the world according to sherimaven

Good morning, Monday. Had a lovely if not humid weekend at home with hubs enjoying the city when it empties out Summer weekends. New York in the heat is not easy, but if you play it right you can enjoy it anyway by going to movies and taking it super slow. Lovely.

So yesterday I found myself in Nolita and popped into one of my favorite shops, Warm. Warm now does their own line of boho chic dresses in the manner of Ulla Johnson and Isabel Marant but somehow way more beachy keen. I love the store as it immediately evokes the very best of Summer- and they stock the coolest pieces for girls in search of that gypset dream. I want everything in there most every time I visit.

But I ended up buying not a $700 dress but a really cute pair of Slides by Vans, that ultimate Summer shoe brand. I love the classic checkered Van most of all, and these slides are a great way to not spend a ton of money but freshen up your Summer shoe game a bit- I for one have been wearing my white Birks all season and was ready for a little bit of a change. And the girls working in the shop were rocking these with long boho dresses and jumpsuits with patterns- somehow the contrast between the checkerboard and the boho prints was just so chic. I love a surfy vibe and with these little suckers costing 30 bucks, you kind of can't go wrong. And they're immediately comfortable. Love 'em.

Go get a pair here. You'll thank me- size down ps- I'm an 8 /12 and bought the 8 and they're perfect.

Cause that's what's up this endless Summer kind of Monday in the 718. Yours, in sandy classics. XO

Good morning, Friday. It's rainy and yucky here in NY but I'm feeling upbeat and sunny because last night I got to see my girl Hillary speak about the future, a future that includes a female President. Never in my lifetime can I remember such a momentous election- with so much at stake, I can very happily say "I'm with her" because she is brilliant, relentless, and fierce. I'm amazed that these very same qualities that make men great leaders make many question a woman's character. I enjoyed seeing some of her softness last night when it came to others talking about her love of her family and her infectious laugh. Plus, her positive view of America and her love of country is infectious, for all of us. I'm psyched. You should be too. I love this photo from last night shot by David Hume Kennerly who has photographed every President since Nixon and won a Pulitzer for his work in Vietnam back in 1972 - it shows her energy and enthusiasm and sheer joy.  What a beautiful moment.

And since my visual compendium is vast when it comes to references in culture, I can't help but recall the amazing 1992 Donna Karan campaign shot by Peter Lindbergh, featuring model Rosemary McGrotha in a very presidential role, being sworn in wearing pearls and a 90s style power suit. This campaign has always stuck with me- a powerful testament to Donna Karan's genius when it came to portraying strong, stylish women running the show. It's hard to believe it's been almost 25 years since then, and that's it's taken us this long to get there, but people- we are here. What once seemed so groundbreaking still is, but now it's actually in our sights and not just an insight from a designer who was always a champion of professional woman going wherever they wanted and being whoever they wanted to be.

I loved the way Hillary looked last night in white by the way- happy she chose to lose the Nehru jacket and lighten up- that suit fit her beautifully and she was glowing.  One reporter commented on her amazing smile- think about it- have you ever seen Donald Trump really laugh or smile in an authentic way besides his arrogant smirk? Hillary is real- she may not be a natural campaigner but she's got heart. And she's got brains. And she's going to change the game even though many think she's going to be very status quo. I don't think so. And why does everyone say that? I say give her a chance to show us what she's made of. I really do believe she will be a great agent of change- but in a smart way. Making sweeping changes quickly in this country is far from easy, and I know she can navigate and have the brains to do things we can all be proud of, and unite the country in such divisive times. 

Though I will be sad to see Obama go (please move to NYC), I am hopeful and excited about having a female president who is capable, intelligent, and values family and togetherness and unity. Cheers to Donna Karan for dreaming big way back in '92- I'm so glad the future is now and I can cast my vote with HIllary come November.  I truly believe in her.

Cause that's what's up this obviously with her kind of Friday in Brooklyn. Yours, in girl power. XO

Good morning, Wednesday. Welp, it's hot yet again here in the city and I have just about had it. I kind of can't wait for pumpkin spice season aka Fall. Or at least just temps in the 80s vs. 90s. Every little bit helps. I'm so not a swelter fan. As if you didn't know that already.

