FALL FAVORITES! SHOES AND BAGS

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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  

Fall Daily Essential: Ankle Boots + How to Pick the Right One

Ankle boots are an essential Fall wardrobe piece and picking the right one takes some fashion wisdom. After years of my own mistakes of shopping by "impulse", I have amassed quite a collection of shoes. There is a clear divide between the shoes I actually wear, verses the shoes I do not.

Over the years I have learned valuable tips to preventing shopping mistakes, and finding a product you will love for years to come. Here are my ankle boot recommendations:

If you do not own any ankle boots and plan on investing on your first pair, think practical. Do not reach for the first boot that may scream, "Awesome", but matches nothing. Control yourself and start by selecting a classic style boot, in either the color black or brown. 

                              THE CLASSIC STYLE

The classic style is simple, clean lines, and with very few embellishments. It may not be the most exciting, or creative in design, but it is extremely wearable.  This type of shoe should be part of everyone's wardrobe. It matches everything you own and can be styled up or down. 

Your only job is to consider the height of the heel or to opt to have no heel. This will all depend on your lifestyle and how much walking, and standing your day requires. Try it on, walk around and make sure it feels good.

                               POINTY STYLE

To point or not to point? 

Being quite petite and small, I have learned over the years that a pointy tip will lengthen, and slenderize your legs. A rounded tip gives you a chunkier more casual vibe, and knowing the difference, gives you knowledgeable control. As I own both types in my collection, I tend to have rounded tips with my higher heels, and pointier tips with smaller or no heels. 

                                LACE UP STYLE

Lace up boots, give off a casual vibe, and best suited for those with a more carefree lifestyle. They are extremely comfortable, and great for walking; however, they are a sportier style and are not appropriate for all situations. You can also mix this type of boot with a feminine soft style. It is a fun way to add a spicy element to a normally sweet tone. 

                             EMBELLISHMENT STYLE

If I belonged to a category, it would definitely be this one. I love embellishments and unique little touches! The problem is, they are not always the easiest to style. You really need to know your wardrobe very well, and how to balance color, textures, and embellishments, in total harmony. The look can easily look a bit crazy, and become overwhelming. My number one tip is keep your clothes with the same color tone, and match the embellishments on your shoes with your accessories. It works every time!

                        PEEK-A-BOO TOE STYLE

The peek-a-boo toe is a perfect alternative for those who live in a warmer climate. It gives off the effect of a boot but can still be warn like a sandal. I would not recommend this particular style to anyone living in a colder climate, or a place that rains. 

Join me everyday for more Fall Style!

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

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. 

How Autumn Inspires Me

Yesterday I posted shots of my Fall Shoe Collection, and I briefly explained how my shoes create these visual images in my mind that remind me of all my beautiful Autumn memories. I guess you would call them flashbacks, but it always surprises me how strong our senses really are. 

This is how Autumn Inspires me,

see what I see when I put on my shoes...

When I use to live in Brussels, I had two very large windows, over looking my bed. From my window I could see millions of Ivy leaves change from deep greens to vibrant orange, red, purple, and gold all throughout the Autumn months. It was like a fire work display of the final curtain call. It is remarkable to think Autumn is actually the ending of the seasons, and the leaves are actually dying. As humans, we always fear our deaths and the process of aging, and yet, leaves, climax till the very end. 

Such life and colors, why is it humans cannot live like leaves? 

 

Leaves are the fingerprints of life. They change so softly into beautiful shades of every color.

Walking through Autumn.

 I remember how my mind would be in awe of the beauty of this season. Such a juxtaposition.  Surrounded by the warmth of colors and yet the flow of crisp cool wind. 

I could walk for hours. 

Autumn nights. Filled in a sea of darkness, are golden leaves that glow in the reflection of softly lit street lamps. I close my eyes, and remember, such beauty falls in the hearts of those so alone. 

Blue skies and Rainbow leaves. Look up, it's magic. I remember...

Dancing leaves. Golden. How happy they must be. 

Like human hands, filled with veins of life. So intricately woven and mysterious. Leaves are exposed in sunlight. 

The sounds of autumn. Walking through puddles of dried leaves that have curled, you can smell the crisp Autumn air. 

5 Ways to Pick a Fashion Image that Is Yours

In the Fashion Industry, it is rather easy to get swept up in a abyss of clothes. Every season is marked by new trends, and new "fashion images". They are then plastered all over magazines, and used to hypnotize viewers to buy themselves a new image.

Yes, being "trendy" and copying runway looks, is an easy way to look good and champion yourself as "stylish". However, can you really call yourself fashionable if all you really do is follow the fashion flow of others? 

How can you find your own fashion path and step out of the lane? 

Here are my 5 easy ways to keeping your style Right for You.

1.) Who are You?

Not to get too philosophical, but if you want to be fashionable you have to know who you are and what you are about. Are you a student, doctor, actress, waitress, etc.? Your occupation serves as your "practical" factor. For example, if your life requires you to be on your feet, running around, then tight mini skirts, and 3 inch heels are probably not for you. Fashion always need to be "functional". It should work with you not "you working for it". 

Separate from your occupational side, you also need to know your inner you. This is the you that represents what you like. Do you like art, sports, music, books, etc.? Start getting inspired by what you love. 

2.) Don't be afraid to be Different

The worst thing for fashion, is the need in humans to be accepted. Nothing kills creativity faster than wanting to be exactly like everyone else. Trends feed off this human weakness, and seasonally more mindless fashion minions, buy into losing themselves. 

The more "popular" a style maybe, the less original you are. Try to always think for yourself. If you have a dress or shirt that many others also have, why not spice it up by cutting off the sleeve, changing up the buttons, or adding some other fabric? 

3.) The Fit

The shape, fabric, and style, best suited for you, should be decided by how it makes you feel over how you look.

 What makes you feel beautiful? 

For myself, nothing puts a smile on my face quicker than a flowy, A-line, skirt. As a shorter frame, this elongates my legs and is flattering whether in flats or heels. When you feel beautiful you will move, and hold yourself in a more attractive way. Remember in life, we are not a motionless photo. How you walk, stand, all contain wrythm, flow, and attitude. If you don't feel good chances are, you are not looking so great either. 

4.) COLOR!

Color is actually a fascinating phenomena that is often overlooked in life. Each color is scientifically proven to hold a different frequency and create different moods.For example, when we see pink we think "sweet". This is largely the reason we represent little girls to "pink, and bakers add pink food coloring to their sweets. 

To be honest, there is nothing more ridiculous than, following "color trends" that are marked every season. It is a decision obviously decided by textile companies and brands contrived to sell products motivated purely on making money. 

Color evokes emotion. Just because 'orange' is the color of the moment, it means nothing if the color is not right for you. Certain colors will give you comfort, and this is a sign your aura is fluctuating  on a similar frequency as that color.

 Motivate yourself, to follow your instincts. These instincts are what will bring you to the image you should be. 

5.) VINTAGE!! 

I can not stress enough my love for Vintage. For those of you who really hold no interest in it, at list give it a try. First of all, a Vintage Store, Thrift, or antique, is a whole mish-mash of STUFF. It is an excellent way to exercise what you like, without the mind manipulation that happens in "trendy shops" that strategically pose mannequins in fashion images that they want you to be. 

At first it may look like junk, but let your eyes settle into a new mindset. You cannot imagine the treasures you will find, and how much it improves your vision on your own personal style. Whether it be an interesting belt, or a 60's pouf dress, there is something for everyone. Keep an open mind, and the ideas will flow in.