Posh Safari Chic | Date Night

May 23, 2019

WEARING: KHAKI GREEN DOUBLE-BREASTED JACKET | LIGHT BEIGE PAPER-BAG SHORTS | BLACK POINTED PEEP-TOE MULES | IVORY CROC-EFFECT LEATHER BAG | TORTOISE RESIN HAIR CLIP

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY H&M AND LOVELESS PARIS BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

I don’t know know about you but it’s been one heck of a week for me! Who else is ready for Friday? I’m never one to count the days to the weekend, but sometimes we all can use a breather. In which case, my husband and I always make an effort to go out to dinner. At least once or twice a month, we like to try something new and maintain something old, as in tradition, we always have dates at the place where we first met and also had our wedding party. It was previously a French brasserie (coincidence the hubby is Parisian, I think not (!), that or the universe has a funny sense of humor at times) but it’s now a simple Irish pub, where the food is just as good and filled with many happy memories. Even MaQ joins us out on the terrace for brunch on the weekends, when the weather permits it. Now that summer is creeping in, I was inspired to do a color-schemed safari palette into a date night look! Continue reading to see what I chose and where to directly shop.

When I think of what colors to include in a safari chic-like palette, they are khaki green, beige, ivory, tan, black and others. The first piece to catch my eye that inspired this look was the khaki green double-breasted jacket. I went one size up since I love the look of an oversized jacket and/or blazer. Initially I was going to style it with a great pair of jeans, which I could always do for everyday business casual, but I wanted to elevate the look into something a tad more. That’s when I came across these particular pair of shorts I knew how I wanted to style everything together.

I LOVE these light beige paper-bag shorts. These shorts come in thick cotton jersey. They are high waist, with a paper-bag waistband, pleats in the front, and zip fly with concealed hook-and-eye fastener. There is a removable tie belt as well and I cannot stress how comfy these shorts are! So perfect for summer and I think they also tie really well with the khaki green jacket. I went with some black to bring it all together without having the outfit look too bland for date night. So these sexy black pointed peep-toe mules are such a hit for the occasion. They’re also not a nightmare to walk in, which is a MUST for me.

Hair accessories are a major hot trend for spring and summer this season with hair clips being all the rage. Pearls, resin, metallics, you name it. I discovered a French hair brand that you can get personalized pieces from, that will polish up any look with its chicness. I had one made in the name of my brand, MaQ + Suz, and I absolutely adore it. I styled it in a half-up hairstyle on Instagram here but I think this clip looks great from day to night. Go to www.lovelessparis.com to customize your barrette! You can create from 3 to 8 characters, and it’s so easy!

Last but not least, I went with an ivory croc-effect leather bag without any straps. I think it creates a more evening vibe that is perfect for date night. I hope you enjoyed my posh safari chic date night look! Feel free to drop me a message down in the comment section below. How would you style a safari-chic look? And for date night? Thanks for stopping by! Wishing you a great rest of the week. x

LOVE & XX’S,

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Babushka Chic

March 27, 2019

The word, ‘babushka’, has its origins in Russian and means, ‘grandmother’. It also makes reference to the manner in which ladies in Russian, use this type of scarf, covering the head and knotting it under the chin. The last reference was taken to name the famous, ‘Lady Babushka’ who was suspect of recording the Kennedy assassination while wearing this garment. A trend that has come and gone, from Audrey Hepburn to the film, ‘Thelma & Louise’, to the Queen of England and even A.S.A.P Rocky, the rapper, has kept this style alive, even breaking boundaries which is something I definitely enjoy doing. And I really wanted to style this in a great setting instead of the usual street style photos we sometimes take. So continue reading to see the complete shoot along with where to shop the pieces in this look today!

I love a good rib-knit dress in a cotton blend. This one is great for spring. Small stand-up collar, short sleeves, and slits at sides, it’s movable and very comfortable. Since the the weather is not quite springlike here in New York yet, I layered the dress with a faux fur coat with contrasted cuffs to bring out a more Russian-feel to the look. I even wore sheer nude tights to also keep with the overall mood of this outfit. I also mixed with the stripe print with an animal one, as snake print anything is super hot in trends at the moment. Don’t worry, they’ll still be around this coming fall/winter as well.

These snake print booties are awfully comfortable too! Super sleek pointed ankle boots featuring exposed zip and sock style fit, you would think 4.5” in terms of heel height would be too much on the feet, but they’re so well-fitted, like a glove, makes it easy to walk around in. I wouldn’t say this if you’re on your feet all day, but for an afternoon or evening will do just fine. I like my shoes to be practical.

