Riviera Bardot Chic

June 12, 2019

WEARING: NUDE BODYSUIT | JEANS | HAIR SCRUNCHIE SCARF | PEYOTE BAG | TAN SANDALS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY CLOSED, ATELIER DES FEMMES AND LE PARMENTIER PARIS BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

When I think of French Riviera style, I right away think of the 50s with classic, iconic stylish women such as Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Jane Birkin. Breton stripes, straw bags and hats, wrap blouses made of lace and cropped trousers. A mix of nautical and Parisian chic. So I wanted to style this look that’s timeless, elegant yet casual but with a modern twist. I played neutral colors with a strong mustard yellow shoulder bag and gave the outfit a Bardot-feel with a hair scrunchie scarf that’ll spruce up any summer hair style in a jiffy. Continue reading for full visual story along with direct links to each piece from this look.

The Peyote Smooth Leather Shoulder bag w/ Bow crafted in smooth genuine Italian calf leather, brings a twist to minimalism with its updated take on a winged silhouette that goes from day through to fun nights. Featuring a flap closure, straight lined bow detail on front in tonal or contrasting colors, adjustable detachable shoulder strap and gold tone hardware detail, is quite the distinctive bag. You can get your Peyote bag from Forzieri. Use the code name: SUZANNE15 for 15% OFF on Le Parmentier bags collection at forzieri.com valid until July 4th. When I thought about what color scheme would work best with such a bold color, I knew that less would be more.

Featuring a plunging neckline with twist knotted detail at the front, this nude bodysuit is sexy and super chic for the summer. You can pair it with a midi/maxi skirt, jeans - which I did in this case which are from a super cool German brand called Closed that have been making jeans since 1978! They are known for their trademark quality and I love these new pair of jeans I recently was gifted from their latest press preview. The blue cotton stretch slim cropped jeans feature a mid rise, a waistband with belt loops, a button and zip fly, a five pocket design and a cropped length. I love how the hems say ‘pedal pusher’ to those that want to hem their own jeans. It’s cute.

The tan slip on sandals are a dupe of Saint Laurent’s Woven Leather Sandal Slides. Since I’m not willing to spend $600 on a pair of sandals, these come in a similar style at only $35. I think the color goes well with the tan bow detail in the bag along with my skin tone. I wore a bold red-orange lip with not much else makeup to keep with the minimalist style. The polka dot scrunchie scarf is a luxe reinterpretation of the 90’s scrunchie. It looks equally as good with a low ponytail as it does with a messy bun. Your hair will definitely have Brigitte Bardot vibes. Woohoo, put Riviera chic on the style agenda!!

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Babushka Chic

March 27, 2019

The word, ‘babushka’, has its origins in Russian and means, ‘grandmother’. It also makes reference to the manner in which ladies in Russian, use this type of scarf, covering the head and knotting it under the chin. The last reference was taken to name the famous, ‘Lady Babushka’ who was suspect of recording the Kennedy assassination while wearing this garment. A trend that has come and gone, from Audrey Hepburn to the film, ‘Thelma & Louise’, to the Queen of England and even A.S.A.P Rocky, the rapper, has kept this style alive, even breaking boundaries which is something I definitely enjoy doing. And I really wanted to style this in a great setting instead of the usual street style photos we sometimes take. So continue reading to see the complete shoot along with where to shop the pieces in this look today!

I love a good rib-knit dress in a cotton blend. This one is great for spring. Small stand-up collar, short sleeves, and slits at sides, it’s movable and very comfortable. Since the the weather is not quite springlike here in New York yet, I layered the dress with a faux fur coat with contrasted cuffs to bring out a more Russian-feel to the look. I even wore sheer nude tights to also keep with the overall mood of this outfit. I also mixed with the stripe print with an animal one, as snake print anything is super hot in trends at the moment. Don’t worry, they’ll still be around this coming fall/winter as well.

These snake print booties are awfully comfortable too! Super sleek pointed ankle boots featuring exposed zip and sock style fit, you would think 4.5” in terms of heel height would be too much on the feet, but they’re so well-fitted, like a glove, makes it easy to walk around in. I wouldn’t say this if you’re on your feet all day, but for an afternoon or evening will do just fine. I like my shoes to be practical.

So I’ve mixed in animal print with stripes. You’d think I’d stop there, right? Nah. I love playing up on the beauty of print and patterns. There’s something about pushing boundaries like I mentioned earlier in today’s post, I find that when you do, in terms of fashion & style, you can really find out if these rule-breakers work or not. I wore a blue and white floral scarf around my head, a standard must in a babushka chic outfit. :) This scarf in the post is not intended to be a headscarf and is no longer in stock so I linked a very similar one that can definitely be intended for a headscarf/headwrap.

