What is Re-FASHION?

In the spirit of Earth Day, lets discuss 'Re-Fashion".

Re-Fashion is the act of connecting your fashion style to coexist with your surroundings. Making clothing choices that are not only sustainable but empathetic and aware of the power you hold.What you choose to wear is not a static choice, but a small part in a series of domino effects that change the course of our future.

The Golden 3:
Reduce, Re-use, Recyle

Reduce what you buy. Please do not misunderstand this word for reduce what you have in your closet. Much too often, people get rid of their clothes as soon as they buy them. Creating this careless attitude of buying more, paying less, and creating more human waste. Change your shopping habits and invest in key pieces that are made of good quality. Collect items invisioning a lifetime. They should be able to grow and evolve with you.

Re-use and be inspired. Learn to appreciate the value of quality items that can be re-used. Whether it be swapping clothes with friends, rummaging through your grandma's closet, or shopping at a local thrift or vintage shops. Explore the creativity attached to timeless pieces.


Recycle. Lets get creative. Oh yes, DIY should always be the last step injected before tossing any fashion piece into the trash. Take your lifeless garment and REVIVE it back for a second life.
For example, one of my favorite cashmere sweater had several holes near the bottom. Did I throw it away? Not at all, I cut the parts with a hole, and turned it into a fantastic crop top sweater!

Read about it here:DIY: Old Sweater Make-Over

xo,
Maya

Fall Daily: Makeovers for Gadgets and Social Media?

The first step to embracing Fall Style is to start "thinking" about it. The world is so fast paced these days, people have no time to connect with their surroundings. With most heads held down, and eyes and ears glued to their smart phones, the gentle flutter of a fallen leaf will go right on being unnoticed.

The solution? 

If your world is the virtual web then bring Fall to that world. Change up the wallpaper on your computer,phone, social media accounts, or anywhere else you will be sure to see it. Choose a photo that gives you the feeling of Fall and gently reminds you why this season is so special to you. Once you inject Fall into your space, it sparks inspiration and it will enhance your desire to go out and experience it in "Real" life. 

For me, Fall is all about the leaves, and my wallpapers on my phone and twitter were changed today. (see above screen captions from my phone and twitter account @maya_horikawa) Now, every time I open my phone, or social media accounts, I feel excited to embrace the season with my fashion style and food. Something as simple as changing out a photo is the difference between remembering to "live" in FALL, verses just letting it float on by.

Take care, and join me tomorrow for more daily Fall Style. 

FALLing in love with Fall. ❤

 

xo,

Maya

Body Shaming vs. Body Love!

Body Shaming is an epidemic that is currently taking center stage, and although it has good intentions of improving our society, I feel the subject is being largely exploited. 

Lets start by simplifying the idea. The only problem with "body shaming" is the act of SHAMING. Shaming is a result of ignorance that comes from our competitive nature of wanting to "win". No one should shame anyone on any issues whether they be positive or negative. Whenever society starts pointing fingers on anyone, they are starting their own little war of "shaming". Why not stop pointing and start improving!

What we should be doing is campaigning on the issue of "Body Love". Yes, we come in all shapes and sizes, and no one can know the status of ones' health simply by looking, but somehow the issues of healthy choices are getting lost.  The truth is, embracing your body, and loving it is a complex question. How do you love your body without knowing it?  Love is not a sugar coated pass to happiness and spoiling your self. Love is a life responsibility. Accepting your shape means knowing what your "healthy" really feels like. 

Privately, I have struggled with my weight for most of my life, and being fairly thin, such a comment is never taken seriously. I have made my fair share of mistakes with crash diets, overeating, and body hate. However, the only moment I felt content with my body, was when I took the focus away from my measurements, and focused on my own actions. 

Obsessing on physical form, will leave you feeling helpless, while making better choices empowers you. If you eat mindfully, exercise, and control your irrational cravings, you will look good, feel good, and want more from your life. There really is no need to defend, obsess, compare, or deny any body shape, because the body is ever changing. Every choice you are making right now, is  shaping, and reshaping your body for the future.  

In other words, what you do now, is far more important than what you are now. 

Take care of your body first, and the rest will fall into place.

xo,

Maya

Top 5 Tips on Collaborating with Brands!

