the world according to sherimaven

Hey, everybody. Happy Friday. I just want to say a very heartfelt "mazel tov" to the gays in the US of A. May other states fall in line (that means you New Jersey- come on already) and recognize that love is love is love. This weekend is Pride in New York, and you better believe it will be the biggest party evah.  Oh, and for those of you troubled by what to wear to all of these said weddings, I've given you a little primer below. Here's five iconic looks tots perfect for any gay wedding- you simply can't go wrong, so get ready to be inspired when shopping for that perfect frock- oh I know this occasion is bigger than fashion, but with such a landmark ruling, one must simply dress well, and that's that. I know my gays wouldn't have it any other way. So without further adieu, I give you, Five for Friday: The What to Wear to a Gay Wedding edition:

The Dynasty. Who loves Dynasty more than the gays? Channel your inner Alexis Colby Carrington and rock some vintage Vicky Teil, Nolan Miller, or Bob Mackie. Do it.  

The Truman. Oh yes. The iconic Black and White ball- tout New York society in all its glory. You can't go wrong channeling any of these looks. Masks optional, though I suspect there may be one or two same sex weddings inspired by this iconic and historic soiree. Also in this category? Any classic you can shake a skinny, tanned arm at- think Jackie, think CZ, think Gloria.

The eccentric millionairess. Daphne Guinness. Deeda Blair. Enough said. DRAMA. In the best way. Hair streaks optional, but recommended.

The rich hippie. Talitha in all her greatness- perfect for a beach wedding- get thee a kaftan. Think Ossie Clark, Matthew Williamson, and gals like Talitha and company. All you need is love. And money.

The Carrie Bradshaw. This is actually my top pick. Carrie just knew how to dress up- the perfect mix of chic/trendy/fun/sexy. I'd go here one those invites are in the mail, and that's a fact. It's all about a mix of vintage, designer, and of course- THE SHOES

Oh and ps, if you are lost in my myriad of fashion references, chances are you're not having a gay wedding. I myself am looking forward to some "I do's" in the near future, and you better believe I'll bring the fashion. Cause that's what's up this pride filled Friday in the rainbow hued 212. All the love to all of you, whatever team you play on- let's love each other, and look gorgeous doing it. XO

Good afternoon, Thursday. It's a hot and sticky mess outside, and I'm in the a/c listening to the Verve and wishing Richard Ashcroft would do something new. I love him so- the drugs don't work, they just make you worse...noted. He's perfect.

Speaking of perfect, you know those type of women who seem perfect in every way? You know- gorgeous, talented, smart, chic, and (gah) nice? Yea, I know. I want to hate them, but I can't. And I particularly can't hate a dear friend's wife, who is about to become the next big brand "me" out there. Sarah Sherman Samuel, an LA girl with sunny vibes, legs for days, and amazing taste, has just started a line called "A Sunny Afternoon". She's had a great style blog for some time and also makes amazing textile pieces and just about everything else- oh, and all made right here in the US of A for those of you keeping tabs on such things.  And the name of the line is perfect for its aesthetic- think picnic baskets, wooden serving boards, and tea towels and table runners in glorious prints that would be perfectly at home in a Tribeca loft or backyard in Brentwood. I'm so impressed when people start their own thing- fedoras off to Sarah for launching a brilliant collection- I'm going to put an order in when we're done here and so should you.  High hopes for this lovely collection- Sarah, how about a pop up shop in Brooklyn? Khan and I will work the room. Such the perfect stuff for modern homes that are not too fussed up or formal and embrace a love for the outdoors while still wanting to be stylish.

Cause that's what's up this let's hear it for the makers kind of Thursday in the 212. XO

http://www.asunnyafternoon.com/

Good morning, Wednesday. It feels like Thursday, and I wish it was Friday. It's still crazy hot out there, and I for one feel very content to be in the a/c all day today- Manhattan + heat are not my fav combo...like, at all.

