the world according to sherimaven

Good afternoon, Wednesday. I'm having a bit of a day- my commute this morning was hellish- I watched a little girl pee herself and then her mother try to clean it up. At 8:45 am. I mean...poor kid. And poor us for having seen it and feeling useless for not having a roll of paper towel and some fresh undies for her. It really was horrible. And that's before I got to work and my email decided to die and my computer has been in the shop for most of the day. Sure, things could be worse, but it's been a bit of a wonk of a Wednesday, this much I know.

Anyhoo, I'm on a bit of a self-imposed shopping hiatus because I have to be. It's not easy living in the Nuevo Yorko and I've got to behave. But that doesn't mean I can't still appreciate the finer things, and as I paged through British Vogue while waiting for my computer to come out of surgery, I found THESE. Yes, I adored last year's high top with the single heart, but beaucoup de cours are better than un, right? J'adore.

The new Comme des Garçons PLAY collection w/Converse. How can you not just love these hearted kicks all dressed up in Pro Leather? And according to GQ, no "two pairs will be identical" in terms of pattern play. How cool is that? You can buy 'em at the Comme des store in NYC (they went on sale yesterday and on Dover Street Market's website.  I'm hearting these so hard. And with only practical purchases being allowed by yours truly, surely I can justify a highly individualistic yet sensible shoe purchase? LOVE. I'd rock these even though they're in dude sizes- too cute to miss.  Low tops are $135, high tops are $140- loving the classic basketball shoes enhanced with some pattern cred. That's about 5 cab rides to Brooklyn and a Juice Press green juice and a ahlf, for those keeping score.  Sigh. The heart wants what the heart wants, and the heart wants these shoes.  Cause sometimes when the mojo is feeling a bit off,  all it takes is looking at some hearts with eyes on a basketball shoe to make me happy.  It's the little things...

Cause that's what's up this heavy hearted and pumped up kicked out kinda\ Wednesday in the 212. Can't wait to see what my ride home has in store....XO

.

Good morning, Tuesday. It's a rough one, isn't it? 

After such a lovely weekend spent at my cousin's graduation in PA and then a lazy four hour stroll through my BK neighborhood ending in an impromptu bbq with friends at our place, it's challenging to wake up and go back to the old routine again. But we all have to do it (well, most of us) so let's try and be kind to each other as we ease back into the work thing. I felt very blessed this weekend to be with family and friends and happy and healthy and safe. So a large part of me was also thinking about what I could do to be a more giving and better human being when so many are no as fortunate as I am. I'm more and more convinced that empowering great ideas and small businesses and good causes is the way forward- I'm always on the lookout for people doing well by selling good.

So my hubs showed me this line of tee shirts the other day, and though admittedly I think it's a bit nerdsville to wear tees displaying works of literature across your chest, I decided it's cooler than originally thought. Out of Print clothing makes tees (perfect for summer) that not only celebrate great works of literature, but also donate a book a sale to communities in need in Africa. Now you can't say that's not cool- and what better time than Summer to reread or (read for the first time) the classics we grew up with, snuggled into a hammock with a fresh Arnold Palmer and some dappled sunshine? And not only will you be enriching yourself- but I so dig that this company is dedicated to keeping the grand tradition of reading actual books alive. I can get behind that. And if you're not much for literary references in your clothing, they've also got cool tote bags, coasters, phone covers, and other stuff- and don't forget about all the grads in your life who have no doubt had to read many of these great works in their quest for  diplomas and cum laudes of all sorts. It's a simple idea really, but super cool. After all, what's more classic than, well, the classics combined with the constant wardroble staple- the tee shirt? I wish I was home reading all the classics right now in my sweet little yard...sigh. A girl can dream. Or at least wear the tee shirt. 

