Fall Daily: 4 Ways to Wear Knee High Socks

Fall style is all about warm colors and cozy comfort. Soft knee high socks are a fun, easy way to quickly add spice to any outfit. Depending on your styling choices, it can be worn soft and romantic, extra girly, tomboy cool, or preppy chic.

Either way you chose to wear this very snuggly style, you are guaranteed to feel flirtatious and feminine. 

4 Ways to Wear Knee High Socks:

                                   SOFT And ROMANTIC

Soft and Romantic is personally my favorite, and closest to my Fall Style. The entire look is effortless, and ultra feminine. There are no rough edges or harsh fabrics. Everything is soft and snuggly, styled with quirky blouses, and blanket sweaters. Make up is worn minimal and hair is styled in relaxed waves. 

                                            GIRLY GIRL

The girly girl, usually styles knee high socks with a A-line mini skirt. It is feminine and flirtatious without being overtly sexy. There is a level of innocence that keeps the look tasteful, and sweet.

                                          TOMBOY COOL

Tomboy Cool, is also one of my favorite styles to pair knee high socks with shorts. The entire look is interesting due to the opposing characters of boyish charm, and sexy sweetness. This look is effortless cool and fun to pair with loose cotton Tees and a stylish hat. 

                                        PREPPY CHIC

Preppy Chic is inspired by school uniforms. It is a fun translation on a rather orthodox look. Pair your knee high socks with plaid skirts, blazers, and collared shirts. 

The look is elegant, sophisticated and playful!

Enjoy.

xo,

Maya

Fall Daily Essential: Ankle Boots + How to Pick the Right One

Ankle boots are an essential Fall wardrobe piece and picking the right one takes some fashion wisdom. After years of my own mistakes of shopping by "impulse", I have amassed quite a collection of shoes. There is a clear divide between the shoes I actually wear, verses the shoes I do not.

Over the years I have learned valuable tips to preventing shopping mistakes, and finding a product you will love for years to come. Here are my ankle boot recommendations:

If you do not own any ankle boots and plan on investing on your first pair, think practical. Do not reach for the first boot that may scream, "Awesome", but matches nothing. Control yourself and start by selecting a classic style boot, in either the color black or brown. 

                              THE CLASSIC STYLE

The classic style is simple, clean lines, and with very few embellishments. It may not be the most exciting, or creative in design, but it is extremely wearable.  This type of shoe should be part of everyone's wardrobe. It matches everything you own and can be styled up or down. 

Your only job is to consider the height of the heel or to opt to have no heel. This will all depend on your lifestyle and how much walking, and standing your day requires. Try it on, walk around and make sure it feels good.

                               POINTY STYLE

To point or not to point? 

Being quite petite and small, I have learned over the years that a pointy tip will lengthen, and slenderize your legs. A rounded tip gives you a chunkier more casual vibe, and knowing the difference, gives you knowledgeable control. As I own both types in my collection, I tend to have rounded tips with my higher heels, and pointier tips with smaller or no heels. 

                                LACE UP STYLE

Lace up boots, give off a casual vibe, and best suited for those with a more carefree lifestyle. They are extremely comfortable, and great for walking; however, they are a sportier style and are not appropriate for all situations. You can also mix this type of boot with a feminine soft style. It is a fun way to add a spicy element to a normally sweet tone. 

                             EMBELLISHMENT STYLE

If I belonged to a category, it would definitely be this one. I love embellishments and unique little touches! The problem is, they are not always the easiest to style. You really need to know your wardrobe very well, and how to balance color, textures, and embellishments, in total harmony. The look can easily look a bit crazy, and become overwhelming. My number one tip is keep your clothes with the same color tone, and match the embellishments on your shoes with your accessories. It works every time!

                        PEEK-A-BOO TOE STYLE

The peek-a-boo toe is a perfect alternative for those who live in a warmer climate. It gives off the effect of a boot but can still be warn like a sandal. I would not recommend this particular style to anyone living in a colder climate, or a place that rains. 

