the world according to sherimaven

Good morning/almost afternoon Tuesday. It's humid in New York today and as many of my Facebook friends know, my quest for a good night's sleep knows no bounds. My bed sucks and it's time for a new one and am dying to get a solid 7 soon. My sleep time is more like 2 hours. It sucks and I'm depraved and deprived and no amount of La Mer can help me. I'm wiped.

  If you loved "I am Love", this is done by the same team, and it's worth a watch since it's On Demand at the moment and much of the music celebrates the Stones, particularly side two of "Tattoo You", a favorite sultry soundtrack. Oh, and the fashion. THE FASHION.

Swinton wears Raf Simons Dior, and it is to quote a song from the aforementioned album, heaven.

Look after look is basically textbook for what to pack for a chic vacation by the sea. Effortless and sexy glam- and not many women wear clothes better than Tilda. Because she always wears them, and they never, ever wear her. I wanted every piece, not to mention a holiday in Italy. And those outsized sunglasses? Fabulous. So today- I dub thee Tilda Tuesday, because, well, see for yourself. Oh and that hair is perfection too. Love.

Cause that's what's up this Tattoo you Tilda Tuesday in the NYC.  Yours, in Rolling Stones and Raf Simons, an impeccable combination. XO

Good late morning, Monday. 

It's raining in New York and it was quite a weekend here. The city feels edgy but in typical New York fashion, people are going about their business and trying to soldier on. Thank goodness nobody was hurt and I for one am not minding the extra police presence at the moment. Stay safe, friends.

So in other less important news, I've gone back to brunette, though not for long. I am way too dark right now and feel like I'm wearing a wig. Or I'm a more feminine and zaftig Moe from The Three Stooges. Neither of these things are pleasant. So back to the chair I go tomorrow to lighten it up.

But one thing that has saved me from hiding under the duvet is red lipstick. You all know my ongoing quest to find the perfect shade that does not make me feel clowny or draggy, and I have found the Holy Grail, my friends. And naturally, it's by Chanel. Hey holy grails don't come cheap. Particularly when it comes to lipstick.

I happened to be by Lord and Taylor last week after a lovely day with an old pal and popped in to get a break from the heat. The ladies at the Chanel counter grabbed me and starting making me over, which was a lovely thing. Honestly, the women at Chanel at L&T are the nicest- funny, quirky, and really knowledgable. I ended up buying an amazing new foundation (super lightweight and glowy and fab), but the real story is the lipstick. The color is Rouge Vie (58) and it's quite the game changer. It's very lovely and feminine without being over the top.

Maybe you've seen the Kristen Stewart ads around town- this is a red from that collection.  It's a muted red, with a bit of plum and a lovely warmth that is the opposite of garish. It's a wonderful way to do red if you're afraid of it- because it's soft even though it's matte. I am madly in love with it and have been wearing it every day. I'm going to continue to wear it all winter, very happy to have finally found the perfect red. Now go see for yourself. Link to buy here.

Because really- everybody needs a little lift right? I'd say this is a nice little way to get that fix. Cause that's what's up this lady in red kind of Monday in the 212. Yours, in the best part of waking up is when we're making up. XO

Good morning, Friday. It's been a bit of a week but all is well and I'm looking forward to the weekend for reals. 

So Fashion Week came and went in my city, and really, it was a bit of a snooze. It's a weird dichotomy this fashion thing- on the one hand so many people are interested in fashion nowadays and being given a platform to express themselves on blogs, Instagram, and everywhere else you can think of. On the other hand, "real" fashion and style as we know it has been largely dismantled, with very little excitement happening on the runway in terms of amazing clothes that take your breath away. Sure, there were some good things, but largely, the New York shows were a bore. It's sad to me that the real show seems to be taking place on the streets, where bloggers are having a pose off with the runway models and competing for eyeballs. Just like the world, fashion has been turned upside down. I'm not sure what's next but I will always love and be intrigued by fashion and style, and that's that.

So with that, there were a few interesting things happening on the runway and here's where I landed. 

