the world according to sherimaven

Oh hey, late Monday afternoon. It's a quietish day here in the big city- overcast and warmish outside but just kind of blah. Something about that time change always makes me feel off kilter...

And speaking of off kilter, how 'bout that episode of "Girls" last night? If there was ever an opportunity to study theory according to Lena Dunham, I would become a lifelong student. Unless you've been living under a stalactite, you know that the whole DNA of the show is about pushing the envelope and making the viewer uncomfortable. Last night's episode was the equivalent of an air conditioner being thrown out the window (a very creepy air conditioner) and smack onto your psyche. I'm still in recovery mode from it, and I do believe if it wasn't for my sweater being firmly placed over my eyes for the last twenty minutes or so, I probably would have died from being super ill at ease.

And though I may be spoiling it for those of you who have not yet watched last night's twentysomething shenanigans, I gotta say- this was one hour filled with so many wrong things- you've got your lying, cheating, female sexual humiliation and manipulation, self inflicted physical harm, and sheer embarrassment for Marnie when she does a very poor imitation of Kanye West. (Intentional yes, but argh. Painful). Remember when Carrie fell on the runway? That was charming because it was Carrie Bradshaw. This was just plain awful, not to mention the pity/hate antics on the part of Marnie's ex boyfriend/downtown Internet mogul after her sad little solo. Yipes.

And then as I watched through a peek of sweater the awful sexual humiliation at the hands of Hannah's ex Adam, I felt sick. Nauseated. Angry. Scared. Horrified. You name it, I felt it. All the bad things one could feel anyway. I found myself feeling like Ms. Dunham had gone too far in her quest to make us squirm. But then I realized (after David calmed me down) that the whole point of the episode was about being with or simply being something you are not, and how that will drive you to do batshit crazy things. If you are not being true to your art, craft, voice, talent, heart, loins or anything else, you're going to hurt yourself or somebody else. 

All of the characters in the show last night had major crises associated with such disassociation from one's true self. Sure it was an extreme take on that theme, but I do believe that's what we way over twentysomethings love about the show so much- it makes getting older a much easier pill to swallow. Because for many of us, although life does not get easier, it simply makes more sense as the years go by. You don't have to count to 8 or 88 or 8 million to feel that there's order in the universe. You don't have to stick a Q Tip in your ear to clear the clutter. And you certainly don't have to treat someone like shit because you hate yourself so very much, or be privy to someone treating you that way because you do. The show is popular with older people past all of this ickiness because each time we watch Hannah wear something or do something terrible or squint our eyes at the loathsome nature of each and every one of the characters, we thank whoever we have to thank that we made it past that time in our lives, when we didn't know who we were or where we belonged.

Yea that doesn't mean everyone gets "there" by any means (if you're reading this and asking where's 'there' you may indeed have some more work to do before you stop poking about too deeply in your ear canal), but I hope that you, like me, are able to watch "Girls" and realize that youth, long idealized by so many in fashion, in film and beyond, ain't all that. It's a torturous time of making many mistakes and not yet realizing your parents are not always going to be able to bail you out. It's fraternizing with the worst enemies and not knowing who your friends are. Of course there's fun involved, but for the most part, for me, it was a time of forgetting to wear pants. Much like Hannah last night. For much of my 20s, I always had that feeling like I was sort of cosmically underdressed, or completely clueless on how to get it together. I wouldn't go back there for nothin'.

What a brave episode last night- the show strikes so many nerves and chords and I'm not trying to be a smug older woman, but as a former girl, man am I happy to be past that shit. I'm not saying I don't go through it from time to time, but that is some wacky angsty badness there, and trust me, it does get better. It really does. But even if I'm happier as a woman than a girl,  in this era of constant status updates about how psyched we all are, when someone shares with us how much things can really suck, I appreciate it. Life is not all selfies and bacon infused bourbon and life changing 8 mile runs after all. But damn if it doesn't get a little easier and less humiliating. The bottom line? Don't get stuck with stuff or people that don't make you a better human being, trust me, it's not worth it, even if at the time it seems like a good idea or fodder for another life. Older. Wiser. Yes, please. Cause that's what's up this comfortable in the skin kind of Monday on the isle. All the love and try to kind of sort of keep it together. The alternative is grim indeed. In Lena Dunham's world, it seems youth really is wasted on the young, if wasted means cringeworthy moments of insecurity and loathing and confusion. Oh, and being wasted. (That too). XO

Let's hope so, New York, and Lord above. Let's hope so...

