the world according to sherimaven

Good morning, friends. I'm beginning to feel like it will be Winter forever. I just want to break the freezing mark. Please. Pretty please. Even for a cold weather fan like me, this is just too much. I'm so ready to spring forward.

So I'm looking at the Fall/Winter 2015 shows and there's two shows that speak to two sides of my fashion personality- the basic loving, simple, minimal side, and the wacky, eccentric, fun side. I've always been a bit of a schizophrenic when it comes to clothes- I love dark basics in easy shapes but my love for a good print knows no bounds. If you're a regular reader of this blog, you know I am passionate for a print. It's the hippie, wild side of me and although I am prone to wearing basic black on most days, there's something about a print that is a real spirit lifter. And Lord knows with all of this cold, seeing a good print makes me smile.

So the two collections that speak to my dualistic nature are Nili Lotan and Doru Olowu. As different as they come. 

Nili Lotan is a New York based, Israeli designer who has a store in Tribeca that makes my stomach hurt, because I want everything in it. These are clothes for the casual, effortless urban dweller who is sophisticated, a bit more mature, and utterly fabulous. Look after look in this collection speaks to me- from the great coats to the chunky knits to the fabulous trousers. I am a huge fan of  a menswear vibe- it suits me and my general distaste for clothes that feel too fussy or overly femmed up. Fabulous pieces here, wearable, lovable, packable. Basically everything- and meant to be worn and worn again. So good. The perfect pieces for when you want to feel strong and in control but still look cool.

But then Doru Olowu, a favorite designer of mine who is UK based and Nigerian born, indulges my more fanciful side. He does the absolute best prints (he did a collection for JCP a bit ago and it was fab)- I think what I love about a bold print is it allows me to feel feminine and fun without having to succumb to overt girliness. 

What could be more fun than these fanciful prints? I love the shapes too- so ladylike and lovely. These are clothes that take me to my happy place, and I would be delighted to wear any of these fabulous frocks.

I love the whole collection- from the kimono jackets (a big runway trend overall) to the stripes to the beautiful fabrics and shapes. It feels so 60s and 70s in the best of ways- it combines vintage styling with something totally fresh and new. And it speaks to my less structured, business minded self and more to my free spririted, artistic one. 

So as I look at all of these looks and wonder if I should have my head examined, it all somehow makes sense. Because you could take any of those great Nili or Doru pieces and either wear them as is, or mix them together for something really chic and amazing. That's what true style is- the mixup, mashup of basics and statement pieces and making something completely your own. I'm sure there's even more sides and quadrants to my style, but these are the two most essential, and I wanted to share these great collections that make being a (well dressed) woman that much more fun. Mix it up a little, ladies. Life is short.

And that's what's up this trying to have a little fun despite the deep freeze kind of Tuesday in Brooklyn. Yours, in double duty. XO

Good afternoon, Monday. I'm a bit hungover and it's cold out and I have a million irons in a million fires and I'm a tired girl and it's only MONDAY. OY.

Since many of you were following my Oscar feed on Facebook last night, I don't have much more to say than I've already said. Lupita, Lupita, Lupita. Done and done. A complete vision. Obsessed.

Also Julianne Moore did not disappoint in custom Chanel, and Margot Robbie looked absolutely divine in black Saint Laurent with that bob, that red lip, and those jewels. Naomi Watts in Armani was a real go for it fashion moment that paid off in spades for me, and Faith Hill's long sleeved low cut gorgeousness was highlighted by that fabulous cropped hair.  

Ooh and also Marion Cotillard in that Dior was so high fashion and amazing- many did not "get it" but I sure did. Oui. And oui. Fab. I love that many of the looks last night were real fashion statements- lovely.

One thing I'll say for sure- it was a wonderful night to be a woman- from all of those gorgeous gowns to a less made up face and natural hair, I'd say the power of beauty was on full display. And then one of my favorites, Patricia Arquette got up for her well deserved award and took the opportunity to speak about equal rights and equal pay, and then Meryl (who looked divine in Lanvin) raised the roof in her honor. I loved it. Best moment of the night for me.

