the world according to sherimaven

Good afternoon, Thursday. 

I'm currently nursing a headache but thought I'd post nonetheless. Call me Joan of Arc...

So I saw a post on Refinery 29 the other day about the most stylish commuters in San Francisco. Um. Hmm.

For those of you that live in that city, I apologize in advance if I offend you. For although you live in a beautiful place with wonderful things to offer the world, style ain't one of them.

Yes, I'm sure with the influx of money from the tech sector, you've managed to open some great new shops, but overall, fashion is just not your forte. It's true many of you who live there are changing the world when it comes to tech, but you're not doing much for style. And you know that's true. 

Just look at these photos of the "most stylish" commuters. I mean. Really? Horrible. Indie at it's very worst. And although I'm sure there's way better when it comes to style than the commuting class above, I give points for being a little freaky but I have my limits. It's weird for weird's sake and I am not down with it. Thus the fact you will never, ever see me at Burning Man. The very thought...

Perhaps some great fashion start ups like Everlane, which is based in SF, will chart a new course, but until that time, it's no f'in bueno, man. 

And though living in New York has its challenges, one thing we can say for sure amidst a higher divide between the haves and have nots, the disappearance of many cool things, and a mayor who has his head firmly up his you know what is amazing style. Amazing fucking style.

Its why I dreamt of this city as a girl in Philadelphia. It's why I find inspiration everywhere, despite the fact I'm being priced out of my very beloved neighborhood. It's why I'm energized and intrigued by all of the beautiful bodies and faces we have to admire here. New York style is all about being a little bit tough, and a lot confident. There are no hard and fast rules here, though admittedly our style skews a bit towards the conservative (basic black) at times, you'll see from the above pictures from a similar piece on Refinery about NY that people here still do, and will always have it going ON. We're just cool like that. And these pictures don't even do this city of stylish straphangers justice. There's a real soulfulness to New York style, a knowing that comes from within, and then reveals itself without.   You can say many things about my adopted hometown, but lack of style is not one of them.

San Fran, feel free to prove me wrong. But first put down that fleece and spend that seed money on a better wardrobe if you want to challenge me. The struggle is real, my friends. Very, very real. And there's no app for that. We too spend way too much money on housing and living so what is your excuse?

Cause that's what's up this New Yorkers do it better kind of Thursday in the 212. Yours, in subway style. XO

Good afternoon, friends.

I'm not in much of the mood today, so I'll keep this brief. I came across a ridiculous article from last year about what women should not wear over 30 years old. To the writer who said women over 30 should not wear leopard, here you go.

Good morning, Monday. It's hot in the city and the work week has begun. Was a lovely weekend with new and old friends enjoying each other's company and such. Lovely.

So many of you know i'm scent obsessed. With my sense of smell being superhero-like, I've always been drawn to scent in a fanatical way. If I don't like the way something or someone smells, I'm not going near it, or them.  Scent is such a powerful emotion.

When I discovered a friend wearing Le Labo's Santal 33, I had the opposite reaction. It's a scent that is woody, watery, and musky all at once with an overall clean finish. It's not like many other scents, but there's an almost leather-like familiarity that hits you in the face with an almost embarrassing assault of love. It's delicious.  I'm sure many of you are familiar with it, but for those who aren't- woah. It's powerful. They even mix it right there for you at the store or beauty counter where you buy it, and each bottle comes complete with your name on it so although it's more mass than custom, it's very much all yours.

So when my friend sauntered in to lunch wearing it one day this past winter, I had to ask her what it was.  After a bit of research, I quickly found that this scent has a cult following, and I can see why. Because once I bought it, the oddest things began to happen.

The first time I wore it an Uber driver said, "don't leave", because, and these were his words, "that perfume is breaking my heart". 

Another time I wore it and a woman who was complete stranger literally grabbed my arm on the street and asked me what I had on. She basically scared the crap out of me but I know what a good smell can do to some. Including me...

Last week I wore it and was sitting at a long conference table when everyone in the meeting with me started sniffing the air and inhaling deeply, in love with the scent. I was worried I was overperfumed, but apparently they couldn't get enough. 

