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

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

Are You Shopping Smart? : 5 Tips on Knowing The Value of What You Buy

1. 

   
   

   
   

   Just as living in a city requires you to become street smart, fashion requires you to become shopping smart. 

   I decided to write this article today, because I realized the way I shop is significantly different to the way I use to shop. When I was younger, I can remember being seduced by beautiful window displays, and entering a shop scouring for an 'unknown' item that would some how 'change my life'.

   Fashion is ambiguously hypnotic like that. It is easy to lose one's "street savvy"  ways, and get lost in this rather seductive scent.  Buying without thinking, results in purchases you do not need and a lot of wasted money. 

   Not to lose hope guys, my 5 Basic Tips will have you beating the hypnosis of fluorescent lights and get you thinking Shopping Smart.

   
   

   1.) Price is Just a Number

   
   

   

   
   

   The first misconception  that needs to be broken is, price is NOT the indicator of value. Do not trust that the higher the price, the better the quality. As you can see above, a $288 garment is sold for $8.99 at Goodwill. Price is determined by the seller, and situation of their purchase. One should always keep an open mind, and price value on other factors besides what the number is marked as.

   I cannot tell you how many times I have been in an ultra chic boutique that looked absolutely adorable, but with low quality garments priced at luxury prices. 

    How did I know that? Keep on reading. 

   
   
   
   
   2.) Stitch Work
   
   
   

   
   

   The main reason my shopping skills have changed, is due to the fact that I now design clothes and make them myself. 

   The very first thing I do when I find a garment I like, is to check the inner bones of the piece. 

   The "inner bones" are the way the garment is stitched together, and a good sign of the quality can easily be detected. 

   Cheaper quality pieces, can easily be spotted in places that cannot be seen. Craftsmanship and fabric are the two main places to cut corners and level of craftsmanship is revealed inside more than out.For example, single stitched, crooked lines are quick to rip, cause holes and unflattering on the body. Other signs are frayed edges, and sloppy stitch work. Garments made this way do not last and not worth a higher price tag.
   
   
   
   
   3.) Understanding Fabric Value
   
   
   

   
   

   Fabrics Types: Synthetic and Natural

   
   

   Synthetic fabrics: 

   polyester, acrylic, nylon, rayon, acetate, etc. are man made and produced  entirely from chemicals.

   Synthetic fabrics are commonly used because it is durable, man made, easier to obtain and cheaper in cost.

   
   

   Natural fabrics: 

   cotton, silk, wool, cashmere, etc. are made from plants and animals. 

   Natural fabrics are more expensive, and harder to get your hands on.

   
   

   Personally, my preference is always natural fabrics. If a garment contains cashmere, silk, wool, or cotton, chances are you have your hands on a luxury piece and worth the higher price.

   Natural fabrics are generally more fragile, and harder to care for, but they are worth every penny.  

   The beauty is unsurpassed, and the breathability of the fabric is undeniable. 
   
   
   4.) Embroidery or Beading

   
   

   

   
   

   

   
   

   Embroidery and Beadwork is a good sign that the garment was hand crafted, especially if it is vintage. Hand made, always calls for a higher price due to its labor. If you can get such a piece on sale or ridiculously discounted you have an amazing deal. Even just purchasing the beads itself, cost a pretty penny these days.

   
   

   *Caution* Beware of worthless beaded garments. The easiest way to detect an unworthy beaded garment is if the retail value of a piece is extremely low. 

   
   

   I once bought a fancy, pale pink top at H&M for 39 euros and was impressed by the cheap price. However, within a couple of washes, the beads washed out all their silver elements and instead of quality glass beads I realized they were plastic.

   
   

   
   

   5.)Designer labels and Brands

   
   

   

   
   

   The greatest thing about designer labels and brands is they "usually" guarantee the highest level of craftsmanship. If you look inside a Chanel piece, you are guaranteed an impeccable work of art, made to last forever.

