the world according to sherimaven

Good afternoon, Monday. Cheers. It'a a late day post kind of day.

So the hubs and I are going to Scotland for ten days. I'm so excited. Perhaps a few of you know my deep love for this country, and the fact I've been twice and have always dreamt of returning. Wish granted in just a few weeks.

We are going to drive the whole country- starting in Edinburgh and driving way up the Isle of Skye. If any of you know Scotland, you know it's a wild, jagged, green place where one could imagine anything from Game of Thrones to a Bronte novel to any sort of medieval times moment. And it's also a trip that involves quite a bit of nature, which we know, is not my strong suit.

Before you get all up in my kilt, let me explain. 

I'm just not an outdoorsy girl. I do love the beach, and I do love the mountains. But I'm not one for a hike exactly. I will say that the amount of green in a Scottish landscape has me very much at hello. Because I adore green, and being in a lot of green is very good for me, even though I'm very much a city girl. I'm down to run around and then some and check out all the splendor.

And as we gear up for this trip, David keeps sending me places where we can hike. Truth be told, they are countless. And what do I send him when it comes to what we can do in Scotland? The fact that Stella Tennant lives in Scotland outside of Edinburgh. And I'd like to pay homage. And don't think for a minute hers was not the first name I looked up when trying to gather inspiration for what to pack. Because Stella has always been one of my favorites- and if I can channel her in any way, I will. 

So David wants to hike the coast. I want to supermodel spot and drink a pint. I assume there will be a healthy mix. But I wanted to share that, and if any of you are Scot-literate, do tell me your fav spots. I'm excited to run around Scotland again. If I see Stella, you know I'll say hello.

Cause that's what's up this eternal sunshine of the Scottish mind kind of Monday in the 212. Yours, in supers and haggis. XO

Good afternoon, Thursday.

Last night I stood in the rain for about four hours to see Liam Gallagher. And I'd do it all again.

He played along with Richard Ashcroft, another favorite, and it felt properly English/Glastonbury to be standing in a pair of Wellies in the mud while British flags waved. My husband was working late and his best friend gallantly agreed to try and tough out the rain with me, but ended up bailing at the end of Ashcroft's performance, which ended in an epic "Drugs Don't Work". Big mistake. Huge. 

Because it stopped raining during Liam's set and he did not disappoint. Maven watchers know how much I live for Liam. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. The parka was on. The attitude was there. The iconic mike stance was in full effect. It was everything. And it made me realize that no matter how old I am, I am forever a fan girl when it come to music. It's hard for me to imagine life without it, it's so important to me and continues to inspire me to this day.  And I'm glad I didn't bail because of the weather.  It was worth a slight case of the chills mixed with a bit of sweat. Thank goodness for Hunter boots.

So on this TBT, let's love up on Liam. I'm still dreaming of his awesome set, short and sweet but altogether lovely. He truly is a rock and roll star. A little older, perhaps a little wiser, but still, very much Liam. And I'd hang in most weather or other pesky situations to show my love and support. That signature voice and snarl and attitude is still so on point. And it speaks to me and all the other loons in the audience who hung on his every word.  Liam's gonna live forever.

Here's a clip of one of my fav songs off his latest albums. The song's called "For What It's Worth", and it's totally worth it. I love him forever and ever. He played it last night and it was biblical.

Cause that's what's up this Brit poppy Thursday in the 212. Yours, in bittersweet symphonies. XO

Good morning, little Monday. I wish I could say it was a relaxing weekend, but alas- no. From the looks of things, your mother is not quite as, well, challenging as my mother. But let's leave that there. I also did the whole Spring/Summer switcheroo this weekend and man, that's WORK. My wardrobe is a bit out of control- glad we hauled out 7 contractor bags to donate. Oy.

But enough about that- I wanted to write a post about my favorite new retail experience- the new Gucci store down on Wooster Street in Soho. OMG.

Unless you've been under a fashion rock, you know full well that Gucci under Alessandro Michele has been nothing short of a revolution. Everyone's clamoring for a small piece of the psychedelic, technicolor Gucci dream- from star stamped loafers to embroidered mules to monogrammed bags, Gucci is kind of everything right now. And though it's beyond expensive, it's luxe that feels really fun and it's even more fun to see in person. We all know bricks and mortar is in peril of late, but I truly believe if you make it fun, they will come. In droves.

Everything about this store is designed to make the hardest fashion girl and boy smile. Picture a couture candy shop. 

