Good morning, Wednesday. I'm leaving the NYC tonight and feeling dejected. Where in Miami can I get a coffee and a bagel in two seconds flat? No-where. Bah.

Anyway, here is a 46 year old Kristen Mcmenamy on the catwalk for Chanel resort. Yes I said 46. Doesn't she look the end? I think so.

Thought I'd share that, kids. Ain't nothing wrong with the dirty side of 45. Looking good, KM, looking good.

And that is indeed what's up this fine wine of a Wednesday in the MIA. XO

Good morning, Tuesday. How YOU doin'?

Listen, Ive felt better, and I don't have a ton to say. I'm tired, I can't sleep, and I've still got this yucky sinus thing happening. But here's what I will say- and you've heard this before from me- if you ever had any doubt that New York is the best city on this here orb, I can help you out. Case in point- last night was simple but fantastic- a walk from midtown to Gramercy to the Maritime, with some nice wine and food in between. And suddenly it's almost midnight and it feels like you've only been walking for ten minutes. I don't think you should ever underestimate the power of a nice stroll with an old friend- to catch up, laugh, and observe the movement of the city. I so miss a really good walk- it's one of life's true pleasures, it's free, and can be enjoyed solo or with someone you love- hell it can even just be someone you like. Not many cities are so walky, but New York is known for it, and I miss it so. Nobody really walks in Miami, and Lincoln Road is fine, but not nearly as fascinating as a stroll across Manhattan town. PS- girls here are welcoming warmer temps with lots of knee length skirts, flats, and mixed patterns- think stripes and dots and flowers and everything in between, as long as it doesn't match...it's cute.

Oh, and Pakistan is not our friend, in case you were wondering if they were... they're not.

And that's what's up this walky Tuesday in the NYC. I'm looking forward to a nice stroll downtown this am- hope you are enjoying what makes your city great today as well, wherever you are. XO

I love you so much I can barely breathe, and that's that.

XO

Sheri's husband David here. I know some of you. Some of you only know me through this blog. 

In any case, Sheri's travelling and just couldn't get it together - packing for a Maven can be quite stressful, you know. She called me from the airport and asked me to fill-in today. She didn't want to let ya'll down and thought it would be funny if I wrote in her place. A daunting task to say the least.

There aren't really any trends I can think of. No new make-ups I can recommend. And I haven't seen any movies worth mentioning.

Instead of being insightful or thought-provoking I think it best if I just tell you a joke and call it a day. (Sheri warned me about being off-color. My reputation for being offensive is fairly well known and she didn't want me to turn this blog into a filthfest.) So here goes. I hope I do my Maven proud.

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A man is stranded on a desert island with Cindy Crawford. Every day he tries to have sex with her, but she keeps pushing him away. After several weeks, the man breaks down and pleads with her, "Look, I'm going nuts on this island staring at you walking around. I desperately need to have sex with you. No one is going to see us, since we're all alone here. And, most likely, we'll never be discovered on this island, so no one will ever know. So please, I beg you. Just do this for me."

Cindy Crawford considers this for a while and after a long pause finally says, "Okay."

So the man and the supermodel have sex, and they're lying in the sand afterward. The man turns to Cindy Crawford and says, "Can you do one more thing for me?"

Cindy Crawford looks at him and says, "What is it this time?"

The man says, "Would you please dress up like a man?"

Cindy Crawford considers this for a while and after a long pause finally says, "Okay."

The man then gives the supermodel some of his clothes. Cindy puts on his suit, his shirt, his tie. The man looks her up and down and draws a mustache over her lip with a fountain pen, and then he brushes her hair back in a man's style.

Soon, Cindy Crawford is standing next to the man looking very much like a man herself, wearing a suit, a shirt, and a tie, with a mustache and a man's hairstyle.

Seeing her like this, the man nudges the supermodel in the ribs, slaps her on the back, and says proudly, "I just fu*ked Cindy Crawford!"

Hi, Wednesday. I mean, Thursday...der. Totally unsure of what day it is but all I really know is it's today and that's that.I was chatting with my sis on email last night and she posed a question as we discussed the Calypso for Target collaboration, which I thought would be nice for a "Thanks for Asking" post:

What do you think about Calypso and others selling at Target?  Brand dilution or brand recognition? I think dilution. Just wondering your thoughts on what Target does to the strength or weakness of the all important BRAND?

