the world according to sherimaven

Good afternoon, Wednesday. Quick and easy fast to all my fellow Jews. As I'm sitting here repenting, I can't help but look at fashion (you know how I roll). And I was wrapping my head around the insanely good clothes I saw on the runways in Milan, I came across Dries Van Noten's show (one of the first of Paris Fashion week) and stopped mid repent. 

I have always been a fan of his "cerebral" approach to fashion (The NY Times said that. I am not nearly that cerebral myself). There's an intellectual approach to dress that comes through in all of his collections, and it's no secret he was part of one of the coolest fashion movements around, The Antwerp Six. If you are old enough to remember when "Smells Like Teen Spirit" rocked your world, then you very well may remember that amazing fashion moment when the Belgians took the stage. They started rocking things in the mid-late 80s, but their influence was most heavily felt by those grunge types who were craving a more somber pallette and edgier vibe. My other fav from that grouping was and is Ann Demeulemeester, whose clothes always felt to me like a Deborah Turbeville photograph- austere, seductive, quiet, and beautifully restrained. But back to our man Dries, and his collection in Paris this semaine.

I mentioned yesterday that good fashion has the ability to shift a mood, change the game, or make the mind wander to a place of pure fantasy. This collection, heavily grunge scented, had me at first plaid. The dream of the 90s is alive at Van Noten, and I for one, think it's fabulous.  I love the pajama silhouettes, the plaid "flannel" shirts mixed with evening skirts, the robes and elegant wackiness of this collection.

As I peeped at each look, I found my mind going somewhere far, far away- to a cabin in the woods (a chic one of course), where i would head for the hills and  pen my first novel or write my memoirs in stylish solitude. I could see myself hunched over a typewriter (yes a typewriter, this is my fantasy so being a Luddite is allowed), draped in a sheer silk Chinoiserie robe with a flannel underneath and quilted khakis.  Or going into the small town to pick up supplies miles away from my cabin dressed in contrasting plaids and looking every bit the eccentric. Or wearing a blue flower covered caftan while pacing back and forth in the great wide open at midnight to try and figure out how to close a paragraph or solve a problem with plot. if Dries is a cerebral designer, then I am but a willing intellectual at his feet. And since I have a thing for writing in my pajamas, I'm all in.

As one descends into madness over the frustration and isolation of writing a book, why not look fabulous as one is slowly going insane? And eventually, when the last word would be typed and "THE END" would be silently mouthed from my quivering red lips, I'd come to a bit and dress myself in one of these beautiful flower printed skirts with a plaid vest and button down for a meeting with my editor and publisher back in the big city. These are looks for creative people- a little bit eccentric to say the least, but so. very. chic. I'm not sure you would look at a shirt from the Gap that way, but that was my point from yesterday- clothes at this level deserve a great story, New York Times bestseller list or not. I can almost see, ps, a Bruce Weber shoot with the very concept I just described, with Daria Werbowy or Arizona Muse as the petulant and a bit kooked up novelist. 

Regardless of whether I'll be writing the great American novel swathed in designer clothes is not the point. I just wanted to show you where my mind goes when looking at great clothes. That's what they do for me, and apparently, that's what they did and do for great photographers, editors, buyers, and lovers of high fashion. If I'm ever going to lock myself in a cabin, I'm going to channel this collection to get inspired. It's one part "heart shaped box" and all other parts awesome. I feel smarter and more motivated to write than ever by looking at his clothes. Thanks, Mr. Van Noten. Good lookin' out.

And that's what's up this novel Wednesay in the 718. Looking forward to taking you somewhere else in the very near-future. XO

Hi, Tuesday. I'm more than obsessed with the goings on in Milan, but since my feet are firmly planted in NYC, I've got to be grounded and hunker down to a project that requires almost all of my attention. Needless to say, there's always time to talk about fashion. So let's.

