Love in the time of Corona....thoughts from NYC

Good morning, Friday. I wish all of this rain would wash our fears and anxieties away, not to mention the Corona virus.

A short time ago, I was in a room with my creative team working on a launch and were discussing how things go "viral"- a term in marketing that seems a bit dated because there's no rhyme or reason to why things go viral a la The Ice Bucket Challenge or any other number of tactics and stunts that marketers come up with. Often they have no idea why these things explode, but when they do there's proverbial champagne flute clinks all around. Success.

But now that we're in the midst of a pandemic with a President who seems so ill-prepared and ill-equipped (and probably ill himself) and the virus spreading fast, life has been put on pause. We're all WFH as we ask WTF is happening. This is, in my estimation, a very large tipping point not just for the US, but for the world.

I remember New York post 9/11, those fresh few weeks went tensions were high and the prevailing sense of the unknown caused fear and panic. Where would we go from here? How could we make sense of what just happened on our shores? How could we cope?

I'm not saying this is anything like 9/11, mind you. 

But the feeling in NYC, my spiritual and physical home reminds me of that time. People are scared. Confused. Panicked. But in true New York form, I'm also seeing compassion and caring and a more gentle touch. A quiet resolve as opposed to our usual brash and in your face vibe. This morning at Union Market in my neighborhood (which is completely stocked by the way), a man was ranting and raving that his wallet had gotten stolen. It was clear he was an unhinged type anyway, and on most mornings, you'd walk by him and roll your eyes and keep going. It wasn't that anyone wanted to help him necessarily, it's just all of us there in our gym clothes and pajamas trying to go about our lives and get our pasta and coffee and chocolate exchanged glances. Knowing glances that meant "please, sir. Could you shut the hell up? We're trying to deal".  

As a New Yorker, we have good survival skills. Most of us don't jump in our cars every day to drive to work or Target, we're out with the people, mixing and mingling and sucking up a lot of energy. As a sensitive, empathic type, the past few days have been really tough for me. It's not that I'm panicking about the virus or even getting sick. It's the collective gestalt that's having a real go on my anxiety levels. I'm sure many of you here and wherever you are feel the same way. And as a former and sometimes current producer, all I want is calm during a crisis. So I'm trying. But it's tough. I love this city more than anything but the energy here right now is spooky. A friend of mine told me he was going on a date last night and I honestly thought he was out of his mind. Love in the time of Corona indeed. I think we all take normalcy for granted. I know I'd give a lot to have some notion of normal, or whatever that will be going forward. For me, the past few years have felt, from a worldview, completely chaotic and anything but normal.  I'd like something a little blah now please. Blah would be fine, really. Just a bit of same same. I miss that. "Nothing to report here" has never felt sexier.

Putting life on hold is difficult. For all of us. And as a New Yorker, it's really almost unimaginable. We thrive with a million things going on at once, but it's hard not to see the cosmic intention of this time. If you look at the way the world has been the past few years, it's fair to say hitting pause to take care of ourselves and each other would not be such a terrible thing. I hate the reason we're doing it, but I don't hate the intention. I worry about all the businesses that are will be hit hardest during this time of quarantine. And that at a time when we need connection most in the form of a hug or a hand, we literally can't have it.  A special shout out to people with young children trying to figure this all out- from virtual classrooms to trying to explain what's happening even though we have no idea.

But what I do know is we will get through this. It's the unknown of it that's terrifying. That's what causes anxiety anyway. But we'll get there.  Like many of you, I'm still open for business, working from home and adjusting to a new normal I hope is temporary. For me, the biggest takeaway is our lack of preparedness as a species. We are all just flying by the seats of our pants. Living check to check. Surviving and not thriving. Reacting to every new meme, fad, flash in the pan. I hope we're all learning a lesson here about mindfulness and cautiously preparing for very unpredictable lives as best we can. And keep washing your hands with soap, dammit. It's become a ritual even though we should be doing it more often anyway. My hands are like lizard skin at this point but I care not.

For now, I'm here for anyone who needs a virtual hug or hand or chat. Stay healthy, safe, and take care of each other. Cause that's what's up this strange time in America. Yours, in deep breathes and compassion and tons and tons of love. XO

Feel like running away? There's a shoe for that.

