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TALK FASHION ARCHIVE

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Fall Daily: Makeovers for Gadgets and Social Media?


The first step to embracing Fall Style is to start "thinking" about it. The world is so fast paced these days, people have no time to connect with their surroundings. With most heads held down, and eyes and ears glued to their smart phones, the gentle flutter of a fallen leaf will go right on being unnoticed.

The solution? 
If your world is the virtual web then bring Fall to that world. Change up the wallpaper on your computer,phone, social media accounts, or anywhere else you will be sure to see it. Choose a photo that gives you the feeling of Fall and gently reminds you why this season is so special to you. Once you inject Fall into your space, it sparks inspiration and it will enhance your desire to go out and experience it in "Real" life. 
For me, Fall is all about the leaves, and my wallpapers on my phone and twitter were changed today. (see above screen captions from my phone and twitter account @maya_horikawa) Now, every time I open my phone, or social media accounts, I feel excited to embrace the season with my fashion style and food. Something as simple as changing out a photo is the difference between remembering to "live" in FALL, verses just letting it float on by.

Take care, and join me tomorrow for more daily Fall Style. 
FALLing in love with Fall. ❤
 
xo,
Maya

Fall Fashion Goals and Daily Posts



Fall is here!

According to the Autumnal Equinox, Fall began last week, September 23 and will end on December 21. 
Every year I am stunned by how quickly time passes, and I am quite determined to take full advantage of the entire Fall season: fashion, mind, body, and soul!

The problem is, each season I procrastinate during the transitional month and remain in an awkward "fashion limbo" of nothingness. We always think we have more time than we do, but in reality, amazing things everyday just pass  you by. This year its all about embracing those moments and celebrating it on all platforms. 
Fall fashion is not simply wearing a Burgundy lip or a cozy sweater, but the entire tonality, of your Fall experience. Join Talk Fashion as I post daily regarding all things Fall, and how style can enhance your entire Fall experience!

xo,
Maya

Friday, September 25, 2015

Fashion Diet: Candy Binge and Getting Back on Track


    What happened to Maya's healthy fashion recipes for September Fashion Diet Series? 

I have a confession, I fell off the wagon. This entire week has been a complete failure, filled with stress and poor eating choices. I decided to write about it; because, failure is perhaps the most important issue to overcome, while pursuing a specific goal. 

 Failure is inevitable, but it  is not the final result. There's no need to beat yourself up, or throw in the towel. The game is not over, in fact, it's just begun. The key lies in two facts:

1.) Don't give up.
2.) Analyze where you went wrong, why, and make a new strategy! This part is really important because until you know where the problem is and why, you cannot possibly know what changes to make. 

If I analyze my diet failures, 90% of my weight gain is due to stress, and 10% laziness. When I feel good, I enjoy cooking healthy, eating right, and making all the right decisions. It's easy. However, when things get overwhelming, stress builds, and energy goes down. These are the moments that will power is tested  and bad choices are often made. 
I have done this in my past, and thus, most of the junk food has  been cleared out from my kitchen. However, recently I purchased a huge bag of candy for Halloween, and you can only guess what happened next...
Currently surrounded by piles of candy wrappers, I'm feeling pretty guilty and rather stupid, but there are a couple of more days in September and the diet will resume. Stay tuned for more of my healthy recipes!

xo,
Maya

Thursday, September 24, 2015

4 Ways I Wear REAL Leather Ethically


"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them at least don't hurt them. "

-Dalai Lama

If I am honest, many vegans I have met, find it disgusting that I wear leather (or as they like to call it dead animal skins). I am approached with a lot of judgement, some eye rolling, and quite a bit of anger.   However, just wait one second and lets discuss this. Is there an ethical way to where real leather? 

4 Ways I Wear REAL Leather Ethically

1.) Buy Leather OLD verses NEW.

Look for leather in vintage shops, consignment, or thrift stores. For many years now, I do not invest in buying new leather, and therefore, do not contribute to the killing of animals nor the promotion of the leather industry. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing leather products that have been recycled for the second, third, fourth time. 

