the world according to sherimaven

Good morning, Monday. Spent the weekend working and back at it today- gloomy one in the city and would very much enjoy the comforts of my duvet and dog but onward I go. Leaving for Uruguay on Thursday and very much in prep mode.

So you didn't think I could get through a gift guide without a purse right? Of course we city girls are constantly schlepping and have purses as big as our torsos but once in a while we need a small bag for dog walks and boozy nights and whatever requires a smaller stash vs. the motherload. I got this email from Rag and Bone this am and just love this little camera bag- I am a huge fan of it in the bordeaux shade with that gold hardware- so so chic. It's not inexpensive but it's a classic and I suspect you can bribe your significant other or parent or generous friend or boss that having less baggage is definitely more. 

There's lot of other fun gifts on their site (I noticed a lot of online retailers did a great job with gift guides this season)  for all the fashionable boys and girls on your list. Their wallets are wonderful- loving the red version, and if you really want to wow her, this outsized dagger scarf is such a  hit.  I have two previous versions they made last year and I love love love this one. (Hint hint.)

And for the boys, I love these fingerless cashmere gloves, and the ribbed cashmere scarf does not suck at all either. 

Cause that's what's up this well accessorized Monday in the 212. Yours, in rags and bones. XO

Good morning, Friday. It's been a week and I've worked from home for a day and a half now and can't tell you how happy it is to reconnect with my neighborhood in Brooklyn. Cobble Hill is such a special place for me and it's been great to hang at old haunts and see some friends. But now, back to the city I go this afternoon and off to Connecticut this weekend for a cool little project.

So if you're a freelance type like me, you no doubt should be thinking about some great little gifts for those that help you pay your bills every month. I've been lucky to work with some incredible people this year and am always thinking about ways to show my gratitude.

I came across this great gift idea in Philly last weekend, at a great shop called Art in the Age in Olde City that was great- I am in love with these old school letter boards from Three Potato Four that would be so cool in any office- to remind people of important dates, post inspirational musings, and anything worth sharing. The boards come in different sizes and come with plenty of letters so your fav clients can custom make any message they feel like. It's creative, fun, and altogether useful. What's not to love? They come in different sizes and color ways and are a thoughtful gift for office types everywhere.

Cause that's what's up this sign, sign, everywhere a sign kind of Friday in the 718. Yours, in giving thanks, and posting up. XO

Good morning, Thursday. Sun is finally shining in New York and I'm about to head to a barre class as I'm working from home today and all is well. 

If you're searching for a gift for a lady who likes to keep it all high and tight, I've got an idea for you. Oh and ps- she may not work out but she may very well work from home for the most part (ahem) and crave something comfy. Or she may have the best intentions of getting to the gym but has a million conference calls instead and wears yoga pants in the hopes of making a quick exit and getting a work out in at some point. I mean, I have a "friend" who does that. I know nothing about such nonsense. 

And because I've become something of a yoga pants hoarder, I know the brands who have the best fit and style, and one of my very favorites is Alo, because their yoga pants are so stylish and they fit so damn well. I discovered them in the merch rank of my Pure Barre studio here in Brooklyn, and I've become the proud owner of a few pairs of these suckers and I adore them. Way more than Lulu ps. Like a ton more. They just are more comfy and have a nicer feel. 

I'm in love with this ripped pair, which I know is a bit much, but I'd wear them with a big chunky sweater thrown on over my gym tank and go right to brunch/lunch/wherever.  

And I'm the proud owner of this moto legging, which comes in both a high waisted and regular version (I prefer the regular).  They are so fabulous and since I generally tend to keep things dark palette wise when I work out, there's so many great ways to wear black at the gym and not be boring. 

And I'm kind of a superfan fort their goddess leggings, which have a built in leg warmer-like situation that is so cute and keeps your limbs nice and warm. This gypset version is a bit boho and very cute. 

And moving over to the sale section, one of my top picks are the vapor leggings, a trippy take on outerspace that is super cute- I would so rock these even though they are not straight up black- I do love a fun print and these are a kick. 

