Spring Blue Pantsuit

March 12, 2018

WEARING: LUCIE BROCHARD.võ SATIN-SILK POWER SUIT | LUCIE BROCHARD.võ SATIN-SILK TUNIC SHIRT | 
NAT & NIN TEREZA | NINE WEST JANILLY LOAFERS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KREATEURS & NINE WEST.

Happy Monday! How is everyone doing today? This weekend I finally had the chance to take a stroll through the streets of SoHo and discover Kreateurs. Though the showroom is technically based in Paris, they were here in New York for 10 days for their popup showcasing emerging French designers. Ranging from timeless styles, high-quality, ethical processes and authenticity, Kreateurs is a tangible alternative to the overwhelming power of leading brands; by creating a space for independent designers, they platform a unique expertise and vision.

Lucie Brochard.võ matured her creativity throughout her experiences in Europe, America, and Asia. Across her many travels and stop-overs in airports, Lucie identified the need of confident women to wear outstanding clothes without compromising on their comfort. Always ready for unplanned stop-overs around the world, this collection caters to the modern, creative, elegant spontaneous traveling women. The Lucie Brochard.võ collection reveals a distinguished feminine silhouette filled with character, originality and a sense of escape. Yet, the wardrobe is subtly inspired by menswear tailoring in order to bring exclusive comfort and practicality.

Such as with this blue pantsuit: The color, stitching, lining; every single detail is with careful attention, right down to the excellence in tailoring, I was immediately drawn to the collection. I styled the pantsuit with contrasting bright, spring colors such as yellow and orange to give the whole look an extra pop. The colorful top is actually a tunic shirt that I loosely tucked into the pants to give it a more carefree feel. To color balance with the variety of colors, I chose more subtle feminine tones, like this blossom // blush pink leather bag from Nat & Nin, and a pair of crisp, white loafers from Nine West. I think I'm ready to kick spring's butt in this look! Feeling inspired, empowered and ready to take on this week like a champ! For more info, please visit kreateurs.com

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

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Weekend Ready with Embroidered Florals and Bell Sleeves

July 13, 2017

WEARING: PERIDOT BOUTIQUE EMBROIDERED BELL SLEEVE TOP | BDG JEANS | 
MATT BERNSON MEZZA | ALLES FRINGE BUCKET BAG | 
KOHL'S SILVER TONE BEAD CHANDELIER EARRINGS

HAIR CUT + HAIR STYLIST: TAYLOR FROM FOURTEEN JAY & AVEDA.

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY PERIDOT BOUTIQUE.

Hey, guys! Thank goodness it's almost Friday! I've had a rough and busy week. The summer heat in New York is legit, NOT cool at all and I've always been super sensitive when it comes to change in temperature. The humidity is not just poofing my hair into catastrophe but also my mind as if it's clogged up - literally feels hard to breathe! And imagine running around and being cooped up in subway cars or venues with no A/C, the struggle can be real! Aside from that and some family stuff, I made it through the week still with a smile on my face. A few reasons... One, I'm in love with this new black embroidered floral bell sleeve top I received from Peridot Boutique. (I talked more about the boutique in my last outfit post, read here). Two, I'll be taking off tomorrow to the Hamptons for work (and a little play) and three, though life can be tough sometimes, I'm just beyond thankful for all the opportunities and connections I've made in the last couple of years since launching my blog, MaQ + Suz. I've been enjoying the fruits of my labor and I have so much work coming up it makes me really excited about the future.

I sometimes have difficulty in cranking out three regular blog posts per week, even posting on Instagram every day now, not because of lack of discipline but rather a lack of a team. I'm a one-woman show. I'm doing it all with my own hands, aside from having my main photographer, I don't have anyone else helping me out. I try to keep my blog posts running consistently every week all the while managing other social media channels, answering hundreds of emails daily, editing photos and video, running around the city to meeting and events, and trying to maintain some sort of social life simultaneously. It can be hectic. And because of my schedule becoming crazier and busier than ever, I'm heavily considering hiring an intern and/or assistant. But I've mentioned this before; I'm nervous to work with someone I don't know that well, let alone trust, so I'm not really sure how to start. Any fellow bloggers have any advice on assistants and what your first experiences were like?