2.) Have Leather Swap Parties.

Rather than buying more leather goods, fill your fashion bug by swapping products with friends. The great thing about leather is how beautifully it ages. It has a lifetime unsurpassed by most materials and buying more should always be controlled to a minimum.

3.) Take care of Your Vintage Leather.

Leather has a life of its own, and if you take care of it with love, the proper creams, and repairs, there will be almost no need to throw it away. All my vintage boots had a life before me, and now with me, and as far as I am concerned will be with me as long as I live. 

4.) Never Throw Away Leather. Recycle.

People now a days are so quick to toss a pair of shoes, or a bag that looks a tiny bit old, but never do that with leather. The beauty of leather lies in its ability to age beautifully. If you no longer want it, either give it to a friend, donate it, or bring it to a consignment shop for re-sale.


Although, I cannot undo the harm that has been caused to animals in the past, I believe throwing away all previous leather products and vowing to never wear it is harmful to the environment. Why? There is undeniably tons and tons of leather goods on this planet and throwing all of them away is wasteful, environmentally hazardous, and disrespectful to the animal who had to die for it. The only ethical way to proceed is to limit the purchasing of " NEW" leather, while respecting the existence of the "old". 

What else can we do?  We as a fashion community need to push for proper laws that forbid unethical treatment of animals, or the inhumane killing of them. There should be a huge push for strictly organic leather and the reduction of products created per year. Wasteful shopping habits need to be re-examined, and true appreciation should be born.


Take care.

xo

Maya



How Ethical is Vegan Leather?


All Vegans are passionate in their crusade for animal rights and the end to all animal cruelty. 
Wearing "animal skins" is a big, "NO", and thus, the alternative is vegan leather. However, should it really be an alternative?
 
With all this buzz around fake leather here are my 3 thoughts on Vegan Leather. 

1.) What is vegan leather? 
Before you get excited it's not anything new. It is just an ethical name for artificial leather. Other names are leatherette, pleather, or faux leather. Basically it's made of synthetic fabrics, or microfibers, that are made from plastic chemicals that cost much less than real leather. 

2.) Is vegan leather unethical?

Stopping murder on animals is ethical, but promoting a fake version of leather that is a cheap product, is not in any way ethical. It is undeniably harmful to the environment made of materials that take centuries to decompose and continuously fillup our landfills with toxic synthetics. The chemicals and pollutants needed to manufacture the process of creating faux leather are being dispersed into the environment, proving it is causing more harm than good.

3. Why Would You Choose Vegan Leather?

The danger of sticking ethics to fabrics is its ability to make you buy something based on your beliefs rather than logical reasoning. Vegan Leather is FAKE, and a fabric that will quickly end up in the trash. It does not age well, it looks cheap, and simply a bad choice. It does not ensure quality of any form and the only purpose to picking such a fabric is to get a cheaper price point for what looks like leather. 


If ethics is your reasoning for not wearing leather as it naturally is, it is also your ethical responsibility to not promote the further development of fake leather that adds unnecessary harm to our environment. 

xo,
Maya


Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Stella McCartney Vegan Bags are an Ethical Rip Off



'The consumption of animals - whether you're wearing them or eating them - is extraordinarily damaging to the planet. There are over a billion animals killed a year for food, half of which don't even get eaten. And there's over 50 million animals killed just for fashion.'

'If you're mindful of how you're approaching your life, then you see the connection. You can't avoid the connection.

-Stella McCartney BOF Magazine


Stella McCartney is a leading pioneer, in the fight for ethical high fashion. As spokesperson for PETA, her products stand true to her vegetarian beliefs, and no animal skins, fur, or feathers are ever used in her collections.
The only problem is, as ethical as her materials maybe, her price point is undeniably criminal. She is undoubtedly profiting from the vegan hype and the ignorance of many consumers, who cannot tell the difference between faux and real.The truth of the matter is, people place trust in the price. If you pay a couple of thousand on a bag, you assume it is made of the finest quality and will last you a lifetime. As far as I am aware, she has not patented some ultra exclusive fiber that trumps the quality of real genuine leather or mimics any of its luxurious qualities. Lets be real, pleather is cheap, lacks character and ages poorly. 


