the world according to sherimaven

Good morning, Thursday. I was thinking about Tokyo this morning and how much being there changed the way I thought about style, pop culture, and my approach to inspiration. I have never been in a place so full of rich opposites- the chaos of Shibuya and the manic fashion of the Harajuku girls, mixed in with the quiet of beautiful neighborhoods like Naka Meguro- where the street is framed by a canal and the sense of chill is overwhelming and everybody's wearing gorgeous whispers of true style. You can really pick your poison in Japan, and mine has always been, when it comes to dressing, wearing clothes that feel multipurpose- they could go anywhere and do anything and still remain very stylish and never vulgar or too tricky. I like simple silhouettes that serve as a blank canvas for whatever kind of jewelry I'm wearing or whatever mood I'm in.  Plus, it's worth mentioning that being in Japan feels a bit like being in a Kubrick film. It's trippy as hell and somehow, you always feel vaguely like you're on another planet. 

Which is why I'm drawn to Lisa Perry's show for Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2014. Lisa Perry is a designer who makes no apologies for being solely influenced by something vintage, mostly mod and 60s, but somehow, these looks feel so very right now. These are shapes that many of us would consider vaguely futuristic, in that way the 60s and Stanley Kubrick thought the future would look like. But since the future is very much now, I'm super onboard for all of these beautiful pieces, colors, prints in the simplest of shapes that mingle a lovely sportiness, minimalism, and utilitarian air for those of us who like a good uniform. Not terribly difficult to wear, heavy use pieces that can do anything and go anywhere, and super in tune with our need for clothes to help us manage all of this chaos we are constantly surrounding ourselves with. Yes, please. I love the short length, the volume, the rich green and purple mixed with grey. 

And the use of silver in casual shapes like a tailored sweatshirt is just perfect. I'm so in tune with these gorgeous pieces- they make me want to hop on the first plane to Tokyo- these are perfect pieces to wear there, or should we just take a trip to outer space?  These are the clothes I'd conjure up for such a voyage- the space voyage of my Kubrick laced dreams. Who wants to come with me?  Cause that's what's up this space odyssey of a Thursday in the 212. Yours, in the future. XO

Good morning, Wednesday. Needless to say, it's dismal out there.  People looking like a combo of robots and pole jumpers trying to get around out there. The puddles of New York. Epic. And gross. The only way to handle it is to blast the Wu and Nas and maybe some NWA in your headphones. I'm not sure there's another way...

And I'm beginning to think I need to write more about my time in advertising- thanks to all of you for that overwhelming response you gave me yesterday about my piece on CP+B- I suspect it's more curiosity for Alex and co than me myself, but still felt great to get all of that support and all of those eyes on my piece. Very happy about that. Perhaps more to come?

But back to our regularly scheduled program- I'm pretty sure fashion week is happening in this horrid weather, and all I can think about is Hillary Rhoda's new haircut. Like, for reals. I can't stop. Look at it...so good, right?

Every season, there seems to be some new iteration of the bob- a haircut I have never strayed terribly far from in my adult life. Sure I dabble in the rocker shag arts from time to time (aka Keith Richards obsession), but on the regs, I keep my hair in top bob form. I've got a longer type of face and chin length hair or a bit longer really is the only way for me. Our obsession with bobs never really wavers- there was the Katie Holmes (shorter, a bit choppy, and very straight), the Nicole Richie (longer and straight), the Reese (very banged, very bobbed), the Arizona Muse (a bit messy and less formed), the Karlie (also a bit messier but way more thinned out), the Kelly (adorable and shaggy) and now I bring you the Rhoda- and it's just everything. Great for girls with a bit of wave, great in shit weather, great all around. I am a huge fan.  When many of us think of bobs (and believe me, some of us really do think of them), we may associate them with something more severe- say, like, Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction or a sort of dominatrix leather Russian spy vibe. I love that look too, but this is much more about a choppy moment, a less intense look that is soft and sexy without being the least bit Marquess De Sade. 

So as you contemplate a new cut, I'd say go for that cute lil bob thing. Also great is this kind of wavy bob like Rebecca Romijn was rocking at the Sports Illustrated shindig the other night. Sexy and fabulous.

Also kudos to Lily Collins and her ombre bob...I dig it. Nice collarbone scraping haircut that looks effortless and super cool. The center part is great for girls with bangphobia, and the length still feels longish somehow- great for scissor shy types too.

