5 Ways to Style A Classic White Crossbody Bag

August 14, 2019

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY DELAGE AND CECILIA NEW YORK BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Enjoying the last few weeks of summer before fall. One color I love to wear during the warmer months is white, especially accessories as they look crisp, clean and oh, so chic… it’s quite another story when the first set of leaves begin to fall. But you’ll be seeing a lot more of white this season! Which is why in today’s post, I’m sharing 5 ways to style a classic white crossbody bag. The twist? I’m styling both summer and fall outfits - even transitional weather appropriate because let’s face it, that’s also always a challenge, with only one purse and in one color. White. So continue reading to see full visual story along with where to shop each look!

WEARING: RED ORANGE BLAZER | RED ORANGE SHORTS | NUDE MULES | WHITE BAG | STATEMENT EARRINGS

First look screams Indian Summer. It’s hot one minute and cool the next, one needs a good transitional piece! And imagine the multiple ways of styling either the shorts or blazer separately. To keep the look with minimal style, I wore nude mules with a low heel that would give me just enough length and statement earrings to make the short suit more luxurious. Instead of a loud, noisy bag, I styled it with the white crossbody that definitely polishes this look overall.

WEARING: BLACK MEN’S JACKET | BLACK WAIST PANTS | BLACK + ALABASTER SANDALS | WHITE BAG | SILVER EARRINGS

This is probably my most favorite look out of the five. It’s bold, sexy and fiercely intense which is definitely one style I can embody :) A recent trend that will be booming during the transitional period between summer and fall is ‘sailoring’. A technique in tailoring, it’s when one uses the lace or straps from shoes to hem long pants. I’m wearing a gorgeous pair from Cecilia New York. Classic black and white, lucite straps, and wire wrap around to fit any ankle to give a flattering look. In this case, a fun twist on hemming. I also styled an oversized men’s blazer but tying the front two slits together to give a tiny cinch to the boxy fit. And tell me a black and white outfit that isn’t chic?!

WEARING: WHITE BLAZER | BLACK BRA | WIDE LEG JEANS | SNEAKERS | WHITE BAG

Another black and white look, but with a twist. The perfect white blazer, but invert layering. It’s a classic look with different variations of style. I’d typically pair these wide leg jeans with the blazer and some dainty shoes but in this look I went for a more rough, tomboy edge pairing it with sneakers, pulled hair and pearl details to keep a bit of feminine style in the mix as well. I wanted to show that this crossbody bag can also work for more hard, non-delicate looks. How did I do? ;)

WEARING: GREEN DRESS | WHITE CHELSEA BOOTS | WHITE BAG

I’ve styled this dress before during the wintertime (!!) you can check it out here but I wanted to wear this again during the warmer season to show you it can be worn all year round. That, and the fact that this white crossbody bag goes very well with bold print dresses such as this one. I love how the small white dots from the dress goes so well with the white accessories. I think this look is stylish but understated, can be worn on so many different occasions.

Last but not least, a totally 90s-inspired look! I’d say this outfit is a mix of ‘Clueless’ and Prada references. This newspaper print tee I’ve worn during New York Fashion Week (see here) and it definitely reminds me of that Dior dress Carrie wore in Sex & the City. And I can’t seem to get enough of bucket hats and combat boots lately. They’re my ultimate favorite combo. I styled this look with a sleek ribbed skirt to keep it slightly sexy but not over the top. Definitely could wear this any day of the week and I wouldn’t be mad about it at all. Which look is your favorite look from today’s post?

LOVE & XX’S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Red Monochrome Outfit

March 11, 2019

WEARING: LONG RED TEDDY COAT | RED PANTS | RED BOOTS | RED HANDBAG | SUNNIES

Happy Monday, guys! I don’t know about you, but I am so ready for spring! Which is why I can proudly say this will be the last ‘wintry’ post of the season! Decided to spice things up and bring you a full red monochrome look, where I’m literally decked out in nothing but the bold color aside from my sunglasses. I loved styling this so much, I’m considering doing another monochrome look for spring. Would you guys like to see that soon? In the meantime, check out this look to get your heart pumping with spring fever! I can feel it in the air, the warmer season is just around the corner! So say one last goodbye to the teddy coat trend. :)

I definitely took this cozy teddy with me across the pond during London Fashion Week as it was still pretty chilly. Thankfully wore it on the most rainy day where I was also quite sick. (See the look HERE - where I resemble V8 juice LOL) Don’t you love pieces from your closet that feel like a blanket? Ultimate comfort! The Karen Red Teddy Borg Longline Coat features teddy borg material, longline design, long sleeves, collar and button up detailing. It’s quite versatile in terms of styling. Easily could be paired with jeans and a t-shirt, or a LBD, and more! If you live in colder areas in the states, I highly recommend this coat as you can wear it a lot more before putting it away until the fall season. Most teddy coats are of neutral/beige tones, so I love having a more vibrant-colored one. The coat definitely stands out amongst a crowd!