I adore the design of the store- it's all set up for play and fun and amazing colorful indulgence. And truly, I've been clocking their shoes and bags of late, but the clothes are SO GOOD TOO. That trench. The lace warm up suit. The beautiful purple dress. I want it all. And I want it now. 

What's groundbreaking about betting on retail these days is understanding the new consumerism, and Gucci gets an A+ here. According to Business of Fashion, they "wanted the store to feel 'inclusive,' with customers encouraged to handle merchandise themselves or just spend time inside, even if they don't buy anything. Customers can listen to a house music documentary on custom-made cat-eared headphones, check out a preview of an upcoming collaboration with Dapper Dan or use augmented reality to design their own bag or shoe." And that's the other big news- collaborating with the very designer who ripped them off is a stroke of sheer genius. Love that.

And the staff, which Business of Fashion referred to as not just sales associates but "connectors" do everything they can to make the store a super fun carnival ride. I can't say enough about how inspired the vibe is in the store- it's making fashion fun again and I am all kinds of in favor of that. It's a must see if you are in New York or plan to visit soon. 

I can't wait to go back- oh and that old school tote you can monogram with your initials? I'm coming for you. One way or another.

Cause that's what's up this interlocking G of a Monday in the 212. Yours, in fashion fantasy. XO

The Gucci Store is located at 63 Wooster Street in Soho.

Good morning, Monday. What a glorious weekend of relaxing and enjoying a few days off. But alas, back to work it is.

Tonight is the Met Ball, where fashion fanatics will come together to laud the latest Costume Institute show, called "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination". Needless to say, this is going to be GOOD. Great even. And if these celebs don't get it right tonight, it's sad. Because truly, fashion has had a divine relationship with religion for a very long time.

I've always been intrigued by Catholicism, as any good Jewish girl would. Plus I love anything Italian, so there's that. I still can't shake that image of Jude Law as the pope. The best. Staunch Catholic readers (as if I have any), please take heed. I'm not in any way making fun of your religion- it's just a fascinating subject and pretty sure it's going to be a stellar show. 

There's the guilt, the sense of family, the iconography. I love Renaissance art and have always been enchanted with religious paintings. I love the solemn nature of Catholicism- it's dark, it's beyond controversial at this point, but there's something very beautiful about it. Blind faith- what a concept. No Jew could ever get behind that- we're taught to question anything and everything, except for our mothers. ;)

Anyway, I suspect there will be a ton of Italian style on the red carpet- Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino are simply no brainers for this soiree. 

I would of course love to see some McQueen- both old and new, who was no stranger to this sort of pious couture. Sarah Burton continues to hold the torch- how much do we love that leather corset look? 

And someone should absolutely wear the Row. Like most definitely. Monastic chic.

Also- I'd take the queen in Game of Thrones's style ANY DAY for a bit of the naughty heretic look. Amazing. Cersei. Love.

And how much did I love Anna Wintour's first American Vogue cover, back in 1988 when model Michaela Bercu rocked the heck out of that Lacroix top at the top of this post, with jeans. SCANDALOUS. (We later found out she couldn't fit into the skirt, thus the jeans. But what a happy bit of divine intervention). 

Anyway, if you worship at the altar of fashion like I do, you must tune in and watch the red carpet. I don't think they're streaming but quite sure Vogue will be live blogging or whatever.  I love this theme and can't wait to see the show. 

Good morning, Thursday. It's hot as a mofo out.

So I was cruising through the Gramz this 'am and always love checking out Jen Atkin's hair inspiration.  Jen is known for tending to the Kardashian clan's tresses but I also love her feed because there's always something trendworthy there when it comes to hair.

And of course, a change in weather has most of us gals thinking about Summer hair. And since I generally almost always have some version of a bob, I adore all of these fabulous looks- I have a huge crush on that Mica Arganaraz by the way. The girl with the curls above. OMG. She's to die for. CHIC.

Also those little French messy bobs are perfectly je ne sais quoi.  I love the shorter bobs shown here- and that bold eye. Fabulous beyond. I just wanted to break you off a little bit of hair inspiration- Refinery 29 is calling these looks the haircuts of Summer so get on it. I have that last story cut out from Bazaar (The Bob Squad) on my inspo board. Love that hair. 

Cause that's what's up this short hair don't care kind of Thursday in the 212. Yours, in good looks. XO

Good morning, sunshine. It is a bloody beautiful day here in the best city in the world. The kind of day where you just want to drink in the goodness, but alas, duty calls. And midtown. The sun's even shining in midtown. And that's something.

