the world according to sherimaven

Good morning from Mexico. I am up early and trying to ease into the day by catching up with all of you.

I've been to Mexico before (Tulum), but Mexico City feels so different from the way I've always thought- there is no beach, and it's chilly outside, which you know makes me happy. We've had a mild summer in New York, but still, the chilly mountain air here feels really nice. And Mexico City is in the middle of the country, with no beaches like you would expect when coming here. It's basically a sprawling metropolis with loads and loads of different neighborhoods, and sirens that sound like they do in New York City, cause I just heard some go by downstairs.

I'm staying at a lovely hotel, the Condesa DF, in the very beautiful Condesa neighborhood which feels like Paris and boasts gorgeous Colonial buildings. When I travel, I love to visit cities- really huge ones- because I enjoy seeing how much they begin to feel like each other- driving here from our location scout, I felt shades of Tel Aviv, Miami or LA, and then, Paris. I am becoming fluent in city travel and understand the rhythm of such sprawling population hubs- I love all of the humanity, all of the pulsing and buzzing, all of the faces and places that are here because they fell in love, came for opportunity, or grew up in this fascinating place. There is simply nowhere I feel more at home than big cities- I like the density, the crowded bustle, the feeling that so much is happening at once. And I love how this city is surrounded by mountains and in a valley, giving it a somehow more grounding and humble feeling, even though it is so high above sea level.  I have not seen a ton of the city yet but by car I couldn't help but notice the juxtaposition of the old and the new- there's amazing old storefronts with colorful lettering next to beautiful modern architecture.

Our first location scout yesterday had us at the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, an old canal area which predates the Hispanic period and is a World Heritage site. Gondoliers take locals and tourists on boat rides in painted, brightly colored boats while swans look on. I can't talk about all of the stray dogs, ps. I want to put them all on a plane and take them home. (Imagine that- me and a plane full of Mexican fur faces. How will I explain that to David?) We ate canalside under a tent while a rainstorm was passing and had delicious quesadillas with mushroom and potato as well as cold beer, which we joked did not have quite the same soothe when it was only about 60 degrees outside. We watched as a couple cooked our fresh tortillas while dancing with each other to Nancy Sinatra's "Bang Bang", which was featured in "Pulp Fiction". Perfect. 

Oh, and one thing I've noticed in the less than 24 hours I've been here- people are very affectionate, which I find absolutely lovely. I noticed that couples always seem to be walking arm in arm, men and women openly embrace, and I even saw one man pick up his lady in his arms when he came to greet her. I love this. There is a real warmth to the people here, and though I doubt our local producer is going to pick me up in his arms, his vibe is super friendly and warm and genuine. I like people such as these. In a place where poverty is a very real problem, seeing people love on each other and care for one another feels special and a glimpse into what every day life could be like here, even with very little money. But from what I'm reading on this city, it's one of the richest cities in the world, with an economy that has been sluggish the last few years, but with many insiders talking rebound.

And as I sit in this lovely hotel with Maelin and Goetz products (and a strange softcore porn film that is somehow automatically on your TV when entering the room), I feel lucky that I get to explore this city- from rich to poor and with all it has to offer- its smoky Mezcal, its mix of food (last night we had Japanese and it was delicious), and its general feeling of warmth and lives better lived in full color. I just popped another Gingko pill to help with the altitude, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the city today as we scout an old cafe and go check out some pyramids. Life is good. I may bitch about packing and flying, but once I am wherever I am going, I am always so grateful to be there. Traveling is such an important part of my soul and I'm always left wanting to see and do more, in the best of ways.

I'm most interested in checking out some markets if I have time- I swear being in an open market is my version of Heaven- from Clingnancourt in Paris to the souk in Jerusalem to a flea market in Nashville, I love going to places where locals buy everything from fruit to crafts to whatever else. Markets are always full of possibilities. My father was also a big fan of flea markets, so somehow it always makes me feel closer to him to go to them. Coincidentally, he always talked about how much he enjoyed Mexico City for its art, adventure, and strong character. So far, he's absolutely right.

I sense this city has lots to offer and can't wait to see more. And that's what's up in this travel edition of my maven world. Yours, in urban journeys and seeing new things. XO 

Good morning, Tuesday. I'm up in the clouds flying to Mexico City for a gig and looking forward to exploring one of the world's biggest cities. I've got to find some time to check out the amazing museums, as well as all of the great markets as I'm hoping to come back with some fun stuff. I'm also hoping to come back without getting sick, so let's see...

