Luckyfabb Event: Who Wore What and How to Be Photo Ready.

 

      Karolina Kurkova       Coco Rocha       Maya Horikawa

          Nicole Richie       Sophia Amoruso     January Jones

          Ingrid Nilsen        Wendy Nguyen        Chriselle Lim

            Aimee Song             Eva Chen         Cassandra Grey

When choosing what you wear to an event, always have in mind a lot of photos will be taken. The most important thing is the "fit". Does it fit you well and enhance your figure? This is not the time to force yourself into a dress that is a bit too tight. Unless you have an amazing set of Spanx, the camera will pick up every bulge and wrinkle. 

Think color as well. If you are like me and have long black hair and plan on wearing it down then do not wear a black top or dress. You will be devoured in a sea of blackness. Know what colors enhance your skin tones,and pick accordingly. Every person has a different set of colors that work for them so never assume something you see in the magazines will work for you.

Know your assets. Showcase what you like, and detract from what you do not. For example if you love your legs but not your mid section, opt for an A-line high waisted halter dress with a slight slit. 

Lastly, keep your style true to yourself. True beauty comes from how comfortable you are in your own skin.

                                                 SHOES

Shoes have three Benefits:

1.) They add a pop of color or interesting elements to your outfit. 

2.) They detract from your focal point and allow your outfit to shine.

3.) They give you length and elongate your body lines.

Tip: I know it is "trendy" right now to mix and match everything, especially textures. However, you must always edit. Often times, less is more. Don't be afraid to be simple, elegant, and tasteful. Too much of a good idea can end up making you look like a mess. 

                                                  HAIR

The thing I always notice at fashion events is, the sleekness and beauty of putting your hair up. It doesn't really matter whether it is loose, tight, a french twist, etc. The key is to have it off your face and expose your gorgeous cheek bones and neck. 

The other reason I suggest putting it up is because the majority of women will have their hair down, and usually curled. This is all psychological. We feel sexier, and more beautiful with our hair down, but the reality is, you end up blending into the crowd of a billion sexy women. 

Remember, you are at a "Fashion" event and being 'sexually' attractive is rather useless. There is a reason most women on the runway have their hair pulled back with very natural looking make up. Its really about the clothes and the styling art form.

                                            What I Wore

My look was a type of, "Cinderella meets Westwood". The shoes are by Badgley Mischka and the the bag is by Valentino. The rather large pearl on the clasp of the bag is something I purchased in an antique market in Belgium. I added it to the bag, as I do love me some pearls, and having a bit of vintage always inspires me. The dress is a bluish grey, two piece Vivienne Westwood. I bought it many years ago in New York, and it has become a bit of a "lucky" dress. The SLS hotel actually lost this dress, so you can imagine my panic and anger when that happened. After a lot of 'elegant' yelling, they found it. FYI even if you stay at a 5 star hotel, never trust hotel employees with valuables. 

In my purse, I carried all my business essentials. 

You can read about what I carry to fashion events and my networking tips here:

http://mayahorikawa.blogspot.com/2014/04/essentials-and-tips-for-networking.html

Read about my stay at the SLS Beverly Hills Hotel here:

http://mayahorikawa.blogspot.com/2014/04/lucky-fabb-traveling-like-rockstar.html

On the second day of the event I was invited to a networking brunch at the SLS Beverly Hills Hotel.  This is me and Mallory Hunter, she is brand ambassador of Acquacai Water.

I chose to wear a blush pink/ nude skirt and top by Italian designer Laura Biagiotti. It is hard to see but it is a mixture of denim and chiffon. The blazer is by H&M and surprisingly a perfect match. For jewelry I am wearing a charm bracelet from Harrods London, and earrings by Lalique. 

x

Maya

Coco Rocha: "So Much More than a Super Model"

Anyone who meets Coco Rochas can instantly recognize she is not your typical, "model". A muse for Artists, And Fashion Designers, she is a unique combination of beauty, brains, wit, and talent. Instantly inspiring change and passion into the  lives of others.

  

Last week, I was lucky enough to meet her at the Luckyfabb event in Beverly Hills. She spoke with us about modeling, the industry, her charities and the two things she can't stand: selfies and trends. She is charming, clever, and fearless in voicing her opinions.

Although, she stated that she believes the age of the "Super Model", would never return, I feel she has far exceeded any super model status. She is beauty in the sense that she is so much more than a pretty face. She lives life with passion and the desire to make the world a better place.

Some of her Activism and charitable work include speaking up against eating disorders in the modeling industry. She uses her blog as her voice and wrote an open letter to The New York Times. 

She wrote:

                        

"How can any person justify an aesthetic that reduces a woman or child to an emaciated skeleton? Is it art? Surely fashion's aesthetic should enhance and beautify the human form, not destroy it."

In an email to the Associate Press, she wrote:

"I'll never forget the piece of advice I got from people in the industry. When they saw my new body...they said, "You need to lose more weight. The look this year is anorexia. We don't want you to be anorexic, but thats what we want you to look like."