Join me everyday for more Fall Style!

xo,

Maya

Fall Daily Essential: Suede Skirt + 3 Ways I Style It

Suede skirts are currently the "IT" Fall item of 2015. However, in all honesty, suede skirts are nothing new to Fall. During the colder months of Fall and Winter, suede skirts "have been" and will always be, a wardrobe staple.

As beautiful, and flirty as they look, they are equally warm; making them practical and functional. Over the past 10 years,  I have collected a small collection of my favorite suede skirts, and they vary in colors, shapes, and lengths. For me, they are classic pieces, that take all Fall pieces to the next level. I look forward to bringing them out each Autumnal season and styling them in new ways as I grow older and evolve.s 

If you do not own a suede skirt, it maybe interesting for you to add one to your Fall  wardrobe! I highly recommend searching vintage shops and purchasing real leather verses fake. Not only will you get more bang for your buck, you will also prevent the killing of more additional animals. Fake leather is not something I would recommend, simply because this is a "staple" piece and should be an item you can wear year after year. 

My Top 3 Ways to Style a Suede Skirt:

Top #1 : Chunky Knit Sweater

This is absolutely my top pick of how and why I love wearing suede skirts with ultra cuddly soft, warm, knit sweaters. The look is relaxed, and effortless. My hair and make up would be natural and soft, creating an overall vibe of comfort, elegance, and warmth. 

Top #2 : Light, Feminine Blouse

Light, feminine blouses are a wonderful contrast to the textures of a suede skirt. 

During colder weather, I would pair it with a V-kneck sweater, or sweater vest. The look is 

flirty and playful, and perfect for those days you are feeling feminine. 

Top #3 : Denim Top 

Pairing a Denim top to a suede skirt is the quickest way to achieve a more casual look. It is relaxed in attitude, and yet somewhat studious in structure. It is a look I gravitate to on my coffee dates with friends, or casual business meetings. 

Join me everyday for more Fall Style!

xo,

Maya

Fall Daily: Style Through the Eyes of Claude Monet

Saint-Georges majeur au crépuscule (Eng: Dusk in Venice, San Giorgio Maggiore by Twilight or Sunset in Venice; 1908-1912; Oil on Canvas. National Museum Cardiff, of Cardiff Whales.

Did you ever wonder what Fall must have looked like through the eyes of impressionist painter Claude Monet? One of my most favorite works of art is his, Sunset in Venice, Saint-Georges majeur au crépuscule. 

Sunset in Venice, was inspired by a trip Monet took with his wife during the Fall season (October-December 1908). It features the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, and the glorious warm colors created by the sunsets of Fall. 

Monet often painted looking out from his hotel room; however, San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk appears to have been painted from the waterfront. San Giorgio Maggiore was painted in six various lighting conditions, and varies slightly by the ‘nature of experience.’

                  FASHION STYLE TIPS INSPIRED BY MONET

When I get inspired by anything, the main focus is on what I like, and why. 

Sunset in Venice, is therapeutic to look at, and warm in texture, and color. How can I infuse those positives in my style?

First of all, where is the warmth coming from? 

The soft textures of Monet's brush strokes, warm colors, and gentle shading of ombre transitions, make the entire piece pleasing to the eyes.

Adopting those features into your style, can be accomplished by infusing the same combination of color choices, and the selection of textures or materials that create a soft, warm effect.

Join me Everyday for Daily Fall Style Tips? 

xo,

Maya

Fall Daily: Harvesting Wheat Fields Inspire Golden Dreams

Vincent van Gogh. Wheatfield with a Reaper, 1890.  Oil on canvas, approximately 2' 5" by 3".  Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.

If the sunset is the golden hour of the day, Fall is the golden season of the year. Harvest time is marked by the the final gifts from nature and the fields are painted golden.

Yellow gold is a mixture of sparkling golds and somber burnt yellows, and it continues to inspire Life in all of us. 

The climactic "Fall effect" of life meeting death, is somewhat appropriate to the somber shimmer of golden yellow. The color has even sparked inspiration in such Artists as Vincent Van Gogh, who often used the color in many of his most famous works. 

Vincent Van Gogh once wrote to his brother Theo the following message regarding his "Wheatfield with a Reaper" painting.