Let's get to today's look! I'm a sucker for anything bell sleeves, especially during the summer. Call it the hippie in me, but I'm a such a fan of boho style during the summer season. And this top is absolutely gorgeous with the embroidered florals with subtle lace detail on the shoulders. This Peridot Boutique top is also super light and comfy for even warmer days, very breathable and so cute at the same time! I styled it with a pair of BDG jeans I've had for a while (also super duper comfy) with my favorite Spring/Summer 17 flats from Matt Bernson. The adaptable suede straps on the shoe give it extra chicness to any look.

My fringe bucket bag is from Alles Bags and my earrings are from college! I think I picked them up at a Kohl's store, so since I can't link you the exact ones I'm wearing I've linked a very similar pair for you to shop should you want to style an outfit with chandelier earrings. They're great droplet earrings to polish up any kind of look. My eyeshadow from Naked Cosmetics and I went for a deep coral shade since I've never done an eye look as such. What do you guys think of the richness in the hue? I really love it, because you can use it from summer to fall. Perfect for many different types of skin tones too! Well, everyone, I need to finish up some errands and meetings for the day and then I need to get ready for this weekend! I'm so excited for my weekend getaway, stay tuned to my Insta Stories... You won't want to miss out on all the action! It's going to be so much fun! Catch ya'll soon! :)

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

PERIDOT BOUTQUE EMBROIDERED BELL SLEEVES TOP

KOHL'S SILVER TONE BEAD CHANDELIER EARRINGS

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Keep on Moving Forward

June 6, 2017

WEARING: TOBI OFF THE SHOULDER BLACK DRESS | ZARA BALLERINAS WITH STRAPS | 
LOUISE & ELEANOR SQUIGGLE BAG | H&M EVIL EYE/ITALIAN HORN NECKLACE

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY TOBI AND LOUISE & ELEANOR.

"THE TRUTH IS UNLESS YOU LET GO, UNLESS YOU FORGIVE YOURSELF UNLESS YOU FORGIVE THE SITUATION UNLESS YOU REALIZE THAT THE SITUATION IS OVER, YOU CANNOT MOVE FORWARD."

Moving sucks. You know it, I know it, we all know it. Hence, for my lack of social media posts and overall online activity as of late. I just packed up all my stuff and relocated to Union Square from the East Village, and even though the geographical change ain't too shabby, the process of any move can sometimes be overwhelming, let alone stressful. It can even trigger memories you've stashed so far in the back of your mind from many, many years ago. And because you guys have been so supportive of me opening up more on the blog lately, today's post won't be on how-to-move, or explaining the move, because who cares, really? Instead, I wanted to share with you more on my relationship with my father and my first-time experience moving... across the country.

I was originally born in the Los Angeles area but my time there was brief. As mentioned in previous posts, my parents fought like it was their full-time job. What made matters worse was the way they fought over me. Where to start? It all began with my father's tan Toyota truck. It wasn't anything special. It wasn't even brand new. But he and I rode in that thing everywhere. Anywhere he'd go, I'd follow. You know the arm rests that are located in between the two seats? I would sit right on top of the one nearest to my dad, just so I could literally be as close to him as possible.

During one summer afternoon when I was around 4 or 5 years old, my parents were fighting again when my father asked if I'd like to go for a ride in the truck. Little did I know it would be the longest road trip of my life. He had tricked me into thinking it was a quick trip to the grocery store. For three days straight, he drove from California to Michigan. All I really remember was the miles upon miles of the empty desert and spilling a glass of orange juice from McDonald's on one of the seats of the truck. I remember that accident quite vividly as I had never seen him get that upset before. I believe that was the first time I really started to see his true colors. It took me until my teenage years to finally realize how abusive my father really had been.

No, I was never physically abused. I once got hit a few times with a leather belt (let's just say I REALLY screwed up) but the kind of abuse I had endured was verbal; emotionally and mentally. It has taken me all my life to recover from this. I'm still working on it. I hate him for the damage he's caused. Not just on me, but on my mother, my brother, my estranged family... I almost want to say it's irreparable, but I also want to say I'm living proof that you can get through it. It can be pretty difficult, but with time, patience and the support from good friends, all wounds eventually heal. But just like a scab, you pick at it too long, it'll never have the time to repair itself back up.

