the world according to sherimaven

Hi, gang...it's Friday and cloudy in NYC and I've got a cold so wah wah wah. Thank G-d for that bit of Basil Hayden's at the end of the shoot. Did me right.

I'm going to take a bit of a blog break soon so that I may retool, rethink, and recalibrate for 2013. I'm excited to keep writing and will most likely keep this page going for the next few weeks- wordpress not really my thing so exploring some other options. I hope to bring you a new, fresh format soon as writing this blog has become a deep joy for me- hope you are feeling the same farklemptitude for it as well.

In other news, women are going to the front lines, yo. I heard a great debate over it yesterday as I prepared for my very own battle- rush hour commuting in New York in the freezing cold to the war zone of modern advertising. Yea, I know. Can't really compare those, but was trying my best to pull this whole thought together. I gotta say- women should be allowed to fight and die for their countries, though some of the men in our armed forces were worried that they may feel the need to defend the women on the front lines first before their band of brothers. I'm not sure what's wrong with that- women should always come first, right? Ha. How's that for some reverse feminist switcharoo? Honestly, the gays are getting married, women are firing at enemies, we just elected our first African American Prezzie to a second term- the world is constantly changing and updating and tweeting and we have to change right along with it if we don't wish to be extinct. And from the looks of things in North Korea, we're going to need all the help we can get, vagina or no vagina.

I have a feeling that the women who go to the front lines will exhibit a level of bad assery reserved only for the heartiest of situations. We all know women will get the job done, and make sure everyone is taken care of and well protected to (steel toed) boot. Look how far we've come ladies and gents- from the days of Private Benjamin to now. I myself fall more in to the Goldie Hawn school of armed forces practices, but if there are some of you out there that are tough enough, strong enough, and hoorah enough, go do this.  Now there is nobody standing in the way, and whether you're leaving a wife or husband or whatever else at home, we will salute you. That's how good this shit is about to get. It's about to get all kinds of GI Jane up in here.

And as I go to war with my blog format and design, I'm not going to break down and have a Judy Benjamin moment. I'm going to fight and make it great, perfect, and maven worthy for all you fine people. Just don't ask me to do a chin up or march in unison. That's not my trip. 

Cause that's what's up this forward march kind of Friday in the 212. Ten-Hut! XO

Good morning, Tuesday. It's pretty freaking cold in New York today, but the investment of my brilliant Andrew Marc puffer is really earning its keep- you just can't underestimate the value of spending a bit more on a really warm coat if you can- it makes all the difference, even if it does cause anxiety (get it off of me, get it off of me) as soon as you enter the warmth of a taxi, subway car, or department store. If you can't get that coat right now, blast some Peter Tosh in your headphones and pretend you are in Jamaica. (You might as well do that anyway).

So yesterday found me positively glued to the television- it's no secret that I was a huge Obama supporter and am ecstatic we got to witness history again- when our first African American family President went for the sequel yesterday. What a striking counterpart to his first swearing in, right? Enter our American President- he's been through it these four years and conducted himself with confidence, grace, coolness, and amazing passion at all of the events yesterday. His speech platform had me at first word, because it spoke to one of the best things about living here- our civil rights, our devotion to unity and collaboration, and our quest that each of us are created equal and can do great things- as individuals and a nation. And though I feel that the literal interpretation of the Constitution has really tripped us up of late, I'm finding that the goodness of this document was on full display yesterday, and since the Mayans spared us all, I am truly hoping that 2013 is going to be a turning point in our nation's heightened and enlightened state of mind. The people have spoken, and they made the right choice. Hallelujah. But now let's talk about clothes.

Mrs. Obama, Michelle my belle. Girl shut it down. She looked radiant yesterday, and there's not a person out there who can say she did not. That navy Thom Browne coat at the ceremony was elegant and modern (as were the J. Crew accessories- belt, boots, and gloves) and said not just "I'm arrived", but "where have you all been"? Mrs. O is setting trends and taking names. And last night's Jason Wu, though not " a lot" was just enough. I loved the red on her, her hair and makeup was incredible (I've had bangs since I'm a child due to my Everest of a forehead so a fan), and the halter shape of that dress was graceful, flattering, and soft and strong at the same time. And one of my favorite looks was at the 2013 Kid's Inaugural , when she wore the Alexander McQueen top below, with a cropped trouser and kitten heels. Fab. Nothing more classic and fresh yet somehow so contemporary than a beautiful white shirt. Big shout outs to our BFFs across the pond.

