the world according to sherimaven

Good afternoon, Tuesday. It feels nice to check in here as I've been busy hunched over in dark halls covering Advertising Week and really enjoying it. Needless to say, heels were a mistake today. Yowch.  Going super sensible tomorrow.

So I haven't had time to check in with the shows across the pond but I will say one thing- I'm tickled that Tucker, a favorite brand of mine, is making it happen again. 

I was lucky to meet Gaby Basora on a Google project some years back and I really loved her vibe, not to mention her style. I've always been a big fan of her easy silk print dresses- they always make me feel just right- in summer with some Birks or in winter with some boots and tights. It matters not. I love the look and collect them like baseball cards. Very spendy baseball cards, but I wear the heck out of all of them.

She disappeared for a few years and now she's back, better than ever and hooking us girlies up with those iconic dresses and lots of other fun stuff- I always love her takes on outerwear and love the tapestry, collarless coat- great with flared pants or a dress. I have an older version in white and grey wool that I wear to pieces, once it's cold outside (hint hint).

Tucker has that feminine quirk that I love- it's all in how you style the pieces to your own individual thing that makes them all so great. I hope you're as happy as I am that they are back. I'm a humble fan and look forward to many more silk dresses in my very near future. I also love (as I'm currently content obsessed) the stories section of the site,  some great content on the cult of Tucker  to give you a feel for what the brand stands for. (All good things)

Cause that's what's up this stringer of a week kind of Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in old favorites. XO

Good afternoon, Thursday. Anxiously awaiting the arrival of the pontiff at (ahem) rush hour. That should be a lot of fun. I dig him, though. He's been a wonderful guest of our country so far and hope NY pulls out all the stops for him (who's paying for that again?). But I digress.

Sometimes I just have to share some of the funny stuff that I hear or see in New York on the regs. If you are my Facebook friend, you no doubt have noted my fascination with "Starbucks guy"- that dude I see early in the am on the way to the gym as I coffee up, who feels the need to do very loud conference calls spewing jargon at 6 am. Classic. 

The other day I was in Trader Joe's in Brooklyn and was queued up in front of a woman wearing sequins (it was still daylight) who proceeded to tell the (very lucky) person on the phone with her how she is "just learning to get her voice", and how "she was never heard as a child and she is just now learning to express herself" and how liberating and refreshing it is "to be heard" and to feel "free to speak". Uh. Huh.  And though the years of therapy and gluten free eating and Pilates had most likely made her a better human, I think she was taking things a bit too literally. For just because one feels the need to be heard does not mean one needs to literally shout. In public. At rush hours In Trader Joe's. And at a decibel and pitch not meant for human consumption.  Oh, and now "Joe really understands" her and her "need to have a voice and be acknowledged". Don't worry, lady. So do we. So do we.

As far as oversharing goes, New Yorkers have always been ahead of the curve. We talk a bit too loud and since we are constantly surrounded by people, we tend to not give a single F about sharing news of our lives with the world around us. I will never forget when riding in a packed elevator with a dear friend some time ago, she proceeded to squawk about her yeast infection, and "Thank G-d" for Gynelotrimin. I kid you not. #almostdied

In many ways, I self identify as a New Yorker, but my tendency to embarrass easily makes me feel like more of a Brit. I am perpetually red in the face for the many ridiculous things I see and hear people do and say. I can't help it. But in an age where we post everything we eat, wear, and think, I'd say New Yorkers were always sharing with the public, even before social media came to be. I'm pleased the woman at Trader Joe's has found her voice, and secretly feel great relief when I see Starbucks guy in the morning and listen in on his status reports. Because even though I'm not loud, I am very much a voyeur. And New York is simply the best for those who like to watch, and listen. After all, we are (butt) cheek to cheek on the subway, standing huddled together in line at Trader Joe's and at Dig Inn, and doing down dog close enough to to hear the thoughts of those whose mat is right next to yours (too close by the way), even if they are not saying anything. Or my personal favorite- people who eat a full meal on the train or think that steamed broccoli in today's shared office experience is a ok. (It's so not).

Cause that's what's up this no need to eavesdrop kind of Thursday in the 212. Yours, in the seen and heard.  Personal space, anyone? XO

Good afternoon and easy fast for all of my Jews out there. It's almost over so you can stop complaining. You know who you are...

