the world according to sherimaven

Oh, hey Thursday. It's Fashion Week apparently and I have no clue what's happening because I'm too busy doing some very unfashiony things. Like working. Way too hard. Not cute.

It's early in the game but I'm starting to see some trends for Spring '15 that I probably will not be rocking, such as citrus colors and tropical prints. No thanks. I do like the idea of more pastoral prints- enjoying some of the leaf prints at Cut25 by Yigal Azrouël. Pretty.

Oh, hey Tuesday. So it looks like I got my wish and Summer is still very much with us. In that way I don't care for. It's hot as all get out. 

So with an extended Summer remix on repeat, one can't help but reach for clothes that feel cool but still feel somehow new to the season.  Consider the humble tunic. I was wearing a DKNY black cotton one the other night to dinner and it felt just right.

But as a girl with frontage, tunics can be a challenge. Why do they never fit properly? I love the look and the ease of a good tunic but find them hard to wear. But girls with major real estate up top as well as those with less can wear this perfect piece I found from CP Shades, that brand that can go into scary Long Island sex therapist/pottery teacher territory fast, but has some excellent pieces for world traveler types looking to pack just right, and for those of us interested in some good pieces to take us in to Fall. Plus stripes. Love 'em.

This heavier linen tunic called the Jasmine has the perfect neckline (just low enough unbuttoned but not too much) to wear with the remnants of your Montauk tan, plus scads of necklaces or bare if that's your trip. I love this piece as a dress with bare legs in the heat (can even dress it up with a strappy high heeled sandal for evening rooftop shindigs) or worn with a slim pant and belted if one is en route to somewhere fabulous and needs an elegant travel look, or even with some cute ankle boots and skinnies. It's a timeless piece with good energy and will get you through these in between days where Summer is still top of mind but Fall is rounding the corner.  

They also do great basic solid tunics in linen and silk and most of their pieces are good to the Earth and machine washable to boot. It's true some of these pieces need a bit of sexing up to skew away from the above mentioned Long Island bohemian, but I trust you and know you can make it work, and very well, particularly as a terribly good travel piece. Cause that's what's up this tunic of a Tuesday (you knew that was coming) in the 212. Yours, in going forth, in style.  Link to buy here. XO

Good afternoon, Friday. So here it is, the end of Summer and for the first time in forever, I'll be sad to see it go.

As I've told you no less than a million times, I'm not one for extreme heat. But this summer in New York was nothing short of a revelation- beautiful, temperate days in the 80s and gorgeous mornings and nights. From my time in Miami to the brutal East Coast summers of late, I had come to dread the warmer months, even though I have always been a fan of being barefoot, being by the ocean, and of course, extra daylight. This summer sealed the deal for me- I may officially become a Summer girl again- this one reminded me of so many Summers growing up, my birthday in July always being the pinnacle of happy memories. 

And because this Summer was so beautiful, I didn't get mad at New York as much as I usually do when it's hot outside. Yes the subway platform is still hot and the garbage still smells, just not quite as much. And on those weekend when almost everyone in town goes somewhere beachy, I reveled in staying around, exploring my Brooklyn neighborhood, eating ice cream, and taking long walks with David and Khan. I also worked a lot, too. A whole lot. (Thanks, freelance gods. A wonderful gift indeed).

I enjoyed producing work which took me to airplane hangars in Atlanta to pyramids outside of Mexico City. I was lucky to be part of a great launch for a huge brand and get to know some new very talented people in the photography world. It was by no means an easy Summer workwise, but it only made those heavenly weekends that much sweeter, and I love traveling so work that takes me somewhere is work that makes me feel very lucky. I went from one super cool gig to another, and I'm looking forward to what's next, with some fun stuff in the works and hopefully some more writing projects as well. But I'm hoping we can keep the Summer vibes happening for a bit longer, because I just love it to pieces.