Buy now, wear now.  In terms of breaking ground, this was the most important trend of the week. From Ralph to Tom Ford to Tommy Hilfiger, designers were putting out collections that could be purchased the next day in stores and online. This is an unprecedented move to acknowledge the rapid pace of life as we know it, and it will be interesting to see how it translates in sales. Apparently, Tommy's collection did really well. Some designers like Tory Burch and Michael Kors chose to combine Spring pieces with a few choice items available now- really love that idea and speaks to our lack of seasons and need for clothes that accommodate our weird weather patterns.

Good morning, Fall. Hello. I love you. Let me jump in your game. (I already know your name so...)

So I've launched Maven and hope you all love the newsletter- I'll be doing it once a month. Sign up for the next one here. And this blog may shift to reflect my new gig but I will always love fashion and want to tell you my thoughts on it, so here goes.  The best shows are always at the end of the week, and this fashion week is no exception.

I don't know about you, but lately the city has me feeling overwhelmed. Though I love the rentree, the pushing and shoving and don't stand so close to me vibes are powerful and making me want to sit quietly. The city is simply teeming with noise, construction, and people. That's nothing new- this is New York after all and we become immune to much of this. But as we are honing in on our own sensitivities and frequencie and hopes/dreams,  the city can mess with your equilibrium and balance in real ways. And another thing I've noticed is everyone I know is looking for said balance- whether it's work/life or living smaller and with less- it's just about paring down to what matters and making meaning with less of everything. I don't hate that idea.

So I enjoyed Narciso Rodriguez's beautifully simple and spiritual collection which came down the runway this week. It speaks to all of this and was so elegant and perfect- love the simplicity of a beautiful sleeveless sheath and the ease of the silhouettes. According to the review on Vogue, the designer chose to pare down the guest list so that the attendees could be closer to the models in a more intimate setting, and put the focus on the clothes, which incidentally had about 30 looks. I enjoy the carnival vibe of Tommy and the party atmosphere at  Alexander Wang, but this felt so on point and relevant to where we are, and celebrated that minimal spirit that always wins for me. Jackets are amazing too. PS that shoe shape is everywhere on the runway- first started by Celine but look for that v shaped shoe everywhere.

The looks absolutely paid homage to 90s Helmut Lang, and really- not much there I would not wear. I could see these pieces hanging in a closet, with little more than a few pieces to supplement and love the bits of color just to make things pop. In an era of overwhelming options and noise, this collection spoke loudly to me. In love.

Cause that's what's up this seeking balance kind of Thursday in Brooklyn. Yours, in mindfully minimal chic. XO

Hi, Wednesday. It's a hot one in New York but looks like Fall will officially make an appearance for the rest of the week. I'm so ready. BRING IT.

So I haven't written too much about Fashion Week because I've been super preoccupied with all things next level Maven- but a girl has to look at what's happening right? And though I feel strongly he has diluted his brand with a diffusion line that is far from amazing, Michael Kors almost always brings his A game at fashion week and what's on the runway. His Spring 2017 show was no exception.

As many of you know, my wardrobe is black, black, black. Occasionally I'll wear white or cream or grey. But primarily, I wear black. Like most women in New York. But if you've been reading my blog long enough, you know I adore a print. I love the way a print brightens up the face and is almost its own best accessory- when you're wearing a bold print or even a subtle one, you need very little else. It's chic, put together, and fun.

So Michael Kors collection this week has some serious flower power. And since we all need a little love right now, I found the hippie vibe of it exceptionally appealing. Kors knows what women want and how they want to dress- in addition to prints, he sent smart silhouettes down the runway for sophisticated women on the go who love the classics. And love how he is using brown, one of my best colors but one that has fallen off fashion's radar and appears to be making a bit of a comeback. Bonus points for pink, too. I love pink so much. There were very few things on his runway I would not wear, and really- this is a big one- I think he should be the one to save the GAP. Michael, can you hear me? You would singlehandedly turn that brand around.  AmIright? He is the quintessential American designer when it comes to classics and I admire his aesthetic and his ability to be timeless yet on trend.

Enjoy all of these fun and flowery looks- love the cut of the dresses, and for those of us who live in black, he did not forget about us. There's plenty of great little black numbers when you're feeling off pattern. Fabulous collection. Glad Fashion Week is almost over. The whole Uber surge thing is killing me. 

