POTUS
“All in all this has been a tough week” ~ couldn’t agree more, goodnight Boston
THE FASHION DISH
April 16, 2013
a moment of reflection
The last time an extreme act of terrorism occurred I was too young to understand what was going on. I remember being in library, my mom coming to pick me up from school early, asking her what had happened, and still not understanding, not able to grasp perhaps, the immensity of what had occurred that morning. Because I lived in New York I could look out my window, barely able to see through the smoke, and see firsthand what they described for weeks afterwards on the news, in the papers, over the phone, via email.
This year was my first Marathon Monday. I have experienced numerous NY marathons and I was excited to see what differentiated Boston’s. I was also annoyed because of the race it was impossible to get anywhere by taxi and I ended up on the t after walking back and forth attempting to figure out how to cross the street. Within the hour any annoyance had been left behind with the beer cans, water cups, encouraging signs, and other race paraphernalia left littering the street.
My best friend called me saying two minutes ago she’d heard to loud booms and quickly left the area. I think I may have laughed, it was probably just horns or music going off, she was a few feet from the finish line. We all know now what those noises weren’t. In the moments following the bombs we reached out to our loved ones, to our friends, our families, our coworkers, going through our address books through twitter, Facebook, email and texts, confirming that they were fine, that they were safe.
It was all to eerily reminiscent of what we had experienced in 2001. This time I was old enough to determine what I read and listened to in the time preceding the events. But, I didn’t know what to do. I sat stunned on a friend’s couch. Hours before I had been wandering around the marathon sidelines, I lived on Boylston Street. We turned on the news watching it for hours, watching the endless coverage of bloodiness and sadness appear and reappear on the screen. I refreshed twitter every thirty seconds reading everything I could.
We screamed from couch to bedroom from couch again confirming and reconfirming the details we were reading in live-time as the death and injured numbers increased. This morning when I woke up I smiled as I looked out the window at the beautiful blue sky, it was another gorgeous day, like yesterday, and then I was quickly reminded of yesterday’s events. We won’t be okay for awhile, but we will be okay eventually. It will take time, but we all have the time to give, lending shoulders, love, and kindness to all in need of it.
April 3, 2013
Haley interviews Veronica Miele Beard & Veronica Swanson Beard of Veronica Beard
Veronica Swanson Beard and Veronica Miele Beard
Veronica Beard is the brainchild of sister-in-laws Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard. The American sportswear label was created in 2010. all. With a combined seven children between the two of them, the Veronica’s are an ideal example of women who manage to have it Below they share the story behind the label, how they define “the uniform”, and more!
Haley Sherif: How would you describe your style?
Veronica Swanson Beard: I really live by the philosophy of The Uniform. I am always inspired by the way American women in the 70′s and 80′s dressed so my style is more classic American. I love the play of classic prep and boho. A t-shirt or denim button own, jeans, a blazer, stilettos and a great old belt with a fabulous buckle is my go -to look. I also love accessories. I collect vintage clutches and jewelry. The bigger earrings, pendants and bangles the better!
Veronica Miele Beard: My style is unexpected and eclectic. i love trying new things and sometimes take an occasional fashion risk. Generally speaking, I love wearing a classic and edging it up with a little rock & roll for instance, a moto jkt over an evening gown or a fur vest over a blinged army jacket.
HS: You’re both juggling kids, social lives, and work. What’s your secret for doing it all?
VSB: We both have a good sense of priorities and family is always first. We rely on each other in almost everything- business, husbands, in-laws, kids. People can’t believe that we’re sister-in-laws and actually get along! We realize we are exceptionally lucky to have one another and it doesn’t hurt that when we need to we can be in two places at one time because we have the same name!!
VMB: I think our secret is that we have each other. Veronica understands my situation and I get hers. We are always covering for each other and helping out. It’s also easy that we are family so we can double team the in-laws!
white long and lean with zip off sleeves
HS: What are a few of your wardrobe essentials?
VSB: Denim shirts, J Brand jeans, Manolo Blahnik BBs, anything from Zara, Vintage bags and jewelry. I love all of our VB jackets- my Spring favorites are the long and lean with zip off sleeves and the denim safari jacket. I can’t wait for my Fall leather over vest- it was the thing that i wore throughout market and it’s just such cool statement piece and so versatile!
VMB: Classic VB jacket with different dickies for any time of year, leather balenciaga motorcycle jacket (by nicolas ghesquiere), vb peasant dress for the beach, a perfect fitting tux jacket, VB trek pants for casual or fancy occasions.
HS: Tell me about the story behind Veronica Beard.
VMB: The story is that Veronica and I have the same name but are extremely different. In this, “we are our customer” and try to design pieces that we would want in our own closets. We both love the same pieces, especially when we began with a line of only jackets with dickeys. The secret sauce to owning our individual style is how differently we wear and style the same pieces.
HS: Where does your inspiration come from?
VMB: We are inspired by icons through history and by what makes certain pieces classics and/or so memorable? We’re also inspired by the great women of today and how these iconic ideas can work into the girl’s daily life. What is she really wearing?
