the world according to sherimaven

Good morning, Tuesday. So this past weekend was supposedly some sort of seismic astrological moment and despite being sick with yet another cold, I felt pretty great. i was expecting to feel like an emotional hurricane on ten tabs of acid but nah. Nothing out of the ordinary. Keep calm and carry on and them.

So let's talk clothes.

Lately I've been looking at my closetful of dresses and feeling lackluster. I have been a dress girl for so many seasons and now they are leaving me a little bit cold. I find myself drawn to more of a tomboy silhouette- pants, blazers, sneakers. And one item I've been coveting of late is a really great sweatshirt. Look at my pal Shalom above. OMG.

One of the joys of walking around New York and Brooklyn is seeing the tremendously good style. Arguably it used to be better, but perhaps I'm just not in sync with millennial vibes. But if you are an observer and dedicated follower, you've no doubt noticed the cute sweatshirt thing happening. I'm seeing a ton of overly cropped kind of boxy iterations, but that's not quite my jam. I like the ones that channel Phoebe Philo when she was at Celine. Chic and simple and  an advocate of separates. I'm not the girl wearing an oversized sweatshirt and no pants- or doing that rather strange oompa loompa silhouette Kim K. does when she rocks head to toe sweats. Non. Not for me.

I've been buying my husband some version of the classic grey crewneck sweatshirt almost every year for his birthday because he loves a good sweatshirt and now, so do I.  But make no mistake- this ain't your oversized Champion hoodie of your Kappa Alpha Theta days. For me, the best iteration that is very 2020 is a slim, slightly cropped version. Case in point- this Everlane number is calling my name. I love it in navy with black wide leg trousers and black sneakers. It's super chic and somehow dressed up without trying at all. Think of it as you would a great shrunken cashmere crewneck. Same thing, different era. Yes I know I crap on Everlane but this piece is super cute. 

Would look great with just about everything- under a glen plaid blazer, with a moto jacket and a pleated skirt to the knee. I love it most in navy but some of the other colors cute too- just sharp and smart in the navy in my humblest opinion.

A great and basic and inexpensive (under 50 bucks) way to give a little boost to your midwinter wardrobe. Cute, non?

Cause that's what's up this tomboyish Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in separates but equals. XO

Good morning, Thursday. Oy vey to the first week back meshugas. It's a bit much, innit?

So I'm fortunate to have been born in a year that starts a decade, and this year I turn the big 5-0. It's amazing to me that when I have these big birthdays marked by new decades for me, it's a new decade for the world as well. That's pretty serendipitous right?

And turning 50 has me stressed. not because it means getting old, getting hot flashes, or any assorted things that could occur. But because turning such an auspicious age requires a bit of ritual. In the form of a soiree. Or a big trip. Or something indulgent or delicious or spiritually motivated. And because I am who I am, I have always looked at the world's best party as the mark of how to celebrate. Truman Capote's Black and White Ball, pictured at the top of this post. Bianca Jagger on horseback at Studio 54. And of course, the very epic Malcom Forbes bash in Tangiers, Morocco (photos above), where his lavish digs played host to the likes of Liz Taylor. This was in 1989 and somehow, I remember it like yesterday as I'm a bit of a party nerd. I love the glam, epic blowouts of a historic nature. Sue me.  At the time, his lavish lifestyle was a point of fascination to me- looking back now and realizing they sailed on the Lady Ghislaine (yes named for that Ghislaine) and was mostly filled with 80s era Republicans? Not so much. 

And in my mind, I remembered this particular soiree being held in honor of Mr. Forbes's 50th birthday. So it caused me panic. Do I need to go big for my 50th? A Moroccan sojourn with all my nearest and dearest? Would Khan (my divine pup) need a kaftan? Scratch that. Several kaftans. Not to mention the number of kaftans I'd require...

Thing is, I am not a woman who enjoys self-celebration. It embarrasses me completely. I have rarely if ever held a birthday party for myself, and when I did, it made me feel weird. Don't think this is any kind of self-loathing. It's just I'm not the type to toot my own horn.  Plus I hate putting people out or forcing them to celebrate ME. I know they want to, but you know what I mean. 

