10 Ways to Be a Badass


Normally when one thinks of a badass, one doesn’t usually come across an image of myself but more so along the lines of ‘The Terminator’, ‘Rocky’… even Lara Croft. Or perhaps a pick-up artist or someone who is all about getting ‘ripped’. My physique is petite more than anything else. But it’s what you carry on the inside that truly resonates who you are. So after my birthday weekend, I had some reflections as to where I am in life and who I really am as well. And I can assure you, I’m one hell of a badass for many reasons. So continue reading to learn more on ten ways to be more of a baddie in your life as well!

1. STOP GIVING A F**K ABOUT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK OF YOU!

As a trained figure skater, I was criticized on a daily basis (and then some) which became part of the norm in my childhood. Good and bad, the latter proved to toy with my insecurities for years. But what it has also taught me is discipline, perseverance and most importantly, the only competition that I’m up against is with myself. Do you really think, with the career I’m in now, that I’d have any real fighting chance if I spent my days trolling Instagram worrying about other people and what they think of me? I’d never leave the house! So throw caution to the wind in this case - once you really don’t care about what others think of you and are only worried about yourself, it is forever life changing. And yes, a complete badass in doing so!

2. TAKE ACTION IN SPITE OF FEAR

We are human after all, we all become afraid of many things throughout our life. But it’s how we manage that fear is what counts. To lead an exciting life, one must be open to new experiences. Jump with a leap of faith instead of waiting for something to happen. You just got to go for it, remember that you are uncomfortable because you are simply traveling out of your comfort zone, which is a good thing. Overcoming fears equals personal growth, and badasses are far more capable than what they ever imagined to be. Better to have tried than not try at all.

3. BE COOL TO EVERYONE

Not to say one should be a doormat, but it never hurts to be kind. We are all in this together, meaning we are all going to go down just in different ways so while we’re here we should at least try to be nice to one another. Don’t get me wrong, once a boundary has been stepped outside of its line, I won’t be as cool. But to me, a badass isn’t a ‘mean girl’ or a beyotch with an attitude, but more so someone who is diplomatic, cool, calm and collective throughout many different scenarios. Treat others how you’d like to be treated. The cooler you are to everyone else, the cooler they’re gonna be to you.

4. STAND UP

Whether it’s for yourself or someone else, do it for the right reasons. Not for an ego boost. When you see someone being taken advantage of, abused, or wronged who may not have the strength to stand up for themselves, do whatever you can to help. Don’t go getting yourself into situations you can’t handle, but if there’s any opportunity to fight some sort of injustice before you, stand up and do something about it. Rise up for yourself because if you can’t do that, you’re not going to be able to help others either. But you’ll never regret doing either or the other!

5. SAY NO

Of course, it’s important to learn when to say yes but I believe it is even more important to learn when to say no. And rather frequently. You can’t please everyone, and even if you tried (which I have in the past) you will never win over everybody. Quickly saying yes to everyone and everything will consequently have you lose your focus and dilute your power. Be selective, take time in your decisions, and definitely be down to say NO AF. Lol.

6. STOP TALKING, AND START DOING

If I have to endure one more conversation amongst ‘bloggers’ as to what I have in store for summer plans, future content ideas, etc; I’m going to die of exasperation. Less talk, more action. Like a writer, don’t tell me… but SHOW ME. One of the best ways to stay stuck in your life is to constantly talk about things and never take action. If you want to really change your life or achieve a big goal, then commit to being someone who takes big action and does something about it after rather than the other way around. It kind of coincides with #1 but it’s all about delivering what you plan on doing. GET IT DONE!

7. KEEP IT MOVING

Life will try to beat you down, others will try and take what you have, and your own mind will tell you that you’re not good enough, but… guess what? The world doesn’t revolve around you and you have to maintain at not relenting. Don’t give up. Keep plugging away at it and go after it single-mindedly. Don’t let anything get in your away. Remember why you are doing what you’re doing and don’t let go of that.