I perfected my red hair color this Summer, got to go to Rehoboth Beach (one of my favorite beach towns of all), ate lots of crabs, lobster, and enjoyed the offerings of my local farmers market, and what I loved even more was the Sunday am trek to said market with David and Khan in tow- I enjoy mornings in New York more than I can explain- when the city is waking up there's a feeling of great promise and hope, scented with strong coffee and bagels. I enjoy the puppy parade that comes down Court Street on the weekend mornings, as does Khan, though admittedly he prefers the bagels to the dogs. I loved seeing the Jeff Koons show, eating very expensive and delicious omakase in a basement on Greenwich, and rediscovering my love for the gin gimlet. (Don't even get me started on the rose. At this point, it's like drinking water).  I became a lifelong customer of Warby Parker as I decided not to get Lasik and just buy glasses. Lots of them. That place is beyond from customer service to the best frames to the very best prices. So good. I spent my birthday in an airport hangar and was happy not to make a big deal over this one. I ate an insane torta in Mexico City in a hot van in a rainstorm that had more meat on it than anything I have ever eaten in my life. I embraced sleeping in and enjoyed Khan's new habit of sneaking into our bed in the middle of the night, all cuddle sauced and horizontal. I did not douse myself in a bucket of ice, and was relieved I was not challenged to do so. I painted my toes in light colors and painted my nails bright red. I tried to convince myself that we'd have many parties of the outdoor variety this Summer, but alas, we opted for more dinners out than in. I stayed pale but did not mind.  I watched with delight as my neighbors in Cobble Hill ate dinner in the park, complete with candles and a tablecloth and bottles of wine.  I attempted to read a few books, and failed.  I felt like a kid watching giant planes take off from an airport perimeter road in Detroit. I often left the house without makeup, and in Birkenstocks and track pants.  I embraced a more relax vibe in general, because work was stressful and the news was stressful and I just needed to just chill. And in true form, the city gave me just what I needed and chilled right back. I swear I felt sea air all Summer here in the BK. It was heavenly, in the Summer, in the city.

And Khan got to go on some lovely adventures too, thanks to a friend of ours who watched him a few days a week and exposed him to the joys of Prospect Park. And speaking of friends, I saw many this Summer and stayed true to my goal of being more social and enjoying the company of some people I really adore, and even made a few new pals. You all know who you are. Thank you for lovely dinners, bottles of chilled red, and lots of laughs. With such gorgeous weather, it's hard to not want to be out and about and appreciate this gorgeous city. And it's not without a bit of the bittersweet since unfortunately, this was a rather tumultuous Summer for so many as mentioned above- I followed all of the events from my friend's very profound Facebook posts from Israel to the nonstop crushing parade of bad news from Douglas and Syria and well, just about everywhere. We lost Robin Williams and watched in horror the tragedy in the Ukraine. It was hard to come to terms with all of it, and like many of you, I was grateful to be able to just walk in the sunshine  and feel the warmth on my face and shake off the news feeds that dominated our lives. In many ways, having a beautiful Summer saved us from completely losing it altogether, and I was happy to see that despite all of the bad news, there was plenty of good- many of my friends had lovely summers, and if you were lucky enough to be at the beach, every weekend was a sacred one- picture perfect weather and not terribly sweltering.

I suppose I wanted to share all of this because I had the day off today and took to wandering around on yet another gorgeous afternoon, feeling so grateful for dog walks and the low hum of people enjoying a vacation day and iced coffee. I probably bitched a lot this Summer because I had very little time off, but for the first time in years, I'll hang on to these lovely light filled days as long as I can. Because even though the news was often too much to bear, the glisten of sunshine and the just right temperatures gave me some hope. And with Fall being my absolute favorite time of year, I'm feeling pretty revved for what's to come- but please don't take my Summer away just yet...it's been so darn lovely, and kind of just right.

And that's what's up this  fabulous Labor Day weekend celebrating with friends, family, pets, and hopefully, some more lovely weather.  Yours, in rediscovered Summer lovin'.  I'll miss you when you're gone. Good one, mother nature. Good one.  XO

Good afternoon, Wednesday you humpy hump you. I'm very much looking forward to the long weekend. Very, very much.

