Silver Fox

WEARING: H&M GREY SWEATER | MODERN VINTAGE ZAMARA BLACK ANKLE BOOTS |
GUCCI VINTAGE MONOGRAM PURSE | SAGA FOX SILVER FOX FUR COAT |
J BRAND JEANS MID-RISE SKINNY BLACK

Rock -n- roll chic. 🤘🎸

Lioness on the prowl. All photos by © Gilles Decamps, 2016.

You're so bootie-ful! 👢👢

Silver Fox. 🐺🐺🐺

Details: Silver fox fur & Gucci.

💋💋💋

Yes, honey? 😆😎

Do the Hustle! 🎶

Happy Friday Eve! Today's outfit is inspired by fur and vintage mixtures! I love having rare unique accessories in my wardrobe. I don't know a girl who doesn't dig this either. One-of-a-kind pieces are such great finds; treasure hunts if you will. My vintage Gucci bag I'm toting around today has been in my collection since 2007! I found this gem at Zachary's Smile, which has been closed since 2013 [insert sad face].

I know a lot of you are going to fur shame me, and you have every right to. But before you do, know that fur coats hold a special place in my heart because it relates with my mother and I's taste in style. When she passed, I was received several of her jackets. One in particular, a gorgeous rabbit fur bomber jacket that didn't make it after 2006 since it was not in the best of shape - and the fact that my ma used to party her arse off in it back in the 70's!

For the longest time, I had trouble with the idea of wearing any of her belongings. It just didn't feel right. Only until recently I've been starting to mix in her accessories with my own. While dating my husband, he gifted me a beautiful silver fox fur coat we had discovered while window shopping in Williamsburg during a casual Sunday stroll after brunch. I absolutely love it and that it's something I only wear on extreme frigid days. Can you believe this coat is almost ten years old?! The only real fur piece I own, I'm all about faux fur these days and since that day in Brooklyn, I no longer purchase real stuff. But I love the fact that my husband bought me a real fur coat in light of my Ma. All kinds of too much sweetness, there.

Oh, and those earrings were also my mother's. And also from the 70's! Feeling groovy.. 😉 How big are you with vintage pieces? Are you not a fan because the word antique comes to mind? Or you just don't like anything 'used'? I'd love to see what vintage accessories are hanging up in your closet, ladies! Let's go! Have a great Thursday. ❤️

Love & xx's,

SHOP THE LOOK

Happy Birthday Mom

Gone but never forgotten, forever in our hearts.

It's always a bittersweet day for me the day after Valentine's. Today would have been my mother's 60th birthday. Every year I try talking myself into breaking free and 'letting go' of acknowledging or even remembering certain dates and occasions associated with her and the rest of my family, but each time, 365 days later, my feelings are only stronger than ever before in keeping the spirit of her and others loved ones alive. No matter how painful it may be, I cannot help but celebrate and honor them. Who I am is all because of my parents. How could I ever forget about them?

Together at Newport Beach, 1992. I miss you. I love you, Ma.

There was a powerful scene between Enid and Glenn from last night's season premiere of The Walking Dead. [SPOILER ALERT] By the way, IMO, this was probably one of the best episodes in the entire series. If you don't watch the show because it's all about violence and zombies, then you are mistaken. The entire show, really, is a story of how people respond to unimaginable horror. Some simply don’t have the backbone for it, some thrive in it, and others have their fates decided at their own personal snapping point, the point at which they change. While searching for supplies inside a church together, Enid finds a scripture written on the wall from James 2:26, "Faith without works is dead." Enid tells Glenn that, in terms of fleeing or fighting, she wanted to run before they had reached the church. Glenn immediately explains that's how you lose people. Even after they're gone. Confused, Enid asks what he means by that and he replies with, "The people you love made you who you are. If you stop being you, that last bit of them that's inside of you is gone." Faith without works is dead faith because the lack of works reveals an unchanged life or a spiritually dead heart. There are many Scriptures that make it very clear that true saving faith will result in a transformed life, which is demonstrated by the “works” we do. So to me, if you change as a person, even if it's trying to hide the pain deep inside you, you will not grow or strengthen as a person let alone survive. Death is certain, life is not. If I stop remembering who I love and where I came from, I'm not sure who I'd be anymore. For me, it's not even an option.

My mother's Freedom III Minolta Film Camera 📷.

Just two peas in a pod. Mermaid girls. 🌊

In other words, you can't run from the pain. Go towards it. Most people who don't know me on a personal level think I got my passion for photography from my husband. The truth is, he has definitely had an influence on me, but the first person to ever peek my interest in photography was my mother. She was also the first person to get me a camera. And when I sift through the photos she'd taken over the years, one thing is true. She had quite an eye, actually, she was exceptional. Perhaps (or at least I'd like to think) that's where I inherited my 'eye'. My father wasn't half-bad either as you can see from the photos he took of us.

My mother was such a babe! Forever Young, California Dreamin'. 1992.