To be fair, luxury  brands in general, have millions of costs separate from the actual material fees. Whether it be advertisement, promotion, runway, production, there are a lot of reasons price points on brands, balloon out of proportion.

 However, $1,000 - $4,000 for a FAUX leather bag is undeniably a huge stretch and a clear rip off. At such a price point, the consumer (at the very least) should be guaranteed a product of the highest luxury material, or a highly developed alternative, that is a worthy competitor of leather. 

 If ethics is truly as high of a concern as they say, the money they save by using fake materials, should be noticeable in the final price. Or at the very least, a portion of the profits should be donated to an animal rights group. 


Otherwise, please do not vomit ethics, while profiting off of it. 


xo,

Maya

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Body Shaming vs. Body Love!


Body Shaming is an epidemic that is currently taking center stage, and although it has good intentions of improving our society, I feel the subject is being largely exploited. 

Lets start by simplifying the idea. The only problem with "body shaming" is the act of SHAMING. Shaming is a result of ignorance that comes from our competitive nature of wanting to "win". No one should shame anyone on any issues whether they be positive or negative. Whenever society starts pointing fingers on anyone, they are starting their own little war of "shaming". Why not stop pointing and start improving!

What we should be doing is campaigning on the issue of "Body Love". Yes, we come in all shapes and sizes, and no one can know the status of ones' health simply by looking, but somehow the issues of healthy choices are getting lost.  The truth is, embracing your body, and loving it is a complex question. How do you love your body without knowing it?  Love is not a sugar coated pass to happiness and spoiling your self. Love is a life responsibility. Accepting your shape means knowing what your "healthy" really feels like. 

Privately, I have struggled with my weight for most of my life, and being fairly thin, such a comment is never taken seriously. I have made my fair share of mistakes with crash diets, overeating, and body hate. However, the only moment I felt content with my body, was when I took the focus away from my measurements, and focused on my own actions. 
Obsessing on physical form, will leave you feeling helpless, while making better choices empowers you. If you eat mindfully, exercise, and control your irrational cravings, you will look good, feel good, and want more from your life. There really is no need to defend, obsess, compare, or deny any body shape, because the body is ever changing. Every choice you are making right now, is  shaping, and reshaping your body for the future.  

In other words, what you do now, is far more important than what you are now. 
Take care of your body first, and the rest will fall into place.


xo,
Maya

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Maya's No Guilt Chocolate Brownie Recipe


The hardest part of diets are my cravings. My strongest craving is of course, CHOCOLATE!
I created this brownie recipe a couple of hours ago as I rummaged through my useless kitchen filled with only healthy foods. Bare in mind, this is not as decadent as a "real" brownie, but surprisingly it has the essence of one. If a sexy, rebellious brownie were to become a studious, organic, vegan this is what it would turn into. Give it a try! 

Maya's Healthy Chochlate Brownie 

Brownie Ingredients:

1 cup Oats
1 cup Vanilla flavored yoghurt ( for denser texture use Greek)
3 tablespoons of Unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 dried prunes (chopped)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Chocolate Sauce:

3 tablespoons cacao
3 tablespoons vanilla yoghurt 
1 tablespoons honey 

Servings:
2-3 average size brownies

Directions: 
-Mix all brownie ingredients in a bowl. 
-Pour onto a baking sheet and eyeball the surface area of about 3 average size brownies.
-Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 min. 
-Let cool while you mix the chocolate sauce ingredients.
- Add chocolate sauce to the top of the brownies and serve. Fresh Berries on the side are also a beautiful touch!

xo,

Maya


3 Ways to Boost Your Confidence With Fashion


It doesn't matter how smart, beautiful, or popular you may be, we all suffer from confidence. 
Insecurities flood our day to day life, and a little armor could help all of us. 
Here are my top 3 tips on boosting confidence through fashion!