So this may seem crazy to you, but sometimes I have an overactive imagination. Always have. For instance, I might imagine Khan as a professor in medieval studies at Dartmouth, driving around campus in an old Volvo wagon with a thermos. Or sometimes I think about what life would be like if I could live year round in the Hamptons, socializing with gardenias in my hair in the Summer and perfecting one of many considerable skills in the off winter months- you know- learning to be a ninja, mastering the art of French cooking, or writing the great American novel. Or maybe my mind wanders to a life filled with adventures more akin to a gypsy or Peggy Guggenheim. It's true. I dream a lot, and usually dream pretty big. I'm prone to conjecture. What can I say?

But then the rational side of my brain chick slaps the more absinthe soaked, decadent side, and I come back down to Earth (yowie, that hurts) and live the sort of regular life I have. I bring my lunch to work, I try to take the subway (have not yet perfected that one), and get a sensible amount of sleep. I try to work out and say the right things. My clothing of late is more of an adult version of Garanimals than anything else, and I'm somehow relieved I've become a bit of a practical girl. It's a lot easier than my former, more reckless self. But sometimes, I want what I want and it has nothing to do with getting enough leafy greens or buying clothes that will go the distance.  You know how all of us have met that guy that's a little bit dangerous but you don't care? Yea, that's how I feel about shoes. Yup, shoes. Not quite as hazardous as some of my past liasons, but still...

I couldn't help but click on am email the other day from the Dreslyn, a site all shopping addicts should stay far away from, because it's full of the best junk you could ever put straight into your bloodstream, not to mention right out of your wallet. Of late, my smug satisfaction in agreeing to no longer shop online has pleased me, if not bored me to tears. But I'm defenseless against the new line of shoes from Common Projects. I mean, I'm human. 

These boots. Sweet mother of the Lord. They are so wrong for me, yet so right. I am in love with a white shoe and I'm not ashamed, well, maybe a little.

For starters, I live in New York City. A white boot is an absolute joke/terrible idea in a dirty, gum filled sidewalk of a town like this. Sure they come in black, but the WHITE. They would be filthy in two seconds here and result in the ultimate walk of dirty, dirty shame. But the WHITE. 

Second, I don't really wear heels anymore. It's not my style, I frankly find them somewhat vulgar, and I'm way more into feeling grounded and close to said ground these days. But these. Hot, sexy, so wrong for me. I love them. I love that the description of them clearly states "open mouth for easy on".  (It's warm in here, right?) 

Third, white boots. Yes I already said that but Labor Day is here darlings and if you are an old guard, medieval type, you wouldn't dare step out of your Brooklyn brownstone in these past early September. Well screw you, because I would. Again, and again. And then again. Because I'd wear these with that last bit of bare leg, with a black dress with some volume, or I'd rock them with a skinny black cropped trouser. I'd wear them with a black blazer and boyfriend jeans. Most likely I'd sleep with them. Because they're all kinds of wrong for me baby (not too mention expensive as sin) but I want them in the baddest. They are perfection. PS- I know some of you are questioning my sanity right now (aka my husband). But love is blind. As in blindingly white. As in I know they are just shoes but they are not, really.

It's been a while since I've been so tempted by a fashion object but I'm pretty sure these are worth dreaming about. And that little black track shoe they're making for $500 is threatening my more sober approach to shopping of late...but I digress. Because Woman by Common Projects, I'm afraid we're not meant to be, even if you are completely irresistible. It's not me, it's you. 

If you're a lucky type who can spend some cash on a boot this season, please buy these. And if you live somewhere pristine, you should own this. And if you're not grounded in reality, go forth in these. Please. Do it for me. For now, I'll only have them in my dreams.

Cause that's what's up this woozy Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in white boots and big dreams. XO

Good morning, Tuesday. Had a lovely evening last night with an old friend and we laughed for two hours straight. Was wonderful. In honesty, I sort of forgot it was the Emmys, or I meant to forget. I'm feeling like all of these ridiculous awards shows are too stupid to continue. I'm not sure why these people need so much acknowledgement- I'm tired of the whole thing. In fact, I just want to go back to bed. 

Case in point- who needs to see Sofia Vergara spinning around a pedestal? I'm not in the camp that this was some big F U to feminism, it was really more of a F U to humanity because her idiocy is sort of gender neutral if you ask me. I find her incredibly boring, hot body and all. I'm sick of her tight dresses, her overdone makeup, her grating personality. Funny she is on a show called Modern Family. She's the furthest thing from a modern woman that exists. But then there's the modern women that make other modern women look terrible, like Lena Dunham.

