Freebie Alert: Elliptical Earrings

Woo-hoo, it's that time again ladies! Are we all enjoying the summer so far? We wanted to give one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of MavenFresh Elliptical earrings. You will be debuting a fresh color combo we call Sun Showers. A designer favorite, these eye-catching earrings are the perfect dose of everyday glamour.

How to enter and win: 

Step 1: Become an official follower of our blog by clicking the "join this site" icon on the right side of the blog page.

Step 2: "Like" MavenFresh on Facebook.

Step 3: Then, leave us a comment below or on FB when you have completed the above - and don't forget to include your email!

 We will be picking one winner using a random number generator. Contest will begin today and end Monday June 25th at Midnight EST. Winner will be announced on Tuesday. Good luck everyone!

To shop our other color variations available for the Elliptical earrings, click here. We are also excited to offer a promo code FRESHTREAT, good for 20% off your entire purchase, first time buyers only, valid until the end of June.

Daily Outfit: Hippie Legs

i must say that one of the major benefits of crocheting is making your own legwarmers!  this blast from the past accessory is the perfect highlight to my everyday outfit.  it doesn't take much to put these on display, especially when worn with these cute retro pumps (a b-day gift from my Mommy).  i picked up one of the bright colors from the yarn with my violet shirt and the rest just fell into place.  in order to keep the eye drawn to the right places, my basic black skinny jeans and color block blazer were the right compliment.  if this outfit wasn't retro enough, my fave headband pushed it over the edge.   though i call this outfit hippie legs, it really does draw from styling from the 60's, 70's, 80's and now.  just another example of how certain styles are timeless!

PS. many of our sales are made once someone sees an item in action and styled for everyday.  another one of our best clients quickly placed an order for a pair of legwarmers similar to these after she saw me wearing them.  (Yay, Jaz!) today is actually her b-day, maybe she had one last chance to rock her new pair of legwarmers before the warm weather comes to stay!  :)

(Color Block Blazer - Rachel Rachel Roy, Violet Burn-out tee - Loehmann's, Black Skinny Jeans - J Brand, Grey Suede Pumps - BCBGeneration, Crystal Ball Headband, Pearl Pendant Necklace, Crochet Legwarmers - MavenFresh)

Daily Oufit: In the Name of Spring

Sunny days...just having a little fun with plaid, ruffles, gold fringe, and pops of chartreuse. All built around some basic denim. I admit to getting a little excited every time these zippered ankle jeans come out to play with my ballet flats...it means warm weather is a-coming! And I honor that thought with a bright bloom in my hair. Ha.

Let's switch topics to something that's been on my mind...and maybe yours: the H&M floral pants that have been showing up in every magazine around. I scoped them in Lucky, Allure, and Glamour...and they all quoted the price point at $50. Undeterred by the price and popularity, Sesheta and I hit H&M on Friday. There happened to be a huge stack of the very same pants, just put out right in front of the entrance. They were literally flying off the shelf at $14.95. Why the price change? I don't really know...and sadly they didn't have my size left. After checking out another H&M location today with no luck I returned back to the first one in hopes of finding a pair to call my own (and avoid eBay stalking!) Well ladies, let's just say I have myself some pants...oh and a skirt too. What...at these prices it's really hard to resist. It's all in the name of Spring. Ahem- right Sesheta??!

(Blazer & Jeans- Anthropologie, Boy Shirt in Quincy Tartan & Metallic Chartreuse Flats- J.Crew, Crochet Cabbage Bloom in Chic Chartreuse- MavenFresh and seen here, Fringe Necklace- JC Penney)

Daily Outfit: Tribal Dancer

i looooooooooove legwarmers!! especially when they are MF legwarmers! :) these bad boys take an outfit from regular to a wow factor. ...and they are really warm!! go figure, lol... i felt very "flashdance" in my outfit.  in fact, that's exactly what my friend said to me. she said i was giving her a flashdance vibe but that my moccasins were throwing her off, making it "native american flashdance".  hence, tribal dancer!  i think tribal dancer is the perfect definition of this outfit.  i don't mind the dancer vibe.  i actually danced with a troupe when i was younger.  unfortunately, dancing at parties every now and then is all that's left of my dancing career.  either way, it is fun to reminisce ...and legwarmers, leggings and a mini dress can help make the memory come alive!


(Field jacket - HollisterCo., Tank bubble hem mini-dress - Forever 21, Plum leggings - American Apparel, Studded Moccasin booties - Jeffrey Campbell, Copper Leather cuff - Tasha West, Knee-hi legwarmers (available on special request) and Peacock Fanfare earrings - MavenFresh)

Fresh Out of the Workshop: the Bow Skull Cloche

 I undeniably have a love for things that are a blend of vintage and modern...and you already know all about my ongoing hat love...these two loves inspired me to create this new crocheted accessory. I'm obsessed with 1920s fashion and all you have to do is turn on an episode of Boardwalk Empire to see why. The glitz and the glam!!! Gorgeous glittery drop-waist dresses and detailed beaded headbands...and a classic cloche was often the best bet. Sesheta and I are always rocking a bit of glitz 'n glam, yes- even for daytime. Embrace your girly side with this vintage-inspired twist on the traditional skull cap. The Bow Skull Cloche is lightweight enough that you can wear it indoors, and the oversized bow can be worn in the back or on the side...it's your call.


PS the rich color combo of bright red & royal purple is a favorite of mine!