So I wanted to write a post about the convention and how pumped I am but I'll save that till the whole thing is over. Needless to say, I'm enjoying the big show in Philly to the absolute max.  And as we females celebrate our influence and potential, it's worth talking about another lady I really adore- Linda Rodin. She's a mature woman who is so damn glamorous and whose Olio Lusso oil is legendary for its ability to make the skin glow in the most magical way. But now she's making lipstick and they are absolutely divine. Not cheap mind you, but divine.

Truth be told, I've always had a love/hate with lipstick. I feel like I admire it on others, but it has always looked weird on me. Until now.

I tried two colors- Billie on a Bike and So Mod- two very different shades but both great. Billie on a Bike is a deep berry while So Mod is a nudish pink, a color I have always been able to tolerate. Billie on a Bike is not my normal jam, but Linda said it looks good on everyone and I have to say, I really like it. Even though its major color, it goes on in a lovely way and is super hydrating- you can play with how much color you want by putting on more for lots of pigment or blotting to make it seem more like a stain (I'm team stain). It's gorgeous. And bonus points for the really pretty clear packaging- very modern and transparent and pretty. She's also doing the perfect red, a great orange, and a hot pink. Link to buy here. And here's some inspiration for you with some pics of Linda's amazing style. When doing a Google search for her, it's almost impossible to pick which pictures of hers to share- there are so many fabulous testaments to her coolness out there.

 These are some of my favs, but she's a wonderful example of how we can all get better with age, and that's what's truly wonderful about being a woman- there's no time limit on being beautiful or achieving your dreams.  I love that after a lifetime of work, a woman can still be more than relevant in her power and break those ceilings with great aplomb, particularly in such an ageist world. Hello, Madame President. 

Cause that's what's up this feeling pretty kind of Wednesday in the 718. Yours, in getting better all the time and feeling so very hopeful. XO

Good morning, Tuesday. I am so happy to have watched the first night of the DNC last night. Needless to say, many smart people, much to look forward to, and good vibes all around. Plus Obama/Booker 2024 has quite the ring, doesn't it? Outstanding speeches by both of them. Happy they are choosing to move on and as Michelle said, "when they go low, you go high". I completely agree- the high road is the only way, and although we have much work to do on many issues, this is still a pretty wonderful place and we should all sustain hope that we can get through some big challenges with the right woman at the helm. Yup I said it. Still with her. Next.

So I wrote the other day about sheath dresses and how Hillary could surely use a little help, and I couldn't help but wonder as the country points a compass to a more progressive ideal, could Hillary not just own the caftan? Yea, probably not. But indulge me. Incidentally, you can spell caftan with a c and you can spell kaftan with a k. A girl likes options.

But I digress because ze caftan is the perfect and polar opposite to the sausage dress. When rocking a caftan, a woman can eat a decent meal and laze about telling the rest of the world that zero f's are given. And if there is a poster woman for someone who gives zero f's, it's Hillary. I love this little profanity filled spoof of hers on Medium. Amazing.

And if caftans feel less than presidential, mere mortals like tu et moi can rock them too. I was in Steven Alan the other day on the way to pick up Khan because I needed an a/c break. They've got some great looks for Fall (more on that later this week) but what I really fell in love with was this caftan from Black Crane, my go to brand for bohemian minimalism at not so terrible prices. I have two of them from last season and though my husband calls me "Moses" when I wear them, I care not. I rocked one my birthday weekend at the beach, and some lady came up to me and said simply "you look cool". I'll take it. After all, it was a very hot day, and besides looking like you give zero f's in the chicest way possible, you are wearing the equivalent of a built in air conditioner. Divine. 

And today's National Bagel Day soooo. But make no mistake- it's not about hiding your flaws or bagel belly- it's more about being comfortable and free and completely unrestrained.

I really feel like caftans are the perfect piece of clothing for women who want to keep things really chic without making too much of a fuss. Pat Altschul rocks them like nobody's BI on "Southern Charm" as she sips martinis surrounded by dogs, so that's pretty much a life goal right there. You know you want to party with her. So do I. Behold the humble caftan. And as we search for ways to make Hillary look like less than a Teletubbie (please stop with those colors, my lady. Even if you don't give the oft mentioned f) and more like the only choice, I have a dream. And in this dream is a caftan. And the first female president.

Cause that's what's up this light and airy Tuesday in bohemian Brooklyn. Yours, in pumping up the volume. XO

Good early afternoon and Happy Friday. This weather is no bueno. I'm super Victorian in the heat as you know and plan very much to keep things on the inside this weekend.

