the world according to sherimaven

Good morning, Thursday. Yea it's hard for me to stay away from all of you. When you're not reading what I have to say, I get sad and bored.  I can't wait to start my redesign- like literally can't wait because I just have to talk to you about Saint Laurent. If there was the clothing version of the best sex you've ever had, it would look a lot like this collection.  Then again, from the looks of what influenced these stellar looks, I doubt you'd remember it. But somehow through the haze, you'd just know you had a blast.  

Good morning, Friday. It's been a while and I hope to be back to blogging on the regs very soon. Watch this space and my social media jams for updates on my retool/redesign/whole new world. I'm hoping to launch something new in the Springtime, which seems like a perfect time for some much needed renovation. I'm a workin' on my blog moves, and keeping my tools sharp right here, and right now.

But today I'd like to kick it old school and break you off a classic little five spot for Friday. I was talking to my sister last night and she told me she missed these little Friday musings so here we go:

Converse Chuck Taylor Shoreline- OK this one is big and I have just ordered mine from Nordstrom so the jury is still out. I say it's big because I have yet to find a pair of Chucks that look cute on me and don't make me feel like Bozo. Reading the reviews online sold me on this updated sneaker, now with an elasticized back and a tendency to make the feet look less gigantic. I'm an 8 1/2 so not exactly Big Foot but always feel Chucks make my feet look huge. I got classic white and am excited to pop these on my feet. I'll let you know how it goes. I love a fresh pair of kicks for the Spring. 

A kick cropped jean- So far, this silhouette has evaded me. Reason being- the waistline is a bit high and tight for my tastes but love the look of the shorter flared jean with flats or sneakers and a chunky sweater or simple tank in warmer months. I've seen chicks rocking them all over the place, and I wanted to opt in, without breaking the bank. American Eagle is my secret weapon (I guess not so much anymore) for trying trends with little fiscal risk.  I got these and really like them. Very cute and weight is good to wear right now. Plus they are on sale which is always great.

Oribe Cleansing Creme for Moisture and Control - This. If you buy one thing this month buy this. That is- if your hair gets puffed from regular shampoo and your texture is more coarse or somewhat prone to frizz, you must check out cleansing cream. I've been a fan for a while now but Oribe makes one that smells amazing and lathers like shampoo- my biggest complaint so far about this type of hair cleanser is the lack of suds. Plus i love the green bottle and the fact that my hair looks way better with a little crunchy texture than perfectly straight. Divine.

The Splendid Spoon- I know you're out there wondering about this whole soup cleanse vs. juice cleanse thing. The bad news- it's not cheap. Not even close. The good news? It's a delicious and satisfying way to work something healthy and nutritious into your diet. I found out about The Splendid Spoon after some dental work and have been ordering it weekly ever since. For $95 a week, you get six soups and a one day cleanse. The idea is to swap out a meal on a regular basis (I take mine for lunch), and do one cleanse day a week. The soups are vegetarian and vegan and absolutely delicious. They are super filling and flavorful and find this a good way to shake up your metabolism and not feel starving or depleted. Soup is good food. Expensive, but delicious. I believe they deliver nationwide too, as do some other soup services, so check them out. I love their mushroom with steel cut oats soup, and cleanse items like Cauliflower Coconut are absolutely delicious.

Neighborhood pick: Anor Spa for a facial- I have to give a shout out to a spot I discovered recently when my skin was crying out for attention from winter neglect. I was feeling super irritated and my under eyes were drying out from allergies, radiator heat, and general crappy conditions. The tiny spa is on Pacific by Henry here in Cobble HIll, Brooklyn and man- what a revelation. I loved their Healing Rosacea Facial- it totally chilled my skin out and used delicious natural products that smelled like roses. And for $95, it was a pretty good deal. I guess that's the magic number- soup, skin, it's all 95 bones. But seriously- this was a great option and will absolutely return when I need it. My skin looks and feels much better.  I also picked up a great eye cream from ilike, an organic and soothing cream from Hungary made from fruits and vegetables. Sometimes eye creams are too strong for me and irritate- this one does the exact opposite. Love.

So there's your Five for Friday- and don't you just love the opening photo from 1967's Bazaar? I thought it a great homage to Super Bowl Sunday- courtesy of Geoffrey Beene. Fab. 

And that's what's up this Friday fiver. Yours, in odd numbers and great picks. XO

Oh hey, Monday. I know I was taking a hiatus from blogging as I work on a new look and feel, but I had to come out of semi-retirement to write a post today. The world is a little less glam today, as we lost our favorite star man, David Bowie.