Good morning, Wednesday. The city officially feels like Westworld meets Apocalypse Now. Particularly in Manhattan. Crazy days. More on my thoughts on current events tomorrow, but today, sneakers. And making like one of my all time fav style icons, Phoebe Philo. It always comes back to Phoebe. At least for me.

So I've been playing with my look of late and am embracing a comfortable, tomboy vibe that's making me happy. Are my boho dress days over? My witchy Kate Bush channeling cape moments? I'm not sure. But right now I'm feeling more into pants, button downs, muscle tees- a toughening up of sorts.

So it's no surprise I've been scouring the sites looking for sneakers. Sneakers are the easiest thing in the world and if you need to run from a, say, global pandemic, you should have the proper footwear to do so. Who doesn't feel like running away right now?

Today I'm rocking my Cheetah print low top Supras, a birthday gift from Khan (truly, he purchased them). Skate sneakers are my default kick of choice- cushiony, comfy, cool. But my off white leather Pumas I like to wear in Spring have seen better days, so I've been hunting for a white sneaker that feels like Spring/Summer.

I'm craving a minimal shoe that goes with everything, and lately I'm digging the logo/no logo vibe of an all white leather shoe. 

I'll give you three examples of what I mean.

First up- Gucci. I'm not buying these but boy do I like 'em. Simple and chic.

Second- Veja. The French sneaker brand is all the rage amongst cool chicks in the city and these are perfectly minimal and pretty affordable.

Third- this New Balance take I found on J.Crew. This for me is the winner. I love New Balance and these feel like the Gucci pair but are 75  bucks. I'm in. Sold.

PS- I'm not making light of this virus. I'm just trying to stay calm yet cautious. And I'd want new sneakers regardless. So keep the faith, wash your hands, and wear the right shoes.

Cause that's what's up this just kicking it kind of Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in good shoes. XO


Keep calm and smell great: A new spring fragrance for soothing the senses

Good morning, Tuesday. It feels like Spring in New York and it's just delightful. I love the sunshine and the not too hot temps. Perfection.

And with Spring coming, I automatically think of scent. I am a perfume addict and it's fair to say I'd rather eat flies than leave the house without fragrance. It's a super important part of my daily ritual.  To smell good is to feel good. Or at least that's whatI tell myself. I'm someone that's not loyal to one perfume or another- a bit of a scent slut I suppose. And with so much chaos and anxiety from Corona virus to Super Tuesday to who knows what else, satisfying the senses is always a wonderful idea. Sensory overload done right you might say.

But I adore switching up my smell for the different seasons to get in the mood. And though I've always been floral averse, the last few years have seen me embracing more of a bouquet vibe. My favorite by far is the very sexy "Carnal Flower" by Frederic Malle, a tuberose explosion that once made an Uber driver ask me to never leave his car. True fact. It's heavenly. Another beauty from Frederic Malle is his new "Rose Cuir", which is more geranium than rose but so damn delicious. He is by far my favorite perfumer- heavenly scents at steep prices but I enjoy every single drop.

On another accord, I've discovered my new favorite line, Heretic, in a local perfume shop in my neighborhood. It's a clean beauty/sustainable line and incidentally, they make that vagina candle that everyone's talking about (I'm not sure I want to burn the smell of of my own vagina but you do you). Anyway, they make some gorgeous scents and I'm a big fan of Holi Water, which has my usual go to base notes of tonka bean, vanilla, and patchouli. It's the kind of fragrance you smell on your silk scarf the next day and have a momentary intoxication that makes you feel good things.

But their floral take is ooh. Aah. Florgasm. As if a flower had an orgasm. From the product copy on their site:

"What would it smell like if a flower had an orgasm?

It starts with a spark of pleasure; soft, tingling, sensations of Pink Pepper and Bergamot radiate through the top chord giving way to the deepest aspects of orange blossom. At the base, tuberose milk, narcotic jasmine and delicate ylang-ylang seduce the senses and spark the imagination".