So I’ve mixed in animal print with stripes. You’d think I’d stop there, right? Nah. I love playing up on the beauty of print and patterns. There’s something about pushing boundaries like I mentioned earlier in today’s post, I find that when you do, in terms of fashion & style, you can really find out if these rule-breakers work or not. I wore a blue and white floral scarf around my head, a standard must in a babushka chic outfit. :) This scarf in the post is not intended to be a headscarf and is no longer in stock so I linked a very similar one that can definitely be intended for a headscarf/headwrap.

Other accessories featured in today’s look are a luxe burgundy crossbody bag and gold statement earrings. I hope you enjoyed this more stylized editorial shoot! I am working on doing more of this kind of content, but it takes more time, therefore, a longer waiting period. What did you like the most about this babushka chic look? The headscarf? Coat? Perhaps, you’re wanting to see a trend/concept on MaQ + Suz that you haven’t seen and would like to? Drop your messages down in the comment section below!

LOVE & XX’S,

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Magenta and White

March 12, 2019

Coming at you with a double blog post from yesterday and today! Feeling hella inspired, more than usual, as if things are finally coming full circle and it’s really starting to make a lot of sense! I'm cooking up a storm in terms of creative content - so please keep your eyes peeled for special projects coming up this year. I can’t wait! Today’s post is a casual chic pant suit with a sporty twist. I’m also playing on a mixture of fabrics along with a simple, yet uber cool and trendy hair style. Who else is a hair clip fanatic like myself? I have to refrain myself from entering stores supplying these because I’d be hoarding them around all over the city, ha ha! This outfit is perfect for Easter Sunday (if you’re slightly a rebel and aren’t a prissy gal) a brunch date with the girls, or even a museum date with your man. It’s screams spring, but not in a corny way. Come take a look! :)

Would you believe this flower hair clip was from 2010 and for one of my dear friend’s wedding? I was one of her bridesmaids and wore it for the occasion - and even after almost ten years after, I still like to wear it from time to time. It’s kind of bridal hair wear, but I kept my hair with unpolished, tousled curls to help balance the modern parts to it. I was going to style it with more bobby pins, but felt it did just fine all on its own. Of course, I can’t find the exact piece as they’re no longer in stock, but below are an assortment of hair accessories similar to this style!

I played on different fabrics when it came to the pant suit. Most pant suits come as a set, but I mixed and match the whites. The white blazer is texturized with pearl detail at the pocket. The white paper-bag pants are made of a cotton and linen blend. I could also totally wear these pants on the beach, but as you can see, they’re also quite practical for this casual pantsuit look. The other main color aside from white that went into this outfit is magenta, with the velvet top and athletic sneaker.

What’s your favorite part of this look? Are you a fan of mixing fabrics like myself? I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s post! For more spring outfits and beauty favorites, along with more editorial work geared up for the future, subscribe to my blog to stay up to date with everything! You can also follow me on Instagram, which I’m rather on frequently ;) Wishing you a great rest of the week! Happy (almost) Spring!

LOVE & XX’S,

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The Most Stylish Trench You'll Ever Own

March 6, 2019

WEARING: COTTON-BLEND TRENCH COAT | HIGH NECK RIBBED KNIT TOP & SKIRT CO-ORD | BROWN LANTERN BAG | TALL SUEDE LEATHER BOOTS

When you think of Spring what is your number one go to kind of outerwear? For me, they are trench coats. One of my favorites to wear, I appreciate when a design is fresh and fun, like the star of today’s blog post. The cut is a bit different while maintaining premium quality, it has definitely become my favorite jacket to wear come this season. I’ve already worn this beauty across the pond during London Fashion Week in a very British street-style look (see HERE) but in today’s look I went for a more minimal chic vibe, one that can be easily re-created. So continue reading to see more of this spring wear outfit (who else is just as excited for warmer weather?!) and to learn more on why this is the most stylish trench coat you’ll ever own.

The calf-length trench coat from H&M is in thick, woven fabric made from a cotton blend. The details are the best: Collar, buttons at front with decorative buttons alongside, and concealed inner button. Long raglan sleeves with wide, tapered tab and button at cuffs. Wide welt side pockets, belt loops at back, and adjustable belt with covered metal buckle. High slits at sides. (my personal fave) Pleat at back with concealed tab and button to adjust pleat opening. Lined at top. This trench coat would be perfect with jeans and a white tee for a more casual look, but I went for a little more of a polished look.