    Jacob, Photo Shop Free Campaign

Coco also partnered with Canadian fashion retailer, Jacob, for a "photo shop free campaign". Coco's goal was to "balance the scales a little by pulling so far back from what has been the current trend of total digital manipulation."

She also launched the "Coco Rocha for Senhoa", a collection produced together with Senhoa, an organization hand crafted by the survivors of human trafficking. The capsule Collection contained 7 unique pieces designed by Coco. 

As an accomplished Irish Step dancer she opened for Jean Paul Gaultier's 2007 Fall/ Winter Collection, Step dancing down the runway to a thrilled audience. American Vogue, dubbed this the "Coco Moment". 

No doubt Coco Rocha has a beautiful face. However, it is her passion, heart, and compassion, that makes her photos, and presence the highest level of excellence and artistry. 

x

Maya

Luckyfabb Gift Bag: 5 Tips on What to do With Gifted Products

For those of you who have been to a fashion event, you are probably aware of a gift bag, or complimentary little present or two to end an event.

Luckyfabb's gift bags were on a whole new level. Obviously, resulting from Lucky Magazine's star power team of sponsors and Brand relationships. I received an endless amount of  products plus a stack of gift cards and certificates that gifted me with jewelry, and hair accessories that are still arriving to this day.

As you can see from the photo above, I was gifted hair products, make-up, skincare, and accessories including jewelry, sunglasses, a watch and more. 

After you let the "buzz" of FREE products cool off, there are things you must do. I don't know what it is about receiving things that you don't pay for but it really makes you stop thinking for a hot second or two. However, I have come to realize, the fact that these huge brands are gifting you with products, means, your voice has value. In the world of business nothing is given without strings attached. So what's next? Do you just skip on off with your bag of goodies and rejoice that Christmas has come twice this year and call it a day? 

Here are my tips on how to deal with free products that may come your way.

1.)Be Honest.

 Never feel pressured that you have to promote a company simply because they gave you something for free. Give your honest opinions, and put yourself in the position of a consumer, and ask yourself, would you buy this product? If you don't like a product do not be afraid to decline. Your readers will appreciate your honesty and your "word" will hold value. 

2.) Organize. 

If you received  many products like I did, organize them into categories. For example, categorize your products in boxes. Not to get all OCD on you guys, but "label makers", are a great way to easily see and find products to test and try.  Create categories such as, hair products, skincare, make-up, or accessories. Clothes can be stored by seasons, or colors. 

3.)  Compare.

You do not have to limit your reviews to only the "free" products you received. It is always interesting to a reader if you can compare several products in the same category. For example, Hairspray. If you have a product you love, you can compare it to the product you received against the product you normally use. A sort of battle of the hairsprays.

4.) Speak up. 

I know we were all taught as children to be nice, and often times, saying negative things about a brand seems like you are just being mean. Honestly, as long as you are respectful in your content, a bit of honesty is beneficial for everyone. For example, maybe you receive an adorable crop top that is perfect for your Spring wardrobe, but the inner seams and stitch work are loose and poorly done, then Speak up! Writing about the negative is just as important as the positive. The more people who voice their true opinions, the more likely higher quality products will be produced in the future. 

5.) Quality Photos.

Always think of yourself as a professional, and if you love a product, it's time for pictures! The best way to show your love is by taking amazing photos. Never fail to cover all the bases. From lighting, make-up, wardrobe, background, everything makes a difference. Iron out wrinkles, and wipe off finger prints. 

At the end of the day never for get the power of your words. All opinions should always remain true to your honest opinions.

take care.

xo

Maya

Lucky Fabb: Living like a Rockstar?

As I have written in my previous post, this past weekend I stayed in the SLS Beverly Hills Hotel for a 2 day beauty and fashion conference held by Lucky magazine. The hotel is owned by Sam Nazarian, and it is frequently used by celebrities for press events and parties. 

Having been a hotel that was not chosen by me, I was not use to the crazy decor. As I entered the lobby, I was shocked by the pitch black decor, and red hall ways. The counters were black, the seats were black and the elevators were lit with a red hue. It felt a bit like I entered the screaming halls of the underworld and the gates of Hell.This hotel is very Rock and Roll and no surprise that it hosts parties by Playboy, Rock musicians, and celebrity press events. However, for a girl who loves French Shabby Chic, soothing water fountains, gardens, and a calming oasis, this hotel was not a favorite. 

When I entered my room I was pleasantly surprised to see a small gift waiting on my bed from the Luckyfabb team, and a welcoming card. I also received a card from the hotel, with a special complimentary plate of fruits and water. A very nice touch.

I cannot begin to tell you how many surprises this hotel gave me. I was dying for a nice warm bath after a long day of running around in my Badgley Mischka heels, and I couldn't understand where the faucet to the bath tub was. I thought, this is so strange, how do I fill up this bath? As I walk into the tub, and play with the knobs on the shower wall, I am surprised by spouting water coming straight from the ceiling!?