I wish I had written that. Because it's so perfect. And absolutely obscenely delicious. There's something so fresh about it- like fresh cut flowers. I am obsessed with it and you know a perfume is a home run when you can't stop sniffing yourself. It's just gorgeous. And well priced- the smaller 15 ml size is $65, which is reasonable for a good fragrance.

Scent is so subjective. But I like heady, intoxicating fragrances that are deep and sensual. I also like to smell like a rich Italian playboy from time to time. But that's just me. I like to balance my newfound love of tomboyish clothing with a super feminine fragrance. That's sexy, non?

Link to their site here so you can explore all their fab scents. Not a floral gal? Surprise yourself. I wasn't either but love a nice floral on warm skin.

Cause that's what's up this well scented Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in smelling good and feeling good. XO


Bad jeans (but also good jeans)

Good morning, Thursday. The sun is finally out which instantly lifts the spirits, despite fears of just about everything on the planet. Strange days are these. So let's talk about fashion. 

In particular I'd like to chat on jeans. Lately I've been rediscovering my love for them. I love my skinnies, my wide legs (Reformation is making an outstanding pair right now in the yummiest weight for warmer days shown above- with a matching jacket for max 70s vibes), my Selvedge denim with an outsized cuff. But here's what I don't like, and you can file this under something I will probably never wear- something called (gah) the "balloon jean". Just no. Never.

I'm always on the hunt for a new pair of jeans and often find myself looking on Levi's site, because I do indeed love the classics, particularly a good 501. But lately they've gotten super trend focused and have recently unveiled the aforementioned Balloon jean, a nod to the silhouette of the 80s. For me, 80s and jeans are a horrid combo. I just can't. 70s yes. 80s? No way. If you are old enough to remember Mario Lopez before his face full of fillers/talking head career, then perhaps you'll remember his time as Slater, on "Saved by the Bell". It's true this show ran from 1989-1993, but to me- this look is so super Guido 80s and as rampant as the Corona virus in my Philadelphia high school. Needless to say, i was not a fan then. And I'm not a fan now. 

And unless you are an absolute toothpick, don't attempt these. I can most likely count on one hand the amount of women who need pleating in a jean, particularly in this iteration. I can deal with a trouser jean that are cut like a trouser, but this silhouette is just the worst. Or at least for my body type. I feel balloon-like enough thank you very much. Good Grief. I can of course picture these (particularly the second photo without the waist detail) on a surfy/skinny type who lives with ten people in a loft with peeling paint post college. But that's about it.

It's also worth mentioning that Levi's has enjoyed vast success with their "wedgie" jean. The name alone kills it for me. Not a chance. Have I aged out of Levi's? Perhaps. I'm going to stick with something far more straightforward, though I do love my recent colorblock jean purchase from local favorite Meg- surprisingly flattering and oh so cute. They too do a balloonish thing that's just a no way for this chick. 

I will admit I adore these very expensive 80s inspired jeans from Re/Done, but a paperbag waist is something I love so I can't help but covet these, not to mention the ankle ties.

Some trends just don't work for me. My advice? Know thyself and don't believe the hype. And if you don't know what looks good on you, do some soul searching. I guarantee you'll figure it out. You may not be able to change your genes, but you can choose your jeans.

Cause that's what's up this jean genie of a Thursday in the 212. Yours, in blue jean babies. XO



Thoughts on work/life

Good morning, Monday. I spent a long weekend in Asheville, NC and was taken by surprise at just how smitten I was by this little mountain town. More on that later this week. But today I wanted to talk about ambition and how the notion of that word has shifted as I’m closing out another decade.

 For many years, I worked in ad agencies where climbing the requisite ladder was expected. I don’t know about you, but I never felt comfortable with the muckety mucks. I loved being recognized for the work that I did, but I didn’t want to sit in long planning meetings, structuring projects, and angling for position. It had little appeal then, and even less now. So why was I so fixated on what I thought success looked like? Because from my vantage point back then, it was all about getting in with the right people, having cocktails with the in crowd, and obsessively thinking how to always go one step beyond where I was.

 I watched so many of my brilliant friends ascend that ladder, but I always felt stuck in middle earth. Sure, I made it to a bit of a status position- I was called on for my expertise and point-of-view. I was working with and for some of the best minds in the business. But was I on the same track as they were? Not particularly.

