the world according to sherimaven

Good morning, Friday. Just finished my all time fav spin class, though this cricket silence work thing is a little weird right now. I'm a fairly busy lady most of the time, but the past few weeks there's been a radio silence that at most times, is pleasant, but at some times it's deafening. Yikes. Hire me, people. Hire me. You know you want this.

So the last thing I should really be thinking about in lean times should be handbags. But I am. And I can't stop.

Because as I'm finding myself in a more mature mood these days when it comes to style, I can't help but obsess over a structured bag like the Saint Laurent Sac du Jour. Of course I want the largest one too. Duh.

I have a good friend who I trade bag links with, much like I imagine dudes do when they see a hot car or a hot chick. I sent her a link to the Saint Laurent number, to which she replied, "Oh that? I'm kind of surprised you don't have one already". Right????

Another friend of mine was in Barneys with me midweek on one of our "fa la la" days (both of us freelance so we meet for lunch and window shop when we're not working- so fa la la, fa la la, you can't sit with us), and as I grabbed the purse of my dreams, she immediately exclaimed "GAME CHANGER". She probably yelled this about 10 times, just to make sure I got the point. Noted.  Loud and clear.

I've always been partial to unstructured totes and hobo bags, even slouchy clutches to go with my decidedly unstructured appearance. But lately I've been wearing more grown up clothes- think blazers, good tees, and jeans with heels and I feel like I need the right bag to accompany my new vibe. 

 I'm also fairly in love with Ferragamo's excellent bags shown above- beautiful,simple, clean. These are bags that mean business, they are the "bags you will have forever"- timeless, classic, and insanely expensive. And I'm sure by now you're wondering why I'm not mentioning the Birkin, but that bag will most likely never be mine. Unless I start running a hedge fund or win the lottery, that is. A bag that costs the same as a car is not really going to happen any time soon. It's ludicrous anyway and just a bit "too too" for me. I love how a structured bag can be so elegant and quiet- free of artifice, logos, and impervious to trends and fads. In one word, perfection. 

I'm putting this out there in print because I'm using this post like a mantra to secure some work so I can buy this damn bag. Priorities, children. Priorities. I'm madly in love with it- of course I'd buy it in black and wear it all year round- gorgeous with everything I own, and a perfect bag for work and ultimately, redefinition. 

That's all I've got for the moment. Je desire a bag with some structure, and some substance. I crave the same from my career. Funny how that works. Namaste.

Cause that's what's up this life mirrors fashion kind of Friday in the 718. Yours, in game changers. XO

Good day, Thursday. It's shite outside. Make it stop. Come on Spring. I'm becoming a total shut in.

So today is Thursday so technically it's a throwback kind of vibe, and since I've been watching the wonderful two parter on Sinatra on HBO (part two tonight), I thought I'd post an amazing recipe from none other than Frank and his partner in crime, Dean Martin.

It goes without saying that I have been and always will be a huge Sinatra kind of girl- I've written pieces on him before and have always found his equal parts lonely and lovestruck vibe to be just what the doctor ordered, not to mention that pitch, phrasing, and immaculate style. All hail the chairman of the board, up, down, over, and out.

But this is a real and funny glimpse into what made Sinatra and co. so magical- silly, witty, clever, and above all, classic. Here's to burgers and bourbon and old fashioned bad asses. Who loves ya, Frank? 

Cause that's what's up this make it a double kind of Thursday in the 718. Yours, in blue eyes and two finger pours. XO

Good afternoon, Monday. It is a perfectly lovely day in the city today and I'm happy after a fun weekend with family, my first attempt at a kugel (success), and Springtime, above all. Rejoice.

So I read a great article last week about a female Creative Director in advertising who is notable not only for her smarts and beauty, but also for her embrace of a more uniform approach to office attire- in that, she wears a uniform. Every day. Her reasoning for doing so ran the gamut from saving time in the am to feeling more in control in bro-land and always being on point. I found this so relatable, having worked in advertising most of my career, but also, somewhat ironic.

