Stripes and Heavy Hearts

October 4, 2017

WEARING: ROSEGAL STRIPED MOCK NECK CASUAL KNIT DRESS | 
MICHAEL KORS MERCER LEATHER CROSSBODY | EGO TEGAN POINTED TOE ANKLE BOOTS | 
MAD-STYLE CALLY EARRINGS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ROSEGAL.

Since waking up Monday morning to hear of yet another senseless tragedy in America, I am left with a heavy heart and can't stop crying these past few days. What is happening in our world right now? I can't stop thinking about everyone affected by this. Think about it. Over 500+ injured, 58 dead... triple that amount just to get a perspective on how many people have been touched by this awful incident. As much as I love my work, creating and publishing content without as much as a discussion, let alone a stupid fucking meme with hearts and prayers, is definitely hitting below the belt. I've never seen so many fashionista's Insta-stories and/or social media posts giving 'shoutouts' to the victims and families (or nothing at all, just completely unacknowledging them)... only to go on about their daily lives and not even mention any ways to help like donating blood, contacting your elected representatives to support mental health or stricter gun control policies, or other ways to donate, such as natural disaster relief funds to the victims of Hurricane Harvey. And why do I feel like the ones that preach the most about this shit are the ones that aren't really helping to begin with? I know that sounds pretty harsh, but it is sort of the reality of the situation. Now, I AM NOT saying that there isn't anyone out there, with the power and reach, to spread information like wildfire in a scenario like this, because there are, and kudos to you for taking the time to do so, but there's a lot of you that really don't care about anyone but yourself. And I can attest to this because I'm seeing it unfold right before my very eyes, unfortunately.

Whenever something tragic like this happens, I immediately think of my loved ones. Family first. Don't you? Now for those who don't know me that well, I don't have any family. They're all gone. Either physically or through tough life predicaments, I am left with no one but myself. I don't have a single soul to call and cry about my problems to or have a mommy or daddy to help me out when I'm financially in a pickle. I've been on my own for a long time now. So I tend to get pretty depressed sometimes and will shut down. Especially in a time like now where all I want is to talk to my parents and hug them and tell them how much I love and miss them. I need some form of solidarity when feeling alone and confused. There is no love like one from a parent. A good parent. The most important family is not the one you were born into, but the one you choose. I have a small circle of friends that I trust and hold very dear to, but very few have entered into this circle and have stayed there. Loyalty is hard to come by these days and I'm finding myself losing more and more hope with the world we're living in.

Sure you can be an advocate of some kind, whether it's donating your time, money or both to organizations that will help carry that through, but to me, the best and most important way to help right now is to constantly BE KIND and LOVING. Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. So be good to each other. Hug your loved ones extra tight and never forget to be grateful for your life and others. And be forgiving. I've talked about this in the past, because it really hits close to home. It's not about forgiving and forgetting what's hurt you, but more about letting go and being able to move forward. Self-love is something I too have struggled with my whole life, and I'm slowly but surely starting to see my worth and will no longer waste my time on those who don't see this. If they don't look at you like you're magic, walk away... or rather, RUN away. Doesn't matter if they're blood-related or not.

Steve Sisolak, Chair of the Clark County Commission, has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the victims and their families. It had collected more than $3 million as of Tuesday morning. Officials in Las Vegas say there has been an overwhelming turnout for blood donations -- some donors waited in line for more than 6 hours -- and no more blood is needed right now. Those looking for information about loved ones still missing in the Las Vegas area can call 1-800-536-9488. If you live in the Las Vegas area, you can volunteer transportation and other help to victims through this Facebook page. Please help in any way you can, it's not just about the immediate support, but for the more trying, long-term ones. The victims need us and we need them. Please remember how amazingly special you are and that you are LOVED. Want to talk? Leave a comment or send me a private message through social media or email. I'm here for you.

*Go to Direct Relief to donate money or American Red Cross to donate food and/or clothing for the victims of Hurricane Harvey. They are also asking people to donate coloring books, puzzles, and other toys to the shelters for the kids.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Rosegal Striped Mock Neck Casual Knit Dress

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Rent the Runway: Tibi x Derek Lam

July 24, 2017

WEARING: TIBI STRIPED TIE SLEEVE SHIRT | DEREK LAM 10 CROSBY ASSYMETRICAL SKIRT |
GUCCI BELT | MICHAEL KORS MERCER LEATHER CROSSBODY | STEVE MADDEN BLACK ANKLE BOOTS

HAIR STYLE DONE BY PAPRIKA FROM O&M.nyc

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY RENT THE RUNWAY & ORIGINAL MINERAL.

