BEAUTY CHAT: ARE YOU UGLY OR ARE YOU LAZY?

The truth of the matter is, laziness is ugly. YOU are not  Ugly. 

Like anything in life, "effort" does make a difference. Those extra 5 minutes of attention, will make a world of difference in your appearance, mental health, mood, and self image. 

Beauty is defined in the work you apply to take care of yourself. Just like a plant needs proper nutrients, sunlight, and water, your attractiveness depends on factors of maintenance.

This includes: skincare, hygiene, exercise, personal maintenance and wisdom. I hate to break it to you, but you are not just born beautiful. No one is. 

It is a daily effort that fluctuates based on will power. I personally,  struggle with my skin and weight  during stressful or hard moments in my life. This is a result of poor food choices, lack of sleep, and exercise. 

Just like any skill, you must learn the techniques to maneuver your actions for the desired reactions. Learning from your mistakes, looking for solutions and striving to be better on a consistent basis, is not an easy task. It is okay to fail, we all do; but,  personal beauty can only be achieved with humility and acceptance of those mistakes, and the commitment to try again. 

The way you live your life, and the effort you put into yourself, is your personal canvas. 

The clothes you wear, match your personal aesthetic. The books you read, represent the shape and directions of your thoughts. The food you eat, symbolizes your desire to live.  The art you love represents your soul.

Just like the furniture in your home, your efforts should bring you joy, and comfort. 

A sense of home.

Live Beautifully!

xo,

Maya

Fashion Challenge Day 10: OOTD "Tribal Influence"

Day 10 is an empowering look that makes me feel a bit like a warrior princess. The powerful tribal necklace was styled with a similar metallic belt and it adds a lot of power to a dress that can ordinarily be worn quite dainty and feminine. I decided a strong high pony was appropriate for such a strong look and opted for no other accessories. 

You would be surprised how what you wear can prepare, and change your mindset for the day. In this outfit, I felt powerful, independent, and ready to conquer the world. 

Take care.

xo,

Maya 

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. 

Lazy Style: 4 Signs You Sold Your Fashion Soul

                                             LAZY DAYS 

                            What we think we look like

                                  What we actually look like

Laziness is the trend of the moment. Dressing like a complete slob has somehow taken over our communities, and it shows no sign of stopping. 

It all began with the ballet flat epidemic, which started as a tribute to Audrey Hepburns adorable ballet inspired look. This basically introduced all women to the comfortable world of flats, leading most to swap out painful heels for comfort. However, it didn't stop there. This led to wanting some amazing pants to match with the comfort of our shoes. This is when the spandex, jeggings, explosion occurred. Why fuss with buttons or rigid waists?  Sweat Pants, are an old classic but never have they been more acceptable to run around in public doing our daily errands. In the past, believe it or not,  it would have been completely taboo to be seen in such "lounge wear". 

Of course, we all have our moments when we are over worked, and stressed to our max. However, submitting to a "LAZY" look is a sign of personal defeat. Every once in awhile, "defeat" maybe unavoidable, after all we are human. However, a daily dose of, "Lazy", is a fashion sin. 

"Sweat pants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweat pants." -Karl Lagerfeld

4 Signs You Have Sold Your Fashion Soul. 

 

                                           1.)  ONESIE

Onsies are a fashion nightmare. A horribly hilarious idea that has some how become a reality. Literally a piece of cloth sewn together by the strength of every lazy thought possible. We have zippers, fleece,and a hoodie, you might as well have LOSER written across the back as well. 

                                       2.)  SWEAT PANTS

Sweat pants only belong in  two places, either the gym or at home lounge on the couch. The moment you feel it is acceptable to be seen anywhere else, is a sign you have given up, and traded in your self respect.

                                       3.)  SPANDEX PANTS

Yes, spandex stretches, and it feels great. However, They are an eyesore to look at. Of course if they are styled properly, and certain bits are properly covered it can be cute. What I am talking about are those  that slap on some spandex and a t-shirt and feel they are good to go. Think again. 

                      

                           4.)ULTRA COMFORTABLE SHOES

Lazy shoe addiction!

I have to admit, I am quite guilty of this one. It is very hard to give up the comfort that flat shoes bring. However, now that I have moved back to California, and no longer have to "walk" from destination to destination or take public transport, I feel I have no justifiable excuse to not wear high heels. Surprisingly enough,  my ability to walk in high heels or high wedges has significantly weakened right  along with my tolerance for pain. However, just like anything in life all it takes is a bit of practice. You can't imagine what a bit of a heel can do for your posture and physique. Trust me, it's worth the effort.