Babushka Chic

March 27, 2019

The word, ‘babushka’, has its origins in Russian and means, ‘grandmother’. It also makes reference to the manner in which ladies in Russian, use this type of scarf, covering the head and knotting it under the chin. The last reference was taken to name the famous, ‘Lady Babushka’ who was suspect of recording the Kennedy assassination while wearing this garment. A trend that has come and gone, from Audrey Hepburn to the film, ‘Thelma & Louise’, to the Queen of England and even A.S.A.P Rocky, the rapper, has kept this style alive, even breaking boundaries which is something I definitely enjoy doing. And I really wanted to style this in a great setting instead of the usual street style photos we sometimes take. So continue reading to see the complete shoot along with where to shop the pieces in this look today!

I love a good rib-knit dress in a cotton blend. This one is great for spring. Small stand-up collar, short sleeves, and slits at sides, it’s movable and very comfortable. Since the the weather is not quite springlike here in New York yet, I layered the dress with a faux fur coat with contrasted cuffs to bring out a more Russian-feel to the look. I even wore sheer nude tights to also keep with the overall mood of this outfit. I also mixed with the stripe print with an animal one, as snake print anything is super hot in trends at the moment. Don’t worry, they’ll still be around this coming fall/winter as well.

These snake print booties are awfully comfortable too! Super sleek pointed ankle boots featuring exposed zip and sock style fit, you would think 4.5” in terms of heel height would be too much on the feet, but they’re so well-fitted, like a glove, makes it easy to walk around in. I wouldn’t say this if you’re on your feet all day, but for an afternoon or evening will do just fine. I like my shoes to be practical.

So I’ve mixed in animal print with stripes. You’d think I’d stop there, right? Nah. I love playing up on the beauty of print and patterns. There’s something about pushing boundaries like I mentioned earlier in today’s post, I find that when you do, in terms of fashion & style, you can really find out if these rule-breakers work or not. I wore a blue and white floral scarf around my head, a standard must in a babushka chic outfit. :) This scarf in the post is not intended to be a headscarf and is no longer in stock so I linked a very similar one that can definitely be intended for a headscarf/headwrap.

Other accessories featured in today’s look are a luxe burgundy crossbody bag and gold statement earrings. I hope you enjoyed this more stylized editorial shoot! I am working on doing more of this kind of content, but it takes more time, therefore, a longer waiting period. What did you like the most about this babushka chic look? The headscarf? Coat? Perhaps, you’re wanting to see a trend/concept on MaQ + Suz that you haven’t seen and would like to? Drop your messages down in the comment section below!

LOVE & XX’S,

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Stars and Stripes

February 21, 2019

WEARING: STRIPED MAXI SWEATER DRESS | TRIANGLE CLUTCH | BLACK SOCK BOOTS | STARS HAIR CLIP

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY GEEGEEBAE BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Happy Thursday, everyone! I’ve been back from London a couple of days ago, and it’s been nonstop work straight off the plane again, with a little sickness (respiratory infection of sorts w/ a ‘fun’ raspy voice) and complete exhaustion. But still trudging through and getting it done because that’s the way it is around here! Today’s post is dedicated to the teasing springlike weather, and as many of you I’m sure, just like myself, are itching to take those heavy winter coats off! But with transitional weather right now, it’s still not quite time for that, so our wardrobe needs something in between. How about a gorgeous striped maxi sweater dress? Continue reading to learn more about how I styled this particular piece, where to shop and more of what’s to come on M + S!

Who says you can’t wear your stars and stripes before the Fourth of July? And it doesn’t have to be in red, white and blue either. I love mixing prints, in which case, this is more about mixing materials and textures, but still falls in the category lines of it. I’ve been growing my bangs out since I grew tired of the maintenance it took with them. So with the latest hair trend, everything clips, barrettes, etc; I took the liberty in styling my hair with a single hair piece, amongst them the stars. I wore the stars hair clip the opposite way to have the dangling star on my upper face, to give it a ‘Rainbow Brite’ kind of vibe with the candy-colored striped maxi sweater dress.

The striped maxi sweater dress features an off-the-shoulder long bishop sleeves with ribbed cuffs, ribbed fold-over neckline, and double patch pockets. It’s the perfect dress for pre-spring. On warmer days you can wear it by itself (with perhaps some thermo wear underneath) and on those chillier days, top it with a trench or warmer oversized coat and you’ll look stylish both ways! I think it would pair nice with a powder blue or a khaki color, what kind of coat would you wear with this dress?

To elongate my height with the long maxi dress, I opted for black sock boots with a high heel. Other accessories with this look is the green triangle clutch and pink lippie. I’m not much of a pink girl, but it’s the most frequent color I’ve been wearing on my lips the past six months! I’ve been using Lime Crime’s lip liners and they’re absolutely the best I’ve ever tried in the business. They’re even smudge-proof, which is always a plus for someone like me who’s running around town and doesn’t like to touch up my makeup that much during the day. Because with good makeup, you won’t need to do much touch-ups!

