the world according to sherimaven

Good am, Saturday. Why am I up so early today? Dunno. Went to make coffee and realized I have no milk. Now I am debating about going out to get some caffeine but also don't feel like moving, so decided to write a bit instead.

I woke up and looked at the Bottega show, and damn if Mr. Maier did not send mostly dresses and skirted looks down the runway. I'm not even sure why you'd need to wear pants in the warmer months- I am the ultimate fan of dresses and love the ease and coolness of wearing them when it's warm. I'm loving the shorter versions but also he's made my fav- just above the knee, a flattering length for many of us that don't want to wear super short anymore. I just love these looks- digging the dark, deep colors even though it's Spring time (pretty with tan legs). He never ceases to make something utterly beautiful. Such a lovely designer who really understands that although women want to look feminine, they also want to feel strong and empowered. This is that collection for those of us who love the former, but truly embrace the latter. My favorites may be the black sleeveless pleated dress with the ruffled neck (he also did longer lengths too), the short sheath with the jacket, and the black blouse with the brown skirt.  I'd wear any of those anywhere and feel right as rain. And I'm a fan of the subdued palette. After all, I don't live in Miami anymore. Darkness suits me.

Cause that's what's up this pre-caffeinated Saturday in the 718. Hope you have a lovely weekend. XO

Hiya. It's evening here in the lovely city and what a gorgeous one at that. I just had some stoop wine (wherein one drinks a bottle of wine on a staircase in Brooklyn) with my dear friends and feeling pretty happy. Lovely night here. 

I was going to write a bunch about fashion today but got bamboozled by work and had not an ounce of time. What I will say is this: the Spring runways are full of lace, 90s minimalism, graphic logos, collared blouses, and sheerness- all at once. It's going to be a very pretty Spring. I would say my fav collections so far are Michael Kors, Ports, Calvin Klein killed it,  and The Row was just every little thing. 

Blumarine was delicious as always, and Burberry's pastels make me proud to be a girl.  Oh, and Rachel Zoe took me by surprise- I quite liked a lot of her stuff. It's been lovely so far, though I will admit- I just didn't get Marc Jacobs and his princess of darkness stuff. Like, at all. The net net so far is that you're either going to be going very sheer and lacy, or you're going to rock a 90s minimalist slipdress and love it. Either way.

The thing I love about fashion and style and seasonal dressing is that no matter what is happening, looking at a runway full of gorgeous clothes always gives me hope for the future.  It's exciting, I love the new looks, spotting the trends, deciding what I could and couldn't and would die to wear. Expressing oneself is an important part of life, and to me, fashion is a huge part of that. I love looking at the collections- feeling very optimistic about the future- how can you not when you watch a Burberry show full of pastel coated lace? 

Cause that's what's up. Yup, that's it. It's been quite a week but change is good, and if fashion has anything to do with it, a new train will perpetually pull out of the station and wow us- season after season.  Fashion just makes me feel good, and grateful to love it as much as  I do- I hope you enjoy my passion for it. I couldn't survive without. XO

Hey now, Thursday.  Yet another heavenly day in the 212. I'm feeling blessed to be here enjoying my favorite season. There truly is nothing like Fall in New York.

But I wanted to give a little insight to the young readers of my blog today. If you're in that phase of your life where you think you're untouchable, unstoppable, and immortal, know this- you're not. If you think being arrogant, pretending to know more than your bosses who clearly know more than you, or burying your face in your new iPhone so you can Instagram or Tweet or update your life away on a gorgeous day like today because you are too important to care, stop.  If you think your abs will always be a pack of six or your skin will not need a bunker's worth of products, you're wrong. Dead wrong.

I say this not because I care so much about how you act, but because I'm here to tell you all of that insufferable invincibility ends when you reach a certain age. I'm not sharing which age with you, but trust me you'll know it when it hits. I tell you this because two nights ago, while standing barefoot in my kitchen doing absolutely nothing, I hurt myself. Badly.

 I felt a cramp in my right heel and ever since that moment, I've been in agonizing pain. I don't want your sympathy. I'll be fine. But the point is- when you reach that time in your life, you begin to injure yourself simply when you're getting a seltzer out of your fridge on a Tuesday night. It's going to happen to you, and it just happened to me. And it's freakish. What's next, falling out of bed? Just when this think called life allows you a solid relationship and career and a halfway decent haircut, this kind of shit happens. Sigh. 

