the world according to sherimaven

Good morning. There's a Nor'easter on the way and I'm hoping all of my tri-staters stay safe. I was up late (but not as late as they expected) watching Obama retake the White House, and all I can say is thank goodness. I know people are tired of talk about politics, but I'm not sure how if you're a woman or love one how you could have even considered the alternative. Romney proved to be out of touch with voters, who found his deep religion and non-forward flip flopping to outrank any of his strengths. I know a few people who voted for him, and many did so based on one issue- they wanted to protect their bank accounts, which I find so insane.

What I find insane about that is not that people want to not get taxes raised, but that people would be selifish enough to vote along a single issue. Think of it like a marriage or finding a soulmate- would you be with someone just because they have money or good looks? Or would you dig a little deeper and look for someone who i someone you could trust, someone to relate to, and above all, someone with a great sense of humor and can dance?

You know what I mean. The President is the full package- he may not have nailed it in the first four years, but this is a country on the verge and on the edge now, and he knows it. Gone is the original marketing, the Shepherd Fairey poster, the sense of hope that we all so aptly needed after all of those years of Bush. But here's what the announcement of his re-election made me feel- relief. Relief that my rights as a woman were protected, relief that the White House was not becoming a house with a steeple and a cross on top, and relief that my gay friends could be who they are with, full stop, and stop having to defend who they love. Yes, I'm worried about the economy and the clean-up of Sandy and what the hell is happening in Iran. But it warms me that so many of us thought staying the course was a better move than upsetting the apple cart. To bring somebody new into this mess does not seem like the best idea- especially someone who seems so out of touch with well, almost all of us.

This election was divisive, dirty, and at times, depressing. But what I love about this country and the process we all enjoy is we make decisions based on what is best for this country. And as I walked to my voting station at 6 am yesterday, my heart swelled with pride when I made my choice.

But I had moments last night of wanting to take everything from Xanax to bourbon to morphine to poison. A few times during the evening, I was packing bags for Canada. But although Obama's hope platform is long gone, his "we can do this together' spirit swept us all, and that's why I love this country so very much. And in no small part, we have the youth of this country to thank. I honestly feel that millenial voters had much to do with this election- they don't tolerate candidates or bosses or purchases that they don't connect to- and Romney and his P 90X hothead Ryan came to town, there was nothing to really connect with- there was nothing that said innovation, creativity, or good deeds. And let's not forget about our Hispanic voters, whose power is being felt this morning. It's funny because the Latins that I did know in Miami were really conservative voters, but the tides have changed apparently. In fact, I know  few who used to be conservative but because of Rommney's views on women, changed their tunes. It's modern times, Romney, and you are talking to the children of people who probably like you a bit. But if the Republicans ever want a shot at this game again, they need to get back in touch, drop the Tea Party, and stop trying to "rage against the machine". 

Obama, I am so relieved you are here to take us into the future- and Mrs. Obama, I love that I get to watch you continue to be a strong and wonderful icon for all of us everyhwere, and the girls too. I for one can't wait to see the inaugural gown- taking bets now but think it will be Carolina Herrara or Tracey Reese, but how much fun would Marc Jacobs or Donna Karan be? Needless to say, it's going to be fabulous to see them dance their first dance. After so much tragedy here in the Northeast last week, this, this was a real victory and reason to celebrate. Feel good, friends. We did it. And that's what I've got this must get in the shower and get to it new day and the results are in kind of Wednesday in the 212.  Sweet land of liberty; now back to work.  There's much to do, but go ahead and whip your hair back and forth first, it feels great to be an American today. XO 

Good morning, Tuesday. It's a cold and sunny morning here in the city, and at 6 am, my partriotic arse was in line at the polls, which ps, felt antiquated- I had to fill out a ballot and then scan it- quite anti-climactic really but very happy I exercised my right to vote. I love the process and there's no words to describe how important this election is- the distraction of Sandy took the focus away for a few days, but needless to say, I'm fully of monkey nerves and praying my fellow country folk will do the right thing and keep things moving forward. I for one am very much looking forward to Michelle's inaugural gown, aren't you? I'm going to go with either Jason Wu again, or Tracy Reese, but if she was a smartie, she'd go for De La Renta or a custom couture thing by Isaac Mizrahi. Then again, there's so many amazing designers who could dress her so beautifully (Herrera, Kors, Narcisco) I'm sure I won't be disappointed. 