This past weekend found me at the Angelika with a friend, watching the documentary about Mrs. Diana Vreeland entitled "The Eye Has to Travel". Admittedly, I knew about most of the things in the film- I devoured George Plimpton's tome on Vreeland simply entitled "DV" and her amazing musings and sense of style have caught my eye since I was a girl. For those of you who don't know about her, Ms. Vreeland was the basis for the fashion editrix in "Funny Face" as well as the first real creator of fashion editorial as we know it today. Her career spanned decades- from her turns at Bazaar to her years at Vogue to her top post at the Met Costume Institute. Diana's look was almost as legendary as her work- Kabuki makeup, severe features, Verdura cuffs on both thin wrists. Now Mrs. Vreeland was no traditional beauty, but her self creation was simply one of the most gorgeous things out there, and her collaborations with Avedon, David Bailey, and the scads of models she made super were simply out of this world. She never just liked stuff, she adored it, she never disliked things, she loathed them, sweetie darling. Working for her was apparently no picnic, but all the greats are difficult, and that's just that.

Inspired by the Ballet Russes, youth culture, and anything decidedly not boring (think tigers, the light in Morocco, warriors from exotic climes), she simply changed the game when it came to fashion being a storytelling vehicle, and most importantly, the ultimate in fantasy.

As I watched this film and thought about all of those indulgent photoshoots, whim filled memos to staff, and kookly proclamations (I loathe narcissism, but I approve of vanity is one of many) I couldn't help but think about that chutzpah is long gone from fashion, and damn if I don't want it back. Now I may be backpedaling as you know I have more than praised the democratization of fashion and creativity in general- Joe and Jane Doe expressing themselves in new and exciting ways presents an opportunity for a collective creativity never before seen in this world. But stop for a moment and think about it- is it me or are we all soon going to tire of a random fashion blog from Omaha where a cute young thing uploads photos of herself in head to toe whatever, en route to the mall, a first date, or some other such yawny endeavor? Where is the seduction? Where is the mystery? Where are the straits of Gibraltar? Where is the romance? The sexiness? The white panthers? Yes Vogue and all the other fashion mags are still around, but has our aesthetic turned to something decidedly more mundane when it comes to fashion and style in general?

I can only speak for myself but feel confident there are others out there that feel that in this insane world where crazy shit happens every day and most of it bad, we could use a bit of the fantasy. Isn't that part of fashion's job? As I looked at photos of the Fashion Weeks for Spring    (3 down, 1 to go. Bonjour Paris!), I felt an excitement for the clothes that indulges some fantasies I have- Marni's show felt like that Ruth Orkin young woman in Italy photo, and I could conjure up images of me in those clothes channeling young ingenue in Rome.  Cavalli had me thinking of hippy chic and how I could wear these clothes to a very stylish rock festival or a holiday in Ibiza or Joshua Tree. And Gucci's 70 inspired pieces were all about a Studio 54 induced daydream while sitting at a deskful of spreadsheets. Now am I going to actually indulge these little fantasies any time soon? Most likely, not. But fashion and magazines and great photographers and models and stylists and the whole lot of them don't care if I am just there in my mind, because if they do that, they succeed. I say let's bring back some of the wild, the wacky, the artful approach to dress and how we talk about fashion. I know there will never be another like Mrs. Vreeland, but all of us could use a little Kabuki touch up from time to time- and I'm not saying the pragmatic approach to fashion should be shelved, but my shelves need a bit of the extravagant, extraordinary, and fantastic from time to time. The world would just be a lot more fun with some Vreelandesque moxie. I'm all for it. Sure she was prone to great conjecture, but what a creative force she was. Wasn't it her who said too much good taste could be boring? I'd have to agree.

