Sporty Footwear with SOREL

WEARING: GANT RUGGER CRINKLE DREAMY OXFORD KNOT SHIRT | AMERICAN EAGLE DENIM SHORTS 
| SOREL ELLA SANDALS

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THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY GANT & SOREL. 

Hey guys! I don't know about you but I always have the toughest time finding the perfect summer sandal. Since I'm a very active gal and literally run around doing a gazillion things at once, I need footwear that's comfortable enough to wear but also stylish. I need good quality support, something that's enough to take it from day to night, especially during those crazy warmer months where I'm not home as often as other seasons and therefore have no time to change outfits if I'm going out. Which is why these SOREL sandals in today's post are the bee's knees when it comes to summer footwear. Continue reading to see how I styled this casual but chic summery look and also where to shop these items directly.

The quality of the sandal material is very good and the sole has great traction and feels surprisingly thick. I'm wearing the Rose Gold with white straps and they are so cute and will match with so many outfits. This particular sandal also comes in a variety of colors such as black and camel, grey, all black and white. They are all a great sporty but sophisticated look to any summer look. And I find them very easily packable for travel for those jet-setters who are always looking for a little extra room in their luggage, these multi-purpose sandals would look amazing on anyone. The Ella sandal runs at $80.

The Crinkle Dreamy Oxford Knot Shirt takes its cue from classic American sportswear styling with its knot detail at the front. Made from crinkled Oxford cotton, (which is one of my favs) this shirt has an exaggerated shirt shape, with extra-long cuffs, point collar, and button down placket. I think the features really ties well in together with the American Eagle denim cutoff shorts and the SOREL sandals that are both also sporty - the ripped hem thanks to myself makes it a little country which I don't mind... I guess you can take the girl out of Michigan but you can't take Michigan out of the girl! :)

Again I can't stress enough how great these sandals are. If I can leap up in the air with them and have no trouble whatsoever, I either was born with cat feet-like tendencies or the SOREL sandals are legit amazing and everyone should own a pair. I'm already considering a different color to add to my collection but I must resist the temptation! I have too many shoes as is! More content coming your way soon, I'm sorry for the delay this week in posts! Too much going on - and in a fabulous way! Catch ya back on M + S very soon. 

LOVE & XX'S, 

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Bluesy Metallic Friday

WEARING: s a k u NEW YORK METALLIC KNIT TOP | AMERICAN EAGLE WHITE JEANS | 
EGO TEGAN POINTED TOE | FOREVER 21 CREAM PATENT CLUTCH BAG | GALTISCOPIO JOLI CRYSTAL
 RING | H&M BLACK FEATHER POLKA DOT FEATHERED HOOP EARRING

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY s a k u New York.

Lately, I've been feeling like I am failing in so many 'sections' of my life, I can't keep track. It leads to discouragement and therefore I'm harder on myself than I usually am. But it's also the fuel to the fire to not give up and to keep working toward what I want. What makes these cross paths in life easier to navigate? And how do you know when something is right? And even more so, how do you know when it's wrong? Regarding work and personal relationships, I am currently having major conflicts with time and effort. Trying to find the balance is quite difficult, even straight down to missing my best friend's wedding. And to make days of feeling pretty lousy worse, it just seems like so many people I know are getting those promotions, getting married, having babies, etc; and as much as I am happy for them - it's sometimes hard not to reflect on my own self. Am I doing the right thing? Am I making good decisions? Are they worth it? Are you worth it?  Maybe I should focus more on settling down and starting a family. But life takes you in so many directions and as my father always used to say, "If you want to make God laugh, just tell him your plans."

You know, I've changed careers three times before really figuring myself out. From the criminal justice world to the figure skating world, to now the fashion blogging world, each transition scared the bejesus out of me. I've always firmly believed you should do one thing that scares you each and every day. And this can mean completely different things for everybody but challenge yourself. Not happy with something? Make that change. Get it done. Stop dreaming and start doing. Take a leap of faith. And even though each time I took a different route on that crazy path to self-discovery, as much as every time I would, of course, think over my choices, there was still something deep down in my gut that knew I was reaching closer to something. Like the truth.

