the world according to sherimaven

Hi, Thursday. Hurry up and be Friday, would ya?

I'm awake and checking out all the gorgeous looks for Fall online- 'tis a
season made for me- if only I had the bank account to match my desire for
all the fabulous clothes for fall- the gorgeous neutral toned menswear, the
classic camel coats, the filmy bohemian dresses. Love it all.

But the trend I love the most is LEOPARD. That amazing feline print which I
can almost never spell (le-o-pard) but can almost always certainly wear. I
have always, always been a fan of leopard (my super chic grandmother was a
devotee)- have had a lifelong obsession with finding the perfect vintage
leopard coat to wear over all of my black dresses and tights and such. Not
really in need of much fur in Miami, so I satisfy my cat craving with
numerous scarves and accessories. A leopard scarf will brighten your day,
ladies. It's a bit naughty but so so chic. And safe if you can't do more
than a few square inches without feeling too feline. (Though I'm not sure
why you wouldn't want to).

And if you can't be outward with this catty trend, go under. As in lingerie.
It's irresistible in a cute bra and underwear set...peeking out a bit
underneath a black sweater. The rest is up to you...

I also adore leopard in a pencil skirt with a black turtleneck (or super hot
like Christina Milian here with a bustier. D&G always rocks the leopard.
They are sort of like the ambassadors of this enduring trend) or fitted tee
shirt. I've attached some shots here from Lanvin's Fall 2010 collection,
which has a full on leopard moment happening...divine.

Also how can anyone forget Mrs. Robinson's amazing turn as the arbiter of
said trend? Ann Bancroft- of the streaked hair and amazing leopard. Hot and
sexy. Love her- she has always been on my list of style icons. (The original
cougar in leopard. Awesome). Who looks cooler than her? Not a single one.
Meow.

So in the name of fun and trendy and sexy as all get out, go procure this
fantastic animal print in some way this fall- a ballet flat, a sneaker
(Lanvin's here), a scarf, a skirt, a dress, a trench with leopard lining.
It's one of my favorite fashion staples and I will always wear it,
especially as I am now fast approaching Mrs. Robinson status in the age
department. Should make the transition a little more fun...

And that's what's up this kitty kat Thursday in the MIA. XO

Post for vous and vous and vous tomorrow...can't seem to get off the dang
thing.....XO

 

PS- I've discovered Polyvore...it's on.

Hi, Tuesday...so far, so good.

I talked about the power of laughter yesterday- it's simply good for the
soul and there is even yoga being taught in celebration of and embracing the
ha ha. I love that. ( http://www.laughteryoga.org/)

I was talking to a photo rep friend of mine yesterday and he shared the work
of photographer Anna Wolf, whose work is shown here and whom I am agog over.
Her lovely images inspired me to think about hitting the highway to pursue
one of my favorite activities- that holy grail of fun- the road trip.

Now many of you know I haven't been driving for all that long, but man do I
love a road trip. I think it speaks to my inner Beat- Kerouac's "On the
Road" left a huge impression on me- ever since reading it as a young teen I
have been fascinated by the possibilities of the open road and the joy it
brings. When that book was written, the American highways gave way to
opportunity and a renewed sense of freedom. I love to channel that in my own
life and pretend I'm Dean Moriarty for a few days a year.

I am the type of girl that needs movement and flow- from the way I dress
(nothing constricting) to the way I live my life. Of course I realize the
value of standing still from time to time, but I like to move. And road
tripping is the easiest way to satisfy my cravings for all that is kinetic.
Now living in Florida, road tripping is simply not as glorious as in other
places- in the Northeast, you can straddle many states in one day (ever
drive from New York to Boston or New York to DC?). In Florida, you are
simply in Florida FOREVER. (Though the drive to Key West from Miami is one
of my all time favorites).

I love preparing a great playlist depending on where we're going (could be
Merle Haggard or could be Mobb Deep), buying up some good road food (trail
mix, jerky, you name it) and grabbing my favorite sunglasses (these days
it's a catty pair of Ray Bans) and just GOING. It's one of life's many
pleasures and if you haven't done one lately, do. And if you have kids, it's
a great thing to do with them- some of my happiest memories of childhood are
our summer vacations which always included a nice long drive somewhere sunny
and warm.

So in addition to laughing, I am also recommending a steady diet of hitting
the highway, this being summer and such. If you are an office troglodyte
like me, you do need this, I promise you. Go see something. And movement
people, movement. Never stop going till you get THERE. And then when
something catches your eye and you need to take it in, stand still.

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

Hi, babies. It's Monday, isn't it? Time to ease on in to the work week...I
suggest something mellow on Pandora to help ya get there...maybe some AIR or
something somewhat celestial...