Regardless, I felt pleased at how many women looked so very beautiful, while Neil Patrick Howser was desperate enough to strip down to his drawers, the Birdman could not stop his incessant gum chewing, and Travolta was revolta- his creepy Idina Menzel face touching, not to mention his weird handling of cyber mermaid Scar Jo (people loved that dress in my house, but I did not- her body is fab though). Get it together, gentlemen. With the exception of the Brits and John Legend and Common and the touchingly sensitive Chris Pratt and David Oyelowo, I wanted more power moments from all of the beautiful ladies- and special shout out to Teegan and Sara for being adorable. That is all.

So really for me- Lupita was everything- that skin, that hair, that dress. She was my favorite, with Naomi Watts, Julianne Moore, and Margot Robbie not far behind. But please, can we just get rid of the E! Channel's idiotic reporting? Should I really listen to fashion advice from an unappealing woman in a purple mohawk, the tackiest Kardashian, an anorexic, and an overly spray tanned blonde with terrible hair extensions and a prom dress? Enough.

I guess that's all I have for now because I'm busy and need to work the rest of the day- thanks to all of you who read my incessant posts last night- what  a ball I had watching the red carpet- too bad the show was such a yawn.

Cause that's what's up this post Oscar roundup in the 718. Yours, in gold statues and great style. XO

Good afternoon, Friday. It hasn't been this cold in New York since 1950 according to the news. We broke a record today and really, no getting around it- it's brutal outside. Needless to say, a girl could get used to working from home in weather like this. Thanking the sweet Lord above and crossing fingers and toes that my homeward bound work style can continue for a bit.

So with all of this cold it's tough to think about Spring, but if you need a little taste I say this- go for some white jeans for a little boost on such a frigid day. I love the way they look in the Winter, and wanted to show you some of my favorite ways to wear them- love. It's very chic ski lodge in the center of Paris kind of vibe- so good. Forget what your mother told you- the rules have changed, the game has changed, the world has changed. It's 2015, and white in winter is all kinds of right and not at all wrong so go with it. And go for it. Because it works very well- and goes with the weather, which is supposedly going to be all about "white out" conditions this weekend. Again. Ugh.

So try the look it if you're feeling in need of a pick me up. Or just go have some wine or a hot toddy- it's Friday for goodness sake. And that's what's up this saying yes to white in winter kind of Friday in the borough of BK. Yours, in breaking the rules. XO

Good afternoon, friends and family. It's a chilly one here in the city but Khan and I are working from home (well one of us is working) and enjoying curling up in the small patch of afternoon sunlight in my living room. With the warmth on our faces, we can't help but think about Spring, even though the fashion world is acutely fixed on all things Fall/Winter 2015-16. F that.

So I love me some good accessories, and I'm trying to stop buying so many new clothes as I hope there's a whole lot less of me come Spring. Since bags and shoes are immune to weight gain and loss, it's hard not to focus on them, particularly when they are as insanely amazing as those at Gucci and Chloe.

Let me just say- the Gucci Spring/Summer collection is so good, and letting go of Frida as designer seems crazy because to me, this 70s inspired collection may not be super original, but it's sexy and gorgeous and so cool. I'm obsessed with the iconic striped strapped bags- so good and would love to own one of these. Brown bags for Spring feel super chic- black feels heavy and winterlike, while brown looks gorgeous with everything, particularly white, not to mention those denim flares you're sure to be rocking this Spring, if I have anything to do with it. Oh get that block heeled sandal while you're at it- because they will look fabulous with those flares.

Speaking of fabulous, the bags from Chloe are beyond belief, again brown and owing a big debt to the 70s- stunning and fabulous and the hardware is just gorgeous. If I could own one of these, I'd be a happy (hippie) chick. 

Also from Chloe, those wedge gladiators may repel the menfolk, but I'm beyond attracted to them and would wear them absolutely everywhere. Gladiators are majorly back, and I love them.  I picture them with something short or a beautiful linen shirtdress that falls to the knee, unbuttoned to just above said knee for a sexy little peek. (Clearly I've thought about this. Probably too much.)

Anyway, Gucci and Chloe have me thinking warm, happy thoughts about warm, happy suede trenches and shoes and bags and beyond. What's your dream purchase for Spring or will you simply be happy to have warm temperatures back? I know I will, as will Khan, who is happy to just hang indoors until this wicked winter passes.

