Got Stylist?

there are so many reasons why Becca and i decided it was time to really focus on getting our blog out there.  we have had so many women come up to us, when we are together and/or individually, and ask us where we bought something or if we can take them shopping.  well, the good news is that this is one of the other facets of MavenFresh!  not only can you come to us for statement accessories, but we are available for style consultations - for fashion and for life.  our fashion style consultations can consist of helping you re-vamp your look for the season or in general by taking you shopping or suggesting things that you can look for while on your own.  life style consulting includes assisting a transition into vegetarian or vegan living or the choice to incorporate healthier life choices - cause let's face it, you have to feel good to look good!  we both have impressive resumes when it comes to both style and health and we want to assist you in feeling and looking your best!  life should be fun! fashion and healthy living are our tools to use to make it fun.  interested? inbox us at mavenfresh@gmail to get started today!!

Don't we look like we are having fun? lol

Daily Outfit: Midi Statement

I swoon over midi skirts and dresses; if they happen to be pleated, double swoon! It was love at first sight with this vintage dress. In fact I almost squealed with delight when I found out that the temperature was to dip down to 70 because that's just perfect weather for polyester. By the way, warm and humid at the end of September in New York? I am definitely enjoying every last minute of it. 
 

The dress has a pretty blue and green geometric pattern that offered many pairing options...so I eventually styled it up with a ruffly dark blue blazer and played off the vintage chic vibe with a high side bun and Rosette Headband. Note to self: layering a slouchy crop sweater over the dress would be a fun option in the cooler months with tights. Feeling feminine and flirty, I was ready for the day in my pleated calf-skimming dress. This fall there are so many must-have trends, but I highly recommend pursuing this one. 

PS Special thanks to my girlie Sesheta for lugging that big ol wind machine to our shoot. You really didn't have to...I am sure my dress and hair would have been just fine without it. Haha
 

(Dress- Vintage, Ruffled Blazer- Anthropologie, Distressed Belt- J.Crew, Sunnies- Thrifted, Slingbacks- BCBG, Thai Rosette Headband- MavenFresh)

Design Lust: Suitcase Surprise

There are countless ways that vintage suitcases can be used throughout your home...and I am not talking about packing them for your next vacation! I've been on the perpetual hunt for a couple of vintage suitcases to make a bedside table in our guest room. They will replace the bed tray that is currently sitting on the floor with a lamp on top of it; quite the conversation piece. Totally not kidding about that, and the interior designer in me is feeling some shame. So I am loving the playful vibe that they will bring into the space, and it's always so wonderful to bring new life to an old piece. Did I mention the added storage?  Not to worry, it's only been like 6 months of searching...both online and in various shops. And who doesn't like to have countless conversations with me about the perfect size, color, and details that my nonexistent stacked-suitcase-nightstand will have? (Sure my husband would vouch for that.) But sometimes for me it's the thrill of the hunt. And if I wasn't still looking I wouldn't have come across these beautiful inspirational images. Thank you Design Sponge for reminding me that I have yet to find what I am yearning for. But I am getting closer. 

Yellow print and mustard yellow luggage- what could be better! 

Hmmm, I could also use some under-the-desk storage

Charming and simple. 

Brilliant reinvention including the luggage rack!

My favorite of the bunch- just need to get my hands on a couple of these pretties

Links: DESIGN SPONGE 

Trendy PFM: True Blue Trench

one of this season's trends is a statement coat.  well, when i saw this fabulous trench, i literally dreamed about it before deciding to snatch it up.  when i was searching for a trench to carry me through the in between seasons, i wanted something edgy and current, yet totally feminine.  i think i succeeded with this little baby.  what do you think?  ultimately what sold me was the the to-die-for blue color.   the icing on the cake was the cute bustle-like hem in the back.  it makes me feel like i'm working it - coming and going :)  the only thing that makes me sad is that, as it gets colder, i will have to put this coat away until warmer days.  

what about you? are you going to invest in a statement coat this season?  