Now, how do you know when something isn't right? If it's broke and unfixable, and/or you are asking yourself if you've reached the end of whatever it may be, maybe a career choice/job or any kind of relationship, those are pretty obvious signs to me. Though, I think that if you've applied a lot of diligent effort to something or someone and the results are still same and you're still unhappy, that's the bottom line for me. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results, as Einstein used to say. But the bottom line is far away from where you draw the middle line. Because not everything is in black and white, right? The most complicated areas are always foggy and grey. 

My instincts do say I'm on the right track. But I sometimes forget that it's not the destination that really matters, but the journey. Maybe that's why I feel like a failure lately. My impatience has a tendency to get the best of me. *Flaw alert* Whatever path you take in life will deeply be affected by your experiences and more especially, the choices you make from them. Because when it comes down to it, we ALL have a choice. In everything we do. So, I think that if you choose to stay in a certain mindset, either negative or positive, it really makes a difference in everyday living. Sure, I have those days too where the bully voice defeats me, I don't feel good enough for anyone or anybody, and I just want to be left alone. But I try very hard every day to wake up with a positive attitude, and I feel when I do, the rest of my day is rather positive too. How do you guys differentiate between what feels right and what feels wrong? Do you think that some people tend to gravitate towards one or the other for certain reasons? And how do you deal with those bluesy days like I've mentioned? Retail therapy? Writing? Gabbing on the phone with your girlfriend? Bad emotional eating habits? What helps you get you through it? 

LOVE & XX'S,

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Cosmopolitan: Let's Talk About It Event

WEARING: NATIVE YOUTH RUST HIGH NECK BLOCK JERSEY SWEATER | 
MARSHALL FIELD'S FAUX CROC SATCHEL BAG | ALDO BUGIANO STUDDED ANKLE BOOTIES | 
STELLA & DOT GOLD AND BLACK FRINGE NECKLACE | AE CHAMBRAY SHIRT 

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THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY COSMOPOLITAN, NATIVE YOUTH, AND STELLA & DOT.

 

"KILL THEM WITH COMPETENCE."

Yesterday's 'Let's Talk About It' event with Cosmopolitan helped others find their voice on topics that some (wrong) people consider taboo for women to talk about and more. Busting taboos around money & power, sex & romance, beauty & image, happiness and more, it was an inspiring, and empowering way to spend a Saturday. Kicking off the morning with 'humming in' with sound therapy practitioner, Sara Auster, and CEO of MNDFL, Ellie Burrows, the entire room suddenly felt like I was surrounded by hundreds of bees near its main nest. It was strange yet communal... zen. Practicing meditation helps one focus on themselves and who they really are. It was a unique opener and a wonderful way to bring us together.

The seminar was welcomed by Editor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan, Michele Promaulayko, and her first panel of boss women, television personality, host, fashion designer, singer, actress and author of There's No F*cking Secret: Letters From a Badass Bitch, Kelly Osbourne, acclaimed TV journalist, woman's empowerment advocate and author of the upcoming book, Be Fierce: Stop Harassment and Take Your Power Back, Gretchen Carlson, and CEO of, The Pink Ceiling, and the woman behind the 'female viagra', Addyi, Cindy Whitehead.

Self-acceptance, struggles in the workforce and yes, sex, was among some of the general topics discussed in the opening panel. I think my favorite moment from that panel was Kelly Osbourne's story about being bullied as a kid. At first, she confided in her mother, Sharon, and told her to go back to school the following day and tell the girls that were picking on her that if they didn't stop, she'd have her father bite their heads off. LMAO. But when that didn't work, she then went to her father, Ozzy. And surprisingly enough, his advice was to basically tattletale on them. He told her to tell the girls they had one last chance to do right and if they didn't stop, she would report them. And sending that kind of message to your daughter, that your voice is the most powerful force within you, is such an important lesson to learn, let alone acquire.

The second segment focused on money, power & work. The panel included Director of Editorial and Business Development of Cosmopolitan & Seventeen, Laura Brounstein, journalist & author of, Feminist Fight Club, Jessica Bennett, and women's leadership expert, Chief Leadership Officer for LEVO & author of, Drop the Ball, Tiffany Dufu. Heavy talks of the balance between your work life and personal life were extremely central to everyone, along with great tips for it. For example, Tiffany Dufu, said people respond to authenticity. “Embrace the imperfection,” she said. “Do what you need to do in order to be the kind of leader that people will resonate with." And I think this applies to everywhere in life, not just on Instagram. 9/10 times I want to work with someone because they're real with me, not because they're putting up a front that they're perfect. Because no one is that.  

