the world according to sherimaven

Good morning, Tuesday. It's raining AGAIN. UGH. Make it stop. Somebody out there has to have some pull with a higher power for some sunshine. Cause I sure don't.

So as I mentioned yesterday, Maven is on the move. A few blocks away from my home now, but still- a move. So my lovely friend Katie and I are bringing our great wardrobes together and having a trunk show (a very large trunk by the way) - she deals primarily in fabulous vintage and I'm peddling a good amount of my own collection of clothes I've amassed all of these years and I'd love for you to have. I need a major purge so my loss can be very much your gain. Katie has exceptional taste, as evidenced from my first meeting with her, where she was wearing a vintage Japanese dress to the office. We became friends immediately because she loves fashion as much as a I do. Her vibe is a little more Portland/west Coast, and mine is, well, you know mine. So this sale will be East meets West- please write to me at sherimaven@gmail.com if you'd like to come- deets on the above flyer. Katie and I have talked about having a sale forever- you can look forward to bubbles, snacks, and shopping. Cash or Venmo only. There will be a mix of high and low and everything in between. There's a mix of sizes but most are somewhere in between here and there. And of course some fun jewelry and accessories as well.

Can't wait to see you there and maybe this will become a bit of a thing. Please let me know if you'd like to attend if you're in the city that weekend and yay.  Yours, in a happy purging leads to happy shopping kind of Tuesday in the 212. Going to be FUN. Yours, in going, going, gone. XO

Good almost afternoon, Monday. This weekend was a hectic one- we started packing and got through our front room and then decided it was entirely too nice out to be surrounded by cardboard vapors all day. One room at a time. Must be out by May 1st. NBD. Ugh.

So I've always had this wonderful apartment juju. I know it's one of the hardest things to deal with, particularly in New York City. But David and I have always managed to land some lovely homes, and I'm particularly chuffed about this new one. It's two blocks from my current pad so I'm thrilled I get to stay in my favorite neighborhood in New York, Cobble Hill. The apartment is a lovely one- a two bedroom in a brownstone with a front stoop and everything. For some reason, I've wanted a proper stoop for the longest, and hopefully you'll come join me for a glass of rose stoopside this Summer. Khan will be there to make sure we don't get too tipsy.

And I had my lovely friend Katie over yesterday to talk about a a fun collab we're doing (more on that tomorrow- so excited to share) and view the new place. I got the keys this weekend so was happy to give her the grand tour.  And I was so grateful for her feedback and support. The new place has a clear and beautiful and peaceful energy- it's just a lovely spot with gobs of charm and I've decided to take advantage of the beautiful wood floors and go French minimal in a way in terms of decor. That means clean lines and not too much junk, but still somehow warm and inviting. And romantic. I love the idea of a romantic space.

On that note, I was giving my friend the tour and showing her the second bedroom, which I somehow planned to turn into an actual bedroom for guests. But then she schooled me in the best of way and wondered why I would not use this space as a closet/makeup room/inspiration room. Um yea. Way better idea. It's not like I have a kid that comes home from college, and my in laws come once a year. I can still put some kind of fold out bed in there but truly- I have always dreamt of a space where I could admire and enjoy all my lovely things, as well as put my makeup on with actual natural light. I've lived in a cave dwelling for the past five years, and it's time for me to literally come into the light. Plus I work from home as much as I can and how lovely to have a space where I can hang and write and hopefully, create more and more?  And if you're wondering if David was onboard, he was. Because he loves me and he knows I need my space. All girls do, really.

Here's a couple of photos that speak to what I want to do and inspired me to the utmost degree- love the idea of an exposed closet to showcase some favorite frocks as well as my shoe collection. I've got a brilliant little CB2 lucite desk and chair I will turn into a makeup table, and for sure there will be some furry (faux) items in that little den- I'm not a girly girl but I can be persuaded to embrace my more feminine side when it comes to a pretty space to get ready and ideate and relax. I'll let David hang in there too if he wants, and Khan will surely be around to provide style advice as well. I'm excited. Very excited.

So watch this space this week (hopefully tomorrow) to announce a fun little thing Katie and I are doing in a few weeks- hint- it involves shopping, drinking, and more shopping. What could be better than that?

Cause that's what's up this new moon of a Monday in the 212. Yours, in staging my next chapter, and moving forward. XO

Good morning, Friday. It's another rainy one here in the city and I'm over it.

