the world according to sherimaven

Good afternoon, Wednesday. Two more days till nice long weekend and looking forward to kicking off the Summer with some friends and enjoying the sunshine and longer days. 

So on my way to the gym this am I passed a store in my neighborhood whose windows always get me, even at the ridiculous hour of 6:30 am (a girl's gotta do...). Today was no exception, because behind grates was the most lovely purse, and I had to get closer to bask in its said loveliness. I love a handbag. I really do. Especially one like this- roomy, modern, and practical in the good way.

Much to my surprise, it was a Botkier. You know Botkier for sure- remember their famous Trigger bag (shown at the top of this post)? Every girl in New York had one including yours truly.  Botkier was a brand that was a bit like a Rebecca Minkoff- decent price point and great "starter" bags for ladies looking to enter the very delicious and expensive world of designer hand baggage. But the brand fell off the radar for a few years, and if this bag is any evidence, they are back, and BIG TIME.

I dig the bags of the Honore collection- I love gold hardware and adore the big zippers on all of these. Plus, there's a big sample sale on their site and the bags are really pretty affordable. I also dig this persimmon Legacy bag below...so very cute if you like things on the bright side. At these prices, buy a basic in black or white and then a colorful one if you feel like. Great looking. 

Just wanted to share as I'm sure there's more than one of you out there reading this that went cuckoo for the Trigger bag back in the day. Accessories nerds, you'll know what I mean. Cause that's what's up this trigger pullin' Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in well carried goodness. XO

Link to shop here.

Good afternoon, Monday. I'm so happy with this weather- it's gorg outside and I had the pleasure of celebrating my father in law's retirement this weekend down in Louisville but was happy to come home early yesterday and catch a gorgeous day in New York. I don't care how stressful and crazy this city gets- on a beautiful late Spring day everything becomes ok. I treasure days like that- makes the mundane Sunday errands very pleasant.

And even though I am loving New York today, my mind does wander to places overseas as I dream about some romantic summer vacation. I'm feeling in the mood for a Roman holiday- sightseeing amongst the ruins with an old camera around my neck, eating as much gluten as I please, and taking warm moonlit strolls around the city. I realized that weekend travel, or long weekend travel, is something I feel like I can do very well- when it come to packing, that is. And though a trip to Rome is not exactly long weekend material, let's just pretend it is for the sake of my mid-afternoon daydream. 

Packing for a long weekend is not complicated, or shouldn't be. It's a carry on kind of thing and it's all about easy pieces you love and want to wear, as in YOUR VERY FAVORITE THINGS.

High on that list for me would be looks from newish label Trademark, founded by "Pookie" and Louisa Burch, daughters of Chris Burch, ex of Tory and founder of his own empire, C. Wonder.  I think these gals probably got a little (cough) help, but the resulting collection is just fabulous and spot on for those of us who love clothes that can go anywhere. I've pulled my fav pieces from their Spring Lookbook- I love the range of easy pieces- from flat sandals to a printed suit (in love with this look below) to great dresses and outerwear. Their basic leather totes are perfect for the newest Edition of Italian Vogue and an extra little sexy something silky you may pick up from some cute little boutique on some cute little via to wear underneath this fabulous suit or saunter around your palazzo after a few glasses of deep red wine. 

I adore the color palette- all muted and pretty. And that gold shirtdress is a fabulous easy somehow basic for evenings out with sky high heels or super flat sandals for something more Jackie and Ariesque. Fab.

I also love these little simple smock appeal dresses for simple daytime sightseeing, art book shopping, or Sistine Chapel gazing. Demure yet sophisticated. Adorable Roman ingenue vibes all the way with some folksy jewelry and flat sandals. And I love the idea of wearing the same dress in different prints/colors/fabrics. It makes quick trips all the  much easier, and from the looks of things, the perfect pieces to wear on an indulgent trip to Italy, where one (when I say one, I mean me) may or may not eat more gelato and pasta than one should.

I also love this adorable wooden minaudiere- a nice change from your typical evening bag and really cute for daytime get up and go with something white. The gold chain really gussies it up. Bella.

