5 Ways to Wear Rock N Roll Boots

August 21, 2019

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY A.S. 98 BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Happy Wednesday! How is everyone’s week going so far? Last time on the blog, we shared 5 ways to style a classic white crossbody bag, with tons of transitional weather-appropriate outfits, but now that fall is quickly approaching us, today’s post is all about one of my favorite accessories during my ultimate favorite season: Fall boots. But what’s the catch? You know your girl’s style is all about the rock n roll (and if you’re new to the site, Welcome! and now you know lol) so I’m sharing 5 ways to wear rock n roll boots for fall. These looks work for back-to-school, a leisurely relaxing Sunday, boss lady moves, and even music festivals. Continue reading to see full visual story along with where to shop each look!

WEARING: PURPLE SWEATER | POLKA DOT SKIRT | PURPLE MOCASSIN BOOTS

Nothing like a pair of studded colorful boots to get the maximalism in me going. Featuring a wrapping front panel, burnished leather, silver hardware, and scalloped trip, these moccasin inspired rock boots pack a strong statement. So I styled it to the extreme with a vibrant purple chunky knit sweater that’s perfect for fall, along with a polka-dot frill hem knit skirt in black. I think the textures and patterns work well together, along with the colors.

WEARING: BOHO DENIM DRESS | OVER THE KNEE BOOTS

Festival season isn’t quite over yet! Why not party in something fun and breathable? This denim maxi dress I’ve had for a while, but doesn’t it go well with the over the knee boots? I love how these boots were made without feeling restrictive or formal. The casual silhouette features a studded cuff and an exposed zipper that can be worn either zipped or open for an even more relaxed look (and added room at the knee). Also would work well in transitional weather with the denim and leather.

WEARING: WHITE BLOUSE | BLUE JEANS | RED ANKLE BOOTS | CLUBMASTER OPTICS

Now what if it’s the weekend and you’re not about making a huge entrance in some extra AF outfit? What if it’s just a jeans and t-shirt kind of day, but you still want a little chicness to go with your look? These red ankle boots are a subtle yet elegant pair with an upper supported by a solid stacked heel, making it a superb complement to both skirts and jeans. I love the small heel to add height, given that I am petite. Always adds length to my legs which can never be of any harm! ;)

WEARING: DARK NAVY TRENCH DRESS | WESTERN ANKLE BOOTS

Every woman needs a western bootie in her collection, and I think this pair has the perfect silhouette for everyday wear. Featuring dainty studs, comfortable elastic panels, and a capped toe, it works very well with stronger, power-looks such as this amazing trench dress. You could easily swap this boot with the tall ones from the second look and each outfit would still look great! The versatility in this boot is probably one of my favorites qualities behind this collection. This look is definitely great to wear for a meeting or even a trip down to the horse barn!

WEARING: DARK BROWN POWER SUIT | BLACK BRA | COMBAT BOOTS

I’m such a combat boot kinda girl! This is probably my favorite outfit out of the five. It screams confidence. The bold silver hardware gives this boot real edge, and you get a peek from every angle; heel piping, rivets, exposed zipper, and a studded tongue. I kept the laces loose and untied to give it a rougher look to the entire outfit. What do you guys think? Which one is your favorite outfit? And which one was your favorite rock n roll boot? Drop those comments down in the section below!

LOVE & XX’S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Festival Season Essentials with Babbleboxx

May 14, 2019

FESTIVAL SEASON ESSENTIALS: SAMSONITE GO CLEAR BACKPACK | SIMPLE MOBILE ELECTRONICS | G SHOCK x CASIO WATCH | ZENNI OPTICAL SUNGLASSES | MANE CLUB HAIR MASKS

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY BABBLEBOXX BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Music festival season is here! With the annual jumpstart at Coachella, there’s so many other festivals one can attend throughout the year such as Governor’s Ball, Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza, Electric Forest (dying to go to this one) and more. I’ve cut back on the festival scene mainly because of age (hard to walk 8-10 miles a day on messed-up figure skating knees lol) plus I don’t even know half of the artists/musicians out there anymore but I still try to go to at least one festival a year, if not at least a concert or two. Which is why I’m thrilled to have partnered with Babbleboxx to introduce to you my music festival checklist, including a few things that I’ll always pack with me! Continue reading to learn more about my must-have festival essentials.

