the world according to sherimaven

Good morning, friends. It's a chilly one in the city today and I'm catching up on all the runway fashion for Fall '13 and not super wowed yet- some great shows from Proenza, Marc Jacobs, and the usual suspects, but everything seems pretty neutral- some years in fashion are like that- it's almost like we need a break from so much change all around- I myself vote for one year where I don't have phone or tablet or computer envy and where I don't have to immerse myself in the latest social thinger. Perhaps fashion is doing a bit of a cautious anticipatory thing and doing the waiting thing until the next big moment occurs. I myself am anticipating spring time- I am dying for longer days and shedding layers.

And speaking of Spring, I got my Bloomie's catalogue in the mail and not only is the styling tots cute throughout, but I found the Spring jacket of my dreams (yet somehow not yet available on their site). I'm all about an anorak/light parka for Spring- it's sporty and chic and somehow sexy all at once. I love it over a bathing suit and jean shorts, and I equally love it over a belted black tube tank dress and sky high sandals. I'm a big fan of the sporty/sexy influence that comes into the collections of designers like Stella McCartney, and this DKNY olive/army green number with leather sleeves is just all that. Donna always does a version of the anorak in her DKNY line because it's simply perfect gear for chilly days and nights in the city. I adore its utility, its practicality, and super chicness. It's spendy ($695) but never fear, because with all good aspirational trends come more down to earth options- and this offering from Asos is positively adorable and on sale for under $75, seen below. Whichever way you choose, a good anorak/sporty jacket is just right for urban springtime. I am a huge fan and as the sun shines out my window and I'm looking for a bit of stability, I'm also anticipating Spring in a huge way. (I will not however, be wearing that runway look above with the bathing suit and sneaker thing...nope. I won't. You're welcome).

Cause that's what's up this staying the course but moving forward kind of Wednesday in the 212. There are loads of great options in Spring anoraks so happy shopping.  XO

Links to purchase below:

http://www.dkny.com/women/shop-by-category/new-arrivals/p135083nb2/runway-coa...

http://us.asos.com/countryid/2/ASOS-Parka-with-Contrast-PU-Sleeves/yntag/?iid...

Good morning, Tuesday. Wow. What a weekend.

As you all know, it was my 10-year wedding anniversary on Friday. The weekend was packed with amazingness from start to finish- I got a beautiful ring (an anniversary band from the wonderful Anita Ko) to further proof that yea, diamonds really are a girl's best friend. Friday night David surprised me (with frenzied ride uptown iin way too much traffic) with an incredible and life changing dinner at Per Se. Now I know why he didn't want to be late...the meal from start to finish was an odyssey of the senses- I have never felt so overwhelmed by a dining experience- from the offer of a pashmina if I got chilled to a course of foie gras with cherries and chocolate and a salt tasting that was very close to G-d, I'm sure of it. The setting overlooked the Columbus statue, the din of diners was never too loud or too soft, and the lighting was absolutely just right- a favorite of mine was their amazing cinnamon and cardamon madeleine- bread may never be the same again. For many, fine dining is a religious experience, and I do believe I have seen the light. This was a meal that left us gobsmacked by such an indulgence, only to be topped off by the classic New York horse and carriage ride through Central Park. After all of these years of living here, I'll never tired of Central Park,, and the beautiful setting of well lit builidings amidst the peaceful set of starry nighted New York, with the remnants of snow on the ground just to add to the charm.

And after such a meal, you'd think there'd be no topper right? Wrong. David surprised me yet again with a little road trip to my hometown of Philly, to hang with my family and stay at the very lovely Palomar downtown. Philadelphia is really all sorts of happening these days, and we had a fabulous dinner at the hotel with my whole clan (with conversations about our top three places we'd like to go in the world, and what sort of places we could all go together) followed by a nightcap at Time, a sort of hybrid of absinthe/live music/whiskey/speakeasy/dj bar. The band was fantastic (very Roots like) and the whole absinthe thing is always cool (love how they serve it out of that big decanter with individual spigots) though personally I'm not a fan. I can't get down with that licorice thing- somehow always reminds me of Sambuca, which I have never acquired a taste for. But since this evening was all about celebrating our accomplishments of a couple, it was a perfect setting to raise a glass, or a sugar cube.