Other accessories featured in today’s look are a luxe burgundy crossbody bag and gold statement earrings. I hope you enjoyed this more stylized editorial shoot! I am working on doing more of this kind of content, but it takes more time, therefore, a longer waiting period. What did you like the most about this babushka chic look? The headscarf? Coat? Perhaps, you’re wanting to see a trend/concept on MaQ + Suz that you haven’t seen and would like to? Drop your messages down in the comment section below!

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Le-J Jewelry

January 2, 2019

WEARING: GOLD PEARL HOOP EARRINGS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LE – J JEWELRY BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Don’t you love it after a nice holiday break, we come back to work thinking it’s a Monday, but it’s actually a Wednesday? Makes getting through that first week a little easier. Second post on the blog kicking into the new year is all about a newly discovered jewelry brand - where I had met the founder at a press preview for a cashmere line. I love how New York always has a tendency to bring so many people together. :) Read more about this great jewelry collection (more releases coming very soon!) along with a fun earring editorial shoot by clicking the button right below!

Founded in 2017 by designer & CEO Choco XU, Le-J is a luxury accessories brand. Fusing an innovative design aesthetic with the rich heritage of Italian craftsmanship. In 2018, Choco designed to bring this brand into New York, establishing Le-J’s influence on the luxury jewelry space. Le-J collaborates with multi-generational Asian artisan families allowing a fusion of traditional processes and quality materials, with innovative design ideas defining new Modern Luxury. I was fortunate enough to cross paths with Choco at a press preview for a clothing brand, but as soon as I took a look at her jewelry designs, I was immediately drawn to the aesthetic and craftsmanship of the pieces.

I have a pair of assymetric star drop earrings that I styled last month in a velvety holiday look (link HERE) along with these amazing gold hoop earrings with pearls perched ever so delicately – a classic look. I find these earrings perfect for someone who’s style is modern minimal chic. For some reason when I looked at these earrings I instantly thought of Robin Hood, but a female version. I definitely tend to feel more inspired/creative when working with quality people and quality pieces. It’s a no-brainer. How would you style these earrings? There’s a million and one ways, which is why they’re so perfect for everyday style, day-to-night looks and more.

These Le – J earrings are only $65, but I rounded up similar pieces for everyone to pick and choose to their liking, since I know how picky I can be with my jewelry! I hope your week is going as chic as these earrings and will continue to sparkle all throughout the week and into the new year. Tomorrow I will be getting my hair done… and I’m going to go a little different! So stay tuned for a change, nothing too drastic but yeah, I think it’s great to keep evolving as a constant. Just like my work, I’m hoping to bring you fresher, bigger, better content in 2019! So here goes!!!

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How to Wear a Maxi Skirt If You Are a Petite or a Short Woman

December 17, 2018

WEARING: MOOD SWEATER | PINK MAXI SKIRT | RED CROSSBODY | BLACK COMBAT BOOTS

Stepping up my game in the styling department this Monday! You know, us, petite girls, need a little more recognition in the fashion world because it’s not easy styling when it comes to being short. Especially when it comes to bottoms: Pants, skirts - you name it, normally anything will need some adjustments. But what if you can’t take it in to the tailor every time? Pinching a few pennies? Why not, “Make it work” as Tim Gunn says? And if you’re a true stylist, you can adapt to anything and yes, indeed, make it work! You know I’m not much of a pink girl, but many of my readers really like it when I wear this color. So on one count, I’m challenging myself to style one skirt in two completely different ways, and two, for the love of my followers. Here you go! Continue reading to see the complete shoot!

When I thought about how to style this skirt, given the fact that the pink maxi skirt (as cute as it may be), it was far too long for me. So what’s a petite gal to do? HIDE THAT ISH. And since it’s winter, I paired it with a loosely fitted black cashmere sweater with #MOOD written on it in a plush red. To accentuate with the top, I accessorized with my new favorite bag that’s got a gorgeous oxblood color with an adjustable gold chain. You can see how I wore it both ways. Even my lipstick and nails are similar to the shades or red, but not exact. And this was intentional. I think it brings more of the pink out in terms of its statement, and it’s quite a ruffly skirt! I may not be a girly girl, but I sure do feel quite the lady when wearing it.

