HOW TO MAKE YOUR FASHION STYLE REFLECT THE PERSON YOU ARE?

The process of dressing ourselves is the direct link between our mind, body, and heart. If all 3 parts work harmoniously, your fashion style will give an accurate portrayal of the person you are.

How do you strengthen your fashion mind, body, and heart?

Mind: 
The mind/brain is like the headquarters of processing practical matters of fashion. This is the area of educating yourself on fashion knowledge, etiquette, and basic common sense. Study designers, collections, trends, history, and fill up your fashion bank with information. Know the difference between, such things as black ties, verses cocktail, and most importantly use your common sense.

Body:
Positive body image and a solid understanding of your body type is a crucial aspect of fashion style. You must feel good about your body naked or else the process of dressing will always be a strategic act of hiding, manipulating, or deceiving. If you have gained some extra weight then lose it, but learn what your "healthy" weight is and STAY on it.
My healthy weight is the same as when I was in High School, and I fluctuate + or - 10 pounds. Staying on this one size allows you to understand your body shape. I can look at a pair of pants, or top and know quickly whether it will fit.

Heart:
The heart is by far the hardest part for most people. If you are not naturally instinctual, you may find it difficult to form your fashion style based on what you feel. It requires emotional freedom and the ability to express it without fear of judgement or rejection. Strengthening your heart, will require surrounding your life with whatever you love.

           You will find your identity in everything and anything your heart decides to love. 

xo,

Maya

FASHION and COURAGE?

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." 

E.E Cummings

Everyone talks about having individual style, and expressing one's self through fashion, but they miss to mention one key element on achieving it.

COURAGE.

One of the biggest road blocks to finding your personal fashion aesthetic, is having to go against what everyone else is doing. We learn very early on, that being "different" is a negative thing, with embarrassing consequences.

 Fashion trends guarantee you a level of security that people will accept you and admire you. 

It makes obtaining success easier, and gives you a barrier of ultimate safety. You have the majority backing a singular idea, and anyone who defies it, is in the minority.

Why in the world would you ever risk failure by pursuing your own ideas?!

"Courage is the main quality of leadership, in my opinion, no matter where it is exercised. Usually it implies some risk- especially in new undertakings." 

-Walt Disney

Pursue your own fashion identity, even if it terrifies you, because it is your personal responsibility to yourself. Yes, it creates huge risks, and people will most likely mock you, but the rewards will be immense. Why?When you create your own sense of style, you take the power back. What others are doing or thinking  won't matter.You will define yourself based on what you believe, feel, and desire. 

This life is yours, explore it free from manipulation. 

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma- which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other people's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition." 

-Steve Jobs

3 Ways Picking Your Clothes is Like Picking Your Friends

Lets take a moment to think about clothes not simply as material possessions or things we wear, but as actual life choices we make during various stages of our life. In many ways it is a relationship. Your style is never stagnant but a growing process of finding where you belong and who you are. As your life changes, your preferences and views will change. Fashion is the subconscious language of how we  relate to the world on an artistic level. 

The following are 3 Ways Fashion is Like Picking Your Friends.

1.) Comfort Zone.

We all have that level of "comfort" found in people that are quite similar to the way we think and live. This we know, but believe it or not we take a similar process when picking the clothes we choose to dress ourselves.

 It is a mutual understanding of "safety" and reliability. This is where we feel safe, but with consequence, it does hinder your abilities to step out of the box. Such safety nets can cause barriers on your ability to try or find something new about yourself.

Ever since we are kids, there is a genre or stereotype that we are casted in or perhaps cast ourselves as. Quite a select style, this is where we feel comfortable and it becomes habit. Shopping in the same stores, and gravitating to the usual brands, taking risk is nearly impossible. You see yourself as one way, and brand yourself as such.  You are clones of your clique, and thinking has now become routine. So safely in your perfect outfit, but so dangerously suffocating in your narrow mindset. 

Take a second to step away from who you think you are, and let yourself expand to the person you are meant to be.

2.) Friend or Foe?