I then saw in this reaper – a vague figure struggling like a devil in the full heat of the day to reach the end of his toil – I then saw the image of death in it, in this sense that humanity would be the wheat being reaped. (...) But in this death nothing sad, it takes place in broad daylight with a sun that floods everything with a light of fine gold."

If there is one color to add to your Fall line up, try a bit of golden sun!

Join me tomorrow for more daily Fall Style! (Posting everyday: October, November)

xo,

Maya

Fall Daily: How to Pick a Sweater that Snuggles You!

Sweater weather is officially here, and picking the right sweater can be the difference between a good day, and a bad one. 

My inspiration is rather simple. 

Imagine a cold crisp day, a cup of hot cider, a good book, and the most lusciously warm knit blanket enveloping you in a massively huge hug. That instant moment of utter satisfaction is what I look for in all of my Fall/Winter, sweater ensembles. It is literally fashion that "hugs" you. 

Sweater Factors to look for:

1.) Is it comfortable? Don't be lazy try on the sweater, move your arms around, twist and turn. Does it feel good on your skin? 

2.) Snuggle factor. Does it feel like a massive hug? I don't know if I am the only one who feels this way about the "snuggliest" sweaters, but they make me instantly want to give myself a little hug.

3.) How warm can you go? On a practical note, it is important to know how cold or warm your climate is. Some knits are made for the coldest temperatures, verses others which can be worn lightly, and provide less warmth. 

Join me tomorrow for more daily Fall Style! (Posting everyday: October and November)

xo,

Maya

Fall Daily: Pumpkin Spice Your Fall Style!

Pretty much everything in the U.S is pumpkin spiced right now. You can find it in coffee, toothpaste, cookies, pies, cereal, and chips? Yes, even chips. 

With such a love for this seasonal flavor, I am feeling inspired to infuse this delicious flavor into my Fall style. How do I do it?

If you want to dress like pumpkin spice, you have to think like pumpkin spice. First of all, what is it?

Pumpkin spice is a beautiful blend of cloves, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and of course, PUMPKIN. This is the magic combination that fills delightful Fall desserts such as pumpkin pies,and pumpkin spiced lattes. The character notes of these spices are warm, sharp, and spicy. 

The "pumpkin" itself is a "whimsical" character, I mean, it did transform into a magical carriage for Cinderella. Therefore, if pumpkin spice were an outfit, it would be, warm, spicy, playful, and sweet.

Give it a try!

Join me tomorrow for more daily Fall Style! (Posting everyday: October and November)

xo,

Maya 

Fall Fashion Goals and Daily Posts

Fall is here!

According to the Autumnal Equinox, Fall began last week, September 23 and will end on December 21. 

Every year I am stunned by how quickly time passes, and I am quite determined to take full advantage of the entire Fall season: fashion, mind, body, and soul!

The problem is, each season I procrastinate during the transitional month and remain in an awkward "fashion limbo" of nothingness. We always think we have more time than we do, but in reality, amazing things everyday just pass  you by. This year its all about embracing those moments and celebrating it on all platforms. 

Fall fashion is not simply wearing a Burgundy lip or a cozy sweater, but the entire tonality, of your Fall experience. Join Talk Fashion as I post daily regarding all things Fall, and how style can enhance your entire Fall experience!

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

Fall Styling Obsession: Cuffs and Bangles!

As I mentally prepare my Fall line up, I realized I am currently loving cuffs and bangles. This is a new discovery for me, since all my attention in the past had gone to statement necklaces and earrings. What's so great about dressing up the wrists?

For One, as the weather gets colder, your neck does not want to be exposed and styling up the wrists allows you to keep warm. 

Two. It is a super easy way to take a boring turtle neck sweater top, with jeans, and transform it into high style. Just add an awesome statement cuff, cool boots, a hat, and you are picture ready.

Three. It is an effortless look that does not try too hard. Beautiful earrings or statement necklaces are gorgeous but I always feel it requires you to have the right make up and hairstyle. 

Four. Unlike earrings and necklaces, decorating the wrists, draws your eye away from your face, giving your face and hair a much needed break.