But speaking of great combos, I give you fried chicken and friendship. Two nights ok, I had the extreme pleasure of celebrating my dear friend Gabi's birthday. She's a food writer who I met many moons ago in a writing class and I've very much enjoyed watching her thrive as the ultimate foodie and all around cool chick. For her birthday, six of us, all women, hunkered down at a wooden table at Momofuku in the East Village and threw DOWN. I'm not sure when the last time you had fried chicken was, but damn. It's so good. Especially at Momofuku, where an enormous platter of two varieties of the good stuff comes piping hot- one spicy, and one more traditional style- both fried to perfection and super delicious inside- I'd use the M word to describe the chicken itself, but we women hate that word that rhymes with "foist". Or at least I do...

Anyway, the chicken is accompanied by moo shu pancakes, fresh crispy lettuce, raw carrot and radish and four of the best dipping sauces in this great Earth. I love myself a condiment, and these little numbers were sauce all stars- two kinds of hot sauce, one hoisin sauce, and one vinegary scallion sauce that was just to die for. Condiment heaven- see below.  Accompany that with copious amounts of sparkling wine provided by the birthday girl and truly one of the best birthday cakes of all time (from their bakery- omg) and you have yourself an evening.

What we often forget about living in this place, despite the extreme weather, pain in the assery at every corner, and a streaming loop of stress that seems to never end, is that this city is great because of the people who live here. Without David Chang living here, we'd have no great fried chicken or stellar birthday cake (he's the chef of the amazing Momofuku). Without Gabi, I would never have had the chance to meet her amazing female friends- from a jewelry and scarf designer who is one of my favorite makers right now who works with local artisans around the world to create some mind blowing jewelry and gorgeous textiles (A Peace Treaty), a fabulous and quirky woman who Jillian Michaels biceps and owns an artisanal gefilte fish company (yup, she does), and a fantastic woman who I felt immediately connected to who does PR for all the best restaurants in town but also shares my love for Cobble Hill, its Italian population, and Soul Cycle, amongst other things. And then down at the end of the table was a fantastic woman with a warm smile who is an expert on Middle Eastern relations and is as in love with her dog Chico as I am with Khan. Without people like this, and women like this, this city would not be worth the price of admission. Though I describe these women as hyper successful and genius, they also know their way around a chicken (a fried one at that) and are not afraid to laugh at themselves and at each other as they submerge their fingers in chicken grease- none too precious to get a little dirty for the sake of great food. My kind of chicks. 

As busy as we are these days, and as organic and juiced and yoga'ed, you've got to appreciate the simple pleasures of meeting up with friends, celebrating a happy occasion, and eating a familiar food that is too often overlooked because it's not exactly great for you. Thanks New York, for making it all available for me. Fried chicken and friendship. You can't go wrong with that combo. I love that I live somewhere where I can connect with so many amazing people all the time...means the world to me. Oh, and if you're in NYC you must Momofuku it up. Fuck your diet. Eating well is the best revenge, and best accomplished with great friends. I feel so lucky to have these adventures whenever I force myself to stop focusing on the stress, the work, and the madness. That's the reward for living in this teaming embryo of madness. Oh, and ps- most of these amazing successful and beautiful and hilarious women are single- wtf single men of New York? Where are you?

Cause that's what's up this fried and friendly Wednesday in the hot but beautiful 212. XO

Good grief New York, you're too hot to handle today. Road trip anyone? I need to escape the heat and the meshugas. XO

Good morning, friends. Hope you had a lovely weekend. Mine was the epitome of Summer goodness- movie watching (Bling Ring-meh), grilling, and super mooning (that sounds bad but you know what I mean). There's so many seminal Summer moments to enjoy- and speaking of which, it's Wimbledon time and then Glastonbury across the pond. And sure I'm excited to watch both of these from afar, but truly I wish I was going to them both to enjoy- the early bits of Summer UK style are tops with me.

But as thoughts turn to tennis and music festivals, one of course can't NOT think about what to wear. Wimbledon is all about classic white, while Glastonbury is the reigning champ of that effortless rock and roll bohemia that I have always been inspired by, especially in these here warm months. So in honor of both of these events- I give you the white dress, the single best item to stay cool, look cool, and be cool in the summer. 

