I FEEL PRETTY.

I Feel Pretty, is an upcoming movie starring Amy Schumer, who is a woman struggling with her own body image, but awakens feeling transformed into a flawless beauty.
What would you do if you  awoke one day without a care in the world and absolute body confidence? Would it be enough to start living your life, or would it lead you to a life of delusion and narcissism?

It is an interesting idea of how we "feel" verses how we are. If you feel beautiful, you are bringing out beauty that you have. A brightness, a smile, a light, you are giving off energy. This is interesting, because we live in a society highly dominated by what we see verses what we feel. The need to be "flawless", and the obsession of all or nothing. It has the majority of us seeing only our flaws, while completely neglecting the positive.
It's like chasing a rainbow without realizing you've already got it.

Beauty is a complex mixture of what we see and how we feel. It will be exciting to see what they will do with this idea of how emotions affect our visions.

I Feel Pretty, Coming Soon... (April 20, 2018)

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)

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

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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

FASHION AND SOUL?

SOUL: 

-The spiritual part of a person that is believed to give life to the body and in many religions is believed to live forever.

-a person's deeply felt moral and emotional nature. 

-Merriam-Webster Dictionary

We all struggle with emptiness. The unknown is dark, and scary, and often leaves us feeling lost and without purpose. Rather than facing these questions, we distract ourselves by looking to others for answers, and mimicking habits that are proven to be socially successful. 

 How we dress is no different. We treat what we wear as a costly game of cat and mouse. We chase, we catch, and repeat. Fashion ideas, with very little personal attention leaves the soul forgotten and lost. 

 Believe it or not, there is so much LIFE in deciding what you wear. What you wear is a daily question of personalization, and problem solving on the unknown variables that make you unique.

However, this is a skill. It is only as powerful as your emotional abilities to feel, create, and produce ideas into your reality.  To be able to express, and share bits of your identity requires an internal understanding of what that self identity is. Such knowledge of who you are, can only be obtained through daily practice of challenging your own internal thoughts. 

A life well lived, is one that thinks, questions, and finds its own answers.

xo,

Maya

The Power of Shoes?

"Shoes transform your body language and attitude. They lift you physically, and emotionally." 

- Christian Louboutin

Have you ever thought about the power of your shoes? 

Yes, we all know they can be hypnotically beautiful, and nail bitingly sexy, but have you ever thought about how they are effecting your life?

Easily the most important fashion accessory, it holds many jobs. 

On the most basic level, shoes need to support you. They are the entire support system that balance your body to the ground and maneuver you from place to place. They effect your body movement, balance, posture, demeanor, and shape. It does not matter how gorgeous a shoe is, if it is physically painful, or hard to maneuver, it is most likely making you look silly.

I  have had my fair share of experiences with shoes I forced my feet into, only to be faced with the reality that I looked ridiculous walking in them. Yes, you can endure the pain, but most likely your face is cringing, your feet are awkwardly balancing themselves, and all you are thinking about is sitting down. 

"Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world." 

-Marilyn Monroe

Shoes are a persuasive creature. Innocent in demeanor, and seductive in appeal, it is easy to lose oneself in the endless variety of shapes and designs. They have the power of transformation, as they can elongate the leg, align body posture, and slenderize your form. 

Shoes can also be used as the secret ingredient of a bland fashion recipe. They add the perfect spice to harmonize, counteract, or elevate a fashion idea. 

"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. 

-Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird)

Shoes tell stories?

The reason you should buy and wear shoes that you love in every shape and form is simply in the story. Every wrinkle, and dirt laced to the soles of your shoes, are creating memory codes that shape your existence. It is in this reason alone, I love quality vintage shoes. 

Not only is the craftsmanship impeccable,  you physically get to walk into the life of someone else. I always wonder of its previous life and where they have been?

What's your shoe story?

xo,

Maya

PART 3: "The Necklace" Guy de Maupassant (2016 Silent Film)

TALKFASHION TV


TALKFASHION TV
PART 3: The Awakening!

Scene 1:
Rushing back to her apartment, she sits down in front of her vanity, for one last glance at her impeccable reflection. She begins removing her scarf around her neck, and remembering her magical night. The moment is bitter sweet, because she knows everything has come to a dreadful end, and the moment of her life is behind her.
When she finally glances up to her mirror, expecting to see her face lit up by her diamond necklace, she is faced with a completely bare neck! Completely shocked and seeing black, blood rushes to her brain, and her heart starts pumping erratically.

