Ice Cold Turquoise

January 6, 2020

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY J.ING AND H&M BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

New Year, New Me! (?) The last couple of months in 2019 have been very difficult. I’ve never felt more lost in my career, had major family problems that will remain undisclosed because I still think some things are meant to be kept private and respected, but I will say have been quite emotionally draining, and then I guess what felt like the last nail to the coffin: my beloved, MaQ, had suddenly died. Those that know me knew how much my German Shepherd meant to me. The loss has forever impacted my life. I am no longer the same person I once was.

So in today’s posts, I’m sharing my intentions for the future while also remembering the past. Now that my co-star is gone, the blog doesn’t feel the same without him. He was part of the reason why I had started this blog in the first place. And now I’m lost without him. I took the month of December off to mourn, reflect and sort out many unexpected circumstances resulting from what had occurred. Doing anything creative-wise was a no-go for me, as most holiday campaigns we’ve done in the past were with my boy. I still find it hard for me to be motivated or inspired right now. I’m deeply hurting but I know I’m not defeated. Time does heal wounds, and I know I will be needing it.

This month has brought so much insight for me. I’ve realized where I was heading into my career, unintentionally becoming an ‘influencer’, and all the while being relatively happy with collaborations/projects, what I became aware of was my dissatisfaction as well. I started to become more and more anxious as my following grew and I was more and more in the public eye. All I have ever wanted to do was create and in return, give people something to feel and think about. Even for only a fleeting second. My passions run deeper than just stylish outfits. However, I love expressing myself through fashion and beauty. But I’m first and foremost a writer and a photographer. And now that it really feels like an end to an era now that MaQ is gone, I cannot carry on as if nothing has happened. A part of my brand died too right along with him.

The legacy of MaQ will live on through my work. And in honor of my beautiful boy, MaQ + Suz will be transitioning from a blogging platform to a creative agency! It has been a big dream of mine for so long, and now the timing finally feels right. I am ready to embark on my new journey as a creative director. I will still share similar content as I have in the past, but going into 2020, the new goal is to create with brands but rather than having me be in front of the camera, I now will be more behind it! I also have a couple of very personal projects I’m working on and will not say much (would rather show you when it is ready) that will definitely be taking up a lot of my time. But a lot of my focus this year will be writing and photography. Now that the word is out, I’m excited for the next chapter in our story.

Last but not least, I incorporated this photoshoot for today’s post specifically because of the monochrome color. I’m feeling quite blue, as you can imagine, but also feel hopeful and at peace. The language of color is powerful and even though this outfit was photographed before MaQ’s passing, it’s ironically fitting for today’s message on the blog. Turquoise is a warmer hue of blue to me, and I found this color to be the best of both worlds when it comes to blue. Exactly like how I’m feeling: conflicted with mixed emotions, both good and bad. As always, you can shop the look down below or towards the end of this post. I want to thank everyone who has reached out the past month. This has been one of the hardest moments of my life and the friends who always have my back, your love, and support… there are no words. I’m just forever grateful.

LOVE & XX’S,

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FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Winter Blue Outfit

January 7, 2019

WEARING: CHUNKY BLUE KNIT SWEATER | PLEATED SKIRT | BLUE SATIN BOOTS | BLUE HANDBAG

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY H&M BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

What Monday Blues? When you wear the color blue, do you ever stop to think why? Did you know that when one feels empowered, they tend to wear blue? Which is why you should wear blue more often! ;) In today’s post, I’m sharing a very ‘blue’ outfit, with one of my favorite fall/winter trends of the season: A chunky knit sweater with a pleated skirt. So if you need to find style inspiration, whether a piece has already caught your attention or if you’re looking for a more bluesy look, continue reading to find out more along with what wearing the color blue means for you!