It's flattering on most faces (except somehow for Jennifer Aniston, who just can't do short hair) and is a fresh way to go short without feeling scalped. With most bobs, you can still pull your hair back, and it's a versatile and modern look that is all things to all women. I'm a huge fan as you know, so what are you waiting for? Oh, yea, maybe not today. Today is a day to not go anywhere, even to get a great haircut. Ugh. Stay safe friends, and thanks for reading. Cause that's what's up this bobbing and weaving kind of Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in chin length goodness.  PS- lots of blondies here, but works well for any hair color, of course. Gorgeous any way you chop it. XO

UPDATE: How I could forget to mention my precious friend Siobhan, who has been cutting my hair into some version of a bob since forever is beyond me. She's the greatest haircut in all of New York City. And if you're nice she may come to your house...here's her site- also available for all your photo needs. Yes, this is a plug. I'm far from ashamed of it. She really is THE VERY BEST- I should know, I'm a pain in the arse. 

http://siobhan-benson.squarespace.com/

Good afternoon, Tuesday. Some sort of cray ice storm is coming tonight so looking forward to that. Sigh. Winter, you are so very Wintery this year...

So as many of you who read this or care about what I have to say know, I worked at an ad agency in Miami called CP+B from 2004-2011. There's an amazing piece in Ad Age today about how tough it is for agencies to aspire to such greatness today- that perfect storm of great clients, great misfits, and a great moment in time where the stars aligned and pop culture was on a course that made navigating the ad waters a little rough, but fun as hell. I'll never forget getting a job there as a producer- the New York girl in all black- neurotic and cynical and generally suspicious of anything not New York or somehow relatable to my very granular Manhattan existence. 

But then I moved to Miami and lived in a place called Coconut Grove and met people from St. Louis and Chicago and all over who were covered in tattoos and acted like Johnny Knoxville and who, most importantly, let me get the work done, however I found it best to do it. If you look at the photo of the cover of Creativity from 2004 (see above), you'll see what I mean. Just who were these sweaty dudes  (and there were more than a few sweaty chicks who were right there too) who never said never and never stopped working to make something great?This was a place, who two days into my working there (in the middle of my first hurricane), told me I had to get on a plane and do a photo shoot with Common on top of a halfway house in downtown LA. Um. OK. No problem.

So off we went, and it was a great shoot, and to this day I am still exceedingly close with the art director I went there with, and love seeing updates from the account person with us as well- we all listened to hip hop, drove around LA, blushed at the cuteness of Common, and had an amazing time. And though what Alex Bogusky (whose name is still on the door but who no longer walks the halls) says is truer than true, that it matters not how great your creatives are if you don't have the right clients to make the work, I think what made CP+B really magical were the people who worked there. It really was, for a long time and for lack of a better term, an island (Miami being a fitting place for this whole era) of misfit toys. And though I've enjoyed a lovely freelance career and a recent stint in full time life, I have always missed those misfit toys. It's not that I'm terribly nostalgic for the old days- after all, the work was really hard and the hours were long and my heart often pounded from stress, I do miss that little ragtag band of pirates. The passion, the humor, the need to compete on one's own terms- I can't ever be mad at how good we were, and how much better we all were because of each other. I made gigantic monster heads, talked to a real ninja on the phone, and painted an entire city block of my hometown in paint (I may or may not have tried to quit during that project). I drank a lot, smoked a lot, and ate way too many empanadas. It was an extreme time full of extreme stress and some extremely amazing work. Oh, and I also had a tree fall on my house during a hurricane, remember being on a shoot in the middle of the night in LA, talking to an art director in Miami and one in Boulder with an illustrator based in Sweden. My head was often mistaken for my ass, but somehow it all worked out. I could trade war stories forever, but you get the gist. Don't get the wrong idea- it was not always warm and fuzzy- it was tough, irrational, and extremely intense. But we all knew what we were fighting for, and somehow, we all loved it. And speaking of love, many, many people fell in love there, like, for real. And have like, babies and stuff now. Together. Amazing.

And though many people may not know this, it wasn't just the work that affected me so much- living in Miami was a trippy experience for a girl like me- I didn't know how to drive, I didn't understand why any food I wanted could not be delivered, and I certainly didn't understand what was up with all the fake boobs. Living in Miami made me a better and more well rounded human being- in many ways, I needed to leave New York for a while to grow up, and I feel lucky I got to grow up at CP+B, and also embrace an inner child who always loved the mad ones and anything exceedingly creative and smart. And although growing pains are hard and challenging and test us mere mortals, it truly was the best of times.  And maybe in some ways, as I was growing up, so was CP+B. I can't ever be mad at what that place and that city gave me. And it's the gift that keeps giving really because so many of my old amigos are back here in NYC, and they call me for work. I feel incredibly grateful for the connections and supremely talented people I met there. They know I'm just as crazy as they are and up for anything, and enjoy the process just as much as they do- and by "process" I mean very little process and more just raw smarts and energy and aim high kind of thinking . (I also enjoyed the lack of forms back then. That was nice). The place asked so much of me, so much of all of us, but I think we all got so much back. I'm glad I did it and this is not some idealistic ode to the old days- it's just a nod to a place that inspired me and pushed me and changed the way I thought about work. This is just my take and many people may have something different to say, but I loved being a part of the craziness.

