the world according to sherimaven

I was going to write about the gorgeous hippy vibe at Alberta Ferretti's
show in Milan this week, which embodies what I call "barefoot
chic"...amazing. More on that later, perhaps. Oh and that the French are
striking and cutting flights and protesting because they have to work till
they are 62 instead of 60. Sacre bleu...

But I need to talk to you about something else, dear readers. It's Michelle
Obama, and her fascination with bad fashion choices. I still love her as a
person, but her fashion sense gives me hives. In the next few paragraphs I'm
talking to her about it...here goes.

Michelle Michelle...please stop dressing for Easter. Enough with those
colors. We get it. You like color. In a season of beautiful neutrals and
strong shapes, why must you dress like June Cleaver goes to the cotillion?
Nobody goes to cotillions anymore. This is 2010. It's a season full of
incredible suiting options- great pants and jackets which you would look
amazing in. Camels and charcoals and beautiful tweeds. You work hard for
those arms and that bod- wear something strong and not so demure and fussy-
it's wrong for your body type- just way too traditional and old fashioned.
Plus it's not springtime or summer for that matter- it's fall. And you're
not in Nantucket or at a picnic on Block Island. Dial it down. In terms of
a pulse check, the country is in a solemn mood as we try to figure out what
the heck to do about jobs, our soldiers, and every other thing that has been
plaguing our fair land of late. If you want color, at least wear red- the
color of confidence and conviction and power. Stop with the retro party
dresses with the Tri Delt prints and wear something we can believe in. There
is such a disconnect between the woman I know you are and the zombie,
Pleasantville housewife look you like to wear. And those Pepto Bismol pumps?
Oy. I can't...

As America wonders what is next, we should at least feel safe with your
fashion choices. I The only time I see you nail it is for evening when you
go more strong and sexy and less old time matron of the manner. Stop with
the dowdy thing. You're better than that- I know you love Jackie O. but
there was only one Jackie and you're actually skewing more Barbara Bush.
Jackie was a wisp of a woman- clothes fit her differently. You are equally
as amazing physically just much stronger and athletic. Celebrate that. Maybe
your fashion identity crisis is more of a metaphor for the not so small "who
are we" crisis we are going through as a country...if we can't figure that
out, can we at least see you wearing something headed in the right
direction? Pretty please? I do love in the beginning when you were wearing
"real" clothes women could relate to, but I'm not relating to this look. At
all. And with all the incredible designers I'm proud to call fellow
Americans, surely you can do better? And American sportswear is so damn
wearable. And so very real.

And that's what's up this somewhat snarky Thursday in the MIA. I try to keep
it positive in Mavenland, but sometimes I can't take it. XO

Wednesday Wednesday...T minus 4 until I leave...bring it. And one can't
think about Paris without thinking of romance...and l'amour.

On that note, check out Michael Pitt and Jamie Bochert. You can have your
Brangie- my money for hippest coupling is on these two beauties. Positively
swoon worthy and remind me of a young Robert Mapplethorpe and Patti Smith.
Amazing...love her. Love him. Simply divine and cool beyond reason. She's
been modeling again these days and he's starring on Scorcese's "Boardwalk
Empire" on HBO. If Max's was still around, these two would be the King and
Queen.

And that's what's up this birds do it, bees do it Wednesday in the MIA. Love
is in the air, with a mad dash of style, of course. XO

Tuesday Tuesday...spin class I will miss you this am but things must be
done. Sitting in my mailbox yesterday (the analog mailbox, not the inbox) was a
catalogue from amazing furniture maker, Roche Bobois. Yes- I know they are a
French brand and I seem to have chronic Tourettes about all things French
these days. But this was un coincidence and I had to share the amazing
product line designed by Jean Paul Gaultier for Roche Bobois. Gaultier of
the amazing wit, the striped sailor shirt, and the infamous Madonna cone
bra. Now he's bringing his wonderful imagination to furniture, and the sofa
to me is all that is right in the world.

My husband and I have admired that sofa for years, but with this little
jaunty and eclectic twist I am completely mad for it. (It's the iconic Mah
Jong sofa created by Roche Bobois in the 1970s. I find it beyond rec room
chic). Gaultier did the collection for the brand's 50th anniversary, and I
love the mix of French wit and modern design. He also did one in French
sailor stripes. And let's not even talk about that gorgeous cabinet to
display one's favorite shoes, jewels, and lingerie. I can't...

Check out their site...think the collection is only available for limited
release and it's truly genius. And that's what's up this well appointed and
furnished Wednesday in the MIA. XO

http://www.roche-bobois.com/

Hi, Monday...the weather in Miami is glorious today. The lack of fog on my
Wayfarers indicates an absence of humidity. I'm simply loving it.

