The Smoothest Tequila I've Ever Had

May 4, 2018

This post is sponsored by Maestro Dobel Tequila but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Hey guys! Happy Cinco de Mayo! Raise your hand if you're up for some margaritas for the occasion, 'cuz I know I am! I love frozen ones for those hot, summer days but sometimes it's better to just slowly unwind after a long day and sip a margarita on the rocks - which is probably my favorite way to drink tequila. And with Maestro Dobel Diamante, a tequila with a heritage that sets it apart from every other tequila brand, its distillery process makes it the smoothest tequila available and of ultra-premium quality. Continue reading to learn how to make one of my favorite classic margaritas with Maestro Dobel Diamante along with where to shop this summery, resort-y look.

Maestro Dobel Diamante is the world’s first clear multi-aged tequila. It’s rule-defying elixir that consists of a blend of Extra-Añejo, Añejo, and Reposado Tequila, aged in the finest European white oak barrels! It is the perfect luxe tequila to relax, vibe on a good time and share these intimate moments- whether it’s with your better half, or at a dinner party with your closest friends, or just one on your own sitting on the porch, kicking back and chilling away. And I've got a great easy recipe that anyone can make! All you need are limes, a shaker, agave syrup and well... the best part... the tequila.

Now that we've got a relaxing margarita in our hand, let's talk about getting this easy, breezy summer look in there as well! I love this classic striped wrapped top from VIPSHOP, it goes well with the amazing packaging of the Maestro Dobel Diamante bottle, don't you think? I love to mix prints so I went with these super-comfy Leota pants that are just perfect for about any occasion. But they're so cozy, it's kind of hard to leave the house once you put them on! Just like having these margaritas at home. Too good and relaxing than to go anywhere else! :)

WHITE DIAMOND MARGARITA

2 OZ. DOBEL DIAMANTE TEQUILA
.5 OZ. AGAVE SYRUP
.5 OZ. FRESH LIME

Method: Shaken
Glassware: Cocktail Glass
Garnish: Rim with Salt

SHOP THE TEQUILA

My sandals are from the Patricia Green SS collection. A braided jute platform elevates a trend-right sandal featuring mixed media styling highlighted with contrast topstitching and set on a lightly cushioned footbed. It's my favorite sandals ever! My tote bag is great for quick trips to the market or liquor store to grab this beautiful Maestro Dobel Diamante tequila. I think it also goes well with the metallic in the sandals too. What do you guys think of this outfit? I think it's great for both the city and also being away on vacation - with summery tropical vibes of course, and this sleek, smooth tequila from Maestro Dobel Diamante that I just can't stop raving about! Seriously, guys it's the best tequila I've tried in the longest time, be sure to follow the links or shop down below to find where to get your bottle! Got a question about the recipe, outfit or anything else? Drop a line! I always love hearing from my readers. Cheers!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Sweet Williams on Memorial Day

May 29, 2017

WEARING: & OTHER STORIES DENIM JACKET | TOBI LOVE GAME WHITE SHIFT DRESS | 
MAD-STYLE TALL METALLIC GEO TOTE BAG | PUMA VIKKY GREY PLATFORM SNEAKER 
MAD-STYLE TRANSLUCENT CATEYES SUNGLASSES | CLAIRE'S SATIN BOW CHOKER | 
VIP ME DENIM & CHAIN FRINGE CHOKER NECKLACE

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY TOBI.

SWEET WILLIAMS FLOWERS ARE AT THE CENTER OF MANY ROMANTIC LEGENDS.

One such legend is steeped in the poetry of the English writer John Gay, who wrote, “Sweet William’s Farewell to Black-ey’d Susan: A Ballad.” In this piece of poetry, both the sweet William and the black-eyed Susan were depicted as real people – Sweet William as a sailor and the black-eyed Susan as his beloved, who must part from him. The story tells of the two meeting, then having to separate again – sweet William assuring his love and fidelity all the while. Sweet Williams flowers are one of the few blossoms that have symbols that most people associate with masculinity – their predominant symbol being that of gallantry. However, they also represent finesse and perfection and are frequently presented to the recipient as a way to tell him or her that the giver feels they are either quite smooth or simply as good as it gets. They also express the sentiment, “grant me a single smile,” and are sometimes given as gifts solely to make the recipient’s day. Sweet Williams flowers (yes, the flowers from this shoot are in fact, Sweet Williams!) have always reminded me of my grandparents. And the way they came together is not only over-the-top romantic, but fitting on a day like today... Memorial Day.

For those who do not know, I am half-Polish... given my dominant Eastern European last name (father's side). I feel like I need to inject this in now before I get going, you'll understand in a bit. My grandparents met like any typical teenagers do – amongst mutual friends. You see, my grandmother was dating a good friend of my grandfather's, but this quickly changed after they met. But wait, it doesn't end there. Before they could even begin courting each other, my grandfather was deployed to Paris during WWII. He served in the US Army Air Forces as a corporal lieutenant. Back then there was no texting, Facetime or social media. Even a long-distance phone call was pretty scarce. So, to remain in touch with my grandmother, my grandfather wrote her hand-written letters almost every day. Their correspondence to one another is what made them fall madly in love with each other.

