PFM Obsession: Bathroom Pendant Lighting

I'm officially on the house-renovation-train and not getting off until things are finished. And by finished, I mean that walls are closed up, floors are cleaned up, we have a place to sleep, and at least one bathroom completed. I would especially love it if our home smelled beautiful again (and not like sewage, thank you very much Sandy). This doesn't seem like too much to ask, right? The good news is that we are well on our way with the reconstruction...my hubby and I might be able to move back home before the New Year. High on our to-do list this weekend is to pick out pendant lighting for over the bathroom sink. Under regular circumstances, I totally enjoy the whole design process, but when it's rushed like this how can you not feel a bit of pressure to make the best decisions? So take a look- any opinions will be very happily accepted. The home design inspiration just keeps a-flowing over on our Pinterest boards. xoxo Becca

Ok y'all, here's the color plan for the main floor bath: charcoal walls (Benjamin Moore- Racoon Fur) with yellow and/or deep blue accents. Our tile is picked and ready to go...white subway for the frameless shower walls, and marble hex on the floors. We chose chrome cross-handled faucets and showerhead from Moen (Weymouth). The sink (pedestal?) and mirror will be chosen last, depending on how much space we end up with after the shower is finished. We already have this Kohler medicine cabinet so we will definitely make it work in either in this bathroom or the one in the basement. 

1. Regina Andrew Antique Mercury Glass Candy Dish Pendant is both vintage and feminine.

2. Regina Andrew Cage Pendant pulls off industrial yet soft.

3. Glass Bulb Pendant, it's a classic.

4. West Elm Industrial Pendant is glamorous and still simple. 

5. Lafitte Pendant- ooh bubble glass. Just not sure about the white cord.

6. Pelle Bubble Chandelier would only happen in my dreams!

7. Capiz Pendant- I love the texture.

8. In Orbit Pendant, known as "hip vintage"

9. Meridian Pendant Lamp has a vintage-modern look.

10. Roost Berlin Pendant Light is another clear glass option with vintage style.

So many lovely options, but I have to choose just one. Are any of you currently in the middle of designing or renovating a bathroom? 

Daily Outfit: Classics for a Special Evening

A couple of weekends ago I celebrated with friends the recent marriage of a bride 'n groom who had the pleasure of getting hitched in Ireland; they topped it off with a lovely wedding reception here in NY. It took place at a beach-side venue on Long Island where we were fortunate enough to be partying with a gorgeous ocean view!

For the wedding, I pulled out my washed silk cocktail dress. It's a classic piece that I rarely wear, but when I do I realize that it's worth hanging on to! I went retro with my sparkly gold maryjanes and tied it together with a vintage purse in a neutral color. To finish off the look I paired this deep blue dress with a multi-strand cabochon necklace that I save for special occasions. Can't forget the blazer to ward off any strong ocean breeze. It's always fun to dress up (and celebrate!) xoxo Becca

(Dress- Development by Erica Davies {about 5 years old, but this is similar} Necklace- Vintage similar, Handbag-Vintage similar, Cocktail Ring- Vintage similar, Shoes- Anthropologie similar, Blazer- Urban Outfitters)

Daily Outfit: The Vintage Wrap Skirt

Everyone has at least one wardrobe piece that you've never worn, yet for some reason you can't let it go. You struggle with putting together an outfit that makes use of it, and end up pushing it to the back of your closet. Maybe you hold on to hope because it was such a good sale price, or it has sentimental value, or it was an on-trend impulse purchase that cost you a pretty penny. 

This vintage wrap skirt falls under the sentimental value category...it was once my grandmother's. I loved the pattern but wasn't sure about the fit and the style of it. So this simple little number kept getting taken out...and put back. I almost listed it in eBay a few times before talking myself out of it. Finally, I took the time to play around with a few different options that I already owned and poof- it was meant to be. The skirt needed a thick belt to define the waist and complement the colors within the print. Wooden wedges added to the ethnic vintage vibe of the skirt, and the most difficult choice was the most basic option- a fitted tank that offset the fullness of the skirt. My casual afternoon of leisure had me grabbing a denim jacket and hitting the road, looking laid-back and boho-chic!