1.) Have Pride:
Start by taking pride in how you represent yourself. Don't slouch, look at the floor, and hope your demure sweat suit will somehow allow you to blend into the wall, and remain invisible. No matter how much you may try to convince yourself you do not care, it is effecting your confidence.
If you currently have no money, focus your effort on making sure the basics are covered. Keep your clothes clean, ironed, and organized. The recipe for more confidence, is not in buying more but to care more. Always put enough effort in your look that you can look at your reflection in the mirror and give yourself a thumbs up. Don't be negative, don't compare, just have enough pride that you can face the world with your head held up. 

2.) Clothes that Make You Happy:
There is something mystical about certain clothing that bring you so much joy. As a child, and even now, I love full A-line skirts that swoosh as I twirl or walk. So much joy can come out of a fashion piece like this and these are the "golden" fashion pieces of your wardrobe. It does NOT matter if other people  may hate it, or mock you for wearing it. Do NOT let them take a way the joy that a certain T-shirt or dress may bring. Instead, take it as a challenge, on how you can style an outfit around that funky T-shirt, or misunderstood dress. 
Wearing what makes you happy, makes you feel good. Feeling good, will boost your mood, and power. Cherish how you feel first and then judge what you end up looking like. You can always tweak an outfit at the final step. 

3.) Accessories!
One of the biggest problems in having style, is taking an outfit from "blah" to WOW! With most people living multifunctional lives, their wardrobe is usually comfortable and boring. A lot of plain shirts, jeans and predictable style. If you want an easy quick way to take a simple boring outfit, and hit it with some personality, invest in accessories! Whether it be statement jewelry, scarves, hats, gloves, or belts, it is the quickest way to add zest to your look and push you from the background straight to center stage. 

Enjoy.

xo,
Maya

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

How to Pick Your Own Fall Fashion Colors


What does Fall Fashion mean to you? Every season we are flooded by fashion gossip murmuring the latest colors of the moment, but the million dollar question is, what colors do you want?

For me, picking colors for each season is all inspired by nature.  Growing up in Southern California, we have very minimal seasonal change. As great as it is to have sun, all day everyday, it did leave me oblivious to the miracle that mother nature conducts 4 times a year. 

As the seasons change the colors found in nature are also changing. Fall, is bursting with warm colors of crimson yellow, cerulean blue, burgundy, brown, blood orange, and deep violet. These are the melodies of Fall, and incorporating the corresponding colors in your wardrobe is like dancing through the season.

Be inspired. Fashion is like painting your own scenic portrait. Think about what you love about Autumn. Is it pumpkin spice? Falling leaves? Crisp Cool air? Try pulling the colors from things that you love and add it to your seasonal wardrobe! 

xo,
Maya






Sunday, September 13, 2015

Fashion Diet: Creamy Watermelon Smoothie!


Maya's Refreshing Watermelon Smoothie

A refreshing blend of summer memories mixed with a cool crisp wind of Autumn. This smoothie is one I am currently enjoying! It is a great boost of energy and contains only 3 main ingredients!

-2 cups of chopped Watermelon
-2 frozen, and chopped bananas
-1/2 cup water
- 3-5 mint leaves ( optional) 

Mix in blender,and serve! Makes about 2-3 servings depending on cup size.

Enjoy!

x,
Maya

Saturday, September 12, 2015

What is Beautiful and Why it Matters



 Today is one of those no make-up late nights where I can't sleep, and I am looking at you, looking at me, wondering one thing. 
Do you ever wonder about what "beauty" really is? Now a days, people seem to have a rather shallow interpretation of beauty and the meaning of it is getting lost in the abyss of sexual appeal.

The confusion lies between the blurred lines of attraction. Beauty is a higher form of attraction and magnetism. It is a sensation that inspires, mesmerizes, and takes our breath away. It is untouchable and yet connects our senses to nature, ourselves, and people. It can reference music, art, nature, love, people and the soul. Moonlight reflected on a lake is beautiful. Freshly fallen snow is beautiful. Eyes that smile are beautiful. 