Well here's something I'm not complaining about- that Maje/Minnetonka mash up that's happening this Fall. I have always loved a moccasin boot situation, and these are fab and cool and great with just about everything you have.  So cute, non? Yes, some of you are fasting and hungry, while others are just hungry for some new cool boots. Or perhaps both. I'd probably go with the shorter olive green version, but  brownie points to you if you get them in the thigh high red varietal. Very chic indeed.

As we gear up for Fall I'm all about breaking off little gems for you to enjoy and wear...here's to new clothes and sueded fringe and crunchy leaves. All hail my favorite season. Let the games begin.

Cause that's what's up this well collaborated Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in shopping for atonement. XO

Link to buy here.

Good afternoon, Tuesday. It's chilly here and cloudy here in the city and I am LOVING IT.

Naturally, I'm thinking about coats, because that's what girls like me do. We don't just think of pumpkin spice, warm bowls of pasta, and thicker duvets. We also think of everything else that is magical about Fall besides the wonderful comfort food and drink and foliage- we think of clothes. And shoes. AND COATS (insert giddiness).

I'm freelancing close to Madison Square Park and came upon the Marimekko store at lunch, one of my favorite happy places. Although I'm a well documented minimalist of late, I really do love a print. And Marimekko's Scandinavian ethos somehow takes a loud print to a minimalist place. It's all about the shapes and design of everything from a garment to a pillow. I just love that store and adore strolling through it on afternoons that are gloomy. It's instant sunshine.

And speaking of Vitamin D, allow me to share with you this fabulous coat I saw there-- the Mollis.  iI comes in the requisite black as well but this tangerine/gold/orange hue is absolutely divine. I worried there would be a high itch factor with the wool/mohair thing, but putting this coat on felt like wearing your very favorite wubby. It was soft and comfortable and just the right amount of oversized. I'm well aware this is not a coat for everyone. But some of my friends who get how to wear color will no doubt love this coat as well. I really do just love a bright coat, and I love how modern fashion is making bright colors kind of basic and in a way, neutral. It's my fav coat I've seen so far for sheer fun factor, and  I'd do it with jeans and heels or with a pretty dress and bare legs or tights or with boots or booties. I'd also love it with some old school shell toed Adidas, but that's just me.

But take heed- this is definitely a coat that's an investment (it's expensive), but it's a piece that costs a heck of a lot less than sessions under the UV lamp at some therapist's office on CPW in February, when you're feeling deprived of warmth and sun. A coat like this can fix that as soon as you put it on. It's just that good.

The photos on the website do it not a lick of justice- the way they've styled it is unbearable but in person it's a dream. Take my word for it, or go try it on for yourself.  It's nice in black as well, but really, life is short, isn't it? Why not live a bit more out loud this Fall/Winter?

Cause that's what's up this tangerine dream of a Tuesday. Yours, in technicolor dreamcoats. XO

Link to buy here.

Good morning, Monday. It does indeed feel like Fall has finally fallen. I wore a sweatshirt on my walk with Khan this morning and it felt great. I love the chilly air and hope it sticks around for a moment- because as much as I like chilly air, I'm not quite ready for the frigid version.

So last night was the Emmys and really, the fashion was completely on point. I have never seen so many near perfect looks- from the bevy of black dresses to Sarah Hyland's fabulous deep scarlet Zac Posen  to Kerry Washington's sparkly Marc Jacobs just off the runway. Fabulous. And I loved the challenge of the heatwave in Los Angeles adding to the drama on the red carpet- it's not easy to wear a gown in that kind of heat, and kudos to most of the makeup artists who made looks that were sweat resistant- on second thought, maybe that's why so many had perfect glowing skin? The heat can be good for that.

But in all candor, I found myself bored. It's true there were many looks I would be thrilled to wear (Claire Danes with that chain link Prada number was just great), though her hair was not), but it occurred to me that these dresses, though stunning, were simply too much about fashion, and had very little to do with style. That's my issue.  LET'S SEE SOME REAL STYLE. REAL PERSONAL STYLE.  Sure, we all need a little help getting dressed, but I'd much rather see something a little bit personal (or a lotta bit) with all of those designer duds.

Every look was so carefully curated, orchestrated, and delegated by designers- sure Maggie G. and Elisabeth Moss looked fab in Oscar, but just not authentic to me somwhow. I didn't see anyone who was letting their own personality shine through, and that does not mean we need a Bjork/swan moment or a Lara Flynn Boyle tutu or even a Cher Bob Mackie. But everything just felt too attentive, too produced, and because of that, too boring.

