California Girl at Heart


THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SHEIN, PUBLIC DESIRE & UNPUBLISHED, BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

This week on the blog I shared my five ways to style a white shirt dress (here) where many of you chimed in on the yellow blazer outfit/look #3 being your favorite. There’s a bit of an L.A. vibe to that look as the inspiration came from the Los Angeles Lakers colors: Gold and purple. Since you guys really dug this bohemian, fun style, I wanted to do another twist on the California girl style - this time with an interesting colored denim mini skirt! The color is cactus… need I say more? Continue reading to see full visual story along with direct links to shop each individual piece! Happy Hump Day, folks :)

When I saw this high waist cargo mini skirt, the first thing that caught my attention was definitely its color. It’s in the military green family, which is suiting in anything cargo-based, but this shade is much lighter to which the brand, Unpublished Collection, has coined the color as cactus. This style hits right at your natural waist and fits comfortably through the hips. The raw hem detailing adds an effortless, casual feel. Anything utility-wise is super trending this summer, and this denim mini skirt is my latest obsession. You can pair it with a simple white tee, a black halter top, and more but I went with a more vibrant, summer hue.

When I think of a backless top, I immediately think of warmer seasons. It’s fine to wear it during the fall and winter season too with necessary layers but I find these kind of tops best for summer. They’re breathable and sexy, showing just the right amount of skin. This yellow top with the gathered sleeves make it such a good one. Can you believe this top is only $12?! That’s right! I love to find affordable pieces that look like top quality - kind of a treasure hunt for me. Lastly, I accessorized with bold ivory statement earrings that complement with my ivory bag, and a pair of snakeskin strappy sandals. Thanks for stopping by and checking out today’s post! I hope you enjoyed this Cali-vibe post along with its playful, fun outfit.

LOVE & XX’S,

 
 

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Polka Dot Blazer

WEARING: SHEIN POLKA DOT BLAZER | HONEY COAST USA CUDDLE TEE | 
LEVI'S DENIM MINI SKIRT | EGO BLACK PATENT LEATHER BOOTS | MAD-STYLE CROSSBODY BAG | 
DANIEL WELLINGTON WATCH | PAPERCHASE BLACK RIBBON

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SHEIN AND EGO SHOES

New York City Street Style Wearing Polka Dot Blazer

One big trend that's still sticking around this spring season is anything in polka dots. The versatile style can be in several forms. You can go for supersize statement spots in a monochrome palette, or wear your specks small in a flattering silhouette like in today's post with this super chic black polka-dot blazer. The trick is to not overdo it when it comes to styling such a busy piece! So how do you add playful polka dots to your real-life wardrobe without looking overly prim and too proper? I'll be sharing how to finish the look with some edgy accessories to toughen up the ultra-feminine print. Continue reading to see more details, like ruched sleeves and fierce black patent ankle boots, along with how to incorporate this trend into your closet. 

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 SHEIN POLKA DOT BLAZER // HONEY COAST USA CUDDLE TEE // LEVI'S DENIM MINI SKIRT  EGO BLACK PATENT LEATHER BOOTS // MAD-STYLE CROSSBODY BAG // DANIEL WELLINGTON WATCH // PAPERCHASE BLACK RIBBON

Portrait with Pink Flowers
Graphic Design and Fashion Flowers mixed with Polka Dots

When I first received this polka dot blazer from SHEIN I thought to style it with a pair of jeans. One, because I'm a total jean girl. I literally wear them almost every day, (which is funny because when I was a child, I would be wearing anything but, the reason being... I hated them!) and two, it was what first came to mind in terms of styling the blazer. But when we got our first really nice day here in NYC, we're talking summer-like temps, my skin was rather excited to get in a good dose of Vitamin D. So I went with a Levi's denim mini skirt and also a simple graphic 'But first, let's cuddle' tee

EGO Shoes Ruben Pull Ring Ankle Boot in Black Patent

Accessories included are a Daniel Wellington watch in silver and black, a classic I wear often, black satin ribbon as a belt, to which I'd only recommend doing this with a piece that already fits quite snug to the body, as this type of belt alone won't hold up other loosely fitted things. The Ego Ruben pull ring detail ankle boot in black patent is not just for fall and winter seasons. If you're a true New Yorker, I guarantee you still have a good pair of black boots for the spring and summer seasons as well. We do tend to wear a lot of black, and this includes footwear during the hotter months. The Mad-Style rock and roll crossbody bag also brings in the edginess to this outfit along with the boots. (Which btw, I'm in love with the heel shape and pull ring details) My earrings are also similar to the hoop shape and go well with the polka dot blazer. 

Pink Flowers and Polka Dots Fashion Portrait

What do you guys think of this look? Are you on board with the polka dot trend? I adore it, even considering a dress Pretty Woman-inspired, which is strange as I am not big on dresses. How would you have styled this polka dot blazer? Shop this blazer here or at the start/end of the post, plus it's only $37! Wishing you all a lovely week filled with no more Mercury in retrograde (TYG LOL) and lots of goodness. Okay but first, cuddle. Ha ha ha! Catch you guys back here on MaQ + Suz soon.  

