ARE YOU FASHION PIGEONHOLING?

What in the world is fashion pigeonholing?

Pigeonholing is any process that attempts to classify disparate entities into a small number of categories (usually, mutually exclusive ones).

Fashion Pigeonholing is when you classify yourself into a particular style group. 

A lot of how we dress, is a direct representation of who we think we are, and how we see ourselves. Factors like, social circles, work, school, hobbies, etc., can find us stuck on a limited variation of self awareness and style. 

This is your comfort zone, and it feels safe. You know it well, and chances are you've dressed that way for years. You shop at the same stores, gravitate to the same colors, and basically, buy the same outfit in slightly different shades and lengths. 

The problem is, life is an ever evolving force. You are evolving and your style should be as well. Staying fresh means trying something new. This does not mean you should make a 180 degree fashion flip and abandon everything you know. Fashion is a collection of ideas, and keeping the essence of your style aesthetic will stay relatively unharmed. The challenge lies only in your own mental stereotypes of who you think you were, are, and will be. 

"Oh no.. that's not YOU!" -(My mom) 

To this day, every time I go shopping I can still hear my mother's infamous words, "Oh no.. that's not YOU!" . Funny enough, those exact words are still preventing myself from stepping out of my little pigeon hole. 

Don't be afraid to grab a style completely different from anything you know. You may surprise yourself and actually like it.

Take care and lots of love.

xo,

Maya

BEAUTY CHAT: ARE YOU UGLY OR ARE YOU LAZY?

The truth of the matter is, laziness is ugly. YOU are not  Ugly. 

Like anything in life, "effort" does make a difference. Those extra 5 minutes of attention, will make a world of difference in your appearance, mental health, mood, and self image. 

Beauty is defined in the work you apply to take care of yourself. Just like a plant needs proper nutrients, sunlight, and water, your attractiveness depends on factors of maintenance.

This includes: skincare, hygiene, exercise, personal maintenance and wisdom. I hate to break it to you, but you are not just born beautiful. No one is. 

It is a daily effort that fluctuates based on will power. I personally,  struggle with my skin and weight  during stressful or hard moments in my life. This is a result of poor food choices, lack of sleep, and exercise. 

Just like any skill, you must learn the techniques to maneuver your actions for the desired reactions. Learning from your mistakes, looking for solutions and striving to be better on a consistent basis, is not an easy task. It is okay to fail, we all do; but,  personal beauty can only be achieved with humility and acceptance of those mistakes, and the commitment to try again. 

The way you live your life, and the effort you put into yourself, is your personal canvas. 

The clothes you wear, match your personal aesthetic. The books you read, represent the shape and directions of your thoughts. The food you eat, symbolizes your desire to live.  The art you love represents your soul.

Just like the furniture in your home, your efforts should bring you joy, and comfort. 

A sense of home.

Live Beautifully!

xo,

Maya

GOLDEN GLOBES MURDERS HAUTE COUTURE!

Janelle Monae "collaborates" with Armani for a custom Golden Globes gown?! 

2014-2015 Armani Privé Collection

Like knives to my heart, master designer of fashion art, has be transformed into a master seamstress.

As a long time lover of Armani Privé, one can immediately spot the use of identical textiles from his 2014-2015 Fall Collection, minus the haute couture.

Beyond the use of the innovative textiles, nothing else remains of "Armani ". 

Clearly this dress is more accurately a Janelle Monae.

Jessica Biel in Elie Saab minus the accessories. 

The plunging neckline minus the ornate choker  and matching cuffs, left me feeling a large chunk of Elie Saab's vision was deleted. 

The dress simply does not make sense without the accessories that mimics and flirts with embroidered flowers on the dress. 

The problem with the merger of "Hollywood" and "fashion" is the need to be relatable.

 Renowned stylists will edit or dumb-ify fashion masterpieces, in order to be like-able. 