I highly recommend a pair of pants from this brand- your lady will thank you and perhaps if you are a lady you can gift them for yourself too. An investment in your fitness is a great way to go into 2017, and looking cute at the gym/studio/wherever surely helps you get over the hump. Cause that's what's up this stretchy pants kind of Thursday in the 718. Yours, in working from home, and of course, wearing my yoga pants. XO

Good morning, Wednesday.

It's gloomy again in Manhattan and I find myself listening to a gloomy soundtrack of Portishead and 90s trip hop because somehow it accommodates the gloomy vibe rather perfectly. Sometimes I'm not mad at a rainy day.

So I wrote about a gift for the guys yesterday so inevitably a gift for the gals is top of mind.  And for those of you with a little lady to buy a gift for or for the ladies out there looking for some great self gifting ideas, look no further. Because it's hard for us to resist something gold and sparkly, and though you may think that means something to wear on your wrist, neck, fingers, or ears, that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about how much I'm loving a gold bootie this season. Like, officially obsessed with them.

And though I hearted Christine Barberich's Refinery 29 piece yesterday on gold Gucci Loafers (the official spendy must have of 2016), I'm bringing you a few wonderful gold boots I spotted in my travels that go obscenely well with everything from holiday party dresses to jeans and jumpsuits.

My fav? I love this Stuart Weitzman mid calf number called the Straighten, now on sale for 40% off. It's so sexy and fab with calf length skirts or skinny jeans or even a cropped flare jean or trouser. I think they're beautiful and that gold color is simply on point beyond.

Also worth checking out? This Topshop rose gold boot- love the tone of it, love the rock and roll vibe of it, love everything about it. So good.

And then if you're more of a gold foil type, check out Modern Vice's Bowie boot. I love the texture of the leather and the heel height looks comfy. I can't get enough. Gold on the feet is part disco, part rock, part futuristic femme fatale. And I love all of that and more.

So if you're after a sparkly gift for yourself or your gal, a gold shoe is a great way to go. And if you're feeling like a boot may not be your/her thing, there's always the Gucci Marmont. Like always a good idea. Love. 

Cause that's what's up this sparkle Neely sparkle kind of Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in giving golden gifts. XO

Good morning, Tuesday. It's a stormy one in NYC so happy to be inside with my morning cup and getting it done. It's been an exciting week so far with my photographer Brian Finke killing it- you saw his awesome project yesterday on the blog and also check out his fab series art directed by Julia Mayer for the Standard Hotel. Love. So happy to be working with this awesome dude.

And speaking of awesome dudes, perhaps you have one in your life you need to buy a gift for this holiday season. I've long been a fan of buying my husband shoes, because he's a big sneakerhead so it's fairly easy to figure on a fresh pair of kicks to make his day. We were just in Philly for Thanksgiving and visited the excellent store Ubiq, on Walnut Street in Center City that sells the freshest kicks in a beautiful setting. 

David chose the perfect pair of classic Jordans (avail on Foot Locker here though on major sale the other day at Ubiq), and if you have Nike fans in your household, I highly recommend a new pair of shoes, because men love sneakers the way women love the perfect pair of heels/flats/booties. And though those Jordans are not on their site, I do so love these Air Force Ones- very classic and cool and perfect for your favorite sneaker conoisseur. And at $110, they're way cheaper than a pair of Blahniks/Choos/Louboutins. And you know this.

Plus they're not terribly spendy and give you instant cred with your man. Sure you can up the ante and get fancy, but love the classic vibe of this pair, so thus concludes my third day of Giftmas, the sneaker edition. Cause that's what's up this kickin' it kind of Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in landing on both feet.  Oh, and ladies- Ubiq also has the next gen of my favorite snow boot of all time, the Nike Roshe 2. Check them out here in all their jolie laide amazingness. XO

Good morning, Monday. What a lovely weekend it was. We had a wonderful time in Philly with my family and was very nice to see everybody.

As I mentioned, I'm dedicating my next 9 post to gift giving because it's the holidays. And nothing makes me happier than to offer this wonderful idea straight from  photographer Brian Finke, who I happen to represent and whose collaborated with the good boys at One Shot to create the most limited, limited edition photo series ever. 

