the world according to sherimaven

Phew, Tuesday. Thanks for bringing the serious cuckoo today. Woah.

Needless to say, I can't wait to go home today- feeling very much like Dorothy right now and want to go home to my very own little version of Toto. Cause when it comes to home, there's no place like it.  I spotted these Red Valentinos and instantly knew I would want them for my journey. Clicking away as we speak...every girl should have a pair of red shoes, non?

And that's what's up this ruby slippered never ending Tuesday in the non Kansas like 212. Yours, in wonderful wizards and such. XO

Good afternoon, Monday. It's been a fast moving day today and have not had a second to check in until right this very minute NOW.

Had a lovely weekend filled with friends, food, and fun. I can't even talk about GOTS last night. I'm still freaked out. That show is becoming almost too much to take. I may be too sensitive to watch it- bring on the rom coms. Those white walkers scare the crap out of me.

But I was also watching some vintage TV this weekend in between doing this, that, and the other, and the goldmine that is "Rhoda" can't be underestimated. To be blunt, the writing on that show as not exactly amazing. But the premise (for those of you uninitiated) was genius- divorcee living in New York as a single gal trying to make a living in the 70s.  Rhoda Morgenstern played by Valerie Harper (who is currently being sued by a Broadway producer for not disclosing her cancer) is a transcendent character. If you have ever know a funky Jewish chick, then you have known a Rhoda.  She's the best friend you want for real- after all, she was Mary Tyler Moore's BFF for years- and what's better than THAT?  Love her. Actually, love both of 'em.

In any event, everybody needs a colorful jewish lady in their lives.  But Jewish compadres aside, the most important thing about Rhoda is her amazing style. Y'all know of late I'm drawn to a spare silhouette, but damn if watching Rho Rho did not take me right back to my fashion sweet spot, the 70s. I adore her style- from the head scarves to the basic tops and printed bottoms to the abundant use of red (not my color, but fab on her). What I love about her look is that although it's very boho, it's also restrained and elegant and grown up. I think she was just beyond, don't you? There's an ease to the way she dresses that is really sexy and cool- and when I think about the way my mother and her friends dressed back then, it's not that different than Rhoda. Because even though my mom was most definitely not a window dresser living in New York on her own, Rhoda's indie spirit and warm personality and sense of humor was relatable to most women, and still is. Who wouldn't want to be friends with Rhoda? And I remember always finding it so cool she had a doorman, even if he seemed like a creep. 

I may have to go buy an oversized chambray shirt or something in her honor and rock a schmatta on my head. It's only a matter of time before I become Rhoda incarnate, minus the single lady bit and creepy doorman. I think I channel her without even knowing it, as do most of us who grew up when we did. Without Rhoda, where would Rachel Zoe be today?  Sometimes you need to just embrace your wackiness, and Rhoda did it in a refined way...ps how much do you LOVE those pics of her with MTM? Don't even get me started on her. JUST DON'T. What I wouldn't do to be leaning in on an old IBM typewriter at the office with Mary right now.  

Wanna rock the Rhoda look? All you need is a good head scarf, some ethnic jewelry pieces, some clingy neutral basics and some hippie prints. I'm so feeling it. Thanks Rhoda for taking me out of my minimalist theme park. it's getting warmer outside and we all need to get down with our free spirits. I'm particularly feeling the oversized men's chambray situation with some big beaded necklaces and perhaps a wide legged jean and platform sandals- I also can't get enough of a good navy knit tee shirt with a 70s type sleeve- sort of mid short sleeves like Rhoda's above. Adorable. And that's what's up this 70s sitcom of a Monday in 2014 in the 212. Yours, in flared fabulousness. XO

PS I know it's not Thursday...my throwback inspirations do not, and never will, play by the rules.

Good morning, Friday. I'm listening to the Talking Heads (yes, again) and feeling very relieved that today is Friday. I'm ready for the weekend and have some fun things planned- looking forward to a fun dinner party and late (guessing Saturday will go late so LATE) brunch with a good friend on Sunday afternoon. The weather is gorgeous here, but damn if I know how to really dress for it. Is it time for sandals yet or no? Always such a hard call. I'm saying not yet, unless it's evening and you've got trousers on. Otherwise, keep the toes closed another week or so. 

In other news, if you want to know my definition of cooler than cooler than cool, look no further than Dazed Digital's recent editorial cover story on Jamie Bochert. The styling is sort of boho/Belgian and I'm dying a thousand deaths over it. Not to mention Jamie's incredible rock and roll hair and cool lankiness and I'm just an absolute goner.  Ms. Bochert used to be a model, grew up in Jersey, and is now a musician living in New York with her husband, actor Michael Pitt. I'm sure their life is the WORST. Ha.