Sexual appeal is also a form of attraction, but this is based on our physical urges stemming from reproduction. It is primitive, animalistic, and simplistic. This is the form of beauty most people relate to. Humans want to be liked, and by nature, want to be desired. Beauty in society  is often misinterpreted by this sexual power, and fall into the trap of body obsession.  Enhancing the breasts, lips, or posterior is a result of that and an example of a rather twisted interpretation on beauty. 

Transforming into caricatures verses embracing our natural beauty, is a rather terrifying epidemic of misplaced desires. 



xo,
Maya




Thursday, September 10, 2015

Fashion Diet: Autumn Spiced Breakfast Cookie


September Fashion Diet

The hardest part about diets are giving up snacks. I created this recipe as a healthy way to feed your food craving while still maintaining on track. 
The  taste is a cross breed between a health bar, breakfast oatmeal and a cookie. The spices make it perfect for an Autumn breakfast on the go or a quick snack during the day!
My recipe makes around 3 average size cookies. 

Autumn Spiced Cookie Recipe

- 1/2 cup of Oats
- 1 ripe Banana
- 3 Tablespoons lukewarm water
- 2 Dried prunes 
- 1 tablespoon Chia seeds
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1tsp. honey
- pinch ground cloves
- pinch ground nutmeg

1.) Add 3 tablespoons lukewarm water to 1/2 cup of oats. Mix, until oats start to lose shape, and form a slight paste.

2.) Add ripe banana, chia seeds, cinnamon, honey, cloves, and nutmeg. Mix until well blended.

3.) Chop prunes and add to mixture.

4.) Spoon mixture onto non stick baking sheet, creating 2-3 cookies. 

5.) Bake 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

6.) Let cool. Add final touch with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a pinch of brown sugar on top of cookies. 

Serve and Enjoy!

xo,
Maya

5 Steps on Dressing Like a Runway Girl!


In the spirit of New York Fashion Week, lets talk runway!

5 Steps on Dressing Like a Runway Girl

Step 1:

Think like a runway girl. 
Your life is no longer a monotonous day, filled with dreaded steps. View your life as a stage, and you are the star. Walk a little straighter, strut a little harder, and be fierce!
The attitude you feel, is projecting much harder than you realize. 


Step 2: 

Clothes, shoes, accessories!

Analyze your wardrobe by Season. Put away all your Spring/Summer wardrobe, and display only Fall/Winter wear. Creating an entire outfit contains: shoes, accessories, socks, bag, and outfit. Organize a look together, with the accompanying shoe below it. Runway Backstage is chaotic, but the clothes are not. Life is also chaotic, so stay organized!


Step 3:

Hair

Don't forget your hair! Your hair is a crucial part of your look . You can be as eccentric as you wish, or as minimal as you desire, but don't forget it!
Most people do not realize, how powerful their hair style is. A lot of your character projected, is influenced by how you style your hair. 
A short bob, cut with straight lines, creates a harsher look, and makes you look powerful, while long soft waves, creates a more romantic softer look. 


Step 4:
Make up!

Know when to add drama to your face and when to pull it down. One of my most favorite qualities on the runway, is the use of the most natural make-up juxtaposed to the most theatrical. Make up is not always about making yourself prettier. Sometimes it is about creating a vibe, or "character". 
When people normally put on their make up they are thinking about hiding imperfections and fooling the world that  they are some how flawless. What about character?
Why not approach make up in a more theatrical way? What do you feel today? Sexy? Modest? Sweet? Powerful? Crazy? 


Step 5:

Nails!

If I am completely honest, I do not like nail polish. However, I cannot tell you enough, your nails are part of the entire look. Whether it be the most minimal nail, to the most dramatic, the attention to these small details, bring your look to the next level. A tiny bit of color on the tips of your finger, add just the right touch of movable color. 

Enjoy!

xo,
Maya




Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Fashion Diet: Vegetable Soup!


Maya's Vegetable Soup 
This soup was created by me, many years ago while I was a student in Europe. I created it with the intent to lose weight and to add more vegetables in my diet. To my surprise, the soup was so delicious,  and effective, that it is one of my most frequent meals. 
If eaten consequetively for 1 week without carbohydrates or sweets, I am guaranteed to drop 5 lbs. It also clears skin, improves blood circulation and digestion! 