Do I have issues with men & relationships now because of my father-daughter relationship growing up? Yes. I didn't have a father who was showing me right and wrong when it came to treating women. He not only verbally abused my mother but physically as well. And we're not talking some minor altercation where he's slapped her once or twice. (Which is STILL never f&%king okay!) We're talking throwing bows, even my mother chasing after him with knives and then some. All the while both of them screaming at me to call the police. I was just a kid and the idea of snitching on either of my parents, whom I both loved very much, was something I definitely didn't want to do. It was never about protecting them, but using me against each other. And therefore bringing guilt and shame into the situation. If I didn't call the cops, my mother would tell me I was a coward for not protecting her. If I did call the cops, which I did a few times, my father would tell me I betrayed him.

I felt like a rag doll being pulled from both ends through most of my childhood. And no matter what I did, I just couldn't manage (or so it seems) to ever be completely accepted by both of my parents. They were constantly competing for my love (i.e; "Do you know what your mother did? She couldn't love you like I love you if she could just leave you like that..." - "Did you know what your father did to me? Even my very own sisters told me not to marry such a monster...") Talk about toxic! I never knew what was completely true or somewhat fabricated.

But why stay together for over 25 years if it was all bad and nothing good? Well, I wouldn't say that either. My brother and I had the best birthday's, Christmas's, and every other holiday of every month because of my mother. She organized everything while my dad was the 'breadwinner' of the family. And even though we never had much, she made the best with what she had. And I truly miss those special occasions where she'd surround us with her warm, pure heart, making everything seem like it was going to be alright. And even though my father was far from perfect, he did manage to be present in my life, unlike some other father's I know.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, despite all the pain and heartache that can go on in any kind of relationship, know that it can't be all bad, and it can't be all good. And when it's like that, it's even harder to walk away from the toxicity, no matter how much you may love that person. I didn't become estranged from my father until my late 20s when I finally said enough was enough when he began to emotionally blackmail me with suicide threats for over three weeks straight. I stood my ground and told him I wasn't going to take any more of his abuse and that if he wanted me in his life, he'd have to get his life in order and be more present in his kid's lives. Unfortunately, we never got around to that.

The irony is the day he passed away was the day he finally was getting his life back on track. He has just left a job interview where he was hired on the spot, where while on his way out of the building, walking down the hallway, he suffered a massive coronary and died immediately after. I will always long to speak to him one last time, to reunite and tell him that even though he's caused so much hurt in my life, I still to this day will and always will love him. No matter what. Because love is about forgiving others and also, forgiving yourself. I still beat myself up for estranging myself from him because I know it hurt both of us too, but I had to do what was best for me at that given time. And I think he too, knew this deep down. So, don't burn every bridge you come across (even though some are meant to be burnt) because forgiving others is almost as powerful as empowering others or yourself. Without forgiveness, there is no compassion. No love. I don't mean to preach, but I've been thinking a lot about the best way to move forward, and to me, I think it all starts with the art of forgiveness.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

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Plaid at No. 22

May 24, 2017

WEARING: VIP ME BLACK PLAID LONG SLEEVE SHIRT W/ WIDE LEG PANTS | 
MATT BERNSON MEZZA | ZAFUL TRIANGLE CLUTCH

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VIPme.

My mind has been stuck on Manchester.

What kind of world are we living in where our children can't even go to a concert without being safe anymore? Imagine - 13... 14... 15 years old and running for your life thinking it's the end. And yet we have people wasting their energy complaining on Instagram for having their photos (not even their photos actually) being reported and therefore taken down because of it. How about instead of posting tits and va-jay-jays that are solely for attention-seeking, we rather post content that either tells a story or tells a story within a story? Why does everything have to be instantly gratifying nowadays? Don't get me wrong. Everyone is allowed to do whatever the heck they want, and I'm not here to preach what one should or should not do... but can't we give this bullshit a rest? People are dying out there and you want to talk about why it's okay to post nudity because we're all naked in the end or whatever cockamamy excuse you want to use to call it a way of expressing art? Now, have I ever done a self-portrait of my booty? You bet your ass I did, but the difference is I didn't do it for anyone but myself. And I certainly didn't post it or someone else's work to grab any kind of reaction.

Sure, everything is redone/copied/heavily inspired by someone else's work today, even sometimes making the fashion world quite an ugly one. Not everyone that's talented is kind or even decent for that matter. But what I appreciate is the story-telling that is ongoing, that leaves me with the desire to do the same. No, I may not have the power or finances to help with what is going on in the world at the moment, but my power to share the content I create, I believe, does help and inspire others to do more and be more.