Needless to say, her Patti Smith/androgynous vibe is lost on not a single one of us. How amazing is she?  What an alien. I love her. (Even if she is from Jersey).

I posted the story for you to see because it's how I'm feeling about the weekend- being a little bit rebellious, wearing something flowy but not fussy and embracing a bit of the outsider status I sometimes run from. Why not? It's Spring in New York and it's time to break free- I need that gold feather necklace she's wearing, ps. So fabulous. I just love that this story is def in boho country, but it's not the least bit LIttle House or Coachella- it's more bohos in space or postmodern hippie. Whatever it is, I love it.

And that's what's up this blasting off into Friday in the universe of Manhattan. Yours, in Belgian design and Jersey girl rockstar vibes. Fashion rebels unite. XO

Good afternoon, pals. It's chilly in NYC today and I have a small weensy hangover from seeing some old friends last night- amazing what a few drinks do to me these days. La-ame.

But I'm not here to talk about my hangover. I'm here to talk about cool brand Pilot and Captain, a travel line out of Philly that's making it happen, and soothing my obsession with all things travel these days. I LOVE these tee shirts and prints and totes from airports around the world, and particularly love that they will be opening a store in the Philadelphia airport. It's so brilliant and perfect and just one of those branding moments I really love-  my hero for all of this kind of thinking is Andy Spade, and clearly Pilot and Captain shows a preference for his type of thinking- right place, right time, strong brand POV, and pitch perfect aesthetic that somehow feels vintage and right this minute, all at the same time. I adore that they are staking claim on the most perfect place for their product- utilizing the hometown airport. Brilliant. I can see this brand opening shops in airports all over the world. Move over, duty free. I'd rather buy one of these tees than a bottle of Chivas and some Chanel No. 5 any day. What a great souvenir/gift too.  Love the tote and a big fan of the field guides with "insider" city cheese for those that like to stray from tourist trappings. Who doesn't need that? Oh and the travel prints would be super cute for a kids room, or for your own room. Love them. Not surprising the dudes who created this brand are design types.

Although I'm well aware how jaded I am when it comes to marketing, I still get excited when people take a simple and bold idea and bring it to life. Well done, Pilot and Captain team. Well done. Big ups to Philentrepreneurs. 

Cause that's what's up this 215 love kind of Wednesday in the 212.  Yours, in hometown pride, and great ideas. XO

Hiya, Tuesday. I'm throwing it back today and not Thursday because I'm just that way. Deal with it. Oh, and Happy Earth Day. We've got to get better at taking care of our planet, you know. Summer is coming and no doubt it's going to be the hottest one yet- thanks, humankind. Nice work.

And as the Spring fashion mags gear up for Summer (as well as the rest of us), I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with inspiration for summer vacation vibes when I saw this story yesterday from 1997- my fav gal Linda Evangelista and her transcendent bob (nobody wore it better) and fantastic minimal cool, sexy style. That photo above of her on a  bike perfectly captures the freewheeling fun of longer and lazy days in the sun.

I love the images shown here- photographerMario Testino  perfectly captured the mood of warm weather, tan limbs, and that Summer wind, as he so often does. I love how 17 years later, these looks are still so amazing- so timeless and chic. What a beautiful story- what will you be wearing on your retreat from real life this Summer? I'm digging the mini vibe here as well as the simple black sweaters. Fab. I adore black and white when it comes to easy peasy vacation dressing- you simply can't go wrong, not to mention stripes are lovely by the seaside.  Cause that's what's up this back to the basics kind of Tuesday in the warm and balmy 212. Yours, in getting away from it all, with style. XO

Good morning, Monday. I hope you had a lovely Easter weekend. Weather in New York was just supreme and everyone was loving it. Today another gorgeous one, though my allergies...that pollen vortex really is the worst. 

So allergies or no allergies, one of my favorite things to do on the weekends is walk from one end of my 'hood to the other with D and Khan, taking pictures all along the way.  When I was younger, I really did not enjoy taking pictures- never was interested- even though my career path took me into a place where I got to embrace my love of photography (production), my passion never really was in the picture taking, more the picture making. I have always adored the whole medium- but didn't start to enjoy shooting until the whole amateur camera phone thing started up. And though I have no illusion about my talent- I will leave the professional photographs to the professionals, and I'll content myself to photographing those things and people and angles that inspire me.  I'm loving it. Just check out my Instagram- be warned it's fairly Khan heavy (naturally). It's been fun walking around New York and snapping pictures. I'm so grateful for my filtered IPhone photos- they make my world look lovely.