So this weekend I went deep into forensic mode and found even more cool
stuff to see, do, and spend money on in Paris. As I was on the hunt for even
more carbohydrates, fatty cheese, and great places to buy hats, I came
across this lovely blog- of one Badaude, an illustrator and writer based in
Paris. Badaude, according to her blog, means "a person given to idle
observation of everything with wonder or astonishment; a credulous or
gossipy idler". Immediately I sensed a kindred spirit...

While on her blog I found this adorable illustration perfectly capturing why
I love Fall, and she does too. I quote: " You can keep Paris in the
Springtime. The best season of all has to be early fall". In French, that
time of year in the city when everybody comes back from the summer, with a
tan and some hope and a new attitude is called la Rentrée, or the re-entry
into "life" if you will, after a lazy summer. I can recall that time of year
in Manhattan as my absolute fave- when new clubs and restaurants were
opening to accommodate those who spent the better part of the summer at the
beach, and the excitement that comes with welcoming back the masses to
lovely Fall weekends and crisp nights, before the winter's chill sends
everybody inside to hibernate. (Oh and let's not forget the Pumpkin Spice
latte at Starbucks. Its inevitable return always made my heart sing).

Badaude not only captures the feel of that magic time, but also the "look"
that accompanies it. Needless to say, it's beyond charming and chic. Oh and
PS, I am looking forward to seeing les looks of la Rentrée in less than a
week from today. I simply can't wait...

Hope you are having a lovely Rentrée wherever you may be. With shades of the
weather sweet spot that is Miami in the winter time, I know I am. Cause
that's what's up this refreshed and renewed Monday in the MIA. XO

(Oh and here is a link to that nice blog...it's fun to read and look at. And
her illos are a dream).

http://www.badaude.typepad.com/

Ooh, Friday you little minx. Glad to see you. Looking hot.

Speaking of looking hot, another trend I've seen unveiled on the runway is a new skirt and dress length, of just below the knee. I am obsessed with it. Maybe I'm just getting old and experiencing some accompanying noblesse oblige, but I'm starting to see the honor  and valor in being suggestively sexy and not so in your face about the whole thing. I pulled some looks from the Isaac Mizrahi and Proenza Schouler shows this week to show you what I mean. (The Proenza show was pretty beyond- clothes were super great- maybe my favorite show of the week. But the models were the skinniest I have ever seen. Was a bit much...or maybe not enough?) But let’s talk about the clothes, and those lovely skirt lengths I’m wanting in a major way.

That Isaac black beaded sheath is one of the most perfect dresses for evening that exists. With a flat sandal or a kitten heel it feels very American ingenue in Rome, with a bit of Irma La Douce thrown in. And with a tee shirt sleeve? COME ON. Mizrahi does that casual/dressy thing super well. I love the basic elements he infuses into such glam dresses.  And those little peachy pink numbers feels really pretty too, in such a subtle way. That black strapless job is so so good for warm summer nights –easy yet elegant dressing. It’s effortless and the length feels refreshing after seasons of mini mini, which I will not give up but am happy for this option. And then there’s the Proenza show. Wow.

Starting with that belted sweater, skirt combo. Gorgeous. Ethereal and pretty in that way that Spring clothes should be. Also loving those Marni-esque long sleeve arty dresses with those big necklaces. Simple and easy and cool- great for traveling. And mad beyond for those two belted, sleeveless button front dresses, the pink and the black one. The length is right to the knee, but I think the silhouette is so lovely and sexy in that American abroad kind of way again. Just love. And the lingerie inspired pieces that follow are amazing...sheerness, length, and all. Those who know me know I am a sucker for lingerie inspired clothes- super easy to wear and flattering, believe it or not, though maybe not quite as subtle as some of the other looks I’m digging.

So maybe you’re the type who is not super in love with your knees, or even in like for that matter.  These dresses are made for you. Or maybe your thighs have seen better days and a drop in hemline is a welcome respite from seasons of thigh grazing dresses. Amazing options during Fashion Week for each and every one of us, knee haters or not. As someone who is an ardent fashion fanatic, I’d have to say the New York shows felt really grounded and wearable. It’s a great time to be a girl. I can’t wait to see the rest of the season’s shows in London, Paris, and Milan as we bid adieu to the New York shows. Thanking the American designers for doing some beautiful things for Spring 2011.

And that’s what’s up this pretty Friday in the MIA. Have a great weekend and hope my fellow Jews have a safe and healthy fast. XO

Oh hi, Thursday. Nice to see you. One day till Friday and then it's about a
week away till Paris. Pinching myself as I write (not easy to do PS)...

So the Michael Kors show. Fantastic. There was an awful lot of white, khaki,
beige. Standard fare Michael Kors, who in my mind, does American chic like
none other. His clothes are always masterful. I am not sure how he does it
but clearly he has a secret sauce for designing perfect, classic American
sportswear that is utterly modern yet timeless at the same time.  Kors always winks to the past too- always an air of retro in such a good way. And his clothes are for ladies through and through- never vulgar or over the top but still dead sexy in their own right.