One of the many perks about have a fashion blog, is the opportunities to collaborate with fashion brands. You can either seek brands yourself, or the more common choice, simply wait for them to find you. Either way, sooner or later you will be approached and it is essential to be prepared when it does. 

Here are my Top 5 Tips on What to Do When Approached by a Brand

Tip 1: Be Professional, and expect Professionalism back.

Make it a high priority to use correct grammar, spelling, etc. Respond to inquiries as quick as possible, and always do as you promise. On the flip side, you should also expect the fashion brands to approach you with a high level of professionalism back. Several times I have been sent emails, with sloppy grammar, and informal chatter, and it has almost always been followed up with a lot of wasted time. Collaborations are partnerships, and therefore they need the respect from both parties. 

Tip 2: Make Sure You Are Compatible?

One of the first things I do whenever I am approached by a brand is to check out their website. Even before you reply back look through their site, and get a feel of their taste, and aesthetic. Is it somewhere you would shop? Does it interest you? I know it is always tempting to say yes to anything FREE, but I promise you, things you don't like, you don't need. 

Tip 3: Do your Research.

The second thing I do after I have checked out their site, is to do a little research. By this, I mean a simple google check, and focusing on customer reviews. The more you know about the brand the better. If the company has a high level of complaints and is being called a scam, you should know about it. Recently, something very similar happened to me, and I chose not to represent a company with such a high level of dissatisfied customers. 

Tip 4: Writing back.

If you have decided the brand is compatible with you, it is time to write back. From here, you should not be shy to discuss what your ideas for the collaboration will be. Some companies, can be quite pushy, and even ask you to "hide" the partnership in an "organic" post. These types of requests are not acceptable and should not be allowed. Here on TALK FASHION, all partnerships are clearly stated, and represented with full honesty. Not to mention posts with sponsorships are required by law to be openly shared with the viewers. You owe it to your readers to be honest. Never support a product simply because it is free, or you will be paid.

Tip 5: How to Receive the Product and Creating Content for your Blog.

As soon as you receive the product make sure the quality is up to your level. Is it made well? Is it made of high quality material and is it a good deal for the price? Also, observe the time it took to receive the product. Was it quick and easy, or a pain in the..?

Once quality check is completed, it is time to create your content. 

 I only choose brands or products that excite me, and therefore, fill my head with creative ideas. The typical outfit of the day, or brand facts, is over done, and quite frankly, boring. Take a product you love and run with it. Show how you make the product unique, and why you truly love it!

xo,

Maya 

My CHANEL Style

The French fashion house of Chanel is famously known for revolutionizing the art of haute couture and everyday fashion "prêt-à-porter". The fashion house disregarded structured-silhouettes, corsets and bodices, and replaced them with garments that were functional and flattering to the curves of a woman’s silhouette. Iconically known for their tweed jackets, little black dress, and masterful use of the classic black and white, Chanel is the maestro of balancing the classics while maintaining the forward thinking of the modern woman.

My personal love for Chanel is found in their classic black and white elements, mixed with pearl embellishments. I was recently invited to try a collection of Chanel pieces, and my favorites land me always with the the classic black and white style. Chanel couture always has a level of elegance, sophistication, and power. Coco Chanel herself, was a powerful, independent, business woman, revolutionizing the male dominated fashion world in her iconic, "tweed jacket".

 There is something about Chanel style,  that allows you to remain feminine, while embracing the power within every woman. 

Fashion Challenge Day 15: OOTD "Shall We Dance?"

Today is the final day of my 15 day, "Fashion Challenge 2015". I decided to end the challenge with a bang and created a look that is fun, sassy, and colorful. It is perfect for going out and dancing a sexy tango or upbeat salsa.

The spanish influences in my style today, can be found in the silhouette of the the skirt which is high waisted, form fitting, and flared at the end. The high waist creates the visual effect of a smaller waist, longer legs and overall curvier figure eight. The top is one of my favorite blouses from Carling and it was accessorized with a hot pink silk flower. This was a milder interpretation of the sexy tango dancers and their signature red rose. To keep warm, I pulled out my favorite hot pink cashmere pashmina and voila! 

Shall we dance?

xo,

Maya 

Fashion Challenge Day 8: OOTD "Lazy Day Glamour"

Today's OOTD is my lazy style. At first glance it is a fun, and stylish look, and you maybe thinking, what is she talking about "lazy style"?

