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!!

LOVE & XX’S,

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Black & Yellow Winter Layering

January 16, 2019

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY W. CASHMERE, CHICWISH & DELAGE BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Last week’s post focused on a winter outfit which included a pleated skirt. There is also a pleated skirt in today’s post, but completely styled differently and with a change in color palette. The first pleated skirt look (take a look at the post here) was with blue, white and black stripes where today’s skirt is black, mustard yellow and plaid. And a shift from feminine edge to a more masculine one. Plus, I’ve got the coziest cashmere hat I’ve been wearing all winter long and wanted to share the piece because I love it so much! Continue reading to see and learn more about this winter look, where the layering game is in full effect and I’m geared up for the extra colder days.

I’m obsessed with this cozy chic longline coat boasting a snuggly black faux fur design. The coat is glam enough to layer over your dresses yet can bring extra edge to your casual looks. With a fluffy faux fur finish, side pockets, and a turn-down collar, it’s the ultimate go-to black coat in my closet at the moment. And can you blame me? You can get one for $80 HERE. I love this brand - I literally have so many pieces from them and yes, you can bet it, the pleated midi skirt is also from the same label as the coat is from.

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I love the trendy yet professional feel to the skirt. It is snug at the waist, but the material is of great quality and it did not arrive to me frumpy by any means. The pleats have stayed in their place. There’s literally only one more left online, so check out the site now before the skirt goes quick! This skirt is retailed at $45 which is a great deal for this type of skirt. I styled it this time with my favorite pair of winter boots this season, these black combat boots with yellow lacing but I think you can definitely style it more elegantly or even with sneakers depending on your style. In my case, I went for a grandma punk style ha ha!

To complete the touches of yellow from the shoe laces and skirt, I layered with a mustard yellow blazer which has ruched sleeves (can be seen here and here) and a heat tech shirt underneath from Uniqlo which are life savers during the winter time. Accessories include a designed with state-of-the-art seamless technology, this stylish hat is produced with a unique machine that all but eliminates seams for a beautifully finished appearance from every angle with no visible lines. 100% premium cashmere having a unique feeling of comfort, versatility, and flexibility all the while maintaining sustainability. Warm cashmere beanie hats are a must from W. Cashmere. My chic sunglasses are from ACCRUE and this gorgeous handbag is from Delage. A classic piece, the Freda Collection is a tribute to an ambassador of Delage, Joséphine Baker, who’s real given name was Freda. A silhouette with a timeless beauty for a demanding, determined and diverse woman. The Delage’s red (the brand’s famous color) which is present in the lining of the bag, discreetly expresses the strength of feelings and the attachment to life. I don’t know about you, but for me it’s all about these subtle details, in fashion and in life. What are your thoughts about this black & yellow winter layering outfit?

LOVE & XX’S,

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Chocolate Browns and Mustard Yellow

January 26, 2018

WEARING: s a k u NEW YORK TAILORED WOOL LONG VEST | H&M TURTLENECK SWEATER |
VVA CARLINA YELLOW LEATHER HANDBAG | 
GENUINE PEOPLE HIGH SLIT WOOL SHIRT SWEATER | EXPRESS PANTS | 
NINE WEST HADDRIANA POINTY TOE PUMPS | LINEA PELLE STUD AND GROMMET CHOKER | 
H&M TRIBAL SPIKE DROP EARRINGS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BE s a k u NEW YORK & NINE WEST.

Phew! I don't know about you but I've had one of those weeks where it all went awry. Every single thing felt off as if the cosmic stars weren't aligned the way it should be. My website even went down, and though it was only for a couple of hours, you can imagine the stress that came along with it. But the true lesson, when faced with any adversity, is to adapt and overcome. These kind of moments, I believe, are testaments to our perseverance. And in the end, if you stick with it, things do tend to work itself out. I wanted to get this post up earlier in the week, but there is only so much one person can accomplish on their own. Everything nowadays is so fast-paced, the art of taking one's time seems to be non-existent. When did quantity become greater over quality? It is all about creativity and I think that sometimes in order to achieve a really good content, you do need to slow down and work your magic. It's like when film used to be the only medium for photographers. They didn't post-produce something in a day (YES I have done that SO many times) and time was on their side. It's like a first kiss. The longer you wait for it, I think the more you'll savor and linger in it. Rather than something instant. You appreciate it more, no? Continue reading to find out why I'm posting less on the blog and why less is always more.