I'm talking about 24 original 1/1 prints by Brian that go on sale December 5th at the stroke of 9 AM EST. Think of the project as the Russian Roulette of photography, because Brian shot just one roll of film (yes I said film) that One Shot has turned into prints for sale- and those negatives? Destroyed. Gone. Dunzo. So no reprints- ever. The idea is to offer something exclusive to photography fans worldwide, who can buy an affordable print by spinning the wheel and banking on an original piece of art, sight unseen. The prints go on sale at oneshoteditions.com and I can't think of a more fun gift for the visually inclined. I'm so happy Brian's work  is the first edition of this very cool project showcasing the ephemeral awesomeness that is film. Oh and as for what your custom print is going to look like? I'm not telling. You'll just have to wait for the surprise.  Check out this video too:

And if you want to give me a gift? Share this post with all your pals looking for a great gift idea this holiday season. Happy happy and so stoked about this project and hope you are too. Yours, in first editions and one of a kinds. XO

Hey gang. Well I ranted and raved yesterday and feel so grateful that so many of you appreciated my thoughts and fears. It's not an easy time for many of us but let's pick ourselves up and get to some much needed turkey, family time, and long weekending, with all thoughts firmly on gift giving for the holidays. I've talked about how much I love gift giving- one of my favorite things to do and not just because I love shopping- I really enjoy picking out special things for special people and if I could do it for a living, I would. Just call me Maven Claus (actually please don't ;)).

So I thought it would be fun for my next ten posts to be about gift giving, because it's the holidays and we gotta get in the spirit. I'm starting off with a favorite idea capitalizing on our love for all things 90s (vintage inspo above)- this one is a DIY take by Marc Jacobs, who certainly knows a thing or too about that era.

Marc is offering basic pieces like tees, hoodies, denim jackets, and cute pieces like a military jacket (my personal fav) that you can customize with patches and pins like you see at the top of this post. It's such a cute idea, albeit a spendy, splurgy one. Want to get in on this idea in a less expensive way? Buy your fav cool girl or guy a denim jacket from the Gap or Old Navy and customize the crap out of it- go buy some patches at an Army/Navy store or flea market and get to work. I love custom pieces because they show so much thought and love. And Lord knows we need a lot of both this season.

So that's Maven's first gift pick of the season. With Black Friday coming, your head will most likely be reeling from all the steals and deals. I'm here for you with some fun ideas to make everyone on your list happy.

Cause that's what's up this Maven Claus of a Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in Happy Thanksgiving and kicking off the holiday season. XO

Good day, Tuesday. Life is going on all around us and though I'm excited for the holidays, I'm so very sad about our country and where we are headed.  You all know I was wit her and I don't shy away from political commentary, and really at this moment, all of us need to stay very aware and alert because things are just horrible and scary. If you don't want to read this, don't. But you really should. And you should be angry too if you're not already. And I'm about to speak my mind and rant so spoiler alert if you were looking for something light today. In fact, I kind of didn't want to post this. Because I don't like you to see me this way. Because I know you're sick to death of it all.  Because ENOUGH.  But I've got nothing else going on in my brain and instead of inspiration, I've got a fire that just won't got out, and it's growing by the second. 

Cause I'm angry. Super pissed. Livid. I'm angry that we have a President elect who is more upset about some actors speaking their mind on Broadway than a rabid bigot speaking his mind in front of a bunch of Nazi sympathizers. I'm beyond angry that he is doing absolutely nothing to speak out against these lunatics that threaten our way of life.

I'm angry that although Trump won the race, those of us in New York are removing his name from buildings we inhabit and big box retailers like Macy's are taking his products out of their stores because he's such an unpopular character, even before he gets in the White House. 

I'm angry that Trump is still going to be living in New York while he's in the White House, and his family does not want to remove mini Trump from school while his father serves as the highest leader of the free world. Every other President I can think of has moved his family to the White House. I'm angry he is immune to all Presidential behavior in general for that matter. And I'm angry New Yorkers are expected to foot the bill for this insanity. To the tune of a million dollars a day.

I'm angry that he is putting into power people that have no interest in making this country great again, but instead, taking us back to a time many of us have long left behind and who are the stuff of nightmares. 

