When Life Gives You Lemons, Make a Jumpsuit out of It!

August 16, 2017

WEARING: FOR LOVE & LEMONS LIMONADA JUMPSUIT | 
LOUIS VUITTON BROWN MUSETTE TANGO BAG | 
STEVE MADDEN CHERISH RUCHED TOE SLINGBACKS | DANIEL WELLINGTON GOLD MESH WATCH

Enjoying the last few weeks of summer before the chaos of fall season begins, you can be sure to see me wearing this around town - When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade out of it right? Oh no... why not do something more fun for yourself and make a jumpsuit out of it?! Yes, you heard me right! Today's style post is solely on this way too adorable lemon-print jumpsuit from For Love & Lemons and I got it from the coolest on-demand clothing rental in Manhattan called TrendlendNYC. Come get a better look at this cute, summery look and to read more about the recently discovered TrendlendNYC!

Maggie is the founder and created TrendlendNYC because she kept finding all her 20-something year old friends in NYC were always complaining that they never had anything to wear, but were too broke to go spend $100 on the pieces that they actually wanted to buy while they endlessly shopped on the internet during their day jobs. Her vision for TrendlendNYC has been years in the making and she is determined to create a new way of affordable on-demand shopping in Manhattan. I can definitely say nothing but the best things about TrendlendNYC! I had a prompt and timely pick-up and drop-off delivery services with the messenger (they bring the clothing pieces to you) and had no trouble with sizes and the way the item looked, it was exactly the way it was on the site! And you get to schedule the time of your choosing either dropping off or picking up.

I love this jumpsuit not only for its lemon-print, because honestly how stinking cute is the entire style of this jumpsuit?! I love the short, flutter sleeves and the dainty fabric-covered buttons along with a tie belt that cinches from an elastic waistband. This is probably the most lively, citrus print I've ever worn and I'm completely enamored with this jumpsuit! And there's patch hip pockets!

To accessorize the already eye-popping jumper, I wanted to neutralize the color palette and veer away from vibrant colors. So, with my newly colored hair, I went with a pair of Steve Madden slingbacks with a ruched pointy toe that I've owned since my college days! One of my favorite kinds of shoes are slingbacks, I feel so great in them! What shoe makes you feel powerful and sexy at the same time? To keep in the same color scheme with the shoes, I paired it with my favorite Louis Vuitton musette bag. Lastly, my gold mesh watch is my new favorite accessory. Clean and luxurious, it's the perfect watch to wear day to night! Use my code, 'SUZANNESPIEGOSKI' to receive 15% off your purchase at Daniel Wellington. Don't forget to leave your comments down below and to follow me on Instagram! Happy Wednesday, everyone.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Steven Madden Cherish Ruched Toe Slingbacks

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Rhythm of the Night

July 26, 2017

WEARING: DEUXA BLACK BLOUSE | MKT STUDIO METALLIC SKIRT |
STEVE MADDEN BLACK ANKLE BOOTS | ROSEGAL SILVER BEAD HOOPS

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY DEUXA & MKT STUDIO.

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Hope you're having a great week so far, I've got a new post today featuring two new designers I styled a look together and the theme? Full on 90's vibes with a hint of grunge and disco! When it comes to styling, I love mixing trends from different eras which is so much fun! I believe in fashion one should never stay inside a particular box but rather take chances and explore their creative sides. After all, fashion is a constant form of expression and should never be a form of fear, doubt and/or other insecurities. If you dress well, you will feel well. And they make a lasting first impression when it comes to networking and business opportunities. In a city like the Big Apple, you never know who you're going to meet let alone run into! So in today's editorial shoot, I wanted to share a look that can go from a business dinner to a night out dancing with the girls. Check out the complete look that's sensual, playful and edgy at the same time!

I recently discovered deuxA; reflects the designer's name by throwing emphasis on the first and last letter in 'AnnalizA'; metaphorically indicating there is always a beginning to every end. Unique and individual prints lay the cornerstones of AnnalizA's designs. Detailed attention towards diversity in textures and materials, such as this black ruffled-back blouse with pearl details on the sleeves and front. I'm completely obsessed with the back, it reminds me of a flamenco dancer yet with the detail from the pearls it transforms the blouse to something more contemporary. I'd totally wear this with some ripped skinny jeans and heels too for a more casual look but you can pretty much pair this blouse with some many other pieces, even a maxi skirt, overalls, leather pants and more!

