the world according to sherimaven

Good morning, Wednesday. I'm busy on a big project which is fun and exciting and a lovely distraction from the state of things here in the US of A. Between someone in my neighborhood getting sucker punched in the face at a local restaurant to thoughts of The White House being quite literally, the whitest house of all time, I'm a mess. I know a bunch of you are too. Stephen Bannon? No. Never. And no again.

It's almost like that post 9/11 moment when we wonder where we're headed and how we're going to communicate. I'm still me, you're still you. I still love style and creativity and music. You still love what you love. We will go on. But nothing feels right this very moment and I'm just feeling off. One thing I look forward to is a return to rebelliousness and some much needed vitriol when it comes to pop culture. And I guarantee that much of that will come from my Generation, Generation X, who have always been cynical and grew up in Reagan's 80s- and think of all the amazing creative stuff that came out of that era. I could live without the shoulder pads and Flock of Seagulls hair, but you catch my drift. PS- I love how Republicans look to the Reagan era as the glory days of their party- am I the only one who remembers being in grade school when Ronnie famously called ketchup a vegetable? Anyone? That and a million other things really but just know this- for those of us who are feeling disappointed, disenfranchised, and disgusted, this is our time.  This is a time for the next generation of Act Up, The Black Panthers, and any number of organizations to make the next four years tolerable. We can do this. Right? (Still feeling dubious can't help it). Remember how amazing Public Enemy sounded when you first heard them? Yea, we need Chuck D. More than ever.  We gotta fight the powers that be. And write songs about said powers. And then some.

So where does this leave my writing and thoughts? I'm not going to stop what I'm doing.  And you shouldn't either. But for all of us who care and hoped for a different outcome and want to contribute should do just that, and then write about it, sing about it, dance about it, talk about it. That's where the good stuff is going to be. I can feel it. If I can put on my former trend forecasting hat, I can tell you that a creative resurgence is coming and it's going to be really good.

Just wanted to put that out there- how I'm feeling mind and mood and such and just because I'm aligning myself to my generation, we can reach across the age gap and work together, make together, and change together.  Cause that's what's up this cautiously optimistic but super freaked out still kind of Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in this land is made for you and me. XO

Good morning, Monday. I red eyed it up this weekend and used it as an opportunity to straight up veg. It felt great to regroup and take stock, and OMG how great was SNL this weekend? Out of darkness often comes creativity at its most primal and best- I feel we are at the dawn of a new age where things like punk rock, rebelliousness, and comedy are going to help get us through. We've been stagnant for a hot minute though and although we've seen leaps and bounds in the tech world, I'd argue it's been a while since the arts has caught up with everything that is happening. That time is now. It may feel like the end of the world, but I for one look forward to some amazing creative life force fueling our uncertainty in the days to come.

So last week I was in Portland, Oregon- a city I've never been before but have always wanted to visit. I had a rare few hours of down time between tech scouts and meetings and ended up walking around downtown, which is full of some excellent shopping and food trucks. I wandered into Frances May, a store I've read about and wanted to check out. It did not disappoint. They also have menswear ps.

Full of the usual suspects like Rachel Comey, Raquel Allegra, and other paeans of modern minimalism like APC, I immediately felt at home. And then I spotted the dress. I call it "the dress" because it's that dress that makes you wonder how you've lived without it all your life, and how you could picture yourself wearing it almost every day of your life. It's a dress that's like a skeletal structure for your whole wardrobe, and for that alone, it's a must have.

It's made by local Portland designer Kate Towers and it's a lace dress for all seasons because you can wear it everywhere and every day. 

I love it for many reasons- it comes in two great lengths, amazing color,s and  is completely a line and flattering on many body types, and it's lace- so it's feminine even though it's a dress that can be worn as a uniform. I love the different color options, and if you go on the designer's site, you can see even more.  

I tried it on and fell in love. You can pretty much do everything with it- from doing a bra and high waisted brief a la Florence Welch here or you can rock it with a turtleneck and tights or even jeans if you're cool like that. I also adore the idea of it over a bathing suit when you take that holiday in the sun this winter. It's a lovely look and it's made right in Portland and you should have it in many colors. Is it cheap? No. Not at all. But it's a dress that is timeless and you'll get some real mileage from it- plus it doesn't wrinkle and is perfect to throw in your suitcase and hope for the best. Everybody needs a pretty dress like this. I just fell in love with it and wanted to share. Not to mention it's a pretty great dress for channeling all of that angst and creativity- and you can be whatever kind of gnarly, nasty woman you want it in- I can see it with stilettos and I can see it with combat boots. LOVE. I was partial to that mushroom color and that green which is very Gucci green and super groovy for holiday party needs. And that deep green at the top of the post is so my jam. My goodness. It's part nightgown, part dress up, and all parts fantastic.