Oh and you can't forget about a great trench, a classic cornerstone of any chic and citified trip abroad or otherwise.

So if you are dreaming of a long weekend on the continent or maybe just a staycation in your city of choice, no doubt there's something in this fabulous collection for you. I myself am all about big cities and Italy today- I'm mad for these clothes that instantly take me to the Trevi Fountain. Ciao, bella. Cause that's what's up this viva Italia kind of Monday in the 212. Yours, in La Dolce Vita. XO

http://www.trade-mark.com/

Heya, Wednesday. I've been tripping out on the new Ray LaMontagne all day. So psychedelic and dense and delicious. You have to listen if you haven't yet- the writing and orchestration is very beautiful and trippy. I'm really digging on it and think it's a good soundtrack for lazy Summer afternoons in nature (who am I?).

But I digress because I've been doing an awful lot of talking lately about my love for all things minimal. (COS e-commerce just went live yesterday. Rejoice, pared down basics fans of the USA, rejoice).  But it's not just women who are seeking something a bit more spartan, it's also apparently happening to the boys.

Yesterday I read an article in the Sydney Herald about the death of hipster style. We've all heard this knell before, but I think there's some truth to it. PS the "source" in this article is a self proclaimed (uh huh) futurist who says things like: "“The whole hipster thing has been very connoisseurial...hipsters are all about getting to know a topic inside and out; especially when it comes to coffee. We're about to see a big change in that way of thinking; I want a straightforward espresso. I never want to ask for a skinny latte, or a double-drip-rare-bean-thingo again.” Ok, dude. We get it. You're a real man who is not a connoisseur. Not sure that's so great, but yea, we get it.

We're all sick of the hipster gimmicky thing. And though this same futurist type says that he's seen a huge uptick in brands like "James Perse", whose $100 tee shirts are not exactly news, something else is- the whole normcore movement is truly a reaction to our ribald consumerism. We have become a world of complete gluttonous d bags, and that's the truth. If the beginnings of an awakening mean we have to wear Birkenstocks with socks to get to a more enlightened place, then I'll do it. There's no doubt in my mind that men will be in a wayyyy better place if they stop trying to dress like Amish sex symbols (yes, that's a thing and you know it). 

I will go to my grave touting the hotness of men who just dress like men, who can't fit into my jeans, and who don't wear anything ironic. Though i like some of the stuff the hipster dudes do for fun, I'm pretty sure that all of those pursuits (butchering, woodcutting, furniture making) would be a whole lot sexier if done in a simple tee shirt and jeans vs. modern Paul Bunyan.  I truly think men have lost their way, and once again, if New Balance sneakers and a no frills approach to skincare is going to bring back some of that real dudeness I love, then yes please. Stop stealing our jeans, gentlemen. Get your OWN.

I'm convinced we're entering into a more function filled time- when consumption and flash sales and the need for more, more, and more again is going to fade from view, mostly because reality is setting in and all of that crap just isn't worth it- superficially or metaphysically. I for one am in favor of all of us taking it down many, many notches- it's not shocking that the first spare minimal moment of most of our lifetimes came in the 90s, as a reaction to the bright lights, big city vibes of the 80s. (Put down those shoulder pads. Right bloody now). I think we all really need to get back to basics- to find what life is all about, to live within our means, and try to remember most of all what it means to be a good human being- by giving back and doing good things for those who need us most. I like the idea of life getting a little less frilled, don't you? We've already seen the no makeup selfie take hold- so it stands to reason that our dude counterparts would be craving something a bit less tricky and well curated. (I can smell the Old Spice now). I think the whole hipster urban farmer moment got really muddled and messy in translation- I like that men were getting back to more pastoral pursuits, but dressing the part became something almost unbearably creepy, at least it did for me. Not appealing in any way. I think in a way it tried way too hard to be "anti style" so that in effect, in became way, way overwrought in its lack of, well, real style. (I know you get what I'm saying). 

I'll be curious to see how brands like the GAP handle this new interest in simplicity- since they've got the former designer of COS onboard, they stand poised to reclaim their place as an American, effortless classic brand. And I'm not saying that the 1% will give up their spendy habits- but I can see them spending $200 on a plain tee shirt from Alexander Wang vs. anything over the top- I just see everyone going back to something quiet and elegant vs. tricky and gimmicky and LOOK AT ME. 