So it's no surprise I'd be drawn to the coolest new Lomo on the block, this gold Diana Mini number. I need THIS.  I'd love to carry this around my neck- it's almost like a "dress" camera- the ultimate accessory for glam nights out in New York with all the mad ones- plus the Caviar is a fun little number for swank documentation. But since my photos are way more daylight inspired, I'd probably opt for one of  the Lomo Sardinias, that feel like something out of a Wes Anderson movie- what's not to love? Great options available on their site for all of these and many more. PS...for loads of these you'll be shooting FILM. Get some. Old school. Film rules. Oh, and they're not that spendy- most under $200...

For the uninitiated, the Lomo movement started in Europe  in the 90s and has gained a cultish fan base since then- the rules of Lomo are pretty simple- have fun and be spontaneous and snap without too much thought. That's what I love about it- you don't have to pretend to be a famous photographer to use these- though the pictures are pretty fabulous in a lo fi, dreamy sort of way- think sunshine mixed in with a Mazzy Star album and some fresh laundry smell- the Lomo is the visual equivalent of all of that. It's a fun alternative to using your phone for all of life's camera ready moments- I think they're magic.

And since it's yet another fine Spring day in NY and the marathon runners are sprinting through Boston  and your dog just made a funny face, you'll use this little guy or gal all the time- thus making the Lomo my pick of the day. And that's what's up this snappy Monday in the terribly photogenic 212. Yours, in capturing life. XO 

If you're in New York, check out the Lomo Gallery store here. 

Good morning, Friday. It's a pretty day in the city and looking forward to a nice Easter weekend right here in New York. I may even convince David to take Khan and I to Central Park on Sunday to check out New York's finest Easter fare- and hats- my very favorite. And although I love seeing the city's most gorgeous people out on sunny day in Manhattan, I'm feeling anything but festive.

I just finished reading an article on Bloomberg entitled "Austin is the new Brooklyn".  This is not news for many of us (duh, of course it is)- loads of ad types have gone out there, as well as lots of other types too seeking a less expensive existence. And although New York's insane cost of living feels particularly isolating, it's not just here that's feeling the burn- many friends in LA are concerned about the price of living there, raising families there, and getting by there. And I've still got some friends in Miami who talk about how apartment prices (rentals too) are slowly creeping towards Manhattan prices. Crazy. When I lived there (we left in 2011), it was quite the affordable city- sure there were loads of options for rich people, but there was also quite a bit available for the rest of us. It was one of the only things I liked about living there.

According to the piece, "Over the past three years, only three of the nation’s largest cities—Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta—were among the 20 fastest-growing metro areas of a million or more people. Austin topped the list, followed by San Antonio, which lured 68,961 out-of-towners, and Raleigh, N.C., drawing 41,495. Compare that with New York, which lost 362,359 residents, and Chicago, which saw an exodus of 172,378. The Census data show that fracking boomtowns in North Dakota and retirement enclaves in Florida have experienced some of the largest growth in the nation by percentage, but the number of people moving to Austin and other fast-growing cities far outpaces them. Frey says large cities won’t necessarily miss the residents who’ve left, because new people are always moving in to take their place: The March Census report found that despite the outward migration, metro New York’s population is at a record high of 19.9 million"

So if you're looking for New York to benefit from all of these people leaving, think again. There will always be some rich dick to take your place. And that's inherently the biggest bummer of all of this- the people that are leaving big cities in droves are the very same people that give the city the plasma/style/creativity it is so sorely lacking of late. These are not people leaving so they can live a posh, suburban life in Greenwich. These are people who are young, with small children, and most likely in creative fields or even more so, middle class consumers who offer much to a city- from a great work ethic to contributions to smaller and local. We shouldn't be losing these types of people. And nor should your city- New York's loss is truly Raleigh's gain- but then of course, the more New Yorkers move to a place, the more expensive it will become. I guess you could call that the Brooklyn effect- there's a premium associated with what was once staunchly middle class (small businesses, local bakeries, front stoops) but is now highly upper class. 

I for one don't want to end up staying in this 1% ghetto if there's nobody fun to play with. Everywhere you look in this city, there's an evaporation of what once was- sure that's evolution, but walking around the Upper East Side yesterday, I saw gorgeous brownstones off of 5th Avenue being completely gutted to serve the whim of some hedge fund guy, who never got the memo about 2008, because apparently, it never happened. How will we draw people here if nobody can afford to live here? 

