4 Staple Cashmere Pieces for Fall and Winter

October 22, 2019

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY FILORO CASHMERE BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Shoot Location: 219 E 44th St PH listed by Douglas Elliman / Photos: Madison Pittman

One item you can definitely count in my closet during the fall and winter season is cashmere. It’s luxe, soft and oh so cozy. Not to mention the warmth it brings to any chilly day! And without that bulky feeling when wearing heavier sweaters. It’ll make you feel rich even if you’re not (HI) and if taken care of properly, can last a good while. I mean… really, what’s not to love about cashmere? In today’s post, I’m sharing four staple cashmere pieces that are super stylish that are affordable while also still maintaining high-end quality cashmere.

WEARING: BLACK CASHMERE SWEATER | LEOPARD ANKLE BOOTS | WIDE LEG JEANS

I think most women have had more than one time or another a black cashmere sweater. It is most certainly a staple piece. Can be worn with pretty much anything and it is classic chic to a T. Perfect with jeans and fabulous boots or a print midi skirt. Slacks, over a dress… you name it, it’s a guarantee yes in the fashionable department.

WEARING: CAMEL CASHMERE TURTLENECK SWEATER | WHITE PANTS

Another classic fall and winter piece is a camel-colored top. How about a cashmere camel-colored turtleneck sweater? I love camel with white, but this color also complements well with black, olive, purple, red and more. I’m also a huge fan of turtlenecks so this sweater is another must in my wardrobe. This sweater would look great with a leopard or snake print skirt/shoes or even with jeans… a monochrome look also.

WEARING: PINK CASHMERE SWEATER | PINK RUFFLE SKIRT | PINK WESTERN ANKLE BOOTS

To add a little color in your fall clothes, why not a fun cashmere sweater like this one?! I’m really into hot pink lately, and this one is also a favorite. I love the details of this pink sweater such as the lattice texture and the balloon sleeves. These make the top alive and just fun. I styled this look with more pink accents such as the blush pink ruffle skirt and western snake print ankle boots.

WEARING: CARDIGAN CASHMERE SWEATER | BLACK SUEDE BOOTS

I love a good cardigan top, but cashmere?! Oh yes, indeed. This one to me is like a hybrid of Mad Men and Martha Stewart vibes, but chic AF. Want to be a good wife? Wear this and some sexy boots with a martini in your hand when he arrives home from work. LOL. All kidding aside, I love the lace appliques and length of the cardigan. All very elegant. This cardigan cashmere sweater would also look great with black trousers if you want a more polished look.

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LOVE & XX’S,

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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,

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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,

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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,

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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.