Yesterday I was a bit under the weather but rallied to go out to dinner with some dear friends of mine to my new favorite spot, The Beatrice Inn. Now some of you remember this spot from back in the day- unfortunately when it was super on and poppin' I was living in Miami, so I missed out on all the Paul Sevigny goodness and canoodling- apparently one of the most epic night crawling spots of its day and I have major FOMO that I missed out. But eating there last night was such an amazing New York experience in itself that it more than made up for all of my years away. Loved it. It's nights like last night that make me love this city to the nth extreme. And a girl needs to rally sometimes. To enjoy the bounty of such a fantastic place like New York and the quality of experiences here.

Here's a little round up of dins last night:

The vibe: A bit bougie, but in a good way. SO CHIC. A mix of the downtown crowd- think Wall Streeters eating steak mixed in with models and media and fashion types. You know, the usual you'd expect from at cool spot in the West Village on a Thursday night. As the night went on, I was getting Indochine in its heyday vibes, and that's a very good vibe indeed. Sexy, stylish, and fabulously indulgent.

The room: A beautiful restaurant- we sat in the back room (what former owner Graydon Carter often called Siberia for those not cool or gorgeous or rich enough to be seen) which is now an excellent place to sit. We had a corner booth and it was fantastic.

The soundtrack: My life basically. And yours if you are of the Gen X persuasion. Think everything from the Stone Roses to the Replacements to Bowie. Most excellent.

The service: On point. Not over the top but very much what you'd expect from a resto of this level. We ordered a round of smoked Manhattans, which were not terribly smoky. They apologized and comped our drinks. Menschy.

The food: The food is incredible. Standouts were the whole roasted squash with creme fraiche, the plum tart with its outrageously perfect crust and side of greens, and the excellent roasted halibut. But the big story was the dessert for me- get ready. Creme brulee bone marrow. Not a drill. The most obscenely decadent thing I've ever eaten in my life. Sensational food by young chef Angie Mar. This is a steakhouse of sorts (they call it a chophouse)  in its gluttony but a female friendly version if that makes sense. Something about the food does not feel as masculine as other restos of this ilk. Love it.

Needless to say, a meal like this does not come cheap. But if you're looking for a spot to catch up with great friends, woo a new client or wow an existing one, or seal the deal in any regard, this must be your place. It's more glam than Minetta, food is better than the Waverly Inn, and more of the moment than a classic like Indochine. I hope they can keep the party going, because I'm absolutely going to eat there again. 

Highly recommend this spot to see, be seen, and eat, drink, and be merry. If you have hedonistic tendencies, you'll love it. 

Cause that's what's up this well fed Friday in the 212. Yours, in slightly hungover but very, very happy. XO

Make a res here- resto is at 285 West 12th Street in the West Village. 

Good morning, Thursday. I'm working from home today because I have a bit of a cold type situation so writing to you from under the duvet. But a little allergy/cold does not stop this maven from bringing you another post about one of my favorite trends for Spring, the ring bag. I love the 70s vibe of this bag- very chic, vaguely equestrian, and most of all, super on trend like the Chloe version above.  I've gathered my favs at various price points below, so why not give this hot little trend  a ring:

For classic mavens- The Chloe Faye. If you are a dedicated follower of fashion, you well know this covetable bag from Chloe. I'd say Chloe is the major influencer for this trend, and this bag, while super spendy, is an instant classic even though it's very much of the moment. Gorgeous. Comes in different colors and such and is so lovely.

For wallet watching mavens- Who knew that Lauren Conrad of "Hills" fame had such a flair for fashion? Well I did actually. But this collection she did with Kohl's is fairly on point, and the price point for this bucket bag is wallet friendly and a great way to ring in the season.

For all purpose mavens-  Love this bag from Theory-  super easy to wear, takes you from day to night and back again. Pretty much a perfect little bag. And love the pony hair.

For high fashion mavens- I love JW Anderson. Love him in a very real way. This Pierce bag is super duper fashion forward and will most likely get you stopped on the street for its coolness and wink to a bit of kink. Again, expensive- but fantastic.

For minimal mavens- It's no secret San Fran's got some major fashion cred of late with the likes of Everlane and other great startups. I adore this bag from Future Glory,  a line based in the Bay Area.  It's perfection and suits the most minimal of mavens. In fact, it's my number one pick on this list. I love the merlot color and would wear this bag with loose white dresses and sandals in the summer. Love. Ok obsessed. Truly. Madly. Deeply.

