Lavender and Polka Dot

May 31, 2018

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK LAVENDER MATCHING POLKA DOT SET | 
CHLOE HUDSON MINI SHOULDER BAG | NINE WEST JANILLY LOAFERS | 
ODETTE & ODILE WHITE SUNNIES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SAKU NEW YORK.

Happy almost Friday, everyone! In today's post, I'm sharing two of my latest favorite trends: the wonderful color of lavender and the plentiful world of polka dots. I normally only see black or white polka dot within a print, but this one mixed with maroon and lavender is unique and super eye-catching! Throw me on a good graphic print and I'm ready! At first, I was thinking of styling this matching set in Coney Island or in a garden of cherry blossoms or magnolia. But I find the setting to be so crucial in setting the tone of an outfit and with a piece as 'busy' as this one by Saku New York, too much going on in the photograph can mislead the eye and completely change the way we see the outfit. Continue reading to see where our photo shoot was located... we've shot here once before for my ten-year New York anniversary, come check it out!

How adorable is this matching polka dot set from Saku New York? I simply am in love with anything lavender, and I found this set to be very graphic. I got several compliments while we were out and about taking photographs in it. I love how versatile it is as well, later that day after the shoot I changed into some jeans and only kept wearing the top with it to an event. I would imagine the pants to work very well with a white tee and blazer of some kind, maybe even a hot pink? How would you style these pieces separately? And look at that beautiful white trim on that top, how gorgeous is that?!

I went with a comfy pair of white loafers from Nine West and a Chloé burgundy saddle bag. I felt the colors complemented with the matching set very well and kept it from being too busy and distracting to the main piece. I wore my favorite pair of white sunnies from Odette + Odile, the cat-eye shape is so cute, right? Other features I forgot to mention from the set: the pants have an elastic waistband which makes it ultra comfy, and my favorite; pockets! The top can also be worn over the shoulder or shoulderless, which I prefer the latter.

Alright, I have to hop off here and catch up on emails. Yesterday was so busy, I had a shoot, editing for half of the day, plus three events in between everything. Today is a pampering day and will be spending most of my day at my favorite salon to have a little hair rescue session. Haha! I am in serious need of a cut + color. Stay tuned for the results on my stories later on today, I'm also heading to an event later tonight for a French makeup brand in a pretty cool location... more to come later! Wishing you a fantastic day. :)

LOVE & XX'S,

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Bikini Questa Sera

May 29, 2018

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK KNIT TOP | MAVI JEANS ANIKA CROP FLARE | 
TKEES JO SUEDE GEORGIA SANDALS | CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BIKINI QUESTA SERA

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BEAUTE.

Hi, everyone! How was your MDW? I have a new post up with an editorial video! For those who didn't catch my last post, I had been wanting to create more video content but given that video editing is not one of my favorite things to do, I do not create this kind of content often. However, so many of you, along with my peers have been strongly urging me to do more video so voila! When it comes to making a video, there's so much more that goes on besides a photoshoot. I feel like a like an internet browser... 19 tabs open, 3 of them are frozen, & I have no idea where the music is coming from! In all seriousness, that's another reason why I don't do videos often. It takes a lot of time and effort and if I don't see some sort of visual that I need to come to life, I wait until the inspiration comes. And when I received the Bikini Questa Sera perfume from Christian Louboutin, a strong sense of summer encouraged me to create this for you guys.

We literally had a total of two people in production and on set for this video. My husband and I are a team: He is the photographer & videographer - I am the creative director, location scouter, stylist, hair and makeup, and editor. While shooting photographs, you're too thinking a million and one things at the same time. Is my shirt tucked in properly? What about my hair? Are the sunglasses on straight? Am I on the good side of my face? Where is the light? Don't blink. Okay... car coming. Back to my mark. Another cat call? Great... oh where did I put my phone? Is it almost noon? I have a meeting to run to, I have to leave in a bit. Honey, now there's car behind you! Phew! See what I mean?

And doesn't even get to the shooting film, imagine doing all that again plus the multiple takes to get the shots you envision. And the more specific the frame gets, the more time and patience it will take, which to be honest can sometimes be challenging to me. But videography strengthens that along with my visual eye and apparent need to create film. I'm sure many other photographers, writers, and artists feel this way, where you get so many visual images in your head and this sudden outpour, this compelling conviction to bring it to life. To try to show others what you see, think and feel.

I hope this video (scroll toward the end of this post to view) brings you a certain feeling and appreciation for the artistic notion of oneself. I am still trying to get to a level where the content is super-glossy editorial, but alas, no one is perfect. But I am, every day trying to elevate my skills and to exercise them in the best way possible, and to me, I think that is through writing, photography, and film. So enjoy, and please leave me any feedback! I really appreciate and listen to what you guys look forward to on MaQ + Suz.