And that's what's up this dreaming of Springtime accessories kind of Thursday in the very non-Springlike 718. Yours, in bags and shoes. XO

Hiya, Tuesday. I had such a lovely weekend with some dear old pals only to wake up today to more stupid snow. Meh. But besides all of the salt and slush and questioning why the sweet Lord is so pissed at the Northeast this year (Boston, poor Boston), I have another question for us to ponder, and that is- does fashion still matter?

Good afternoon and Happy President's Day. I am loving a down day. I was fortunate enough to spend the weekend with dear friends from childhood and was so thrilled to be with them. There's no substitute for old friends- they just accept you for who you've become and that's that. Love them.

So last night was the big SNL 40th, and though the show did not deliver for me on every count (Eddie Murphy being too good to do a bit for one thing), it was a wonderful recap of one of America's most enduring and beloved television shows. PS- Miley Cyrus. Killed it.
 PSS- Taylor Swift. Stick to singing.

But besides all of the heavy hitting comedy mahoffs in the room, my favorite part of the show was the amazingly well done tribute to the city in which this fabulous late night show has always called home- my home of New York. I love that the show is so inspired by the city and vice versa- New York is a town full of whip smart, hilarious people and our ability to laugh in the face of darkness has always helped us survive. I found the tribute so moving, and there's something else I noticed too- because as much as New York is a great backdrop to birthing the comedy stars of tomorrow, it's also the best damn place for fashion, or at least the place that most suits my bones.

If you got to see any of the red carpet, everyone for the most part was looking amazing. Perfect, simple, and so chic. 

I loved Kristen Wiig's necklaces and dress, and Amy Poehler looked super New York to me in that thrown together casual cool way that I really do love. Black and white. Cant' go wrong. And a tuxedo jacket is a New York girl's very best friend. Maybe in this photo you can't see how good she looked- but to me she looked comfortable and ready to get down to business and I like that in a girl. 

I also thought Miley knocked it out of the park not only for her sultry version of "50 Ways to Leave your Lover", but for her fashion choices- loved her look for the opening monologue (velvet pants and a great top), but her look for her performance was really demure for her, but so very adorable. Perhaps not super New York, but stylish and young and fun.

And everyone from Maya Rudolph to Sigourney Weaver to Emma Stone (fast becoming my red carpet fav) had a potent take on what to wear to a New York party. Even Savannah Guthrie looked super cool, in a crop top and full skirt. Very good. Not her usual prissy look and I liked it.

But for me the ultimate head turner was Olivia Wilde, in what I found out later after an obsessive Google search was an H&M Conscious Collection tuxedo. If there is one look that says "NEW YORK CITY" to me, it is this one. As I struggled to figure out what to wear to a cocktail attired bar mitzvah this weekend, this outfit to me, was just what I wanted to wear and didn't quite have the time to figure out. I love how she looks- the perfect New York woman- confident, strong, and simple, in the best of ways. I think this look may be one of my favorite red carpet looks of the entire awards season and beyond. Unbelievably perfect.

I just found it interesting that the ladies on the red carpet went for simplicity- Tina Fey took it down a notch and let her talent shine over her look, which I also just love. New York women are entirely too busy to wear fussy clothes- plus you never know when you're going to need to either run, jump, or tread lightly in this town.  I love how the anniversary of one of New York's most iconic shows was well interpreted on the runway. Well done, ladies. Well done. New York just brings out the best in us, and that's that. It's because we "get" how to dress for this city- but put us (or me really) in a place like, say, Miami, and we're lost at sea. Island dressing for us means something completely different, and wholly indigenous to this beautiful city.

And that's what's up this well styled Monday in the 212. Yours, in making it there...XO

PS BILL MURRAY.

Good afternoon, everyone. What a day it's been. Phew.

So it's been busy as you may have noticed and the last thing I can think about in the morning is what to wear. It's true I think about it more often than I should, but I like to go on autopilot in the morning and the best way to do that is to take cues from advertising and stay on brief.

