Neon Skirt Outfit

October 7, 2019

WEARING: KNIT SWEATER | NEON SKIRT | SNAKEPRINT BOOTS | OLIVE GREEN SADDLE BAG

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY H&M, PUBLIC DESIRE, GIGI NEW YORK BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

One of the biggest trends to hit fashion in recent years is neon. But there are many ways to wear this vibrant color and in many different shades. A color I love during fall is yellow but how about wearing a shade of that in neon? I’d normally pair neon yellow with other bold colors like pink, orange, maybe a purple but what about a more muted tone such as grey or sepia? Can this give a fall/winter look? Continue reading to see how you can incorporate neon easily into your autumn wardrobe and where to directly find each piece from this look.

This calf-length skirt in soft, stretch velour has not only a wonderful color but the draping is also exceptional. I love velour as a material but it can oftentimes look inexpensive and somewhat tacky. This one definitely does quality justice. I paired the skirt with a chunky grey knit sweater that’s perfect for the fall and winter season. I wanted to see if this color palette could work: grey and neon. I think with the right accessories and colors together it can.

This green saddle bag works well with both the neon and grey. And I think with the sepia tones from the snakeskin boots, the color balance overall does work. Definitely not the norm, but I always like the experiment and see what can possibly work you wouldn’t see otherwise had you not tried to begin with. What do you guys think of this color scheme and look for the season?

LOVE & XX’S,

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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

How to Deal When the Holidays Aren't Exactly Happy

December 10, 2018

I don’t know about you, but the holidays can be a very bittersweet time for me. It’s not the most wonderful time of the year, I am not jolly and I normally am counting down the days until it’s January 2nd. I skip a lot of holiday events and parties because I’m never in the mood to socialize. Why? Am I the grinch? Nah. This time of year we remember people we’ve lost, especially the older we get. Both my parents are deceased, so this time period always brings up a lot of memories and mixed emotions. I’m grateful for the family I have made for myself, given the fact that my own estrangement from the rest of my family is not a choice I have made, but more so one that they have made, but since my parents have been gone, it just hasn’t been the same. There’s nothing like the season’s festive messages of peace, love, and togetherness to really make us contemplate our existence, our relationships, and what really matters to us. Hence, the Holiday blues do tend to creep in on me. But instead of passing through and keeping quiet, I decided to write to those that are in the same boat as me. Because you’re not alone. So here are my 5 tips on how to deal when the holidays aren’t exactly happy.

1. TAKE CARE OF YOU

With all the added pressures the holidays bring, one activity I’m not much a fan of is holiday gatherings. So I tend to skip out on a lot of them. Not because I’m a no-show kind of person, but more importantly, I have to take care of me. So if that means I don’t feel like going to someone’s shindig - I just won’t. Life’s too short to spend all your free time at parties anyway. Plus I always feel guilty. Celebrating anything relating to family is difficult for me. And with a hubby and a dog I cherish so dearly, I quite frankly really enjoy just spending time with them around this time of the year. For those that actually care for me will understand and for the ones who don’t, who cares, honestly.

2. ‘TIS THE SEASON FOR GIVING

Whenever I’m feeling down I always make an extra effort to think of others before myself. Because as much as my problems are as big in my head, to the next person, who know what they’re facing as well. So a tiny act of kindness, whether it’s helping an elderly person walk across the street or giving away clothes to Goodwill, there’s always something to be done to help others. I always like to believe that whatever energy you project and also be whatever is paying it forward to the next person. So perhaps if my act of kindness inspires the next person to do the same, my work is done. Well… so to speak. :)

3. TREAT YOURSELF

Hey, they don’t call it retail therapy for nothing! If all else fails, you can always splurge on yourself too. Eyeing that new piece of jewelry that just can’t seem to get off your mind? Don’t regret the things you didn’t buy! Big or small, getting a gift for yourself is an act of self-care/self-love. Kind of goes along with the first, in that taking care of yourself and that it doesn’t hurt to buy something for yourself every once in a while. Money doesn’t buy happiness, though!

4. FOCUS ON THE GLASS BEING HALF-FULL

It’s quite easy to fall into the trap of missing what you don’t have in your life. We are all going through something, and no one’s life is 100% perfectly complete all the time. So when you start to get into a funk, I always try to think of what’s going right in my life rather than what’s going wrong. I think of the people and things I’m grateful for and I have learned to appreciate the smaller things in life. It’s all in the mindset and the way our perspective is in that given time. If you change the way you look at things, things you look at change.

5. LAUGH, AS THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

Laughter is the best medicine. Whenever I travel for work and am alone in my hotel room working, I always have Friends of Big Bang Theory on in the background. The white noise makes the room feel less empty and I can always count on a few chuckles to be had afterward. Watch movies, listen to music that make you feel good and will inspire you. Whatever makes you smile, hold on to that just a while longer, because before you know it, the holidays will be over just as quickly as they began!

If you’re in the same boat as me and are not a huge fan of the holidays for perhaps similar reasons like myself - YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I’d say try and make the most of it but it’s okay to not be feeling it as well. If you have any other great suggestion on how to get out of the holiday funky blues, feel free to relay your tips down in the comment section below. I love hearing from you guys, especially on more personal posts as such. Hope you enjoyed, until next time… take care of yourself and others. Love always.