When Jessica Bennett was first starting her career, she felt uneasy about self-promotion. Her male co-workers, however, had no trouble shamelessly doing so  — and got all the credit and raises. Then she and her friend came up with a strategy and became each other’s “boast bitches.” “When I did something good, she would send a mass email to all of our editors, being like, ‘Did you see this great thing that Jess did? It was really amazing!’ And I would do the same for her.” No good deed goes unpunished? Not in this case. It's selfless, they're both supporting one another and at the same time feeling good doing it and feeling good about themselves. And they finally got the credit they deserved. 

Another favorite segment was the sex talk with Digital Special Projects Director for Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, & Redbook, Elisa Benson, actor & host of his own hit podcast, The Love Bomb, Nico Tortorella, and founder & host of the Sex with Emily podcast, Dr. Emily Morse. Dr. Morse encouraged women to talk about what they need from their partners in the bedroom but to not talk about it in the bedroom. Rather in a more relaxed setting, like at brunch, or over coffee. "Make it more casual," she said. "You just kind of throw it out there, not like a we need to talk." Another tip? Do it in the car or on the subway. It's a place where you can talk about awkward issues without making eye contact. And reinforce, reinforce, reinforce! It goes a long way, especially before giving some feedback that might not exactly be A+.

After lunch, there was a dance-off with the founder & creator of DanceBody, Katia Pryce, where she had the entire room gyrating together in a full circle. It was yet another great way to bring everyone together and to prepare everybody for what's next, which was the part where we all sat around each other in the same circle and went around telling the room what our current ambitions were. Many wanted love, happiness and more. Better jobs, bigger houses, more time with their loved ones... and I have to admit, when it comes down to it, we really all want the same things in life. To love and be loved in return, to find joy in the bittersweetness of life; to belong to something, to be accepted and appreciated. To have much purpose and to fulfill your dreams. To just be at peace.

And the Cosmopolitan conference did just that for me and helped me recognize what really matters and what doesn't. What's your current ambition? To answer mine, I would honestly say that I am striving to be a better wife and mommy to my fur child because, with the crazy amount of work I've been doing in the past year, the amount of time I have with them is really scarce. Sure, I work with my husband constantly, but that doesn't count for quality time. And my pup has been missing me being home and spending time with him. So I'm definitely working on that challenging balance in life as well. This event also reminded me how powerful our voices really can be. I think if we can continue to spread the gift of courage, in that the more we speak up about things we shouldn't necessarily talk about or are subject to taboo, the more we will all see that it can help and inspire others to break free from their silence. Thanks for stopping by and reading about my Cosmopolitan adventures! Don't forget to comment your ambitions down below!  

LOVE & XX'S,

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Sunday Sporty Chic

WEARING: ASSEMBLY NEW YORK BLACK BELT COAT |
EXPRESS STRIPED ONE ELEVEN LONG SLEEVE RIBBED TEE | 
FOREVER 21 BLACK PENCIL SKIRT | LOUIS VUITTON BROWN MUSETTE TANGO BAG | 
AE CHAMBRAY WESTERN SHIRT | NIKE REVOLUTION 3 RUNNING SHOES IN BLACK

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The hills are alive with the sound(s) of black on black, a little chambray and some Louis! Isn't this scenic backdrop straight up from something Julie Andrews starred in?! I'm still daydreaming over the New York Botanical Garden's views - it was out of this world and the perfect day trip. After spending the day enjoying the 'Orchidelirium' exhibition (and simultaneously walking over 5 miles in the process), the hubby and I ended the day outside where the light was absolutely gorgeous and with one last stroll through the gardens, we opted for some photos.

I'm big on black and black. Tell me one New Yorker who isn't! Pairing up my new favorite coat from Assembly New York with a black mattelassé pencil skirt from Forever 21 gives length and slenderness. And I call this coat my "confidence" coat. Whenever I wear it, I feel like the ultimate girl boss! Every woman should have a piece like this in her closet. I like to think of them as your lucky charms because wherever you'll go, you'll exude self-confidence, and then, of course, embodying total and complete empowerment. Girls, we run this motha (yeah!)

