the world according to sherimaven

Hey, Wednesday...mid week we are and the weather is a soupy mess here in Manhattan. To distract myself from my frizzed out hair and sweatiness, I popped into Sephora and came across their amazing collab with Pantone- released in April, this heavenly partnership has spawned some pretty amazing beauty products, all in the Tangerine shade (Tangerine Tango to be precise) that Pantone proclaimed as the color of the year. Yes, I'm sick of all of these partnerships between big brands, but this one is pretty kick ass.

And though I adore orange tones for my toesies in the Summer month, what I'm most excited about are these insanely stylish makeup brushes- I'm one for displaying all of my pretty products in my bathroom, and these gorg brushes would look fantastic displayed in all of their glory. I love the modern sensibilty and think I need to buy these...I may be on a hiatus from buying anything I can wear, but surely makeup brushes don't count (do they David)?

Also think these would make a lovely gift for a designy friend- or for me. A gift for me. Cause that's what's up this tangerine dream of a Wednesday in mother f'in orange you glad you're in New York City. All the love. XO

Hello, Monday. No time for girthy posts today- I am super biz this Monday and alas, there's no time to chitty chat, much as I would love to. Besides, I'm on a self imposed exile from all shopping and it's kind of bumming me out. Especially since I'm working on a project in Soho- which as many of you know, is the mecca of all things spendy. Sigh...And with my dog at his posh new daycare, mama has to stop buying stuff if Khan is to get his blueberry facials and private quarters. (No, I'm not kidding).

I suppose I'll just sit here and listen to the Kinks and their incredible album for this gloomy, moody Monday, "The Kinks are The Village Green Preservation Society". It's a favorite that makes me very happy, as I try to form, my very own preservation society on my pocketbook, sanity,and grace under pressure.Besides all that, whenever I'm in doubt, I go Kinks. They usually do the trick.

G-d save the village green. And me...that's all I got for you cuties today- hope you are doing your thing today and listening to something classic to soothe those Monday blues. Cause that's what's up this wish I was home watching "Rushmore" kind of Monday in the 212. Oh and dude, next month is June. Can you believe that shizz? XO

Good morning, everybody and happy Friday. It is ridiculoulsy gorgeous outside in New York- you LA types have this type of zero humidity warm and comfy weather all the time, but in the Northeast, when the mercury rises, it's usually frizzed out hair weather as well. Happy as could be for the dry and warm air, with a gentle breeze to boot. 

I thought about this list of five this am and decided I wanted to go with five for giving or sustainability- in this rabid consumer culture, it stands to reason that we should be purchasing products thate are making the world a better place, or helping artisans in parts of the world that need it the most. I've written a few pieces of late about the importance of brands showing their hearts are in the right places and how brands of the future are going to have as many CSOs (Corporate Social Officers)  as CEOs. In this post tranpsarent era where everything counts, the whole notion of how we view the companies we purchase goods and services from has changed- it's no longer enough to just provide- smart brands are showing their corporate social responsiblity as a key component to build brand loyalty, and I for one like to buy stuff that makes me feel good- not just because it's a great lipstick or shoe or pillow for my sofa, but also because it's helping out those in need. So without further adieu, here are five do great things that I love that love the world back; spending money never felt so good:

IN PEACE eau de parfum- Available at Space NK, this lovely scent just in time for Summer helps the efforts of Women for Women International, which supports female survivors of war and gives them the tools and means to lead better lives and rebuild. This scent is a yummy blend of Pimento and Freesia, French Iris, soft Mimosa and Suede- with top notes of White Musk, Sandalwood and Tonka Bean (a fav of mine) for a sultry, sexy scent that goes with all your boho summer looks. Sounds complex, but so are the problems of our world, so grab this scent and help change lives.

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http://us.spacenk.com/IN-PEACE-EAU-DE-PARFUM/MUS300023202,en_US,pd.html?start=1&cgid=BRANDS&prefn1=brand&prefv1=IN%20PEACE

Organic by John Patrick tank dress- I am always in search of the perfect cotton tank dress for summer- I love to wear these as blank canvases for all my cool summer jewelry and scarves and beaded sandals. I just love, love, love this dress- putting it on is like a second skin- not because it's overly clingy but because the cotton is so vey soft and light- perfect for the heat and a great base for all of your summer accessories. I also love his bias cut slips to throw on for sexy summer nights- gorgeous and available on his site...