That's why I changed the channel and queued up Keith Richards' documentary "Under the Influence", playing on Netflix right now. As you know, Keith is quite possibly my favorite icon and the film did not disappoint. He is a soulful person who knows who he is, where he comes from, and what has influenced all of his incredible music. And though many make fun of his wasted visage, his personal style is so on point, so incredible, so timeless and so very rock and roll. But most of all, it's all his. He gives not a single f about what people think of how he looks, and guess what? He always looks like himself. I love that. 

I'm so bored with the calculated Hollywood fashion thing. It's time for some of these celebrities/clothes hangers to embrace something more personal. To me, there's very few who get it right- Julia Roberts comes to mind because she almost always looks like her- comfortable in her own skin but still so stylish and easy. It's true the dresses last night were lovely, but a toned down Lady Gaga though stunning was so disappointing. Let's have a few more personality injected into these red carpets- I'm well aware that being an actor is all about playing a role, but on the red carpet, I'd like to see something more personal, and less about looking the part.

Cause that's what's up this being myself kind of Monday in the borough of Brooklyn. Yours, in real style. XO

Yes, Friday. You're here. Looking forward to a beautiful weekend with the last bits of Summer's dappled goodness gracing us with her presence. And with all of the looks from next Spring/Summer's runway dancing about in my head, it's hard to get my head in the game for Fall. But I digress.

Because today in my inbox was a little email from Tory Burch. And I clicked on it and immediately had a bad case of the "must haves". 

I have it bad for these Sarava Boots. They're way too high and way too expensive for me to even consider, but boy do I LOVE THEM. I'd do the reddish but the black are more than their share of rad as well. 

Let me paint a picture- all of your filmy printed dresses, all of your skinny jeans and fur vests, all of your suede pieces and otherwise. Basically, these boots with everything, and you're instantly the chicest 70s inspired badass bitch around. I love them. I mentioned that but like, wow. I really love them.

And Tory didn't stop at these great boots for her 70s inspired (everything is right now) collection for Fall. So many great pieces. I'm loving a lot of it, this page link has just about all the things I like the best, so enjoy and choose wisely. I'll be right here, dreaming of these boots.

Cause that's what's up this giving the week the boot kind of Friday in the Brooklyn. Yours, in my favorite era. XO

PS Yes I watched the Marc Jacobs show. Fabulous. Duh.

Good afternoon, Thursday.

I'll get right to it.

It's hard to be objective when it comes to fashion. You either love things or you don't love them, much like art and music and food and anything else that stirs the senses. We like what we like, we eat what we like, we wear what we like. 

So it's hard to gage from the Spring 2016 shows in New York what's "really" great vs. what I like. Maybe they're the same. Maybe I'm always changing my mind. Maybe that's just a woman's prerogative. (Cue the Bobby Brown).

But the collections onstage this past week have had some common ground (shoulders are the new midriffs and bright colors like orange and deeper shades of green are all over the place), New York designers went all over the place for next Spring. In these uncertain times, can you blame them?

And though I love the boys at Proenza Schouler beyond reason, I did not love their collection. I'm not one to wear flamenco inspired silhouettes. My inner Chiquita Banana is either stifled or non-existent, but I'm not doing it. Not now. Most likely, not ever.

And I already mentioned how Rodarte blurred the season, expecting us to don fur in the Summer. And then I look at Ralph's collection and it's full of sailor stuff, nautical notes, and some pretty dresses for seafaring chic. I'm not one for that either. It's fine. It's just not my vibe.

But then, THEN. Calvin Klein gave a show that was perfection. Or at least, perfection to suit my tastes. I make no secret of my minimalist leanings, and I was gasping at almost every look in the collection, in the best of ways. I'm plotzing over it. 

It was full of many of my favorite things- pajama silhouettes, slip dresses, satin. Slouchy trousers, loose trenches, and evening looks that were spare and chic and casual but so dressed up. And the Japanese prints were just outstanding- I may be a minimalist at heart but I do love my prints- so clean and beautiful and sophisticated and SOFT. Loved every look of this show. I adore simplicity, ease, the sexiness of not being too tricked out or vulgar. These are clothes for women who know who they are, and really, what is sexier than that?  I mean, isn't life hard enough? I want clothes that are super simple and easy, because perhaps my life will take cues. I can't imagine flamenco sleeves are going to keep me calm. Slouchy trousers in silk just might do the trick. There's nothing boring about clothes that help you keep your shit together. I'm a fan. If it's possible, I'm a fan. KEEP IT SIMPLE. Say that 10 times to yourself.