Then this morning in Starbucks in my neighborhood, a man in gym clothes blocked my way and asked me what scent I was wearing, because it was "unbelievably amazing", which led to a 15 minute pontification on his favorite flavor of candles (bergamot). Ok, then. Can I just get my skinny vanilla latte now?

So what's my point with all of this? The fact that scent is a provocative, beautiful endeavor. And that some scents smell better than others. And that Le Labo Santal 33 inspires perfect strangers to give you a compliment. So if you want to break hearts, be grabbed by strangers, admired my coworkers, and receive a compliment before you've even had coffee, buy it. I'm aware it smells kind of different on everyone, but that's part of the fun. I didn't love it on myself at first, but I've come around, and apparently, so has everybody else. It makes you seriously attractive to members of both sexes and inspires them to tell you as much. If you're single, I'd say skip the gym, the gluten free diet, and the expensive lipstick. Just get this scent and you will pretty much become a modern day Helen of Troy. Oh, and boys can wear it too. It's sexy for both X and Y chromosomes. 

Cause that's what's up this aromatic Monday in the 212. Yours, in good scents. XO

Link to buy here. Consider yourself warned. It's quite the conversation starter, and who knows what else.

Good morning, friends.

It's a soupy day in New York and I'm having to run home for a wedding tonight at some point and fight the Hamptons traffic. Oy.

So this week was a big one for the commercial photography industry in the city- the trade show, Le Book. It's pretty amazing how many years I've been producing, and seeing all of my favorite people there this week confirmed I'm pretty lucky to do what I do, even though my writing is always top of mind. I still love photography, I love my tribe of agents, photographers, and fellow comrades in photography arms. Admittedly, it's a fairly niche profession but I feel happy I have met so many fabulous people along the way. It doesn't suck to look at beautiful pictures and illustrations every day and even get to make more along the way. It's not a bad way to make a living. Plus, I never have to wear pantyhose or a suit to work, so there's that. 

Sure the event is a big schmooze/chat fest with old pals, but I was fortunate enough to see some great new photography as well, courtesy of Katy Barker's very cool agency based in London. Katy has always had an eye for the NBT, and I'm going to say with great certainty her photographer Cameron McCool is well on his way. He's 22, and according to his bio, has been shooting for brands since he got out of high school and is completely self taught. I'm in love with his pictures. He's going to be very big, and he's already working with heavy hitters like L'Uomo Vogue so no doubt he's well on his way.

I'm floored by his aesthetic which feels vintage and modern all at once and in the best of ways, and to have such a strong point of view at such a young age. It's funny he grew up in California because I find his vibe so very British and rock and roll. As someone who's obsessively looked for trends my whole life, I feel like his work is the next generation of the California lifestyle, sun flare stuff we've been seeing for some time. Sure it pays some homage to American Apparel and Terry Richardson, but for me, the work felt so stark, authentic, and beyond cool. It's a nice respite from tan kids surfing and smiling, and the fact that he is the same age as the subjects he's capturing makes it all feel spot on. I love it. Could very well be the next Corrine Day, American style.

Anyhow, just wanted to share some nice photos with you today as I was lucky enough to spot his work yesterday over a martini and some laughs. I'm always on the lookout for me and always on the lookout for you when it comes to what's fresh and what's next. Link to his work here. 

And that's what's up this next level Friday in the creative hotbed of Manhattan. Yours, in pretty pictures. XO

Hiya, world. It's Thursday and chilly in New York and I so wish I was back in bed with lil K under my arm. It's sleepy outside and there's a duvet and an open window with a cool breeze out there just waiting for me home in Brooklyn. Sigh.

So it's Thursday which is technically a throwback day, so thought I'd share some photos that inspired my style growing up and continue to inspire me to this very day. 

I was reading about the Gap last night (as I do) and the article mentioned that the Gap had lost sense of itself as a brand, of its individualism, of its effortless cool joie de vivre. The Adweek piece of course pointed to the iconic tv spots they used to do, incorporating khakis and dancing and all sorts of reverence to classic American cool. I miss those days too.

But besides the Gap,  Rei Kawakubo and Comme Des Garcons contribution to my lifelong obsession with minimalism, photography, and black and white sensibilities are very much instrumental to my dedicated following of fashion. Looking at these old ads, I'm struck by how amazing and brilliant they still look- simple photography, simple hair and makeup (for the most part), and amazing silhouettes that are vintage and futuristic enough to be so present to this day.  