Then, and yes there's more- my aunt, she of amazing entertaining skills, threw us a fabulous brunch complete with a full bloody mary bar, Jewish soul food (you know, the whitefish salad, bagels), and homemade French toast. I was so beyond touched by all of these displays of love. You have to understand that I've made my living as a producer- I was always the one planning, making things happen, and happily stepping out of the spotlight to give everyone else the glory of a job well done. What you may not know about me (because I'm not one to not express my opinion) is that I'm quite shy deep down. I don't like lots of attention lavished on me, which is one of the reasons David and I eloped. It makes me uncomfortable, but David knew that this marker of our time together deserved some attention and the celebration should be shared with those we love. I'm so happy he planned this amaizng weekend for me, and for us. Even if you're not the type to celebrate yourself, sometimes you simply have to acknowledge life's milestones, and then quietly retreat back into real life, keeping that wonderful celebration in your back pocket when you need a bit of a lift.

And to top it all off, when we picked Khan up on Sunday, he had a fantastically adorable new haircut, looking very much like a little boy, thus causing me to melt and fall in love with him all over again. And with all the pageantry behind us and the work week starting up again, I feel overwhelmed and grateful for having such a wonderful husband and family- I'm so happy we got to celebrate in such a big way- was a weekend I will never forget, even if all the attention made me feel a bit shy. And thanks to all of you who wrote such nice things about my post on Friday- I love sharing these moments with you, and hope to continue to do so, if I ever figure out how to take this blog to the next place, platform, design, or otherwise.

Cause that's what's up this four day work week in the NYC (back to it)- my feet are finally back on the ground, but my head is still a bit in the clouds. XO

Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE

Good morning, Friday. It's a beautiful day here in New York City, made even more beautiful by the fact it's my 10-year wedding anniversary today. Hard to believe but wow 10 years sure go by in a blink.

For those of you that don't know our story, David and I met through a dear and mutual friend of ours 12 years ago. Funny thing is this friend of ours once introduced me to another friend of his, and things did not end well (my bad), which resulted in said friend to cease speaking to me for years. But in the year 2000, right before my 30th birthday, I ran into him in midtown and out of the blue, he told me there was someone he wanted me to meet. As I mentioned, we stopped being friends because I snapped his other friend's heart in two, so the fact that he was offering up another victim was a bit odd. Somehow he knew that David was the one for me and I was the one for him, so for this, I am immeasurably grateful.

David and I met one balmy summer night at a friend's place in Gramercy- at first I was not sure where the night would go, but a group walk down to the Lower East Side was a window into the years to come. As we walked and laughed en masse, David caught up with me and asked me, quite simply, "what's your deal?" Monotone like. Quietly like. Cool as could be. But how on Earth does one answer such a question. What's funny is I don't remember my answer, but we filled the inky New York night with our stories and tales and laughter, and that was pretty much that. We walked a ways uptown after we left, him saying goodnight to me as we went our separate ways. We were both coming out of a good deal of misery in the relationship department, we were each way skinnier than we should have been, and we each had a very cynical view of the world.

The next day at work I received an mp3 of the Ratt song "Round and Round", from David. We had talked about our love for that song the night before, and I was over the moon that this guy was sending me this ridiculous yet amazing jam, as well as remembering how much fun we had the night before. After that, things proceeded quickly, and I do believe we fell in love in the span of a week. I'll never forget the first time he stayed at my house, and the feeling I had when he left- it pretty much broke my heart, even though I knew I would see him again- I just felt so empty without him there. And that's when I knew I would be with him forever. And the rest as they say, is history.

