SUNSHINE STYLE FOR A SKEPTIC

The birds are chirping and the sun has risen. Spring has somehow already arrived and Summer is just around the corner.

 Florals everywhere and the earth is celebrating life, love, and new beginnings!

The problem is, what do you do when your mood is in darkness, pessimism, and ultimate skepticism? You just aren't feeling it, and you rather just crawl back in your moody dark corner with your black yoga pants. The last thing you would ever want  is a bit of sunshine.

Hold on my friend, skeptics can also do well with a bit of sunshine in the their Spring style. There are ways to keep your edgy style while  adding a bit of light and life to your dark aesthetic. 

1.) BE BOLD WITH COLOR: 

As a skeptic, you are naturally opinionated and have no problems questioning the norm. Use that courage, and gamble on a powerful color. Try a bright red/orange with harsh lines, and dare to be seen. It's a statement of power, and it suits you. 

2.) VINTAGE 60's:

If you have never tried vintage shopping, give it a try. Most skeptics detest being like everyone else, and shopping in vintage shops is guaranteed to suit your desire for individuality. The 60's were a very creative, and daring period of fashion. Mod Style, is edgy, bright and fun. 

(The dress I am wearing above, belonged to my mother from the 60's.)

3.) CONTRAST SWEET AND SOUR:

A skeptic, loves nothing more than a good argument, and a playful banter of opposites. If you can't commit to head to toe color, then intermix it, and create irony. A black leather jacket casually worn over a soft floral, is a salty bite to a sweet center. 

From one skeptic to another, don't be so predictable and wear the same style or color every day of the year. There is nothing edgy about a one dimensional style formula.

xo,

Maya

WHY DO WE WEAR CLOTHES?

Have you ever thought about why we wear clothes?

We are the only species that have adopted the art of dressing, and nudists would argue, it's plain unnatural. 

Unnatural for an animal, but not so for a human. 

Humans have an innate ability to multitask multiple ideas, emotions, problem solve, and develop. This complexity, results in the need for creative ways to express life, far beyond our instincts. 

Creativity is a skill that must be practiced and strengthened on a daily basis, and yet it is one of the most neglected tools of life. 

This is wear fashion takes its role in everyones life as a tool to use creativity or not.

If you are a realist, you may dress strictly for practical reasons. If you are a religious person, you may dress strictly for modesty. A materialist, may dress to claim status, and power. 

However, a person who dresses themselves to practice creativity and actively express themselves, is a living art form. 

Why do you dress? 

xo,

Maya 

FASHION DIARY: 9 DAYS, 9 OUTFITS (January 2018)

FASHION DIARY

JANUARY 2018 

Dear Diary,

With the the glitz of Christmas and New Years having past, January has quietly snuck up on me. With its watchful eyes, and silent judgement, I find myself in resolution for massive changes. This is the year to change.

Believing in the watchful eyes of 2019, procrastination finds me agitated...

 Today I find myself enveloped in darkness. Black. Such an attraction. I find it rather amusing how the color black flirts with the absorption of light.

 Playfully encouraged, I find myself uplifted by its opposite. Ironic. love it...

Can I live in a  Chagall Painting? No feet. No boundaries. Limitless love.

Light as a feather, slightly delusional, but euphorically happy. Colors bursting with new ideas and dreaming of the impossible.

Don't control me, I am going to fly...

Frozen in the midst of winter, my heart is blossoming.

Could it be Spring so early? Still winter, and yet, I hear gentle melodies by chirping birds....

Feeling tropical today. Wearing cobalt blue and imagining the sea. chose a crop top and feeling chilly. Note to self, it's still winter... 

Happiness. 

Life is good.. for now.

Learning to grab the moments as they come.

POP!

 Like bursting bubbles, watch out, they are fragile.  

White Tiger.

There is so much strength and beauty found in the electric combination of black and white. 

Forcing myself today to not depend on color, but to work with textures, and shapes...

