ANKLE TIE FLATS — a fall necessity
Introducing our ankle tie flats, handmade by our partnering coop in Marrakesh!
They come with both black and brown ties, so your can wear them with everything!
Shop our flats HERE!
Tag: Style with Maven
WEDDING BLANKET — as a wall hanging
I recently moved into a new apt which is stressful but has been SO FUN TO DECORATE! The very first thing I did was hang this beautiful wedding blanket that I have been saving for some time. I think it makes the perfect statement on the wall and had to share a quick photo! You can shop our wedding blankets HERE!
How to hang a Wedding Blanket as a Headboard!
We have been asked numerous times, ‘How do I hang a wedding blanket on the wall?’. I had an idea but the biggest obstacle, for me, was how do I attach fabric or anything really to the back of the blanket without ruining such a beautiful piece of art. Now I can’t sew on a button to save my life, so I knew I was going to need to find someone who could help me out! I stopped in my local dry cleaner (who also does alterations) and she told me ‘anything is possible, dear’, so obviously I trusted her with this little project. I told her I planned to hang this blanket on the wall with a rod. She said she would sew on a piece of scrap fabric on the back that the rod could slide into and that she would use invisible thread to attached it so you could not see anything in the front. It turned out perfectly!
As far as the rod goes, you can go to Target and get the most basic curtain rod, that will do the trick. I had my friend Erik help me hang the rod, I’m not so good with the power drill. Thanks for your help Erik, turned out beautifully!
The above wedding blanket is for sale and already has the fabric sewn into it. SHOP HERE!
-Laura
Dressing for Holiday Parties!
Dressing for holiday parties can be stressful. What outfit do I wear? How should I dress for the weather? Can I mix fancy with casual? Fear not, we have put together the perfect holiday outfit for this season by using a fun and fancy dress but mixing it with casual boots and accessories.
ss
xo, Sarah
OUR HOLIDAY GIFT ESSENTIALS!
We have listed our top 5 Holiday Must Haves that would light up anyone’s face for the Holidays. Whether you are presenting your hostess with a sweet little something or saying “Thank You” to your child’s teacher, we have paired our top 5 Holiday Must Haves for an easy and unique gift.
- That’s a Wrap Scarf tied around my favorite bottle of Goldeneye Pinot Noir wine
2. Guatemalan Mugs with my favorite Republic Red Chai Tea
3. Slippers with a great coffee table book such as FOR THE LOVE OF SHOES! (Who, doesn’t love shoes?)
4. Luggage Tags with a great suede journal
5. An everyday tote with my favorite Volcano Candle! (The best candle ever made!)
Happy Shopping! And if you ever have any styling questions, please email me at Sarah@mavencollection.com. I’d be happy to help!
xo, Sarah
THE BOWLER BAG!
Last month we did a style shoot with one of our favorite Chicago Stylists and fashion show guru, Savvy Souk. We always have such blast with her, so we asked her to pair an outfit with our bowler bag. Typically, these bags make for the perfect overnight or weekend bag. You can fit A TON of stuff in there AND they have a zipper, so perfect for any travel plans! However, with winter approaching, we tend to carry more stuff with us so I think they make for a great everyday bag. You can pack a laptop, clutch, scarf, mittens, keys, book ( honestly anything really) and look fabulous toting it around your city with you!
We love how Souk played off the studs on our black bowler and wore a kitten heel with a metallic toe and a blouse that has metallic studs! So cute! Since it’s winter, you can get away with a whole black ensemble, maybe add a textured piece like Souk did with her faux fur vest! She looks fabulously chic and the bowler just completes her outfit! Check it out!
Our bowler bag was made by Rachid in Marrakech, Morocco. He runs 2 small workshops and a retail space on the outskirts of the Marrakech Medina. He employs over 12 leather artisans, including pattern makers, tailors, and leather dyers. He began learning the trade at the age of 16, after finishing high school, and apprenticed with three different master leather workers before opening his own workshop five years later. He has an eye for combining Western design with Moroccan craftsmanship and reads Elle and Marie Claire to come up with new designs.
ps, we are getting an oxford red bowler in for the holidays:) stay tuned!
