HOW TO MAKE YOUR FASHION STYLE REFLECT THE PERSON YOU ARE?

The process of dressing ourselves is the direct link between our mind, body, and heart. If all 3 parts work harmoniously, your fashion style will give an accurate portrayal of the person you are.

How do you strengthen your fashion mind, body, and heart?

Mind: 
The mind/brain is like the headquarters of processing practical matters of fashion. This is the area of educating yourself on fashion knowledge, etiquette, and basic common sense. Study designers, collections, trends, history, and fill up your fashion bank with information. Know the difference between, such things as black ties, verses cocktail, and most importantly use your common sense.

Body:
Positive body image and a solid understanding of your body type is a crucial aspect of fashion style. You must feel good about your body naked or else the process of dressing will always be a strategic act of hiding, manipulating, or deceiving. If you have gained some extra weight then lose it, but learn what your "healthy" weight is and STAY on it.
My healthy weight is the same as when I was in High School, and I fluctuate + or - 10 pounds. Staying on this one size allows you to understand your body shape. I can look at a pair of pants, or top and know quickly whether it will fit.

Heart:
The heart is by far the hardest part for most people. If you are not naturally instinctual, you may find it difficult to form your fashion style based on what you feel. It requires emotional freedom and the ability to express it without fear of judgement or rejection. Strengthening your heart, will require surrounding your life with whatever you love.

           You will find your identity in everything and anything your heart decides to love. 

xo,

Maya

Is Your Fashion Style Getting Boring? Lets Refresh!

Do you ever feel like your clothes lose its appeal after wearing it once? How do you keep it fresh and prevent your style from getting stale and predictable over and over again? 

The key lies in your brain. Think of your style as like a conversation with a friend. When you speak with your friend would you use the exact same words, to say the exact same ideas, over and over again? When your life starts to get repetitive, your mind gets stuck. In order to keep that wheel of life moving you have to keep on challenging yourself. 

Fashion is just like life, and it is easy to get stuck on a style that works. Whether it be a certain haircut, how you do your makeup, or a clothing preference. It is easy to get comfortable and fall into a routine.

Why take a risk when you find something that works? 

Change will create change. This does not mean to throw away who you are, or to forget all your previous fashion preferences. This simply means, try something new. It is the equilvalent of trying "Ethiopian" food, or some other exotic cuisine your palette has never touched. Yes, you may hate it, but then again you may love it. Either way, new experiences keep your mind fresh. 

How? 

 One of my favorite ways to shake up my style is trying clothing and accessories from different regions. Either you can travel and find  local markets, or you can even try finding ethnic jewelry in your own town.

Surprisingly, it does not cost much to make a difference. Change works like a domino effect, started by a singular idea.

 If it feels scary but you some how desire it, give it a try. As long as it is not permanent, what's the worst that could happen? 

Recently I cut off my hair. (If you follow my blog you would already know this, and if you follow me on instagram you may have even watched me do it. )

To summarize, my hair has been unbelievably long for most of my life, and cutting it off was terrifying for me to do. However, to my surprise, I quite like it. All my clothes look different on me, and my overall appearance is slightly different. You would be surprised how changing one thing, causes you to slightly change other aspects of your style. Shorter hair gives off a sportier, playful vibe, and this has me wearing my clothes in a different way. My style these days has become more minimalistic, cleaner lines, and less color.

If I debate with myself regarding my style now verses before, there would be no comparison. You see, all of it is still me, no better, no worse,  just changing.

I can feel myself evolving and growing, and there is something quite beautiful about that.  When you change something in your your style, you change something in your thoughts.You see things you might not ordinarily see, and challenge choices you may not ordinarily take. 

Whether you go extreme or try something light, keeping your style fresh means trying something new!

Good Luck!

xo,

Maya

Fall Style Inspiration: Golden Sunset

If the sunset were a season it would definitely be Fall. They both have dark undertones, while their overtones are vibrant, and glorious, giving off a warm glow that entices your soul. It is in these very qualities that I find myself gravitating to the warm colors of a falling sun, and the candle lit effect it creates. Coppers, brown, burnt yellow, orange, burgundy, are all colors that create heat in your eyes, soul, and life.

The complexity of Fall lies in its juxtaposed qualities of dark verses light. They do not fight or overshadow each other, but rather work in a magnificently blended harmony. It is as heartfelt and mesmerizing as life itself, and sends a glow of hope to everyone in the world. 

The earth is celebrating and  filled with magnificent displays of color. One would even say, the 'finale' of the season. Enjoy the color displays found in life, nature, and fashion, and don't let it pass you by. Be inspired and absorb these magnificent colors into your own fashion style. 