I enjoy wearing cuffs and bangles with a messy bun, minimal make up, loose black poncho, black leggings and a funky shoe. It is definitely my "i'm not trying" style, because Im really not. 

How are you guys getting ready for Fall Style?

xo,

Maya

How Autumn Inspires Me

Yesterday I posted shots of my Fall Shoe Collection, and I briefly explained how my shoes create these visual images in my mind that remind me of all my beautiful Autumn memories. I guess you would call them flashbacks, but it always surprises me how strong our senses really are. 

This is how Autumn Inspires me,

see what I see when I put on my shoes...

When I use to live in Brussels, I had two very large windows, over looking my bed. From my window I could see millions of Ivy leaves change from deep greens to vibrant orange, red, purple, and gold all throughout the Autumn months. It was like a fire work display of the final curtain call. It is remarkable to think Autumn is actually the ending of the seasons, and the leaves are actually dying. As humans, we always fear our deaths and the process of aging, and yet, leaves, climax till the very end. 

Such life and colors, why is it humans cannot live like leaves? 

 

Leaves are the fingerprints of life. They change so softly into beautiful shades of every color.

Walking through Autumn.

 I remember how my mind would be in awe of the beauty of this season. Such a juxtaposition.  Surrounded by the warmth of colors and yet the flow of crisp cool wind. 

I could walk for hours. 

Autumn nights. Filled in a sea of darkness, are golden leaves that glow in the reflection of softly lit street lamps. I close my eyes, and remember, such beauty falls in the hearts of those so alone. 

Blue skies and Rainbow leaves. Look up, it's magic. I remember...

Dancing leaves. Golden. How happy they must be. 

Like human hands, filled with veins of life. So intricately woven and mysterious. Leaves are exposed in sunlight. 

The sounds of autumn. Walking through puddles of dried leaves that have curled, you can smell the crisp Autumn air. 

My Fall Shoe Collection

Fall is my favorite season of the year. Leaves change to the most beautiful yellows, reds, and greens, and soon piles of leaves will fall like golden feathers.

 Unfortunately, Where I currently live, we do not really have seasonal changes, and witnessing the beauty that accompanies Fall, is rather difficult.

My Fall shoe collection is definitely my most favorite pairs of shoes and almost all of them are purchased in vintage shops from around the world. Each has a story and countless memories. Pulling  them out each Fall is like opening a time capsule filled with beautiful imagery and flashbacks. 

                                                   BOOTS

All of these boots are from vintage shops in Europe, except the brown rain boots with fur, which are by Marc Jacobs. The reason I am obsessed with vintage boots, is simply for the craftsmanship. It is impeccable. "Handmade" may not be as perfect as machine made, but that's the beauty of it. Our bodies are not made in perfect symmetry, nor in percise measurements. Variations are what make us human. This is why, handmade is more comfortable, and last longer. My leather booties literally grow with me, and age beautifully. Now a days, hand made is rare, and very pricey, but rummage your local vintage shops, and you might get lucky and find a gem. 

When I was a little girl, my mother would often read to me, "The Elve's and the Shoe maker". It was one of my most favorite fairytales, and it was based on magical elves that made the most extraordinary shoes. They would make them over night for the shoe maker and then leave them for the shoemaker to sell.  I can always remember hoping these little elves would one day stop by my house,and leave me a beautiful pair of shoes. Needless to say, it never happened but to this very day, I think of that story, and search for shoes that I "imagine" they would have made.  Shoes should be extraordinary, so beautiful, only magic elves could have made them. (At least that's what I tell myself...)

                                                CUT OUTS

Currently where I live, it has cooled down a lot,  but by no means is it very cold. I find myself constantly wearing cut out boots. It is the best way to recognize the seasonal change without necessarily heating up. 

                            ARTSY BOOTS and HEELS

                                              LACE UPS

                                             DETAILS

If there is anything that draws me quicker to a shoe, it is all in the details. Sometimes I even ask myself, "Is this amazing, or is this really awful?" For me, shoes are like works of art. It's not something I ever get rid of, unless, they are completely unrepairable.

Click here if you would also like to see my SUMMER SHOE COLLECTION