Just in case, there's still time to buy these fabby fab MJ for Native duck boots...I'm disappearing and going off grid the rest of the day and this weekend cause it's snowy outside and I got oodles to do...all the love- cause that's what's up this praying for Spring Sprungness in the 212. Have a fabby weekend. XO

 

http://www.marcjacobs.com/special-items-and-gifts/special-items/nativeboot/ma...

Good morning, Thursday. I'm here at work and it's shite outside again and I'm counting the moments until that damned radiator heat is turned off and the glory of Spring begins. I spotted the look above on one blog or another this am taken from the spring shows and spotted on the street. I'm calling for a major spotlight on printed wide legs this Spring- there's not much cuter when the flowers start to bloom than a pair of kicky patterned pants. I adore the gold and black pair above worn with just a simple top- instant cool chick.

The other looks I've spotted run the gamut from Derek Lam to Asos brand (high to low) and I just love the look of a breezy printed pant- worn either with something silk and tucked in or with a tank and a blazer or denim jacket or even lightweight leather. I'm even digging the track pant version for a bit of sporty cool with one of the season's mesh sweatshirts and either ballet flats or cool little sneaks. In any event, when thoughts of modern garden parties and mint juleps for Derby fill your brain, think about prints. Or when the weather outside is all gloom and doom, a printed pant will perk you right up. As will a shot of ginger and some fresh squeezed juice. In fact, think of these type of pants the way you think about juicing- healthy, fresh, and always putting an extra spring in your step. Cause that's what's up this floraly graphic wide legged Thursday in the 212. Put yer pants on. XO

Good am to ya. It's shit outside my window- cloudy and grey and going to storm buckets tonight- not  going to be mad at a snow storm though because I've got about an hour left on the very terrific "History of the Eagles" documentary on Showtime. I've just gotten to the bit where Joe Walsh, who was trained to trash hotel rooms by none other than Keith Moon, joins the band and raucous fun ensues. 

Truth be told, I've never been a huge Eagles fan. As a young girl who veered towards punk, I was pretty much trained to believe that bands like the Eagles and their soft rock sounds were responsible for everything that was wrong with the 70s, but now that I'm looking back, that whole Linda Ronstadt/Eagles/Jacskon Browne era was pretty outstanding (I always loved Jackson ps). Though musicians like those cats will never inspire me the way the Clash did or say, the 70s Stones, I can still appreciate their mellow and stoney vibes. And man, the story of The Eagles and their epic battles within and without dont disappoint, and their rock and roll tales of debauchery don't either. Life in the fast lane indeed.

There was something about southern Cali in those days- Joni Mitchell and Gram Parsons and peyote fueled trips to Joshua Tree swaddled in Navajo prints and ten gallon hats. The style of that era was pretty spectacular, and a place from which all boho chic is most certainly informed today. 

I have to say that Linda Ronstadt (whose version of Desperado makes men everywhere have a moment, no Seinfeld reference intended) was a stone cold fox back in the day. I am OBSESSED with her style from that era (the 80s she got cheesy) and will no doubt be channeling her sunny sexiness come Spring. Her haircut was amazing as well, and I dig the whole unkempt but somehow put together post hippie vibe of her whole look. I'm also posting pics of the Eagles because damn if they didn't look awesome as well. Glenn Frey's gold medallion necklace had me at "on a dark desert highway" and Don Henley's crazy afro thing and aviator sunglass look is pretty stellar. Since I gravitate between fem/masculine silhouettes, I'll be looking to enhance my style profile once this winter stuff ends with a healthy dose of 70s era Eagles. Amazing.