8. ADAPT

Stay on your path and trudge forward with big strides, but be flexible and adapt to the conditions of the road. If you want to make the universe laugh, just tell them your plans. Things will go awry. If you’re too rigid, life will feel like it’s against you, so sometimes you got to adapt a little and go with the flow. Be like water, not cement.

9. FOLLOW YOUR GUT

It’s there for a reason, and believe me when I say this, it knows much more than you do! ;) If someone or something feels wrong to you, or a project just doesn’t feel right…listen to what your intuition is telling you. There’s a good chance that it’s right and you should at least consider what is going on. Don’t have a knack for it, or so you think? Meditate, take long walks, do things that will open your inner compass and guide you to do what is best for you.

10. KNOW WHO YOU ARE

We all have different sides to ourselves, but more so of what we project to the outside world, and then who we are - as in… who we really are deep down inside. In my profession, it’s easy to just think I’m this or that, depending on what’s in a person’s ‘about me’ page, outfit, tweet, and then some. None of this makes a person. What’s in your heart and what actions you take definitely take hold over who you truly are as a person. And it’s all about being able to look at yourself in the mirror every morning and be very accepting with yourself. Because if you can’t even face yourself, how do you really know yourself? Be happy knowing your true self, a badass at heart all the way!

LOVE & XX’S,

 
 

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Black, Pink and Lavender Outfit


THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY HEARTLOOM AND NIA DANA BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Happy Monday! In light of my pretty packed week, I’m keeping it short and sweet on here with little bit of contrast in today’s look. It can look great on anyone as these colors are flattering on all skin types. We’re talking pink, lavender, and black. Plus it’s an outfit that I feel good in, on top of being fashionable. And I’m sharing two brands I’ve recently discovered that I wanted to share with you in what I styled today. One is outerwear and the other is jewelry. And these staple pieces can be worn in many other different looks. So continue reading to see more details from casual, feminine yet edgy look with direct links to shop.

How beautiful is this light pink fur coat? It is rex rabbit, with a relaxed fit and hook eye closure. Fits true to size, I love that this coat can be dressed up or down. I love the slate pink color mostly, as it’s a very unique pink shade. And let me tell you how warm this baby is! I literally only had a white bodysuit underneath (with a bra) and I was snug as a bug in a rug! This coat is valued at $370 which is a bit expensive, but it’s definitely an investment piece! Luxurious I might add as well :) Check out more clothing items by Heartloom!

I love these long geometric statement earrings. Very lightweight as they are made from 0.3 mm silver sheet - I discovered this jewelry brand from Barcelona on Instagram!. Nia Dana Jewelry designs minimal chic pieces with quality metals and each piece is individually handmade. These earrings for example took about 10 days to produce, so you know the added details to everything will be perfect. In which case, they were! Check out more of her designs here www.nia-dana.com

These two-tone ankle boot beauties in lavender feature a pointed toe and stiletto heel. They’re 5” heels, so I wouldn’t recommend these if you’re not about the height. But I’m quite petite (only 5’3”) so anything that can add length especially to the bottom portion of my body is a good thing. One of the best ways to elongate your legs as a petite woman is to wear cropped pants with statement booties as such. Not only will it give you height, but the two together looks great while really showing off your new pair of shoes. And how much do you love the frayed hem on these faded black pair of denim jeans?!

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Hope you enjoyed this more laidback casual look today on the blog! I think this outfit would also be perfect for Valentine’s Day, whether hanging out with the girls or with your date. A definitely day-to-night kind of look - easy peasy. What would you guys like to see more of? Styles like these or more polished up looks? I definitely have a few projects in mind when it comes to editorial work, but these will take a good second. Got an idea you’d like to see on M + S? Drop your thoughts in the comment section down below! Wishing you a great first week of February!