Happy Monday, everyone! How was your weekend? I stayed in the city to catch up on work since I've been away the past week. I've got some exciting new content coming your way, from pet brands to even a newly discovered liquor brand, I'm always looking forward to the next project. And though I am a fashion & style blogger and have a closet full of clothes to wear, sometimes I'm looking for something new and fresh without the hassle of long lines at the store and that damaging retail price, especially when it comes to high-end designers. On top of my crazy schedule, finding the time can be rather daunting, nearly impossible at times. Which is why I'm so grateful to have discovered, Rent the Runway (RTR). Labeled as, "the Netflix model four haute couture" by the New York Times, RTR is an in-store and online site, with over 300 coveted designers and 100 options to choose from, where you have access to runway looks, exclusive designs and beyond to rent from. Come take a look at my outfit choice when it came to my first experience with RTR!

Starting the week off with a business-savvy look always sets the tone and brings me the extra boost in confidence to jumpstart any meeting. But I'm not the corporate type and do enjoy bringing an edge to more simple everyday looks while still maintaining a professional vibe. Because why should one ever dress to play it safe? I also really like to incorporate different styles with other ones, like these two amazing pieces I rented from RTR. The Tibi striped tie sleeve shirt looks like something one would wear if they'd ran off and joined the circus. Lace-up anything right now is super trending, and the different ways to tie these up brings out the fun from this style. It brings out the striped shirt from being another typical striped shirt. I'm completely obsessed with Tibi and this shirt did not disappoint!

When it came to the bottom part of the outfit, I wanted some kind of flared skirt to minimize the sharpness from the stripes. And when I laid my eyes on the Derek Lam 10 Crosby midnight blue asymmetrical skirt, I knew it's military/schoolish vibe would go perfectly with the Tibi shirt. The skirt brings an extra funk to the outfit while still maintaining a strong polished look. Of course, I paired it with my favorite belt that I wear too often (but can you blame me?), which went pretty well with the skirt's stitching and color. To finish off the look I kept my accessories the color black, like the Michael Kors crossbody bag and Steve Madden ankle boots which go well with everything.

A little more info on RTR... you can rent pieces from 4-8 days and with a third of the cost of the actual retail price. It's great for those who are not yet ready to make bigger fashion purchases yet and want to try wearing a new brand before picking investment, staple pieces, which in my opinion, every woman should have a couple of things like that in her closet. Because in the end, it is always quality over quantity, am I right girls? Examples of such pieces? A crisp white shirt/blouse, a little black dress, and/or a great pair of heels/boots that make you feel like Wonder Woman along with walking around comfortably. I am ready to kill it this week and my Monday is off to a great start with this killer outfit! What do you guys think and what are you getting ready for this week? Whatever it may be, hope it's a fantastic one! Be back soon... in the meantime shop the look directly down below!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Midnight Blue Assymetrical Skirt

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Summer Longline Trench Blazer

July 10, 2017

WEARING: NATIVE YOUTH LONGLINE CRESCENT TRENCH BLAZER | 
VAGABOND HONEY BRISBANE BODY SUIT | PERIDOT BOUTIQUE IVORY CHAIN TASSEL EARRINGS |
 PERIDOT BOUTIQUE MIA MID RISE JEANS | PERIDOT BOUTIQUE LOAFER SLIDES | 
MICHAEL KORS MERCER LEATHER CROSSBODY | GUCCI BELT

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY NATIVE YOUTH & PERIDOT BOUTIQUE.

Happy Monday! How was everyone's weekend? I worked a lot, two photo shoots, running around getting ready for the upcoming week, will be doing some traveling here and there for creating content and to do my first fashion editorial as the head creative director and photographer. I'm really excited to shoot! Also, New York Men's Fashion Week is happening right now, and I'll be attending a few shows/previews and events so be sure to check it all out on my Insta-Stories! Today's post is focused on lightweight jackets/blazers for the office when it's hot outside but freezing inside. The struggle is real! And how gorgeous is this gray, longline trench blazer from Native Youth?! Let me show you the rest of the look!

The Crescent Blazer is a lightweight outerwear piece, ideal for the transition to spring-summer. This longline jacket comes in a classic gray colorway and features functional front pockets. The Crescent coat also comes with an interesting split on the center back hem for an interesting take on summer outerwear. It's perfect for running around while working indoors, especially when they want to crank the A/C on full blast! Chilly vibes, much? I also am crazy about the color, as I do not have a long trench blazer in a gray color, now I need a variety in different colors ha ha!