To get the look just go a bit flirty and floral, rock lots of denim, perhaps of the double denimed variety, and get yourself some hoops, stick a flower in your hair, or accessorize with a gold necklace or skinny bracelet. Aviators are a must as is a skinny silhouette for everything (peyote buttons not included).  And one of my favorite looks for Spring from Bottega Veneta is the lovely floral dress below, which to me captures the Ronstadt vibe with its vintage appeal and print. Hands down my fav dress for Spring, and one that is sure to be copied in high street stores everywhere. 

After watching the runways and being reminded of way too much of a 90s grunge thing (Hedi, I'm not a fan), I found the documentary refreshing and completely inspirational- I adore that breezy California, warm smell of colitas style. Lovely. Cause that's what's up this plenty of room at the hotel California kind of Wednesday in the very UnCali NYC. Al lthe love, and in the long run. XO

Good morning, Tuesday. After a whirlwind week in London, I'm struggling to get back in the saddle at the office. I've got stacks and stacks of paperwork to muddle through, and for those who have done big productions you know how much fun that is. I feel so lucky I got to spend that time abroad with such an amazing team- we had an ab fab time and though I know some of my readers are London emigres, I'm wondering why you ever left such a fabulous town. I'm so very in love with it there- the wit, the style, the mix of pomp and circumstance and cutting edge. I love the wacky television, the great radio stations, the fact that, as a friend on said shoot said, "going overseas you can always hear the b sides of hit albums". I love that. London is so that- it's more B side than A side, though you better bring your A game when it comes to style, because the looks here don't quit. I love love love how people in Londontown dress for dinner, and I do mean DRESS. I've never seen so many fabulous people in my life- when we ate at Hakkasan I absolutely felt in the presence of Bond characters- villians, Bond girls, and sophisticates that have definitely worn a tux just for the hell of it, and because they can. One thing we really need to work on in this country is wearing clothes that fit. Every time I go across the pond I notice how impeccably well tailored everybody is. With this Made in America movement in full force, I'd say let's boost our tailoring quotient a bit so we can really compete. Don't you agree?

Well, onto other things. And though we may not tailor our clothes so perfectly, we do really know how to do the high/low thing exceedingly well. I'm obsessed with the Doru Olowu collection for JC Penney, Doru is a Londoner and native Nigerian and his magic tribal prints and colors have always knocked my socks properly off. I'd have to say this is one of my fav collabs of late- and I couldn't resist partaking in a bit of shopping to secure some of these lovely pieces. I am a huge fan of his, and I adore his boho/tribal/ethnic sensibility that is just so perfect for resetting those clocks for Spring. From the clothes to the accessories, I'm doing a maj happy dance from these cheerful looks. PS if you're in the market for a good carry on bag, how freaking cute is this one?  And that umbrella? I'm in love. 

The collection debuted this week and is going wicked fast, so go buy some of this amazingness (housewares adorbs too) and take your mind off of your paperwork and get lost in some prints- you all know how I adore a wacky print, and as I sit here and listen to my new favorite band The Vaccines (how good are they?) I'm dreaming of these looks which make me want to vacation, dance in the spring sunshine, and paint the town all at once. Cause that's what's up this pretty print of a Tuesday in the 212. Prints are the thing, darlings. XO

http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/index.jsp?cm_mmc_o=7BBTkw*7j32VjRuubgbzkjmbfw*7j32VjH0zgfjH2*Xg5wEEwY

Good morning, live from London. Having a wonderful time here, even though I've been cursed with some sort of stomach bug which started on the way to the airport back in New York. My intent of being up this early was to go to the gym, but that's not going to happen because I'm still feeling a bit naff. Other than that, very happy to be in a city that always feels so welcoming and comfortable, I just love it here.