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LOVE & XX’S,

 
 

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Reversible Jacket - Lie Sang Bong

WEARING: LIE SANG BONG REVERSIBLE JACKET | YANDY WHITE BODYSUIT | DL1961 DENIM HEPBURN JEANS | GIGI NEW YORK CLUTCH | EGO SATIN BOOTS


Thank goodness it’s almost Friday! Looking for a day-to-night look that’s not the typical holiday glitz and glam, but perhaps something more subtle and cozy, especially on those extra cold nights? Well… look no further, shearling with leather is here to save the day! You don’t need to be the Belle of the ball to be chic! And one of my favorite blues during the winter - navy blue, we did this edit where I styled an outfit from head to toe with darker tones incorporating this shade. Continue reading to see more behind this ‘Shades of Navy Blue’ look along with shopping links and teeny tips to keep you extra warm this season.

Now, as much as I love a good fashion coat as the next gal, most of these kinds of statement pieces are not as warm as they appear! So one of the tricks is to INVEST in a quality winter coat/jacket. This piece from Lie Sang Bong is out of this world with its cobalt blue shearling and shiny beautiful leather. The best part is that its reversible! Find one similar to this, because not only will you be getting quality, you’ll also be getting two looks in one piece! Tell me you don’t love this concept, because I’m all for it! How would you have styled this statement coat?

Another tip to staying extra warm without looking like you layered in all of Chandler’s clothes like Joey did in Friends, is a bodysuit. But don’t go for a sheer, lacy lingerie-like one, this white one from Yandy is mostly polyester, but it’s a great fabric to keep you feeling cozy and chic at the same time. I love the plunging neckline with choker. Definitely gives the look a more sexier, edgy vibe… don’t you think? I’ve always felt dancewear as such, can make any outfit more sultry.

Naturally keeping with the blue in my accessories, I styled the look with a great clutch from Gigi New York that’s also personalized with my nickname on it! Fun random fact: the person who started to call me ‘Suz’ was my brother when we were kids. I’ve literally never heard him say my real name, ha ha! My satin kitten-heel boots are from Ego and are the comfiest ankle boots I own. I walked in them all day on my very first day in London ever, and it was no problem at all!

To tie in the whole look together, I wore a pair of my favorite denim jeans by DL1961 Denim, in their wide pant ‘Hepburn’ in black. I love the frayed cuff and the overall feel to these particular jeans. They do tend to run a little large but if you’re a fan of oversize-anything like me, just get it in your normal size. They great eating pants because the material is stretchy! ;P Great for those date nights where you don’t have to worry about your eating portion, LMAO! Last tip to staying warm without having to sacrifice your chicness? Layer with a thin pair of thermo leggings under those jeans! What do you guys think of this look? Stay tuned for more holiday content next week, where I’ll be sharing more beauty favorites from this year as well as something a little more personal too! Wishing you a great weekend, everyone!

LOVE & XX’S,

NYC style blog

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Bikini Questa Sera

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK KNIT TOP | MAVI JEANS ANIKA CROP FLARE | 
TKEES JO SUEDE GEORGIA SANDALS | CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BIKINI QUESTA SERA 

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BEAUTE

NYC style blogger

Hi, everyone! How was your MDW? I have a new post up with an editorial video! For those who didn't catch my last post, I had been wanting to create more video content but given that video editing is not one of my favorite things to do, I do not create this kind of content often. However, so many of you, along with my peers have been strongly urging me to do more video so voila! When it comes to making a video, there's so much more that goes on besides a photoshoot. I feel like a like an internet browser... 19 tabs open, 3 of them are frozen, & I have no idea where the music is coming from! In all seriousness, that's another reason why I don't do videos often. It takes a lot of time and effort and if I don't see some sort of visual that I need to come to life, I wait until the inspiration comes. And when I received the Bikini Questa Sera perfume from Christian Louboutin, a strong sense of summer encouraged me to create this for you guys. 

We literally had a total of two people in production and on set for this video. My husband and I are a team: He is the photographer & videographer - I am the creative director, location scouter, stylist, hair and makeup, and editor. While shooting photographs, you're too thinking a million and one things at the same time. Is my shirt tucked in properly? What about my hair? Are the sunglasses on straight? Am I on the good side of my face? Where is the light? Don't blink. Okay... car coming. Back to my mark. Another cat call? Great... oh where did I put my phone? Is it almost noon? I have a meeting to run to, I have to leave in a bit. Honey, now there's car behind you! Phew! See what I mean?