The end result, is a display of glorified mediocrity, and rather ordinary fashion. 

xo,

Maya

Storytime: お盆 Obon and Childhood Memories in Japan

TALKFASHION TV

In this episode of Fashion Storytime, I discuss my childhood memories in Japan. Obon is a time for remembrance of loved ones, and it is particularly special for me because it reminds me of my beloved grandfather. All my memories spent in Japan flood back to me through smells, food, and fashion. With a quick blink of an eye, it's as if the present and past blend into an alternate reality.

xo,
Maya

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IS TEXTING KILLING YOUR FASHION GAME?

Living in a digital age, it is nearly impossible to find our hands bare, and our eyes free from the hypnotic pull of our smart phones . Very much the third hand of our lives, the majority of our attention is spent in the social media world. 

People everywhere, are found with their heads tilting 30 degrees down, and oblivious to their surroundings.  Hunching over, with their shoulders curled, vigorously thumbing their way through the worldwide web.

The problem is, we live in the "real" world, and not the digital world. Even though your mind is not living in "real" time,  it does not make you invisible to your reality. 

Fashion is an image you create in its entirety. This includes: charisma, your posture, eye contact, facial gestures, and overall body language. 

No matter how on point your outfit maybe, if you are consistently in "texting position", you are killing your fashion game. Just think about the positions of your hands themselves. You are basically covering 30% of your body with your phone and arms. Not to mention your head is always at a downward  angle, cutting off any visibility to your face, and eliminating any possibility for eye contact. Your back hunches, and any sense of charisma lost. 

So why does any of this matter?

Fashion is all about living and exploring the moments that open new doors of opportunity. If you embrace it entirely, doors to new relationships open up to you. 

Your style is like your business card, and it is a valid tool to connect you with the people you are meant to meet. To do this successfully,  you need to be present mentally and emotionally in "real" time. 

What's the cure?

 Learn to be a lone with your thoughts and put importance on those moments when you have an "empty" moment with your mind. Walk from place to place, or sit waiting for a bus or a friend, completely phone free. Not only is it good for your mind and soul, but it is also projecting an image that represents your fashion style, and personal charisma. 

Good Luck!

xo,

Maya

FASHION AND SOUL?

SOUL: 

-The spiritual part of a person that is believed to give life to the body and in many religions is believed to live forever.

-a person's deeply felt moral and emotional nature. 

-Merriam-Webster Dictionary

We all struggle with emptiness. The unknown is dark, and scary, and often leaves us feeling lost and without purpose. Rather than facing these questions, we distract ourselves by looking to others for answers, and mimicking habits that are proven to be socially successful. 

 How we dress is no different. We treat what we wear as a costly game of cat and mouse. We chase, we catch, and repeat. Fashion ideas, with very little personal attention leaves the soul forgotten and lost. 

 Believe it or not, there is so much LIFE in deciding what you wear. What you wear is a daily question of personalization, and problem solving on the unknown variables that make you unique.

However, this is a skill. It is only as powerful as your emotional abilities to feel, create, and produce ideas into your reality.  To be able to express, and share bits of your identity requires an internal understanding of what that self identity is. Such knowledge of who you are, can only be obtained through daily practice of challenging your own internal thoughts. 

A life well lived, is one that thinks, questions, and finds its own answers.

xo,

Maya

WHAT ARE FASHION PLACEBOS?

Placebo: a beneficial effect, produced by a placebo drug or treatment, that cannot be attributed to the properties of the placebo itself, and must therefore be due to the patient's belief in the treatment. 

Let's talk placebos!

We have all had those days when we felt absolutely miserable, and resorted to some form of retail therapy. Funny enough, the "high" is a welcomed distraction, but never really treats the initial problem. Similar to the study of the Placebo Effect, we often mistake fashion as a quick fix to what our problems actually are. 

A fashion placebo, gives the illusion of powerful mood boosters. Whether it be confidence, happiness, success, superiority, or body image, clothes have a powerful impact on how we see ourselves and ultimately result in how we feel. These quick fixes never last long, and disappear as quickly as you created them. 

