Earn Your Stripes

November 9, 2016

WEARING: ZAFUL STRIPED TRENCH | AMERICAN APPAREL DRESS | 
RALPH LAUREN RIDING BOOTS | ZAFUL TRIANGLE CLUTCH

“But this was a White-lash against a changing country.”

— Van Jones

Last night I went to bed around 4am. I couldn't sleep. The election was far too important to miss, let alone far too nail-biting to take your eyes of the television set. Every vote set its fate for the future of our country. Amongst friends and colleagues, I'm usually uncomfortable talking politics. It's not because I don't care or am afraid to speak my mind – it's because I care too much for the people I know to lose them over such a topic.

Being half-Korean and half-Polish, female, and from a multi-cultural background, I know how hard I've worked to get to where I am today. But after last night's historic presidential election, I feel squashed. I feel heartbroken. I feel my country is not listening and therefore, not learning from their past mistakes. I worry for my future and our peoples' future. I thought the past eight year's progress were built on hard work and trust. But this was a White-lash against a changing country. It is a complete step backwards to where we were heading to.

This election proves this country is not ready for a woman to be a president and sadly also demonstrates how much this country still hates women and minorities along with its lack of culture. To be raised in a state that's suddenly turned red is disheartening and shocking. I am disgusted in what I've been seeing over social media since we found out Trump will be our next president. And today I cried over Clinton's emotional concession speech, a painful moment in American history.

What is happening in our society where we think it is perfect okay and suitable to elect a candidate who's never had any political experience, let alone the knowledge or temperament to handle real-life situations as the President of the United States? And that with the right loopholes and strategic pulls, anyone can become the leader of the free world? I've never felt so shaky about the stability of our country and also the world. How can we go from the arc in losing and move forward? We have to accept what is and at least try to give Mr. Trump a chance to do good. Maybe he won't do everything he says he will because when it comes to politics, there's so much fluff and bullshit along the ride, you never know what's true and what's false.

But I still hope, like many of you, that we will prevail and strive forward to make this country still the greatest country there is. Be kind to one another. Not just in the next few days but always. Never forget that your adversity and uphill battles will never go unacknowledged and that there's still a glimmering light shining at the end of that tunnel. Soldier on and continue to earn your stripes. I love you, all. Take care. Until next time. ❤️❤️❤️

LOVE & XX'S,

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Zaful Striped Lapel Collar Long Sleeve Coat

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At-Home Workspace with OttLite

November 8, 2016

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY OTTLITE, BUT MY DESIRE TO TRY OUT LIFE IN A BETTER LIGHT IS MY OWN. :)

I've recently rearranged my workspace desk with OttLite lighting. What's different about their lights? OttLite lighting was created by photobiologist (omg how cool is that) Dr. John Nash Ott (awe) who studied how natural daylight affects all living things. From his amazing research OttLite Technology was born, bringing the magic of natural daylight indoors! They combine low heat and low glare, OttLite natural daylight illumination comes with smart features such as magnification, convenient storage, flexible necks and more. What I love most about their lights is how you can see everything more clearly and comfortably.

I am on my computer 5-7 hours a day either editing, writing, answering emails or having phone conferences, I need lighting that will alleviate the eyestrain from glaring at the computer for long periods of time. And the new LED crane lamp I received from OffLite is perfect for the new workspace. With its flexible neck I can easily adjust it where needed and it doesn't clutter up space at my desk.

The clarity is unreal! Just look at the photos for yourself! I really have little to no eyestrain after I started using the LED crane lamp. It is light and portable on top of its flexibility and sleek cool design. It really complements with my new minimally- styled desk, and this new desk lamp is in great company! Ha ha! But it really has made such a difference in every day work! I can officially say goodbye to eyestrain! Yay!

If you like what you see, there's a chance for you to win a free lamp of your own! OttLite is hosting a giveaway where 5 lucky winners will receive a lamp, plus one for a friend! Holidays are fast approaching us... do you know someone who is in need of a new lamp, or two? Perhaps you do too? :::hint hint::: 😉

Check out the Before & After shot down below! It is clear that life is brighter and better with OttLite. I'm all for a healthy approach when it come to my eyesight, especially since I'm near a computer screen all the time. It never stops. I'm glad I can't count on Ottlite for their high-quality lights. Don't miss your chance to enter in the giveaway – it's a really great one!