(Blue Bustle Trench Coat - Asos.com, Sequin sweatshirt (not shown) - Forever 21, Skinny studded jeans - Blank NYC, Gray patent clogs - Maguba, Lightcatchers Rasta - MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Hooray for Chambray

 

Many a stylist will tell you that it all starts with a great shirt...and a chambray button-down happens to be one of my favorites. This shirt is actually called the Essential Tunic (hooray Anthro), very appropriate being that it's easy to take from day to night and transitions well from season to season. It's on the longer side which makes it perfect for me to tuck into skirts, but I've been known to rock it tunic style with printed leggings. Which brings me to an important point: leggings should not be treated just as you would your other types of pants. More specifically, take a good look in the mirror... is your bum covered? Then by all means, you can wear leggings underneath. Oh and underwear too- why not just go crazy.

The weather around here has been acting kinda unpredictable, so I went for another piece that is also super versatile. The length, material, and pattern make this skirt something I wear in summer and winter. I thought the denimy color background of the skirt worked well with the chambray. I love the vintage look and feel, complete with a big floppy bow at the paper-bag waist. Hey did I mention it was almost 80 degrees? Thus the cork wedge sandals.

PS Sesheta, great minds shop alike. For the record, I call them "tie neck blouses" and we definitely share that obsession!!!

(Essential Tunic- Anthropologie, Bowtied Mini- Anthropologie, Necklace- Ebay, Cork Wedges- Aldo; still available at ASOS)

PFM Obsession: Vintage Inspired Bow Tie Blouses

Silk Alexander McQueen Pussy-Bow Shirt - versatile black

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Blouse - great vintage print and a great find

Nishe Pussy-Bow Blouse love this color!

Morning Mist Bow Shirt - ooo sleeveless!

i am totally excited by the resurgence of the latest trend of bow tie blouses.  a few years ago, i scored one of these blouses at a thrift store (my fave one that closed, sniff ) from the $2 rack! it was a mustard color with black stripes.  i loved wearing it cause of the retro-chic vibe.  sadly, i had to let it go as it started to literally fall apart at the seams.  you can imagine the instant obsession to own a newer version!  now you can get one in a great print or in one of this season's bright colors.  the hardest part is finding them, especially since it seems to be relatively new off the runway (i think they first made their appearance in SS '11).  maybe you can help me figure out what they are called; i've google searched "bow front blouse", "bow blouse", "bow tie blouse".  i've had the most luck with the last keywords.  while searching, i've seen the vintage versions referred to as "secretary bow blouse" and some of the new ones are called "pussy-bow blouse" (not sure why lol).  whatever you call them, i know that this is definitely one item that i would like to add to my wardrobe soon.

Daily Outfit: Peaches and Green

No, it's not loco legs - just showing off my swedish hasbeens clogs lol

it ain't easy being green but it sure is fun to be neon peach! i have a secret to share - i loved this shirt so much when i saw it in the J.Crew store that i had to have it.  the best part about it was that it was a super steal and not cause it was on sale, but because i nabbed it from the kids section.  yes, i actually purchased something from the Crewcuts line that was for me!  now, i'm gonna get flack for this because not everyone is small enough to fit into the largest kid size, but this is something that works for me.  i'm not super busty and that has it's pluses and minuses - this just happens to be a time when it's a plus!  i am uber obsessed with the color neon peach which seems to be isolated to J. Crew.  the funny thing is that it is probably supposed to be a subdued way for their usual customers to work in the neon that has been seen in recent trends.  for me, it's another neon shade to add to my collection! lol  it is the perfect pop of color to add to utilitarian neutrals like army green.  

Becca asked for tried and trues and this is one of mine.  this is an easy way to look fun and chic all at once!