 Because for me, ambition has very little to do with the corner office. And everything to do with having the freedom to be creative. And to have the time to work on personal projects and go to the gym at 10 am vs. 5 am. And working with people I respect and who in turn have my back.  It's not about showing up to an office tower but more about showing up for me. For what really makes me feel nourished and above all, sane. I have always wanted to do my own thing- whatever that means, though I suppose that means now more than ever, working on my own terms. 

 And lately I’ve been joking that I’m no longer ambitious. But it’s not that at all.

 Because when you go to a place like Asheville and run into the former oncologist who is now making pottery in a clay-soaked sweater, it makes you think. Or it makes me think about what a lifetime of work looks like now. Did all of that angling get me what I wanted? I guess in a way it did.  Because it showed me what I didn’t want. 

That’s not to say I’m still searching for ways to own my own destiny and work a bit more on freedom and time well spent. So that in a few years maybe I can go to a place like Asheville and just be creative for the heck of it. That’s what being ambitious looks like for me right now. I’m thinking about a future with less ladder climbing, and more taking the time to enjoy the very beautiful view. Work isn't everything, ps. Why do we give it so much space in our brains? Hint- there's all kind of work to do- not just the making money kind. I've noticed maybe my life's work has less to do with what I do with a living and more to do with how I feed my soul? 

 With so much talk of burn out and anxiety gone wild, I wonder if many of you are rethinking what success and ambition look like in a world gone mad and grossly out of balance. Whatever your version, I hope you’re happy and fulfilled doing you. I pulled a great card this morning from my tarot deck that was all about mastery, and I do feel like I’ve reached a level of mastery that allows me to see the world from a spectacular place. I’m hoping to bring that vibe into 2020 and beyond to help guide me whenever I’m feeling defeated or down. 

 Cause that’s what’s up this leaning in or leaning out or looking forward work/life kind of Monday in midtown of all places. Yours, in happy trails and ambitious undertakings. After all, being happy is the most ambitious thing I can think of XO


On ritual

Good morning, Wednesday. It's Fashion Week and nobody seems to care. I did love the Carolina Herrera show as well as Rodarte- the latter always makes me appreciate the fun and creativity in fashion but other than that, there seem to be bigger fish to fry in the world right now. Like how to survive and make sense of all of this chaos.

So lately I've been thinking about the role of ritual in my life. I've noticed that as I'm getting older, it's getting more important. I contribute to the Ageist-  a favorite destination that takes a pro-aging stance and I read with interest the daily routine of David Stewart, its founder. I found it fascinating to see how regimented his day was- like clockwork. From what he ate and drank to when he worked out to when he carved out some extra time for creativity. And then I realized I do the same.

As a young woman I couldn't stand the thought of a routine. I found it all so formulaic and boring and rigid. I also was not terribly goal oriented as a younger person either so perhaps that's why now my routine might make young maven's head spin.

From the gym to the probiotic shake to the supplements to the skincare to the makeup to the creative time before I get to work, it's all planned. Since I've dedicated the past year or so to getting healthier, I find these things ground me and keep me focused. I've also been working with a spiritualist of late to explore tarot and intuition/inspiration and her path is also fascinating- she is known as an urban shaman and she performs rituals all over New York City- from seasonal celebrations like the equinox to birthdays, weddings, and funerals. She is an absolute encyclopedia on how cultures around the globe observe all of the above and as a former anthropology major, I find it all terribly fascinating.

I've never been one for big birthday celebrations and between us, I've feared big rites of passage my entire life. But now I'm seeing the importance of honoring yourself and others and observing and marking these things. To show gratitude and grace and of course, to cope with an otherwise chaotic world.  When working with Donna (the above mentioned shaman), she's talked about how anything can be a ritual where you honor and bless yourself- from applying body lotion after the shower to putting on your favorite perfume. I love that sentiment. Because even though I can't often control how the day is going to go, I can take some time to be mindful in the morning at the very least. And instead of thinking of all these things I have to do before I leave the house as stressful, I think of them as a form of protection and ultimately, sanity. If you're hung up on your routine- try to think of all the things you do as honoring yourself, and if they're not that- don't do them. Sure there are things we all do that we don't love doing, but I think you catch my drift. Even watering your plants is a beautiful ritual. I've been buying more plants lately and though I used to have a black thumb, I'm learning how to give them love and life and they make me so happy when I wake up and when I come home at night.