It's strange- last night I was half ass watching the "Globes"  and thinking how a lot of celebrities today lack any real star power, how they are just products of a well trained and well paid team of stylists, personal trainers, and spray tanners. I found last night's show so very lacking in originality- with nothing new, and nothing fresh to offer. Even Lady Gaga, whose boundary pushing I always admired, was playing it all tame in a John Singer Sargent/Marilyn Monroe homage. Where are the cojones? I can't be the only one who misses the meat dress. 

But even when artists like Gaga try to play provocateur, it more often than not feels contrived, cloying, and trying a bit too hard to be different for different's sake. But Bowie- fucking Bowie.

He was the absolute real deal- a beautiful alien in the serious moonlight. I recently watched a brilliant BBC documentary, "David Bowie- Five Years". The film chronicles Bowie's meteoric rise into rock and roll famedom and all the amazing style incarnations that came with it. And true, five years is but a mere snapshot into a life, but I challenge anyone out there to create a canon of music and fashion in a lifetime that he handcrafted in five years. That's why I had to write today. 

And as soon as I heard the news, there were three people I thought of in my life that I knew to be huge Bowie fans. Two were former colleagues and one was my aunt, who has always worshipped at the Bowie altar. And that's the thing with Bowie- even though he changed his music and image so frequently, you just know a Bowie fan- and they remained lifelong Bowie fans. I'm not sure there's that many other artists who could have that appeal.  And when I think about it, I've never, ever heard somebody say they hate Bowie. Like ever. Maybe Johnny Lydon said it when he was with the Pistols, but he probably didn't mean it. 

I loved all of his music. When you listen to "Changes" as a grown up, it's every bit as meaningful if not more than when you listened to it in high school. It just holds up. As does almost all of his amazing music. And to think what he did way back when to wreak havoc with traditional thoughts on gender and sexuality, all done with signature grace and coolness. 

There will never, ever be another Bowie. Not even close. 

One of my favorite Bowie albums is Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps). I know it's an odd choice but I am a huge fan of that rock/disco 70s vibe that the Stones also did really well. I remember as a young American who wanted nothing more than to hob nob with rock stars and superstars, this album made me fantasize about a glammed up life. I used to blast "Fashion" and think about staging my own runway show. And listening to "Ashes to Ashes"  and it's talk of junkies and funk to funky made me feel cool by association. He was a beautiful creature that made me want to be beautiful too. I also felt so drawn to him as the Thin White Duke- so elegant and perfect and elongated. Ugh. How is it that he is gone? 

I grew up very much a child of the 80s- and Bowie in the 80s was something to behold. Big pop bangers like "Modern Love" and "China Girl" and all those beautiful double breasted suits, high waisted pants, and shock of blonde hair. Bowie and Jagger. Bowie and Tina. Bowie and everything. How I loved him.

Another thing I've always admired about Bowie is he did not enter advanced age in a way that made me want to look away. When I watch Daltrey perform nowadays with a shirt unbuttoned to the navel, and even when I watch my beloved Stones, I find it a sobering reminder of why it's better to burn out than fade away.  And it's crazy that his new album came out this month, as a gift to his millions of fans. Bowie was not going to go out trying to recapture something that once was, because he was always way more about what's to become. 

There will never be another Bowie. And that is both happy and sad. Happy because we had him for so many amazing years of music and style and shape shifting. But sad because nobody will ever come close, and sad because I always thought he would live forever. Thanks for the great gift of your music and inimitable style, Mr. Bowie, the Thin White Duke, Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, Modern Lover,Scary Monster, Diamond Dog. I will always celebrate your music and hope that you find out whether there really is life on Mars. I could go on and on but there's simply too much to say about how profound his influence was on so many, so I'll leave it there. Nobody wore it better. And I could never write a piece to do him justice. Many people have asked me why I am so enamored of fashion, and all you have to do is look at Bowie's many looks to answer that question. 

Cause that's what's up this Bowie rules kind of Monday in the 212.  Yours, in sound and vision. And gee, life really is a funny thing. And yes, you were still way too young to die. 

You betcha. XO

Good afternoon, Friday. Just a week till Christmas now and strangely enough, it just does not really feel like it. Between the warm weather and my lack of ability to go anywhere near midtown, I'm just feeling observant that there are holidays happening, but not feeling it in the air really. It's odd that.

So this is crazy. My first blog post was in September of 2009.  Here it is:

I had no idea where this blog would take me. All I knew is that I wanted to write on the regs and get back to something I have always loved, that always came very naturally and easy to me in the best and most joyful of ways. I had no idea if people would read it, love it, hate it. I didn't care as much about that but hoped of course that all of you would love it as much as I loved writing it. I can't believe it's been over 6 years of sharing everything I love, hate, and think about. Through this blog I got writing assignments, reconnected with my love of the written word, and enjoyed sharing my passion for the city I love.

