Maelu Designs, Eco-Sustainable Fashion for Humanity

So, what happens when fashion meets socially conscious, eco-sustainable design and ethical trading? Well, you get Maelu Designs.

Owner, Meghna Dave is one of many entrepreneurs who has been able to successfully strike a balance between not only doing business in a manner that is socially responsible in matters of trade, but also supplies people with a product that is eco-sustainable and visually impacting. It was her love of prints and desire to use what she describes as “sustainable textiles made with natural fibers and vegetable dyes” which allowed her to launch a new career as a full-time business owner after a life-changing trip abroad. While in India, Dave got to witness first hand the traditional method of fabric printing.
 
The design and production methods are innovative in that they meet an increasing demand for fashion that is nontoxic to the environment and consumer. However, the irony is that taking simplistically carved handmade blocks and using vegetable dye to impress and form a pattern onto fabric to create intricate and majestic prints is a technique that dates back to the 12th century.

It sounds simplistic, but in truth the process to create these works of art is quite labor intensive and hand stamping is only the first step. Next, the fabrics get hand washed to intensify the coloring, then laid in the sun to dry, which allows the dye to further set in. Once dried, the textile is washed once more, and then ironed to seal the color permanently.

By the time Meghna puts her modernized spin on the fabrics, which she went to India and sourced herself from the traditional artesian fabric producers and designers, the result is an array of gorgeous flowing infinity and wrap scarves, headbands and clutch bags which can be found in her Etsy store, MaeluDesignsand here.

If that isn’t enough awesomeness to convince you that you must have a unique Maelu Design piece of your own, take pride in knowing that a portion of the proceeds are donated to Global Fund for Women, an organization, which “helps to support the advancement of women’s human rights around the world.” (BollyInstyle)

With your support of forward-thinking companies like Maelu Designs, everyone wins.

What is your favorite Maelu Design piece?

Sassy Style Files: Day Trippin' in The San Francisco Bay-- 3 Climates, 1 Outfit

Black Radiance BB Cream, Chocolate + Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream, Deep; Black Radiance Artisan Baked Blush, Raspberry; All Over Glow Bronzing Powder, Flushed Glow; NYX Matte Lipstick, Aria; Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid, Possessed Plum; Black Radiance Liquid Liner, Black. Maybelline Great Lash, Blackest Black. Shop this look here!   

In true California style, the weather was stunningly beautiful for mid-February this past holiday weekend.

I made plans to go commune with nature and visit the redwoods, and I don't think I could've picked a better day. It was nearly 80 degrees where I started the day off, hence the sandals and bright fuschia afro baby tee with fatigues. This is a little number I dubbed my "gangster of love" outfit, lol. Although these heels are not at all practical for hiking, I couldn't resist letting my feet get some sun action before pulling on my motorcycle boots later in the day.

With champagne, fruit, cheese, wine, and caprese sandwiches in tow, we began to make our way towards Marin county. We decided to take the scenic route through the city which, of course, resulted in a slight detour at the Golden Gate. The breeze was just enough to keep us from breaking a sweat on our stroll across the bridge. But it was definitely warm enough that I wished I'd opted to wear my pink flip flops instead. 

"Baby hair was pumpin', lip gloss was shinin'"

By the time we made it to Muir Woods it was pretty late in the afternoon and the sun was barely peeking through the tops of the branches. As a result there were only a few places that were lit well enough to get some good photos.

The woods were so majestic and ethereal that I felt terribly underdressed. A fairy nymph-style shimmery, off the shoulder ball gown would've been far more appropriate. Next time, maybe.

And finally, unexpectedly... the beach!

Nail color: Julep Maven

On a whim, we decided to hit up Muir Beach. We made it just in time to catch a brilliant sunset and pop that bottle for mimosas. And thank goodness for the kindness of strangers who let us take over their fire pits as they were leaving and bequeathed us their logs. This night surely would've ended much sooner and on a far colder and less whimsical note.

Hope your weekend was full of fun & love... have you had a chance to listen to the Sexy is the New Sassy V-Day Playlist I made for you yet? Well... what are you waiting for? Check it out here.

Follow @TheSassyNation adventures on Snapchat.

Sassy Style Files: Turban Season

 

So, about all this rain on the east coast…  I’m just not that into it. I’m thinking it’s about time to head back to the west for a bit. Every day I wake up and try to to figure out a new way to tie my headwrap to protect my hair (which is currently straight) from all this rachet moisture. This snake print scarf is one of my faves but I have at least twenty other scarves I could use, if only I can find and dig them out of my storage. #TheStruggle!

Until then… I’ll be documenting my efforts here and on IG @TheSassyNation. Stop by and let me know how I’m doing! At least my silk press is still poppin’! Ayyyye!!! Here’s a tutorial I did a while back on one of my favorite scarf tying styles… check the technique!

A video posted by Talia Witherspoon (@thesassynation) on Mar 29, 2014 at 3:07pm PDT

Sassy Style Files: Summer Solstice

Summer Solstice just arrived! I know I, for one, will be spending mucho time at the pool (working of course!). Here is one of my fave bathing suits styled two different ways for those days when there are still errands to run.  Unless you live someplace where there’s sand and an ocean nearby (I know I don’t), strangers might be giving some serious side-eye for coming into the store with just a sarong and bikini top on. So here is my solution and attempt at dresscode formality in the face of extreme summer sizzling temps. Y’all will deal!! Lol.

Hope you enjoyed the first day of summer as much as I did. To shop the looks that you see here check out The Sassy Nation Shoppe (affiliate link) for more poolside fashion + my favorite summer skincare essentials. ‘Til next time…  

Vintage Sexy: Designs through the Decades

In honor of Valentine’s Day and pretty little things in general, we took to Etsy and selected a few gorgeous vintage lingerie pieces that’ll make your little romantic heart pitter-patter. It definitely does not have to be a special occasion to wear something sexy to bed. In fact, donning a cute nightie anytime is a good time to increase your bedtime mojo. Here is a breakdown of our favorite designs by the decade:

Read more here…