So was thinking about this the other day in pilates- when I wanted to curse my teacher for making the class so damn hard. I hated it the entire time. Not a moment of joy. And that got me thinking- why do we award things and give more value to things that are "hard"? Is it because overcoming challenges is important to our growth? Of course. But some of us are not motivated by hard. I mean, I like a challenge as much as the next girl, but at this stage in my life, I wonder if there's anything wrong with making things a little bit easier?

And I guess everyone has their own definition of what's hard. I live in a city that many would argue is the hardest to live in in the entire country, but I tried living somewhere easier (Miami) and found it super hard. Ha. It's true.

What I'm getting at is this conditioning we all endure that tells us we must go through hell to come out the other side, or some version of hard. I don't disagree entirely, but damn if I don't just want to bring on the easy. Or whatever my version of that is. Some people like a deep tissue massage, some people like to be tickled with a feather. That's life. Guess which one I like better?

For instance, finding out what I really want to be when I grow up is hard. Dealing with family stuff is bloody hard. Accepting the way you look is hard.  I suppose it's all perception really but that's stuff I have always found super tough in terms of day to day life.

But here's what's always been easy for me- being creative. Expressing my style.  Laughing a lot. And in terms of work, working with people I care about and admire and respect- that makes the hard work very easy.  I love ease. I'm into it. I want more of it in my life. I guess my point of this whole post is to say- instead of striving for things that are hard (like a marathon for instance), why not strive for life to be easy? What's wrong with that? Of course my Jewish sense of suffering struggles with this way of thinking. I've been raised to think everything is hard anyway. And maybe it's really just about changing my state of mind- is a pilates class really that hard in the scheme of things? I can anything for an hour, right? And sure, the results make it great but if I think of it as too hard, I lose the urge to go. But I persist somehow.

I dunno just something I've been thinking about lately. The focus on "hard" work. Right now, I really would love to just take it easy, whatever that may entail, I'm all in. You go run a marathon. I'll be right over here.

Cause that's what's up this easy, breezy Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in getting there. XO

Good morning, Thursday. It's just gorgeous outside and New York is alive with Springtime vibes. Today I'm wearing a leopard dress I got at Zara, no tights required, and an absolute STEAL. Yes. But I digress.

The reason I bring up leopard is that a writer on Garance Dore the other day was posting about the new Clare Vivier collab with Toms, resulting in a leopard print espadrille. She started the piece by saying something along the lines of "let's face it- it's hard to make leopard print cool".  UM. WHAT?????

Clearly this poor little child has no idea what's cool. As in zero clue. Because there's nothing much cooler than a leopard print, and you can put that on my gravestone.  In my little style neck of the woods, leopard is almost a neutral and a ubiquitous part of my wardrobe year after year.  Also thumb through any comprehensive fashion iconography treatise, and there you will find the following- Ann Bancroft as Mrs. Robinson. Kate Moss (who incidentally is the queen of leopard print- she wears it on the regs and does it so well). Jackie O. Must I go on? 

I have always loved leopard because it's instantly chic and cool. From a leopard coat to that Ganni button up dress I've been craving since I first saw it, leopard is quite simply, the shit. I also love a leopard accessory, particularly a scarf. It's a beautiful way to elevate basic black. I have no idea who this writer is and now I can't seem to find the piece she wrote, but man is she wrong. Perhaps they deleted it in shame.

So today in honor of one of my favorite animal prints, here are five leopard pieces I love and live for and are cooler than just about everything. Also- THAT GANNI DRESS BELOW. I NEED YOU.

This leopard print bathing suit is genius.  Love a one piece you can throw a little skirt over and off you go. Instant chic.

This blouse by Nili Lotan  is so boho chic and perfect for Summer. Love it with jean shorts and a flat sandal, and of course, tan legs. Ooh and check it with leather pants- so sexy.

In a completely aspirational sense, this over the top Gucci bag is magical- ladylike and leopard go well together.

Also, a Golden Goose leopard sneaker is super cute with rolled up white jeans in the Summer time. Love these. 

And of course, my beloved Ganni dress I can't stop talking about. Just love this piece so much as a dress, over jeans with a tank, so versatile and cool. One of my favorite new brands too. Such cute stuff. 

So listen up, ladies. There is nothing uncool about leopard. Period. Full stop. Case closed.

Cause that's what's up this leopard rules my world kind of Thursday in the 212. Yours, in animal instincts.  XO

UPDATE: Here's the piece i was referencing. 