The metallic skirt with a lilac tint is from MKT Studio. This Parisian brand aims for ultra-feminine looks with a casual, authentic and grungy feel. They want to avoid superfluous details. MKT Studio offers modern women the chance to create a wardrobe with gorgeous clothing at an affordable price. I'm a huge fan of anything metallic, but the subtle purple-based color of the skirt blows my mind. It's eye-catching and unique and can sparkle up any outfit. It'd even be cute with a crisp white blouse or a different contrasted metallic material and/or color.

Silver hoop earrings are from Rosegal and my favorite ankle boots are from Steve Madden. (I also styled a completely different look with the same boots in my last post here.) The headphones and CD/cassette/radio player are vintage (almost ha ha ha!) and Sony. I styled this look in a more rundown location to keep up with the grungy vibes, what do you guys think of this editorial shoot? Would you like to see more style posts like these? I have to say that I really love coming up with visual stories such as this one... I do love hearing back from my readers though! Don't forget to comment down below and to stay in touch on my day-to-day life follow me on Instagram!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Rent the Runway: Tibi x Derek Lam

July 24, 2017

WEARING: TIBI STRIPED TIE SLEEVE SHIRT | DEREK LAM 10 CROSBY ASSYMETRICAL SKIRT |
GUCCI BELT | MICHAEL KORS MERCER LEATHER CROSSBODY | STEVE MADDEN BLACK ANKLE BOOTS

HAIR STYLE DONE BY PAPRIKA FROM O&M.nyc

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY RENT THE RUNWAY & ORIGINAL MINERAL.

Happy Monday, everyone! How was your weekend? I stayed in the city to catch up on work since I've been away the past week. I've got some exciting new content coming your way, from pet brands to even a newly discovered liquor brand, I'm always looking forward to the next project. And though I am a fashion & style blogger and have a closet full of clothes to wear, sometimes I'm looking for something new and fresh without the hassle of long lines at the store and that damaging retail price, especially when it comes to high-end designers. On top of my crazy schedule, finding the time can be rather daunting, nearly impossible at times. Which is why I'm so grateful to have discovered, Rent the Runway (RTR). Labeled as, "the Netflix model four haute couture" by the New York Times, RTR is an in-store and online site, with over 300 coveted designers and 100 options to choose from, where you have access to runway looks, exclusive designs and beyond to rent from. Come take a look at my outfit choice when it came to my first experience with RTR!

Starting the week off with a business-savvy look always sets the tone and brings me the extra boost in confidence to jumpstart any meeting. But I'm not the corporate type and do enjoy bringing an edge to more simple everyday looks while still maintaining a professional vibe. Because why should one ever dress to play it safe? I also really like to incorporate different styles with other ones, like these two amazing pieces I rented from RTR. The Tibi striped tie sleeve shirt looks like something one would wear if they'd ran off and joined the circus. Lace-up anything right now is super trending, and the different ways to tie these up brings out the fun from this style. It brings out the striped shirt from being another typical striped shirt. I'm completely obsessed with Tibi and this shirt did not disappoint!

When it came to the bottom part of the outfit, I wanted some kind of flared skirt to minimize the sharpness from the stripes. And when I laid my eyes on the Derek Lam 10 Crosby midnight blue asymmetrical skirt, I knew it's military/schoolish vibe would go perfectly with the Tibi shirt. The skirt brings an extra funk to the outfit while still maintaining a strong polished look. Of course, I paired it with my favorite belt that I wear too often (but can you blame me?), which went pretty well with the skirt's stitching and color. To finish off the look I kept my accessories the color black, like the Michael Kors crossbody bag and Steve Madden ankle boots which go well with everything.

A little more info on RTR... you can rent pieces from 4-8 days and with a third of the cost of the actual retail price. It's great for those who are not yet ready to make bigger fashion purchases yet and want to try wearing a new brand before picking investment, staple pieces, which in my opinion, every woman should have a couple of things like that in her closet. Because in the end, it is always quality over quantity, am I right girls? Examples of such pieces? A crisp white shirt/blouse, a little black dress, and/or a great pair of heels/boots that make you feel like Wonder Woman along with walking around comfortably. I am ready to kill it this week and my Monday is off to a great start with this killer outfit! What do you guys think and what are you getting ready for this week? Whatever it may be, hope it's a fantastic one! Be back soon... in the meantime shop the look directly down below!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Midnight Blue Assymetrical Skirt

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Favorite Place to Shoot Pool in New York City

July 3, 2017

WEARING: FOREVER 21 WHITE SHIRT | VAGABOND HONEY JAKARTA DENIM PANTS | 
POTROL FAUX LEATHER NEON YELLOW HOLSTER PURSE | GUCCI BELT | 
STEVE MADDEN BLACK ANKLE BOOTS

HAIR & MAKEUP BY: BEAUTY DIRECTOR VALERIE STAR OF CARAVAN NYC.