London just has a way. Although we all know New York moves me in all of its gruff glory, London's old world patina never fades or gets old to me. We had a great dinner last night at J Sheekey, the fish place in the theatre district that seems like the inspiration for most clubby restos like Minetta Tavern and Sardi's- think framed photos of English film and stage stars on the walls (many of whom looked uncannily like American film stars) and dim lighting and cozy close quarters. Our server was in an immaculate suit and was very proper, and extraordinarily polite. They needed our table by 10 pm (guess there as a post theatre seating), and nicely bought us a round of drinks and then stared at us longingly until we got the point that we had to get up. In New York, although charming in a different way, they would have simply told us to get the fuck out. I appreciate a little courtesy with my f you, call me crazy. And the scene there reminded me of that Minetta thing in New York- a mix of young and old- banker types and artist types. I really enjoyed the experience there and highly recommend this spot if you want to do classic London with an intimate feel and have a thing for fish. It would also be a fantastic spot for a simple meal of oysters and champagne.

Anyway, this resto is a classic- fantastic Dover sole (thought that would be easy on the tum) and lovely oysters for those feeling more fit than I. Yesterday I walked around a bit and fell in love all over again with the alleyed streets full of old bookstores, the natty style of the people (particularly the men who always seem to find a place for a Paul Smith-like stripe somewhere on their person), and the overwhelming sense of history- I've said before that being around old buildings (as in REALLY old buildings), always grounds me. It almost makes me feel like I'm a part of history, which, in places like Miami where everything is relativel new, I just feel off. Plus, I adore the Brits and their sense of humor and friendliness- it's nice to come across the pond and feel so at ease. David and I were going to do Italy this Spring, but now our compass is pointed towards the UK, as I've never done the other spots throughout this lovely country like Kent, Brighton, Manchester and Liverpool. I'm looking forward to coming back here with my honey. If life were different, London is where I would want to live- it's just one of those places where I feel very "right". I wanted to feel that way in Paris, I was hoping to feel that way in Austin, I almost never felt that way in Miami. But London. Yes, please. It's just good for my DNA here, what else is there to say? If I had my way I'd have a rambling and unheated country house here, surrounded by ten dogs (Khan leading the pack natch) and a whole lot of charm. Oh, and a McQueen something or other to wear with my wellies. That too. Oh how I wish I was an aristocrat with a title to a home somewhere green and an ecletctic and monied past and precarious present.

I love that eccentricity of the English ps- mixed in with a bit of tradition and a great sense of style. Oh and the fact that they can get away with saying naughty things and not seem creepy.  I'm looking forward to the rest of my time here and hopefully I'm on the mend. Today we finish location scouting and hoping to have a chance to pop into the Tate and go to my favorite room of any museum- that insane little haven of rouge and Rothko that makes me feel mighty real. Cause that's what's up this tartan of a Thursday on this foggy day in London town. London, I adore you- you always manage to charm me to pieces when I'm here. XO

 

 

 

And I'll be having these.

Repetto Limited Edition at Opening Ceremony. Cheers. More to come. XO

Hey Monday, I'm off to London tomorrow for the remainder of the week and very much looking forward to my little jaunt across the pond. I'm sure I'll have loads to share with you on all things UK while I'm there...so look out for that.

Yea I know you want me to talk about the Oscars so ok. I do so reluctantly because the whole thing is such a bloody bore it's hard to watch. Seth McFarlane was completely outclassed- I love the guy and think he's brilliant and hilarious but this was not his crowd, though I'm glad it's not mine either. What a bunch of puffery. In this increasingly challenging world where humility and transparency are the new normals, how on Earth can any of us stand to watch some of these bloated speeches and self importance? Meh. I'm not so into it, but it is of course fun to watch the parade of skeletons aka red carpet fashion.

I remember a time when we didn't get to see the dresses until you saw the dresses. As in, at the actual awards shows. Now that our need and quest for all things immediate has squashed that, I can say that after the red carpet, I'm left with- what else you got?