I'm not going to cry when I stop seeing men in skinny jeans. I'm really not. Nor will I shed a tear over the end of the superbeard, or the demise of ill fitting rompers and 80s haircuts. I think many scoff at fashion as completely vapid, but I always found it held tremendous clues to what's happening in culture, and clearly, we've all had just about enough of THAT, when that is anything that feels too ridiculous, over the top, or vulgar. I'm calling it the Kardashian effect. Let's just all try to keep it real, ok? Contemplation, mindfulness, compassion. All of that. Maybe if we started focusing less on what we don't have and more on what we do, we could really get somewhere in this thing called life.

I'm looking forward to seeing men and women embrace something new, and something more meaningful. Let's just be who we are already. Peace and love, my friends. Apparently real men are back, one simple tee shirt at a time. Cause that's what's up this low key Wednesday in the 212.  Yours, in re-evaluation. XO

(PS it helps if you look like Brando to rock that simple tee shirt. Young Brando, that is).

Good afternoon, Tuesday. I know it's been quiet over here in blog land but I've been busy as could be over here. Lately I'm feeling a bit scattered- much happening- nothing bad just a lot going on.  Sometimes when the seasons change, I feel less grounded- though I adore the potential for change and fresh starts and cleaning out of metaphorical and real closets, it often makes me feel paralyzed, like I can't move at all. Maybe I'm heaping too much expectation on said seasonal changes, but I always get super antsy when the weather changes.

But one thing that keeps me grounded is fashion. Yes, I just said that.

I was searching around online looking for my favorite thing- the perfect black anything, to embrace my very minimalist point of view of late. I don't know if you've ever been on the site or in the store here in NYC The Apartment, and if not, buckle up. Everything is a fortune but EVERYTHING is perfect. After all, as we all know, perfection comes with a (very high) price. Consider yourself warned. 

And I couldn't help but feed on their fabulous blog for their insanely cool Quintessential clothing line. I want it all, but what I want most of all is  the idea captured on this quad.  I adore a uniform and nothing is more chic than this one- black tux jacket, slightly cropped and slightly fuller but stick straight trouser, and sleeveless tee/shell. I am obsessed with how this look is transformed by simply changing the shoes, which somehow, change the game every time. Right now, I'm loving up on look four with the flat slide sandal. It's so chic and perfect and simple. What could be more grounded than that? With style like that, a girl can afford (used loosely of course)  to have her head a little bit in the clouds. If I'm feeling a bit rudderless, I can at least count on the simplicity of a three piece wardrobe and some good shoes to reel me in. I have my father in law's retirement party (I know, right? Retirement what?) this weekend in Kentucky and thinking that look one with the neutral shoe may be my inspirational jam. Love it. And if by now you don't own a black tux jacket and some decent pants and a nice basic tee, um, hello? You're in worse shape than I am. Jeez.

I love how these looks are good any time of year and would travel beautifully. I'm sticking to my easy does it guns right now because I'm feeling too askew to make dressing, and moreover, life, any harder than it needs to be. All in favor? Basics with options. I'm going to channel that not only in my wardrobe, but in my life. Can't we just take it down a notch? Dang.

Cause that's what's up this sparely chic Tuesday in the hectic 212. Yours, in well suited simplicity. XO

Good afternoon, Friday. Happy Mother's Day weekend- lots of fun stuff happening in the city (huge Larry Levan dance party, new show at the Met, record shopping craziness at Brooklyn Flea, art fairs) but I'm headed home on Saturday to hang out with my family, and hope you all will be spending some time with yours as well.