(Skirt-Vintage, Tank- Shopbop, Belt- Anthropologie, Wedges- BCBG, Denim Jacket- J.Crew, Beaded Bracelet- Metal Monk, New Angle Sunglasses- Anthropologie)

P.S. What's your "questionable" wardrobe piece that has you stumped? The ladies of MavenFresh are up for the challenge...we would love to help you find a use for this piece and create outfit suggestions from your closet chaos! Ask the PFMs today!

Daily Outfit: Sun, Sky, and Sand

Look to nature for some color-pairing inspiration! I recently had myself a little week-long stay-cation at home. It was mostly spent hitting the beach and soaking up as much sun as possible. That's really all I need to re-energize and refresh...a bit of downtime to read, relax, and eat good food with good friends. These pics were taken prior...dressed in shades of the sun, sky, and sand I must have been subconsciously thinking about my upcoming walks along the shore and my soon-to-be vacation. I'm loving that this vintage classic of a skirt manages to stay timeless in a rich teal blue. With that, all it took was a burst of electric yellow and then all the details just came together.

PS Can't wait to share some snippets of my week off with you! xoxo Becca

(Crochet Flower Wrap worn as belt- MavenFresh, Skirt- Vintage similar, Tank- Old Navy, Sandals- Nine West, Denim Blazer- Anthropologie similar, Hat- Forever 21 similar, Bracelets- Anthro, J.Crew, & Vintage)

PFM Styling: Kyoto Japanese Maxi Dress, Take 2

Sometimes you have to celebrate a dress in style. Sesheta passed on this gift to me from Sugarlips, and wearing it beach-side seemed to be the perfect way to pay tribute. The sheer floating layers on the Kyoto Japanese Maxi Dress kept the look fresh in the heat. It was a gorgeous evening...the setting sun...the waves...and the dress caught the breeze just right. At first I wasn't sure how to make this piece work for me, but I was totally inspired by the bold print and decided to give it a splash of warm-weather glam. Vintage wooden bracelets, a sleek twisted ponytail with tousled waves, and dangling gold earrings are all I needed to easily go from walk on the beach to dinner date. Side note: I love going barefoot but it seems shoes just had to be required for dinner! xoxo Becca

(Mini Mandalas Earrings- MavenFresh, Dress- Sugarlips, Bracelets-Vintage & Metal Monk, Sandals- Dolce Vita)

PFMs Closet Raid: Summer Lovin

(1-Dress, 2-Shoes, 3-Sunglasses, 4-Dress, 5-Dress {sold!}, 6-Dress)

Maven ReFreshed is back! We are sharing some of our vintage finds with you this summer; handpicked from our very own closets. You'll find a few of the items shown above, as well as many more. Items are constantly being added so check back often.

If you have something of your own that you would like for us to sell, just send an email. We are more than happy to work with you. 

If you are interested in any item, there are three ways to let us know:

1. Place a bid on Ebay
2. Comment on this post
3. Email us

Happy Shopping! xoxo Becca

Daily Outfit: Ombre With a Side of Orange

Sesheta and I love the return of the tie neck blouse...it's so ladylike and classic. This vintage blouse was instant inspiration to my wardrobe. The ombre effect drew me in, and the huge drapey bow sealed the deal! I knew the subtle peachy-coffee tones would be perfect paired with a shot of bright orange and nude pumps. Oooh summer color combo alert! Soft pastels with a pop of color are shaping up to be the season's hottest pair. 

Ombre with a side of orange, please.