Lastly, a footnote on this summery outfit. The coral knitted top with shoulder straps is from Saku New York, the faded black crop jeans are by Mavi, and the coral suede sandals are by TKEES. You can shop the entire look at the beginning or at the end of each blog post. Don't forget to drop a comment in the section box down below. You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay updated on new videos! Happy Tuesday. :)

LOVE & XX'S,

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May Beauty Favorites

May 25, 2018

BEAUTY FAVORITES: AVEDA FEED MY LIPS COLLECTION | 
LONDONTOWN GUILTY PLEASURE NAIL POLISH | KERASTASE COLLECTION | 
INNISFREE BRIGHTENING MASK | DIPTYQUE CHOISYA CANDLE | EVE LOM RADIANCE FACE MIST

Cheers to the long weekend! What's everyone up to this #MDW? We are keeping it low key and staying in the city to catch up on work and then some. We just filmed and shot for something pretty exciting yesterday, and I can't wait to share so I'll be spending some time on it for the next few days. This past month I was supposed to release a video I had done with a brand but when they decided to go in another direction, I was completely disappointed. All my work on the film was for nothing. But it's not! You see, I have been wanting to get more into videography and because of the original plans with the collab, it forced me to start learning more advanced stages in post-production in film. It's not easy, and quite frankly, I stress myself out to the max when doing it, but many of you have expressed your enjoyment in my film work, so I'm continuing my journey with it. My actual videographer is my husband, but I direct, style and edit the film. Just like with photographs. Wish me luck! I could just be relaxing on this long holiday weekend, but I'm a workaholic and way too giddy about the content we created! In the meantime, here is my monthly roundup of beauty favorites! Mint-scented, pigmented lipsticks that are actually good for your lips, the perfect summer pink nail polish, a collection of haircare products that'll make your head spin, a yellow brightening mask, orange blossom scented candle and the best face mist out there right now... it's all going down in today's post so don't miss out! Continue reading to learn more about these products and where the shop them!

You guys know I'm a big Aveda haircare user, and I've never tried their makeup before, but after trying this collection, it's safe to say I love both. 95% naturally derived, these long-wearing feed my lips™ lipsticks with nourishing certified organic cupuaçu fruit butter and botanical oils and their signature certified organic peppermint, vanilla and ginger aroma-flavor. You can choose from different shades in a satin finish created to complement your hair color. A balanced blend of botanical waxes helps deliver long-wearing benefits for color that lasts all day. Stays true for 8 hours and does not feather. The cupuaçu fruit butter helps nourish and moisturize for beautifully soft lips and the blend of botanical oils, including certified organic kukui, jojoba and sunflower help smooth lips. The lip liners are also well-pigmented and long-lasting and there's even a lip treatment with no shade to use as a lip balm in between shades. :)

Make that two martinis & a pop of cherry red! Give your nails the good stuff. Florium Complex infused Lakur by Londontown takes color to the next level by fusing bold hues with enriching botanicals to deliver long-lasting., high-shine wear that hydrates and strengthens with every application. My most favorite hot pink shade (without the shade being too bright) is their 'Guilty Pleasure' shade. Don't choose between nail care and color, pick both. Made in USA 9-Free, Cruelty-Free, Vegan Instructions Apply two coats of lacquer following an application of kur Nail Hardener; allow lacquer to dry for 10-15 seconds, then seal in nutrients with kur Protective Top Coat, kur Protective Matte Coat or kur Gel Genius Top Coat.

I've been using Kérastase haircare products since I was in college! They have amazing hair masks and lotions on top of shampoo/conditioners. With their new Reflection collection, it's the perfect regiment for hydrated, healthy summer hair! Especially if your hair is colored. To maintain my hair color and keeping my locks nourished, I've been using the Reflection shampoo, hair mask, hair balm and the new Incroyable hair lotion for a while now and the results have been amazing! Here's a breakdown of these four products:

Kérastase Reflection Chroma Captive Fondant

A multi-tasking styling hair balm. Features a half cream half paste texture. Helps tame and mold style with no sticky feeling. Provides medium, flexible and long-lasting hold. Leaves hair soft, shiny and manageable with a natural look.