Scene 2:
Ten years pass, and having aged immensely from the stress and hard labor, she is unrecognizable. Spending most depressing days stressed by debt, she has glimpses of that magical night of perfection.

Then, one rainy day, she bumps into her old friend who had lent her the diamond necklace. Having changed so much, she no longer recognized her. She then decides to tell her the entire truth, and admits to losing the diamond necklace and then replacing it with a similar one. The debt from that purchase took her 10 years to pay off, and resulted in the destruction of her life.
Astonished by this news, her friend abruptly stops her and explains the necklace was a FAKE!

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Watch also:

PART 1: "The Necklace" Guy de Maupassant

PART 2: "The Necklace" Guy de Maupassant

WHAT ARE FASHION PLACEBOS?

Placebo: a beneficial effect, produced by a placebo drug or treatment, that cannot be attributed to the properties of the placebo itself, and must therefore be due to the patient's belief in the treatment. 

Let's talk placebos!

We have all had those days when we felt absolutely miserable, and resorted to some form of retail therapy. Funny enough, the "high" is a welcomed distraction, but never really treats the initial problem. Similar to the study of the Placebo Effect, we often mistake fashion as a quick fix to what our problems actually are. 

A fashion placebo, gives the illusion of powerful mood boosters. Whether it be confidence, happiness, success, superiority, or body image, clothes have a powerful impact on how we see ourselves and ultimately result in how we feel. These quick fixes never last long, and disappear as quickly as you created them. 

The concept is simple. When fashion is used as a placebo, you are believing in the power of an object, verses yourself. You may believe you look better, but realistically, the change is not so significant. It should be understood that it is in the thought process that holds the power.  

What you believe you are, creates the reality of who you are. Think of fashion as a personal relationship. Everything you choose to wear should come from a real place of love, rather than the desire for image, status, or power. Cultivate this relationship and you will experience miraculous innovation and inspiration. 

Now imagine a relationship with a "drug", that provides you with a sense of fulfillment. Like broken illusions, the feeling never last , and leaves you chasing nothing but an illusion.

xo,

Maya

TALKFASHION TV

DO YOU HIDE BEHIND YOUR CLOTHES?

Looking in the mirror is a reflective experience (literally, and figuratively).

There is this strange psychological banter between what you see, feel, and identify with. Who is that person you see?

From quite early on, we learn the powers of fashion. It can make you look like anyone you choose to be. Just pick and idol, watch what he/she wears and copy it. This is the nature of how people dress, and it focuses primarily on how you look, regardless of the person inside. 

The question is, why do we do this? Why do we dress without considering what we represent on the inside? Do we even know who that person is?

When I look at people, I see them as books. What is their story? Each person has this mysterious past, present, and future, and it is constantly changing and shaping them into this unique being.  

What would your book cover look like? This is the question people should ask themselves when they try to find their personal style. What would be on that cover? What would represent your current lifestyle, and events? 

When you start approaching fashion with this kind of mindset you will see how strange it is to desire to look like someone else. Maybe you think Kylie Jenner is gorgeous, but your responsibility lies in representing your story. 

 Listen, I have gone through my fair share of fashion trends, and style snatching. I admit, copying beautiful people is a super easy way to look better. Their tips work, and compliment almost everyone instantly. However, the satisfaction lies only in your ability to please others. You feel better, because others view you as better. The person you actually are, is left ignored. 

For me, it was a feeling of detachment.  On the outside, I could look like this "cool, trendy" girl, but  on the inside, I was this awkward girl sitting in the corner reading a book that told a very different story. 

 Dressing to look good verses dressing to cultivate your character, may seem like a small difference but it holds two entirely different outcomes. Anyone, can look sexy, or beautiful, "physically", but to feel it from the inside out, is a different story. 

It is only when you choose to be a copy that you become boring. Who wants to read the book, The Girl Who Pretended To Be Helen Keller? (Not going to lie, that sounds pretty hilarious. I might read it.)

You might be thinking, I am not defined by what I wear, it doesn't matter. Which can be true if you live in complete seclusion on an island somewhere. However, in this fast paced world, an accurate representation of who you are, will open the right doors to the places and people suited for you.   By not putting importance on finding a true representation of your style, you  are representing a different story, and attracting a very different audience. 

Only one person in the universe can dress the person who lives inside of you. Tell your story!

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                                                                            xo,
                                                                          Maya

TFTV: HOW TO CREATE A BAG FULL OF FASHION?

