Fourth of July Weekend!!

Happy Independence Day to all my fellow Americans!

So this weekend will celebrate all things Americana, counting and recognizing all the freedoms and traditions that make this country great...and a 4 day weekend doesn't hurt either! I must say I've had a very uneventful holiday weekend so far...just chilling and relaxing with some of my favorite people and my very "special someone" :-D I hope your weekend has been filled with just as much fun, love, family and friends!

Apple pie, baseball, our red, white and blue flag and denim are just some of the things recognizably Americana, sooooo I very appropriately styled 2 denim looks that incorporate the colors of our great nation's flag. This is the one day of the year where you are actually allowed a pass to be as cliché and overtly cheesy as you like. I didn't go the overtly cheesy route but I definitely kept to a thematic color story. Remember to have fun, keep it breezy and make your outfits your own.

"Happy freedom in body, mind and spirit day!"
Ciao,
Maya

LEFT: Skirt: H&M; Denim Shirt: Joe Fresh; Sneakers: Ralph Lauren; Bag: Kenneth Cole; Ring: H&M; Dream Necklace: JewelMint; Stacked Necklace: Strawberry (NYC)
RIGHT: Tank: Forever21; Cardigan: Tommy Hilfiger; Jeans: Joe Fresh; Wedges: Payless

Ootd: Make Me Blush

Hi Islers!

What makes you smile? Is it clothes? Your favorite sweet treat? A kiss from someone special? For me a smile, and the ensuing blush, immediately comes from a well fitting outfit...and how appropriate that today's outfit of choice incorporates the color blush! I feel most confident when my outfit is tailored to perfection and my blazer and favorite Joe Fresh cords do just the that. These rose gold and pink pumps elongate my legs and make my 5'7" frame appear nice and lean (I love a good wardrobe trick) :-D

If you've read any of my previous posts you will know that I LOOOVE rose gold accessories. This stack of wrist candy goes perfectly with the blazer and shoes; and although "matchy matchy" is frowned upon in fashion, in my opinion it's perfectly acceptable on the style front (perhaps not in a head to toe color, to be on the safe side lol). Just make sure you incorporate enough balance (texture, proportion, etc.) in the outfit so not to overwhelm. 

"The rules of fashion don't apply to style." -- Maya Gatewood

Ciao guys!

Blazer: New York & Company; Blouse: H&M; Cords: Joe Fresh; Pumps: Thrifted (Anne Klein); Chain: H&M; Watch: JewelMint; Pink & Rose Gold Cuff: JewelMint; Gold Cuff: Ralph Lauren; Affirmation Bracelet: Strawberry (NYC)

Monochromatic Mix

Hi Islers and Happy New Year!


I love the mixed prints and patterns trend we've been seeing everywhere and I can't wait to start incorporating it into my looks but I'm still a bit shy to step out in something THAT different. Here is a stylspiration of what I eventually want to work myself up to lol

Don't these look amazing!!!

But for now I thought I'd go slow by keeping to a monochromatic color palette. This is one of the safest ways to test the waters of any new look or trend. By sticking within the same hues or values, you can mix and create visual interest without the risk of looking like your house was on fire and you layered on everything in your closet ;-)

Today I am feeling gray and not in a bad way ;-) So, I paired these FABULOUS heavy linen patterned pants with a graph-checkered button down and blazer. The look is finished with pumps and simple accessories.

Pants: Joe Fresh, Shirt: J. Crew (thrifted), Blazer: Banana Republic, Shoes: Nine West, Necklace: JewelMint

Menswear Inspired

Happy Friday!! 

Menswear inspired looks are something we consistently see on the runways and will be another big trend this fall. In my opinion it's a trend that's here to stay (so I guess that doesn't make it a trend anymore). Today I've styled a menswear inspired look that will keep you looking cool and effortless. 

This look is really all about the vest, which I actually "borrowed" from my dad some years back (hehehe). I've paired it with simple fitted trousers and heels, but you could easily wear this look with loafers for a more relaxed look; and of course the studs give me a little bit of edge. I've accessorized with my favorite chunky necklace, a cuff, favorite chevron ring and over-sized watch.

I love menswear inspired looks because it just gives off this easy, cool and effortless vibe. A couple of tips when wearing the trend:

• Keep it tailored. You want something that's fitted to your figure. Remember this is menswear “inspired”. You don’t want to lose those curves that will make this trend pop!

• Stick with the classics. Oxfords, vests, ties and blazers. You want pieces that are clearly identified as menswear in order to get your props for putting together such a dope outfit.

• Keep it simple. Men are very basic and practical dressers. Go for statement pieces like your shoes, hat or leather belt and keep the jewelry/accessories simple.

• Have fun.  So you don’t want to come away looking stuffy or like you left the set of Mad Men (although I think that would be pretty cool). So have fun with your makeup or rock super feminine hair.

Vest: My dad's, Trousers: H&M, Pumps: Nine West, Cuff, Necklace & Watch: JewelMint, Ring: H&M

Oh, You Fancy Huh?

Hey guys!

So today was my church's anniversary and we were encouraged to dress in our Sunday Best! I found this gorgeous golden Isaac Mizrahi skirt and just had to have it :0) I went pretty simple on top but gave the look some golden finishing touches with my accessories. It's always fun to dress up for special occasions but remember make it your own so your totally comfortable and you own it. Case in point, I felt beautiful and didn't want to take this skirt off!

Skirt: Isaac Mizrahi, Shirt: Forever21, Cross Bracelet & Necklace: JewelMint, Earrings: H&M, Cuff: Thirfted, Bangle: Ralph Lauren

The Styl Isle approach to pesonal style...

So what better way to start off my first style blog than a few selfies ;-) 

My style is very much about mixing classic pieces with quirky unique ones you may not see everywhere. I shop at mainstream retail like H&M and Forever 21, but I also love to peruse those "off the beaten path" vintage boutiques and consignment shops for special finds. 

As an artist and graphic designer, I approach most things from a different perspective which is why personal style resonates so much with me. As the poet John Donne said, "No man is an island." I say that is true except that everyone's personal style is signature of their own personality and expressions. Individual style is as vast as the sands on a beach hence...STYL ISLE! Okay, enough deep philosophical chit chat let's get to the pics ;-)

WebRep

currentVote

noRating

noWeight

Dress: JC Penny, Head Piece: Capelli (NYC), Watch: JewelMint, Ring: H&M