(Neon Peach pocket tee - Crewcuts, Army Jacket - Free People, light denim jeans - DKNY, watch - Marc by Marc Jacobs, Swedish Hasbeens Super High Clogs - Endless.com, New Jade Cascade earrings and Margot Necklace - MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Mirror, Mirror

i don't know how it is for you, but i totally dress based on how i feel.  that's why my wardrobe is so varied and why i can look so different from day to day.  i express myself through styling.  today i woke up feeling like  being dolled up.  my gold sequin shirt called to me.  unlike most days, i actually tried to talk myself out of putting this shirt on; it was too dressy for day i told myself.  well, after a feeble attempt at getting a plan b, i gave in to my desire to be golden.  maybe i was inspired by the unexpected warm sunny day or maybe i wanted to convince myself that, just cause i was going to work, it didn't have to be a boring day.  either way, there is nothing like looking and feeling good and knowing it! i don't think of it as being cocky at all.  instead, i look at it as being happy and loved and showing that on the outside.  dressing up and putting different outfits together makes me happy! it has come to my attention that it makes other people happy too; there have been many times that i've had people tell me that they look forward to seeing what i have on each day.  that is an added bonus to "living my life like i'm golden" (thanks, Jill Scott :).

(Gold Sequin tunic - Michael Kors, Nude boyfriend sweater - H&M, Dark denim Skinny jeans - Uniqlo, strappy black sandals - Zara, Watch - Marc by Marc Jacobs, Studded skinny belt - J.Crew, Ellipticals in Sun Rays and Taupe Thai Rose Headband - MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Tried & True

So I recently missed out on the Missoni for Target collection and while I wasn't really planning on making any purchases, I have to admit to being disappointed. Do you ever do that? Tell yourself that you don't really want something but then after it's not available anymore you realize you must have it? Desperately? (Well maybe just the ZigZag throw blanket- $188 on ebay...my husband doesn't think so.) 

So I was more than happy to revisit my favorite purchase from the Tucker for Target line. Oh, how I loved that collection. I definitely didn't go back to Target like four times in one week just to see if there were any returns in my size. And I so did not stalk two store locations in the same day. Nope. What can I say- I like to be thorough! Anyway, there are those instances when you just want to reach for something comfortable and easy. Nothing beats a a loose patterned top paired with skinny stretch jeans. My metallic chartreuse ballet flats complete my "I-feel-chic-and-don't-have-to-suck-it-in-because-it's-drapey" look. It's a winner!

(Tucker Blouse- Target, J. Brand Jeans- Anthropologie, Ballet Flats- J.Crew, Fedora- Gap, Gold Strand Earrings- MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Modern Frontier

Unpack your sweaters, break out your boots, and make room for something bold! I love the idea of making this vibrant striped vintage cardigan more modern with the addition of a flirty jersey tunic dress and knee high boots. Still keeping it true to the 70's vibe, yet updated. There's only a handful of days left for bare legs weather and I intend to take full advantage. But boy was it a windy day! And I do smile when Sesheta and I are on the same wavelength; ladies- sometimes all you need is a skinny belt at the waist to give you that extra somethin special.

Total side note: Lucky Magazine recently mentioned that for autumn "turtlenecks are the new white collared shirts".  Umm- how exciting is that? In the cooler months I have a serious addiction to layering with turtlenecks and always thought they deserve a shout-out. And now I feel truly fulfilled.

(Tunic Dress- Anthropologie, Cardigan Sweater- Vintage, Boots- Frye, Loupe Belt- Hayden Harnett,  New Jade Cascade Earrings- MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Sargent Sesheta

i had such a blast with this photoshoot.  it was one of the first cool days ushering in the fall season.  it actually was the first day i put on closed shoes.  although i am reluctant to put away all my summer sandals, i definitely welcomed a day to wear my docs.  Dr. Martens bring me back to high school days (i won't focus on how long ago those days are :P) when i got my first pair.  in those days, i favored the low steel toe shoes, which my aunt called my herman munster shoes lol.  oh yeah, i was a village girl.  my school was on E16th and 3rd Ave., so Greenwich Village was a short walk away.  my friends and i made it a regular detour on our way home. this outfit is my grown girl ode to those days.  my choice was all about comfort cause it was threatening to rain and i wanted to be prepared.  i just love my taupe/gray denim leggings from Current Elliott; you feel like you don't even have anything on (but you do! lol).  i paired it with my red graphic tee (Heru!) and a mock pea coat to keep me warm.  to soften the military edge of my wardrobe choices, i added my pearls and black tulle bow headband to girlify it all.  attention! :)