But travels aside, last night was a sad night for so many of us. It was with great personal sadness I heard the news of Robin Williams' passing- I'm not sure there's anyone who at least one of his many movies or routines or TV shows did not strike a chord, and if anything, he had the supreme gift of making us laugh. What's amazing to me is how powerful that is- now more than ever. With a constant deluge of bad news, laughing is more important than ever, and for people that have the talent to help us get past our anxiety and grief of living in such a messed up world, there should be a tremendous prize. Unfortunately, the opposite is often true- out of laughter comes so much pain. Being a comedian is a dark business; it’s an acknowledgement that in many ways, you've got to be more plugged in than many of us, to bring us out of our own sadness and into a place of light. To be that intuitive, you've got to be hypersensitive to this thing called life.

I wrote last night on Facebook that it's almost impossible to imagine how someone so loved and admired and treasured could be in such deep pain. I have always been a supporter of thinking of depression the same way you would a heart condition or broken leg- treat it with medicine and care and don't just let it get worse. I have never understood why so many people won't acknowledge their illness, why being depressed is any different than any other sickness in that way. I can't begin to imagine the pain Mr. Williams was in, but know we are losing too many mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, lovers, and friends to something that should no longer be self treated. His death hit all of us so hard because he was simply larger than life- and for anyone to have the immense talent to transcend age, gender, and race and bring happiness deserves a life free from such darkness. 

I also can't help but think in a world such as this, a pandemic of depression is not out of the question. In our 24/7/365 news cycle of doom, it's hard to escape our collective sadness. But in a personal battle, too often an unresolved darkness ends this way, and we've got to get better at helping those we love and care about with these battles. We all get moody, we all get sad, we all face anxiety, but knowing when it's something more and treating it as such has got to become part of our approach to health. We're so focused on our bodies; I'm not sure why we keep forgetting about our minds. 

I hate that another family is left wondering what they could have done. Another child is left without a father. Another wife is left a widow. We will always have his incredible roles to remind us of his vast talent, but now all of those laughs are somehow bittersweet. So hard to make sense of so many things these days, but as the world continues to stun us with everything from war to violence to natural disasters and illness, we've got to come up with a better way to deal, and ultimately, to heal ourselves. I hope much will be done to educate the public about mental illness and depression and take some of the shame away from treating and taking care of ourselves. I realize he also struggled with many other demons, but hope that with his death, we can learn a little something to help us get to a place where we can laugh again. RIP Robin Williams- your death is so very sad and will be felt for many years to come. It's hard to think of a favorite, because there were just so many good roles. It's so tragic that real life did not bode as well for him.

I was so touched by all of the posts last night, and in our collective shock, perhaps we can all help raise awareness for those that very often can't help themselves. My deep sympathy to his family and friends. And if you or someone you know is feeling like giving up is the only option, please get some help however you can. We all deserve some happiness, and if not happiness, then the ability to live a life free of such pervasive sadness. Nobody should have to live in so much pain. We've got too much to lose if we don't help ourselves, and if you can't help yourself, reach out to someone who can. 

And perhaps it's all about helping others in general- today I had no cash in my pocket when I checked my bag curbside, and felt so compelled to give a tip to the nice man who helped me that I ran through the airport looking for an ATM. When I came back to give him a tip, I thought he was going to cry, because he couldn't believe I would come back. That's how bad it's gotten out there- but that's also how good the world can be. Each day I realize that helping others, even in small ways, makes me a happier and more whole person when so many terrible things are happening all over the place. I refused to go through the gate until I found some cash, and I was so happy to make someone's day just slightly better, including my own.

And that's what's up this sky high Tuesday somewhere over America. Yours, in good health, and doing good things.  Please don’t give up. XO 

Good morning, pals. It's a stunning day and I'm looking forward to hanging with some good friends tonight and catching up. 

As many of you know, I consider myself a New Yorker- I was not born here or raised here but in many ways I did grow up here when I moved right after college to this cuckoo town. I left for a big stint but now that I've been back for a few years,  I can say that sometimes, I miss the city that I came to love.  The changes that are happening here in Gotham leave much to be desired. In my once quiet and lovely Brooklyn neighborhood, the sound of cranes and jackhammers building yet another million dollar apartment building serve as my alarm clock. Since when did construction start at 7 am?  When so much money is at stake, I suppose the early bird analogy is apt. I just wish they could fix the Brooklyn Bridge with as much gusto. What's happened to my New York?

