Plaid at No. 22

WEARING: VIP ME BLACK PLAID LONG SLEEVE SHIRT W/ WIDE LEG PANTS | 
MATT BERNSON MEZZA | ZAFUL TRIANGLE CLUTCH

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VIPme

 

My mind has been stuck on Manchester.

 

What kind of world are we living in where our children can't even go to a concert without being safe anymore? Imagine - 13... 14... 15 years old and running for your life thinking it's the end. And yet we have people wasting their energy complaining on Instagram for having their photos (not even their photos actually) being reported and therefore taken down because of it. How about instead of posting tits and va-jay-jays that are solely for attention-seeking, we rather post content that either tells a story or tells a story within a story? Why does everything have to be instantly gratifying nowadays? Don't get me wrong. Everyone is allowed to do whatever the heck they want, and I'm not here to preach what one should or should not do... but can't we give this bullshit a rest? People are dying out there and you want to talk about why it's okay to post nudity because we're all naked in the end or whatever cockamamy excuse you want to use to call it a way of expressing art? Now, have I ever done a self-portrait of my booty? You bet your ass I did, but the difference is I didn't do it for anyone but myself. And I certainly didn't post it or someone else's work to grab any kind of reaction. 

Sure, everything is redone/copied/heavily inspired by someone else's work today, even sometimes making the fashion world quite an ugly one. Not everyone that's talented is kind or even decent for that matter. But what I appreciate is the story-telling that is ongoing, that leaves me with the desire to do the same. No, I may not have the power or finances to help with what is going on in the world at the moment, but my power to share the content I create, I believe, does help and inspire others to do more and be more. 

Like this British-inspired, two-piece made of plaid and leather by VIPme. After the Manchester attacks, I wasn't sure what deemed appropriate in terms of my next blog post, given the crazy times we're living in is much of what I've been thinking about the past couple of days. But as I was editing this shoot, I played around with the tones much more than I usually do. I think it has a lot to do with mood and your environment. And I'm more and more in tune with what can be told through a photograph, so for me, this is my teeny-tiny little tribute towards our current events. Plus, I've always had a soft spot for UK fashion. 

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Summer is coming but before the hot days are here to stay, you can mix this two piece with so many other styles. I accessorized with an old pair of gold hoop earrings and Matt Bernson flats. The triangle clutch from Zaful is from last Fall but is still a favorite in my handbag roundup. I love the linen feel of the two-piece, and really dig the black leather statement pockets in the front of the top. 

The bottoms have pockets too and I love that you can not only wear them together but also separately. The pants would look chic with a white tee and blazer and the top would look great with black jeans or even a cute white denim skirt. I love when pieces hold a ton of versatility and can be worn all year round, especially in places with all four seasons like here in New York. What do you guys think of this two-piece? How would you have styled it?

And lastly, I've recently been getting a lot of food content requests, with questions of when I will be getting back into video content as well. I'm happy to report that after a tiny hiatus (because video editing is my worst nightmare and least favorite thing to do in the world LOL) but also because I haven't found a story I really wanted to create for it, I have finally got something in store for you! It'll be out in the next couple of weeks, but it's something really special to me and I hope it'll blow you away! Stay tuned because I can't wait to just even share the behind the scenes!

Lots of changes happening right now and I'm excited, nervous and a bit overwhelmed at the moment, but I know me and I'll be just fine. At the end of the day, we have no one to answer to but ourselves. So be true to you and to others. Stop being full of crap, be nice, and go out there and get ish done! I know it sounds easier said than done, but remember that people love you and care about you, that includes me! Spreading nothing but Love + Light, forever and always. Until next time, take care of yourself and take care of others. Smooches. xx  

LOVE & XX'S, 

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The Cutest Off the Shoulder Beach Maxi Dress

WEARING: VIP ME BLUE STRIPE OFF THE SHOULDER BEACH MAXI DRESS |
MAD STYLE WATERMELON CROSSBODY BAG | KLASSE14 VOLARE SKY MIDNIGHT WATCH | 
ADIDAS STAN SMITH LEATHER SNEAKERS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY VIP ME, MAD STYLE & KLASSE14.

