This is why I'm here

Good morning, Tuesday. I'm home today but going into the city in a bit to run some holiday errands. Admittedly, I've been out of sorts- all of this change heaped on me at once is really challenging- everything from living on the first floor of a building (have never done that) to learning how to ignore my dog and not let him jump on the bed in the am (we are treating seperation anxiety is what we're doing). You could say the dog and I are going through it a little, but at least we're together. Both of us are wondering what's going on, but I suppose we'll get there. I am proud of my little boy because he's trying to figure it all out, and doing a pretty good job of it as we both try to process all of this change (David doesn't have time to do that- he's already working, working, working).

But last night I realized why I'm here. It's not just about getting the best chocolate almond croissants I have ever had (Bien Cuit down the street, better than Paris I kid you not) or being able to shop till I drop. It's about being able to take the dog for a stroll amidst some of the most beautiful architecture around- Brooklyn Heights is right next door and I forgot how moved I am every time I walk around there. The scale of these enormous brownstones, filled with light, ceilings high, and mouldings aplenty are a perfect backdrop for the holiday season and chilly evenings. I've told you before that I am indeed my father's daughter, and I need a sense of history around me (he loved history) to keep me grounded and give me a sense of place. I absolutely adore the charm and patina of old, and I am so happy (and lucky) to be surrounded by these gorgeous structures- they please me to no end. Give me your Gothic, Italianate, and Federal houses. I'll take 'em. 

I have a friend in Miami Beach who posts pictures of the beach and sky early each morning, because that's what moves her. It moves me too-  I love the beach but realize it is a cityscape that's the thing for me- the elegance of it, the stillness of it, the imagination that runs wild as I think about what life could be like living in such a place, or what the lives of the people who live in these brownstones are like. I love to peer in their windows and catch a glimpse of their lives. And that's really the thing- I need life around me. I like to do my own thing and be alone, sure, but life around me is a must, and these homes remind me that there is humanity everywhere, and it doesn't have to be stifling, smothering, or overpowering, as many perceive New York or city living to be.  When I walk on the promenade in Brooklyn and view the city from afar, I feel small, huge, powerful, and humble all at once. I can't get enough of the scale of this city. And now I don't have to...

I hope you are all somewhere that gives you a sense of place, a sense of purpose, or a sense of peace. It's a tall order I know but just look up and see what you see, and I'll see what I'll see, and the world may just be a better place if all of us just take time to look around the places we call home. I'm home now, and although the change thing can be a bit of bear to deal with, when I look around me, it feels so right. Cause that's what's up this gazing up, down, and all around kind of Tuesday in the most beautiful city in the world. It's good to be home. All the love. XO

Occupy this look...

Good morning, Monday...here I am in New York City, back home, and well, here I am. Feeling a bit timid about the whole thing at the moment but sure it will make sense soon. Not going to bore you with my thoughts on change now, because I've more important things to share. Like thoughts on fashion.

So I'm a bit obsessed with this Rooney Mara creature, she of the starring role in the film version of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo". Her othewordly, cyberpunk androgyny is absolutely killing me. In a good way. She is the end.

I've talked (infinitely) here about how much I love a tough chick- yea there's parts of me that are super girly- I like to smell like vanilla, I love pretty things, I like lacy and leopard and lipstick. But then there's the part of me that feels like a warrior, a toughskins that is just trying to make it in the world, and needs to dress accordingly.

And I'm not the only one having a thing for all things punk- sure I know it's a big 90s thing happening with the cool kids these days, but I'm not buying (though an original Marc Jacobs cashmere thermal would not suck in this weather). I'm feeling way more inspired by Arizona Muse in red leather Balmain, a bit of Betty Catroux for something more feminine and smoky, and a whole lot of dragon tattoo. With everyone so angry nowadays and "occupied", I can't help but feel that the rebelliousness of punk and its style is completely on point. Can anyone ever forget the first time they heard "Anarchy in the UK"? I certainly can't, because it changed my life, or at least, my style and propensity to embrace my teenaged angst, which is still with me to a certain extent.

So as I try to figure out how my soul will navigate this city all over again for the remixed version of my life, I'm going to infuse it with a bit of the tough, the rebel, the punk chick I've always been at heart. It's the only way really. And lest you think this look is too Hot Topic think again- check out the Bos in this lovely Burberry Prorsum. Hard edged, yes. Chic as hell? Also, yes.

