Cheers, thanks a lot.
Hey hey Thursday...the wedding is tomorrow and finally we will get a look at Kate's dress-I'm betting long sleeved and slim with a train that doesn't come close to Di's. Kate is a modern gal and that's that. I do wonder if she's going the tiara route since I'm guessing she's going to go more 2011 with the dress...in any event, it's a huge fashion event and I for one will be up at the crack of butt to be part of it in my own little way (though I kinda can't wait for it to be over, already- the media has a way of deflating my excitement with their overzealous, alpha reporting).
Back on the tiara tip, let's talk headware. I am a major sucker for a hat, a chapeau, a topper if you will. I love hats and wear them frequently- today I'm doing more of the fedora thing but I would love an opportunity to go big and crazy one day- hats are a huge part of my revolving repetoire of looks, and best of all, you don't have to do your hair to wear one. It seems fitting to celebrate the work of Phillip Treacy today, one day before the royal nups (above image is of a delicate and delicious creation for McQueen). He is a virtuoso in the fine art of British millinery. I adore his hats and had I been invited to Kate and Wills's soiree, well you can bet I would be rocking one of his fine creations (invite must have gotten lost in the mail...). The one below is a favorite.
Regardless of what Kate picks- dress, head, or otherwise, there will surely be some ladies decked out in superb hats. I encourage you to wear a wacky hat tomorrow wherever you are, as a little wink and a mazel tov to the royal couple. And that's what's up this eve of royal wedding kind of Thursday in the MIA. XO
Good morning, Wednesday. Where will you take me today?
I've got the travel jones as usual and stumbled across these completely fantastic Louis Vuitton travel guides, which make me want to go, go, go.
The stylish collection also includes a City Guide Postcard Box ($115) by the amazing Ruben Toledo, a set of 100 postcards in fluorescent colors that pays homage to his work on these style guides through the years.
Each little travel tome is $34- you can scoop up a guide on New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Tokyo, Berlin, London, Rome, or Kyoto/Nara. Or buy a box set of all the European cities for $135. The guide covers everything you need from neighborhood cafes, luxury hotels, fashion and design, and all sorts of museums and cool hidden spots. And they look lovely on your coffee table or book shelf. Let's get lost, LV style.
And that's what's up this worldly Wednesday in the MIA. XO
Good morning, Tuesday. I have lots to soldier through today but wanted to get this out to you and you and you.
Maybe I'm just becoming wise in my old age, but lots of people have been talking to me lately about not being terribly happy in this thing called life. Much of it has to do with career, some of it has to do with wanting more out of a relationship, and some still are frustrated by how a vegan diet and a six day exercise routine don't guarantee a body like Gisele. Though I don't hole any magic key to help solve any of the above, I can only draw from my own worldview, oh and Starbucks of course.
I have not yet read Howard Schultz's new book, but am dying to. Howard is the founder of Starbucks, arguably one of the most recognizable brands in the world. Most likely, wherever you are reading this, there is a Starbucks nearby, waiting for you to plop down some cash and drink something delicious, that has somehow become familiar and comforting. Ordering drinks at Starbucks has a shorthand to it- we all know what we like and how we like it. So why is life so very different than that?
My bigger point in this admittedly strange analogy is what I've heard Schultz talk about in many interviews hyping his book. He talked about the company being so focused on global growth and caffeinated domination, that they lost their way. They forgot who they were, they forgot what they had to offer in terms of a product, and they were no longer in line with their values. I find this an astute observation for not only business, but for life. If we are all so focused on the "get" and how to get richer, thinner, and more "successful" in all avenues of our existence on this planet, we stop seeing who we are, and chances are, we're pretty good to begin with, so why push so hard to make ourselves bigger, better, richer? Now I'm not at all saying to not focus on getting some things you want, but only if it is not at the expense of who you are. Don't be with someone who doesn't allow you to be you, don't work for someone that doesn't allow you to be you, and stop reading magazines and listening to people who tell you you are not good just how you are.
If we are all so focused on some notion of what we think success is, too often we lose our way in life and feel deeply unhappy. I have said on this blog and in life that we are all at our most brilliant as children- when we are free of our self judgement and the judgement of others. If you are really struggling, go back to that place and think about what you wanted, way before all of this "global expansion" of the mind took over. I have learned in my own life to be happy with who I am, to stop pushing so damn hard to be something else other than me, and note that although I may not be built like Gisele or rich like Oprah, I'm cool.
And that's why Starbucks will probably regain a larger footing going forward- they're focusing on their core offer of community and products that people want to eat and drink. It's who they are and where they're headed and that's that. My point here is that bigger isn't always better, thinner isn't always happier, and focusing on anything other than who you are, deep down, is pointless. By the way, Schultz left the brand and came back to make it better, because he couldn't stand what had happened to something he believed in so deeply. If you have left your own brand in pursuit of something else, revisit it, and run it again. Sure we have to adapt and change in life, but you must always come back to who you are- it does not mean don't focus on personal growth, but stop looking for other things to give you that, because you're probably not having much fun doing it. Remember what your values are and what you believe in and what your inner kid says- and I guarantee, much like Starbucks, you will be poised for a turnaround. That's all I've got today, children- and that's indeed what is up and up and up in the 305. Much love. XO
PS- here is a link to an article about Schultz that I find infinitely interesting. Check it out and think about life in terms of his experience with business- there are some shocking parallels:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/managing/morning-manager/to...