GO CLEAR BACKPACK

Keep your personal belongings in the clear with the durable, BPA-free backpack. Thoughtfully designed, this event friendly backpack from Samsonite offers a large main compartment, and an easy access front zipper pocket for smaller personal items. These types of backpacks are great when it comes to passing through security for certain events and game days, making it easier for everyone. Plus, these types of clear bags of any kind are totally trending right now, so you’ll also look super cool on top of quicker clearance.

GO-TO ELECTRONICS

I’m always in need of a good portable charger. Especially when at a special event and not wanting to run out of battery before the main act! And while being out at nighttime, I also love to use a selfie ring light. Thanks to SIMPLE Mobile, the selfie ring light is so easy to use. Simply attach to your phone and snap the perfect festival selfies to share on social media. SIMPLE Mobile also carry phones and great plans such as their 30-Day Plans offer unlimited talk & text, plus generous amounts of high- speed data on a lightning-fast 4G LTE† network starting at $25, all with no contract and no mystery fees or overage charges. SIMPLE Mobile keeps music fans connected all festival season long with affordable, no-contract plans that offer unlimited talk, text and truly unlimited high-speed data, and amazing deals on the latest, must-have smartphones. Check them out at www.SIMPLEmobile.com

SPORTS WATCH

A new addition to the Metallic Face Collection, this Baby-G S Series timepiece brings function and fun together with metallic details and G-Shock technology. A stylish, matte finish, this watch is designed with a 45.9mm navy resin case with a rose gold-toned dial. Other features of this timepieces include analog and digital dial displays, shock resistance, magnetic resistance, auto LED light with afterglow, world time, 5 daily alarms with 1 snooze, stopwatch, countdown timer and is water resistant to 200 meters. It’s definitely efficient and very fashionable at the same time. G Shock x Casio also comes in a variety of other colors.

COOL PAIR OF SUNNIES

Hide those beautiful eyes behind the scorching sun. These large square sunglasses are made with high-quality acetate that is hand-polished to a glossy finish. This frame is available in brown (shown with polarized gray tint) and green (shown with polarized gray tint). Not only are they very retro, they’re big enough to cover those dark circles from the morning after and to keep up with all that’s going down in the heat, all the while protecting my eyes. Zenni Optical has a bunch of different stylish sunnies to go with so many festival looks. Check out the collection here: https://www.zennioptical.com/festival-sunglasses

HAIR CARE GALORE

When it comes to my hair during the warmer months, and especially being outdoors all day at events like festivals, I’m always looking for anti-frizz and repair/strengthening products to tame the mane. I have naturally wavy hair thanks to my Polish roots, so when I discovered these hair masks from the Indie beauty brand, Mane Club, here in NYC, I had to share their products!

MANE CLUB – Expert Procrastinator 5-in-1 Deep Conditioner Mask Combat frizz today, do everything else tomorrow. Hey babe, we all deserve a lazy day. Just relax and we’ll do the work for you Scent: Sugared Dreams Junk Free Formula

MANE CLUB – Cha Ching 5-in-1 Deep Conditioner Mask Get moisture rich strands and feel like a million bucks. Hey babe, you’ve got expensive taste but don’t worry – this conditioning mask does it all and won’t break the bank. You’re welcome Scent: Berry Rich Junk Free Formula

MANE CLUB – Babe Alert 5-in-1 Conditioner Mask You look good. Wanna glow out? Hey babe, you deserve the best of the best. So, we made this conditioning mask that does it all just for you. Scent: Flirty Florals Junk Free Formula

MANE CLUB – Cry Baby 5-in-1 Deep Conditioner Mask When your deep conditioner says repairing but you’re still broken on the inside. Hey babe, turn that frown upside down. Wash your worries away and treat yourself to this conditioning mask that does it all. Scent: Crushed Fruits Junk Free Formula

MANE CLUB – Bad Attitude 5-in-1 Deep Conditioner Mask Sorry, I can’t hear you over the volume of my hair. Hey babe, we’ll help keep your attitude and your hair in check with this conditioning mask that does it all. Scent: Sweet & Spicy Junk Free Formula

MANE CLUB – Wild Thang 5-in-1 Deep Conditioner Mask Break hearts, not strands. Hey babe, no regrets. Do your thang and keep your hair looking 100 with this conditioning mask that does it all. Scent: Coco-nuts Junk Free Formula