Even when it comes to styling, I never like to go over the top. It always ends up looking like someone is just trying too hard and it never really quite right. Shock value? Sure. Attention-seeking? You bet. But sometimes a subtle detail can make an entire outfit. Like in today's post, I styled my hair a little differently. I used a Linea Pelle choker that is adjustable, so I gave my neck a lot of breathing room and used it to loosely 'bob' my hair. For us girls who have long, thick hair but don't have the face/features for a short bob, this styling tip is one I love dearly! It's even fun to play a joke on your gfs - send them a quick picture and tell them you chopped your hair... the responses are hysterical. This hairstyle with the use of a choker is ideal for layered hair, but I bet it would look just as smashing on hair that is also just one length.

Remember me mentioning s a k u New York, my favorite Korean designer? I wore a couple of her pieces during fashion week and have also done several editorials. (Check here and here) Well, she's back with a whole new collection and it is amazing! Look at the long wool chocolate brown vest. The structure and cuts are beautiful along with the quality of the fabric. And thanks to the wool, it is super warm for winter and perfect for anyone who loves to participate in the layering game. I paired it up with a wool sweater dress by Genuine People and some mid-rise pants by Express.

To balance the strong masculine color of chocolate brown, I went with a mustard yellow in some of my accessories. This is probably the only time I think mustard and chocolate sound good together! Ha ha ha! The gorgeous springbok bag is from VVA by Sarah Haran and my pointy toe pumps in faux snake print are by Nine West. My tribal spike drop earrings are no longer in stock (they're over ten years old from H&M) but I linked a very similar pair in the 'Shop the Look' section at the end of this article. They're from Steve Madden and are also really affordable! Thanks for stopping by and as always, feel free to drop me a line in the comment box! Enjoy the rest of the weekend, stay tuned for a lot of upcoming content next week!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE POST

s a k u New York Tailored Long Wool Vest

Genuine People High Slit Wool Shirt Sweater

Express Womens Mid Rise Solid Barely Boot Columnist Pant Green

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Running with Scissors

October 25, 2017

WEARING: SAKU MUSTARD YELLOW LACE TOP | LEVI'S 711 ALTERED SKINNY JEANS | 
FOREVER 21 BURGUNDY FAUX LEATHER ANKLE BOOTS | SEPCOEUR PARIS SUEDE DRAWSTRING BAG

HAIR CUT + COLOR: TAYLOR & DAVID ADAMS FROM FOURTEEN JAY & AVEDA.

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY s a k u New York.

Ever willfully act in a reckless, foolish, and/or dangerous manner? Alluding to the literal act of running with a pair of scissors in one's hand, which can cause severe injury, yet for whatever reason, one keeps running around with 'em and that is without a doubt stupid. But why? Most might say, it's easy. You just don't know any better. You like to live dangerously. Maybe you just don't give a damn and don't want to stop. But I don't think everything is that crystal-clear either though. Sometimes you have to dig deeper in search of the answer as to why. I'd say my blatant honesty are those pair of scissors sometimes, and that first cut can be rather sharp. I am fiery and passionate even impetuous at times, especially when emotions are running high. Especially in matters of the heart.

I'm an all or nothing type of gal. I never half-ass in anything I do, if I'm in it - I am all the way, 100%. This applies to all sorts of relationships, either professional or personal. But those very personal ones? I have to be into you. No, it doesn't have to be a romantic relationship, this also relates to friendships, to even companies/brands I work with. The relationship has to be REAL. And it should go both ways, so if I'm interested in them then it should be equally reciprocated. How else are you going to build what you have together? Is there such a thing as mutual interest though? Or is it always one having a little bit more of an interest than the other? I think that's what makes relationships unique and difficult simultaneously. And when you find those rare, great ones, they're all the more special.

On another scissoring-note, the cut of this ribbed top by s a k u New York is my latest fave! The mustard yellow is not a normal color hanging up in my closet and I am completely obsessed with the lace detail on the front and back end of the top! s a k u New York is one of my favorite Korean clothing brands. The designer, Lissa Koo, never plays it safe - as do I - on top of her talent and creativity. And I think playing it safe in life isn't the best approach either. You've got to be a little reckless and wild to be free. Because it will open you up to so many amazing things! So I say run with those scissors from time to time. Just don't intentionally hurt anyone with them.