I hope you guys enjoyed this outfit today! Still to come on the blog later this week, my recap of NYFW shows, LFW shows and LFW outfits. Not the mention my February beauty favorites which there are a ton this month (alas, the life behind a beauty product junkie ha ha!) We are also stirring the pot for more interesting content for this year, but these will take a lot of time so please be patient! I will announce more news as it comes sooner into the limelight. If you’re an avid reader of M + S, we’d love to hear from you! What would you like to see more of this year? Anything we’re not covering that you think we should? Drop those suggestions/comments down in the section below! See you guys soon. :)

LOVE & XX’S,

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You've Got to Feel to Heal

July 9, 2018

WEARING: VIPSHOP SHIRT DRESS | MAUI JIM SUNGLASSES | BRAHMIN BAG | GUCCI SLIDES | 
BING BANG NYC RING | BING BANG NYC INITIAL STUDS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VIPSHOP.COM, MAUI JIM & BING BANG NYC.

You've got to feel to heal.

Life is tough, but so are you. Most of you come to my blog for style inspiration, whether it's in the realm of fashion, beauty, lifestyle... I aim to make each element beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. Maybe some of you come to see my boy, MaQ, as he is just as much a part of my blog as I am and he is truly the mascot of my business. But what I rarely discuss on here is my personal life and all the experiences that led me to here. Since I've had a lot of new readers on here as well as on other social media platforms, I thought today would be a great time to sort of -reintroduce myself. Hey, I'm Suz. I've lost both of my parents in my 20s. I'm completely estranged from the rest of the family, including my brother. Today marks exactly 6 years since my father unexpectedly passed away. Grab some tissues, this isn't going to be an easy read. Listen quietly or talk to me... I'm open either way.

My father, Caz, died from a massive coronary in 2012. The irony? The day he died was the day he finally was hired for a job after struggling for years trying to find work. The morning his sister drove him to the interview he had said he felt like he was finally at peace and one with God. He literally collapsed in the hallway after shaking hands with the woman who just hired him. When my brother called to tell me the news that our father had passed, I thought it was a sick joke. Truly in a state of shock, I was numb until getting on the plane the next day with my fiancé at the time (now husband). I sobbed the entire flight home, knowing I would have no time to shed any tears while handling my family affairs once we landed. My family was unsupportive and cruel. Since my father died, not one member of my family has even called to check in on me. I'm dead to them, therefore, they are dead to me. One of his sisters refused to come to the funeral because she "already said goodbye to him" from a falling out they had. What about everyone else that needed love and support? Forget them too, right? It was as if everyone couldn't wait to just put him in the ground and be done with it. My father's side of the family has never been the best at communication (I plead the fifth) but everyone's true colors were shown after my father's death. It was like being hit with a Double-Whammy.

I lost my mother in 2005. It's still hard to believe it's been over 13 years since being without her. What was different about my mother's passing was being there until the very end. She was diagnosed with terminal cancer and battled it for nine months. I took care of her while holding down a job at the airport, finishing up school to graduate on time, and then some (nearly died twice while she was sick.) I am forever grateful that I was able to say goodbye to her. When people wonder what's worse: Losing a loved one suddenly or watching them slowly deteriorate... after experiencing both, the worst is the unexpected. There's so much I wanted to say to my father before he died and because we were estranged for three years before he passed, I'm eternally haunted from all the things left unsaid and what could have been. Is it normal to think that there's something else I could have done to prevent such a heartbreaking loss? Yes, but that's part of grieving.

How long does the grieving process take? I'm going to have to say, sadly, for the rest of your life. Is it easy for me every day? Fuck no. Some days are so awful, I have trouble getting out of bed. But then I hear my parents, and they'd be damned if I lived an unhappy, unfulfilled life. They wouldn't want that for me. And even though I try my hardest to live a full, rich life, I can't help but feel such sadness at times, knowing I can't share any of my accomplishments or mistakes with them. And in turn, I feel this incredible pressure to honor them - to prove to my parents that I wasn't born in vain and that it was all worth something. That I'm made of both of them, and that's a gift within itself. Do I feel lost half the time? Yep. Do I have moments of profound anger? Rage? You betcha. I feel like I've been robbed. Not one, but both parents? And no family to back me up? Why? I may never know, but I know this. I love them with everything I have and the content I create isn't just for the world to see, but it is more so especially for them. I hope they are proud of what I have done (so far) but I always have the sinking feeling that it'll never be enough, that I just will never be good enough. That's a horrible burden to carry. But I carry it. With pride.