Mornin' Monday. Or good afternoon, really. Sorry for the late post, but I've been biz this morning. With the royal nuptials this coming Friday, I can't help but get a bit swept up in wedding fever. I myself had none of that fever and got married in Vegas in an off the rack dress, but that's not here nor there. (I don't regret it for a second PS).
Regardless of whether Kate wears McQueen or some such high end designer, the world will surely copy whatever dress she is wearing, as knock off artists wait in the wings to get said copy ready in a hot minute for a new generation of royal watchers and brides to be.
I myself have always loved when brides don't wear white or ivory, even. To me, it's all about being a bit different, and since we all know that the virgin thing no longer applies to most of us when we get married, why pretend? And besides, if the saying is "blushing bride" why not go, well "blush" when it comes to a dress? These dresses by Vera Wang are no joke, ladies. No. Joke. Look at the one at the top of this post with the corseted top. It's possibly one of the prettiest I've seen in years (besides you in it, of course). The one right below this is also a favorite, so elegant and effortless.
Take Reese Witherspoon, no hussy by a long shot but hitched for the second time around. Her choice of pinky Monique Lhullier was astoundingly on point- I adored it. And I for one am very much in favor of breaking with tradition and going the nude/rose/taupy route. It's pretty against the complexion, it's soft, and I find it very sexy. Here are a few of my favorite looks- if any of you are going to the chapel soon, you may want to rethink the norm and do something incredibly chic, and that's that. Cause that's what's up this rosy Monday in the MIA. XO
Hiya, it's Friday and I am ready. Ready to answer your questions, so bring them on, would you? Luckily I got some bites for advice and suggestions, so I welcome you to my inaugural post of "Thanks for Asking"- a column to answer your must puzzling questions about anything- products, fashion, style, work, love, food, you name it and I will try and answer the best I can. Let's start off with a simple one, shall we?
Here is a question that came in about self tanners, which seems appropriate now that limbs are fully out for the world to see as the temperature rises. I'm not sure there's anything worse than being pasty in the summer, but I am aware that laying in the sun is not really an option for those trying to protect their skin, so self tanners are beyond a great option. So here goes:
"What are the best self tanners out now both low and high end?"
Glad this was a question because I happen to know a thing or two about this...
Let's be honest- no self tanner is fool proof. They all can get streaky and freaky, but some are simply easier and better than others. Personally, I have had more of a problem with their scent, which can often smell like corn chips and sweat, not cute- especially in the heat. My favorite pick for a more high end tanner is one from Bliss- it's a spray and amazingly easier to apply- it goes on dark which can be scary but all you do is rub it in for a more streak free application. What I love about it more than anything is its scent- amazingly delicious and does not leave you smellling like a Frito. You have to love that. Oh and it gives you a really nice dark color- if you are the type that likes to have more than a subtle tan- this one leaves you looking like a week in Jamaica dark. And it dries almost instantly, which is fantastic for girls on the go. At $36, it's not cheap, but it really is great. It's available online on Amazon ($30 there), Macy's, Bloomingdale's as well as Bliss's own site.
I also think the Clarins products are good for a high end choice- the mousse is particularly lovely and doesn't streak. But its scent leaves a bit to be desired- although it's more moisturizing than a spray, I still prefer the Bliss product, but this one is great for a creamier option. I would say the bronze level on this one is more three days in the Hamptons than a week in Jamaica, so if you like a more subtle tone, this one is great. What's also a bonus is that it provides SPF and anti-aging moisturizer along with its tan offering, so it's a nice multitasker. It dries fairly quickly but wait a few before getting dressed. It's $42, also not cheap but saves you from having to buy moisturizer, so there you go. It's available at all major department stores where Clarins is sold and Sephora.
On the low end, I favor the L'Oreal Sublime Bronze cream. It gives you a fantastic, even tan and it's cheap as all get out. But again, the scent kills me a bit. I like to use it to supplement the more expensive products above- it may take a bit longer to dry but it's a very nice option for gals on a budget. It's at all your local drugstores, and Target has it on their site for $8.49. Can't beat that- overall this is the best tan for the buck- not super stinky and a great buy. Available at all major drugstores everywhere. Don't buy the spray PS, not as good in this line for some reason.
Hope that's helpful. Men, chime in with your questions too at sherimaven@gmail.com. I'm more than happy to answer, and would be ever so glad you asked. Cause that's what's up this bronzed Friday in the MIA. Happy Easter and enjoy your weekend! XO
Good morning, my Thursday. I am sore in places I didn’t know I had (from moving so much crap out of my apartment yesterday to get ready for the new bamboo floors). Gah. Oh well...