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http://www.junoandjove.com/store/index.php?product=ORGANIC-BY-JOHN-PATRICK-TANK-DRESS-WO11354

http://organicbyjohnpatrick.com/product.jsp?id=56

Helina dress from Lemlem- This piece is so lovely in person- I spotted it at a store in my neighborhood and fell in love with it- I am a huge fan of ethnic inspired looks for Summer- nothing more chic than a look like this with bronzed skin, platform espadrilles, and delicate jewelry- like gold bangles or layered, thin necklaces. Lemlem is a line produced by Liya Kebede, the gorgeous Ethiopian model and World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador who is trying to support and invigorate the artisan class in her homeland. And though Ethiopia is on emergent watch for people who see which nations will prosper next, there's still a big divide between the haves and have nots, so supporting this cause and looking fantastic by doing so is a win beyond win. I can even see this fab dress with a cute blazer for summer workwear.

Scarves from A Peace Treaty- This amazing company is run by a friend of mine's BFF and is a fantastic resource for incredible scarves- I adore all of these and think they could double as sarongs over your favorite bathing suit or wraps for all of those overly air conditioned restaurants and office buildings you'll be frequenting this summer. They are impossibly chic, and the co-owners have an interesting story in that one is a Pakistani Muslim and one is a Libyan Jew. They work with craftspeople in 8 different countries to help encourage independence, preserve artisanship, and support peace. PS- their jewelry is divine as well- absolutely one of my favorite brands for sustainable goods around.

http://apeacetreaty.com/

Home goods and more from Histoire- Oh, this site. I not only love ethnic pieces to wear, I love them in my home as well. I am crazy for all things Ikat this day when it comes to home accessories these days, and I am obsessed with this table runner that does double duty as a scarf- gorgeous for summer table setting when dining under the stars. Loveliness. There's also many other perfectly curated pieces on this site- and they donate a portion of their profits to the communities that make these beautiful items. A great resource for home stuff that feels in line with my gypset soul. This pink runner is sold out, but the earth toned one is still available, as is this fabulous Feed bag from Guatamala that is a great tote for a book, some sunscreen, and any other essentials you'll need for a daytime roadtrip or picnic and takes me back to my Deadhead days. Fantastic.

https://shophistoire.com/tessera-ikat-runner-scarf-fuchsia.html

https://shophistoire.com/feed-guatemala-bag-zebra.html

There's so many other amazing brands doing great things out there- I love Shop4Sight (http://shop.4sightsunglasses.com/) that pledges to give a pair of glasses to those in need when you  buy a pair- and their choices are really cool and well priced. If brands are being called to task as to what real "value" they bring to society, shopping well is a great way to know that your dollars are being used to do good things, and I encourage you to shop responsibly whenever you can- we all can contribute to the world if we want to, even if it's as simple as feeding your shopping beast within (mine always seems to be hungry PS. He/she needs to be put on a major diet). Some of us may think we don't have the time to volunteer, but we all have time to help the world, even if it's one purchase at a time. Cause that's what's up this feel good Friday in the 718. Peace, love, and let's make a better world. XO

Good morning, Wednesday- I'm a busy lady again- can't seem to catch my breath but loving every minute of it, except those minutes when I feel daunted by the fact that David and I have not yet planned a summer vacation, of which I am very much in need of- from the moment we moved here in December it's been absolutely full tilt and nonstop. I'm grateful for all of the forward movement but would like to stop for a few and breathe in the air, instead of gulping down an iced coffee and trying to figure out how to get it all done.

So this New York move is finally feeling exactly right- I was walking Khan last week, on a beautiful day, surrounded by Brooklyn greenery and beautiful brownstones and had this feeling of insane elation come over me. I felt for the first time in many years that I was exactly where I needed to be- and though I know the years in Miami were where I needed to be to get to here, this is just so right, so perfect for right now. I am very present in New York- it's my home and my inspiration and my Brooklyn neighborhood is more beautiful every day. I love its leafiness, its solitude, its sleepiness in the day time. The constant stroller parade and perpetual buzz of helicopter parents I could live without, but everything's a trade off. That's what headphones are for.

And here's the thing about living in New York- it's a stressful place that makes you feel choked sometimes but you just can't beat it. And though I live in Brooklyn which for many used to feel like the wilderness, it's far from remote. Last night I got a call about a meeting in the city today and realized my nails looked like the nails of the women who do my nails. It was about 7 pm and I needed to get a manicure and pedicure- no problem. Right on my corner is the fastest place around- they did double duty on my hands and feet at the same time and I was out in half an hour (have you tried Essie's Jazz by the way? Fabulous neutral beigy/grey). And in my one block radius here's what I've got- Trader Joe's, a gym,  a pet store,Barney's COOP, Sol Moscot, Sahadi's for amazing gourmet treats, a brilliant wine shop, a dry cleaners, a fabulous indie book store ,a movie multiplex, and two drugstores. There's so much more too- and that's really the joy of living in New York- the convenience of everything you need within steps from your front door. I'm not sure how I ever lived without that. Sure for a minute I missed my car, but this is just so much easier, so much more free, and so much better, at least for me. 