But 50 feels different somehow. Because I'm clear and I'm happy and I'm grateful to be here and I am unequivocally, unapologetically ME. And lately I've been exploring a more spiritual approach to life handling that has led to an interest in ritual. And how rituals and celebrations to mark big occasions is important. And beautiful. And why should I hide myself from the world? So as this magical year of 50 comes full circle, I'll be thinking of how I can go big in my very own, mavenesque way. I may just decide to be quiet. But I doubt it. Chances are, the right ritual will come to me, guided by my beloved intuition and card carrying sense of self.  No passport required for that, ps.

Oh and as for Malcom Forbes and that crazy, money dripping shindig? It was for his 70th. Quel relief. If I start saving now, you're all invited to Morocco in 20 years. If you are curious about this iconic party, read this fab archival piece from the Washington Post here. So good. A favorite excerpt here:

"The guests will have their hands washed with fragrant water before dinner," said Ruth Schwartz, the events planner responsible for all the arrangements, which required seven trips to Morocco from New York. "We have silverware for fastidious Americans, but we hope they'll dig in with their hands." Dinner was a great leveler. At least the cliques that had formed Friday were temporarily disbanded. Designer Calvin Klein and wife Kelly of the too-cool-for-words clique, who flew in on Rolling Stone Editor Jann Wenner's jet, had been hanging out with writer Fran Lebowitz and Barry Diller, the head of 20th Century Fox, but when they arrived at Forbes's party, by lottery they were handed tent assignments for dinner that didn't put them together. Not pleased".

Cause that's what's up this ritualistic Thursday in the magical 212. Yours, in decadent decades. Party on. XO

Good morning, Monday. Had a snowy little vignette this am when I woke up- not enough to be annoying but just enough to be a sweet reminder of the season. I don't mind.

So last night was the Golden Globes and Gervais was funny and the dresses were nice and Jen and Brad were in the same room and Gwyneth is kind of in a bikini/gown and what is up with J. Lo's Christmas dress and who is her stylist and why does Michelle Williams look so grave and omg Patricia's boobs blah blah blah ad infinitum. 

I am so so tired of these awards shows. I understand the need for a distraction from all of the horrid things happening in the world but the vapid nature of the whole thing makes my stomach hurt. The tears, the "humility", the actor as God complex vibe. I can't.

I love movies and I love fashion but it just feels extremely out of touch to have these flashy, self congratulatory events. I may be a Scrooge but wouldn't all of that money be better spent on, oh I dunno, PEOPLE PLACES AND THINGS that need some help??? Enough.

 Incidentally, if I did have a favorite look or two, I'd pick Phoebe Waller-Bridge. And even better she is auctioning off that suit to help the situation in Australia. More, please. 

To me, that level of  narcissistic glamour is just so inane and Dadaesque.  The lavishness. The superficiality. It's not where my head is right now, and it's definitely not where my heart is either. If you still love it, that's great.  I'm tapped into a different frequency at present and that's that. Even though I loved so many of the movies and shows nominated, the pomp is vulgar.

So sorry, friends. No round up. I'm not in the mood. I wrote about discernment last week and I'm continuing with that theme- becoming more of a mantra, really. The self-congratulatory skeleton parade is not for me at this moment in time. The energy it takes for everyone to participate in these things could surely be better spent. In fact, it feels distasteful. How much praise does one ego need? The need for validation when you are already worshipped and adored seems just so yuck. Surely I'm not the only one who feels this way?

Cause that's what's up this moving into 2020 kind of Monday with a different vibe. Yours, in priorities. XO

Good morning, Friday. TGIIF.  It's all back to life, back to reality around here.

And just because I'm laying low on my shopping doesn't mean you have to, also. And one of my favorite labels, Antik Batik, is having a nice little sale- think French girl boho chick all the way but for a lot less cher than Isabel Marant. Boho as an ageless and timeless appeal I really have always loved. And though I'm craving a bit more tailoring than flow these days, I still love the classic cool of these pieces.

Here are a few favorites, just in case you need some retail therapy to go with all of your resolutions.

This simply chic little dress comes in burgundy and cream and has that perfect je ne sais quoi vibe the French girls pull off 24/7. This is a go everywhere dress- love it styled with boots, flats, or heels.

This scarf has a menswear vibe I love to go with all of that great suiting out there. Great over a denim shirt too.

Pretend it's still the holidays with this very glam jumpsuit. Very Studio 54 vibes and a great way to get through the gloom of winter.  Incidentally, that look at the top of the page is so good. Both pieces also on sale. Gold leather pants? Oui, merci.

