the world according to sherimaven

Hi, Tuesday. I am breathless. Let me try and breath and give this a shot...

Let's talk about fear. I have often heard that fear is a great motivator and
I have never understood what that meant. For me, fear has always equaled
paralysis. It stops me in my tracks and causes me to freeze and panic. Maybe
you, like me, were raised with a heaping helping of fear on a daily basis. I
was basically told to be afraid of everything, so I was, and sometimes, I
still am.

So the whole empowering fear thing never rang true for me. (I wasn't buying).
But recently I've come to a major crossroads in my life and began to think
differently about fear. I started to become afraid of what would happen if I
didn't make some decisions in my life and remained paralyzed by my
inevitable fear of sweeping change. Sure I have always been first on the
list to dye my hair a crazy color, but I have always been the biggest
chicken when it comes to huge life changes. Leaving New York. Learning to
drive (yes, learning to drive). Taking a job in FLORIDA. I have passed up
opportunities because of my fears but now see a bit of a switch in my
thinking, because I've changed up the way I feel about fear. Here's how I
look at it, if you are still intrigued.

So check it- I was terrified to leave New York for a million reasons. Who
would understand my sarcasm? Where could I get a bialy? How the hell would I
get anywhere without a driver's license? Who would do my hair? But then I
became more terrified by the fear of staying in New York- forever living in
a small hovel with radiator heat, constantly fighting for everything, and
never being able to get a cab at 4 pm (just try that sometime). The fear of
NOT making changes overpowered the fear of making changes. And that's how I
feel right now. TODAY I am leaving a job that has given me so, so much. I have been
terrified of what it's like to leave a job that has been so satisfying for
so long, even though I have longed to explore what else there is. I have
always been an explorer, but have been too scared to go deep and see what
the world has in store for me. But I decided a few weeks ago that I was
becoming more fearful of standing still, of not achieving success in my own
mind, and of not being true to who I am. And that fear outweighed the fear
of the unknown. So suddenly I understand what this motivated by fear thingy
really was- a fire was lit under my ass and I became empowered by the
anxiety that came with not going and taking a risk and trying my own thing.
And I don't think I would have ever even gotten there had I not had this
phenomenal job that allowed me to develop into the person I am today. I
don't regret a single thing.

And that's how this girl ended up leaving her job, staying in Florida,
driving all over town, and seeking opportunities that will make her heart
sing. Fear really is a great motivator, but not in the way I intended. And
that's pretty much the way life works anyway, when it wants to show you
something. It's never the way it appears when you first see it. If you look
further, it's simply right there, in a twist sometimes, but it's there,
trust me.

With that I take my leave of you for today. I am truly blessed to feel this
creative and inspired and vital in this here new year. And that's what's up
this happily fearful Tuesday in the MIA. Making moves in 2011. Kisses and
hugs. Take the fear and transform it. It's not your Jewish mother talking if
you listen very carefully. Off you go.

And off I go. XO

Good morning first work day of 2011. I made it through 2010 in one piece and
am ready, and grateful, for the new year. Had some lovely time off with
family, friends, and one sweet little pup. And I've also discovered the Bar
Method, possibly the most genius exercise program of all time. But that's
all for another time, because today I want to talk about why I hate
resolutions and am "resoluting" to never make one again.

I don't like resolutions because they imply we need to change ourselves in
some way, that we're not good the way we are. Yes, we need to make positive
changes but be honest- those resolutions never work out, because we are
always disappointed when we can't make good on them. Instead, we should be
looking at who we want to be through the lens of a manifesto, our own
personal manifesto for what we stand for in this here life. (Bear with me,
I'm getting there...)

With all the time off, I've been reading with a wolf's appetite, researching
(with some shopping, natch) and pondering and researching again. One day's
search for workout pants that didn't ride up yielded a real gift. While
tripping over Lululemon's brand manifesto on their site, I realized these
types of brand manifestos (Product Red has a pretty cool one too) can apply
to our personal lives too. We need to clearly define our core values, our
beliefs, and shout from the rooftops on who we are to the world, with
unrivaled commitment to those values. (No I'm not a communist. I'm well
aware Marx did this to great aplomb. And by now you jaded marketing types
are rolling your eyes with all of this 'brand me' talk. But this is potent
stuff. Read on, haters).

I came to the astute realization that I don't need to change a damn thing
about myself, because if I have a strong sense of who I am and what I am
passionate about, I can't lose. For instance, if I know I am strong minded,
ambitious and creative, the changes will inevitably come. Because by the
way, change is completely part of the picture, whether we like it or not. So
we don't have to push as hard to make it so- just believe in yourself and
hold those amazing passions and values close to you- memorize them and don't
let them go. Once you have those traits on perpetual speed dial, there's no
way you won't be able to conquer those things you want to change. You don't
need to make resolutions, just stay true to who you are and that stuff will
(the last 10 pounds, spending more time with your family, quitting smoking)
magically transpire. Because it's not about the promises we make- it's about
being a strong person with an unflappable and unstoppable understanding of
who we are and what we need to exist.

