the world according to sherimaven

Hey, Tuesday. I see you. And I'm feelin' you, too. Gorgeous day in the MIA.

And speaking of gorgeous, look at these insanely fab pics of Alexandra
Richards, spawn of Keith and Patti, shot by Mason Poole for this month's
Jalouse. I mean...

Although I rock different looks (today I have pearls on and a dress), I
always, always gravitate toward a rock and roll/somewhat androgynous vibe-
loving the styling of these shots- I love clothes that are cool in any
situation- the lady/pearl vibe is cool, but I love a wardrobe that feels
jetsetter meets I'm cooler than you. And really, Alex Richards is cooler
than all of us. Or way cooler than me at least. By virtue of genetics alone.

Just wanted to share. It's only rock and roll, and I love it.

Cause that's what's up this rocker offspring of a Tuesday in the 305. XO

Mrs. O rockin' it hard in India. Once again nailing eveningwear. All is
forgiven. Gorgeous. XO

Ola, Monday. You are here and so am I. I'm feeling a bit of post weekend
lethargy, but checking out these illos by French born, Berlin inhabiting
Blexbolex (try saying that name 10 times fast) made me smile and gave my
inspiration a much needed jump start.These jaunty illos gave me a much
needed boost.

As faithful readers of this blog, you know how much I love illustration,
especially of the figurative flavor. Just adoring his work today- fun and
whimsical and pleasing all around. Hope you have a great and energetic day.
Cause that's what's up this kicky, tongue twister of a Monday in the MIA. XO

Check out the work of Blexbolex and many other cool illustrators on the
cool, cool collective Nobrow's website.

http://www.nobrow.net/

Good morning, Friday. Chilly in the MIA today and also pup's first day in
the office with me today...changin' times these.

So I've been thinking about the high cost of beauty, literally. I have
always been fortunate to have decent skin- some of the other genes I have
are rank, but the skin is pretty good. (Having said that I am sure I will
get that token chin zit this afternoon. That always happens).

But as I'm getting older, I'm shocked at the number of products I put on my
face on a daily basis. I have always, always been obsessed with products-
tinctures, brighteners, cream blushes, eye shadow palettes- you name it. But
lately, I feel like I am on a short tether to all the little tubes and pots
I am keeping in my bathroom drawer like some kind of crazed beauty hoarder.
I have become cumbersome. In terms of my beauty regime, at least.

I remember the early salad days of New York City when I used to fall asleep
with a face full of makeup, too lazy and probably far too inebriated to
remove it. Nowadays, I am a drill sergeant about taking my makeup off each
night, but here's what that entails, in Rain Man like detail:

First I scrub with creamy cleanser (NUXE Lait Demaquillant aux 3 Roses)
Then I tone (Mario Badescu grapefruit toner)
Then I serum myself silly (Murad Resurgence Age Diffusing Serum)
Then I do eye cream ( NUXE Contour des Yeux Prodigieux)
Then I do spot wrinkle cream (L'Oreal Anti Aging Serum)
Then finally I moisturize (Kiehl's Abyssine Cream)

And then I pass out. Because all the patting, scrubbing, blending is
exhausting. Don't even get me started on my makeup routine.

I am not a girl who is super au natural- I love makeup but I now have 3 bags
worth, which make my gym bag feel like a brick. Now I don't want you to
think I look like Mimi from "The Drew Carey Show". I don't. I just look my
visage to be glowy and dewy and my eyes to look awake. I just look better
done. Full stop, though a friend of mine says when I'm nervous, I over
makeup. Could be true. I have been known to oversmoke an eye.

I'm wondering what is going to happen as I push my way through the next
decade. I may need a separate home for all of my products, most definitely
an extra suitcase on long trips. And if any of you ever need product advice,
I'm all in. I have been there and back, and should probably own stock in
some beauty companies by now, or at least sit on some sort of advisory
board. The only time I really go sans regime is on vacation, but only in
places like Jamaica where I am tanned and relaxed and don't care much about
mascara. Or certain Sundays too when I can't be asked to bother. But most
days, I am fully cleansed, moisturized, and prepped. I suppose I am a bit of
a beauty savant. I suppose there are worse things, but I'm wondering how
much more in the chips I would be if I didn't have to purchase all of this
stuff all the time. Sigh. (I'm permanently scarred by the French lady at
Sephora on the Champs Elysees who told me my skin was dry, with a look of
sheer disgust. $300 euros, I solved that problem- you should try YSL's
Secret Weapon before you put your makeup on. It will make you flawless).

Well I'm thinking that's what's up this done up Friday in the MIA. Have a
great weekend, and do whatever it takes to make yourself feel beautiful this
weekend. And if you are the all natural type, I applaud you, but don't fully
understand you. XO

Gorgeous.

