5 Ways to Style A White Shirt Dress

June 24, 2019

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY STYLEWE AND THESIS CRISIS BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Happy Monday, everyone! How was your weekend? Over a month ago I had styled an indigo shirt dress to which many of you went crazy over the dress. The blue color is a shade I wouldn’t wear everyday, but white I definitely can! So, today on the blog, I’m sharing 5 different ways to style a white shirt dress for the summer season. I’ve switched it up from casual to more dressy, but these looks can definitely be carried throughout the rest of the season. There is also a video I’ve posted on my Instagram channel showcasing the five looks. Check it out here. Continue reading to see full visual story and also to find direct links to each piece from every individual look.

WEARING: WHITE SHIRT DRESS | MELON BAG | BEIGE PEARL HEELS

The first way is to wear the white shirt dress by itself. No belts, no jackets, nada. Just solo. This type of dress would also work great as a beach cover-up aside from wearing it in the city during a hot summer day. Since wearing white alone keeps the look pretty plain, I thought it would be best to style the dress with bold, luxury statement pieces to bring the outfit to life. I paired it with my new favorite bag from Thesis Crisis and these luxurious slingbacks from YUUL YIE. I also wore a pair of resin hoop earrings, to balance with the accessories.

WEARING: WHITE SHIRT DRESS | RED BAG | WHITE LACE-UP SANDALS | BERMUDA SHORTS JEANS | PEARL HAIR CLIP

The second way I styled the white shirt dress is a variated criss-cross top. It’s a little sassy and a little business-y, which makes it a perfect look for an afternoon filled with meetings even through the evening should you have other events to attend to. I like that I feel like a boss even though it’s a more casual vibe. The bermuda short jean is super trendy this summer. If you want a more serious type of look, you can style this shirt dress and jeans with a sleek black blazer. Other accessories in this look are my favorite red Furla bag, white tie-up sandals from Linzi and pearl hair clips from Atelier des Femmes.

WEARING: MUSTARD YELLOW BLAZER | WHITE SHIRT DRESS | YELLOW BAG | WIDE LEG JEANS | RUBY PATENT SLINGBACKS

The third look is all about my favorite summer color at the moment: Yellow! Inspiration from this look? Lakers girl! I’m a die-hard fan and also kept my California roots to this outfit. Casual, slightly boho, chic and fun. Very L.A. kind of gal. The yellow blazer is from Akira and the bag is from Forzieri, the brand: Le Parmentier Paris. You can get your Peyote bag from Forzieri. Use the code name: SUZANNE15 for 15% OFF on Le Parmentier bags collection at forzieri.com valid until July 4th. The white shirt dress is styled in a very similar way like look 2 except instead of the tie being criss-crossed to the back, I took it to the front and did a simple tie around. I also unbuttoned a few more buttons located in the back which opened the dress a bit more to show off the wide leg jeans. Other accessories include bold statement hoop earrings and vintage Calvin Klein ruby patent slingbacks.

Another great way to style a white shirt dress is by making it into a cardigan/kimono/beach wrap. In look #4, I went with an all-white look. Perfect for a beach day, picnic, or an all-white party (just hold the marinara sauce away from me LOL) this casual look is a recent fave and will definitely be a repeat offender this summer. The trick to an all-white look is wearing different shades of white. This will help to not have you look washed-up and creates more dimension to a simple look. That and play on textures and materials, such as this headband scarf from Atelier des Femmes and these chunky sole buckle detail sandals in white from Ego Shoes.

WEARING: WHITE SHIRT DRESS | POLKA DOT HAIR SCRUNCHIE SCARF | BLACK MERMAID SKIRT | BLACK MARY JANES | GOLD STATEMENT EARRINGS

Last but not least is the most dressy of looks. I got the inspiration from sonatas in classical music as they are one of my favorites in this genre. Chopin, specifically. So I wanted to style the white shirt dress in a more refined, polished up look. First thoughts that came to mind was black and white, gold accents, and a bold vampy lip. I chose to tuck in the front of the dress shirt - you’ll need a skirt that has breathing room like this black mermaid one I’m wearing that’s perfect for date night. The back of the shirt dress has a simple but chic bow tie that I feel works wonderfully with the polka dot hair scrunchie scarf and gold statement earrings. The black mary janes seal the look with its gold accents and sleek fit. Another favorite look. What were some of your favorite outfits from this post? I’d love to hear from you - leave your thoughts in the comment section down below!