Oh and speaking of "taste", and safe and healthy fast to all my MOTs. It's that cranky time of year again where we say I'm sorry and talk about how hungry we are. If I've pissed you off this year, I apologize. One thing I won't apologize for is the need to see a return to a more aspirational fashion sense from time to time- I love all you bloggers, but maybe you could up the well turned ante and shoot some stories or make some statements that feel less mass and accessible aka boring? Many thanks and all the love. Cause that's what's up this overly eccentric but fabulous High Holiday eve in the 212.  XO

Good morning, Monday. Well I've got loads of thoughts on both London and Milan Fashion weeks, but have no time to download you on some of the amazing things I saw on the runway- all I'm going to say is that the Italians killed it in my mind, and Jil Sander's return feels so just right. More on that later this week.

I started a freelance thing this week that has me in the city every day, in a neighborhood where one of my first jobs in New York was all those years back. It was a job at an event production company, where we produced whopping extravaganzas for blue chip brands, and where I was lucky enough to meet one of my best friends- there were many late night runs to Kinko's (those were the days) and office dance offs while listening to TLC. Just being in this neighborhood brings back so many crazy memories, and it's hard to believe that after all of these years away, I somehow feel right back where I started, for better or for worse. New York is sort of like that- as much as this city never stops moving, so very many things stay the same. Sometimes that's a huge comfort, and sometimes it feels a bit like a suspension in time. The jury's still out but does feel a bit weird to be amongst the working wounded again, marching up the avenue in business casual and large latte clutching hands. Perhaps as we sail uncharted waters we can take comfortin the familiar? The cadence of rush hour traffic, the smell of light and sweet deli coffee, the refrain of elevator chatter and pleasantries as we start the day? I guess forging ahead sometimes means making some of the usual stops along the way.

And as I was walking here this am wondering what would be in store, I found myself listening to the Band, whose version of "When I Paint my Masterpiece" (a favorite Dylan song of mine how can you not love rhyming 'gondola' with 'Coca Cola'?) felt especially poignant. I'm sort of wondering if I'm ever going to paint mine- unless this is it and I don't know it? I'm not sure sometimes where I'm headed on this new version of life in New York, but I know it's inspired and creative and wholly my own thing. We'll see...for now I'll just listen to the Band and wonder how in the world I got here. As grateful as I am to have great work on my plate, I'm feeling a strong pull towards my own trajectory- and that includes more work as a writer, or having a store, or starting a business that is my own dog and pony, of this I am certain. As much as I love to travel, I know I am right where I need to be, I'm just not quite "there" yet. And as Dylan said in that amazing song, "someday everything's gonna be different"- I just need to paint that masterpiece. And that's what's up this Bobby D kind of Monday in New York City. XO Check out the song I'm talking about below, off of the Band's album "Cahoots":

HI, sweet lil Friday. I'm so happy you are here and looking forward to seeing the new movie about Diana Vreeland this evening as well as some time with the hubs before he travels for work again next week. If there's any men reading this blog, you may feel that I leave you out when it comes to posts that pertain to a more testosterone induced epoch. And since I've been posting much about all the various fashion weeks of late (I'm writing a post this weekend about both London and Milan so hold your well heeled horses, lady luvs), I'm dedicating this five spot to the boys- so here's five for Fall fashion, the mannish version. After all, you boys out there need to get dressed when the temps drop too, non?

Filson collection with Levi's oil finish trucker jacket- this collaboration is for you boys out there that like a more rugged moment- I'm digging this waxed jacket with a fitted hoodie underneath or any layers you see fit. I'm one of those girls that is not into men looking too fashiony, and this piece is a classic yet somehow hip enough to walk the streets of Williamsburg or keep you warm in more creative types of offices. Great piece- super butch yet somehow stylish. Love it. Oh, and I prefer it in black- much cooler.

http://www.filson.com/products/oil-finish-trucker-jacket.10502.html?fromCat=t.../levis-workwear&fmetaProduct=ev20