And that's what's up this fine morning in Manhattan.  Yours, in dressing accordingly. XO

Good morning, Friday. Happy Veteran's Day and thanks to all who served or continue to serve this country. It's a scary time in America and it's early here in Portland, Oregon but I'm not sleeping. I woke up to go to Pure Barre this morning, which got cancelled due to protests getting violent last night. Welcome to the new age.

I've kept quiet since the night that will live in infamy, but you all know how I feel. Shattered. Gutted. Stunned. Just like most of you.

In my New York bubble where we thought we had it in the bag, I watched women line up with their daughters and grin ear to ear at the thought of the first female President. The gravitas of that. Overwhelming. Exciting. Game changing.

But as the news started to sink in, everything felt different. Everything felt horrible. Everything was over. We lost the race, and seemingly, so much more. I appreciated my friends on social who were being optimists about the potential for us to all work together, but I'm not there yet. I believe we must fight to protect our rights that many of us took for granted, but I can't yet see how Trump getting elected is a positive thing, even if it means we are all wide the fuck awake. 

One thing I will say- the fact that I am on a production right now is a gift. A major gift. I must admit flying the day after was more exhausting than usual, but the kind man I sat next to on the flight kept checking in on me to make sure I was ok, and as we watched CNN on our individual screens, we both kept shaking our heads and wondering where we go from here. And then I switched channels and watched "The September Issue" and felt grateful for Grace Coddington, a flame haired respite from the terrible news. I can relate to Grace, she loves to make beautiful pictures with wonderful photographers. So do I.

And speaking of which, I'm on location with a startup ad agency where the two owners are the loveliest guys with a very bright future. Kind, considerate, talented. I'm also here with a photographer who is charming, warm, and gifted as well. I'm in a city where people are kind, considerate, and creative. Yes, another city that suffers from bubble syndrome like new York, but an intriguingly cool city nonetheless.

I had a minute to walk around yesterday and checked out some of the lovely shops downtown. The young women working in those shops were in a lot of emotional pain and a deep state of shock. We talked about it together and wondered where we go from here. It felt right to bond over this American tragedy with total strangers.  I had an amazing dinner here in this city where we all drank too much wine and talked about everything but politics. Our client, a lovely woman from Ohio, told us how she was raised on a farm, and my photographer told us funny stories about his five children, and then he and I talked about punk rock and Robert Frank and Brooklyn. It was a lovely evening spent with people I don't know well, but connect to in a very real way.  Oh and Leonard Cohen died? This WEEK.

And then I got back to my hotel room and turned on the news to see that even in this peaceful town of Portland, people were very angry about this result, and the protests here in downtown turned violent, led by anarchists. Yes,  anarchists. For some reason, I keep picturing the final scene from "Fight Club", with the Pixies playing.  It feels so on the verge and the edge. like we're living in the blank inkiness of a Fincher film or entering some Mad Max-like moment in time. Again my sadness sunk in, but so did something else- I felt very fortunate to be here working and making stuff. I love making things. I love producing photography. I feel lucky to be here with a team that loves to do the same. Today we're shooting some pictures in two beautiful homes, with children, and dogs, and real families who love each other. And though many times production work makes me insane and want to jump out a window, this is not one of those times. Because if there is anything good (remember I'm still not there yet) from this horrible week, it's a deeper appreciation for what I get to do, who I get to work with, and how being creative is really a healing thing. Now as we begin to pick up the pieces, we need to channel this creative spirit and production thinking and get to work. I felt incredibly lucky for this job this week to allow me to focus on something other than the bleak America I'm not really psyched to live in anymore. To get through it, I hope to keep working and collaborating and connecting good people. That's about all I can do right now. Keep making things. Figuring out how to make things. And sharing conversations and plates of food and laughs with good people. 

I suppose many of you have your own version of getting through this dark time. Mine is definitely to participate in protecting our way of life. And collaborating with people who want to make great things. Whether it's photos or social change or food or whatever. Yea, I'm probably happy to have had a distraction these past few days, but really glad it was with something I still love to do. Cause that's what's up this trying to move forward by making stuff kind of Friday in Portlandia.  Yours, in trying to make sense of it all. XO

Good afternoon, Tuesday. It's a nail biter.

A friend of mine who is very much a bad ass sent me this photo today on Facebook, in which she said "From one maven to another".

