Maven Collection Launch



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It’s funny how in life things tend to come full circle. When I was in college I studied history with the hopes of one day becoming a lawyer and making the world a better place. I went to school in upstate New York and I can remember several occasions where I took a bus ride to D.C. to protest a variety of injustices that were going on at the time. I got to the point though, after several years out of school and in the ‘real world’, where I just felt like my contribution didn’t matter.  Just like the fact that I stood out in sub zero weather to hold up a “honk for Howard Dean for President” sign didn’t matter after he got a little too excited in a sound bite. Sigh.

Anyway, back to full circle. Since starting this blog I’ve had the chance to meet amazing designers and companies that are trying to do just that, make the world a better place. Like yesterday’s dress designer, Sophia Reyes, who makes everything in the U.S.A. so you can feel confident that the dress makers are making a fair wage and are being treated fairly. For me to share these designers and brands with you is in some way making me feel like I’m a part of the bigger picture, the greater good – if you will. So here is another one for you!

The Maven Collection officially launched yesterday!

Their mission is to support undiscovered artisans around the globe that specialize in various indigenous crafts and work alongside them to develop and produce their product line.   The collection features handmade, ethically-sourced products, while providing a fair wage to each artisan for their craftsmanship and building mutually-beneficial relationships to provide sustainable employment.

But most importantly, the stuff is really fabulous.

The first curated collection is filled with accessories for her, home goods, and flea finds. Currently, Maven Collection partnered with artisans in Peru, Morocco, India, France, L.A., Chicago, Zambia, & Guatemala, including a French graphic designer who is working alongside a block printing co-op in India to produce silk scarves, and a father and son in Morocco who are skilled leather-men and are designing Kilim boots and flats for the collection.

Here are a few of my favorite items:

These green python flats

This gorgeous python fold over clutch


This beautiful silk scarf

 
Check out the Maven Collection at http://www.mavencollection.com
 

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Last week we took a quick trip to escape the snow for some sunshine in Key Largo, Florida☀️ We spent every moment possible outside, Tom and Adam got their Scuba Diver PADI certification (yay!) while Sophia and I spent our days either swimming or drawing marine life and landscapes. This was my first trip after my sister passed last November, and even though I look so happy here, there were so many moments I felt the grief and sadness, as if it happened just yesterday. I am still figuring out how I want to show up in this space, as I have changed so much as a person since the loss. I just don’t feel called to post some of the things I shared before. Maybe that will change someday, or maybe it will just naturally evolve into something new. I think I will take this year to just process it all. (Even the idea of taking an entire year to think through something is a huge shift for my usually hyperactive type A personality) My focus at the moment is just living in the moment with my family and friends, spending time doing things that make me happy and healthy. I hope to share some of that journey here with you ~ thanks for following along ❤️
I had planned to shoot this outfit in collaboration with @lenacoutureofficial right before my dear sister passed away. Saba, the designer, was more than understanding if I didn’t want to anymore - but after thinking on it for a while I decided I wanted to - in my sister’s honor 💗 She was always my biggest hype woman. When i would feel like I’m not good enough or that I should quit (which was often) she would tell me I was unique and great and to keep it up. When I think of my sister, beauty and love is all that she embodied in her being. She expressed that on the outside also - as she loved to wear everything glam, bright & colorful, and full of bling. Hair done, nails done, everything did - that was Nusrat. For this shoot I took the time to get glam after a long hiatus - and makeup and hair took so long because I think I forgot how to do it, but afterwards I was surprised how I felt transformed. When I wore this gorgeous outfit that I know was designed with such love and incredible attention to detail by @lenacoutureofficial, I felt all of that beauty - like a walking piece of art, and very much at peace. Thank you so much to @divmophoto for capturing the feeling so well 💕
Ski weekend with my favorites ❄️❄️ So proud of Sophia for skiing on her own for the first time!
There are some trees with seeds that only grow after a fire. Their seeds are completely sealed with a resin that have to be physically melted off by a great fire in order to propagate. So to do we as humans, gain wisdom only after great pain and suffering.*
A month ago (and one day) I lost my sister and best friend to cancer. I am still completely gutted and broken. But, I’m also so so grateful to have had felt the love that now brings me so much heartbreak. ❤️ I am so inspired by her - and I will forever live my life to honor her memory. Miss you sis ❤️
Classic outfit combo: oversized blazer + denim 🖤fendi mules @shoeslutz
Just a mom who loves mums 🌸 🪴
Cozy for a coffee date ☕️
French. Toast. Egg. Bake. Save this recipe for a weekend or holiday brunch - it’s SO good and fool-proof! I’m not even a sweet person and I love it. The pecans are a non-negotiable IMO - I get honey bourbon vanilla pecans for this and it is just heavenly. Enjoy!