the world according to sherimaven

Good morning, Tuesday. It's a gloomy one in the ghost town.

So just to put on your radar because it's on mine- Bobbi Brown, who has not been part of her namesake line for several years, is getting back in the beauty game with the launch of Jones Road. According to the site:

"Jones Road was founded by makeup artist Bobbi Brown on the philosophy that the world doesn’t need more beauty products. It needs better beauty products. Clean, strategic, high-grade formulations that work on every skin type and tone—and that are as simple to use as they are to master. Jones Road is a lifetime of beauty knowledge, distilled". 

I love her aesthetic and minimal approach and I just ordered a few products to try (I'll review them for you next week) but thought if you were interested in spicing up your next Zoom call, you might want to perk up with these products. Plus, clean beauty is becoming the norm and all of her products are formulated sans phthalates, sulfates, petrolatum, PEGs, cyclic silicones, EDTA, or BPA. 

I ordered the balm in rose (balms are big in the makeup and skincare world these days) as well as two glosses, the boysenberry and the nude. I've given up on bright lips for me at this stage in the game- just not the look I'm after of late but do like a deeper vibe as long as I can blot it and make it look barely there. I love the models she used too- beautiful and natural and very right now.

I'm curious about the mascara,  but didn't order that because I still have a few I need to get through before I get a new one. Point is- I'm seeing a big trend and push towards a more minimal approach to beauty, and life in general, really. I know many of you out there have given up on makeup for the moment but not this maven. I enjoy the ritual of it too much and I find it gives me a little energy to go about my day. Needless to say, I'm not piling it on, it's all rather spare but still totally there.

Let me know what you think and if you decide to purchase a few things and I'll do the same. Cause that's what up this made up Tuesday in the 718. Yours, in saying little prayers for you, with product love too. XO

Good morning, Wednesday. The sun is finally out and I'm out of my two day gloomy weather funk. I'm a girl who needs sunshine, this much I know. Cold temps are fine as long as there's sun.

So we're all working from home and most likely hunkering down for round two of a virus that just won't quit us. It looks like we're going to have an infinite snow day moment this winter, and many of us won't leave the house except for the essentials. I'm not psyched about any of this ps, but this is what life looks like of late and there's no point in fighting it.

So with that, I give you one of my favorite work from home attire when you have a Zoom free day- the robe. Robes always make me think of Marilyn Monroe

There is nothing quite as luxurious and comfortable as padding around one's home in a robe. It's a lovely piece when you get out of the shower, but I also love wearing it with a rock tee and my beloved Splendid leggings when I'm feeling like being undone and effortless.

Here are a few of my favs:

Good afternoon, Thursday.  Late breaking and hot off my feed- the almighty Zara is releasing an archive collection this Throwback Thursday from the 90s and early aughts and it's a blessing for fashion nerds everywhere. I'm seeing a trend across the fashion universe of archive collections being rereleased- I guess we're all craving a bit of a yesteryear moment? Buy it all here. Those leather pants...omg.

In any event, I want every single piece. Here are some photos from the original campaign, and link to buy here. I die. My love for 90s style will never leave me. I can't quit it, and Zara knows this. Smart cookies.

Cause that's what's up this TBT fashion moment in the 718. Yours, in hit it and quit it and happy shopping. XO

Good morning, Wednesday as the world burns.  The weirdness permeates the deepest depths of my mind. I can’t process any of it. And then Eddie Van Halen died.

 For some of you, this will be a mere blip. For others such as myself, this is a huge and very odd loss. If you were ever a fan of Van Halen (and I don’t truly trust you if you weren’t) this one hurts. My fellow Gen X brothers and sisters were raised on a steady diet of Doritos and Van Halen.  And though my first truly dirty thought about a man was about David Lee Roth and his magically thick thighs, Eddie was the best. Boyishly cute and beyond talented.