Fashion like relationships is a love hate relationship. It's funny how at certain moments of your life, week, or day, you may love a certain look and think it is a good idea. Then, you awake from your momentary loss of sanity and realize, you are not friends at all. In fact, the fashion piece you thought you loved, is making you look like an idiot. We all have those ridiculous items in our closet that can only be marked by a "What was I thinking?" moment. However, just the same, it is one of those unavoidable experiences that serve only as a lesson learned. 

3.) Time Changes Things.

As I look back on my fashion history, and the evolution it has made, I find it interesting how I can distinguish specific segments in my style, and how it connected to my life experiences. It's like the friends you have as a kid, and the friends you have as adults are in many ways different, but innately similar. There is always a small core line of identity that does not completely, ever change. 

 For example, growing up as the youngest girl of two boys, I was quite a tomboy during my teens. I loved soccer, swimming, tennis, etc. and my style represented that. Living by the ocean, my style was casual,relaxed, and easy. Then I moved to NYC, and my entire style shifted to all black and white, linear lines,  and contemporary styles. When I moved to Germany, I wore bold bright colors, and took a rather artistic approach to my style. Near France and Belgium, my style became ultra feminine and more floral and and abundance of pastel.

Throughout all my changes in life and fashion, there has always been a formula or style  DNA that never seems to change. This has taught me how we are capable of adopting many styles and genres throughout a lifetime, but the one's that stick are the one's closest to our genetic code. Just like friends, the memory and experiences spent with those people are never wasted, or forgotten. They shape the person you are today, just as your fashion choices in the past, shape your styling abilities of today. 

With that said, don't be afraid to take chances, and try something scary and new. Open your eyes to what could be, and take a breather from what you know. Mistakes are lessons to be learned, and without them you learn little. Trial and error is all part of the process in discovering who you are.  

Take care,

xo,

Maya

5 Tips on Dressing Fashionable with a Limited Budget

It is easy to look good if you have a lot of money. You can literally buy your "fashion image" and appear to be quite the little fashion genius. Professionals scramble around, dressing, primping and preparing you, and all you have to do is hand them your shiny plastic card. Everyone admires you and praises the image that you paid for, but is this image even real?

Meanwhile, the majority of fashion lovers live their lives feeling helpless and forever unable to reach the perfection of these girls with unlimited credit cards. How can an average girl, with very little to spend, be fashionable?

Here are my top 5 tips on Being Fashionable with a Very Limited Budget:

1) Change Your Attitude: 

The most important step is to change the mindset that fashion and money are interchangeable. Fashion's golden partner is measured by the creativity it draws out of you, and therefore, how much money you have really does not matter. Get crafty, re-use old items in new ways, and never be afraid to try new ideas.

2) Couture-Inspiration:

Fashion like any subject matter can be studied and improved. Studying the runway collections of famous designers is an easy way to increase the level of your fashion and style aesthetics. Pick a look you adore, print it out, and go on a mission to recreate the look on your budget. You will be surprised how many style techniques you can learn by doing this very affordable task!

3) Accessories!:

The secret of fashion style lies in the accessories. Lucky for our budget, accessories can be found extremely affordable and can be mixed and matched throughout your entire wardrobe. Finding the perfect accessory should be like a treasure hunt. Look for unique pieces that create a conversation topic, or enhance a look in a unusual way. Little touches like these, easily add a boost to a rther ordinary style.

4) Less is More:

Most people believe the more you have the more stylish you are. Unfortunately, this method of buying without a plan, often leaves you with a bunch of gorgeous pieces that can't be matched with anything. You are basically left with a wardrobe full of things you love, and never wear. This equals, waste of money. Be smart, and buy pieces that can be matched up with several pieces in your current wardrobe and create a cohesive look. Believe it or not, style is also a simple game of mathematics. The more items that can be paired with your other items, the higher outcome of different complete looks. 

5) Sales!