I think this is a great question, and one I have often thought (and argued) about. I must admit when I read the news of the latest designer collaboration slated for the Fall (Missoni), I was a bit shocked. In my mind, Target usually picks younger, edgier designers- I'm thinking of Jovavich Hawk, Tracey Feith, Tucker, and scads of others. Yes I know they went very big with Isaac, Jean Paul Gaultier, and McQueen, but I typically think of the young ones as typical Target targets. With the announcement of Missoni coming onboard, it's clear that even the biggest of the luxury brands (Missoni is a family owned fashion empire on all things zig zag), want in on the democratization of fashion, which I am 100% in favor of.

If I look back a bit, I think all of this "accessible luxury" really began when companies like Chanel and YSL started selling cosmetics- you may not be able to buy a $2000 Chanel purse but you could buy a $30 lipstick. I know that's still expensive for a tube of lipstick, but it's a way to treat yourself while still being able to pay for your rent or mortgage. In my humble opinion, it's not all of this lower priced fashion via high end designers that has diluted brands. It's our "sale" culture that has kidn of screwed the fashion business.

If you are a shopper in the US of A, you will no doubt notice the constant "sale" mania we have here- a la Gilt, etc. and all the sales in bricks and mortar as well. if you look at the French, they only have sales twice a year. Anna Wintour acknowledged this some time back and was nearly burned alive by the garment district, whose fear of stopping sales year round will kill the fashion business. I myself will very rarely buy something that is not on sale- why would I? But think of stores like the GAP- why would you pay $69.50 for a dress when you know two weeks later it will be $19.99? And how then do you assess the "value" of the brand when you are constantly placing it on the discount rack? Barney's get's it right -with their twice yearly warehouse sales that reward super fans who wait in line for hours with sweet deals on all of their favorite designers.

I think the Target collaborations allow for brand recognition- the brand loyal will still shop at Calypso but may find it fun to incorporate a piece from Target, while those who can't afford Calypso will be thrilled with the Target sale. And as many of us know, true style is not about wearing designer from head to toe or steeping yourself in expensive gear- true style can be had from a $10 Fruit of the Loom tee shirt- it simply depends on how you rock it.

It just needs to be done with confidence- and really fashion is all about mixing the high and the low- the most stylish people rock a basic tee with an expensive skirt a la Sharon Stone at the Oscars in a Vera Wang skirt and Gap tee. That is true style, kids. I see many people in designer head to toe that may have nice clothes, but have not an ounce of style (trust me, I live in Miami and see this all the time). This is why I have always loved stores like the GAP- I may buy the same white button down as you but I'm going to wear it completely differently than you and you and you. That's what living in a democratic world is all about, and not letting clothes wear you- if you are innately stylish it doesn't matter if you wear a cheap shirt or a couture gown- it will always be there. Viva la democratic dressing (the French do this mix better than anyone...Ines de la Fressange praises mixing cheap with cher to achieve that perfect, effortlessly chic French look).

But I digress- if the goal is to get as many people in Missoni as possible, then they will surely achieve it- and those who wear the real high end stuff will not desert the brand because of it, because the high end stuff is still made much better- with better fabrics and cuts, etc. But at the end of the day, fashion is all about sales, and don't forget there is big money to be made by going mass.Fashion is a business first and foremost, and though you probably won't be able to sell a ton of $1000 knit skirts, you can surel as shit sell a ton of $39.99 tunic tops. (Democracy and capitalism go hand in hand, in case you're taking notes...)

For the snobby amongst you that say only the best will do- lighten up. As in, right this second.

Fashion is meant to be fun after all, and this is a way to buy into the brand without breaking the bank- and times being the way they are, that ain't a small thing.  And Target is a "cheap chic" brand that's respected by everyone- snobby New Yorkers think shopping at Target is fun, and they do have a mega respect for design. If they didn't, this whole model would not be as cool and accepted by the fashion flock as it is. Target made cheap chic, and that's that.

