  I must admit.

But does this nostalgia feel like an homage of sorts or is it just lazy, repurposing? And is it chicer to rock the original, now vintage version or procure the new iteration? I don't know the answer but look for brands to continue to re-release the classics- Gap- if you're listening- you would be SMART AS F to redo the khaki spot that made you famous and redo the khaki for a new generation. My two cents. I guess there's a market for everything old being new again. I'm just not sure if it simply is not for me because it makes me feel ancient or whether I find it annoyingly derivative. Does teen spirit smell great the second time? I dunno. You tell me. I have a feeling this is going to be a big trend considering the very precarious times in which we're living- does doom and gloom and despair lead to nostalgic impulses? Yup. Think so. Let the good times roll.

Cause that's what's up this here we are now, entertain us kind of Monday in New Jersey (don't ask). Yours, in second time around. XO

Good morning, Thursday. As I've mentioned, I've got some time on my side right now so I'm going to do all I can to indulge in a bit of self care and work out and eat well. It's a lot easier when your only options to work out are 6 am or 7 pm. I don't love either of those so I'm feeling happy to be able to get a workout done at 9:30 in the morning. Feels very luxurious. 

And with so many of us traveling for the holiday season, I thought I'd give you a few ideas for some great ways to stay fit on the road, or some great gifts for avid travelers who like to stay in shape. That's model Irina Shayk up there working it out in her hotel room for Vogue, but if you're a mere mortal without a stellar gene pool or metabolism, fear not. You can still get involved.

I bought this snazzy Manduka yoga mat for my recent Cali trip and I loved it. It's much better than the Lululemon version and packs beautifully in your suitcase and is super lightweight though still feels substantial enough to do yoga in your hotel room. 

On that note, I'm OBSESSED with Dirty Yoga and it's been my dirty secret for a while. Don't be fooled by the name- it's totally G rated but the workout is pretty hardcore. This is not "woo woo" in any way- it's strictly a getitdone situation that many true yogis may scoff at because it lacks a single lick of spirituality, but I love it. You can choose from a variety of workouts and since it's a streaming subscription model, all you need is an internet connection and a mat. And there you go. It's challenging as could be and no workout is longer than 45 minutes so you can really fit this in on a busy schedule. When I'm traveling for work or play, I'll hit them up for a no nonsense great workout.

I also love that today's boutique fitness spots have locations everywhere. Soul Cycle has seemingly invaded the world, as has Orange Theory and Barry's and any number of studios. You all know I have big love for Pure Barre, my go to workout for the past few years. I'm currently loving their new Reform class, which is a riff on the classic class and incorporates more strength training, as well as their cardio focused class, Empower. I love checking out their studios when I'm away from home- I went to the North Hollywood location a few weeks back as well as the Center City Philly location last weekend. Genius. I love Pure Barre so much- always a welcoming environment and always a challenging workout. They also have an at home version of the workout you can do anywhere, but I do love going to the studio- the workout is the same but each studio has their own local flavor.

As far as wardrobe goes, I'm super into this sweatpant/legging hybrid from Beyond Yoga. They're fleece lined and super duper comfy- you could wear them to a class or you could wear them on a flight. They're cute as heck and I love 'em.  

Also I'm so pleased to see my favorite workout tanks are back online at American Apparel and for 8 bucks! I love their racerbank tank more than anything- and I wear them all the time to work out and under blazers as well. A great layering piece that's also cool on it's own. Highly recommend. Of course, I do the basic black version. That's how I roll at the gym- loads of black and black alone. An occasional printed pant but always black on top. I'm weird like that. This post confirms my vampire aesthetic when it comes to workout clothes. 

Oh, and if you're in the market for a coat that can battle the elements, check out these amazing options on Nike.com. 

I can't get enough and I am the proud owner of this full length bad boy above. It's warm as could be and I literally walked the dog today in a tank top and leggings and was nice and toasty. The prices are decent and they are perfect sporty options for cold days and walks to the studio of your choice.

Y'all didn't know I was such a sport did ya? Cause that's what's up this jock rock of a Thursday in the 718. Yours, in getting physical. XO

Good morning, pals. Happy Hump Day and though I'm on a bit of a shopping sabbatical, that doesn't mean I can't share some great deals with you post Black Friday/Cyber Monday blah blah blah. And since it's most definitely sweater weather, I thought it would be fun to share with you some amazing sweater steals from H&M. Full disclosure- I don't wear a ton of sweaters. If you have not lived in New York, you don't know from the unique brand of cold we have here, but you also don't know from the extraordinary amount of heat pumped through old radiators and heating systems in office buildings, restaurants, and unfortunately, one's own home in an old brownstone in Brooklyn. Wear sweaters in the winter here? Sure. Just be prepared to wear a tee shirt underneath so you can peel it off once that bikram building heat comes for you. I'm presently wearing a tank top in my apartment so there you have it. Ooh and also- the itch. Of wool. I can't.