These are my Badgley Mischka's I wore on the first day, accompanied by my Valentino Handbag. I wore a Vivienne Westwood Sun dress, which the hotel is yet to return. *It's a long story, and I am not happy about it.

Also to add to the randomness there was a little mirrored wall with little trinkets. This one was of a dice, with all sides numbered 6 only adding to the confirmation this hotel is run by devils. There was also a complimentary kaleidoscope, clear bag of beads, and piece of chocolate. What?

Never failing to make my eyes twitch and wonder who decorated this hotel, the gummy bear looking family stuffed in a glass container, was genius.

Hello, monkey man. He fits perfectly at this bizarre hotel. 

Stay tuned for more pictures from this event. More articles to come!

x

Maya

Luckyfabb: Essentials and Tips for Networking As a Fashion Blogger

In the era of the internet, "social media" reigns supreme, and networking is an essential tool for any business. 

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, connects the world like one gigantic spiderweb making it possible for virtually anyone to gain quite a bit of power. However, the good old fashion way of, face to face networking, is still necessary and in my opinion equally effective. 

Just a couple of days ago, I returned from a fashion and beauty conference, Luckyfabb, at Beverly Hills SLS Hotel. I was invited to take part in a 2 day conference that featured collaborations with bloggers, brands,and sponsors. Super models, Coco Rocha, Karolina Kurkova, actress January Jones, and Nicole Richie were some celebrities that took part in this event. (Look forward to articles all week based on Luckyfabb)

The following are my "Networking Essentials" and my Tips on how to use them. 

(see above photo for corresponding numbers)

1. Notebook-with my logo on the cover.

- This notebook, is filled with my inspirations, for my site. The logo placed on the cover, corresponds to my website, and business cards. Visually, this makes it easier for people to recognize your website and connect it back to you. Think of it as a memory game. This is why brands always  stick to one logo and package and advertise their products without altering it.

-Know what you represent. You have about 5 seconds to network. If you don't know what you represent, you may have the best chat of your life but as far as your blog content, it will not be remembered.

-Don't forget you are a journalist. Jot down notes and plan future articles. Approach events with an inquisitive mind and you will be surprised at the amazing stories that exist around you.

*Whatever you do, do not simply stand there looking pretty with your head turned off, sipping cocktails.

2. I-Pad 

- Whether it be a smart phone or or I-pad, you will need one of these electronic devices or you will miss out. A huge fashion event such as this one, is backed by incredible sponsors, and brands. All throughout the day we had branding experiences where we were asked by companies to show case fashion styling with their products via social media outlets. 

I was asked by Caravelle to style a look around my choice of their watches and to share it on instagram. # Caravelle #luckyfabb

Notice, the circular gold frames mimics the watch, and gold head wrap give it a elegant look perfect for a cruise!

3. Business Cards- 

As everyone will tell you, it doesn't matter what profession you are, if you need to network you need business cards. There really isn't much time to try to find a piece of paper and jot down your information. Not to mention it looks incredibly unprofessional. Have all your social media accounts clearly on the card making it easy to connect on all platforms. 

Keep your cards somewhere with easy access. Do not stick it in a huge bag,that takes ages to find. Every second is critical and the quicker you get it out the longer you have to get to know the other person.

4. Business card Holder-

Whether it be a bag or container, having a place to put all the business cards you receive, will prevent you from misplacing them. Events like these are crowded, and chaotic, and sometimes I received 5-6 cards at the same time. Putting them in one pocket here and one there, can cause panic and chaos later on. 

5. Pen-

Bring a good pen, and several back ups. Asking someone to borrow one, makes you look unprofessional  and unprepared.

6. Dark Sunglasses-

Everything looks more fashionable with dark sunglasses, just look to Karl Lagerfeld or Anne Wintour, who constantly wear dark frames no mater how dark the rooms are.

Ok. Im not serious about wearing dark frames everywhere I go, this would after all make you quite unapproachable. However, just because an event is held inside, it does not mean you won't have lunch, or a chat outside. Squinting and looking un-comfortable is not a good look. 

7. Name Tag and Pass-

With most fashion events, you will receive a pass and name tag that you are "suppose" to wear. However, nothing ruins a look quite like these tacky plastic tags that make you look like "staff". Are you working here or were you invited? 

Don't worry about pinning the name tag across your chest. It is more personable to shake hands, look eye to eye and introduce yourself with a smile and your business card.

8. Camera-

Take photos when you are inspired. Also keep in mind your future articles relating to this event, and take corresponding photos to add to your blog. Always think ahead. 

9. Itinerary-

Most Beauty Conferences will hand you a folder with an itinerary. Don't lose it. It will keep you organized and plan your thoughts. You can lose a lot of time looking for a specific branding room or forget to attend an important event. Events like these are chaotic, and everything rushes by so fast. Anything that keeps you even a tiny bit organized should be kept close by. 

I will be blogging all week about my experiences at Luckyfabb, including up close and personal conversations with Coco Rocha and Nicole Richie, and other tips and perks of the business.