I still have the camera she used through those years we had together. It's an old point-and-shoot film camera, a Freedom III Minolta, that I still use it from time to time, but only for special occasions. Film is just too darn expensive these days. But you see all these photos of my mother and I on the beach in today's post? They're all from the same camera! How cool is that? Call me a sentimental fool, but these memories are all I have left. And I don't care what anyone says, I will cherish them until the day I die. It's important for me to show these photographs to my own children one day too, as it is just as imperative for them to know where they come from, going back many generations. #KoreanPride 🇰🇷🇰🇷🇰🇷

Forever with Me. ❤️

Souvenirs, souvenirs...

When I was going through the photos I have of me and my mother today, I wanted to pick a warmer, summer-like theme. It's Monday, I've got the Winter Blues, and I miss my West Coast Cali girl vibes! Even though it always makes me a little sad looking at some of the photos, I couldn't help but smile remembering some good times from this California trip. I was in second grade and it was the very first time I'd gotten on a plane. I remember our layover in Chicago. I remember losing my favorite stuffed animal from this vacation, and was nearly heartbroken from never finding him. I remember it was the first time my mother's parents met my Dad. They didn't speak English so my mother was their personal translator. I remember grandpa catching something while fishing with my dad, and as an elder, he had trouble reeling in what seemed to be Moby Dick! My Dad assisted him with the line and when he pulled it up enough for everyone to finally see what is was, a baby hammerhead shark hung from the hook! Seconds after our discovery, a hungry duck swam by and snatched the shark for lunch! We laughed and laughed and laughed until our bellies hurt. Well... everyone except the boys who lost their 'prize'! Ha! Ha!

난 당신 에게 엄마 사랑. 🌺

My mother's Korean name is Sun-Hui (pronounced Sun-Hee) but when she came to the States everyone had trouble pronouncing it so she just told 'em to call her, 'Sunny'. If you ever had the pleasure of meeting her, you knew why that nickname was perfectly suited for her. I even inherited her Americanized name, being my middle name is 'Sunny'. I miss her dearly but I know that she lives on through me and my brother. I can't wait to see her again, and this I know for sure. My faith can never be broken. Until then, keep shining down with your Light & Love, Ma. Happy Birthday. I miss you. I love you. Always. From your lil' 하마 xoxo.

I love you, ma. 💕

Love & xx's,

Wake & Unwind Body Scrubs

Oh my goodness! I'm so thrilled to work with SAVONBOX again! I did a full product review on their monthly luxury soap bars for December, (go here to read article) and today I'm reviewing their new line of body scrubs!

I'm always on the hunt for the next best thing in skin care, especially during the winter months where dry skin is more prominent than any other time of the year. And these body scrubs from SAVONBOX are the real deal. They are packed with vitamin e and linoleic acid - this helps repair skin damage that creates premature aging and improves tone and tightens skin. The dendritic salt is the purest salt with the finest grain to scrub away dry flaky skin, leaving you soft and perfectly primed to absorb healthy oils to nourish your body.

The grapefruit & mint Wake body scrub is perfect to the start of your day. The grapefruit essential oil's natural zing will have your skin refreshed and revived. It also helps to stimulate the mind, and is a natural antioxidant. It helps to keep skin clear and healthy, helping to fight the toxins that cause premature aging and wrinkles. The mint oil creates a gentle cooling sensation to help reduce stress. It helps to brighten and nourish dull skin, and improve the texture of dull and greasy patches. And with a touch of orange to add into the mix, you'll be smelling fantastic all day long!

The lavender & grape seed Unwind body scrub is preferably for the end of the day, especially after a long one. Lavender helps to naturally reduce anxiety, stress, and restlessness, and promotes peaceful, natural relaxation. The grape seed oil, a natural antimicrobial, helps detox and renew your skin. Suitable for reducing wrinkles, sun spots, age spots, and dry itchy skin. I highly recommend both, as one is for day and the other is for night. Check out below my before and after photos from the grapefruit & mint body scrub from this morning. I feel rejuvenated - my skin is incredibly soft to the touch and ready for the weekend!

If you want to grab a hold of these lovely body scrubs, go here or shop below.  Use my code SUZANNE216 for $2 off a body scrub. They are way too good to pass up! And your irresistibly smooth and scented skin will be thanking you for it. Naturally does a body good! 😉

Love & xx's,

SHOP THE PRODUCTS

My Favorite Breakfast

Avocado, I love you. 💚

For the longest time, when it came to what I ate first thing in the morning, I only opted for coffee & cigarettes. I love sandwiches but before you mistaken me for Joey from F.R.I.E.N.D.S, what I love even more is open-faced sandwiches. And what seals the deal? A-V-O-C-A-D-O. I love avocado like a fat kid love cake! It goes well with so many different types of food but the combination I'm most crazy for is eggs and avocado. It's my favorite go-to breakfast on a daily basis.