Cause that's what's up this bookish and back to it Tuesday in the 212. XO

http://outofprintclothing.com/

Good afternoon, Thursday/Friday. I say Thursday/Friday cause mama has off tomorrow and is looking forward to starting the Memorial Day weekend a tad early. And although I am not going anywhere near a beach this weekend, I can't help but feel drawn to clothes that befit such a lovely place. And for me, that place is St. Tropez, figuring the mid 60s-70s.  Check out the gallery above for some glorious shots from back a ways, when the French thing was just way too happening.

Lately while getting dressed in the am in my little basement storage space/closet, I pop on a French soundtrack full of lovely little songs to help make my day a bit more inspired. And right now, I'm obsessing on Carla Bruni and all her French folky goodness- insanely wonderful. She's got some new stuff out too which is lovely- particularly her song Chez Keith et Anita- and though I only understand about every tenth word, there's no mistaking Carla loves that amazing duo from back in the day as much as I do, and since she dated one half of the Glimmer Twins (the Mick half), she should know.

And my latest Francophile obsession had me gazing at pictures of all the wonderful French types - Jane Birkin- not French, but might as well have been- married to Serge and such and had suchhhh style. Catherine Deneuve, Brigitte Bardot, Sylvie Vartan, Francoise Hardy. C'est magnifique and tres, tres chic. Particularly interesting to me at this moment in time is their whole approach to summer time dressing- that south of France amazing bohemian thing that is so beautiful, sexy, fresh, and effortless in a way that only the French can do. I myself will channel those beautiful ladies this weekend and perhaps you may be doing some last minute packing for the holiday and need some inspiration, a la plage, French style. To get the look, you need a great pair of flared jeans, a flat sandal, a minidress, a bikini, a motorbike, and some perfectly mussed hair. C'est tout.

Enjoy your weekends, everyone. I'm out till next week and hope you all are doing something fun, relaxing, and most of all, chic. Cause that's what's up this I know Memorial Day Weekend is an American holiday and not a French one but what the heck kind of Thursday in the 212. Bisous.

Good afternoon, Wednesday. It's weird weather here in the big citay today. Not super hot but soupy as could be, adding to a malaise that is brought on by humid air and cab drivers who refuse to put on their air conditioning. Come on. Give a girl a break. Can a girl get a break?

But I'm not here today to talk about the very third world aspects of New York in the summertime. I'm here to talk about another facet of summer time that can be oppressive, and it's an offense of the footwear variety. Ladies, I know you love your platform wedge sandals. I kind of love them too. But really you should learn how to wear them. Good style is not just about Bikram enhanced calves made more muscular by a wedge sandal. (Quel surpris). The challenge of wearing a wedge well is all about proportions. And in the Winter months,  I saw tons of girls master the whole platform sneaker thing as well as all manners of platform booties. But the sandal is a whole different animal, and you better learn how to wear it or you're going to look badddd. And you may choose to file this next point in the "I don't give a fig" category, but men HATE a wedge. They don't understand it at all. In fact, I got into a rather compelling argument in the back of a car with an old male colleague of mine on such matters. And he won. It's just one of those things- whether you care or not is up to you, I'm just pointing that out. Yea, I don't really care either.

And if you're choosing to wear this summer staple, you must learn the rules of Wedge Club. And I'm breaking the first rule of Fight Club by talking about the rules. That's just how I roll. Besides, this is the Wedge Club. Completely different. You'll see that wearing these well is all about proportions, and nothing else. Isn't everything though? True style is not about expensive items or the latest trends. True style is all about knowing what silhouette is best and how to put things together to make it all work when it comes to shape. Shape is everything in the Wedge Club. EVERYTHING. And I'm going to give you my take on how to rock this look and rock it hard.

Ok, here goes:

1. Wear with flare. Wedge sandals look absolutely chic with bell bottoms or flared jeans or trousers. And yes your legs will look a million miles long. It's a great line created by a platform wedge and a longgg flowy pant. Yup. It's just right as right gets. The skinny jean does not belong with this shoe- unless of course it's more of a cropped skinny that flares out a bit- that's the only way to make it work. You can also try it with a boyfriend jean for maximum tomboy/femme cuteness, as shown above. (Bonus points for insider fashion joke tee shirt).