(Addendum to this post: it does not matter if a luxury brand goes mass- what matters is that the core values of the brand remain- Calypso's thing is chic, hippy, sunny beach fashion- whether from Target or Madison Avenue, that tenet remains the same...and that's why it works). :)

Hi, darlings...it's Wednesday and we're inching closer to this weekend's Derby...though I am married to a native Louisvillian, I have never been to the Derby but am dying to go. For now, I will content myself with mint juleps- the delicious and tipsy beverage of the Run for the Roses. I'm not a bettin' woman, but I do love the ponies. And I absolutely am crazy about a proper mint julep. I had the great fortune of doing a bit of a bourbon tour last summer and I must say, it's a fascinating, time honored process resulting in delicious, brown, liquid heaven. So here's a recipe from the BBQ Whisperer on how to make a proper julep. Enjoy- let's go have one now, shall we?

Ingredients
8 to 10 mint leaves
1 sprig of mint for garnish
1 tablespoon of sugar, more or less to taste
1 1/2 ounce clean fresh Kentucky spring water
3 ounces premium Bourbon
Crushed ice

About the Bourbon. Knob Creek is my favorite sippin' whiskey, but I cringe at the thought of mixing it with sugar and mint. So I use Jim Beam Black Label, first rate 8 year old that sells for about $25 where I live. (Maven note: unless I am mistaken, the bourbon they use in the official julep is Early Times...)

Optional: Replace the sugar with 1 ounce peach syrup.

Optional: Replace the water with seltzer to make it more lively.

Do this
1) Rinse the mint to make sure any dirt splashed on the underside of the leaves is gone. Don't dry them. The moisture from the rinse is helpful in making the drink.

2) Put the leaves in a 12 ounce cocktail glass and pour the sugar on top. Muddle them together with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon. When the leaves and wet sugar begin to turn to a mushy paste, add the water and the bourbon, and stir with a fork until the sugar dissolves. Top with crushed ice, garnish with the sprig of mint, get your bets down, and serve.

And that's what's up this galloping toward the weekend of a Wednesday in the 305. XO

Good morning, my fashion flock. It's Tuesday and I'm sick with a cold once again- have a feeling it's all the dust in my apartment from the aforementioned floors but taking this opportunity to get some rest today...

But there was no rest for the fashion crowd last night at one of the biggest parties of the year, The 2011 Costume Institute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art last night and honored Alexander McQueen. I am dying to see the new exhibit there and the next time I am in New York I am most likely heading there straight from the airport. I am sure it's a fantastic show full of fantasy, immaculate tailoring, and imagination. Note Daphne Guiness here in McQueen and see what I mean (PS she dressed for the event in Barney's window at 5 pm yesterday. Talk about the ultimate in here I am...).

It's interesting that the world will now know McQueen for Kate MIddleton's dress, but the Sarah Burton iteration of his legacy is a huge departure from his rather "out there" take on dressing (and I mean out there in the best of possible ways). McQueen was more Isabella Blow and Daphne G. than Kate and Pippa, but at least his name lives on as a fashion icon for years to come. And the fashion crowd came out in all their finest to  honor him last night.

I'm just going to be blunt and say that last night's looks left me cold. There was not much there that was super fantastic, so what I gravitated toward were in two camps- the neutral and the gamine-esque. Everybody else left me rather meh.

I simply adore the neutral palette worn last night it's beyond sexy and shows off beautiful skin, with a figure to match. I adore the below looks because they are elegant and quiet and simple but also completely dazzling and fantastic. Maybe I'm still in post wedding mode, but I admire women that can dress simply and still steal the show. Dakota Fanning was in Valentino looking much like Queen Mab , a hot Natasha Poly was in Alex Wang, an elegant Ashley Greene in Donna Karan, Renee in Carolina Herrera, Gwyneth in Stella McCartney, white is neutral too as shown by Florence Welch in YSL, a gorgeous Naomi Watts in Stella McCartney, a dessert like Jessica Stam in Tommy Hilfiger (so girly but love it). Also adore this metallic McQueen rocked by Karen Elson. I love the idea of gold as a neutral as well, albeit a bit more shiny and POW. And loving the long sleeves on some of these looks. I am a fan of a longer sleeve length these days.