Blue represents authority, structure, communication, dependability, trust and loyalty. Some shades or too much blue can project coldness, but with the right contrast in an outfit, I find it more inviting rather than not. Wear blue when you want to exude power, have mental control, be conservative, respected or communicate an important message. When wearing this shade, you’re broadcasting creativity, positivity, peace, loyalty (this has come up in many of my research finds) and it’s also saying that you’ve decided to live by your own rules, and by your own truth. “Because blue wearers think for themselves, they’re smart , have a quick wit, and are independent.” (Thanks, Huffington Post!) Ha ha! Don’t wear blue when you’re literally feeling blue. Did you know fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty? Again with this one! But I really think it brings a confident mood to the table, overall. Why do you think you wear blue when you do?

I’ve linked similar skirts to the one I’m wearing, because the one I have on could not be found online. There’s the same diagonal striped pattern in the H&M linked below, along with a few other selections that have a similar look. How do you feel about the knit sweater with a pleated skirt? I love that you can styled it up or down with chic ankle boots, like these navy blue satin booties, or even just a pair of Docs. I might have to do something like that when it really gets colder, what do you think?

This cobalt blue cable-knit sweater is in a cotton blend and super-duper warm. Heavily dropped shoulders, long sleeves, and ribbing at neckline, cuffs, and hem, I actually started to get warm while shooting this (yes, these are all in self-portrait mode - yet another challenge I’ve made for myself this year, to shoot more of myself, just by myself.) I went with a medium in terms of size because when it comes to these kind of sweaters I like them a little oversized. I hope you enjoyed this blue winter outfit! Links are at the top, middle and end of each post. Gotta question? Drop them in the comment section down below. Have a great start to the week!

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

A Cool Way to Wear Blue and Pink for Fall

November 8, 2018

WEARING: BLUE SLATE SWEATER | WIDE LEG JEANS | PEACOCK-COLORED HANDBAG | NAVY BLUE SATIN BOOTIES | PINK GLITTER NAILS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY 525 AMERICA & SINFUL COLORS.

When it comes to fall fashion, we normally see a lot of burgundy, neutrals/tans/beige, yellow, and browns. None to which I disagree with, as they are all such a wonderful palette for this season. But yes, as per usual, I like to shake things up and in today’s post, I styled a fall outfit that only consists of blues and pinks! Before you think this is far too much of a spring tone, think again. With a chunky sweater, (how are they never not trending for autumn lolol) wide leg jeans, satin ankle booties and the right accessories, anyone can pull off this cooler toned look within this season! So let’s continue on to see more details and how you too can get the look!

If you know me, I’m a huge fun of anything oversized. And when I stumbled upon this chenille mock neck sweater in slate blue at the 525 America SS19 Preview last week, I knew I had to have it! Soft to the touch and ultra-comfy, I love that you can styled it tucked in or out depending on what kind of look you’re going for. Founded in 1983 with Brooklyn roots, the brand maintains an unwavering dedication to quality classics that stand the test of time and a love of color, all while keep an eye on changing fashions.

Remaining with the statement blue from the top, I wore casual wide leg jeans with a bit of a messy fringe at the hem to help bring attention to the shoes, which are navy blue satin ankle booties and are probably one of the comfiest pair of boots I’ve ever owned. Literally walked around in them all day in London one time and no blisters, no pain, just easy breezy walking. I also accessorized with a big boho blue ring with other silver rings to bring out the cold tones of the blues. And don’t even get me started about this peacock-colored bag, isn’t it just LOVE?!

So… how did I wear pink with this mostly blue if not completely blue outfit? Makeup, yasss! I’ve really been into it lately and have been learning a lot more - so it’s been truly fun sharing with you guys! Though my eyes have a more berry tint to them, I stayed true to pink with lipstick (Juicy by Urban Decay) and my new favorite nail polish color for fall: Pink glitter! The color within the bottle of this nail polish looks more on the purple side, but after applying, I got a beautiful pint tint instead! What do you guys think of this nail color?

I think the combination of colors also complemented well with my hair color, but I think this palette would look wonderful on all hair colors! If it’s a little extra chilly in your area, you can polish this look up with a white or pink coat. How cute would that be?! Let me know how you feel about this look by leaving your comment down in the section box below. Happy Thursday, everyone!