Cause that's what's up this printed and pretty Wednesday in the fashion capital of the world. Yours, in classic girls, with a nice twist.  XO

Good morning, Monday. I'm all about Maven today and can't thank all of you enough for your interest and support. I'm feeling excited about what's to come and can't wait to collaborate with you and create some amazingness.

So yesterday was the 15th anniversary of 9/11 and it's still is such an intense day. On Saturday, I went to the new Westfield mall thing at the site of Ground Zero and though as I mentioned on Facebook the Oculus is simply stunning, the whole notion of Ground Zero as a tourist destination/theme park feels wrong. I couldn't wait to leave and just found the whole experience so off putting. I really feel strongly that this was the wrong way to honor such a horrific loss of life. I'll leave that there. 

And as you know, my love for New York is stronger than ever. I thought about where I was on 9/11, as we all do every year. But what got me this year is I can't think of many places where something so tragic could happen; yet somehow make you want to live there more than ever. That's how I felt the days following, and that's how I feel now. My New York pride runs deep, and I still feel incredibly lucky to live here, with my treasured friends and fellow New Yorkers to get me through tough times.

So yesterday the air cooled a bit (today is very much a day like 9/11 was ps) and I stayed in my Brooklyn neighborhood, walking Khan and enjoying being outside, but still observing my feelings of sadness for what happened 15 years ago. Later in the day I went to Trader Joe's, a store, which incidentally always makes me feel lucky to be an American somehow- we have so much bounty and choice when it comes to food, when so many others have nothing. I get that feeling every time I'm in that store, and yesterday was no exception. I live close to the Atlantic Avenue location, and even though it's usually always crowded, I find myself in there a few times a month, particularly when I'm in need of dark chocolate coconut almonds.  Those things. So good.

As I was paying for my staples, the young woman next to me started talking to her cashier. She asked him if they were hiring in a quiet voice. What followed will stay with me for a while and I wanted to share it with you.

The cashier was an older gentleman with kind eyes, who proceeded to tell this young lady everything she needed to know about how to get a job at Trader Joe's.  He showed her how to fill out the application, who to speak with in the store when she was done filling it out, how she would be interviewed on the spot and how to speak about why she wanted the job. He then told her all of the shifts that are available and how the company can be very flexible when it comes to hours, and how she need not worry she was not dressed up to go talk to management- he told her how casual the place was in terms of dress and what mattered was that people were good people who loved the brand and wanted to be there. Truth- this woman was not in great shape- I could tell she had fallen upon hard times and she seemed so grateful for his advice and care. What got me about this whole experience was that on 9/11, on the day that changed us forever, we all took the time to pause. To talk to our fellow New Yorkers. To console. To help. To share information. That's what I love about this city- that on such a tragic day, New Yorkers showed who they really were, and 15 years later, I got to see who we are right now.

Life is moving so quickly, we rarely take the time to help others and guide them when they ask for our help or advice. Taking the time to be considerate and listen should not be the exception. They should be the steadfast rule. I was so impressed by this man- his kindness, his professionalism, his honest and helpful advice for a woman who clearly needed a break. It was a little thing, but it was very big for me. In this fast moving train we are all on, we must take some time out- not just for our own friends and family, but also for total strangers who may need a hand. 

Hats off to Trader Joe's and that amazing encounter. Of course I was moving so fast myself I forgot to get the crew member's name, but I'll always remember his kindness and how he made this woman feel special and appreciated as a human being. That's some amazing post 9/11 New York special sauce right there. Now let's spread some of that everywhere. I felt lucky to witness something so simple, yet so profound.

Cause that's what's up this seeing the good in humanity kind of Monday in the 212. Yours, in giving a little to get a lot. XO

Good morning, Friday. Thanks for all the love and support for my new venture. I couldn't be more excited about it and can't wait to collaborate and make greatness together. It's truly the culmination of what I've always done and what I want to be doing, so let the games begin right now.

And speaking of right now, I am loving designers like Tom Ford and Thakoon presenting collections at Fashion Week (which is also right now) that are of the moment, as in- show on the runway, buy in the stores the next day., or as Vogue calls it "show now, buy now".  Many fashion watchers have lamented Fashion Week and the fact that showing a season ahead no longer works for consumers, and that is 100% a step in the right and well heeled direction. We live in immediate times and fashion, an industry that sets trends but is often out of pace with technology, is finally waking up to the urgency we are all feeling when it comes to being creative. You've heard of eating what's in season? Now you're going to wear what's in season too. Think farm to table, runway to retail.  