I can't begin to compare myself to Hillary, but I can begin to imagine a world where she is Maven-in-Chief. I'm so hopeful. SO HOPEFUL.

Eyes on the prize, my friends.  The mood at my voting center was nervous. Rightfully so. Who could ever imagine an election like this? 

And from one maven to another, I'm so hoping for the very best tonight. Go, Hillary. All. The. Way.

Cause that's what's up this have always been with her kind of Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in American dreams, and mavenhood. XO

Good morning, Monday. One more day. To say we are all not ready to put this mess of an election to bed would be a gross understatement. I've had it, you've had it, we've all just about HAD IT.

I think besides all the divisiveness and negativity one thing is clear from this election cycle- we can't get away from constant news about how shit everything is. It's beyond difficult to remain positive when so many voices of dissent and disparagement is being shouted from every rooftop, corner, and Facebook feed. It's true one could just choose to go numb and self medicate and hide, but I preferred a different tactic these past few weeks- and that is, remembering that the way the news is reported is very much skewed to make us afraid, make us crazy, and make us shake our beliefs in the goodness of humankind. If that seems extreme, you're welcome to counter. But really, it's time to shut off the news, get out in the world, and find those good things about people that make us remember who we are. The way we communicate with each other is so beyond toxic these days- from mean spirited comments sections on our favorite sites to snarky pundits on CNN to relentless social media zingers, it's nonstop bleak out there folks. And you know what has always made America really great? Our optimism. Can we all just try to make America optimistic again? Ok, if not that- can we make America human again? 

Two unlikely events had me seeing good again this past week- I already talked about The World Series and how it inspired all of us to root for something, to cheer for something, to believe in something. And then I hung out yesterday and cheered on the amazing rockstars who ran the New York Marathon- and can't say enough about how inspiring it was.  I cheered on my pal Katie, running her first marathon and looking fit and happy at Mile 8. If you've never watched this miracle of a race, it's a time to really check out why we love New York the way we do. I watched from Fort Greene in Brooklyn where the runners ran up Lafayette Avenue and everyone was out to cheer them on. I particularly loved the guy blasting an enormous sound system to get the runners dancing and fired up. And then when the last of them made their way through those Brooklyn streets, a dance party erupted and a huge celebration of perseverance, hard work, and human will ensued. I'm not much of a runner but things don't get much better than watching perfect strangers help each other, cheer for each other and show their support.  I watched a middle aged guy struggling a bit while a few random hands patted him on the back to get him through. Basic human kindness people. Kinship. Shows of respect. This is what I'm craving and know you all are to. Yesterday was a triumph and not only a nod to the runners, but a nod to this beautiful, crazy town and all the people who live in it and love each other.

In a marathon, there's millions of faces, stories, dreams, and tragedies. Many reasons and causes to run 26 miles.  Many walks of life, ethnicities, sexual preferences, party alignments, shapes, sizes, and everything in between. But the common thread is that everyone came to do their personal best, and to be cheered all along the way by humanity very in need of something or someone to root for. 

Regardless of what happens tomorrow, we all need to get more in touch with what makes us great. How we can help each other in this human race of many miles and many cramps and deviations along the way. I saw the best of the best yesterday- elevating each other and smiling and choking up. We can do so much together if we try, or just stop being so negative. Never thought baseball or marathon running would bring me to this conclusion, but they have. 

And in this marathon of hell called an election cycle, we've got to cross the finish line together, united, no matter what. I'm optimistic the right person is going to win and we are going to be able to breathe again. In case you were wondering, it's not the one trying to tear us apart, but you already knew that. 

Cause that's what's up this praying for the best kind of Monday in the 212. Yours, in loving each other, and running faster to a better place in time. XO

Good morning, Thursday. Getting out of town for the day and looking forward to that. I so need a day away from the city. I could use a distraction.

And the best distraction from this election hands down- the World Series, in which the much beloved Chicago Cubs won in 10 epic innings, complete with a rain delay and 7 whole games. Winning for the first time since 1908, PS. Crazy. You know what else is crazy? Me talking about sports. But indulge me, would you? I promise to talk about shoes again.

It's hard not to lens this amazing series against the backdrop of another contest driving us insane, the election.  Needless to say, it's been a harrowing year for America and boy did we need this series. In the election, we have two candidates, both polarizing for very different reasons. In the Series, we have two unlikely contenders, both well worth rooting for for different reasons.

I know, I know. I'm no sports maven. You know this. But I do love baseball and always love a good World Series, and this one was truly one for the books. Oh and my interest in baseball comes from where you may ask? I grew up with a grandfather that almost played professional baseball and my entire childhood soundtrack was filled with the sounds of a Phillies game on the radio or on TV. It's true nostalgia for me, and I love going to games in different cities. Something so nice and relaxing about going to a baseball game, and really- it's so very American in the best of ways.