I am so looking forward to seeing Michelle take on more issues of importance to her in the next four years, and when I watched Mr. Wu this morning on the Today Show, all of 30 years old, I felt great pride that Michelle is savvy and cool enough to realize the power of putting young designers into the spotlight. Many said they wanted her to wear Oscar, and though I have huge respect for him and chose one of his looks as a potential great look for her (that striped strapless gown from his last collection) he's a bit too established to enjoy such a moment. Out with the old, in with the new. That's what we need as a nation and that's what we need when it comes to fashion. And who doesn't love a good high/low mix as in pairing a Thom Browne coat with a J. Crew belt? That's true style, kids. Take notes. 

So the verdict for yesterday from a fashion perspective? Spot on. Simply spot on. I am so proud of our First family in the White House and look forward to watching them continue to breathe some life into our country, and to the fashion industry to boot. What a great, and chic, shot in the arm. And that's what's up this Wu Tuesday (the other Wu that is, not the Wu of Wu Wednesday) in the most fashionable city in the world, though Washington gave us a run for our money last night. For there's no greater accessory than confidence and strength. Get up, stand up. XO

Happy Monday- what a beautiful day for an inauguration and to remember the brilliance and bravery of MLK. As many of us enjoy a day off, let's take time to celebrate today. So many terrible challenges have come our way in 2012, and as I watch the President and Vice President enter St. John's Church, I can't help but get choked up. We were all part of this- we realized we needed Obama more than we needed a big change in thinking- to a White House filled with wayyy too much conservative thinking and practice. I am so thrilled that Obama got re-elected. Like so many of my friends, I have never felt so affected by an election, and as I watch the Obamas today, I feel a tremendous sense of pride. May the next four years bring about the real change we need- a move towards peace, equality, and liberty and justice for all. I have always been quite the patriot, and though my patience has worn thin and my sadness with everything from senseles deaths to so many people still suffering from the economy and a terrible girl called Sandy, that hope thing is welling up within me and feel thankful for the teachings of MLK and also the energy and dedication of the Obamas to make this country, and the world, a better place. I'm choking up from the comfort of my bed (sleeping in on this day out of the office), and still feel kinship for our collective process and experience as Americans. No matter where I am or what I do, I was born and raised here and a degree of optimism, despite so much tragedy, is still very much a part of my DNA- it's what being an American is all about.

Keep the faith, friends. Can't wait to see what Mrs. O wears tonight. And I like the new bangs. Oh, and I called navy blue, which she has now worn two days in a row (Reed Krakoff yesterday, Thom Browne coat and dress, and J.Crew shoes and belt). All the love and be proud of who you are and where you come from today. Cause that's what's up this keeping the faith kind of Monday in the 718. As you enjoy a day off, never forget the journey we've endured together and let's unite to keep that hope alive. XO

Hiya, Thursday. So that big orb in the sky decided to come out for about ten seconds this morning, its light blinding me with goodness. Now it's cloudy and cold again, and next week is gonna bring the badness to a new level with temps in the 'teens. Oofa.

So what does one do besides shop, dream of Jamaica, and self pity oneself into a frenzy? I'll tell you. Mommy loves a slow jam.

It's no secret if you are a close pal of mine that you knowwww I love a slow jam (can i get a toot too? can i get a beep beep?). I have always been an enormous fan of R&B, particularly of the bump and grind variety. Not a night went by in my kitchen in Miami where I did not cook dinner to the mellow sounds of the quiet storm (awww yeaaaa). I love Luther, Jeffrey, Stevie, Kels, Jodeci, you name it. Something about a slow jam just always makes me feel right as rain. To get me through this mid winter (is it even mid winter or am I kidding myself?) slump, I'm a gonna kick up the slow jams. Right now I've got R. Kelly blasting in my ear (When a woman's fed up, there ain't nothing you can do about it). and I'm gonna rock on some slow grooves all day. I'll never forget the first time I heard "Happy People"- was at Jimmy's Uptown with my aunt and husband, loving the way people were dancing to this smooth as silk song that can't help but make you smile. My love for Kels knows no bounds, yea I know all about his meshugas, but I am a huge fan and seeing him live in Miami was an experience I will never forget. That voice.