XO

Greetings, Thursday. It's rainy and yucky in the MIA but I'm still smiling and that's all that counts. I have a bad case of puppy love. Such a cutie, our boy is. A delight.

Also a delight are the fabulous illustrations of Christian Bérard, pictured here. I will post his amazing illos in the next post, but first let's talk about how cool this pic is, taken in Paris in Le Marais in the late 1940s. Genius.

Bérard was an illustrator, worked for Vogue for over a decade and designed costumes for Cocteau. Wait till you see these gorgeous illustrations. You will adore them.

But for now, check out how cool this dude was.  (Am I fantasizing slightly that this is me, David, and Khan in the Marais? Perhaps I am,  perhaps I am).

A bientot for a few while I post his lovely work. Cause that’s what’s up this whimsical Thursday in the MIA. XO

Good day, Wednesday...halfway point, folks. The puppy had a long day
yesterday which resulted in a pre-bed sickness, but the little punk woke up
happy and that's all I can ask for, I suppose.

I came across these photos (by perennial Maven fav Tommy Ton) of Thom
Browne's first women's collection while shopping for inspiration. And I must
admit I did go somewhere when I saw these. Thom Browne, he of the flood
pants and shrunken men's suits, sets the bar for designers that have an
obsession with details and references (making Tommy a great choice to shoot
this as well..since he's ALL about the details). That's why fashion is
magic- if you, like me, are a referential person, you can always look at a
collection or an editorial or an ad and play "guess the influence".
Sometimes it's Tippi Hedren in "The Birds", sometimes it's Mick Jagger,
sometimes it's Russian hookers in outer space. But I've seen very few
collections that don't reference some moment in history or style icon, or
maybe a Kubrickian vision of the future if they are more of a futurist.
(Except for Gaga. She in herself IS the reference, accounting for her odd
brand of fashion ingenuity which looks like nothing we've seen before).

As I checked out this collection, I thought wacky, waspy aunt in
Kennebunkport, eccentric American art matron on European holiday, and
perhaps the wardrobe for the next Wes Anderson film, with a young ingenue as
the star. Needless to say, I love these looks. They are not at all for me,
but dang they are so quirky yet traditional, ladylike, and classic. I love
Thom's play on traditional dressing, his wit, and his nod to a different era
of dress. He is a true eccentric and I for one find this to be a fabulous
collection. Oh and patriotic too- can't you see that little ribbon detail on
some of the pieces at your memorial day parade in some charming, high income
town? My favorite piece may be the plaid sequined jacket. I can picture it
with slouchy khakis and a white, ribbed tank. Or with jeans and a white
sleeveless button down. This is great American sportswear, and I know we
could all use a lift in this here great land. That's what good clothes do.

And that, my little lovelies, is what's up this patriotic, post election day
Wednesday in the MIA. Have a great one. XO

Hey, Tuesday...lovely day in the MIA today. The "change" we all look forward
to is upon us and I for one am loving the good hair days and less
inferno-like temperatures. You should come visit.

My big news is Khan is doing great, thank you very much. It's amazing how
attached I am to this dog already- he went to doggie day care today and I
cried when he went in the van. I love our new little man and look forward to
all of our adventures en famille. He has already changed my view on things,
and I was very much in need of an adjustment. It's all about him right now-
feels nice to care for something (someone?) else other than my ego.

I feel so lucky to have found him, but also feel very warm inside since he
was a rescue. Three days ago, he was in a shelter, waiting to be adopted.
Last night he was lounging on his leopard throw, getting his belly rubbed
and being treated like the prince he is. It's a great feeling for real. And
in many ways, he rescued us.

Needless to say, we are planning on spoiling him and letting him know how
much we love him.

Speaking of dog spoiling, no well heeled dog would be without some cute
accessories, right? I've been looking for an opportunity to plug my favorite
canine couture line, Toru. It was started by two friends of mine and it's
the coolest line of dog clothes around- very rawk and beyond cool (love
their hoodie too). I am so having this "The Dogs" concert tee for Khan. He's
kind of scrappy and a bit of a punk so it's perfect for him. If you're
looking for cute dogwear, check out Toru. It's tots awesome, and perfect for
your little rockstar.

And that's what's up this adorable Tuesday in the MIA. XO

Check out Toru here:

http://torudog.com/

Hey now, Monday. Hope all of your tricks and treats were all that. David and
I bought home a puppy yesterday (a one year old we rescued)- he's an
absolute doll and his name is Khan. Look for more mentions of our new little
man soon...I love him so already.

In other news, and speaking of love, check out the new Cartier Love
bracelet- it's super modern and updated and has no screw- so if things don't
work out, you need not worry where on earth you put that darn key. And it's
gorgeous. I'm wondering if they make one for dogs? My baby is the coolest
and worthy of such treasures.

Have a lovely first day of November...cause that's what's up this love
filled Monday in the MIA. XO