I'm not sure that perfect storm will happen again for me in agency life, but I have hope this next generation will come up and make another great agency- there will never be another CP+B, but perhaps somewhere out there, another bunch of lunatics will color outside of the lines and their work will be picked, panned, and parodied on SNL, with their clients cheering them on all along the way. I just hope they'll call me. I'm available and still very much up for a good time.

Cause that's what's up this once in a lifetime kind of Tuesday in the very non-Miami-like 212. Yours, in the good old days. Respect. XO

Link to the piece below:

http://adage.com/article/agency-news/tale-2-crispins-agency-decade/291465/

Good day, Monday. It's snowville outside and after a particularly crushing weekend of mostly work and very little play, I'm a bit knackered. I'm glad I'm past it and all is well today, if not a bit sleepier than usual. And if you're one of the lucky people who invested in some fancy snow boots and coats this year, looks like you're getting a real bang for your buck- being well geared is the only way to deal with this winter business. But let's talk about football (yes I just said that).

I know it would seem quite odd for me to write about football, but as someone who is trying to one day make a real go of this writing thing, I should be diverse in my subject matter. I should be able to write about anything. And I should be able to bring my own point-of-view to things some may feel I have no business discussing. Screw 'em. I'm doin' it. I don't fully understand football, but I know what I know.

So let's first talk about Joe Namath's coat, an immediate meme sensation and fodder for speculations as to whether it was real or not- I'm banking on the fact that it was. Joe always loved a fur, and although I am not a fan of such things, I did think he liked kind of amazing, but I can see him reading the weather report the night before and being very pissed that it wasn't going to be fur weather. Clearly he decided to wear that crazy full-length fur creation, even though the weather was more fit for a more normal, and lighter, winter silhouette. He looked bananas, and for that, I was grateful. 

And as I started to (sort of) watch the game, it became very clear to me, a non-Football kind of girl, that this Seattle team was going to suck on the bones of the Broncos. They basically left them for dead. And Steven Hauschka, are you related to that fancy organic skincare line (Dr. Hauschka) with that amazing rose scented moisturizer? These are the things I think about when I watch football. Just a question.

And here's another question- what on Earth is up with all of the homoerotic slow mo? I swear every time they did it, it looked vaguely pornographic to me.  Get a room, guys. Jeez. If football is not the most homoerotic sport in all of organized sports, I'm not sure what is. I'm not the first person to say that, and I certainly won't be the last. 

In terms of uniforms, I enjoy the pants and sneakers with that fluorescent green thing. It went well with the carnage, and showcased the incredible speed of Seattle's players, though the Broncos helmets have that throwback thing I was digging on, but in terms of overall look, Seattle won. Unfortunately, poor Peyton was also a throwback. A hologram of him would have played better. He looked like a deer in the headlights to me.  And in terms of eye candy, Eric Decker, number 87 on the Broncos, gets the trophy. He's a hottie and a half. Oh and anyone with the first name Golden? Good stuff. Awesome name. And he played for the right team, so he lived up to said moniker. Thank goodness for that. I also found it super intriguing that the match up was from two places where pot was recently made legal for recreational use. Perhaps Denver should have gotten some coffee from Seattle to go with it. They seemed a little too stoned to play.

But let me jump back to pregame for a minute when Bill O'Reilly took the opportunity to interrogate our President with his hate filled questions in a wildly inappropriate interview at the White House. Shame on Fox for allowing this- it's one day that Americans come together, eat fattening food, and let go of bullshit and cheer for their favorite team. To talk politics and ambush our President on Super Bowl Sunday was an outrage- super awkward and sad that Fox took the opportunity of a large audience to showcase their right wing views. I would have loved to see a piece on how Obama does the Super Bowl- let the POTUS enjoy a damn football game. That really got my goat. Bill O'Reilly. What a loathsome character. I vote for exiling him, not Justin Bieber. Sure, this is America and we are all entitled to our opinions, but football and politics don't go well together. I almost spit up my nachos.