 A virtuoso. Always with an adorable smirk. A California kid that was a rock star but somehow all American in the best of ways. His guitar playing was next level epic. And though I was more of a new wave chick and then an out and out Deadhead, I fucking loved Van Halen. Because they rocked. So. Hard. Pre-Sammy Hagar, people.  Pre-Hagar. An obvious caveat.

 I said above this is an odd loss because Eddie Van Halen was a dude you thought would live forever.  He had transcendent appeal and for those of a certain age, he is a legend. I have so many memories associated with the music of Van Halen. My ninth-grade teen tour recreated the song “Panama” in honor of the name of our bus and sang it to the same tune. Not surprisingly, “Ninth Grade B” was not a tremendous hit, but we loved it just the same.

 I also remember loving all the incredible videos for songs like “Jump” and “California Girls” and who could forget “Hot for Teacher”? My crush on Diamond Dave was real, and I always loved Eddie’s party vibe. Don’t even get me started on anything from Diver Down, which includes my favorite cover of all time, “Dancin’ in the Street”. It’s so good. That wavy/weird guitar intro is one of my favs. Van Halen is irresistible for those of us who love a steady diet of classic rock.

 Eddie was also married to Valerie Bertinelli for a time, and though you may know her from weight loss commercials, she was very much America’s sweetheart for a time. And they named their kid Wolfgang. Wolfgang Van Halen. Epic.

In any event, you all know I’m in my feelings these days and this didn’t help. Jamie’s cryin’ and I’m cryin’ and RIP Eddie Van Halen. A part of my childhood is gone. Cause that's what's up this running with the devil kind of Wednesday in the 718. For the unindoctrinated, check out this list of Eddie's greatest hits. Yours, in rock and roll forever. XO

Good morning, Friday. I'm still feeling a little funky today but looking so forward to the weekend. Safe and healthy fast for those observing Yom Kippur. For those non-tribe types, Yom Kippur is the most solemn holiday of the entire Jewish calendar. It is a time to forgive, forget, apologize, and reflect, and of course, fast. It's a fairly somber situation, so feels particularly suited to this very strange year.

And speaking of somber, mass retail is feeling a bit maudlin these days as well, and not just because retail needs to be completely reconfigured to meet the needs of the pandemic era. A Facebook friend of mine jokingly posted a pic of some dresses at H&M and asked if we were going back to the 1800s and who would want to wear such funeral-like attire? Um, hi. Have you met me? 

I am loving the gothic, sister-wife vibes of fashion the past few years. I'm aware this look is not for everyone, but brands like Batsheva, Simone Rocha, Cecilia Bahnsen, and the Vampires Wife (and many others) have shown us a world where giant puffed sleeves and modesty have the makings for a great dress. I for one find modesty very sexy, even if I'm well aware that sexiness is very far from the point. I'm also a woman who wears a ton of black and always have. I'm not particularly goth but do dabble a bit in the dark arts from time to time. Who doesn't love a good Gene Loves Jezebel moment? (Stay with me non Gen X types- you may not know from 80s new wave goth vibes but you can still get involved).

Good morning, Thursday. I've been waking up so early lately to greet the day and just get going. Either that, or I'm just too worried all the time to sleep.

Here's the thing- I've become a later in life optimist for the most part. I certainly wasn't raised that way and it's not particularly present in my DNA. But I've been through a lot and come through a lot and I made the decision to try and live in the light as much as I possibly could. But times like these challenge even the most sunny amongst us, so what to do what to do?

The news is all so distressing and horrible and absolutely relentless with negativity and darkness. I just found out one of my favorite neighborhood haunts is shuttering for good and it triggered me deeply.  It's absolutely true that often you don't know what you've got till it's gone. And I'm going to miss this special little bar called Robert that spun Brit Pop on Thursdays and had that special sauce that made it the perfect neighborhood bar that could easily be at home in any city around the world. I loved it there and will miss it terribly. Argh. 