So how do I bounce back on God-awful days as such? I FIGHT. It'll take every single ounce of energy within me. I try to believe that my experiences happened for a reason, and perhaps since I was strong enough to survive it, I do feel responsible to share it with you guys. To tell my story is a privilege. I hope this short but emotional post brings you something. Whether I may inspire you, and/or make you feel less alone, or even just getting to know me a little more and have a better understanding of me: Using my blog and art has helped me tremendously through the healing process. Those of us who have lost our parents are forever changed and we will never forget. I do believe that if you’re dedicated to wanting to live a brighter, lighter life, doing the work, finding the tools, and feeling the feelings will help you move forward. It has helped me. But it's a long, unwinding road. You’ve got to feel to heal.

LOVE & XX'S,

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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

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Are You a Katie Girl?

August 28, 2017

WEARING: ROMWE WHITE STRIPED SPLIT DRESS | ADORE ME LYANNA TOP |
CLOSET ACCESS MINI ARIA SADDLE BAG | EGO NASH BACKLASS ANKLE BOOTS | 
MOVADO ESPERANZA BRACELET WATCH | FOREVER 21 FISHNET CREW SOCKS

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY EGO SHOES.

THE WORLD IS MADE UP OF TWO TYPES OF WOMEN: THE SIMPLE GIRLS AND THE KATIE GIRLS. I AM A KATIE GIRL. ~ CARRIE BRADSHAW

If you're a SATC fan, I'm sure you know by now what episode Carrie said this in, with who, and why. It all comes down to Hubbel and why Robert Redford didn't end up with Barbara Streisand, or as us girls know her as, Katie... the complicated woman with wild curly hair. “Hello! C-C-C-Curly!!” Not all men, but many would prefer being with a simple girl rather than a Katie girl. Why? She's basic... ordinary... nothing special. She won't challenge you or inspire you or make you want to be a better person, but more so has the talent of keeping things light and well... simple. A definite non-core shaking kind of gal. And there's nothing wrong in that. But men I find to be highly intelligent and sophisticated will eventually grow tired with boredom. Wouldn't you rather find someone who touches your soul? What is the phenomenon of some men wanting to have a more quiet, less intense-filled relationship? Let's take a closer look...

There are a variety of reasons. One is that some men have trouble handling a Katie girl. We're passionate, ambitious, and sometimes yes, wildly difficult. Not because it's cool to be a great deal of maintenance required, but because we have opinions and aren't afraid to stand up for them let alone share them with you. We don't have simple minds and nothing about a Katie girl is basic. Ever see that couple walking down the street where the man is drop dead gorgeous, but not the woman? Now she may not be ugly, even far from it, but there's nothing particularly unique about her. She looks like a dime a dozen, and the personality is the same. An attractive man may prefer being with someone less attractive-looking for the sole purpose of being the better looking one. And because they know this, they too realize that these women will also worship the ground they walk on. They need that sort of validation from this kind of girl as they'd never receive it in the same way with a Katie girl. Plus, a man like this tend to also be extremely insecure or narcissistic, and would also have trouble being with an extremely desirable woman. Just the idea of another man looking at her would piss them off to no end. (Yes, I've been with a guy like this before, and ugh, such a turnoff.)

The other reason comes to down to simplicity. As mentioned before, the easier the relationship is - the happier the guy will be in this situation. No muss, no fuss. But how can you grow with someone that you never disagree with let alone shares any kind of objections with? You think they're going to share their hopes & dreams on top? The same goes for women wanting a Katie guy. Is there anything real in that? But I also think not everyone wants fireworks... complications... difficulties. Most of us hardly have the time to see our friends let alone immerse themselves in an intense relationship as such. And how many times do you encounter a love like that? Once? Maybe twice if you live long enough? I think the key to finding and maintaining a successful healthy relationship is definitely figuring out what you want... what works for you, what doesn't. Because no one is exactly the same.

How do you guys feel about this dynamic? Do opposites really attract, or is it just a disaster waiting to happen? Find out at least, in my opinion. I like to live with no regrets and if making a few mistakes leads me to something great, it's worth looking into right? But only if you're truly into the person. And I mean, TRULY. Lastly, I can't forget to mention a few shout outs with this fun pre-fall look! I'm all about the layering lately so today I matched an Adore Me pajama blouse with a cute summery striped split dress from ROMWE. I love the lavender satin ribbon detail in the back of the blouse, it brings a nice feminine added touch to the overall edgier look. My new backless ankle boots are from Ego Shoes, and they're one of my favorite shoe brands based in the UK! I added fishnet crew socks to complement the layered outfit. And my Movado watch was my mother's, a gift my father once gave her as an anniversary present, and a lesson within itself that you cannot buy back time. Don't forget to check out the entire look by shopping directly down below! You can follow my everyday adventures on Instagram too! And leave those comments down below about how you feel about basic b*tches vs. non-basic b*tches... and/or what you look for in a relationship that works for you :) I hope you all have a great week!