As for halftime, kudos to Bruno Mars. The kid is a hell of an entertainer- I loved his gold lame jacket, his great dance moves, and high energy. He's fabulously talented, even if you're not a fan; you have to give it to him. He did a great job. On the other hand, the Chili Peppers. Oof. Anthony Keidis looks like a combo of what happens to Hannah's boyfriend on Girls at midlife mixed with a creepy feeler who hangs out under the bridge. Just a big no for me. I do still love Flea, but they just seemed to be trying too hard. I guess they rocked but the whole shirt off angry boy thing is not that cute anymore. Thank goodness they didn't come out in their infamous socks. That would have also made me spit up my nachos. Also, what the hell happened to Pam Oliver's hair? You're at the big game, lady. Get your hair done. I know it's raining, but really. Not cute. 

And of course, of course, you can't write a piece on the Superbowl without writing about the ads. To me, it was a lackluster night. I'm amazed at how much better the ads were for the awards shows like The Grammys. When it comes to brands, we're living in risk averse times. Every ad was just too damn safe and not new enough for me.  Is there anything else happening in America beyond nostalgia for times gone by? 

Trotting out Bob Dylan for that Chrysler spot seemed very off to me, though I enjoyed the use of his song for Chobani. As one ad for the new "Transformers" movie told us, "prepare for extinction"- and if the ad industry keeps putting out ads that don't hit the mark, we may have to. We need to find way to reinvent this very squeaky wheel.

In general, there were just way too many teaser ads, a domination by Fox to promote all of their own shows (yea, Prince was on New Girl last night- we got the point), too many exploding movie promos, and way too much rah rah America stuff that needs to be retooled for a generation growing up with everything digital, gay marriage passing in many states, and pot becoming legal (yea, I know I mentioned that twice).  Oh, and we have a black President and a possible female one (please Lord) coming up in the next election. My point is- this steely, Clint Eastwood cowboy version of who we are is not who we are anymore. As a consumer, I want to know where we're headed, what we are currently celebrating, and what's happening in pop culture that is not all about a moment that has already passed. 

As someone who works in advertising, I think it's a challenge to either come up with a new way to do this Super Bowl spot thing, or scrap it completely. Just think what that money could do for causes that need our attention. To me, that's the future- brands actually making a difference and not trying so damn hard to be relevant, yet having no clue how to do so. If you want to change the game, there are big opportunities to do so, and it's not going to happen in a 30 or 60-second ad. I think it's time for big brands to get in the game, because the  rules have changed, and so have we.

 In my mind, the only commercial worth mentioning- Budweiser's "Puppy Love"- it gave me the warm fuzzies and had the greatness you expect from a Super Bowl spot. I loved it and it felt timeless without feeling dated- feel good spots are amazing and bypass the need to address what's going on with the world. I like spots that allow us to feel happy- and in an agnostic kind of way- good for all ages, views, etc. Greatness.

 I can't say the same about the rest. I do think the Maserati spot was shot beautifully, and thumbs up for Microsoft - I loved the idea of showcasing technology doing good, a big theme in the world right now. Strategically, it was smart. Honorable mention goes to Audi coming up with the term and notion of a "doberhauhua".  It made me laugh a little, just not hard enough. And also hats off to Cheerios for bringing back the mixed race commercial. It just didn't move me in itself, but I like that it was there. Oh, and ps- I know how much work goes into the making of these-I would never take any of that away from any of the fine folks (and friends of mine) that kiss their families goodbye for weeks on end to go make these ads. But really, is it worth it? Not unless you really have something to say. And that's the truth. Or, unless you're David Beckham in your underwear. (Thanks for that, H&M. I'm not mad at you).

I'll end this piece by saying how deeply regrettable it was that Phillip Seymour Hoffman died yesterday. There are no words to describe his gifts as an actor, and somehow, it made me sadder because I bet he was a great guy to hang out with and watch the Super Bowl. He seemed like a great guy, and more than Peyton Manning losing or the lackluster performance of advertising, losing him is a great American tragedy. 

And there you have it. I may not have written that much about the game, but what is there to say really? It was a crappy day for Denver and a great day for Seattle and a flat kind of day for mad men and women. And that concludes this post bowl kind of Monday in the 212.  Yours, in pigskin.  Game on. Go team and such. XO

Good afternoon, Thursday. Today is just too cold for words and one has to have a ninja like attitude of mind over matter to survive it. That and a coat that weights several hundred pounds, a hat to cover the ears, some warm socks and boots, and a scarf. It's insane. The layers, the chapped skin, the dryness of going from cold outside to hot inside. I'm cool with cold weather, but this is some intense vortexy bullshit. I knew we were f'ed when Pat Kiernan referred to Monday's heatwave as a "balmy 33 degrees". Merde.