I'm showing you my fav type of white dress- the vintage lace/slightly Victorian inspired version that could be worn with a blazer and platform espadrilles to check out all the action on the court, or as easily worn with a floppy hat and wellies to check out all the action on the festival stage. It's a versatile piece that comes in all price points- some of my favs below- top of the list is the Etoile by Isabel Marant number I've had my eye on from the moment I spotted it in early Spring at my neighborhood Barney's- and there's an Ark and Co number that bears a close resemblance to it (and named after Glasto favorite Sienna Miller) but still allows you to pay your rent and eat on the regs:

ISABEL MARANT ETOILE GRETA COTTON VOILE AND LACE DRESS

FREE PEOPLE BLANCHFLEUR DRESS

TWELFTH STREET CYNTHIA VINCENT MURO WESTERN LACE HIGH LOW DRESS

ARK & CO SIENNA LACE DRESS

DOLCE VITA VALENTINA LACE DRESS

HAUTE HIPPIE THREADWORKS MINI DRESS

And if boho lace is not quite your thing, try something eyelet. I bought a white eyelet dress from H&M several seasons ago and damn if that dress was not the most comfortable and cool thing to wear in Miami summers. Eyelet is like wearing air co on your body- remarkably cool anfd fresh and super feminine and pretty. And if you're worried about looking like a little girl, fear not. Eyelet is all grown up and manages to be a lovely choice for just about anywhere- for tennis I'd wear it with a pretty straw hat and simple gold bangles, and for a music festival I'd wear it with gladiators or simple hippie sandals and loads of beaded jewelry. It feels fresh in a shorter length, though that vintage piece from Urban Outfitters is super fab and cool- expensive as all get out but spend the day at your fav vintage haunts, and you can surely find one for cheaper.

AQUA FLARE DRESS

ALC AGOSTON COTTON EYELET DRESS

URBAN OUTFITTERS VINTAGE EYELET PARTY DRESS

JUICY COUTURE EYELET DRESS

SKAIST TAYLOR OPHELIA COTTON EYELET DRESS

So whether you're more love-thirty or summer of love, you'll find a white option to suit you- it's a diverse piece that's the balmy version of the LBD. I of course am wearing black today, but thinking about a LWD for tomorrow, even if I am nowhere near Wimbledon or Glastonbury; because I'm at both in my mind. And that's what's up this whiten up yourself kind of Monday in the 212. Keep it fresh. XO

Good almost afternoon, Thursday. It's gorgeous in New York today and it's pinch oneself weather. What a lovely day.

Between James Gandolfini dying (wayyyy too young), Dolce AND Gabbana's impending incarceration (what will they wear there?), and Kanye's new album (genius, trainwreck, or both?), I'm just besides myself. And whenever I'm feeling out of sorts, I close my eyes and picture the shoreline. Montauk, take me away.

So today I dedicate my post to one of my favorite places on this here Earth, Montauk. I found this great little print on Society 6, a great site for affordable and lovely works of art. I dig this piece by Indescribble- it way sums up my mood, and I want to go right now...maybe if I hope and pray I can get there, at least in my mind. For now, I'll have one of these prints. It keeps me from thinking about what D & G will eat for breakfast in prison- packaged pasta? Stale croissants? Heaven forbid- non organic eggs? Oh, I'm perplexed. (As I'm writing I'm listening to the second half of 'Yeezus' and finding it genius...Kanye. Can't help but love him).

Cause that's what's up this too many things happening when all I really wanna do is be in Montauk kind of Thursday in the 212. Hurry up with my damn croissants; and a weekend at the beach would be great too. XO

Good afternoon, Wednesday. I'm on the mend and thanking the sweet Lord because today is gorgeous and glorious and perfect weather. And nothing makes me feel better than fashion. You know how it heals my sole. And my heels, too. Because today I wanted to shout out Loeffler Randall's wonderful take on the sneaker, the Octavia high top being offered for all you pre-Fall types (I myself perpetually live in Fall- it's my favorite season of all so never have a problem going there in my mind).

Recent years have seen the sneaker trend explode right onto the feet of girls uptown and downtown. The Isabel Marant wedge sneaker completely changed the game, and oh how I love that the kicks game was changed by a Frenchwoman. It was many years ago that I dated a rather stylish Frenchman, who told me to never wear sneakers, unless I was at  the gym. In fact, he didn't even approve of wearing sneakers to walk to ze geem- one had to wear regular shoes and then put on the sneakers in ze locker room. You can probably guess how that relationship ended up, but I must admit his style advice had me questioning my sneaker wardrobe, and for many years I went without wearing them- trading sneakers for motorcycle boots or ballet flats when looking for something comfortable to wear.