On another note, I am a sucker for a gamine. I have always loved the Farrowesque, the Heburnish, the Sebergette. It's a look I gravitate toward because it's girlish and young but also a bit tomboyish at the same time. In essence, it's adorable. And Ginnifer Goodwin in Topshop and Michelle Williams in Miu Miu did it well.How cute are they? (And you already know ad nauseam how I feel about green...)

And in the random category, loving these Marni girls- Cindy Sherman, Consuelo Castiglioni (of Marni), Anouck Lepère, and Giovanna Battaglia all wore the designer. They remind me of art school and those cooler than you girls that always had an eye for a cool print/ethnic sensibilty. I dig.

Oh and check out Crystal Renn as McQueen's black swan...amazing. This was what McQueen was all about- Drama with a capital D.

But neutrals, pixies, arty girls and black swans aside, who was my favorite from last night? Brooklyn Decker, in Michael Kors. This girl epitomizes American style- simple, chic, athletic, and optimistic. Tell me that color doesn't give you a little sense of  the "yes we can". It stands out amidst the sea of fussy and she's a gorgeous girl. This is a gorgeous girl from the US of A and since we're all feeling a little patriotic this week, I give her the look of the night for its confidence, happy color, and simple elegance. Love.

And that's what's up this fashion packed Tuesday in the MIA. Next year at the Met Ball, kids. All the love. XO

Good morning, Monday...what an interesting weekend newswise, no?

I was going to post  today about how sad it made me that so many people dissed the royal wedding (yes I'm still talking about it) . Why were so many people hating on it, and feeling so self satisfied with their status update of pure apathy about the whole thing, worn as some sort of badge of honor that claimed they were somehow too cool, too intellectual, or too cynical to appreciate such an event?  I wondered and puzzled over how as a society we could be so cynical and so jaded to not wish well or be entertained by two people starting a life together, albeit royal, with designer gowns and dignitaries in tow. Why was it so bad to want to take part in a joyous occasion and celebrate along with Will and Kate? Have we all really gotten so bitter and snarky that we can't simply celebrate the union of two people that have not done any harm to the world- one who was born into a tremendous responsiblity and has done nothing but good things in spite of it? And then, just like that, a new lens.

Under the lens of this news story that has yet to unfold in terms of how it will affect us, I can only say that I can relate to why many were miffed that the wedding got so much attention ,when so many bad things like killer tornados were ravaging the southern states. I think I enjoyed the festivities so much because I needed a break from all the bad news and was all too happy to watch the wedding, watch the beauty of a young bride, and watch two people tie the knot, one who endured quite a bit of his own suffering with the tragic loss of his mother and grew up to be a lovely human being, from what I can tell. And that life indeed goes on despite all of the terrible things we as a human race have to endure.

Their union was not a game changer, but the news of last night surely was. I’m not at all thinking that his death will make all the bad go away, but it’s a massive relief knowing that one less evil human is on earth to harm and wreak havoc upon us. I am proud of our country's ability to keep at it and not give up in our pursuit to get rid of this purely evil soul- it's a testament to the resolve of our spirit as a nation to not back down, and this makes me feel not exactly happy, but  what I like to call "cautiously optimistic". I’ve been reading a lot lately about how happiness will be the new “wealth”, as its pursuit has eluded us in recent years in the face of so many challenges and will become the most sought after state of being in the years to come- and that success will be measured by happiness, and not wealth (if you don't believe me read this past weekend's NYT about the Boston suburb of Somerville surveying people on their happiness. France and England have already begun doing this PS).

Perhaps happiness as an ideal is a bit of a ways off, but I for one am going to attempt to be cautiously optimistic as we move forward, because I'm tired of all the cynicism and darkness (though I am sure I will fall victim once in a blue to it's sultry spell as I am prone to such things). It's time to get back to a bit of optimism as we move forward, as it truly is an American ideal and what has gotten us through some rather dark days before. Many would say that happiness and/or optimism are an illusion, an inability to deal with reality, and a construct for people who don't want to deal with the harshness of our world. I must admit I have been suspicious of happy types before (take the blissed out types in yoga classes in LA for instance), but I think I may be changing my tune because I'm tired of doom and gloom. I think if we opened up a bit and embraced the good things, maybe we would all feel a bit better and not be so bloody angry all the time? Surely if we put more energy in the pursuit of happiness, maybe we could actually have some?