So what is currently on my desk? I have my classic Olympia typewriter that I've been using a lot lately along with recent invitations and photography books containing the works of some of my favorite photographers: Mr. Penn, Avedon, Herb Ritts, Peter Lindbergh, Leutwyler, Araki and more. (In no particular order.) I also have my go-to 'unobtrusive' camera, the Olympus OM-D E 5. It's my baby. I also keep coasters at bay, these agate coasters from West Elm have been around for a few years now, but I love the deep blue hue in them. I really can't stand ring marks from drinks!

“We live in a world that turns over in a moment.”

— Azzedine Alaïa

You can read more on the benefits of Ottlite lighting here. Besides showing colors accurately and seeing fine print and details more clearly, more tips for healthier eyes can be read in this awesome article from Ottlite! They even have a collection of bedroom lamps if you're interested. The LED crane clamp is portable and can be used on your night stand. Check it out here!

LOVE & XX'S,

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OROGOLD Cosmetics 24K White Gold Collection

November 5, 2016

OROGOLD COSMETICS 24K WHITE GOLD COLLECTION: PURIFYING TONER | 
AROMATHERAPY BODY OIL | CLASSIC BODY BUTTER | 
DEEP MOISTURIZER | MOUSSE CLEANSER | 
CLASSIC HAND & BODY CREAM | MULTI-VITAMIN DEEP PEELING GEL

This post is brought to you by OROGOLD Cosmetics.

The latest skincare products I've been using literally has gold in its products. Not just one product, but in all of 'em. It's killer good. I've never had such smooth, supple skin before! OROGOLD Cosmetics has a variety of skin collections to best suit your needs and since I have a combination of oily/dry skin, I chose their 24K White Gold Collection. A total of seven products amongst the collection, it has all the essentials for face & body including a facial mousse cleanser and purifying toner, aromatherapy body oil, body butter, deep moisturizer, hand & body cream, and a multi-vitamin deep peeling gel. Let me tell you more about the products individually!

1. 24K MOUSSE CLEANSER

This gentle cleanser transforms into a creamy lather to effectively diminish the look of impurities such as dirt and makeup. I simply loved how fresh and clean my face was afterward. A thorough rich lather-type cleanser is my go-to's for face wash.

Orogold Cosmetics 24K Classic Body Butter

2. PURIFYING TONER

After cleansing, this gentle toner helps diminish any remaining traces of excess oils and impurities to leave your skin with a healthier looking complexion.

3. AROMATHERAPY BODY OIL

With floral and citrus notes, The 24K Aromatherapy Body Oil is made with a blend of precious, nourishing oils and natural botanical extracts. With no synthetic fragrance, this luxurious oil is especially formulated to leave skin feeling moisturized, healthy and radiant. I'm completely obsessed with the fragrance let alone how amazing my skin feels after use!

4. CLASSIC BODY BUTTER

Made with a magnificent blend of rich ingredients, this classic cream delivers a new kind of softness to your skin. Suitable for dry skin types to leave you in luxurious comfort all day, it's the perfect body butter for the winter season and an even better stocking stuffer for the holidays.

5. 24K DEEP MOISTURIZER

This moisturizer has a light, non-greasy texture that offers hydrating ingredients for healthier looking skin. The 24K Deep Moisturizer really helps replenish your appearance.

6. CLASSIC HAND & BODY CREAM

This light-weight hand and body cream is infused with organic argan oil and chamomile to help protect against dryness. Perfect for those extra cold days! The Classic Hand and Body Cream offers a luxurious skin-soothing experience.

7. MULTI-VITAMIN DEEP PEELING GEL

This unique peeling gel is formulated with superb ingredients such as bamboo stem powder, mandelic acid and vitamin C. The combination of these powerful ingredients with walnut shell powder help gently exfoliate the skin, leaving it with a soft refreshed sensation. I'm not big on peels because of my extremely sensitive skin but this one left my face looking youthful and bright. I was really happy with the results of this peel!

The OROGOLD Cosmetics 24K White Gold Collection is the perfect gift for the upcoming holidays. With its rich, luxurious ingredients (even the package design is off the chain) and high-quality care, OROGOLD Cosmetics will have your skin covered for the dry wintry season and left feeling like a queen (or king). :)

Collaboration sourced via Shopping Links.