(Photo above is my lunch today! As seen on my Instagram https://instagram.com/mayahorikawa/)

Ingredients:

-leftover chicken 
-3-5 garlic cloves
-3 onions
-7 carrots
-1 whole celery stalk
-3 potatoes
-fresh parsley
-1 zucchini
-2 tomatoes

- basil (fresh if possible)
-oregano (fresh if possible)
-salt
-pepper

Step1:
Peel and mince garlic cloves, and then chop onions. 

Step 2:
Add a spoonful of oil into pot with minced garlic and onions. Stir until onion and garlic are golden brown on medium heat, and then turn off heat.

Step 3:
Chop all vegetables (carrots, zucchini,  potato, celery, tomatoes) and add to the cooking pot containing the onions and garlic.

Step 4: 
Add chicken for soup flavor. For this recipe I like to add leftover chicken. If you do not have any you can add whatever chicken you like (breast, drumstick, thigh) If you are vegetarian, replace chicken with tomato paste for taste.
 
Step 5:
Add chicken and enough water to barely cover the vegetables in the pot. Season with Basil, Oregano, salt, and pepper. (I prefer fresh basil and oregano, chopped. Dried seasoning will also work.

Step 6: 
Heat to a boil, and then simmer on low heat for an hour. (Tip: When you start to smell beautiful aromas, it is near ready. ) Taste and season again. 

Step 7: 
Finely chop fresh parsley and serve on top of soup.

*** Always feel free to change or add different vegetables. I sometimes add mushrooms, broccoli, or other veggies that are in season.***

Enjoy!

xo,
Maya


Warning! Stop Fashion Censorship



First of all what is censorship? 
Censorship is the  act of hiding or removing ideas, words, media, that are viewed as unacceptable, or inappropriate. In other words, it's a form of mind control that inables people from making their own opinions on issues viewed as harmful for society as a whole.

So what is fashion censorship?
Fashion censorship is the act of denying yourself or others from dressing beyond the "norm". It is the act of subjecting or being subjected to the opinions of someone else's fashion style as the guidelines of what you wear. 

How does it happen? 
The whole process is so subtle, pretty much nobody even realizes it has affected them. There is no big green monster in real life,  forbidding you to wear anything. However, the monster does exist, and it is created by society. It forbids you from dressing outside of the cookie cutter and straying from what is "popular". Need proof? What are trends really?
For me, I can remember back to Junior High and loving these amazing, fluorescent green suede shoes. They were lace ups, with a black chunky platform and so bright you would think they were made of Kryptonite. I can remembering being so excited to wear them on my first day of Junior High, and absolutely positive everyone would rave at my awesome find! To my shock, my shoes were received in utter disgust. I could literally see their eyeballs pop out of their head, and the gasping shock of horror on their faces. Everyone sneered and giggle cruel remarks, "Nice clown shoes Maya." or "Please never wear them again Maya." Suddenly my shoes felt like a horrible mistake. I felt out of place, and unwanted. This is what it meant to go against the "Norm". I was embarrassed and with that comes fear. Suddenly my judgement seemed inadequate, and I learned my opinions could not be trusted. I studied magazines, followed trends, and picked up on what everyone else deemed appropriate to wear. Now, people were noticing, and I was accepted. It felt good. It felt right. It just wasn't me.

The thing is, as I achieved this "cool" status I was losing something far more precious, the ability to think, and form my own opinions. What happened to me? Where did I go? You get so busy impressing others, you forget to treasure your own voice. 
Life is full of censors. Every time you try learning something about yourself, it is always visited by these censors of fear and doubt. After all, censors are simply warning signals of possible harm. 

Be brave and fight against your fashion censors. Do whatever you think is right, and fight for it.  

Sway from the pack, and you're labeled a freak. Stay with the pack and learn nothing. 

xo,
Maya


Monday, September 7, 2015

Warm Morning Lemon Water? (September Fashion Diet)


September Fashion Diet: Warm Lemon Water

Why start your morning off with Warm lemon water? 
Lemon in the morning helps to kick start our metabolism for the day, and it will improve your liver and  digestive system. In other words, it is like an text message to your body, reading: "FYI, You will lose weight today." 
Not only that, it is extremely hydrating and improves clearing the skin, and boosting your immune system.  