I saw an Instagram photo this am of a discarded hypodermic needle, which, to the poster's great chagrin  and horror was left "for their children" to step on or over or accidentally pick up. In New York City. A syringe. Imagine that.

In my old neighborhood of Soho (I was once a resident of a rent controlled tiny pad on 6th Avenue and Spring Street), every bastion of the neighborhood I remember is gone- sure, by the time I moved to Soho it was already a luxe mall, but there were nice little pockets of the old world- Caffe Tina, a lovely little coffee shop for all the old Italian dudes in the neighborhood is now gone. Milady's, a place where you could go in the winter time and warm yourself with a shot of Wild Turkey and a beer for cheap, gone. The Hair Box, a spot where neighborhood guys went to get a cheap shave and haircut and kibbutz a bit with the old man who ran the place, gone. And as we all know, the list goes on. I posted a piece on Facebook the other day from the Daily Beast which talked about Jeremiah Moss's blog, Jeremiah's Vanishing New York.  The blog is for those of us who hate the constant closing of places we loved- most of them, crappy but uniquely New York. Places like the Holiday Lounge, Kim's Video. 5 Pointz. Pearl. All gone. 

I had drinks with a friend the other night who I happened to bump into walking on Bowery. She said that she has no use for nostalgia in her life, and I really respect that. But I admit I am nostalgic for a New York that no longer exists, but not because I romanticize what it was, more because I don't love what it's become. Cleaning up crime is great, but did you have to take away all the heart and soul too?

There is no way I could say I prefer a New York where needles litter the street, but the fact that people are shocked when they see them is telling of a city that is no longer what I remember a city being- a little bit dangerous and gritty, with a deep sense of humanity at all turns. But then again, who needs humanity when you have Organic Avenue? I remember thinking a few weeks ago when in my very tiny local fish shop that it seemed unreasonable, almost hazardous to go inside because of all the strollers in the aisle, making grabbing some shrimp to go almost impossible.  You can't even listen to headphones in my neighborhood, due to the acute and very real possibility that a 5 year old is going to help you meet your maker. Death by scooter is not the way I thought I'd go out. Since when did New York become more dangerous for adults than kids? You know it's true. I liked New York the way it was. 

And whether you prefer an edgier New York or the more sanitized  version that now exists, you can't argue with the fact that it's not just nostalgia that makes the New York of yore something to be missed- it's really that small businesses, the mom and pop, the heart and soul of our town, can't cut it any longer. I read sadly about the closing of Soup Burg, that dineresque bastion to middle class life on the Upper East Side having to shutter its doors after years of being a New York institution, because their landlord was, wait for it- quadrupuling their rent. If entrepreneurs and small business owners can't survive, then what will we have? That's what makes me sad about all of it- it's less about getting a cheap shot of whiskey and more about the characters that gave this place its own vibe- that those business owners are priced out of a city they dedicated their whole lives to serving makes me feel sick to my stomach. 

I agree with my friend that nostalgia has little use in modern life- but it does not change the fact that I fell in love with a very different city.

 I am aware that nothing stays the same, in life, in urbanomics, or otherwise. But I am a big believer in an if it ain't broke kind of approach to life, so why are we changing everything that was good just as it was? I did read with amusement the piece on two train lines being infested with bedbugs- things like this need to happen in New York to keep us all honest on the way home from Pilates.

And like everyone else over a certain age in this city, who remember a very different city than the one we live in now, we'll have to adapt to all of these changes and learn to survive in a city that we often don't understand or want to accept. We can still get great bagels, eavesdrop on hilarious conversations and couples arguing over nonsense, and see amazing art, performance, and beautiful people. I worry that a time will come soon that I will no longer be able to afford to live here, but for now I think I need to embrace some very Darwinian principles and find a way to evolve. That or me and my dive bar and mom and pop loving friends need to become pioneers and get out of Dodge. Surely there's a place for us if New York will no longer have use for our huddled masses? Sure there's hope in the horizon in the form of opportunities for the creative class in Sunset Park and some of the affordable housing coming our way. And we have a mayor who redecorated Gracie Mansion with the help of West Elm to ensure we all kind of know he is a man of the people.  (Too bad it would have been a lot cooler if he did not go to a chain store to do so- patronizing small business would have been a much smarter move). I still believe in this city, I still love this city, and for now, I'm staying in this city. But it's harder than ever.

