Review: My 2015 Winter Style

This Winter I challenged myself by documenting 15 days of  what I wore. The purpose of the challenge was to approach 2015 with a new attitude and to push my limits of creativity.

Today, I have decided to review this Fashion Challenge and share with you what I learned and currently love from my Winter style. 

Currently Loving:

My Wintery color palette finds me loving black, white and grey. I enjoyed the textured patterns of knit fabrics, stripes, embroidery, and pops of color. I normally, am never known to wear black, but this year it seemed to be appropriate to my current mood. Nearly 90% of my Winter style contained partial black elements. During darker days, I found myself craving bursts of color.  Pops of electric blue, turquoise, magenta, and golden oranges can be found in my style. 

What I Learned: 

How you stand or pose for a picture, greatly effects the proportions of the body. It was a huge wake up call to see how angles can lengthen you or chop you in half.  Knowing where the camera is and how to take a good shot is truly a learning experience. 

Currently, what are you guys loving this Winter? 

xo,

❤

Maya

What I Wore: Autumn Sunset

I often talk about my former days in Europe, and how I miss the beauty that Nature creates during the Autumn Season. However, I must admit, there is a different kind of beauty that exists living beachside. The beaches I live near, are as close to paradise as I can imagine, and the sunsets/sunrises are incredible. All of it takes my breath away, and it makes me whisper a sweet little, "thank you", for being a witness to such a miracle. 

As far as my "Beach" style. I must admit, this is not your conventional, lets hang out at the beach attire, but the weather is a bit cooler and my style is a mix of many factors and inspirations. 

My Sunset Style at the Beach....

                                 SHOES and HANDBAG

My Shoes are by ASH and my Handbag is PRADA. Both of them are my Autumn favorites, and both have been part of my collection for many years. The purse was the first brand name bag that I purchased myself, nearly 10 years ago in New York, and it is still my favorite.

                                            NECKLACE

The necklace was gifted to me from the brand CAPWELL +co. but I removed a blue/snake medallion and re- arranged the tassels. The various metal colors are all warm toned and perfect for Autumn. 

                                                OUTFIT 

My pants are deceptively jeggings, and  are quite comfortable. They are leather on the front and cotton stretch on the back. I bought them from Hollister in a very dark green color. The top is by DKNY and it is actually olive toned but appears brown because of the sunlight. The cardigan is by a private boutique Ruby, and is suede with golden embellishments. The cardigan is perfect for sunsets because the various reflections it creates, varies in the light.

                                              EARRINGS

The earrings I wore are designed and made by me. I made them for my Fall Collection. The butterfly represents life,where as the leaf that also resembles a feather represents death. The stones used are olive green.

5 Must Know Facts About Trends

Have you ever wondered where trends come from? Every season new trends pop up, claiming "x" is the new black, or "y" is the new must have. Where do these decisions come from and who makes them? It is all rather unexplained, and yet no one bothers to question it. Like baby ducks following the mama duck, we just mindlessly follow the pack. Lets take a moment to stop and question a bit the true nature of a trend. 

                              5 Facts about TRENDS

1.) What is a trend? 

Fashion -Style = Trend 

I spoke about this in my previous post, but trends have NOTHING to do with fashion. Yes, they lavish in the spotlight, and claim to be "everything fashion", but they exist only to pressure you. Trends are 100% a business tactic used to direct you to new merchandise that they want you to buy. Fashion magazines have to support trends, because they are sponsored by the brands they are supporting. If you think about it, fashion magazines now a days are literally 85% advertisement and 5% articles and 10% "trend" mapping, the essence is to SELL. 

2.)The Nature of a Trend.

As you may already know, a "trend" does not live very long. It is all about the moment and staying "current". What's in now will be out tomorrow. In fact, trends themselves are quite similar to illusions. Is it real or is it not? Like rainbows in the sky, they will disappear as quickly as they appear, but never will it stay forever, or have any real meaning.

3.) Why Trends Exist.