For emerging mavens- I don't know- something about this bag screams Greenpoint or Bushwick to me. I love it. It's cute for whatever and super Instagram worthy. Great starter bag from young brand Otaat/Myers. Fab. Plus when Garmentory tells me to buy something, I usually do. Don't you love the color too? Nice with the hardware.

For preppy mavens- I love the preppy vibe of this saddle bag from Madewell. It would be great with a striped button down and jeans and some ballets or loafers. Also love it with a shrunken blue blazer. Very cute. Very Ivy League. Yet much less than tuition at Harvard. Good times. 

For colorful mavens- A clear green bag with a ring? Yes please. Don't mind if I do. Great bag for the beach and beyond. Very fashion forward and fun and vintage in feel. Plus GREEN. You know how I love green.

For Swede obsessed mavens- You know who you are. You love Swedish design. And this lovely striped tote from Little Lifner is major- clean, spare, but still really fun because of the striped effect. Good stuff. Love. Great for work too.

For social media mavens- You know how you scroll through Instagram and feel the need to "buy it now"? Yea me too. I spotted this brand in my feed (Kohza) and fell madly in love with the Safe bag- super chic and minimal and great for schlepping your life around. Apparently so did lots of other people, because this line is very hot at the moment and blowing up feeds all over the world. Racked shouted it out here and it really is all that. 

So there you have it- a ring bag for every type of maven out there. Clearly a trend to watch and you heard and saw it here. Now go forth and shop. Cause that's what's up this bag loving  kind of Thursday in the 718. Yours, in ringing in the new season, with a great new bag or two. XO

Good morning, Wednesday. I hope to see some sun today, I really do.

So onward this week with picks of some stuff I really dig. I have always been a fan of the Cartier Love bracelet but as we all know, it's just a wee expensive. But if you're looking for a more affordable and responsible way to show and share your love, I'm a huge fan of the "Love is" project- an awesome initiative to benefit and create a sustainable livelihood for Masai women and their families. 

I bought one of their bracelets and I am a huge fan. I got the gold and black beaded version and it's such a nice piece of flair, and I love that it's for a good cause.

 I feel like many of us are wearing our hearts on our tee shirts these days (post Trump), so why not wear some on your wrist? Also love the  dog collar for those of you with pooches who will rock a buckle collar. Khan will not. 

So why not get a little love today and get one or two of these pretty pieces, and better yet get two so you and your boo can rock 'em.  It's much cheaper than Cartier and supports women and who doesn't love that? Link to buy here. 

Cause that's what's up this loving Wednesday in Brooklyn. Yours, in showing some well spent love. XO

Good morning, Tuesday. It's another doozy of a bummer day in New York weatherwise. It's like Seattle. I can't. I need some sun STAT. I've been listening to entirely too much Talking Heads and feeling generally sorry for myself, and everyone else. Sun come on. I can't wait to see you.

But besides this gloom and doom and soupy feel, I promised to break you off with some fun trendy items I'm digging right now. Friday night I popped by Blue Mercury for a little retail fun and came across this perfect Bobbi Brown palette. And it looks pretty glam in your bathroom or on your vanity as well.

I love the neutral colors that can go either neutral or smoky, and the blush gives you a nice little lift. True you need a few other things along with this (mascara, liner, a bit of tinted moisturizer and/or lipstick) but love how you have the jumpsuit of the makeup world at your fingertips- really cuts down on carrying too many things in your travel bag, and the shades go with every mood and every outfit really. It's called "The Sultry" nude eye and cheek palette and it's truly all that. It's currently sold out on Blue Mercury's site, but sure you can find it at Bobbi counters in your favorite department store or online. It's really basic and wonderful. I go on and off with Bobbi Brown, but her stuff is always super easy to wear and great quality. Great for that non makeup/makeup vibe. That's why it's my pick today.

Cause that's what's up this well made up Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in all in one solutions. XO

Good morning, Monday. It's going to be a busy week so I'll get right to it. I thought it would be fun this week to feature the little things I'm loving for Spring, some trends I've spotted, or just some fun items I have my eye on as the weather turns warm. Now if only the sun would come out. Cue Tomorrow...

So maybe you've moved on in your mind from the Birkenstock but not quite willing to give up that jolie laide comfy sandal vibe for Spring. I know, me neither. Sorry honey (by honey I mean my husband), I can't quite quit that look. As much as you would love me to. No can do because there's cuteness to be had. 

