the world according to sherimaven

Hey, Wednesday. I had all intentions of posting about some fun things this am for you to wear and think about this Hump Fay,  but that's going to have to wait until manana. Because today was simply way too gorgeous to be inside and Khan and I just had to kick it on the streets of Brooklyn. So I f'ed off and went about my day, stopping along the way to talk to the neighborhood folk, Khan smelled every flower from here to the end of the world, and then we came home to tweak a website and chomp some treats and then we did it all over again, twice. I managed to get that site done today as well as frolic in this insanely lovely weather, and that's about all the time I had. Sometimes you just have to pick and choose, and today I chose sunshine and self-promotion. What did you choose today? And how many of you full-timers played hooky or had a two + hour lunch today? Unbelievable day for it. One of the prettiest and most temperate days of the whole Summer.

And I'm well aware we in New York were blessed to enjoy the bounty of such lovely weather today, so thoughts are with Louisiana who had to weather the storm, which seemed pretty harsh but could have been much worse- hoping all are safe and sound. It was not lost on me, ps that days like these need to be treasured. And that's what's up this delicious dusk of a Wednesday in New York Citay. Windows open tonight, and back to blogging tomorrow. They say that every new day is a new chance  to change your life, today was the day I realized I was pretty cool with things being just as they are (we'll see what tomorrow brings). XO

Good morning, Monday. It's cloudy and gloomy over here in Brooklyn and I'm happy to be at home, enjoying the pre-Labor day lull that often happens in the city. I love how quiet things are and how many are waiting to kick back into high gear after the holiday. In France, the month of August is a time when everybody holidays, and le rentree is that moment in September when Paris comes alive again- hustling, bustling, and with post Summer tans fading into memory. Which brings me to something else symbolic about September- and that's the gigantic fashion mags like Vogue that were immortalized in the brilliant documentary "The September Issue". And though I'm still navigating my September Vogue, I was able to get through Bazaar this weekend, and it did not disappoint. 

And though it inevitably takes what seems like a decade to get to the actual editorials after all that ad content (good news for print types, ps), my favorite story that epitomizes this season was shot by Daniel Jackson and featured the elegant model Toni Garn. I have always loved fantastical fashion stories, but my favorites are the ones that show clothes that have a quiet simplicity that I can actually see myself wearing. Sure, fashion is about fantasy, but I suppose I'm a bit of a realist when it comes to clothes- I'm not one to make huge statements necessarily so the beautiful simplicity of the below story had me at first turn of the page. These looks speak to a new volume (shapewise) for Fall and somehow transcend age and body type. I also love the bare faced and simple hair- you just can't go wrong keeping things easy and classic. Black and white clothing are universally flattering and endlessly classic- I LOVE this story. My favorite look from it is definitely the seated image shown above- with the model in a black suit and penny loafers with white socks. It's such a chic look (from Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci) that speaks to my craving for unfussy pieces in such chaotic times. I also love that most of the pieces in this editorial are meant to be blank canvases- you can accessorize as minimally or as over the top as you like- anything from a bright red lip to a pair of studded Valentino heels- it's all up to you. Or dare to go bare and spare like these images- what more do you need really when you look this great?

I can't help but feel that all of these new shapes is a way to comfort and soothe in a world that feels anything but. And the simplicity of this story is emblematic of a zen approach to dressing that feels in tune with the times. I would wear these looks everywhere and never feel out of place. I'm all about that facile approach- and everyone from Celine to Givenchy to Calvin Klein is speaking to that appeal and  desire this Fall. Why complicate things, really?  These looks just get the balance right- the shapes feel very fresh and new yet the palette is an out and out classic. Why not have a go at the new minimalism as the days get shorter?

And do these clothes feel perhaps a touch androgynous? Oui, but that's what I love about them- there's something so beautiful about a more quiet approach to feminity that is anything but vulgar or tacky. Love love love. And that's what's up this working my way through the "issues" kind of Monday in the borough of Brooklyn. XO

Hey, Friday. Disturbing news this morning with yet another shooting in this country, and right here in my own city, at a major tourist attraction to boot. In lieu of a post about five things I may be coveting or wanting you to covet this week, I'm asking for one thing, and one thing only- peace.