Good morning, Tuesday. It's gorgeous outside. I'm so happy.

So I rarely if ever write about food but since I'm fairly obsessed with one particular item of late, I just had to share. Spoiler alert: This is for NY locals only- sorry rest of the universe.

First up, the avocado toast at Gotan, a little coffee shop with branches in Tribeca, midtown, and Williamsburg. If you could put happiness in a take out container, it would probably look a hell of a lot like this avo toast. I would say it's worth getting out of bed for. Seriously. It's the best. It's got feta, radishes, sprouts, chili flakes, and I love to get a poached egg on top. The toast itself is perfectly cooked (medium brown) and substantial but not overly heavy. I literally eat this almost every morning at work. It is by far my fav thing to eat these days and keeps me full for hours. It's so damn good. Trust me- you have to have this. I know you're probably bored to death of said trendy food, but this will make you fall back in love. I promise.  Oh and for those of you who REALLY know me- I order mine without the tomato of course. Blech.

I like to do what I can to help all of you have a healthy, productive morning. This avocado toast has magic powers and that's a fact. Now have it. Go on.

Cause that's what's up this best way to start the day kind of Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in yumminess. XO

 

Good morning, friends. The sun's peeking out and I'm stoked. Who knows for how long but I'll take it where and when I can get it. 

Last night I went to the premiere of "Love, Gilda" an excellent new film documenting the life of Gilda Radner. Tina Fey introduced the movie and she was super choked up. Gilda is everything to female comedians- particularly ladies who are not traditional beauties or amazingly funny women like Melissa McCarthy who are pee in your pants, physically funny beyond reason. I admire and love women who are willing to make themselves look absolutely ridiculous for a laugh. The best.

As we all know, Gilda died far too young from cancer at age 42. Watching all of those frizzy haired moments live from New York in the 70s gave me all the feels. What a profound time to be in this city and what a fantastic time for comedy. I'm so drawn to barrier breaking performances, design, music. I can't imagine how exciting it would have been to be part of all that.

And in addition, to know in your heart of hearts that you are only meant to do one thing, and one thing only. Gilda was performing from early childhood and there was never any question about what she would be. I have a deep respect for that one track mind/mission. As someone who has flip flopped and back when it comes to career, I truly wish there was that "must do or die" thing. I know that's not an easy path but at least it's resolute. I'm a bit bored of my wishy wash. 

I'm sad Gildna isn't around to make us laugh anymore. Her path was not without struggle and ultimately ended in tragedy, but man did she burn bright, and her legacy continues to mean something with Gilda's House.  Guess it's a bit like Neil Young said- it's better to burn out than to fade away. But I would have loved to see what she did next. And for women everywhere that realize it's not only perfect looks that make you irresistible,  Gilda is a shining example of making the world better through laughter. G-d bless Gilda. And G-d bless the frizzy haired, elegantly wasted, heady days of the 70s. I remember as a little girl watching them go by and wishing I could be a part of it all. My uncle used to let me watch SNL when I was super wee and I was wide eyed watching how cool they all seemed. They still do.

Cause that's what's up this it's always something and if it ain't one thing, it's another kind of Thursday in the 212. Yours, in Roseanne Roseannadanna. XO

Good morning, Tuesday. It's less than lovely outside, again. Still my mind surges to Spring and Summer and at least this way we have a few moments to prepare. My clothes are still in storage but can't wait to be barelegged again. A girl can dream.

And speaking of warmer weather, I've recently revisited an old favorite scent of mine, Jil Sander Sun. I have a long and illustrious history with this one- I believe I discovered it in my 20s on a trip to Amsterdam and fell madly in love with it. It's the perfect beachy blend with some citrus, vanilla, and spicy bits.  On a sleepless night last week, I discovered it's still available and it came in the mail yesterday. Oh and fun fact- the nose behind this one is Pierre Bourdon, a a favorite of mine who is responsible for the delicious Frederic Malle scent, Iris Poudre, which I happen to be wearing right this minute.  That's for all you perfume nerds out there. 

And I still love it the most. It's a perfect summer fragrance, it lasts all day, and it makes me nostalgic in only the best of ways. I highly recommend this well priced fragrance for a little taste of beach weather. I know I'll be rocking this one all Summer long. It goes perfectly with rose, tan feet, and sand.

Cause that's what's up this sunny (perfumewise) kind of Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in summoning the beach gods by proxy. XO