Be a smart shopper and honor the sales. The secret about having less in life, is the skills you obtain by the challenges they bring. Don't look at them as obstacles but gifts. It is incredibly easy to go into Escada and buy a head to toe gorgeous look. Is it beautiful? Of course. Do you learn any skills? Not really. Creativity is pretty much on a all time low simply because the look is already complete by "fashion professionals", and the whole experience is rather predictable and effortless. Now flash back into my yearly sale trips, and rummaging through piles of amazing fashion pieces. So much creativity buzzes through my head, as I analyze the possibilities of how I can cut the dress in half, or chop off a sleeve. Not to mention the serious high of prices slashed to nothingness. electric. 

xo,

Maya

3 Ways to Use Fashion to Celebrate Your Body Shape

It is a common misconception that fashion is meant only for the skinny tall girls. Runways and Magazines showcase models that are thin and tall simply because it is the"easiest" body type to dress. It is a body type that is no fuss, quick, and easily "fashionable".

Does this mean everyone else, with their unique body shapes, are not physically capable of fashion? So many times people have the mind set to change their body shape in order to fit the "fashion stereotype". Whether it be through dieting or plastic surgery, there is a universal obsession to fit one specific shape of beauty. The reality is, fashion should be "used" to celebrate you. Don't change yourself to fit fashion, shape it to fit you.  Celebrate your body, personality and your individuality. It is a tool that enhances your features, and identity. Finding what suits you, is as important as finding who you are. 

Here are 3 of My Favorite Ways to Use Fashion to Celebrate your Body Type.

1.) Beauty Hunt

The first thing to do is to spot your strongest features. What do you like about your body or a certain facial feature? Perhaps they are your beautiful blue eyes, or long legs, make a mental note of what part of you makes you feel confident. Once you find at least one beauty spot, it is time to work around it, as if it is your start line. This is where you want a invisible spotlight to showcase the spot you are confident. This is the core of your visual confidence and focusing on it will grow your confidence encouraging you to see more positive aspects of yourself. 

For example, if you like the shape of your lips, showcase them by coloring them a soft pink, or red, and get inspired to match that shade with either your shoes or nails. Keep everything else one color or neutral, and you will be surprised how the positive confidence you have for your 'lips' will also attach itself to other parts of your body adorning the same color. 

2.) Contour Yourself

Contour is well known in the use of make up, but most do not know that the same concepts can also be used in fashion. Basically the key aspects of contouring, is "shade" what you dislike, and highlight what you like.  It is a simple, visual illusion "trick" that boosts your confidence while reducing negative body image.

For example, if you are self conscious about your "thick" thighs, try to find jeans that are shaded darker on the places you want slimmer and lighter near the ankles. 

 "Ombre" shirts or dresses are also a smart way to visually play with your upper body.

 

If you are self conscious about your large breasts, wear a ombre top  that is shaded darker on top and shades lighter towards the bottom. Similarly, if you dislike your protruding waistline, try an ombre that is darkest along the waist.

3.) Fashion Fingerprint

The ultimate goal is to find a "look" that you can confidently call your your own. It is customized to your shape, size, age and personality. It is like a fingerprint, and no one can pull off this look better than you. 

This is a combination of multiple factors.

 Firstly, you need to know your body type, and what type of shapes work well with you. 

Secondly, know what colors enhance your skin tone, hair color, eyes, or personality. 

Lastly, don't be afraid to combine, mix, and experiment with different styles that break popular trends. Anything is a possibility as long as you believe in it.

When you finally find your fashion fingerprint, it changes your perception on how you react to trends, or body image. Instead of wanting to be someone you see in magazines or runways, you see the clothes in relation to how or if it works with you. The power is in your court, and now you will make your own fashion choices. 

5 Ways to Pick a Fashion Image that Is Yours

In the Fashion Industry, it is rather easy to get swept up in a abyss of clothes. Every season is marked by new trends, and new "fashion images". They are then plastered all over magazines, and used to hypnotize viewers to buy themselves a new image.

Yes, being "trendy" and copying runway looks, is an easy way to look good and champion yourself as "stylish". However, can you really call yourself fashionable if all you really do is follow the fashion flow of others? 

How can you find your own fashion path and step out of the lane? 

Here are my 5 easy ways to keeping your style Right for You.

1.) Who are You?