I've had enough and you all have too. This violence has got to stop. And that's all I've got this fucked up Friday in Brooklyn. Clearly we're too busy fighting the battle of the bulge, getting ahead, and staying forever young to realize how insane our world has become. Are we picking the wrong battles? (Um, ya think?)

Give peace a chance, cause nothing else is working. XO

Good morning, Thursday. Thanks to the Today Show this am, I can't get "Call Me Maybe" out of my bloody gourd (and now you can't either). Besides that, I admit I've been feeling a bit out of sorts of late- when one is a freelancer and there's a bit of a lull, you're grateful, but it's also weird to not have to wake up and get to work- as I was feeling funky this am,  I decided to take the Khan man for a languid stroll through the neighborhood- somehow that little boy struttin' his stuff around Brooklyn always puts me in a good mood- having a dog is better than any antidepressant you could ever be on. So now, I'm setting my compass for Fall and chalking this bit of malaise up to the end of Summer blues, and trying to enjoy some time off at the end of the season.

And as we give Summer the old heave ho and welcome the Fall, iit's time for a new hue to enter our sphere when it comes to what to wear. I myself am feeling insane and deep love for the new deep burgundy looks that are retail rampant- from lipstick to outerwear to footwear. Perhaps it's our fascination for all things vampire that has us seeing scarlet, but you're going to see a whole lot of this tone for Fall, even if you're not a creature of the night.

These boots from J.Crew for instance are a great way to rock a neutral boot that is not black, brown, or tan. I can see wearing them with everything from black to navy to grey flannel and being just perfect.

And my friend and I were IM'ing about bags the other day (yea, we do that about twice a week) and discussed the gorgeousness of the Phillip Lim Pashli messenger in deep burgundy. Alexander Wang, whose backpack I have in pearl grey, also did a version in deep burgundy that feels as rich as deep red wine on a chilly evening. 

Speaking of Wang, his PVC outerwear took the usual black and turned it on its ear by making these pieces in deep red. How can you not love these? Yea, I don't love the weird face veils either, but I'm talking about the coats- very Mata Hari 2012.

And there's always something for you girlycues out there that are hesitant to overinvest in seasonal clothing or trends. Why not rock a deep crimson lip- everyone from Chanel to L'Oreal are showing a color like this- and with lips like this, the rest of the face needs less attention- just some BB Cream, a bit of powder and some mascara and a well groomed brow, and boom- gorgeous.

And Victoria Beckham's leather leggings can go from day to evening in seconds- I love how casual they look on this screen shot from Net-a-Porter's website, though I can easily see these with a black tux jacket and silky top underneath and some sky high heels. Genius.

But if Vicky B's version is a bit too "posh", then check out Topshop's burgundy jean pricing in at $80. Here they are below.

In any event, call it russet, aubergine, burgundy, or brick- it's all about darker  shades of red this Fall- a universally flattering shade for those of us who can't wear a true red, and are looking for ways to wear a color that feels sensuous and luxurious and altogether deep. And that's what's up this go deep or go home kind of Thursday right here in Brooklyn. All the love and XO.

(You are. Or you will be).

Good morning, Wednesday. I'm feeling that end of Summer thing- what's to come for Fall? How bad will our Winter be? When will those damn mosquitoes stop biting me? Most of all, I'm trying very hard to look forward and not look back at the past- it's my first Fall back in New York and it's my absolute favorite time of year (and not just because there are pumpkin spice lattes). Not only do I love chilly air and the smell of leaves and the crunch they create under my feet, I absolutely love Fall clothes- the colors, the layering, the cocooning they provide. And this Fall, we're all going to be wearing a lot of pants- sure there are dresses and skirts around, but this Fall, pants are the thing and I'm not at all talking about skinny jeans.

I remember a time in the mid-late 80s when pants suits were all the rage- I had some lovely ones even though I was a teen and was not exactly going to an office every day. Wearing a men's inspired look was very chic back then, and with all of our renewed interest in tomboy chic, it's no surprise that this look is very much going to make a resurgence. And with many women wearing those proverbial pants at home and at work these days, why not have the wardrobe to go with those power plays?