This pink corduroy dress is just the sweetest and has that Belle du Jour feeling. It comes in a few colors and I'd love to have several of them to suit my mood. Adorable with a flat or an oxford. I don't like how they have it styled online with a messy hiker. Non, merci.

I've been wearing more pants lately but don't have enough tops, which is problematic when you wear pants.  Love the look of this metallic threaded number- fab with black jeans or black trousers and a high heeled bootie.

There's so many more amazing pieces on sale, but had to add this sweater coat which reminds me of something my mom wore in the 70s and I absolutely adored. This is just so chic and glam and pretty all at once.

So do a little shopping for me, would you? I love to live vicariously through all of you sexy kitties out there. Cause that's what's up this Francophile of a Friday in the 212. Yours, in Parisian chic just in time for the freakin' weekend. XO

Good morning, Monday. Trying to get back in the saddle and ready for the new year. Et tu?

As someone who cut her professional teeth in the trend world, I can't help but think of some things that are coming up for me that must also be coming up for everyone else. 2020 is an auspicious year- it's a new decade for one, it's an election year for another, and it's also a metaphor for perfect vision. 

As 2019 came to a close, I found myself in an unexpected apartment move (torture) leading to a new fabulous apartment (bliss). In that process, I ended up getting rid of a lot of stuff, as one does in a move. Fortunately for us we had not been in our old place very long, so the hoarding was not too severe, but still- a move brings up a lot and the need to rid oneself of extras is one of them. As we hover in these last two days of the year, know that 2020 is going to be a year where we lighten our loads a bit. Whether that means getting rid of clothes that don't fit, candles that no longer burn, or relationships that no longer fit into our lives. From a consumer perspective, think about the fervor for Marie Kondo as well as the push towards sustainability- it's time to keep only the things you need and be far more discerning when it comes to what you bring into your home and your life. Look for 2020 to be the year of discernment. Choose wisely.

Also, I find myself feeling pulled into a more spiritual place. That does not mean religious for me, mind you. It means tapping into an energy I always knew was alive and well within me- astrology, tarot, intuition. My intuition has always guided me and when I trust it, it serves me extremely well. With so much riding on 2020, look to the cosmos, the cards, the inner wisdom you have. I'm learning about tarot and hoping to read cards this year. I've always loved pattern recognition (the trend thing again), so tarot cards offer an excellent way to interpret what's happening- and as my teacher told me the other day- it's not about predictions. It's about prescriptions. I'll take what I can get. So in 2020, look for the rise of the witches to figure prominently. And if you're picturing a green woman in a witch's hat think again. To me, the universe is seeking a more feminine energy- and that's traditionally a vibe that's more guided by intuition. Last year I recall seeing a ton of astrological gifts for the holiday, as well as clothing with the planets, stars, etc. This year it will manifest in action, and both men and women turning to a more spiritual interpretation of all the chaos around us.

Now this one may take you by surprise but bear with me. At the new 29 Rooms (an annual experiential event in NYC hosted by Refinery 29), I noted a bit of a theme in how we interact with strangers. From palm reading (see above) a stranger's hand through a hole in the wall to an installation called 29 Questions where "guests are invited to step outside of their comfort zone, pull up a chair, and connect with a stranger," there's something to the profound disconnection we feel in such a supposed "connected time." I imagine this could manifest in more events like the ever-popular Daybreaker to more charity focused pursuits like helping others in need that are total strangers. Perhaps it's not about anonymous interactions, but more about compassionate connectivity? 

Which leads me to another world movement I see happening as November approaches- the age of activism. The number of causes we need to be concerned about are simply staggering. From the environment to racism to sexism and back again. We've seen it bubbling up all over the world in places like Hong Kong and young people like Greta Thunberg, and I believe we're going to see a ton more of it as 2020 begins. Incidentally, this will not just be about shouting and protests. It will also present itself in a sort of armchair activism, too- deciding to purchase only used clothing is an excellent example of how you can be an activist and participate in change without having to leave your home.