So the RNC ended last night with much fire and brimstone from Donald Trump and I remain terrified. Besides being terrified, I'm thinking of where I could go if there is a Trump White House- Canadian pals, I'm coming for you. Please let me and my brood sleep on your sofa. I promise not to make fun of the way you say "about". 

And besides being terrified and planning my exit, I'm also thinking about wardrobe pieces that say what I'm feeling. I love this little clutch from Clare V. on sale on Goop's site, an homage to the Tour de France but close enough- I may need to grand depart myself straight outta Dodge- and this little bag can hold some of my vitals. Oy. Strange days are these.

Cause that's what's up this dressing for an exodus kind of Friday in the 718. Yours, in all American. For now. XO

Good morning, Thursday. Happy TBT.

In honor of such an auspicious day, I have to shout out Juergen Teller's amazing ads he shot for Marc Jacobs, long before he refused to shoot Miley and had a falling out with MJ. I particularly love these images from 2003 with Gemma Ward, Winona Ryder, and Shirley Manson. So fabulous, non?

Hopefully you'll take some inspiration from these fun images today- heating up around here so looking forward to keeping it cool indoors. Cause that's what's up this early 2000s kind of Thursday in the 718. Yours, in throwing it back. XO

Good morning, Wednesday. I'm enjoying this lovely day and looking forward to a fun dinner tonight.

So as I get older (I did just have a bday), I struggle a bit with makeup. In terms of- is less more? Why does concealer feel so off brand as I get a few more wrinkles seemingly each day? Why does bright lipstick look so harsh? The truth is, less is more when it comes to my face- but it's not necessarily about using less products, it's just about having a look that feels more natural and less trend focused when it comes to my visage- and that means a good primer, tinted moisturizer, bronzer, smack of liquid liner, and mascara. Oh and always a brow. I can't give up a well toned brow.

But sometimes a girl wants to have a little fun when it comes to color- and although I worry about looking like Mimi from the Drew Carey Show, I do sometimes crave something a little less natural and a lot more fun.

So I discovered this great eyeshadow from a favorite brand discovery of mine, Surratt.  Created by a top makeup artist, I find the line really fantastic and was so pleased when I found it in Barneys one day. Their eyeshadows are very pigmented and last a really long time on your lids- always a great thing. I'm loving this green shadow aptly called Envier for Summer- all you need is a well blended lid full of this gorgeous shade and your eye looks done, but not overly so. I like to use a bit of liquid liner (black or dark green or grey) on the outer lash line with some mascara to complete the look. I'm in love and think it's a fabulous way to have some fun without looking like a clown. I highly recommend this fun shade as a way to color these dog days with one of my all time favorite colors- green. Plus it looks good on my hazel/green eyes and would also look fab on brown eyes.

Cause that's what's up this green kind of Wednesday in the 718. Yours, in living color. XP

Link to buy here.

Good afternoon, Tuesday. It's a lovely one here in the city.

So last night we all watched the RNC and many of my witty, urbane, liberal compadres had hilarious things to say about the whole shebang. From Trump's choice of music (Queen) to Melania's plagiarism to oh, just about everything, we all had a laugh at Trump and company's expense. Because we're liberal. And we're better than them. And we're smug as fuck. And that's our biggest problem.

Because guess what liberal America? This whole thing is very far from funny. There is a real chance that this idiot is going to be the next President of the United States. And I guarantee you won't be laughing then. So instead of amusing yourself with your punchy Facebook updates and viral memes, why not get a little more pissed off that this lunatic is even allowed on this stage? Why are you not more angry? Why are you amused in the way we're amused when the Kardashians make a gaffe or when celebrities dress badly at awards shows? Listen- I'm not above making fun of anyone and often nervously laugh on occasions that call for a poker face, but seriously- it's time for our smug and sheltered take on politics to get to work and stop bantering with our like minded friends.

I was in Delaware this weekend at the beach and saw what the rest of the country looks like and sounds like. While you were in the Hamptons drinking rose, I was seeing tee shirt shops full of Trump propaganda and very real Americans loving him and comparing him to Reagan. I saw that Trump was alive and well in a locale very close to Washington, DC. And to me, that's not terribly funny. At all.