HOW TO MAKE LEMON WATER

- 1 cup Purified Water

-1 lemon (organic if possible)

- a spoonful of honey (optional)


 Take your purified water and warm it up. Water a bit warmer than your body temperature blends easily into our own body, and thus absorbs it better. 

Take your lemon (organic if possible) and roll it once on a flat surface with your hand. This will get the juices flowing before you cut it open. 

Squeeze half a lemon in a cup of water. Slice the other half into circular pieces, and add one slice into the cup as a nice visual touch. From there I like to add a small spoonful of orange blossom honey.


Why lemons?

Lemons contain antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers which build immunity.

Some nutritional benefits are:

  • high vitamin C
  • citric acid
  • calcium,
  • bioflavonoids
  • pectin

Enjoy!

xo,

Maya 



 


Saturday, September 5, 2015

September Fashion Diet?


Lets Diet!

Talk Fashion is launching a new series this month called, September Fashion Diet.
I don't know about you guys, but every year I do the same thing. I gain a tiny bit of weight during the Summer, and then it is a gradual progression though the next couple of months, until I massively explode during the holiday season. Wouldn't it be great to feel amazing during these next couple of months, and not have to strategical hide that belly? 

This year, I want to play it smart. Eating healthier sooner, and staying body cautious before the problem gets out of hand. The "theory" is, if I start eating healthier now, perhaps, it will prevent me from falling off  the wagon with a bag of chips and a bucket of ice cream.

I will be posting all throughout this month regarding, healthier choices, recipes I am enjoying, and my overall progress. Join me on my quest to get healthy in September!

xo,
Maya

Friday, September 4, 2015

Is Your Fashion Style Getting Boring? Lets Refresh!


Do you ever feel like your clothes lose its appeal after wearing it once? How do you keep it fresh and prevent your style from getting stale and predictable over and over again? 
The key lies in your brain. Think of your style as like a conversation with a friend. When you speak with your friend would you use the exact same words, to say the exact same ideas, over and over again? When your life starts to get repetitive, your mind gets stuck. In order to keep that wheel of life moving you have to keep on challenging yourself. 

Fashion is just like life, and it is easy to get stuck on a style that works. Whether it be a certain haircut, how you do your makeup, or a clothing preference. It is easy to get comfortable and fall into a routine.

Why take a risk when you find something that works? 
Change will create change. This does not mean to throw away who you are, or to forget all your previous fashion preferences. This simply means, try something new. It is the equilvalent of trying "Ethiopian" food, or some other exotic cuisine your palette has never touched. Yes, you may hate it, but then again you may love it. Either way, new experiences keep your mind fresh. 

How? 
 One of my favorite ways to shake up my style is trying clothing and accessories from different regions. Either you can travel and find  local markets, or you can even try finding ethnic jewelry in your own town.
Surprisingly, it does not cost much to make a difference. Change works like a domino effect, started by a singular idea.
 If it feels scary but you some how desire it, give it a try. As long as it is not permanent, what's the worst that could happen? 

Recently I cut off my hair. (If you follow my blog you would already know this, and if you follow me on instagram you may have even watched me do it. )
To summarize, my hair has been unbelievably long for most of my life, and cutting it off was terrifying for me to do. However, to my surprise, I quite like it. All my clothes look different on me, and my overall appearance is slightly different. You would be surprised how changing one thing, causes you to slightly change other aspects of your style. Shorter hair gives off a sportier, playful vibe, and this has me wearing my clothes in a different way. My style these days has become more minimalistic, cleaner lines, and less color.
If I debate with myself regarding my style now verses before, there would be no comparison. You see, all of it is still me, no better, no worse,  just changing.
I can feel myself evolving and growing, and there is something quite beautiful about that.  When you change something in your your style, you change something in your thoughts.You see things you might not ordinarily see, and challenge choices you may not ordinarily take. 