But punishing fake heat aside, have a look at these great pieces, all super reasonably priced. Good sweaters are often very expensive- and I'm in favor of purchasing a great and expensive sweater or two per season, but these fun pieces won't break the bank and feel very aligned with the holidays. So here we go.

I love this oversized Fair Isle that looks super comfy and soft and itch free. I love it with leather leggings or tights. So good.

Brown is my favorite hue for clothing, besides black of course. I adore brown and it's a color that is super hard to find- so a sweater in this hue is always a good thing. Love it with jeans or anything else at all.

I'm not one for cropped sweaters but I know it's a great look for certain body types and I adore the classic feel of  this one, particularly when paired with white or winter white jeans and a suede bootie. Chic. Very New England Christmas.

So this is not technically a sweater, but love how a fuzzy jacket like this can replace a classic cardigan, particularly with a graphic tee and some jeans to keep it all very rawk and roll. Adorable. 

So this one is not for Scrooges but some people love a good holiday sweater, and this one is not too goofy and is a pretty look for a holiday brunch or casual celebration. Get involved. There's a way to be festive without looking silly.

So there you have it- great pieces at great prices to keep you cozy and happy this season. Cheers to a wonderful holiday season and why not self gift a bit at a reasonable cost? Cause that's what's up this bundled up Wednesday in the 718. Yours, in wrapping it all up. XO

Good afternoon, Tuesday. Enjoying some down time big time. So much say I was able to even take a (gasp) 9:30 class at the gym and (double gasp) get my TSA pre check done. I know this sounds ridiculous, but when I am in the throes of a project, there is no time for anything. I can't seem to figure out how to get anything done, so I'm grateful for this time to sleep a bit later and do some errands. It's the little things.

Other than that, I've about had it.

The gluttony of Black Friday and Cyber Monday have just about done me in. I'm super grateful for Giving Tuesday (I gave to the Humane Society as it's my number one charity of late), but seriously everyone- wtf is going on out there with this desperation? I mean- things are on sale all year long at this point- and maybe it's just me (I like a sale as much as the next gal), but does everything seem devalued and less than special when it's part of this "everything must go" mentality? It's like Crazy Eddie has been resurrected and is now in head to toe Balenciaga. It's cray. Too much stuff. Enough.

And although I love the holidays, I find myself wanting to retreat. In a good way. Fellow Cancerians you'll copy this- sometimes I just need to go into my little shell. That's why I started googling "chic caves" as a thought starter for how I could find a way to go truly underground, but in style. And as luck would have it, Dwell Magazine had just what the doctor ordered in the form of an article entitled "An Old Cave Dwelling in Central China Is Transformed Into a Stylish Home". Yes, that's the title. And it's real. Oh and here's the subhead:

A traditional, Chinese cave dwelling is transformed into a chic and modern rammed earth residence for a local Internet star.

I don't know about you, but I'm on the market for a rammed home residence. And this one is tasteful and gorgeous and I'm only half kidding that I want to go there right now and bed down till 2020. So the basic gist of my life right now- all I want for Christmas is a cave dwelling. Santa Baby, can you make that happen for me? I'm not really a local Internet star, but surely in between stuffing the coffers with deeply discounted goods, you can deliver on my need for some solitude? Y'all keep buying up stuff- I'm saving my pennies for a stylish cave and that's that. Because (stylishly) caving under pressure's the new black, baby.

Cause that's what's up this subterranean homesick blue kind of Tuesday in the 718. Yours, in going underground. XO

Good morning Monday and happy holidays. I had a lovely weekend in my hometown with family and friends. I'm now prepping for a big trip to Israel (the hometown from way back ha) on Christmas Day. And by prep, I mean trying not to think about packing. I do love a good distraction.

And since holiday shopping madness has officially set in, I can think of no greater distraction than all the SALES, SALES, SALES.

But for some reason, I don't want to participate, because it's all too much. And I don't need a single thing. And I'm thankful for that. 

But if you feel like getting out there and hitting every website on the internet, go for it. If I was shopping, I'd hit up West Elm for some amazing furniture deals, but my big picks are absolutely in the beauty category.

From Charlotte Tillbury to Becca to Perricone to Strivectin (my alma mater) to Ulta, there are quite a few deals to be had. And at least a beauty purchase or two won't completely break the bank. And I like the idea of getting stuff I actually use on a regular basis at a discount. Somehow that does not feel as depraved. Also I may pick up a new pair of Vans, but c'est tout. I can't be asked.

