3 Ways to Wear Tie Dye

July 22, 2019

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY BLUE VANILLA BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

When it comes to elegance and ultimate sophistication in fashion, tie-dye is probably not the type of clothing you’d first consider. The term “tie-dye” first appeared in the United States during the 1960's. Hippies, who were protesting the Vietnam War and promoting peace and love, began wearing clothing with vibrant colors and psychedelic designs. If you wore tie dye you stood for something! And in today’s post, I’m standing up to show you tie-dye can be very chic and stylish. I’m sharing 3 ways to wear the comeback trend; as a top, as a bottom and as a dress! Continue reading to see full visual story.

The first look is all about sporty and feminine pieces together. I love the juxtaposition behind contrasting styles and this is a combination I often go for. The tiered, lace, pleated skirt is actually a dress, but given that I wanted the yellow tie-dye shirt to stand out, I didn’t want to cover up the piece with the dress. So I styled it by tucked the top part of the dress underneath, and resulting in creating a skirt. To pair the feminine details of the skirt, I accessorized with a pearl hair clip and cute orange and white abstract clutch, designed by a friend of mine. To contrast with the pretty details, I went for a pair of chunky trainers to go in the mix.

WEARING: BLACK BELTED BLAZER | TIE DYE JOGGERS | BLACK SANDALS | BLACK BUCKET HAT

Needless to say, getting dressed for work during the summer is not the easiest thing to do. You want to wear something that's going to keep you cool during your commute, warm in your freezing office, plus take you from your desk to al fresco drinks—all while sticking to an office dress code. This black belted blazer has clean cut lines and perfectly tailored shoulders and lapels. It is in a slightly stretchy fabric, giving you a full range of motion and a comfortable fit. This perfect piece will fulfill both the oversized boyfriend blazer trend and the tailored belted blazer trend. Can be worn without the belt as a classic blazer or with the detachable belt for a more trendy look this season. To give it a more boho style, I wore tie-die joggers and a bucket hat. I think this outfit would be best on Casual Friday. And the tie-dye joggers are so cozy, it’ll be like wearing pj’s at the office. :)

WEARING: TIE DYE DRESS | SUMMER TOTE | ROPE SANDALS

The final and third look is a casual weekend outfit. Something that can easily be worn to the beach, the farmer’s market, brunch, and city strolls. I fell in love with the blue color of this tie-dye dress. And apparently many others as well, since it is already sold out! But if you click through the link, there is a way to be notified once the dress is restocked. I styled the dress with neutral toned accessories such as a large tote and rope sandals. Handcrafted in Peru, the Braided Frida Shopper is the perfect accessory for chic summer outings. This easy to carry and relaxed style is handwoven by indigenous female artisans and shaped with an open top that reveals a spacious compartment. Intricate weaving and long twisted braids further elevate this must-have, versatile accessory that comes in a chic olive shade, a lively mustard hue, a soft pink, an ice blue and a classic beige.

LOVE & XX’S,

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What I Learned from 2018

January 1, 2019

WEARING: PAISLEY JACKET | BLUE JEANS | CREAM FUZZY SWEATER

STAY ON THE TRAIN, THE SCENERY WILL CHANGE.

Life is a continuation of sorts - uphill battles, downfalls, and all the in between. And sometimes even in life’s most ordinary cycles, it seems nothing will ever change, improve, progress to your liking. Even if it is at a snail’s pace because yes, amazing things take time to cultivate I still struggle with the idea of remaining patient while continuing to be diligent in whatever I’m trying to accomplish. I truly sometimes think that no matter how hard I may try at something, it’s never going to be ‘good enough’ and that perhaps I will never grow. But after this year, I couldn’t be farther from the truth. Learning my strengths in the face of adversity definitely have shown that through discipline, perseverance and yes, a little bit of stubbornness will take you places. But you have to stay on the train.

YOU CANNOT CHANGE PEOPLE, ONLY YOUR REACTION.