I am angry that we have come so far and Trump's Supreme Court could very well take us to the way, way back.

I'm angry that for the first time in my adult life, I'm feeling fearful for my fellow Jews, not to mention everyone else who is not an Anglo Saxon, straight male in this country. There are no words to describe my anger over Hail Trump. None.

I'm angry that this is happening under our present President's watch- that there is nothing or seemingly nothing that can be done to address our concerns and fears and deep sadness over what our future could look like.

I'm angry that people are rolling their eyes over yet another political post, and I'm angry that Trump supporters on a friend's page had the nerve to tell me I need meds because I am not outraged that our next VP got called out by the cast of Hamilton. How dare members of the creative community speak their mind? 

I'm angry for all of us, that we have to reconcile the fact that our next President has no experience, no empathy, and no clear plan to make us all live together peacefully and safely. And let me say I'm angry twice now for his ability to completely ignore the rise of intolerance and racism and hatred swirling around him like a superstorm.

I'm angry at myself for feeling helpless in the face of such unmentionable evil. I am angry that I don't know what the fuck to do to make this better.

I 'm angry that I'm not feeling thankful this Thanksgiving. It's true I realize how lucky I am to be surrounded by like minded people and family and friends and a roof over my head. But my thankfulness and gratitude has been supplanted by fear and anxiety and of course, a lot of anger. I'm angry at America, and no, I'm not feeling terribly thankful.

I'm angry that in bubbly Brooklyn, we are getting swastikas graffitied onto public parks dedicated to hip hop heroes and that young ladies are getting sucker punched in local establishments. 

I'm angry that ignorance is winning or has won, and I'm angry I didn't see it coming. 

I'm angry that anyone wants to go back to a time where this country was one note, as in one race.

I'm angry that I have to console myself with how all of this horrific politicking is going to lead to revolutionary thought and music and creativity. I am angry because I'd rather have one less protest song if it meant we could all feel safe in a country we all inhabit, together.

I'm angry that I felt the need to IM a friend of mine from back in the day, who happens to be Muslim, to ask if he felt safe and if he was worried for his family.  I have not asked him this since 9/11.

I'm angry that it's the holidays and many of us don't feel like celebrating, and are fearful of going home because of how our relatives and neighbors may behave.

I'm angry that an orange Satan is about to get sworn in as President, and that we have to watch that happen.

I'm angry at opportunists like Mitt Romney, who shit talked Trump the whole election cycle, but now is suddenly game to get involved in his administration where he will no doubt get the opportunity to bro out with the likes of Putin. How? Why?

I'm angry at the media and their inability to cover the things that matter. And I'm angry Trump is meeting with the media to bully them like they are about to get fired from The Apprentice. 

So I'm sorry if the tired, huddled masses are sick of politics. We all are, really. But to ignore what's happening is a very large mistake. Possibly the biggest of our lifetimes. I hope I am proven wrong, I hope you can all point fingers and call me dramatic. I hope Trump gets indicted for something or somehow gets prematurely impeached and can not be our President. Last night David and I watched Richard Spencer's speech which ended in Nazi salutes and for the first time in a long time, I saw my husband shaken to his core. This alt right figurehead in the expensive suit is a terrifying figure. As is Steve Bannon. As are many people jumping on the Trump bandwagon.  And let's stop calling them alt right ok? Because they're Nazis. And that's the truth. Watching Spencer speak was chilling to say the very least. And instead of looking forward to Thanksgiving with my family, I feel sick. And angry. And sick again. 

So if you would rather ignore what's happening, that's your choice. I'm just having a bit of trouble coming up with some regularly scheduled programming during these very scary fucking times.  And yea, I'm angry. Beyond angry. And sad that at a time of year when I should be writing a post about 20 things I'm thankful for, I felt more inspired to write this one. I'm sorry I'm not seeing the silver lining just yet, because all I can see is red.  I am sure I will have moments of goodness in the days to come, but today is just not that day. 

Cause that's what's up this anger is an energy kind of Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in not my President, not my country, not fucking having it. XO

Good morning, Monday. It's cold outside bae and you're gonna need yourself a coat.