So, here's something. I came across an article  in the NY Times about a "trend" towards no makeup and bare faces amongst the glamourati. I have to say, lately I've been noticing a lot of ladies foregoing makeup- I was kind of shocked by Gwyneth Paltrow's face at her GOOP pop up party in Brentwood- it looked, well, so real. Kind of like the rest of us, but you know, Gwynethy- she's always been a natural type but she really looks like she had nothing on at all. Her mom, Blythe Danner, seemed to have gotten the no makeup memo as well.  They're both beautiful so this is not a hard ask- and I think that's what makes this "trend" tough- if you look like Gwyneth or Jessica Biel or Jennifer Lawrence, why would you try to cover it? I really do like that older women are getting in on this too- I'd say that fresh faced is the provenance of youth, but Cameron Diaz looks gorgeous, and so do Gwyneth and her mom. Good for them. I guarantee you there are thousands of dollars of skin care products and injectables and peels that allow for such dewiness- I think it's cheaper to wear a little bit of makeup, but that's just me. Is lack of makeup the new humble brag? As in, I'm too gorgeous and busy to wear makeup? One wonders. (Hang on, I've got to apply some mascara).

The article ponders whether the whole "normcore" movement has spawned a new generation of fresh faced types, or if our obsession with self documentation of late has taken a more "natural" approach of less is more when it comes to those G-d awful close ups everybody seems to be taking of themselves, some of which, ps do great things- in the UK, a cancer awareness campaign of raw selfies got a lot of attention, but I'm personally not sure what the lack of makeup is trying to prove- we are not more brave or courageous or ourselves with or without mascara- we are who we are, regardless. (Is anyone else tired of these 'movements" ps?) It seems so smug to assume that we are somehow more courageous without makeup. That's just dumb. 

I'm going to give you my take on it- when I don't wear makeup it's not really a statement. On most weekends running around my neighborhood, I don't have a stitch of makeup on. But I adore the ritual of putting on makeup during the week- it's part of my morning and sure, as I age I'm well aware that less is definitely more (plus it allows me to completely ignore my hair in favor of a well dressed face)- it's not LESS per se it's just a different approach to say, more natural looking makeup and less trendy lip and eye colors, and I know I look better with a little bit of help.  I'm sure you have your own thoughts on the no makeup movement, but what I found most interesting is how much I disagree with a popular perception. 

As the article notes, in Silicon Valley, there's a huge double standard. The men get to wear flip flops and old tee shirts and the women have to dress and come to work with a full face of makeup and well done hair in a nod to their power status. I find that so strange, because the powerful women I know in business have ALWAYS worn very little makeup, and to be fair, I've always found it a bit intimidating. As in, wow- you are way too important and no nonsense to worry about the latest Laura Mercier caviar infused eye stick. And, hey, as I toil with my latest attempt at a cat eye, you are making deals and taking names. Don't get me wrong- there are often VERY expensive haircuts and highlights associated with said woman, but the makeup is always pretty barren. I've always found that the most important femmes I know would rather sell themselves on their smarts and sass than their lipstick. And that's the truth. The same goes for manicures- I know a lot of ladies who go bare there too, or keep it very, very simple. The piece mentions women like Tonne Goodman as a huge champion of the bare face- but I'd be much more scared of her in a meeting than some freshly blown out, kohl rimmed power blonde. (Tonne ain't got time for that). I've always admired the naked face- on a confident woman, it's a lovely thing (though a little concealer wouldn't hurt). And really, if you've been to France, you'll see how many women there are undone when it comes to hair and makeup, and somehow, it's so much more glamorous. (How do they do that???) But I find it hard to believe that women like Leandra Medine, she of the infamous "Man Repeller" blog, does not wear makeup because she is "lazy".  As a woman whose every outfit is painstakingly photographed and commented upon, I find that answer silly. She's not lazy about her appearance at all- she just doesn't choose to focus on makeup. Ok, good for her. How come then, the same is not said of women who decide a diet of kale and pilates is too depraved and maybe they want to keep those extra 10 pounds? Why is that not also applauded and celebrated? Hmm. Double standard BIG TIME. 

And there's much pontification on the matter- some are calling it a return to a 90s moment where the supermodels kept things very bare, while others are heralding a new era of relaxed feminism. I prefer the latter. I'd call it a reaction to perhaps some of the insane over the top makeup of cuckoo Kardashians.  Sometimes too much is more than enough. I find the whole "look at me I have no makeup on thing" more vain in some ways- I don't know why we have to make these statements about who we are and how we look- just be whoever you want and we won't have to talk about this anymore. Sigh.