For the non indoctrinated, a brief is what ad people go by to come up with a new campaign- and sticking to it is usually a great idea, although going off brief can often lead to nice surprises. But since my mornings are hectic, I prefer to stay very much on brief and on target and get out of the house with very little fuss. That's why I've zeroed in on a style icon who has become my muse, whether she wants to or not- and that icon is Emanuelle Alt of French Vogue fame. This all came about thanks to a fabulously dialed in friend, who showed up for drinks at the Oyster Bar channeling Ms. Alt, and with great result. We both agreed this is a look that is everything, yet looks like nothing at all (in the best of ways).

Emanuelle embodies everything about the French way of chic that many of us yearn to emulate- a tomboyish toughness that is somehow super sexy and feminine, and a straightforward approach to dress that could go from the office to that vendor lunch to a chic dinner date somewhere trendy, and then drinks after if one is so inclined. I love to be prepared, and I like clothes that go from office to out of office in a snap.

It's a fairly straightforward formula, ps- there's tee shirts, great jackets, and jeans, with a pointed heel of some kind.  There's not a ton of color, there may be a leopard print, but there is always an undone element to keep things out of corporate territory. Today I'm wearing a blazer with gold buttons, my husband's button down, and leathery leggings. It's on brief and I'm happy about it. I almost wore a questionable dress and while I stood in my closet (yes I can stand in mine, don't ask), I asked myself the simple questions of WWED or what would Emanuelle do? And I landed on the jacket and leather combo and feel good and ready for whatevs. Way better than that dress.  Sure she's thin as a rail and flat as a board- I am neither of those things but find my own way to make it work within the parameter of the oft mentioned brief. It's totally acceptable to adapt to your own body type and style needs, but keep it simple and don't stray too far, or you'll have a closet full of weirdness that will have you late to that status meeting on Tuesday morning. Her style is all about simple, well cut basics and a good shoe. C'est tout.

So that's my brief as the winter drags on- I'm channeling Emanuelle and you may want to do the same, or come up with your own version of said brief that works for you. If you stay on brief, it's hard to mess up or have buyer's remorse because you will wear the crap out of any iteration you come up with, as long as you stick to the brief, and until another brief comes along that makes you want to rethink your brand efforts, when that brand effort is brand "you".

Some photos of the lovely Emanuelle for you to scan and gather dossiers against. Cause that's what's up this well briefed Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in well targeted style and keeping it brief. XO

Good morning, Tuesday. It's cold and cloudy and gross out. Yup, same as ever. I'm feeling like there must be a beach chair with my name on it somewhere. I need some Vitamin D in a big way.

So happy fashion week eve. Funny story.

I spotted these photos of 90s fashion weeks past and could not help but gasp when I saw this picture of Tupac, holding a bottle of Champagne, at Club Expo back in 1994. No, that's not funny in itself, and RIP Tupac. What's funny about the picture is that bottle of champagne he's holding was meant for me and a few of my friends, and that's the truth.

I remember that night very well (well as well as one can remember a night in the 90s in New York). I was a young babe in the woods and I was out with a group of girl friends. One of them was besties with Michelle Hicks, who at the time was modeling amongst the supers, though her star never quite hitched the way of those other 10K a day babes. She did however, go on to marry Johnny Lee Miller aka the first Mr. Jolie aka Sickboy from Trainspotting and some show that's now on TV that I don't know. Score. He's cute. I think she is a pilates guru now. She had lovely eyes and was a very sweet girl.

Michelle also happened to be friends with one Carre Otis, she of the jilted and very fucked up love affair with none other than Mickey Rourke. At the time Carre was trying to get over Mickey, and that very night they both happened to be at Club Expo, a club where I used to promote parties, and Mickey was out with Tupac, and Carre was hanging out with my crew of ladies. Carre was absolutely stunning but a bit of a shitshow.

Needless to say, many looks and insults and eye rolls were exchanged between Mickey and Carre (DRAMA), which resulted in Tupac buying us all a bottle of champagne and bringing it to our table, which pissed Carre off to no end, but delighted yours truly. We drank that bottle. And then we had a few more. And then I remember one of my friends taking Mickey to some crazy afterhours sex club after hours of champagne and dancing. I'm not sure if Tupac was there. And then I started seeing Mickey out and about with his little chihuahua just about everywhere I went, so much so that I became cool with his bodyguard (yes he had one) and we high fived each other every time we saw each other, which was just about every night. i would see Mickey at every club in the city, in addition to many nights at Nello on the Upper East Side and pretty much all spots in between. Epic.