To be clear, I adore city life and have always been a big city kind of girl, but thinking my notion of what living in a city is all about really needs to change- surely there's other cities out there that feel less ridiculous and where I can live a big cityish life? Now I know the truth about my spending- I don't have to take Uber, I don't have to buy expensive makeup remover or eye cream, and I probably don't need another pair of shoes. But living in New York as a monk is not appealing either, and it would be nice to at least live somewhere where a glass of wine doesn't cost $15.  Sure, scaling down would make life more accommodating here, but there are others here who don't buy a bunch of fancy stuff and still can't make it. It's bullshit. I can't help but feel all of this big city living has me craving something a bit smaller, and more manageable. Not Austin (too indie). Not Miami (too plastic). Not Philly (just no). I'm open to all other suggestions if you have them.

The good news in all of this is that perhaps we will not all be slaves to this city anymore. That maybe it will be possible to live somewhere else and have great culture, diversity, and places to shop and eat. That is, until all the New Yorkers and Los Angeles peeps come and price us out again. Sigh. It's tough out there for, oh, 99% of us. I miss the opportunities that this city provided- it was never, ever cheap to live here- but it was not like this.  Here I am- stuck in the middle, with ALL of you (or most of you). The rich really do ruin everything. I'm tired of living in a city, and further, a country, where us vs. them has replaced with liberty and justice for all.  I wonder what the rents are like in Europe these days? Wanna come with? On second thought, please don't. I'd like to have a decent rent for a while or perhaps be able to buy a house.

Cause that's what's up this penny-pinching Friday in the overpriced 212. Yours, in sticker shock.  I'm not going anywhere right now, but if things keep going the way they're going, I'm not so sure I want to get trapped in the rich ghetto.  I'm still rooting for all of us who love this city, but living here is harder than ever... XO

Good afternoon, friends. It's cold outside and I think all of us are going into weather shock. Seems like we all need bigger closets to accommodate an ever changing wardrobe...cray.

But since it technically is Spring, you know want some new stuff. About a month or two ago, a friend of mine asked about the perfect black tote, and though I am late in answering her pocketbook prayers, I think I've found just the thing.

I admittedly get lucky at Banana Republic for totes sometimes- they're always well priced and super stylish and simple. (I'm pretty excited about the new CD starting there by the way...her J. Crew pedigree should serve her well, and not a moment too soon...) I spotted this Ashbury perforated tote and fell in love with it, and it comes in white (very very chic) and of course, the all purpose black. At $140, it's a great price and is a nice, unstructured carryall for basics- though not great for anything much heavier than a Macbook Air- this tote is strictly for tooling around town and less "all business".  The whole perforated trend  is very much a "thing" (has been for a few seasons now) as evidenced by all the holey sweaters and sandals we've seen of late.

 And to affirm that the BR bag is way on point, cool chick brand Loeffler Randall's Shopper version is also awesome (it's the one with the pouch shown outside of the bag) and perhaps better suited to heavier cargo, but at $395, it's almost three times the price. Choose your poison ladies. But if I were you, I'd head to Banana and have some money left over for a cool pair of shoes. Banana for the (well priced) crown. And the BR version also has a pouch, so good for your lipstick, phone, etc. And for that, I'm poking holes in the theory you have to spend more money to look fabulous. Pun very much intended.

Cause that's what's up this comparison shopper of a Wednesday in the wacky weathered 212. Yours, in perfect perforations. XO

Good afternoon, Tuesday. Gloom and doomsville in NYC today- crappy weather and hair and general malaise. 

But with all of these showers will come the inevitable flowers, and another favorite rite of Spring time- weddings. Ah, love. And brides. Lots of pretty brides, flowers, sunshine, happiness, glee, whimsy. But maybe you're not that kind of bride, and if planning a wedding, buying a dress, and spending eternity with your partner has got you down, I've just the thing. 

Vera Wang has just released a video of her latest bridal collection for Spring 2015, and it's anything but chirpy. Remember when every girl you know got married in a strapless Vera Wang? Yea, me too. But times have changed and I guess Vera has decided that love kind of sucks, and most definitely is not an occasion to self tan. 

Glum bride after pale, glum bride stares with saucer eyes at the camera, looking very much like sleep and food deprived bridezillas desperately in need of not only sandwiches, but Prozac. I'm not sure if it's the weight of the dresses on their fragile frames, or the impending sense of doom that comes with meeting and spending your life with a soul mate, but really- LIGHTEN UP, VERA WANG.  You're kind of bumming me out. Perhaps you've been watching a bit too much "Walking Dead". Or maybe too much "Game of Thrones" (we all know what happens at those weddings...).

