Whatever Lola Wants

July 31, 2017

WEARING: ZAFUL BACKLESS HIGH CUT SWIMSUIT | YEAH BUNNY HEART DENIM SHORTS | 
WHO WHAT WEAR™ WOMEN'S LIGHT WASH DENIM JACKET 
IZIPIZI SUN WHITE WITH BLUE MIRROR LENSES | GUCCI BELT | PUMA SNEAKERS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ZAFUL, YEAH BUNNY & WHO WHAT WEAR™.

Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets... right? We live in a time where everything is immediate. Anything can be delivered to you within a drop of a hat. There's Seamless, Ubers, and more to service your everyday needs. And we also live in a time where women are supposed to be as powerful as ever, yet still to some, an overly confident woman can come across as too 'aggressive'. What da fuq? Since when did it become frowned upon for a gal to call it like it is and go after what she wants? Yes, there are boundaries when it comes to everything. Example? Sex. Other women more so than others, from lifestyle preference to insecurities, don't do relationships and definitely keep it casual. Nothing wrong in that so long as you're playing with protection and not losing your dignity over 'some guy (and/or girl).' If the rules are clear, don't try to manipulate either. Respect the boundaries. But in today's post, whether when it comes to sex, relationships, work, and other parts of our lives as women in this day and age, how should one behave when it comes to our self-assertive ways? Meeker and less confident, or steadfast assertive not giving a %&*^ what anyone thinks? Do you think there's something political in self-confidence nowadays?Continue on to read more about what is considered too confident and why perhaps, it's not the best way to shine in today's new digital world.

Even with limits and understanding the rules to the 'game', casual sex can still rub off the wrong way, men especially. I find that some men are intimidated by a strong, self-assured woman. Of course, no one wants a girl who's too cocky all the time either, so where do you draw the middle line? How can a woman have sex without being in a relationship and without being judged by others, men specifically? Why even now, after so much change, does society still consider a woman to be a slut if she enjoys sex, where if a man does and is older and successful, is considered to be an eligible bachelor? I say screw the rules and what society thinks! Just don't go running around boasting about the fact that you like sleeping around... there's a way to class that ish up!

So is there such a thing as silent confidence? You betcha. It's how you carry yourself, the way you walk, talk... everything that comes down to your energy is going to project itself. Even what you order in a restaurant. Be that femme fatale. You just don't have to go and 'show and tell' everyone everything. Regardless if it's enjoying sex or anything else. To me, it's always best to never lay all your cards out up front as well. Like a striptease, if you will... that way you'll leave them wanting more, whatever it may be. I guess what I'm trying to say is there's an understated kind of way to exude confidence. And you can totally do it without any kind of verbal communication. I find nothing sexier in a man, knowing what he's got and has the goods to back it up... without any bragging rights. Telling everyone how great you think you are or your work is, is just not a good look. So the next time you set your eyes on something, either that being a person or a job, always let your intentions be known, but keep it cool.

Have to give a few mentions to this cool look as well. These limited edition Izipizi sun white crystal blue mirror lenses are my new favorite summer shades! Polarized sunglasses are trending hard right now and these are right up that alley. My mustard yellow one piece is from Zaful and what I dig about one piece swimsuits is styling it with a pair of bottoms like these adorable heart-patched denim shorts by Yeah Bunny. And how chic is this Who What Wear™ denim jacket?! I love the ruffled trim and also the customized stitching of our blog, MaQ + Suz, that I had done at an event. Don't forget to shop directly down below, click the photo which will take you straight away to the piece you're looking at. And I'd love to hear your thoughts on this post so please feel free to comment down below as well! Wishing you guys a great week!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Who What Wear Women's Light Wash Denim Jacket

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Sweet Williams on Memorial Day

May 29, 2017

WEARING: & OTHER STORIES DENIM JACKET | TOBI LOVE GAME WHITE SHIFT DRESS | 
MAD-STYLE TALL METALLIC GEO TOTE BAG | PUMA VIKKY GREY PLATFORM SNEAKER 
MAD-STYLE TRANSLUCENT CATEYES SUNGLASSES | CLAIRE'S SATIN BOW CHOKER | 
VIP ME DENIM & CHAIN FRINGE CHOKER NECKLACE

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY TOBI.