This post is sponsored by ForRent.com but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Well, ya got trouble, my friend, right here,
I say, trouble right here in River City.
Why sure I'm a billiard player,
Certainly mighty proud I say
I'm always mighty proud to say it.
I consider that the hours I spend
With a cue in my hand are golden.

–

Though I have called the East Village, home, for the past ten and a half years, (have been living in New York City for over 11) my new stomping grounds are now Union Square. This section's unmatched diversity brings together poets, professionals, protesters, and everyone in between. Anchored by its central plaza, Union Square extends into surrounding streets filled with a mix of corporate giants and neighborhood staples. Farmer’s markets and street performers add to Union Square’s cultural significance and popular appeal. A place where I can shake off the stress and get away from the day, Amsterdam Billiards is one of my favorite hangouts in New York City, and one of the many new perks of living in Union Square. In today's post, I'll be sharing with you guys reasons why Union Square is a great section in the city to live in along with why this is my favorite pool parlor in the entire city.

Now I'm not exactly, 'the Black Widow', but I've had my fair share in shooting pool. I've been playing since I was a kid, my uncle used to have a pool table in his 'man cave' and I think that's where the interest initially sparked. For whatever reason, I find the game relaxing and enjoyable with friends. And my favorite billiard to shoot pool in in New York City is this place in Union Square, Amsterdam Billiards. It's got 25 billiards tables plus Ping-Pong, darts, foosball, full bar & food but what stands out to me are the memories of this place with the people I love. My husband, my friends - we've had some good laughs and games in this joint. So now that it's the long holiday weekend and I'm staying in town, I thought it'd be nice to go back and play on top of sharing a place I hold dear to my heart. New York has a way of doing that to you.

Another favorite place in my new neighborhood would definitely be The Strand, a landmark bookshop that carries new, used & rare books that literally stretches for 18 miles. I stop in there at least a couple of times of week, whether it's searching in the half-off bins outside or checking out the photography section for inspiration and research, it is a really amazing book store. Union Square also has two great music venues, Webster Hall and Irving Plaza. I also enjoy the Greenmarket for its fresh flowers and herbs. When I have the time, I love to pick out fish or meat to cook and experiment a new recipe with, especially during the summer alongside some squash and corn.

Other stores I don't live without are Adorama for all my camera/photography needs, New York Costumes for props, Sephora for makeup and skincare, and Food Emporium for groceries. When going out to eat around the neighborhood, I love L'Express for French, Barn Joo for Korean, Blue Water Grill for seafood and Maison Kayser for pastries. Recent new pasta discovery in Union Square? Vapiano, where their basil pesto with pine nuts and parmesan is TO. DIE. FOR. The famous Coffeeshop is where I have a lot of my meetings midday. It's a cool people-watching place while dining al fresco. And the staff's not too bad-looking either... ;)

Living somewhere like New York City is competitive let alone expensive, but with its amazing food, entertainment, culture, beautiful sights and so much to do, the highlights sort of outweigh all of the chaos that goes on in a city such as the one I love. It's definitely not the easiest place to live, but if you keep your eye on the ball, you can set out to do a lot more than you think. What are some of your favorite sections in New York City? If you could live in any one of them, which one would you like to live in? If you're considering moving to and living in New York City, check out ForRent.Com, an apartment rental listing service where potential renters can search for professionally managed apartments. Got questions about living here? I'd love to answer! Leave them in the comments down below or you can find me on one of my social media channels! Have a wonderful start to your week and Happy Fourth of July!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Potrol Faux Leather Neon Yellow Holster Purse

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Paint It Black

June 2, 2017

WEARING: TOBI TRENDY BLACK MIDI DRESS | ROSEGAL SILVER BEAD HOOPS | 
STEVE MADDEN LUXE BLACK OPEN TOE PUMPS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY TOBI.

BEFORE I TOUCH DIRT, I'LL KILL YOU ALL WIT' KINDNESS... I KILL YA, MY NATURAL PERSONA'S MUCH WORSE.