LOVE & XX'S, 

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Back to School – 10 Memorable Moments

WEARING: FOREVER 21 OVERSIZED CUTOUT SHIRT | HOLLISTER CO. RIPPED DENIM MINI-SKIRT |
 GUCCI BELT | JACOB ALEXANDER FOREST GREEN SKINNY TIE | 
BRAHMIN ANDESITE GABRIELLA MELBOURNE BAG | PERIDOT BOUTIQUE LOAFER SLIDES | 
FOREVER 21 FISHNET CREW SOCKS | PERSOL EYEGLASSES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY BRAHMIN

It's that time of year where summer is winding down and the kids are beginning to get ready to go back to school. I love this time period where the days seem more relaxed and the weather is still hot though there are a few days here and there that are starting to get cooler. August is like the Sunday of summer. I wanted to take a trip down memory lane along with a cute outfit to re-boot! ;) But y'all know I'm far from posh and even further from the typical Catholic school girl, ha ha ha! So I put a little twist on my modern-day version of a really cute first day of school outfit... with a touch of menswear, a little geekiness and a whole lot of rock n roll attitude! But before I get more into detail about my outfit, I wanted to share with you ten of my most memorable moments back in my school days. I may not be old, but I'm definitely reaching old school!

1. Some of you may not know, but I received a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. What a lot of you don't know is because I have such a deep passion for art (the first class I ever took at 4 years old was an art class), I managed to accidentally obtain a minor in art history on top of my primary major. The look I had in the office from my guidance counselor was priceless because I really never had any intention of doing it! I even considered changing my major to creative writing or literature before anything else. It's funny how some things just fall in your lap.

2. The first time I ever got in trouble at school was in kindergarten. And you'll never guess what for... kissing! I had the craziest crush on a blonde boy from my class and I was completely infatuated... I just kept running around smooching him every chance I could get before the teacher put me in timeout. Ha ha ha!

3. During second grade, the elementary school I attended was holding their annual cultural potluck meal, where the parents' kids came up with dishes pertaining to their ethnic background and brought it to school for all of us to enjoy and learn more about different culinary foods. I initially (and quite desperately) wanted to bring dried up squid as our Korean dish, but my mother was against it due to the tentacle oddities & seafood smell and was concerned the kids wouldn't go for it. I was crushed! I really wanted to share my favorite snack! But umma came through and made her famous kalbi ribs, that dish went completely empty the minute it sat down on the table!

4. The first person to have ever told me I should be a writer was my creative writing teacher in high school, Mr. Ikens. He was quite peculiar looking, with ghostly skin and matching white hair even though he was only in his mid-thirties at the time, and had a deep-seeded fear for the Pillsbury Doughboy. He was the first to see my work and was the first to suggest that I set my career in writing. I'll always remember the music he played while we sat in his classroom working, from Bob Dylan to this very strange song called, "Rollie-Pollie Fish Heads", he inspired me to write more and eventually led to where I am today. 

5. One of the most tedious classes I ever had was an advanced course in European history while in high school. I'm not proud to admit it but I must have fallen asleep in that class at least three times a week! It was also where I had to speak in front of a whole room with a presentation, which made me hella nervous, but to this day did teach me a lot about public speaking and yes, European history.

6. I learned how to read Shakespeare well from the likes of Mr. Webb. He was a disgruntled man who taught English in my junior high school, and we had read Romeo & Juliet during our time with him. Though I had already read several books by Shakespeare and Mr. Webb normally scared the bejesus out of me, he did teach me a thing or two about writing and I still remember him to this day.

7. When I was in elementary school I was one of the best in the state for chin-ups/pull-ups. I used to easily be able to do at least 20 in one sitting! I even made it to the state tracks to compete where I met one of my closest friends to date. We've known each other for over twenty years and she is like family to me. What's funny is we didn't become glued to the hip after meeting at the track competition, it was not until the following season where we bumped into each other at a skating rink when we became close very quickly. 

8. My first dance I attended was in high school. Yeah, you can say I had a late start to everything. I remember I had picked this really pretty green with black embroidered floral print spaghetti strapped dress to impress my boyfriend, who happened to also be the first boyfriend I ever had. My mother was so adamant about me wearing a bra, and to this day I still HATE wearing them, that I did leave the house with one on, but took it off in the bathroom at the school dance and threw it out! Free the nipple, ha ha ha! 

9. At around 8 or 9, as an April Fool's joke, I pretended to have an asthma attack during class after watching The Hand that Rocks the Cradle at a sleepover at a friend's house. Let's just say I was kind of a naughty child, and definitely a troublemaker!  

10. When I was in college I studied abroad in Ukraine. For nearly six weeks, we visited six different cities and it was one of the most adventurous and life-changing experiences of my life. I miss the place and its people often and hope to visit again one day very soon. I think my favorite memory from this trip was perhaps firing my first gun and seeing a live autopsy for the very first time. Such a wild and fun experience. Now I want to share photos and experiences in a post, what do you guys think about that?

And now onto this school girl-inspired outfit. Initially, I was going to go for a more monochromatic look with a long black dress with this oversized cutout shirt from Forever 21. I received this beautiful andesite Gabriella Melbourne bag from Brahmin in celebration of their 35th Year Anniversary. At Brahmin, they're are all about the details. Since 1982, they've been creating handbags and accessories that combine inspired functionality, quality materials, and standout style. Selecting luxe leathers and on-trend accents, their team designs 100% of their products in-house in Massachusetts. The result is a modern collection celebrating the textures you love. And I can definitely say this is my new go-to staple bag for the season! I took it for a little 'stroll' the other day and got so many compliments on it! You guys should check them out, really top-notch quality! I'm completely obsessed. My skirt is from Hollister paired with my trusty Gucci belt. I accessorized with fishnet crew socks from Forever 21 and loafer slides from Peridot Boutique. To give a more librarian, nerdy feel to this look, I wore a loosely tied men's skinny tie in forest green and my favorite Persol glasses. What do you guys think of this look? And what's one of your favorite memories from your school days? Leave your answers in the comments below where you can also directly shop the look. Have a great week, everyone! Catch ya back here on Wednesday. 

LOVE & XX'S, 

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