Plus, I like how it's translating to the in store experience. It's a nice shot in the arm. Case in point- on my way to lunch yesterday I popped into Saks and they were selling Tom Ford's newest scent, Ombre Leather 16, which debuted on the runway and although did not smell particularly new, the marketing around getting something hot off the runway was great. Everybody loves the newest shiny object these days, and embracing speed when it comes to production may be challenging, but is very much what consumers want. I have always been someone who shows up early- I like to get somewhere before everyone else so I can always be right on time. I have never been a fan of showing up late. Now more than ever, that's not smart. Ram Dass had it right- "be here now" feels just about right. But getting there a little early wouldn't hurt.

It may seem like I myself popped up a fruit stand to sell my Maven wares overnight, but it was hardly the case. It took me time to figure out what I wanted to say and present and do, but once I did we went fast and now that I'm here, my desire and excitement has me feeling very much that "right here, right now" thing that is spreading throughout the world when it comes to our need for immediacy to keep up with the speed of trends, technology, and style. Yes, sometimes it's hard to catch your breath, but the moment is now and the time is right to deliver in real time. I just love that fashion is tuning into all of this and making some real changes.

Cause that's what's up this very present Friday in the 718. Yours, in setting the pace, being open for business, and right on time. XO

Oh, hey September. It's time for a change.

Many of you know me professionally as a producer, and personally as being passionate about everything from fashion to connecting to creativity. I started my career in trends and have always had a natural inclination for what's coming and what feels very much right now. 

So I'm super excited to announce MAVEN, my new vehicle for producing projects of cultural relevance to connect the best talent to brands, and with meaning. From ethnographic approaches to photography, or top-notch brand collaborations, I’m a MAVEN on a mission to work with clients and creative entities and continually evolve the notion of production - to be a more strategic, nimble and cost effective approach to partnerships, deliverables, and content.

As a writer, reader, and sponge for all things pop culture, fashion, and global goings-on - I’m obsessed with trends and how they resonate with consumers and audiences. I've always been able to recognize patterns and blips in culture and translate them into ideas- whether visual, experiential, or written. For me, the best work exposes a truth about who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going. 

MAVEN was originally born as a blog for all things culturally relevant- now it’s a hybrid production outfit/connector/collaborator taking great creative ideas to the next level. The way we ideate, create, and produce work is ever changing, and I'm excited to lead the way when it comes to work/life in a project based world.

So if you are a creative collaborator looking to pitch projects to like minded partners, let's party. If you're a brand in need of meaningful content and experience creation, come play with me.  I've made content for great brands and back again, and have relationships with some of the most talented and wonderful humans you will ever want to know. Think of MAVEN as a media agnostic partner that goes beyond the visual, written word, or retail space to deliver purposeful and insightful ideas for your brand, and allows artists a place to seek help when it comes to launching their dream projects. Ambitious? Why, yes. I wouldn't have it any other way.

So as the school year starts and we all get back to it, this is my jam. Looking forward to many happy returns and taking MAVEN to the next level. 

Welcome to my brave new world. Oh and don't worry- the blog will still feature the things/people/places that inspire me, with a newsletter speaking more to trends and culture at large. I will always love writing about my favorite things- fashion, beauty, New York and my recommends for things to see and do.

The site is very much a work in progress- that's because MAVEN is a work in progress too. I'm going to do a monthly newsletter (sign up on the site) and would love to meet you and chat with you about where my head and heart is these days.  And if you know someone who would dig on all of this, I would really be grateful if you could share this post and my site.  Cause that's what's up with me this new day in New York. 

Yours, in making moves.  Years in the making, and so excited.

XO, Maven

Hey y'all. Hope the rest of your August is divine. I'm taking some time off from posting to relax and enjoy our road trip up the coast of Maine. Holler at you all in September. Cause that's what's up this hitting the road to set sail kind of Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in vacation all I ever wanted, and having to get away- so excited to tell you all about it when I get back. XO