Kendall Jenner Follows Kim Kardashian's Slitty PR Tactics

Call it sibling rivalry, or sibling stupidity but Kendall Jenner was obviously inspired by Kim Kardashian's panty showing slit incident. It was only a couple of months ago, Kim Kardashian showed up to the Met Gala in a Lanvin dress with a sky high slit that exposed her panties. 

 The formula is simple, show your naked bits, and get a lot of press. However, if you are gonna copy, why not do it better? Kendall not only doubled the slit power but made it beyond clear to everyone she had ditched her panties on her recent red carpet at the VMMA's. 

                            PROOF SHE DID IT FOR PUBLICITY

If you compare Kendall's Slits to the 2014 Fausto Puglisi Campaign model, it is beyond obvious the slits were intentionally widened significantly to emphasize she was commando. The slits are already sky high, do you really need to widen them even more? Really? Obviously, a deliberate stunt to get more pictures taken and more people talking. 

Changes like these to a designers vision is exactly what is wrong with the mix of fashion and celebrities addicted to fame. If you look at the photo on the right it is obvious, Puglisi's vision was a twist of regal, and punk rock edge. The dress is meant to be worn looser as if a regal queen took some scissors and freed herself from restriction. The slits are risqué, but not vulgar.

 However, when the slits were doubled in width, and the proportions were tightened around her hips, the entire dress fell apart. Now the eye can only stare at the the naked bits and the beautiful flow of the A-line is lost. The look transformed from powerful woman, to slutty naked girl.

This is a classic example of people who sell themselves seeking a platform, even though they have absolutely nothing to say. 

                                   

MET GALA 2014: Fashion Hits and Misses!

Met Gala 2014 was filled with fashion hits and misses, but in general, there was a feeling of "restriction" and boredom.  Very few actually took any risks, and those who did, rarely got it right. The dress code of, "White tie plus accessories" was a far cry from last years theme, "Punk Chaos", and most celebrities seemed lost in what to do with such an orthodox theme. 

Karolina Kurkova, in Marchesa was the "Belle" of the Ball. A perfect example of how you should dress to the Oscar's of Fashion.

Like a statuesque work of Art,  Karolina was a blossoming bouquet of beauty, perfectly accessorized in diamonds, and a fresh chignon. 

                                   BLUSH PINK BEAUTIES

Blush Pink was a perfect choice for an evening celebrating a time of "innocence and feminity". There is something about this pink hue that is sensual in a classic way. It is provocative but controlled, making it a perfect choice for a "white tie" theme. 

 A woman needs to be neither weak nor submissive to look classic and elegant. 

                                       ZAC POSEN GIRLS 

Zac Posen Girls, were all stunning! Perfectly accessorized for a night of class, and glamour.

The actual aesthetic of Posen is rather similar to Charles James, making his ladies perfectly on theme. 

                                      ARTSY RISK TAKERS

There are always dozens of risk takers at an event celebrating fashion, but very few actually can balance the fine line between "interesting" and crazy. These ladies took a risk, but managed to create beauty out of something quite different. 

                             BLACK and WHITE DOMINATE

The abundance of black and white may make some jump to the conclusion that this is a TREND, but it is actually just a reaction on the "white tie" dress code. 

Most people now a days have no idea about social "etiquette" or an era of time, when customs and traditions were in "fashion".

 The idea of having to dress elegant, and classy, is obviously a challenge for young Hollywood, who have forgotten where true glamour originates. Elegance is not simply wearing classic black or white, it is an attitude, and grace from within. 

                                            POOR FIT

All three of these gowns are beautiful in their own right, however, the fit is all wrong. The cut of a dress must be perfectly customized to accentuate the female form. Katie Holmes Marchesa is gorgeous, but this is a classic case of the DRESS wearing the girl, rather than the GIRL is wearing the dress.  

                                        WORST DRESSED

Im not sure what happened here, but you have to appreciate these fashion flops that have you scratching  your head in utter bewilderment. 

Kendall Jenner Outshines Kim Kardashian at Met Gala!

Read About Kim Kardashian Cutting up DIOR here

Last night Kendall Jenner was both breath-taking and glamorous, in her custom, Top Shop gown. 

Ever since her Vogue debut this year, she is proving to the fashion world that she is always a step ahead of her famous older sister when it comes to fashion.  From her hair, down to her toes, she was styled to perfection. Perfectly, on theme with the "Charles James" Met exhibition, she looks like she could have come straight out of the pages of VOGUE. 

Either she is born with an incredible sense of style, or she is just extremely clever and listens to the right people. Which ever is the case, Kim Kardashian definitely could learn a thing or two from her younger sister. 

Kim Kardashian on the other hand, struggled with her Met Gala attire. She was spotted leaving Lanvin, with a side slit so high up, that her "unmentionables" were all on display. Double sided tape anyone?

To LANVIN's surprise, somehow between leaving their store and arriving at the Met, she edited her look. She opted out of her leather cuff bracelets and edgy matching belt, and switched up her shoes and belt for something a bit more "classic", however, it ended up altering the entire look in a boring way. The belt, cuffs, and shoes, all worked together harmoniously creating that signature LANVIN edge, and without it, the entire look landed rather flat.

Here is where I agree with her. She was definitely not dressed according to theme, and her look was a bit too rock & roll leaving LANVIN. However, changing it up on her car ride toward the event made the look neither elegant nor better. In fact it made the entire look undone, and rather amateur. 

Unfortunately, Kim has developed a bit of a habit of chopping up her Designer duds, or adding her own twist, but never does she quite hit the fashion mark. 

Read About "Kim Kardashian Cuts up DIOR" here

Luckyfabb Event: Who Wore What and How to Be Photo Ready.

