PFM Obsession: Becca's Beauty Fresh Five #4- Eyes

Hello lovely ladies! After learning about all the ill-effects that these toxic cosmetic ingredients can cause, changes are definitely in order! Next up on the green beauty countdown...#4, eyes. My summer makeup routine is usually very simple (read about my love of a bold lip here) but it isn't complete without a basic black eyeliner. I don't think I'm alone on that! So imagine how excited I was to realize that there's an all-natural beauty essential that's affordable and can be found in most drugstores...yes! Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Eyeliner is free of harmful, synthetic chemicals...it's made with Organic Jojoba Seed oil and Beeswax. Backed by rave reviews from the Green Beauty Team, this healthy beauty product has me ditching my (uber-expensive) Chanel eyeliner for good. 

Physcians Formula Organic Wear Eyeliner & Ilia Beauty Neon Angel Lipstick

There are three shades to choose from- I'm loving Black Night Organics, it's black with the most subtle hint of pine green that accentuates your eye color. I'm a big fan, although one recent steamy summer night had me reapplying the creamy line when the temperature hit 100. Overall this eyeliner is gentle, easy to use, and it's been lasting the entire day. More to come... xoxo Becca

Daily Outfit: Silk Pleats and Flowers

...so, i finally found some (affordable) floral print denim that i liked!! thanks to H&M, i am able to join Becca in this fun trend.  though i was nervous about the cream background, the color combo of teal, pinks and yellows, made them irresistable!!  it also gave me an excuse to rock more neon but softened by my silk pleated blouse that i love (and hardly get to wear).  i'm so excited!! can't wait to wear these over and over again :) xo sesheta

(Peacock Fanfare earrings - MavenFresh, Silk Blouse - Laundry by Shelli Segal, Bandeau - American Apparel, Floral print jeans - H&M, Denim Jacket - Old Navy, Flats - Calvin Klein)

PFM Obsession: Becca's Beauty Fresh Five #5- Lips

Get excited, ladies...it's the latest Fresh Five- Green Beauty Edition! I'm counting down my top five favorite beauty products that are not only going to help you look great, they are actually healthy for you and for the environment too.

Sesheta and I recently had the pleasure of attending an event hosted by the Green Beauty Team. We spent an evening learning and celebrating healthy beauty. Inspired by our good friend (and host) Rebecca Casciano, I've been trying to green up my personal beauty routine...one product at a time. Being that I'm so conscious of what I put in my body, why wouldn't I want to be just as aware about what goes on my body? Does this have your mind spinning a bit? Click here for a list of toxic ingredients that has become my new shopping guide. 

The Two Rebeccas! Images c/o Green Beauty Team

Lately Rebecca's been rocking a shade of neon pink lipstick that has me smitten. I got the chance to sample this lil beauty delight at the event (with an amazing makeup pro applying it, no less!) Immediately, I loved the way it looked with my skin tone.  Ilia Beauty Lipstick in Neon Angel is my now my go-to for bold summer lip color...expect to see a lot more of it in future outfit posts! In the most perfect highly pigmented shade of punchy pink, it rivals the best-selling brands at Sephora...and as a bonus- it actually keeps lips moist and smooth. Most importantly, when you are licking your lips you won't be worrying about what your body is absorbing and how it's affecting your health. Find your perfect shade online at Spirit Beauty Lounge...and stay tuned for #4! xoxo Becca

PFMs Healthy Living: LifeFactory Water Bottles

most don't know that i have named myself a water snob; i am one of those people who refuses to drink water that doesn't taste good.  don't get me wrong, i am fully aware that i am a child of privilege, especially when so much of the world is in need of clean drinking water.  i am blessed (or cursed depending on your outlook) to live in the land of plenty.  we have multiple types and brands of water that we can drink in addition to water flowing out of our tap.  while i am not totally sold on the bottled water phenomenon, i do know what tastes good.  that means i do buy bottled water, but i always refill bottles to carry on the go.  ...so here are my reasons for giving Lifefactory bottles a test run.

1. a big part of keeping my water fresh tasting and not stale, is based on what i carry it in.  i have owned a Klean Kanteen for years. my whole family has had them and i still swear by those bottles.  ...but when these babies came on the scene, the idea of using glass was more up my alley.  these bottles by Lifefactory, boast that, in addition to being BPA and toxic material free, they offer the best taste.  
2. glass?? i did have my reservations... i wasn't sure if it was gonna make my bag (even) heavier to carry one around.  not to mention, the chances of breakage with one drop (did i mention how banged up my Klean Kanteen is from multiple drops?).  despite the possible disadvantages, i still wanted to got one.  though i am a water snob, i can be really bad at making sure i get my daily fill.  the main benefit of glass is that i need to see the water going down in my bottle so that i can keep my eye on the prize.  when i can't see the water level, i am more likely to ignore that i haven't emptied the bottle.  i'm hoping the guilt of seeing a full bottle will assist in me being extra hydrated.
3. last but not least, who can resist the fun, colorful silicone covers??  it was hard for me to choose which one to go with.  surprisingly, i was not drawn to my usual fave color purple.  instead, i chose to go with the midnight blue color (see pic above).  i also bagged the 22oz for $19.99 at Wild by Nature out here on LI.  that's a full $2-3 cheaper than i've seen it elsewhere.

so now it remains to be seen how this bottle performs.  i'll keep you posted!! xo sesheta

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!