And through the years, from getting married in Vegas just us two with a rabbi that looked like Kenny Rogers to living in New York during 9/11 to the blackout to our rent controlled one bedroom in Soho where David couldn't stand up in the shower, we were there for each other, laughing most of the time but dealing with some very real shit along the way. We left New York in 2004 and I'm convinced I was a complete nightmare as I tried to break up with the city I loved more than anything while keeping my marriage alive. Eventually, Miami became a reluctant home, and our careers took off, with some missed beats in between. It's not easy to be married and work the way we have all these years- but we know that we are in each other's lives forever, and that part of marriage is navigating the murk and stress so that when you go on vacations and sip rum punch in Jamaica or hear Otis Redding play in a coffee shop up in the hills of the Montmartre, you know why you found this person so compelling, so astounding, so amazingly funny and attractive and wonderful. 

There is nobody else in this world that gets me like David, there's nobody I'd rather wake up next to, and there's nobody else I can't wait to listen to a new album with, show a new spot in our neighborhood to, or tell a story about how gross somebody on the subway was this morning. Because he still hangs on to my words, he's still the exception to all of my rules (of which there are many), and I'm so proud of who he is, and who he has made me. I'm just so damn lucky he wanted to know my deal, and now that deal, ten years later, is firmly entrenched in our lives back here in the city I love, with a fuzzy little dog son and a happy home. We never got around to having kids, because I think deep down we knew that just us two was just fine with us. Khan rounds that out nicely, sans poopy diapers and teenage angst. Plus, he's absolutely the funniest person I've ever met, and that goes a very long way when shit inevitably hits the fan. Ladies, ladies, ladies, and gentlemen- do not cohabitate or mate with someone who doesn't crack you up every day. It's not worth it. It helps so very much.

So that's pretty much the story between David and I- I'm a better woman because of him, and I hope I make him a better man. I treasure our lives together and all of our journeys and odysseys and discoveries. I also enjoy just sitting on the sofa with him, watching one of our favorite shows and ordering in for dinner, with Khan firmly doughnuted between us. I'm pretty excited for this next phase of our lives together, and look forward to a million more years together, of discovering what our deals are over and over again. Love you baby and happy anniversary. And that's what's up this decade of marriage kind of Friday in my lovely New York, a city which despite all of its annoyances, is the city where I met my boo, 12 years ago, and provided an apt setting to fall very deeply in love. Mwah. Love rules. XO

 

 

Good morning, Thursday. It's Valentine's Day and I thought about writing a long post about this past Sunday's "Girls" and its inevitable controvery over whether or not Hannah could snag a hottie with a townhouse (obvi the answer is yes), but instead I don't wanna hate. Players wanna play. Ballers wanna ball. It's Valentine's Day y'all and I'm all about love today and so too should you be. Even if you're not into Hallmark holidays, it's a great excuse to be grown folks today, so without further adieu, here is a stellar playlist of slow jams from Complex Magazine that may help your cause. AWW yea. You know I love a slow jam...oh and if you're not in love or like or any of that, ain't no biggie. Just love up on yourself a little extra today. Cause that's what's up this love is the answer kind of Thursday in Cupid's arrow. Love is the answer, so who cares about the question. XO

http://www.complex.com/music/2012/09/100-slow-jams-that-will-definitely-get-y...

http://open.spotify.com/user/itsthereal.jeff/playlist/2KdyA3cfWaiOwxK0Gn2hew

Hiya, Tuesday- I've been poring through Fashion Week photos and seeing lots to love- admittedly it's very dark out there on the runways (who turned off the lights) and most of the clothes feel downright somber, but my personal palette runs muddy anyway, so looks like Fall's looks from New York will be right up my alley.

I'm still here in Austin and very much enjoying my time here. It's a fab city filled with indie stuff everywhere and friendly people. Also a lot of drunks. Everywhere. And it's not even SXSW right now so can't blame that.

One thing I've discovered is an amazing boutique culture in this town- one of my favs so far is the amazing Feathers, a wonderful and high-end vintage shop on South Congress. Housed in three rooms, the store is a treasure trove of designers like Geoffrey Beene, Vicky Tiel, Hanae Mori and some other favs from the 70s. 70s vintage is hands down my favorite, and the selection at this well curated treasure chest is spot on.  I adored their vintage boot selection as well, and their folkloric pieces were fab as well- think Navajo print wraps, Guatamalan patterned shawls, and all sorts of amazeballs jewelry to make your trip here that much more fun.