Day-to-Night with Maven
Why change your clothes when you can simply change your accessories?
Here’s how to wear the same dress from day to night:
MORNING
MID-DAY
NIGHT
Show us how you transition from day to night #stylingwithmaven!
-Heather
Fall Trends || What to expect
This Fall is all about outerwear, hats, leopard print, emerald green, layers, peplum, and leather! With fashion week starting, here are just a few trends that we are bound to see!
Think oversize parkas, leather jackets, trench coats and fur. Don’t be afraid to have a bold jacket (any color/length) and pair it with a simple outfit to make a bold statement.
Caps of all kinds will be around for the Fall. Check the local hat stores in your area if you are unsure of what kind of hat would fit you and your style best. One of my favorite hat stores in Chicago is Goorin Hats.
Go back into your closet and get ready to keep wearing your leopard print clothing and accessories. Besides the black and brown color palette, you will also be seeing a variety of colors this Fall.
The top color for 2013 will still be on top for the Fall season. Emerald isn’t just a city this season. Anything from bags, heels, jackets, dresses and hats will be out and about.
After living in San Francisco I have grown to love the concept of layering, which is what I love most about the Fall season. Have fun layering your favorite pieces but don’t go too crazy when layering different colors and patterns.
Peplum tops and peplum dresses can make anyone have a curvy figure! Make sure you find the right one for you.
Leather, leather and more leather! Need I say more?
Hope you feel inspired about fashioning your fall wardrobe!
– Sarah, Maven Stylist
Personal Stylist!!!
Let’s face it, sometimes you just need another opinion when choosing an outfit or rearranging a room in your house. Our husbands, roommates, or siblings just don’t always have the answers we are looking for:) Maven is SO thrilled to launch our personal styling service! Whether you are trying to figure out how to stage our new floor pillow in your living room or putting a new outfit together with one of our killer statement necklaces, LET US HELP YOU ALONG THE WAY!!!
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Meet our Styling Maven, Sarah! We wanted you to get to know her a little before you start working with her, so we asked her a few questions!
Sarah@mavencollection.com
Who is your style icon? My style icons are Kate Middleton and Rachel Zoe. I love Kate’s classic and elegant look and I love Rachel’s boho style.
Describe your style in 5 words! Unique, classic, free-spirited, bohemian and fun
Why do you want to be a stylist for MAVEN? I believe in unique one of a kind pieces and Maven not only offers this but all of the pieces are handmade and from passionate artisans around the world.
What is your favorite MAVEN product? My favorite Maven For Her product is the fold over clutch. I love the variety of colors that it comes in. My favorite For the Home products are the luxurious Moroccan wedding blankets. These blankets are absolutely stunning!
Do you have a country that influences your design/style the most? I would have to say Paris! I love the pride they put into their clothing and home designs and the flea markets are amazing!
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So next time you see a product on our site and are wondering how to use it in your house before you purchase it, CONTACT SARAH! Or if you are going to BBQ and are in need of some outfit suggestions to pair with your new zebra flats, CONTACT SARAH!
She is happy to answer any styling questions you may have!
She can be reached directly at Sarah@mavencollection.com
Styling with Rag Rugs!
When I first selected my first batch of rag rugs, I had mediocre expectations. They looked really cool from the pictures but man oh man they are just SO incredible up close and personal! One of my favorite aspects is that they are created by recycled clothing, basically whatever the artist could get their hand on. The patterns range from diamond, symmetrical, to free form abstracts. These one of a kind pieces are a gem that everyone should have in their household!
One of my dear friends and I always joke about how you need a little ‘color pop’ in your life; from what you wear down, color you paint your nails, to how you style your living room. These beauties definitely add a ‘color pop’ to a room or space!
Make sure to check out Maven’s Rag Rug Collection HERE!
Hope you found something that inspired you!
– Laura