 

      Karolina Kurkova       Coco Rocha       Maya Horikawa

          Nicole Richie       Sophia Amoruso     January Jones

          Ingrid Nilsen        Wendy Nguyen        Chriselle Lim

            Aimee Song             Eva Chen         Cassandra Grey

When choosing what you wear to an event, always have in mind a lot of photos will be taken. The most important thing is the "fit". Does it fit you well and enhance your figure? This is not the time to force yourself into a dress that is a bit too tight. Unless you have an amazing set of Spanx, the camera will pick up every bulge and wrinkle. 

Think color as well. If you are like me and have long black hair and plan on wearing it down then do not wear a black top or dress. You will be devoured in a sea of blackness. Know what colors enhance your skin tones,and pick accordingly. Every person has a different set of colors that work for them so never assume something you see in the magazines will work for you.

Know your assets. Showcase what you like, and detract from what you do not. For example if you love your legs but not your mid section, opt for an A-line high waisted halter dress with a slight slit. 

Lastly, keep your style true to yourself. True beauty comes from how comfortable you are in your own skin.

                                                 SHOES

Shoes have three Benefits:

1.) They add a pop of color or interesting elements to your outfit. 

2.) They detract from your focal point and allow your outfit to shine.

3.) They give you length and elongate your body lines.

Tip: I know it is "trendy" right now to mix and match everything, especially textures. However, you must always edit. Often times, less is more. Don't be afraid to be simple, elegant, and tasteful. Too much of a good idea can end up making you look like a mess. 

                                                  HAIR

The thing I always notice at fashion events is, the sleekness and beauty of putting your hair up. It doesn't really matter whether it is loose, tight, a french twist, etc. The key is to have it off your face and expose your gorgeous cheek bones and neck. 

The other reason I suggest putting it up is because the majority of women will have their hair down, and usually curled. This is all psychological. We feel sexier, and more beautiful with our hair down, but the reality is, you end up blending into the crowd of a billion sexy women. 

Remember, you are at a "Fashion" event and being 'sexually' attractive is rather useless. There is a reason most women on the runway have their hair pulled back with very natural looking make up. Its really about the clothes and the styling art form.

                                            What I Wore

My look was a type of, "Cinderella meets Westwood". The shoes are by Badgley Mischka and the the bag is by Valentino. The rather large pearl on the clasp of the bag is something I purchased in an antique market in Belgium. I added it to the bag, as I do love me some pearls, and having a bit of vintage always inspires me. The dress is a bluish grey, two piece Vivienne Westwood. I bought it many years ago in New York, and it has become a bit of a "lucky" dress. The SLS hotel actually lost this dress, so you can imagine my panic and anger when that happened. After a lot of 'elegant' yelling, they found it. FYI even if you stay at a 5 star hotel, never trust hotel employees with valuables. 

In my purse, I carried all my business essentials. 

You can read about what I carry to fashion events and my networking tips here:

http://mayahorikawa.blogspot.com/2014/04/essentials-and-tips-for-networking.html

Read about my stay at the SLS Beverly Hills Hotel here:

http://mayahorikawa.blogspot.com/2014/04/lucky-fabb-traveling-like-rockstar.html

On the second day of the event I was invited to a networking brunch at the SLS Beverly Hills Hotel.  This is me and Mallory Hunter, she is brand ambassador of Acquacai Water.

I chose to wear a blush pink/ nude skirt and top by Italian designer Laura Biagiotti. It is hard to see but it is a mixture of denim and chiffon. The blazer is by H&M and surprisingly a perfect match. For jewelry I am wearing a charm bracelet from Harrods London, and earrings by Lalique. 

x

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

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. 

How to Get the Make-Up look of Dolce & Gabbana Spring!

“THE PURE AND DELICATE IMAGES OF BLOSSOMING ALMOND TREES, PRINTED AND HAND-PAINTED ON OUR CLOTHES, WERE THE CREATIVE INFLUENCE BEHIND THE MAKEUP AS WELL. THIS IS HOW WE SEE THE DOLCE&GABBANA WOMAN: NATURAL, HER FACE GENTLY GLOWING IN THE MILD SPRING SUNSHINE, HER LIPS BROUGHT TO THE FORE IN CORAL PINK OR RED.”

DOMENICO DOLCE AND STEFANO GABBANA

The FACE of D&G this Spring is very natural, full of shine and a sense of a feminine glow. I have collected the exact products used for their Spring 2014 runway show, and hope this will inspire you to try it out. 

Good Luck!

x

m

EYES: Sticking to neutrals with touches of glimmer and soft pinks and purples, this Spring Make-up look is fresh, natural, and vibrant.

               Eyeshadow Quad Desert 123

                     Eyeshadow Quad: Golds 123

LIPS: Sweet "berry" toned lips that give just a touch of color to a fresh face. 

                       Classic cream: Bellissima 515

               

                          Classic Cream: Traviata

NAILS:

                                      Pure Nude 215

Gorgeous Denim in Balmain Spring 2014!

Who knew Denim Could be so Glamorous?

Balmain has mastered the art of Denim. Spring and Resort 2014 features amazing pieces that feature denim in a fun, flirty, and ultra glamorous way. Balmain achieves unexpected glamour with gold accent pieces that are chained or embroidered into delicate flowers. The collection also masterfully intertwines rhinestone and lace, with denim to create a fresh new look that balances the hard, with the ultra soft.

This new idea of combining denim with chains, lace, or rhinestones, should inspire those when they reach into their closets this Spring. Take out those old denim pieces that you never imagined as high fashion, and style them with a lace top, gold chain, or belt. Match with a high heeled boot that is ultra glamorous! 

Have fun styling pieces you never thought would go together!

xo

m