I myself purchased an outrageously ridiculous oversized butterfly necklace, as well as a vintage plaid wrap from Italy (the nights have been chilly here). This is a town where people march to their very own beat, so it's no surprise that vintage pieces feel just right here- and the prices at this higher end must shop were super reasonable and the condition of the clothes were pristine.

I'd say if you're coming to town, don't miss this place...I love the vibe and the local flavor of this major find. I'm def eating some BBQ tonight and hopefully celebrating Mardi Gras right here in Austin, big butterfly necklace included of course. Cause that's what's up this very vintage Tuesday right here in the deep heart of Texas. XO

http://feathersboutiquevintage.com/

Good morning (early) friends. I'm in Austin, TX on a shoot and what a lovely and fantastic little town this is. Wow. Music everywhere, weirdos, and cuteness abound. Definitely coming back here with the hubs to do some more exploring.

I've caught up on Fashion Week in New York, and I'm not sure why designers are feeling so overwhelmingly dark (hello darkness, my old friend). With Obama back in the White House and the world not ending Mayan style, you'd think designers would feel a bit more celebratory, but look after look is drenched in darkness (colors), but maybe it's less about depression and more about restraint. Have we reached our limit with all of the "noise" around us and craving a bit of solitude, a bit of queit, a bit of silent elegance? I love the emptiness of that black v neck mini dress above- one can be whoever they want to be in that look, without having to be anything at all.

If that's your bag, then the runways of New York were for you. One of my favorite collections emblematic of this new restraint came from Derek Lam- who nodded to a bit of art school, a bit of French New Wave, but mostly, a quiet cool that felt both timeless and smack dab on trend all at the same time. These simple silhouettes never screamed, but merely whispered. I adored this whole collection and felt that the pieces were wearable, retail friendly, and ultimately laid back. These are clothes for girls that are through looking anything but classic and effortless. The simple palette is subdued and the shapes, though not groundbreaking, are certainly easy to wear.

If we're entering an era of restraint, so be it. In the chaotic world we live in, some order is not out of line.  Oh, and I'm not mad at clothes that I wear and don't wear me. Fabulous. And that's what's up this shhhhhhh of a Monday in downtown Austin. Enjoy the silence. XO

Good morning, Thursday. It's about to get all kinds of blizzardy up in here, but fashion week has begun and all eyes are on Fall 2013. I can't wait to see what kind of get ups all the glam girls and boys will be rocking this week amidst a blustery storm. 

As the shows get well under way, I'm pausing to chat on Organic by John Patrick, because I adore the simplicity and comfort of his pieces. They are for every day and every night, and I own a few of his tee shirt dresses that feel more like PJ's than clothes (this is a good thing- because they look super chic, just feel super comfy). As you know, us women folk enjoy justifications when it comes to shopping, and as someone who has spent a good chunk of life on production and traveling, this is a collection for me- and for all of you that say "this will be good for traveling" when making a purchase that may seem too spendy. These are your pieces ladies. They have that amazing Five Easy Pieces vibe that I can't get enough of. These clothes are meant to be worn over and over again and will surely be big sellers, as well as instant go to's in more fashionable closets this Fall.

I adore clothes that have ease and simplicity and that can be mixed and matched. Style.com gave a nod that this collection felt inspired by 80s Mudd Club New York, but I felt that these pieces were for cool chicks on the go who enjoy an effortless and sexy ease. There was not much I wouldn't wear- love the muted palette and the pink color pop for days when you need a little oomph after days of hotel living. I'm a huge fan- ps- he's doing some weird exposed midriff thing that I would never, ever wear- seems a strange choice for winter but can see a long , reedy girl wearing something like that to dinner in New York on a cold night, looking way more chic than anyone in a puffer and bulky sweater. It's just not going to be me. (You're welcome).