   However, with that (unfortunately), comes the ridiculous price! Yes, I understand a designer price tag includes extra costs of runway, advertisements, media, campaign, models, etc. but who can really afford $10,000 for a dress? 

   The best alternative is finding these brands at thrift stores, vintage stores, or online. Don't give up guys, where there is a will there is a way!

   
   

   Other brands such as Zara, Mango, or Massimo Dutti provide good quality at reasonable prices. 

   
   

   
   

   6.) Artistic Design

   
   

   

   
   

   Do you love it?

   
   

   Often the value of a garment is not found in your wallet but your heart. How much does the garment speak to you? For me, when I find a garment I love there is no doubt. All factors go out the window and all I see is me, the garment and our future.

    Often the moment is phrased as, "If I were a _____ I would look like this." 

   Just be careful the price is rather lower, than higher. For example, I once bought a gorgeous top for $5 and fixed the bad stitch work, and rearranged some mistakes. 

   Cheap fabrics or bad craftsmanship is forgivable if the price is low but cringe worthy if you pay a high price. 

   
   

   Happy Smart Shopping!

   
   

   xo,

   Maya

My Story: Cutting My Hair for Locks of Love

For most people, a trip to the hairdresser is a time of experimentation, creativity, and fun. However, in my case, I have had the same long hair, no layers, no color, and simple cut for most of my life. The truth is, the last time I had short hair was when I was a child, and the idea of cutting it is a bigger deal than most may think.

The trauma all began when I was 9 years old. I can vividly remember my mom cutting my hair the day before my school picture, assuring me it would look amazing! Naively believing her reassuring words I never would have expected looking like a chia pet with monstrously crazy bangs. (above photo) 

To be fair, the cut looked rather okay when my hair was wet, but seeing as I have very thick wavy hair, it dried in a horror poof, and transformed into a uneven bob, accompanied by an equally crazy bang. 

Why cut my hair now? The answer is simple, " Locks of Love". It is a non profit organization that provides children suffering from medical hair loss, with wigs created by real human hair. Although, I am left rather terrified of the "day after haircut remorse", I am left comforted by the fact that the loss of 11 inches of my hair will find its way on a child who needs it more than me. 

Stay tuned to tomorrows post featuring a step by step guide on how you can also donate your hair to Locks of Love!

How to Donate Your Hair to Locks of Love

xo,

maya

Introducing Lisa Marie Jewelry: Interview with Lisa Rough

It is not often a jewelry brand gets me excited enough to request an interview with the designer; however, after discovering this beautiful turquoise pendant (above photo) from Lisa Marie Jewelry, I was curious to find out more. 

I was drawn to this necklace because of the large turquoise stone that spoke to me in a poetic way. If you look carefully you can notice the stone is cracked in the middle, and yet the beauty is somehow preserved by a golden crown that mends the two pieces together. It spoke to my current life situation,  and reminds me that "broken" is beautiful and giving up is never an option. 

"Each piece is uniquely designed by me with current, contemporary fashion in mind. It is made with the intention to remain a classic piece for years to come." -Lisa Rough

Lisa Marie Jewelry is created entirely by Orange County based designer, Lisa Rough. As a stay at home mom, she found it as an opportunity to be creative, while making a little extra money on the side. 

Her style is unique, contemporary and classic. You will notice almost all her designs are made of quality natural elements and all by hand. There is an earthy feeling to her collection, with whimsical touches of femininity and spirituality. 

Unlike mass produced factory accessories, there is something fulfilling about wearing jewelry made by a real person. I especially appreciate her "beachy" themes infused with positive messages and charms with words like, "love" or "believe". Her religious and spiritual background can also be spotted in her works.

"Well I would say I'm torn between Bohemian style and more elegant. It just depends on the outfit and mood. I tend to like simple, light layering for a more feminine look and more chunky for a casual look." -Lisa Rough

                                        Religious Influence 

" -it represents my spirituality, which infuses my creativity" -Lisa Rough

"I choose by quality, color, vibrancy and texture." -Lisa Rough

                                        Ocean Inspiration

Many pieces have strong influences from the beaches in California and Maui. 