But now that I'm once again a New Yorker (always but you know what I mean), the game has changed yet again and I own more than a few pairs of sneakers. I love my Marants, I live for my perforated Nike high tops, I'm obsessed with my Pour La Victoire metallic and snakeskin lowtops that are dead ringers for the more spendy Alex Wang ones I was craving. Oh and my Modern Vice studded numbers? Fantastic. I clearly can't get enough, and I'm sure many of you are feeling the same way- sneakers are quick becoming a fashion staple, and there's no better city than New York to rock the trend. 

But back to the Octavia- part boot, part Doc Marten, part high top- all parts awesome. I love the grown up cap toe, the dalmatian print is great with contrasting black and white prints or bright solid colored pieces or denim, and I adore the casual sneaker feel with the dressed up Loeffler Randall classiness. Huge fan. Comfortable, chic, and effortlessly cool all rolled into one. Take that, Frenchie.

Cause that's what's up this kickin' it kind of Wednesday in the beautiful and glorious 212. Walk on. XO

Good afternoon, Tuesday. I'm home sick (yes, again) and just got back from the doctor- sinuses again and got the z pack and hope it will work. There's something extra gnarly about being sick in hot weather, so I'm just kicking back and trying not to think about all the work at the office and just get some rest. 

Yesterday on my way somewhere I picked up Mark Bittman's "VB6"- a book about eating vegan before 6 pm to lose weight and cure most health woes. I'm down with that- it's a great way for non-committal types like moi to compromise and not feel too restricted or deprived. Though I'm not much of a meat eater anyway, the strategy makes a lot of sense to me. During the day don't eat a lot of bullshit so for dinner you can kind of eat what you want, within reason of course. I was frequenting my local juice joint for a while (too expensive to do every day) and drinking their drinks and eating their salads for lunch- I definitely felt better and less bloated and my skin was glowy for sure. The whole daytime vegan thing feels fairly intuitive to me, but so does double cream brie just about anytime, so who am I to say? Oh, well. I'm off topic, because the book I was more excited to find was "The Hundred Dresses: The Most Iconic Styles of Our Time" by Erin McKean with lovely illustrations by Donna Mehalko. 

As a girl who can find a dress to suit any mood, I adore this book. I have always loved the ease of  a dress- how wearing just one piece can feel so comfortable, sexy, sleek and perfect- I love a flowy dress in the summertime almost more than I love summertime itself. And a black dress or silk print dress with thick tights in the colder months is a great way to capture that ease, even though it's cold outside. In another life, I'll have a shop right here in Brooklyn that sells five basic dress shapes a season- I love what Horses Atelier is doing of late and I'd love a shop that sells basic dresses for any occasion (a wrap, an a line sheath, a tunic, a slip, a kimono dress), all under the watchful eye of my little Khan, who also enjoys how a dress allows for maximum leg licking on his part.  See, there's nothing better. Oh, and this is a piece that is really all ours, girls. We can wear the pants, but can men really wear the dress? They can, but not with particularly fabulous results). The dress is our G-d given right and the provenance of estrogen. Long may it live.

The book is a history of the most famous dresses of our time- everything from the Laura Ingalls to the wrap dress to the Audrey and back again. Sure, there's a few clunkers on the list but it's still a fabulous little tome to read when you need a little fun. No matter what kind of woman you are (and I know there's a few who will never wear a dress- my sister hates them for instance and a very chic woman in my office is in the same camp), there is a dress for you and one you can relate to or have worn in this lovely little book. As I try to kick my latest malady, I'm thoroughly enjoying looking at this book- fashion is always the best medicine, and there's not much a new dress can't fix, this much I know. I do, however, agree with Lesley Blume's book review of "The Hundred Dresses" in a piece for the WSJ where she says, and I quote, "ever allow a dress to do all of the talking for you. After all, you're supposed to be wearing the dress, not the other way around". So very true.

