Fall Daily Apologies

Dear Readers,

I would like to send out my sincerest apologies for the absence of "Fall Daily" for an entire week. 

Although there really is no justified excuse for breaking a promise, my "explanation" is related entirely to stress from multiple projects, and weak will power. I am sorry. 

However, to make it up to all of you, I will be posting twice this week, and provide fresh new content with a more personal twist! 

Fall Daily will resume from tomorrow. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Sincerely,

Maya Horikawa

Walk With Me Through Versailles

Chateau Versailles is a place I hold very dear to my heart. My countless walks through these grounds, are moments, of inspiration, reflection and delight. It is a beautiful way to absorb the magnificent beauty of life, beauty and nature. Such an enchanting place, it's as if a story book comes to life!

Join me as I stroll through the beautiful grounds of Chateau Versailles with you...

The trees are filled with character, and whisper all the secrets of Versailles. 

Hello Mr. Cat. This adorable kitty lives on the grounds of Versailles,and quite a friendly creature..

Red currant? Delicious. If you pay attention there are many fruit trees on the grounds at Versailles. 

Hello Mr. Lamb....Were you playing in some hay?

Stop looking at me. No love in the Temple of Love. Ironic...

So breath taking you can almost here the music in the wind, the trees, and the birds...

As the day is now coming to the end, this will be my final post dedicated to Queen Marie Antointte's Birthday!

Join me tomorrow as I return to the normal schedule of Daily Fall Style!

xo,

Maya

Fall Daily: Adorable Autumn Street Style!

Just as nature burns with Autumnal delight, the street style around the world, is booming with fashion!

Personal style is at an ultra high, and an attitude of confidence mixed with playfulness is this seasons highlight!

Women are emerging as unique, and embracing their inner style. 

From flannel, to vintage patterns, all kinds of personal touches can be seen in this new movement towards individuality.

My Top 5 Fall Inspirations:

 

                                   THE FLANNEL CAPE

When it comes to flannel, there is something rather nostalgic about it for me. I can remember back to my school days, and how soft and warm it was. It is comfort fashion at its best and having it made into a chic cape, is pretty amazing. 

                                   COLORFUL PATTERNS

Playful attitudes of color can be spotted in bold choices of printed textile. Mix them up with vintage pieces and you are sure to be creating trends that others will admire!

                                  SCHOOL GIRL INSPIRED

Chic versions of childhood attire is a fun way to remember your past while celebrating your present. 

From sleek overalls, to school uniform skirts, there are fun ways to add playfulness to a rather bland world. 

                                        BLACK and BEIGE

If elegance and sophistication is something your desire, definitely try the color combination black and beige. There is no way to screw up this magical duo. Try it,  style it, love it. 

                                         THE RED SKIRT

There is something about the perfect "red skirt" that makes your feel flirty, beautiful, and unique. Figuring out which shade of red or what shape is right for you may take a lot of trial and error, but well worth it!

Join me tomorrow for more daily Fall Styling!

xo, 

Maya  

Fall Daily Essential: Scarf Obsession!

A scarf is the focal point of your entire outfit, and it defines the mood of your Fall style. What is your scarf saying about you?

One of the most popular mistakes people make, is buying a scarf without considering how you will wear it.  A scarf is just as much functional as fashionable, and therefore, careful calculations are necessary.

Will your Fall coat match? Is it warm enough? It is versatile in function? Does the color compliment your face?

 Many times people just pick a scarf they like without even trying it on, but this is not to your benefit at all. You may adore emerald green, but the question is, does it compliment you? Check it against your skin tone, hair or eye color, and see if it suits you. 

These are my 5 Favorite types of scarves!

                                      ARTSY PATTERNS

A scarf is a brilliant way to add character to a rather orthodox outfit. Use it to add a pop of color, texture, or a bit of character.  Make a statement, and never be forgotten.

                                         BLANKET SCARF

A blanket scarf is "cozy" at its max. It is a relaxed casual that looks chic without trying.