Can somebody explain to me why Lena Dunham can't dress herself? What the what is up with the business up top crazy on the bottom thing?  Whether you love "Girls" or not, Lena is a smart, potent, and thoroughly modern woman. I like what she throws down, except when it comes to the red carpet. I have never in my life seen anyone get it so wrong, time after time. From not being able to figure out how to wear a proper bra to accentuating all the wrong stuff to looking just plain bizarre, it's wrong every time. I realize that evening dress is not easy- I don't look good in a gown but I know this. There would be so many better ways to go- I like the blonde hair, but how about something navy, something not so full in the skirt? You can write some of the best scripts on TV but you can't figure out how to dress your body? It's not right. Fire your stylist, Lena. Right now. Or get one. Either way. Please I beg you to stop trying so hard, it's almost like you're doing it on purpose. Is it really that hard with the access you have to people who can help you? Jeez.

To me, the whole awards show brigade, with pose-offs and mani cams is just so stupid. Nobody has any originality, everybody wears a designer dress, and gets photographed ad nauseam for it.  It seems red was a big color for the Emmys. It also seems that starvation and botox are very much in style too.  With the way fashion is going, don't these awards shows just seem so ridiculous? Add that to the fact that the money they spend on clothes, jewels, stylists, hair, makeup, transport and parties could solve some problems for people in need. I'm just tired of the genre and ready for what's next. Sofia spinning kind of did me properly in.

Sure some looked lovely- Julia Roberts always looks like she could go right from an awards show to a walk on the beach (a good thing), and Robin Wright's just the hottest thing ever, even if this jumpsuit somehow reminds me of that horrid Celine Dion moment years back. Others who made the cut? Lena Headey, Zooey was pretty in pink,  Lizzy Caplan in that Donna Karan black and white was incredible too. And Alison Williams looked beautiful if not too skinny, while Ms. Silverman in Marni is coming into her fashion own somehow.  But really? The whole thing feels so very played. Meh. And meh again. Maybe I'm just a poor sport, or maybe I just want to read my September issues. I think I just love fashion too much to see what it's become. I feel guilty, but I'm so bored with Hollywood fashion.

Maybe this whole normal dressing/normcore/back to basics moniker can be attributed not just to craving comfort, but also as a reaction to all of this gluttony and excess. I think just being yourself is the most glamorous thing in the world. Perhaps it's all just a case of major league fashion fatigue, and if that's the case, these stars are making me tired, just looking at them. Cause that's what's up this bored with fame kind of Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in keeping it real. XO

Good afternoon, Monday. Had a lovely weekend watching movies (the new Steve Coogan/Rob Brydon road film made me want to move to Italy, though John Turturro's 'Fading Gigolo' felt a bit narcissistic) and visiting my family in Philly for a nice BBQ and quite a bit of rose. Great thing I chose today to go back to the gym. Oy. 

In other news, it's almost September, la rentree and such where we all snuggle in and bundle up. Needless to say, I'm ecstatic, and though I've enjoyed the temperate Summer, I do love me some Fall.  And though my Vogue has not yet arrived, I already trolled my Bazaar, which was pretty disappointing. I liked New York Magazine's Fall fashion issue and thought the story by photographer Bobby Doherty utilizing vintage movie stills to show this season's best looks was genius. Loved it. So good, right?

But as I wait for my Vogue and the return of actual models on the cover, I pretty much gobbled up my T Magazine, the supplement to Sunday's New York Times that never fails to disappoint with its delicious fashion goodness.  For Fall, they've named the issue "Untamed Spirit", and tamed or not (seems a bit tame to me but more on that later), I can't believe how amazing the issue is. Where do I begin?

The look above is everything. Sheer and black. Deadly good and dead right. Perfection.

I adore the story shot by Amy Troost with a layout that feels very modern- it's super Gentlewoman but I notice Bazaar doing a lot of the inset border thing of late, with the muted background. I think it's really pretty and quiet and the clothes in this story are just fabulous- and that hair. Makes me want to go dark right now. Fabulous story and the clothes and model feel very modern in the best of ways. Big fan.