We all have those moments when our outfit is incomplete, and a quick change would be a life saver.

On today's episode of TALKFASHION TV, I discuss how to create and use a bag filled with fashion accessories. Whether you use it to dress your outfit up, change your mood, add a pop of color, or go from day to night, this tiny little red bag will keep your creative juices flowing all day.

Check out last weeks episode: WHAT'S IN MY BAG?

Please SUBSCRIBE to TALKFASHION TV.

xo,

Maya

WHAT IS SELF EXPRESSION?

TALKFASHION TV

"SELF EXPRESSION- the expression of your thoughts or feelings especially through artistic activities, ( such as painting, writing, dancing, etc. )

                                                       -Merriam Webster Dictionary

In order to express yourself through fashion, one must understand what it is to do so. Interestingly enough, when I looked up this word in various locations, fashion, was never written as a possible artistic activity that would lead to expressing one's self. Why is that?

The truth is, the act of self expression is an extremely vulnerable place, and very few actually practice it in fashion or life. Yes, many people boast at how original they are and how they self express through fashion, but in actuality, they look and behave exactly like everyone else.

The mindset of fashion in our society is largely a surface issue. Does it make your figure look nice? Does it look expensive? Does it make you look successful? etc.

Fashion should not be used as a form of "armor", nor should it be used to create confidence and self worth. Any sense of power or strength, created by what you wear, is not power that belongs to you. It is an illusion that creates an unhealthy relationship with fashion that is highly profitable. You need clothes to feel like the person you want to be, and now the co-dependent relationship of "buying" self worth is born.

The process of true power and self confidence, is a journey of self expression. No one is just born knowing who they are, or what they like. It takes daily practice within yourself, and a constant battle of self discovery. What do you like, feel, want?

There is such a constant blur of white noise in our lives, that it is difficult to hear ourselves think. Dig deep within yourself and invite that tiny little inner voice to come to the surface. Yes, you can fool the world into thinking you are someone else, but you can never fool yourself.

Originality, is the celebration of discovering bits and pieces of the priceless qualities within you.

Click! TALKFASHION TV

                                                                           xo,
                                                                         Maya

WHAT DOES YOUR BAG KNOW ABOUT YOU?

Girls and handbags, are quite the mysterious combination. Every single day we tote around our life and stress about what we need and how we can fit it all. A bag is either too big, too small, too heavy, or just not the right color. If you take one moment away from the obvious, and dump the contents of your bag, what do you see?

The truth is, your bag is a solid representation of where your mind is at. Is it cluttered, chaotic and messy? If yes, then your mind is also having trouble processing, organizing and rationalizing. 

What about the contents?  

When we are students, our bags or backpacks, represent the mindset of learning, and education. After school, the contents of our bag say a lot about what you set as your highest priorities.

If your bag is mainly beauty or grooming products, it means you have set your looks as your highest priority.

What about items that inspire you? Why do we not value our own perceptions? What about items that remind you to look for beauty in the world, or open your mindset to things you would normally forget to notice? Why is it, we value so much of our attention on how we are seen, verses how we see the world?

Join me tomorrow as WHAT'S IN MY BAG goes live on TALKFASHION TV, and you can see the random items I carry to live INSPIRED.

xo,

Maya

MY INTERVIEW WITH COSHIO.COM

A couple of months ago I had an interview with COSHIO.COM , and it is now being featured on their site. If you are interested in all things fashion,  my life, and remaining authentic, please check it out!

To read the full interview please click below:

COSHIO FULL INTERVIEW

xo,
Maya

SURPRISE!! TALK FASHION IS NOW ON YOUTUBE!

SURPRISE!

TALK FASHION is now on YouTube as TALKFASHION TV !!! The first video is now live and I would love to hear your feedback and opinions.  Lets start a fashion dialogue, and express what it is we think, feel, and love about all things fashion! 

Videos will be based on fashion that explores artistic expression of mind, body, and soul. 

It's time we stop  the trend of wanting to be fashion clones, and start thinking like individuals. 

Just like the fingerprints on your hand, and the DNA in your blood, never forget you are one of a kind. 

Please subscribe to  TALKFASHION TV 

xo,

Maya

Talk Fashion Goes Global?

I am excited to announce that Talk Fashion will be going through some exciting new changes in the upcoming months!

 Fashion is a universal topic, and the site will be focusing on thinking GLOBAL. 