And that logo- so good. Simple and fabulous. I'll never forget looking at these pictures and dreaming about an art filled life in New York City, even as I was stuck in the suburbs of Philadelphia with nobody to really understand how much I wanted to be elsewhere, wearing black. 

This mid 80s story shot by Steven Meisel featuring a young Christy Turlington in all Comme Des is brilliant. The shapes, the avant garde posturing, the brilliance of a wardrobe that is so terrifically chic. So global, so urban, so creative. Love love love.

A dear friend of mine and I met many moons ago at my first job in advertising. We were both assistants- he  was in creative and I was in production. We were obsessed with a female broadcast producer who bore a strong resemblance to Rei Kawakubo (but prettier) and wore the most sensational Japanese inspired clothes. We'd joke that one day she would leave the ad world and open up "The Minimalist Theme Park", where noiseless rides and silent chambers and black muslin would serve as a backdrop for the minimal masses who craved anything but a great adventure. Expressionless, cool, and spare. Just how we liked it. I'm still waiting for the minimalist theme park to open. I was never much for Six Flags...

But seriously- Rei Kawakubo's genius is transcendent and regardless of cultural shifts and changes in tastes and pop culture, Rei has always stayed true to her amazing brand. I bought my first piece of Comme des in high school (a chartreuse pleated heavy silk scarf) and my black elastic waisted wide leg wool trousers did not come off my body last winter. I'm also a huge fan of the fragrances- the collab Comme des did with Monocle resulted in the beautiful Hinoki fragrance, which makes me feel like I'm back in Japan. It's beyond delicious. 

And Rei's influence on my love of the oversized silhouette prevails to present life. Just yesterday I was wearing a dress from Meg (a lovely local dress shop here in NYC) called, quite simply, the Parachute. It's a voluminous number with a v neck and short sleeves that pretty much leaves everything to the imagination. And though I wear plenty of tailored pieces, I love volume and getting lost in a piece of clothing. Done well, it's just so chic.  

So let's throw back Thursday by raising a glass to Rei and Comme des Garcons for always keeping it real and staying true. I wouldn't love what I love without her, and them. Cause that's what's up this black and white Thursday in the minimalist Mad Max city of New York. Yours, in austere volume and pretty pictures. XO

Good morning, Monday. Jesus Gawd Game of Thrones. WTF? How you gonna do us like that? 

And with Monday coming in like a Scottish morning, New York's fogginess feels more akin to the moors of Winterfell than the sidewalks of Manhattan. I kind of love when New York is shrouded in fog- it's sleepily narcotic and strange, just like true love. 

And speaking of love,  I recently fell in love with a sweater. (Stay with me).

I saw the most perfect shaggy Scottish green sweater of all time on Saturday - it's from Acne and very much biting my quest to be shop free until just past my birthday- today is day one of operation no more shopping. I adore this sweater which looks worn in and nubby and shabby in the best way possible.  I've recently purged a ton of clothes from my closet and I don't want a single thing, except of course, this sweater. To wear with, oh, I don't know- EVERYTHING? Plus, it's from their men's line, and I adore a good men's sweater to snuggle in. Yes, I'm in love with a sweater. Sue me. It's not really the sweater- it's more about where I'm going when I'm wearing it in my mist shrouded daydreams. Plus, Game of Thrones has me not only seeing red, but a deep shade of green. I live for green- it's my favorite color and I'm mad for this particular hue.

I've been fantasizing of late about a trip to Scotland in the Fall, to go back to a place that felt so strangely familiar to me both times I've been there. This sweater would be a good thing to pack. And it matches my sometimes greenish eyes. And it will go beautifully with the red hair I'm going back to come Fall.  And it's perfect for a post Labor day Beach weekend.  Sigh. I need this sweater.

Anyway, it's back to work today and after last night's season finale, this foggy day feels absolutely right. Not to mention how right this sweater is...there's no sizes of it left anywhere so this one may not have been in the closet cards, but never mind. I'm sure I'll fall in love with something else I'm not allowed to buy in the next month and change.