I was in one of my fav neighborhood shops the other day (Diane T.- dangerous) and spotted these super cool Ulla Johnson slides that off the feet looked clownish but on looked elegant and chic and were super comfy. I can't stop thinking about the. They're kind of the most. Barneys had them in black but now they're sold out. I love them. Plus Ulla just opened a store in the city I have to check out. The cork sole definitely feels very 'stock life, but next level. Good times.

And lately I've been finding myself on Goop quite a bit- I've come around to Ms. Paltrow of late. Truth is, she's got realllly good taste. So these Laurence Dacade flatformy looking things made me feel good about life. I didn't feel good about the price, mind you, but I love the look of both of these shoes. Very cute. Great for stomping around town and the beach and everywhere you want to go this Spring/Summer. I think it's the feminine bows that make them feel new- so cute with wide legged pants or a pretty button up dress. The black ones feel so dressed up in the right way and the engineer striped jobs are so cute with a white cropped jean. Lovely. Sure these are more espadrille than Birkenstock, but still love the utilitarian vibe they give. So good.

Oh and if you think I forgot about you girls who like to pay rent/mortgage and shop, fear not. I spotted these cute little babes from Sam Edelman called the Henna and at under 100 bucks, they are a great way to embrace this hot little trend. I love the gingham print as well as the silk- both elegant and cute and super affordable. Plus they come in many different fabrics just in case you need to buy more than one. Wink. 

So that's about it for today- it's raining here in NYC but a little peep at these shoes made me feel a little brighter. Because that's what's up this ready to wear sandals kind of Monday in the 212. Yours, in sliding along. XO

And neither am I.

Oh hey Friday. Look at you. 

As you can see Bianca Jagger is NOT having it. And I certainly am having none of it. From two messed up Uber rides to knee pain to running around like a lunatic for work, I'm just not having it. 

Here's another pic of Bianca not having it in any way, shape, or form. She does it much better than me. She doesn't want it. And she's not having it. I don't want it. But I have to take it. So there it is. Bianca and I? We've had enough. 

Oh and here's another picture where Bianca's had too much. Much too much. Don't even act like you haven't too.

Cause that's what's up this WTF am I talking about kind of Friday in the 212. Yours, in (not) having it all, and Stones wives of course. XO

Good morning, Thursday. It feels good to be writing again every day. I need it and hopefully you do to. Thanks to those I reached out to for feedback on the blog- I appreciate it more than you know. And if anyone ever wants to reach out to me and tell me if there's anything you'd love to see here, don't hesitate to holler. Just not that loud. I have a bit of a headache.

So I'm having a bit of a moment. Again. Sigh.

A dear friend of mine posted an excellent blog piece the other day about personal branding, and being very clear about what your unique brand proposition is and how to share it with the world. This has always eluded me, even though I've spent the majority of my career producing work that's helped big brands do just that. But what of my brand? My elusive very me thing that I have to share with all of you and the rest of the planet?

On one side is my creative brain. As you know, I adore writing. It's joyful for me- not complicated- but certainly more difficult when it comes to writing for other people and on assignment. I've thought about a book just can't even wrap my head around that. I do think writing more would make me very happy. Very happy indeed.

On the other side is my producer lady "get it done" brain. I love the freelance life I've built, but once in a while, during times of tumult (like our impending move to a new place up the street), I start grappling with the feeling of not having skin in the game. What I mean by that is that freelance life absolutely suits me, but once in a while I wonder if there's a job out there that speaks to my skill set. I'm almost certain it's not in an ad agency (although who knows), but could it be working for a brand and making great content so that constant need to hustle for work subsides a bit? It would be nice to take a breath and stake a claim. To settle in somewhere. I don't know. I'm struggling with this lately. Would it be nice to have somewhere to go every day or would it be monotonous?  I mean, I can't even have the same hairstyle for more than three months. 

Last night I had dinner with an old pal who is quite successful in his own right. He's built a career in a very small business, and now he's on his own consulting and not 100% sure it's right for him, but he's enjoying the freedom of work/life it allows. We talked forever about work and I realized I'm prone to "what else" syndrome. Combined with a wicked case of "what's next".  I have never been able to stay put- in my mind or in my work. I always am wondering what else I can be doing or what's coming around the bend. I try so hard to be one with my immediate path but it's tough for me. I love that I'm always willing to flex and adapt and try. I hate that I often feel it's not quite enough. 