So as I'm perched on this here precipice called 2011, I'm going to remember
what makes me tick, what I'm passionate about, what I believe in, and what I
would take a bullet for, if need be. This year is all about recognizing and
celebrating who I am, and not thinking about what I'm not. Because just like
brands, we can't change until we fully know who we are, Marxist, Nihilist,
Darwinist, or Dionysian. Hold fast to those beliefs and know thyself. I am
getting in touch with mine as we speak...

That's all I've got for this am, kiddies. I hope you are having a great year
so far, embracing who you are and the amazing traits you have to share with
the world, regardless of whether you eat carbs or not. Just be true. To you.
The rest is cake.

Cause that's what's up this new era of a Monday in the MIA in 2011. XO

Here is a link to Lululemon's manifesto. I quite like it:

http://www.lululemon.com/about/culture

Well hi, fine and foxy people of Earth and beyond. I am hanging in and
counting down till 2011 and looking forward to it all. I'm not
interested in making any resolutions- it never works out and only leads to
more indulgence, as a sort of middle finger to unrealistic goal setting. We
all want to lose 10 pounds, stop smoking, and stop drinking, unless of
course you're a saint, and a skinny one at that. All of that is well and
good, but let's agree on one thing- JUST HAVE FUN. And start tonight- smoke,
drink, eat- all of it. Oh and dance, wherever you are at midnight tonight
cut a rug for crying out loud.

For inspiration, I offer these photos of some glammed out people getting
their freak on. Worry about the rest tomorrow. Or don't- cause I'm not
sweatin' the resos this year. I'm just gonna do my thing and be happy.

Happiest of new years to you and yours- big ups and much love to you...see
you in the new year. Now let's dance.

And that's what's up this eve of newness in the 305. XO

Hello, Wednesday. Are you there, G-d? It's me, the patent Valentino naked
hued number in the photo. I've got a sassy bow and a neutral palette that is
pure perfection and well worth writing about. I'm holding the writer of this
bloggy thingy in contempt until she buys me, oh and my other half as well-
can't very well just have one of me, can she? I don't see the point...

Look at me. I am perky beyond with a polka dot dress to the knee- or perhaps
a wool crepe cropped pant with a fitted, longish white button down an a
boucle long Chanel jacket. I look super gorgeous with a long sleeved black
dress, curvy and sleek and to the knee, in wool-very Joan from Mad Men, if
Joan was around to wear me today, non? You shoe agnostics out there think I
may look a bit fussy and prissy, but in person I am wickedly clever and just
so near perfect. I would look over the moon with the a classic trench, bare
legged of course and ready for, well, anything. I can also see me with
something hot, hot pink and silken.

I'm not sure where the maven is, but there's talk of her taking her in laws
to Palm Beach today. In the meantime, and while I have your attention, you
should probably hightail it to Nordstrom and buy another pair of me's (My
left half and I are reserved for the maven). To keep you occupied until this
blog chick returns, I'll leave you with a link- be sure to wipe the drool
off of your mouth. It's not a good look when your shoes as fabulous as
fabulous gets. I also can picture me, just me and my lefty, on your feet
with a fur blanket wrapped around you and not much more- for a little New
Year's prezzie for your beloved. Just a thought...

Cause that's what's up this anthropomorphic shoe of a Thursday in the MIA.
Don't you just love me? XOXO

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3139049?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=0

Love this Christmas tree fashioned from jolly objects I found on fab blog,
Greta Guide...very Louise Nevelson but Christmasy and lovely green
too...have a cute and well propped Christmas, loves. Maybe build one of your
own today after a few too many nogs. XO

Hi, beautiful people of the internet. I'm taking a respite from the blog a
log- trying to catch up on some reading, some sleeping, some celebrating,
some sleeping (yes I said that twice). Now if only I could find a few cats
that play guitar...

I'll be back with a few words for the New Year, and if anything tickles me
between now and then...much love to you and yours and happy happy holidays
to you all. Be back in a few. XO

(Photo by Miles Aldridge. Genius)

Good morning, Wednesday...week is flying by and I am enjoying my time off.
Today have the gym and lunch with friends- this is how the other half lives,
huh?

I was going to talk fashion again today- so many amazing things happening in
the land of haute but I can hold my tongue no longer on a subject everyone
is talking about- that New York times wedding announcement of John Partilla
and his bride, Carole Ann Riddell. On the surface, we have two attractive,
grown ups looking every inch the picture perfect icons of marital bliss. But
keep reading and you'll find that these two may have found love, but at the
sacrifice of two sets of spouses and two sets of children.  As someone who observes culture, I'm struggling to find the importance of a piece like this and simply can't. As a wife and human being, I find this piece to be a real insult to married people everywhere. And with kids involved? Nope. Not feeling it.