Cause that's what's up this fuzzy, foggy Monday in the 212. Yours, in woolen love affairs and far off places. XO 

The Peele sweater can be seen here, but be warned- a quick search online yielded very few sizes other than teeny weeny left anywhere.

Good morning, Friday. It's very hot and humid outside but I'm happy it's the weekend even if it's that time of year when I become a bit Victorian and full of the vapors. I am so not good in the heat.

As I mentioned last week, I like the idea of a once weekly post about something you could wear everyday- those pieces that never go out of style and work from season to season.

It's hard for me to write a piece like this without shouting out the black muscles shirt. The sleeveless tee has become a staple of my wardrobe- I like wearing them with blazers in the winter and with everything else in the summer. And though there are a million brands making tee shirts, my all time favorite has to be the amazing T by Alexander Wang slub muscle tee- whose almost linen like appearance and weight makes this a fabric that is amazing at times when the humidity is off the charts. I love the lower neckline and slouchy silhouette and that it's not super clingy. It's a fav and love the next level slub treatment. Listen, at $90 this is not a cheap t shirt- but if you think of it as more of a top than a tee- which it can easily be- then you will see why it belongs in your dresser drawer and is oh so perfect for everyday wear.

Cause that's what's up this almost the weekend kind of Friday in the 212. Yours, in everyday hustles and good black tees. XO

Link to buy here. 

Good afternoon, Thursday. It's hot up in NYC today and I'm happy to be hidden indoors. I'm but a gentle flower who wilts in 90 degree heat and humidity. Yuck.

So I thought I'd share a great shoe find with you today from a brand I rarely partake in- Aldo.  Aldo always struck me as a brand who makes uncomfortable shoes for girls who like to wear heels with maxidresses. You know EXACTLY who I'm talking about, ps.

But a recent early morning trip inside revealed some great and non-spendy choices for Summertime sandaling. I particularly was drawn to the studded espadrille shown at the top of this post- sure it's a copy of the Valentino version (just above this paragraph), but at $85, it's more than a tenth of the price. And although I'm not one for copies or fakes, these feel different enough that I feel like I'm not cheaping out, rather getting a cool take on the Rockstud classic, at a much better price.

Add in the fact that they look great with everything from dresses to boyfriend jeans and that they are insanely comfy, and you can't lose. Link to buy here- and they also come in a cognac brown that's lovely with white and denim in the warm months. I may need both pairs.

Cause that's what's up this well spent Thursday in the 212. Yours, in affordable cuteness. XO

Good afternoon, Wednesday. It's hot in the city and finally feels like Summer might stick around a minute. I'm not mad at it. Yet. You know how I feel about the heat...for now, I'm happy for the warmth but let's keep that humidity far away.

So a fab friend of mine occasionally sends me emails with links to all sorts of fabulous stuff. The other day, she sent me a link to Chloe's Resort 2016 collection, and woah. Like WOAH.

Those clothes are on a whole other hippie chic luxe gypsy level. I can't get enough of Chloe and am smitten by the dusty palette and awesome silhouettes. Dying over the wide legged, oversized trousers and all the filmy tops and dresses. By far, my favorite thing in the whole collection is that studded pant. I can't handle how much I will dream of those in the months to come. I'm madly in love with them.

The team at Chloe understands the subtle nuance of boho that's not overly fahputzed- it's not too hippied out- it shows enough cool restraint to almost be minimal and altogether chic. It's almost Ralph Lauren-like on many levels. So romantic and beautiful yet super classic chic.  I die.

Cause that's what's up this Chloe Chloe Chloe of a Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in lustworthy pants and then some. XO

Good morning, Tuesday. I'm finally feeling in tune again even though it's hot and humid and yucky outside. It was nice to stay in bed a few minutes later than usual today and skip the gym- sometimes the dog needs extra cuddles. Sometimes I need extra cuddles. And that's that.

