the world according to sherimaven

Good morning, everyone. Welp New York, you officially have gotten to me. Not you silly. But your weather. I mean. Shit.

I can't bear this much longer, so I'm glad I'm off to Maine. I'm a girl who never drinks enough water and today in barre class every joint and ligament and tendon hurt and ached and I could barely lift a leg. 

And to continue with my Maine theme of preppydom, I wanted to show some inspiration of how preppy could look cool. It's not necessarily all precious and uptight. When done right, it's so beautiful. True a flat chest and baby hips help the cause, but regale yourself with these beautiful looks and tell me if they don't make you feel like having a gin and tonic and setting sail for Plymouth Rock.

At it's best, it's quirky, cool, and classic all at once. On me, it's straight up gym teacher. I can't. I wish I could. But I can't. I can take some pieces from all of these but can't ever and won't ever go full preppy. Unless I want to look like Mrs. Tumulty. My gym teacher way back in the day- somewhere from year 1-12- I just can't remember. Yes that was really her name. That I remember.

So enjoy these pages from my very own version of the Preppy Handbook (some of you remember the awesome that was that tome), and stay cool for crying out loud. More looks below. They're kind of the most. And there are so many more versions out there, these were just a few of my favs.

Yes- that's preppy Elvis. Weird but amazing.

And that's what's up this lockjawed, pearl clutch of a  Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in stiff upper lips, and the uppermost crust. XO

Good morning, Monday. The countdown begins to our Summer sojourn to Maine. I've never been, and needless to say, I'm excited.

But packing for such a trip? Not so much.

Because I have the perfect wardrobe for cosmopolitan or boho chic beach adventures, but for all points preppy? Gah. Not at all. So I was up late on the Pinterest looking for inspiration in the form of everyone from Margot Tennenbaum to Ali McGraw- I'll post my preppy style favorites tomorrow ps, but for now- it's come to my attention that there's a ubiquitous staple in every prepster's wardrobe that has good wearability for the rest of us- and that is, the Aran sweater. It's named for the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland and is more commonly known in the States as the fisherman's sweater. In it's truest form, it's 100% wool, but I love it in cotton too.

I'll never forget my version I had from LL Bean way back in college- almost a silky knit and it was magical. Of course, it was oversized, and I usually rocked it with hoop earrings, jeans, and some penny loafers. But really, I have never, ever been much of a prep though I do find a way to incorporate bits of it into my wardrobe- and I adore this classic piece which is perfect for chilly nights in Maine. The LL Bean store is a definite stop on my itinerary, to pick up a few of my fav totes as well as a new knit or two.

And with Fall on the way (Lord willing), check out some sweatery inspiration, and then go get your very own. It's an easy way to go classic, but rock it with your very own personal take on what that means. I can easily see wearing this in a new way this Fall/Winter with a striped button down underneath, leather leggings, and suede pumps for something a bit more Francais. I'm also obsessed with how Natalia Vodianova plays with texture above, the play of silk with wool is divine.

So I feel some relief that there are certain preppy classics I'm more than happy to play with. I can't wait to get my lobster on in Maine. Cause that's what's up this classic with a twist kind of Monday in the 212. Yours, in new interpretations and chunky knits. XO

Good morning, Friday. Again it's hot as hell here in the city and this weekend it's going to feel even worse. Guess I'll be indoors for most of it, and with that, it's officially time to think about my favorite season, Fall.

Man do I love me some Fall- from everything pumpkin to falling leaves to a chill in the air, it's for me. So thought I'd go back to an old favorite, the Friday Five spot, and dedicate this post to Autumn goodness. So here's five for Fall- just some things I've got my eye on really and now you will too:

Pamela Love necklace- So many of you are already in love with Pamela Love as I am, but I'm falling back in love hard with this amazing suspension necklace spotted on my travels around the interweb. I love the look of this on a turtleneck, whose ubiquity is a serious staple of Fall (black turtlenecks, black cashmere v neck, check check)- what a gorgeous piece and a cool riff on the choker trend. Obsessed. PS that hair.