Lazy Day Style has always been something I struggled with. We all have that favorite beat up T-shirt that is ultra comfortable and equally horrid, and the matching beat up sweats that puts us and everyone watching into a fashion coma. But, why? There is  no need now a days to look awful even on your days off. 

 Simply remember to pick stylish sweatshirts, and match them accordingly to cute leggings. Then throw your hair up in a cute top bun or pony and you are ready to have a relaxing day, in style!

x,

Maya

Blogmas Day 24: My Relaxed Xmas Style

Between, the shopping, gift wrapping, and family/ business parties, Christmas Eve is always rather stressful, and hectic. It has become a bit of a tradition of mine, to spend Christmas Day as relaxed as possible. No make-up, no fuss, and definitely, no work. 

My Christmas style was festive but completely relaxed. I snuggled up in my favorite fuzzy sweater, ultra soft sparkly slippers, and super comfortable white jeggings. I then spent the day snuggled up with my favorite Christmas Classics, a large cup of Godiva coffee, and tons of Christmas cookies!

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

xo,

Maya

Blogmas Day 4: My Holiday Sweater Style

Nothing puts you in the Holiday spirit quite like a cozy festive sweater. However, there is a fine line between "festive" and tacky. I cannot really fathom the growing trend to wear the tackiest holiday sweaters, and then mocking the whole spectacle by hosting or attending "ugly" sweater parties. 

If you are going to purchase anything, buy it because you love it, and not because you want to mock it.   

I have chosen today 3 of my favorite holiday sweaters, and how I normally style them. 

                                           Lazy HoliDay 

This outfit is my favorite on lazy days. I pair it with my peppermint slippers, and ultra soft, and stretchable, white, stretch jeggings. My favorite part lies in the embroidery of the sweater. When the light hits the surface, the sequence carefully embroidered in the knit work sparkle. If I were to go out for a quick coffee I would pair the entire look with my white Chanel cross body and red ballet flats.

                                            Business Meeting

This navy blue sweater is encrusted with Swarovski crystals that remind me of snowflakes. I enjoy matching this look with a white sparkle, button  down shirt, sparkle loafers by M. Kors, a tiny beaded crossbody, and peacock belt. I would wear this look to business meetings, shopping, or outings with friends.

                                             Holiday Party

This sweater is a clever play between the classic black with added festive charm. I decided to play off that vibe and paired the cardigan with a vintage dress detailed with tiny red and black birds. I then accessorized the entire look with my Winter Holiday Necklace, a Juicy black crossbody, black tights, and black boots. 

Blogmas Day 3: Designing a Holiday Necklace

Whenever I think of Winter, I think of snow. I love the contrast of the darkness of the sky, and the lightness of fluttering snow. I have combined the clear movement of dancing snow, and mixed in elements of black,  white, and clear beadwork, to add texture and contrast. I finished off with a bright red silk bow, and voila, my holiday necklace was born. 

The Fashion Diet

What is a Fashion Diet?

 

A fashion diet is not about being thinner or fatter, or depriving your body of anything. The goal is simply to maintain a steady weight that is true to your natural shape and preventing your shape from ballooning up or shrinking down. The goal is to find your true body form, and to build your wardrobe around it. 

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, and the Holidays fast approaching, what better time share with you some holiday tips and tricks I use, to prevent dreaded weight gain.

1.) INDULGE Days

The first thing to do is, to mark the days you know there will be a lot of necessary eating. Thanksgiving, holiday parties, or any dates that you absolutely cannot possibly miss out on, circle them.  I take those days, and make a mental note as my "INDULGE" days. On those days, I can eat whatever I want, and as much of it as I want. Make sure there are not too many of them, but work around them wisely. For example, the week of Thanksgiving, I start to eat more greens, less carbs, and no sweets. I add a bit more cardio where I can find the time.

 Pre-plan your meals. 

If you know you have a date with friends later in the day, and there will be holiday treats, make sure you eat healthy veggies and lighter meals earlier in the day. It is all simple math, and a healthy balancing game of food. Doing this will make you feel in control of your body, and it will allow you to enjoy your "Indulge" days rather than regret them. 