And the fact that the Times notes that women are still judged for their gussied uppiness at the workplace is just odd.  I kind of thought we were over the whole "Working Girl" era of glammed up for work, eons ago- didn't you? You should see what I have on today...then again, I work in advertising where wearing a power suit and too strong a lipstick is a cringeworthy kiss of death. Are we really still equating lipstick with being professional? Seems grossly out of step to me.  I will say the women of Silicon Valley look a bit too business lady 101 for my tastes- why don't any of them look like Jena Lyons? She's the real deal and to me, epitomizes a relaxed yet super stylish approach to big picture dressing. Love her. She always looks herself, regardless of if she rocks a red lip or a nude lip or a pair of ripped jeans or a ball gown. Divine, and very modern.

My suspicion is that things are just kind of evening out- there's loads of options out there for a more natural approach to makeup- from tinted moisturizer to barely there blush to nude lipstick being a hugely popular trend.  I think it's wonderful that women are coming out of the medicine closet and daring to go bare.  PS am I the only one who always thought wearing too much makeup at the office was a big no no or is that just because women in advertising are just more laid back and chic about such things? Overdone screams cheesy to me, particularly at noon on a Tuesday in midtown.  Love it or hate it, I'm thrilled there's options for women who don't want to wear makeup- I'll never be that girl but am a huge fan of personal expression of beauty, whether it's enhanced by blush or not is simply up to you.  Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

And that's what's up this made up Friday in the 212. Yours, at face value.  XO

Hiya hi.  Busy day, so let's get to it, shall we? 

I kind of love throwback Thursday because I really like to throw it back. I'm a referential type- can't help myself, and it's for that reason while I was searching through some sites this am for images from the 70s I came across this gem which I promptly posted to Facebook.

Seriously? Angie and David Bowie. It's hard to look at this photo and not feel very involved/invested in it- who do I want to be? Why am I such a corporate trog? How is it possible to look this fabulous? I died several deaths this am looking at this picture, from deep within the fashion canon of goodness. My heart loves them.

Anyhoo, here's some more amazeballs pics of David and Ang, incidentally for those of you that don't live, breathe, and sleep rock and roll, Angie Bowie is the subject of the beautiful song "Angie" (Angeh) by the Stones. Most of you know that, but one never knows these days...how can you not love this androgynous power couple from outer space? EVERYTHING. And then more. Whatever cloth they are cut from, I want a piece. Apparently they don't make them like this anymore. Damn shame if you ask me.

I've never been with a man who I coordinate my outfits with, but this looks like way too much fun- and many sharing opportunities as well- in more ways than one can imagine...take that for what you will. And though some marriages are better made in fashion (this one did not last, how could it really?), let's celebrate fashionable couples everywhere with these two. Thursday, I'm in love.

Cause that's what's up this tots over the top kind of Thursday in the glam rock 212. Yours, in spiders from Mars. XO

Ooh, ps. This pic of Liz Taylor and Bowie really is pure gold. Talk about a power couple...fabulous beyond.  Elegantly wasted indeed. How hot is Liz?

Good morning, Tuesday.  I thought today was Monday until, well, right now. Hoo boy...today was one of those days when I began walking to the gym this morning and promptly turned around, craving another half hour sleep with my man baby and fur baby than a date with a ballet barre and shaking thighs. I know. Crazy, right?

So apparently there was some kind of big shindig at the Met last night, huh ? For those of you not on the fashion inside lane, last night was the big fashion event of the year, the ball at the Metropolitan Museum of Art honoring the new exhibit of the work of Charles James, a famously wacky and brilliant American couturier known for his spectacular evening looks. Incidentally, and perhaps this was a Vogue mandate, nobody on the red carpet wore a dress by him. Why?

I'm going to go very much on the record and say as someone who loves and often lives for fashion, these events get worse every year in terms of their ability to inspire, awe, and empower women to be their very own fashion icons. I'm not sure why every fashion event is now a Hollywood one as well- it just does not work for me- and they are not, and should not be, hand in hand. I can't understand why fashion can't be celebrated for the brilliant and beautiful thing it is, without the constant twinkle of Hollywood lights. Ugh. Enough about that.