The concept is simple. When fashion is used as a placebo, you are believing in the power of an object, verses yourself. You may believe you look better, but realistically, the change is not so significant. It should be understood that it is in the thought process that holds the power.  

What you believe you are, creates the reality of who you are. Think of fashion as a personal relationship. Everything you choose to wear should come from a real place of love, rather than the desire for image, status, or power. Cultivate this relationship and you will experience miraculous innovation and inspiration. 

Now imagine a relationship with a "drug", that provides you with a sense of fulfillment. Like broken illusions, the feeling never last , and leaves you chasing nothing but an illusion.

xo,

Maya

TALKFASHION TV

WHAT I WORE: Versailles

My style is entirely inspired by the grandeur, romance, whimsy, and mystique of Versailles. There is no place in the world that ignites my soul, and imagination, quite like Chateau de Versailles.

By borrowing from the old world, and mixing with the new, I feel my style is timelessly eclectic. 

WHAT I WORE:

The choker is by CHINE, and made of silk, faux fur, and vintage ornaments. It is quite similar to the chokers worn by Marie Antoinette and add a unique texture of glamour that is something quite different from a modern day necklace. 

The cardigan is by MOSCHINO and a vintage treasure! As soon as I found this turquoise delight I knew it belonged to me. Like roses bursting in the wind, it shares an air of whimsy that leaves me imagining leaves dancing along the winds of Versailles. 

My coat is created by one of my favorite Scandinavian brands, Noa Noa. I bought it several years ago in Antwerp and fell in love with it largely for the color, and delicate turquoise embroidery. 

There is something about the color palette of burgundy and turquoise that excites my eyes. It is unpredictable and yet pleasing. 

To my surprise, the color duo is found all over the Versailles interiors. 

My dress is by BCBG and is turquoise wrap dress adorned with short silk sleeves. The burgundy turtleneck is by Zara and a basic winter essential.

The boots are by Kenneth Cole and the softest, most comfortable boots I own. 

My gloves are simple vintage velvet in a red toned burgundy. 

Late Night Gift Wrapping: Gift for My Niece!

Being an "Auntie" during Christmas time, is a wonderful thing!

My adorable niece is a little over one years old, and to my personal delight, my access into the world of baby-toddler fashion. 

To my surprise, fashion for these little people, called babies/toddlers, has evolved into a mega industry.      

Pretty much anything you can imagine in the adult world, has been created and styled into adorable "mini" perfection. With limitless variables of possible style combinations, fashion is alive among the younger generation!

For my little niece, who will be spending Christmas with me, I have styled for her a festive, casual "Christmas inspired" outfit. Her headband is a Christmas tree, which I hand sewn several little bells. In all honesty, the headpiece may annoy her, but I am secretly looking forward to putting it on her and hear her jingle all the way. 

xo,

Maya

Blogmas FAIL or Save?

Blogmas FAIL!?

 Like a holiday curse, as soon as Blogmas began, I was plagued with a horrible case of the flu, then bronchitis. Spending the last two weeks sipping digusting cough syrup, I have basically missed all the holiday festivities.

Basically, I have two choices. I could very easily throw in the towel and just let the holidays slide right on by. Or, I could try to save what I have left, by making the final week the best ever! 

Join me as I try to get as festive as I can, and celebrate the final countdown till Christmas!

Xo,

Maya 

Blogmas Day 3: 5 Style Factors on Snowflake Style

1.) Icy 

Snowflakes style has an icy element, and therefore incorporating that aspect into style is key. You can recreate the essence of it, by using elements that sparkle. Whether it be beads, sequins, or glitter it is an excellent way to achieve a icy effect.

2.) Geometric

It is important to note the beauty of nature lies in symmetry. Snowflakes have one very common trait found in their hexagonal formation. With that in mind, play around with geometric shapes, that are uniquely dividable.

3.) Light 

Have you ever noticed how snowflakes just flutter through the sky? There is a lightness to its character that makes it appear weightless. You can achieve this style by picking light materials such as chiffon, lace, feathers, or knit. 