Now advertising is one of the few businesses that a woman or man can pretty much wear whatever they want- from a sweatshirt and jeans to a more buttoned up look for client meetings and beyond. I posted the article about her on my Facebook feed and got oh so many responses and likes from people that can relate to wearing a uniform on the regs. As for me, I've oft fantasized about living a uniform life when it comes to daily dressing- it sure would cut down on closet space, prep time, and take all the guesswork out of getting it right when there are so many other things to worry about each day. 

But what's striking to me is that the notion of a uniform is a slippery slope- for instance, I was completely repelled by every gym class uniform I ever had- from the one piece blue bloomer thing with belt we wore in grade school (really) to the hideously hued gold tee shirt and scratchy blue jogging shorts we had to wear in high school. I hated it so much that I got my family doctor to write me a note, claiming I was allergic to polyester. This gave me a free pass from not only wearing a uniform, but also taking gym at all. I ended up in some sort of remedial gym, where the school degenerates and other types learned to play shuffleboard and ping pong instead. It's why I'm still good at ping pong to this day, so for that, I'm eternally grateful.

And I know I would hate a job that told me I had to wear a uniform- I could most likely never be a cop, fast food worker, or flight attendant. Because wearing a uniform that is not of my own choosing, that is somehow imposed upon me would be just terrible. And although Goldie Hawn looked mighty cute in her oversized fatigues in "Private Benjamin", my life as a freely dressed civilian is much more appealing.

For me, as a woman who is getting older and wiser about what looks good on my body, a sort of uniform in the workplace is an inevitability. I like well cut blazers, soft tees, and great jeans or trousers with a mid heel pump or ballet flat.  And I love the way my lightweight wool jumpsuit from COS makes me feel- it buttons up the front and has a drawstring waist and long sleeves and a cropped, wide leg- it's a simple statement to replace the endless array of LBDs I have always been prone to wear.  The jumpsuit is a true wardrobe mainstay. As long as it's not orange...

As for women who in my mind stand out as wardrobe icons- I go immediately to Audrey Hepburn and her classic LBD, the one that made women all over swoon for something classic. I remember an old stylist friend of mine packing for a trip to Rome and bringing about three black sleeveless sheath dresses, of varying lengths, which would go with everything from a cute flat sandal to a sexy high heel at night. Genius.

Also, think of Uma Thurman in "Pulp Fiction"- a crisp white, well fitted button down (though slightly oversized) and a cropped black trouser will always, always be a great look, and could easily make you a card carrying member of the uniform club. You could easily play with bags, shoes, and jewelry to keep the look from getting boring. With this as your base, there's so many more places you could go- from moto jackets to cardigans to a peek of black bra. Love.

And by now you know how much I am obsessed with the whole French thing- they are truly the masters of the chic uniform- from Emanuelle Alt's almost all black everything to Caroline De Maigret in this black suit and white shirt (my all time fav wardrobe and the one favored by the woman in the piece above), there is simply no place you couldn't go dressed this way. And topping things off with a trench and only a trench is a great way to travel. It looks good with just about everything. And j'adore a tee shirt or short sweater dress as a great piece for the summer that you could wear in either black, white, or navy, and just about every day. PS uniforms work best in neutral colors, but you can also think about uniforms in a different way- if you wear pink every day as your "thing" it could easily become a uniform, or if you favor leopard print, or something leopard every day, that could work too.

And that's what's wonderful about a uniform- if you get it right, you can go anywhere wearing it, because it's so much more about YOU and less about what you're wearing, because you've simply got that on lock.  A uniform says you mean business and can't be bothered with the trite and trivial and are immune to fashion's whims and endless trends and flashes in the pan. A uniform is like armor- impervious armor that will take you to a new place in your wardrobe, and approach to personal style. If you are feeling overwhelmed by options and need to dial it way down, think about a uniform that suits you- that lets you be exactly who you are. I'm close to perfecting mine and would love to hear more about yours. Cause that's what's up this modern approach to Monday in the 718. Yours, in well styled sameness.  Here's another great piece on stylish uniforms. Grace Coddington is a great example of someone who is infinitely creative and surrounded by the most splendid clothes on Earth, but she keeps things simple in basic black and that familiar shock of red hair.  XO

Good afternoon, Good Friday. Happy Easter and Passover to all my peoples. I'm about to throw down and make a kugel and embrace my Jewishness for a few hours. It's a rarity these days, but a girl's gotta do...I'd rather be dying Easter eggs, but that's another issue completely.