I feel lucky to live here again- this city challenges me in ways that help me to grow- I'm through the transition and feeling excited to be here this summer- I so missed the proximity to the Atlantic coast and its many amazing weekend possiblities- hoping to go to the Cape, Rehoboth Beach, Montauk, Maine, and any other number of places within driving distance. Yay New York. I'm so into you right now.

And that's all I've got for you today- hope your day is full of ease, nice manicures, and happiness. You are just where you need to be, at least I hope you are. Cause that's what's up this honey I'm home kind of Wednesday in the best city in the world. Come visit me, I'll take you for a good manicure and then some.  XO

Good afternoon/early evening to you all...it was a fun weekend in Philly with the fam but today- meh. Look at it outside east coasters- it's super yucks and all day felt a bit like a very strong Xanax, and not in a good way- a bit hazy, gloomy, and downtrodden. It's cloudy and warm and gloomy as hell. I took Amtrak this am back into the city and realized i didn't even have time to blog, nor did I feel inspired by this rather tepid tranquilized weather.

So check out this picture of Al Pacino I spotted on the interwebs, a gloomy day in NYC with theTwin Towers covered in dusky fog. I love this pic of Pacino- looking way cool and perfectly in tune with most of our moods today, and yes, I feel i can speak for most of you when I say gloomy Mondays are not so great for the old up and at 'em. But how cool is Pacino back in the day despite it all?

And because of that and a project that had me waking up at 5 am to finish, I'll leave it at that. Sometimes a good visual is all you need to sum it all up- hope the sun comes out tomorrow- cloudy, mild, and humid is ech. And that's what's up this moody Serpico of a Monday in the 718. XO

HIya, Friday. David's off to LA for a boy's weekend with his pals and Khan and I are still in bed, watching the news together. I'm going to Philly this weekend for some mom time- hoping you are with your moms this weekend too- self-medicate acoordingly (ha).

Ah, my mother.  She is my biggest critic (why don't you ever brush your hair, you look pale, your eyes look sick), we spat often (mom, why are you telling me this, mom, I'm a little busy, mom, I told you what I do for a living 100 times), and she is afraid of the Internet (so don't worry, she's not reading this). I do love her to pieces but sometimes...oy. And though I would not say she armed me with a bevy of life skills or wisdom as I became a woman, I will say there are a few things she taught me that I still take to heart. And here are five of them, in case you were interested.

Buy outfits, not pieces. OK, I don't pay this one enough attention, but I should. My mother was quite the clotheshorse in her day and told me it was always wise to buy outfits, as in top and pants, skirt and blouse, as opposed to just piece meal things that don't go together. I've got a closet full of those aching for a better half so this is good advice. I know we live in an era of seperates, but wouldn't it be nice not to have to think about what goes with what? 

Learn to cook about five things, really well. My mom was a good cook, and we had dinner on the table almost every night, home cooked at that. I'm not saying she was the Barefoot Contessa, but she did a few dishes really well, and we generally ate them every week. My biggest problem when it comes to food shopping is not having those staple meals, and boy I wish I did. I also wish my mom did not kick me out of the kitchen when I was a girl because she would say "you don't want to learn anyway". I think I did, mom. Didn't I? Oh well. Oh, and on that note- I did learn that having breakfast for dinner usually meant something was terribly wrong. To this day, i won't do it.

Always walk into a plane with your right foot first and tap the top of the plane. I still do this,  always. I recently read Jennifer Aniston does this as well when she gets on a plane, so we have something in common. And yes, it's an OCD and not our love for basics.

Always bring something when asked to be a guest at someone's house for an occasion. I can't underestimate how much I take this one to heart. I come from a family that is overly generous, and well mannered when it comes to being a guest. Whether it's for coffee, cake, cocktails, appetizers, or dinner, I have never walked into someone's home without a bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers, or a delicious dessert. It sounds so obvious, but trust me, many people are not raised to do that. Shame on them. This is one I would pass down if I had kids.

Beauty is painful. This one is from my grandmother but boy is it true. I remember my sister having her eyebrows tweezed by my grandmother and as I watched this horrid act as a little girl, I took it to heart as my talk show loving, Kent smoking, overly fabulous grandmother told us both that "beauty hurts". In this era of wax on, wax off (everywhere) we know this to be true.