And if you can’t change your reaction, then change your environment. For example, when you have to repeatedly tell a friend what they’re doing wrong (we’re talking moral values and such). If at some point they’re not getting it, it’s not your issue it’s theirs. Distance yourself from people who suck the living life out of you. There are all sorts of leechers out there and no one deserves to be taken advantage of. This goes for money, emotional manipulation and then some. Another example, I did a test shoot with a model a while back and was trying to take a street style shot with the person in the middle of the street with the Empire State building in the background. But no matter how I reacted in directing this person to be ‘in the middle of the street’, I shit you not, they did not understand. At some point I had to literally pin the person at the very center of the street and said, “Don’t move”, “stand still”… and YES they moved. So I eventually changed my environment because I knew it wasn’t working. Hahaha! :)

YOU CATCH MORE FLIES WITH HONEY THAN VINEGAR

Unfortunately, life doesn’t always turn out they way you thought it was going to turn out. And it’s easier to be spiteful, bitter and even down right vindictive over life’s unfairness. Sadly, I even saw this in my father near the end of his life. The first time I took a trip to New York, I came back so excited to share my experiences and all the photos I took. My mother found it exciting, even courageous, to want to venture out into the world. My father couldn’t barely stand to look at the photos, only to say one thing, that he hated New York and when I asked him if he had ever even visited the city and said no, he had no reasons other than negative ones to behave this way. I, too, can sometimes get angry at what life has thrown at me, like how I lost both of my parent before the age of 30 and yes I ask all the time, “why couldn’t You just have left me at least one?!” Or why I don’t have a single family member to even call when I’m feeling down. You just have to look at it this way, in that things don’t just happen. There’s a reason and rhyme to everything, and with a more positive, I guess sweeter, perspective, you’ll be sure to find your way. If I stayed bitter over my losses in life, I never would have found my way to my husband, my dog, MaQ, or even this blog that I consider to be my baby! And yes, in the caption’s saying - it is always better to be nice rather than rude too.

ALWAYS STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

I challenge myself on a daily basis in this living mantra. Especially when life’s daily routines become a bit too routine and nothing exciting is really going on. This year I took my very first solo international trip to London for work (loving it so much I did it again six months later). And even though for most people, it’s not a big deal, for me, someone who does suffer from anxiety, had a lot of nerves about it. But I took a leap of faith, and just went! Best decision ever, as it has really helped me grow personally and professionally. Not ready for something like that? Start small. Go to an event or party, be more social if not already - or start a new hobby you know that’ll make you a little nervous… maybe archery? That would make ME nervous! Ha ha! I think sometimes being impulsive is a good thing, because it pushes you to your limits (NO shopaholics do not apply LMAO) and you discover that you’re capable of so much more than you could even imagine.

EMBRACE YOU!

Yes, I still have trouble in loving my whole entire self. We all have flaws, insecurities, weaknesses, vices, etc; but you know what is truly amazing? No one is you and that is your power! How incredible is that… you’re one of a kind and unlike anyone else on this planet?! No one else can be you - you are loved and amazing just the way you are. I think too with age, you accept yourself more and more because you know that’s the way it’s going to be. So you might as well love your eccentricities, quirks and all - inside and out! I’m starting to more and more share this side of me on the blog and I think you guys too, really dig it! So yes, I always think the topic of self-love is a self-realization in growth for every year of my life.

I don’t want to go on and on about what I learned from this past year where I start to sound cheesy or too lecture-y. So, I’m going to leave it off with see you soon, wishing you all the best in the New Year, and yes, sending you Love & Light with all my heart. MaQ + Suz would not exist without its readers and we are extremely grateful for each and every one of you! So thank you as always, for the continued love and support of our brand, as we truly work very hard every single day to try and bring you the best styled creative images in the world of fashion, beauty, lifestyle and more.

Side note: ha ha! The paisley blazer from this post is by Saku New York, the cream fuzzy sweater is from H&M and the jeans are Levi’s. Hope you guys enjoyed our very first post on MaQ + Suz for 2019! What are some of the lessons you have learned from this past year? Don’t forget to drop them down in the comment section below! We would love to hear yours! Happy New Year, Happy 2019 and many, many blessings.

LOVE & XX’S,

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Bikini Questa Sera

May 29, 2018

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK KNIT TOP | MAVI JEANS ANIKA CROP FLARE | 
TKEES JO SUEDE GEORGIA SANDALS | CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BIKINI QUESTA SERA

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BEAUTE.