Next- the McQueen story, accompanying an article about Sarah Burton. Holy moley. Stella. Shot by Karim Sadli. Heady and beautiful stuff featuring one of my very most favorite supers. Yes please. Gorgeous.

This Sportmax dress above is worthy of my dreams. I can't get enough of it. 

That Tom Ford coat above. Oh my.

And then that leopard print story by Arno Frugier (shown above) is to die for. I love leopard print beyond and think this story is so sexy and over the top glam.

(I also loved that story showing two girls walking their dogs by Ben Grieme, and the gorgeous still life story for Fall accessories produced by a good pal of mine, Michael Reynolds and photographed by Anthony Cotsifas. Beautiful and super creative.)

The Row- above. So beautiful.

But I saved the best for last I think because if there is one story for Fall that I want to be told, it's this amazing Craig McDean feature entitled "The Big Easy". Rick Owens boots throughout. Cocoon like silhouettes. Cozy knits. Undone tresses. By far my favorite story I have seen in some time- shot in black and white and quietly elegant. So suits my mood right now. Inspired. That last photo Yohji situation is beyond belief. I would wear all of these pieces over and over and over again this Fall, Winter, and whenever I wanted to, thank you very much. Fabulous. And all of the photography is so artful, so beautiful, and so fresh all at once. 

With so many horrendous looks at the VMAs last night, I adore the restraint and quiet New York cool captured in these editorials- it's everything I love about living in one of the most fashionable cities in the world. Well done, NYTimes. Well done. Amidst your envy inducing articles on real estate and white collar couplings, you've really made me excited for Fall. Beat that, Vogue. 

And that's what's up this fall fashion of a Monday in the 212. It may be warm outside, but I've got the chills. In a good way. Yours, in stylish solitude. I give this issue an A+. XO

Good morning, Friday. It's a sleepy kinda day in NYC today- may rain and it would be a great day to just laze under the duvet curled up with the fur face. But if you're a regular reader, you know I love this weather from time to time, particularly in the city when everyone and everything feels a bit fuzzed out and Gus Van Santlike. And for a brief time, there's a mellow stony slowness in the air that I get caught up in, in all the right ways.

But besides feeling a bit sleepy, I was thinking a lot this am about what it means to lead a freelance life. As many of you know I had a full time job for many years when I lived in Miami, probably the most fulfilling and challenging one of my life. But when I moved back to NYC, I knew that the path for me was doing my own thing, in fact, I knew that all along and from a very young age.

I did do a brief full time stint here in the city but being freelance feels much more in tune with who and where I am at this very moment. I'm not sure what could sway me into full time life again, but it's getting harder and harder to imagine. I remain focused on doing more writing, more collaborating, more mischief making with like minded scrappers who just want to make stuff. I'm up for anything, as long as it's fun, and the work is smart and creative.

And though some days I wonder if living in freelance purgatory has an outcome, a conclusion, a meaningful plot arc of some kind. Sometimes going from project to project and in my case, agency to agency, can feel a bit manic. But really, it's good fun to check out different vibes, different work styles, different coffee makers. Sure it's hard to jump right in and take names, but I like the stealth get it done attitude that pervades in freelance life. I don't like to get mired in process and politics and jockeying. I'm happy this way, but it's taken me some time to get it right and it's certainly not the easiest road, though I've never been an easy road kind of girl. Sure it's a harder path, but my hands are on the wheel and I have faith that I will always get where I need to go.

And as time passes, it's hard to believe the summer is almost over- I'll admit I wish I had taken some more time off during this temperate and lovely time to enjoy it. It was an incredibly busy one and I'm looking forward to a buzzy Fall, my favorite time of year hands down. I'm not sure where I'm headed next, but if you want to do some fun stuff with me, let me know. I'm up for anything. I just wanted to put that out there because it's been on my mind and hopefully we can all inspire and hold the door open for each other as we settle in to a new season.