Whether you go extreme or try something light, keeping your style fresh means trying something new!

Good Luck!

xo,
Maya

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Fall Style Inspiration: Golden Sunset


If the sunset were a season it would definitely be Fall. They both have dark undertones, while their overtones are vibrant, and glorious, giving off a warm glow that entices your soul. It is in these very qualities that I find myself gravitating to the warm colors of a falling sun, and the candle lit effect it creates. Coppers, brown, burnt yellow, orange, burgundy, are all colors that create heat in your eyes, soul, and life.
The complexity of Fall lies in its juxtaposed qualities of dark verses light. They do not fight or overshadow each other, but rather work in a magnificently blended harmony. It is as heartfelt and mesmerizing as life itself, and sends a glow of hope to everyone in the world. 

The earth is celebrating and  filled with magnificent displays of color. One would even say, the 'finale' of the season. Enjoy the color displays found in life, nature, and fashion, and don't let it pass you by. Be inspired and absorb these magnificent colors into your own fashion style. 
After all, with the blink of an eye, there will be no light. A darkness called, "Winter". ( of course minus the billions of twinkle lights)

xo,

Maya

Fall Styling Obsession: Cuffs and Bangles!


As I mentally prepare my Fall line up, I realized I am currently loving cuffs and bangles. This is a new discovery for me, since all my attention in the past had gone to statement necklaces and earrings. What's so great about dressing up the wrists?

For One, as the weather gets colder, your neck does not want to be exposed and styling up the wrists allows you to keep warm. 

Two. It is a super easy way to take a boring turtle neck sweater top, with jeans, and transform it into high style. Just add an awesome statement cuff, cool boots, a hat, and you are picture ready.

Three. It is an effortless look that does not try too hard. Beautiful earrings or statement necklaces are gorgeous but I always feel it requires you to have the right make up and hairstyle. 

Four. Unlike earrings and necklaces, decorating the wrists, draws your eye away from your face, giving your face and hair a much needed break.
I enjoy wearing cuffs and bangles with a messy bun, minimal make up, loose black poncho, black leggings and a funky shoe. It is definitely my "i'm not trying" style, because Im really not. 

How are you guys getting ready for Fall Style?

xo,
Maya

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

What is Your Fashion Age?


What does it mean to dress your age? 
First of all, your dress age, is not based on the number of days you have lived but the stage of your mental level. Fashion, after all, is a strong representation of your views on life in general.  
Let me explain, fashion is like a fine wine. In the beginning you start out as a seed, then a plant, a flower, fruit, grape juice, and with much time, "hopefully" into an amazing wine. 
With fashion, there should also be a level of progression and development. We are an ever changing living creature and our fashion choices should reflect that.


The key rule to remember is, fashion represents your current life views. Therefore, what you wear should represent your current mental state. If a small child is dressed in stiletto heels, a mini skirt, make-up, and purse, what kind of life is this child leading? Perhaps, she is a starlet, who has already grown up to a mini adult, but normally a child, going to school to play in the sandbox, will have no reason for such attire. 


Just the same as fashion, your body develops in different stages. A girl goes through puberty, which prepares you for child birth, and then menopause. 
In each "physical" change are corresponding life changes, that reflect on what you wear and learn. For example, when you are in your teens, there are rushing hormones during these pubescent years. It is a highly experimental stage of your life, and "usually" your fashion will reflect that. You will make many mistakes, and experiment with crazy fashion, but all of these experiences will enrich your knowledge for the future.
As you fall in love and start a family, your life circumstances once again change, and your fashion preference will again, "evolve".
However, these natural forms of progression are often stunted by the desire to remain forever young. When this happens, some women find themselves in a "fashion period" that no longer corresponds with their life experiences. 

Most importantly, there is no right or wrong in fashion as long as you are staying true to your own views. If you are a child that likes to dress in old lady clothes, then do so. If you are an older woman who wants to dress like Madonna then do so. However, never use it as a tool to be someone you are not or pretend to be in a stage of life, that was long gone, years ago. 
Fashion is all about reinvention.

xo,
Maya