Listen, I'm going to level with all of you- and most of you already know this- the last few weeks have been rough ones for me- the pneumonia, the hurricane, the feeling of general malaise of not knowing what's coming next for me or for anybody else. I'm a deeply sensitive girl that feels things more than most- and the aches and pains of a country on edge have not done wonders for my psyche, not to mention being in that peculiar place of not knowing what's next for me in this thing called life. I've teetered on the brink of late but feel the pendulum may be swinging back to sanity, because it simply has to. I've been a bit of an absentee blogger of late, and for this, I apologize. Last week did not feel quite right writing about fashion and folly, and the few weeks before that I was feeling quite sick and couldn't keep my eyes open, though writing a post on Oxycodone would have been inspired, I'm sure of it, in a modern, more hackish version of Coleridge kind of way.

But besides all of that- my project is winding to an end, the sun is out, I'm hopeful that Obama will get re-elected, I may fall to pieces if he does not, but right now, right this very minute now in my fur vest from a Paris flea market and my sillk Tucker dress, I'm good. And really, that's all I can ask for. As a city and country we have been through so very much- today is proof that we can bring about positive things in the world, by exercising our beliefs and views and above all, vote. Get out there, people. Fight fer your rights, and keep fighting that fight. Cause that's what's up this getting back in the game kind of Tuesday in the still crazy beautiful 212.  Today is a good day full of promise(so far) so keep pushing. XO

Monday. Election day tomorrow. Back to work. Not for some. Not out of the woods yet for many in New York. Connecticut. New Jersey. All we can do is keep breathing, even when people are fighting on the subway and so many more of my fellow new Yorkers need help. Be back at you soon- honestly floored that tomorrow is the day we either keep the faith or bring in the new (please no). For now, I'm not going to write a lot because I need to JUST BREATHE. Doing that as we speak...

That's what I've got for you today in these heady days in New York and everywhere else. XO

It's hard to believe the last post I wrote was called "The New Normal". I was referring to my need to be at home and feel normal in the midst of so much stress. Little did I know then what I know now.

About a day or so after that post, I was diagnosed with pneumonia. I am fine now, better than ever in fact because I quit smoking (thanks pneumonia) but having to go to the emergency room in New York City was one of my worst fears confirmed. I was always proud to say that after so many years here, leaving and coming back, I never had to go to an ER in the city. And now I know why I didn't want to. Beth Israel at 18th and 2nd is absolutely from the middle ages- even with insurance I felt like I was in a third rate hospital- dirty, no toilet papers in the bathrooms, drug addicts begging for Dilaudid next to me- doctors who were cursing and generally looked sleep deprived and totally over it. To be honest, my attendants were very nice to me, but I was there for 7 hours, in pain in my ribs and back, and finally went home with a chest xray that showed pneumonia, armed with some Oxycontin for the pain and a very strong antibiotic.

I planned to write a post about how New York is one of the greatest equalizers of people that there is- it is beyond a level playing field even though some of the richest people in our country live here, the biggest industries are here, the trends are set here. It matters not, any of this, because all of us take the subway, all of us walk the same streets, breathe the same here, and squeeze in to the same subways. All of us need a doctor from time to time, so all of us- regardless, have to rely on the city to take care of us and get us where we need to go. At times, the subway system feels like it's held together by thread, and the chaos of city living has lately made me wonder how anybody can think this city "works". And this, before this week and the worst storm of our lives.