It's hard to describe if you are not a fashion follower what seeing good clothes does- it makes me think of all of the amazing places I'd wear them, take them, hang them and make them my own. I'm prone to daydreaming. And my daydreams almost always include a perfect outfit.  Bravo to Francisco Costa for making Calvin great again- I want all of it and assume that many women will too. Bullseye. The best are often saved for last, and that's very true at the close of this week. My favorite show by far, and even though my much anticipated DKNY show was not as major as I wanted it to be, it still embraced that urban, minimal cool that I adore. I look forward to great things from those great Public School boys. There are other great minimal moments happening too- Narciso, Ryan Roche, Theory, Rag and Bone in a way. But this show was the best of breed. 

Oh, and in case you were wondering, Vogue has proclaimed that grunge is back, and is the "new glamour". I love the neat little video content they're making for their website. And grunge may be back (Chris Cornell has long hair again and has a new album out), but I'm still celebrating these fabulous minimal pieces at Calvin that more than a little bit owe homage to the 90s Belgians and the like, as well as Calvin in those early days of my life in New York. 

And that's what's up this not coming between me and my Calvins kind of Thursday in the citay. Yours, in modern simplicity. 

Good morning, Wednesday. As Fashion Week in New York winds down, a few things are clear- we're all apparently going to wear orange, deep green, and show our shoulders come Spring 2016. Other than that, anything "went" on the American runways.

Case in point- both Rodarte and Vera Wang sent looks down the runway that felt far more Fall/Winter than Spring/Summer. And although Rodarte's collection was absolutely one of my favorites for its goth/ornate hippie vibe, I'm just not clear what customer is going to wear fur and lace tights in July. Perhaps today's gender blur is tomorrow's weather blur, where all seasons are on some kind of spectrum? I'm not sure what that's about but it's been happening for a few seasons now, perhaps more indicative of clients who will buy new threads in February for May and wear them straight away? 

And though Vera's show appealed to my all black everything vibe, wearing a vest such as this in July in Manhattan would surely qualify for crazy person status but I'd die for it in January. I love the look, but it's just strange for Summer. I'm not sure these designers realize it's hotter than ever, and if our temps this week in New York are any indication, winter in Summer is not really a thing. I'm itchy to pull out my leather pieces but I'm still stuck in cotton and bare legs.

On the other side of things, Narciso Rodriguez shared a collection that had all the trends rolled into one- from orange and green and poppy yellow  to shoulders to black and white- it was all there, was seasonly appropriate, and furthered my theory that we have entered a new minimalist age for the next generation of women who prefer less bells and whistles but still want to look fantastic. Kudos for the loosened up silhouettes- love the flow of the pieces that won't have me begging for forgiveness after what will most likely be a long winter of hibernating and carbo loading. I'd wear so much here it would be hard to choose, and the leather used here feels seasonal somehow vs. the wintry textures at Rodarte and Vera.

Another standout for me was Sophie Theallet's presentation- I loved that she had a plus size model on the runway, and found a way to bring her French girl chic to our shores. Theallet has dressed Michelle Obama and also won the CFDA award in 2009- in my mind, she is filling the gaping hole left behind by Donna Karan, who is not showing a signature collection this September and only showing DKNY. Sophie's got that Donna thing down- strong women, ethnic touches, feminine yet modern silhouettes. In a word, gorgeous. Loved this show. 

Looking forward to some big shows today- Michael Kors, the Proenza boys, and of course, the eagerly anticipated DKNY show featuring the first collection from my beloved Public School guys. Very exciting indeed. 

Cause that's what's up this hot in September kind of Wednesday in NYC. Yours, in blurred lines. XO

Good morning, Tuesday.   With live streaming of all the shows giving everyone access to what's trending on the runway, Rag and Bone really gave us our money's worth last night with a show in Brooklyn, scored by Thom Yorke and giving all of us instant gratification as we watched Spring's must haves saunter down the runway.

What I love most about fashion is the reference and nuance of cultural cues. Fashion represents where we are, how we express ourselves, and above all, what we wear. And what we wear does not just evoke status, sex appeal, or eccentricity, or wanting to fit in for that matter. What fashion does at its highest power is evoke the times in which we live while conjuring up a reference to great moments in time, and to me, Rag and Bone killed it on all fronts. They are not only consummate trend watchers, they are the very best of trend setters- because you better believe everybody will be rocking a strucutred hoop earring and those sneakers with fat laces in the Spring- from Bushwick to Berlin and back again. 

