Ice Cold Turquoise

January 6, 2020

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY J.ING AND H&M BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

New Year, New Me! (?) The last couple of months in 2019 have been very difficult. I’ve never felt more lost in my career, had major family problems that will remain undisclosed because I still think some things are meant to be kept private and respected, but I will say have been quite emotionally draining, and then I guess what felt like the last nail to the coffin: my beloved, MaQ, had suddenly died. Those that know me knew how much my German Shepherd meant to me. The loss has forever impacted my life. I am no longer the same person I once was.

So in today’s posts, I’m sharing my intentions for the future while also remembering the past. Now that my co-star is gone, the blog doesn’t feel the same without him. He was part of the reason why I had started this blog in the first place. And now I’m lost without him. I took the month of December off to mourn, reflect and sort out many unexpected circumstances resulting from what had occurred. Doing anything creative-wise was a no-go for me, as most holiday campaigns we’ve done in the past were with my boy. I still find it hard for me to be motivated or inspired right now. I’m deeply hurting but I know I’m not defeated. Time does heal wounds, and I know I will be needing it.

This month has brought so much insight for me. I’ve realized where I was heading into my career, unintentionally becoming an ‘influencer’, and all the while being relatively happy with collaborations/projects, what I became aware of was my dissatisfaction as well. I started to become more and more anxious as my following grew and I was more and more in the public eye. All I have ever wanted to do was create and in return, give people something to feel and think about. Even for only a fleeting second. My passions run deeper than just stylish outfits. However, I love expressing myself through fashion and beauty. But I’m first and foremost a writer and a photographer. And now that it really feels like an end to an era now that MaQ is gone, I cannot carry on as if nothing has happened. A part of my brand died too right along with him.

The legacy of MaQ will live on through my work. And in honor of my beautiful boy, MaQ + Suz will be transitioning from a blogging platform to a creative agency! It has been a big dream of mine for so long, and now the timing finally feels right. I am ready to embark on my new journey as a creative director. I will still share similar content as I have in the past, but going into 2020, the new goal is to create with brands but rather than having me be in front of the camera, I now will be more behind it! I also have a couple of very personal projects I’m working on and will not say much (would rather show you when it is ready) that will definitely be taking up a lot of my time. But a lot of my focus this year will be writing and photography. Now that the word is out, I’m excited for the next chapter in our story.

Last but not least, I incorporated this photoshoot for today’s post specifically because of the monochrome color. I’m feeling quite blue, as you can imagine, but also feel hopeful and at peace. The language of color is powerful and even though this outfit was photographed before MaQ’s passing, it’s ironically fitting for today’s message on the blog. Turquoise is a warmer hue of blue to me, and I found this color to be the best of both worlds when it comes to blue. Exactly like how I’m feeling: conflicted with mixed emotions, both good and bad. As always, you can shop the look down below or towards the end of this post. I want to thank everyone who has reached out the past month. This has been one of the hardest moments of my life and the friends who always have my back, your love, and support… there are no words. I’m just forever grateful.

LOVE & XX’S,

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Neon Skirt Outfit

October 7, 2019

WEARING: KNIT SWEATER | NEON SKIRT | SNAKEPRINT BOOTS | OLIVE GREEN SADDLE BAG

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY H&M, PUBLIC DESIRE, GIGI NEW YORK BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

One of the biggest trends to hit fashion in recent years is neon. But there are many ways to wear this vibrant color and in many different shades. A color I love during fall is yellow but how about wearing a shade of that in neon? I’d normally pair neon yellow with other bold colors like pink, orange, maybe a purple but what about a more muted tone such as grey or sepia? Can this give a fall/winter look? Continue reading to see how you can incorporate neon easily into your autumn wardrobe and where to directly find each piece from this look.

This calf-length skirt in soft, stretch velour has not only a wonderful color but the draping is also exceptional. I love velour as a material but it can oftentimes look inexpensive and somewhat tacky. This one definitely does quality justice. I paired the skirt with a chunky grey knit sweater that’s perfect for the fall and winter season. I wanted to see if this color palette could work: grey and neon. I think with the right accessories and colors together it can.