LOVE & XX’S,

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Posh Safari Chic | Date Night

May 23, 2019

WEARING: KHAKI GREEN DOUBLE-BREASTED JACKET | LIGHT BEIGE PAPER-BAG SHORTS | BLACK POINTED PEEP-TOE MULES | IVORY CROC-EFFECT LEATHER BAG | TORTOISE RESIN HAIR CLIP

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

I don’t know know about you but it’s been one heck of a week for me! Who else is ready for Friday? I’m never one to count the days to the weekend, but sometimes we all can use a breather. In which case, my husband and I always make an effort to go out to dinner. At least once or twice a month, we like to try something new and maintain something old, as in tradition, we always have dates at the place where we first met and also had our wedding party. It was previously a French brasserie (coincidence the hubby is Parisian, I think not (!), that or the universe has a funny sense of humor at times) but it’s now a simple Irish pub, where the food is just as good and filled with many happy memories. Even MaQ joins us out on the terrace for brunch on the weekends, when the weather permits it. Now that summer is creeping in, I was inspired to do a color-schemed safari palette into a date night look! Continue reading to see what I chose and where to directly shop.

When I think of what colors to include in a safari chic-like palette, they are khaki green, beige, ivory, tan, black and others. The first piece to catch my eye that inspired this look was the khaki green double-breasted jacket. I went one size up since I love the look of an oversized jacket and/or blazer. Initially I was going to style it with a great pair of jeans, which I could always do for everyday business casual, but I wanted to elevate the look into something a tad more. That’s when I came across these particular pair of shorts I knew how I wanted to style everything together.

I LOVE these light beige paper-bag shorts. These shorts come in thick cotton jersey. They are high waist, with a paper-bag waistband, pleats in the front, and zip fly with concealed hook-and-eye fastener. There is a removable tie belt as well and I cannot stress how comfy these shorts are! So perfect for summer and I think they also tie really well with the khaki green jacket. I went with some black to bring it all together without having the outfit look too bland for date night. So these sexy black pointed peep-toe mules are such a hit for the occasion. They’re also not a nightmare to walk in, which is a MUST for me.

Hair accessories are a major hot trend for spring and summer this season with hair clips being all the rage. Pearls, resin, metallics, you name it. I discovered a French hair brand that you can get personalized pieces from, that will polish up any look with its chicness. I had one made in the name of my brand, MaQ + Suz, and I absolutely adore it. I styled it in a half-up hairstyle on Instagram here but I think this clip looks great from day to night. Go to www.lovelessparis.com to customize your barrette! You can create from 3 to 8 characters, and it’s so easy!

Last but not least, I went with an ivory croc-effect leather bag without any straps. I think it creates a more evening vibe that is perfect for date night. I hope you enjoyed my posh safari chic date night look! Feel free to drop me a message down in the comment section below. How would you style a safari-chic look? And for date night? Thanks for stopping by! Wishing you a great rest of the week. x

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Sporty Footwear with SOREL

May 8, 2018

WEARING: GANT RUGGER CRINKLE DREAMY OXFORD KNOT SHIRT | AMERICAN EAGLE DENIM SHORTS 
| SOREL ELLA SANDALS

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY GANT & SOREL.

Hey guys! I don't know about you but I always have the toughest time finding the perfect summer sandal. Since I'm a very active gal and literally run around doing a gazillion things at once, I need footwear that's comfortable enough to wear but also stylish. I need good quality support, something that's enough to take it from day to night, especially during those crazy warmer months where I'm not home as often as other seasons and therefore have no time to change outfits if I'm going out. Which is why these SOREL sandals in today's post are the bee's knees when it comes to summer footwear. Continue reading to see how I styled this casual but chic summery look and also where to shop these items directly.

The quality of the sandal material is very good and the sole has great traction and feels surprisingly thick. I'm wearing the Rose Gold with white straps and they are so cute and will match with so many outfits. This particular sandal also comes in a variety of colors such as black and camel, grey, all black and white. They are all a great sporty but sophisticated look to any summer look. And I find them very easily packable for travel for those jet-setters who are always looking for a little extra room in their luggage, these multi-purpose sandals would look amazing on anyone. The Ella sandal runs at $80.