Not to get too philosophical, but if you want to be fashionable you have to know who you are and what you are about. Are you a student, doctor, actress, waitress, etc.? Your occupation serves as your "practical" factor. For example, if your life requires you to be on your feet, running around, then tight mini skirts, and 3 inch heels are probably not for you. Fashion always need to be "functional". It should work with you not "you working for it". 

Separate from your occupational side, you also need to know your inner you. This is the you that represents what you like. Do you like art, sports, music, books, etc.? Start getting inspired by what you love. 

2.) Don't be afraid to be Different

The worst thing for fashion, is the need in humans to be accepted. Nothing kills creativity faster than wanting to be exactly like everyone else. Trends feed off this human weakness, and seasonally more mindless fashion minions, buy into losing themselves. 

The more "popular" a style maybe, the less original you are. Try to always think for yourself. If you have a dress or shirt that many others also have, why not spice it up by cutting off the sleeve, changing up the buttons, or adding some other fabric? 

3.) The Fit

The shape, fabric, and style, best suited for you, should be decided by how it makes you feel over how you look.

 What makes you feel beautiful? 

For myself, nothing puts a smile on my face quicker than a flowy, A-line, skirt. As a shorter frame, this elongates my legs and is flattering whether in flats or heels. When you feel beautiful you will move, and hold yourself in a more attractive way. Remember in life, we are not a motionless photo. How you walk, stand, all contain wrythm, flow, and attitude. If you don't feel good chances are, you are not looking so great either. 

4.) COLOR!

Color is actually a fascinating phenomena that is often overlooked in life. Each color is scientifically proven to hold a different frequency and create different moods.For example, when we see pink we think "sweet". This is largely the reason we represent little girls to "pink, and bakers add pink food coloring to their sweets. 

To be honest, there is nothing more ridiculous than, following "color trends" that are marked every season. It is a decision obviously decided by textile companies and brands contrived to sell products motivated purely on making money. 

Color evokes emotion. Just because 'orange' is the color of the moment, it means nothing if the color is not right for you. Certain colors will give you comfort, and this is a sign your aura is fluctuating  on a similar frequency as that color.

 Motivate yourself, to follow your instincts. These instincts are what will bring you to the image you should be. 

5.) VINTAGE!! 

I can not stress enough my love for Vintage. For those of you who really hold no interest in it, at list give it a try. First of all, a Vintage Store, Thrift, or antique, is a whole mish-mash of STUFF. It is an excellent way to exercise what you like, without the mind manipulation that happens in "trendy shops" that strategically pose mannequins in fashion images that they want you to be. 

At first it may look like junk, but let your eyes settle into a new mindset. You cannot imagine the treasures you will find, and how much it improves your vision on your own personal style. Whether it be an interesting belt, or a 60's pouf dress, there is something for everyone. Keep an open mind, and the ideas will flow in. 

My July Fourth Style!

   

    

Happy July 4th! 

As I get ready to head over to the beach and enjoy some great food and fireworks, let me quickly describe my style. 

Inspiration: My style is always inspired by something. When I think about July 4th I should think about the "historical" aspect, however, if I am honest it is basically, "Happy Fireworks Day". Therefore, my dress and shoes are completely chosen with the sparkle, color and lines of fireworks. 

Bag: Since I live walking distance to the beach I really do not need much, but today I opted for my Vintage CHANEL, just enough to carry my camera, snacks, and some money. 

Accessories: My beach necessities are always a hat, scarf and some sunnies. I have to admit, I don't like to get sunburned so I am almost always lightly covered up. 

Brainy Facts: Since it is a National Holiday with historical meaning, I always find it part of my style to always know "why" and what the holiday is all about. 

Here are some July 4th Facts You should know:

-July 4, 1776, is the day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation from Great Britain.

- July 4, 1776 wasn't actually the day Continental Congress decided to declare independence (they did that on July 2, 1776).

-July 4th is also not the day we started the American Revolution either (that had happened back in April 1775).

-It was also not the day Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence (that was in June 1776). Or the date on which the Declaration was delivered to Great Britain (that didn't happen until November 1776). Or the date it was signed (that was August 2, 1776).

What is my point? Simply, July 4th is "figuratively" the Birthday of USA. It represents "freedom" but lets be honest its more about barbecuing and watching fireworks.