So admittedly I woke up this morning not much wanting to get out of bed- the sheets were that magic temperature and there was a breeze blowing and Khan was cuddled up with me while David got ready for work. I was practicing a little self sorrow as well- having not worked in a few weeks it does cross my mind that perhaps I'll never work again, that I'm washed up, that suddenly I'm not going to be able to ever buy food, eye cream, or a handbag again. Yes, drama. Ridiculous, silly drama. I'm prone to it. Don't act like you're not.

But then I thought back to the great day I had yesterday- catching up with a fabulous photographer I know for lunch and then meeting up with a good gal pal to chat about a new website I'm building and window shop around Soho, culminating in a Balthazar martini, her treat, which was lovely.

And then I got myself out of bed and rallied and went to my favorite spin class of late, taught by a hilarious character who kicks your ass but somehow manages to make you smile too. He's a big music person and his canon runs from Beyonce to Lil Wayne to Arcade Fire. He always has great music (busting out 'Din Da Da' is pretty deep), he's very funny and flamboyant, and generally puts me in a good place, if only for an hour. Something he said today got me thinking, and it was when he was referencing his rather eclectic switch of musical styling during class, which he referred to as "abrupt genre changes". These changes, though seemingly unconnected, make everything flow just right. 

And that's what I feel like I'm going through right this second, spin class aside- an abrupt genre change has snuck up on me and forced me to go with the flow. 

I know I need to switch some stuff up, to mix my genres when it comes to work and life, and even though sometimes it can feel jarring or weird or scary, it's all for the greater good- because when the genres change, things get kind of interesting. 

If you're feeling a bit stuck, maybe try an abrupt genre change- whether that means hacking off your lob or saying hello to someone you've seen in your neighborhood for a while and have never had the guts to chat up. Or maybe it's realizing that if things are going too much same same, an inevitable outcome will most surely be an AGC, because the whole coasting model feels good for a while, but sometimes you need a new song to dance to, spin to, or live with.

I'm going to chalk up my little paradigm shift to the universe, who is clearly trying to tell me I'm in need of some sudden genre switcharoos. If I don't embrace the change, I'm going to get stuck in bed, and going to miss the fun that comes when you embrace what's to come, even when you're not quite sure what it is yet. PS Din Da Da. How great is that song? 

Anyway, I'm going to go bubby out in the kitchen and hope that next week is going to be a great one. I've enjoyed my adventures in exile the past few weeks, but time to get back to work and change the channel. Cause that's what's up this in the mood for change kind of Friday in the 718. Yours, in going with it and ultimately, for it.  I feel like dancing, so turn it up.  XO

Good morning, Thursday. 

You know that feeling after a long winter when you wake up one day and suddenly it's really, finally SPRING? That day is today. And though I'm happy to report I've kept up on pedicures this winter in anticipation of such a momentous occasion, my lily white legs are desperate for some sun and I'm feeling the need to majorly switch over my closet and pretty much burn my chunky knits, but not just yet...

Because with winter's talons releasing us from their very sturdy clutches, I'm watching you, Spring. Even though it was light a bit earlier this am and the chill in the air is a bit more warm, I'm not entirely sure you're here to stay. And because of that, I may be lifting my sleepy sullen mask, but I welcome you with some suspicion and caution. Although you better believe I'm taking inventory of my self tanner stash and planning on wearing something that contains not an ounce of wool today.

Wake up my lovelies. It's Springtime! Game on (let's hope so).

