SUMMER FASHION LOOKBOOK (2016): "Fly Away With Me"

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We all have hope that one day we will find the "one" and fly away together. Join me as I explore 3 Summer looks inspired by love, dreams, and hope.
All looks are light, whimsical and airy, creating an uplifting sense of style. Let your clothes catch the air, and your heart set free.

xo,
Maya

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WHAT IS SELF EXPRESSION?

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"SELF EXPRESSION- the expression of your thoughts or feelings especially through artistic activities, ( such as painting, writing, dancing, etc. )

                                                       -Merriam Webster Dictionary

In order to express yourself through fashion, one must understand what it is to do so. Interestingly enough, when I looked up this word in various locations, fashion, was never written as a possible artistic activity that would lead to expressing one's self. Why is that?

The truth is, the act of self expression is an extremely vulnerable place, and very few actually practice it in fashion or life. Yes, many people boast at how original they are and how they self express through fashion, but in actuality, they look and behave exactly like everyone else.

The mindset of fashion in our society is largely a surface issue. Does it make your figure look nice? Does it look expensive? Does it make you look successful? etc.

Fashion should not be used as a form of "armor", nor should it be used to create confidence and self worth. Any sense of power or strength, created by what you wear, is not power that belongs to you. It is an illusion that creates an unhealthy relationship with fashion that is highly profitable. You need clothes to feel like the person you want to be, and now the co-dependent relationship of "buying" self worth is born.

The process of true power and self confidence, is a journey of self expression. No one is just born knowing who they are, or what they like. It takes daily practice within yourself, and a constant battle of self discovery. What do you like, feel, want?

There is such a constant blur of white noise in our lives, that it is difficult to hear ourselves think. Dig deep within yourself and invite that tiny little inner voice to come to the surface. Yes, you can fool the world into thinking you are someone else, but you can never fool yourself.

Originality, is the celebration of discovering bits and pieces of the priceless qualities within you.

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                                                                           xo,
                                                                         Maya

Talk Fashion Featured Artist: Mally Lou

Mally Lou, is a singer/ songwriter, and this months featured artist on Talk Fashion. She is an artist that defines beauty, talent, and style; undoubtedly, ready to burst into the music scene. Her voice is rare and sultry sweet, making her love songs ring true to many hearts.

Check out her new original song, "Say Something" , produced by Stefan James. Now on sound cloud, go check it out and support this amazing girl!

https://soundcloud.com/mallylou/saysomething

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

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

Locks of Love: (Update)

 

How to Donate Your Hair to Locks of Love

My Story: Cutting My Hair for Locks of Love

Back in August, I wrote about my experience with Locks of Love and donating my hair. 

Today, it came full circle, when I received a beautiful postcard notifying me that my hair 

would now be made into a child's hairpiece. It is honestly, surreal to think something like 

my hair, could make a difference in someone's life. 

Part of me selfishly wishes I could see the final outcome, but the mystery of not knowing 

where and who my hair will end up with adds a touch of "magic" to the entire experience. 

My entire experience with Locks of Love, from beginning to end, has been fulfilling, meaningful,

and beautiful. I would personally recommend the experience to anyone.

You truly receive more in the gesture of giving than receiving. 

Although, it may seem like such a tiny gesture to cut your hair and to donate it, it is in the smallest

gestures of love, that bigger changes are made.

xo,

Maya

Body Shaming vs. Body Love!

Body Shaming is an epidemic that is currently taking center stage, and although it has good intentions of improving our society, I feel the subject is being largely exploited. 

Lets start by simplifying the idea. The only problem with "body shaming" is the act of SHAMING. Shaming is a result of ignorance that comes from our competitive nature of wanting to "win". No one should shame anyone on any issues whether they be positive or negative. Whenever society starts pointing fingers on anyone, they are starting their own little war of "shaming". Why not stop pointing and start improving!

What we should be doing is campaigning on the issue of "Body Love". Yes, we come in all shapes and sizes, and no one can know the status of ones' health simply by looking, but somehow the issues of healthy choices are getting lost.  The truth is, embracing your body, and loving it is a complex question. How do you love your body without knowing it?  Love is not a sugar coated pass to happiness and spoiling your self. Love is a life responsibility. Accepting your shape means knowing what your "healthy" really feels like. 

Privately, I have struggled with my weight for most of my life, and being fairly thin, such a comment is never taken seriously. I have made my fair share of mistakes with crash diets, overeating, and body hate. However, the only moment I felt content with my body, was when I took the focus away from my measurements, and focused on my own actions. 

Obsessing on physical form, will leave you feeling helpless, while making better choices empowers you. If you eat mindfully, exercise, and control your irrational cravings, you will look good, feel good, and want more from your life. There really is no need to defend, obsess, compare, or deny any body shape, because the body is ever changing. Every choice you are making right now, is  shaping, and reshaping your body for the future.  