This green saddle bag works well with both the neon and grey. And I think with the sepia tones from the snakeskin boots, the color balance overall does work. Definitely not the norm, but I always like the experiment and see what can possibly work you wouldn’t see otherwise had you not tried to begin with. What do you guys think of this color scheme and look for the season?

LOVE & XX’S,

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Coral and Ivory Look

July 7, 2019

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

One of the hottest colors trending this summer is the lovely coral pink. But what colors go best with this bold, vibrant hue? And in a modest, elegant way? Sure, colors like gold, teal, turquoise, even navy are great combinations to perfectly blend more rich colors. But I’m not a wedding table top. Ha ha! Loud colors together can be too much sometimes, which is why I chose to style a white shade that I think goes so well with coral. Meet ivory. It’s another color that’s currently happening, which you’ll also see a lot of this fall. Continue on to see how I styled this particular summer look, accessorized with trendy styles while still remaining true to my style.

While ivory is still part of the mix to the coral shade in this look, with the cargo skirt and marble statement earrings, any other white shade even the color, white, is a great color combination with the pink hue of coral. One trendy shoe style this summer? Anything platform. I love these white summer sandals because of this reason. The cute buckle detailing as well plays nicely with the other colors as well as bringing a contrast with the delicate cami top.

Another trend in accessories this summer are straw handbags. To be honest, they are always on point during this season. They complement with many summer looks - and I have nothing but love for them. This bag is a combination between two different brands. The straw crossbody is from Teddy Ondo Ella, when I had attended their show a couple of years ago during NYMFW and received the bag as a gift. They no longer make them, which is something I also love because it feels more like one of a kind. The chain strap is from a Korean handbag brand, Gu De. I styled the chain with the straw bag to give it a nice mixture amongst everything else. Here is a link to the most similar straw bag I came across - very boho and still you can style it with different kind of straps as I did.

LOVE & XX’S,

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Winter Blue Outfit

January 7, 2019

WEARING: CHUNKY BLUE KNIT SWEATER | PLEATED SKIRT | BLUE SATIN BOOTS | BLUE HANDBAG

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

What Monday Blues? When you wear the color blue, do you ever stop to think why? Did you know that when one feels empowered, they tend to wear blue? Which is why you should wear blue more often! ;) In today’s post, I’m sharing a very ‘blue’ outfit, with one of my favorite fall/winter trends of the season: A chunky knit sweater with a pleated skirt. So if you need to find style inspiration, whether a piece has already caught your attention or if you’re looking for a more bluesy look, continue reading to find out more along with what wearing the color blue means for you!

Blue represents authority, structure, communication, dependability, trust and loyalty. Some shades or too much blue can project coldness, but with the right contrast in an outfit, I find it more inviting rather than not. Wear blue when you want to exude power, have mental control, be conservative, respected or communicate an important message. When wearing this shade, you’re broadcasting creativity, positivity, peace, loyalty (this has come up in many of my research finds) and it’s also saying that you’ve decided to live by your own rules, and by your own truth. “Because blue wearers think for themselves, they’re smart , have a quick wit, and are independent.” (Thanks, Huffington Post!) Ha ha! Don’t wear blue when you’re literally feeling blue. Did you know fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty? Again with this one! But I really think it brings a confident mood to the table, overall. Why do you think you wear blue when you do?

I’ve linked similar skirts to the one I’m wearing, because the one I have on could not be found online. There’s the same diagonal striped pattern in the H&M linked below, along with a few other selections that have a similar look. How do you feel about the knit sweater with a pleated skirt? I love that you can styled it up or down with chic ankle boots, like these navy blue satin booties, or even just a pair of Docs. I might have to do something like that when it really gets colder, what do you think?

This cobalt blue cable-knit sweater is in a cotton blend and super-duper warm. Heavily dropped shoulders, long sleeves, and ribbing at neckline, cuffs, and hem, I actually started to get warm while shooting this (yes, these are all in self-portrait mode - yet another challenge I’ve made for myself this year, to shoot more of myself, just by myself.) I went with a medium in terms of size because when it comes to these kind of sweaters I like them a little oversized. I hope you enjoyed this blue winter outfit! Links are at the top, middle and end of each post. Gotta question? Drop them in the comment section down below. Have a great start to the week!