J. Crew Chimala denim shirt- Ok. My husband, like most of you out there, would never, ever spend this kind of money on a denim shirt. But I'm sharing this one as more of an aspiration than actual intended purchase- it's a great looking shirt, yes, but you can go down to your local vintage shop and most likely get one that is just as cool and just as worn in. In fact, a quick cruise of the Gap site has one with the same western detailing for just $54.95 (http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=59541&vid=1&pid=243934&s...). I love a good denim shirt as a wardrobe staple, and this type of shirt is great with relaxed flat front pants, cords, or if you really want to go for it, a different shade of denim thus avoiding the Texas Tuxedo paranoia. And try it with a tweed blazer for a bit of a rugged/dressed up thing. I'm a fan. I like a dude in denim. Nothing sexier. 'Nuff said.

http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/JCrewingoodcompany/chimala/PRDOVR~87740/87740.jsp

The Mackintosh- Yea I may be all up in J. Crew's grill today, but I love love love the silhouette of a coat like this for Fall- it looks amazing with straight leg or more slim cut jeans and some cool high tops. I've been seeing this look around the city and it's one that i think probably works best on taller dudes, but it's got a cool Euro thing happening while being street enough to not be cheesy. It's a classic coat that you'll wear forever- looks great with all of your workwear too but prefer it with jeans and sneaks or lace up, combat-like boots. Fab. This one's way pricey but I'm giving you an idea of shape- go find it knocked off somewhere cool like Zara or H&M, or find a vintage one on EBay. This one's a classic shape from back in the day, so call it the return of the mack. And make it your mission to find one. I'll help if you want me to.

http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/JCrewingoodcompany/Mackintosh/PRDOVR~98960/98960.jsp

Comme des Garcons cologne- I've often been diagnosed as being highly sensitive- guilty as charged. In later years and with thicker skin, that's less about welling up at the drop of a hat and more about being very in touch with my senses, numero uno, being my sense of smell. I'm one of those chicks that can get super turned off when a smell does not suit me- I remember clearly as a younger girl going out on a few dates with a guy based solely on how good he smelled (it was Barney's Route de The). Fast forward to now and one of my favorite scents for dudes almost always comes from Comme des Garcons, and this one sold at Monocle's store in the West Village and online is utterly swoonworthy. It's manly, sexy, woodsy, and deep. it's the knd of scent that makes girls blush. And if you're still reading this and have not yet rethought your CK One habit (I dumped a guy beccause he wore that ps), then GET TO IT. Sex in a bottle. And they make two scents for Monocle- have not smelled the other one but I'm sure it's equally divine. And if you're anti Monocle, Comme Des does gorgeous scents on its own available at finer retailers the world over.

http://shop.monocle.com/fragrances/monocle-x-comme-des-garcons-scent-one-hinoki

Target Odin collection- I was lucky enough to cruise by the Target pop up for their latest designer collabs  at Fashion Night Out (boys this is that event where we generally leave you at home to play video games while our eyes cross from all the shopping opportunities), and though I was less than excited by some of the offerings, the standout to me was the menswear offerings from Odin. Odin is a great men's shop here in the city and online that sells amazing stuff from brands like Common Projects and Phillip Lim, as well as their own private label offerings. I thought this collection of lower priced items was super sophisticated and cool- with great basics for Fall that most dudes would find acceptable. It went on sale at Target on the 9th of this month, so maybe satisfy your girl and extend an invite for a shopping trip there- we're never too tired to go to Target, and that's a fact. Don't believe me? Check out Esquire's take below:

http://www.esquire.com/blogs/mens-fashion/odin-target-collection-2012

Ooh and since I'm on a roll, let's talk about a bonus sixth item- the Nike Air Solstice- great kicks that look comfy yet cool- digging on the "henna" detailing on the heel. Who doesn't need a great pair of sneakers at hte beginning of each season?

https://www.stevenalan.com/AIR-SOLSTICE-PREMIUM-NSW-TZ/VENFA12_NA_FA12-546510...&start=0&hitcount=4

And ladies, if you're looking for a fun gift for your man, I spotted this awesome Tarantino boxed set on Uncrate yesterday while looking around for fun items to write about.

http://uncrate.com/stuff/tarantino-xx/

Find me one dude who doesn't like Tarantino movies, and further, find me one dude that will not think you're the coolest babe ever if you present him with this. And that's about all I've got cause I gotta get to work. Hope you have a great weekend, and that's what's up this let's hear it for the boys kind of Friday in my favorite city on Earth. XO

Good afternoon, Thursday. Hey, sun- what happened to you? Was a perfectly gorgeous morning and now it's a bit ashy out. Yuck. I do, however, love me some chill in the air so can't complain about sleepy mornings with open windows. Gorgeous.