And though high end couture was the supposed theme of the night after last year's punk debacle, the theme really should have been "trying too hard". Way too hard. In a world full of dresses and juice cleanses and chaturanga'd perfection, how is it possible to get the dress so damn wrong? 

I love the color of Reese's gown. But I'm bored with starvation. Really bored with it. Eat something. Damn. And why does Jay Z. look so emaciated at the top of this post with Lady Bey, who ruined a perfectly good dress from Givenchy with a veil. Some people shoudl not be left alone with fashion...

Anna Wintour's Chanel dress was not good at all. What's up with her? SHE COULD HAVE ANY DRESS ON THE PLANET.

Even Hollywood fashion untouchable, Lupita Nyong'o got it way, way wrong in Prada.

And though I may be in the minority, I did love SJP's dress- she's the rare Hollywood type who is a real fashion girl, and Oscar's signature did not bother me. I think it's like signing a work of art, and I have no problem with that when it comes to a beautiful dress.

Of course Kim K in Lanvin. It's nice. It's not horrible. But is it interesting or even elegant on her? No. Not particularly. Because SHE HAS NOT AN OUNCE OF STYLE INTUITION. NOT AN OUNCE. Yes, I'm shouting. I am so sick of her. And even worse, I'm bored by her interest to  be a real fashion player. Just be your trashy self and go away. Run. #tryingtoodamhard

And Kate Upton. Oy. Menopausal Italian housewife anyone? Ugh. And double Ugh. I think Dolce and Gabbana may not be in their right mind at the moment with that prison term looming, but don't take it out on poor Kate. She's gorgeous, and this look  is a bigger crime than tax evasion.

And Lena Dunham. Why? She is a brilliant woman with a brilliant show. She will never, and should never want to be Carrie Bradshaw. This is not a girl who is comfortable wearing designer clothes, and it shows. I wish she would stop trying so hard. I really do. Just be your weird little hipster self. It's fine by all of us, trust me. You are not a hero for anyone over a size whatever by wearing clothes this way. Honest, you're not. Put down the fashion, Lena. Put it down.

I did like Kristin Stewart's Chanel. It was a fashion risk that paid off, as did Marion Cotillard's gorgeous navy Dior. The shoes though? Non. 

Since the dresses were not so great, thank goodness for two piece looks, many of which were really successful. Two piece is the new one piece- if you're young, fit, and up for it. Anne Hathaway in red Calvin looked amazing. Emma Stone in two tone pink Thakoon was everything. EVERY.THING. Anna Kendrick in black and white J. Mendel was sublime and captured the intended spirit of the night. Gabrielle Union's two piece Prada felt so sexy, modern, and cool. I LOVED it. And though the skirt was divisive, I can't help but like Zoe Saldana's bodysuit and skirt by Michael Kors. I just can't.

In the crazy beyond crazy category, Johnny Depp. I mean. Jesus. Talk about being a method actor. Why can't he just not dress like some weird period acid trip ventriloquist dummy all the time? Poor Amber Heard. She's got to be craving some Kate Moss era Johnny right about now. Just because one gets older, it does not mean one has to go off the rails. 

And Neil Patrick Harris and his man look RIDICULOUS. I'm angry at that inch. That inch of leg that does not need to be shown. I get it's some kind of Thom Browne short pant thing, but really? Looks horrid. And stupid.

Successful dresses for me in the one piece category were also had by Jessica Pare in b/w Michael Kors and Lauren Bush and David looked lovely in Ralph, though his little chain vest thing is a little creepy, but they really did look like American fashion royalty to me- effortless, at ease, and natural.  I also loved Leighton Meester in Pucci, below. Gorgeous. I love a gold dress, and I love the shape of this. She looks comfortable, in a sexy way.

And special shout outs to my two favorite bugs, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Say what you will, but I live for them and they can't do wrong. They love fashion, and that's that. Vintage Chanel and Ferre? Yes. Overly conservative and dark? Yes. Completely fabulous? Yes again.

