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: Therapeutic Stones and Organic Gems

::: Sassy Style Files :::

Super excited to share with you the trove of treasures found at Worthmore Jewelers, Midtown today. I got to play dress-up with some seriously beautiful turquoise, carnelian and coral stones.

I’m really into my stones and crystals these days, so luxuriating in stacks upon stacks of masterfully hand-crafted pieces from American, Indian and Vietnamese artisans was the highlight of my week.

After putting everything on I definitely felt charged with super-intense vitalizing energy. So of course the researcher in me had to investigate why. Here are  a few tidbits I learned  after researching the therapeutic power of these stones and organic gems:

"Turquoise Stones have been in use for thousands of years, and are some of the oldest stones to be made into jewelry.

They have impressive metaphysical properties… and are powerful healing stones that will filter the fifth element ether, into the etheric body.

The natural energy of these stones will help you to communicate with truth. They are a strong stone of spiritual attunement and are very effective to aid communication.

[Turquoise has] a strong effect within the throat chakra… and they may aid you to manifest clairaudient and clairvoyant abilities… and they help to balance your male and female aspects.

The distinct vibration of these stones resonate within the throat and third eye chakras… allowing you to access past life knowledge. This may be helpful if you are aiming to work in psychic employment as they enhance your effectiveness to communicate what comes through from spirit, within your day to day physical life.

Carnelian Stones are stones of action that will give you the courage and confidence to move forward on a new path in life. In ancient times it was a stone used to protect the dead on their journey to the after-life.

[Carnelian] is a strong stone [which] aids the physical body as it maintains an improved flow of life force energy via the blood. The vibration of this bright orange stone, will accelerate your motivation, and aid you to clarify your goals… so you can find your best direction in life.

This power stone stimulates ambition and drive, so it will aid you in manifesting what you require to move onto your desired path forward in life.

It [also] aids moving forward on a new life path… and will aid you to make new, clearer decisions and better future career choices.

Coral is considered an organic gemstone that comes from the sea and is associated with emotional healing because of its watery home. It is also considered a bolster remedy for physical disorders involving blood and bones, nourishing blood cells and strengthening the skeleton.

Healing properties vary depending on the color of the coral. Coral colors include black (male fertility), pink (female fertility), red (aids conception, mother-child bonding), white (assists psychic development in children), and blue (inner child)."

Side note: These pieces were the perfect complement to my bold red lip, from Nars and poppy-colored nails by Julep.

"Poppy symbolism is also associated with the Muladhara chakra (more details about the Poppy/Muladhara connection here). Poppies come in many colors, but they’re typically dressed in red, the chakra color corresponding to the Muladhara. Further, this chakra prompts human awareness to be fed from rich, nutritive soils and encourages that nourishment to be pulled from our roots and moved up through the rest of the chakras. We blossom at our crown only when we can move well-being up through our roots.

In Chinese symbolism, the poppy represents rest, beauty and success. However, its associations with opiate-induced stupors also lend meanings of sloth, dependence and an inability to temper pleasure with the banalities kicked up by living a pragmatic life.

Honest masters know enlightenment is induced from within and through a connection with the infinite. Dependence upon external substances/influences to lift the veils of illusion is considered a lazy approach to enlightenment."

I had a great time at Worthmore today. Here are the deets on my top fave pieces:

Nina Nguyen Gold-dipped Marquis Turquoise ring (Above photo: top left index finger). The vintage estate coral, onyx and turquoise ring coupled with the carnelian with the diamond halo ring (Above photo: both middle left finger) 

Photo 7: Red Handmade Nomadic Knot-work Turquoise Beading Necklace 

Photo 8: Vintage Factory Restored Rolex Refinished with Tiffany Blue Dial with stainless bracelet and bezel

Photo 9: Black Nomadic Knot-work Turquoise Beaded Bracelet

All of these items are available for purchase at Worthmore Jewelers, Midtown

Talk back, which of these fab pieces were your faves???