I was catching up on Facebook last night and amidst the usual updates was a rather interesting thread from a friend in Paris- he had posted an article from the UK Telegraph on how to wear denim shorts well for those summer days and nights. He mentioned that Frenchwomen would NEVER wear shorts, and many in his thread agreed- I did some nosing around online and found out that French femmes find shorts to be the following: for young boys only, gauche, sloppy, not feminine, and inappropriate, especially in the city. They’re much more apt to throw on a summer dress or skirt than ever wear shorts. That’s cool. I get it. And to be honest, I am not a girl who 100% loves shorts, on me anyway. But some girls look beyond fantastic in them, and they are of the leggy Californian or model variety (Brits look great in them for some reason- Kate Moss, Alexa Chung...) This is not a new trend PS- just was thinking on it as I read about how the French find this cut off look a bit, well, cut off.
I think denim shorts are undeniably chic, if done the right way and if you are a young thing, bien sur. I especially love the look with a silk button down shirt a la Equipment (owned by a Roitfeld no less) and a nice belt (like the above- so amazing). It’s very summer in the states, or perfect for one of the music festivals that bring us some fabulous fashion trends. Check out the Bos at Coachella this year- rocking the shorts with an American flag tee- that’s sexy American style, kiddies- and I LOVE it.
I can’t help but wonder if it’s because the French have a very set list of style icons- Bardot, Birkin (not French but by default Francophiliac a la Serge), Deneuve. Maybe French women are not as big on celebrity style emulation as we are here in the states, and that’s probably a good thing. They tend to wear what’s good on them and not take cues from the latest Us Weekly, and seem impervious to trends and wear clothes that are more classic. But here in the States and the UK, I think we are more star obsessed, and I suppose that’s why you’re more likely to see this look in the simmery jungles of summertime city fashion in places like New York and London- both places where fashion is a lot more trend enthusiastic than Paris, where trends are acknowledged but not followed for fashion's sake. Needless to say, this jean shorts look is best on the west coast, of this I am certain. This fashion trend is very California, particularly suited for the casual cool of LA.
You know I am a fan of a bohemian fashion- that’s a constant in my own approach to dressing and the denim short is perfectly in line with that aesthetic. And I do remember seeing lots of shorts with tights off the runway in the various fashion capitals this year, but give me a bare, toned and tanned leg in these any day. We all know that this look can be disastrously wrong- I am thinking jorts here and you all know what I’m talking about- the pleated variety are beyond a no. But you all knew that already. I think this look must feel vintage and relaxed and cool and that’s that. On that note, I think American fashion feels more relaxed in general- we’re an easygoing lot after all. Oh and, if it’s good enough for Kate Moss, it’s good enough for the rest of us, non (not American I know, but a true style icon, wherever you're from.)? That’s my take on this look. Don’t attempt this if your legs are stems of the "my best feature variety", ok? Very chic despite what the French think- I’m cool if they’re not adopting this look, though I am sure in a few years it may end up there, much like Marlboros, Levis, Converse, and old soul classics (if Sarkozy continues to cozy up to us, that is...) XO
Sigh. Hi.
So I didn't post today because we're getting new floors put down in our bedrooms (hurrah) but had to move EVERYTHING out of our bedroom to accomplish said endeavor (booooo).
Needless to say, if you see me pop up on an episode of Hoarders surrounded by overpriced handbags and one too many vintage dresses splayed helter skelter on top of books with ironic titles and photos, well, you can say you knew me when...(shit, I am a pack rat, albeit a stylish one).
Too tired to continue...must go. Hubs and I are toast. Next time I am leaving this to the pros. What kind of Passover is this- aren't I supposed to be reclining? Ugh. Talk to you tomorrow...night night, sweet people. XOXO
Happy Tuesday, friends...
As I received yet another Vogue with yet another celebrity on the cover (Reese), I can't help but feel like fashion is no longer about models- it's about celebrities that will wear your clothes on the red carpet. And off duty celebs don't have half the style that these model types have when it comes to street style- the models have influenced youth culture/dressing way more than any movie stars have- loving the style of Ms. Abbey Lee above- fabulous incarnate. I have talked before about how much I miss seeing models on the cover of magazines- Bazaar is no better with its constant celeb covers- Courtney Cox is front and center this month. Is fashion just a big blur with Hollywood now? G-d I hope not.
Anyway, you know I love me some Reese, but another blonde would have been a more apt cover choice. I adore Abbey Lee Kershaw, she of the Australian persuasion and haircolor chamelon tendencies. I am LOVING the blonde on her- beyond my favorite kind of hairdo- choppy, rocked out, and sexy as hell. Just adore her look and wish one of these fashion rags would put her on the cover- she's such a modern girl. Love these shots of her by Hedi Slimane- amazing in the fur...
