FASHION PRISON

Fashion is a world filled with false illusions, and unrequited desires. The need to be admired, will almost aways find yourself in a type of fashion prison. 

Why?

Unfortunately, people are rather simple minded, and wearing the latest labels, and brands, will get you a quick glance of admiration. Now you are somebody, and now you are successful. Having something that others cannot afford, gives you this false sticker of superiority. However, like everything in life, there is a price to pay, and in this case a high price. 

When you find self worth through the exclusivity of trends and luxury items, there will never be a sense of content or fulfillment. Fashion is a well oiled machine, and every second, something shiny, and new is waiting for you to swipe your card. Nothing will ever be enough, and paying for it all will leave you feeling desperate. 

It is in this desire alone, millions of people trade in their life of freedom, and exchange it for one of debt, endless work or unethical choices.

When fashion controls you, it will destroy you. Be creative with fashion, and it will free you. Find life long pieces, and cherish them. Minimize the need for mindless shopping, and carelessly replacing your entire wardrobe each season. 

Living in a prison is not easy to see. The walls are invisible, but the power is real. 

Click! TALKFASHION TV

xo,

Maya

4 Ways I Wear REAL Leather Ethically

"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them at least don't hurt them. "

-Dalai Lama

If I am honest, many vegans I have met, find it disgusting that I wear leather (or as they like to call it dead animal skins). I am approached with a lot of judgement, some eye rolling, and quite a bit of anger.   However, just wait one second and lets discuss this. Is there an ethical way to where real leather? 

4 Ways I Wear REAL Leather Ethically

1.) Buy Leather OLD verses NEW.

Look for leather in vintage shops, consignment, or thrift stores. For many years now, I do not invest in buying new leather, and therefore, do not contribute to the killing of animals nor the promotion of the leather industry. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing leather products that have been recycled for the second, third, fourth time. 

2.) Have Leather Swap Parties.

Rather than buying more leather goods, fill your fashion bug by swapping products with friends. The great thing about leather is how beautifully it ages. It has a lifetime unsurpassed by most materials and buying more should always be controlled to a minimum.

3.) Take care of Your Vintage Leather.

Leather has a life of its own, and if you take care of it with love, the proper creams, and repairs, there will be almost no need to throw it away. All my vintage boots had a life before me, and now with me, and as far as I am concerned will be with me as long as I live. 

4.) Never Throw Away Leather. Recycle.

People now a days are so quick to toss a pair of shoes, or a bag that looks a tiny bit old, but never do that with leather. The beauty of leather lies in its ability to age beautifully. If you no longer want it, either give it to a friend, donate it, or bring it to a consignment shop for re-sale.

Although, I cannot undo the harm that has been caused to animals in the past, I believe throwing away all previous leather products and vowing to never wear it is harmful to the environment. Why? There is undeniably tons and tons of leather goods on this planet and throwing all of them away is wasteful, environmentally hazardous, and disrespectful to the animal who had to die for it. The only ethical way to proceed is to limit the purchasing of " NEW" leather, while respecting the existence of the "old". 

What else can we do?  We as a fashion community need to push for proper laws that forbid unethical treatment of animals, or the inhumane killing of them. There should be a huge push for strictly organic leather and the reduction of products created per year. Wasteful shopping habits need to be re-examined, and true appreciation should be born.

Take care.

xo

Maya

FWI: Tips and Tricks on Styling Dresses Up or Down

Fashion Week of Innovation

Dresses are a funny thing. They have a very distinct character, and very rigid rules.  For example, if you are invited to a wedding, you search for the perfect dress, considering the venue, time, and season. A cocktail dress can only be worn at cocktail hour, and evening dresses can only be worn at formal events, while sun dresses can only be worn in the sun. There are so many rules,  that "usually" most of all your dresses end up quietly collecting dust and disappearing from your closet memory. 

Before you start classifying your dress as a "one time only" waste of money, here are a few ways to add new life, and transform it into different shapes and styles, perfect for multiple events!

1.) DENIM TOPS

The easiest way to dress down a dress and make it casual,  is to add a denim top. You can wear it over the dress as a casual jacket, tied at the waist, or under the dress letting the collar peek through. 

You can pair the look with simple ballet flats or Keds flats and it is an adorable day look. (It is also a fun, effortless way to transform a look into evening. Just bring a pair of heels and remove the denim top and the transformation is complete.

2. ) The TRANSPARENT SKIRT

Cocktail dresses are fun and sexy but unfortunately, not quite "formal" enough to be worn at gala events, or can they?

The transformation is as easy as adding a long, transparent skirt and other formal accessories.  The added length, makes it instantly Gala appropriate. Style with a glamorous clutch, corresponding heels, make-up and an elegant up-do.

3.) ADDING A DRESS VEST

Adding a dress vest is the quickest way to take a rather fancy, feminine dress, and make it modern, cool and edgy. It is unexpected and interesting for the eyes. You can pair such a look with an edgier open toe stiletto. 

4.) Crop Top Magic

Strapless dresses are sexy, but the exposed skin does create limiting situations it can be worn. Try styling it with a beautiful crop top, and it will easily transform a sexy dress, and make it conservative. the look is sleek, contemporary, and minimalistic. 

5.) Beaded, Ornate, Tops

A simple black, jersey, sundress can instantly be cocktail ready by adding an ornately embellished crop top over it. 

I am addicted in searching for beaded pieces in vintage shops, simply because, they are the key in changing an outfit from ordinary, to extraordinary. No fuss, practical, wearable style, that is multifunctional. 

Enjoy!

xo,

Maya