And that's what's up this leave well enough alone kind of Thursday in the 212. Yours, in don't go changin'.  I can't help it, I miss New York. XO   

Good morning, Wednesday. It's early and Khan and I are still hanging out in bed as I write this- David is off to an early day and we are here enjoying the morning quiet while watching the news. I really do love the mornings.

So if you've been out and about, you've no doubt noticed that Fall is here, well, at least it is in the stores. I'm currently working in Soho so I've been doing some perusing in all of the great shops there and can't believe that Summer is almost over. Though I am not the biggest hot weather fan by a long shot, I have enjoyed the rather mild and temperate Summer we've had, and dread the thought of blizzards and radiator heat. Oh, well. No need to worry on that just yet.

But back to my point- I saw on Refinery 29 the other day a piece on how you can rock a track pant to work (love the pair from Alex Wang)- and I'm all in favor. Wherever you swing on the Normcore pendulum, you have to cheer for the fact that it's led us to a more comfortable and easygoing fashion place that suits our rather chaotic lives. I checked out the Piperlime store in Soho, wanting to check out a Loeffler Randall bag I had seen online but ended up cruising the clothing racks and found these from jean brand Citizens of Humanity- behold- the leather jogger jean. I know. There are many reasons to hate these. First, they are not real leather for you purists out there. Second, they are a tricky item that could venture into trash bag territory if you're not smart about how to rock them. And third, they're not super cheap so if you're more of a person who likes your trendy items on the cheap side, these may not be for you. But they're for me, and here's why.

They're super comfy and I love their shorter length to showcase that last bit of Summer tanned skin- I can picture wearing them with everything from a sneaker to a ballet flat to a suede pump. I'm a big fan of coated denim and these are a great pair of pants for those that want a leather look but not necessarily a leather price tag. I'd wear these with a blazer and tee shirt, or a simple crewneck sweater and some fun shoes. They would also be cute with a turtleneck cashmere sweater and some old school Adidas. I'm all about them, and I tend to look better in things that other people think are weird. It's just the way it is, even if I try to be classic, my version of it is always a bit more unique. Plus, when I'm comfortable in my clothes, I feel more confident and less sausaged. I can't stand to feel constricted or confined so these just work for me in that style can be liberating kind of way.

And for those that feel these are just too risky, the fine folks at C of H make these in denim too, and they're super cute and will never dig into your waistline while you are working, sitting on a plane, or enjoying dinner with friends. Those are available at Nordstrom and the the engineer striped version is over at Anthropologie. I'm sticking with the coated leather at Piperlime- even Olivia Palermo made them her pick, so you know they're cute. I love the whole athletic pant trend- leaving the gym and hitting the street. It's the new legging and an obvious extension of the pajama pant.

And that's what's up this comfy Wednesday from my bedside in Brooklyn. Yours, in banishing the muffin top when jeans attack, one drawstring waist at a time. Loosen up. XO

Good afternoon, Tuesday. 

I've had a busy day of things but just had to share who's inspiring me today, and it's none other than Elsa Perretti, she of Tiffany jewelry fame. Best known for her work in silver, Peretti created some of the brand's most iconic pieces like that heart you've had for most of your adult life. 

I got a little insert with my Bazaar magazine from Tiff and Co. all about Elsa and I could barely handle her incredible chic. Apparently, Elsa and I see life very much the same way- there's caftans, dogs, short hair, and fabulous gay boys. I do draw the line at bunny ears, because after that shot by Helmut Newton himself, how could anyone even attempt such goodness? Oh, and smoking, but it was the 70s, darling. From the short hair, big glasses, and simple yet luxurious and layered jewelry with basic black. Love. The trench and trouser and hat bit below is to die for. I love her boho/minimal/masculine/feminine/creative vibe all at once. So amazing. How do those Italians do it?

And that's what's up this diamonds by the yard of a Tuesday in the Tiffany 212. Yours, in huge glasses and good genes. XO

Gah.

Good afternoon, Monday. I'm back from the beach and though the weather was not perfect, the time with my honey and his family was. I even snuck in a visit with my sister and niece and nephew, wherein my sister and I quickly reverted our way back to childhood and those many many summer vacations at the beach. It was just lovely. And if I could eat crabs and clams and all sorts of bottom feeders all day, every day, I would. Yea, I know. Not terribly kosher. Sue me.

So inevitably the first day back at work after a blessed respite is tough. I've been feeling relaxed but still out of sorts all dang day. So this sweater available for preorder on J. Crew's website had me at first click. It's by Brooklyn illustrator Hugo Guinness, and simply states the obvious.