Cause that's what's up this going up to 60something kind of Springish day in the best city on Earth. Yours, in cautious warm welcomes. XO

Good afternoon, Tuesday. I'm home again today and Khan and I just took a long walk and now we're ready to have at it. Or I am, anyway. He's in his bed with his sweet little chin hanging over the edge. But I'm ready to share my pick for the jean of 2015 and beyond, and that is- the Levi's 501 CT, a new take on the most classic jean of all time. 

Call it a victim of great styling, but these jeans make me realize how a solid pair of 501s is probably the sexiest thing around, particularly when it looks like you grabbed your boyfriend's pair and left the house. 

The CT is a fresh take on the jean with a more tapered leg, but the ability to cut and customize a la your favorite pair in high school is still very real.  I adore the way they look with a silky button down and heels, oversized with tousled hair and a bit of an attitude. Put a biker jacket over them and you have instant chic. The brand recommends going true to size for a more "slim and modern" fit, true to size for a more "true" fit, or size up a size or two to go more oversized and slouchy (my jam, bien sur).

I spotted some gorgeous horsebit belts in Ralph Lauren the other day that would look so great worn over the beltloops with these jeans and a classic tank and sandals in the warm months, though I also love these with an oversized ribbed turtleneck sweater and some great pointed flats or stilettos and a great trench. Any way you go, there you are. As in you are fabulous and dressed like a true American style icon.

Tuesday, I'm in love (with Levis). Et tu? Oh, and boys- never fear. They're awesomely available for you as well.

Cause that's what's up this classic Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in great jeans.  XO

Link to buy here.

Good afternoon, Thursday. I'm going to just put it out there- today is probably not my favorite.

My phone died (got a new one but still), a work thing I wanted fell through, and the rain did not allow for a therapeutic walk around town to get through it all. Oh well. Such is...I've had better, and I'll have worse. But today? Meh. Big time meh. Maybe even double meh.

But as I was catching up on my newsfeed and feeling sorry for myself, I decided to check out the Lily Pulitzer Target collab, releasing April 19th. Now y'all know I'm not exactly a Lily girl, but I have always found her story inspiring- after all, she's an OG female entrepreneur, whose sunny prints can put a smile on even the most dour of faces (namely mine).

So it's no surprise that I found myself loving a lot of the pieces I saw, and it's a 360 collection full of clothes and home goods and children's wear and it's pretty fabulous. It's true to the Lily DNA, with all the classic prepped out prints, and all the adorableness. The bathing suits are adorable, as are some of the little dresses, and digging hard on those kimono like cover ups.  Loving those little cap toed espies too. Cute.

Now for me, I'd never go Lily head to toe, but I like a preppy touch from time to time, particularly in the home. My favorite things are the outdoor furnishings and I am over the moon with those adorable cosmetics cases, which would look lovely in a beachy bathroom this Summer. I've been thinking of ways to spruce up my yard game this summer, and some of these deck chairs could work nicely. 

Also adorable were the looks for girls- so much cute stuff and can only imagine adorable little ones from Montauk to Miami rocking these cute pieces come Memorial Day.

As I think about what's next for my in my career, and as today offered me some crap news in that department, I'm wondering what my version of the Lily lemonade stand will be, and since life is giving me lemons today, I better get to making a fresh batch of lemonade, and channeling young Lily to boot. And though it's true that too much Lily (never go full Lily) will have you looking too much like a Tri Delt (though you may be going for that, who knows), it's the little things that make this collection a real winner for me. Well done, Lily and Target, for cheering me up today and bringing Lily to her legions of fans, and most likely, a whole lot of new ones. Check out the full Lookbook here. 

Cause that's what's up this who wants some lemonade kind of Thursday in the BK. Yours, in print. XO

Good afternoon, Wednesday. It's kind of sort of warm outside and I'm more than kind of sort of digging it. 

And at the risk of eye rolls and dating myself, I want to talk to you about Carrie Bradshaw. Remember her?