In addition to the neutrals that are rampant on all the runways this week,
Kors produced this PERFECT little yellow dress. This dress made me smile.
This is one happy little number. I adore the shape, the length, and of
course, that COLOR. With tan legs and warm temperatures, this dress is
incredibly right. And in a sea of neutrals, this dress is a standout. I am
not sure if I can live without it for the Spring.

Loving the sleeve, the very wearable A line silhouette after a winter's
worth of comfort food, and the sunny, daffodil color. It's one hopeful
little dress, non? 

If you want to watch the rest of the Kors show, here's the link from
style.com. Bravo to Kors for always doing the right thing- not a huge risk
taker, but never ever wrong. And that, my lovelies, is what's up this bright
Thursday in the MIA. XO

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011RTW-MKORS

Hiya Wednesday. I'm hangin' with ya.

If you feel old, just think of Jack Daniels. The brand is 160 years old and
is blacking out its bottle to celebrate (see, not everyone gets Botox).

I like it. It's not too early for a wee nip, is it? (Sorry to my husband. I
know for a Kentucky boy the JD is blasphemy- but the bottle is great).

This is a fab gift too...buy it for somebody cool, or buy it for yourself,
as you're probably cooler than anyone you know. And that's what's up this
whiskey Wednesday in the MIA. XO

Hi, Tuesday. I started the day with a Christian rock filled spin class
(FAIL). Hope the rest of the day is more to my liking.

Anyhoo, wanted to talk to you beautiful people about Donna Karan. She showed
her collection yesterday and it reduced me to mush (I watched a live feed
from my office and had a hard time keeping it together). Once I collected
myself, I realized why. There's simply not another designer around whose
aesthetic I am more in tune with than Donna's. Yes I love many others, but
Donna's urban, free spirited, and subtle yet strong sexiness are just THE
END.

I am not sure many other designers understand a woman's body better- not
that all of her clothes are so easy to wear (there is a risk of looking like
a Great Neck pottery/yoga instructor), but they are effortless and
comfortable and simply beautiful. That silky, crunchy army/safari jacket
might be one of my favorite pieces ever, in the short version and the long.
I love when basics get retooled to work for evening or dress up- it's some
sort of glam utility that is chic 2.0. And Donna's clothes have that very
"throw it on after a shower and go" kind of thing that I am mad for. This
collection is good for the city, and good for an exotic vacation. I can see
all of these pieces being thrown in a suitcase and being just so wherever
you need to wear them. And they're sexy without an iota of gluttony- the
hint of a shoulder, the feel of a beautiful fabric, the barely there color.
FANTASTIC. I can also imagine all of these pieces looking gorgeous with bare
feet- the pieces are casual and dressed up at the same time. GENIUS.

I love this collection- the dusted gold palette, the flowy pieces, the
minimal and effortless shapes. Donna is a spiritual woman and these clothes
reflect that- there's simply something holy about them. Before I start
tearing up again at the simple genius of these pieces, I better go. I'm
feeling inspired by the collections for Spring- lots of "real" clothes for a
change. And tres jolie to boot. And's that's what's up this in love with
Donna Karan Tuesday in the MIA. XO

Oh hiya Monday. You're here. And so am I.

I wanted to start the week by noting a trend on the runways this Spring 2011
Fashion Week on the Isle of 212. I think I mentioned a few weeks back a
fetish for one Valentino little white dress for winter, and guess I'm in
good company for spring...loads of white on the runways this week. Have all
the US designers become Kabbalists (white is a very big thing to wear in
that set)? Or maybe it's a time for healing and purity and minimalism-
enlightenment of some kind in these times of chaos? And in the interest of
full disclosure (a big theme in business these days), there's just no hiding
in a white dress- it shows everything but it also lights up the face in an
absolutely divine way. I've noticed that people are friendlier to me when I
wear white than when I wear black- I think it makes one seem more
approachable, more open. Think of white as a blank canvas- sure it's spare
and stark but it's also elegant and cool and very calming.

And as you can see, designers are doing all white in minis, loosened up
silhouettes, and just about everything in between. I like the idea of a
white suit with jacket and shorts- super chic.

Regardless of color theory, white is having a very real moment for Spring-
so start thinking about proper underwear choices (though I am a huge fan of
a black bra underneath white, depending on what it is...) and carrying
around a Tide stain stick in case of emergencies. For white is what's up
this Fashion weeked Monday in the MIA. XO

(Photos by designer in order: DKNY, Alexander Wang, Alexander Wang,
Alexander Wang, Alexander Wang, Victoria Beckham, Victoria Beckham, DVF, DVF, Band ouf Outsiders)