Mopsy Maya.

Wearing my favorite cardigan, with enough absorption to mop the floor. I feel enchanted and unable to concentrate. 

Do I have super powers or am I dreaming?

Officially Spring in/on my head. 

Took a walk in my day dreams, and rather enjoyed it. 

How was your January, friend?

xo,

Maya

DOES MAKEUP MAKE YOU FAKE?

Caking on makeup verses no makeup at all. Which one is the "real girl"?

Bare faced. Blemishes, discoloration, a bit of shine, we all have them, but like dirty secrets, no one would ever know.

A no makeup face in a cosmopolitan society, is translated as lazy, unhealthy, or unprofessional. While those who believe in the authentic life of a bare face, may deem a full face of makeup as fake, superficial, and manipulative. So, which one is it? Can these two worlds ever collide in a balanced harmony?

Yes. The truest form of balance is to learn the benefits of both worlds. 

Finding comfort in your own skin with no makeup is a valuable lesson of self acceptance, and confidence.  One should be comfortable to show their bare face in front of anyone, and understand the unique beauty of being completely natural. 

However, there is also value in understanding the benefits of wearing makeup and appreciating a different form of beauty. It is a valid tool of professionalism, attraction, expressionism, and artistry.

 Just as one decorates a table for a dinner party, makeup is an artistic exploration of colors, angles, textures, and the effects of aesthetics on human interaction. 

Practice the healthy balance of letting your skin breathe on a daily basis, while challenging yourself to explore the various variables of faces found in the unexpected playground of makeup.

Have fun!

xo,

Maya

CREATE YOURSELF: FASHION EMPOWERMENT

Fashion Empowerment.
We are born into this world with an identity. A name given to us by our parents, and a life predestined by the hopes and circumstances placed by everyone around us. How do you define yourself? A race, a gender, a career, social status, fame or money?

Perhaps, the problem begins by the very fact we spend far too much time defining ourselves rather than creating our own identity. We have the power to mold our lives and ourselves into the shapes and colors we desire, but we lock ourselves into preconceived ideas that have been placed around us. Why?

Fashion. As superficial, meaningless, and vain as many people believe it to be, it is actually one of the most practical ways of discovering your identity on a daily basis. What you wear is a reflection of how you think and feel. This is why your style evolves alongside your experiences, confidence maturity and surroundings. 

Creating yourself neither begins nor ends with what you wear, but it is a progression of limitless ideas   and questions regarding yourself as a work of art. 

Who are you today and how would you express it? What are your limits, fears, and dreams? Break free from the mold of following everyone else around you, and start questioning and creating your own path. 

Mix and match things you like, and break free from the idea you must "fit" into a square that society has placed upon you. 

To be creative, means you no longer see yourself as a creature of attraction, but an ever-changing creation of ideas. Your primary goal is not to be beautiful, but to say something. Strengthen the ability to express ideas, and eliminate the need to conform. 

If you want to wear your skirt as a shirt, and your pants as a scarf, then do it. Challenge yourself by feeling uncomfortable, and push the boundaries to make people THINK.

Stay Tuned !

 In 2018, Talk Fashion Blog, will be exploring new and unique ways to explore the art of fashion expression. Fusing the fashion world with philosophy, psychology  literature, mathematics, music, and art, we will be exploring the limits of personal style. Join us!

xo,

Maya

HOW FASHION CAN HELP YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION BE SUCCESSFUL?

"Do not go to bed until you have gone over the day three times in your mind. 

What wrong did I do? What good did I accomplish? What did I forget to do? "

-Pythagoras

A new year, a new you, but how?

New Year's Resolutions are often created with a mindful goal to attack specific things you would like to change about yourself. Whether it be your weight, your lifestyle, or unrequited passions, a better you is waiting to be born. Unfortunately, every year we spend 10 minutes creating a list that is probably more productively used as a piece of scratch paper.