And though Fall is my favorite time of year, I find myself feeling some dread about winter. I'm not ready. For early darkness and freezing cold. I realize my complaint about a bar closing and weather could be seen as entitled- after all, I'm working thank goodness and I have my health and people and a pet I love and all the things. But the thing about the bar is not as much about me, but about the fact that the person who owns it was not expecting any of this and deserves far better, and the idea that a community gathering spot has vanished is totally sad.

I'm not trying to bring anybody down here- we are all feeling it together and going through it together and it's not just the fact we have such a polarizing president, it's the fact that he is beyond toxic and a complete danger to our democracy (duh). Can you even think of a more important election than this one? Staged during a global pandemic and with implications for women and everyone else for the rest of our time on this planet? It's a wonder any of us are sleeping at all. Not to mention just about everything else coming across my news feed from COVID spikes to Breonna Taylor to oh, just about every damn thing. Just last night, a report of a dumpster fire in Park Slope came up on my Citizen app, and man- could there be a more apt malcontent moment to sum up 2020?

Yesterday I posted on Facebook that I could use a bit of good news. Any good news. I got the best responses. From reports on good doggie behavior to a friend from high school getting a job after being unemployed for a while to cherishing a sunset, it lifted my spirits slightly, and I sensed that sharing good news felt great for them too. What struck me about the news people shared were their simplicity- and how grateful all of us are for any victorious moments we are feeling right now. It truly is all about the little things sometimes. And it's beautiful to find those things that bring joy amidst so much discord.

As for me, I'm coping by overexercising and generally working my butt off. I find myself appreciating evenings more than ever and try to set some boundaries around working after 6ish. I'm currently loving two very different shows about islands- the new Jude Law thriller/scary as f show on HBO called "The Third Day" and the deliciously vapid American version of "Love Island".  Never has winding down felt more important. What else what else? I'm tremendously grateful for all that I've got going on- not a day goes by where I don't count the little things and blessings that are part of my everyday existence. But still, it's a hard time to be a human being, particularly a sensitive, empathic one. I do pray that some balance prevails after all of this manic energy. This too shall pass? Here's hoping.

My next post will most likely be about fashion or some such. I write those not because I'm a superficial woman but because fashion and style and personal expression bring me joy. I hope that my writing sparks a chord with you and brings you joy too. I feel lucky to write and share and so glad so many of you reach out to tell me you appreciate it. Cause that's what's up this trying to see the bright side kind of Thursday in the 718. Yours, in keeping it real. XO

Lately I've been thinking about how to be a better homebody. Not for myself, mind you. I'm great at it. Almost too good. But for many, the whole cocooning/nesting thing is anything but cozy, so I'm here to give you a bit of an assist, particularly in the wardrobe and product departments. 

Although the world is on fire and everything feels politicized, weaponized, and destabilized, I am finding great comfort in my Cancerian tendencies and am grateful for spending time at home (Crabs love to be at home, so they can be sensitive in their own shells). On that accord, here's a few of my favorite things for going big and staying home. Consider them homebody heroes, and because some of them are spendy, think aspiration/inspiration:

Good morning, Friday. Today is that day most New Yorkers and Americans everywhere dread. 19 years. Very hard to believe. I will never, ever forget that day and the gorgeous sunny Fall morning that accompanied it. It's particularly poignant this year as New York is facing yet again a crisis in terms of a sense of uncertainty and mourning lives and livelihoods lost during the pandemic. One thing's for sure, if you're counting New York out, you better get a calculator. We are nowhere near done. Know that.

Last weekend I did a ton of stuff in the city from walking over the Brooklyn Bridge (as a commitment phobe not my favorite) to visiting the newly reopened Whitney and the always magical Met. I dined outside both days and had a sensational lunch uptown with my dear pal Irma that felt like we were enjoying a meal in Paris. I strolled my beloved city for miles and fell back in love all over again. There are endless reasons to love New York City, and despite what our President (who made most of his money here) says about the scary democrat cities, we are resilient, strong, and awaiting what's next with all of our street smarts, grit, and creativity. 