After all, with the blink of an eye, there will be no light. A darkness called, "Winter". ( of course minus the billions of twinkle lights)

xo,

Maya

Style Tip: How to Style Textures and Patterns!

Style Tip of the Day!

Mixing and matching textures and patterns is a style technique any fashion lover should know. It is a quirky fun way, to style your outfits in a fresh new way. Mix polka dots, with stripes, floral with checkers, it's all possible now, but just wait, there is one simple rule.

Fashion Vision?

The one rule you need to know is all about colors. For example, take one textured garment, and style around it. What colors do you see? In the above checkered skirt, the featured colors are yellow and black. Stick to that color palette when mixing other pieces. 

This does not mean you cannot wear garments with any colors other than black and yellow, but that each garment should mainly feature those two colors. Why?

The pop of those two colors, reinforced in other textures, and patterns, creates uniformity in your overall style! 

An example of Alice + Olivia Style, using this very technique. Notice the colors of the jacket can be spotted throughout the skirt, sweater, and bag. 

Good Luck.

xo,

Maya

The Puzzling Game of Style

How is it possible to have so many clothes and nothing to wear?

I have asked myself this question countless times, and with much thought I have found my answer.

The problem is not with the clothes "individually", but in their abilities to match with other pieces in my wardrobe. I would simply buy a beautiful blouse one day, and then a skirt another, and neither match each other,  nor anything else in my closet. It was as if I was collecting a wardrobe full of left shoes. Individually gorgeous but quite useless in combining a complete look.

This made me realize, my shopping approach had been totally wrong. 

A wardrobe is actually like a puzzle, and therefore, blindly buying whatever you like will never boost your closet style. 

Style is all about finding the missing pieces and linking them together. A wardrobe like a puzzle, should be strategic. 

For example, take a Fashion Week runway show. Back stage, the clothes are carefully organized on racks, with the entire individual outfit, completely pre-styled. From outfit, shoe, bag, accessories, and even make up.  High style is a "complete" outfit. If you look at the entire collection you will notice almost all the pieces are interchangeable. One jacket matches nearly all the pieces of the collection and a certain shoe is versatility matched  to every look as well. More matches, means more possibilities to be worn. 

This does not mean in anyway, that you should go buy a head to toe look each time you shop. However, it does mean to always keep in mind what you already own and what items will help "complete" a look. 

xo,

Maya

What's Closet Popularity?

Everyday we linger in front of our closet, and are faced with the same question, "What will you wear today?"

Whether it takes you 2 seconds or 2 hours, you scan over your collection of clothing and "usually"  there is a small collection  of clothing that become the most worn, "Popular Ones". 

Would you say these pieces are the best, or the most innovative in  your collection? No. Quite contrary, they are usually the lazy pieces that some how look good while letting you think as little as possible. 

My "Popular Style"

My most worn pieces or "Popular Style", consists of my favorite James Perse Tee, stretchy black 7 Jeans, Boyfriend Jean, beige sweater top, and my black James Perse Jersey Dress. 

Why are they the "chosen" ones? To be honest, they are simply the most comfortable, while still looking stylish. Little effort is needed to look rather acceptable, and surprisingly, I receive more compliments in my "I'm not trying attire". 

Early morning bed hair? Check. Minimal make-up with a splash of color on the lips? Check. 

Is this fashion at my best? Not really, I'm just being lazy. 

In many ways, popular is success at impressing without intimidating. It is a celebration of medicrity and doing what is relateable. Nothing too bold, too eccentric, or ever thinking too hard. 

The "Special Ones"

In society the "Special Ones", have adopted quite a negative impression as "oddballs, misfits, or losers." They are the people, who just don't fit in and very few can relate to. They are the artists. 

To be "special " in fashion is rather the same concept. You can easily be fashionable by falling trends but it is only in the risks of uniqueness, that one can become an artist of style. 

Now lets take those crazy purchases that leave us shaking our heads and wondering, "What was I thinking?", or those dusty pieces in our closet, with their price tags still dangling lonely in the back of our closet, and challenge ourself!

Sometimes a garment of clothing seems off not because it is a mistake, but because it is not styled correctly. I cannot tell you how many times I have had a piece of clothing that I never wore, not because I didn't like it, but because it felt incomplete or off. 

Then by a freak chance of innovation, I challenged myself to match my "odd ball" piece with a rather unexpected choice in my current wardrobe. The match was the perfect compliment and the entire look now made sense.

The key is to constantly challenge your sense of style, and take risks. Step outside the box of comfort and problem solve.  What may not work now, maybe the missing piece to another outfit. 

If you always wear what is easy, and follow the trends, there is no level of "challenge".

Dare to think. 

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

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