Caveat- I'm sure you know I don't have children (even though fur babies count). I am aware I have the luxury of not having to get kids ready for school and out the door but I'm sure you parents out there have your own way of ritualizing your day. 

It's funny how the stuff I used to see as uptight and slightly OCD help me so very much. I'm curious how you all feel about this- what are some things you do every day to make some sense and give order to your lives? This blog is a perfect example of that in action- I love writing here and when I don't, I feel like a part of me just isn't there.

And with a big birthday coming up in July, I think I may call on Donna to help me mark another decade around the globe. Otherwise I may just have a party. Or go sit in silence in a cave. Either way, I feel a strong need to honor my birthday this year. It's important to honor yourself. I've always found that sentiment a bit uncomfortable, but it's never felt more crucial than right now. And lest you think it's too self serving, think again. Because if you honor yourself, you can help take care of all the people and things you care about.

Cause that's what's up this ritualistic Wednesday in the 718. Yours, in keeping it together in the chaos. XO


Maven recommends: Suit yourself

Good morning, Monday.

I'd love write a more meaningful post today but alas-I am fresh out. Of meaning that is. Perhaps later in the week. But today- today I'm writing about fashion. Not the awards mind you. Im simply not in the mood though I will say I thoroughly enjoyed the movies nominated- and just watched JoJo Rabbit this weekend which was absolutely delightful. Highly recommend.

Anyhoo, I wanted to talk to you about suiting because for me, it's kind of the new version of wearing a dress. I know it's totally the opposite but bear with me. 

For years dresses were my explicit domain. Short, midi, long. Solids and prints. Every varietal of fabric from silky to stretchy to sweatery. I love dresses because- well- one piece.

But lately as I've been recalibrating my wardrobe, I'm in a two piece state of mind. 

Suiting is my new favorite thing. I love wearing masculine silhouettes- somehow it feels very feminine to me in the best of ways. I feel strong, powerful, and stylish. 

And lest you think I want to wear something that feels like business time, wrong. I think suits can be really casual and creative yet so put together.

Case in point- this very comfortable option from local favorite, Meg. This suit feels like sweats (pictured here on their Insta), and I mean that in the best of ways. I tried it on and somehow it feels Japanese and slouchy and super cool. I'm dreaming of it.

Plus this one from Universal Standard is so slick in ponte, and love the updated crop of the pants. I'd wear this as much as possible- with everything from flat sandals to suede Adidas.

Both of these aren't overly mannish, mind you. But a current muse is photographer Mei Tao, whose suited silhouette featured in the Cut last week had me at hello. So chic.

Wear the pants, ladies. Wear the damn pants. And the jacket. That too.

Cause that's what's up this suitable Monday in the 212. Yours, in buttoning up. XO

Brooklyn Beauty Watch: Shopping at Shen Beauty

Good morning, Wednesday. I have yet another cold for the love of the Lord.  I can't seem to get well this winter. At all.But you know what always makes me feel better than 24 hours under the cover? Good beauty products. No for real. I love them.

So I was happy to move a stone's throw away from one of my favorite beauty and skincare destinations, Shen Beauty. Shen is on Court Street in Carroll Gardens (about to move closer to Atlantic in the old Nature's Grill space if you know the neighborhood) and they stock the very best selection of clean beauty around. Plus everyone who works there is super helpful and fun and their service menu is equally divine (facials, waxing, etc.). All in all- a lovely retail experience.

And since I'm trying to go clean when it comes to my products, I love that mostly everything at Shen is free of bad stuff and generally better for the Earth. And it does not come cheap, but I have truly loved everything I've purchased from them. Here are a few of my favs:

Dr. Barbara Sturm glow drops. I had my eyes on this product for a while but didn't want to pony up the fundage. Since I write a lot for skincare I know this line very well- one of the better dermatologist brands on the market and a huge success for its science first approach. Obscenely expensive- but excellent. I love these drops that you put over your foundation or layered over moisturizer to give you that beautiful lit from within look. I swear I'm walking around in perpetual candlelight. Love. Worth the money.