To go with the red teddy coat, I styled it with the Maya - a large shoulder bag in a red design with a lightening bolt press stud. It has a chain strap and front flap to secure valuables. Their Paul's Boutique logo is embossed on the front. What I love most about this bag in particular is it’s size. It has so much space you can fit a laptop, phone, battery charger, notebooks, and more! It’s perfect for every day. Other accessories include red Chelsea boots from Teleport Shoes and my favorite Korean sunglass brand, Accrue.

Last but not least are a pair of red skinny jeans. Even wide leg trousers would go well with this look, so long as it is still red ;) What do you guys think of this red monochrome outfit? Would you have styled it in a different way? Perhaps with some red sunnies? Love hearing your feedback - drop those comments down in the section below! (End of post) Have a wonderful week and I’ll catch you all back on here very soon! xx

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE LOOK

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I Lilac Like That

November 13, 2018

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY W. CASHMERE.

Happy Tuesday! I’m back at it with another color clash when it comes to fall/winter colors! You guys really seemed to dig the last one on blue & pink (Link here) and since I’ve been loving it myself, why not?! :) So without further ado, let’s get talking about the color choice of the day, it’s not exactly lavender, nor is it violet, but lilac! And the feature of today’s outfit post is a gorgeous cashmere turtleneck sweater… in lilac! Come check out how I styled this piece along with where to shop everything.

Meticulously crafted with ultra-premium cashmere, W. Cashmere’s timeless essential is a winter wardrobe must-have. Top off any seasonal look with this modern take on the timeless turtleneck sweater. A contemporary relaxed fit pairs with a classic silhouette and super soft cashmere knit for a luxurious appeal that looks and feels great. Perfect for wearing with anything in your closet, this piece is destined to become your new go-to sweater. And did I mention it’s the softest cashmere I’ve touched to date?!

I contrasted the soft lilac with more vibrant colors such as red, orange and even, neon! But the neon is very subtle with just a pop of it on the side of my favorite oversized handbag. The red Chelsea boots are super comfy to walk in let alone how they look. And the orange is within a leather wristband of a watch, one by a luxury Parisian-brand you all need to know about called Michel Herbelin. I never thought I’d own an orange watch, but how unbelievably chic is this one… can you blame me?

Lastly, I’ve styled this leopard print dress before. But it was across the pond, in London during fashion week. (Link here) During the fall/winter season, I really love to layer and make the most out of my closet. When I had posted a teaser of this post on Instagram last week, many thought it to be a skirt! Layering game success! Lolol. I cinched the cashmere sweater just a bit to give it a more ‘crop’ like feeling, to bring more of a silhouette to my petite frame. Like this look and want to lilac like that? Ha ha! Drop your comment down in the section below!

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Just a General Making Sure My Soldier's Straight

August 6, 2018

WEARING: L'ATISTE FRINGE JUMPSUIT | TELEPORT SHOES BOOTS | SUNGLASS WAREHOUSE PRESLEY

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY L'ATISTE AND SUNGLASS WAREHOUSE.

This past week I left a question up on my IG stories asking you guys to drop questions relating to blogging. There were so many that I could no way put it in my usual Sunday IG post, where I've been selecting ten and answer them. So today's post is dedicated to a selected ten questions I've chosen to answer relating to my work and the world of blogging, which is more like the Wild Wild West. Just a General making sure my shoulder's straight ;) Continue reading to learn more about my experiences as a full-time blogger, where today marks three years since M + S launched. Happy Blogiversary to me and Happy Monday to you!

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO START BLOGGING?

Right before I started MaQ + Suz, I had endured some pretty heavy-duty, life-changing experiences which encouraged and led me to my new platform. Along with my desire to find an outlet where I could put both my visual eye and the written word together at the same time had always been apparent, but it wasn’t until I entered the world of blogging before everything came full circle.

WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE AS A BLOGGER?

Every day is different depending on my schedule for that week, such as what deadlines are approaching, upcoming events and so on. Overall, I spend over 40+ hours a week working on the blog and that includes responding to emails, meetings, posting on social media, editing photos, writing blog posts, working on SEO, going out for photoshoots and events, writing contracts - the list goes on and on and on. We have shoots every day so I try to stick to a routine that way I don't have to organize as much. So I usually start my mornings with emails, walking the pooch, a photo shoot, and/or meetings/events. It's never a day off when it comes to my job and there's just never enough hours in a day to get it all done.