Here's something else that's gorgeous- the little chain of Swedish cofee shops called Fika right here in Manhattan. They're not new, really, I've just never been. And on my way to an early am meeting this morning, I spotted this sweet spot and had to go in. Lately, I can't resist anything Swedish- admittedly years ago I was in Stockholm and had no love for it, but think it's time for a rethink- sure everyone's nuts for the Nordic types these days, but I have to come to things in my own time, so there. I think my obsession started somwhere between Swedish style blogger Elin Kling and Eric the Vampire on "True Blood", but that's not here nor there. On to cardamom pastries.

Kanelbullar is a Swedish cinnamon roll that is not nearly as gross as a cinnabon. I hate cinnamon buns in general because sticky food is just not really my thing. Picture a cinnamon bun without the glossy thing and about half as sweet, in a good way. And the secret weapon to this light, flaky delicious little angel of a pastry is cardamom, which gives it a little unexpected yet delightful kick (kind of like Alexander Skarsgard, who is rumored to be in the running to play the lead in 'Fifty Shades of Grey'). I'm a big fan of this little coffee spot (Fika means taking a coffee break in Swedish) and was happy to stumble upon it as I tried to get the party started this am. Love it. Go forth and fika. There's a few of them around town, so check one out. 

And that's what's up this lightly infused, kicky little Thursday in the 212. All the love, you sweet things. XO

http://www.fikanyc.com/

Good morning, Wednesday. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, Khan is in his Jets jersey chillin' out, and a nice breeze is coming through my window beckoning me to spend some time outside today, but talking about the weather is so very yesterday, and I want to talk about one of my favorite things and endless source of inspiration- fashion. That's Isabel and Ruben Toledo above, and the epitomize what I love about style and fashion and expressing oneself.

I'm sure there's some of you out there that wonder what it is about fashion besides looking cool that I find so endlessly amazing. As I viewed the New York shows and now part of the London ones online (some early standouts across the pond like Antonio Berardi), I realized that what I love about fashion, and moreover, style, is its ability to tell stories. That's what style does- what we choose to wear says much about us- regardless of who we are, what we have, who we sleep with, or what we do for a living. To me,  style is the ultimate storyteller- to some it may seem surface, but it's a lot more. When you wake up in the morning are you channeling Steve McQueem or Stevie Nicks? Are you a Jackie? What is it about your ratty Dartmouth sweatshirt you love so much? Or maybe you one of those amazing people that go against all type and invent your own look that defies explanation? 

As a young girl, I remember quite clearly feeling something special by looking at Vogue as well as W Magazine. I fantasized about a life I wasn't yet ready  to live- a life filled with gorgeous clothes and people and a completely stylish life. I was well aware that clothes were not just meant to be worn, they were meant to be treasured, displayed, and depict the way I see the world. In my adult life, I've spent much time in marketing and advertising and all the buzz these days is the notion of "storytelling". How can brands tell their story? With so much content out there on the interwebs, what's a tired old brand (or shiny new one) to do to stand out? And in this post transparent, full frontal digital age and "need to know" society we live in, much is also made about authenticity and the need to be real. I can't think of a better place to tell your story than through what you put on your beautiful body every day. Some days your story may be Sunday casual (if you are a freelancer working fro home that could even be on a Tuesday) and some days you may be all business. It's an endless opportunity to express yourself and show the world who you are, in a real and authentic way. 