Something else I've been chewing on? How we are thinking about work these days. We know millennials are burnt out, and I assume the rest of us are too. Lately, I've seen all over my LinkedIn feed articles about whether it's better to work to live vs. live to work and how it's a bit of stretch to expect work to give you all the fulfillment in life you're seeking. I'm not saying that can't happen. But what I am saying is that 2020 is all about shifting priorities and discernment, as mentioned above. So when it comes to the work we do, think about working smarter vs. working harder. A friend of mine shared an article with me from the head of Shopify, Tobias Lutke, about how you have about five hours of creativity a day to offer your workplace, and that "there are five creative hours in everyone's day. All I ask of people at Shopify is that 4 of those are channeled into the company. " He's worth over 3 billion dollars, mind you. I do think we need to work on work- particularly Stateside. Many of us are too stressed out or over-scheduled to make time for the things that matter most to us. I'm interested to see how this idea plays out in the workplace- I suspect it's not going to change for 2020 majorly, but rather the seeds of change will be planted this year.

Other little blips I imagine will peak this year? Vintage clothing, a distaste for alcohol, luxe train travel, ancestral tourism, and Y2K inspired fashion a la the Matrix or shiny fabrics mixed with flared jeans. Look for those as well this year- the return of the flare is sure to be a big hit.

Also- look for maven to get a bit of an upgrade too. I have a new blog coming out- not sure when but I'm using my intuition to share it with all of you at just the right moment. ;)

Cause that's what's up this future gazing Monday at the very edge of 2019. Yours, in adjusting that focus. XO

Good afternoon, Thursday. Somebody's had a bit too much Christmas cheer. And that someone is me. Oy vey.

It's recently come to my attention that I can no longer hang. Or maybe, I can no longer hang in my usual way.  It's been short of a year or so since I decided to take better care of myself and in that time, I've virtually stopped drinking outright. I had no idea how weird that would be. Having spent the better half of a lifetime in advertising, I liked to drink. It was hard to go on production and not enjoy some wine or cocktails or whatever with your pals. I treasure some of those gin soaked summers, but the residual bloat and hangovers? Nope. Not so much.

So with the holiday season in full swing, I've enjoyed many nights out, some with alcohol, and others with not. Truth be told- I'm much happier not to drink. At all. I know many others are feeling this way too- dry January has now led to more and more people extending sobriety for longer lengths of time while the uptick in beverages like Kin Euphorics  which contain adaptogens for a feeling of supposed elations (which did JACK for me ps) are taking the place of more traditional boozy bevs. And 40 percent of adults in America are drinking less than they did five years ago, according to a survey out this year.  Listen- if I didn't have to think about anything I ate or drank and could still look amazing, I'd booze like Bukowski. But think about how Bukowski looked. Yea. See what I mean? Even the poster child of wasted elegance, Kate Moss, is abstaining and she looks better than ever.  "The supermodel used to drink so much that she was nicknamed “The Tank” and could often be found downing prosecco in the morning, wine and vodka at lunch, then partying into the night", according to that reputable source of info, the Sun. Once you hit 40something, you feel every sip. Trust me. Not to mention, on the verge of 50.

I've noticed my skin looks much better since I stopped drinking on the regs. I've also lost weight (did that with food too of course) and generally feel more on top of things. I would not in any way call myself sober. That's truly not what this is about for me. It's more about health vs. sobriety, if that makes sense. I know the two are connected of course, but my intention was not to get sober. It was to lose the inflammation, shed some pounds, and generally feel great. Dropping alcohol form my routine made a huge difference. I think it's going to stick for a good stretch. The past two nights I've had drinks (two each night) and though I don't feel terrible, I don't feel wonderful either. When did I become such a bore? Albeit a glowier, thinner, healthier bore. Everything in life is a tradeoff innit?

If I'm wearing my trend hat, I can see alcohol reaching a steep decline, even in an election year when we will most likely feel like drowning our sorrows (toasting our happiness?).  Would love to hear if others reading are feeling the same way about alcohol. It's just not my jam at present. I may have one on occasion but it's not for me anymore. I always prided myself on being a fairly excellent drinker, but think my mind was playing tricks on me, because my body thought otherwise.

And that's what's up this tee totaling Thursday in the 212. Yours, in make mine a seltzer. XO

Good morning, Thursday. Don't you just love waking up with a stuffy nose and dry skin? Welcome to winter in New York. Damn this radiator heat. Time to schlep out the humidifier. Merde.