In any event, if you are in New York, come play with me. If only we could meet at CBGB's...cause that's what's up this clampdown of a Monday in Brooklyn...all the love, with a bit of a snarl for good measure, and a middle finger to any fear of change. Cause you definitely need a little attitude to survive here. XO

A red for THIS season

Good morning, Friday...up early to try and get a workout in before the madness starts all over again today- the move was record breaking for my personal history anyway (took six hours), and boxes are all over the place. Last night, David and I called it at around 8 and walked around the neighborhood a bit, which did not disappoint. I am amazed at how much is around us, available to us, and inspiring to us. This ain't Miami anymore...the power of the patina of old just does it for me- give me a townhouse in Brooklyn Heights over beachfront in Miami any day. I know that's weird, but it's tots true. Everything here feels so elegant and timeless, even though Barney's Coop has moved in down the street, as has Barnes and Noble and Pet Smart. The old and the new ain't so bad though...

But enough about moving and boxes and discovery. It's the holidays and you need a red dress. I love red dresses- well let's say I admire them from a distance because I cant' wear red at all. I think red is very sexy and lovely and confident, like most of you out there, so go buy a crimson creation RIGHT NOW won't you? I myself can't buy another item of clothing for about two years- the parade of wardrobe boxes marching into my apartment was a bit insane, and I felt the moving dudes were judging me, not to mention my husband, who simply shook his head. 

But back to the red dress- there's loads in all shapes and sizes, but take a cue from this drop dead gorgeous (and most likely expensive) creation from Donna Karan (show above). It's so sexy it hurts- simple, elegant, and HOT and my hands down favorite this year. This Jason Wu is super cute too for those who like a more vintage silhouette, which is always cute for holiday cocktail events:

And for those of us who can't quite do true red, I quite  like this option from Rachel Zoe, which is still kinda punchy but a bit less in your face yet cool...also this other Donna Karan number skews more crimson, deep red, a color I can actually wear with no problem as opposed to "true" red:

But a special prize goes to this over the top Lanvin with feathers...it's too much to take. Feathers and red work nicely together and scream holiday, albeit in a throaty, smoky way:

Whatever your plans this season, put a little red in your heart, and closet.  Even if it's just a scarf, gloves, or lipstick- or of course there's always a Wellie, done up in red for the holidays on snowy nights (amazing how many girls wear Hunters in this town- red will surely set you apart from the herd):

And though many amongst us are feeling "in the red" these days, try and summon up a little creativity and wear something confident and strong. You know have it in you, and so will I, after I pore through more boxes this am...cause that's what's up this paint the town red kind of Friday in the BK, yo. All the love and have a great weekend. XO

 

 

Moving Day

 

Good morning, Thursday. Perhaps my sanity and sense of groundedness are buried within one of them. Can't wait to be done with this move already and dig into life again...stay tuned for that, cause that's what's up this cardboarded Thursday in the MIA, wait scratch that, in the 718.I'm still a bit "where am I"...oh, and wanted to post this room below because it's just so pretty and makes me feel good. All the love. Looking forward to a lovely home. XO

 

Clowns to the left of me, jokers on the right...

Good afternoon, fair readers. I'm hanging out doing some work while it rains outside and awaiting the arrival of the movers tomorrow am. Is it me or does change sometimes offer something akin to paralysis? I feel frozen right now- maybe it's the rain or maybe it's the fact that there's so much to do that I can't seem to get out of my own way to do it all. I think moving into the apartment will help- need more of a sense of place and nontranscience to get me through this post move weirdness I find myself in.  I have zero regrets and am still thrilled to be here, but feeling like I need my home to ground me and help me plant my feet so I can take new steps. Right now, I'm content with Nate Berkus on TV while I figure it all out.That's about it for today- I find myself in middle earth today and not so comfy there. I need to chill and trust. All the love- cause that's what's up this sorry to make reference to Lord of the Rings cause I don't like it anyway kind of Wednesday in the 718. Here I am, stuck in the middle with you. XO

 

A couple of quick observations...