So I was thinking about how fussy I am about most things- one of the benefits of getting older is that you really do know what works for you and what doesn't. And with a birthday fast approaching next month, I started thinking about how very well I know myself, with all of my quirks and eccentricities. And though many people have a list of things they want to do, I find myself keeping a list of things I never want to do. As in- never, ever. I'm not a close minded woman, I just know what i like and what I don't. Here's a few of the things I don't plan on doing or eating in this lifetime- let's refer to them as my ten anticommandments:

1. Camping- Yea. This one's fairly common for us urban types and princesses. I'm not down with camping, even when it's masquerading  as glamping. I'm not one for sleeping outside. And I most likely never will be, even if you have cedar plank salmon or a lot of really good      wine. Next.

2. Paintball- If you know me at all or if we have ever met even briefly, you know that I am so not a paintball kind of girl. Under no circumstances do I want anyone chasing me down and shooting at me. Even if it is just paint. Plus I have a very low pain threshold and I don't like the looks of this game. It's way too alpha for me. Plus, what would I wear?  There are girls who play paintball, and there are  girls  who would never run around in the woods screaming and wearing a bandanna in their hair while dodging a gun. I am one of those girls. 

3. Tomatoes- Oh Lord. I hate tomatoes. I love tomato juice. I love tomato sauce. But plain old tomatoes? Gag. Gag. Gag. Can't even have a seed near my sandwich. Blech. I am phobic about them.

4. Onions- Ditto on the onions. Particularly raw ones. Disgusting. 

5. Needles- Nobody likes needles. I know this. But even if my forehead starts to look like a roadmap to my life, I would not stick a needle in     it to look a few years younger. Because I hate needles. And that aforementioned pain threshold. What kind of hedonist likes needles?  Not this one. I'm team pleasure and not team pain.  I hate those things. And I would never willingly get one. So no botox for this girl. Oh,  and deep tissue massages fall into this camp too. WTF? Tickle me with a feather, better. Poked and/or prodded are not my trip.

6. Hot yoga- This one is high on my list of do nots. I hate feeling too hot.  Why on Earth would I want to down dog in a gas chamber?   You're right. I wouldn't. Y'all are crazy. Plus a roomful of hot, sweaty yogis is not my idea of a good time. 

7. Retreats- As a lifelong non-joiner, I don't like anything called a retreat. This implies I am trapped in a place with supposed "like minded"  people. I hate feeling like I can't leave a place and that there's nothing to do in said place except focus on something I will most likely realize means very little to me halfway through.  I always need an out. Plus, I have a rebel heart and hate the thought of overly organized bullshit with no escape. And name tags. I hate a name tag.

8. Bed and breakfasts- Big one. I don't like the idea of sleeping in some weirdo's house who most likely has terrible taste. And if I'm going to wake up to the smell of breakfast sausage, I prefer it in my own bed. Way too intimate for me. No thank you. Plus I got kicked out of  one for smoking once and I am permanently scarred from that shameful moment. Hotels all the way. Air BNBs too, as long as the homeowner is not present during my stay. An inn is questionable, but far more desirable than a bed and breakfast.

9. Fake shit - I'd rather carry a handbag from a dollar store than wear a fake Louis Vuitton. That's the truth. If I can't afford a Rolex, I'm not     going to wear a fake Rolex. Plus I absolutely hate Canal Street. So no chance of me wearing a shitty copy of anything. I'm all about the real thing, cause there ain't nothing like it and you know this. All or nothing at all, baby.

10. Bucket lists- As I approach an age where one takes stock, I'm not putting together anything called a bucket list. Making one implies you don't have a lot of time left or you are somehow disappointed with the life you currently lead.  We all want to see the wonders of the world. I don't need to put that on a list. I'm setting myself up to fail that way. I'd rather just focus on serendipity and chance. That's       more my vibe. Oh, and if you have a bucket list, don't tell me about it. Keep it to yourself. Please. I beg.

Not on this list but as an appendix or addendum- Broadway musicals. I can't. I just can not. They make my ears bleed. I have many friends in the business and though I love you, I can't deal with musicals. It's my version of auditory hell. If for some reason I don't make it to Heaven, I will surely be greeted in Hell to the strains of "Oklahoma".  G-d help me.

So by now you're wondering how, seemingly overnight, I've turned into Andy Rooney. I haven't. In fact there are many things about life I absolutely adore. But I wanted to share a few things I don't. And trust me, there are many more but these are consistently loathsome to me.

Cause that's what's up this truthful Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in ten things you may have not known (or wanted to know) about me. XO