If New York is a place where we all have to survive together, there's been no bigger test than Sandy. I sat in my apartment in Brooklyn, listening to what sounded like the end of the world, and wondered why I was so absolutely terrified, in a way I have never been before. I have been through 9/11, the blackout, and numerous big hurricanes in Miami. Why was this so different? Growing up in the Northeast, it's true that "hurricane preparedness" was nowhere near our vernacular. This is not a language we speak up here, and the news were preparing us for the worst and guess what? It was the worst. As I listened to those winds and felt my heart enter my throat, I knew I was feeling this way because I was very in tune with the great devastation around me. For better or for worse, there is no city I am more in tune with than New York- for good, for bad, for celebration, for tragedy. For every transformer that blew and light that went out, I felt it. Somehow, we in Brooklyn, in my part of Brooklyn and many others, dodged a bullet. That in itself feels weird, somehow guilt producing- that so many around us have been so fucked by this storm while we sit with heat, electricity, and internet makes me feel like thanking G-d, but also wondering why and how we were spared.

I wrote that post over a week ago to speak to how exhausted I was feeling, how fatigued, how over it all I was. I was forced to lay in bed all of last week, and now this happened to further cripple any nerves I had gained back from a mandatory rest. This is a horrible thing to say but maybe you can help me work it out- being in New York for 9/11 made me feel so proud, so grateful to be a New Yorker. I'm sad to admit that I'm not feeling that way now, because I'm not sure at this point in my life I am equipped to deal with such insanity, and though it's only been a few days, it feels like a lifetime.

I know I am not one of the people who lost a home, a relative, or anything else from this storm. But what I did lose was a little faith- how are we to come back from this? When will the sirens stop? When will Manhattan come back from this and how will all the surrounding communities around the city survive? With 9/11, there was a feeling, a very real feeling, of having to defeat this enemy, this "evil doer" who sought to destroy us and our way of life. But who are we fighting now? We can't fight mother nature. We can't fight the weather. All we can do, I suppose, is rebuild, smarter. Better. You know I love this city- more than anything. But even before the storm, its energy and chaos was beginning to suck me dry, I found myself wanting to stay in Brooklyn and not go into the city- Manhattan's insanity was feeling like way too much of late. This city is such a hard place to live- it's expensive, competitive, crowded, intense. It breeds anxiety and claustrophobia. But it also gives back so much in terms of inspiration, intelligence, and tolerance. I'm very much trying to get my pride on, to know we, as New Yorkers will get through this, but I'm not sure how you fight an adversary as big as weather. Do we come to accept this, our "new normal" of superstorms and surges and power outages? Will living on the water lose all of its appeal? Can the Jersey shore ever retain its summer go to status? I sure do hope so. Right now, the energy of this storm and its ensuing loss and sadness and surrealism is almost too much to take. I wanted to share because I'm feeling very lost, and I'm one of the lucky ones.

And that's what's up this I love New York but I'm tired of bad shit happening here (and everywhere else) kind of Thursday in the 718.  Prayers to friends and strangers alike. XO

Good morning, Monday sweetie darling. The weather was beyond this weekend, and today is no joke either as New York is alive and well and wholly Autumnal. A funny thought occured to me as I decompressed from a doozy of a week this weekend, so this goes out to my young readers:

A few words about stress management...

Friday.....gah. Where did the week go?

Hubby just yelled at me while asking " Ou est lle cinq pour vendredi?"

He didn't really. He doesn't speak French. He was just askin' where be the five spot for today. My answer is, I got no time. I'm fixing shit and taking names. Just like DV. Weak I know. Sad for sure. But so very true. I'm busy plugging leaks with old band aids. Be back with you next week...XO

Good afternoon, Thursday. I'm busy busy but wanted to take the time and post- by now you know i live for Fall and the style and chill that the season brings. Part of having real style is understanding what kind of story you want to tell with your wardrobe, and how to channel some fashion archetypes that are permanently etched into the fashion canon as iconic figures to be reinterpreted through the ages. One of my all time favs is Ali McGraw and her effortless and sexy bohemian style.