I styled the jacket with a black bodysuit from Vagabond Honey (has an almost backless view which is oh so breezy in hotter weather) and a pair of mid-rise jeans from Peridot Boutique. Peridot Boutique is located in the lower Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle, WA and has some really great, affordable trendy pieces. I love their collection so much, this outfit features many other accessories aside from the jacket and jeans! These ivory chain tassel earrings and super-comfy black loafer slides are also from Peridot Boutique.

My new favorite leather crossbody bag is from Michael Kors. I love its size and shape, polishing up any look, either casual or a little bit fancy, it makes any outfit chicer! To bring a small tinge of luxury, I styled the jeans with an embossed navy blue Gucci belt. It's my go-to belt, I'm sure you've seen it a few times in many outfit posts, but what can I say I'm in love with my belt and it works pretty much with anything! What do you guys think of this office-inspired look? Have a great Monday and the rest of your week! Catch ya soon!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Native Youth Longline Grey Crescent Trench Blazer

Peridot Boutique Chain Tassel Earrings Ivory

Peridot Boutique Mia Mid Rise Relaxed Skinny Jeans

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Crop Top and Trench with a Side of Maroon

January 27, 2017

WEARING: SHOPFW RIB KNIT STRAPPY CROP TOP | 
MICHAEL KORS BLACK TRENCH | BDG HIGH-WAISTED JEANS | 
JILL-E DESIGNS SMART TABLET PURSE BERRY | HUNTER LACE-UP RAIN BOOTS | 
ESPERE DIAMOND PAVE WAVE RING

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY SHOPFW, JILL-E DESIGNS & ESPERE JEWELRY.

First, I got to get something off my chest. I read a quote the other day. It said, "I have a bad habit of searching for beauty in beasts and forever in temporary people." Sure, nothing lasts forever. But dammit, I'm a die hard romanticist and just absolutely LOVE falling in love with people. Why can't it be forever always? Because most people you'll come across in your life aren't meant to be with you permanently. Meaning, the majority of people you know will not be there for you when you hit rock bottom and are at the end of your pitiful rope. Sadly but truly, from one human to the next, people are bound to disappoint you, and even worse, hurt you. (Grrrr face.)

Have you ever had such a connection with someone, one from the inner depths of your soul; one that was so strong, as if you knew them from a past life? Can be a lover or a friend. It's a rarity to come by these days and I've only experienced it a few times. But something always goes awry - you're just a passing distraction to one's amusement, or the timing isn't right, or somebody never follows through. Perhaps one grew easily tired of the other or it's just a fleeting moment/chance encounter. People drift apart and can change. I believe you meet everyone for a reason, though, and yes, it's all for the better because you LIVE and LEARN. My best relationships were all happy accidents.

Having a conversation over drinks with a new girlfriend this past week we discussed how important it was to us to have meaningful relationships in our lives. And no, not everything in life has to be deep and intense because you can't take life so seriously. It's true, you'll never get out of it alive. And not everyone you meet is going to shake you to your core (so to speak), but like many of you, I'm sure may feel, I miss my friends. Always. Old and new. What a fool to be bothered with such nonsense, right? Hardly. I'm a highly sensitive, emotional creature. And yeah, it does suck knowing that not everyone wants you to be happy. And yes, (yikes) many are there to either use you, abuse you... (Annie Lennox rolling through ha ha!) Most likely, though, 99% of the time it's because they're unhappy. I don't expect to be lifelong friends with everyone I meet, but to the special ones I've made especially this past year, I'm beyond grateful for you. Without you, I wouldn't have grown the way that I have, and this means more to me than you'll ever know. So, apologies for the semi-LONG rant (HEY, I'm first & foremost a writer so...) but thank you for continuing to inspire me and for always making me want more than 24 hours in a day.

Onward to what's going on in this look today! I'm showing you guys what I normally wear on a typical rainy day here in NYC, but given the mild temps and the fact that my abs got a serious workout at a boxing fitness studio the other day, (yes, I took my first boxing class!) I wasn't as shy to show some skin. :) This crop top from ShopFW is rib knit fabric and has a self-tie strappy midriff which gives an ultra-sexy feel to it. And it's really comfy! I styled the top with my usual rain boots from Hunter and Michael Kors black trench coat. Along with my most worn, and quite possibly, favorite pair of high-waisted skinny jeans to date, is the super cool and tech-savvy smart tablet purse by Jill-E Designs. It's great berry/maroon color is only the icing on the cake. Inside is a Joey Energy charger where you're able to charge your phone, tablet/laptop, etc. on-the-go! It even has a longer strap to make it a crossbody. I know this will come in handy come fashion week! And last but not least is the gorgeous ring by Espere Jewelry. It's such a statement piece and I love its shape and design. Perfect to sparkle up any gloomy, rainy day!