So I received a question for some style advice from none other than my sister who was packing for a ski vacation and needed some tips on what to pack. She's on her way back home but perhaps I can help a few of you facing the same dilemna. Let's discuss.

She said:

Dear Maven,

I am packing to go on a ski vacation to a ski resort in CO and want to look "cool" and stylish while still being practical about warmth. I do ski and am very active but don't want to look like a puffy snow bunny. Can you help me from head to toe? Hats to boots. Thank you!

Asking me what to pack to ski is like asking my mom to send a text message- I don't know how. Though I surely have a fantasy view of an ideal ski trip, one spent indoors admiring all the action, warm, and stylish. And dry. 

Reason being is I don't ski- never have. But what I do very, very well is sit by a fire, curled up with a book or a stack of magazines, and a bevy of beverages, ranging from hot cocoa to hot tea to a hot toddy. I can very much picture myself doing the whole apres moment, though for me, the term apres does not apply because there would simply be no "after", because I would probably not even make it outside. The thought of speeding down an ice mountain in freezing cold temperatures and risking a head injury or a broken something is just not my trip . So I've taken the question and answered it to the best of my ability, to interpret a ski vacation as something less active and more reclined. Here are my picks for a packing list for sitting by the fire and keeping it cool by staying very warm- maybe more than you need, but these are just some ideas for basics that will take you everywhere, or nowhere at all. I suspect there'd be much sleeping in on my ski trip, in a lovely bed like the pic above. See I know nothing about an active type vacation. I'm such the slug. Anyway, here's some thoughts on how to look stylish on a ski vacay:

1. The fisherman sweater- a classic. I love the idea of all white and ivory to accompany a snowy afternoon. Do it oversized but not too baggy. I love this modern version with the fuzziness by Stella McCartney. Great.

2. Dos vests. One fringed. One faux fur. I super love the idea of boho apres vibes. Bear with me- think of the suede vest with a black skinny turtleneck and flared jeans. Fabulous. And the fur vest thing is a staple and that's that. I don't go anywhere in winter without one or three. Next.

3. Black turtleneck. I always love the simple versions from Three Dots, or Michael Stars,and bonus points for wearing a ribbed version like the one on the gorgeous Jackie O. Layer this under everything on the trip and wear it with the fur vest or the suede fringed one. Perfect. Michael Stars makes a great one as does everyone from American Apparel to Ralph Lauren. 

4. A wide leg dark jean. A skinny jean. A white jean. A leather legging. Yes, that's a lot. I know. But a girl needs options.  Oh, and it's a given a good heavyweight legging in cotton or cashmere is a must for days when you need a little more room to breath. Plus, they are somewhat sporty and ski like, so if you are a poseur like me, you can fit right in.

5. A flannel button down and a denim shirt. Must haves. Perfect with all the pant options and great layering pieces under a cardigan.

6. A great sweatshirt in black or grey. (Or both)- I love the Rag and Bone more dressed up version- it's great.

7. Gold jewelry and/or some good bold costume pieces- always love a good costume bit by C. Wonder- so good.

8. A classic motorcycle boot and a moccasin. The motorcycle boots are Rag and Bone classics, the moc is from an assortment found on Free People.

9. A vintage looking tee. Come on. You know I always bring one wherever I go. This one is from Zoe Karssen, a favorite of mine.

10. A cashmere beanie.  Go for a bright hot pink one if you're feelin' it. 

11. A great casual tote for carrying stacks of books, an I Pad and mags from your room to the lodge. Commuting's tough.

12. A Fair Isle sweater. Gotta have. Love it. Make it more contemporary and less Christmas card by going bright. These lovelies come from J. Crew.

13. Silk pajamas. Just because. I'm on vacation, I like something a little bit luxe. Shoot me. Love these from Sleepy Jones.

14. A cape. Just to throw on. Love this one from Wayne.

15. A long draped cardigan. Like the ones from Vince. Cozy city. Bonus points if you incorporate the pajama top underneath. 

That's probably what I'd bring on a ski adventure that involves very little ski time. You'll notice I omitted heavy coats and scarves- you will no doubt need those but on my fantasy ski trip, we merely admire the outdoors and perhaps take a sled ride or two, but nothing too intense. I'm on vacation, remember? And that's what's up this ask the maven (about something she knows very little) kind of Thursday in the slopes of midtown Manhattan. Yours, in apres ski all day long. XO

Good afternoon, Wednesday. Whew. Busy week. And today I reached the apex of my cold threshold. Please make it stop. That is all. It's just bone chilling outside. But let's not talk about that, it's boring. We're all cold ad nauseum. Next.