SWEET WILLIAMS FLOWERS ARE AT THE CENTER OF MANY ROMANTIC LEGENDS.

One such legend is steeped in the poetry of the English writer John Gay, who wrote, “Sweet William’s Farewell to Black-ey’d Susan: A Ballad.” In this piece of poetry, both the sweet William and the black-eyed Susan were depicted as real people – Sweet William as a sailor and the black-eyed Susan as his beloved, who must part from him. The story tells of the two meeting, then having to separate again – sweet William assuring his love and fidelity all the while. Sweet Williams flowers are one of the few blossoms that have symbols that most people associate with masculinity – their predominant symbol being that of gallantry. However, they also represent finesse and perfection and are frequently presented to the recipient as a way to tell him or her that the giver feels they are either quite smooth or simply as good as it gets. They also express the sentiment, “grant me a single smile,” and are sometimes given as gifts solely to make the recipient’s day. Sweet Williams flowers (yes, the flowers from this shoot are in fact, Sweet Williams!) have always reminded me of my grandparents. And the way they came together is not only over-the-top romantic, but fitting on a day like today... Memorial Day.

For those who do not know, I am half-Polish... given my dominant Eastern European last name (father's side). I feel like I need to inject this in now before I get going, you'll understand in a bit. My grandparents met like any typical teenagers do – amongst mutual friends. You see, my grandmother was dating a good friend of my grandfather's, but this quickly changed after they met. But wait, it doesn't end there. Before they could even begin courting each other, my grandfather was deployed to Paris during WWII. He served in the US Army Air Forces as a corporal lieutenant. Back then there was no texting, Facetime or social media. Even a long-distance phone call was pretty scarce. So, to remain in touch with my grandmother, my grandfather wrote her hand-written letters almost every day. Their correspondence to one another is what made them fall madly in love with each other.

At some point, the distance between them became too great. My grandmother could hardly stand it any longer and made her way to Paris to be with him. When they came back to the states not too long after that, they married. They had five children and were together for nearly 45 years. Sure they fought just like any couple, but they sure were crazy about each other. I feel like you don't hear that many legendary love stories anymore. Actually, the whole idea of dating in this day and age is rather frightening to me. While at an event this past week I struck a conversation with a woman who just moved to New York City a few months ago, and after a heart-wrenching breakup with her ex, she opted for Tinder, one of those dating apps, even though now there's so many of them for many different types of relationships, to sexual encounters, FWB, and yes, even 'real' relationships. And though Tinder is known for casual hookups, she ended up being in a relationship with the guy and is quite happy, it seems.

Is it like that for everyone? Definitely not. I was watching a documentary series late one night due to insomnia (over-working, stress & anxiety will do that to you) about the digital world and relationships. 1 out of 4 people who are in dating apps have trouble finding meaningful relationships due to 'too many options' out there. You have more and more women (and men) who are not willing to settle down and getting married. Younger women are more driven and independent than they've ever been. You have men who are literally sleeping with anything that has a pulse because they were the geek back in high school and now that they're all grown up with a successful job, it's payback time. For example, on the documentary series, there's a Las Vegas event planner who's basically in his forties and organizes pool parties for a living. He is single and thoroughly enjoys it being this way.

Was he the geek back in high school? No, but he was the 'nice guy', you know, the guy who wasn't necessarily a stud, but was nice enough to be your friend? Yeah, that guy. And then he went on to appear on a big reality show. After that, the nice guy was history. Women started throwing themselves at him all because he had been on TV (that and being mildly attractive probably didn't hurt) and a dickhead bachelor was born. But what makes this guy not the nice guy anymore is the way he treats the women he 'dates'. He will take a girl out a couple of times, sleep with her and then disappear. It is one thing to set clear intentions/boundaries, but what he did was misleading. He'd get them to believe they were something more than just a few dates, by taking the time to say and do all the right things men are supposed to do while courting a woman. And once he had them hooked, with a potential feeling of a 'maybe', he'd ghost them.