LOVE & XX’S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Black, Pink and Lavender Outfit

February 4, 2019

WEARING: FUR JACKET | WHITE BODYSUIT | FADED BLACK DENIM | LAVENDER BOOTS | SILVER EARRINGS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY HEARTLOOM AND NIA DANA BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Happy Monday! In light of my pretty packed week, I’m keeping it short and sweet on here with little bit of contrast in today’s look. It can look great on anyone as these colors are flattering on all skin types. We’re talking pink, lavender, and black. Plus it’s an outfit that I feel good in, on top of being fashionable. And I’m sharing two brands I’ve recently discovered that I wanted to share with you in what I styled today. One is outerwear and the other is jewelry. And these staple pieces can be worn in many other different looks. So continue reading to see more details from casual, feminine yet edgy look with direct links to shop.

How beautiful is this light pink fur coat? It is rex rabbit, with a relaxed fit and hook eye closure. Fits true to size, I love that this coat can be dressed up or down. I love the slate pink color mostly, as it’s a very unique pink shade. And let me tell you how warm this baby is! I literally only had a white bodysuit underneath (with a bra) and I was snug as a bug in a rug! This coat is valued at $370 which is a bit expensive, but it’s definitely an investment piece! Luxurious I might add as well :) Check out more clothing items by Heartloom!

I love these long geometric statement earrings. Very lightweight as they are made from 0.3 mm silver sheet - I discovered this jewelry brand from Barcelona on Instagram!. Nia Dana Jewelry designs minimal chic pieces with quality metals and each piece is individually handmade. These earrings for example took about 10 days to produce, so you know the added details to everything will be perfect. In which case, they were! Check out more of her designs here www.nia-dana.com

These two-tone ankle boot beauties in lavender feature a pointed toe and stiletto heel. They’re 5” heels, so I wouldn’t recommend these if you’re not about the height. But I’m quite petite (only 5’3”) so anything that can add length especially to the bottom portion of my body is a good thing. One of the best ways to elongate your legs as a petite woman is to wear cropped pants with statement booties as such. Not only will it give you height, but the two together looks great while really showing off your new pair of shoes. And how much do you love the frayed hem on these faded black pair of denim jeans?!

Hope you enjoyed this more laidback casual look today on the blog! I think this outfit would also be perfect for Valentine’s Day, whether hanging out with the girls or with your date. A definitely day-to-night kind of look - easy peasy. What would you guys like to see more of? Styles like these or more polished up looks? I definitely have a few projects in mind when it comes to editorial work, but these will take a good second. Got an idea you’d like to see on M + S? Drop your thoughts in the comment section down below! Wishing you a great first week of February!

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Hot Cheetah in the City

January 24, 2019

WEARING: LEOPARD PRINT KNITTED PULLOVER | CLASSIC BLUE JEANS | OTK BOOTS | EDGY CROSS BODY BAG

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY ZEFINKA, MARC FISHER & EVVE MILANO, BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Happy almost Friday! In today’s post I’m sharing a few essential pieces that’ll bring an edge to any look. They are staple pieces any girl can have in her closet: Budget-friendly, chic and actually all comfortable to wear. I’m sharing a pullover, jeans, boots and a cross body bag that I know any girl will appreciate - regardless of your personal style. And one of the most trending prints of the season: Leopard - is definitely featured in today’s post! The rocker chic vibe from this look is casual, but you can definitely bring it up a notch with different pieces from your closet. Continue reading to shop the direct links while learning more about each piece that you too should have in your wardrobe palette very soon, if not already!

Introducing a timeless, beautiful collection by a master American shoemaker for a modern woman of purpose. Effortless. Luxe. Forever. Chic. These Marc Fisher black suede boots are a dream! They literally go with everything! I would love to style these pair of boots with a mid-length dress or midi skirt. Even with pleats - it would be so good! But in today’s fierce, edgy look, I paired them with my favorite Levi’s Jeans. These are the only Levi’s I own and they’re the 711 skinny jeans. They’re the perfect cut and length for someone petite like myself. But back to the boots - the heel height is high, nearing at 3 and a quarter inches, but walking in them are actually super comfortable! They retail at $289 - but worth the investment as classic suede boots as such can be worn with nearly every outfit, and they’ll last a lot longer than buying a less expensive pair of boots.