The Crinkle Dreamy Oxford Knot Shirt takes its cue from classic American sportswear styling with its knot detail at the front. Made from crinkled Oxford cotton, (which is one of my favs) this shirt has an exaggerated shirt shape, with extra-long cuffs, point collar, and button down placket. I think the features really ties well in together with the American Eagle denim cutoff shorts and the SOREL sandals that are both also sporty - the ripped hem thanks to myself makes it a little country which I don't mind... I guess you can take the girl out of Michigan but you can't take Michigan out of the girl! :)

Again I can't stress enough how great these sandals are. If I can leap up in the air with them and have no trouble whatsoever, I either was born with cat feet-like tendencies or the SOREL sandals are legit amazing and everyone should own a pair. I'm already considering a different color to add to my collection but I must resist the temptation! I have too many shoes as is! More content coming your way soon, I'm sorry for the delay this week in posts! Too much going on - and in a fabulous way! Catch ya back on M + S very soon.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

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

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

White Summer Shorts Suit

June 10, 2017

WEARING: DEZZAL WORK BLAZER AND MINI SHORTS | NA-KD FASHION DEEP V SINGLET | 
VAGABOND OXFORD SHOES | MAD-STYLE ROCK N ROLL CROSSBODY BAG | MAD-STYLE CALLY EARRINGS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY DEZZAL & MAD-STYLE.

CHIC FOR MOST OFFICES AND EVERYWHERE ELSE.

Shorts suits' ultimate-feminine take on menswear is one Spring/Summer trend I can jump onboard for. I love mixing soft and hard pieces together, and because I'm also not necessarily either in particular, it's a great way to showcase my style while also having fun doing it. (and perhaps simultaneously taking care of business.) And this kind of trendy suit is more than 'suitable' in warmer temperatures, especially for busy working gals who don't have time to change in between work and evening functions. I adore a day-to-night look because a simple but stylish outfit can be carried throughout the entire day, so long as you carry yourself well too. And what suit doesn't give a woman an added boost of confidence? Let me show you how to style a shorts suit just in time for summer!

Sometimes when petite or shorter girls wear something like a shorts suit, they need additional help in elongating their legs. If you're a little bit disproportionate in terms of measurements, wear a heel of some kind. To give even more length, a strappy sandal would definitely fit the bill. But if you want to go for a more traditional look, I'd go for some oxfords like I styled here. I love the nude/faded-blush tone in these Vagaband oxfords because it helps focus on the main attraction, which is the shorts suit. To balance the color out with the shoes, I chose a lighter pink colored rock -n- roll bag and a carnation pink silk camisole top.

The beautifully cut singlet top is from NA-KD Fashion, featuring thin straps in a racerback design and is light as a feather. I've never been a huge fan of pink, but other shades such as dusty pinks, and other blush tones have been making me grow more fond of the feminine color. Perhaps it never really was a girly color, but more of an empowering one. Now that I think about it since when has pink ever really been a soft or weak color? I must admit when I do wear pink, which is still quite a rarity, I do feel more feminine, but in the best way possible. Use my code Suzanne 20 for 20% off at NA-KD Fashion!

To go with the guitar-strapped rock -n- roll bag, I wore these cute Cally earrings, both by Mad-Style. These stunning earrings are on trend and create an eclectic mix of modern and rustic style. They have some really great accessories at very affordable prices. Check them out at Mad-Style.com, and use my code, 'maqandsuz' to get 20% OFF your purchase. The gorgeous metallic tones of the earrings mix well with natural stone accents, like this white shorts suit from Dezzal.

There are a few reasons why I love this particular shorts suit. One it's fresh and crisp white color is so clean for summer. Two, it's materials, such as the texturized fabric for both the blazer and shorts is pretty fantastic, and three, the pearl details on the pockets of each piece is almost too good, am I right? Just the right amount of chicness, playfulness, and charm in the perfect summer outfit; both for business and for pleasure :) What's your guys' take on the shorts suit trend? I'd love to hear from ya! Don't forget to comment down below and leave some love... have a wonderful rest of your weekend, everyone!