In other words, what you do now, is far more important than what you are now. 

Take care of your body first, and the rest will fall into place.

xo,

Maya

What is Beautiful and Why it Matters

 Today is one of those no make-up late nights where I can't sleep, and I am looking at you, looking at me, wondering one thing. 

Do you ever wonder about what "beauty" really is? Now a days, people seem to have a rather shallow interpretation of beauty and the meaning of it is getting lost in the abyss of sexual appeal.

The confusion lies between the blurred lines of attraction. Beauty is a higher form of attraction and magnetism. It is a sensation that inspires, mesmerizes, and takes our breath away. It is untouchable and yet connects our senses to nature, ourselves, and people. It can reference music, art, nature, love, people and the soul. Moonlight reflected on a lake is beautiful. Freshly fallen snow is beautiful. Eyes that smile are beautiful. 

Sexual appeal is also a form of attraction, but this is based on our physical urges stemming from reproduction. It is primitive, animalistic, and simplistic. This is the form of beauty most people relate to. Humans want to be liked, and by nature, want to be desired. Beauty in society  is often misinterpreted by this sexual power, and fall into the trap of body obsession.  Enhancing the breasts, lips, or posterior is a result of that and an example of a rather twisted interpretation on beauty. 

Transforming into caricatures verses embracing our natural beauty, is a rather terrifying epidemic of misplaced desires. 

xo,

Maya

How to Donate Your Hair to Locks of Love

If donating your hair to Locks of Love,  is something you are considering, here are a few basic tips and steps that I learned during my process of donation. 

Hair Guidelines:

*Hair that is bleached, or highlighted is not usable. (color treated or permed is acceptable)

*Hair that is loose and untied or without a braid, are not usable.

*Dreadlocks are not usable.

*Layered hair is acceptable if the longest layer is 10 inches.

*Curly hair may be pulled straight to measure 10 inches.

*10 inches measured tip to tip is the minimum length needed for a hairpiece.

*Colored hair is not usable if it is colored over bleached hair.

-When cutting your hair, always secure a pony or braid with a hair tie. (Tip: do not use a plastic tie because it may break. Hair that is scattered and loose can not be used)

-Next, measure your length with a ruler and keep in mind 10 inches is the required length. 

-After your hair has been cut place the hair in a plastic ziplock bag.

1.) Download your Donation Form and fill it out. 

2.) Package your hair, and Donation Form, in and envelope with the correct amount of postage. (Locks of Love notes that many packages have been returned due to lack of postage.)

3.) Send your package to:

Locks of Love

234 Southern Blvd.

West Palm Beach, Fl 33405-2701

Voila! Your hair will soon be transformed into a beautiful custom hair piece that is sure to bring a smile and a bit of sunshine, to a child's life. 

My Story: Cutting My Hair for Locks of Love

xo,

Maya

Would You Sell Your Soul for Fashion?

If the Devil wears Prada, and women worldwide are losing their minds over shoes, bags, dresses, etc., who's to say how far one is willing to go for fashion? 

Is it possible one would sell their soul for a pair of Louboutins?

Sadly, this fact is true for many, and the epidemic is growing. With the recent rise of "sugarbabies", it is undeniable how far women are willing to go in order to have a certain bag or a collection of luxury shoes. Is this what fashion is all about? Sell your self, to buy pretty things? 

I think not. Fashion you obtain by selling yourself is not fashion at all. Why? Fashion is the pursuit of self discovery through the decisions you make in dressing yourself. It should promote the existence of one's soul rather than the deterioration of it. It is in every way, an art form, and therefore, an EQUAL opportunity for everyone to obtain. Even, a penniless homeless person can be fashion. Countless, runways have been inspired by the hobo look, including Gaultier's collection in '94. Avante garde designers constantly create couture piece from pop cans, garbage bags and newspaper, proving fashion has no price. 

Selling yourself to obtain fashion, is a myth created by the billion dollar fashion industry. They want you to mindlessly buy. They want you to believe, fashion is all about what you wear and how much you pay for it. They want this,  because they need your money. 

The truth is, fashion is NOT based on how much you spend, but how much creativity it pulls out of you. 

Some of my favorite pieces in my closet are worth no more than $5. True treasure pieces, found in Vintage shops, and 2nd hand stores, costing nearly nothing, but representing everything about me. My    "it" moment is when I find a piece and I can say, "If I were a fashion item this is what I'd be" .

Our society, of living to buy, and buying to live, needs to change. There is a core misunderstanding of the purpose of things, and how and why you obtain them. I am not saying Haute Couture, is not a magnificent work of art. I am simply reminding you, that there is no art quite as beneficial to oneself, as the one you create for yourself. 