I myself am a huge fan of menswear on women- I think it's the sexiest thing around and almost all women are well suited to looks like this. As a woman whose figure is more Joannie than Betty (Mad Men reference), I sometimes find girly dresses make me feel frumpy and too over the top in the curves department. I love how a menswear look can tone down some of those curves and create an elegant silhouette- I know some of you out there may not want to minimize curvy figures, but I for one feel more comfortable in boyish looks with a bit of a feminine touch- a peek of a pretty bra, a lovely scarf, some beautiful shoes. And for those of you out there that are skinny Minnies, a great trouser looks equally as great on you- you leggy, long types out there excel at wearing long trousers with those legs for days (I. Hate. You.). 

One of my favorite ads for Fall is this shot from Balmain, whose rock and roll aesthetic has a Gucci in the 90s kind of coolness that I can't quite get enough of. I love the idea of a simple sweater (tomboyish also) with these embellished and amazing pants- so good.

And how can you not love how classic and sexy and amazing this black and white look is? You could invest in a good suit and white shirt and wear them forever and ever. Timelessly and effortlessly cool and chic. I fantasize about packing one suit for a trip and a few tops to switch on and off to keep things minimal and easy and ultimately stylish.

And there are silhouettes for every girl- from wide legged, paper bag waisted numbers to more slim and flat front cuts that resemble a man's tuxedo pant. Regardless, you can still rock skinnies if you must- they are still in fashion, but now we've got some options and some looseness for those of those feeling that skinny pants feel more like sausage casings than leg coverings. And if you need some more inspiration for this boyish/mannish trend, check out my Pinterest board on such topics for some ideas. I am loving Emma Watson's story for the New York Times mag last weekend, which is also shown there:

http://pinterest.com/sherimaven/boy-meets-girl/

So if you're beginning to budget for some fresh Fall looks, definitely consider a well cut pair of pants and perhaps a jacket to go with if you're feeling bold. Pants are making a big resurgence for Fall 2012, so why not wear the pants for a change if you're not already? And that's what's up this perfectly pantsed Wednesday in old New York. XO

 

 

 

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Good evening, Tuesday. I went for a Lasik evaluation today so still feeling a bit wonky from the dilation of the baby greens. Needless to say, I'm thankful to be back in a city where doctors are top notch- I may be going through with shooting some lasers in my eyes to get rid of the need to wear glasses all the damn time. Wish me luck...

In other news, I fell back in love with the Upper East Side today, though that subway line explosion (they are building a new line on Second Avenue so as not to be a slave to the 6 train) today took place smack dab in front of my old apartment building at 72nd and 2nd. Crazy. Explosions aside, the UES is so comforting to me somehow- it's a neighborhood where everything you need is close by, Anne Slater types and dowagers are as rampant as hipsters in Bushwick, and they know how to give a good pedicure in good old 10021. And speaking of wacky old ladies, I was sad to read about the death of Phyllis Diller yesterday, whose birthday was the same as mine, July 17th. Phyllis was a real trailblazer- I'm not sure that many female comics were quite as self deprecating as she was, her heyday existing in a time way before Tina Fey or the poop humor of "Bridesmaids".  G-d bless her for paving the way for such silliness.

I recall reading Simon Doonan's wonderful book entitled "Wacky Chicks" some time ago, in defense of such babes, and related in a very big way to the wackadoos among us. I'm one, I know this. It's only going to get wackier as I get older, the prints louder, the lipstick more smeared, the jokes more offensive and inappropriate. I love being a wacky woman, and adore the whole lot of you out there that feel more in tune with say, a Bea Arthur than a Princess Grace. Or perhaps if you are old enough to remember The Brady Brunch, perhaps Aunt Jenny was someone you looked up to, as a fellow middle child or a wacky chick sympathizer. My very own grandmother (my mom's mom) was a wacky chick herself- and every inch the fabulous one with a nightly fixation on Johnny Carson, Gin and Tonics aka "medicine", and long Kent cigarettes. Oh and a fondness for zebra prints, naturally. You simply can't be a wacky chick and not rock an animal print, or something equally as loud. It's just the way it is.

And books like the now cultish "Advanced Style" celebrate these grand old dames who just go for it, and that in itself is a big achievement. Not all of us can look like Grace Kelly, so best to be who we are and connect more to the Iris Apfel in us all (you know she's in there). And perhaps your appreciation of eccentric olden types is not quite there yet if you're a wee babe in the woods, that's ok, there's hope. Ms. Diller did not start her standup career until she was 37, after years of being a bit of a bourgeois housewife somehwere in Brentwood, married to a man she called "Fang". (That's funny as hell right there, ps). She embraced her less than movie star looks, talked much about her botched attempts in the kitchen, and had a throaty laugh that was infectious and maniacal at the same time. So maybe you're still trying to be young and cool somewhere, but don't worry- your wackiness will catch on soon enough, when you realize being a kook is a-ok and way more fun at cocktail parties than being a terrible bore.