I've been watching the London shows online and I'm seeing lots of designers making my point- London has always been the home of a certain bespoke eccentricity, and designers there are not shying away from some very ballsy looks. In a social era where it often feels like we are all a bunch of uniformed sheep, it's refreshing to look at clothes that just go for it, and I can't wait to see who wears some of the great looks shown on the runways. Standouts for me have been Antonio Berardi, Mary Katrantzou, and Mulberry. I'll show you some of those looks later this week. 

Many of us spend our lives thinking about how to be inspired, what we can do to wake up each day looking forward to what's ahead, and how to keep that feeling of excitement one often feels from the first blush of love, a new career, or an amazing adventure overseas. Many of us may not be able to jet off to Tunisia or Morocco, but through clothes we can go there in our minds and on our bodies. I for one purchase clothes with occasions in mind, or to channel a gypsetter, Keith Richards, or preppy princess depending on my mood. There's many days I wonder what the future holds for me, if I am going to be able to keep this freelance dream alive, and if I am going to enjoy the balance of a life well lived. Through it all, the common thread is I will most likely dress accordingly, because to me, style is a comomn thread that will see me through all of it- I love discovering new shapes, designers, and ways to express myself through clothes. And living in New York City, being able to see people on the street doing their own unique take on self expression is my version of Heaven. (People are well dressed in my version, and that's that).

I'm sure you have your own passion points- whether it's food, surfing, fine wine, or the joy of creating art. Perhaps you find you best express yourself in the office as a professional, or maybe being a parent is what gets you going. It matters not- I'm just saying that whatever it is you do, you will always need an outfit to accompany you on your daily to-do. And as you're getting dressed this am to go to and fro, take your personal brand to Mach 11 by showing the world who you are, through your very own take on style. In this age of trying to stand out amidst so much clutter, what's your story and how will you tell it? I say you might as well tell some of it with style, because sometimes fashion speaks louder than words when it comes to telling the world who you are. 

And that's what's up this stylish and personalized  kind of Wednesday in lovely New York. All of this talk makes me think of those Capital One commercials with Jimmy Fallon asking us "what's in your wallet?" If I were rewriting that spot, I'd ask you all what's in your closet.

XO

To enjoy the weather and the holiday- sweetness to you all for a wonderful year. XO

Hiya, Friday. Somehow I feel hung over yet don't recall having more than two glasses of champagne at an opening last night- perhaps it's the Korean food? I dunno, but I feel wonky and headachy and naus this morning, after a lovely evening with some good friends. For some reason, the whole Fashion Week thing seemed totally over the top this year. Though I have aboslutely no insider status in this regard, I watched on the (webbed) sidelines and found myself exhausted from the sheer volume of shows and parties and street sightings. But through my bleary eyes, I've managed to note my five favorite collections from the very packed week, so without further adieu, herewith is yer fiver- with cinq designers who nailed it on the runways:

Marc Jacobs- Oh, Marc. It's hard not to love you just because you're so awesome, but this collection you did (the actual Marc Jacobs signature line, not the Marc by Marc line) made me rediscover my passion for your wit and top notch referencing all over again. I feel dizzy from your 60's Carnaby Street/Edie Sedgwick looks, and my favorite thing is the mix of trends- bare midriffs, black and white, stripes, suiting all felt so very right now and so young and fresh. Marc Jacobs always captures a youthful spirit in his clothes- and since we're living in such wonked out times, is it any surprise he went back to the revolutionary youthquaking of the 60s for inspiration? And on an added note, I just DIE for the hair and makeup. So sexy and upswept and amazing. Love.

DVF- I mentioned earlier this week how much I loved this collection- Diane really hit on the wandering boho gypset thing in a wonderful way- I can't help but feel perhaps she was recalling her halcyon days at Studio 54 with Halston and the gang- that rust kaftan is so very Liza. I'm all about this collection and find it wearable, sexy without being vulgar, and utterly glamorous. Big snaps to DVF for making a collection that feels more Talitha Getty than uptown Tamara.

