10 Ways to Be a Badass


Normally when one thinks of a badass, one doesn’t usually come across an image of myself but more so along the lines of ‘The Terminator’, ‘Rocky’… even Lara Croft. Or perhaps a pick-up artist or someone who is all about getting ‘ripped’. My physique is petite more than anything else. But it’s what you carry on the inside that truly resonates who you are. So after my birthday weekend, I had some reflections as to where I am in life and who I really am as well. And I can assure you, I’m one hell of a badass for many reasons. So continue reading to learn more on ten ways to be more of a baddie in your life as well!

1. STOP GIVING A F**K ABOUT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK OF YOU!

As a trained figure skater, I was criticized on a daily basis (and then some) which became part of the norm in my childhood. Good and bad, the latter proved to toy with my insecurities for years. But what it has also taught me is discipline, perseverance and most importantly, the only competition that I’m up against is with myself. Do you really think, with the career I’m in now, that I’d have any real fighting chance if I spent my days trolling Instagram worrying about other people and what they think of me? I’d never leave the house! So throw caution to the wind in this case - once you really don’t care about what others think of you and are only worried about yourself, it is forever life changing. And yes, a complete badass in doing so!

2. TAKE ACTION IN SPITE OF FEAR

We are human after all, we all become afraid of many things throughout our life. But it’s how we manage that fear is what counts. To lead an exciting life, one must be open to new experiences. Jump with a leap of faith instead of waiting for something to happen. You just got to go for it, remember that you are uncomfortable because you are simply traveling out of your comfort zone, which is a good thing. Overcoming fears equals personal growth, and badasses are far more capable than what they ever imagined to be. Better to have tried than not try at all.

3. BE COOL TO EVERYONE

Not to say one should be a doormat, but it never hurts to be kind. We are all in this together, meaning we are all going to go down just in different ways so while we’re here we should at least try to be nice to one another. Don’t get me wrong, once a boundary has been stepped outside of its line, I won’t be as cool. But to me, a badass isn’t a ‘mean girl’ or a beyotch with an attitude, but more so someone who is diplomatic, cool, calm and collective throughout many different scenarios. Treat others how you’d like to be treated. The cooler you are to everyone else, the cooler they’re gonna be to you.

4. STAND UP

Whether it’s for yourself or someone else, do it for the right reasons. Not for an ego boost. When you see someone being taken advantage of, abused, or wronged who may not have the strength to stand up for themselves, do whatever you can to help. Don’t go getting yourself into situations you can’t handle, but if there’s any opportunity to fight some sort of injustice before you, stand up and do something about it. Rise up for yourself because if you can’t do that, you’re not going to be able to help others either. But you’ll never regret doing either or the other!

5. SAY NO

Of course, it’s important to learn when to say yes but I believe it is even more important to learn when to say no. And rather frequently. You can’t please everyone, and even if you tried (which I have in the past) you will never win over everybody. Quickly saying yes to everyone and everything will consequently have you lose your focus and dilute your power. Be selective, take time in your decisions, and definitely be down to say NO AF. Lol.

6. STOP TALKING, AND START DOING

If I have to endure one more conversation amongst ‘bloggers’ as to what I have in store for summer plans, future content ideas, etc; I’m going to die of exasperation. Less talk, more action. Like a writer, don’t tell me… but SHOW ME. One of the best ways to stay stuck in your life is to constantly talk about things and never take action. If you want to really change your life or achieve a big goal, then commit to being someone who takes big action and does something about it after rather than the other way around. It kind of coincides with #1 but it’s all about delivering what you plan on doing. GET IT DONE!

7. KEEP IT MOVING

Life will try to beat you down, others will try and take what you have, and your own mind will tell you that you’re not good enough, but… guess what? The world doesn’t revolve around you and you have to maintain at not relenting. Don’t give up. Keep plugging away at it and go after it single-mindedly. Don’t let anything get in your away. Remember why you are doing what you’re doing and don’t let go of that.

