How To Shop Like a Fashion Pro

Summer is here and it's time to revamp that wardrobe. However, before you go mindlessly shopping for something you might regret, why not shop this season like a fashion pro? 

                                DON'T BREAK THE BANK

BUDGET. The first thing you need to do is have some kind of budget. It doesn't matter whether you are a millionaire or a student, having a budget organizes your mind. Knowing clearly where you stand financially before  you shop, will avoid impulse shopping, and purchases you may later regret.  

                                  WARDROBE CHECK

Right before you go shopping, do a quick wardrobe refresh. This means, do a visual check of what you own and refresh your memory. This will prevent you from buying items that you naturally gravitate to. You can't imagine how common it is for people to collect pieces that look exactly the same, over and over again. Try to figure out what items would enhance the pieces you already own, and what fashion pieces would most benefit your collection. Keep a mental note of these items, and shop with the intention to find them.

                                          BODY SIZE

This is never fun, but trust me, it's better to figure out your size at home than in a dressing room with awful lighting. The key is to try your most form fitting outfit, and get an idea of whether you have gained weight or lost it. From here you can decide whether to postpone shopping till you are back to your normal weight or to go anyway but step up or down a size. Pre sizing yourself will prevent those depressing, "nothing fits me" moments. 

                       SCAN THE PLAYGROUND

The first thing you should do when you enter a store is to scan the entire store. Literally stand in a good spot and visually summarizes the whole shop. If you like nothing, and the vibe feels wrong, then don't waste your time. Some stores, organize sections by type or style and scanning will allow you to directly go to the spot that fits you. 

                                              SALES!

SALES are the first place I always go. After all, this is where you can find the best deals, and get so much more for your money. However, be careful! Sometimes shops use the word "sale" to make you impulse buy. If you really don't need it, then don't buy it. I especially am careful on gimmics like "buy 1 get 1 1/2 off" this is just a fancy way of saying 25% off. Stores always do math tricks like this, to make you believe it is a bigger deal than it really is. Clearance racks are usually the best place to find great deals, but usually not in the best shape. If you are not good at fixing up clothes or love to sew and craft like me, then perhaps pass on a fixer upper.

                          IMPULSE SHOPPING BEWARE

I don't know what happens to our brains when we shop, but you cannot imagine the weird stuff I have come home with. For some reason at the store it seems so amazing. Then as you return home and your brain re-enters your body you awaken to a ridiculous purchase you cannot believe you made. The only way to prevent crazy purchases is to have a strong grip on what you need and what you are looking for.

 Don't let the glamour of shopping centers pull you into the abyss of clothing you don't need and will never wear. 

Have fun.

x

Nicole Richie Style Evolution

Recently at Luckyfabb, I was able to meet style icon, and famed fashion designer, Nicole Richie. She sat down with us for an intimate discussion about life, fashion, farming and her purple hair. 

If I were to describe her in one word, it would be "Organic". Her presence is beautiful in the sense that she is real, unfiltered, and genuine. When asked why the purple hair, she simply stated, "My daughter asked me to."

When she speaks of her daughter there is a gentle smile, and twinkling light in her eyes. It is beautifully obvious the evolution she has made as a woman.

She started out as a simple girl on the, "Simple Life". We all remember her as Paris Hilton's bff that dressed and talked just like her. From the fake tan to the bleached blonde hair, and barbie pink dresses, they were identical. Like many girls at that age, she was still discovering herself. Copying friends and trends that were cool at the moment, but somehow making her the shadow of others and easily forgettable. 

As she matured and changed, she strayed from the platinum blonde locks and "Barbie" look. She started to take risks and finding her way to a style that was completely her. She started getting noticed for her quirky original style, and vintage inspired looks. She was no longer in the shadow, and everyone noticed her. 

Soon her iconic fashion style, grew into more than just who or what she was wearing. Her boho taste, mixed with vintage pieces was something new, and now she had the chance to be a designer. "House of Harlow", a relaxed boho styled brand with vintage pieces and jewelry meant to be stacked, instantly gained international success. 

Her fashion choices are always fresh and new. Consistently, edgy and quirky, but always perfectly Nicole.

Now as a mother, and fashion designer, she is beaming with beauty. She speaks of her love of her new home with a beautiful garden filled with organic fruits and veggies. She excitedly, speaks of her purchase of live chickens, and adding them to her little farm. 

There is nothing more beautiful than a woman who finds themselves and has the confidence to show the world who they are. No make-up, no filters, just you. 

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

Lucky Fabb: Living like a Rockstar?

As I have written in my previous post, this past weekend I stayed in the SLS Beverly Hills Hotel for a 2 day beauty and fashion conference held by Lucky magazine. The hotel is owned by Sam Nazarian, and it is frequently used by celebrities for press events and parties. 

Having been a hotel that was not chosen by me, I was not use to the crazy decor. As I entered the lobby, I was shocked by the pitch black decor, and red hall ways. The counters were black, the seats were black and the elevators were lit with a red hue. It felt a bit like I entered the screaming halls of the underworld and the gates of Hell.This hotel is very Rock and Roll and no surprise that it hosts parties by Playboy, Rock musicians, and celebrity press events. However, for a girl who loves French Shabby Chic, soothing water fountains, gardens, and a calming oasis, this hotel was not a favorite. 

When I entered my room I was pleasantly surprised to see a small gift waiting on my bed from the Luckyfabb team, and a welcoming card. I also received a card from the hotel, with a special complimentary plate of fruits and water. A very nice touch.

I cannot begin to tell you how many surprises this hotel gave me. I was dying for a nice warm bath after a long day of running around in my Badgley Mischka heels, and I couldn't understand where the faucet to the bath tub was. I thought, this is so strange, how do I fill up this bath? As I walk into the tub, and play with the knobs on the shower wall, I am surprised by spouting water coming straight from the ceiling!?