To me, the ex Mrs. McQueen epitomizes what I love about Fall fashion- as the weather turns cold, there's simply no excuse not to keep it looking cool. The look is all about a classic coat (like the wrapped camel number I spotted on Victoria's Secret), some high heeled suede boots, and a bohemian, vintage inspired dress (this one from Free People) with gobs of gold chains. I myself am obsessed with her fur hat, but know that may be over the tippy for some of you, but how chic does she look in it? Love her.

The best thing about her look is it's fairly easy to achieve- just couple classic and vintage (inspired) with lots of chained jewels or boho/ethnic pieces and some knee length boots and there you have it. Instant love story. Or try a tight turtleneck from your favorite staple spot (this one from the Gap) and patterned skirt (this one from Etro is beyond) and those aforementioned boots, and you've got it on lock- and don't you just love the little change purse/belt from Asos? Yours for 12 bucks. You're welcome.

PS there's a little shop on Rivington just below Bowery called Leekan Designs that has the most divine Eastern influenced jewelry and artwork for great prices. Mixing ethnic pieces with classic staples is a great way to get in on this trend. I also adore these pieces from Tory Burch, who definitely is the poster child for an Ali McGraw kind of chic- and if that's all too spendy opt for a long linked look like the one below from Forever 21, for under a very lovely price of seven dollars:

Links below for shopping:

http://www.victoriassecret.com/clothing/fall-sale-and-specials/belted-wrap-co...

http://www.shopleekan.com/

http://www.freepeople.com/vintage-loves-clothes/vintage-indian-boho-dress-236...!

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=25687518&am...

http://www.6pm.com/eugenia-kim-gigi-black-white

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/joan-david-tall-platform-wedge-dre...

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=whatsnew_ac...

http://www.toryburch.com/jewelry-necklaces/accessories-jewelry-necklaces,defa...

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=311945022&tid=gosp1r&kwid=1&...

http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Chain-and-Purse-Detail-Waist-Belt/ybnjt/?iid=2220799&...

http://www.stylebop.com/product_details.php?id=232661&partner=shopstyle&a.../shopstyle/usd/&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=shopstyle&utm_campaign=productfeed&ia-pmtrack=56971310&campaign=affiliate/linkshare/usa/&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=linkshare&utm_campaign=adsus&siteID=J84DHJLQkR4-IzZKzpZmzjVl8DTMF_GSaA

Good morning, Wednesday. Had a fabulous class last night (fashion writing) and so enjoyed writing about the collections on the fly- it's my calling, of this I'm certain. But I had to leave class early cause there was no way I was going to miss the debates. And though I was going to take some cheap shots about binders full of women and blind trusts, I was smitten by a piece I saw this am on Target's holiday collaboration with Neiman Marcus, which includes just about every designer you've come to know, love, and COVET. This collection, on sale December 1st at all Target and Neiman Marcus sotres, does not disappoint- the prices are fabulous and there's gifts for everyone on your list. Refinery 29 showed all the pieces, (link to follow post), but wanted to share a few of my favs:

How amazeballs are those Brian Atwood gloves? Derek Lam slippers and skateboard? Um, yea. That Marc Jacobs scarf has husband written all over it, Tory Burch's thermos is a great way to be chic on the job, and Marc's little pouches are a great way to store your cords, plugs, and lipsticks when on the go. And Rag and Bone's flask and cup set are must haves when buying gifts for my favorite person, ME. I adore this set and know it would look lovely in my home, and in my pocket should I decide to check out the Mummers Parade on New Year's Day.