So besides my cold weather malaise, I wanted to chat with you about one of my favorite brands, Universal Standard. I've shouted them out before but felt compelled to go a little bit deeper because they are probably my favorite brand of the last few years. Founded by Polina Veksler and Alexandra Waldman (pictured above), this inclusive, female founded clothing brand (they make sizes from 00-40) is a fabulous example of what modern clothing should be. In marketing, we talk a ton about disruption, and they are shaking up the space. From their new take on retail (using a bit of the Bonobos model and having a showroom where you can try and then order online and also work one on one with a stylist) to their fresh take on sizing (a size 10 is an XS), I love everything about them. And I know I've been on a sustainability tear of late- so I'm happy to note that this brand  has a program called “Fit Liberty” so that consumers have the flexibility to return products from the participating collection if they no longer fit for any reason and so that women can feel empowered by bodies that are constantly changing. Products returned through this initiative are not wasted but are instead donated to organizations like Dress For Success and First Step, part of the Coalition for the homeless, that help empower women to achieve economic independence, according to Euro News. They also use fit models of every size they sell so they can focus on true sizing rather than a formula that feels more one size fits all (rarely true). Their pieces are all super classic and the quality is just fabulous. I discovered their Goop collab lin the fall of 2018 (pictured above) and fell in love at first lapel.

Recently an entrepreneurial and brilliant friend of mine who works in theater started her own brand and was looking for great options to wear to work. I'm going to take her shopping at the showroom as soon as both of us can get together- she's looking for pieces that are stylish and feel put together. And since she's starting her own thing, it's important for the clothing to be affordable. And I look forward to helping her put it all together.

So I recently visited the US showroom and while there, my favorite salesperson (who I met once and literally remembered me and the name of my dog) was helping a transgender person find the right clothes. Watching them try things on and feel confident in their own skin made me happy. Everybody deserves that, and to feel great about your style regardless of who you are is a wonderful thing. The showroom in New York has really lovely dressing rooms too- super private and luxe with not a hint of judgement.

Here are some of my fav things from their collection- great looks for an office party, Christmas dinner, or even New Year's eve.

This suit (link for pants here). OMG. It gives me Tom Ford in the 90s vibes. Everything I own from this brand feels and looks like a million dollars. I'm obsessed. I love the forest green so much.

This skirt is so elegant and beautifully made. I'm not usually one for pleats but this one is so flattering. I love it in black for a kind of Comme Des Garcons vibe, but it's also stunning in the wine color, which I also love for holiday.

This jumpsuit has been worn by me a million times. And I have a million jumpsuits. I love the utility of it- but it's also kind of sexy with a bit of bra peeking out and some high heeled boots. It has the nicest bit of stretch and is super comfy and easy to get in and out of- home run, hon.

I know I showed some pajamas yesterday, but here are a less fancy but super chic take- great for when you wake up at yourin-law's house and want to feel a bit more covered up on Christmas morning. Comes in a lighter hue as well.

And this suit is just my favorite thing- there is nothing better than a tuxedo jacket and slim pant combo with a heel or a flat or even an Adidas Gazelle. My love for good menswear pieces knows no bounds. Absolutely a top silhouette of mine that makes me feel my most confident. I guess I like to wear the pants after all. Bonus- great pieces you can wear separately too- excellent for any wardrobe. And it will never go out of style.

The point is- the name Universal Standard might imply there is one- but that's the trick. There isn't. But what is universal is our desire to feel great in our clothes and wear fashionable things that are "universally" flattering, and not just for a select few whose thighs don't touch.

One thing to note when ordering online- make sure to pony up some extra money to get your pieces more quickly and in time for all of your jingle belling. The standard shipping takes a minute but they offer several options so you should be great. 

I'm all about a future focused fashion moment- and to me, Universal Standard is the brand we need right now, and we are going to need them as we continue to grow, change, and hopefully make peace with our bodies and ourselves. And yes, there's a lot of black. And?

Cause that's what's up this universally flattering kind of Thursday in the 212. Yours, in standard fare. XO

Here are five

Good morning, Wednesday. I skipped the gym this am because sometimes a girl just needs her rest. That just means I had a little more time and space this am to write, which is always good during this very busy season. So let's move on to gifting and what to give your favorite New York woman- whether that's your friend, your lover, or of course- yourself. Self gifting is always a good idea. This edition of the maven gift guide has a definite theme, and to honor NYC- it's all black.

I may have made some changes this year, but the majority of my wardrobe is still black. i've tried through the years to switch that all up (a 7-year stint in Miami will do that to a girl), but I'm back in black because it's effortless, sexy, and altogether slimming. But it's not just about what you wear on your body, I also love black accessories. So without further adieu, I give you the Maven all black gift guide. I am sure there are a million more things I could share on this one, but here's an edited version because life (and the holiday season) is short.