You're now probably saying to yourself, "that's it"? That's what you learned? Yea, I know. These are not pearls of wisdom, at least not real pearls. But we all have something to learn from our mothers, like it or not, and that's what I got. I also learned to be nice to people for the most part, and greet somebody warmly when they come to your home. I hope she likes the purse I bought her as a gift, and if she doesn't, I will be the first to know. We all love our mothers, and as we get older and they get older, there are challenges but despite all of it we owe them a lot. They birthed us after all, and without them, we would not be alive to complain about them. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there- obviously the big topic when it comes to motherhood these days is that Time Magazine cover where a mom is nursing her 3 year old son, who looks to be about 15 and not a toddler. Guess breast milk does a body good. And though I'm not really in a position to talk about this (though I do have opinions) since I am not a mom myself, I shudder to think about this attachment parenting thing when it comes to my own life- the thought of sleeping in bed with my mother until I was a teenager would probably have made me completely insane. Pretty happy this attachment parenting thing was not a buzzed about topic when I was a kiddlywink. Phew.

Anyways, enjoy your moms this weekend- be kind, be patient, and shower them with love. And if you are a mom yourself, enjoy some much needed pampering. Here is a recipe for breakfast pizza I found online for all of you hubbies out there that want to do a nice breakfast for your wife and mother of your children. Looks like a great one so enjoy:

http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/03/breakfast-pizza/

Happy Mother's Day, friends. Yes, I know it's weird my mother is afraid of the Internet, but what are you gonna do? At least I know how to be a good dinner party guest. Cause that's what's up this maternal Friday in the 718. Big ups to the mommies out there- no idea how you do it. XO

Good morning, Wednesday. It's raining, it's pouring and I'm not going to the gym. Today's spin teacher is a bit too into his Fire Island tea dance playlist, and I'm not featuring that today. I may psyche myself up to go into the city later and go to Soul Cycle, but with all of this rain I'll be lucky to get off my sofa today.

And since it's a rainy one, I'll have to dress accordingly if I do venture out, and I can only hope to look as chicly adorable as Catherine Deneuve in "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg", pictured above. Though I now own four different trenches (Burberry, Rag and Bone, Banana Republic, and one super lightweight guy from the Gap), I think I may be just fine today. But if you are somewhat weather challenged and worried about a sopping wet wardrobe, head over to a store that could probably only exist in New York, Ame Ame, located on a delicious little block of East 9th Street in the East Village. A recent jaunt around one of my favorite neighborhoods found me in this store- they've got every chic thing you need for wet weather and sell candy from Sweden and Amsterdam and everywhere else to boot.  PS- Mother's Day is this weekend- a cute umbrella is a great gift for the woman who gave you life, non?

Link to the store below- check it out if you're living here in the city or the next time you come for a visit- loads of lovely shops on East 9th Street for you to check out as well- hopefully it won't be raining when you do...cause that's what's up this raindrops keep falling on my (Barbour rain hatted) head kind of Wednesday in the 718. Let it rain. XO

http://www.amerain.com/

Every once in a while, your mortality smacks you squarely in the ass. And as your age climbs like the temperature in mid August, those smacks get a little bit harder, and sting a little bit more. As a child, I often wondered what it would be like when the heroes of my generation started dying- I watched my parents reactions when some of their favorites died and remembered thinking how freaky it was going to be when someone like John Taylor or Simon Le Bon would kick the bucket. And when I heard the news of MCA from the Beastie Boys death, the shock was like nothing I could really describe. Needless to say, the words of one of their most famous songs was heartfelt this weekend, but with a twist on the words- there was just no sleep IN Brooklyn as many of us tossed and turned and looked for some way to make sense of one of our own generation we lost way too early.

Phew busy day today people...let's just get to it. Oh and hello, Friday. Going to be a busy weekend I'll tell you what. Due to rushing and scrambling, I give you a quick fix of Five for Friday- I know this weekend is Cinco De Mayo and the Derby, so I give you the slurry edition of my weekly five spot, which focuses on the best of the best of da booze:

Best mint julep recipe- I believe in community, and Esquire's recipe for a punch bowl full of bourbon and mint is best for those of you looking to share your lovely brown drunkenness with others. Besides, alcohol in a bowl is always more fun. 