Not only do I love the creamy, rich taste and texture of avocados, I'm also really down with the benefits of eating them. Did you know avocados have more potassium than bananas? Avocados are also a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids (my favorite source for healthy fat), and they have a low sugar content. They are also rich in fiber and are a good source of energy and contain a number of essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, phosphorus and zinc. They've also been known for lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, preventing cancer and even aiding in the relief of arthritis! These green gems are packed with nutrients and may even help you lose weight.

Close-up of the avocado and egg open-faced sandwich. Yum!

The combination of egg and avocado is simply sublime. But my favorite way to cook eggs are sunny side up eggs. That or over-easy, or even poached. Heck, who am I kidding... I love eggs. Period. To go with my favorite brekkie, I always sprinkle some red pepper flakes to give the sandwich an extra zing to the dish. Since I also love spicy foods, I also eat this sandwich with either hot sauce or salsa (depending on what's in the fridge). It's such a party in your mouth!

Nothing like a glass of OJ to help wash it down! So refreshing, mmmm! :)

I am a huge coffee drinker but I've limited it to only one cup per day. So with my meal, I usually accompany it with a glass of orange juice or sometimes if I feel like being extra healthy, I'll do a green/fruit smoothie. I'll go this route after a strenuous run or training session with MaQ. What's your favorite kind of drink in the morning besides coffee? How many cups do you (truthfully) have per day? 😉

Salsa, salsa, salsa! 💃

And what did you have for breakfast today? What's your favorite, quick and easy recipe for the morning? I'm so glad to break bad habits. For the longest time I wouldn't even eat in the morning, as coffee and cigs do not count! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and I truly feel the benefits of packing in some fuel to get my day going. Got questions about my favorite open-faced sandwich? Feel free to comment below, I always love hearing from other fellow bloggers and foodie lovers! Have a great Tuesday, everyone! 😘

Open-faced sandwich with egg and avocado. Yum!

Love & xx's,

Minimalistic Monday

I don't know about everyone else but today has been a drag! Not in a negative way... but more so in (what seems to be) the extra weight I've been carrying from yesterday's food. I blame it on the Super Bowl! 😜 And it's Monday. And it's cold. I miss carefree, warm summer days, man!

Minimalistic Monday Vibes, Self-Portrait,

February 2016, New York City, New York. © Suzanne Spiegoski

Today's post is more on my personal style. To me, your style is a reflection of who you are and what you feel. An important part of expression. Now if you just don't care because you're one of those people who's 'got better things to do', well... dressing like you don't care will not only make you look like you don't care about yourself (which isn't very appealing), but most likely you'll eventually resonate with that type of feeling. And who wants to feel like that?

Now, I've never been a girly-girl. I'm rough around the edges but keep my style minimal. A great inspiration derived from that kind of look is of course, Kate Moss, tell me a girl who doesn't idolize her is some aspect (because she's the bomb.com) I love to mix different trends and looks with just a little bit of rock -n- roll/rebelliousness. I'm definitely not the type of gal to always follow the rules, in fact, I like to break them. Challenge me at something you think I can't do and I'll make it a point just to prove you wrong. Because no one's got the right to tell you what you can and cannot do, whether in fashion or in life! When it comes to sheer will-power, I'm far from simple-minded. 

Bejeweled. 🌟

Since I was born in Cali but call New York City home, I have a tendency to mix East Coast and West Coast looks. I'd say my style is edgy yet sporty with a touch of the free-spirited bohemian, but I also spent most of my childhood in Detroit and I think that's where that's where the brazenness originates from. I'm that classy girl who cusses a little, okay (LIE), maybe more than a little! 🤐 Ha ha ha!

But if we're strong enough to let it in, we're strong enough to let it go. © Suzanne Spiegoski

Adorned with jewels. 💍💕

Jewelry has always been a passion of mine. I adore earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, toe rings, anklets, etc; you name it I love it! I think they're the perfect addition to any outfit. These embellishments, both bold or minimal, can enhance any style. Jewelry can also be a personal statement, like monograms, names, birth stones - even Angelina Jolie's tattoos that include all the latitude- longitude coordinates of where she met her husband, Brad, and their children's places of birth is so meaningful and in a way, archaic. Obviously tattoos are not adorned jewels but in my opinion, they're just as beautiful and significant. I've always wanted a few (!) but I've never been courageous enough to go for it. Plus, I want to be 200% sure about the artwork before I permanently ink that onto my skin! Are you yay or nay when it comes to tattoos?

Look who came by to join in a couple of the shots? I call MaQ my 'Velcro Dog' because no matter where I am, he's right next to me. German shepherds are extraordinarily loyal. I love him so much! (Not apparent at all, clearly.) Lol! I guess my boy is not much of a fan for Monday's either! I love these shots of us because even though he's not giving the camera his pearly whites, he still looks so incredibly handsome! Every day when I wake up and see that face I am so unbelievably grateful. He definitely makes the start to any week that much more tolerable. Be thankful for each day, keep things simple and style away! Might as well enjoy life while you're still around. Catch y'all next time! ❤️

Love & xx's,