Have you ever wondered where color trends start? It's almost as if all the fashion designers either have a sixth sense and magically just know or they have gathered in one big room and sat around voting on a color for next season. Believe it or not, the latter is not so far from the truth. What? 

So here's the dish, when you deal with a seasonal "color trend" you are directly dealing with the business of the textile industry.

After the chaos of the Industrial Revolution, the textile industry found the need to be able to better predict and set upcoming color and style trends. The Color Association of the United States (CAUS), then the Textile Color Card Association of the United States (TCCA), was formed to issue color forecasts in the form of cards twice a year. They basically give directions in color trends to the market (designers). This then enables them to coordinate different segments of the market to the point of sales they would like. Color trends actually have nothing to do with the color itself and everything with the production and manipulation of making you want what they have prepared for you.

4.) Fashion Style vs. Trend

The difference between Fashion Style and trends is simply an issue of control. With trends, you are dealing with popularity and time. These are two factors you will never have any control over.Trends dictate what you need, and when to buy it. Fashion Style will  allow you the freedom to decide what  works for you and when. Creativity is not limited to time, or what is new, but rather what you like and how you desire to style it. Why give yourself such limited restrcitions?

5.)Trends to Love or Hate?

 Trends themselves are not a bad thing. In fact, a current trend I enjoy are cropped top/sweaters. I am rather short and cropped tops have always been a favorite of mine. The key is, I like cropped tops not because it was labeled a trend, but because I have always liked them. What makes a trend manipulative, is when they are  purchased not because you want them, but because you feel you must have it to stay current or be someone you are not.  Your opinions  and tastes must always come first. Fashion is driven by your mind. All the hype around trends is simply just hype. Don't let the noise around you drown out the best part. YOU. 

xo.

Fashion vs. Style

Perhaps, one of the most confusing things about fashion, is the relationship it has with "style". Are they together, or did they break up? From what I am hearing from the fashion world,  they are living separate lives and no longer have anything to do with each other.

OK, but seriously now, the debate between fashion and style is all rather ridiculous to me. According to modern day fashion analysts, "fashion" is partnered with popular trends, and what is currently hot. It is often debated that you do not need to be inspired, nor creative to do fashion, but rather it is a term that can be bought.  "Style" on the other hand is all about your personal touches and how you put "fashion" together. These include such personal touches as mixing high and lo, or old vs. new. 

The reasons I cannot accept this explanation of fashion and style as some how separate, is because it simply does not work. Fashion and style are like lovers who may move apart but always remain entwined. You cannot separate the two and it makes no sense to do so. Fashion without style is a trend. If you want to separate anything from fashion they should be TRENDS! (more on trends in tomorrows post)

Lets make it simple. Fashion should be led by fashion designers. Not the editors, magazines, consumers, nor, stuffy boring business men with charts on demographics and sales charts. Fashion designers have their own visions and inspirations, and their clothes are an expression on those creative impulses.

In many ways we approach fashion collections, and shows completely wrong. Instead of vigorously looking for common trends, and the color of the moment why do we not try to dig deeper into the messages of the designers? Any worthy fashion designer, is almost always extremely intelligent, and philosophical. There is always an existing root of inspiration that blossoms in an artistic form of expression. Whether inspired by the grecian gods, nature, or war, there always lies an idea inspired by life.

Fashion designers and the shows they create are theatrical, inspiring and filled with style, color and textures. Do we call a fashion designer a fashion/style designer? NO, that would be redundant. Style is and should be implied in the word of Fashion.  We should look to these designers as mentors, or teachers on how to do Fashion. Study their collections, and observe how they are inspired to create and where they find those inspirations. Designers do not descriminate their style based on a trend or what is current. Fashion can only breathe if you let go and open your mind to create from the most unexpected place. The models of their collection represent a character, and it should make you "THINK".  Who is that girl? What is she like? Why does she wear what she wears? Does she relate to me? How can I fit that look into my look? It's time to erase the shallow stereo type of  the ditzy fashion girl, and replace it with a fashion girl who thinks. 