http://www.esquire.com/drinks/mint-julep-community-style-drink-recipe

Best margarita recipe- Cinco de Mayo, yo. I love this recipe from Chow that twists up the classic and coats the glass with cayenne or cumin flavored salt. I'm a real traditionalist when it comes to margs, but love that the main ingredients are intact, and we get a bit of a twist on the rim of the glass. More please.

http://www.chow.com/recipes/10643-perfect-margarita

Best bourbon cocktail- Maybe you're not a big bourbon drinker, but I married a Kentucky man and have come around to what is now one of my favorite poisons. I would inject it if I could, but somehow, that seems dangerous. As noted by Esquire, Gary Regan says in The Book of Bourbon, "We think most good bourbons sound like Tom Waits." How can you not want to sip on that? I dig this recipe from Garden & Gun for Bourbon and spicy ginger soda. Bourbon and fresh ginger root with a pear garnish?  Even the Yankee-est amongst you will be rebel yelling for this one.

http://gardenandgun.com/article/southern-staple-bourbon-and-ginger

Best new cocktail bar in NYC- It's not like I've been doing the rounds or anything, but the bar at the new Nomad Hotel on 28th and Broadway is hands down the sexiest bar I've been to in ages. It has a bit of the Hotel Costes in Paris bar vibe going on- dark yet lit, beautiful bar, and a cocktail menu that is complex and delicate at the same time. If you are looking for a place to wear those stockings with the back seam and a trench coat with something slinky underneath (bra and panties work too), then go there- and for the gentlemen- if you have a woman in mind who you would like to see in said outfit, take her there. It's hot. For real. Non sexual collaborations will enjoy this bar too. It's gorg. And the little library room off the side has that bookish thing I love to be surrounded by when sipping on something potent. I wish I could remember what I drank there, but I do know bourbon was involved and it was excellent.

Best cocktail bar I need to go to- Very excited that the Experimental Cocktail club has opened stateside, and right here in New York on the Lower East Side. This is a bar from Paris that many say is one of the few places there for real cocktail enthusiasts, and knowing that New York is a place where cocktailing is a way of life, this place is going to enjoy a steady stream of patrons. I'll see you there- it's at Chrystie and Rvington and waiting for us.

And now that we're through, I hope you have a lovely weekend betting on ponies, drinking tequila in a sombrero, or checking out a great bar wherever you happen to live. It's all about vices this weekend, friends- I say embrace them wholeheartedly, cause that's what's up this somewhat Bukowski inspired betting on ponies and down that hatch kind of Friday in the 212. It's 5 pm, somewhere, isn't it. XO

Good morning, Wednesday- it's cloudy here in the BK but looking forward to a meeting in the city, lunch with a dear pal, and then a screening of "Bully" tonight, which I'm sure will have me teary. In between all of these things, I've got to get some work done. Thank goodness for free wifi...

But regardless of some midweek work and play,  this weekend promises to be a  jam packed fest of fun- it's Frieze at Randall's Island, Cinco de Mayo, and the Kentucky Derby, all on Saturday. And with the Derby comes my annual wish that one day I will attend with my Louisvillian husband, but for now I content myself with dreaming about what kind of chapeau would grace my head.

I have always been a huge fan of Eugenia Kim's creations (above), and these little numbers are no exception. I am in love with the fedora shaped numbe with the feather up top, dreaming of the middle number which would most likely pack nicely and keep you cool and chic in Southern humidity, and the head wrap is great for those who fear a big hat but still want to give a nod and a wink to tradition. I've been watching Diane Keaton this week as she makes the press rounds to promote her new film, and nobody loves a hat more than Ms. K. When asked by Ellen De Generes why she is such a big hat fan, Diane noted that hats frame the face so nicely, and highlight the features you want to show as well as hide some things you don't. In my mind, nothing finishes an outfit better than a hat (or that damn Phillip Lim bag, which is another story entirely), you just need to know which shape is right for your face shape and hair style. I myself don't look fantastic in giant hats- I'm much better off in more masculine shapes like fedoras and newsboys. Wearing a hat is also a worthy foil to a bad hair day, and with the balmier months approaching, I suspect there may be a few of those.

So whether you want to go high end with a brand like Eugenia Kim or go more low end (Target has loads of good hats usually, at great prices, as does Urban Outfitters and other more modest retailers like Forever 21 and the Gap), there's loads of options for showcasing that gorgeous face of your first- the first two shown directly above are from the Gap and the last one is Mossimo from Target, all under $50.  That color block one from Target is really lovely, and it's $14.99. Genius.

Hope your hump day is fabulous, cause that's what's up this mad hatter of a mid week in the 718. XO

http://eugeniakim.com/

http://www.gap.com/

http://www.target.com/