Today's thought is about why finding someone in life who makes you laugh is
important. I'm going to say there is nothing more attractive than a man
with a great sense of humor- clearly I believe that because I married one.
Funny men have a certain empathy for the weirdness or craziness of life, as
well as a dynamic intelligence and amazing take on the state of things. I
know you can't really "get" a good sense of humor, but boys- if you have
one- lucky you- you will always get the girl. There is simply nothing more
charming than a man with a sharp, stealth wit. I think a lot of us females
like to be silly. I'm not just talking about shrieking over shoes here. I'm
talking more about simply cracking up, at appropriate or sometimes
inappropriate times (I am legend on the latter). There is really nothing
fun about being serious all the time. Nothing at all. It's exhausting. And
boys- you can always diffuse a wonky situation (i.e. fight) with humor. We
may storm out of the room, but eventually you will get us to come around,
from deep within our bellies, when you do something funny. It's a fact
unless we are humorless ourselves.

And on that note- I have heard from many of my male friends that their
girlfriend does not make them laugh, or that they're just not that funny.
Head for them hills, boys. You need to laugh too. And for you men that think
women aren't funny (Christopher Hitchens, this means you), I suppose you are
not in on the joke. Cause we are, and that's that. (I won't name names, but
we are out there in spades...)

Oh and don't marry someone that doesn't make you LAUGH in spades if that's
on your checklist. And it should be by the way. As we age, weird shit starts
going down. You must realize the importance of being able to laugh at the
fact that sometimes it may hurt getting out of bed in the morning- and
hopefully somebody is next to you who will be laughing too.

Looking to the celeb world, I would say Bill Murray is the poster child for
the requisite funny man. I have always found him incredibly cute- amazingly
dark and funny and charming beyond belief. I have loved him since the early
days of SNL and "Meatballs" and "Stripes" and found him at his peak in
"Lost in Translation". He may not have the looks of a matinee idol, but I
find him very sexy- there are plenty of pouty, pretty boys out there, but
they are usually not cracking you up as you read the paper on a rainy
Sunday, just by the raise of an eyebrow. I'm telling you boys, keep us
laughing. We love to be silly with you. Just know that even if you don't
have a trust fund or immaculate abs, we will adore you if you are funny. I'm
not talking about being a buffoon here- it's simply golden to find someone
who can laugh with you as you trudge through the daily muckety. Regardless
of what it is that makes you cackle, remember to laugh with each other. It's
the only way we can get through Monday, or any other day for that matter.
You would much rather laugh than cry, non?

And that's what's up this humor filled Monday in the MIA. XO

Happy Friday, sexy people. I know I blog with a lot of estrogen, so today
I'm going to talk about something decidedly not- and that is: LEBRON JAMES
IS COMING TO MIAMI TO PLAY WITH THE HEAT. (If you have been under a rock
since yesterday, you may not have heard).

Why does this matter to me you may ask? Me of the shoes, fancy trench coat,
and Kate Moss fixation? It matters because I am a basketball fan- always
have been, and always will be. I'm not much into college ball, but I grew up
in Philadelphia in the golden era of the 76ers- we're talking Dr. J, Mo
Cheeks, Moses Malone, Barkley even...it was very exciting watching those
players as a little girl in the 215. Post college I moved to NYC and enjoyed
a fantastic era of the Knicks- namely the Ewing era- the amazing Ewing,
Anthony Mason, Starks (that little brat). I'm not pretending to watch every
game, but I do love going to them and enjoy the playoffs tremendously. I
think I love basketball because it's a true urban game- played on inner city
courts with loads of swagger and style. If you've ever peered through the
fence at West 4th Street and watched a game, you know what I'm talking
about. It's a real city game, and I'm a real city girl so its hustle and
flow always spoke to me. And like my dad always said, the basketball players
not only never stop moving, but they also wear little in the way of padding
or protection - one bad fall and it could be all over. Again, a high risk
game of the streets elevated to professional status- what's not to love?

A town with Lebron in it also matters to me because I've struggled with
Miami since I first moved here six years ago. Sure I like it now, but I was
really thrown off by how decidedly different it was from New York, and it
was not an easy transition. I craved my bagels. My pizza. My New York
conversations. My friends. But when you move somewhere new, you find the
good things that make you happy. When the Heat won the championship a few
years back, I remember watching Pat Riley dancing at the celebration and
thinking "if Riley can live here, surely I can too." Riley of New York
Knicks fame and awesome hair and style. Is there a better coiffed man in the
NBA? I think not.

So this announcement last night took me to a happy place. Because now we
have something New York doesn't. WE HAVE LEBRON.