All the girls were there, many in sparkly metallics as predicted- Halle Berry looked hot in Versace, Naomi Watts was amazeballs in Armani, and Stacey Kiebler killed it in Naeem Khan.

Jennifer Lawrence, my fav gal, looked gorgeous in Dior- no big surprise with that dress but still very lovely. And this may go against popular consensus but Adele's dress just did not work for me- she's a big lady but that dress was not doing her any favors, though her hair and makeup are always flawless . And don't get me started on Anne Hathaway's bizarre apron dress with nip problems. Of all the dresses she could have chosen- I loved the one she wore to perform with the Les Miz gang though- why on Earth did she not just wear that? 

I care not that Helen Hunt wore H&M (it was not match for her sour puss throughout all of Seth's jokes, clearly she was not mad about him) or that Jen Aniston chose a dress that felt so off kilter for her. See here's my thing- these celebs have amazing bodies, the best hair and makeup, all the Botox and Restylane money can buy, and the best stylists from the world over. Yet, YET, the red carpet has become such a bloody boring place. None of the dresses had real personality, with the exception of Kerry Washington, in Miu Miu, who simply has a way. Also, Zoe Saldana's dress was tricky but she's fabulous and loves clothes and wears them so beautifully. I'm just dying for someone to go for it, I mean, really go for it. Where's Cher when you need her?

Other than that, I'm wondering if all of our celebrity obsession is finally hitting bottom. I'm so over all of them and the fact that we have to even say that girls like Lena Dunham are "real" is super irritating. Oh and my nod for best dressed? Mr. Bradley Cooper, looking very much like all that and about ten thousand bags of chips. And who pray tell is that dude who collaborated with Adele? Super. Handsome.

I'm giving this one to the boys- I'm sick of that lollipop head can't move or walk thing on the rouge carpet- if you can't walk up the stairs to get your statue then don't wear it. The women need to reclaim some comfort and ease while thanking the Academy. At least Ben and Hugh came bearded, which shows me they're pretty cool in their own skin, which is more than I can say for most of the ladies. Sigh. That's my rant for today - it's Monday and I have a post Oscar hangover, and no it wasn't worth it. Cause that's what's up this over celebritied Monday in the 212. Keeping it anonymous today, friends. See ya in London. XO

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Hey ho, Sunday...I'm getting stoky stoked for the Oscars tonight, can't wait to see all the prettiness and I'm going out on a limb and saying there's going to be much in the way of metallics on the Red Carpet this year, as well as some brave souls who may very well do emerald green, the color of 2013 according to Pantone (Jessica Chastain, anyone?). And I can't wait to see Jennifer Lawrence, my latest girl crush, cause she KILLED IT last nigh at the Independent Spirit Awards in Lanvin (pic below).

Jennifer is a girl I really love- she's the girl next door but also a bit kooky, which adds to her endearing charm. She looks great in haute couture and equally as great being comfortable in something super low key. I think she's a fab actress, and I like how she always goes for it at all of those big awards shows. You can tell she is enjoying her place in the fashion who's who of late, unlike Ann Hathaway who clearly hasn't slept a wink since Les Miz wrapped- I find her "this old thing" and "oh my ga I'm so surprised! Another one?" attitude so very fake. Meh. I'm done with her.

In other news, the runways in Milan have been just sensational. I wasn't huge on the American shows (there were of course some standouts like Narcisco (whose sublime looks are above), Marc, and the Proenza lads who all did this stay the course and mind the gap thing exceedingly well. Clearly the designers have come to some consensus that Fall 2013 will not bear witness to any over the top trends, and as I mentioned before, I'm banking on the fact that all of this constant upheaval and tech innovation is making some of us crave a bit of sameness. The Brits were ok (I did like the cheeky heart print at Burberry), but the Italians have thus far encapsulated the joy of being a woman in the vein of someone like Jennifer Lawrence- wherein one moment you may want to be exceedingly comfy and simple and the next you want to be a complete man eating bombshell. (Cue My Prerogative by Bobby Brown).