Photos by: Suzanne Spiegoski

LOVE & XX'S,

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Henry Leutwyler Interview — Document

November 1, 2016

Document Book Cover: The .38 caliber revolver used to assassinate John Lennon. (Photograph by Henry Leutwyler) — *Document* Book Cover: The .38 caliber revolver used to assassinate John Lennon. (Photograph by Henry Leutwyler)

When I think of my favorite genres in photography: portraiture, still life, crime-scene - I never imagined it could be all be done by one single photographer. That's until I discovered Henry Leutwyler. He is best known for his celebrity portraits and his work have been published in the likes of Vanity Fair, National Geographic, and Vogue. In his new book, Document Henry encompasses a vast range of objects from iconic moments owned by fascinating people throughout history, pop culture, the arts and sports. These fields include his very own heroes (and villains because "not everything in life is cute"), as Henry carefully archives the good, the bad, and the even the ugly, or rather tragic.

Such as the captivating cover of Document, which displays the .38 caliber revolver that killed John Lennon, each photograph offers a humanizing chronicle of society: Where we've been and where we're going.

Audrey Hepburn's Valentine portable typewriter. (Photograph by Henry Leutwyler)

The objects are completely separated from their contexts and owners (excerpts are cleverly hidden in the back of the book) and what remains and what's been left behind, are traces both in a historical artifact-like nature and one where dreams are made of. A masterfully crafted book of an unconventional collection of 124 images such as Mahatma Ghandi's sandal, Julia Child's madeleine baking tray, Jimi Hendrix's red Fender, Gene Kelly's beaten up Converses, the mechanical prop hand from the original 1933 King Kong movie, and more, it has taken over a decade to complete.

So when I had the pleasure to sit down and talk with Leutwyler, I had lots of questions. The biggest question? What 'pulled the trigger' to get going on such a demanding (and expensive) series. The initial idea of conveying stories through people's possessions in Document really came together after working on two specific but isolated projects. It first started when Leutwyler was commissioned by the Elvis Presley Estate roughly ten years ago where he spent nearly a month photographing Elvis’ personal effects, including his comb, eyeglasses, prescription bottles, toy cars and gold-plated microphone. Even down to Lisa Marie's birth certificate.

He then went on to do an assignment for Mother Jones on gun control. Leutwyler by chance came across the .38 caliber revolver used to assassinate John Lennon. While he ended up taking a photograph of that gun, the start of something bigger began to brew. And this is what helped jumpstart Document.

John Lennon's blue-tinted sunglasses. (Photograph by Henry Leutwyler) — John Lennon's blue-tinted sunglasses. (Photograph by Henry Leutwyler)

Andy Warhol's paintbrush. (Photograph by Henry Leutwyler)

"Photography is not open heart surgery on newborns. We don't save lives. While I believe we're not performing heart surgery, I do believe photographs have the power to change the world." -Henry Leutwyler

This is precisely answered my next question – what's the 'big picture'? The consistency of the book is rather subtle but profound. Leutwyler's minimal style strongly express the right to think and feel. Nothing is instant. When you look at the photographed objects you want to stare for a while, you want to touch them; smell them; perhaps even reminisce in with feelings of nostalgia, melancholy, triumph, rage, sadness, joy. All very raw human emotions. But what underlies in Document is not its sheer beauty of mementos/sentiments and the way it can be carried through your own memories, but the power it has to compel you to learn something.

And to make an impact on the world, Leutwyler decided to use the first photograph that started it all, the photograph of the gun that assassinated John Lennon and donate all proceeds of the sale of the print to Everytown, a movement of Americans working together to end gun violence and build safer communities. Something's gotta give and Leutwyler is doing just that.

Of course, I had to mention a few of my own favorite heroes, and yes, perhaps villains. My father would have loved to see Muhammad Ali's glove. In fact, he met him once in person at a hotel in Indiana. We both loved watching boxing films together, a tradition going all the way back to the original 1979 film, The Champ. I still cry to this day watching that movie. And I'm still madly in love with the art of boxing. See how much can be grabbed from a single image? And all precisely from an object of the rich & famous.