4.) Fragile

Snowflakes by character are extremely fragile. Just as soon as you may see one, it can just as easily melt into oblivion. This aspect of beauty in the moment, gives it a unique fragility that is intoxicating. Mimic this breathtaking display of innocence by mixing different soft textures of white. Keep make up simple, and natural, and really let your beaut shine through. 

5.) Unique

Above all else, snowflake style is all about being the star you were born to be. Celebrate your ideas, and what you find interesting to wear. Let your mind wonder to the unknown, and find yourself finding who you really are. 

xo,

Maya

Fall Daily: 4 Ways to Wear Knee High Socks

Fall style is all about warm colors and cozy comfort. Soft knee high socks are a fun, easy way to quickly add spice to any outfit. Depending on your styling choices, it can be worn soft and romantic, extra girly, tomboy cool, or preppy chic.

Either way you chose to wear this very snuggly style, you are guaranteed to feel flirtatious and feminine. 

4 Ways to Wear Knee High Socks:

                                   SOFT And ROMANTIC

Soft and Romantic is personally my favorite, and closest to my Fall Style. The entire look is effortless, and ultra feminine. There are no rough edges or harsh fabrics. Everything is soft and snuggly, styled with quirky blouses, and blanket sweaters. Make up is worn minimal and hair is styled in relaxed waves. 

                                            GIRLY GIRL

The girly girl, usually styles knee high socks with a A-line mini skirt. It is feminine and flirtatious without being overtly sexy. There is a level of innocence that keeps the look tasteful, and sweet.

                                          TOMBOY COOL

Tomboy Cool, is also one of my favorite styles to pair knee high socks with shorts. The entire look is interesting due to the opposing characters of boyish charm, and sexy sweetness. This look is effortless cool and fun to pair with loose cotton Tees and a stylish hat. 

                                        PREPPY CHIC

Preppy Chic is inspired by school uniforms. It is a fun translation on a rather orthodox look. Pair your knee high socks with plaid skirts, blazers, and collared shirts. 

The look is elegant, sophisticated and playful!

Enjoy.

xo,

Maya

Fall Daily: 5 Costume Ideas from Breakfast at Tiffany's

Halloween is just 3 days away, and despite no longer being a child, dressing up as someone else is always a fun thing to do. Inspired by Breakfast at Tiffany's, I picked 5 favorite looks that would make excellent halloween costumes. Not quite "scary" as costumes, but does it really matter? In the states, Halloween is not limited to scary, and pretty much every type of costume is acceptable. 

This year, don't waste your money buying a cheap made costume. Rummage through your closet and get creative. 

                              BREAKFAST AT  TIFFANYS

We all have a simple black dress, but this look also requires several strands of pearls. This is a very popular look to copy, but for some reason no one is ever holding a coffee and croissant. This rather annoys me, because, "hello?" the title is "Breakfast" at Tiffany's. Don't forget your breakfast!

                            GORGEOUS PINK BOMBSHELL

Lets be honest, this look is perfect for those who just want to look fabulous for Halloween. 

When asked, you can bring up your fancy Breakfast at Tiffany's knowledge, but it's not necessarily a costume. 

                                        FOXY LADY

This costume idea is perfect for those who are at work all day and then have to immediately go to a Halloween party. It is chic, sophisticated, and yet playful. It is a mature style of Halloween, but nevertheless still enough fun to make your night memorable. 

If you do not have a fox mask, you can easily make one yourself. 

                                        DIY FOX MASK

                                  CHIC  SLEEPY GIRL

This look requires three elements: an oversized white shirt, turquoise eye cover, and fancy ear plugs. The eye cover, can easily be made by paper, while the earplugs can be recreated by using earplugs, and gluing tassels to them. 

                                         MOON RIVER

Possibly the most comfortable costume ever, all you need are sweats, a towel, and a guitar. If you can hum a bit of "Moon River" , even better.