Here goes:

For Jon Snow enthusiasts. I have made jokes through the years that my winter style is a cross between Jon Snow and Jim Morrison. I love black faux fur pieces mixed with leather, so these AWESOME slippers in black swirl are so very maven and completely ethical to boot. I've written about Baboosha before, a line founded by a friend I used to work with in agency life who now lives in Paris. This black alpaca fur slipper is like a chic winter BFF- they are the first thing I reach for when I get home and they are absolutely delicious. This all black take feels like something Jon Snow might want to wear when he's chillin' after a hard day fighting off white walkers. Much like a day in midtown, mind you.

For boudoir babes. With winter here, life is more about staying indoors. So why not look great doing it? These PJs are so chic- I love marabou feathers (I got it from my grandma) and these are sleek and fabulous and could also be worn when hosting a dinner party for the right kind of woman. The one who loves comfort and luxe all at once.

Good morning, Tuesday. Another rainy day in old New York. How does one motivate under such circumstances?

Thanks for the love yesterday. I felt it over the wifi. It's nice to have a venue to talk about love and hope and whatever else. Today I'm going to share those makeup products I've been loving- be warned- they are not inexpensive. But as I mentioned, I wear makeup on most days and to me investing in products that are good for my skin and provide coverage, etc. are well worth the price.

So here goes:

I generally start with a primer, and like mascara, finding the one I like the most has always been challenging. I recently discovered Victoria Beckham's new makeup line, and though I haven't tried any of the other things, I am OBSESSED with her cell rejuvenating primer. The packaging is a stunning addition to your makeup table or medicine cabinet, and her collaboration with skin guru Augustin Bader makes this a primer +. It nourishes your skin and not only provides a wonderful base for makeup, but also gives that healthy glow I'm forever seeking. It's a home run.

The rest of the line up is mostly Gucci Westman, my other girlfriend, pictured above. She's been a celebrity/high fashion makeup artist forever and is also married to one of the founders of Rag and Bone and I find her brand of beauty immensely appealing and just right. Her makeup line is all about clean beauty (as is Beck's) which I'm digging on majorly. Who wants a bunch of crap on your face? I've changed my tune on this one ps- in the early days of organic beauty I turned my nose up but now the category has exploded and it's truly miraculous what can be done without a bunch of chemicals. 

So here goes:

After my primer, I use Gucci's foundation stick, another type of product I have never believed in but now absolutely love for the easy application/every day feel. It provides as much or as little coverage as you want- it's definitely medium to heavy in terms of that ps- this is no tinted moisturizer but somehow it still melts into your skin and never feels caky or mask-like. It's a fab product and super easy to pack too, which I love. You can also use it as a concealer.

Then I use her cream blush (I love Chouchette, the nude peach) which you can blend with your fingers for a more natural look. It's the perfect pinch of color. I also use a bit of her contour stick, starting at the middle of my cheekbone and blending up. I then sweep on a bit of bronzer (dusting lightly on sides of face and down the nose) and dab on a touch of her highlighter on the apple of my cheeks and on my nose and chin. PS- Westman designed the line so everything can be applied with your fingers besides the bronzer and of course, mascara. How great is that? For those who like brushes, hers are amazing. I have not bit the bullet on those, but I hear great things.

As for my eyes, I also use her mascara- which is obscenely expensive but gorgeous and completely non-toxic. You really don't need much more on your eyes if you use it, but I also have discovered brown vs. black liner of late- I want to try Victoria Beckham's version but I'm loving Lancome's Black Coffee (not clean beauty mind you) dark brown, old school pencil. I was a big liquid liner fan for years but now prefer the soft look of this pencil. It's a classic. And I like the softer vibe of brown eyeliner- finding it suits me more as I'm, ahem, maturing. Ooh and hot tip- that highlighter above I mentioned? Dab some on your lids for a bit of non color color. So good.

I then sweep my whole face with Hourglass powder, or this classic one from Chanel, depending on how shiny I'm feeling. 

