HOW DOES SOCIAL MEDIA MANIPULATE YOUR FASHION STYLE AND MAKE YOU BUY?

Swipe, swipe, swipe!

Do you ever think about how the images you see effect your brain? The scary thing is, social media is like a double sided coin. In one sense it can empower you, and in another it can manipulate and dominate your mind and opinions. 

You may think your thoughts are your own, but in reality, many of your thoughts have been placed there. 

Just take fashion trends as the biggest proof of product placement, and mind manipulation. Brands will contact popular bloggers, or people with large social media followers and give them free products and paid advertorials to jumpstart a "popular new trend". 

Instantaneously, the product appears repeatedly in your feed, planting mental seeds in millions of brains.

The key to having original fashion style is to be aware of how social media works. Ask yourself why you like a certain fashion item? How original are you? Why do you want it?

 If the main reason you want something is because you saw it all over Instagram, then give a silent applause to the brand advertisers who have successfully sold their products to you. 

Happy Holiday Shopping!

xo,

Maya

Blogmas Day 17: 5 Tips for Last Minute Gift Ideas

Today and tomorrow, is officially the last weekend before Christmas. Translation: pretty much every one will be out "panic" shopping all weekend long. 

There is nothing I dread more than herds of people, long lines, flashing lights, and endless selections/options that create an awful ringing in my head. 

Over the years, I have learned a thing or two, and I've decided to share with you my top 5 tips for the last minute shopper. 

Tip 1: Avoid buying bulk.

I know we are all stressed and nothing would be better than just getting all your shopping done in one go, but please stop yourself and think. 

I'm pretty sure we have all done this at least once to some degree, simply because the temptation is pretty irresistible. Stores almost always have a promotional deal, "buy one get one free", or something a long those lines. It is cheap, quick and easy, but more importantly gets the "job" done. Just yesterday, I saw a lady buy 10 cashmere scarfs in different colors, and another purchased a half a dozen fuzzy blankets. Yes, they are individually a good gift, however, during the holidays I believe it is all about the personal touches. It is not so much the present that holds value as the "thought" process you go through while selecting the perfect gift for each loved one. 

Tip 2: Think Outside the Box

If you want to avoid a crowd, don't think like everyone else. I think it is always fun to get a bit creative and make unusual gift packs, customized for the person. For example, a movie night kit would include some popcorn, candies, dvds, and maybe future movie tix. Luckily all items can be purchased in a grocery store, or local movie theater, avoiding any lines or crowds. Other kit ideas, can be personalized to the taste of each person. For example, if someone loves Italy, and wants to go there someday, purchase a basket filled with Italian pasta, Dictionary, Language Books, and Italian photos. 

Tip 3: A Gift Can Be an Experience

Often times we are so focused on a gift as being something we can touch, or keep but it can also be an experience. Future tickets to a show, a fancy dinner, or trip are some thoughtful ways to create memories together. However, if you do not have any money, you can create your own tickets of fun experiences. For example, a ticket for "Dinner for two in Paris". It wouldn't have to be a literal trip to Paris, but a menu of French Cuisine, cooked by you, with French music in the back ground, and a French themed Movie. 

Tip 4: Handmade

I know we live in the age where people place value of love in value of dollars, but, I still choose to believe in the power of good old fashion, hand crafted items. Whether it be a hand written letter, a drawing, or even a photo of a sentimental place, memory, or item. It is in the "personal" touches that shows the most love of all. 

Tip 5: Creating Memories

Most importantly, the Holidays for me are all about creating memories with those you love. As I get older, you realize the importance of  these "moments" and how precious they really are. Time is fleeting, and people you love may break off or vanish from your lives. Whether they are with you every Holiday or not, the memories you create now, will hold effect in your future. Keep that in mind when purchasing your gift. 

One of my favorite scenes in Home Alone 2 is when Kevin gives a turtle dove to the bird lady, and promises to never forget her. For those of you who never saw this movie, the turtle doves were given to him by the owner of a toy store, and they are meant to be given to the most special friend. You are suppose to keep one, and give the other to someone you love, and no matter what happens, the two of you will always be together.

 Many years ago, I gave a very special person a turtle dove tree ornament, inspired by this very scene. Although, I no longer speak to this person, my turtle dove ornament, floats on my tree and rushes warm memories of a person, still very special to me. 

How to Get an "A" in Holiday Shopping

With Black Friday just around the corner, and Christmas on our noses, its time to wise up, strategize and prevent another year of regretful purchases. 

The combination of large masses of people, small confined places, a short deadline, screaming children, long lines and so called "bargains", one can seriously suffer from a holiday brain freeze. 

What exactly defines a shopping fail?

To put it simply, if you end up with a pile of stuff, you do not need, you have failed. The goal is to find gifts within your budget that come from your heart and will be appreciated and kept for a lifetime.

Here are some easy tips to guarantee an A for your upcoming shopping excursions.

1.) Lists- 

I know, it seems excessive and overly prepared, but this is a must, if you are on a budget and you have a list of must buy friends, and family. Take at least 10 minutes the day before you go shopping to write down one or two gift ideas for each person, with price range considerations. Leave a box next to each name, and check off as you purchase each gift.

2.) Have a plan-

As much as I love to go Christmas shopping with friends and enjoy the festivities, I warn you, be careful. It is so easy for you to get distracted by the glitzy glamour of a holiday sale, mixed in with a good old chat. Have a plan, a budget, and an idea of which store to go to. If you just mindlessly walk around for hours, you will end up with sore feet,  a migraine, and bags full of things you really won't care about. 

3.) SALES are your ENEMY-

If you see the big bold words SALE, or buy one get two, stop, think, and back away. Alright, sometimes you get lucky and a product you normally use is half off, and this is the moment to stock up. However, normally during the holidays, they are the quickest way to fail. They are a distraction from your plan and should be observed cautiously. Holiday sales are meant to drive profits. They offer deals that attract you to buy by price and not by content. How many times have you purchased a buy one get one half off gift and given the exact same gift to 2 different friends? I know I have, and it really is not a heartfelt way to gift something to anyone. The reaction is always lukewarm, and forgettable. 

4.) A Gift is a Treasure Hunt-

Perhaps the most valuable tip is the intent of the gift. I personally search for little treasures that can be cherished and remembered for a lifetime. Maybe an antique ornament, a dainty necklace or a well made cashmere scarf. Try avoiding products that are meant for only a moment, and that end up in the trash pile for Spring cleaning. The world really has enough waste as it is. The holidays are about creating memories. Let your gift be a fingerprint in their heart that they will remember forever.

xo,

Maya