Ice Cold Turquoise

January 6, 2020

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY J.ING AND H&M BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

New Year, New Me! (?) The last couple of months in 2019 have been very difficult. I’ve never felt more lost in my career, had major family problems that will remain undisclosed because I still think some things are meant to be kept private and respected, but I will say have been quite emotionally draining, and then I guess what felt like the last nail to the coffin: my beloved, MaQ, had suddenly died. Those that know me knew how much my German Shepherd meant to me. The loss has forever impacted my life. I am no longer the same person I once was.

So in today’s posts, I’m sharing my intentions for the future while also remembering the past. Now that my co-star is gone, the blog doesn’t feel the same without him. He was part of the reason why I had started this blog in the first place. And now I’m lost without him. I took the month of December off to mourn, reflect and sort out many unexpected circumstances resulting from what had occurred. Doing anything creative-wise was a no-go for me, as most holiday campaigns we’ve done in the past were with my boy. I still find it hard for me to be motivated or inspired right now. I’m deeply hurting but I know I’m not defeated. Time does heal wounds, and I know I will be needing it.

This month has brought so much insight for me. I’ve realized where I was heading into my career, unintentionally becoming an ‘influencer’, and all the while being relatively happy with collaborations/projects, what I became aware of was my dissatisfaction as well. I started to become more and more anxious as my following grew and I was more and more in the public eye. All I have ever wanted to do was create and in return, give people something to feel and think about. Even for only a fleeting second. My passions run deeper than just stylish outfits. However, I love expressing myself through fashion and beauty. But I’m first and foremost a writer and a photographer. And now that it really feels like an end to an era now that MaQ is gone, I cannot carry on as if nothing has happened. A part of my brand died too right along with him.

The legacy of MaQ will live on through my work. And in honor of my beautiful boy, MaQ + Suz will be transitioning from a blogging platform to a creative agency! It has been a big dream of mine for so long, and now the timing finally feels right. I am ready to embark on my new journey as a creative director. I will still share similar content as I have in the past, but going into 2020, the new goal is to create with brands but rather than having me be in front of the camera, I now will be more behind it! I also have a couple of very personal projects I’m working on and will not say much (would rather show you when it is ready) that will definitely be taking up a lot of my time. But a lot of my focus this year will be writing and photography. Now that the word is out, I’m excited for the next chapter in our story.

Last but not least, I incorporated this photoshoot for today’s post specifically because of the monochrome color. I’m feeling quite blue, as you can imagine, but also feel hopeful and at peace. The language of color is powerful and even though this outfit was photographed before MaQ’s passing, it’s ironically fitting for today’s message on the blog. Turquoise is a warmer hue of blue to me, and I found this color to be the best of both worlds when it comes to blue. Exactly like how I’m feeling: conflicted with mixed emotions, both good and bad. As always, you can shop the look down below or towards the end of this post. I want to thank everyone who has reached out the past month. This has been one of the hardest moments of my life and the friends who always have my back, your love, and support… there are no words. I’m just forever grateful.

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE LOOK

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Neon Skirt Outfit

October 7, 2019

WEARING: KNIT SWEATER | NEON SKIRT | SNAKEPRINT BOOTS | OLIVE GREEN SADDLE BAG

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY H&M, PUBLIC DESIRE, GIGI NEW YORK BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

One of the biggest trends to hit fashion in recent years is neon. But there are many ways to wear this vibrant color and in many different shades. A color I love during fall is yellow but how about wearing a shade of that in neon? I’d normally pair neon yellow with other bold colors like pink, orange, maybe a purple but what about a more muted tone such as grey or sepia? Can this give a fall/winter look? Continue reading to see how you can incorporate neon easily into your autumn wardrobe and where to directly find each piece from this look.

This calf-length skirt in soft, stretch velour has not only a wonderful color but the draping is also exceptional. I love velour as a material but it can oftentimes look inexpensive and somewhat tacky. This one definitely does quality justice. I paired the skirt with a chunky grey knit sweater that’s perfect for the fall and winter season. I wanted to see if this color palette could work: grey and neon. I think with the right accessories and colors together it can.

This green saddle bag works well with both the neon and grey. And I think with the sepia tones from the snakeskin boots, the color balance overall does work. Definitely not the norm, but I always like the experiment and see what can possibly work you wouldn’t see otherwise had you not tried to begin with. What do you guys think of this color scheme and look for the season?