So think of that when you think nothing can break your stride. And although I found it funny that this happened, it also made me a little sad. Imagine the damage I can do when I'm actually doing something. Yikes.

Cause that's what's up this injured for no good reason kind of Thursday in the 212.  Is this pain from nothingness a sign of things to come? I hope not . (Now pass the Motrin).  XO

Good morning, Wednesday. It's yet another gorgeous fall day in New York and my mind is certainly on clothes. One of my favorite style inspirations for fall is none other than the beautiful Ali McGraw from the movie "Love Story". Young Ryan. Young Ali. Young love ending so tragically. I can't...really one of the best movies of all time.

There's just something about that college campus/preppy/hopeful thing that still gets me. The leaves falling, the excitement, the feeling that anything could happen, the sleepy hangovers, the tweediness. And though it's years since I have even pondered taking Ivy, I can't help myself. I have always loved being around a college campus, and when the weather turns crispy and my soul yearns for pumpkin spice, I'm so ready to have an Ali moment. It's just that good- timeless, classic, and perfect. Oh, and just in time for that JD Salinger documentary that's in theaters now. Who's seeing that? (I'm on the fence).

Cause that's what's up this life story of a love story Wednesday in the 212. Go hit the books. XO

Good morning, Tuesday. I can't thank the powers that be enough- this weather. THIS WEATHER. This is the weather I dream about- it's like walking on campus when life is full of possibility, drinking a latte, and snuggling in to the man you love all at once. I can't get enough. I love love love the Fall.

And you know what else I love? Fashion (uh duh).

When I watch things like this, I get into some serious head scratching. Why am I not making/producing/creating/vibing/writing/directing something fashion related? At some point it's inevitable. I'll stick to writing about it right here for right now, but I would really love to explore what else I can do. Nothing moves me like beautiful clothes, style, and the excitement of a gorgeous show.

I'm not sure I can explain what happens to me when I watch certain shows. And even though I don't have the pleasure or privilege to watch them live, I still get a flutter in my tummy when I watch those beautiful clothes sashay down those runways. One such tummy fluttering endeavor was the Burberry show yesterday. Not only does that show always, always have the most beautiful hair and makeup (my friend Siobhan worked on the hair...very exciting), but the music and the setting take me to another place. A very, very good place.

(See that above? Obsessed).

The looks were so effortless. And I love how each piece is super feminine but not fussy. It's a way to embrace one's inner girly without looking like a doll or super prissy. I am a big fan of this collection.

(PS I want the above coat. Now).

Christopher Bailey's feminine cool never disappoints. These looks are all heavenly and I'm dying over the knee lengths skirts with the sweatshirt shaped pullovers. So chic. Also loving the looser silhouettes on some of the coats as well as the bejeweled pieces that are pretty and punk all at once. I really love how he mixes things up- and the colors are just everything. 

And if every day in the world was as beautiful as this collection and this transcendently perfect Fall day in New York, I'm not sure I'd have much to complain about. Fashion (and Fall) just seem to make everything alright. In my book, at least.

Cause that's what's up this beautiful day in the 212. XO

Good morning, Monday. It's very gloomy out but it's the kind of gloomy I enjoy from time to time- chilly, cozy, slow, somewhat narcotic. It's the kind of weather that makes you want to listen to the Velvets or James Blake all day and crawl back under the duvet. There's something delicious about that. But as I sit in my office facing the workweek, I'm not under a blanket at all. I did manage to watch a few shows from London this morning- and the Brits are doing some loveliness on the runways. I loved the sheerness and flow of the pieces at Erdem, Christopher Kane's sexy cut outs, and Temperley's gorgeous feminine print mixes (leopard and floral) made me smile. 

But one of my favorite collections so far is by the veddy veddy British Paul Smith. I tend to respond to clothes that make me want to travel- and Smith's chic and relaxed suits and sexy button downs make me want to go back to Tokyo or somewhere like Morocco. I love the Casablanca feel of these pieces- as a big fan of menswear, I'd find ways to feminize and customize these pieces- think a pretty scarf or bag and some lovely sandals or a straw hat. I love clothes that are just right, and these pieces speak to me because they're easy to wear and suit most any situation. And as the clouds descend on Manhattan, my thoughts turn to a sort of wheels up moment, hand against the glass, wondering what I'll find at my next destination, all sponsored by Paul Smith's lovely Spring 2014 collection. Let's go to there.