"You are here".

Damn, J. Crew. How very, very Ram Dass of you. I am no longer there, and I'm not anywhere but here. Trying to live in the present but suspect I'll be hearing the sweet sounds of the ocean for a hot minute. But since I'm a big fan of graphic tees, sweatshirts, and sweaters with simple sentiments and bold fonts, I'm all in on this one. Will be a fabulous reminder to stay very present this winter when all I want to do is go back to the beach. Grounding, isn't it?

And that's what's up this being here now kind of Monday in the 212. Yours, in the present tense, and being here now. XO

Update: A Facebook pal of mine  and avid music lover just posted this to my page after I wrote this piece...imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, non? It's a good sentiment for today, even if it's not terribly original.

Good morning, everybody. I'm getting ready to pack for this trip to the beach and very excited to leave the city for a few days. I'm going super minimal in that regard and trying to shove everything into a tote. What do you really need for a long weekend at the beach besides a heap of magazines, a great book, and a bathing suit and some cute dresses and sandals?

Well one thing I do know I'm bringing are my most basic makeup items- if you are like me, you've been craving makeup this summer that is less makeup like and more natural. Summer is not the season to load on the layers when it comes to your face, and I have to say- the new line from the facial gods over at Perricone MD is simply some of the best stuff I've ever tried.

I am massively in love with their "no blush" blush in warmy rosy pink, which, when dabbed on, creates a lovely flush that works with your natural pigment and coloring for a just pinched appeal. Also HIGH on my list of bests is their "no mascara" mascara- it's more lengthening than thickening but provides just the right amount of darkness to enhance your Lord given fluttery bits. I'm obsessed,and apparently it's a great conditioner and strengthener so this one is a must get because neuropeptides are your pals.  I've yet to try the foundation or lipstick, but needless to say, I'm sure those are perfect as well. It's all avail exclusively at Sephora, and it's a fabulous and exciting new line.

And when it comes to lipstick, give Make Up Forever's Rouge Artist Natural a go. I love a more natural lipstick and find N9 in Copper Pink to be just perfect when it comes to a slightly rosy lip that is not too "lipsticky". f you are a Nars Dolce Vita fan like I am, you will love this. You're welcome. Oh, did I mention it smells like Dr. Pepper? Love it. Super Lip Smackers vibes.

And that's what's up my pre-beach product lovin' for the day. Yours, in stocking up. XO

Good morning, Monday. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood and I'm closing in on beach week (well, long weekend). I truly couldn't be more excited about the potential of doing absolutely nothing, all while looking at the beautiful ocean and feeling the warm sun on my limbs. It can't come fast enough.

Today I wanted to share a bit of the funny with you because, ladies, I know you can relate. That's why I'm always up in your ear, because you are an audience that gets me. 

So I'm early for a barre class yesterday so decided to take a walk and shop around for a minute. I found myself in a boutique that caters to more of a Nanette Lepore type than a less femmed up type like me, but I was in the mood and it was hot and humid so popped in for a look. 

Like most stores in NY, everything in the store is on sale, even though Summer is not nearly over. September is always still warm, so you've got a good two months before you can say buh bye to hot weather staples. I grabbed a few dresses from Nieves Lavi and a pair of lightweight skinny jeans and headed for the dressing room. I admittedly was bothered by the six guys sitting directly in front of the dressing room, shooting the shit while waiting for their females to finish shopping. Ugh. Why is that so annoying to me? I'll tell you why.

BECAUSE THE DRESSING ROOMS HAVE NO MIRRORS. AS IN, STAND BY THE COMMUNITY MIRROR WITH THE REST OF THE BARBARIANS WHILE YOU TRY ON YOUR FROCK.

In 2014, how is this still a thing? Who in their right mind wants to shop in a store that makes you walk out of your dressing room to check yourself out? Sometimes, trying on clothes is not a show. I honestly can't believe that there are still store owners out there that treat it as such. Maybe some of you don't mind coming out to take a look, but I do. I don't need six dudes from Connecticut seeing me at my most vulnerable, as in trying on a way too farpitzed for me dress that I will most likely hate. Put another way:

We can buy everything we want from our phones, we can program our thermostat when we are away from home, and we can make purple cauliflower but we can't have a mirror in a dressing room? Really. What is this world coming to?