2. Wear with micro shorts, but not micro minis. This one is kind of a big deal. I love a wedge with a short, cuffed trouser short or with denim  cut-offs- and a shorter length is the way to go. But when it comes to a miniskirt, stay far away from body con minis that are too short- the wedge will make you look like a cheap hooker somehow. If you wear a short skirt with a wedge, it must have volume. Trust me.

3. Mid Length is the move. When it comes to skirt or dress length, nothing works better with a wedge than a knee length or just below skirt or dress- remember, it's about creating proportions that compliment each other- and a fuller skirt is wedgeworthy while a tight one just isn't.

4. No Max. That's a fact. You may disagree with me, and this one is arguable I suppose- but I don't like a maxi dress (a long skirt works though) with wedges, unless said maxi has a slit up the side or is not to the floor. I prefer a maxidress with a flat sandal- it just creates a leaner line and does not clunk up the works. You don't want to clunk up the works, do ya? Didn't think so. Alba is making it work above- because her hemline is of the high low variety, thus mixing up the proportions and not overly clunked.

5. Beware the business suit. Listen women of the world who don't work in creative fields and have to wear more official looking clothing- that's cool. Just keep the shoes official too- wedges look absolutely heinous with pencil skirts, business suits, sheath dresses, or anything that skews more boardroom than boite. I saw someone this am rocking a blazer and pencil skirt and blouse and cork wedges and it ruined my morning. My eyes, my eyes...it was truly awful and a big DO NOT. So don't. This is a more casual, kick back shoe and just looks weird when it's business time. Really, really weird.

6. If the shoe fits, wear it. If not, please don't. Toe cleavage is fine in closed toes- toe spillage and squish is bad news bears. If your sandal causes your toes to extend or protrude or not fit into said sandal, please refrain. It looks too painful for words. Stop the insanity. Nothing sexy about corns, calluses, or other foot related maladies, right? Right.

Sure I went off a little on this post- you probably didn't come here to second guess your wedge choices, but I'm only here to help. It bothers me when perfectly good shoes are worn the wrong way.  And I'm but a humble servant of style and it's my role to help you help yourselves. And though men may prefer stilettos, I care not. I like a wedge (more of the sneakered variety) as much as the next girl, and if you think those black suede Givenchy clog platforms at the top of this post are not everything to me, you're wrong. Very wrong. So good. And I'm loving a printed or patterned wedge. Tots cute.

And that's what's up this wedgie of a Wednesday in the 212. Tread rightly, ladies. If you're going to man repel, at least do it the right way. That's just the way of the wedge. XO

Good morning, Tuesday. It's a steamy day in the big city and there's a haze on the buildings and in the air that feels positively stifling. And it's not only the weather that's making me sweat this morning- it's yet another horrific tragedy- this time at the hands of Mother Nature, in Oklahoma.

It's really hard being a human these days. I know it's always been hard but it's undeniably so right here, right now. Life on this here planet has gotten way too extreme- the weather, the health scares, the threat of enemies that live within our very own neighborhoods. I'm not sure what to do or how to process it all.  I recently saw Louis CK perform and he mentioned that we as humans have it so much easier, because we're no longer part of the food chain, being chased by predatory dinosaurs or some such. I guess that's true, but it sure doesn't feel that way. And as someone who's a bit older than younger, I can't help but feel great sadness for the young ones- they're growing up with so much crazy shit it's hard to keep track of it all. Is tragedy their new normal? Is there ever going to be some good news? How do you embrace the innocence of youth when innocence has been taken away? 