Hi, everyone! How was your MDW? I have a new post up with an editorial video! For those who didn't catch my last post, I had been wanting to create more video content but given that video editing is not one of my favorite things to do, I do not create this kind of content often. However, so many of you, along with my peers have been strongly urging me to do more video so voila! When it comes to making a video, there's so much more that goes on besides a photoshoot. I feel like a like an internet browser... 19 tabs open, 3 of them are frozen, & I have no idea where the music is coming from! In all seriousness, that's another reason why I don't do videos often. It takes a lot of time and effort and if I don't see some sort of visual that I need to come to life, I wait until the inspiration comes. And when I received the Bikini Questa Sera perfume from Christian Louboutin, a strong sense of summer encouraged me to create this for you guys.

We literally had a total of two people in production and on set for this video. My husband and I are a team: He is the photographer & videographer - I am the creative director, location scouter, stylist, hair and makeup, and editor. While shooting photographs, you're too thinking a million and one things at the same time. Is my shirt tucked in properly? What about my hair? Are the sunglasses on straight? Am I on the good side of my face? Where is the light? Don't blink. Okay... car coming. Back to my mark. Another cat call? Great... oh where did I put my phone? Is it almost noon? I have a meeting to run to, I have to leave in a bit. Honey, now there's car behind you! Phew! See what I mean?

And doesn't even get to the shooting film, imagine doing all that again plus the multiple takes to get the shots you envision. And the more specific the frame gets, the more time and patience it will take, which to be honest can sometimes be challenging to me. But videography strengthens that along with my visual eye and apparent need to create film. I'm sure many other photographers, writers, and artists feel this way, where you get so many visual images in your head and this sudden outpour, this compelling conviction to bring it to life. To try to show others what you see, think and feel.

I hope this video (scroll toward the end of this post to view) brings you a certain feeling and appreciation for the artistic notion of oneself. I am still trying to get to a level where the content is super-glossy editorial, but alas, no one is perfect. But I am, every day trying to elevate my skills and to exercise them in the best way possible, and to me, I think that is through writing, photography, and film. So enjoy, and please leave me any feedback! I really appreciate and listen to what you guys look forward to on MaQ + Suz.

Lastly, a footnote on this summery outfit. The coral knitted top with shoulder straps is from Saku New York, the faded black crop jeans are by Mavi, and the coral suede sandals are by TKEES. You can shop the entire look at the beginning or at the end of each blog post. Don't forget to drop a comment in the section box down below. You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay updated on new videos! Happy Tuesday. :)

LOVE & XX'S,

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Summertime Crop Topping with Tweety Bird

May 10, 2018

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK CROP TOP | DL1961 DENIM HEPBURN JEANS | EGO RAINA SANDALS | 
MOST WANTED USA TIFFANY SATCHEL | MONICA VINADER LINEAR BEAD FRIENDSHIP BRACELET | 
ODETTE + ODILE WHITE SUNNIES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SAKU NEW YORK AND EGO SHOES.

It's almost the weekend and I've been cranking out posts today like a mad woman! Sorry for the delay yet again... I normally keep my blog very consistent but getting busier and busier means more problems and more things to do! Therefore, a little bit of irregularity up in here so I thank you guys for the patience and continued support, it means more to me than you'll ever know! (Yes, I know we bloggers will all say this, but I truly do mean this from the bottom of my heart!!!) This week has been jam-packed with more than the usual meetings and events so I haven't been able to get to my editing until today. Alas, I finally am releasing this outfit shoot and it's all about the crop top with details that are so extra - but oh so good. Continue reading to see more of the accessories from this look like the turquoise deets and this gorgeous personalized rose-gold bracelet that's perfect for Mother's Day!

If you're a new reader, (welcome btw) I style a lot for my wonderful dear friend's, designer label, s a k u New York. s a k u is both feminine and casual, with great attention in creating never-seen-before styles. What makes this off-white crop top unique is the neon peach trim in the front and the ribbon in the back. You can either leave it untied and loosely hanging on its own or bow tie it to make it even more feminine. It's a great versatile piece to wear with several summer staples like maxi skirts, denim shorts, and more. I love the playful tone to it and would totally wear it to a fair/carnival or festival of some kind. There's a zipper in the back center and it is also made out of polyester.