From the drum and bass blaring before the show to the "this is my house" declaration of house music to close it, the runway was awash in the 90s archetypes I love so much- the minimalist, the clubby post raver, the hip hop kid.  Rag and Bone is all about the basics, but always with a cool girl twist. I'm in love with the bomber jackets, their new familiar and signature athletic neckline to the long,skinny dresses, and of course, those Liam Gallagher inspired parkas with the slash down the back. Particularly fresh to me was the use of olive/army green with white- very modern and clean and cool. And really- slip dresses and fat laced kicks? How can you not love that? I love the mix of soft and tough- it's one of the best tricks for instant street style cred around.

Were these the best clothes of any show of the week? Probably not. But that's what I love about fashion.(I'm getting to it, be patient).

What I love about fashion is that the women of the world will take these looks and make them their own, because they are wearable, cool, and not too "much" of anything. And I'll eat my (Rag and Bone) felt hat if everyone does not wear those sneakers-  and think of how happy the models were after all of that treachery at Givenchy. I love fashion because it can be very simple, very easy, free of too many bells and whistles and still say so much.

 And though I appreciate eccentricity and maximalism, my style tends to be more in the camp of easygoing, because that's what my life requires, and that's what I adore about fashion, and clothes. I enjoy putting on my armor every day. I can see wearing these looks everywhere, because just like the song says, "this is my house", and I'll wear whatever I want there. And incidentally, it looks like I'll be wearing something off the shoulder come Spring- it's everywhere and really flattering as well.

Kudos to Rag and Bone for always keeping it cool.Great collection, fun show, love love love.

Cause that's what's up this raggedy Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in easy access. XO

Good afternoon and happy New Year to all my fellow MOTs. Fall is about to happen (although mid 80s this week suggest otherwise) and it's time for some shedding and renewal and cozy vibes. But it's also Fashion Week and my take from the armchair so far is, hmm. Meh.

True many of the big guns have not shown yet, but so far the clothes are just fine, but not groundbreaking or mindblowing or even really inspiring. Like others out there it's hard not to have major love for that Givenchy show (watch it here), with its spiritual music and dreamy clothes and Marina Abramovic's homage to the anniversary of 9/11, which was very potent.  In terms of fashion as experience, this show was amazing.

I love the silhouettes, the wide pants, the slouchy silhouettes and use of silk, lace, and a neutral palette- and I detected Gaultier vibes BIG TIME, et tu? A gorgeous show in a gorgeous setting, outside, in New York City. Well done. (Too bad you're not really an American, Ms. Tisci but thanks for showing here, even if his models kept falling down, then getting right back up? Metaphor or coincidence or just clumsy?)

So I was browsing a bit today online and absolutely LOVED Rosetta Getty's presentation. And yes, she is of that Getty family and has been "one to watch" for some time now. I absolutely adored her Chloe like silhouettes and peekaboo accents- not a whole lot I wouldn't wear here, there, and everywhere. 

This is yet another collection crafted for its wanderlust appeal- packing these gorgeous looks in a suitcase and going all over the place has massive appeal. Home run.

And on a completely different trajectory is Tommy Hilfiger, whose looks for Spring and Summer feel just right for young girls hanging out at Ditch Plains in Montauk. In all candor, many looks I've seen from other designers feel more like Fall and Winter than Spring or Summer, and Tommy's collection feels so sunny and happy and fun- think global hippie good vibes, the smell of suntan lotion, and a healthy dose of sun and surf.  Makes me think of early Tracey Feith too, which always takes me to my happy place.

Loving the Jamaican colors and youthtful, global energy of this surf inspired collection.  Surprisingly refreshing and fun looks for the Instagram generation. Love. 

Two totally different collections- both very lovely. 

As for some early trend watching, I'm seeing orange as a big color- from burnt orange to tangerine and back again as well as green- deep green and darker hues of my favorite shade. Perhaps its that 70s influence that won't quit (thank goodness because I love it), but orange, green, and even mustard are bringing that Brady vibe front and center for Spring 2016. Also seeing lots of lace, ruffles, and ladylike accents along with a ton of stripes and that monochromatic minimal thing that is all over my closet and will continue to be for next year.

That's my quick hit for you- still looking through the collections but so far I'm still waiting for some wow wow wow to happen. 

Cause that's what's up this watching the collections kind of Monday in the 212. Yours, in good clothes. XO