And though I don't like to end on a negative note, I have to say- Katie Holmes, fire your stylist right now. This yellow trash bag of a dress from Marchesa and that messy hair is terrible. And though many loved Karolina Kurkova's dress, I hated it. Because I hate Marchesa and I'm not afraid to admit it.  I have said it before and I'll say it again- women should not look like layer cake. Way way too much, and sometimes, too much is just, TOO MUCH.

Here's the bottom line- fashion has become too much of a sport and not enough of an art form. Stargazing and red carpet viewing are beyond fun, but the joy behind true style and beautiful clothes is getting lost amidst all of the "look at me, look at me" bullshit that is dominating fashion today. It feels to me that everything is way too calculated, and the designers are now making dresses solely for events like these, and not because they are inspired by anything other than a full frontal in Us Weekly. For those of us who grew up with fashion and love it, it's disappointing. The mystery and nuance and understanding of what makes an icon is gone.  Fashion may not be that important when there are so many more important things worth fighting for in this world, but as an art form it needs to be acknowledged and a as a vehicle for empowerment in terms of self expression, we need to encourage something beyond publicity alone. It's just too much of a bore otherwise. And that's what's up this ball of a Tuesday in the most fashionable city in the world. Yours, in great taste. XO

Good morning, Friday. Thanking the powers that be for this day. I mean- it's like heaven out there. What a way to start the weekend. Yay.

And speaking of this weekend, y'all know it's Derby weekend. As a woman who has always had a weakness for the South, I LOVE this event. Plus, I'm married to a Kentucky man and every year, we find our way to a racetrack or Derby party somewhere- and even better- you can finally get a good mint julep up East- thanks, artisanal cocktail culture. Thanks very much.

And though I have NEVER been to a Derby (Oh husband, that's a hint. A very, very strong hint), I adore watching it, love the stories, love the tradition, and of course, the style. Every year I post about fabulous hats for females but this year, I'm going to give it up to the gentlemen of Derby Day. Because Lord bless them, they look AMAZING. Preppy much? It's adorable.

I admit it- when it comes to the males, I like jeans and a tee shirt. I've always been that way. But a guy that can embrace traditional suiting with an eccentric color/pattern/vibe could very well get my attention. To me, the poster child for doing Derby well is not an American. It's the second time this week that an Italian gets my vote for channeling a classic American icon like the Derby- and Lapo Elkann is mi umo. Lapo is heir to the vast Fiat fortune, and to me, he is the ultimate dandy- I adore how he goes for it, but always with essentially impeccable tailoring. It's just that good. Can't touch this.  He's amazing. I give him two juleps up.

Also I have to shout out Ignacio Quiles, who is an American and a  New Yorker and a man of true style. 

I had the great fortune of working with him on a men's pop up shop and needless to say, the man is elegant to a fault and understands how to dress with an attention to detail, fit, and flair that rivals Lapo. I give him two juleps up, too. With extra bourbon because he's amazing. He's also hosting a Derby party at Hotel Chantelle  on the LES tomorrow, which I may very well find myself at post time if I motivate. Here's some more men that are Derby worthy as the horses make their way to the track:

Hopper. Big pimpin'. Love.

Connery. Perfection.

The boys of Mad Men, Don in particular. You know he'd drink some bourbon and get down like that. 

Oh, and you thought I forgot the secret sauce did you? No way. Look at these boys in those hats, and that vintage ad says it all. Go straw or go home. That's what I say. And for those of you feeling Derby Challenged, please consult that handy guide at the top of this post, but all you really need to do is clean up nice and go for something genteel. It's got everything you need for a great day at the races. Ooh, and before I forget, my pick for whose style I'd most love to see at the Derby? My boo, Pharrell. Nobody rocks a hat like him, and this short suit he wore  during Awards season could very well be made into seersucker and worn with some suede bucks or some fabulous loafer or brogue. Or, he could make like this guy and wear pink. He so could rock a pink suit. To me, Pharrell's genius is in his effortless American cool- I hope he goes to a Derby sometime- especially if I ever get to go.