Cause that's what's up this well suited Monday in the 212. XO

Good late morning, Thursday. It's hot as hell here in NY and sure the fashion flock is sweating out the dog days of Fashion Week. Get those fans out...

So here's something. Last night I posted on Facebook that I'm looking for a weekend spot for myself and my lovely hubby. His birthday is in October and seems the perfect time for a getaway. And in true New York form, everybody else seems to think so too- because either everything from the Hudson to the Hamptons is either booked or priced for a sultan. This is one of those things about New York that makes me absolutely crackers- whenever you think you have a good idea, turns out everybody else does too. I am probably the biggest Fall fan around, but have some steep competition with the Type A New Yorkers who enjoy watching the leaves change while sipping a warm beverage in a chunky knit sweater as much as I do. Merde.

And here's another thing- I've realized at this point in my life there's two things in a vacation I almost never want: Victorian charm; and anything called a bed and breakfast. I can't abide by either. Victorian charm to me means fuss, dust, and as my friend Viv pointed out, bad water pressure. Plus waking up in someone else's home is not really my thing- I remember many years ago going to a B&B in Rhinebeck with an ex and getting busted for smoking cigs in my room, which apparently was akin to the sleighing of their first born. It was a very bad situation- no more scrambled eggs and homemade pear muffins for me. I'm way too rebellious to play by the rules in someone else's house. No thanks.

So my options are pretty limited- I either go big and spend a gazillion dollars to stare at the falling leaves in Amagansett, go rough and tumble in the Catskills and endure some serious knotty pine, or beg, borrow, and steal to find somewhere in the Hudson Valley or the Berkshires that is not covered in chintz. Best of luck, to myself. PS- who are these people that book vacations so far in advance? Do they not work in advertising and have a very unpredictable sense of time and place? (Shaking my head).

And as I contemplate a getaway weekend that will probably cost me the price of my rent, I had another thought. I'm going to forego a weekend getaway and just go to Jamaica in November or December. That's my happy place and it's been wayyyyy too long since we've been there. I'm sitting here listening to dub and wondering how any other option would do. Hopefully the New York crowd isn't on to me yet- while they're booking trips upstate to gawk at overpriced midcentury furniture and eat local, I'll be booking my tickets to Jamrock. See ya suckers.

Cause that's what's up this vacation brained Thursday in the very non vacation-like 212. Looking forward to some island time.  XO

It's a hard time to be an American.

Today marks 12 years since 9/11 changed our DNA forever.  Like all of you, I remember. And I'll never forget. It's always a day of reflection in New York, and everywhere. It's a hard time to be an American.

Yesterday I voted in the primary for the mayor of New York. I'm hopeful that my vote will count and I still believe in the process and get chills each time I pull that lever and express my opinion. There's so much change that needs to happen- if you live here or follow NY politics, you know this "tale of two cities" phrase has been a hot one for the various campaigns. This city has become the provenance of the rich, and now we all hope to reclaim our beautiful city for the people, and not just for "those" people. It's almost like 2008 never happened. It's a hard time to be an American.

Last night, President Obama took to the airwaves and warned of a possible strike on Syria. I found the timing of this announcement disturbing- on the eve of one of our darkest days, he dimmed the shades even more. I'm not sure why we need to go in or what is true or why in hell Russia is taunting us like a schoolyard bully, but let's pray this conflict will be resolved, though I don't see how dropping a bomb on anyone is going to help. It's a hard time to be an American.

As an American who works in advertising, I find myself trying to understand this country as a brand. Chrysler famously told us a few Super Bowls back that it was "half time for America". Then the farmers came in and pulled at our heartstrings. Then people talk about making stuff here even though most things paid her can only be afforded by a select few. Then Miley Cyrus decided it was not enough to "Party in the USA", she had to blur the lines in a nude bra and panties, twerk with abandon,  and do things with a foam finger many of us could not comprehend (Oh, and Lamar Odom is a crackhead, wtf?).  It's long past half time, but we're not having such a great game. It's a hard time to be an American.

Almost two weeks ago, I had to go to the emergency room for a horrible virus sustained in Japan. I waited almost 8 hours in there, next to a guy with shackles around his ankles and a police escort, and a poor old woman with every disease known to modern medicine being forced to wait in the emergency room, with a husband on dialysis, because there was not a room ready upstairs to meet her needs. Oh, and I was at this hospital emergency room in the first place because my local one closed down and was no longer taking patients. It's a hard time to be an American.