"not just in California, but Maui where we spend as much time as possible." 

-Lisa Rough

Lisa Marie jewelry can be found at :

The Blue Eyed Girl

      San Juan Capistrano 

      Laguna Beach

      Laguna Niguel

      Newport Beach

Evas Trunk

      Costa Mesa

Twig and Willow

       Long Beach

Ruth Waters

       Long Beach

Reflections hair salon

       Dana Point

Review: Say it With a Sock (Sock of the Month Club)

Recently, I was contacted by Sock of the Month Club, Say it With a Sock and asked to review their product. Here is my mixed review summarized in my 3 W's (Who, What, and Wish it or Not?) 

WHO:

 Say it with a Sock, is a brand started from love, and spreading love. The creators and 

founders are a young couple based in Los Angeles, and currently traveling the world.

 (Read their blog pocketjax.com)

WHAT:

As a monthly club they send quality socks from brands like, Happy Socks, Richer Poorer, Sock it to Me, and Zulu Zion. 

The charm of this particular sockscription, lies in its cozy details.

Each month you or someone special, will be sent a sock accompanied by an adorable linen bag. 

You will then have the option to attach a card, with a customizable, handwritten message.

Think Valentines-Gram but for socks, and monthly.

The aim of the company is to add positivity in tiny forms of monthly surprises for your feet.

 There is something quite nostalgic about this entire concept and it has me flashback

to my school days of sending and receiving littles notes and gifts between friends.

WISH IT?

I love the concept of sending handwritten messages among friends, accompanied by a monthly sock surprise. It is such a sweet way to warm someone's heart while warming their feet too. 

However, if we get critical, and very honest, would I personally join the monthly sock club? No. 

My reasoning is very simple. I am a picky person and enjoy the thought process of chosing what I like. Although, the sock is good quality and comfortable, it is not my style, and therefore will not be of much use.( See above photo) Subscription type fashion is hard to get right, and my  fear lies in the monthly arrival of items that will never be used. 

Fashion for me is very personal and my style is particular. Only  very close friends can pick up on the quirks and  particulars that excite me.

I have attached a photo below of a tiny glimpse into one of my sock drawers. Can you spot my sock 

style?

xo,

Maya

How to Be Yourself in What You Wear

Everyone talks about what's currently hot, or on trend, but what about YOU? Where do you lie in the mix of it all? Chasing the confusing world of fashion is endless, exhausting, and costly.  It is only in the realization of yourself, and identity can you regain control. Would it not be great to discover who you are, and what you really want? What's your fashion trademark and how can you get one?

Firstly, let me clarify, being identified by your peers as 'fashionable', does not necessarily mean you are. If you copy someone else's style ideas, you are simply that, 'a copy'. It is easy to do, the effect is successful, but you are left completely unoriginal. Having a lot of money makes things a lot easier as well. Money allows you the finest designers, and access to the most refined fashion minds. Looking the part makes you feel the part, but let me ask you? If life is a stage, who's life are you portraying? Are you living your life or are you simply a masterful actor/actress?

Here are my 5 basic tips to finding style that is everything YOU!

1.) Start from Scratch.

Wipe your slate clean. We are starting from zero guys and fresh. Whatever, preconceived notion you may have about trends, or what you can or cannot wear, throw it out. You have no rules, and they do not own you. 

2.) It's all about instincts.

Don't look to your right, don't look to your left, and put down your i-phone. Gosh darn it what do you feel? It's time to find that basic, raw, instinct that lies deep in all of us. Do YOU like it? Do YOU think it is cool? Do YOU feel a trigger of excitement? Our instincts know who we are. It is only in our need to be accepted that we get lost.

3.) Be brave.