HS: Did you ever think you would be as successful as you are now?
VSB: That is the nicest compliment! We really measure our success by the women we meet who are VB fans and tell us that we’ve really nailed it in terms of need and fit.
VMB: We’re successful and popular?
HS: Define “The Uniform”.
VMB: “The uniform” refers to all the pieces that we wear over and over day after day. They are the pieces you can’t live without and they make you feel comfortable and gorgeous. Uniform pieces are not too precious and are investment pieces.
HS: Name a few all-time favorites from the line.
VMB: My silk army jacket from our first spring line, (we have a better army jacket this Spring in case you missed the first), and the navy tux jacket that I wore with bell bottom jeans to the Stones concert! I felt the vibe of Mick that night.
HS: What woman does VB represent?
VMB: VB represents a woman who wants to feel as gorgeous as she looks effortlessly. She’s got some edge and is confident tackling every aspect of her day.
HS: Summer is on the horizon! What are your plans?
VMB: Plans are to travel a bit and visit as many stores as we can where we sell VB. The only way to truly understand our customer is to go to the stores and meet them. It’s fascinating to see and hear what women in different cities and countries are wearing and what they are looking for. We will be taking a trip this summer to Matches of London where VB will be carried exclusively for Fall ’13. We’re thrilled!
HS: Finally, do you have any exciting projects in the works?
VMB: We’re working on plans for a new showroom. It will be exciting to decorate and portray the brand from a new location closer to our office.
April 1, 2013
Balmain Crazed
All I can say is wow about these Balmain jeans! They are perfect, I die for them, I am obsessed with them, I want to wear them all week. I might actually. Paired with a graphic Iro tee and black Theyskens sweater they are perfect, but the look from the runway below is also a fresh take and ideal inspiration for a more office appropriate take. (Side note ~ the ones below are WAY more expensive then the ready to wear pair I grabbed up, but look identical! Gotta love a fashion steal). Whichever way you wear them they are utterly chic. Monday, Tuesday, & all weekday blues are solved now!
March 26, 2013
brunch attire
If you know me, you know I love brunch. Brunch is the answer to all ~ you can sleep in, wear casual clothes, eat delicious food, and be with friends (what’s better!). On Sunday I went to Comodo, a mexican restaurant in the West Village that I had never been to before. It was the perfect hidden in the wall haunt to spend a few hours catching up with friends over a long brunch of eggs benedict, cups of coffee, and churros and hot chocolate for dessert!
I decided to break in a pair of Current Elliott tribal patterned denim, paired with a pretty frilly Iro tank blouse, and a red Helmut Lang sweater. I usually shy away from color so the sweater was a definite change, but I added a leather jacket to stick a little closer to the black/downtown vibe comfort zone I’m found of. It was a cute comfortable look to take me through the whole day from brunch, to late coffee with a friend, to the train ride back to Boston, to a late night meeting. I guess I change of hair started a domino effect, pretty soon I’ll only be in color (you can dream)!
March 25, 2013
snip snip ~ short hair on the loose
before & after shots
new hair, cause for laughs
Saturday morning marked a new day in hair for me! After little thinking I cut it all off. Most spend weeks even months mulling over whether to cut, how much to cut, what to cut, etc. My friend told me to cut it off and I went for it (I’m not usually so daring or easily persuaded, but sometimes…)
Alexa Chung hair look alike
Don’t get me wrong I was sweating the entire time and if I was a nail biter I wouldn’t have much left, but as these things usually do it went fine! More than fine I’m in love, unconditional love, for it actually. I think it’s a little a la Alexa Chung which is fine by me, but I’m loving all the comments, adoration, “oh, your hair!” etc. Give me a day (or a few of it) I’ve never gone short or drastic. But, it’s fun and makes a hell of a better Monday when there’s a fresh look to celebrate.
This weekend I debuted the haircut along with a brand new amazing, gorgeous, to die for Phillip Lim denim jacket. It’s oversized chain patchwork goodness that’s a staple I can’t wait to wear throughout spring and summer. Though it wasn’t quite warm enough I took it for a spin regardless, heading to the Bowery to meet up with friends for a little shopping and dinner. I paired the denim gem with dark wash R13 skinnies, a white tee and Helmut Lang sweater, and Isabel Marant booties. I added a scarf because it’s still not quite seasonal weather yet.
March 15, 2013
TGIF so Dress Up!
Newsflash ~ it’s almost the weekend! TGIF indeed. What I always find absolutely fascinating is that we are so exhausted by the end of the work week that it takes all the effort in the world to throw on one more outfit before we get to pull of the weekly uniform and sink into weekend casual wear. But, after having a really lovely conversation last night I just felt inspired to make today’s look count. I wore jeans all weekend and finally, despite the temps which are in the mid-30s today, I just felt like throwing on a dress!
