HOW DOES SOCIAL MEDIA MANIPULATE YOUR FASHION STYLE AND MAKE YOU BUY?

Swipe, swipe, swipe!

Do you ever think about how the images you see effect your brain? The scary thing is, social media is like a double sided coin. In one sense it can empower you, and in another it can manipulate and dominate your mind and opinions. 

You may think your thoughts are your own, but in reality, many of your thoughts have been placed there. 

Just take fashion trends as the biggest proof of product placement, and mind manipulation. Brands will contact popular bloggers, or people with large social media followers and give them free products and paid advertorials to jumpstart a "popular new trend". 

Instantaneously, the product appears repeatedly in your feed, planting mental seeds in millions of brains.

The key to having original fashion style is to be aware of how social media works. Ask yourself why you like a certain fashion item? How original are you? Why do you want it?

 If the main reason you want something is because you saw it all over Instagram, then give a silent applause to the brand advertisers who have successfully sold their products to you. 

Happy Holiday Shopping!

xo,

Maya

The Future of Fashion is in Your Hands

Believe it or not, fashion is an ever changing platform, that is controlled by you. Whether you are a consumer, writer/blogger, fashion designer or fashion lover, you hold all the power at defining the future of fashion.

Just take blogging as a prime example of the latest change in the fashion world. You no longer need, fame, money or power, to have your voice heard. This new form of journalism has added an organic rawness and outlet of self expression. It is time to regain the power that we unknowingly have, and use it to create a new future for fashion.

Unfortunately, the worst part of fashion is its dependence on the "business" side of making money. Fashion Designers, Stylists, Writers, etc. are all somehow influenced by the "sponsors/producers", who want to sell and make money. Artistry is constantly jeopardized over the need to appeal to numbers. Remember the highly controversial "KIMYE Cover on Vogue"? A prime example of the influence to "sell" verses fashion. 

The formula is simple. Neuroticism, (insecurities, jealousy, etc.) generates materialism, which creates interest,  and drives you to buy. 

Brands/Sponsors will contact anyone with an audience that will appeal to their product. When you see bloggers liking or recommending certain items, always keep in mind, they could be sponsored. Legally every blogger must note when they are sponsored, but the truth is, many do not. There is advertorial manipulation everywhere you go, and understanding it, is the first step to changing it. 

Like everything in life, as you work hard and start to see progress, your core values will always come into question. Being driven by profit margins, and increased revenue, diminishes the elements of imagination. If we ever hope for a fashion industry inspired by talent, creativity, and innovations, the change needs to begin with those who create it. The initial intention should always come from you, and what you want should be bigger than the desire for success or money. 

Loyalty to yourself and your  beliefs should always remain at the top of your list. It is inevitable that relationships between brands/sponsors go hand and hand in the world of fashion. After all, fashion needs clothes, and it has to come from somewhere. The importance is promoting those you truly believe in and celebrate the companies that "deserve" to be recognized. Speak the truth and fight the tendencies of supporting something you really do not believe in. 

There are brands out there, who support core values, and remain true to their artistic visions, and these are the products and people that should be recognized. It should not be a battle of who knows who, and fake shout outs.  You have the power to go against this flow of material gain, and make a real contribution to the world and yourself.  Let fashion be about quality, artistry, and value at the highest form, rather than a world dominated by mediocre products representing nothing. 

My July Fourth Style!

   

    

Happy July 4th! 

As I get ready to head over to the beach and enjoy some great food and fireworks, let me quickly describe my style. 

Inspiration: My style is always inspired by something. When I think about July 4th I should think about the "historical" aspect, however, if I am honest it is basically, "Happy Fireworks Day". Therefore, my dress and shoes are completely chosen with the sparkle, color and lines of fireworks. 

Bag: Since I live walking distance to the beach I really do not need much, but today I opted for my Vintage CHANEL, just enough to carry my camera, snacks, and some money. 

Accessories: My beach necessities are always a hat, scarf and some sunnies. I have to admit, I don't like to get sunburned so I am almost always lightly covered up. 

Brainy Facts: Since it is a National Holiday with historical meaning, I always find it part of my style to always know "why" and what the holiday is all about. 

Here are some July 4th Facts You should know:

-July 4, 1776, is the day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation from Great Britain.

- July 4, 1776 wasn't actually the day Continental Congress decided to declare independence (they did that on July 2, 1776).

-July 4th is also not the day we started the American Revolution either (that had happened back in April 1775).

-It was also not the day Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence (that was in June 1776). Or the date on which the Declaration was delivered to Great Britain (that didn't happen until November 1776). Or the date it was signed (that was August 2, 1776).

What is my point? Simply, July 4th is "figuratively" the Birthday of USA. It represents "freedom" but lets be honest its more about barbecuing and watching fireworks.

             "I believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival," he wrote his wife, Abigail. "It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..."

                          -John Adams 2nd US President

Enjoy!

x

Maya

5 Facts Every Fashion Girl Should Know

Being a fashion girl is not as easy as you may think. Now a days, with the increase of fashion bloggers, youtube "gurus" and social media phenomenas, it seems pretty much like anyone can call themselves a fashion expert as long as they have followers. However, does popularity or a trendy style really make you an expert?

The fact is, you will fool no one in the fashion biz without actually knowing some basic facts about the industry. Gaining respect from people who are in the industry means you need to do your "fashion homework". 

Here are my top 5 "Must Know" FACTS.

                                   1.)   EDITOR IN CHIEF

1. Magazines and their Editor in Chief

Start off easy, and pick your favorite fashion magazine and know who is the Editor in Chief. Over time you should build up your knowledge and be aware of others. Study their taste and how it reflects in the magazine. 

My two favorites would be Anne Wintour for VOGUE and Robert Myers for Elle. 

                                         2.) DESIGNERS 

2.) Fashion Designers

It is almost a given you will be asked who are your favorite designers. Always have at least two on the top of your head and be able to answer why. 

My top 2 are Gerorgina Chapman & Keren Craig for MARCHESA and VIVIENNE WESTWOOD. 

As you can see both designers are quite whimsical and full of playful movement. 

                                 3.) PHOTOGRAPHERS 

3.) Photographers

Always be aware of the photos you liked and check to see who took the photo. The name is always written in small black letters in one of the corners of the page. 

My top 2 favorite photographers are Annie Leibovitz and Tim Walker. Their images are both artistic and imaginative. 

                                           4.) MODELS

4.) Models

Be aware of at least two models you adore. Know what you like about them, any campaigns or photos they may have been in, and what sets them apart from other models. 

My two favorites are Coco Rocha and Rosie Huntington Whiteley which I have written articles on below. 

Click to Read about Coco Rocha

Click to Read about Rosie Huntington Whiteley Style

                                 5.) PRONUNCIATION

5.) Pronunciation

Study words and be sure you pronounce them correctly. Nothing makes me cringe more than hearing Hermes or Yves St. Laurent pronounced incorrectly. 

Learning a bit of French will also help you pronounce fashion words correctly. 

Understanding these 5 facts of fashion is an easy way to understand the basic structure that make up the fashion world and set you on the right path. 

It is of course no where near enough information, but consider it the BASICS and at the very bare minimum of what you should know.