So many of you who know me know that I am a Gap superfan. I've always been loyal to the Gap, though admittedly the last few years have been murky for the brand fashion wise. Many of you out there may wonder what it is I love about the Gap- to many it's not a terribly exciting store, but I have always seen it very differently. I'm a big believer in wearing clothes that don't wear me, and the Gap's well priced classics have always been a staple of my wardrobe. I love that the pieces are basic enough so that one's own individual style can be on full display I'll rock it differently than you'll rock it and that's what America is all about- liberty and style for all. Full stop. And because I'm such a fool for shopping, I have always found the neatly stacked piles of color coded separates to be strangely calming. There is not a season that goes by that does not include a few Gap purchases, and this Spring is shaping up as one of the best in a long time. 

That's because Rebekka Bay has taken the helm as head designer, and she's tops (great piece about her on Elle.com here). She came from COS, my other favorite store who is debuting stateside in 2014. Words can't describe my love for a COS piece, and in a sick way, when I have traveled to Europe, I've looked more forward to a stop at COS than to seeing all of the sights. I know. I'm a sick woman. I'm a sucker for a good basic. But their stuff is just.so.good.

So pound for pound, Ms. Bay's pared down non clingy brand of chic is just my vibe, I do believe we see style in a very similar way- never gaudy or sleazy, always cool, and somewhat quiet. I just went onto the Gap's site and I'm liking a lot of stuff. Here's some picks for you that look really great to me.  I love the navy tunic paired with gobs of gold jewelry and a flat sandal (love how they show it with white jeans) and I adore the printed motorcycle jacket or the nubby navy one. Fab. I'm also a huge fan of a fresh button up shirt gone tunic- oversized with a simple slim pant or tucked into a loosened up men's trouser in the Spring is such a great look. Love the simple white version or the striped blue number. So very cute.  And those grey cuffed jeans are adorable. I love a grey jean and these are a great way to step away from blue denim for something a bit more rock and roll. 

When you think about it, fashion has gone so democratic over the years- with designer collaborations with brands like Target turning us all into high/low maniacs, the Gap has always been a place for well priced pieces- my most favorite thing about their stuff is that it somehow transcends generations- most of these pieces could be worn by women of different ages- like the motorcycle jacket could be worn with skinny jeans and Converse high tops or with a great skinny tank dress and Manolos.  It's just a great level playing field and I quite love that. I don't want to shop in stores that feel "age appropriate".  (Not yet anyway). I do, however, want to shop in places that are more age agnostic and just have great clothes. I remember working on the Gap for a minute a brand and wondering why they didn't do what was best for the brand, and it wasn't more advertising.  To me, they just needed to fix the clothes. If you make great clothes, they will come. Looks like it's going to be a good season for the Gap, and I will be first in line.  Truth is, Gap is a brand I can relate to- it's American, effortless, stylish, and reasonably priced. It's not overly trendy, but is somehow fashion forward. And most of all, it's a classic. The older and more comfortable I become with my own personal style, I know that my love for simple clothes will continue to grow.  I may go bolder on shoes and accessories, but I'm sticking to the basics cause that's what I know. I'd rather be an American classic than just about anything else, with a twist of course. I'm relieved that the Gap is getting it's groove back and settling in to what it does best. And that's that.

Cause that's what's up this wearable Wednesday in the not very warm 212. Yours, in getting better with age- I'm more brand loyal than I thought, especially when it comes to the most important brand of all- mine. XO

All pieces available on gap.com. 

Good afternoon, Monday. I feel I've neglected my posting duties today because it's been a fairly busy day- but just had to share the latest offering from Alexander Wang (just hit my inbox and straight to you) and the ever growing extension of his brand. He's so cool about everything and I admire his business decisions- in many ways, he's the new Marc Jacobs- assigning his brand of cool to many things and I'm a big fan of his downtown dark aesthetic.

So it's not shocking I'm in LOVE with these ridiculously spendy Beats products designed by Mr. Wang- the carrying cases alone are swoon- worthy, and the whole black and gold thing is so my vibe.  I would love to rock these with my favorite Alexander Wang black tee shirt dress and some bare feet, rocking out in my home office/apartment away from judging eyes- I'm not cool enough to rock those big headphones in public. I'm just not.

But the little Beats pill and the smaller ear bud type headphones are great for bringing the party or making the gym experience slightly more chic. I'm in. All in. And after watching the Grammys and realizing how huge a role music plays in my life (like I needed them to tell me), musical enhancement is top of mind. Sure these make a big statement, but what's wrong with that?  Love 'em. If Pharrell can wear that hat and inspire a million memes, us mere mortals can surely rock these.

