Calico Print Matching Set

WEARING: SHEIN CALICO PRINT MATCHING SET | ZAFUL TRIANGLE CLUTCH | 
URBAN OUTFITTERS BLACK MULE

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY SHEIN

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Mother's Day weekend. Sadly, my mother is no longer with us so this time period always has mixed emotions for me. I don't want to get too far into it as I've dedicated entire posts to her in the past (here and here) but nobody wants a Debbie Downer all the time. Which is why I didn't do one this year. It's hard for me because sometimes I want to share my story, but then there are other times where I feel those times that I did have with my mother are sacred, and not meant to be shared with just anyone. I'm extremely private and guarded - which is something I still struggle with that coincides with what I do in my career. I am supposed to be a public figure, be open to sharing everything about me to the public eye, but I never have nor will be that person. I think one day I will definitely share more, but it's just how I'm built. And I don't want the pity - all the 'I feel sorry for you' looks and those that don't know what to say when you tell them that not one but both of your parents are gone. It sucks. But I'll tell you this. As a creative person, such heartache and pain have brought me closer to the artistic notions in a very complicated world. And I'm grateful. 

It's as if it opened my eyes to something bigger, more profound than anything before. You see - I don't create to get rich, or make friends, or for self-validating purposes. The only reason I have when it comes to creating my work is because I feel compelled to. Without it and if someone were to tell me right now that I no longer could write or take any more photographs for the rest of my days, I'll tell ya what... I'd be seeing you. It's that important to me. Not that I'm a Caravaggio by any means, but that same insanity, that same feeling of release I get other artists may feel when creating their work? That's everything to me. It's the only way I know how to gather every little detail out of life and to put it into one entity and feeling whole afterward. Do any of you feel like that?

But something my mother taught me about passion and art is that once you find what you're looking for, pursue it with all your might, but in turn, be more focused on the journey and not about reaching the destination. You need to ignore what everyone else is doing and achieving. There will always be someone prettier, richer, working with better brands than you. Your life is about breaking your own limits and outgrowing yourself to live your best life. You are not in competition with anyone else. Plan to outdo your past, not people. Which can sometimes be difficult when you're competitive and extremely hard on yourself. Remember this, however - we are all going through shit. Big and/or small, what's important is to be kind, and to be aware. Even And to always try your best to bring forth something new and fresh. Make a little bit of difference, even if it's just for yourself. Or even better, for someone else. 

Which is why I'm gearing more towards creative direction, photography & styling rather than just being a blogger who shoots pretty pics of brunch, outfits and "stuff". (Even though this floral set is only $15 and you should totally check it out! ;)) There's so much more to life than that and I find limiting myself to one box doesn't inspire me or challenge me. I'm currently working on my second book, and though my first book was fiction (crime thriller), I'm pursuing a different genre. Not much to say at the moment, as I've learned, it's better to SHOW rather than to TELL. Wishing you all a kick ass week filled with goals, adventures and love. 

LOVE & XX'S, 

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Polka Dot Blazer

WEARING: SHEIN POLKA DOT BLAZER | HONEY COAST USA CUDDLE TEE | 
LEVI'S DENIM MINI SKIRT | EGO BLACK PATENT LEATHER BOOTS | MAD-STYLE CROSSBODY BAG | 
DANIEL WELLINGTON WATCH | PAPERCHASE BLACK RIBBON

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SHEIN AND EGO SHOES

New York City Street Style Wearing Polka Dot Blazer

One big trend that's still sticking around this spring season is anything in polka dots. The versatile style can be in several forms. You can go for supersize statement spots in a monochrome palette, or wear your specks small in a flattering silhouette like in today's post with this super chic black polka-dot blazer. The trick is to not overdo it when it comes to styling such a busy piece! So how do you add playful polka dots to your real-life wardrobe without looking overly prim and too proper? I'll be sharing how to finish the look with some edgy accessories to toughen up the ultra-feminine print. Continue reading to see more details, like ruched sleeves and fierce black patent ankle boots, along with how to incorporate this trend into your closet. 