I realize this sounds like a ton of products, but the whole thing takes me about ten minutes if I'm taking my time, and everything is super portable, idiot proof,  and easy to stow, and looks super pretty displayed to boot. Oh and you may be wondering about lipstick- I'm not a huge lipstick girl but on occasion I'll go for a red lip stain like this one from YSL. For every day, I pencil in my whole lip with Charlotte
Tillbury 's nude pink pencil Pillowtalk as a base with a bit of clear gloss to just have a bit of a rosy hue. i don't love lipstick in general but that's just me.

So am I really becoming low maintenance? Nope. Not with ten products. But more discerning about what products I buy and use? Yes. I do believe I am. Keeping my beauty clean for the most part, quick, and portable is kind of my jam for 2020 and beyond.

Cause that's what's up this fixing my face kind of Tuesday in the 212.Yours, in the moment I wake up, before I put on my makeup, I say a little prayer for you. And you too. XO

Good morning, Monday. It's not a beautiful day in the neighborhood but oh well. 

So it's been a minute since I've been blogging and truly- life/work have gotten in the way of any musings here. I'm pleased to report the move was a rollicking success- after going through hell and back we survived.  My home is sacred to me and having it in upheaval was beyond challenging. A  ton of work, stress, and of course, money. Fun times but we are now happily habitating in our Carroll Gardens home and finally able to breathe. As I think I've told you- change is a real pain in the ass for me.  I generally don't like it. But it's true what they say and change is good and getting through that was a magical thing. 

And since it's the end of the year, here's some things I changed in 2019 to feel better in my body and mind. No hippie shit. Just truth. Some of these are more seismic, others a bit more superficial. In any event, they were shifts I wanted to share. 

1. Diet. This is a biggie, friends. I did a big project for a diet brand this year (soon to be released but hush for now) and it made me realize how I wanted to get myself together. I'm always a work in progress and always feel like I could lose a few more, but I'm getting there. I've been vigilant and it's been paying off and I'm feeling a lot happier. I don't mind admitting that when I don't fit into my clothes it makes me feel bad. Plus as I'm getting older, I'm feeling a real sense of having to keep weight down to feel healthy and resilient. I know there's plenty of movements out there for body positivity and I salute all of those, but for me, I'm more comfortable not super skinny, but healthy. And
that means keeping my weight in check as best as I can. 

2. Saying goodbye to fast fashion. So this one is challenging and probably won't stick, but I went on a big Zara bender as I was slimming down and the model is so bad for the environment, it really gave me pause. My new way of shopping I'd like to embrace is far more sustainable- vintage, consigned, and occasional new purchases for more high end or occasional items. It just feels like the right thing to do and judging from all the amazing vintage pop ups around as well as sites like The Real Real and Kaiyo for furniture (awesome site), this is a culturally relevant thing I predict will completely change how we shop.

3. Setting boundaries. This is a biggie, pals. After living in a toxic environment, my mind was made up. I can't let people into my life that are crazy. Needless to say, there are degrees. Most people who live in New York are a little nuts and so am I so that's just fine. I have a bad habit of attracting nut jobs and the buck stopes here. Because I can't bear crazy at this point and the next point will speak more to that.

4. Being discerning. I've always been a very black and white kind of chick but as I approach my 50th year, I realize that I now know myself better than I ever have. And I know what I want. And more importantly, I know what I don't want. Moving into an apartment with some challenging spaces helped me see it's important to be very selective about what you put in your home, and the same holds for your body and mind. Better food. Better thinking before I buy stuff. Better relationships with people. Better projects that make my heart sing. That's what I'm all about right now. But that Rachel Comey dress at Saks that just went on sale. Oof. I'm only human, right?

5. Makeup. I have always, always worn makeup and I have no plan to stop. Not only do I like the result but I also enjoy the ritual of putting it on. It relaxes me somehow. But during the move I was makeup free for a few weeks and it was truly liberating. And since I'm really into clean beauty (late to the party I know), I decided to pare down my routine. After discovering Gucci Westman's products, I took a step back and now only use about five things on a regular basis, for day or night. I'll talk about those later in the week- you won't want to miss it. I'm thrilled with my new line up and am preferring a much more pared down, natural look. The whole "Euphoria" look is wonderful, but not for me. I do think there's something to getting older and wearing less makeup. I always thought that was bs, but it's working for me.

Care to share what you've taken on in 2019? 

Tomorrow, I'll share some things I want to do for 2020. Not resolutions, mind you. Just some goals. Cause that's what's up this new moon on Monday kind of, well, Monday in the 718. Yours, in year-end round ups. XO