Anyhoo, that's where I am. Oh I did score some tights from my favorite brand, Hansel from Basel- whose cashmere tights are my everything in the winter time and whose sock collab with Rachel Comey is super cute. And at 35% off, you kind of can't go wrong. And today is my first real day off from work in quite a while- I'm here for some last minute holiday frenzy if you need a hand but other than that I'm chilling.

Cause that's what's up this Cyber Monday of a Monday in the 718. Yours, in holding it down .XO

Good morning, Friday. I'm in Southern California and there's fires burning and I'm safe but watching the news and wondering wtf is going on out here. Between the horror of Thousand Oaks and the burning it's beyond insanity. Stay safe. 

I just left San Diego last night and though the beauty of that town is extraordinary, it's a weird hang. Often when I come to Cali I wonder why I choose to live in a place like New York. A place where we have shitty weather and no personal space and a layer of grime over just about everything. But as I stood on the beach all day yesterday for a shoot I realized this type of life is not for me. I like the struggle. I like the hustle. I like the real talk. People in San Diego are strangely friendly, like, a little too friendly. But there's a vacancy in the eyes I find challenging. Like I want to knock on their heads just to make sure they're truly alive. 

Then there's the douche who tried to chase us off the beach during our shoot. Calling us losers and tourists and "corporate". I felt like I was in a scene from "Point Break".  Sure I'm loving the delicious breeze off the ocean and that afternoon light that makes my heart sing. But meh. Just a visitor. Never a resident.

I guess what I'm saying is often I wonder why the f I choose to live in a place where life is very hard. I know life is hard everywhere these days. But New York has an edge. Even though it's bougie and overrun with Type A parents and their children named Atticus. It still challenges you in the best of ways and I suppose I prefer that to constant sunshine and low humidity. I just can't with that noise. Even though weed is legal here and I much prefer Gavin to Mario. And the sushi. Mwah.

Nevertheless, this Testino pic of Tina Fey in mouse ears is more my tip. I'm not quite ready to lose my edge.

No offense to my Cali friends, darling I love you but give me Park Avenue.

Cause that's what's up this freaky Friday in the 310. Yours, in big apples. Watching these fires like woah and hoping everything is going to be ok. X0

Good morning, Tuesday I'm working on a monster project right now and I suspect my blogging will be fairly skint. But I wanted to take a moment and say how moved I was by how many people showed love and shared my Facebook post this weekend about the horrid massacre in Pittsburgh.  I'll repost it for you below but the fact that I touched so many people with my words meant the world to me. Thanks to all who shared it and commented. 

A dear friend of mine told me she can always tell when I write from the heart, vs. when I'm phoning it in (I'll never tell). Thing is, I'm a heart person. I wear my heart on my sleeve more often than not, and when my heart's not in something, it's very difficult for me to do it. Sure I'm a head person when I need to be- I'd be a pretty shit producer if I didn't have my head on straight. But I am absolutely ruled by my heart, for better or worse. I used to think this was a terrible thing. But as I get older and think about what makes me happy, it's almost always when I'm following my heart. I'm sure that's true for most of us- but for me, it's crucial. Essential even.

As someone who is always looking to deepen my dedication to creativity, I'm kind of nothing without heart and a healthy dose of gut. I need to trust that more. When I wrote those words this weekend I was deeply distressed by the news, and the words flew out of me- quickly and precisely. When I'm not operating from the heart, I find it much more difficult. Not everything we do can be heartfelt, but I have to try to continue my quest to surround myself with people, places, and work that make my heart swell. And this weekend's news also had me thinking about the absolutes that make up who we are, or at least, who I am.

Because despite the career shifts, life shifts, diet shifts, hair shifts, and other tokens of ephemera, there are some threads that have served me throughout my entire life. I am a woman. I am a Jewish woman. And I am almost all heart. No matter where I've gone or who I've been, those things are a constant. And as I wrote in the post below, sometimes it takes a senseless tragedy to get you back in touch with the things you can always count on- that define you to your core, even if you may not be aware of them all the time.

Thanks for supporting my heart and reading this blog. Needless to say, my heart is not reserved for heavy topics alone. I can feel my heart race over so many things- a new lipstick, a new shoe, an awesome meal. Inspiration comes from my heart, and when I feel it quicken, I know it's right. That's just who I am, and who I've always been.

And that's what's up this heart filled Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in no point fighting who you are. XO

Post from Facebook below:

I've been a card carrying Jewish woman my entire life. I can remember from an early age knowing that we were a bit different, and that many people had tried to take us down and would try again. I grew up knowing that people would hate me and my family and friends sight unseen because I was a Jew. I thought about my married name "Rosenberg" and wondered if it was too much of a "tell" (as if anyone would think I wasn't Jewish anyway).