I paused on Friday at the wee small hour of  4 am to watch the wedding not only because I cared about a dress, but I needed a reason to celebrate, if only for a moment or two. I can’t even fathom the news of Bin Laden as it brings up so many terrible memories of lives lost and dreams dashed. LIke so many who lived in New York at the time, the events of that day and the days following were unlike anything we had seen before. Let’s hope that his capture and death can help us move on-  to me, there is no real happiness associated with it, but a sense of justice being served and a bit of hope for the future. I hope the world can heal and let a little more light into their hearts- that we can all remember to celebrate the good moments, royal or not, and move past some of those things that have shaken us to our cores. If happiness is a real pursuit these days, then we need to remove some of our deep cynicism and apathy and keep in mind all the things we do have to look forward to. There is still great beauty and joy to be found in this life, even amidst so much tragedy and darkness. And that's what's up this cautiously optimized Monday in the MIA. XO

NIck Clegg's wife Miriam Gonzalez Durantez. Spotted her in the church and thought she was allll that...LOVE. XO

Hello my darlings, mazel tov to the happy couple, Kate and William. I crept out of bed at 4 am to watch the whole thing go down, and I'm very glad I did.

Many of my pals in social media land and beyond were nonplussed by this whole event, which I get. The world is in a precarious state, the Southern part of our fair country is in turmoil, and pomp and circumstance seems a bit out of touch with this here world upside down.

But I think the royal family nailed it with the wedding- because it was understated, sophisticated, a bit serious, and stripped free of artifice. When you get married in Westminster Abby, do you really need much more? I think not. And with this latest union, we see the next generation of royals- modern and free of pretension and procedure. As I watched the ceremony, I couldn't help but think that both Kate and Wills looked like they wanted the whole thing to be over so they could kick up their heels and get the party started. It brought to mind many friends of mine who had big weddings, counter to who they were, because their families expected and demanded it of them. I'm sure the same was true of this happy couple, who seem more the type to have less time in the spotlight and more time just being together and trying to enjoy life. But when you see that gorgeous overhead shot of the Abbey, you can't help but get choked up and appreciate the tradition and sanctity of getting married in such a place. Not to mention the fabulous caravan of stellar British cars. Yes I am an Anglophile, and not ashamed of such things. I have always been a proud American, but if I had to choose another nationality to be, it would surely be British. I think in a past life it may have been a real possibility, as my time in Scotland felt familiar in a way I can't really explain...but we must move on now.

Now on to the dress. GOD SAVE MCQUEEN. I was chatting with my husband in the car yesterday (who pretended to be interested, Lord bless his soul) about Kate's dress, and how I prayed it was McQueen. As most of you know, if not all, McQueen took his own life and cut short a prolific career of fashion magic. I will say that the Sara Burton for McQueen gown on Kate was not at all "Mcqueenish"- in fact, it was much more tame than any of his enfant terrible creations. But what I loved abotu it was its simplicity, its rightness, its undeniable ability to focus on the bride and her beauty. Kate is not a gal who needs drama or overt sexiness- she is beyond that and focuses on a quiet stylishness that I admire greatly. She was a stunning, stunning bride, and the Cartier tiara "borrowed" from the Queen was absolutely amazing and tasteful, if a tiara can be, that is. And her family is equally as lovely- Pippa in the McQueen cowl neck was a standout as was her beautiful mother in Catherine Walker who was elegance personified.

Now about that Harry- I saw him getting rather chatty chats to Pippa...just planting that seed right now...all in all, a fabulous display of grace, elegance, and a new era of the British Royal family, who has a true "commoner" in their midst for the first time in hundreds of years. I'm glad I watched it all in real time, and those two kisses on the balcony were worth the price of admission. Much love to you all and hope you have a royally great weekend, cause that's what's up this perfect Friday in the MIA, and once again GOD SAVE MCQUEEN. XO