Balenciaga campaign- My friend sent me this gorgeous campaign yesterday. Shot by Mark Borthwick and first campaign from new artistic director Demna Gvasalia, it's drool worthy and I want everything. All if it. Favorite campaign of Fall so far, can't wait to get my September issue and see the rest. Kind of want to wait till it arrives and be spoil free so putting a self imposed embargo on looking at any other campaigns online. But this one? Sublime. Love the use of models doing their every day thing. Next level street style vibes. Tres bien.

Ugly/pretty shoes- Sometimes there's a shoe that's so ugly it's cute- we've had seasons of footwear in that genre from Birkenstocks to Tevas to platform sneakers. Last winter the hiking boot became a thing, and love this next version of it from Rag and Bone, and in my favorite, patent leather. And as a bonus- this Isabel Marant Brent sneaker has me loving the whole Isabel sneaker thing again. Scheming to get these. I love them, I hate them, I love them.

Land of Women bras/undies- I absolutely love this line. Spotted on Racked yesterday and heavenly. I have a real thing for simple and soft bras and underwear and am now a huge fan of these sexy pieces. Not cheap in any way, but think next level Hanro game. That high waisted brief is magical. Need. Want. Dot dot dot.

Black Crane painter dress- My love for Black Crane is legit. I adore how these voluminous pieces look like a potato sack on the hanger, but manage to flatter a woman's body so well. I saw this dress at Steven Alan last week and bought it- it's a light corduroy fabric and has an almost rounded silhouette that is really super elegant. Can't wait to wear it with those Isabel sneakers I'm dreaming of. PS- Black Crane is affordable, which is good news if you're buying any of the above. ;)

And that's what's up this is is Fall yet kind of Friday in the 212. Yours, in counting the minutes. XO

Good morning, Thursday. It's so hawt today. I can't. Scarlett O'Hara over here doesn't like the heat. Not one bit. I am el bitcho today for real. You've been warned.

So since it's a throwback Thursday, I thought I'd throw it back to when New York sucked. Yea, remember that? 

Sure there are those of us that think New York sucks now because it doesn't. Sure the gang at the top of this post totally and completely suck.  Yea today is kind of sucky because the weather is so jacked up and everyone's sweating and the iced coffee cup is sweating all over your silk dress from COS. And yea today sucks because I just saw a guy with a Duane Reade bag attached to his ass as some sort of MacGyver homeless makeshift toilet. But really, those occasions are few and far between, and it's rare that you hear that familiar litany of curse words yelled at high volume all in a row as a totem of manic New York living, and how eventually, living on an island will make you certifiably insane.

You see I remember when New York really sucked. And I loved every minute of it. 

Because as a New Yorker, it used to be your provenance to complain about how shit everything was here. From traffic to smelly subways to Giuliani's bullshit rules. New York used to suck because it was a city full of pissy, cynical people, who incidentally were funny as hell and made a perfect cast for tar rooftop parties with tapped kegs and 90s hip hop and loosely rolled joints. Because even though New York sucked then and Giuliani told us we couldn't dance in certain places or look at controversial art, we did anyway. And because New York sucked, it was totally and completely awesome. I know, it's confusing. But if you were here then, you know what I mean. And if you were here before then, you really know what I mean. See those people at the top of this post? They were not here. See these people just above? They were. Get it?

But cut to now. Long since Disney invaded Times Square, New York has become, well, nice. People don't seem to mind the chain stores, the lack of really good, shitty bars, and general lack of pervasive filth. In fact, people are moving here in droves, rolling into Brooklyn in Range Rovers like it's bloody Connecticut. If I see one more golden retriever happily padding down Court Street, I'm going to scream. In fact, I know many people who managed to avoid shitty New York and moved here in the era of Class Pass, Seamless, and Uber. New York is nice now. It's true. And you want to know why? Because everyone in New York at this point is rich. Yes, I'm slightly exaggerating but it's true. New York is a wonderful city for the rich- shopping everywhere, COCKTAILS!, the best boutique gym classes and all the farmers market kale you can eat. In some ways, I feel like the successful people who came to New York already rich missed out on the good times. I have a friend who recently exclaimed "how awesome" New York is when you have little kids. I can't even fathom somebody saying that back in the day, and everyone says that now because little Jagger is posh and will most likely inherit his parent's brownstone in Cobble Hill. It's worth noting I lived in Cobble Hill in the 90s to escape Manhattan and not a single person would visit me out there, except for the ex boyfriend I was so desperately trying to get rid of. There was no sushi. There was certainly no Barneys. And you were either taking a shitty car service into the city or the train. And that kind of sucked. But rent was next to nothing and you could actually afford your apartment, yet somehow still complain about how much New York sucked.  I'm happy most days and it makes me sick.