Now if you know me and my personal style by now, you know I love a good leopard print. And ever since I discovered Zefinka - a fast-fashion online brand that’s been around since 2014, I’ve been a big fan of theirs! They carry a lot of great quality items that on mostly trending pieces, but the prices are even hotter! I love their tops, such as this leopard print pullover. It’s a mix of mohair and cotton, but overall the material is soft and cozy. The sweater would look amazing with leather pants, a black skirt, even wide leg - the possibilities are endless. I love a good piece as such - because it’s essential to my style and can be worn in a variety of ways. Plus, tell me you don’t love a good warm fuzzy sweater during the winter?! ;) Zefinka also did a lovely feature on me and my brand - check it out here now!

I also want to share with you another brand I discovered that’s really great - from Italy. EVVE Milano is a vegan handbag line that’s all about rocker chic, a mixture of Italian and New York style: Expressions of freedom. Each bag has an emblem of a snake, derived from the Adam & Eve story, embedded into it, symbolizing the woman’s inner ‘EVVE’. The BONN Crossbody has a semi-rigid but spacious shape to carry everything you need. Lasered details enriched with metal eyelets on the flap and shoulder strap embellish even the simplest look.

To keep with the edgy vibe, I wore certain kinds of makeup such as a bold red lip and cat eye. I’ve been doing more of a winged eyeliner lately - it makes my eyes look bigger (especially when one is TIRED lol) and gives a more dramatic look - what do you guys think? Also, seriously contemplating on whether or not I should grow out my bangs. I love my bangs but I also love no bangs as well. I used some hair clips (definitely in search of statement hair pieces right now) as this can give a more polished feel - but still edgy and rock and roll. Think it ties up the whole outfit together pretty well. Hope you guys enjoyed today’s fashion post! Leave your comments down below. Catch up with y’all again soon!

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Just a General Making Sure My Soldier's Straight

August 6, 2018

WEARING: L'ATISTE FRINGE JUMPSUIT | TELEPORT SHOES BOOTS | SUNGLASS WAREHOUSE PRESLEY

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY L'ATISTE AND SUNGLASS WAREHOUSE.

This past week I left a question up on my IG stories asking you guys to drop questions relating to blogging. There were so many that I could no way put it in my usual Sunday IG post, where I've been selecting ten and answer them. So today's post is dedicated to a selected ten questions I've chosen to answer relating to my work and the world of blogging, which is more like the Wild Wild West. Just a General making sure my shoulder's straight ;) Continue reading to learn more about my experiences as a full-time blogger, where today marks three years since M + S launched. Happy Blogiversary to me and Happy Monday to you!

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO START BLOGGING?

Right before I started MaQ + Suz, I had endured some pretty heavy-duty, life-changing experiences which encouraged and led me to my new platform. Along with my desire to find an outlet where I could put both my visual eye and the written word together at the same time had always been apparent, but it wasn’t until I entered the world of blogging before everything came full circle.

WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE AS A BLOGGER?

Every day is different depending on my schedule for that week, such as what deadlines are approaching, upcoming events and so on. Overall, I spend over 40+ hours a week working on the blog and that includes responding to emails, meetings, posting on social media, editing photos, writing blog posts, working on SEO, going out for photoshoots and events, writing contracts - the list goes on and on and on. We have shoots every day so I try to stick to a routine that way I don't have to organize as much. So I usually start my mornings with emails, walking the pooch, a photo shoot, and/or meetings/events. It's never a day off when it comes to my job and there's just never enough hours in a day to get it all done.

HOW DO YOU GAIN MORE FOLLOWERS?

I get this question a lot and I have to say it's really all about the quality of your content! This, and being consistent every day and being patient. Remember, the number of followers you have is just a number. What's important is the engagement you have with your audience and what you do every day to give them something that makes them want to follow you. That being a source of inspiration, or a special skill one can learn from, it should be something that makes you stand out and be unique. Now if you're in this for instant-gratification, I'm telling you right off the bat, don't do it! Gaining a substantial amount of readers/followers takes TIME and a ton of work. You have to be okay with the fact that it could take years.