 It is sure to keep you warm on the coldest days, and best of all, you can cuddle up with it all day. 

                                        CASHMERE LOVE

The look of a cashmere scarf is always luxurious and decadent. It is as soft as can be, and it frames your face with such warmth and softness. The perfect scarf for those days you just want to relax and unwind. 

   

                                       LONG KNIT SCARF

Those long wrap around knit scarves are a fun way to add texture to your fall look. The different lengths around the length add interest to the eye, and creates a casual fun look. 

                                             FUR SCARF

A fur scarf, is a glamorous way to add spice to your style. It is soft to the touch and beautiful to see. Just having it near your neck,  it is sure to light up your face and keep you warm.

 Join me tomorrow for more Fall styling!

xo, 

Maya

Fall Daily: How I Use Fashion to Get Over Heartbreak

Heart break is a very private, heavy, and treacherous obstacle for anyone to overcome. The greater the love, the greater pain. 

I have basically lived the last 6 years of my life with this thing called "heartbreak". The best way I can describe it is like an emotional pedal note that rings heavy undertones throughout my current existence. What's one way to deal with it? Fashion.

What you choose to wear, has an attitude, emotion, and power. If you dress powerful you feel powerful. You may have no control of the pain in your heart, but the first step to achieving some  what of a life, is regaining back that power. 

You have 2 options.Take advantage of the situation and make yourself better, or let the situation ruin you and settle for something that was not meant for you.

I choose to become a powerful woman. Here is the first step to getting you there! 

 MY POWERFUL WOMAN STYLE

                                  LEATHER AND STUDS

In the past couple of years I have grown a love for leather and studs. I never actually saw myself as the type to wear a leather biker jacket, with studded black boots, but, it is empowering. You really walk a little stronger, and care a little less.

                                     STRONG BLAZER

A strong blazer is masculine in nature. It pulls your shoulders back,  in a way that allows you to be all business. You don't need a man, or a woman. All you need is a goal, a plan, and the energy to do all the work to get there. 

                                       BLACK POWER

Black interestingly enough, is not a color, but the absence of color. Wearing black is powerful. There is something somber within it that allows you to collect your thoughts and sort them out. I always feel more organized and in control of my life when I wear all black.

                 STRONG ACCESSORIES and HARSH LINES

Clothes that are cut harshly, create edges, transmitting powerful energy. This type of style keeps me pushing forward, and not looking back. Add some some strong accessories and you are ready to conquer the world!

                       HAIR THAT MAKES YOU FEEL POWERFUL

Pulling back your hair in a chic, tight bun behind your head, makes you feel empowered. Unlike flowing long hair, or wispy bangs, there is no room to hide. There is a refreshing quality to having nothing fall on your face, and a level of added confidence in showing your entire face uninterrupted. 

Take care!

Join me tomorrow for more Daily Fall Style!

xo,

Maya 

Fall Daily Faves: Spiciest 2015 Eyeshadow Palette!

LES 5 OMBRES DE CHANEL, Eyeshadow Palette in Entrelacs , is the new 2015 Fall Collection for CHANEL. As a current "fave", I felt compelled to write about this amazing Fall product!

This 5 shadow palette features nude shadows, ranging from light to deep, and shimmer to matte. It provides a spicy warmth to the eye, creating the perfect touch to any Fall make up routine. Nothing says Fall quite like this natural brown, smokey eye palette. 

Fun Fact:

The embossed design on the shadows is inspired by the stained glass windows of Aubazine, France, where Gabrielle Chanel once lived as a child. 

If you can get your hands on this limited edition palette it is worth giving a try! 5 stars!

Join me tomorrow for more Daily Fall Styling!

xo,

Maya

Fall Daily: My Umbrella Style!

Umbrella style is all about featuring your umbrella and working around it. When I use to live in a colder region I would always consider my coat, umbrella, rain boots, gloves, scarf, and bag, as a unified outfit. It is essential to consider how these garments all work together, rather than purchasing each one with an individualistic idea.