And that was a night in the 90s, during Fashion Week, early on in my canon of New York life. And you wonder why I never want to leave here. You simply never know what's going to happen. True it would help if I left my house these days, but that's not here nor there. Just wanted to share with you a true New York moment of debauchery and glam and history making, and it happened to me. Look at the rest of the fabulous photos in the Racked story here. I'm glad I was there.

Happy New York Fashion Week, everybody. Let the games begin. Cause that's what's up this bright lights, big city, absolutely flawless moment in time.

Yours in celebrity stories and champagne dreams. You've no doubt got a few of your own, and I've no doubt got a few more.  XO

Good afternoon, Monday. Another day, another wintry mix of bullshit. Oh well. 

If you, like me, live in the Northeastern part of these here United States, you're no doubt feeling the inevitable winter fatigue/slump that does not allow for much motivation, movement, or eating of anything non carby. I'm tired, you're tired, we're all tired. And though I wouldn't live in Miami again for a king's ransom, it's days like these that a little bit of sunshine sounds, well, not so terrible.

But speaking of a little bit of sunshine, I'm excited to be shopping for a friend of mine who asked me to help her find some key pieces to go with her busy lifestyle of young supermom and all around awesome chick. Trust me, she does not need my help as she's a gorgeous, wonderfully stylish lady, but she's busy enough that a little point of the compass won't hurt, and that's where I come in. I've been putting together some pieces for her to see, and I came across this fabulous little Wrangler jacket. Isn't it a dream?

I love the cloudlike, bleached out print that feels like a little bit of California sunshine mixed with New York cool. It's part of Urban Outfitter's "urban renewal" line, which takes classic vintage pieces like this trucker jacket and retools them for right here, right now. Oh, and crafted in Philadelphia, my hometown, so really- what's not to love about this cute little take on a denim jacket? Plus the light color brings some much needed glow and light to the face- add some sun kissed Spring cheeks and you have the cutest little piece of denim you could possibly own.

I'd wear it with everything from cropped jeans to a little black tank dress to something silky and lacy like a cute slip dress. I want it- and today's shopping is not about me, so I'm going to have all of you buy it in my honor instead, mmmkk? 

But since today is a work day and there's lots of work to do, I'm a gonna get back to it. Enjoy this cute piece to perk up your Monday, cause that's what's up this bleachy/hoping for beachy kind of Monday in the tundra. Yours, in denim dreams. XO

Link to buy here. But if you're feeling crafty, go ahead and dye your own. 

Good morning, Thursday. It's just utter and complete meh outside. I'm a little bit over it.

So this am I had every intention of going to a barre class, but the dog ate my workout. For those of you that have a pup at home, you know that a warm dog in the bed on a gloomy, cold morning is like kryptonite when it comes to waking up and getting to it. David is out of town and the Khan man and I are hunkered down at home, anxiously awaiting his return, and being slugs while we wait. 

I dutifully set my alarm for 6 am, and had all intentions of getting up. But darn if that little Khan dude was not perfectly curled up next to me, taking sweet little dog breaths, so happy to be there and asleep in the perfect position, wedged up against my side. Who am I to ruin a perfectly good cliche and not let a sleeping dog lie?  (Lay or lie? Oy).

Linda Evangelista famously said she would not get out of bed for less than ten thousand dollars a day. As someone who is not a supermodel, I'm afraid that's not an option for me. I will say, however, that sometimes, even though you may want to do something, doing nothing at all is the biggest luxury one can have. I may have missed a workout, but I got a little more sleep, drank coffee in bed, and watched the Today Show with the Khan man, who was thrilled to just be my side. 

I bring this up because I'm feeling very much in a transitional state right now, where I need to make some moves and hustle and do all of those things us self employed types must do. I'm sure I'll do all of that and more, but today I was just way too happy to hit the snooze button, and acknowledge how lovely an hour of nothingness to just wake up and come to and snuggle in can be. I don't do it often enough and I need to do it more.  If not for an hour, I think even a minute of that nothingness is well worth my time. I'll take what I can get.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program of rushing around and taking names. Cause that's what's up this snoozy Thursday in the tundra of Manhattan. Yours, in needing a minute. XO