Have you ever had a dinner where the food is really great, the ambiance is dope but the company in which you keep perhaps maybe not as much so? Sure not every outing I've ever been on has gone swell. But sometimes, the people I have to converse with (not saying many but there are a few...) makes me want to scratch my eyes out. And there are all kinds of factors to set in as well. First, do you have something interesting to talk about other than Instagram algorithms or how vapid the world has become, you included? Or are we going to go around the exact typical merry-go-round of shooting the breeze? Am I one not to give a younger person a chance to talk to simply because they don't fall into the same age category as me? Hell, no! In fact, I've gotten very close to a much younger gal who is like my kid sister. She is half my age, but wise beyond her years. Age is yet again nothing but a number. To me, it's all about emotional maturity. I have no trouble relating with an 80-year-old just as much as with a 17-year-old; so long as you're not a complete baboon with nothing to offer me except wasted time. No, I'm not saying no one has anything to offer because we all do. But what really counts is what you do with it and your time while you're here. And nothing irks me more than wasted time. Because you'll never get it back. Tell me a story, share with me your ideas, beliefs, and passions. Secondly, do you know that saying, where it goes something along the lines of being kind to everyone you meet because you never know what kind of battle they're fighting? Seems fair, right? Trust me as I live and breathe it, there are a lot of people who are not kind at all. And if you cross me or do something that's not in the 'kindness' category to me or someone I love? You're going to see the Detroit-side in me that most people never see. And it ain't a pretty sight.

I grew up right smack dab in the middle of Detroit. No, not Bloomfield Hills or Birmingham, not even Troy or Livonia. And my childhood was quite difficult. My parents fought like cats & dogs, and the I grew up always either being afraid or anxious. My father was concerned for me while raising me in Detroit. For one, I'm Asian (where there was literally a total of three Asian families within our entire community) and being petite, my physical attributes had a tendency to put me in vulnerable positions. I was bullied and ostracized until I left for college. And so, even at a very young age, my father taught me how to fight, both physically and mentally. A boxer in his early -teens, he may have instilled too much fight in me. Some of my closest friends have confessed to me that I can come across intimidating, carrying a full-blown "don't f*&k with me" attitude, even up to the point of looking like Lucy Liu's RBF. Which hey, this I won't take as a bad thing... ;)

Which I guess can be one of the reasons why people may find it hard to approach me, but I promise you this - I do not bite... HARD. Ha ha ha! All kidding aside, I'm not going to say I'm the easiest person in the world to deal with. So what is this Detroit thing I speak of? Well, it's amongst a number of things - pride, frankness, and grit. It's all about fighting for what you want in life and standing up for yourself and being fearless with the power of your own voice. I know where I come from and I know who I am, and once people do get to know me, I'd like to think they don't see me as half-bad. What gets me into trouble though is my curiosity and the disappointments people bring because I'm so hard on everyone, including myself. During the dinner I mentioned, in the beginning of this post, I had brought up the question to several bloggers/influences (whatever the heck we're labeled these days LOL) on why they had begun their Instagram in the first place since this is where most of us began as we fine-tuned our blogs simultaneously. The answers were shocking. One stressed validation, another money, and the typical answer - to connect with others. Okay, two of the three I can slightly understand. I too, use Instagram as a platform to connect and make a living, but my sole reason is to attempt to make an impact on other's lives with my creativity and words. I want nothing more than to get you to think and feel; to be inspired. To let you know you're not alone, that others are fighting just as hard as you are and that we're in this together. We will carry on because there is no other way. Because we have to.

Perhaps I don't relate to those who come from money and never had to work a day in their whole life, even though they sleazily act as if they do (eyes rolling, you ain't fooling anyone sweetheart!) don't tell me you earned everything on your own when we both know mommy and daddy still take care of you and your bills. I've been working since I was 12 years old and everything I have achieved so far in my life was honest hard-work. I give my blood, sweat, and tears when it comes to my creative outlets. I also do it for no one but myself. Seeking validation on a social media platform is NOT work, I REPEAT, NOT WORK! And stop complaining about your engagement rate not being high enough when you're not willing to put in the time and effort of displaying high-quality content, remaining consistent while maintaining some sort of discipline in this cut-throat, competitive industry. Sure an iPhone shot suffices from time to time, but if you're really trying to grow and aspire to be more than just basic #sorrynotsorry then I strongly suggest thinking outside the box, but especially reconsidering your strategy when it comes to quality over quantity. People will get sick and tired of just seeing you and your 'outfits'. Give me something MORE, dammit! Mic drop, I'm out.