I styled the trench coat with a high neck ribbed knit top and skirt co-ord with a beautiful pair of leather and suede tall black boots. Handcrafted and made in Italy, the tall boot by Sclarandis has a three quarter inside zipper, on a medium chunky wood heel and a touch of cushion to soften your step. They’re quite comfortable and super stylish. Perfect for transitional weather aside from the fall/winter season, in this look I think it flatters the legs well with the length of the skirt. The black matching set is from SHEIN, you can get 15% off your purchase until the end of March by using my code 1suzan15 before checkout. Their clothes are very affordable and super cute in terms of fast fashion.

This mini version of the Lantern Bag is designed to fit just the essentials - keys, lipstick and a big screen phone. You can carry it by the top handle or go hands-free with the shoulder strap but I love it with the strap, it is more practical while running around town. Crafted from croc-effect calf leather, and suede interior, it is one of my favorite bags the past couple of months. The brand, mlouye, has an assortment of other colors and textures when it comes to the lantern bag. If you’re looking for a refreshing take on handbags, you need to check them out!

I hope you enjoyed this brief outfit post! Be sure to check out my latest roundup of beauty favorites (see HERE) as well as all of my fashion month content from NYFW & LFW. Be sure to find direct links to the pieces from today at the beginning and end of this post. Got a question? Want to leave a message? Drop those comments down in the section below! Happy Hump Day, everyone :)

LOVE & XX’S,

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Double-Breasted Jacket with Smocked Blouse

January 21, 2019

WEARING: DOUBLE BREASTED JACKET | SMOCKED BLOUSE | GREEN BAG | JEANS | SNAKE PRINT BOOTIES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY H&M AND SIENNA JONES BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Happy MLK day and happy Monday! Today in New York, is the coldest day of the year with a high of 15. Fahrenheit. So you can imagine my escapism to spring, in my outfit! It’s actually every blogger’s nightmare, shooting outside this time of the year. It’s not as easy as it looks to be cheery while literally freezing your ass off. No one wants to see your runny, red nose/flushed RED face! There’s only so much photoshop can do. And no, I don’t want to spend my life editing away goosebumps from my legs/arms. So I’ve been taking advantage of shooting more indoors, in places that I love, places people recommend and/or both! Since my husband and I rarely have time for each other, it’s a great quick outing while on ‘set’ creating content for a brand. Especially when it involves food! Ha ha! Plus in terms of content, I think it mixes things up with the usual street style photos. Continue reading to hear more about the location of this shoot along with details of this mixed up look that may not sound like a great idea initially, but when done right can be done well.

My favorite neighborhood hangout for working lunches/meetings is here in today’s post. The location is at La Pecora Bianca. It is a stylish and bright all-day dining restaurant featuring market-driven Italian cuisine - I mean… how can you go wrong? ;) Kidding aside, I always get the spaghetti, but their oatmeal is quite delicious for breakfast. I love the ambience as much as the food and it’s five minutes walking distance from home. Don’t you just love it when you find a place as such? Now onto today’s outfit…

Running around town from lunch meetings, to shoots, to showroom appointments, and more, I need a cross body bag that’s big enough to hold all my essentials, but without it getting too hefty and ‘boxy’ for me. I’m a petite frame so that can happen pretty easily. But the new Sienna Jones City Bag, is just perfect for an everyday bag. Crafted in first grade leather, it features a spacious interior, with a pocket for your smartphone and two zip compartments. Pure casual elegance. They also come in grey, black, red and brown. Designed and created in Covent Garden, London.

I had no intention of putting together a double-breasted jacket with a smocked blouse. Like I had mentioned in the beginning of the post, it doesn’t really seem to sound right together, but voila! I think it can work! I either had the blouse tucked into my jeans or I had the jacket buttoned up. I also think it helps that the colors are in a very similar blue palette so it doesn’t clash with each other too much where it’s distracting. Just like the floral print in the blouse doesn’t clash with the snake print boots. The subtly of the floral is enough to be able to wear the two together… what do you think?

Other accessories included in this look are an Anne Klein diamond-accent green ceramic watch, silver hoop earrings, and an embossed Gucci belt. All in all, I’d say this outfit is definitely spring-ready! What about you? What are you looking forward to after winter? And how do you keep spring fever at bay during the colder season? Wishing you guys a warm and happy week! As always, direct links are at the beginning and end of the post, with more details in between. Have a question? Drop those comments down below! x.