So today, I wanted to give a shout out the wacky chicks, with Phyllis leading the charge.Her memorable one liners delivered like explosive bursts of funny like "Think of me as a sex symbol for men who just don't give a damn," or  "I once wore a peekaboo blouse. People would peek and then they'd boo." Awesome. Much love to all the whackies out there, of which I saw quite a few on the Upper East Side today- rich whackadoodles are the best. I saw one today, for instance, in a nail salon, weighing all of 8 pounds in de rigeur leopard print complete with enormous link belt (low slung) and enormous sunglasses request "ballet" as her nail color, said in a somber and throaty sunken Mayflower of a voice (for those of you mani/pedi types, she meant "Ballet Slippers", a classic color whose full title was simply too much to say after not having eaten for 50 years).  I just loved that moment- and it's those type of chicks that make the world a bit more fun. So if you're afraid to be a little wild, don't be. The world will love you for it, just as they did Ms. Diller.

Let it shine, ladies, cause that's what's up this glad to be a bit of a cuckoo kind of Tuesday in the best city to do so- all the love, kiddies.  All the love. Oh, and if you're still unsure about what constitutes a wacky chick, here is a brilliant summary from Amazon's write up on Mr. Doonan's book  "Most of us know a wacky chick. She's a true nonconformist, a woman who dares to be different. On any ordinary day she might be found performing a citizen's arrest, running a concession stand at a swingers' convention, or wearing a tiara on top of a cowboy hat. Even when conservatively dressed, wacky chicks give themselves away with their fire and exuberance: their outrageous personalities make them as easy to spot as a flamingo prancing among pigeons".  Are you or aren't you, darlings? XO

 

Good morning, Monday. I'm hanging in Soho today and very much enjoying the chill in the air- yesterday my sister and her husband cam

e to town and we had a wonderful day exploring the Brooklyn Flea and cruising around Williamsburg as well as my hood. Both my sis and I love the Fall, so yesterday's chilly air had us happy and hopeful for a dip in the mercury. I don't do well in heat at all and am grateful for the seasons begining to show their ch-ch-ch-changes.

So with all of this Fall frolicking, I'm going to post about my favorite fashio ntrends for Fall 2012 this week, of which there are severa. Today I'm going to talk about leather, which is no longer the macho, stiff, tough material you associate more with bikers than uptown babes. Regardless of whether you've rocked a leather piece in the past, you're going to want one this Fall- because leather is everywhere and it's less Peter Marino (though we love him) and more soft, ladylike, and feminine yet still cool as all get out. I myself am craving this fabulous little jacket from DKNY as well as this leather dress from Vince- I have wanted a deconstructed leather jacket for some time (think Rick Owens) to wear almost as a cardigan over tees and jeans and skimpy dresses. This one is absolutely perfect. Oh, and this leather dress? I love its softness and flow- amazing on its own or layered with a turtleneck and either wool tights or skinny jeans, maybe even in a sueded fabric. And if you are not a black leather type, Donna's also making a cream version of a jacket that will take you anywhere- of course I'd rock it with a skinny black knee length dress to lighten up the silhouette a tick.

And if you are more of a toughskins like me (I adore a more rock and roll thing as you know), check out Alexander Wang's homage to leather- what is sexier and sleeker and more downtown than this look? I'm mad for it. Nobody does urban and cool like him- I love love love his ability to go from day to night and everything in between and just be so perfectly in step with the way women want to feel today- a bit tough, a lot strong, and full on sexy.

Basically, leather was absolutely everywhere, these looks below (l-r Hermes, Maiyet, Celine) from the Paris runways are proof positive that we've got a bona fide leather love lust happening, and though you may not rock leather from head to toe, you can get in on the trend by hitting up a leather detail like a sleeve, patch, or waxed jean that has that leather vibe. Oh, and lest you animal rights types are hesitant to do real leather, I understand. That's why designers like Derek Lam are rocking fake leather with great success, shown on the dress below, and Stella McCartney always does options of non leather that are super cool as well.