What is MavenFresh?

It's hard to believe how much time has gone by since Rebecca and I started MavenFresh.  At first, it was all about jewelry and accessories, but, once we realized all that we had to offer, MavenFresh evolved and blossomed into all that it is today.  It is only fitting that we re-define all that we have become.   

Becca and I are personally committed to living a lifestyle based on whole living - in health, beauty and fashion.  More of you are realizing the importance of incorporating holistic practices and green living into your lives.  MavenFresh can help in figuring out where to start.  Why?  ...Because we live it and because a healthier world starts with you and me.

...so if you have been wondering, "what is MavenFresh?", well, now you can't say we didn't tell you!  xo sesheta & Rebecca

MavenFresh grew out of the concrete jungle - the brainchild of Sesheta Holder and Rebecca Santilli.  Drawn together by their love of fashion, color and their vegan/vegetarian lifestyles, Sesheta and Rebecca bring their organic take on life to designing and consulting. 

Creatively fueled by the vibe of NYC, the co-founders coined the term, “premiere fashion maven” or PFM.  As PFMs, Sesheta and Rebecca have a broad vision of design and style. MavenFresh has become more than jewelry and accessories – it is a way of life.

Following a mostly plant-based diet and with a push for a greener lifestyle, the PFMs incorporate holistic healing practices such as acupuncture, herbs, yoga, and detoxification into their daily lives.  Their combined experience in health, design, styling, visual merchandising, real estate staging, redesign, life coaching and in the esoteric arts will help inspire your journey to a new you!

SERVICES

Jewelry & Accessories Designers - MavenFresh designs balance hard materials with vintage-inspired softness.  Each handmade piece is a combination of the colors and beauty of nature blended with the stark contrast of the city (New York, of course).  You can find our modern and vintage-inspired handmade jewelry and accessories in our etsy shop along with  vintage and recycled wares at www.etsy.com/shop/mavenfresh.  Custom orders welcome and encouraged. We are also available to teach jewelry design and crochet classes.  

Personal Stylists- Available for wardrobe editing/recycling (includes re-selling your items on eBay), personal style renewal, closet organization, styling for special events and appearances.

Life Stylists- Here to assist you in a transition into gluten-free, vegetarian/pescatarian, or vegan living complimented by raw foods; we will work to help you create lasting dietary changes while incorporating healthier life choices.  Ready and able to cleanse your kitchen pantry and hit the local health food stores with you- just let us be your guides! We also offer prepared meals and treats to assist your shift onto the path of wellness.

Color Consultants- We are not afraid of bright color...or neutrals! When it comes to choosing paint color, the options are endless. By incorporating paint expertise with numerology and color therapy, we will share our successful tips and picks to have your final project looking fab in no time.  Room redesigns are also an option for those who are interested. 

We are looking forward to hearing from you! Message the PFMs at mavenfresh@gmail.com.

PFMs in the Kitchen: Macerated Fresh Fruit Salad, Sweetened with Agave

If you're anything like me, the summer heat brings around cravings for foods that are refreshing and light. But what's a girl to do when the occasional temptation for sweets come around? Just put together a quick macerated fruit salad...it's super easy and delicious. It definitely beats the sugar crash you will get after reaching for that candy bar or soda bottle. Depending on what fruits and liquids you choose, you can get flavors that range from tart to sugary to spicy...the combinations can be endless. I love to include berries- they are rich in fiber and low in calories. Plus they are full of anti-oxidants and high in Vitamin C. The maceration process enhances the natural flavors of the fruit until they become super juicy with amped-up taste. The almond and fruit flavors in here go incredibly well together. The agave is a low-glycemic alternative sweetener that will take this healthy dessert to another level! This dish is a special treat that my mom shared with me...and now I get to share it with you.  Enjoy *wink*

You need:

2 pints blueberries

4 nectarines, sliced

1 lime, juiced

1/4 cup to 1/2 cup Disaronno Originale amaretto liqueur

1-2 tbsp agave (to taste)

cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)

How to:

Combine lime juice with the agave. Pour over fruit, then add the amaretto in and toss gently until coated. Cover and let sit for at least 30 minutes. Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to taste. Serve immediately, (in a fancy martini glass!) or it can be refrigerated, covered for the next day. xoxo Becca