And on the subject of Japan, I found myself incredulous the whole time I was there- there was quiet, no horn honking, no yelling, and a general sense of respect for fellow human beings. I was quite aware of being in a country that was not at war. With anyone. I was amazed by the elegance of the food, the care taken with every purchase to make sure I was happy, and the bow of respect I received from each and every person I met. And the fact that they have so much respect for the best parts of our culture- the gritty music, the love of the outdoors, the freedom of the open road and all the stops along the way. Why are we not celebrating those values when we need them the very most? It's a hard time to be an American.

And as I sit here, wondering how to make the most of this 24/7/365 existence we have all succumbed to, pondering 9/11 and a possible strike in Syria and why the healthcare system is such a mess, I have hope. Perhaps a new mayor will help this city be somewhat more accessible again; not just a petri dish for a bunch of hedge fund guys. Maybe people will be a bit nicer today because it's a tough one in our collective soul. And maybe Obama will find a way to work this whole Syria mess out- I'm scared to death of this situation and sure you all are too.

And though it's hard being an American, I still somehow cherish it. I cherish my right to vote. I cherish my friends and families. I cherish the stoic faces of New York's finest who were out in full force on the West Side Highway this morning. And most of all, regardless of whether Obama's "Hope" platform is no longer brand correct, I still have it. I can't help it. I'm an American.

Cause that's what's up this tough day in the 212, right here in the US of A. I will never forget all that we lost 12 years ago, but trying to look forward because together, we have so much to gain. XO

Good morning, Tuesday. It's humid in New York and  I'm feeling sluggish and in need of a high thread count. 

But besides my sleepy countenance, there's apparently some fashion stuff happening in town. I've looked at many of the shows and will continue to do so, but not sure I'm going to find anything I like more than the looks at the Row. MK and Ashley have done it again; with a hyper luxe and ridiculously elegant collection I would live in if I was living in a much more spendy way. Their aesthetic is the perfect combination of classic/NY street smart/sensual/luxe- and they have become some of my absolute favorite designers.  I love the quiet layering, the global appeal yet decidedly American/NY point of view, and that continuation of minimalism we're seeing everywhere, though admittedly, they've always been there. Kudos to Mary Kate and Ashley- they've come a long way since those Full House days, and their cred as designers is at an all time high. These are clothes to be worn over and over again- for travel, for gallery jaunts in the city, for dinner at some chic spot in just about anyplace you can think of. And though mere mortals can't afford any of these pieces, it's nice to dream a little- think of these clothes as the ultimate investment pieces- they're not overly trendy so could be worn forever and ever. Oh, and those belts and bags? Fantastic. 

In my mind, best collection of the week so far. Cause that's what's up this expensively simple kind of Tuesday in the 212. XO

Good afternoon, Monday. I'm feeling so much better and happy for this glorious weather today. I'm watching a bit of the New York runway shows (during insomniac weekend nights) and feeling like there's some solid choices for Spring 2014, though I'm vexed by the fact that those half tops are still around. Not a fan.

But really there's murmurs and shouts about the 90s happening all over again, and not a moment too soon for me. I'm not one to love up on 80s fashion- trust me- I was there, and it wasn't really that wonderful then. But the 90s are a completely different story. I'm not talking about the grunge thing, although somehow that's more appealing this time around, but the Antwerp Six/minimalist 90s I have always loved. I'm a huge fan of a minimalist silhouette like in the Peter Lindbergh photos above (having a real moment with him right now too)- and now that I've been to Japan, I can appreciate a pure and simple black and white moment even more. The poster child for minimalist chic to be would be Tonne Goodman of Vogue- she's always so damn chic and it's never overwrought. I love the moody, ethereal, whispery 90s thing and I'm so stoked it's back.

 And all over the runways are 90s nods in the form of slipdresses and spare silhouettes- one of my favorite shows was Ralph Rucci's, who nailed the simplicity of that 90s moment in absolute spades. The looks above suggest a quiet that I can get down with- at this point in my life and fashion career I'm more about shhhh and less about HEYLOOKATME.  Oh and how about NY Magazine calling out the return of said slip dress? Designers from Helmut Lang to Rag and Bone were featuring my all time favorite piece of clothing. Rejoice. I like nothing more than this delicate dress shape. Ask anyone.

And for those of you who are too young to remember the 90s or need an inspirational reminder- check out my photos below of some great moments from the era. The dream of the 90s is alive on the runways, and I'm about to put on some Portishead and check it all out. Cause that's what's up this minimal Monday in the 212. XO