Yes there's those magical stories like the elderly woman I just watched, amidst all that rubble, find her dog alive underneath a pile of destruction where her house once stood. And there's those wonderful stories of first responders racing to the scene in Boston, Oklahoma, and countless other places. I'm just wondering how we come to terms with all of this madness. The empathy for humankind and its many woes is overwhelming. And though I'm smiling and hanging out at work, it's just challenging not to feel so very much. It's hard enough to survive on the regs, but why must the news always be so awful? Every day we're challenged to live our lives, but lately I feel like the grief we feel overpowers everything else. It's a bad trip. So incredibly sad for my fellow Americans in Oklahoma, who just yesterday were watching the news and thinking "not me this time" over some other terrible story. And then the storm came.

I guess in the face of such odds we need to hang together and unite in our compassion and empathy. That's not going to stop people that hate us or global warming or anything else. But our ability to face such things is going to have to be fueled by our love and kindness. There's no other way because the news is not getting better and rather than crawling into a cave and never turning on the TV or computer again, we can't avoid the constant bombardment of bad. We all do what we have to do, but if you're like me, you're scratching your head about how much more of this we can take. Love and compassion for all of our fellow human beings who are facing great loss today. I'm with you, and though I may be smiling, I am indeed close to tears. I'm going to try and live in the place of kindness and hope today. It's the only way. Cause that's what's up this what's going on in this world kind of Tuesday in the 212.  Spread some love and think of others today. XO

Hiya, Monday...lovely weekend spent senior prom gazing at my niece's house. Such a beautiful girl- very proud to have shared that moment with her. And since it was such a lovely weekend, last night found me back home in Brooklyn entrenched on my sofa, watching a previously taped edition of this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame festivities. It's amazing to me there are still people left to induct, but that's not here nor there. Because last night I became a fan of a band I previously had very little interest in, and that band is Heart, who broke barriers and tore down walls and got inducted into those hallowed proverbial halls this year.

Now, now. I know "Magic Man" is fairly genius as is "Barracuda" and "Crazy on You" is both terrifying in its shriek of female passion and amazingly well crafted all at once (and you keep me alive with your sweet flowing love...). Sure these chicks rock and we all know it- it's just their music never spoke to me. And it still doesn't to be honest but here's what does- their transcendently amazing style back in the 70s. Oh. Yes.

You all are well acquainted with my enduring love for the 70s rockstar aesthetic. Heart were simply at the top of their game in that regard. Though the 80s were a frightening time stylewise (and otherwise) for the sisters Wilson, the 70s were spot the hell on. Let's not talk much about how they look now, because back then, wow. I'm having dinner with my hairdresser and friend tonight and Siobhan- if you are reading this, I'm growing out this cut and channeling some maje Heart hair as shown above and below. It's so good.

Just love beyond belief. The blonde, the brunette, it matters not. I'm loving the bangs and layers so very truly. And though the fashion can skew a bit too Pirates of the Caribbean, for the most part, I'm in. Loving every bit of these gals from back in the day. Rock and roll. It's Monday for crying out loud. I need some inspiration, and it's coming through in the form of two girls from Seattle that live to rawk. Cause that's what's up this magic man of a Monday in the 212. Heart. XO

Good afternoon, Thursday...been a long week and it's all kinda humid outside today but oh well. Thank goodness it's not freezing, raining, or Lord knows what else.  It's almost the end of the week and I'm looking forward to hanging with my fam this weekend and watching my niece go to her senior prom...ah the time goes fast, non? 

But I digress because I wanna inspire you with some great looking gear for a quick city jaunt- it could of course work in most fashion capitals like New York or Paris, but right now my mind's on London, and frankly, it usually is. I adore beyond belief London's whole vibe. The eccentricity, the humor, the sometimes veddy veddy proper thing- I'm in. All kinds of in. And what's more is London is a city bursting at the seams with a rock and roll aesthetic that will never leave me tired. I know it's only rock and roll but I LOVE it. Yes I do.