Happy Friday, folks! With scorching temps the past few days here in New York City, I had to bust out one of the many summer dresses for the season! Let's get right down to it, how adorable is this blue, stripe, off the shoulder beach maxi dress from Vip Me I'm all about the buttons down the center, as this dress can easily be styled into a shirt dress. The tie-around waist hugs perfectly around my hips and really gives a wonderful shape. And what girl isn't into off-the-shoulder-anything, these days?! It's the perfect way to show just a little skin without being too revealing, which in some cases, less is more!

I styled the dress with a seasonal summer watermelon handbag from Mad-Style. It can be carried with or without a gold chain. This bag is the cutest for the hot days ahead of us! They come in different colors too if you're more of a lemon/orange type of gal. ;) Use my promo code, 'maqandsuz' to get 20% OFF your purchase from Mad-Style! They also carry a variety of accessories such as jewelry, clothes and even dog apparel!

Other accessories in this look are the simple but classic Stan Smith's by Adidas. When it's too hot out here in New York, I'm not one to wear sandals. I find it super gross to walk around in them in the city as it's so dirty, plus my figure skating feet are not exactly my strength. I call them 'lizard' feet because they're effed up like ballerina's feet... with bunions, too many veins, scars, and then some... it's not my most attractive feature lol.

This gorgeous Volare sky midnight watch is from Klasse14. I love the unique color and indentation of the face. You can also use another one of my promo code, 'suzannespiegoski' to get 12% OFF your purchase from Klasse14! 

Lastly, I have to give a shoutout to ARROJO, a wonderful NYC hair salon I had the pleasure of experiencing most recently. I literally had no time to even get a blowout due to double-booking events and running around like a maniac, but they were so accommodating and sweet! My hair stylist, Christina, gave me the perfect summer hair with loose, sexy hair and put the finishing touches on with a holding spray (by ARROJO) with accents of tangerine & jasmine, which is my newest hair product obsession! Thanks again, guys, for the wonderful time downtown, I'll be sure to come back again soon! They also have multiple locations should you not be a downtown gal... :) Have a lovely weekend, everyone!  

LOVE & XX'S, 

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Compartmentalization

WEARING: THE KOOPLES BLAZER | HONEY COAST USA T-SHIRT | 
ADIDAS NEO CLOUDFOAM DAILY QT HIGH-TOP SNEAKER | GUCCI BELT | BDG JEANS | 
MAD-STYLE TALL METALLIC GEO TOTE BAG | MAD-STYLE TRANSLUCENT CATEYES SUNGLASSES

HAIR DONE BY OMALIA FROM MB45 STUDIO

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY MB45 STUDIOMAD-STYLE & HONEY COAST USA

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"Compartmentalization is a form of emotional intelligence," according to Jeremy Yip, a lecturer and research scholar at Wharton. Psychology defines compartmentalization as a defense mechanism, or a coping strategy, which doesn’t exactly sound all that great (at first). But, it’s how our minds deal with conflicting internal points of view at the same time. Isolating and focusing on difficult issues separately is something I’ve used my entire life to get through trauma as a result of my upbringing; so one could say this skill was acquired through the years, however, I never really noticed its implications in business until recently.

When I was younger, I once heard from J-Lo (of all people) say that when it comes to one's personal life and professional one, it's crucial to be able to put one or the other aside as soon as you 'leave the door'. And she's absolutely right. You can't let either mix with the other, no matter what's going on. I know it sounds easier said than done, but I truly believe this is part of the key to success; refusing to compromise and not letting anyone get in the way of your dreams and ambitions. The way that I see it, and Eleanor Roosevelt too, "no one can make you feel inferior without your consent." So keep it together, don't give up and as my dad always used to say, "keep on keeping on." And having a couple of girlfriends to help you get through it all doesn't hurt one bit either. :)

A few mentions about this outfit since I got a ton of feedback from the Instagram post from the other day. Both my Cateye sunglasses and metallic tote bag are from Mad-Style, use my code, 'maqandsuz' to get 20% OFF your purchase. Lastly, my blazer is from The Kooples, skinny jeans are BDG and my high-tops are from Adidas, definite faves in the causal chic everyday wear department! What are your casual staple pieces in your closet and your thoughts on compartmentalization? 