8. ADAPT

Stay on your path and trudge forward with big strides, but be flexible and adapt to the conditions of the road. If you want to make the universe laugh, just tell them your plans. Things will go awry. If you’re too rigid, life will feel like it’s against you, so sometimes you got to adapt a little and go with the flow. Be like water, not cement.

9. FOLLOW YOUR GUT

It’s there for a reason, and believe me when I say this, it knows much more than you do! ;) If someone or something feels wrong to you, or a project just doesn’t feel right…listen to what your intuition is telling you. There’s a good chance that it’s right and you should at least consider what is going on. Don’t have a knack for it, or so you think? Meditate, take long walks, do things that will open your inner compass and guide you to do what is best for you.

10. KNOW WHO YOU ARE

We all have different sides to ourselves, but more so of what we project to the outside world, and then who we are - as in… who we really are deep down inside. In my profession, it’s easy to just think I’m this or that, depending on what’s in a person’s ‘about me’ page, outfit, tweet, and then some. None of this makes a person. What’s in your heart and what actions you take definitely take hold over who you truly are as a person. And it’s all about being able to look at yourself in the mirror every morning and be very accepting with yourself. Because if you can’t even face yourself, how do you really know yourself? Be happy knowing your true self, a badass at heart all the way!

LOVE & XX’S,

 
 

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Holiday Shopping with QuadPay

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY QUADPAY BUT ALL THOUGHTS & OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

NYC fashion blogger

The countdown to finishing up all your holiday shopping is on! Have you completed everyone’s wish lists yet? Perhaps, even one for yourself? But with all the retail purchases this month, I bet a lot are anxious about going broke! Especially when making those extra big, luxurious purchases. Well, what if I told you I found a way to budget - where you can buy what you love with zero interest?! You can split the purchase amount into 4 interest-free payments, spread over 6 weeks. There are no fees if you pay on time. So what is it? Continue reading to find out and also to learn more about my experience with the app along with what I purchased!

QuadPay empowers consumers with the option to pay for their purchases in four equal and interest-free installments over six weeks; the customer gets the product upfront while QuadPay’s brand partners are paid immediately. As the millennial population enters their prime spending years with less than 50% having access to credit, QuadPay is disrupting the field of payment solutions as the most innovative provider of affordable purchase in North America — buy now, pay later.

QuadPay is fully integrated with the store’s online checkout. All you need to do is choose QuadPay as your payment option when you’re ready to buy. If you are shopping with a participating store, Quadpay will be listed as a payment option during checkout. QuadPay splits your payments over four equal installments due every two weeks. Nominate the card you want to use and automatic payments are scheduled for you. It’s that easy!

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There are several brands partnering with this app, such as Koio, Naadam, For Love & Lemons, UGG®, Staud, and more. I recently stopped by at the beautiful popup in SoHo, La Boutique, where one of my favorite Parisian labels, Offtrack, who makes the best luxurious lambskin leather leggings out in the market, is one of the curated women brands in the store. Extremely fitting and versatile, it’s the perfect staple piece to have in your closet for the fall/winter. Coming in two various lengths, butt boosting seamlines and hip framing sides, it was kind of hard to choose only one pair! I went with the caramel suede pair, but they have also have black and reds.

Instead of paying the full amount of $550, I am making 4 easy payments of$137.50. Definitely helpful in terms of budget and finance! That way I can balance and still have extra money that I would have spend if I hadn’t used QuadPay. How cool is this new featured app?! Once you're approved by QuadPay, you can begin shopping with their partners immediately. Approval is quick, easy and requires only a few personal details. Never pay interest again.

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I’m telling you, this is going to be the difference between making or delaying a purchase. So if you have an extra pricey item you’re wanting to buy for your loved one/family, or yes… even for yourself, why not check out QuadPay the next time you’ll be making a bigger purchase? There’s zero-risk involved, and the easy-peasy process will have you grinning from ear to ear. That… and your brand new purchase :)

So tell me, what would you guys go shopping with using QuadPay? New pair of Nikes? Need that NorthFace winter coat to hit the slopes? Whatever your heart desires this season, rest assured that QuadPay has got your back and will make the holiday shopping extravaganza less stressful this year and every time you shop now! For more info go to www.quadpay.com and if you’d like to stop by the La Boutique popup, they are in SoHo at 250 Elizabeth Street until 12/23!