So I've channeled Kate Moss- one of my fav style icons and requisite gorgeous and cooler than cool Brit. What I love about Kate's style besides its obvious awesomeness is that she always looks cool no matter what- always looks right for a lunch somewhere or an impromptu tabletop dance party somewhere chic. It's just never off and never overly fussy but always just completely fabulous. My whole dream wardrobe for a long weekend in London would be a bit of tomboy, a bit of rock and roll, and a bit of sexytown a la the cute black dresses below and anything SHORT- after all, London is the birthplace of the miniskirt so how can you not pay a bit of homage? Pair with a brogue if you're feeling too tarty and to tone it down- the Church's pair below are a London tradition, but there's cheaper options from the likes of Steve Madden all over the place so you'll be stylin' and profilin' in no time. 

Also I love the idea of a striped jean, moto jacket, floral print button down, and some high tops or sandals for that cool girl vibe. The below seem a bit, hmm, excessive for a long weekend but it's just an overview of what's possible, kids. After all, I like to dream big. Pick and choose away- and since we're dreaming big, the items below are hyper spendy, but can easily be attainable on the High Street...oh and you may note I did not plan on packing an umbrella, even though I'm planning a trip to sunny London. I'd much prefer to buy one there- perfect little gift for oneself in a town well sorted with such items. Cause that's what's up this London calling kind of Thursday in the 212. I'm so bored with the USA, but what can I do? XO

INSPIRATION: KATE MOSS- This needs no description. She's the queen of cool and is the poster child for UK style.

Good morning, Wednesday. It's particularly full-on in the allergy department today. I have such a headache and I'm sneezing my head off. Oh, well. It's Spring- suppose it's the price you pay for beautiful days. I'm up for it.

So this week has me in that wanting to travel and get away kind of place, but I was thinking about something this morning- about wanting to be in a different time and place in my mind, and further, in culture-at-large. Tall order.

Lately, I've found myself listening to the Pixies. A lot. That's not unusual I know. In particular "Where is my mind" is on repeat as I ride the trains, walk the streets, and search for meaning (tall order again).  That song always makes me think of that amazing scene at the end of "Fight Club" when the world is blowing up around Tyler and his girl, and they're watching the beauty of such destruction from a high level spot, holding hands while it all falls away. I myself feel lately that I'm watching something similar, and though thank the sweet Lord above carnage is not happening all around me this very moment,  I can't help but feel we're really losing it as a people. There's no need to recount the events of recent history, there's pretty good evidence that shit is not right, and we've a lot to do to make it better.

Perhaps you are a social media junkie like I am, you'll no doubt have noticed how many people are congratulating themselves for drinking any variety of juice in the morning, tracking runs with Nike technology, or railing against things like Oreos, cell phones, and basically anything that is not raw, sprouted, or organic. Listen, I'm into all of that too- I admittedly have fallen under the very expensive spell of Organic Avenue, I go to the gym as much as I can, and I'm not going to tuck into a huge bag of Oreos anytime soon. But all of this energy and fear mongering about sugar, being fat, and the gluttony of eating all the food we are used to is really working my last and final nerve. We know we're not supposed to eat a bag of cookies. Sure there are people who don't, but for the most part, we do.  But what in hell is wrong with eating a sandwich cookie from time to time? Is the world really ending because people eat Oreos and don't drink a green dream smoothie instead? Nope. I think the world is ending because we are so incredibly self involved and obsessed with harder, stronger, better, faster we've forgotten all about nicer, happier, lovelier, and more humble. Are we so far gone and busy taking care of numero uno that there's no room for anything else? 