Listen, I'm all in favor of love and finding your soul mate, even if that is
a painful endeavor. But it seems, well, extremely callous and demeaning to
be in Sunday Styles at the sacrifice of others. Can you imagine being the
dumped spouse of either the bride or groom, reading your Sunday paper and
seeing this announcement? I find it so insensitive and fucked up. And I find
it really irresponsible of the New York Times as well, to publicize this
union. And if they were going to go "there", they should have at least
interviewed the dumped other halves- if controversy was what they were
courting. Yes it's the eve of 2011 and we are way comfy with Cupid being a
bit of a freak, but we already have enough scandal- let's leave that to the
tabloids and not the bloody Times. Are we really celebrating adultery now? I
am all for love, believe me. But in this case, maybe shouting out from the
rooftops and the Times was ill advised. And this stuff happens all the time,
just not sure I want to read about it this way. A reality show? Perhaps.

I guess love will blind you sometimes and not allow to see if you're being
cruel to others- the groom apparently realized the shit storm this piece
caused and said they would have not done it if they knew the outcry it would
cause. Why draw so much attention to such an uncomfortable situation? I
wish the Times would have taken off their wedding goggles for this one, it
just didn't sit well with me. I am all for unconventional, happy endings,
but not when emotional genocide is left in its wake. Can we just go back to
the rich and accomplished and thin in this section? At least it's shallow
for shallow's sake, and not downwright cruel. Maybe I'm overthinking now
that I have all this time on my mitts, but really??? OK I'm done.

Cause that's what's up this happily wedded Wednesday in the MIA. Peace on
Earth. XO

Hi, Tuesday...good to see you. Gorgeous day and excited for lunch with
friends at the beach. Since Christmas is fast approaching, here are Miu
Miu's fantastic cotton sandals for Spring- they epitomize both naughty and
nice, and I for one adore that combo. Spotted these at Saks the other day
and immediately thought of Jodie Foster's character in "Taxi Driver". Rock
these with a pair of shorts or some wide leg jeans and poof- fashion magic.

If you want to rock a Lolita, girly sexy vibe this spring, grab these at
Saks. Oh and the price of these pretty babies is more naughty than nice, but
you deserve them, for sure you do. Link below:

http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84
5524446388701&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574492817499&bmUID=iNtYwIV&ev19=4:20&
site_refer=AFF001&siteID=TnL5HPStwNw-eCJ1hLu7bXRPhWihs2G9vA&LScreativeid=1&L
Slinkid=10&LSoid=170513&LSsid=TnL5HPStwNw

Cause that's what's up this coquette of a Tuesday in the MIA. XO

Good morning, Monday. I am off until after the new year and feeling relaxed
and happy. Off to spin class this am but before I go, I must show you some
gems from Gucci's Spring 2011 RTW show.

If you know me, you know I tend to gravitate towards a dark palette for my
every day dress. Yes I am in Miami now where people dress like peacocks, but
I stay true to my New York years and shroud myself in oodles of black. I do
love color and think it's amazingly vital and transformational, but I am
most comfortable in my uniform of noir. I may be rethinking that for Spring
though, especially after seeing Gucci's incredible collection.

I am loving these Loulou Falaise/ 70s YSL inspired silk numbers- they are
iconic, sexy, easy, and definitely not black. The jewel tones designers are
rocking for Spring (saw some in Raf Simon's collection for Jil Sander and
Marc Jacobs rocked some too) captivate me. I adore silky numbers that lay
just so on the body, and the jeweled palette is the perfect setting for said
pieces. I love the emerald green in particular, and the hot pink and deep
oranges, coupled with bronze. I remember in the 70s my mother had an emerald
green silk dress, a bit of a loose silhouette with billowed short sleeves,
which she wore with bronze high heels and a thin bronze belt. I worshipped
at the altar of that dress, and wish she still had it so I can swipe it for
Spring ( we already know how I feel about green).

If you are an urban warrior, you may feel these tones are out of place in
the concrete jungle, but I can rock these looks HARD in sultry, sunny, and
colorful Miami. I am so channeling a 70s vibe come Spring. I share a common
passion for the 70s look with none other than Tom Ford, who is captivated by
that time- it was an era of sexy, decadent, and glam clothes that were meant
to party into the wee hours and provide an effortless silhouette for dancing
the night away at Studio 54 (white horse a la Bianca not included).

So as I look forward to a bright 2011, I'm feeling that these shiny, happy
garments are just about right for a more optimistic outlook. Yes I know I
talked about the 80s incessantly last week, but the 70s speak to me on a
fashion level much, much more. DO THE HUSTLE. Or hustle to the store and buy
some pieces in these lovely tones- they can do your somber wardrobe a world
of good, my kittens. Even if it's just a blouse or a scarf- you can still do
black on the bottom if you can't go head to toe.

I think this Gucci collection has icon stamped all over it- reminds me a bit
of young Tom Ford's velvet pants and silk shirt collection he did for the
house back in the day. Feeling like these looks will be knocked off at all
of your favorite spots (Zara, H&M, etc.).

Cause that's what's up this bedecked and bejeweled Monday in the MIA. Hope
your holiday countdown is diamond shiny and ruby red. XO

Don't leave us...where on Earth are you going?