Haoma Nourishing Cleansing Balm. This little balm of mine...is so great. I wear makeup and I need something to get it all the heck off. Micellar water is lovely but doesn't quite deep clean. This lovely balm has a bit of a jelly like texture but grabs even the heavy duty stuff off your face. And the packaging is pretty so has good shelf appeal.

The Roen warm palette-  I adore this gorgeous vegan palette from Roen. I'm not one for shimmery glittery things anymore but this palette can be dabbed on with your fingers for a fabulously natural yet fun look. I also love layering in a few dabs of any of these colors with some of my powder shadows for a bit of glimmer. So beautiful. 

Cinnamon Projects Incense Sticks. I love incense and I particularly love Japanese incense. These sticks deliver maximum Kyoto vibes without the jet lag. Divine. And again- gorgeous packaging for the packaging nerds in the audience. 

Volar Body Essence Body Oil. Winter in New York means cozy sweaters and hot cocoa, but it also means dry as f skin. I have always loved old brownstones but know what I don't love? Radiator heat. Oy it does a number on the skin. This body lotion is fabulous and smells like a dream (it comes in three scents but I love this one). I use this interchangeably with any of my regular body lotions and it's fantastic. Best to use when still damp from a shower. Makes the whole bathroom smell glorious too. I came home from work the other night and could still smell it. Divine. Not at all sticky or tacky. Big ups.

I could keep going as Shen stocks many of my most coveted brands- Gucci Westman,  Vintner's Daughter, Augustinus Bader.  Plus they have lovely candles and gifts for all of your chic friends and family. Just wanted to give a shout out to one of my favorite shops- love that they are independent and down the street from Sephora yet somehow miles away in terms of what they offer. One of the best in the boroughs and beyond. Should you ever want to join me on a Shen safari, I'm game. It's a very quick commute. 

Cause that's what's up this doing it clean kind of Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in Brooklyn beauty. XO


Shen is located at 315 Court Street.

I'm almost 50. And I give a fuck.

Good morning, Friday. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, particularly because I'm still in bed. This week was a bit of a thing and I'm happy for a few precious moments of down time with the dog. He's currently snuggled in and for the moment, there's no chaos.

So this week I read a piece someone on Facebook posted from Scary Mommy abut being in your 40s and geared to not giving an f. The tone of the piece was salty and angry but not tone deaf entirely. It was just about not putting up with bullshit people or gigs or anything at this stage in the game. I can relate to that. I'm sure you can, too.

And though that "not giving a single f" has worked its way into our popular vernacular, it's an angry sentiment I'd imagine someone like Bethenny Frankel saying on repeat. No offense to her, but she's not exactly a peaceful warrior. And that's where my head needs to be.

Sidebar- I'm angry about plenty believe me. Most of that has to do with politics. But this whole notion of not giving an f is kind of silly. Because as I stand on the edge of my 50th year, I have to say- I give a f.  I give lots of f's.

I give a f about working with people who respect the expertise and talent I bring. 

I give a f about taking care of my body and mind.

I give a f about the future of this country and the world.

I give a f about trusting my intuition and letting it guide me even when insecurity or fear wants to drive.

I could easily say I don't give an f about being overly ambitious at this phase in life, but the real sentiment is I give an f to the fact that life is short and I'm no longer interested in climbing to the top of some imaginary corporate ladder because I give an f about my sanity and ethics and sense of balance. Oh, and I give an f about being fair, kind, and compassionate. I saw a meme recently that said "the key to happiness is to not give a fuck". That just felt so wrong to me. Donald Trump doesn't give a fuck. You most likely do. More of the latter please. 

Trust me, I like the punk rock vibe of not giving an f- but the collective anger and angst is taking a toll on society and I for one am more interested in giving an f vs. not giving one. 