(Mock Pea Coat  - H&M, Legging Jeans in Taupe - Current Elliott, Egyptian Graphic Tee - Empress Logic, Dr. Martens 1460 - 8-hole boots, Pearl necklace and Black Tulle Bow headband - MavenFresh)

Mani Pedi: Kitty, Kitty

well, Becca already posted about the fabulousness of the Sally Hansen Nail Strips, but i just had to reitereate how much fun they are to use.  after deciding that we were going to test them out, Becca searched around (cuz they were sold out everywhere) and finally found her first pack in the pattern Kitty, Kitty.  being the awesome person that she is, she also bought me a pack in the Glitz Blitz color (think solid gold glitter).  we were instantly hooked. all summer long, we have both been trying different patterns (thanks to a hook-up from our buddy Tanya S.).  though we both have our own favorite patterns, this week was the first time we both came in with the same one!! didn't i mention that we tend to come to work, without speaking or planning it, wearing the same colors or items.  so this week our mani trend is Kitty, Kitty.  though i named this blog after the color's true moniker, i actually really wanted to call it Jungle Fever.  i think the picture explains that to a T. lmaorotf

Daily Outfit: Fall Prelude

I gotta say that there is something about the recent drop in temperature that makes me a little bit giddy. Overall I am a warm-weather girl who likes to be borderline sweaty hot. But take note... I do enjoy the transition into fall, only when it creeps in slowly and gently. And then you get to sip warm cappuccinos, eat as much hot soup as you want, and wear clog booties. Yesterday was in the 60s; totally not necessary to wear tights, but I was feelin it! My booties were a coveted online purchase from back in January- I scored them on sale from Madewell. I've worn them with everything from maxi skirts to leggings to jeans. Staple items like that are so much fun.

The change in season has me thinking about a getting a fresh new haircut...and these 3 places in the city look fab. Being that my stylist is out on maternity leave I might just try someplace new and splurge! Hmmm....

(Skirt- Anthropologie, Trovata Knit Top- Gilt Groupe, Tights- French Connection, Clog Booties- Madewell, Copper Twigs & Berries Earrings- Mavenfresh)

Daily Outfit: Vintage Bouquet

i couldn't resist twirling

and twirling...

lol still going

as we wish summer adieu, I had to post pics of this look, one of my faves from the summer.  it is a perfect example of a super cheap, effortless way to look expensive.  if you don’t know by now, while i love the to-die-for  high-priced items, i totally jump at thrift store bargains.  now that everyone has jumped on the thrift store band-wagon or i should say “vintage” band-wagon, finding a really good store that isn’t expensive or picked over can be tricky.  i had been mourning the loss of my favorite local thrift shop when i discovered a new spot this summer.  this dress is one of my first finds!  i am not usually a print girl, let alone floral.  don’t get me wrong, i am very girly – but i prefer ruffles and sequins.  prints usually have to be super edgy or different (i loooooooooooove african prints).  but something about this dress appealed to me.  it may have been the vintage style bandeau top and billowing long skirt that grabbed me.  it was the perfect answer to my maxi dress craving.  i topped my dress with my super-sized puff shoulder sweater (try saying that five times fast lol). Then, to add some edge to this boho look, i added my vintage chain belt, my studded black gladiators and my extra-long gold strands.   ahhh, i’ll miss summer…

(Floral Vintage maxi dress and leather/chain belt - MavenReFreshed, Black puff-sleeve sweater - H&M, Black studded sandals - BCBGMaxazria, Gold Shoulder Strands - MavenFresh)