But two of my fav looks are below for those that just want to dip a toe and not jump all the way in- adore the Phillip Lim number below (dig the casual baseball jersey detail) as well as another piece from Alex Wang that I find super sexy:

In any event, perhaps it's our collective need to toughen up, look sharp, and protect ourself from an otherwise scary world, but leather and its primal sexiness is going to be everywhere this Fall, so as we begin to open our windows at night and turn off the air, think about turning up the heat with a little leatha luvin' this Autumn 2012, yo. I recently read an article in the UK Telegraph about how confidence, not  talent, gets one ahead in one's career (I know you have both, silly. Naturally). If that's the case, leather is the way to go to show some confidence and mad style this 2012 season. Leather may be trendy for sure, but it's also timeless and always an indicator of how cool you are. Look no further than this amazing shot of young Francoise Hardy, French songstress and fashion icon from the swingin' 60s who kills me every time with her over the top chic and cool. Her look and vibe is every bit as classic as a black dress and pearls, so there. Tough girls rule. Caus that's what's up this slithery, slippery, buttery Monday in the 212. XO

 

 

 

Good afternoon, kittenheads. it's been a long afternoon here in the hottest city around- had a lovely, long lunch at a friend's gorgeous loft on Rivington and met a million interesting people that are proof positive that there is just no place like New York when it comes to meeting vital, smart, and fantastic people doing great things. There's no shortage of cocktail banter, even at 1 in the afternoon when everyone else is at work (thank goodness for freelance). 

Needless to say, it's hot as all get out and all I want to do is lounge around the house. I'm rocking my slip and having a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof/Butterfield 8 full on Liz Taylor moment- it's just too hot for clothes and ultimately, too hot to go outside. I was thinking of rocking you a full on Hamptons five spot, but so many of the places I was digging on you most likely already know about (The Crow's nest, Ruschmeyer's, Sunset Beach) so I give you a fiver that's more homeward bound- for those of us not lucky enough to spend the weekend at the plage but are sequestered to our homes. If you're going to be a shut in, be chic about it will you? Here's five for the homeward bound amongst you, present company included. Loving all of these pieces that make staying home way better than going out:

Crystal bottle stopper- It's Friday night and you know you're about to pop open a bottle of wine and settle in. If there happens to be some left at the end of the evening, this incredibly chic and rough cut crystal stopper is the only way to save a few sips for Saturday. I'm in love with it- absolutely gorgeous.

http://www.calypsostbarth.com/Bottlestopper-p-19258.html?utm_source=Facebook&...

The new monograph "Antonio Lopez: Fashion, Art, Sex, and Disco"-  Yea, I know. What else is there besides those four things? I'll tell you what- amazing illustrations by my all time favorite fashion illustrator- his insanely beautiful artwork showcasing the fashion of the 70s and early 80s was simply beyond. If I'm staying home, I want to page through this stunner published by Rizzoli. It's out in September and is a great reason to stay home once the weather gets chilly (pretty please). It will look stuns on your coffee table too.

http://www.rizzoliusa.com/book.php?isbn=9780847837922

Paper placemats- If you plan on entertaining and know you have some messy friends and family, why not go a bit more ephemeral and put out some paper place mats? I spotted these in my local Paper Source and fell madly in love. These are adorable and come in a pack and are a very cute way to keep things simple and easy to clean up. I'm having family in town next weekend and think I will definitely feature these- nothing messier than Jewish Sunday brunch- and not just because there's whitefish salad and Lox. Oy. (Will not need crystal stopper on that day ps- all wine will be consumed, and quickly).

http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/item/Place-Setting-Placemats/3305_0...

Jonathan Adler needlepoint pillow- Sparkle, Neely, sparkle. I'm often amazed how much Mr. Adler and I have in common- sometimes when I go in his boutiques I feel like we grew up in the same house- his reference points are all too familiar in the best of ways (70s Jewish suburbia), and I love this nod to 70s needlepoints with the double whammy of "Valley of the Dolls" thrown in for good measure. It's a nice little addition for that couch as you're potatoing. Fantastic. 

http://www.jonathanadler.com/Sparkle-Pillow/?cat=824&initial=

Oh, and don't get the reference? Check it here- GENIUS:

Votivo red currant candle- I've had every candle at home you can possibly have, but this one is my all time favorite classic. I am a sucker for this sweet red currant/vanilla scent and its seductive sweetness is a perfect accompaniment for all things shut in. It's sexy, pretty, and deep- a gorgeous scent for all you boho types out there who like to light up the night, right in your own home.

http://www.votivo.com/Catalog/Catalog.aspx?x=3&DepartmentID=1&Page=&a...