Cause that's what's up this daytime vegan in a dress kind of Tuesday in the 718. Love, love, and lots of dresses. XO

Good afternoon, Friday. Having a weekend is a gift and I for one will be cherishing some down time. In the middle of tons of projects at work that have made my head spin (worth it- going to be beautiful), I did somehow manage to find the time to review almost all of the collections for Resort 2014 (priorities, people). Allow me to say it's one of those seasons that has my number- sure resort clothes are a good deal more casual and loosened up than other collections, but I'd be hard pressed to say there was much I wasn't digging. There truly was something for every type of vacation- whether you want to wear Sonia Rykiel and capture that Parisian spirit (Louis Vuitton's muse was also the cool Parisian girl, with ridiculously great clothes) or say, a ballerina inspired vacation courtesy of Ralph Lauren, whose baby pink ballet sweaters recall that ballerina chic I've always adored. 

And as usual, there's trends emerging from said collections, five of which I've captured below. Read on, dear fashion friends. Read on:

The choker pendant necklace- I spotted this very art teacher from the 70s accessory on stylish necks at Cushnie et Ochs, Derek Lam, and Ralph Lauren, as well as at Marni. Look for the metal choker to be an "it" piece in 2014- a perfect centerpiece for all of your favorite black dresses.

Leggy lengths- Perhaps with all of this talk of rebound, designers are going short once again when it comes to skirts. I adore Stella McCartney's short and cheeky dresses, and House of Holland's printed mini numbers look super fresh to me, and Alexander Wang went mini on much of his looks for his lower priced T line. Look for short to make a big splash next year, and hopefully, the market will act accordingly.

Postmodern minimalist- Years ago, my friend Jon and I worked with a woman who wore very severe Japanese clothing, and talked in a very monotone voice with very little emotion. The ultimate minimalist,  we fantasized about vacations with her family at the minimalist theme park, where all the rides had sharp lines, were shrouded in darkness, and steeped in complete silence.

 You'd be greeted by that character from "The Seventh Seal", who would say: "welcome to the minimalist theme park" with outstrectched and cloaked arm as pictured here. Cut to now where resort is shaping up to have very minimal overtones- ALC loosened up but still had sexy silhouettes with lots of black, Calvin Klein and JW Anderson both had looks that felt super postmodern with little bells and whistles (in the chicest of ways), and The Row's quiet chic was but a whisper, but a beautiful one. I love clothes like this- they are never vulgar- and as I get older I like my confidence to speak for me, not my clothes. I love how flattering most of these pieces can be- dressing in a minimal way is like having a uniform, and muses for this look like Vogue's Tonne Goodman always look timeless and stylish as well as on trend.

Seasonless suiting- There's something about packing a suit when going on vacation that is just chic as all get out- and the collections did not disappoint. I adore menswear and always have- standouts were at Stella McCartney (the lizard print trimmed tux jacket was fabulous- oh and lizard print another trend for resort), Louis Vuitton's denim suit was beyond anything (may be my fav from the collections), and Altuzurra breaks us off a hot piece of 70s glam with his great looking jacket and pants looks. And Thom Browne also didn't disappoint in that department- his pieces made me feel like going on a time machine vacation- back to swinging 60s Carnaby Street London- the eccentricity of the pieces felt very London 60s to me. Plus all the black (another big trend for resort- all black everything) options allow for all year round wear.

Tulip tops- As hemlines are rising, shoulders are getting a bit broader- I'm loving the new sweater shapes at Jason Wu, and House of Holland did some outstanding mini dresses with this new shape as well. Think it's a great look to make the waist look smaller and shift the focus up to the face and shoulders- adorable.

And special snaps and circles go to Lanvin's outstanding presentation (that Rembrandt lighting was a stellar nod to resort wear suited to sleepy, candlelit Venice), and Louis Vuitton had me at first look. 

My super styley friend Tracey wrote me this am to tell me to check out the collection, where there was not one thing she would not put on her body. I couldn't agree more. Positively cool, effortlessly Parisian, sexy and cool all at once, and just super strong and on point. There's talk of Marc Jacobs leaving Louis, and if this was his last collection, he went out on a very high note indeed. That Chanelish jacket is everything. It's hard to choose really...agree with Tracey that I'd wear these pieces everywhere, all packed in a vintage LV trunk for good measure.