He even went as far as pretending like he didn't know a girl he was sleeping with for a few months. When she had tried to make contact with him after he ghosted her (meaning never responds to any messages) he replied with a, "who is this?" Luckily, the girl laid it on to him thick and told him how cowardly and hurtful his actions have been, going even as far as refusing to leave him alone until she met him face to face (this I would not make the time for), to express herself... and rightfully so! I find that the more options that are being provided within the digital world have caused people to act more selfishly than ever before. And romance? Forget about it, I feel like most of it is all for show. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of wonderful, good, decent men (yes, I've met some of them!) but in the new times we live in, and with endless choices when it comes to sex and relationships, I'm definitely missing the simplicity of authentic love amongst one another. Can't we write more hand-written notes anymore? If you're not feeling someone, can't you just be honest with them and give them that respect, especially when you know they'd do that for you? Since when did hurting others become a trend?

Now if you're not looking for anything serious and just want to have fun, that's completely okay. Just don't take advantage of people, being a jerk is never cool. How can someone like that guy look at himself in the mirror every morning? Thankfully after that girl confronted him, it made him think and change his ways. (Hopefully, because whatever is said on camera isn't necessarily done off-camera) With intention, this post will potentially give those some hope, that the real thing still does exists because I do continue to see it every day among others and through myself. And knowing you have a conscious – that you could never stoop to that kind of slimy low-level like that Vegas guy says something about you already, that you're better than that and because of it, you will go on to find better too. Never stop believing in love, my friends. Happy Memorial Day. xo.

LOVE & XX'S,

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Mad-Style Translucent Cateyes Sunglasses

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Like Mother, Like Daughter

May 3, 2016

WEARING: H&M OFF-THE-SHOULDER DRESS |
DKNY DENIM JACKET | GG BOSS OLIVE GREEN FRINGE HANDBAG | 
VIA SPIGA KAMALA ANKLE BOOTS | KENDRA SCOTT CARLA EARRINGS

What I would give to spend Mother's Day with my Ma. But I refuse to be sad because my mother would not want me to be this way. She made it clear to live life fully and to make time to enjoy it. Life is endured with its ebbs and flows but also remember that it's short. It goes fast. So, for this week's look, I'm dedicating it to my Ma, Sun-Hui, a.k.a. Sunny.

My outfit I styled (including hair and makeup), is in reflection toward what I'd actually wear this coming Sunday. If I could be with her, we'd definitely start Mother's Day with brunch! New York City style! And this casual chic look is not only something I'd be wearing, but it is also a twist on her style, which was fresh, light, and always feminine. But she was also cheeky. I remember her having a tank top with the words, 'slippery when wet' on the front. I admired her fashion sense and even when I was little, she'd dress me up in girly outfits and hair do's. But that all changed around the age of 6-7, when I started to develop my own individuality. I didn't want her to pick out my outfits anymore because I felt they were no longer my style! I knew it'd hurt her feelings, and when I had told her she did take it badly. I just wasn't a girly-girl and dresses were not really my thing. My favorite piece of clothing as a kid? Colored sweatpants! 😝

Fast forward some decades later and yes, now I like dresses (from time to time). No, I still don't prefer sweatpants, though pajamas are a close runner up especially when working from home. Ha, ha! I'm definitely a t-shirt and jeans kind of gal. Add in some sneakers and I'm good to go. But, lately, I, myself, have been feeling more feminine. Like a flower, in the process of blooming. I can't wait to share with you a brand new story in the next coming days! It has a lot to do with flowers and I've got the perfect gift idea for Mother's Day! A definite must-do if I were to spend Sunday with my Ma. Stay tuned.

photos + videography by Gilles Decamps | director, editing, styling, hair + makeup by Suzanne Spiegoski

Mother's Day is this Sunday! My fourth 'Suz's Look' video is a play-up on what'd I'd be wearing if my Ma was still here and if I was lucky enough to spend the day with her. A twist on her style, if you will.

To shop the look, please continue below.

Music:

+ARTIST: Flume

+SONG: Never Be Like You Ft. Kai