I grew up having our family cars soaped with swastikas on mischief night and remember armed guards at the holidays at the synagogue where I was bat mitzvah'd. It's true I'm not terribly religious at this point- not having kids is probably a big factor in that but I never, ever forget my Judaism and how it has informed almost everything about me- my humor, my body type, my tendency towards self deprecation. But it also gave me so much- being curious about the world, valuing education, questioning everything, and of course- a love of family and friends and giving and sharing and laughing and loving.

Sometimes a tragedy will make you truly see that through different eyes, and remember how lucky you are to come from a bloodline of fighters and survivors. This is who I am, and who I will always be.

Good afternoon, Monday. It's good and chilly outside and the sun's already starting to creep behind the buildings and I'm having a serious case of the feels. For many reasons, really. Oh and big caveat- my perceived problems are kind of bullshit. I know this. I'm grateful to not be in much worse shape. But I digress. 

First, yesterday I was all up in my closet all day. Switching over the Summer clothes to the Winter wear. That always makes me feel a little contemplative. Mostly because it's such a bitch I often wonder why I have so much crap. And so many sweaters. But also because time is passing and the seasons are changing and Summer's over and where did it go and what did I do and how come I didn't have any lobster rolls and all of that.

Second, I've been setting goals like a cheap motivational speaker of late, which tbh, is not super comfy for me. I'm doing a challenge at Pure Barre (20 classes in 31 days), I'm eating like a champ, and I've managed to completely quit smoking. I'm also ruminating and scheming and dreaming about Maven 2.0. I've got a lot going. Unlike most people, I'd like to crawl in a hole with a box of American Spirits (yellow) and a case of Twinkies and just lay the heck down. With a martini. But that's just me. Personal best blah blah blech. I'm tired. This type of modern life...

Third, I'm worried. Like many of you. That this bad reality show of a President is somehow managing to rise to the top of the Idiot pile (yes I know he's already there) and have a higher approval rating. I don't get it. And I'm scared that the blue wave will be more of a ripple. Dear Lord I hope I'm wrong. Jesus I hope I am. Anyone listening? I hope so. I truly can't remember a more terrifying time for our democracy. 

So really, between the darker days and the goal setting and the sense of doom over the country, I've turned to Bob Seger. As one does. Cause sometimes you just gotta listen to "Night Moves", have a moment, and move on, like a middle aged man going through it in a bar in anywhere, USA.  No mind the song's about teenage sex and has no real utility or meaning for my life now so I'm not sure why I find it altogether comforting. But yea, I can still get in touch with my inner young, restless, and bored. So for now, I'll be working on my night moves. Just trying to get through some of the Monday mopes. Hope you're gettin' through it too.

Cause that's what's up this seeing it through with Seger kind of Monday in the 212. Yours, in waiting on the thunder. XO

Good afternoon, ya little Wednesday, you.

So yesterday on my way to a dinner thing I popped into the Isabel Marant store, as one does. And thus began a perplexing, aggravating, and altogether legitimate fashion existential crisis.

Besides the fact that it appears the Grand Ole Opry has decamped to the Paris atelier of Ms. Marant (wtf with all the western wear this season?) I spotted a pair of shoes that, although far beyond my means, were born to be on my feet. Or so I thought.

Because these little scrunch boots in that pretty scarlet were not made for human feet. Or at least the feet of someone who actually has to walk from place to place every day. I suppose you could walk in them if you are carried, say, from an Uber into your office. But for the rest of us, nah. Not gonna happen. It's like a stilletto heel on a wedge for crying out loud. Pourquoi, Isabel? Pourquoi???

I wanted to love them I really did. But that little baby heel plus that acid trip of a platform is just completely insane. I wondered if it's my age. My hormones. My feet who have seen far too many barre classes and can't bear to not feel grounded. I tried to walk around in them and burst into laughter. The sales millennial was far from amused.

"Seriously, who can walk in these"? I asked.

"Um. Everyone. They're our most popular boot". She said.

"Have you tried them on?" I asked.

"Ya. I don't know what you're talking about". She vocal fried.

At which point, I sat myself down and put my flat little suede boots back on. Also Isabel, mind you. But nowhere near the weirdness.

So what's the moral of the story?

Millennial feet may very well be different than mine. As may French feet. And I present a challenge to any of my NY friends or those who like to spend way too much money online shopping. Try these on. And report back. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Is it just me or do these shoes make you question fashion in general? For I have never experienced a shoe like this- they made me feel like I had 20 drinks and had to walk a tightrope. Non. And non again. Ah, the futility. And the pointlessness. 

So get back to me on this, would you? Cause that's what's up this comfort is key kind of Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in style, and a good bit of sense. XO