 I also adored Marni's salute to a vacation filled with art gallery visits (her clothes are so perfect for art lovers- chic, simple, and works of art in their own right). Nina Ricci's collection had my favorite LBD (fear not, there's still knee length pieces like this one here), as well as effortless and gorgeous and flattering silhouettes that were feminine and well suited for warm climates- and the muted palette was stunning.  

Oh, and Rochas. ROCHAS. I'd take your loveliness to the Bahamas or Bermuda and wear every piece. The shapes felt so new and Marco Zanini's architectural yet still feminine aesthetic feels groundbreaking to me. Obsessing...

But nothing says simple, sexy vacation dressing to me like the black strapless number from Stella McCartney, shown at the top of this post. It's easy, flattering, forgiving, and the perfect piece to throw in a bag and just get away. I'm so happy that designers are keeping it loose- enjoying the lack of skintight pieces- perhaps we can all relax a little too...here's to that and here's to the gorgeous clothes for Resort 2014. I sense some very happy retailers with all of these wearable looks. Cause that's what's up this take me away kind of Friday in the 212. Have a wonderful weekend. 'Tis the season for style and fantasies of stylish getaways. XO

Good afternoon, shit weather. What gives? It's gnarly out (cold and chilly) and I'm wishing I was under the covers with a Lifetime movie and the little fur face. 

Funny thing last night- went to this photo event called Fotoworks which is basically speed dating for photographers and the people who get them work- photo editors, art producers, and others in my industry meet to review work and give advice to would be photographers. I have to say, I was very humbled to do it and felt how raw and expository it must be to show your work to that many people- I'm not sure I could handle that. G-d bless the artists. Living in your truth is not an easy gig. And doing it for money is even more difficult.(Is it still truth if money's involved? Dunno if it is).

Anyhoo, I ran in from the humidity a bit late and sat myself down to review work. One crazy sprite of a guy came bounding up to me- he had Kenny G. hair and kind eyes. Come to think of it, he was a mix of Kenny G. and Doug Henning. I know. Immediately he started unloading on how he loves to tell stories, "transcendental, cosmic" stories, and as he clanked his bracelets and widened his eyes in that Manson family kind of way, I found myself pulling away a little bit. All I could think about is being stranded on a shoot with him, and how any art director I know would probably be pretty freaked out by this double denim clad chap with the conscious party vibe and artist wife who is a "beautiful spirit who takes care of his sun beamed miracles" aka daughters. Oy.

Oh, it gets better. His sister is a famous child star who is now a super mommy type. So yea, his sister is famous and he's born and bred in LA and he lives in a magical ranch with magical children and he tells magic stories through his art. He speaks in miracles and lives in a parallel universe. As I sat there and fantasized about a chloroform soaked bandana, some duct tape,  and an exit strategy, I realized something. THIS is why I could never live in LA. Mostly because my body is not "a vehicle for my art", and though I love to check out from time to time, I always check back in. Don't get me wrong- I love a freak, but something about that type of freak just irks me...

I like miracles and cosmic realities and vehicles as much as the next girl, but my hard edged intellectual East Coaster comes out in full force when I meet people like this- the ones who hug you a little too long and make that "MMMM" sound as they do so, while your lifeless New York carcass goes limp from panic. And no, I don't make my own kombucha (he' super into fermentation). I apologize to all of you who live out west- I know you have much better weather than we're having here today, but  how you live amongst these types is beyond me. Sure, he's harmless and kind but the vacancy sign was just flashing a bit too bright for me, and even though having a birthday party with a former child actor/power mom sounds lovely, at what price really?  

Just wanted to share that with you. There's many days that New York is less "I want to be a part of it" and more "Get me the fuck out of here", but for the most part, my tolerance for kundalini enhanced dreams, meaningful gazes, and spirit animals is just not that high. And though my life would probably be more chill and I'd be fitter and skinnier and more enlightened  in LA, screw it.  I'll have another Manhattan, please. You can keep your kombucha.

I'm grateful there's a different coast for you, dude. Let's keep my ice cream my ice cream, and your ice cream your ice cream. We may eat from the same dish from time to time, but we gotta have our own spoons.

Cause that's what's up this living in one's truth kind of Thursday in the 212. Keep it real (whatever that means), and namaste. XO