And if you can't get down with some Songs in the Key of Life, then we shouldn't be friends. Stevie always, always gets me over the hump. And a little bit of midday Gap Band will cure any ill. And yes, my tastes run as syrupy and nasty as Brian McKnight , Al B. Sure, Keith Sweat, and possibly my all time fav, Zapp & Roger's "Computer Love". Ooh. Such a good jam (not the Kraftwerk song by the same name. That one's awesome in its own right though).  I can't help myself, I'm just super duper about R&B, especially when there's no sultry sunshine to be had. And if D'Angelo doesn't do it for you, you may very well be without a pulse. Is there a woman alive that doesn't love a little "Brown Sugar"? So for all you other lovers out there, do yourself a favor, and break yourself off a slow jam today. Whatever it takes...even our Prez loves a slow jam, and can sing one too- that pic above was taken from his excellent nod to Al Green. How great was that?  You know he and Michelle get down like that. 

Cause that's what's up this gettin' in the mood kind of Thursday in the sexiest city on Earth. All the love, computer and otherwise. Peace, love, and slow jams. XO

PS...for those of you who are not well versed in such goodness, Wikipedia. Love the definition, and love their examples.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slow_jam

Oh, hey Wednesday. I'm trapped in a Gus Van Sant movie and can't get out. This endless gloom has me teetering, veering even.

Until the sun comes out (cue Annie soundtrack), I'm going on strike. If you see me and I am a cranky pants, so be it. I'm not going to be happy until I feel that orange thing in the sky on my face. And though I know this pic is not exactly sun filled, Jam rock is my favorite place to soak in that Vitamin D. If I meditate on this pic long enough, maybe the sun will come out, or maybe I will, on a whim, book a weekend there. I gotta get some of that- from lazy days to rum punches to flowy and barely there frocks. Now's good.

Hope wherever you are it's not quite as reaperish outside. I've just about had it. Cause that's what's up this lingering and lethargic Wedneday in nodded out New York. Sun, come on out to play. How many more days can you be a no show, anyway? There's only so many purses I can buy, you know. This creating my own sunshine thing is not cutting it- ain't nothing like the real thing. XO

Happy Tuesday, y'all. Dear Lord, New York- cheer up. Your gloomy greyness is beginning to do a number, if you will. All I can do to keep myself from slitting my wrists is to listen to the Velvet Underground (thanks for that recommend this morning, Craig) and feel utterly sorry for myself. Watch out, the world's behind you...it's nothing at all.

But listen, at some point, this malaise called winter will lift and give way to la, la, la springtime. As someone who has always identified with the type of weather prevalent in a Bronte novel, I'm shocked at how much this sun deprivation is putting a hurt on me. I can be very much at one with the foggy stillness mind you, but what tends to happen is I want to curl up in a ball and sleep and listen to Nick Drake, Bon Iver, or Lou Reed. At least with the sunshine, I've got some oomph to my self deprecation. But I digress, because today I wanna show you a great little bag for Spring that will not nearly break the bank, and it's a great little something for everything from picnics in the park to power sessions with your laptop in the cloud to chicish beach bag. And it's at, of all places, Banana Republic.

BR of late has really been, well, off.  I find myself struggling to find anything at all in that store, though the men's stuff of late has been on point. The women's? Meh. I'm not a retro sheath dress kind of girl and have no interest in channeling Anna Karenina, so...