At some point, the distance between them became too great. My grandmother could hardly stand it any longer and made her way to Paris to be with him. When they came back to the states not too long after that, they married. They had five children and were together for nearly 45 years. Sure they fought just like any couple, but they sure were crazy about each other. I feel like you don't hear that many legendary love stories anymore. Actually, the whole idea of dating in this day and age is rather frightening to me. While at an event this past week I struck a conversation with a woman who just moved to New York City a few months ago, and after a heart-wrenching breakup with her ex, she opted for Tinder, one of those dating apps, even though now there's so many of them for many different types of relationships, to sexual encounters, FWB, and yes, even 'real' relationships. And though Tinder is known for casual hookups, she ended up being in a relationship with the guy and is quite happy, it seems.

Is it like that for everyone? Definitely not. I was watching a documentary series late one night due to insomnia (over-working, stress & anxiety will do that to you) about the digital world and relationships. 1 out of 4 people who are in dating apps have trouble finding meaningful relationships due to 'too many options' out there. You have more and more women (and men) who are not willing to settle down and getting married. Younger women are more driven and independent than they've ever been. You have men who are literally sleeping with anything that has a pulse because they were the geek back in high school and now that they're all grown up with a successful job, it's payback time. For example, on the documentary series, there's a Las Vegas event planner who's basically in his forties and organizes pool parties for a living. He is single and thoroughly enjoys it being this way.

Was he the geek back in high school? No, but he was the 'nice guy', you know, the guy who wasn't necessarily a stud, but was nice enough to be your friend? Yeah, that guy. And then he went on to appear on a big reality show. After that, the nice guy was history. Women started throwing themselves at him all because he had been on TV (that and being mildly attractive probably didn't hurt) and a dickhead bachelor was born. But what makes this guy not the nice guy anymore is the way he treats the women he 'dates'. He will take a girl out a couple of times, sleep with her and then disappear. It is one thing to set clear intentions/boundaries, but what he did was misleading. He'd get them to believe they were something more than just a few dates, by taking the time to say and do all the right things men are supposed to do while courting a woman. And once he had them hooked, with a potential feeling of a 'maybe', he'd ghost them.

He even went as far as pretending like he didn't know a girl he was sleeping with for a few months. When she had tried to make contact with him after he ghosted her (meaning never responds to any messages) he replied with a, "who is this?" Luckily, the girl laid it on to him thick and told him how cowardly and hurtful his actions have been, going even as far as refusing to leave him alone until she met him face to face (this I would not make the time for), to express herself... and rightfully so! I find that the more options that are being provided within the digital world have caused people to act more selfishly than ever before. And romance? Forget about it, I feel like most of it is all for show. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of wonderful, good, decent men (yes, I've met some of them!) but in the new times we live in, and with endless choices when it comes to sex and relationships, I'm definitely missing the simplicity of authentic love amongst one another. Can't we write more hand-written notes anymore? If you're not feeling someone, can't you just be honest with them and give them that respect, especially when you know they'd do that for you? Since when did hurting others become a trend?

Now if you're not looking for anything serious and just want to have fun, that's completely okay. Just don't take advantage of people, being a jerk is never cool. How can someone like that guy look at himself in the mirror every morning? Thankfully after that girl confronted him, it made him think and change his ways. (Hopefully, because whatever is said on camera isn't necessarily done off-camera) With intention, this post will potentially give those some hope, that the real thing still does exists because I do continue to see it every day among others and through myself. And knowing you have a conscious – that you could never stoop to that kind of slimy low-level like that Vegas guy says something about you already, that you're better than that and because of it, you will go on to find better too. Never stop believing in love, my friends. Happy Memorial Day. xo.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Mad-Style Translucent Cateyes Sunglasses

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Compartmentalization

May 13, 2017

WEARING: THE KOOPLES BLAZER | HONEY COAST USA T-SHIRT | 
ADIDAS NEO CLOUDFOAM DAILY QT HIGH-TOP SNEAKER | GUCCI BELT | BDG JEANS | 
MAD-STYLE TALL METALLIC GEO TOTE BAG | MAD-STYLE TRANSLUCENT CATEYES SUNGLASSES

HAIR DONE BY OMALIA FROM MB45 STUDIO

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY MB45 STUDIO, MAD-STYLE & HONEY COAST USA.

"Compartmentalization is a form of emotional intelligence," according to Jeremy Yip, a lecturer and research scholar at Wharton. Psychology defines compartmentalization as a defense mechanism, or a coping strategy, which doesn’t exactly sound all that great (at first). But, it’s how our minds deal with conflicting internal points of view at the same time. Isolating and focusing on difficult issues separately is something I’ve used my entire life to get through trauma as a result of my upbringing; so one could say this skill was acquired through the years, however, I never really noticed its implications in business until recently.

When I was younger, I once heard from J-Lo (of all people) say that when it comes to one's personal life and professional one, it's crucial to be able to put one or the other aside as soon as you 'leave the door'. And she's absolutely right. You can't let either mix with the other, no matter what's going on. I know it sounds easier said than done, but I truly believe this is part of the key to success; refusing to compromise and not letting anyone get in the way of your dreams and ambitions. The way that I see it, and Eleanor Roosevelt too, "no one can make you feel inferior without your consent." So keep it together, don't give up and as my dad always used to say, "keep on keeping on." And having a couple of girlfriends to help you get through it all doesn't hurt one bit either. :)

A few mentions about this outfit since I got a ton of feedback from the Instagram post from the other day. Both my Cateye sunglasses and metallic tote bag are from Mad-Style, use my code, 'maqandsuz' to get 20% OFF your purchase. Lastly, my blazer is from The Kooples, skinny jeans are BDG and my high-tops are from Adidas, definite faves in the causal chic everyday wear department! What are your casual staple pieces in your closet and your thoughts on compartmentalization?

Photos by: Layers of Chic