             "I believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival," he wrote his wife, Abigail. "It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..."

                          -John Adams 2nd US President

Enjoy!

x

Maya

Remembering Style Icon Jacqueline Kennedy

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis passed away on May 19, 1994, marking the 20th anniversary, yesterday.

Two full decades since her passing and yet her impact on the Fashion World Still lives on. 

Her Signature "Jackie Style" is adopted by many, including, first lady Michelle Obama.

Michelle Obama has been spotted on several occasions adopting fashion cues from iconic Jackie Style.

Jackie had a natural sense for style. Even her wedding gown was fashion forward for her time. 

Ornate in the most delicate of details, she looked regal, and timeless. 

When you think of classic "Jackie Style", it is all about class and elegance. She cemented the sleek coolness of big dark sunglasses, and the elegance of pearls. 

Her Style is timeless in the sense that every look can be worn even now. She kept to the classics, beautiful lines, simple cuts, and always elegant. 

Jackie Style will forever be cemented in fashion history as the formula for elegance. She was never a woman of many words, but there was always a mystique about her presence that kept people talking.

I sometimes wonder, if Jackie were still alive today, what would she have to say? 

I felt this quote:

 "I want to live my Life, not Record it."

-Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

was a perfect message to people of our generation. In an era of Selfies, and Self Documentions on excess social media sites, let us all not forget to always "LIVE".

Luckyfabb Gift Bag: 5 Tips on What to do With Gifted Products

For those of you who have been to a fashion event, you are probably aware of a gift bag, or complimentary little present or two to end an event.

Luckyfabb's gift bags were on a whole new level. Obviously, resulting from Lucky Magazine's star power team of sponsors and Brand relationships. I received an endless amount of  products plus a stack of gift cards and certificates that gifted me with jewelry, and hair accessories that are still arriving to this day.

As you can see from the photo above, I was gifted hair products, make-up, skincare, and accessories including jewelry, sunglasses, a watch and more. 

After you let the "buzz" of FREE products cool off, there are things you must do. I don't know what it is about receiving things that you don't pay for but it really makes you stop thinking for a hot second or two. However, I have come to realize, the fact that these huge brands are gifting you with products, means, your voice has value. In the world of business nothing is given without strings attached. So what's next? Do you just skip on off with your bag of goodies and rejoice that Christmas has come twice this year and call it a day? 

Here are my tips on how to deal with free products that may come your way.

1.)Be Honest.

 Never feel pressured that you have to promote a company simply because they gave you something for free. Give your honest opinions, and put yourself in the position of a consumer, and ask yourself, would you buy this product? If you don't like a product do not be afraid to decline. Your readers will appreciate your honesty and your "word" will hold value. 

2.) Organize. 

If you received  many products like I did, organize them into categories. For example, categorize your products in boxes. Not to get all OCD on you guys, but "label makers", are a great way to easily see and find products to test and try.  Create categories such as, hair products, skincare, make-up, or accessories. Clothes can be stored by seasons, or colors. 

3.)  Compare.

You do not have to limit your reviews to only the "free" products you received. It is always interesting to a reader if you can compare several products in the same category. For example, Hairspray. If you have a product you love, you can compare it to the product you received against the product you normally use. A sort of battle of the hairsprays.

4.) Speak up. 

I know we were all taught as children to be nice, and often times, saying negative things about a brand seems like you are just being mean. Honestly, as long as you are respectful in your content, a bit of honesty is beneficial for everyone. For example, maybe you receive an adorable crop top that is perfect for your Spring wardrobe, but the inner seams and stitch work are loose and poorly done, then Speak up! Writing about the negative is just as important as the positive. The more people who voice their true opinions, the more likely higher quality products will be produced in the future. 

5.) Quality Photos.

Always think of yourself as a professional, and if you love a product, it's time for pictures! The best way to show your love is by taking amazing photos. Never fail to cover all the bases. From lighting, make-up, wardrobe, background, everything makes a difference. Iron out wrinkles, and wipe off finger prints. 

At the end of the day never for get the power of your words. All opinions should always remain true to your honest opinions.

take care.

xo

Maya