Cause that's what's up this music sounds better with you kind of Monday in the 212. Yours, in beatific beat goodness. XO

Good morning, Friday. It's positively fr-fr-freezing here in the city today. Even werewolves like me (I run hot) are shivering in this weather, so bundle the f up and snuggle the hell in- it's not Spring yet, and I suspect we're going to have a long winter. 

In addition to trying to stay warm (I adore the ear muffs over hat trick of the glam girls above), I've been trying to keep my skin in check because it gets so damn dry- from the radiator heat in my "charming" Brooklyn flat to the dryness left from yet another cold to hot showers on already chapped skin.  So today's five spot will be all about skin remedies for every day use, some spendy, some totally not. I love 'em all and I have tested loads of them. Here's what works for me:

By Terry Rose Balm, $60 at Barneys- OK, stop judging. I know $60 for lip balm seems very Wolf of Wall Streetish. But truly, I've had the same little tub for about a year and I am just about ready to get a new one, because Lord help me if it keeps the lips from drying out better than any other product I've tried- it's soothing and lovely and perfection. I can see why its reached cult status amongst a certain beauty fanatic class. I keep a little tub by my bed to lock in some moisture before I hit the hay. It's an investment, but a sound one if you're prone to gross dry lips in the winter time. Do it. You're worth it.

Vaseline Spray & Go moisturizer in Cocoa Radiant, $5.84 at Drugstore.com- So from one extreme to another- here's a great, cost effective product to solve that getting out of the shower and tired of Neutrogena Dry Oil thing (I still love that too, ps but just wanted to switch it up). My husband got this one for me as research for a project he's doing, and yea, its' great. It smells like Summer and really relieves dryness. One word of caution- it's pretty cold when it goes on. Just FYI- if you're looking for warmth, not going to find it here. But it does work really well in helping the skin feel quenched. Nice after shaving the legs too.

The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Gel, $18 at The Body Shop-  almost never think of The Body Shop anymore (none of us were without their body butter back in the day), but I popped in on my way to work to see if they had anything for the horribly dry area around my nose- too many tissues, too much nasal spray, too many sneezes. The ladies there were super helpful and hooked me up with their brand of soothing gel Aloe, which feels lovely on raw cold strewn skin. A great thing to have in the house- lovely on any skin irritation really, and great for sensitive skin.

Kahina Giving Beauty Fez body serum, $98 at Net-A-Porter- I know, we're back in big spender territory, but this product is magnifique. I'm a huge fan of their Argan oil- it's a cure all for any skin funkiness and I swear by it. The serum for the body is another amazing product for freshly showered skin, and spells incredibly delicious- rose, vetiver, cloves, and cumin- you'll spell like a mysterious chic boho wandering her way through Morocco, and your skin will not only be less dry, but super glowy. Amazingness. Bonus points for pretty packaging.

Aesop hand lotion, $27 at Aesop- Fortunately for me, my hands don't get as dry as the rest of me, but always amazing to have a good hand creme around, and any excuse to go into any of Aesop's beautifully designed stores is reason enough to buy some hand cream. At $27, it's not cheap, but they last and last and smell so good. I also love their hand washes- fabulous products. An instant classic and lovely to stash in your bathroom so guests can use it too. Adore their stuff, and the packaging is chic.

Oh and I know we're doing five here, but you must check this out as a bonus track for those winter dry skin blues:

Lucas Papaw ointment, $22.90 at Amazon- This stuff. Wow. This is another hippie dip product that has gone all kinds of chic. Made from Australian fruit, this cure all ointment is great for everything from bee stings to dry patches to burns. I love it so much and is a great and long lasting all purpose salve- excellent for eczema and super chapped lips. If you have kids, you may already have this around- it's sort of the way Windex was to the dad in that Greek wedding movie. It really can fix everything. Comes in tub form or balm form. 

Oh and maybe you're wondering why I did not include haircare in this list- I LOVE my hair in the winter time and dry weather is great for my locks- no frizz and fancy free in my book. But I did use to love those hot oil treatments back in the day, so the best and most grown up version, to moisturize those dry locks is from Kanebo, a Japanese product line whose Sensai intensive hair mask is a favorite of my favorite hairdresser, Siobhan. She would never steer a girl wrong. Thanks for the tip, lady.