Photos by: Layers of Chic 

LOVE & XX'S,

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Recent Beauty Favorites: Dermablend, YSL & More

RECENT BEAUTY FAVORITES: YSL BEAUTY MON PARIS EAU DE PARFUM STAR COLLECTOR | 
DERMABLEND LOOSE SETTING POWDER | DERMABLEND PRO FACE & BODY BRUSH | 
WANDER BEAUTY MICRO BROW PENCIL | LA ROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR BB BLUR | 
CAILYN O! WOW BRUSH | 100 PERCENT PURE BRIGHT EYES CREAMY LONG LASTING EYE LINER 

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY YSL BEAUTY, DERMABLEND, WANDER BEAUTY, LA ROCHE-POSAY, CAILYN O!, & 100 PERCENT PURE BUT ALL OPINIONS EXPRESSED HERE ARE MY OWN.

Hey, everyone! I just wanted to start off by thanking everyone for all of their feedback from last Friday's post. It was also the first time I received a negative comment on my blog which of course at first, stung, but then I quickly realized: One - this person intentionally went out of their way to leave a ridiculous comment, which in turn proves they have too much time on their hands, and Two - one has to be way more thick-skinned than that to get through judgmental remarks, scrutiny, criticism and then some in this industry. I responded the way I wanted to respond to the person who wanted to deliberately hurt me and I will leave it at that because any more time spent on it would be sad. But to those who reached out with love, kindess, and support, thank you!! I can never tell you how much it means to me. So speaking of thick-skinned... today's post is featuring some of my most recent favorite beauty products! Come take a loooksie down below!  

1. YSL BEAUTY MON PARIS EAU DE PARFUM STAR COLLECTOR

Sparkling red berries and pear mixed with a sensual peony accord combined with exotic white Datura flower and creamy musk swirled with spicy patchouli to create an unforgettable Parisian journey of love, this Star Edition brings a more rock and couture attitude with the stars that dress the bottle. A new collector to highlight the edgy style of Yves Saint Laurent. It is a bit too musky for me, but the floral scents do help with the balanced scent. Made in France.

2. DERMABLEND LOOSE SETTING POWDER

Want a complexion that stays all day? Try the legendary Dermablend Loose Setting Powder. This powder provides a shine free finish that helps keep makeup in place for up to 16 hours of wear. Simply dust all over your concealer or foundation to lock your look in place. Formulated with silky micronized powders, this product helps keep your complexion matte, even and flawless. It's my first setting powder and trust me when I say this, I don't think I'll be switching to any other setting powder anytime soon!

3. DERMABLEND PRO FACE & BODY BRUSH

Makeup coverage blends easily with Dermablend Pro Face & Body Brush. Made from high-quality hairs this large fluffy rounded head allows for application on large surfaces. This brush has a convenient short handle allowing for use on both the face and the body. I love using this brush with the loose setting powder as it gives good coverage and is light to the touch. Definitely a good investment.