HOW DO YOU GAIN MORE FOLLOWERS?

I get this question a lot and I have to say it's really all about the quality of your content! This, and being consistent every day and being patient. Remember, the number of followers you have is just a number. What's important is the engagement you have with your audience and what you do every day to give them something that makes them want to follow you. That being a source of inspiration, or a special skill one can learn from, it should be something that makes you stand out and be unique. Now if you're in this for instant-gratification, I'm telling you right off the bat, don't do it! Gaining a substantial amount of readers/followers takes TIME and a ton of work. You have to be okay with the fact that it could take years.

Also, AUTHENTICITY. I believe if you stay true to yourself and your branding image, along with high-quality content, then new and old followers will genuinely want to follow you and your business. Sharing the process of your journey keeps things real and I love people for that, and I know others will love you for it too!

So here are a few tips to help you grow your audience:

Create Killer Content – The more often you do something the better you'll get at it. And that goes for content, whether you're behind or in front of the camera, don't be afraid to think outside the box, take risks, and try new things you'd normally not try. This will help you find your aesthetic/style.
Post Daily – Consistency is key. I can't tell you how many times back in the earlier days when I wouldn't post every single day and my engagement dropped nearly half its size. YIKES! Don't be out of sight, out of mind in terms of posting!!!
Engage With Your Audience – I always try to comment back on comments whether its on IG or the blog, but I also comment others within my niche.
Tags & Hashtags – Yes you should abuse the #30 rule for IG. Don't be shy to tag promo accounts within your niche to get a possible repost after using their hashtag of some kind. You can tag up to 20 accounts in a single IG post. So take advantage!

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THE DEMANDS/PRESSURES OF WHAT YOUR JOB?

As demanding as it can get, I take perseverance & determination, hard work, and discipline and yet at the same time it also requires you to not take yourself too seriously. Otherwise, it’ll no longer be fun anymore and life is also meant to be enjoyed. I guess it’s all about finding your own balance, and everyone has a different path and in variated times in our lives.

WHAT CAMERAS/LENS DO YOU USE?

Canon 5D models, Olympus EMD-5, lens Canon 28-135mm 3.5/5.6

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO GROW YOUR FOLLOWING & WHEN DID YOU START TO BLOG?

I launched my blog in August of 2015. For the first year or so, I really didn't know what I was doing. I wasn't sure what my niche was, how I wanted to brand my image, etc; and most of the time felt completely lost. I experimented with a lot of different topics from interviews to meet and connect with other like-minded people in my field as well as attending events to network. Once I started to hone in on my style I felt more confident in pursuing blogging full-time. In two short years, I've gained over 35K on Instagram with a total reach of over 70k. I work with global brands such as L'Oréal, Aveda, Kiehl's, Dove and more & have been featured in WWD, BFA and Getty Images.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A BLOG/LIFE BALANCE?

It's always important to prioritize what you NEED to get done versus what you want to get done. Now that I do this full-time, I am always on deadlines, so these come first. Afterward, it's a matter of what else I can get done for that day. I never feel like I get enough done every day, but it's only because there's so much and so many hours in a day! Learning to accept what I cannot control has helped me so much, and has kept me grounded. I'm not as hard as I am on myself (which is super difficult for me, if you know me at all) as I can be onto to others just as much. Also, taking it easy more and more is actually healthy and well-balanced. For example, I rarely ever work on Sunday mornings.

WHAT DO YOU DO ON THOSE REALLY BAD DAYS?

Whenever I’m having a pretty awful day, I cut myself loose and leave the ‘office’ for the day. I’ll go and take a long walk with my German Shepherd, MaQ and the city always is an escapism from another escapism. New York has a way of clearing your head and at the same time eating you alive (if you’re not careful enough). And sometimes there are days that’ll defeat you, where you’ll feel so bad about everything that getting up seems hard enough on its own. But then I think of all the shit that’s brought me to where I am today and I do believe I made it here for a reason. Perhaps the past has made me who I am today, but it has certainly motivated me to keep going and to keep pushing boundaries I didn’t think were possible. You have to keep on keepin’ on…

HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR CONTENT?

I gather inspiration from everywhere. The sights and sounds of the city. From traveling. From people watching. Food, books, music, film. The list is endless. If I ever find myself in a rut in terms of finding inspiration for content, I just take a break from thinking too hard about it and enjoy a good book/film, walk, bath, etc; and it always comes to me. If really stuck I am not afraid to ask my readers for feedback and what they want to see more of. Listen to your audience!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER BLOGGERS?