And if you're like me, you have more than one coat, or maybe you have several, each competing for space in your closet that is too small to house so much bulk. But I'm not a girl who wants to wear the same coat every day, and I need options. For me, I'll pony up real money for a special coat or a really warm puffer that's high quality, but I love mixing high and low when it comes to outerwear and as I popped into my local Urban Outfitters yesterday, I saw some very cute stuff. True most of the store was an insane homage to almost everything I wore in the 90s- from jeans with engineer pockets to overalls to a multitude of crushed velvet options, a girl could really get lost in some newfangled version of her past life, but I digress. Because really, there are some adorable options at UO for girls who like options when it comes to outerwear, and all under $200. Heres my favorites:

SILENCE AND NOISE FUZZY BRUSHED LONGLINE COAT: Adore this coat for its French slouchy menswear vibe and adore the navy hue over all the black I own. A wonderful casual coat that's super cute over everything from blazers and jeans to your favorite weekend knock around pieces. So cute. Looks even better in person.

SILENCE AND NOISE FAUX FUR LINED PARKA: This is a great piece I love because you an also detach the vest and rock that on its own. So cute. PS also comes in camo. Yes. Camo.

 ECOTE ZIGGY OVERSIZED SHERPA COAT: OK you all need a fuzzy coat. Just know that. This one's adorable and snuggly and perfect for late night runs to get some hot cocoa mix from the corner store or pop on over your gym clothes for a cute take on sporty. Love.

GLAMOROUS LEOPARD FAUX FUR COAT:This cutie's only avail online, but if you don't have a leopard coat- why? Why? You must. It'll make you happy. Red lip, black dress, leopard coat. Any questions? Didn't think so.

SILENCE AND NOISE FABIENNE BOUCLE PONCHO COAT:  This coat is adorable- very Isabel Marant in vibe for that cool French girl thing we all love so much- love the forgiving silhouette and menswear inspired fabric. Great little coat, nice little neckline. Perfecto.

So if you happen upon an Urban and wondering whether you're too old to still wear clothes from there, you're not. It's true you may not be rocking a crushed velvet moment, but there's plenty of cuteness up for grabs. So go forth and get yourself a cute coat this Black Friday, or gift one to the girl you love who needs an extra bit of flair. Cause that's what's up this fresh coat of a Monday in the 212. Yours, in bundling up. XO

Good morning, all. Happy Friday.  It's the freakin' weekend. Oh, yes.

So it's been a week of nonstop working and thinking and estimating and all sorts of good things and I'm ready to sleep a little late tomorrow and straight up chill. In today's freelance work/life, it's no secret we need to wear many, many hats. It's a good thing I have a face for them. Because I really love wearing literally hats and I'm always on the lookout for a good one for any variety of reasons.

On the way to lunch in Soho the other day, I had a few minutes to spare (never happens) so wandered into one of my favorite New York stores, The Hat Shop, on a lovely stretch of Thompson Street that still feels a bit like the old Soho- small, charming boutiques that reflect that wonderful moment in NY time when Soho was indie and cool and not the big box mall it is today.

I have always loved this beautiful little millinery jewel box of a store- from floppy fedoras to newsboys, this is a store for the well hatted. And mostly all of them are custom made right here in NYC. The owner's name is Linda Pagan and she is out of this world (here's a shot of her I took). A fabulously chic lady in vintage glasses and beautiful stockings and red lipstick who will fit you up for something lovely. Of course we ended talking about everything from the election to what New York has become to the best hat to wear for revolutionary style- we settled on something Run DMC may have rocked, though I spied a fuzzy beret that felt a bit like Che. Plus, she's a fellow maven on all things and I love chatting with like minded women who believe in the power of style, creativity, and of course, a great hat.

For me, I ended up with a classic Fisherman's cap, a navy wool number I've always coveted for that French girl vibe/scrappy tomboy thing I always have loved. If you have a chance, you should pop by. Having a good hat to get your head in the game is always recommended. I'm thinking of holding a hat party there soon so if you're interested, let's all meet there and try on something fabulous.

Cause that's what's up this jaunty chapeau of a Friday in the 212. Yours, in level headed hat tricks. XO