4. WANDER BEAUTY MICRO BROW PENCIL

Wander Beauty's 'Micro Brow Pencil' creates natural-looking and sculpted eyebrows. It has an ultra-fine tip that mimics brow hair for sparse areas, and a brush for a soft, defined shape. This 'Taupe' hue works best for those with dark blonde to light brown hair and goes perfectly with my new lighter-colored hair (literally almost blonde, you guys, lol)

5. LA ROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR BB BLUR CREAM MOUSSE

Blur the appearance of pores, blemishes and fine lines with La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur, a new generation skincare hybrid that absorbs oil all day long. Specifically tailored for oily skin, BB Blur will provide day-long control of shine with Aircilium, a cutting-edge ingredient that forms a supple and resistant film over the skin that smoothes its surface whilst letting it breathe. NASA-used Aircilium absorbs 3 times its weight in oil, keeping the skin matte and unified with a velvet finish. Added Perlite composed of silica is 5 times more powerful than talc and protects against humidity with its continuous blotting paper effect. Suitable for the most sensitive of skin, the skin-perfecting formula contains blurring technology that scatters light to visibly fade pores and fine lines. The cream mousse contains shade adapting pigments that work to color match the skin on application, whilst providing medium coverage that will erase imperfections and leave a radiant, flawless finish. Go and get this NOW. You will be just as obsessed as I am!

6. CAILYN O! WOW BRUSH

Cailyn O! Wow Brush - Velvety-Soft Touch, Award-Winning Finish - Thousands of micro-fine, ultra-soft bristles are densely packed for the most flawless, porcelain finish in a flash! The dome-shaped angled brush head contours to every corner of the face for smooth, airbrushed application of liquid or powder makeup, serums, and creams. You won't believe how velvety-soft this brush is! This ergonomic-styled wand, with slip-off cap, is self-standing to keep germs & dirt at bay. Perfect for makeup table or travel!

7. 100 PERCENT PURE BRIGHT EYES CREAM LONG LASTING EYELINER

This creamy long lasting formula glides on your eyelids to beautify and define your eyes while nourishing your skin with Vitamin E. An old-kept secret to brighter-looking eyes? Put white eyeliner on the bottom inner lids of your eyes to give that extra pop and attention to them! Works with every other shade you work with as well :)

LOVE & XX'S,

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To Speak or Not to Speak

WEARING: TBA DUSTER JACKET | RHODA WONG ASSYMETRICAL TOP 
ONEBUYE BLACK WORK STRIPES WIDE LEG PANT | THE LUXELLE SILVER PLATED CLUTCH 
FLOWER EYEWEAR CASEY AVIATORS | GUCCI BELT | MATT BERNSON MEZZA | THE 5TH BROADWAY WATCH

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY RHODA WONG, THE LUXELLE & THE 5TH WATCHES.

Yes, I'm a writer. But like my father, I have a tendency to bottle up my feelings. I have a really tough time trusting people. The only family I've got left is my brother and getting to know people can sometimes be exhausting, not to say that no one is interesting or beautiful but I have had many life experiences that few people will ever have to go through. I've been through it all, really. It can be difficult to relate to others on a personal or emotional level. And though I know I'm really fucking strong, I'm still vulnerable because I'm human. Sometimes the pressure cracks and like propane, I explode. But my new career as a content creator has given me the power to share my story and along the way, has helped me connect and be inspired by others. Just extremely incredible, talented people.

These life experiences have also taught me when to speak or not to speak. When I was younger, I was wilder and more naive. I had no problem telling it like it was, shamelessly giving a big F-U to your face while at it. But when you grow up, you (hopefully) mature emotionally and realize there are times and places for speaking up and when it's just best to remain silent. Even though I still can have a 'flare-up' here and there, even perhaps losing my temper, I've really learned to always be the bigger person, but hurt me or someone I love, I will verbally slaughter you before the real damage is even done.

And call it Korean pride, but I was also raised to never express your personal problems to anyone under any circumstances. It was a big fat no-no to my mother and she had that drilled into my head by the time I was in elementary school. Of course, this might explain my difficulty in also sharing certain parts of my life with others, but with what I do now, I feel like I'm slowly but surely making my way through sharing my emotions perhaps not always verbally, but through visual storytelling... the creative input... this means more to me than anything else right now. Thanks for tuning in this Friday! I hope you enjoyed getting to know me a little better. Got questions? Thoughts from this post? Comment down below or drop me a message! Have a fantastic weekend, everyone! 

LOVE & XX'S,

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