Narcisco Rodriguez- Oh. My. Gah. This collection. THIS COLLECTION. In a jaded world where everyone is a tastemaker, influencer, creative something slash something, Narcisco's turn on the Spring runways celebrated what it means to work hard, be a highly skilled tailor and visionary, and proved that there's still more than enough room for those that are true professionals. There was black and white, there was color, there were pants, suits, dresses, and something for absolutely everyone. Narcisco's brilliance lies in his altruism- sure he creates clothes that make him happy, but he makes clothes that women actually want to and can wear, and to me, these are clothes made to SELL. They are modern, sexy, feminine, strong, and easy all at once.  I mentioned I'd pack up all of DVF's pieces for Spring in a neat suitcase en route to somewhere sultry, but Narcisco's collection I need not go anywhere to enjoy- these are clothes for right here, right now, and for the future as well. Utter perfection. Best collection of the week. Bravo.

The Row- If you're still thinking of the Olsen sisters as residents of a "full house" who do nothing more than skulk around New York City with outsized Starbucks lattes and voluminous wardrobes to match, think again. These girls are shaping up to be huge fashion talents- from The Row to their younger looks at Elizabeth and James. There's an ease to their luxe pieces and a whispered elegance that feels utterly masterful. I adore the relaxed trenches, neutral pallette, and standout pieces like the skinny strapped dress over pants look. The red suit is so very chic and the pajama silhouette of some of the pants suits are just fabulous and simply breautiful. I'd love to wear these pieces to entertain at home, to go to a gallery opening, or anything that calls for a relaxed, yet totally put together ease. That's what I love about American fashion and that's what I love about this collection- a casual elegance that is somehow altogether dressed up and just right.

Cushnie et Ochs- For young designers, these gals are doing it and doing it. I love their sexy and downtown pieces that are body conscious and very modern without being too fussy. Look for these girls to keep making inroads for modely types and other women looking to show off a fabulous figure at a cool spot downtown you (and me) probably don't even know about. Really some of the sexiest dresses on the runway, that somehow harken back to earlier iterations of Narcisco Rodriguez, oh and Kate Bosworth was on the front row, so you know these girls are speaking to pretty young things everywhere looking to be best dressed. And if you are a fan of the LBD, there's loads of options for you in this stellar collection. And I suspect your better half will love these looks as well. Very hot.

And as a bonus, I have to say that the one piece that stood out for me beyond any other on the runways this past week was Oscar De La Renta's striped ball gown. It spoke to the whole black and white thing all over the runways as well as the fascination wtih stripes most designers seemed to embrace. To me, this dress is such a standout- the shape of it, the modern striping which somehow makes it not fussy, and the confidence needed to wear such a piece. Oscar is simply an American design legend- to me he nails where we are headed and why we as a country can still be very much on top. Mr. De La Renta came from the Dominican Republic and became a great American success story byt working hard and making beautiful clothes. This particular piece is a traditional dress turned on its arse by the modern stripes and casual demeanor. I love it beyond belief and speaks to everything great- tradition, a nod to the future, and a confident elegance that is altogether so very US of A. Perfection. Mrs. Obama, please wear something of his perhaps as you march towards a second term. I'm thinking you would look beautiful in one of his fine dresses, or at the very least, this one here. For this, this is a dress to remember.

And that's what's up this beautful future forward Friday in the city. Enjoy your weekend. XO

Hi, Thursday. It's gorgeous out and I have allergies and generally feel a bit crappy. I haven't been sleeping well of late and really need to figure out what's going on with that. I'm in a weird pattern of waking up every night at 3 am and not being able to get back to bed. Merde. 