Why do our resolutions fail and how can fashion help?

New Year's resolutions usually fail, because they are concentrated lists of problems, without any regard to the formula behind these bad habits. Here are 3 examples of how fashion can help your resolutions:

RESOLUTION 1

HEALTH/FITNESS

You want to lose 10 pounds. 

You make a list of how you will exercise more, eat less, and stay away from processed foods. Sounds like a good plan, right? Wrong. This plan is too centralized on the specific problem and lacking in inspiration, and motivation.  If you want to lose 10 pounds, try adding the element of fashion and stay motivated. Invest in an attractive, but comfortable work out gear and enjoy getting ready for your exercise sessions. Buy a fun dress that is 1-2 sizes smaller, and hang it in a place you can see it every morning. Use it to motivate you, and provide you with visual imagery that is a tangible version of the future you are creating. 

RESOLUTION 2

PERSONAL LIFE

 You want to be more outgoing and meet someone new. 

Your plan includes, going out more, downloading a dating app, and being more "social", but most likely you will do none of them. The problem is, improving your personal life, can only happen, if you change on a "personal" level. Often times, this includes what we choose to wear. We fail to realize the impact of how we dress, and its relationship to how it attracts or rejects human interaction.

 The style of clothing, color, and cleanliness, are all factors observed before a smile is exchanged, or a word is spoken. If you want to improve your social life, start by evaluating your current fashion choices. Simple changes such as wearing a softer or brighter color, will immediately make you appear more cheerful and approachable. 

RESOLUTION 3

CAREER

You want to quit your stable job and chase your dream job.

Your plan includes calculating your finances, and mustering up enough courage to quit your stable job. However, most people, never find the courage and live a life of paying bills, and unrequited dreams. 

To "imagine" the reality of a dream, you must realize the discomfort of the unknown. Fear is one of the main reasons we stop ourselves from pursuing our passions, but the lack of positive visual imagery also exacerbate our fears.

One of the most simple ways to boosting positive visual imagery of your dream job, is dressing the part. Adopting the style of the person who has such a job, is a strong foot in the door of imagining yourself as that person.  

Best wishes and may you have a phenomenal 2018! 

xo,

Maya

A Letter From Maya...

Welcome to TALKFASHION!

Inspired by nature, art, music, and culture, TALKFASHION, covers the evolving force of self discovery. 

The  inner dialogue between you and your heart is the key essence of finding yourself and your style. 

Forever looking to what inspires you, fight the gravity of normality.

Be brave enough to make  mistakes, and have courage to walk the path alone.

What you wear is equally simplistic and complex. They say, " Never judge a book by its' cover, but how introspective to create the perfect cover for a specified book!

You are a what you wear and within that equation is art.  

The greater the art the greater the message.

What do you feel, and how will you arrange your image today?

Sincerely,

Maya Horikawa

(Creator of TALKFASHION)

What is 箱入り娘 ?

箱入り娘 (hako-iri-musume), is a Japanese proverb describing a metaphorical "box" that surrounds a girl who was raised in an overprotected family, and given very little freedom. 

                                                                   
 At the heart of TALKFASHION, is a Girl in a Box (箱入り娘). For her, fashion is an inspirational  tool to discovering herself, and finding her voice. Breaking free from her mental prison, requires cutting the need to impress, and the importance of her heart. Observations of nature, art, music, color, and emotions, are all used as guides to push her senses of expression.
 What she wears is no longer just garments to keep her warm, nor are they tools to impress her peers. Clothes, are now a self discovery tool, of creating an image that reflects the person inside.

Join TALKFASHION 箱入り娘 Girl in a Box, and follow her artistic journey of introspection, inspiration, and self projection.

                                                        xo,
                                                      Maya

FALL FAVORITES! SHOES AND BAGS

TFTV

SUBSCRIBE!

xo,
Maya

FASHION BLOGGING AT #NYFW

For any fashion lover, the opportunity to be invited to New York Fashion Week, is some what of a dream. There is a mysterious glamour to the world of fashion, intertwining itself with celebrities, power, beauty, and self expression. 