I guess New York still sucks. Just not in the same way it used to, when the playing ground was a bit more egalitarian and all of us could rejoice together in how oppressive living here could be and have fun poking at ourselves and each other and the crazy place we called home. And don't get me wrong- I'm not exactly nostalgic for old New York (I'm not a nostalgic person really), but I do miss people being a bit more real and grounded and cynical and hilarious. Yea I love clean New York too, because I love this city no matter what really. But once in a while I really miss old sucky New York, full of salt, vinegar, and piss. Now it still stinks, though the air is often scented with oud or peonies or money. New York, will you ever suck again in the way I like? PS I suck now too. Like completely. Plus it's hot and I already told you I'm surly today. 

Cause that's what's up this overheated Thursday in the 212. Yours, in suckiness.  XO

Good morning, Wednesday. Had a nice little meal at Vietnamese pop up Soothsayer in the East Village last night- it's run by an old pal and really I'm still thinking about the spring rolls. So good.

Something else I'm still thinking about? The Olympics last night. Wowsers. U.S.FUCKING.A.

So two days ago I was saying how absolutely irrelevant the Olympics are- to me it's a slap in the face to poor Brazilians as well as an extraordinary expense globally on money that can be way better spent for those in need. Don't get me started on the space program, ps. Just don't.

But last night's wins in women's gymnastics and men's swimming (we won gold earlier in the day for women's swimming) were just spectacular. I love the female gymnasts, their girl power, and chatter with each other. They are the cutest final five I've ever seen, and they are a sheer force. But really, let's talk about the men's swim team. 

I've never made it secret that I have always found American men to be the most attractive of the species. I can't help it.  Sure, European men are romantic and smooth, but American boys have that sense of humor, that rebellious confidence, and most of all- that swag. I love that swag. And the men of the swim team are in it to not only win it, but take it. I can't even with them. And although I have my own American, Kentucky born man, I'm a little in love with those boys in the pool. I mean- Ryan Lochte's blonde hair. I die. He is the most. (Single girls, I hear he's all Tindered up at the Olympic Village. Not to late to hop a flight to Rio.) 

And Phelps's attitude was getting on my nerves earlier in the week, but if you have that many gold medals I suppose you deserve it. After all, if Obama can golf with Steph Curry, Phelps can sneer at the competition. Swag game is strong with our men folk. And I was happy to stay up late and watch those boys bring home the gold, together. Two OGs like Lochte and Phelps and then two young stars like Townley Haas and Conor Dwyer, inspiring all of us.  Yea I know I should be praising the women and their power and their badassery, but dear Lord I love those American boys. Particularly when they bring home the gold. Any distraction from batshit Trump is welcome. He is very, very far from the most. And not my brand of American, I can assure you of that. 

Cause that's what's up this Lochte locks kind of Wednesday in the 212, Yours, in American boys and going for the gold. XO

Happy Tuesday, y'all.

I know it's not Thursday but this isn't really a throwback post. It's more an homage to a woman who belongs to all of us, and by all of us, I mean those of us who belong to Generation X. Because Winona Ryder is all of us, for those of us who remember her amazing big eyed nervousness and her indie cred and cool beauty. And if you haven't watched "Stranger Things" yet, I have not much to say to you. You need to. And that's that. It's such a great shoutout to the 80s, friendship, and the upside down (if you watch, you're well aware of what that is). Oh, and Eggos. It's no shock that I ran out and bought toaster waffles after binge watching every episode. And then of course, there's Winona.

And I'm obsessed with the NY Magazine cover story on our girl, and the accompanying photos by superstar photog Norman Jean Roy are spectacular. It's true Winona has had some bad moments, but who wasn't rooting for her to get through her shit? She is still so arresting, so beautiful, and so relevant. Plus a 44 year old woman without children is someone I can obviously relate to. (And besides all of that, I'm sick of millenials. And what they want. And what they don't want.)