If you read my blog on the regular, you know how I feel about this beautiful city that has given me everything and more. I'm not mad at the people who left, they needed to do what they needed to do. I had moments of wanting to go but only for a few days or a week- there is just something about this city in crisis that makes me want to dig in even harder. I do love a challenge. I can't help it, it's in my nature.

Before New York, I was a young woman out of sorts. My love for fashion and all things cool and forward was not a great fit for me in Philadelphia. I had trouble connecting to people and my last year there was one of the worst of my life. I was at a deadbeat job, crushing on a guy who was emotionally unavailable and far too preppy, and eating microwave baked potatoes for lunch. I was far too full of life to be on that path. So I answered an ad and got a gig in Manhattan. 

I will never, ever forget that feeling of moving here and being here and immediately feeling life begin and unfurl in all its glory. Even though I was working a few jobs and sleeping on a futon in a shared one bedroom, I felt I had made it. And I did. Because all I ever wanted from a very young age was to live in New York City. I've accomplished so much here, and I will for sure know when I'm done with it, though I may never be. It's simply part of my DNA to live here and laugh here and love here. And I take it very seriously.

Today I will take a few moments of solitude and reflect on that horrible day 19 years ago. The city came back then and it will also renew itself now. It's going to take more than a pandemic to have me fleeing for the burbs. I love my city and my beloved borough and that, my friends, is that. Looking forward to.a beautiful weekend in the best city in the whole wide world. Cause that's what's up this salute to the city kind of Friday in old New York. Yours, in never forgetting, because this ain't no ordinary love. XO

Good afternoon- well Labor Day weekend is upon us and I just can't believe the Summer is coming to an end. Needless to say, it was a weird one. But as the days get shorter, I feel a bit of sadness- because even though this was a stressful season, I was loving the warmth and the ocean and wearing easy clothes. I know many out there are still sitting in their gym clothes from this am, but that's not really my thing. I still love clothes and I still very much wear clothes so there.

As for Fall, I've got a bit of the industrial look on my mind.  A new workwear vibe for the new way we work. Hardworking clothes for hardworking women. You feel me?

I adore this look from the Gap and ordered this Mac from their workforce collection. It's so chic and I love how it instantly refreshes pieces we all own- a denim jacket and jeans and some high tops and just like that- instant, effortless appeal.

I also am obsessed with this Bill Cunningham blue. Particularly in this little canvas Chore jacket from Everlane. It's so cute and I love it with everything from pants to a dress to give it a bit of balance and softness.

Then of course my beloved Alex Mill jumpsuits. If you haven't made the jump for a jumpsuit, get one of these. I adore it, and here is their standard version in that great blue. I am also in love with it in pink. 

Next up, an industrial pant. These from Universal Standard are so chic in cotton twill. Love the slim fit, the elastic waist, and the cargo pockets. Fabulous.

Next, a functional shoe. These have that Blundstone vibe I dig but are weather proof for rainy days. Love these and also love the high take on them that have that Hunter vibe but somehow more industrial. I'd wear the heck out of these in the Fall and quick jaunts upstate to leaf peep.

Needless to say, I like the idea of making these feel as tomboy or femme as you want. Keep it simple or add a slick of red lipstick to give the look a bit of lady love.  Also think about incorporating a strand of pearls into looks that feel very masculine. It's a great juxtaposition.

Oh and as for that army jacket look at the top of this post, a military inspired jacket is one of my all time favorite layering pieces. This one from Nordstrom is on sale (only small sizes left) but it's such a great take on the classic.  Madewell has it on their site but it's not on sale.

So there you have it- a few Fall things I'm falling for. What's your vibe with pumpkin spice season around the corner?  I'm all about practical clothes that are altogether cool. Cause that's what's up this hardworking Thursday in the 718. Yours, in industrial revolutions. XO