PFMs Do It Better: DIY Eugenia Kim Inspired Crochet Cuffed Pom Hat

You're either romantic or you're not...and I'm not so much. So instead of getting all hearts 'n flowers on you, I'm going to share a simple DIY that's completely unrelated to Valentine's Day. But the end result will keep you looking cute, cozy, and chic. I love Eugenia Kim's line of  headwear, the pieces are fabulous. Inspired by this ultra-expensive cuffed Rain Hat that I could not afford, it was time to come up with a crochet pattern alternative.

Materials: 2 Skeins Super Bulky Yarn in Black- I like to use Wool-Ease Thick & Quick or Loops & Threads Cozy Wool

N hook

Large Eye Blunt Needle

4” square of cardboard

16” long strand of yarn (not pictured)

Scissors!

Begin: Chain 24.

Row 1: Single Crochet in 2^nd chain from hook and in each chain across. (23 sc)

Row 2: Chain 1, turn, and sc in back loops only all the way across.

Repeat Row 2 until piece measures approx 19” from the beginning.

Finishing Up: Now rotate the piece so that you can seam ends together; sl st in each st across to make hat. Fasten off and leave a long tail. Thread tail through ends of rows along edge and pull to gather for top of hat. Make a secure knot.

Pom-Pom: There are many ways to make a pom, but this is how we do. Using the 4” cardboard square, wrap the yarn around approx 60 times.  Carefully slide the yarn off the cardboard, and using your 16” piece of yarn, tie it around the center of the yarn bundle. Pull tight and knot securely. Cut the loopy edges to make them open up into pom-pom strands. Attach pom-pom to top of hat. Weave in ends.

Done, now you can wear this hat all winter! It looks pretty close to the original and you saved yourself over $100. Cuff it up and strut your stuff. Can't crochet? No worries, you can still get the look for less with the Greenwich Beanie Hat, now available in our etsy shop.

Tonight I will be enjoying the best brick-oven pizza on Long Island with my favorite guy at our new favorite spot. Intrigued? Maybe I will be tempted to share with y'all at some point, but for now we have to keep this little gem under wraps! Any special plans with loved ones for Valentine's Day? Do you like to celebrate it, or will you be curling up on the sofa and cranking out this DIY? 

Daily Outfit: Wintry Layering

 All that's missing is a dusting of snow, some pine trees, and scenic mountains to really style this look up right. Just kidding...I'm really enjoying the mild winter we are having here in NY! 

Inspired to create a wintry look with a neutral palette and lots of different textures, I began layering up. I started with a cream tunic dress, added a cozy flannel and kept going. Loopy crochet vest...check. Faux fur collar (swiped from my fave coat)...check. Lots of warm snuggly chicness going on here and I was loving every minute of it!

(Vest, Faux Fur Collar, and Dress- Anthropologie, Flannel Shirt- Gap {$5}, MP Tights- eBay, Rosegold Madge Boot- Modern Vintage, Belt- J. Jill, Brooch- Vintage, Moonbeam Earrings- MavenFresh)

Fresh Out of the Workshop: The Divine Turban Headband

This latest design came to be out of the desire for a stylish, vintage-inspired accessory that would keep ears warm and hairstyles in tact. Since I tried to shop vintage and couldn't find exactly what I wanted, it was time to create a la MavenFresh. Ta-da, introducing the Divine Turban Headband! It's cut wide and made of a lusciously soft fuzzy blend of mohair, alpaca, cashmere, and wool. So it's totally indulgent, and you deserve it. Turbans are taking on many different forms these days, but can they get you through cold-weather months in high-fashion style like this one can?!! Keep in mind this is not just a piece for outdoor wear; put on a blouse and some shiny jewelry and you're perfection at the office. If you're going to be prancing outside in the chilly air, pair it with a cocoon coat...this turban is divine!

I'm such a hat girl and this just adds to my growing number of toppers. And now you can get a head start on building up your own collection. This will be available in more colors, just click here and visit our etsy shop. You know you want to. 

PFMs Do It Better: Introduction

Image Link: Design Vertigo

MavenFresh is starting the new year off with a new adventure! PFMs Do It Better will feature a whole bunch of inspirational tips, documented projects, and style intel. What does that mean for you? Let's just say that you can expect to find various DIY tutorials (including free MavenFresh crochet patterns), get advice on fashion-beauty-design trends and how to recreate them, sneak a peek into our homes...and at our must-have products that we can't live without.

Stay tuned for the premiere, coming soon...!!!

Hot out of the Workshop: Lush Loops Collar

 

 

A collar can be a total fashion statement, a finishing detail, or a just a lovely addition to keep you warm. This one is all of the above! Introducing our latest creation, the Lush Loops Collar. It has a touch of vintage charm that we love so much. Crocheted by hand to appear a little bit furry, and a little bit fleecy, this could be your favorite accessory for the season. We're going to layer it over brightly colored wool coats, shrunken denim jackets and maybe even a dress or two. The collar is available in our etsy shop; be sure to order yours now for shipping in time for the holidays!

A few weeks ago I was browsing the sale section at the Gap and spotted this speckled tweed jacket in a rich cobalt blue. I knew immediately it would be the perfect compliment for my then work-in-progress collar. The jacket's rounded neckline ensured that Lush Loops would be the focus of the outfit. A friend of mine actually thought that that the collar was attached...that's what I call a successful pairing! Rich colors, lush collars, and a variety of layers- it's how to do ladylike the modern way! 

 (Wool Tweed Jacket- Gap {$10}, Top- Anthropologie, Silence & Noise Jeans- Urban Outfitters, High Heel Ankle Boots- Zara, Rain Drop Earrings & Lush Loops Collar- MavenFresh)