(Cafe Capri Pants- J.Crew, Tie Neck Blouse- vintage, Pumps- BCBGeneration, Nails- Mint Candy Apple Essie, Belt- Anthropologie similar, Gold Shoulder Strands- MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Fur Allure (especially if it's Vintage Fur!!!)

fur vests are right on trend

i combined my fave mascara and my fave MF headband

the ruffles on this jacket are sooo fun!

ruffles coming...

 ...and going!

i never thought to consider myself a fur type of girl but, there's something so chic and luxe about it.  don't get me wrong, that doesn't mean that i don't feel for the animals that lose their lives so that we can indulge.  ...but what if it's vintage fur???  no NEW animals were harmed for this PFM trend!  this fun fur vest was found on eBay and, though an animal did lose it's life, i think i'm doing my part by recycling it!  the warmth of the day meant i could shed some layers and don my fur vest with pride.  

this was a day of accessories because accessories were totally the highlight of this outfit.  under my vest was another one of my favorite jackets.  it's made by Free People and i was drawn to it because of it's puffed shoulders and ruffles - two features i love and especially together!  this jacket can almost be considered vintage too now; i got it over two years ago!  i combined the whole look with a MF crocheted mobius in paintbox and the new MF crystal ball headband.  once again the term modern vintage came to mind as this outfit came together.  fur, ruffles, bling AND neon... what more could a girl ask for!!!

(Fur Vest - Maven ReFreshed, Ruffle jacket in Black - Free People, Straight Leg Jeans - Buffalo by David Bitton, Neon Yellow Tank - Old Navy, Clogs - Swedish Hasbeens, Crocheted Mobius in Paintbox and Crystal Ball Headband (available on special request)- 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!

Daily Outfit: Maroon & Charcoal

I remember buying this jersey dress years ago and thinking "oooh I will definitely get lots of use out of this." Ok so I tell myself that A LOT which is why I end up with a closet full of items that I wear once and then sell on eBay. But...this time that I was totally right. Not only does it have a classic shape, but the deep maroon color adds life to my winter wardrobe (and I love it paired with blacks and greys!) I decided the dress needed a dose of menswear chic, so I grabbed my grey-leather boots that have oxford detailing and layered on a charcoal blazer and my trusty trilby. Finished the look with some feminine necklaces...I especially love this vintage filigree timepiece necklace that my Mimi gave to me. It doesn't keep time, but it sure adds style.

(Dress, Blazer, Boots- Anthropologie, Spanx Tight-End Tights- eBay, Shiraleah Wool Trilby Hat- Milk & Honey, Pearl Pendant Necklace- MavenFresh, Filigree Watch Necklace- Vintage Grandma Mimi, Studded Watch- Tokyobay)

Daily Outfit: All Night Vintage Sparkle

I'm pretty sure I let out a squeal of joy when I first saw this vintage Pierre Cardin sweater. It's gold and sparkly. It's an item you want to create your outfit around. And it also happened to be the star of my back-up outfit for NYE. Originally I had a dress in mind, but after trying said dress on again (the night before, you know how that goes!) I was underwhelmed. Luckily, my lifesaver Pierre was there to give me that extra zing needed to start the New Year off right. It ain't always easy to achieve glam and comfortable, but my new dark denim skinnies helped me nail it! I added a little more drama with leopard booties, old-school hammered gold earrings, chunky bracelets, and some big hair... and poof...all ready to go out to dinner and celebrate with a close group of friends and family. Can't believe that was already a week ago today! 

PS For those of you just itching to vary your relationship with the curling iron, I totally recommend trying the Hot Tools Deep Waver. Very easy to use and I love the crimped wavy results that will last for days if you let 'em. It's big frizz done just right.  

(Pierre Cardin Sweater- Vintage,  Hudson Nico Mid Rise Skinny Jeans in Chelsea- Shopbop {I got them on eBay for 1/2 price}, Leopard Booties- Nordstrom, Beaded Bracelets- Anthropologie, Nails- Sally Hansen Wishnets)