These are my Badgley Mischka's I wore on the first day, accompanied by my Valentino Handbag. I wore a Vivienne Westwood Sun dress, which the hotel is yet to return. *It's a long story, and I am not happy about it.

Also to add to the randomness there was a little mirrored wall with little trinkets. This one was of a dice, with all sides numbered 6 only adding to the confirmation this hotel is run by devils. There was also a complimentary kaleidoscope, clear bag of beads, and piece of chocolate. What?

Never failing to make my eyes twitch and wonder who decorated this hotel, the gummy bear looking family stuffed in a glass container, was genius.

Hello, monkey man. He fits perfectly at this bizarre hotel. 

Stay tuned for more pictures from this event. More articles to come!

x

Maya

Luckyfabb: Essentials and Tips for Networking As a Fashion Blogger

In the era of the internet, "social media" reigns supreme, and networking is an essential tool for any business. 

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, connects the world like one gigantic spiderweb making it possible for virtually anyone to gain quite a bit of power. However, the good old fashion way of, face to face networking, is still necessary and in my opinion equally effective. 

Just a couple of days ago, I returned from a fashion and beauty conference, Luckyfabb, at Beverly Hills SLS Hotel. I was invited to take part in a 2 day conference that featured collaborations with bloggers, brands,and sponsors. Super models, Coco Rocha, Karolina Kurkova, actress January Jones, and Nicole Richie were some celebrities that took part in this event. (Look forward to articles all week based on Luckyfabb)

The following are my "Networking Essentials" and my Tips on how to use them. 

(see above photo for corresponding numbers)

1. Notebook-with my logo on the cover.

- This notebook, is filled with my inspirations, for my site. The logo placed on the cover, corresponds to my website, and business cards. Visually, this makes it easier for people to recognize your website and connect it back to you. Think of it as a memory game. This is why brands always  stick to one logo and package and advertise their products without altering it.

-Know what you represent. You have about 5 seconds to network. If you don't know what you represent, you may have the best chat of your life but as far as your blog content, it will not be remembered.

-Don't forget you are a journalist. Jot down notes and plan future articles. Approach events with an inquisitive mind and you will be surprised at the amazing stories that exist around you.

*Whatever you do, do not simply stand there looking pretty with your head turned off, sipping cocktails.

2. I-Pad 

- Whether it be a smart phone or or I-pad, you will need one of these electronic devices or you will miss out. A huge fashion event such as this one, is backed by incredible sponsors, and brands. All throughout the day we had branding experiences where we were asked by companies to show case fashion styling with their products via social media outlets. 

I was asked by Caravelle to style a look around my choice of their watches and to share it on instagram. # Caravelle #luckyfabb

Notice, the circular gold frames mimics the watch, and gold head wrap give it a elegant look perfect for a cruise!

3. Business Cards- 

As everyone will tell you, it doesn't matter what profession you are, if you need to network you need business cards. There really isn't much time to try to find a piece of paper and jot down your information. Not to mention it looks incredibly unprofessional. Have all your social media accounts clearly on the card making it easy to connect on all platforms. 

Keep your cards somewhere with easy access. Do not stick it in a huge bag,that takes ages to find. Every second is critical and the quicker you get it out the longer you have to get to know the other person.

4. Business card Holder-

Whether it be a bag or container, having a place to put all the business cards you receive, will prevent you from misplacing them. Events like these are crowded, and chaotic, and sometimes I received 5-6 cards at the same time. Putting them in one pocket here and one there, can cause panic and chaos later on. 

5. Pen-

Bring a good pen, and several back ups. Asking someone to borrow one, makes you look unprofessional  and unprepared.

6. Dark Sunglasses-

Everything looks more fashionable with dark sunglasses, just look to Karl Lagerfeld or Anne Wintour, who constantly wear dark frames no mater how dark the rooms are.

Ok. Im not serious about wearing dark frames everywhere I go, this would after all make you quite unapproachable. However, just because an event is held inside, it does not mean you won't have lunch, or a chat outside. Squinting and looking un-comfortable is not a good look. 

7. Name Tag and Pass-

With most fashion events, you will receive a pass and name tag that you are "suppose" to wear. However, nothing ruins a look quite like these tacky plastic tags that make you look like "staff". Are you working here or were you invited? 

Don't worry about pinning the name tag across your chest. It is more personable to shake hands, look eye to eye and introduce yourself with a smile and your business card.

8. Camera-

Take photos when you are inspired. Also keep in mind your future articles relating to this event, and take corresponding photos to add to your blog. Always think ahead. 

9. Itinerary-

Most Beauty Conferences will hand you a folder with an itinerary. Don't lose it. It will keep you organized and plan your thoughts. You can lose a lot of time looking for a specific branding room or forget to attend an important event. Events like these are chaotic, and everything rushes by so fast. Anything that keeps you even a tiny bit organized should be kept close by. 

I will be blogging all week about my experiences at Luckyfabb, including up close and personal conversations with Coco Rocha and Nicole Richie, and other tips and perks of the business. 

Blogmas!

Dear Readers! The past couple of months have been a crazy ride for me. I would like to thank all of my followers, clients, readers who have been reading any of my articles or viewing my Lookbooks Keaton Row, Lucky Magazine Community, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Google + or wherever else you may be reading this. Joining in on the Christmas celebration and countdown to the most exciting month of the year, I will be attempting my very first Blogmas! I will be blogging everyday till christmas including DIY's, gift ideas, fashion lookbooks, and possibly some holiday OOTD! I hope you guys will join me on a very festive countdown to CHRISTMAS! xx - Maya