I'm not sure what happens when fashion people make a video that it all goes so terribly wrong- the dresses look perfect in print but once these sedated and underfed brides start to move, it all goes to a place more suitable for a parody on SNL than the perfect dress for that special day. Yea, I get not every woman wants to be a pretty, pretty princess- but your wedding day is supposed to be happy- regardless of if you're wearing a traditional dress or a college mascot costume. And the white eyelashes? I'm not sure those are going to work for the pictures.

According to this video, being a bride is about being a zombie nymph, eating rotten rose petals, and suffering from anemia. Allow me to take your hand, oh pallid betrothed, and let us dance around in circles in winter time. I particularly like when they all tap on each other at the end, just to make sure they have not all collapsed into dust.  I love you, I hate you, I love you. I'm hungry. Please feed me. But first let me stroke your lightly tousled, chicly stringy hair while black rose petals engulf our waif like, wasted countenance.  I'll be your junkie bride. And the haunting music is more appropriate for love lost than love gained.

So ain't love grand? (Or something). PS the dresses are gorgeous- stunning. But this video is just completely insane.

And that's what's up this you may kiss the bride (if you can find a pulse) kind of Tuesday  in the lovely 212. Yours, in matrimony.  XO

Link to video here:

Good afternoon, Monday. It's a nice, warm day in New York and despite the fact that my bangs are frizzing a bit and that nobody has gotten the memo about air conditioning in this stuffy town, I'm feeling rejuvenated by my weekend upstate, albeit slightly sad to be home. 

I have always said that nature is overrated, which is probably one of the more ridiculous things I have ever said. (And I've said a few). I'm not one for bugs, wild animals, camping. I'm not cut out for such endeavors but what I am cut out for is a serene, beautiful setting with loads of trees and a quiet lake.  As David, Khan, and I hung out in our little rented country cabin this weekend, it hit me. I need to soften up. We all do. 

New York is a city of sharp angles, often like shards of glass. There are people everywhere, buildings everywhere, cars everywhere. There are bikes everywhere, long lines for lunch everywhere, and too many idiots on their phones and not watching where they're going everywhere. In New York, there's simply too much of everything, and everywhere. That's one of the reasons it's the best city in the world, but it's also one of the big bummers of living here. Sometimes, its harsh cruelty and onslaught becomes too damn hard. The dimensions can feel too extreme, too sharp, too intense.  Now back to this soft thing.

I may not be the softest personality on Earth. I'm cynical, I'm sharp, I too am intense. But going somewhere where there is oxygen and quiet and woods has a softness that I could really use a whole lot more. Now that my quiet little nabe of Brooklyn is getting as  busy as a Monday in midtown , I need a break from all of that harshness, and most of you probably do too . I've figured out after a few years on this planet that life is about balance- and man/woman can not live by the city alone, and you've got to balance all of that angular living for something more fuzzy, rounded, and warm. In recent years, more and more people have moved back to cities- where there's great culture, fabulous shopping, a pulsing energy. But what does that do for the rest of us who were already here? It's true my neighborhood feels a bit like Portland- more urban hippie than fast paced loony town, but the sheer volume of strollers, ice coffee drinkers, and Audi wagons gives me a stomach ache. I can't be the only one who feels this way can I? Don't get me started on Mondays in midtown...

If more people took the time to let in some softness, the world would be a better place. It's all of that sharpness that makes people crazy. Think of the lengths we go to to even look angular- it's even become demonized for women to be a little bit physically soft, which at one time, was considered the sexiest thing on Earth. Who wants to sleep with a shard of glass? From the looks of the women in the city these days, everyone. Just. Get. The. Pasta. Jesus.

But I'm getting away from my point- I think we live in a world where we are programmed that being hard and tough are the only ways to survive. That may be true to an extent, but I plan to find some peace and embrace something a little more soft. I didn't realize how much I needed it until this past weekend, when the cruelty of the city left me for a few precious days.  Where I wore something loose, didn't even think about CC or BB or any other kind of cream, and generally just eased it all up a little. It was bliss.  Sometimes you have to lose focus to gain real perspective. We are all so busy eyes on the prizing that often we forget to see anything at all. I'm worried about us. Really.

This may seem obvious to many of you, but I'm often late to the party .  Both David and I recognize how lucky we are to live in New York, but it's getting the balance right that proves challenging- and if anyone ever accuses me of going a little soft, I'll take it as a compliment. All of this hardness does not a better person make. Cause that's what's up this dimmed Monday in the not very warm and fuzzy 212. Yours, in mellowing out, and softening up. XO