Fall Daily: Designing with a Children's Toy?

It's always around this time of year, that knitting becomes a bit of an obsession of mine.There is something rather therapeutic about repetitive motions of needling soft yarn through my fingers while sipping a cup of hot tea. 

Currently, I discovered this children's toy that I purchased several years ago in Brussels. It creates a rope type effect, with selected yarn and currently my guilty pleasure. 

Ironically, my mom saw my toy and informed me that she also played with a similar toy when she was a child. It made me laugh, because here I thought it was new, and yet again, I have realized I was born in the wrong generation. 

Inspiring several accessories of my winter collection, here is one I recently finished. It is a black and gold, chain necklace adorned by two vintage pins, and currently my favorite. 

Currently I am working on this varying shade of moss green, and feeling rather inspired to adding some beading details. 

Will keep you posted!

xo,

Maya

Fall Daily: "A Touch of Love"

Jewelry is often a simple fashion statement. However,  sometimes, if you are lucky, you will be gifted a piece that is a touch of love.  These pieces are magical, sentimental, and heartfelt. They touch you in a way that goes beyond fashion, and straight to your heart. 

My "touch of love" pieces, were gifted to me by my mother. She received the the ring from her mother, and the necklace from her father when she was a young girl. I loop the ring into the necklace, and wear them together, and something about it, fills my heart with magic. 

My mind is flooded with imagery of what it must have been like to be my grandfather as he went shopping around stores looking for this very necklace to gift to my mother. What must have rushed through his head as he debated which item to choose, and what she would like. I wonder what it must have been like to see my mother's reaction as she opened this very gift, and now to have it strung around my very neck, I cannot help but melt into smiles. 

Although, my grandfather is no longer with us, I still remember him daily. His relationship with my mother was a beautiful one, and something I admired greatly.  I am not close to my own father, and quite honestly, do not know much about what having a father is really like. Such love between father and daughter is a beautiful one, and although I may not have that in my life, I feel blessed to have a token of that love between my mom and grand-daddy. 

Join me tomorrow for more daily Fall style!

Xo,

Maya

Salvador Dali's Jewelry Collection

“My art encompasses physics, mathematics, architecture, nuclear science – the psycho-nuclear, the mystico-nuclear – and jewelry – not paint alone,” 
“My jewels are a protest against emphasis upon the cost of the materials of jewelry"
-Salvador Dali

Salvador Dali is infamous for his impact as a Surrealist painter, but it is interesting to note, his artistic genius did not stop at the tips of his drying paint brush. He was well known for his eccentric impact on avante garde fashion and innovator of the term "statement jewelry". All his creations whether paintings, furniture, fashion or jewelry, were all forms of a statement and no detail was ever overlooked. 
Each stone represented a deeper meaning. For example, rubies were used to represent energy, sapphires tranquility and lapis lazuli for the subconscious mind. His early attempts produced striking, bejeweled translations of his surrealist painting. Hearts bursting open and dripping blood, eyes weeping and melting, sensuous lips, are some subjects he used to recreated his art into forms of Jewelry. 

Eye of Time Watch:

Made of blue enamel, diamonds, platinum and cabochon ruby.

 “Man cannot escape or change his time. The eye sees the present and the future.” 

-Dali

"Honeycomb Heart" - made of rubies, gold, and diamonds.

“My object is to show the jeweler’s art in true perspective – where the design and craftsmanship are to be valued above the material worth of the gems, as in Renaissance times.” -Dali

In other words, it was important for Dali to emphasize ART above monetary value. Meaning over cost, he wanted the buyer or viewer to think, to appreciate the message behind the Art.

                Dali's 1949 Brooch inspired by Mae West's lips.

"Poets of the ages, of all lands, write of ruby lips and teeth like pearls."

-Dali

Before designing his own jewelry line, he was already a great influencer to avante garde fashion and costume jewlery. Elsa Schiaperelli was a huge fan of Dali and was greatly influenced by his works and the entire  Surrealist Movement. 

Dali's Starfish brooch was among the nine Dali jewels featured in “Surreal Things”  at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Made of pearl, diamonds,  rubies and emeralds the pin is designed to wrap around the hand and fingers!

The Dali Museum in Figuero Spain holds a permanent exhibition on Dali Jewelry.

Majestical Jewelry Review & Giveaway!

    http://www.majestical.com/

I was recently contacted by Majestical Jewelry to review their jewelry line, and these golden earrings, instantly reminded me of the fantastic Spring Collection by Dolce & Gabbana! My choice of clothing and styling is all inspired by this fantastic collection!