Good day, Tuesday. It's rainy and shite here in New York but warm so can't complain too much...I am still trying to orient myself- truck comes on Thursday with our whole life and the furnishings to accompany it so until then I am a bit of a wandering Jew. It's been some time since I have spent more than a few hours in Brooklyn, but my new 'hood is pretty rad, though a bit more pretentious than I remembered. It's hard for me to think of it here as so well heeled, but it really is. There are fancy strollers everywhere, nannies everywhere, and post hipsters everywhere who have achieved success but still wear thick black glasses. It's an interesting little pocket (I'm in Cobble Hill) and the predominant fashion for women seems to be good boots, well fitting down coats, and a top knot in the hair, which to me seems to be the dominant look here- the messy hair rule shows that although you are a mommy who may not work, you don't have time for a blowout nor do you want one- your children, freelance textile business, or yoga class trumps a shiny do any day. I love that the messy hair is rocked with a good bag, and expensive shoes and jeans. It's sort of the norm around here and though I don't nearly have enough hair to go top bunning, I have always embraced the messy look. Speaking of which, one of my first calls in the city was to my go to hair gal Siobhan, who is better than ever and came to see me in my hotel room- if you need a cut, she's the ONE. We talked at length about some ideas we both have that could be fun- so stay tuned for those...

I tried out a sweet little French place here, where lunch for two was $20- Tabac is a nice place to spend an afternoon, and I look forward to many there and discovering more and more. I'm still getting my sea legs but hopefully it will all make sense soon- last night I went into the city and remembered how much I love St. Mark's bookshop- and how much I missed places like this in Miami (find me a bookstore with an anarchy section there. Not likely). I bought a biography of Rimbaud and a collection of Fitzgerald stories on drinking- seemed apt that I am crawling out of my antisocial web I spun in the 305- now ready for drinks with friends and lovely wine soaked meals. Now I am watching New York Live with Siggy Flicker, the new reality show matchmaker of "Why am I Single" fame who keeps pronouncing married as "mawwied". Damn I missed it here...

MIami seems very far away and fading from mind faster than I thought it would...it was a weird period of our lives but grateful for all that it gave me and the experiences I had there. Will be back to blogging about all of my inspirations, loves, wants, thoughts shortly, but feeling a bit disassembled until my stuff gets here and I'm situated...all the love, and that's what's up this Lena Horne singing "Stormy Weather" of a Tuesday in the 718. XO

Uh huh, that's right

Hiya Wednesday last full day in Miami. In typical Maven form, I'm at Merrick Park while the movers have taken over our apartment, which is weird yes, but oddly fitting. You native Miami types know the place well- it's the civilized, less over the top version of Bal Harbor, that other temple to luxury and gluttony. I have spent a lot of time at this place- it's indoor/outdoor and very pretty and have always loved it. Plus I can't have enough of Nordstrom's iced vanilla chai. Really one of my favorite things...

Merrick is one of those places I actually found myself digging in Miami- it's close to home, was a quick drive from my old office for lunchtime shop bys, and has just enough shopping to get your fix, but not so much that you feel like dying after. (I'm referencing Dadeland and Aventura here- ugh). 

Sure it's funny that my apartment is full of burly men with loads of tape and boxes while I sit here and get my makeup done at the MAC counter (it calms my nerves),  but why not? I'm going to leave Miami with a well done lip and a smartly neutral eye and that, my friends, is THAT. The movers make me nervous, and they're much better off without me, really.

Though I am not sure what's ahead, I am thrilled, tired, and wide eyed to finally come home. The past few days have been easy peaz (best packers, movers) but a bit emotional at the same time- not really about leaving Miami but more about woah- 7 years sure goes fast. Can't believe it. That and I feel like we're duping sweet Khan dog into a new life that he may have not signed up for- here he is thinking he's coming home from daycare tonight to his nice home, and he's not. We'll just have to make it up to him in New York- he does seem the intellectual type, but not so sure about the cold...

Regardless I'll be back to posting about fashion coolness, things I love, etc. (PS have you seen Paris Vogue with Kate Moss on the cover dressed as Ziggy Stardust? Unreal and amazing).  Plane leaves tomorrow and the end of an era, and a new time begins. Hope you all keep up with me during this time of change, and most likely you'll find me somewhere in the city,nervously getting makeup done to circumvent some of the fears and mishagas I have associated with the unknown. All the love, cause that's what's up this last day of full time living in the MIA, you weird town full of weirdness though I may miss your gorgeous light and dappling ocean. Oh, and happy Basel to all you lucky bastards enjoying it. Have a fabulous time. I'll be back next year...XO