Because in the seventh game, at the bottom of the 8th inning, something cuckoo happened. We all thought Chicago had it in the bag, and then Cleveland scores two runs and ties the game. The crowd outside the stadium went crazy. Cleveland- a city that fell upon hard times, after 2008 and even before. But then Lebron came back and made them champs and there you have it. Cleveland, a city who could easily stand for a disenfranchised working class, finally had something to cheer for. Even if they lost, there's hope. And promise of next year. And they've still got LeBron. (Strangely enough Chicago now has Dwayne Wade so there's that. )

A few things about Chicago and the Cubs:

They've been in seven world series and have lost each time. As I mentioned, it's been over 100 years since they became champions.

Chicago, hometown to some awesome celebs- Vince Vaughn, Bill Murray, our current POTUS. A warm hearted city gaga for their sports teams. They even have two baseball teams, but only one calls Wrigley Field home. I hope to see a game there one day, ps, and I loved watching Bill Murray be a superfan and cheer on his beloved Cubs. So much heart there.

So as this girl sat on the couch and watched the rain start at the top of the 9th in the final inning of the World Series, i could not help but feel that this country really needed this World Series, far beyond breaking curses and anything else. Because if anything, this series showed our resolve and all the good stuff we are about, amidst so much horror of late. Teamwork, persistence, positive competition. Our DNA as a country was threaded through this entire series.  It was so nice to see people cheering and smiling and forgetting about crazy orange faced Putin puppets and Hillary losing her voice while fighting for her life. I for one enjoyed the brief respite each evening. And big mazel to the Cubs. They worked hard and played hard and I enjoyed every minute.

Two cities in need of a boost, and just add some rain, pain, and nail biting to the mix. A 7 game series. Everything you need for a great American story. Thank goodness. I never thought a sports team would make me feel patriotic but with the election shenanigans taking over my brain, nothing about to happen in Washington is inspiring my pride. I personally need a hero, a good old fashioned American hero. And last night, the Cubs became heroes for so many, as did Cleveland for staying in it to almost win it. 

Because I wish to death that we had a candidate we could all cheer for and celebrate- because even though I'm with her all the way, when she gets elected there will be so much sludge and shit associated with her candidacy that I hope we can get past it as a country and carry on, just like these great players who made their hometowns so proud.  And really, don't we all need someone or something or a whole damn team to root for?

I know I do. 

Cause that's what's up this breaking from style to talk sports kind of Thursday in Brooklyn. Yours, in world champs and American dreams. Play ball. XO

Hello, Wednesday. Almost made it over the hump without a post but alas...

It's been a busy day but I'm wide awake thinking about attending the amazing Marilyn Minter's show entitled "Pretty/Dirty" at the Brooklyn Museum, which opens this Friday. I am so excited to see her work up close and in volume- have been a huge fan of her take on female beauty and sexuality for a hot minute now (can kill myself for not buying one of her photos years ago but that's not here nor there) and highly recommend a visit to this lovely museum to check out this show. At a time when women are very much in the spotlight, it's a wonderful time for something like a Marilyn Minter show to wake us up to our feelings around female beauty, sensuality, and just look at some gorgeously disturbing pictures of our favorite things- eye shadow, lipstick, and of course, shoes. Sure it's a perverse and harsh take on the fashion and cosmetics industry- but really, going to be a good one and highly provocative and so very right now- look forward to checking it out.

If you're around on Friday, join me. Cause that's what's up this Hump Day/Art Day of a Wednesday in the BK. Yours, in artful females and pretty dirtiness. XO

Good morning, Tuesday. Hope you are all recovered from that candy coma and managed to wash off all the makeup from your costume last night. From the looks of things, Halloween was a big hit this year, and I think I know why.

If there was ever a moment that Americans needed to masquerade, it was this Halloween. The opportunity to dress up and be someone else for a weekend or a night felt right this year- amidst so much anxiety and stress over a seemingly endless election news cycle, I enjoyed seeing everyone in costume, having a wonderful time with family and friends and perhaps emotionally eating too many mini Snickers. All over my Facebook feed were not just lame attempts at costumes but bona fide amazingness- the need to transform felt real and fun and extremely necessary, even if for a brief moment.