NYC fashion blogger

LOVE & XX’S,

 
 

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Gingham and Tassels

WEARING: SHEIN TASSEL TIED OPEN BACK TIERED GINGHAM DRESS | 
LOUISE & ELEANOR SQUIGGLE BAG | ZARA CORK & LEATHER WEDGES 

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SHEIN.

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Happy Monday! I don't know about you fellow East Coasters, but I'm so over winter! How is it still snowing on April 2nd?! The last time I saw abnormal snowing was nearly 14 years ago when I was in Ukraine and it was snowing in the middle of April! We were baffled, but today's forecast is only leaving me exasperated. I just want warmer and sunnier weather, which won't be happening this week. But April showers bring May flowers! And before you know it, we'll be complaining about how hot it is outside. So without further ado, I'm bringing summer into spring to potentially jumpstart warmer temps! Continue reading to see the perfect dress for spring and summer. It is quite adorable for a vacation outfit as well. 

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How adorable is this dress?! A multicolor vacation round neck half sleeve shift dress has a backless short ruffle fringe, orange tassels and a gingham print with no stretch. I love the high waist and flounce sleeves, as it brings shape to this type of dress. It's similar to a babydoll dress. I think this would be perfect on the beach or anywhere with a lovely resort. I also believe this dress would look amazing at Coachella! The highlight of this dress? It's on SALE! 25% OFF and ONLY $16! 

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SHOP THE BAG

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I kept my makeup clean and fresh with only a little added sparkle to my lipgloss. If you haven't checked out my latest beauty faves, I've featured the new lipgloss line from Urban Decay and it's so legit! The shade I'm wearing is called 'Nooner'. My go-to eyeliner as of late is the gel ones by Bobbi Brown. They don't smudge and are easy to apply. Highlighter is also Bobbi Brown, using Bronze Glow SS16. Nail polish by Essie, called, 'At the Helm', which matches perfectly with the orange tassels and wedges. 

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SHOP THE WEDGES

LOVE & XX'S,

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How to Rock the 80s Look: Dress Like Your Art Teacher

WEARING: ZARA WHITE CROPPED TOP WITH PLEAT DETAIL | 
NATIVE YOUTH ORGANIC DISPLACEMENT WIDE LEG PANTS | HUSH PUPPIES MARIA TOTE | 
ZARA CORK & LEATHER WEDGES | H&M WOODEN BANGLES | H&M WOODEN BEAD NECKLACE

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY NATIVE YOUTH & HUSH PUPPIES

Hey, hey, hey! How was everyone's long holiday weekend? (To those who apply.) Do anything fun? Or did you, like me, keep it low key? One of my favorite things to do while staying in the city during a holiday is taking advantage of all the hot & trendy restaurants I wouldn't normally be able to get into when everyone's in town. I love less-congested nights of catching up with friends over dinner. I've had a lot of Asian cuisines and soft serve over the past couple of days and my belly couldn't be more content. And that non-rushed feeling is completely refreshing from the hustle and bustle that comes from living in a place like NYC. When I feel more relaxed, I have a tendency to dress in a more bohemian/feminine way. The style is a bit more flirty and playful rather than my normal all-black, edgy, typical New Yorker look. In today's post, I'll be sharing with you one a few of my favorite current trends: wide leg pants, any print that's abstract in some way, and oversized anything. 

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Can wepul-eaaaassse talk about these pants to start?! The minute I laid my eyes on this gorgeous and unique print from Native Youth, I knew I had to have them. Normally, I am pretty cautious wearing wide leg because, one, I'm petite and if not fitted properly, it can immediately look bulky and awkward. And two, we're in the middle of summer and they're not the norm for pants that are in season. However, when made with a thin fabric such as linen or viscose rayon like this wide leg trousers, they are perfect for a city stroll or a walk on the beach. They're even cute for date night, in my opinion! 