Like this British-inspired, two-piece made of plaid and leather by VIPme. After the Manchester attacks, I wasn't sure what deemed appropriate in terms of my next blog post, given the crazy times we're living in is much of what I've been thinking about the past couple of days. But as I was editing this shoot, I played around with the tones much more than I usually do. I think it has a lot to do with mood and your environment. And I'm more and more in tune with what can be told through a photograph, so for me, this is my teeny-tiny little tribute towards our current events. Plus, I've always had a soft spot for UK fashion.

Summer is coming but before the hot days are here to stay, you can mix this two piece with so many other styles. I accessorized with an old pair of gold hoop earrings and Matt Bernson flats. The triangle clutch from Zaful is from last Fall but is still a favorite in my handbag roundup. I love the linen feel of the two-piece, and really dig the black leather statement pockets in the front of the top.

The bottoms have pockets too and I love that you can not only wear them together but also separately. The pants would look chic with a white tee and blazer and the top would look great with black jeans or even a cute white denim skirt. I love when pieces hold a ton of versatility and can be worn all year round, especially in places with all four seasons like here in New York. What do you guys think of this two-piece? How would you have styled it?

And lastly, I've recently been getting a lot of food content requests, with questions of when I will be getting back into video content as well. I'm happy to report that after a tiny hiatus (because video editing is my worst nightmare and least favorite thing to do in the world LOL) but also because I haven't found a story I really wanted to create for it, I have finally got something in store for you! It'll be out in the next couple of weeks, but it's something really special to me and I hope it'll blow you away! Stay tuned because I can't wait to just even share the behind the scenes!

Lots of changes happening right now and I'm excited, nervous and a bit overwhelmed at the moment, but I know me and I'll be just fine. At the end of the day, we have no one to answer to but ourselves. So be true to you and to others. Stop being full of crap, be nice, and go out there and get ish done! I know it sounds easier said than done, but remember that people love you and care about you, that includes me! Spreading nothing but Love + Light, forever and always. Until next time, take care of yourself and take care of others. Smooches. xx

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Vip Me Black Plaid Long Sleeve Shirt With Wide Leg Pants

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

To Speak or Not to Speak

May 5, 2017

WEARING: TBA DUSTER JACKET | RHODA WONG ASSYMETRICAL TOP 
ONEBUYE BLACK WORK STRIPES WIDE LEG PANT | THE LUXELLE SILVER PLATED CLUTCH 
FLOWER EYEWEAR CASEY AVIATORS | GUCCI BELT | MATT BERNSON MEZZA | THE 5TH BROADWAY WATCH

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY RHODA WONG, THE LUXELLE & THE 5TH WATCHES.

Yes, I'm a writer. But like my father, I have a tendency to bottle up my feelings. I have a really tough time trusting people. The only family I've got left is my brother and getting to know people can sometimes be exhausting, not to say that no one is interesting or beautiful but I have had many life experiences that few people will ever have to go through. I've been through it all, really. It can be difficult to relate to others on a personal or emotional level. And though I know I'm really fucking strong, I'm still vulnerable because I'm human. Sometimes the pressure cracks and like propane, I explode. But my new career as a content creator has given me the power to share my story and along the way, has helped me connect and be inspired by others. Just extremely incredible, talented people.

These life experiences have also taught me when to speak or not to speak. When I was younger, I was wilder and more naive. I had no problem telling it like it was, shamelessly giving a big F-U to your face while at it. But when you grow up, you (hopefully) mature emotionally and realize there are times and places for speaking up and when it's just best to remain silent. Even though I still can have a 'flare-up' here and there, even perhaps losing my temper, I've really learned to always be the bigger person, but hurt me or someone I love, I will verbally slaughter you before the real damage is even done.

And call it Korean pride, but I was also raised to never express your personal problems to anyone under any circumstances. It was a big fat no-no to my mother and she had that drilled into my head by the time I was in elementary school. Of course, this might explain my difficulty in also sharing certain parts of my life with others, but with what I do now, I feel like I'm slowly but surely making my way through sharing my emotions perhaps not always verbally, but through visual storytelling... the creative input... this means more to me than anything else right now. Thanks for tuning in this Friday! I hope you enjoyed getting to know me a little better. Got questions? Thoughts from this post? Comment down below or drop me a message! Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!