And as "My Old Kentucky Home" begins to play and they start running for those roses, I'll be watching from somewhere in New York, enjoying a julep and hopefully admiring some great style. I do so love that. Cause that's what's up this and they're off kind of Friday in the handsome and stylish 212. Yours, in great men of style and Southern (and non Southern) gentlemen. Next year, at Churchill Downs. XO

Good afternoon, Thursday. After yesterday's brutal rain, we're warm here in NYC. Very warm. And all of this warmth has me knowing its time for open toes and bare legs and I'm feeling inspired to break out of my basic black little box and go for something feminine. I love this story from American Vogue in 1978. Everything is still right about it, and damn if it's not 16 years later. Loving all of it. My fav? This one below from Anne Klein back when it was the Louis and Donna show- timeless, sexy, and perfect for summer in the city. 

I want all of these frocks right now and pretty much nothing else.  Except these. OMG.

This story is my favorite of recent memory- it's in this month's Allure and shot by Terry Tsiolis featuring the fabulous as ever Angela Lindvall. I am obsessed with the feminine shapes worn with a flatter shoe- it feels so insanely modern- even with so many more retro shaped skirts- this spread feels so fresh to me. That Dries flowered jacket in the first frame had me gasping for air. I love it SO. He can do on wrong, and neither can a pretty dress and bare legs after such a brutal winter. And that belted Marni coat? Yes, please. Pretty please. Happy May Day, Throwback Thursday, and all of that good stuff. Cause that's what's up this well dressed Thursday in the pretty pretty 212. Yours, in being a grown up girl.  We've come a long way, baby. XO

Hi, Wednesday. How rainy and crap you are today, New York. And with a three hour client meeting looming at noon, I'm happy I don't have to leave the building, but hoping to stay awake and look alive and such.

But something that did perk me up today was a little looky lou around Carine Roitfeld's CR Fashion Book online output. I mean...nobody is more chic than Carine in my mind- she's got that rock and roll sexy French thing in les spades. Today she shouted out Seafarer, the American sailor pant company (originally from Brooklyn and supplier to the US Navy- check out the iconic photo above) recently set up shop far, far away in Italy and reinvented the brand for a new, younger generation (as most brands do nowadays). Needless to say, I'm in love.

My fashionable friend was over watching GOTS with us on Sunday night and before that poor little baby got turned into a white walker (I'm still sick about it), we talked about fashion and my lust lately for a more flared jean. She's madly against bell bottoms or boot cuts, but lately I'm just a bit over stick skinny silhouettes and know that the boyfriend jean is really better than most boyfriends, but sometimes one needs to look more chicly chic and less chicly schlumped. I'm in favor of something wider, something less tight, but also something flattering and elongating.

There's a way to do bells and flares that does not feel dated or too retro and more classic, like all of these chic ladies above.A wider leg is way more flattering on most of us than a skinny jean, and this season for me, it's about a new update on a classic shape.

Enter these fantastic jeans, and though I have no idea how they fit, I find them beyond fabulous. I love the way Carine is rocking them of course, and I happened to take a screen grab of this woman the other day looking so insanely chic in the wide legs. My favorite models/cuts from their site are the slightly slimmer Penelope in the dark wash or in white- and those flowered trousers are just beyond perfect with some flat Greek sandals and a tee shirt and gold jewelry. I also can't CAN'T deal with how in love I am with that proper navy sailor pant- there's nothing that feels more fresh to me right now than a wider leg pant after so many years of stick skinniness. Adorable. I'd probably wear mine with a sheerish/flowy top half tucked in, half not to keep it all loose, or with a slim tee shirt or tank and lots of necklaces.  I love the Italian take on an American iconic shape- making these pants suited for everything from summer nights in Prospect Park to chic lunches in Capri. Of course, these are not cheap, but perhaps buying vintage is the way to go with a bit of tweaking and tailoring to make them feel new if these are just way too spendy?

Oh, and the fact that you can't buy these in the states right now makes me want them all the more, even if they cost a bundle. Nautical inspired always feels right for warm weather, so cue the Styx and come sail away with me. 

Cause that's what's up this getting my sea legs kind of Wednesday in the very wet 212. Yours, in wide legs. XO