My new favorite black winter boots have yellow laces and a rough edgy feel to them. I’d say they’re combat boots and the platform always makes me feel like I can kick ass when wearing them. Ha ha! I’d say this look has a definite punk feminine chic vibe to it. You know me for my edginess & rebelliousness when it comes to my personal style, I really had fun putting together this first look. But wait… there’s the other look. How did I style the pink maxi skirt this time? Definitely has an overall different vibe to it as well!

WEARING: PINK MAXI SKIRT | BLACK BELT | BLACK HEELS | STAR BAG

One of my favorite ways to style a maxi skirt is to wear it as a dress! As a petite and short woman (I’m only 5’3’’) who is always looking for ways to save a few bucks, and also doesn’t always have time to wait in between alterations at the tailor’s, it never hurts to find creative ways to style yourself! And this second look is more for an evening affair. Playful, elegant and still with a little bit of edge, this pink maxi skirt, now dress, is a showstopper. I styled the piece with the darkest color known to man to give contrast to the feminine shade I don’t normally wear, if not ever. I love pink and black together!

The look was definitely inspired by Carrie Bradshaw’s Oscar de la Renta dress from the show, Sex & the City, where her Russian boyfriend gifts it to her right before whisking her away to the ballet. I wanted the same type of feeling when it came to the second look. More whimsical. A touch of elegance. And a look you’ve never seen me do. And just like Carrie, I have a thing for accessories. This unique 100% leather based ball bag with Swarovski crystal stones, silver studs, glow in the dark stars and hand painted detailing is pretty insane when it comes to its details and I thought it was quite the bag to carry with this look!

I wore black strappy heels to give more of an elongated look as well as keeping with the color scheme. And when it came to styling this pink maxi skirt into a dress, I knew I need to cinch the waist with a belt, to give some shape to the long dress. I just used black satin ribbon, the same one I wore on my wedding day, and snugly tied it in the back. A statement belt, like the one I’ve linked would be just as great, but to style this as a dress it definitely need something to hold the waist in. Thanks for stopping by and checking out my duo-styled post! I truly enjoyed doing this, so let me know if you’d like to see more styling challenges like this one! Until next time… :)

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The Remaining Days of Fall

November 24, 2018

Hi, everyone! Hope you guys had a great Thanksgiving filled with good company, good food and all around good vibes! I always keep it low key with my fellas as my husband and I don’t really have big families, we enjoy the time spent together and with a few of our closest friends. I really savor the times spent with the pup, being that I’m busy 24/7, it’s so nice to cut myself off from the online world and just be in the moment with the two most important people in my life. Now that we’re gearing into the holiday season, the leaves are falling and the winter chill is taking its course. So I wanted to get in a few more photos of the beautiful foliage along with playing in the leaves with MaQ - he literally goes nuts for them! Continue reading to see more of the photos, where to shop the look, and why my dog is the cutest German shepherd in the world! ;)

FIRST: Can we talk about how warm and snuggly this teddy coat is?! AND it’s only $40! It’s such a bargain because with the right layering, you can wear this all winter long! Seriously, I paired this with a denim jacket and scarf in 30 °F and was so cozy outside! And anything neutral during the colder months is a good thing - makes it for easier styling among many of the fall/winter colors. Plus I think anything in the neutral palette looks good on so many skin tones and hair colors! Plus the two front pockets and folded over collar are also some of my favorite features in a rocking overcoat!

Now you know me, to go with a cute coat, I love to amp it up in the accessories department with a good statement bag and watch! This chic crossbody bag crafted in Italian Embossed Croc and Pebble Grain leather can also be worn as a shoulder bag and you can double the strap for a shorter length. Front open flap has a polished gold lock closure that’s super luxe and polishes it up to be a fabulous day or evening bag with the classical sophistication. Which way did you like the way I styled this bag the most?

This rectangular two-hand dial paneled in lustrous mother of pearl and semiprecious stone is the focus of this elegantly striking watch. Hand-assembled with Swiss and imported materials right in Detroit, Michigan, the refined style is anchored by genuine alligator leather for a luxe finish. Given that I was raised in Detroit, I’ve already grown to be quite sentimentally fond of the watch. They have other styles as well, with this particular design, but they also carry other well-sized luxury watches. Check them out at www.gomelskywatches.com

These sneakers are from Kenneth Cole and honestly are the most comfortable pair of kicks I’ve owned in a few years. They’re the perfect stylish sneaker for all-day wear and even cozy enough for travel. I always wear them on flights. They’re on sale at Macy’s for less than $60 and are totally worth the price for their quality. I love them so much I’ve already gone through two pairs! I guess I’m the kind of gal that when she stumbles upon something she loves, she’ll stock up on it! Haha.