So this day is dedicated to connections, inquiries, and making stuff happen. It's Friday in my beautiful city and I'm looking forward to chillin' with the hubs and the dawg this weekend and maybe spending some time on what's next.  Cause that's what's up this freelance Friday on the isle. Yours, in unwritten chapters.  Let's make stuff. XO

Good morning, Thursday. It's a humid day in the 'hood today and I'm at work doin' it and doin' it but wanted to break you off a little Throwback Thursday, because today I'm all up in the "Guardians of the Galaxy" soundtrack, which is an amazing homage to the salad days of the 1970s.  I'm not sure when you grew up, but I do know most of my pop culture memories began in the 70s. I often think about riding in the back of my mom's Ford Granada, listening to soft rock on the radio and feeling slightly carsick. But besides a bit of nausea and wondering just how long my mother's fake tennis playing would last (tennis very much a thing then), I couldn't help but feel inspired by all of the insane glam around me. I always wished I had been old enough to really frolic in the 70s playground- it was simply the best era for so many cultural reasons- fashion ran the gamut from hippie to glam to slinky and music was everything from soft rock to hard rock to glam rock to disco to punk to some great R and B- I can't imagine a world without Soul Train- if more people line danced, the world would be in much better shape. It's probably best I was not of age in the 70s- who knows what I would have gotten into...

But since Thursdays are about looking back, here's some incredible photo inspiration from the oft imitated and much beloved era of the 70s. Without them, we'd have no boho chic, no Rachel Zoe, no most things often. I'm all about it, and though I've been on a 90s tip these days, you can't ignore the genius of Farrah and company. My fav image is the one above of Patti Smith in a Keith shirt. Doesn't get much better than that. I've barely scratched the surface with awesome 70s looks, but you get the idea. There's not a designer making clothes today that has not dabbled deep in the 70s arts at some point to have at some serious sexy. Hot. 

Cause that's what's up this inspirational 70s FM kind of Thursday. Yours, in pina coladas and gettin' caught in the rain- cheers to the days of disco and whatever else got you through the night. XO

Good afternoon, Tuesday. I'm a bit under the weather today- why do I always get sick after I travel? A girl can't hang...sad.

So yesterday I promised to write about jeans, and here's the deal- the new designer at the Gap is making some good moves when it comes to denim. I have bought a few pairs from them and plan on rounding out my Fall jean buying there (image above is from their Spring 2014 campaign but you get the idea). 

Though I can't testify to the genius of the boyfriend jean they're doing, I'm admittedly intrigued by the high rise crop shown above. If you must mom jean, I'd go for these. I think they're chic and flattering and like the length that showcases that much coveted ankle pop.

But back to me, I went with their super stretch legging jean, which feels a whole heck of a lot like pajamas in the best of ways. I often find jeans to be insanely uncomfortable, and I love how these fit- and ps- they did not lose their fit throughout the day and end up around my ankles. That's a plus. Also their stretch and recovery jean is pretty fabulous too- jeans to live in if you ask me. I'm a big fan. If the super stretch type thing is not your bag, the legging jean has just the right amount to keep you out of muffin top land. I like them in black, by the way. They're a great way to retire those black leggings you've been wearing way too long. (You know who you are).

I'm interested to see what else we get from Rebekka Bay (I dig that jacket above ps)  when the Fall collection hits stores soon. If the jeans are a sign of things to come, I'm going to embrace my superfan status and get over to the Gap, and I suspect you will too. After all, what's better than good jeans? 

And that's what's up this jean jeanie of a Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in jazzin' for blue jean (Bowie reference...see below). XO

Somebody send me.

Good morning, Monday. The weather in New York is a dream. I'm so happy to be home, even if it took me two and a half hours to get through customs at Kennedy on Saturday night. That place. Ugh.

So I thought I'd have more time to post from Mexico City, but the altitude was positively narcotic and any available moment I had was spent sleeping, or lazing about under the duvet watching American sitcoms like Will and Grace and Seinfeld with Spanish subtitles. But now that I've had some time to get to a more grounded place and be back on the home turf, I find myself missing Mexico a bit. On a scale of 1-10, I'm craving a quesadilla and an ice cold beer at about a 12. 