All the heck over those Italian runways were looks for every type of woman- the sublime and insanely quiet silhouettes and Rothko-like palette at Jil Sander, the gorgeous classics at Bottega Veneta, the quiet fortitude of Trussardi and the gorgeous coats they sent down the runway in neutral tones to suit any shape and size, and Max Mara’s pajamas and coats that, though styled on the runway to make women look enormous (have never heard a woman ask to look bigger, ever), the basics were there for women who like a minimalist, classic and comfortable in their own skin look. But cut to Pucci. Cut to Dolce and Gabbana. Cut to the lovely girliness of Blumarine or the new shapeliness of Prada.  Boom. Instant bombshell. Nobody does bombshell like the Italians, and though the looks were not so over the moon or over the top, they were indeed suited for women with a bit of kapow. Jennifer Lawrence, that means you. I myself find that one of the best things about being a woman is being able to own different mystiques at any time you want- whether it’s super comfy, classic, funky, bohemian, or siren. It matters not…we can do it all (haven’t we proven that anyway?).  Those boots at Pucci are LETHAL. I love them. I’d wear them with short skirts, mid length skirts with a slit, and luxe leggings and a tee shirt. Bravo to the Italians for showing us what’s up- I’m a huge fan of their looks on the runway and there’s never been a better time to be a woman than right now, or in Fall of 2013. Either one. There's been much talk of late about whether women can have it all- with these collections I'd say yea definitely, as long as you dress accordingly. 

Cause that’s what’s up this be who you are and wear what you want kind of Oscars eve in Brooklyn, New York. All the love and look for me later on Facebook, where you know I’ll be all the hell over the place commenting away…oh and PS- I am so feeling love for Argo- great film but also great fashion- Affleck looks studalicious and those huge glasses on everyone were fab. XO

Good morning, gorgeous. It's a chilly one in New York and I'm happy to be sititng in my warm office. I just wish I could sleep better at night.

I've struggled with sleep for a while now- it's become so common (waking up in the middle of the night) that my body naturally just springs up around 2 am (thanks body) and likes me to get up and hang out on my computer until I can go back to sleep. I've reluctantly become one of those people that gathers inspiration in the wee small hours, though I'd much rather be in la la land. But thanks to said insomnia, I find some amazing stuff online, and though I'm not much of a shopper at this time of night (I find Pinterest to be a great cure for sleeplessness), I do like to catch up with some of my favorite blogs and store websites to find out what's doing. 

At brunch the other day with my family, we were talking about what era you would want to live in if you could go back or forward in time. I'm naturally inclined to say the 1920s, the beatnik and jazz infused part of the 1950s, and the glammy glam 1970s. The common thread to all of this is of course New York- I would have loved to live in this city at any of the above moments- and what struck me when I saw the above fabulousness in carry form by Phillp Lim (it's the 31 Minute Crinkled Metallic Medium Clutch)  is how very much this clutch looked like one of Andy Warhol's helium balloon clouds in the Factory.

Sure those clouds were silver, but this gold bag very much has that late 60s/70s thing happening- when Rudi Gernreich ruled the roost and gold lame became very much a thing in those dizzy days of Studio 54 and Max's Kansas City. I would surely put myself in that time machine and hope to end up hearing the Velvets live, hang out with a young Johnny Thunders or Richard Hell, and bum a cigarrette or Lord knows what else from Halston at Studio 54. And I guarantee you this bag would fit right in (I'm gonna try for the kingdom if I can). Velvet Goldmine anyone?

Just thought you should know about this little clutchy clutch- it's super fabulous and glam and rock and roll and downtown and Warhol inspired. I love when fashion imitates art, don't you? It's all so very connected really. Now I must go live in this present day and so some work. But don't think I won't be listening to the Velvets all day while I do it. Cause that's what's up this post brought to you by insomnia and thoughts of time travel kind of Thursday in the only city for me. XO

Link to buy below:

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2...