Don't act like you don't watch SATC reruns. Sure you have moved on to "Girls" and "Broad City" and you probably no longer drink cosmopolitans, though you may still be looking for your Mr. Big. I'm doing none of it, but damn if I still don't love some Carrie. 

Recently I found myself watching an episode from the Aidan years, the height of the show's fame and that period in the 90s in New York when Florent was still open, the Lower East Side still had some flavor, and Carrie and the girls had the New York single woman thing down. As for myself, I was a bit of a hot mess, emphasis on mess. But enough about me.

I wanted to share my love for the Aidan and Carrie era, even though Aidan was super annoying (with his where did you go, who did you see schtick), Carrie's style during that time was amazing. Something about dating a furniture maker, maybe? Who knows. But what I do know is I love what I am calling "tube top Carrie"- and really banking on a tube top renaissance as the warmth pervades.  When I watched the episode where she was wearing the above, I just about died. It's just so chic to this day, as are her penchant for jogging shorts and heels. So good. Well worth a throwback on a Wednesday. I just couldn't wait till Thursday for this one.

Think about it- cute with flares, cute with a mid length skirt, full or tube, and could even work with boyfriend jeans and some flip flops. I'm officially obsessed with tube top Carrie, and even though things went south with Aidan, you gotta love Ms. Bradshaw's steez during this love affair. So pour yourself a little something and ponder that. I for one had a Susana Monaco tube top as well as several J. Crew tube dresses, which would also go mighty fine with this Spring's 70s block heels or even a pair of Birks. Bra straps are of course, optional.  So I dub today tube top Carrie day, in deference. It's hard to ignore just how influential that show was to our collective style, and that's that.

And just for kicks, here's a few more of my fav Carrie moments from back in the day, when her look was less label slave and more cool chick about town.

 Oh and her look when she started dating Berger? GENIUS. Even if he did break up with her via email. (Update: Forgot it was a Post It. Even worse).

Cause that's what's up this sleeveless, neckless Wednesday in the sexiest city on Earth. Yours, in love affairs and great style. TUBE TOP CARRIE FOREVER. XO

Good morning, everyone. It's still cold in the city but feeling some small slivers of Spring in the air and so ready for blooming flowers and warmer temps. It needs to go above 40 stat.

So often in between seasons, many of us experience a weird anxiety over what we want to wear when the weather changes. It's that neither here nor there feeling that makes us feel ungrounded when it comes to style, so I for one look to Pinterest and the world wide web for inspiration.

Clemence Poesy. All day. Every day. Yet another French woman who can do absolutely no wrong. She is just too fabulous, and her mix of tomboy and feminine looks are the perfect yin/yang for seasonal dress. Here's some photos to help inspire your next fashion move. Those French girls with their timeless yet remarkably on trend chic. It's just such a good thing.

Cause that's what's up this why do French girls just KNOW kind of mardi not in Paris. Yours, in style check mates. XO

Good morning, Monday. 

I'm working at home today and had to give a quick shout out to my favorite new product, the very luxe Koh Gen Do Maifanshi foundation. Sure, it's a mouthful to say. Sure, it's possibly the smallest package for the money, and this stuff does not come cheap. True, the thought of another product can make some of us feel skittish, particularly because we're coming up on a season where less is more.

But stop the presses, because this product is EVERYTHING. And considering the fact that it's the beginning of another work week, why not start with a strong base? 

I don't even understand it, but the smallest amount of this stuff makes you look positively lit from within. The challenge is finding the correct shade, so when I ordered from Sephora.com, I told them what shade I am in another foundation, and they were able to point me to the right place. And my love for this very light foundation (feels more like a tinted moisturizer) knows zilch bounds. And if you're feeling really fancy, their cleansing wipes are incredibly luxe and take off the toughest of makeup and make you feel extra fresh. 

But my money is on that wickedly good foundation- a favorite of makeup artists and celebs alike, for its ability to hold to the skin and look great on camera. The Japanese know what they're doing, and this product, while expensive, is quickly going to become your jam, and that's that.

Cause that's what's up this productive Monday in the BK. Yours, in strong foundations. XO