Kérastase Reflection Bain Chromatique Sulfate-Free Shampoo For Colored Treated Hair

Kerastase Reflection Bain Chromatique sulfate-free multi-protecting shampoo for colored hair gently cleanses hair to protect and maintain healthy hair color. This shampoo not only cleans the hair beautifully, it leaves it feeling nourished too. Free from the nasty chemicals in so many shampoos means that there is no further damage to color-treated hair. Would not use any other shampoo. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Kérastase Reflect Chroma Rich Masque

Kérastase Reflection Chroma Riche Masque is a luminous, softening, treatment masque for dry, highlighted, or color-treated. I've been using their hair masques for years and this one has been by far my favorite! The texture is very rich, thick and concentrated and a little bit goes a long way. It makes my over-processed hair exceptionally soft and smooth!

Kérastase L'Incroyable Blowdry Heat Lotion

Create endless looks with our first-to-market* ground breaking Couture Styling innovation. Miracle heat-sensitive microwax technology allows the hair to set and re-set styles with ease. For fine to normal hair, apply two pumps of L'incroyable blowdry lotion into hands. Distribute on towel-dried hair and blowdry for desired look. Restyle or change the look easily with the use of heat tools.

A volcanic cluster yellow mask for sebum control and brightening. This is perfect for anyone with oily or combination skin. Aside from drawing out impurities from skin with the Jeju lava ingredient, this mask comes with special ingredients such as Vitamin C complex (yellow) for brightening. Perfect for when your skin is looking AND feeling a little dull.

When I think of one of the world's finest luxury candles, Diptyque is definitely one of them. This finely scented candle releases the clean, vibrant fragrance of Mexican orange blossom Orange blossom is renowned for its calming, soothing properties. There are a variety of scents, but the Choisya candle is my favorite during the summertime. Burns for approximately 60 hours

A versatile, effective skincare treatment in mist form that hydrates helps to protect against the effects of environmental aggressors on the skin, and gives the complexion a radiant glow. The perfect solution for: Dryness! Formulated with enhanced actives in a water-light form, the Radiance Face Mist delivers an immediate increase in skin moisture by up to 80 percent after application, and hydrates up to 48 hours after use. A key moisture ingredient complex in the Mist supports skin's natural ability to regulate water retention and adapt to changing fluctuations in humidity, keeping skin balanced and refreshed. The formula is enriched with antioxidants that protect against free radicals and other oxidative damage that can lead to premature aging. An antipollution active of wild indigo extract acts to calm skin and reduces visible signs of stress caused by air pollution.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE PRODUCT

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Pardon My Fucking French

May 23, 2018

WEARING: NASTY GAL GRAPHIC TEE | NA-KD FASHION LEATHER JACKET | 
 MAVI TESS JEANS | FOREVER 21 RETRO SUNNIES | 
TELEPORT SHOES BOLT BOOTS | LEVI'S BERET

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY NASTY GAL, MAVI JEANS AND TELEPORT SHOES.

Parlez vous francais? Today's post is all on edgy Parisian style. This is totally me. As you guys know, my favorite part about styling is mixing it up and trying things outside the box, even pieces you might not even consider to be your ultimate 'look' but there's nothing more comforting than knowing your own unique take on fashion and then putting together an outfit that you'd not just wear once, but over and over again. So without further ado, pardon my fucking French and let's get down to what I'm wearing in this fierce look! Also, continue reading to learn more about some of the brands I've been wanting to partner with for the longest time and it's crazy to think that they're styled within this post! So... don't miss it, you definitely want to be checking this out!

I'm so excited to be working with Nasty Gal! They've been one of my favorite brands since forever, and to be able to style one of their pieces within my content is just surreal! They've created a collection of (p)unny uncensored graphic tees and of course being an Aries, I instantly gravitated to big, bold red font on a simple white T-shirt. My personality is quite unfiltered as well. I swear like a sailor and call it like it is. Not afraid of my voice let alone how opinionated I can be as well. So I found the 'Pardon my fucking French' tee to be fucking awesome! What do you guys think, would you wear something like this out in public? Obviously not to a job interview... ha ha!

When I was in college (and yes that was a while ago...) I discovered a jean brand with Turkish roots and had the most incredible and softest touch to their denim. Mavi Jeans is not just top quality (I had a pair that I wore for over ten years before I finally parted ways with them after literally splitting the seams with my big booty Judy!) but the comfort level is so legit, I never wanted to take them off! These pearl-studded skinny jeans are so fun and can go with so many different tops! This pair comes in at $128 (plus tax) but is so well worth the price. I find that once I got older, I was way more into investing in top quality staple pieces to my wardrobe because it's better for the environment and keeps your closet at a minimum when it comes to space - and us New Yorkers have so very little of it!