But a quick in-store pop by yesterday had me yearning for this bag, and with their constant sales, it could be yours for under $100. I adore this tote and find its unstructured goodness to be the perfect counterpart to warm weather dressing, so wait not. It comes in a sort of neutral alligator print (yes) and a wonderful green (emerald is the color of the year, you know) that, although is my favorite color, feels a bit too preppy for me at this moment in time, but man, it's cute. It also comes in a rich cognac tone which is a fab look with all of your whites and browns in the spring. I love a brown bag in the springtime for that boho vibe. See, I'm in a better mood already. And you probably are too. The bag retails for $130, but looks like there's a 30% thing happening at the store so go get one of these. It's the Paige tote and it's all that. Very chic, reasonable, and unstructured enough to house all of your favorite things and throw a bit of caution to that wind. You can go back to feeling sorry for yourself tomorrow, but buy this bag first. 

Cause that's what's up this Lou and Nico gloomy shopping is the answer kind of Tuesday in the 212. This concludes your cute bag alert for today.  A good bag is equal to a bit of sunshine, you know. XO

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=14421&vid=1&pid=4...

 

Good morning, friends. It's soupy and warm in the city today and I'm listening to Bon Iver and trying to get it together. Though I missed a lot of the arrivals last night, I did indeed catch the GG's and let me tell you- the dresses were incredible. Not many did not totally nail it- though there's been some fence sitting when it comes to maj dresses like Lucy Liu's floral Carolina Herrera (not my fav, but still quite a remarkable frock), most of the glamourati got it 100% right on the red carpet.

With two women hosts and Lena Dunham rocking it with "Girls", this year's Globes celebrated strong and fearless females, and the stars dressed accordingly. It was a wonderful night to be a woman, that's for sure (aren't they all, though?).

If you were watching the show last night, it became clear pretty early on that the 2013 Golden Globe awards had a bit of a literal thing happening when it came to gowns- the number of orbs in display (read: boobs) was sort of unbelievable. Giving up the once hyper trending side boob, all the pretty young things were rocking big time front boob, and dresses were cut low, low, low (was hard not to be on boob watch when it came to host Amy Poehler- was so waiting for one to fall out). Jessica Chastain's seafoam Calvin Klein took the plunge (her hair was just awful, ps...what happened there?) and Katherine McPhee's Theyskens Theory dress was held up by Lord knows what. It sure was a good night for double stick tape. Eva Longoria's black Pucci gown rocked a big keyhole neckline in front and not much in the back in terms of coverage. I guess in honor of the success of HBO's "Girls" all the ladies wanted to show their very own girls to the world.

In other news, I adored the simplicity of Kristen Wiig's Michael Kors (though I can't imagine sitting down to dinner in a tummy baring dress...yikes) and adored the deep crimson of Naomi Watts's demure but sexy Zac Posen. I'm always a fan of what Zac does on the red carpet, but one thing- Lena Dunham's dress. Hmph. She looked like the mother of the Bat Mitzvah- this is a young girl who admittedly does not have the stick thin-ness of most of the stars out last night, but come on. The dress was pretty but fit her strangely- and as someone who is covered in tattoos and stands for something other than traditional glamour, why did she not wear something a little more interesting, a little more her, a little more modern? Just a thought. Still she is one of the smartest women in entertainment and I look forward to many more years of dresses and self deprecation and amazingness from her. She's sort of the Meryl Streep of fashion for the younger set- it matters not what she wears really- it's her words and actions and talent that always steals the show. 

Two gorgeous standouts for me were Jessica Alba in melon Oscar De La Renta and Jennifer Lawrence in Dior. Yes I know Katniss's boobs looked a little weird, but that dress was high, high, high fashion and I absolutely loved the waistline and thought she just looked like the living end. Though I'm guessing she was taking her role in "Hunger Games" quite literally with that look- she probably is very relieved to eat again- that dress had two week juice cleanse written all over it.

Kate Hudson's black McQueen had a bit of the drum majorette, but I do think she looked outstanding (yet another front boob moment), and Salma Hayek's black strapless Gucci looked absolutely sensational on her- a really classy moment, unlike Sofia Vergara, who although gorgeous, always manages to look cheap. I did love her hair though.

As per usual, there were the confection like dresses- Amy Adams in blush Marchesa was indeed lovely, but Julianne Hough's Monique Lhuillier dress, though gorgeous, was a bit too fairy princess for me. Not modern. Not new. Not interesting. Next.