But I can't help but have this nagging feeling it's time to move on from here. 

We've all heard of the 7 year itch, and maybe before it gets there, I'll scratch that itch and call it a day.  I've gotten so much out of writing this blog, but of late I have not been feeling love for it. I blamed it on design, I blamed it on my lack of time to devote to it, I blamed it on everything I could think of. But really, when it comes to down to it, I just don't think I'm that into it anymore. Much like a relationship, you know when it's time to move on, even if you keep trying to make it work.  You have to trust your gut, and your heart. And both are telling me to call it a day.

And like all relationships, there's usually another one waiting in the wings. I haven't decided what that will be yet, but you better believe I will keep writing because I have to, and that's that. I would love write even more than I have in the past years, because I dream of writing full time, from my home in Brooklyn.  So it's not really goodbye- I'm going to keep this blog alive and online for a while while I figure out what I want to do next. Perhaps from time to time I'll write something on it. For now, I thank all of you who have read it, commented on it, and enjoyed it. I still don't have that Cartier ring from my first post- I somehow don't want it as much as I used to anyway. And I'm cool with that.  There are other shiny objects to be had.

So for now, goodbye. Look for new and exciting things coming out of me and coming at you in 2016. I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday and very happy and healthy new year. It's been a great gift to write again, and an even greater gift to find my voice,  and I hope you will tune in once again when I figure out what's next. For now, it's a big open book/blog post/twitter rant. I'm not saying I may not find a way to resuscitate this thing, but we're taking an indefinite break (it's not you, it's me).

Cause that's what's up this shutting it down kind of Friday on this very last blog post of 2015, and well, maybe ever. Yours, in all the love I have to give. XO

Good afternoon, Wednesday. The holiday countdown continues and I'm happy to say I'm pretty much done with my shopping- many gifts for all of my wonderful clients this year who kept me in the manner in which I've become accustomed, so a big THANK YOU SHOUT OUT for all of the great work this year. It's been quite something and I'm humbled that people want to make stuff with me.

So here's something clever from the great mind of Jimmy Fallon, perpetual man child and positive vibe type. In a world filled with so much cuckoo, he's often the beacon at the end of a long day for a bit of silliness and a good case of the giggles before bed. 

I love his recent collab with J.Crew for a fabulous gift idea for the man in your life- if in fact, said man wears a suit most days. How sweet is this iphone holder/pocket square, with all proceeds benefitting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust? It's called the pocket dial and it's available here.  A great gift for a great cause. Win win if you ask me, and very snappy for that stylish dude in grey flannel.

It's smart and silly just like Jimmy and I'm a fan. Just wanted to share another gift idea with you as we wind down our holiday shopping. Cause that's what's up this hip to be square kind of Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in well dressed pocket dials and hotline bling. XO

Happy Friday friends!

We're closing in on the holidays and thought many of you may still be looking for gifts- I'm in love with this sweatshirt, sure to ensure an absolutely fabulous holiday for any of your camp loving friends.

Isn't it just?

Cause that's what's up this sweetie darling of a Friday. Yours, in cheers, fanks a lot. XO

Link to buy here.

Good afternoon, Thursday.

By now you've surely noticed the Frank Sinatra nods and tributes as Saturday would be his 100th birthday. I have been a massive Sinatra fan from a very young age, and have written about him and enjoyed his music and still do to this day. I have gotten through many gloomy days with Frank's perfect pitch by my side- I am eternally grateful for the gift of his music and his impeccable timing, style, and life well lived. He has been a huge part of my life and probably always will be. (If you get it, you get it. If you don't, oh well...)

And clearly I'm not the only one enraptured by the Chairman. So many great books have been written about him, he's been the focus of tons of films, and he's endlessly mentioned as one of the key figures of American music, and the Rat Pack will always be sacred ground for those of us who enjoy a booze soaked great time. And if you have never read the brilliant Gay Talese piece from April 1966's Esquire entitled "Frank Sinatra has a cold" you better. It's often cited as the best example of new journalism, and it is a fantastic glimpse in to the life of a legend. It's a piece that any writer would kill to write. From the opening paragraph:

"FRANK SINATRA, holding a glass of bourbon in one hand and a cigarette in the other, stood in a dark corner of the bar between two attractive but fading blondes who sat waiting for him to say something."