So what else about Mexico City left an impression on me? The people. The people are so lovely and wonderful and friendly. And they have faces like poetry. Their faces are so full of character and life and soul that I often found it hard to look away. As a girl who grew up on a diet of Kerouac, it's hard not to imagine young Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty rolling through those hazy and congested streets full of color, chaos, and music. There's a cacophony to this heady place (altitude yet again) that made my pulse race. I loved the feel of the crowded streets, the shops selling textiles, the old dudes selling everything from jaguar whistles to cheap silver bracelets. And though the colors are so bright and cheerful, there's a hazy filter on almost everything- smog perhaps but still gives you a dreamy, grainy sensation as you decide whether or not you want another beer (the answer is almost always si). 

I am deeply inspired by big, bustling places and although our trip to the pyramids was stunning, I find myself wanting to wander the streets of a huge city forever, and Mexico City has so much to offer- from stalls selling fresh corn to the frenzy of the Zocalo to watching a dog training class in the local park. And staying in the lovely Condesa area with its stunning colonial architecture and leafy streets, I felt like I could be in any city in Europe. And since we were steps from La Roma, another cool part of town whose old buildings serve as a perfect backdrop for new cafes and boutiques full of young locals, we went exploring there for one brief afternoon and found so much goodness in a short span of time- I wish we had more time to explore this great little hood but we popped into a couple of places for a bit of retail therapy.

I enjoyed shopping at Goodbye Folk, a great vintage spot where I bought an old felt Stetson and my pal got himself a kick ass GnR tee shirt. The prices were far from cheap, but I was happy to find a hat that fit me perfectly for the fall, and one that I knew I would rock for chilly fall days. The peeps that worked there were super nice, and I loved the barber shop in the back of the shop, something I always fantasized about having in a store of my very own. They stock awesome motorcycle jackets, tees, and dresses all with a 70s  rock and roll aesthetic.  Plus I bet they give a great haircut. 

We then went to a great store called the 180 Shop for new menswear and some great women's pieces, where I got to chat with Bernardo, the lovely owner of this great little shop that showcases local Mexican designers as well as make their own pieces right upstairs. He also runs a bed and breakfast in town, which I'm sure is a very cool place to stay. He asked me if I was from LA, which made me laugh as I was dressed in all black and pretty obviously a New York chick. We then chatted about New York, and how Mexico City is a bit like New York in the 90s, when the city still had some real edge but was on its way to the overpriced theme park it is today. He told me this would never happen in Mexico City, because "the people who live here like their city fucked up, and we like to break the rules too much to become too overly gentrified". I knew I liked him right away, and I like the fact that although the richest dude in the world is from Mexico City, it still is a place that enjoys a bit of the edge. I'm down with that. PS- there are of course, parts of Mexico that are not the safest, but I did not feel at any time unsafe there. To me, it felt like walking in any big city- keeps your eyes open and don't be dumb and flashy and you'll be bueno.

In terms of style in the city, I saw loads of goth types and girls in vintage, as well as more upscale types rocking Prada bags. I can't say that there's a set style to the people, but it's way more East Village than West Village, and way more scrappy downtown than uptown from the vibe I caught- like the perfect Mexico City playlist would include old Bowie, Lou Reed, and The Dead Kennedys, with maybe some Johnny Cash or Merle Haggard thrown in along with some dubby reggae mixed in with all of that Mexican magic. Actually, Mexico City feels a bit 1970s for me, probably because I have very distinct memories of my parents visiting there when I was a girl- part of me relates 70s FM radio to Mexico City, so I guess that's why I'm feeling that era for my homemade soundtrack.

Ooh, and I discovered an adorable designer called Carolina K., who is Argentinian and whose designs are all sourced by Latin American artisans and are fair trade. I adore her little dresses and the modern take on traditional folksy dressing. Plus she ships to America, so check out her site for more fun stuff. Very cute (see above). 

Mexico City is one of those places I suspect I'll see again, if only because there's much of the city still left for me to explore. But its vibrance speaks strongly to my restless little gypsy soul, and the friendly and laid back vibe despite insane traffic and overcrowding has me craving more. And though I'm happy to be home, that big city left quite the impression. I'll see you again soon, mi amigo. 

Cause that's what's up this big city life in the 212. Yours, in plentiful tacos and good vibes. Tomorrow, I'm gonna break you off some great jeans for Fall- you'll love 'em.  XO