2.) Jeans and Belts

When I start to gain weight, it is rather remarkable how I can some how convince myself I am not. However, I do feel it, and I almost always fall in the same routine of wearing stretch pants, loose tops, and sweats. A trick I have picked up over the years, is to wear jeans or a belts at least 3 days per week. It is a great reminder of what your body shape is, and where it is going. It will also make it very uncomfortable for you to over eat, and remain a constant reminder to be careful. 

3.) Balance the Sweet with the Healthy

Ever since I can remember I have had a great weakness for sweets. During the Holidays it is a danger zone for sweets. I mean everywhere you go there are sweets, and who can stop at just one, right? Before grabbing for a plateful of Christmas cookies, have an apple, or some kind of fruit. The problem is, usually you do not crave a healthier option when your eyes are flooded by sugary glamour; however, remind yourself to do so. The hardest part is grabbing the fruit and eating it, but once you start your body naturally appreciates it. I always try to keep it 2/3 healthy, 1/3 unhealthy. The theory is simple. Fill your stomach up first with healthy foods, and finish off with a sugary treat. 

xo,

Maya

How to Get an "A" in Holiday Shopping

With Black Friday just around the corner, and Christmas on our noses, its time to wise up, strategize and prevent another year of regretful purchases. 

The combination of large masses of people, small confined places, a short deadline, screaming children, long lines and so called "bargains", one can seriously suffer from a holiday brain freeze. 

What exactly defines a shopping fail?

To put it simply, if you end up with a pile of stuff, you do not need, you have failed. The goal is to find gifts within your budget that come from your heart and will be appreciated and kept for a lifetime.

Here are some easy tips to guarantee an A for your upcoming shopping excursions.

1.) Lists- 

I know, it seems excessive and overly prepared, but this is a must, if you are on a budget and you have a list of must buy friends, and family. Take at least 10 minutes the day before you go shopping to write down one or two gift ideas for each person, with price range considerations. Leave a box next to each name, and check off as you purchase each gift.

2.) Have a plan-

As much as I love to go Christmas shopping with friends and enjoy the festivities, I warn you, be careful. It is so easy for you to get distracted by the glitzy glamour of a holiday sale, mixed in with a good old chat. Have a plan, a budget, and an idea of which store to go to. If you just mindlessly walk around for hours, you will end up with sore feet,  a migraine, and bags full of things you really won't care about. 

3.) SALES are your ENEMY-

If you see the big bold words SALE, or buy one get two, stop, think, and back away. Alright, sometimes you get lucky and a product you normally use is half off, and this is the moment to stock up. However, normally during the holidays, they are the quickest way to fail. They are a distraction from your plan and should be observed cautiously. Holiday sales are meant to drive profits. They offer deals that attract you to buy by price and not by content. How many times have you purchased a buy one get one half off gift and given the exact same gift to 2 different friends? I know I have, and it really is not a heartfelt way to gift something to anyone. The reaction is always lukewarm, and forgettable. 

4.) A Gift is a Treasure Hunt-

Perhaps the most valuable tip is the intent of the gift. I personally search for little treasures that can be cherished and remembered for a lifetime. Maybe an antique ornament, a dainty necklace or a well made cashmere scarf. Try avoiding products that are meant for only a moment, and that end up in the trash pile for Spring cleaning. The world really has enough waste as it is. The holidays are about creating memories. Let your gift be a fingerprint in their heart that they will remember forever.

xo,

Maya 

FH 7: How I Style Vintage

FASHION-HEART: Day 7

To read about Fashion-Heart click here: FASHION-HEART

This entire week has been filled with posts based on sustainable fashion, and finding style in fashion that thinks: past, present, future. 

Today's outfit features a top from my mom's closet. It is from India, and was worn when my mom was my age. Read abut the article here: Shopping in My Mom's Closet

 The sleeves were shortened into a  puff sleeve by me. Traditionally, it is a straight long sleeve. 

The royal  blue-purple, velvet top, is one of my favorites during the Fall season. The colors of the flowers are vibrant and bright, but offest by the deep darkness of crushed velvet, exists a level of somberness and darkness perfect for this season. I pinched the waist in by adding one of my favorite vintage belts purchased in Belgium. I then accented the entire look with a pink hat from NAF NAF and a vintage purse from SANDWICH. 