I knew we'd be doing a lot of walking, so I went with my day-to-day Nike kicks. They're the ultimate comfort and pretty much go with everything I have. Adding to the sporty chic vibe and to give texture & contrast, I chose a striped ribbed tee from Express and layered that with a Western chambray shirt from American Eagle. Final touches include a classic Louis Vuitton bag, accessorized with my most recent and favorite jewelry thanks to Rockbox. The Mother of Pearl necklace in ivory is from Kendra Scott, the marble triangle stud earrings are from SLATE and the Lixa ring is from Moon & Lola. Sign-up with my code suzannespiegoskixoxo to get your first month free of unlimited designer jewelry from Rocksbox! You'll love it! I'm obsessed, it's like having your very own personal jewelry stylist! 😊❤️

Coming up in the next couple of days will be part 2 of my trip to the NYBG, focusing more on the desert section of the exhibition. STAY TUNED...

Photos by Gilles Decamps

Love & xx's,

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Hustle Hard

WEARING: LORD & TAYLOR BROWN SUEDE LEATHER JACKET | ZARA BLACK SWEATER
FOLEY & CORINNA CLASSIC MID CITY TOTE IN BLACK | AMERICAN EAGLE DENIM RIPPED JEANS
ALDO BUGIANO STUDDED ANKLE BOOTIES

HUSTLE HARD. Graffiti created by Queen Andrea with Critical Massive and Outlaw Arts.

Layers after layers. Necklaces from H & M, The Savvy Heart, and Forever 21.

Gold plates, studs and black leather; my favorite Aldo ankle booties paired with ripped jeans from American Eagle.

White on gold. Nail polish from Essie | color: blanc | Ring from H & M.

Ahh rip it, rip it real good! Foley & Corrina mid city tote in black with American Eagle denim.

Matching hair -n- jacket, thanks to Fox & Jane Hair Salon and Lord & Taylor.

Long hair don't care, but long hair no more. Check out my new do here!

Everyday I'm Hustlin'! 💯💯💯

Happy Hump Day! Today's look is from this past weekend. On Sunday, my husband and I ventured down to the Lower East Side to check out the Lowline, the world's first underground park and to partake in our favorite pass time on the weekends: BRUNCH. We tried Spitzer's Corner, a very chill, laid back American gastropub where I had their fresh avocado omelet and the hubby went with their country breakfast. Can I just say that their cheddar grits is a must-try?! Everything was fantastically delicious, right down to the very last bite! 

Afterwards, we strolled through the city's streets to walk off what we ate. I did some shopping and found the most gorgeous coat from Assembly New York. And yesterday I got my hair redid! I'm excited to show you a whole new look on the blog, coming soon! You can see a preview of my hair here on my Instagram. Stay tuned!

And now more about today's look (and the last time you'll see me with long hair for a while) - I'm wearing a brown 100% leather and suede jacket from Lord & Taylor. Since the weather warmed up this past weekend (thank goodness), I had to whip out this suede leather beauty pronto! I've had it for years and I'm obsessed with the distress and age of it — gives it a little history and edge to the look. My jeans are from American Eagle but I ripped them myself a while back. My style has never been 100% feminine - perhaps a lil' more tomboyish/rough around the edges than dainty and delicate so whenever a pair of older jeans get a tiny tear, I improvise and make it into something else! Case in point: Ripped denim. YEAH! I actually turn a lot of my jeans into shorts for summer time each year as I like to customize a lot of my pieces. My Aldo ankle booties too I've had for a while but they're my go-to booties from the past year. They're super comfy and I always feel like a total rockin' bad-ass while strutting around town in them. To complement the black details, I paired the shoes up with my Foley & Corinna mid city tote bag and my favorite Zara sweatshirt. Lastly to accessorize I added some layered necklaces with a statement necklace. The necklaces are from H & M, The Savvy Heart and Forever 21. My rule to layering is, if it seems like the layering is a tad-off add one more piece into the mix and you'll be good to go!

Love & xx's,

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