I accessorized with my favorite pair of wide-leg denim jeans from DL1961. The Hepburn style is so flattering and comfortable. I've been wearing them on heavy rotation and am a total jean gal - I styled with turquoise pieces such as this Western belt and Tiffany blue satchel bag. Both are from Most Wanted USA, a handcrafted leather handbag and accessory line based in NYC for everyday wear and I absolutely adore this brand. I styled a different look with these accessories here but it is more of a winter look. I think the color balances well with the peach neon trim, what do you think?

The kinda shoe that bloggers will love, the Raina studded slider is the must-have slider of the season with multi-strap upper, stud detail, and PU finish, it's perfect for those days on the beach. Throw these on with frayed denim and a crop top and you're good to go. They're not exactly a sandal you'll want to run around in, per se in the city, but it's a great relaxing, kicking it back, kind of summer shoe. It's definitely reminiscent of Alexander Wang, but hey, one can only afford so much high-end shoes. They come in at roughly $34 and are faux leather.

Lastly, I wanted to share this Monica Vinader sleek friendship bracelet that features five flat disks that line up perfectly on a double plaited adjustable cord. Each Linear bead is slidable to create your desired look and can be engraved with numbers, letters or symbols on both sides, introducing a playful new way of making your jewelry unique. It's a lovely sentiment for Mother's Day, and you can personalize it is many different ways. I had mine engraved with my blog name a while back at an event but never got a chance to share it on the blog. Link to the bracelet is here.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Monica Vinader Linear Bead friendship bracelet

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When Menswear Meets Boho Gypsy

May 2, 2018

WEARING: TOPMAN PINSTRIPE MEN'S JACKET | THACKER NYC WHITE BLOUSE | 
SAKU NEW YORK BLUE LACE PANTS | PATRICIA GREEN ESPADRILLES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SAKU NEW YORK AND PATRICIA GREEN.

Happy Hump Day, guys! Now that the weather is finally glorious, I'm sharing one of my new favorite pair of trousers on the blog. Today's outfit post is all about these cobalt blue lace-trim from Saku New York. I have known the designer, Lissa, for a few years now and I just can't get enough of her work! There are Korean traits within her designs, as this is her background, but she brings a twist in her collections by bringing feminine pieces and combining them with more sporty, athleisure type of styles. It's a beautiful mix, one I'm completely in love with, and these pants are the epitome of cool, boho-gypsy vibes. Continue reading to see how I styled these pants with an oversized men's blazer, a pair of fun, navy blue espadrilles and more.

Side slits accentuate the relaxed fit of these wide-leg pants. The color is electric, and the lace trim on the side slit brings the perfect amount of feminine to the piece. There are also hidden side pockets, my fave with a snap closure and zip fly. I styled them with my trusty Gucci belt to go with the suede navy blue in my shoes. Now as far as comfort goes, these cobalt blue pants are superb. And I love the airy breeze you get as well from the side slits, these are perfect for this time of year but I feel like you could wear these during the fall and winter season too with some tights and extra layering. These pants also come in black and retail at $425.

One of my favorite ways to style an outfit is to bring a piece from my husband's wardrobe into it. I tend to wear men's shirts/jackets in general since I've apparently caught the same Olsen twin syndrome of wanting everything oversized and exaggerated. Some might believe it's not a flattering look for a petite woman, but I think that if it's done in the right way and there's a good amount of balance between the pieces, then it can be done and is quite a complemented look for someone who's as tiny as me. The pinstripe jacket I'm wearing is the same jacket my husband wore when we had gotten married! I picked it specifically for its dark navy blue color, as I like to mix the colors within its same palette to bring a little variation to the outfit. It also works in interior design too!

Now, these navy blue suede espadrilles by Patricia Green are super cute and really easy to walk in. I'm usually a little iffy about wedges as I don't find them the easiest pair of shoes to walk in. But these Rockstar (love the name btw) espadrilles are amazing and I love the cool edge it has with the studs. They'd look great with a floral maxi dress, jeans/capri pants, skirts and more. I think it'd look fabulous with everything! This style is available in whole sizes only and tends to run small. If you normally order a 1/2 size it is recommended that you order the next full size up. For example, if you normally purchase a size 6 1/2 we recommend purchasing a size 7. They also come in black as well. I hope you guys liked this outfit as much as I do! Drop me a line in the comment section down below and as always, feel free to shop the look at the start or end of this post. Have a great sunny Wednesday, everyone! :)