I hope you have a lovely weekend wherever you are- I myself am looking forward to some home time with David and Khan right here in Brooklyn. David has been out of town all week and we need to nest. And that's all I have for you on this hot, sunny afternoon in the BK. There's nowhere else I'd rather be, and may your own home bring you some peace and happiness and personal style this Summer weekend, cause that's what's up this home is where the heart is kind of Friday in the 718. XO

 

Good morning, Thursday. Today would have been my dad's 73rd birthday and needless to say, I am missing him today and always. I was a Major League daddy's girl, and sometimes it's hard to believe (still) that he's not here. As we get older, many of us face the death of our parents, and as I see more and more friends lose their moms and dads, all I can say is that somehow, life allows you to move forward and though the pain never fully goes away, it gets less intense and at some point you are able to look back and reflect on happy memories in a way that does not crush your soul. And then somehow, you move on- equipped with the lessons, stories, and images that allow you to recall their life with smiles and not tears and know that their spirit is still with you, even though their physical presence is not.

Which brings me to something I've been wanting to talk about forever now- I am so tired of this endless and insane quest to recapture our youth, particularly in the way we look. As women, it's a great challenge to be happy with our appearance and I am beyond disturbed by the number of my kind out there trying to squeeze into tight dresses, inject poison into their face, and eat snaps of air in an effort to look the way we did when we were 25. To me, this is a perfect example of living in the past- nothing stays the same so it stands to reason that our faces and our derrieres and our psyches should not either. It's wonderful that women are feeling better at 40 or 50 or 60 than ever before but this whole "40 is the new 30" and "50 is the new 40" nonsense has me exhausted. After spending a week in the Hamptons and seeing the number of emaciated women picking at salads and not being able to move their faces and ordering sauce and dressing and everything under the sun on the side in an effort to be gaunt, I've had it. It must be so exhausting to try and stay skinny, young, fresh faced, and "perfect". I'm not sure what the purpose of trying to look 25 when you are so clearly not is anyway- it's super unappealing and a bit pathetic. And yea, some men are ageist bastards, but those types have their own shit to deal with, so why would you want a guy like that anyway? 

And man chasing and starving aside, I'm not in any way suggesting to any woman out there to not strive to be the best they can be- but you can run, spin, pilates hundred, botox, lift, tuck, and cream yourself to infinnity and guess what? Time is still moving and you can't stop it. To me, trying to look way younger than you are is a sign that you are living in the past, and you're not moving forward with grace. My advice to women is to be present in the era you are currently living- you can't go back and you shouldn't want to. Do I get down from time to time that it's tougher than ever to lose weight and that I may not get as many looks on the street as I used to? Sure. It's not easy to accept but all we can do is be the best we can be- there's nothing sexy about a woman who is not comfortable enough in her own skin to accept where she is in life- run the marathon, wear a pretty dress, write the book- but stop trying to turn back time, and just BE. And yea, if you're unhealthy and need to drop some pounds, that's one thing- but if your goal is to wear a mini skirt while chewing on a lettuce leaf at some fancy restaurant so people can see how fabulous you are, well- yuck. That's just awful. What else do you have to offer the world? 

And there's absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to feel sexy past a certain age- it's an important part of being a woman for real, but it does not mean desperation and it certainly does not mean showing too much or making your lips look fishy. And if you ask any man what it sexiest about women- once they move past the surface stuff like great legs or a nice rack, they all will tell you that confidence is the biggest turn on around. So why not just be confident in who you are, where you are, and how old you are? There's not point in living in the past- just like I mourned for my dad when he passed and wondered how I would ever live without him, I was somehow able to move on and though I continue to miss his presence, I am able to look back with joy and laughter yet somehow manage to move on. That's the way we should feel about our youth- don't ever lose your youthful spirit, energy, or approach- just know that some things are not coming back and to try to recapture them will not lead to happiness, just a deeper sense of remorse because things will never be the way they were, so why try to go there?  I will always take my youthful excitement for music, fashion, and life and hold that dear, but I'm aware that i am never going to be a twentysomething again, and I'm cool with that. Change is the only constant and I fear all of this obsession with changing the way time is headed is beyond futile. The living in the past thing is a major hindrance to growth- think about it- how many of you out there have tried to reconnect with an ex for the second time and how many times has it led to anything but misery?  So why would you try to wear the same jeans you wore at 20 now? Time to get a pair that fits you better- and if you want to drop a few pounds, that's cool. But do it to be healthy and not just to compete with all the PYTs. No point in that, friends. Again, I am all for looking great no matter how old you are, it's just the whole wanting to look like a sorority girl when you are clearly more a college alum than coed that has me vexed.