As a fashion blogger at NYFW, the experience is what you make of it. If you just want to wear a pretty dress, take some photos, and give a rather vapid statement about "liking" a collection you know nothing about, then your contribution to the fashion world is rather meaningless. 

However, if you want to take full advantage of your coveted NYFW pass, you must consider your 3 main responsibilities. 

1.) DO YOUR RESEARCH

Before attending the selected shows, do your research. Know what your designer is about, and their style aesthetic. See past collections of what they have done and build your knowledge of what they are about. This will help you understand their collection better and if you are given an opportunity to speak to the designer you actually have valid topics to discuss. 

2.) TAKE INTERESTING PHOTOS

One of the hardest things about being a fashion blogger at NYFW, is the ability to juggle the job of writer and photographer. You have one shot and thats it.You are responsible for finding interesting content, and equally intriguing photographs, simultaneously. Other challenges lie in bad camera angles, unflattering lighting, and timing. Be sure to stay calm and search for interesting moments in the show.

3.) IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Be sure to check out each look in its' entirety. Meaning, hair, makeup, nails, and accessories. Many times it is in these details that the most interesting fashion ideas are found. 

Stay tuned for more NYFW reviews!

xo,

Maya

Storytime: お盆 Obon and Childhood Memories in Japan

TALKFASHION TV

In this episode of Fashion Storytime, I discuss my childhood memories in Japan. Obon is a time for remembrance of loved ones, and it is particularly special for me because it reminds me of my beloved grandfather. All my memories spent in Japan flood back to me through smells, food, and fashion. With a quick blink of an eye, it's as if the present and past blend into an alternate reality.

xo,
Maya

Please SUBSCRIBE to TALKFASHION TV .

TALKFASHION TV: OBON LANTERN FESTIVAL お盆

TALKFASHION TV: OBON STYLE VIDEO

Obon is a beautiful custom celebrated in Japan, and by far my favorite moment of the Summer season. It is a time of remembrance, soul, togetherness, and love. The moment is reflective, personal, and a time to observe one's own life meaning.
There are so many things in life that give you instant satisfaction, and enjoyment. However, it is in the moments that touch your heart, that make you realize how precious life really is. We are infinitely connected to our past, and all the decisions of today, are processing our tomorrow.

I hope you like my short film based on how I style from the soul.

Please SUBSCRIBE to TALKFASHION TV

xo,
Maya

TALKFASHION TV: BATHING SUIT STYLE

TALKFASHION TV

xo,
Maya

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How To Style Your Outfit Around Your Bathing Suit

Learning how to style your bathing suit into your daily look, is a fabulous way to enjoy the final stretch of the Summer season! 

Very similar to Superman and his super suit, bathing suit style will allow you to be ready for water, anytime, anywhere.

Whenever we think of swimwear with fashion, the furthest our mind may take us is a colorful sarong, a beach dress, or some sort of cover up. 

However, what about the idea of including a bathing suit as part of your fashion look?

Here are my top 4 tips on styling a look around your bathing suit:

Tip 1: Dress Light

Nothing is worse than wearing a bathing suit under another outfit on a hot day. When you style a look like this, pick the lightest fabrics, and let the suit peak through.

The more airflow around your body, the easier it will be to stay cool. 

Tip 2: Do not wear expensive or sentimental jewelry. 

Never forget the purpose of wearing a swimsuit, is to spontaneously swim or jump into a body of water. This bracelet by Betsey Johnson is one of my favorite pieces of costume jewelry and a nice compliment to the pink swimsuit. 

In general, keep jewelry as limited as possible.

Tip 3: Pick a Color Palette Around Your Bathing Suit:

Rather than covering your bathing suit, think about featuring it. 