I get the feeling that the last collab round with Kirna Zabete was not as well received by the masses (though the Odin menswear collection was fantabulous), but this little stocking stuffer of a situation is going to be gangbusters for sure. Between this and Martin Margiela for H&M, I might combust. Tis the season to go shopping. Get an early jump on it, and start creating some binders on such pursuits while you're at it. And that's all I've got this four more years and early holiday fixating kind of Wednesday in Old New York. My name is the Maven and I've approved this message.XO

http://www.refinery29.com/neiman-marcus-target

Good (almost) afternoon, Tuesday. I slept a full 8 hours last night, an unheard of feat for this girl who can never seem to get enough sleep. I generally wake up in the middle of the night, sleepless and ready to jump online or watch a horrible late night talk show. Last night's sleep has me revived. And with that, I bring you some looks I love for the Fall.

LIke many of you, I look at Winter with a cautious eye- I love the cords, boots, leather jackets, scarves, and hot beverages. I do, however, hate feeling too contsticted by layers upon layers, especially if you live in New York City, where a dinner date could lead to hot flashes if you're not dressed appropriately. The heat is cranked up to Icarian levels and one feels they may be dining too close to the sun. For that reason, girls in cold climates need a contingency plan, and that plan is best dressed by sleeveless dresses and tights.

I am a huge fan of this look- it allows your skin to breathe, the tights keep you warm, and the legginess is a way to feel sexy when it's oompah loompah puffy coat season. Paired with a simple blazer or cardigan or thin denim jacket you can layer under your coat, it's a great look that still maintains the freshness of Spring but moves right into Fall and Winter. Paired with booties or sky high heels or even high tops or ballet flats, you can go with a print, a solid in a good fabric like ponte, or any variety of color or material or print. I'm a huge fan. I like sleeveless all year round- it's chic to show some skin even when it's cold outside. These looks are from Free People, a go to source for boho girlsthat want comfy and cool looks for all seasons. If sleeveless is not your thing, try some of these looks below- a great way to work your Spring/Summer dresses and give them a go all year round. Think all the gals below are looking super cutes. I would love to see these looks paired with a fake fur vest or coat and a big floppy hat to keep the summer of love vibe alive, even in the dead of winter. And if furriness is not your trip, try a fitted leather jacket to give the look a rock and roll vibe.

In any event, while you're compiling your "must have" list for Fall and Winter- make sure your list includes numerous hues of tights and a deep dive into the back of your close for some printed or shortish frocks from last season's warmth that can help you look very cool. And that's all I've got this dresses are the bestest kind of Tuesday in the 212.  XO

Good morning, Monday. I was up wayyyyyyy early to get to work today, after a lovely weekend with my sister spent running around the city and feeling super lightheaded in Uniqlo. That store will do a girl in- it's hot, crowded, and full of deals. Perhaps worth it, but still...

So Fall is well on the way, though it's warm here in New York you just know the change is gonna come. We got a taste last week, but all of these thoughts of crunchy leaves, fireplace smells from dimly lit brownstones, and cinnamon spiced afternoons makes me want a new coat. And since I've faced the fact that I'm all about nesting, cocooning, and generally laying low of late, I very much covet this coat from Acne, a brand I'm pretty obsessed with in general for their cool Swede street style appeal. I'm bats for their Sasha wool coat, which I spotted on Refinery 29 this morning. I can't even. It's the amazing non technicolor coat of my dreams. And it's got that 90s Belgian vibe to boot.

This coat speaks to the fact that I want to be not just warm, but covered the hell up. I love the loose and boyish silhouette, the cozy shape, and the fact that this piece will fit beautifully over any kind of thick wool situation you throw under it. I love a coat to get lost in, and this coat is the one. It's simple and cool and classic all at once. I want to live in it. I enjoy a slouchy and relaxed coat- nothing worse than being overly bundled in a wool straitjacket. Nothing. 

And that my friends, is what's up this woolen and warm Monday in the 212.  Have fabulous day, link below to the coat. XO

http://www.lagarconne.com/store/item.htm?itemid=16518&sid=293&pid=121