Anne Hathaway's two piece Chanel (from 2009 mind you) was lovely and elegant but I would have preferred something with a bit more va voom. That girl can wear anything she wants though and look fabulous. Loved the understated jewels and simplicity, but have some fun lady. You're no longer playing a starving prostitute. Happy days are here and such...

My favorite look of the night? Kerry Washington's Miu Miu dress,  with Rachel Weisz's Louis Vuitton as an honorable mention. Both felt so modern, so stylish, and so right now. I loved the length of both of these so much (the play on mini and full length), and  both ladies looked like they were having fun, and not just stuffed into some boned corset of a dress. Big fan. Kerry's was really my favorite, but Rachel went high fashion in a fun way and really liked it. Kerry killed ith though, hair, makeup, dress- all around gorgeous.

All in all, the women were outstanding. Tina and Amy were wonderful hosts, and while most of the speeches were beyond annoying (Jodie Foster wtf), the show itself was fun to watch. Hugh Jackman was his fantastic self, Ben Affleck's slight befuddlement was charmed, and Daniel Day Lewis's speech was amazing. The men cleaned up pretty well too, though Jeremy Irons. Oy. What happened there? Methinx his long waistcoat tells me  he's taking his role as the Borgian pope a bit too seriously. Yikes.

So the Globes came and went and I did enjoy seeing all the gorgeous gowns and jewels and such. I'm glad mostly everyone came correct, though it's not nearly as much fun to write these when everyone gets it right. Cause that's what's up this golden afterglow kind of Monday on the isle. All the best for a wonderful day. XO

 

 

 

 

Good day, Thursday. It's pretty transcendent here in NYC today- 50 degrees and sunny as all get out. I love it. 

My brain is a bit drained this week though I'm super stoked at the response I received from my "Girls" post. I plan to write much more about my 20s in the near-future because, well, there's much to say about that era of my life. But today finds me struggling to come up with much of anything to talk about, though I will say this:

I was just sitting here digging through an old bag, when voila- a lip gloss (an expensvie one) I thought I had lost ages ago magically appeared from the bottom of said purse. The feeling that accompanies such a find is the feeling I wish to have every day- a combination of glee, relief, and unmitigated happiness for the little things. That is all. Men, perhaps your equivalent is finding a baseball card from your youth or digging out your lucky sock from the dryer after thinking it was gone forever, reunited with its mate to make that perfect pair. Ain't discovery grand? Especially when you're not even looking...now if only it were this easy to find oneself. Sigh. No digging through the purse for that one, but I wonder if we stop looking so hard our "selves" will unexpectedly appear? Begs the question.

Cause that's what's up this not much to say but happy to have found it kind of Thursday in magical Brooklyn. All the love. XO

PS- the lipgloss is Passionfruit, by Chantecaille. Loves it. Huge splurge but good stuff. Perfect neutral pink/peach loveliness.

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845...

Good morning, Tuesday. It's a gorgeous day in NYC and supposed to go up to 50 degrees to boot. It's a heatwave, people. Let's enjoy it.

In other news, I am quite excited for the premiere of the next season of "Girls" this weekend. You all know I love that show, and adore Lena Dunham beyond reasonable comprehension. She says everything I wanted to say in my 20s but was to afraid or insecure to, so hipster hats off to her. She's a brave and brilliant soul.

Over the weekend, I had one of those moments that made me relieved to be as old as the hills, and no longer entrenched in that battleground known as the 20s. I read an article on Zosia Mamet, who plays Shoshanna on the show. In that article, she noted that nobody tells you how much your 20s suck- you're so willing to get past puberty and avoid "real" adulthood that maybe you don't even realize it. Oh, I realized it. Believe me. My 20s were, well, an absolute shitshow. Sure I had a fabulous time there, but talk about toxic, f'ed up, and generally confused. I didn't know who I was, what or who I wanted, and which end was my ass and which was my oft-hungover brain. Cut to the steps of my building this weekend- where one of my neighbors, the one in his 20s who wears a skicap with his suit to work (always feels weird somehow- not a cap, but a hat you would wear as a child when you ski) and who never says hello, was having THAT conversation with his girl.