In other news, there's been much talk about oversharing of late- of how our society has become "share" happy and we're all feeling a bit, I don't know, overexposed? Since it's often been said that fashion is a barometer for culture, is it any surprise almost every designer when showing their collections for Spring 2013 showed a bare midriff or two or three? It's incredible how many taut tummies we saw on the runways- sure we've all been doing more yoga and pilates which certainly helps the midsection, but from the looks of things, we may need to give up eating to wear this very hard to "stomach" trend.  This is one for the young, period. Not the young at heart. Just the young, please. I can't imagine anyone over 35 wearing these looks- simply too much sticking out. Designers from Marc Jacobs and his cropped Mickey mouse top to Peter Som to Jason Wu to Tibi and Cushnie et Ochs and on to Alexander Wang's futuristic white take on the tummy trend had me rethinking my workout strategy to include several hundred thousand crunches, or at least finding the number of a good plastic surgeon. And perhaps there will be more than a few dismissive waves at trendy restaurants all over town when asked if bread is wanted. Carbo loaders, take heed. These looks are not for you.

But  even if your stomach is more Honey Boo Boo than Karlie Kloss, fear not. There are plenty of options on the runways for Spring for those of us that would rather showcase our legs, shoulders, arms, or smile. Anything but the stomach. Good grief. And even if the American designers are sending a (not so subtle) kick in the abs to those of us that tend to overshare online, I'm not gong to stop posting, updating, or blogging. I won't, however, be wearing any of these belly baring looks. That's just a bit too much exposure for me, so in that regard, tum's the word. And that's what I've got this suck it in till Springtime kind of Thursday in old New York. See ya tomorrow. XO

Good morning, Tuesday. We all know what today is and as I watch the 9:37 moment of silence for when the plane hit the Pentagon, I'm still floored by the emotion and pain and sorrow I feel for all of those that lost their lives. But as I rode around the city yesterday from 15th and 9th back over the Brooklyn Bridge, I watched on a day much like it was (and today the weather is so reminiscent of that day) I was amazed at the ability of New Yorkers to be resilient- to bounce back from adversary, to celebrate our differences, to embrace all of the colors, creeds, sexual preferences and quirks into one big loving embrace. Somehow, those of us who are lucky enough to still be living here and did not lose our lives on that tragic day, were able to still remember why we love it here. I'll never forget the days following 9/11 in the city- never had I felt so proud to be a New Yorker- somehow we all knew how tender we all were- freshly wounded and allowed to have a little more personal space at the ATM machine, knowing and sad glances on the subway between us all, the sense that we had lost so much but still knew we would somehow get through it. Because we are New Yorkers.

The city gives me and so many others so much life- I left here for 7 years and admittedly I mourned leaving my spiritual home almost every day. Sure I was distracted by work, by warm weather in December, and a million other things. But I never forgot that New York gave me purpose and a life when I moved there on my 23rd birthday- immediately I felt that warm embrace and knew that I had arrived. And now that I am back here in this heaving, chaotic, exciting and beautiful city- I know that no matter where I am, this is my home. Though I was not born here, New York always felt that way, and despite tremendous struggles and tragedies that occured here, I love it today more than I ever have. And really in many ways, I was born here- the me I wanted to be did not come alive until moving here.

And as we teeter toward an election with huge  implications for our future as Americans, I urge all of you to take a cue from New Yorkers- sure we're loud, we're brash, and sometimes in too much of a hurry to say "sorry" when we bump into you on a busy street. But here's what else we are- passionate, amazingly resilient, and incredibly good at moving on and moving forward. In the years since 9/11, this country has been through so much. But all of us must remember what makes us proud, who we are, and how our community and neighborhood and family can help us survive. There is nothing that we can't do, as long as we do it together. 

New York, you give me and so many others so very much. Though I curse you sometimes for your crowds and cuckooness, I adore you and love you and miss you every time I go away. G-d bless all the souls who lost their lives in the city they loved- and may we all somehow find the strength to move on. Because we're all New Yorkers and Americans today, and that's what's up this beautiful day to be alive in New York City and everywhere kind of Tuesday in the best place on Earth and the only place I can truly call home. I love you so much New York. XO