Doing your own thing, is a scary thing. Life is easier following a crowd, whether it be right or wrong, it feels safe. Taking a chance and being different opens you up for ridicule and failure. However, lets not be mislead, a life lived by following the choices of others in not LIVING at all. Everything in life worth experiencing is somewhat scary. 

4.) Go Vintage.

The best way to train your fashion skills is to go shopping at a vintage or thrift store. What? Even if you may not buy anything, this is a great way to figure out what you like,  free of any mind blocks. A thrift store or vintage, is unique in its HUGE variety of style, covering many decades and various genres. You are free to mix and match anything and the inspirational juices find no limits. If its your first time, don't feel bad if your instinctual reaction is unresponsive. It can be very challenging at first, and you may draw a total blank. Creativity will grow as you challenge your mind to think on its own. 

5.) It's Personal.

Like life, you have the choice to include yourself as little or as much as you want. Personalizing your fashion choices is in essence the inclusion of yourself in your clothing choices. Feel free to rip off a sleeve or two. Crop it, add fabric, bows, beads,etc. If there is something you feel that will bring it to the next level, just do it! 

Enjoy! 

xo,

Maya

Content STOLEN from 'TALK FASHION'

Dear Reader,

Today I discovered that content from TALK FASHION, has been illegally stolen, plagiarized and used on subscribetofashion.com . So far, I have found 4 articles of mine, that have been reworded in some places, re-arranged, but never the less, copied verbatim in most parts as if they had written it. I assume other content is also stolen from other bloggers/sites, and everyone should remain alert and aware of this site. 

 I have collected all the links below, for everyone to clearly see which articles were stolen and how they are being used in their site at this very moment. I have contacted the creator of the site, and asked them to take down the articles, but as of now, they are still live.

The whole situation is disheartening, and alarming. I was always aware of plagiarizing, but when it happens to you, it is quite surreal. It is an invasion of the soul and mind, and a snatching of an identity. I cannot begin to express the violation I feel, and disturbance of the human spirit.  TALK FASHION, is a site I have created, and am personally very proud of. Everything is written in my words, and my thoughts. It is all very personal to me. I feel a great appreciation to my readers and hold much responsibility in the ethics behind honest 'fashion journalism', and maintaining content that is completely original and created by me. 

I cannot understand the purpose of copying someone else's work and making it their own, but I would like to warn all of you to be aware that this sort of thing is happening. Be careful. Please check out the links below. 

Take care. 

xo,

Maya 

 1.) Plagiarized Content:

"What is your Fashion IQ "

http://subscribetofashion.com/what-is-your-fashion-iq/

-Original content from:

TALK FASHION:

"What is your Fashion IQ." 

Published on Tuesday, July 1, 2014

http://mayahorikawa.blogspot.com/2014/07/what-is-your-fashion-iq.html

2.)Plagiarized Content:

"Ways to Celebrate Your Body Shape Through Fashion"

http://subscribetofashion.com/ways-to-celebrate-your-body-shape-through-fashion/

-Original Content:

 TALK FASHION:

"3 Ways To Use Fashion to Celebrate your Body Shape" 

published: Saturday, September 13, 2014 

http://mayahorikawa.blogspot.com/2014/09/3-ways-to-use-fashion-to-celebrate-your.html

3.) Plagiarized Content:

"Is Being Fashionable Superficial?" 

http://subscribetofashion.com/is-being-fashionable-superficial/ 

-Original Content:

TALK FASHION:

"To Be Fashionable or to Be Superficial that is the Question"

published on May 31, 2014 

http://mayahorikawa.blogspot.com/2014_05_01_archive.html

4.) Plagiarized Content: 

"Breaking Free from the Fashion Stereotype"

http://subscribetofashion.com/breaking-free-from-the-fashion-stereotype/

-Original Content: 

TALK FASHION

"Breaking the Fashion Stereotype"

published on Friday, June 13, 2014 

http://mayahorikawa.blogspot.com/2014/06/breaking-fashion-stereotype.html