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

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

5 Ways to Style A Classic White Crossbody Bag

August 14, 2019

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY DELAGE AND CECILIA NEW YORK BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Enjoying the last few weeks of summer before fall. One color I love to wear during the warmer months is white, especially accessories as they look crisp, clean and oh, so chic… it’s quite another story when the first set of leaves begin to fall. But you’ll be seeing a lot more of white this season! Which is why in today’s post, I’m sharing 5 ways to style a classic white crossbody bag. The twist? I’m styling both summer and fall outfits - even transitional weather appropriate because let’s face it, that’s also always a challenge, with only one purse and in one color. White. So continue reading to see full visual story along with where to shop each look!

WEARING: RED ORANGE BLAZER | RED ORANGE SHORTS | NUDE MULES | WHITE BAG | STATEMENT EARRINGS

First look screams Indian Summer. It’s hot one minute and cool the next, one needs a good transitional piece! And imagine the multiple ways of styling either the shorts or blazer separately. To keep the look with minimal style, I wore nude mules with a low heel that would give me just enough length and statement earrings to make the short suit more luxurious. Instead of a loud, noisy bag, I styled it with the white crossbody that definitely polishes this look overall.

WEARING: BLACK MEN’S JACKET | BLACK WAIST PANTS | BLACK + ALABASTER SANDALS | WHITE BAG | SILVER EARRINGS

This is probably my most favorite look out of the five. It’s bold, sexy and fiercely intense which is definitely one style I can embody :) A recent trend that will be booming during the transitional period between summer and fall is ‘sailoring’. A technique in tailoring, it’s when one uses the lace or straps from shoes to hem long pants. I’m wearing a gorgeous pair from Cecilia New York. Classic black and white, lucite straps, and wire wrap around to fit any ankle to give a flattering look. In this case, a fun twist on hemming. I also styled an oversized men’s blazer but tying the front two slits together to give a tiny cinch to the boxy fit. And tell me a black and white outfit that isn’t chic?!

WEARING: WHITE BLAZER | BLACK BRA | WIDE LEG JEANS | SNEAKERS | WHITE BAG

Another black and white look, but with a twist. The perfect white blazer, but invert layering. It’s a classic look with different variations of style. I’d typically pair these wide leg jeans with the blazer and some dainty shoes but in this look I went for a more rough, tomboy edge pairing it with sneakers, pulled hair and pearl details to keep a bit of feminine style in the mix as well. I wanted to show that this crossbody bag can also work for more hard, non-delicate looks. How did I do? ;)

WEARING: GREEN DRESS | WHITE CHELSEA BOOTS | WHITE BAG

I’ve styled this dress before during the wintertime (!!) you can check it out here but I wanted to wear this again during the warmer season to show you it can be worn all year round. That, and the fact that this white crossbody bag goes very well with bold print dresses such as this one. I love how the small white dots from the dress goes so well with the white accessories. I think this look is stylish but understated, can be worn on so many different occasions.

Last but not least, a totally 90s-inspired look! I’d say this outfit is a mix of ‘Clueless’ and Prada references. This newspaper print tee I’ve worn during New York Fashion Week (see here) and it definitely reminds me of that Dior dress Carrie wore in Sex & the City. And I can’t seem to get enough of bucket hats and combat boots lately. They’re my ultimate favorite combo. I styled this look with a sleek ribbed skirt to keep it slightly sexy but not over the top. Definitely could wear this any day of the week and I wouldn’t be mad about it at all. Which look is your favorite look from today’s post?

LOVE & XX’S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Casual Sexy Black Summer Outfit

August 11, 2019

WEARING: BLACK CAMI TOP | BLACK SKIRT | BLACK SANDALS | LEOPARD BAG

Happy Sunday! I’ve been quite the busy bee, running around, working and then some to get ready for fall, which is why you’ve seen less content on the blog this week. Plus it is summer after all, and it’s been really nice to have some downtime and actually relax. So in today’s post I’m sharing a very casual, but sexy outfit that is just perfect for the weekend. And each piece from this look is super affordable and comfy. Continue reading to see more of this black summer outfit!

When I think of a sexy summer top that can be worn during the day but also at the night, the first thing to come to mind is this lace cami top. It’s light, breezy and just the right amount of sexy without going overboard. Subtle is sexy. And this cami top is a definite keeper for fall, imagine the layering ideas one can do! This top is also only $10!! I styled the top with a high-slit black skirt. Again, keeping it pretty simple.

My favorite part of this look are the accessories. These studded sandals are so me! Summer sandals don't get hotter than this. The Mila in black faux leather features gold studded detail and a chunky sole to rival all chunky soles. They’d look amazing with biker shorts, shirt dresses and an all-black look as such. How would you wear these kind of sandals? The leopard bag I’m carrying is no longer in stock, but I’ve link a very similar one from Aldo that’s also super great :) Wishing you a great rest of the weekend. I’ll be enjoying it with the boys and a good book. xo