Perhaps you don't realize the seriousness of all of this- why are we choosing to laugh this off when our entire future is at stake? Policemen are being murdered. Black people are being murdered. Innocent people celebrating their freedom are being assassinated and targeted like prey. But because we're better than all of them, we continue to laugh at Trump, create jokes about his hair, and make fun of Mike Pence eating with his family because we can't see his daughter's shadow. Yea, I know. We lambast the Trump/Pence logo because it's easy. It's easy to make fun of these jackasses, I agree. But you know what's hard? Real change. Peace. Tolerance. All the stuff we're not contributing to because we're too busy being overeducated and laughing when really we should be doing anything but. Yea, I know- if we don't laugh, we cry. But enough is enough. Go do something now to ensure we don't have to cry in the future. 

You can call me a party pooper. I don't care. Go ahead. But if you fail to see the seriousness of a potential Trump presidency, we don't have much to say to each other. I simply don't find any of it funny anymore. Maybe I will one day when it's a hopefully distant memory, but I'm not there yet. Don't underestimate the rest of this country to elect this buffoon to the White House. As we sit in our summer homes drinking kale juice and practicing mindfulness, you might want to make some room for, oh I don't know- reality. It's getting very ugly out there folks- so laugh all you want at his expense, because he doesn't care about your intellect. I'm simply wondering why more people are not more frightened about November. I'm far from laughing and hoping we can take our collective conscience and truly make a difference. No more memes. No more jokes. No more patting each other on the back because we're liberal and cool with one another. We may all love one another, but there's someone out there thriving in this atmosphere of so much hate, and I hope that some of you smart people out there find a way to point the needle where it counts- like not in Brooklyn and perhaps further down South and in middle America and everywhere Trump is being taken very seriously. And if we keep joking around and not trying to stop him, we're only kidding ourselves.

Phew. I said it. I'm angry and nervous. You should be too. You make think you're taking the wind out of his sails by laughing in his ruddy face, but you're only adding fuel to an already well stoked fire. Kaboom.

Cause that's what's up this all kidding aside kind of Tuesday in the 718. Yours, in serious business.

Good morning, pals. It was my birthday yesterday and had a lovely weekend in Rehoboth Beach with my honey and even got to see my sister and nephew which was a lovely way to ring in another year. Plus crabs. How I live for crabs and Old Bay in the Summer. It's the best meal- eating hards hells on a paper tablecloth with corn and fries? The greatest. And have you tried Herr's Old Bay chips? Deadly delicious. Not good for you, but man. So good.

So after a weekend of crab feasts, I'm back at it and it's hot as all get out here in New York. All of you know that this is my least favorite weather, so naturally I'm thinking of my most favorite season, Fall. After all this heat, I always welcome the chilly temps and crispy air. And as transitional dressing becomes top of mind, I love the idea of dresses as a way to deal with a Summer hangover when the temps are still warm, but bare legs could be covered with a cute knee high boot.

For me, dresses are a Summer staple. I love their ease and ability to make me feel dressed up even though I've only got on one piece. And when Fall rolls around, I still love to wear them- and I found some perfect pieces in an unlikely piece I know you will love.

I found out about a line called The Frock, founded by two Orthodox Jewish women who know a thing or two about style, though most likely would not approve of me eating shellfish. And yes- I know Orthodox Jews and style don't necessarily go together, but these ladies know how to make a fabulous dress. I have a friend who I immediately think of that is the chicest person around- but she never shows her arms or bare legs because that's not her look. I love the idea of being covered up but still chic- there's something so stylish about that in a way- it all depends on the fabrics you wear to create a sensual vibe from texture vs. too much skin. 

So The Frock makes simple, basic dresses in a lovely silk material that never hugs too hard yet accentuates your shape perfectly. Plus- and this one is so true for my fellow tribe members- these ladies understand a Jewish woman's body like nobody else- love their sizing for girls with a little more curve to their swerve. I know that sounds silly but we've got thighs and tummies and I love how these dresses are cut to not be overly clingy- the silk tee shirt dress is a game changer. And they can be dressed up or down however you like. You know I love a slip dress and these are a more modest take on my favorite silhouette. I adore these looks and you could wear them everywhere this season and next. I can see them in the Summer with a high heeled sandal and in the Fall with everything from a sneaker to a bootie to a knee high number and a cute leather or denim jacket. Obsessed. PS how pretty is that pink print? Love.

It's nice to know that as one gets a bit longer in the tooth, there's clothes to make us feel just right. Cause that's what's up this well dressed Monday in the 718. Yours, in one year older in well cut clothes. XO

Link to buy here.