In my personal life, things are different. I know I love New York, I know I love my neighborhood, and of course, I love my partner in crime and our fur baby beyond belief. In terms of "what else" when it comes to personal stuff, I'd love to stop eating like a garbage can. I'd love to finally get Lasik (although my friend last night informed me you can smell your cornea burning omg), I'd love to start drawing and painting again and incorporating some artwork into the blog and Insta game. But really, I feel good in terms of personal stuff for the most part.

But this sticky work thing. Why is what I'm doing never enough? What causes me to feel so dissatisfied? Is this the provenance of a somewhat privileged life? I don't know the answer. I just feel I've been in middle Earth for so long and I'm not at all sure how to recoup. I guess for now I'll just keep keeping on, but guaranteed I'll always be looking around the corner. Maybe that's just how I am, and maybe that's what my personal brand is all about- always looking for new ways to contribute and thinking about what else I could be doing to move myself forward and keep getting better. A bit of a rant today, folks. But that's where I am this week. First I was afraid of getting dressed for work, then I was afraid of getting dressed up, and then I went to ABC Carpet and felt better about things. That's about right for this week- now let's see what's next for this little maven of a brand- and as the photo above says so clearly, I truly have no idea. Cause that's what's up this what else of a Thursday in the 212. Yours, in staying and going and everything in between. XO

Good morning, Wednesday. Getting over that hump yo.

So I'm freelancing in one of my favorite work neighborhoods, Park Avenue South. It's close to everything- Union Square in particular which is always easy peasy and nice for a lunchtime walkabout. Oh and one of my all time favorite stores is steps away from the office- ABC Carpet and Home. Sure I know most of you have been there, but that store is an epic and classic retail experience, and uniquely New York in many ways.They're recently closed their outlet in the Bronx, which just about sent me into a full panic attack. I found so many awesome pieces there back in the day. 

Think of walking into a perfect dollhouse of excess proportion, only to find bits and bobs of such high taste it's hard to fathom. This month's windows have my heart singing too. I love pink in the home- that dressing table set up? OMG. I am so in love. As ungirly as I am, I am so drawn to pink. And as a card carrying member of the aesthetically inclined, this store is the most wonderful fix for whatever may be ailing me.  And at Christmas? Forget about it.

ABC is a multifloored, majestic experience. On the ground floor, you've got exquisite and delicate jewelry, organic cosmetics, and all sorts of lovely objets- particularly keen on the display of tarot themed plates, fragrance, and of course, cards. There's also a section for Matta, a New York favorite for Indian silk pieces perfect for Summer coverups, as well as some incredibly conceptual pieces by Gary Graham. Also if you ever want to up your candle game, this store is it. If you're looking for a scent that smells like a Byzantine temple or say, Proust's Madeleine, you will surely find it.  

Of particular note are the stellar home fragrances from Mad et Len. Amazing.

On the second floor is an amazing selection of the most lovely clothing you have ever seen. From Nicholas K. drop crotch pants to vintage Indian dresses to delicate lingerie, it's just an OMG moment for anyone who appreciates a more whispery form of decadence. Also on that floor are some great artworks from Deepak Chopra and some other spiritual finds. Oh and it's not surprising that so much of the store is focused on spirituality- because browsing and shopping at ABC is like a religious experience, a mecca for fabulousness at all turns. 

On subsequent floors are amazing furniture items- from custom velvet covered sofas to midcentury table to Asian themed china cabinets to the most gorgeous bedding on Earth. It's all very over the top and obviously, obscenely expensive. But if you know you're not really in the market for a ten thousand dollar sofa, it's still a fabulous place to get inspired. And if you're aesthetically inclined, there is no more heavenly store. Not to mention the insane assortment of beautiful rugs across the street. It's such a major retail situation. And with retail taking a huge nosedive, I fear what will happen to this palace of gorgeous. But for now, I can put on my headphones, play something lush, and bask in the glow of some of the best designed products in the world.  And if you, like me, have eclectic tastes, you won't be disappointed.

I just love ABC- many of you have asked me to post some hidden gems that are favorites of mine in this city. ABC is far from hidden and is very much in plain sight. But it's a treasure trove and a New York institution and you can spend a whole afternoon enjoying it if you want to. With New York (and the world) changing every second, I love that I can always rely on ABC to delight, and show me so many new things I may not have known about, each piece unique. Highly recommend if you have never been or just haven't in a while. Cause that's what's up this now you know your ABC kind of Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in lovely things. Oh and of course check them out online here. But ain't nothing like the real thing, and that's the truth. XO