Other favorable mentions: Bob Marley's hat and guitar, along with Bob Dylan's harmonica, Jimi Hendrix's red Fender, and Michael Jackson's glove. Some of my all-time favorite musicians, they all had something special and I think that's what, maybe partially, set their destinies and certainly helped change the world as well. I am still mesmerized by their music to this day and that, at least to me, is significant. Even just looking at the objects, I can hear the tunes and feel the beat in my heart. It makes me want to dance and shout all at once. But only if I can jump into James Gandolfini's Cadillac while doing so (and yeah, tagging along a few of Avedon's 'tools' for a shoot of my own.)

James Gandolfini's Cadillac. (Photograph by Henry Leutwyler)

Richard Avedon's studio A-clamp. (Photograph by Henry Leutwyler) — Richard Avedon's studio A-clamp. (Photograph by Henry Leutwyler)

Portrait by © Suzanne Spiegoski — Portrait by © Suzanne Spiegoski

FUN FACTS

FIRST LOVE: STILL LIFE
BIGGEST FEAR: DEATH
BIGGEST PET PEEVE: I DESPISE ENTITLEMENT & ENTITLED PEOPLE.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: BEING ABLE TO MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH.
GREATEST REGRET: CAN NEVER BUY BACK TIME.
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?: NOTHING.
FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHER: MR. PENN. UNRIVALED TO THIS DAY.
FAVORITE FOOD: JAPANESE
FAVORITE PLACE IN NYC: THE NOGUCHI MUSEUM
FAVORITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: VENICE, ITALY

Leutwyler will be exhibiting photographs from Document at the Foley Gallery in New York City beginning November 3. I'll be attending the opening reception, so stay tuned for a recap of the event through my Insta Stories & SnapChat!

LOVE & XX'S,

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Shaken Not Stirred

October 28, 2016

WEARING: ROMWE BLACK HALTER BACKLESS CUT OUT SLIT DRESS |
TOBI STRAIGHT SHOT STATEMENT NECKLACE | BRIAN ATWOOD SATIN POINTED TOE PUMPS

Happy Friday! With Halloween only three days away, we're excited to share our costumes for this year! Every year we come up with a theme where me and my boys dress up for a family photo-op. It's always so much fun and we never grow tired of this holiday. I know some of you might think you're too 'old' for Halloween, but to me, you're never too old to dress up and have a good ole' time with your loved ones. And who doesn't love a treat or two? Perhaps you're more of a trickster.

This year's theme is my husband's favorite character in books and film, 007 Special Agent James Bond. Okay, maybe a close runner-up to Simon Templar but he's an obsessed fan. I can relate. Ever since I saw my first Bond film I was immediately struck by the agent's dangerous and lavish life. I'm fascinated seeing and/or reading different parts of the world through the eye's of Ian Fleming. And his depictions of many stories. Whether it's through action-fighting scenes trying to save the world or falling so madly in love with a person who is unattainable, the world of Bond is a dreamy one. An escapism to the impossible, but strangely enough is.

So when we think of Bond, what comes to mind? No, I'm not 'cool' enough to fit an Aston Martin in a studio, ha ha! But signature accessories, if you will? A vodka martini, a killer tux and a girl. And not just any girl. A Bond girl. What's a Bond girl then? To me, they're not just physically beautiful women that only bring sex appeal to the story, but mysterious creatures offering much more. Style, power, wit and intelligence. A worldly traveler. A stupendous side kick. The love of your life.

For MaQ we used styrofoam balls as the olives, covering them in green acrylic paint and red felt for the pimento part of the olive. We then held the styrofoam balls with a wooden stick as the garnish holder and completing his look with a clear collar (dog cone) as the martini glass. Isn't MaQ the cutest vodka martini you've ever seen?! I think I'm going to receive a payback of some kind after what I've done. ;) You can shop similar items down below to make your very own martini for your dog!

Are you guys big on dressing up for Halloween? What about dog costumes? (If you missed our 'X-Files' themed costume from last year, check it out here.) Got a trick or treat recipe you're just dying to share? Check out my 'Frankenstein' popcorn here. We'd love to hear what you and your family are planning to be and/or do this holiday. Coming next on the blog: A feature interview I've been so excited to share will finally be up and ready to view! Can't wait! Get all the behind the scenes in the next few days by tuning into my Instagram Stories and/or SnapChat! Have a great weekend, everyone. :)