New categories such as music, culture, food, and art will be added, providing an interesting look on fashion as living art form. 

 Join Talk Fashion as it evolves into an interactive site based on self expression!

Sincerely,

Maya 

(Sneak Peak! Exclusive Preview of PRONOVIAS 2017 Collection) 

Read all about it tomorrow!

Blogmas Day 5: My Favorite Holiday Concert Style!

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year", is a popular holiday song sung by Andy Wlliams, and it has me questioning every year, why the holidays make me smile?

One very good reason, is performing in a series of Christmas concerts! Every year, I take part in the joyous celebration of performing Holiday classics, accompanied by singers. As a violinist, I have played in many different types of shows, but there is something very special about the holiday ones. The stage is lit up, decorated and adorned with fresh poinsettia. The feeling is fresh, cheerful, and heartfelt. There is nothing overly complicated or  manipulated. No need to think, just feel.

When you play in an orchestra, you are almost always required to wear head to toe, black. However, during the holidays I push the rules a bit, and add a tiny bit of color and crystals. The above outfit is my favorite holiday orchestra attire. It is the second year I have worn it, and I still love it.

The dress is by TADASHI and the neck and sleeves are embroidered with lace and hand sewn glass beads.The shoes are by Ferragamo and embellished with crystals. The red belt is from Accessorize, and the hair clips are made of crystals. 

Enjoy! 

xo, 

Maya

The Fashion of Lights

Light partnered with darkness, has mesmerized humans since the beginning of time. Like stars that dance through the darkness of night, fashion illuminated, holds no limits. 

Unlike fabric or structured materials, the natural nature of lights, can illuminate the positive while blending the negative into the darkness. Mimicking limitless structures, illusions, and whimsical mystery, one cannot help but debate what is real and what is not. 

The movement of light, and the rhythm it holds, is a unique characteristic for designers to play with. It gives fashion the ability to feel and react. The experience of fashion is no longer stagnant but an ever evolving display of virtual style.

Involving lights into what we wear, awakens a new visual sense. it heightens new possibilities of creativity and stretches the boundaries of what we know, and where we can go. 

Like light, life holds no limits. It is only in the boundaries of darkness, that our possibilities lie hidden.

xo,

Maya

Fall Daily: "A Touch of Love"

Jewelry is often a simple fashion statement. However,  sometimes, if you are lucky, you will be gifted a piece that is a touch of love.  These pieces are magical, sentimental, and heartfelt. They touch you in a way that goes beyond fashion, and straight to your heart. 

My "touch of love" pieces, were gifted to me by my mother. She received the the ring from her mother, and the necklace from her father when she was a young girl. I loop the ring into the necklace, and wear them together, and something about it, fills my heart with magic. 

My mind is flooded with imagery of what it must have been like to be my grandfather as he went shopping around stores looking for this very necklace to gift to my mother. What must have rushed through his head as he debated which item to choose, and what she would like. I wonder what it must have been like to see my mother's reaction as she opened this very gift, and now to have it strung around my very neck, I cannot help but melt into smiles. 

Although, my grandfather is no longer with us, I still remember him daily. His relationship with my mother was a beautiful one, and something I admired greatly.  I am not close to my own father, and quite honestly, do not know much about what having a father is really like. Such love between father and daughter is a beautiful one, and although I may not have that in my life, I feel blessed to have a token of that love between my mom and grand-daddy. 

Join me tomorrow for more daily Fall style!

Xo,

Maya

Walk With Me Through Versailles

Chateau Versailles is a place I hold very dear to my heart. My countless walks through these grounds, are moments, of inspiration, reflection and delight. It is a beautiful way to absorb the magnificent beauty of life, beauty and nature. Such an enchanting place, it's as if a story book comes to life!

Join me as I stroll through the beautiful grounds of Chateau Versailles with you...

The trees are filled with character, and whisper all the secrets of Versailles. 

Hello Mr. Cat. This adorable kitty lives on the grounds of Versailles,and quite a friendly creature..

Red currant? Delicious. If you pay attention there are many fruit trees on the grounds at Versailles. 

Hello Mr. Lamb....Were you playing in some hay?

Stop looking at me. No love in the Temple of Love. Ironic...

So breath taking you can almost here the music in the wind, the trees, and the birds...

As the day is now coming to the end, this will be my final post dedicated to Queen Marie Antointte's Birthday!

Join me tomorrow as I return to the normal schedule of Daily Fall Style!

xo,

Maya