Word HARD. Be NICE to people. Always appreciate what you have rather than wanting what you may not have (yet). Just because someone else's journey is on a different (maybe even faster/or so you think) path than your doesn't define you or your work! It's not the destination that matters, it's what we go through along the way that does which is what I try to share with you guys more and more. And, the glasses are ALWAYS half-full, guys, I swear! 🙂

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Pardon My Fucking French

May 23, 2018

WEARING: NASTY GAL GRAPHIC TEE | NA-KD FASHION LEATHER JACKET | 
 MAVI TESS JEANS | FOREVER 21 RETRO SUNNIES | 
TELEPORT SHOES BOLT BOOTS | LEVI'S BERET

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY NASTY GAL, MAVI JEANS AND TELEPORT SHOES.

Parlez vous francais? Today's post is all on edgy Parisian style. This is totally me. As you guys know, my favorite part about styling is mixing it up and trying things outside the box, even pieces you might not even consider to be your ultimate 'look' but there's nothing more comforting than knowing your own unique take on fashion and then putting together an outfit that you'd not just wear once, but over and over again. So without further ado, pardon my fucking French and let's get down to what I'm wearing in this fierce look! Also, continue reading to learn more about some of the brands I've been wanting to partner with for the longest time and it's crazy to think that they're styled within this post! So... don't miss it, you definitely want to be checking this out!

I'm so excited to be working with Nasty Gal! They've been one of my favorite brands since forever, and to be able to style one of their pieces within my content is just surreal! They've created a collection of (p)unny uncensored graphic tees and of course being an Aries, I instantly gravitated to big, bold red font on a simple white T-shirt. My personality is quite unfiltered as well. I swear like a sailor and call it like it is. Not afraid of my voice let alone how opinionated I can be as well. So I found the 'Pardon my fucking French' tee to be fucking awesome! What do you guys think, would you wear something like this out in public? Obviously not to a job interview... ha ha!

When I was in college (and yes that was a while ago...) I discovered a jean brand with Turkish roots and had the most incredible and softest touch to their denim. Mavi Jeans is not just top quality (I had a pair that I wore for over ten years before I finally parted ways with them after literally splitting the seams with my big booty Judy!) but the comfort level is so legit, I never wanted to take them off! These pearl-studded skinny jeans are so fun and can go with so many different tops! This pair comes in at $128 (plus tax) but is so well worth the price. I find that once I got older, I was way more into investing in top quality staple pieces to my wardrobe because it's better for the environment and keeps your closet at a minimum when it comes to space - and us New Yorkers have so very little of it!

I can't say I've ever owned a pair of red boots before but these Bolt boots are just the right amount of lightning red for any Aries girl. If you remember from my last fashion post with the metallic silver boots, these red ones are also from the same brand, Teleport Shoes. Teleport has established its origins in the heart and soul of Los Angeles. They design for today by perfectly juxtaposing celebrated elements of the past and present. Feel electric in these new red leather Chelsea boots. The lightning bolt elastic gore detail will add a little edge to any outfit. They're amazing to walk in, even with a -inch heel.

I styled the look with some retro sunnies from Forever 21 and my favorite beret from Levi's. People are always so surprised to hear that the beret is from Levi's the brand, but I just consider it a lucky find and of course, why wouldn't it be fab? (Clearly, a lover of Levi's LOL) I recently attended a private event to the launch of Givenchy Beauty's Le Rouge Liquide lipstick collection and their new lippies are to die for! I actually combined two lipsticks into one to give it a berry ombre look, I went for colors N-107 Nude Velours and N-412 Grenat Alpaga - what's amazing about these lipsticks is the functionality. You can go bold or soft with just a twist! The soft matte liquid cream gives you a blur-effect yet a hydrating luminous set of velvet lips!

SHOP THE GIVENCHY LE ROUGE LIPSTICKS

I ate one of the props straight away after shooting. It was early on a weekend morning and we walked with the pup for a couple of miles before getting the shots. I could eat bread all day, every day. Who's with me on this? Of course, this isn't healthy but who said anything about that?! Just kidding, seriously though, why can't bread be our friend?My favorite part of this look though is MaQ, of course. I always have so much fun shooting with him and I think he does too. He is very trained to sit and hold a position, we've been doing this since he was a pup! I used to pose him unleashed in front of street art and people are still amazed at his ability to sit still and look so happy while doing so. He's the best model, I swear! He even knows when "it's in the box"... meaning we got the shot. He literally walks away like a diva, convinced we have it and that's why it's a wrap! Ha ha ha!