My style inspiration for this look, was completely inspired by the vibrant orchid pink found in my suit. Because, the color is full of energy, I counter balanced the effect by pairing it with a neutral white lace dress, and white vintage bag. I tied a silk Pink Pucci scarf in reference to the color palette. 

Tip 4: Have fun and enjoy life!

xo,

Maya

To see the entire look check out the new video on TALKFASHION TV

IS TEXTING KILLING YOUR FASHION GAME?

Living in a digital age, it is nearly impossible to find our hands bare, and our eyes free from the hypnotic pull of our smart phones . Very much the third hand of our lives, the majority of our attention is spent in the social media world. 

People everywhere, are found with their heads tilting 30 degrees down, and oblivious to their surroundings.  Hunching over, with their shoulders curled, vigorously thumbing their way through the worldwide web.

The problem is, we live in the "real" world, and not the digital world. Even though your mind is not living in "real" time,  it does not make you invisible to your reality. 

Fashion is an image you create in its entirety. This includes: charisma, your posture, eye contact, facial gestures, and overall body language. 

No matter how on point your outfit maybe, if you are consistently in "texting position", you are killing your fashion game. Just think about the positions of your hands themselves. You are basically covering 30% of your body with your phone and arms. Not to mention your head is always at a downward  angle, cutting off any visibility to your face, and eliminating any possibility for eye contact. Your back hunches, and any sense of charisma lost. 

So why does any of this matter?

Fashion is all about living and exploring the moments that open new doors of opportunity. If you embrace it entirely, doors to new relationships open up to you. 

Your style is like your business card, and it is a valid tool to connect you with the people you are meant to meet. To do this successfully,  you need to be present mentally and emotionally in "real" time. 

What's the cure?

 Learn to be a lone with your thoughts and put importance on those moments when you have an "empty" moment with your mind. Walk from place to place, or sit waiting for a bus or a friend, completely phone free. Not only is it good for your mind and soul, but it is also projecting an image that represents your fashion style, and personal charisma. 

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

FWI: From Blouse to Bag in Less than 60 Seconds!

Fashion Week of Innovation:

Transforming a blouse into a bag, is something I discovered one day when I had much too much to hold and nowhere to put it. My brain started to click, and I noticed that my sweater had arms long enough to become a strap. The main body of my blouse resembled the shape of a bag, and the bottom of the blouse needed to be closed. I then grabbed the hair tie from my pony tail, and in less than 60 seconds, a bag was born!

See my easy, 2 step transformation process from blouse to bag all under  60 seconds. No cutting, or sewing is necessary and all changes are completely reversible. 

Step 1: Pull your blouse inside out, and use a normal hair tie, to securely close the bottom portion of the blouse. (above photo) 

Step 2: Tie the sleeves together in a secure knot, creating a strap.

Voila! In a matter of seconds you have transformed a blouse into a beautiful bag! 

Enjoy!

xo,

Maya

Summer Favorites and Easy Style

With the arrival of August, Summer is at its peak and the hottest days of the year are here. 

My style during these last weeks of 'glorious' sun, is easy, breezy and effortless. 

All my accessories are in a warm rose-gold hue, and my clothes are mainly white.

My Current Favorites:  (as seen above) 

-Rebecca Minkoff, White/Rose Gold, Mini Mac

-Michael Kors, Rose Gold Sneakers, 

-Marie Antoinette  Cuff, and Harrods Charm Bracelet

-Nordstrom's Rose Gold Ring

-Zara Statement Necklace

My daily 'Go to " accessories make pulling together a styled head to toe look, effortless and chic. I currently wear mostly white, and breathable fabrics such as cotton.The key is to set an accessory grouping that is versatile. Going from day to night should be effortless. Whether it be a casual white T-shirt and boyfriend jeans,  or a crisp white contemporary dress, I am wearing  fashion that allows me to celebrate life, rather fashion that wears me down. 

xo,

Maya