Fall Daily: 4 Ways to Style All Black

Wearing all black is often misunderstood as simply "gothic", but in reality it is an extremely chic way to play with textures, attitudes, and moods. It is a powerful, professional, and  cool styling skill every fashion lover should master.

First of all, in order to style black well, we must understand the very nature of it. Black unlike color, does not reflect light but absorbs it. Visual impressions experienced while looking at black is the lack of light itself.

So how does this, scientific mumbo jumbo have anything to do with fashion?

 Everything.

Fashion is all about the visual expression and manipulation of what we see and feel. The more you understand it, the more interesting your style will evolve.

Here my 4 Ways to Style Black:

                                 SHINY and EMBELLISHED

With black being the absence of light, nothing catches your eye quite like shiny, or reflective black material. Materials like, leather, pleather, vinyl, silk, or velvet are all edgy ways to attract attention while deflecting it. This look can be styled from ultra chic to rocker cool in a matter of seconds. 

 

                                           MATTE BLACK

Wearing loose, matte black is an excellent  way to pull off an elegant and sophisticated look. It is a combination of modesty while still maintaining high level of  mystery and seduction. There is an air of confidence and simplicity to the various layering of black on black.

                             SHEER BLACK & SHOE STYLE

Sheer black strategically maneuvered with matte black is an interesting way to play with visual textures. Add a fun shoe and your entire look is elevated to a visual museum. 

                                   COVER ME BLACK

A colorful hat with all black is a cool way to spice up an outfit and add playfulness. However, if the hat is dark and covers most of your face, while wearing dark sunglasses, be aware of the message you are sending to the world. "Leave me Alone."

This is definitely my go to look when I feel like being anti-social, and pretending I'm deaf and cannot recognize anyone. Dont deny,we've all done it. 

Xo,

Maya 

Fall Daily: Adorable Autumn Street Style!

Just as nature burns with Autumnal delight, the street style around the world, is booming with fashion!

Personal style is at an ultra high, and an attitude of confidence mixed with playfulness is this seasons highlight!

Women are emerging as unique, and embracing their inner style. 

From flannel, to vintage patterns, all kinds of personal touches can be seen in this new movement towards individuality.

My Top 5 Fall Inspirations:

 

                                   THE FLANNEL CAPE

When it comes to flannel, there is something rather nostalgic about it for me. I can remember back to my school days, and how soft and warm it was. It is comfort fashion at its best and having it made into a chic cape, is pretty amazing. 

                                   COLORFUL PATTERNS

Playful attitudes of color can be spotted in bold choices of printed textile. Mix them up with vintage pieces and you are sure to be creating trends that others will admire!

                                  SCHOOL GIRL INSPIRED

Chic versions of childhood attire is a fun way to remember your past while celebrating your present. 

From sleek overalls, to school uniform skirts, there are fun ways to add playfulness to a rather bland world. 

                                        BLACK and BEIGE

If elegance and sophistication is something your desire, definitely try the color combination black and beige. There is no way to screw up this magical duo. Try it,  style it, love it. 

                                         THE RED SKIRT

There is something about the perfect "red skirt" that makes your feel flirty, beautiful, and unique. Figuring out which shade of red or what shape is right for you may take a lot of trial and error, but well worth it!

Join me tomorrow for more daily Fall Styling!

xo, 

Maya  

Loving Olivia Palermo's Wedding Style

On June 28, 2014, Olivia Palermo wed long time boy friend Johannes Huebl in Bedford, New York. 

As a leading fashion icon, everyone would expect her to choose a lavish gown adorned with intricate details fit for a queen. After all,  weddings now a days are all about the "show/bride",  and the actual meaning behind the day often gets lost. 

However, Olivia's style was fresh, easy, and quite understated for a modern day Wedding. There was no bling, no elaborate silks, no princess pouf, it was classic, elegant, and natural. It was a perfect blend of classic traditions, with a modern twist. This look celebrates the beauty of both bride and groom in a way that show cases their love. Nothing is trying to hard, and yet their beauty is beaming. 

                                            The DRESS

She wore a three piece ensemble by Carolina Herrera. It consisted of a white cashmere top adorned with ostrich feathers, white shorts, and a beautiful white tule skirt with white floral designs accenting along the slit. 

                                    Olivia's Relaxed Pony

Parted down the center, and pulled into a relaxed pony, the overall look was easy, breezy and super relaxed. 

                                       The Bracelet 

                    A bracelet from her recent visit to India.

                              The SHORTS and TULLE

The white shorts under the iridescent silk white tulle, was a fresh clean look perfect for a summer wedding. The floral detail along the slit was an elegant touch that added to the whimsy as the tulle floated through the air.

                                Royal Blue Manolo Blahniks

Olivia wore the same royal blue Manolo Blahniks, as seen on Carrie Bradshaw's nuptials to Mr. Big on "Sex in the City".

                                Wedding Dress Designer

                                       Carolina Herrera

5 Steps to Achieving Your Own Fashion Style

Do you have your own personal style? A style that is distinctively you?

Following trends, and copying your icons is a safe way to always look good. Unfortunately, what ends up happening, are the creation of fashion clones. Masses of people, that dress exactly the same, looking rather okay but nothing that would make you look twice. 

There are a billion articles explaining how to be on trend or copy a look, but here are some of my tips to help you uncover your own personal STYLE.

1.) Inspiration Board

The best way to uncovering your jumbled mind of a billion opinions, are imagery boards. I constantly fiddle around with inspiration boards or dream boards when I plan goals or projects. 

For a fashion Inspiration Board, simply start by collecting photos of everything that interests you. This will uncover your personal taste. Don't be afraid to add things that have absolutely nothing to do with fashion. This a clear way to see what you find beautiful, and from there you can start getting inspired to add it to your fashion. Some things I added to my current fashion board, are flowers, lakes, ballet, sun, rainbows, music, paintings, etc. I have attached my Inspiration Board below to give you an idea of what mine looks like.

2.) Don't Be Afraid.

Nothing kills personal style, quicker than you. We all have that little voice in our head that asks you what others will think, and whether it will be "liked" or disliked in the eyes of others. If you want your own "Style", you need to take a chance and to be strong enough to express your ideas. Some fashion looks will be horribly wrong, and a total,"What was I thinking moment?", but these mistakes will only strengthen your style, creativity and confidence, a trio of attractive qualities. 

3.) Think Outside the Box

As Alexander McQueen once said, "There are no more rules in fashion", do not be afraid to do something different. Tie your scarf as a belt, or use a chained belt and style it through your hair. You can even try clothes upside down, backward, inside out, just play around with fabrics, and see if you can find something that gets you excited. 

4.) Vintage, Antique, Thrift!

Going to shops that are not "franchised" and have history will only guarantee you added uniqueness. You have no way of being influenced by pre-styled mannequins or promotions telling you how to style their clothes. Nothing gets my creative juices flowing quite like a good rummage through a antique market, or Vintage shop. I was once in Den Haag, and came across the most adorable vintage shop filled with the most amazing vintage buttons! 

I have a bit of an obsession with vintage buttons, not only are they unique, they are a fantastic way of personalizing a shirt, bag, or even make jewelry!

5.) Mix it UP

Don't be afraid to mix it up. Olivia Palermo became famous for her ability to mix high and lo fashion, meaning couture with affordable pieces. Play with different textures. Before it was a fashion don't to wear stripes with polka dots, but now it is on trend. Keep in mind fashion rules, are really just fashion opinions. Every person has a different look, charisma, personality and body type. Finding what is your signature look is a fashion journey that continues to evolve and grow. 

Good Luck!

xo

Maya