There they were in the cold, having just returned from buying artichoke dip and chips from Trader Joe's, having an argument right out there for all to see. It was not a loud argument- it was hushed and tear filled and well, sad. I quickly turned the key in the door so as to give them some privacy, and when I went back outside half an hour later, they were still there. Hunched, hushed, and tear stained. I heard the girl say, "you were not like this when we met". Sigh. Young love. So deep. So tragic. So dangerous. (If you weren't or aren't like this in your 20s, good for you. But most of you were and are so read on).

What I wanted to tell the girl, the pretty girl who was clearly having a moment in plain view, was that this guy was pretty much a douche. I see him every day leaving for work, and he never says hello. And the whole grade school ski hat with pom pom and suit thing. Nope. That's a sign. But you wouldn't know that when you're in your 20s and somebody tries to love you and you try to love them. You think somehow you can fix that ski cap, and sure, you can get him to give up the ski cap in favor of some other head covering, but he's not really going to give it up. Not in his 20s anyway, and chances are, no other time in his life either. But you don't know that yet, and you're not going to know it until you're midway through your 30s, though when you turn 30 a lot of fucking lights do go on. It's like the Fourth of July, really. 

So as I watched pom pom head break up with his little lady, taking her down for all the world to see at midday in Brooklyn, I felt so sad for her, maybe for both of them, but more for her (she's on my team, after all). I wanted to tell her that in about five years, she's going to look back on this guy and his artichoke dip and loud chewing and bad wardrobe choices and thank her lucky stars that he turned out to be Mr. Wrong. I wanted to say that there will probably be a few more jerks to get through before you find the one who makes you feel like bringing those Trader Joe's bags inside and cuddling up on the sofa with a marathon of Scorcese or Apatow or John Hughes, or whatever really. I wanted to let her know that I have been there, and though I had more fun than most people have in a lifetime, I too felt cold on those steps at one point, wishing things were different and hoping they would be someday. And we all know how that story turned out- David wears neither ski hats or suits on a daily basis and is the man I was always looking for. 

All I can say to you twentysomethings out there is you are so lucky to have a champion like Lena Dunham, who shows the loathsome qualities of said age, when you're not very likable because really, you don't like yourself a whole lot. But some day, when you start noticing those greys and blame those crow's feet on years of not wearing your glases when you should have (ahem), it will just be better. You'll have new challenges, but ski cap guy won't be one of them. You'll simply be stronger and cooler and you'll dig yourself a lot more. But if you're still dating ski cap guy into your 30s or beyond, you're a mess. Don't do that. It's only really allowed in your 20s and for about 2 minutes into your 30s. After that, get thee to a therapist, or a nunnery. Either way, I can't wait for "Girls" to begin- I so relate to the show and also feel relieved every time I watch it that I'm not that young and messy anymore. It's tough out there.

And that's what's up this don't mean to be smug, but I'm cool with being old kind of Tuesday in the chick filled isle of Manhattan, listening to Hot Chip on my headphones and moving forward.  Sure it's fun being a "girl", but really it's more fun being a woman. I may not get it right all the time, but my Hannah/Lena moments are fewer and further between. XO

 Heya Monday...nice one. Sunny, alive, not yet stressed. In honor of such moments, I'll be brief. These photos shot by Thomas Nutzl for Marie Claire back in October on capture my mood. Oh and those clothes from Ferragamo...TO DIE. Can you believe how amazing their stuff is now? Sure this story ran in October, but 'tis the season to wear resort, and dontcha just wish you could wear all of this? (I know I do in spades).

It's all being designed by Massimiliano Giornetti, with as much cool and luxe as one could muster in all of Italy. To me, these clothes are just what one needs to get through a Monday- coolness, confidence, sexiness, and a neutral countenance that has any girl ready for a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g.

Sexy, cool, hyper glam, and ready to do battle. Yup. That's what I feel like today- wherever you are today, do your thing and hope you're feeling ready. These resort looks are making me channel a trip somewhere exotic and fabulous, even if it really is in my own mind. Cause that's what's up this let's go somwhere kind of Monday in the 212. XO