FRIDAY SELFIE – SORRY IT WAS A FAST & FURIOUS AM
And so I did it. Last night I exchanged the denim and tee which I’d laid out in preparation for this morning for a short Thakoon black and white dress and cropped ALC grey sweater with snakeskin-esque elbow patches. I accessorized with Isabel Marant bike boots and a black PS1. It’s a simple look, but I’ve received lots of compliments on it already.
THE DRESS ~ THAKOON RUFFLE SLEEVE IN BLACK/WHITE
It’s nice not to dress down just because we’ve made it through the week, it feels like a better time to dress up in celebration of a few days of R & R. So, next week plan to dress up, it also makes a transition to dinner that much easier, xo.
March 14, 2013
rag & bone chic
Yesterday was a gorgeous day in Boston, the sun was shinning, the temperatures were warm enough to walk around sans coat, and it was the perfect day to stroll down Newbury Street running errands and even stopping by Pinkberry for a cold treat. My friend works at Rag & Bone on Newbury and I finally had the chance to go say hi and get styled by her. She’s super talented and has a great eye so I was automatically excited for what the afternoon held. After taking me around the store and gathering a handful of different looks we settled on two key pieces that I just had to have – a gorgeous multicolored shrunk knit and a perfect thin black belt.
Both items complemented the R & B boyfriend jeans I was already wearing and when accessorized with Isabel Marant boots and a Rick Owens leather the outfit was complete. I’m wearing the knit again today and can’t wait to have fun accessorizing it when the warmer weather returns (winter is back again)!
March 11, 2013
week in insta review
WOW! It has been awhile since I’ve last written. I thought I would have some downtime last week to write, but it was a little too difficult to find time that I wasn’t either traveling or spending time with the fam. I started the week spending a few days upstate at Canyon Ranch with my mom where we worked out, relaxed, and spent some time at the spa, next it was half a day in New York before we flew to LA for a few days. It was very chilly, but nice nonetheless, spending time together with a welcomed relief after weeks of craziness back home.
Before I could believe it I was headed back to Boston late last night and now it’s time to get back in the swing of things. I vow to be much better in the next few weeks, writing much more often, featuring some new outfit posts and fun interviews. See below for last week in insta review!
BEAUTIFUL FIREPLACE AT CANYON RANCH
DAY ONE OF LULU LEMON OUTFITS, LOVE THE NEON TOP
OBSESSED WITH THESE NEW NIKE KICKS
CANYON RANCH AT THE BEST HOMEMADE GLUTEN FREE COOKIES!
I TOOK THIS THE NIGHT I WAS IN NEW YORK, SPENT A FEW MINUTES FALLING IN LOVE WITH HOME ALL OVER AGAIN
BEFORE I KNEW IT, BACK ON THE ROAD, TRAVELING ESSENTIALS – A COMFY SCARF AND STACK OF MAGAZINES
I LOVED THE LOOK I WORE THE FIRST NIGHT IN SANTA MONICA TO FIG – THIS BLACK AND WHITE PATTERNED THAKOON DRESS IS A NEW FAVORITE AND OBVIOUSLY THE CLUTCH IS GREAT TOO
IF YOU GET THE CHANCE GO TO FIG AT THE FAIRMOUNT HOTEL IN SANTA MONICA – IT’S DELICIOUS FROM THE NONPASTA DISH TO THE PEANUT BUTTER CRUNCH DESSERT 
SPENT AN HOUR OF DOWNTIME BEFORE I HEADED BACK TO NYC WITH SAUNDERS’ LATEST BOOK – GREAT READ – AND A COFFEE (SUNNIES ARE RETROSUPERFUTURE)
CAPTURED THIS MINUTES BEFORE WE LEFT, THIS IS THE VIEW FROM OUR BUNGALOW, BEAUTIFUL CALI SUNSET
GOT BACK HOME ON THE REDEYE, SPENT THE MORNING WITH THE SUNDAY STYLES, A NY BAGEL, AND A COFFEE
HEADED BACK TO BOSTON, CASUAL SUNDAY LOOK
February 19, 2013
not your boyfriend’s jeans
STARS LOVE BOYFRIEND JEANS
I am obsessed with boyfriend jeans. Ever since last summer I’ve craved the perfect pair, but like all denim it’s essential to find the pair that fits best and sometimes that means quite the hunt. However, hunt aside I’ve settled on two favorites from Rag & Bone and R13. Both are super comfortable, super cute, and super perfect to wear to class, brunch, and even to dinner spruced up with a leather jacket and fun clutch.
RAG & BONE BOYFRIEND JEANS
It’s all in the accessories, so though the denim itself is more relaxed you can change how the look comes together, super slouchy for an easy Sunday brunch, or more tied together for a weekday. Today I wore mine with Isabel Marant biker boots, an R13 cropped black tee, and an ALC knit, but over the weekend I threw on an oversized knit, ideal brunch look.
R13 BOYFRIEND JEANS
I’ve already received numerous compliments on mine! I can’t wait to wear them into the summer, boyfriend jeans are definitely an essential transitional piece, as perfect for winter coziness as summer beach BBQ’s.