All in all, love these pieces and are a nice soft and fuzzy start to Fashion Week...stay warm kids and you have my permission to buy some pieces for all of your travels, or at least the travels in your mind...cause that's what's up this let's go kind of Thursday in the 212. XO

Good day, Tuesday. Blah New York, blah. It's grey and dank and all kinds of Bravo TV marathon from the duvet today. I myself know a thing or two about New York winters, and global warming aside, what always gets my little goat is the gloom. It's not the cold, it's that relentless gloom that gets me, really gets me good. But with Spring very much on the mind and with Fashion Week about to show us what's up for next Fall, I'm craving a bit of skin and one way to get that party started is to show a little ankle, because we all know we're not ready to show much else (shave accordingly, ladies. Nobody likes a hairy ankle).

And as thoughts of extended remixes of daylight and dappled sunshine are permeating your frontal lobe as well, how can you not think of what to wear? I've talked about my love for the exposed ankle before, and the good news on that front is, as long as you're hopping in a cab or jumping in a car to drive to work/dinner/festivities you can rock this look in the winter too. It's a nice way to inject a little Spring into this time of year, when the weather is less about sunshine daydreams and more about cloudy think I'll sleep in todays.

Enjoy this little foray into the pop- ps how much do we lurv those Jil Sander shoes up top there? Yes, please. Oh and all of these looks work well with a cute fake fur or wool boyfriend or wrap coat. Cause that's what's up this pop that ankle kind of Tuesday, gurl in the 212. Expose yourself a bit, won't you? (Self tanner not included). XO

What is it about a gaping hole that has me so enraptured?

Yea, I know that sounds creepy.  But I’m referring to accessories of the bagged variety so get your mind out of the gutter. Call it a reaction to our constant need for transparency and our obsession with exposing every aspect of our lives, but the hole’s the thing this Spring when it comes to handbags.

 It started with Karl Lagerfeld’s insane hula hoop bag for Chanel , which by the way a male Facebook friend of mine posted a photo of with the caption “please stop”, which made me laugh and immediately called to mind the male POV on trendy items like a drop crotch pant and gladiator sandals.  True this bag feels outsized and ridiculous and not exactly an investment piece you’d wear forever, but the more scaled down versions are positively “holey”. Plus cut outs speak to my need to trim the fat, cut the crap, and create some space.

 I am obsessed beyond with Tom Ford’s incredible take on the look, with a big hole up top for a slender arm and a zipper for easy access to all your goods. And then Phillip Lim, whose bags are the favorite of cool chicks everywhere, showed his Scout bag for Spring that has multiple ways to carry it, all with the focus being on the empty space created by that gorgeous openness.

The artfulness of such negative space has me in a deep state of lust. I’m hoping that Spring will indeed be holey, and I don’t mean of the prayerful variety (though I may start praying in the hopes of snagging that Tom Ford, which is wayyyy out of my league). As Spring approaches and the fashion world pushes a fresh agenda, I’m calling open space the next big thing, so keep an open, and decidedly chic, mind.  Cause that’s what’s up this houses of the holey kind of Thursday in the US of A. XO

 

Good morning, Monday. As I work through the details of my blog-over, I'm still gonna post here, as there's no place like home. I'm pretty change adverse, really...

So as yet another storm hits my fair city, my mind can't help but go to Spring- it's that time of year when all the good sweaters, coats, and boots go on megasale, though it's starting to feel too late in the season to buy them. And as I look forward to all the March books coming out, I thought I'd share a preview of my favorite Fall campaigns shot by some of my very favorite photographers. For your viewing pleasure, I've created a Pinterest board where you can see them in all their glory.

And with shots like this glorious image for Benetton by Giulio Rustichelli in which our cotton candy tressed cool chick chomps on a peony, how can I not be excited for longer and warmer days? I just adore this image and the rest of the campaign as well.

I have always been insanely passionate about great fashion photography, and this Spring's campaigns are all that and more. It may be cold outside, but it's hot inside all the mags this month and next, so here's a sneak peak of all my favs found on fashionolgie.com- hope you enjoy:

http://pinterest.com/sherimaven/fav-spring-fashion-campaigns-2013/

Have a lovely early spring courtesy of all the pretty girls and the photographers who snap them...all the love and smile for the camera, cause that's what's up this girls on film kind of Monday in the big, big city. XO