If you can't afford Chanel, let it INSPIRE you, not DESTROY you.

xo,

Maya

Blogmas Day 5: Sentimental Rings Celebrating Holiday Spirit

Holiday time for me, is marked by memories of loved ones. It is a time for reflecting on past memories of all the people I love and have loved. What better way to celebrate that spirit, than by jewelry? 

These two rings, come from my past. One is a gift from my grandfather and the other is passed down from my grandmother. I wear them together during the holidays, and it is my way to connect to my roots.

GRANDMOTHER's RING

This Ruby ring belonged to my grandmother, and she passed it down to my mom. I have grown up admiring this ring, and begging my mother to give it to me. Last year, she finally felt it was time, and past it down one more generation, to me. 

GRANDFATHER's GIFT 

I received this ring from my grandfather as a gift. It was one of the last gifts he gave me before he  died and it is my little lucky charm. 

Grandmother's ring plus Grandfather's gift (ring), equals style with a lot of love!

 The mixing of metals, is also rather modern, while the antique textures, add a vintage feel. The entire look, is unique and personal.

xo,

Maya

Street Style: India

Read About Fashion Culture of India

Street Style in India is bursting with color! Flowing in light cotton materials, there is something effortless and invigorating about their fashion choices. 

Here you can see Western Influence meeting traditional Indian elements. This girl has matched up her vibrant sarong, with a modern day blazer. 

There is a dynamic quality in the way Indian Fashion always showcase color and textures.

Bold Textiles and textures are also favorites in Indian Style.

Street Style in India is always full of life, and color. To understand why they love color so much you need to understand a bit of their culture. India is a highly spiritual society, and color has a deeper meaning than simple trends or style. 

For example, black is considered evil while white is meant for death, and Red is worn at weddings. These beliefs highly effect the "fashion of India" and create a society thriving on Colors. 

In Love with France Luxe!

For those of you who may not know me I have a bit of a hair obsession. My collection of hair accessories completely out weigh my jewelry, belt, or watch collection combined. 

You can only imagine when France Luxe gifted me with these gorgeous hair accessories, how excited I was. 

Very rarely do I fall in love with a brand but France Luxe I Love! 5 stars.  Stylish, Gorgeous, Elegant, and high Quality! 

See how I style my business side verses my romantic side using their fantastic Hair accessories!

 www.franceluxe.com

x

Maya

http://www.franceluxe.com/pc/LI4298/lerickson_ponies/index.html

The BUSINESS WOMAN

As a business woman, I tend to wear a lot of black, and accent them with hints of gold or metallic accessories. When you go to business meetings you want to look and feel professional, powerful, and confident. However, as a woman you also want to feel stylish and fashionable. How do you achieve the best of both worlds? It's rather easy, it's all in the accessories. Pick accessories that are not too flashy,  or make too much noise. Clanking around can get rather annoying , not to mention distracting for you and others around you. 

Personally for me, my go to business ensemble is my Marc Jacobs Necklace, La Mer Watch, Adrienne Vittadini sunglasses, and L. Erickson Pony cuff. (All seen in above photo)

In my hair is a L. Erickson Atelier Enamel Cuff Pony which was recently gifted to me by France Luxe. Made of vibrantly colored enamel and a gold frame cuff, the ponytail holder opens to wrap around the base of your pony and covers it completely. 

Recently, it was even spotted in an issue of Harper's Bazar.

http://www.franceluxe.com/pc/2075/sale/index.html

The Romantic

Inside of all women exists a bit of whimsy, and romance. 

As for me, I love my rose garden, especially now that it is spring time.

Let your hair into a soft braid, a light dress or top, soft make up and beautiful accessories. For me, I have chosen this magical butterfly pair clip accented by Swarovski crystals, sent to me by France Luxe.

Such a look transports me to a different time. A slower time, where life was measured by the sounds of the wind and the movements of the sun. 

France Luxe Small Double Butterfly Barrette with Crystals was handcrafted in France. Featuring a duet of delicate butterflies with elegant, crystal-encrusted wings.  MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.

RED Valentino Spring 2014

                                          

RED VALENTINO Spring 2014 is sweet  innocent, playful, and feminine. For those of you who may not know, RED Valentino is a label created within the Valentino house to celebrate whimsical, quirky style. Like the adorable little sister of Valentino Couture, it is always elegant and feminine. However, this label has a "cuteness" that skips with freshness and youth. 

The "Ballerina" inspiration is again celebrated in this collection as it was also seen in the Couture Show. Floral textiles are found throughout, and soft pastels are the color palette for this adorable season.

For those of you who want to capture the essence of this collection but cannot afford it. Try finding, ballet flats with bows, a floral skirt, and a bouncy chiffon mini skirt.

x

m

Hermes Scarf Style!