Also, AUTHENTICITY. I believe if you stay true to yourself and your branding image, along with high-quality content, then new and old followers will genuinely want to follow you and your business. Sharing the process of your journey keeps things real and I love people for that, and I know others will love you for it too!

So here are a few tips to help you grow your audience:

Create Killer Content – The more often you do something the better you'll get at it. And that goes for content, whether you're behind or in front of the camera, don't be afraid to think outside the box, take risks, and try new things you'd normally not try. This will help you find your aesthetic/style.
Post Daily – Consistency is key. I can't tell you how many times back in the earlier days when I wouldn't post every single day and my engagement dropped nearly half its size. YIKES! Don't be out of sight, out of mind in terms of posting!!!
Engage With Your Audience – I always try to comment back on comments whether its on IG or the blog, but I also comment others within my niche.
Tags & Hashtags – Yes you should abuse the #30 rule for IG. Don't be shy to tag promo accounts within your niche to get a possible repost after using their hashtag of some kind. You can tag up to 20 accounts in a single IG post. So take advantage!

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THE DEMANDS/PRESSURES OF WHAT YOUR JOB?

As demanding as it can get, I take perseverance & determination, hard work, and discipline and yet at the same time it also requires you to not take yourself too seriously. Otherwise, it’ll no longer be fun anymore and life is also meant to be enjoyed. I guess it’s all about finding your own balance, and everyone has a different path and in variated times in our lives.

WHAT CAMERAS/LENS DO YOU USE?

Canon 5D models, Olympus EMD-5, lens Canon 28-135mm 3.5/5.6

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO GROW YOUR FOLLOWING & WHEN DID YOU START TO BLOG?

I launched my blog in August of 2015. For the first year or so, I really didn't know what I was doing. I wasn't sure what my niche was, how I wanted to brand my image, etc; and most of the time felt completely lost. I experimented with a lot of different topics from interviews to meet and connect with other like-minded people in my field as well as attending events to network. Once I started to hone in on my style I felt more confident in pursuing blogging full-time. In two short years, I've gained over 35K on Instagram with a total reach of over 70k. I work with global brands such as L'Oréal, Aveda, Kiehl's, Dove and more & have been featured in WWD, BFA and Getty Images.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A BLOG/LIFE BALANCE?

It's always important to prioritize what you NEED to get done versus what you want to get done. Now that I do this full-time, I am always on deadlines, so these come first. Afterward, it's a matter of what else I can get done for that day. I never feel like I get enough done every day, but it's only because there's so much and so many hours in a day! Learning to accept what I cannot control has helped me so much, and has kept me grounded. I'm not as hard as I am on myself (which is super difficult for me, if you know me at all) as I can be onto to others just as much. Also, taking it easy more and more is actually healthy and well-balanced. For example, I rarely ever work on Sunday mornings.

WHAT DO YOU DO ON THOSE REALLY BAD DAYS?

Whenever I’m having a pretty awful day, I cut myself loose and leave the ‘office’ for the day. I’ll go and take a long walk with my German Shepherd, MaQ and the city always is an escapism from another escapism. New York has a way of clearing your head and at the same time eating you alive (if you’re not careful enough). And sometimes there are days that’ll defeat you, where you’ll feel so bad about everything that getting up seems hard enough on its own. But then I think of all the shit that’s brought me to where I am today and I do believe I made it here for a reason. Perhaps the past has made me who I am today, but it has certainly motivated me to keep going and to keep pushing boundaries I didn’t think were possible. You have to keep on keepin’ on…

HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR CONTENT?

I gather inspiration from everywhere. The sights and sounds of the city. From traveling. From people watching. Food, books, music, film. The list is endless. If I ever find myself in a rut in terms of finding inspiration for content, I just take a break from thinking too hard about it and enjoy a good book/film, walk, bath, etc; and it always comes to me. If really stuck I am not afraid to ask my readers for feedback and what they want to see more of. Listen to your audience!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER BLOGGERS?

Word HARD. Be NICE to people. Always appreciate what you have rather than wanting what you may not have (yet). Just because someone else's journey is on a different (maybe even faster/or so you think) path than your doesn't define you or your work! It's not the destination that matters, it's what we go through along the way that does which is what I try to share with you guys more and more. And, the glasses are ALWAYS half-full, guys, I swear! 🙂