I love this quote from the article where the writer, Heather Havrilesky, meets Winona for the first time:

"Ryder is dressed exactly the way I remember lots of brainy-but-cool girls dressing in the late ’80s (possibly in an effort to look just like Winona Ryder): white T-shirt with an abstract design on it, red cardigan, tangled jeweled necklaces, old jeans, maroon men’s shoes. This is the Gen-X-star-who-hangs-with-indie-film-and-rock-gods uniform, but somehow, on Ryder, it doesn’t look dated. At 44, she can say “weird” and “like” and stare into the middle distance with those big brown eyes straight out of a Keane painting and sound just like an appealing hybrid of enthusiastic teenager and world-weary adult."

I love that description and it speaks to my fellow Xers distinctly- we are all still a mix (the best of us) of teenaged grown ups, reluctant adults, and smart cool kids. I'm so glad she's back on the scene to remind all of us of a certain age (and anyone of any age) that growing up does not mean growing old, and that women can still maintain their style after they've dated the musician, spent some time in the dark, and came out the other side, well aware that even though they may no longer be a Heather, that they are indeed still magical. Winona forever, indeed. Girl crush of all girl crushes. Plus, she dated Johnny Depp when he was still awesome and not a big mannequin of scarves and hats and bracelets. 

So check out the article here (it's a great read) and let's celebrate my gal Winona, who shows all of us that growing up doesn't suck, and that being smart, quirky cool, and a bit fucked up is as sexy as could be. Cause that's what's up this iconic Tuesday in the NYC. Yours, in stranger things, and beautiful people. XO

Hey Monday. It's a beautiful Summer day in the city and though August always frightens me heatwise, I'm enjoying the languid days and nights of the season. As you know, my love for perfume borders on fanaticism- I put perfume on before bed and can't imagine life without scent. And with such sultry weather, one needs to smell fresh and delicious, right?

That's why I'm all about a note I'm not usually about, tuberose.

I love this description from Cafleurbon.com on the power of this scent: 

"The scent of tuberose is said to lend emotional strength and center the mind along with bringing serenity and peace; it may be used to assist in relaxation.   During the Renaissance, young ladies were forbidden to walk through the gardens at night because the alluring scent of tuberose was an intense aphrodisiac. It is said that women would put fresh tuberose under their skirts to attract men. In France, unmarried girls are warned to not inhale the scent after dark. It may also be considered a narcotic and potential aphrodisiac".

My history with tuberose is slim, really slim. I'm not a Fracas girl- I've always hated florals but lately the sophistication of perfume making has changed my mind- because today's tuberose is modern, strong, and super sexy. Plus, how can you argue with that description? Narcotic, relaxed, and alluring? I'll take two.

On the top end we have Frederic Malle's Carnal Flower, which makes me think of tanned skin, white silk, and sexy things. It's so delicious and provocative you won't be able to stop sniffing yourself, and hopefully, others will too- it's a scent for a warm weather temptress for sure.

And if you want to take it down a notch and still splurge, I'd go with Diptyque's Do Son- it's fresh and sweet and fantastic. I love the shower oil which makes its scent known in your bathroom post shower (a plus), and the perfume oil is a nice way to get a subtle scent or layer it over the eau de parfum for an extra hit. Divine. Plus I love the packaging. It's exotic and beautiful and super special.

So if you want to smell like a bronzed Mata Hari and slink about in splendor, go for some tuberose. It's truly powerful and I am a huge fan- plus so many brands are doing a version or take of this, it's easy to find one to fall in love with. Cause that's what's up this everything's coming up tuberose kind of Monday in New York. Yours, in it's better to smell good. XO

Good morning, Friday. Nice little start to the weekend but admittedly looking forward to a rainy day tomorrow so I can catch up on "Stranger Things". I'm officially obsessed with that show and think it's a brilliant take on 80s film. Love. Not sure what's up with Winona Ryder's face though- go easy on those fillers and injectables, kids. Yikes.

So I live in Brooklyn and have told you all ad nauseam how much I adore it here. I'm specifically on the border of Boerum/Cobble Hill and completely adore this neighborhood. Even though it's gotten completely out of control price rise, it's a magical place full of trees and brownstones and maybe one too many families, but it's all good.  It's such a happy spot and it's made living in NY this time around so very pleasant. Which is weird in itself (NY as pleasant I mean), but it's so good.