These bracelets are worn almost everyday, and I have featured them in my outfits before. The charm bracelet is from Harrods, London, and the Marie Antoinette cuff is handmade in London as well.

FH5: Shopping in My Mom's Closet

FASHION-HEART: DAY 5

To read about Fashion-Heart click here: FASHION-HEART

In the spirit of finding fashion that is friendly for the planet, let me share with you my favorite way to shop: raiding my mom's old boxes of clothes. I highly recommend for anyone to venture into your Mom's, Grandma's, or Aunt's old closets and search with an open mind for amazing treasures. (Of course always ask, and have permission)

 These three pieces are my most treasured Autumn pieces that I found in a box of my mom's old clothes. It is incredible to think that she wore these pieces around the same age as I am now. We are fairly similar in size but quite different in style. I personally, am more reserved than my mom, and tend to stay away from ultra bright colors. My mom's style is bubbly and bright, and it some how inspires me. I find great inspiration in the colors, and love the uniqueness of vintage fabrics and silhouettes. It is almost like a time machine, where you jump into her life, and imagine what her life was like before you existed. 

This dress is pretty amazing, and quite sexy. It flairs out to a beautiful A-line but it is quite tight on top. If I wear it out in the evening I will sometimes where a black shawl, green emerald drop earrings, purple wedges, and black clutch. 

If I want to wear this look casual I will throw on a black crop top sweater, black high boots, and a slouchy black bag.

This top is AMAZING! My mom got it from India, and the details, and craftsmanship is breathless. I wear this top a million ways.

Usually, I will have my hair in soft waves, with a couple of bohemian braids, and match the top with black leggings, black boots, and lots of fun accessories.

This blazer is so much fun to wear. It adds  life and energy to any look, and it is extremely well made. 

I usually pair it with a knit moss green, A-line dress, and matching pumps.

If I want to be more casual, I will wear it with a crisp white shirt, jeans, and brown leather shoes and belt. 

Content STOLEN from 'TALK FASHION'

Dear Reader,

Today I discovered that content from TALK FASHION, has been illegally stolen, plagiarized and used on subscribetofashion.com . So far, I have found 4 articles of mine, that have been reworded in some places, re-arranged, but never the less, copied verbatim in most parts as if they had written it. I assume other content is also stolen from other bloggers/sites, and everyone should remain alert and aware of this site. 

 I have collected all the links below, for everyone to clearly see which articles were stolen and how they are being used in their site at this very moment. I have contacted the creator of the site, and asked them to take down the articles, but as of now, they are still live.

The whole situation is disheartening, and alarming. I was always aware of plagiarizing, but when it happens to you, it is quite surreal. It is an invasion of the soul and mind, and a snatching of an identity. I cannot begin to express the violation I feel, and disturbance of the human spirit.  TALK FASHION, is a site I have created, and am personally very proud of. Everything is written in my words, and my thoughts. It is all very personal to me. I feel a great appreciation to my readers and hold much responsibility in the ethics behind honest 'fashion journalism', and maintaining content that is completely original and created by me. 

I cannot understand the purpose of copying someone else's work and making it their own, but I would like to warn all of you to be aware that this sort of thing is happening. Be careful. Please check out the links below. 

Take care. 

xo,

Maya 

 1.) Plagiarized Content:

"What is your Fashion IQ "

http://subscribetofashion.com/what-is-your-fashion-iq/

-Original content from:

TALK FASHION:

"What is your Fashion IQ." 

Published on Tuesday, July 1, 2014

http://mayahorikawa.blogspot.com/2014/07/what-is-your-fashion-iq.html

2.)Plagiarized Content:

"Ways to Celebrate Your Body Shape Through Fashion"

http://subscribetofashion.com/ways-to-celebrate-your-body-shape-through-fashion/

-Original Content:

 TALK FASHION:

"3 Ways To Use Fashion to Celebrate your Body Shape" 

published: Saturday, September 13, 2014 

http://mayahorikawa.blogspot.com/2014/09/3-ways-to-use-fashion-to-celebrate-your.html

3.) Plagiarized Content:

"Is Being Fashionable Superficial?" 

http://subscribetofashion.com/is-being-fashionable-superficial/ 

-Original Content:

TALK FASHION:

"To Be Fashionable or to Be Superficial that is the Question"

published on May 31, 2014 

http://mayahorikawa.blogspot.com/2014_05_01_archive.html

4.) Plagiarized Content: 

"Breaking Free from the Fashion Stereotype"

http://subscribetofashion.com/breaking-free-from-the-fashion-stereotype/

-Original Content: 

TALK FASHION

"Breaking the Fashion Stereotype"

published on Friday, June 13, 2014 

http://mayahorikawa.blogspot.com/2014/06/breaking-fashion-stereotype.html

Fashion Makeover: Reviving Vintage

There are many reasons I love Vintage/Antique/Thrifted Items, but perhaps my number one reason is there is almost always a process of "restoration" that is required and after it is done, it is as if the item has been brought back to life. 

You constantly need  to see the "possibilities", verses what it may look like at that moment. When I shop for "new" things I look for flaws. I want it to be perfect, and then I spend the first week nervously  worried about getting it scratched or damaged. However, with vintage the mental process is reversed. The item is already far from  perfect, with wrinkles, and variations in color, that have naturally occurred, and yet this is exactly what makes it beautiful and unique. My focus with my vintage items is all about bringing out the beauty it once had, and celebrating the uniqueness that only time and age can bring. 

                                            USEFUL TIPS

When shopping vintage, it is very important to be able to notice good quality leather verses, pleather. Pleather, or colored leather does not age well, and cannot be restored. Always look for QUALITY, and strongstitch work.

 

                                    PRODUCTS I USED

The Creams I used are for cleansing the leather. It provides protection, while re-hydrating life and color back  into the dried leather. The products are both from France, and were highly recommended to me buy a shop owner from one of my favorite Vintage shops.

I cleaned and  polished  the bag with old stockings, and an old T-Shirt. The plastic gloves are just a personal choice because your hands can get a bit oily. 

...and Voila! This bag is perfect  for all my blogging necessities. I put my lab top, a notebook, color pens  some other essentials, and I am ready to blog anywhere! 

How to Dress to Impress YOURSELF

There are countless articles on ways to impress "others" through fashion. However, the most important way to do fashion, is to impress yourself, but how do we do it?

First of all, think of the world as a massive 'High School'. Most problems stem from the fact that we all just want to be accepted, and therefore admired. Fame is just another word for 'popular' and it is no coincidence almost every social media out lit has a 'like' button. It no longer seems to matter whether something is good or bad, right or wrong, but simple how popular it is. Knowing this, can prevent you from following the trend of opinions that have no substance what so ever. 

When you dress,  it is a moment of mental dialogue with yourself. Ask yourself what you think. Do you like it? Does it make you feel good? Does it represent who you are? This is a moment for you and only you. Do not ask others and then conform to what they think is better for you. Grow your confidence by sticking up for what you believe is right for you, but first, figure out your true voice and this is how you can do it:

    1.) Don't be a Sex Object

Avoid clothes that are overly sexual and reveal too much. This maybe a cheap and easy way to "attract" others, but it speaks nothing about who you really are. It may make you feel great for a short moment, but like fast food it will leave a bad after taste. 

2.) Fresh Faced Make-Up

Natural make-up believe it or not, is what will build your true confidence. Contouring this, and that, to make your nose thinner or longer, and your cheek bones higher or lower, can make you quite insecure about your actual face. I actually suffered from the power of make-up and for awhile I would not dare to be seen without it. Even if I was told how beautiful I was, I didn't believe it was true. I knew I looked good with make-up but I felt it was more of a "mask" and no one knew my true face. 

Make-up should be minimal and meant to enhance your features, not change them. I can't tell you enough how much more it means to me when people compliment my looks, and I actually look like myself. 

3.) Don't Be Outshined By YourClothes

You may be thinking, what is wrong with dressing as you like, is this not a version of self expression? The trick with dressing to impress yourself is to always acknowledge your existence. Often times people get lost in their own creativity and forget they are important as well. Never use your clothes hide yourself, or to distract.  Learning how to edit your look without sacrificing your self expression will determine the success of your delivery. 

4.) Don't Be Afraid to Be Different

It can be very daunting to try something new,  especially if no body seems to like it or currently even know about. However, always take risks if your gut is telling you yes. It may end up as a fashion fail, but so much is always learned from failure. Give it a try.