Recently I took a short gig over a weekend that ended up being a time and energy suck. I knew before I said yes I should be saying no, but I did it anyway. Turns out it was not a good fit and I was frustrated as hell over it. And though I could easily slip into an idontgiveafuckaboutthesepeopleorbeingcooloranythingofthesort I instead chose to think about it as oh- I do give a fuck. About not working with people who make me feel crappy. Or give bad direction. Or spin my wheels. Because I give a fuck about my time and how it's spent. Because every second counts from here on out.

So instead of adding to this giant swirling ball of anger, I'm choosing to care about the stuff that matters most. And if you need me to give a fuck about you, I can easily do that too. Chances are,  I do already.  I think the whole not giving an f and giving an f are very similar actually. It's just about making time for the amazing things life has to offer vs. the ones that bring you the f down. I just thought a shift in thinking was needed.

Cause that's what's up this staying positive kind of Friday in the 718. Yours, in care bear thoughts from under the duvet. XO


  

It's Wednesday. Do you know where your pearls are?

Good morning, Wednesday. It's chilly and sunny and I'm in the mood for Belle And Sebastien and hot tea with milk. Cozy.

So recently I've been exploring some deeper sides of my spirituality and thinking about how much that affects how we present to the world. I've always appreciated style and fashion and can't imagine not expressing that somehow.  At a recent psychic reading (don't hate), my reader told me I should be listening to a lot of opera and wear loads and gobs of pearls. Needless to say, I jumped on the latter.I"m still futzing about with the opera. It's not really my bag but I'm open.

And just last night I was on my way home from the city and passed a shop way down in Chinatown that sold strands and strands of pearls. There were double strands. Triple strands. Quadruples even. I stopped dead in my tracks and felt drawn in, like a magnet. It's pearls I need. I'm sure of it.

Oh and my newest crush and obsession Harry Styles has been wearing pearls and I can't take how confident and chic it is on him. He's kind of the best.

I've had a long history with pearls, by the way. I know I'm not really the preppy type but I have worn a single strand of modest pearls given to me by my father for much of my adult life- lately I'll pair them with a punkish gold locket necklace to give them some edge. And I found a gorgeous, double strand necklace of vintage Barbara Bush sized  pearls in Miami that I love to wear with something high necked. Plus my pearl studs from J.Crew are a regular occurrence in my ear lobes. I don't wear a ton of earrings but if I do I tend to go with something simple like pearl studs. And on my wedding day, in Vegas my husband gave me the most beautiful Mikimoto black pearl drop necklace with a small diamond on top. So gorgeous and so timeless on something low necked. So as you can see, I've always loved the quiet and delicate elegance of pearls, and as you go up in size they can even become more whimsical and fun. 

Anyway, these pearls from Tiffany came across my feet today on The Cut- a dead stop. They are so modern and cool and I just love them to bits. Tiffany and pearls? Kind of a no brainer. Well done. PS- they were designed to "capture the spirit of the women of New York".  Good stuff.

Here's a few other ways to give power to the pearls. Lovely, aren't they?

I adore this pearl embellished sweater from & Other Stories. I'd do it with leather pants to toughen it up a bit. I tend to do that with pieces that feel too girly. The black is sold out but I love the cream for real. And it's on sale.

A jewelry brand I've had my eye on (and drool over on the regular) is Sophie Buhai. She does a modern take on pearls like no other. I want this necklace almost as much as I want to be independently wealthy. It's STUNNING. And though not cheap, it's a good price for something of this stature. LOVE. OBSESSED. 

And for you non-trad types, freshwater pearl seems to be trending quite a bit of late. Who remembers the Biwa pearl moment of the 80s? Somehow these give you the feeling of being somewhere sunny and warm, but most of all, they're perfectly on trend. 

This bracelet from J.Crew is so fab. I love it so as a layering piece or just on its own wrapped around a long sleeved black turtleneck.Cashmere. Duh.

And this Nicholas Kirkwood pump is so subtle and fabulous and cool. I'd rock these with fine fishnets or with a boyfriend jean. So good.

Here's a few other inspo images from the streets. I love pearls to pieces. You should, too, They're not just for country clubs anymore, kittens. Cause that's what's up this precious Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in pearly whites, blacks, and everything in between. XO