And doesn't even get to the shooting film, imagine doing all that again plus the multiple takes to get the shots you envision. And the more specific the frame gets, the more time and patience it will take, which to be honest can sometimes be challenging to me. But videography strengthens that along with my visual eye and apparent need to create film. I'm sure many other photographers, writers, and artists feel this way, where you get so many visual images in your head and this sudden outpour, this compelling conviction to bring it to life. To try to show others what you see, think and feel.  

I hope this video (scroll toward the end of this post to view) brings you a certain feeling and appreciation for the artistic notion of oneself. I am still trying to get to a level where the content is super-glossy editorial, but alas, no one is perfect. But I am, every day trying to elevate my skills and to exercise them in the best way possible, and to me, I think that is through writing, photography, and film. So enjoy, and please leave me any feedback! I really appreciate and listen to what you guys look forward to on MaQ + Suz.

Lastly, a footnote on this summery outfit. The coral knitted top with shoulder straps is from Saku New York, the faded black crop jeans are by Mavi, and the coral suede sandals are by TKEES. You can shop the entire look at the beginning or at the end of each blog post. Don't forget to drop a comment in the section box down below. You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay updated on new videos! Happy Tuesday. :)

LOVE & XX'S,

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Proceed to the Sign

WEARING: NEW VIBE INC. VERSATILE PLISSE DRESS/TUNIC/SHAWL/SCARF | KLASSE 14 MISS VOLARE CORAL 36MM WATCH | ROSEGAL BLACK JEANS | DRESS LILY POINTED TOE HEEL BOOTS


THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY NEW VIBE INC. & KLASSE 14.

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Last month at Foundermade here in New York City I had met a unique startup brand, one I instantly connected with. NEW ViBE offers a collection of high-quality versatile items that are perfectly tailored to a modern lifestyle. The foundation of the label is to bring new functionalities to the contemporary wardrobe that provide the most comfort and sophistication. The major influences come from textile and technological innovations, visual and performing arts, architecture, music, and travel. NEW ViBE is a line of smart wearables that transform and adapt to 21-st century human addiction - multitasking. And this black plisse dress/tunic/shawl/scarf is one of the many designs I fell in love with! Come see how I styled this as a dress layered up for winter and also as a tunic with some jeans. 

 

One of the first things that stood out to me about NEW ViBE was definitely the material. this dress is made of pleated satin black crepe and imported from France. The details of the dress, too, was an eyecatcher. The side lacing detail comes in two colors: Red and black. I mixed and matched, keeping the bottom with black lace and the top red. Criss-cross lace-anything is definitely trending and also brings a little bit of edge to a more minimal look. I kept things edgy with these black, red-soled boots, tousled hair and vampy dramatic makeup. 

Not only is the material top-quality, it is also extremely sustainable and versatile. The dress can also be worn as a tunic, shawl, and scarf. NEW ViBE offers wearable hybrids, multi-category items, called TACTSTyLES that by simple closure manipulation can transform into a different performance item, depending on the occasion. Their pieces can be worn inside out, upside down and back to front.  In the second look, scroll down to the last three photos to see more of a casual look, I wore black jeans and changed the dress into a tunic. This gorgeous Volare red watch is from Klasse14. I love the unique color and indentation of the face. Use my promo code, 'suzannespiegoski' to get 12% OFF your purchase from Klasse14! 

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I love discovering new and innovative brands such as NEW ViBE and what they stand for. The modern day woman is not just one thing anymore; she's many. And with garments designed to function on a number of levels to meet the demands of the new world, it's not just making changes but it's the sign of the times. So if you haven't checked this new startup yet, now's the time to proceed to it. :) Thoughts/comments always welcome at the end of each post! Wishing you all a great new week. 

LOVE & XX'S, 

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