It's true I still can't get a decent bagel down here (the water, the water,
I know). I'm cool with that now that we have the magnificent Lebron- the
only player talked about as the next Michael Jordan. He's going to change
the game literally and figuratively and make Miami a world class sports
town. Miami gets more and more interesting each year I'm here, and I for one
look to the Fall with more anticipation than usual (it's when the weather
becomes ooh ahh here, but now we have more to look forward to...and not just
Art Basel either). And to a bigger point, that announcement last night made
me feel proud of Miami and damn glad to live here- a huge turning point for
me- finally accepting that I am a permanent resident of Miami, not just
passing through. Miami just got a little hotter as of last night, and it's
going to be a spectacular season down here, because of the incredible
triumvirate of Lebron, Wade, and Bosh. Bring it. (Hey Nike...do a cool,
limited edition Heat/Lebron shoe. Now.)

I hear Mr. James is moving right across the canal from my apartment, in a
massive manor befitting of such a legend. I have an extra bedroom in case
you want to visit. Nice to live here right now, amidst the palms and the
water and the new dream team. Pretty cool I am going on six years here in
August, and now THIS. Can't wait to see how it all pans out...also can't
wait to see the Heat play the Lakers. Going to be insane...very, very happy
for the 305. Such an amazing thing for the city and sports in general.

And that's what's up this hoop dreamy Friday in the MIA. Go Heat!!! XO

Happy Thursday, luvs. Love this Izzie (ok Isabel but I prefer the nickname)
Marant look 2010 Fall, im'd to me courtesy of my fanatically fashionable
friend Monica. Dig it. So good. And yet again a perfect example of basics
done with incredible aplomb. The French know a thing or two about a chic
basic, non? And that's what's up this not so basic Thursday in the MIA. C'est tout. XO

Happy Hump Day. I am getting super excited about our trip to Paris in the
Fall- can't believe I have never been there- it's been a lifelong dream and
I am finally going to check it out...good luck getting me to leave. From
what I know, the city has everything I could ever want- history, charm,
romance, culture, style- you name it- it's there.

In anticipation of said travels, I've been thinking about what sort of
wardrobe staple is needed to enjoy all of the above. Sources tell me Paris
is a bit drippy and drizzly in the Autumn months. So the one item I've
decided on as a definite is a trench. Will go for one in classic British
khaki, though if money was not an object, I would surely invest in a black
satin version for evening as well. I can't think of a sexier, more French
classic (even though the best one is by Burberry, decidedly Brit and not at
all Francais). The French do that unstudied, effortless, basic thing so
well. You can wear the trench undone, you can belt it to create a super
together look without trying to hard, and you can wear it on the plane so no
worries about packing it.

I adore the khaki version over a black dress and some bare legs and heels or
less done with jeans and a striped tee- I love the black satin version with
a lacy slip underneath and nothing more- perfect for a naughty, late morning
run to the local bakery to pick up breakfast for mon amour. It's all very
Deneuve and I am in love with it...I am prepared for my husband making the
inevitable Clouseau comparison but I will laugh it off, glass of rose in
hand.

In terms of securing the perfect version, Burberry or even United Bamboo
would be ideal but it's way too spendy- it's basically a night at the George
Cinq for crying out loud. Instead, I may go with the J. Crew version
pictured here (last photo), though it may be a bit short- still not a steal
but I know it's an item that will pay for itself with years of travel and
adventure. Or perhaps find out what APC, that fiefdom of cool French basics,
has going on.

In any event, I am getting more and more excited about going to Paris, can't
wait to get there, trenched or not. (Most likely trenched and leopard
scarved). It's just the kind of easy chic I need for long walks in the rain.
(Cue Lena Horne's 'Stormy Weather'...)

And that's what's up this best of basics and impossibly romantic Wednesday
in the MIA. Have a gorgeous day...XO

I can at least eat their delicious yogurt.

Have you had Siggi's yogurt? I mean, have you? So freaking good. I'm
shilling a bit I know, but you have to try this stuff (I promise that I
don't know a single soul in Iceland, though I would very much like to. They
seem cute). It needs a little dollop of agave or honey or some granola to
make it extra delish, but loving it. Always been a Fage girl, but these
Icelandic types are teaching the Greeks a thing or two about curdling and
such. (I especially dig the blueberry as well as the pom 'n passion fruit).

I dig the consistency- it's perfect and creamy and just right during this
insane heat wave we're having across the States. Go get some for you and
yours. Or just for you. Sold at places like Whole Foods (that's where I
scored mine). And then think about how we can go to Iceland together and
check out the sites. It looks pleasant there on the fjords. And a bunch of
you know I'm looking for a pup- Siggi is a pretty cute name, non?

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

I like their site too...cool tale of how they got their start:

http://skyr.com/

Ahhhhh. Enjoy it, everyone. (If'n you have the day off).  Be back tomorrow- hope your Fourth was a gas. XO

Hey again...couldn't resist posting this tots cute image from photographer
Shannon Greer, whose promo piece crossed my desk this am. If you are looking
for something cute to wear to a family bbq or small town parade, this look
is a keeper- loving the old school hat with a wink to retro Americana and
the whole little schoolboy thing. It helps if you have great legs PS...which
of course, you do.

Have a safe and fashionable 4th.

XO