Given my small frame, these kind of pants aren't the typical go-to's for petite women like me. So how should a gal style wide leg pants if they're within this category? The first main rule is not to oversize the entire outfit. The pants are the statement piece so I'd recommend the top be well-fitted in one way or another. Like this cropped top with pleated detail by Zara, I styled it by tucking most of the shirt in the front since the pants also have pleat detailing in the front, and too much of anything can kill the entire outfit. 

To finish accessorizing, I paired the pants with cork & leather wedges from Zara to bring me added height. I'm also at the moment really into any jewelry with wood material and felt these wooden bangles and bead necklace were the perfect pieces to style into this 1980s-inspired art teacher look. These pieces I'm wearing in this post are currently unavailable but I've linked similar ones down below in the shop section. And lastly, this adorable 'Maria' tote bag from Hush Puppies is my new favorite summer tote bag! It's great for everyday use and to carry around your essentials (I even brought it with me to jury duty where it had easily stashed my laptop, plugs, cords and all with more room to fit a thin jacket and bottle of water!) I think this tote would also be well suited at the beach as well! What do you guys think of this boho outfit? Wishing you a great (short) week!

LOVE & XX'S,

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Cali Boho Retro Vibes

WEARING: ALICE & TRIXIE KYRA TOP | PARIS BLUES SOULMATE JEANS | 
MOST WANTED USA TIFFANY SATCHEL | ZARA CORK & LEATHER WEDGES |
VINTAGE BLACK SATIN RIBBON

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY ALICE & TRIXIE

 

I'M GOING, GOING, BACK, BACK, TO CALI, CALI

(GOIN' BACK TO CALI) 

Happy Thursday! Today's post is a complete head-to-toe West Coast retro outfit! I'm always trying to show a variety of different looks because tell me a girl who doesn't like to play dress up but also remaining true to my style while doing so. As mentioned before, I love to mix and match old and new pieces, like these bell bottom jeans from Paris Blues date back to my college days! (and YES I still can fit into my skinny jeans while eating whatever my heart desires.) When I re-discovered these jeans while moving, I knew I had to style them very bohemian chic with a little Cali flair, given the fact that I was born there! How perfect do they go with my new 'Kyra' top from Alice & Trixie. Let me tell you more about this amazing designing team that's based here in New York City! 

Founded in 1997 by Angela Taylor George, Alice & Trixie is a collection of dresses, tops, and bottoms featuring exclusive and proprietary prints, all designed and produced in New York City. Alice & Trixie is feminine, classically hip and most importantly, unforgettable. Alice & Trixie is a celebration of Angela’s obsession for exploring vintage stores and global marketplaces, her appreciation for style icons of the past, and her passion for art. Angela believes that when a woman is wearing something that she loves, she radiates. She designs for the woman that is feminine, chic, sexy, and most of all, confident. 

I think the 'Kyra' top really resonates with the designer's collection and interests when it comes to fashion and style. If you guys are looking for something a little different, but still bohemian, fun and cool, you have to check out Alice & Trixie! Use my discount code, 'SUZANNE20' to receive 20% off your purchase! There's something for everyone and I don't advocate designers I do not believe in. I'm in love with their entire collection, it's making me miss my roots so much. What do you guys think, is a Cali trip in order for Suz? Should I venture out to Hawaii while on the West Coast? I do have family friends on the Big Island... (I know, I know, you're probably asking me wth am I waiting for?!)

Well... I got summoned for jury duty. I already postponed once during last NYFW (trust me, we had a moment of panic in terms of work and then some but it all worked out lol) so I can't postpone again to take a vacation. And I'm shooting my first cover for a new fashion magazine next week so it's a matter of getting my ducks in a row and organizing and finding the time to put it all in my already insane schedule. Can there be more than 24 hours in a day, please? I'm off to finish some more work before attending 4 events for work tonight (eeeek!) Wish me luck and catch ya'll soon. 

LOVE & XX'S,

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