From my vantage point in my leafy Brooklyn neighborhood, Halloween was very much in the air. From hand crocheted Yoda costumes for babies to adults rocking zip up Werewolf costumes or Donald Trump mockeries, everyone had a chance to forget where we all are for a moment and trick or treat together. It's always fun to see Halloween go down in my neighborhood- full of "creative professionals" and alpha parents, there were no shortage of custom made costumes- I even saw two little toddlers dressed as characters from the Royal Tennenbaums, and it slayed. Was a pleasure to see.

And maybe it's this house of horrors of an election or a renewed interest in all things 90s (including club kid goth vibes), but I went out and bought myself a pair of Doc Martens the other day. I KNOW.  Don't worry, I'm not going full goth any time soon.

Because even at my punkiest little art school high school moment I never owned a pair of Docs. I wore varying versions of men's oxfords, Paratrooper boots, and pointy patent leather lace ups. I had fuschia red hair and dark lipstick. But never did I own a pair of Docs, even though they were totally on brief for me at the time. I guess I always found them strangely unchic, and it some ways, I was proud to embrace a clompy shoe moment without having to succumb to black and yellow stitching. But cut to now. Because times have changed.

I happened upon a little click bait the other day from said shoe brand and I couldn't help but do a double take at this kiltie Chelsea boot called Tina, which felt very cool and somehow Japanese without feeling like PUNK ROCK!  (Bolded for emphasis, naturally). I mean, there ain't nothing punk rock about me these days. The irony of me reporting from Cobble Hill on this very subject is not lost on me.

The next day found me in the city so I decided to pop in to the Doc Martens store by Union Square and man was I surprised. It's not just about the combat boot anymore, kids. So many cool styles of shoes, and as for that kiltie boot? Purchased. Mine. I'll be wearing them with shorter pants and boyfriend jeans rolled up like the chick above. Of course they'll look amazing with leggings too, and perhaps even a floral filmy wisp of a dress, as a tough accent. I love these shoes. So much. And at under $200, they are a wonderful and affordable option if you're looking for something a bit sturdy this Fall/Winter. 

They also come in this awesome reddish brown that's very cool and even more in tune with a menswear type vibe. Oh and check out their blog- it's a cool celebration of self expression and indie culture for reals. 

Go check them out and rediscover this shoe brand that no doubt a bunch of you rocked back in the day, perhaps some of you still do, but if ya don't- go get a pair. Super comfortable too.  Maybe this election has me craving something a bit more ass kicky, and these suit me well. Cause that's what's up this hot tip of a Tuesday in the 718. Yours, in rebooting. XO

Good morning, Monday. Happy endless Halloween. It's been going on for what seems like months.

So today marks 6 years being Khan's dog mom. At this very moment he is obsessively licking my arm  and needless to say, I love him so very much. He is the best cuddler in the world and I even love when he gets terrier fussy. Many of you have met him and know he's one unique little canine. This weekend, the hubs and I played a new game called "tummple!", a Jenga like game where you build things until they fall down- you know the drill. Khan watched us play the entire game, truly one of the family but I couldn't help feel like he really wished he could play. It was the cutest. 

Wanted to share an old post I wrote about him- he's a wonderful little guy and has my heart and this post tells his story so well.

Hope all you pet owners are enjoying your furry ones today. Happy Khanoween to my little sweetie and today he will receive many treats.

Cause that's what's up this Khanny of a Monday in the 718. Yours, in dogs really do rule. XO

Good morning, Thursday. It's a crappy day here in the city but we prevail. 

So last night I went to see "Supersonic", a documentary about one of my all time favorite bands, Oasis. The film was a great glimpse into the trajectory of this champagne supernova of a band- from the epic rivalry between the brothers Gallagher to the epic frontman swag and shenanigans of one Liam Gallagher, this film had it all for me and had me lip syncing all my favorite songs from their meteoric rise to super rockstardom.  Just love this band and in honor of throwback Thursday, I'd like to pay homage to Liam, and his amazing microphone stance. Arms behind the back, perfect haircut of a head thrust forward, loud wail emanating. And repeat.  I gotta say I relate much more to this version of leaning in. And that's the truth. As I go moderate a panel today, I'll be thinking about Liam and his attitude and trying my best to be cool.  I gotta be myself...

It's funny how even though I'm very much a lady I completely idolize that male rock star swag. I love that raunchy sex appeal, that naughtiness, that unmistakable lanky countenance. I adore everything about it. So today, let's throw it back to Brit pop, shaggy hair, oversized jumpers and of course, parkas. Where were you while we were getting high?

Cheers to Liam and Noel and most of all, that stance. THAT STANCE IS EVERYTHING.

Cos that's what's up this leaning in kind of Thursday in the 212. Yours, in wonderwalls and cool Brits. You can have it all but how much do you want it?  XO