 Cause that's what's up this nourished and hydrated Friday in the freezing cold 212. Stay warm this weekend, comrades. Yours, in soothed skin. Take care of you. XO

Hiya, Thursday...I'm late I know and have not a second to spare but wanted to share my favorite shots from Tommy Ton of Style.com and his amazing eye at the Paris couture shows. Couture is all about dreamy clothes and craftsmanship, it's magic for a girl, and love looking at not only the shows, but the streets of Paris- incroyable! If you need some fashion inspiration or are in a vortex like rut, look no further- gorgeous people, gorgeous clothes, amazing style. Oh, and ps, if I don't get something in that pink of the season (or that wicked Celine plaid above), I'm going to combust. That is all for now- cause that's what's up this street style kind of Thursday in the beautiful 212. Yours, in couture- smile for the camera. XO 

Good afternoon, Wednesday. I'm a little meh today- getting over a bad cold and feeling challenged by all of that white stuff outside. Only real option is to stay indoors, which suits me fine. I don't want to go anywhere anyway. It's cold and messy out there- home, please.

And speaking of home, I was amazed how many people took that Buzzfeed quiz last week on where one should live. After a series of random questions like what your favorite food is,  what era Beyonce you enjoy (umm), and whether or not white wine is your good time, a suspicious algorithm calculated your best hometown. And what ensued was kind of funny, because many of us were left scratching our heads over where we should hypothetically end up. I got Barcelona.

Barcelona? Huh? Though I have never been there, it's somehow never made it to my "must go" list. I know it's fabulous and full of gorgeous architecture and fabulous food, but I'm not moved by the idea of going there, and never have been. I found myself miffed as I watched Facebook blow up with "I got Tokyo!" or "Bien sur, Paris!" or "I knew it! London." Barcefreakinlona? Wrong. All wrong. 

And though the questions they asked to craft such an answer were pretty flawed (almost nobody got NYC as the place to live, unless, as one of my Facebook friends pointed out, you chose pizza as your food of choice) and incomplete, it gave me pause to realize how much credibility we give to where we live. I have always been somebody very affected by where I live- it's not terribly evolved I know (the Dalai Lama says if we are enlightened enough we can live anywhere yea yea yea blah blah), but my sense of place is a heightened one, and getting Barcelona felt wrong to me. Off. I am more Tokyo or London or even Paris, I thought. I amI not suited to a life in such a colorful, spicy place like Barcelona. I'm way more urban, intense, and darkish. I felt this so strongly when i lived in Miami- the sense that although MIami is a pretty amazing place to many, it was not my place, and never would be. I'm amazed by how these silly personality quizzes show us a thing or two about our identity- not in that they "get us", but in fact, they show us how disappointed we are when their often ridiculous results yield less than desirable outcomes. And though the quizzes can serve as a nice midday diversion from work, they are super silly. Oh, and aside from dicey algorithms and lack or sourcing for said questionnaires, we provide Google with more facts about us than they need to have. Now they know how we all like our coffee, what kind of music we like, and what we want to eat.

Now unless you are a complete simpleton, you're not going to pick your city based on a Buzzfeed quiz. So why do we do these quizzes in the first place? A recent Forbes magazine piece wondered why  "when it comes to novelty quizzes we enjoy being analyzed by simple algorithms that divide and reduce us into a limited number of determinate categories, but when it comes to Google and the NSA we’re terrified of the same thing? My theory is that it is a collective manifestation of a psychological function that Sigmund Freud called “displacement.” Displacement, according to Freud, is an unconscious process through which the psyche transfers energy, ideas, and emotions away from things that cause anxiety, and toward similar things that are superficial, whimsical, and distracting". Heady stuff, but an interesting commentary on self perception. Or  how viral these quizzes really are, because according to the same Forbes piece, over 14 million of us took the "where to live" quiz in just 2 days, and as the article also noted, somehow, we must really like to be categorized.

And where did the majority of my good pals get as their perfect  city? I was incredulous at how many people got Portland- hipster heaven and liberal hotbed. I know how kick ass Portland is, it's just that I don't personally identify with it as somewhere I wanted to live (though I have sometimes fantasized about a job at Nike).  Maybe I need to stop taking quizzes (I also got Thomas as my Downton Abbey character last week, while other girl friends of mine got Lady Mary or the Dowager Countess. Hmm) and simply travel more. It wouldn't hurt to check out some other places, because I know exactly where my home is, at least for now. If a city full of Gaudi and late night partying and inventive tapas becomes my place of choice, you'll be the first to know. 

For now I'm buried in another vortex of snow and sniffle enhanced suffering right here in NYC, with nary a pizza slice in sight. Guess what? I'm ok with it, because for now, this is where I belong, ain't no quiz gonna tell me otherwise. And that's what's up this broken algorithm of a Wednesday in the cold tundra of Brooklyn. I relate to New York and categorize myself as a New Yorker, and hope that wherever you live you're in your happy place. Yours, in perfect city living.  (Now if only I could figure out which decade I belong in...help me Buzzfeed. Help me). XO