Start off by knowing what you are working with and what you need. Do you already own a beautiful coat or bag? 

Lets say you have a beautiful forest green, cashmere coat, and matching rain boots.

Now lets go find a beautiful umbrella with a tiny bit of green but maybe a bit more eccentrically colored. Pull out the colors of the umbrella and look for a scarf that mimics the artsy style of the umbrella. 

From there, I would keep the tones of the gloves and handbag as similar as possibly avoiding too much noise.

The trick is balancing color, style and texture. Don't overwhelm too many ideas at once. Edit, and avoid looking like a hot mess. 

Good Luck!

Join me tomorrow for more Daily Fall Style!

xo,

Maya

Fall Daily Essential: Umbrellas That Suit You

The umbrella is a often a forgotten accessory, but whether you recognize it or not, it is making an impact on your day, and your overall style. Nothing will brighten you dark, rainy days, quite like an umbrella that sings your song, and lifts your spirits. 

The following are example of umbrellas with individual character. Which one are you?

                                      THE ROMANTIC

This is one of my favorite umbrellas, and appropriately I am a hopeless romantic. Love can make you see through rose colored lenses but there is also darkness associated with this romance. Such an umbrella is perfect for those who live their lives in love. 

                                          THE STARLET

A red umbrella is almost always used by the starlet in a movie. It is whimsical, beautiful and powerful. Not to mention the boldness of the color photographs beautifully. 

Such a beautiful color is sure to put you center stage. 

                                     The TRAVELER

Umbrellas with themes from different countries allow you to take a mental trip far away from your rainy reality. It's funny how some simple drawings of the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, or Empire State Building can get your mind thinking about uplifting memories, or hopes for future travels!

                                         THE ARTIST

The Artist is all about using the umbrella as a way to enhance your style by color. Whether it be unexpected pops of color, designs, or textures, they are carefully mimicked and utilized throughout their outfit.

                                 THE CLASSIC

The classic umbrella is a twist on the normal "black". Black and white is always a classic, and this type of umbrella is perfect for those sophisticated, elegant styles. 

Join me tomorrow for more daily Fall style!

xo,

Maya

Fall Daily: Seductive Style of Chocolate

Why is chocolate Sexy?

Lately, everything CHOCOLATE has been on my mind. It has literally, melted into my fashion psyche and infused itself into my daily style.

What is it about chocolate that feels so good?

Scientists would probably describe my slight obsession with chocolate as a chemical response to phenylethylamine (PEA) and serotonin found in chocolate. These are natural "feel-good" substances that mimic body reactions similar to falling in love.

However, how would they explain the fact, that chocolate itself, is quite seductive visually? Before even tasting it, the color, texture, and consistency oozes with seduction. The tiniest glance at a tub of melted chocolate or a box of mixed chocolates makes me immediately, lustful.

How to dress like Chocolate:

1.) Color: 

Visualize a chocolate palette. The basics are dark, milk, or white, however, the vast color array of chocolate is endless.

2.) Think texture: 

Chocolate can be decorative and fancy, chopped, melted, etc. If you love the look of melted chocolate try a brown silk scarf, or satin dress. If you fancy a chocolate bar, think leather clutch.

3.) Are you Bitter-sweet?

In my opinion, chocolate is sexy because it is unnoticeably powerful. It combines the bitter flavors of cacao, with the ultra sweetness of sugar, melting two worlds into a blissful harmony. 

There is depth to its character and a quality that should be remembered when styling Fall outfits. There is no need to try too hard when wearing this seductive color. It is not within the color that is sexy but the mixture of wearing "bitter" and yet being sweet. The contradiction is what is seductive. 

Join me everyday for more Fall Style!

xo,

Maya

Fall Daily: Style Inspired by Poetry of John Keats?

Fashion inspiration is found in unlikely places. Why not poetry? 

The beautiful words of John Keats, and his descriptive vision of an Autumnal walk, are filled with bundles of creative inspiration on the very essence of Fall. Like a sweet melancholic melody, let the words of Keats inspire you!