Want to keep reading as the blondes keep waiting? The full article is posted here, and it's a testament to the highs and lows of living the life Sinatra, all while Gay Talese waits for Frank to feel better, and finds out so very much . And if you are in New York on Monday, Gay Talese is reading the piece in its entirety an audience at Gagosian uptown, just so you know where to find me the evening of November 14th, from 6-8 pm. Talese, who is now in his 80s, is promoting Taschen's release of the essay in its entirety in a bound collectors edition book, a great gift for those Frank fans and "journalism junkies" in your life.   I would venture to say there will absolutely be a cocktail after the reading to toast one of the greatest singers of all time.  I'll buy.

Needless to say, happy 100th birthday to my kind of guy- Mr. Frank Sinatra.  Thanks for the music- where every note and every word was sang with so much heart.  Cause that's what's up this "that's life" kind of Thursday in New York, New York. Yours, in perfect pitch and ring a ding dings. XO

Good afternoon, friends.

It's gloomy in New York and all I want to do is crawl back under the duvet and hide. I'm tired, stressed, taxed. I need a break in the biggest way but somehow work has been booming and that's great and all but gah.

So with little time to write, here is a great photo shot by Helmut Newton for French Vogue in 1964. Note the model's "over it" expression. Note the substantial shoe wardrobe. Note how much I feel like this today. Must work. Love shoes. Gah again. Noted.

Cause that's what's up this have enough shoes but always room for more kind of Wednesday in New Yawk. Yours, in priorities,and taking notes. XO

Good afternoon, Tuesday. It's sunny and beautiful in New York today. This whole winter thing is not really happening, and I for one don't mind a little bit of warmth right here and now.

And a a great way to dress for temps in the 50s is to take some of your fun summer dresses and layer them with black tights. And lucky for you, I have found the most perfect pair imaginable. Black tights are a major foundation of my wardrobe- with Edie as my always go to inspiration.

I'm OBSESSED with Hansel from Basel's amazing tights. Founded by LA artist Hannah Byun, this brand knows how to make fabulous socks, sweaters, and to me- the best tights I have ever owned. I bought the ribbed ones at Bird in my neighborhood and though they are almost $50, they are worth every penny. Think of them as much more than a pair of stockings- they're like legging/stocking all rolled into one. My absolute favorite thing about them besides their warmth, cool ribbed pattern, and flattering leg appeal is the waistband- you can't even feel it all day and they are extremely comfortable- and they're warm but not sweat inducing. I have a real problem with tights that dig in the waist, and these keep their shape but stay comfy and are a stellar addition to your wardrobe. I want to try the straight up cashmere tight too- they look as delish as the ribbed version and love the idea of a pure cashmere tight.

So with all of this cuckoo weather, having a good tight is a wise investment if you're still holding on to a cute print dress from the Summer, or for when winter finally comes and we all need something cozy and warm. Highly recommend. They make tons of versions too and also do wonderful socks.

Cause that's what's up this leggy Tuesday on the very warm isle of Manhattan. Yours, in hanging tight. XO

Good afternoon, Monday. It was a lovely weekend full of holiday cheer- from awesome fun times at the transported Phoenicia Flea in Gowanus to (too much) holiday cheer with dear friends to Khan and Santa having a hang, all was lovely. 

And listen, it's not like I am immune to a case of the holiday blues. We all get them from time to time and with so much tragedy around us and on the news, it's hard to be in the mood for the holidays, let alone getting out of bed in the morning.

But leave it to Bill Murray to knock the Scroogiest of Scrooges out of that funk- with his amazing "Very Murray Christmas" special on Netflix, Murray's sweet take on holiday classics has his usual quirky charm, and my affection for his whole being is off the charts. Directed by Sofia Coppola, the special premiered Friday with cameos from Miley Cyrus to Maya Rudolph to Jason Schwartzman  to Chris Rock, Amy Poehler, and Rashida Jones (David Johansen's pompadoured boozy bartender stole the show for me), this modern take on the much loved holiday special did not disappoint. Because there are worse things than getting snowed in at the Carlyle Hotel with Bill Murray. I have always had a crush on him, and that's the truth.

The whole thing was good for my soul, and if you are feeling like the whole cliched holiday thing is overdone, give it a shot. Murray happens to have a pretty terrific voice for singing those old tired classics, while Paul Shaffer's accompaniment is excellent as usual. Oh and Clooney. 

Well done all around by Sofia and Bill- adore their brand of holiday quirk, even if last night was the first night of Hanukkah, I very much found myself in the Christmas spirit. Check it out and enjoy. We all desperately need something light.  And that's what's up this let it snow (yea right- Winter who?) kind of Monday in the balmy city of New York. Yours, in a very Murray Christmas. Put a little love in your heart- and love, thy name is Bill Murray. XO

Here's a ranking of all of the performances if you are the spoiler type.