Do you ever feel like you've got those pair of scissors around you too? What do you do to get them to 'disappear' and have it more 'together'? Is there a way to do that with a fiery and passionate person like myself? Because I'm pretty difficult to tame... and who's to say frankness is such a terrible trait to have? I'm always saying, so long as you're not hurting yourself or others, I'm fine with it. So scissors, honesty, schmonesty - just don't be deliberate in causing pain. I'd love to hear your insights on today's topic! Comment down below and follow me on Instagram for more of my everyday life. See you guys back here on Friday!

LOVE & XX'S,

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Whatever Lola Wants

July 31, 2017

WEARING: ZAFUL BACKLESS HIGH CUT SWIMSUIT | YEAH BUNNY HEART DENIM SHORTS | 
WHO WHAT WEAR™ WOMEN'S LIGHT WASH DENIM JACKET 
IZIPIZI SUN WHITE WITH BLUE MIRROR LENSES | GUCCI BELT | PUMA SNEAKERS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ZAFUL, YEAH BUNNY & WHO WHAT WEAR™.

Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets... right? We live in a time where everything is immediate. Anything can be delivered to you within a drop of a hat. There's Seamless, Ubers, and more to service your everyday needs. And we also live in a time where women are supposed to be as powerful as ever, yet still to some, an overly confident woman can come across as too 'aggressive'. What da fuq? Since when did it become frowned upon for a gal to call it like it is and go after what she wants? Yes, there are boundaries when it comes to everything. Example? Sex. Other women more so than others, from lifestyle preference to insecurities, don't do relationships and definitely keep it casual. Nothing wrong in that so long as you're playing with protection and not losing your dignity over 'some guy (and/or girl).' If the rules are clear, don't try to manipulate either. Respect the boundaries. But in today's post, whether when it comes to sex, relationships, work, and other parts of our lives as women in this day and age, how should one behave when it comes to our self-assertive ways? Meeker and less confident, or steadfast assertive not giving a %&*^ what anyone thinks? Do you think there's something political in self-confidence nowadays?Continue on to read more about what is considered too confident and why perhaps, it's not the best way to shine in today's new digital world.

Even with limits and understanding the rules to the 'game', casual sex can still rub off the wrong way, men especially. I find that some men are intimidated by a strong, self-assured woman. Of course, no one wants a girl who's too cocky all the time either, so where do you draw the middle line? How can a woman have sex without being in a relationship and without being judged by others, men specifically? Why even now, after so much change, does society still consider a woman to be a slut if she enjoys sex, where if a man does and is older and successful, is considered to be an eligible bachelor? I say screw the rules and what society thinks! Just don't go running around boasting about the fact that you like sleeping around... there's a way to class that ish up!

So is there such a thing as silent confidence? You betcha. It's how you carry yourself, the way you walk, talk... everything that comes down to your energy is going to project itself. Even what you order in a restaurant. Be that femme fatale. You just don't have to go and 'show and tell' everyone everything. Regardless if it's enjoying sex or anything else. To me, it's always best to never lay all your cards out up front as well. Like a striptease, if you will... that way you'll leave them wanting more, whatever it may be. I guess what I'm trying to say is there's an understated kind of way to exude confidence. And you can totally do it without any kind of verbal communication. I find nothing sexier in a man, knowing what he's got and has the goods to back it up... without any bragging rights. Telling everyone how great you think you are or your work is, is just not a good look. So the next time you set your eyes on something, either that being a person or a job, always let your intentions be known, but keep it cool.

Have to give a few mentions to this cool look as well. These limited edition Izipizi sun white crystal blue mirror lenses are my new favorite summer shades! Polarized sunglasses are trending hard right now and these are right up that alley. My mustard yellow one piece is from Zaful and what I dig about one piece swimsuits is styling it with a pair of bottoms like these adorable heart-patched denim shorts by Yeah Bunny. And how chic is this Who What Wear™ denim jacket?! I love the ruffled trim and also the customized stitching of our blog, MaQ + Suz, that I had done at an event. Don't forget to shop directly down below, click the photo which will take you straight away to the piece you're looking at. And I'd love to hear your thoughts on this post so please feel free to comment down below as well! Wishing you guys a great week!