One of my favorite spots in said neighborhood is a sweet little bar called Robert, over on Bond and Pacific. I've always liked Building on Bond next door (same owners) for outdoor rose soaked dinners in the Summer time with the pooch, but since they've opened Robert, I've been thrilled.  For many of us in Brooklyn, I think we're wary of Brooklyn the brand at this point, but good is good and this place is a perfect example of what makes a neighborhood great. 

Because it's a cute little bar with a killer DJ most nights- my fav is Thursday where Yana spins Brit pop flavored goodness- always a great chance to hear your fav music and wax rhapsodic about the Stone Roses show. I love the bartenders there as well- drinks are good, there's always a free round if you stick around long enough, and it's the quintessential neighborhood bar. What I love about this type of bar is you could walk into a bar like this in any city anywhere- it would be a perfect expat bar in Tokyo, it could stand alone in Paris, and it would be a welcoming beacon in Austin. It's the perfect little good vibes spot and because of that, it could very well be everywhere- it's the everybar really and I love that about it. It's not that it's not unique- it's totally got it's own flavor because of the peeps who work there and spin there and hang there and they do serve a lot of local spirits- but really, it's universal in such a perfect way and that's why I love it. And by calling itself Robert, it's a genius way to speak to a name we all know- who has not known a Robert at some point? The familiarity makes this place so great. I'm sure you have one in your neighborhood- the type of place you could go after work, to meet a pal and chat late into the night, or just shoot the shit with some locals when the feeling strikes. For me, that feeling strikes more often than not and I'm very stoked that Robert is there for the majority of my gin and conversational needs. So I dedicate this post to the neighborhood boite- long may it serve drinks to thirsty people around the world, and may we always feel welcome when we pull up a stool at the bar. Love this place- it's not too much this or that, and it's just right. You may not come from another neighborhood to hang here, because hopefully you've got your own spot that allows a good stumble home with very little effort. If you do live around me, I hope to see you there.

Check them out here.

And hope your weekend is full of drinks at your favorite spots in your hometown or beyond. Wherever you may find yourself, there you are. Cause that's what's up this drinks on me kind of Friday in the boroughs. Yours, in starting the weekend, and starting a tab. XO

Good morning, peeps. Happy TBT- by now you've all seen (if you're a fashion geek) the amazing series of photos Francois Nars did of our favorite supers back in 1997- most famous being Shalom Harlow as Snow White.

But I chose these three images because I love how they play with stereotypes but also feel super empowering- and Linda as a gun slinging Raquel Welch type is fairly magical. I love how these photos play with traditional stereotypes in a cheeky way- they're just so classic and I'm a huge fan of this series.

Cause that's what's up this pretty picture kind of TBT in the BK. Yours, in redefining roles. XO

Hi, Tuesday. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Perfect temps and Khan and I just took a long walk through our neighborhood and are thankful for a less sweaty day.

So many people have asked me through the years where to get art for the home that is not super expensive and is also super cool. I've collected a ton throughout the years but want to shout out WAX, an amazing poster company in Cali offering archival printed photo posters for a really great price (most under $100). As you all know, I'm a huge photography fan and am always looking for ways to enhance my collection. I'm so glad I stumbled upon this awesome company on one of my late night interweb rabbit holes.

I'm officially obsessed.

Two of my favorite photographers are featured- Hugh Holland, whose 1970s Southern Cali scenes (note my Vans yesterday- I'm feeling love for Cali right now) evoke a round the clock Summer vibe that will warm your walls (piece above a classic), and Matthew Porter, whose flying cars are a love of my husband's and a great choice for something dynamic for your home (see below his Eastside piece). And he lives and works in BK so there's that too.

Each of these great poster prints are $79.95 apiece and are worth the price. And since they are a standard size (24"x36") they're easy to frame- great frames available everywhere these days from IKEA to West Elm. So go to Wax Posters here, loads of options for your lonely, sad walls at a great price.

Cause that's what's up this homey Tuesday in the BK. Yours, in pretty pictures. XO