"To Autumn" by English Poet, John Keats, was composed near Winchester.  Ironically, it became his final work in a group of poems known as Keat's, 1819 Odes, and he passed away a little over a year after its publication.

To Autumn

by John Keats

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness

Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun

Conspiring with him how to load and bless

With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;

To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,

And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;

To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells

With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,

And still more, later flowers for the bees,

Until they think warm days will never cease,

For Summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells.

Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store?

Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find

Thee sitting careless on a granary floor,

Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind;

Or on a half-reap'd furrow sound asleep,

Drows'd with the fume of poppies, while thy hook

Spares the next swath and all its twined flowers:

And sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keep

Steady thy laden head across a brook;

Or by a cider-press, with patient look,

Thou watchest the last oozings hours by hours.

Where are the songs of Spring? Ay, where are they?

Think not of them, thou hast thy music too,-

While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day,

And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue;

Then in a wailful choir the small gnats mourn

Among the river sallows, borne aloft

Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies;

And full-grown lambs loud bleat from hilly bourn;

Hedge-crickets sing; and now with treble soft

The red-breast whistles from a garden-croft;

And gathering swallows twitter in the skies.

WHEN POETIC INTERPRETATION MEETS FASHION:

"While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day,

And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue;" (To Autumn; Keats)

"To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,

And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;

To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells

With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,

And still more, later flowers for the bees,"

 (To Autumn; Keats)

"Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness

Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun" (To Autumn; Keats)

Join me everyday for more Fall Style! (Posting everyday in October and November)

xo,

Maya

Fall Daily: Pumpkin Patch Style!

It's Pumpkin patch time! 

To be honest, I normally just buy a pumpkin at the grocery store, but this year I've decided to embrace the entire experience by visiting a real pumpkin patch. There is something quite amazing about seeing pumpkins in their natural habitat, and individually selecting the pumpkin you would like. 

My Pumpkin patch style, is inspired by the color scheme of "harvest" colors; orange, burgundy, and brown. My style is casual with a simple sweater and jeans, but also a bit whimsical with a touch of an embroidered flower crown. My shoes are kept flat and appropriate for running through the pumpkin patch. 

The entire experience  for me, marks the beginning of Fall, pumpkin pies, apple cider, and cooler nights! 

Take these small moments to make the most of beautiful Autumn Days! 

Join me Everyday for Fall Style. (Posting Everyday: October, November)

xo,

Maya 

Fall Daily: 3 Ways to Style Like a Fine Wine

Did you ever wonder why so many people desire the color of  burgundy during Fall and Winter months? What is it about this color and this season, that makes so many people desire it?

Like a glass of fine wine, the color burgundy is visually warm, smooth, and full of character. It exudes a mysterious depth of history, which adds just the right amount of femininity and strength. 

Just as one checks the color, smell, and flavor to determine a fine wine, here are my 3 ways to STYLE like a Fine Wine.

1.) Color: 

Finding the right "red wine" color for your skin is a learning process. Whether it be oxblood, burgundy, berry toned, or maroon, they are all shades of red wine that match different skin types. Some have a more berry tone, verses others that have a stronger brown undertone. This is also true for lip colors, blushes, and eyeshadows. Don't be quick to assume this color is not for you just because one outfit or lip color did not work. There is a tone of red wine that will work for everyone.

2.) Smell?

When you smell wine before you drink it, there is a bit of mental investigation that takes place. Does it smell sweet, sharp? What are the ingredients? 

Similar to this process, when styling outfits with burgundy, you should consider staying true to the character of who you are. Whether your style is sweet, simple, or eclectic, remain true to your style. Harmonize.

3.) Texture:

Always consider the texture in correspondence to color. Personally, I love burgundy on knits, silk, velvet, and leather, because it provides some color variety in the shading of its uneven textures. The light bounces off of certain textures in different ways, creating a much different effect on the same color. 

Enjoy!

Join me tomorrow for more Daily Fall Style! (Posting Everyday October, November)

xo,

Maya

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