We may not all be able to sew ourselves a couture gown but we are all capable of thinking. Learn to view fashion from a third eye, and start to analyze what your own look is about. It is through this thought process that you find your own Fashion Style.

Fashion loves Mondrian

Chances are you have already spotted this iconic pattern, of black grid like lines accompanied by three primary colors created by the paintings of Piet Mondrian.  Whether it be in stores, streets, or the runway, it is rather difficult to miss. There is something very catchy about the simplistic form, and it is easily remembered. 

So who is Piet Mondrian and what exactly are these lines and colors all about? Piet Mondrian is a Dutch painter who contributed to the De Stijl art movement and group, founded by Theo van Doesburg. He was the leader in a non-representational form, which he termed Neoplasticism. This consisted of white ground, upon which was painted a grid of vertical and horizontal black lines and the three primary colors.

"I construct lines and color combinations on a flat surface, in order to express general beauty with the utmost awareness. Nature (or, that which I see) inspires me, puts me, as with any painter, in an emotional state so that an urge comes about to make something, but I want to come as close as possible to the truth and abstract everything from that, until I reach the foundation (still just an external foundation!) of things…

I believe it is possible that, through horizontal and vertical lines constructed with awareness, but not with calculation, led by high intuition, and brought to harmony and rhythm, these basic forms of beauty, supplemented if necessary by other direct lines or curves, can become a work of art, as strong as it is true." 

-Piet Mondrian (written in a letter to H.P. Bremmer in 1914)

Mondrian's art always was intimate. They represent his spiritual desires and philosophical studies. In 1908, he became interested in the theosophical movement launched by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky. The work of Blavatsky and Rudolf Steiner's Anthroposophy significantly affected the further development of his mind and taste.  Blavatsky believed that it was possible to attain a more profound knowledge of nature through empirical means, and much of Mondrian's work for the rest of his life was inspired by his search for that spiritual knowledge.

Composition No. 10" (1939–42), oil on canvas. A suggestive piece linking between non-representational works of art as ideals of peace and spirituality. 

His attempt was to strip nature bare, and to represent in its most simplistic form. Those lines forming grids, colored by vibrant blues, yellows or reds, all represent a deeper meaning on life. If you are going to wear "Mondrian" you must think like "Mondrian". This is the point of Art, and the point of Fashion. 

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. 

Breaking the Fashion Stereotype

The "Fashion Stereotype", is basically the views of society that fashion people, are some how, vain, empty-headed vessels that only care about how they look. 

I wish I could say this was completely false, but unfortunately, many fashion lovers have a misconception that it's all about what you wear and what you look like. This attitude leads to wanting whatever is the most expensive and some how buying your self a higher status. This is what needs to change. People need to understand fashion should not be used as a system of hierarchy where money reigns supreme and identity can be bought.

 Defining yourself through fashion, is a process of self discovery. After all what is the purpose of life if not to find ourselves? Our days are packed full with work, responsibilities, paying bills, etc. Who has time anymore to figure out who the heck we really are? The fact is, just because you are successful and make a lot of money, it does not mean you have a clue about this person called, me, myself, and I. 

Knowing how to dress yourself is a lesson in life that everyone should go through. It is not about being the prettiest or the sexiest but knowing what feels right for you. What colors do you like? What fabrics? What designers seems to read your mind and produce garments your soul desires? What kind of clothes makes you feel like you?

 The problem is, so many women believe they have no talent when it comes to fashion and therefore no business even trying. However, just like anything in life, difficult does not mean impossible. The root of the problem is always yourself, and taking time to figure out the mess inside is something we all hate to do. 

The truth about fashion is, it is what you make of it. If you want to buy the most expensive designers simply because it labels you as wealthy, then that is what defines you. It will work as a glamorous mask that hides the contents of who you are. However, if you choose to dress in a style that celebrates your inner being into your outer style, the mind and soul will combine to emerge your inner BUTTERFLY. This is when you become unforgettable.