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 SHEIN POLKA DOT BLAZER // HONEY COAST USA CUDDLE TEE // LEVI'S DENIM MINI SKIRT  EGO BLACK PATENT LEATHER BOOTS // MAD-STYLE CROSSBODY BAG // DANIEL WELLINGTON WATCH // PAPERCHASE BLACK RIBBON

Portrait with Pink Flowers
Graphic Design and Fashion Flowers mixed with Polka Dots

When I first received this polka dot blazer from SHEIN I thought to style it with a pair of jeans. One, because I'm a total jean girl. I literally wear them almost every day, (which is funny because when I was a child, I would be wearing anything but, the reason being... I hated them!) and two, it was what first came to mind in terms of styling the blazer. But when we got our first really nice day here in NYC, we're talking summer-like temps, my skin was rather excited to get in a good dose of Vitamin D. So I went with a Levi's denim mini skirt and also a simple graphic 'But first, let's cuddle' tee

EGO Shoes Ruben Pull Ring Ankle Boot in Black Patent

Accessories included are a Daniel Wellington watch in silver and black, a classic I wear often, black satin ribbon as a belt, to which I'd only recommend doing this with a piece that already fits quite snug to the body, as this type of belt alone won't hold up other loosely fitted things. The Ego Ruben pull ring detail ankle boot in black patent is not just for fall and winter seasons. If you're a true New Yorker, I guarantee you still have a good pair of black boots for the spring and summer seasons as well. We do tend to wear a lot of black, and this includes footwear during the hotter months. The Mad-Style rock and roll crossbody bag also brings in the edginess to this outfit along with the boots. (Which btw, I'm in love with the heel shape and pull ring details) My earrings are also similar to the hoop shape and go well with the polka dot blazer. 

Pink Flowers and Polka Dots Fashion Portrait

What do you guys think of this look? Are you on board with the polka dot trend? I adore it, even considering a dress Pretty Woman-inspired, which is strange as I am not big on dresses. How would you have styled this polka dot blazer? Shop this blazer here or at the start/end of the post, plus it's only $37! Wishing you all a lovely week filled with no more Mercury in retrograde (TYG LOL) and lots of goodness. Okay but first, cuddle. Ha ha ha! Catch you guys back here on MaQ + Suz soon.  

LOVE & XX'S, 

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Gingham and Tassels

WEARING: SHEIN TASSEL TIED OPEN BACK TIERED GINGHAM DRESS | 
LOUISE & ELEANOR SQUIGGLE BAG | ZARA CORK & LEATHER WEDGES 

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SHEIN.

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Happy Monday! I don't know about you fellow East Coasters, but I'm so over winter! How is it still snowing on April 2nd?! The last time I saw abnormal snowing was nearly 14 years ago when I was in Ukraine and it was snowing in the middle of April! We were baffled, but today's forecast is only leaving me exasperated. I just want warmer and sunnier weather, which won't be happening this week. But April showers bring May flowers! And before you know it, we'll be complaining about how hot it is outside. So without further ado, I'm bringing summer into spring to potentially jumpstart warmer temps! Continue reading to see the perfect dress for spring and summer. It is quite adorable for a vacation outfit as well. 

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How adorable is this dress?! A multicolor vacation round neck half sleeve shift dress has a backless short ruffle fringe, orange tassels and a gingham print with no stretch. I love the high waist and flounce sleeves, as it brings shape to this type of dress. It's similar to a babydoll dress. I think this would be perfect on the beach or anywhere with a lovely resort. I also believe this dress would look amazing at Coachella! The highlight of this dress? It's on SALE! 25% OFF and ONLY $16! 

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I kept my makeup clean and fresh with only a little added sparkle to my lipgloss. If you haven't checked out my latest beauty faves, I've featured the new lipgloss line from Urban Decay and it's so legit! The shade I'm wearing is called 'Nooner'. My go-to eyeliner as of late is the gel ones by Bobbi Brown. They don't smudge and are easy to apply. Highlighter is also Bobbi Brown, using Bronze Glow SS16. Nail polish by Essie, called, 'At the Helm', which matches perfectly with the orange tassels and wedges. 

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LOVE & XX'S,

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