I can't say I've ever owned a pair of red boots before but these Bolt boots are just the right amount of lightning red for any Aries girl. If you remember from my last fashion post with the metallic silver boots, these red ones are also from the same brand, Teleport Shoes. Teleport has established its origins in the heart and soul of Los Angeles. They design for today by perfectly juxtaposing celebrated elements of the past and present. Feel electric in these new red leather Chelsea boots. The lightning bolt elastic gore detail will add a little edge to any outfit. They're amazing to walk in, even with a -inch heel.

I styled the look with some retro sunnies from Forever 21 and my favorite beret from Levi's. People are always so surprised to hear that the beret is from Levi's the brand, but I just consider it a lucky find and of course, why wouldn't it be fab? (Clearly, a lover of Levi's LOL) I recently attended a private event to the launch of Givenchy Beauty's Le Rouge Liquide lipstick collection and their new lippies are to die for! I actually combined two lipsticks into one to give it a berry ombre look, I went for colors N-107 Nude Velours and N-412 Grenat Alpaga - what's amazing about these lipsticks is the functionality. You can go bold or soft with just a twist! The soft matte liquid cream gives you a blur-effect yet a hydrating luminous set of velvet lips!

SHOP THE GIVENCHY LE ROUGE LIPSTICKS

I ate one of the props straight away after shooting. It was early on a weekend morning and we walked with the pup for a couple of miles before getting the shots. I could eat bread all day, every day. Who's with me on this? Of course, this isn't healthy but who said anything about that?! Just kidding, seriously though, why can't bread be our friend?My favorite part of this look though is MaQ, of course. I always have so much fun shooting with him and I think he does too. He is very trained to sit and hold a position, we've been doing this since he was a pup! I used to pose him unleashed in front of street art and people are still amazed at his ability to sit still and look so happy while doing so. He's the best model, I swear! He even knows when "it's in the box"... meaning we got the shot. He literally walks away like a diva, convinced we have it and that's why it's a wrap! Ha ha ha!

LOVE & XX'S,

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Best Way to Wear White to Someone Else's Wedding

May 21, 2018

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY METISU, LONDONTOWN AND AMANDA PEARL.

Wedding season is upon us and though it is not customary for anyone to wear white other than the bride, today I'm sharing you a few tips that could have you wearing the controversial color as a guest in the next wedding you attend! Now before you continue reading any further, know that I'm not advocating wearing a solid white of any kind, unless you're the one who's getting married, let alone stealing anyone else's thunder. But not all weddings are traditional and a lot of brides nowadays don't even wear white themselves on the big day, so don't just assume it's inappropriate. In today's post, I'll show you the best ways to wear white to someone's wedding, along with when and where this can be applied.

Wearing a white-based print dress will make you feel less nervous than wearing an all solid white one. If the bride is traditional, then perhaps going with something with more bold colors and print to not have white the base color. But this Metisu white fishtail hem cutwork lace maxi dress is just darling for a country wedding. Definitely a more casual kind of wedding, I'd totally wear this print white dress to a wedding somewhere in the Midwest! This one may not be as fitting for a more luxurious, swankier one, but this dress is also perfect on its own with no wedding invite. I'd wear this to a baby shower, a picnic, even just around the city with some sneakers like I did here in my favorite Puma's.

Another great way to work with the white is to pile on the accessories. Think of your white dress like a blank canvas and go crazy decorating it with amazing and colorful accessories. Make them the star of your outfit, not the dress. I paired this sliced fruit crossbody bag with the cherry-print to make the look more playful and summery. To keep with the cherry-red accessories, I also painted my nails in a lovely similar color by Londontown USA in 'Guilty Pleasure'. I think all of the accents of pink-reds definitely tie the outfit together. It takes a little focus off the white.

The jewelry I have on is all gold beside my wedding band and engagement ring. This amazing gold ring is by Amanda Pearl, an edgy little piece of armor for the hand - I like it in multiples. And the gold hoop earrings are 14k gold and made by Zales, which also happens to be the same brand that did our wedding bands! I always loved pairing gold accents with any shade of red, how about you? Do you think it's better to wear minimal jewelry to a wedding or big bold statement pieces? In my opinion, I think it has to do with the outfit itself. If you have a busier piece, then more minimal jewelry. If your overall look is more minimal, then I'd say statement pieces are a better way to go.

What's your take on wearing white to someone else's wedding? Would you even take the chance? How about in an ensemble like this one in today's post? Don't forget to leave your thoughts in the comment section down below. As always, you can directly shop the pieces in the beginning and end of every blog post on MaQ + Suz. Wishing you a fantastic week (and wedding season.) ;)