Oh, and as you would have guessed, I left the store with not a single thing. I simply can't support such an antiquated practice. Is nothing sacred? Shopkeepers of Earth, please, I beg of you- there's enough wrong with this world- if you could install a mirror in dressing rooms, you'd make a lot of women just a little bit happier. Let's abolish shopper's shame and dress in peace. 

Cause that's what's up this privately admiring myself kind of Monday in the 212. Yours, in crimes against shopping. XO

Good afternoon, Friday. It's a stunning day here in my city and I'm a happy kid.

I'm leaving for a little beach vacay next week and couldn't be more excited. Since I have sand, surf, and sun on the brain, herewith is a list of five things I'd take with me...don't you just?

J. Crew chambray shirt- You can't go wrong. It's perfect. Don't mess with it. Over your suit, and over everything else too.

Trina Turk pants- I love a print pant. Period. End of story. These are light and yummy and can go from breakfast to happy hour gin gimlets. Mmm. Gimlets.

Liz Markus tote- Love this graphic tote from Brooklyn artis Liz Markus's "Hippy" series. Cute.

Nuxe Huile, the perfume- OMG. This stuff. I have always been a huge fan of Huile Prodigieuse, that magic Nuxe body oil, and now they've bottled it into a perfume and it couldn't smell more like summer, with Orange Blossom, Vanilla, and Magnolia to sweeten up the sandbox. Heaven. Goes beautifully with a sun kissed glow. (And the aforementioned gin gimlet).

Jennifer Fisher choker necklace-  I love this so much. A pop of gold choker with a tan is pretty much everything. Obsessed. So simple and clean that it works with everything and keeps your hippie chic from being too hippie and more chic. 

You may be wondering why there are no shoes on this list- duh. Barefoot silly.

And that's what's up this beachy brained Friday in the 212. Yours, in if you listen closely, you can hear the ocean. XO

Good morning, Wednesday. I had one of those well turned out New York nights last night that made living here so worth it. There was a visit to my favorite old bar, The Ear Inn, down on Spring Street close to the water on the west side. My hubs and I used to hang at that bar back in the day and it still feels as cool as it ever did- you can sit outside on benches and drink a Stella and watch the sun set over the Hudson. It's not the worst. Ooh and you know who was there? Caputo from "Orange is the New Black". So good. Love that Caputo. He was hanging out with a Jersey boy type, watching all the pretty girls go by.

We then went to an amazing belated bday dinnner- at Sushi Azabu, a real deal subterranean Japanese speakeasy that transported me right to my other favorite city, Tokyo. The prices were not really in line with a typical Tuesday night dinner, but unexpected decadence can sometimes be the best kind, and this place did not disappoint. Any place that has an uni flight is my kind of place. And they made my whiskey highball right as rain. Loved it.

But in other news, we're going on vacation next week (finally) and are looking forward to a few days in Rehoboth Beach. In addition to thinking about packing, all thoughts turn to bathing suits, and although I already have a few, the temptation to buy a new one runs deep. And because my bod is not exactly the type who scampers into J. Crew or H&M for a cute suit, I've got to get serious with finding one that makes me feel good, as well as appropriate for spending time with my lovely in-laws. 

I've always had great success at Malia Mills, she of the suits that accommodate all shapes and sizes with her unique bra size sizing- she was one of the first to do that and it's been a big hit for her. I own a few of her pieces and have always loved their simplicity and winks to both classic and vintage suiting (monochromatic color patterns with touches like low ruched tie bottoms a la 1970s are the touches that mean the world). But this past weekend I strolled into the Atlantic Avenue shop and almost choked- the new version of a suit I have and love is a whopping $400. Um yea. $400. For a very small piece of real estate. That, THAT, IS swimsuit robbery, and I'm not buyin'.

I care not if the fabric is revolutionary- for that price it needs to make me look 10 years younger and many more pounds skinnier. I am aware that high end bathing suits cost that much, but meh. I can't do it. I'd rather have that money to spend on hard shells and beer in Dewey Beach. For this trip, I'm going deep into my closet and finding some old suits that will fit the bill- I'm not sure what Ms. Mills is putting in those fabrics or whether or not she's sourcing them around the corner or in China (she's not), I just can't right now.

At what price is it worth it to invest in something to swim in? I'm not sure, but $400 is just too much. I'm open to suggestions, ps.

And that's what's up this old water wing of a Wednesday in the very unbeachlike 212. Yours, in old suits are as good as new. Guess I need to wait for the sample sale. XO