I think all of this health gone crazy talk and fear mongering is due to our severe imbalance in class, culture, and most of all, control.  I recently read a great piece somewhere that this whole juice thing is perfect for people prone to anorexia (juicearexics, anyone?) because drinking carefully measured portions of juice is pretty much textbook nirvana for people seeking control and order. I'm just wondering if people trying to feed a family of four or five or ten ever thinks about such things, or could even vaguely afford a 50 dollar daily supply of juice. Why not take that 50 dollars and donate to a charity? Or help an animal in need? Or simply help a friend or family member having a rough go of things? I am not against taking care of oneself, but I'm starting to feel like I want to rebel against it, because I'm tired of how very elitist it all is. How skinny  has become the marker of a good life and how anything more than that is somehow an indicator of failure or inability for self control.  And though I completely acknowledge we are living in a world spiraled, I think what's more important than low body fat and glowing skin is not only taking care of ourselves, but finding compassion to help take care of others. Perhaps we can exercise some control that way.  Oh, and eating an Oreo once in a while is not gonna hurt. Hell, have two. Just don't forget to share- with a pal and with your Facebook/Twitter/Linked In family. Healthy living is great but it should also include a heaping dose about the joy of simple pleasures from our youth from time to time as well as practicing compassion for our fellow humans. That's the way to regain control, and guess what? It has no calories or GMOs Cause that's what's up this going to another time and place kind of Wednesday in the 212.  Today's wanderlust is more state of mind but I'm ready to go to the next phase and bring back some sanity. Want a cookie? XO

Hiya. It's Tuesday afternoon in the big, bad city and I'm craving a bit of country fresh today. I want to smell the air, bask in the quiet, play some backgammon, and kick back with the likes of Van Morrison's Astral Weeks or some Nick Drake or something super duper mellow, man, with a nice glass of rose. Let's be honest, I'm not much of a country girl but I do love me some Hudson River valley good times- the charm is undeniable and the peaceful vibe is what I'm all about right now. Of course, my mind goes to not just thoughts of soft rock and tabletop games, but fashion. I am picturing a Dries Van Noten adventure peppered with some isabel Marant, vintage, and cute shorts and pajama like pieces- oh and duh, wellies. Classic ones in green, to honor nature and its bounty. I'm obsessed with high top sneaks these days so loving them in everything from good old stars and stripes to paisley. Yes, and I'm pitching a tent in the backyard- your'e all invited, but only if you can keep it very, very low key. My country weekend is not meant for loudy loudersons. Shhhh. Peace, quiet, and fashion, people. That's what it's all about this travel lusted Tuesday in the 212. XO

Check out my Polyvore board below for some inspired style thoughts when it comes to country livin':

http://sherimaven.polyvore.com/

Good day, Monday. After a rather harrowing Mother's Day (some of you don't know from this, consider yourself blessed), I realized that my patience is down to a mere nubbin and I need a bit of a break, and an escape from dysfunctional mountain. I'm a bit short fused and feel like I need a recharge and a relax. As I sit here and comb through estimates and think about way too many things, my mind wandered to the beach. THE BEACH. I WANT THE BEACH. And with Memorial Day weekend coming, how can you NOT think about that? In any event, I'm there in my head and if you too would rather be beachbound today, here's some visuals to either inspire or completely depress you. Let's pack our bags. Cause that's what's up this if you listen hard you can hear the ocean (no that's just the Hudson) kind of Monday in the 212. Le sigh. I think we're going to make all posts this week related to travel and packing and adventure and rest. Yes, please. XO

Here's my checklist of what to bring to the playa; I feel better already:

Caftan. Check.

Creamy scarf. Check.

Denim shorts. Check.

Preppy tote. Check.

Soft black tank. Check.

Over the top high heeled sandal (yea, I know, but what the hell). Check.

Printed romper. Check.

Knee length patterned pencil. Check.

Beach wave maker. Check.

Delicious body lotion. Check.

Summer scent. Check.

Cool striped tee. Check.

Printed maxi dress for good measure. Check.

Vintage kantha beach blanket. Check.

Graphic pants. Check.

Ridiculously awesome fedora (I can't find the link to who makes this, but go get yourself a cheap fedora or panama and get Jackson Pollock all over it. Boom. Oh, and check.

Turkish beach towel. Check.

Rose gold hoops. Check.

Long pendant necklace. Check.

Shine bright like a diamond bangle. Check

Nap in the sun- rinse and repeat. Check.