Regarding Majestical Jewelry as a recommendable jewelry line, I would say, absolutely. I think it is a fantastic company that makes statement pieces at affordable prices. Every piece of jewelry is sent to you in a beautiful black box with a little satin bag. 

My earrings catch the light beautifully and give the same "impression" as the coined jewelry of D&G. 

The weight of the earring is also much lighter, which I appreciate because sometimes luxury brands weigh very heavy and cause much discomfort over time. However, the quality is of course what you pay for. I would compare this line of jewelry as equal to "H&M". Probably not the most longest lasting, but fun to play around with. 

    Inspired by Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2014

This Spring, get yourself some amazing golden earrings and style it casual or ultra glam! 

Majestical Jewelry is offering all of you a promotional code for $15 off orders $55 or more. The code is 15DOLLARSOFF . http://www.majestical.com/

GIVEAWAY! Majestical Jewelry has also gifted me with one gift card worth $20 for one of you. All you need to do is be subscribed to me on Bloglovin' and Instagram. My Instagram is Mayahorikawa. Leave a comment about jewelry, and one winner will be chosen by the end of April. 

x

m

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In Love with Sorelli!

Love-U-ary Day 5

Sorrelli is a family-owned jewelry design company based out of Kutztown, Pennsylvania. The Sorrelli team has been designing hand-made, exquisite fashion jewelry with Swarovski crystal and semi-precious stones since 1983. www.sorrelli.com

These statement gems, have an old world, antique, inspiration that will surely set you apart from the typical "necklace" you find in a local shop. They are made in the highest quality and the company gives a lifetime jewelry guarantee to all their products!

x

m

Style Tip 6: New Trend: Man's Bowtie!

Hello Darlings! You heard it here first! Bow ties are the next hot thing! Believe it or not, bow chokers have been popular since the 18th century, and why not? Everyone cannot deny the charm of a good bow. It adds immediate feminity to boyish charm. I love to wear them with blazers, and a crisp white shirt. You can also wear them as chokers, with flowy dresses or blouses. The only thing to be careful are the accessories. A bow should not be over styled. Do not add too many accesories, or colors. This could make you come off looking like a clown. If a Bow tie is too much of a leap, try tying a cute little bow around your neck, it can be tight, or lose. I guarantee it will add immediate charm! Good luck. Xo maya

Styling Tip 4: How to Layer Necklaces

Hello darlings! One of the quickest ways to bring your "look" to the next level is by using statement jewelry. I often layer my jewelry and then have that inspire the rest of the outfit. Layering at first can be a bit tricky so I have some helpful tips to help you from looking like a Christmas tree. *Tip* The jewelry you layer should somehow make sense. If you have never layered jewelry, start out by matching same materials or colors. For example, all gold, or all beads, or all black...etc. *Tip* Lengths. Play with different lengths when layering.one choker, one long, etc. *Tip* If you use one bulky statement piece, the rest should accompany it. Think a little longer, and lighter. *Tip* Keep your outfit simple. When you make such a statement with your jewelry, keep your outfit and shoes neutral or one color. Let your Jewelry be the featured piece of Art. If you can't decide, just wear head to toe black and have some crazy statement jewelry. *Tip* Be Creative! Trust your eye. Think outside of what you know, and bring out your inner Fashionista! Xo Maya

7 styled looks for "My Boyfriends White Shirt"

To Shop any of these looks check out my look book at https://www.keatonrow.com/lookbook/521482cb55b34a000000af6f/cover

Style Tip 1: How to style a Simple White Tee

Hello darlings! We can all safely say we own a simple, white tee, right? If you don't I highly recommend you go get one. Not only is a white tee a wardrobe staple, but they are just as comfortable as PJ's. I have styled for you 3 looks that take a simple tee to a whole new level. 1) Simple Day Look.Sweet. Innocent. Fresh. I recommend taking you're white tee and tucking it into a flowy long skirt, and add a complimentary scarf. Remember everything should be comfortable, light and flowy. Finish off with a nice statement necklace, a beachy hat and you are perfectly styled. 2) Date Night. Sexy. Edgy. Trendy. Take your white tee and pair it with a leather jegging. Add a sparkly cardigan or romper and instant , "Rock Glam". Finish off the look with ethnic jewelry and you will be a show stopper! 30) Black tie. Elegant. Sophisticated. Quirky. Who knew you could wear a white tee to a black tie? Take your tee tuck it into a long formal skirt, and pair with a short cropped, jacket with a bow. Match the jacket with a sexy heal and go ultra glam with your jewlery. Pick statement jewelry that sparkle, and you will be receiving compliments all night. Good luck! Xo Maya