Join me tomorrow for more daily Fall Styling!

xo,

Maya

Fall Daily: 5 Ways to Style Happiness into Your Life

Happiness. 

Like a distant rainbow, happiness is a never ending chase towards the beauty of life. It is an emotion, an attitude, and a direction. 

The thing most of us do not realize is, it is also a way of life. The choices we make, no matter how minuscule, are creating future responses that trigger various emotions. 

 Our 5 human senses: sight, taste, smell, sound, and touch work as doors that welcome or reject happiness. Here are 5 ways to inject a bit of happiness into your life. 

                                               SIGHT

What do you see? 

Are you wearing something that lifts your spirits, or is it just another "whatever" type lounge-wear? 

What we see can make us laugh, smile, or just spark positive changes in mood. 

It may be the color, design, word, or style, but the key is knowing what works for you. 

Surround yourself with beautiful scenery, uplifting home decor, and clothes you love. It is sure to lift your spirits. 

                                              TASTE

Eat Happiness.

We all have that little treat that is sure to put a smile on our face. The happiness may only last an instant, but during hard times, those moments will be your savior. 

Eat healthy, cook with love, and start eating yourself some happiness. 

                                                 SMELL

Smells Happy?

Perfumes are a very complex matter. Each smell will create a different emotion, and differentiating which is which, takes a bit of maturity. The easiest way to describe a happy smell, is by using the "smile meter". You may not pin point why it is making  you feel happy, but you should be able to instantly feel your spirits lift.

                                                TOUCH

A Touch of Happiness.

All throughout the day we touch things. More than we realize, these textures are effecting our mood. Pick clothing fabrics that feel good to your touch, and make a mental note. These touch signals push positivity in your day, rather than annoyance. 

                                           

                                                SOUND

Sounds like Happiness?

Just as loud pounding music in the middle of the night can drive you insane, sweet lovely music can chirp delight. I highly recommend creating a playlist of "happy" music for those days something dreadful is brewing and you just don't have time to spiral into a depression. 

 No disrespect to sadness, brewing in misery with amazingly sad music is also a killer experience. 

It's all a matter of timing, and knowing when and where to listen to what. 

Join me tomorrow for more Daily Fall Style!

xo, 

Maya

PS: The quickest way for an instant smile is taking your lipstick on your bathroom mirror and drawing a tiny happy face. I know it sounds ridiculous, but is that not the point? Anyways, I guarantee it will trigger a tiny chuckle and before you know it, you are smiling. :)

Fall Daily: Candle Light Inspired Style

There is nothing quite like the gentle glow of a softly lit candle. It is a romantic combination of fragility and power. Similar to love, it is capricious and unpredictable. 

Just as easily as it can be blown out, it can also burn into a raging flame of destruction. It is a beauty that requires a playful balance between dark and light, climaxing only in complete partnership.

Wouldn't it be amazing to achieve such appeal in your Fall fashion style?

CANDLE LIGHT STYLE

Candle light Style, is inspired by pulling the 3 most beautiful aspects of Candle Light.

1.) Color

The main colors of candlelight is an ombre effect around the color orange. It ranges from orange modulating shades towards white and in reverse towards black. 

(Basic colors: Orange, burnt orange, copper, brown, black, yellow, white, and some golds.)

2.) Power and Femininity

Candle lit style is a combination of powerful mystery, and ultra femininity. It is in this aspect a lone that candle light style is unbelievably romantic and sexy. You can achieve this style by mixing soft materials with harsher accessories, or vice versa. 

For example, a romantic soft boho, cream colored blouse, against harsh chocolate brown leather pants, bridged together with the warmth of beautiful orange accessories, is candle light style.

3.) Sparkle and Light

The beauty of candle light is obviously the light itself. Therefore, to achieve the style it involves some form of sparkle, glimmer, or shine. You can either add the glimmer through your make up, and allow your face to shine like a chandelier. Or you could use jewelry or accessories to playful maneuver the reflection of lights. 

Enjoy!

Join me everyday for more Fall Style!

xo,

Maya