Last night I watched 20/20, a show about obsessions that had me, well, obsessed. One of the stories was about a young girl (late 20s) who decided her obsession with weight and her appearane was so unhealthy and so crippling, she had to cover all the mirrors in her house for an entire year. That's right- she did not look at herself for a whole year- a year that included becoming a bride. I was beyond troubled watching this story- I know the point of this exercise was to learn to feel good about herself without vanity, but how disturbing is it that this pretty young woman had to not look at herself for a year to get there? Terrible.

So that's my advice- take a look in the mirror and accept and love who you are and deal. You can't go back and you shouldn't want to- I'm not anti surgery at all, but it's just gone way too far for my tastes and it's terrible to think that so many women feel so inadequate as they age, and that so many of us are just beyond obsessed with youth chasing. One can only grow by moving on- nobody stays at the same job forever, drives the same car forever, or stays the same age forever. Just have the confidence to be who you are- no amount of Botox or size 00 jeans are going to determine that. And if they do, best of luck- you must be knackered. It's not easy being a woman, but let's show some grace and keep moving towards something better than trying to live in the past. Cause that's what's up this confidence is sexier than Botox kind of Thursday in the best city on Earth.To me, the quest to stay forever young (in appearance) is getting very, very old. XO

Good morning, Wednesday. Have a few errands to run today and need to tend to my tresses, which have suffered the scourge of this humid Summer and need some TLC. And since I'm doing a bit of a beauty day today, I thought I'd share with you my NFT (new favorite thing)- BB Cream.

Most of you ahead of the curve types know what this is- BB stands for Blemish or Beauty Balm or some such and is a product originally hailing form Asia, and its made its way stateside to fix the faces of women regardless of age, color, or skin type. BB is the overarching concoction but brands from Maybelline to Stila to Dr. Jart are whipping this stuff up, and man is it good. As I was checking out of Sephora in LA two weeks ago after "forgetting" to pack my cleanser,  I came upon Sarah Mcnamara's amazing Miracle Skin Transformer (http://www.sephora.com/brand/brandStore.jsp?brandId=6028&_requestid=12794) upon checkout (damn that Sephora check out where all those little products tempt and tease) and was amazed at how great it made my skin look. Though not technically called a BB cream, this product had me at hello, and its effect is very BBesque.

Here's what BB cream does- On your naked face, you rub some BB on (the one I have is lightly tinted) and pow- you've got an even complexion that is glowy, matte, and perfectly even all at once. I was reading in Allure the other day that there's a big trend towards a bare faced ideal, and BB creams are a great way to get in on the trend and appear fresh faced and makeup free, but with a little help from a friend. It's a minimal amount of makeup but somehow provides big time coverage that doesn't feel heavy like foundation and somehow provides a bit more oomph than tinted moisturizer. And it's a great primer/base before you apply your next layer of foundation, etc. if you're so inclined.

And though I admit my skin is something I'm particularly happy with (one of the best things I got from my mom's side of the family), I do like my face to feel even and smooth and aglow and am just loving this new product. After all, we can all use a litlte help.  I just bought the Stila version as it's a bit more anti-aging and will let you know what I think- but get thee to Sephora and explore this awesome new product- link below to help aid your search and find the best version for vous. I'm a huge fan and though I hate adding another step to my beauty regime in the am, since it's still Summer I've just been putting this on with a bit of powder bronzer and I'm ready to go. And that's what's up this double B'd kind of Wednesday in the borough of Brooklyn. Yea, I know there's quite a few anograms running through this post. Don't think I didn't notice. Now go freshen up that face. XO

http://www.sephora.com/search/categoryResult.jsp?categoryId=cat960033&_re...