Best Way to Wear White to Someone Else's Wedding

May 21, 2018

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY METISU, LONDONTOWN AND AMANDA PEARL.

Wedding season is upon us and though it is not customary for anyone to wear white other than the bride, today I'm sharing you a few tips that could have you wearing the controversial color as a guest in the next wedding you attend! Now before you continue reading any further, know that I'm not advocating wearing a solid white of any kind, unless you're the one who's getting married, let alone stealing anyone else's thunder. But not all weddings are traditional and a lot of brides nowadays don't even wear white themselves on the big day, so don't just assume it's inappropriate. In today's post, I'll show you the best ways to wear white to someone's wedding, along with when and where this can be applied.

Wearing a white-based print dress will make you feel less nervous than wearing an all solid white one. If the bride is traditional, then perhaps going with something with more bold colors and print to not have white the base color. But this Metisu white fishtail hem cutwork lace maxi dress is just darling for a country wedding. Definitely a more casual kind of wedding, I'd totally wear this print white dress to a wedding somewhere in the Midwest! This one may not be as fitting for a more luxurious, swankier one, but this dress is also perfect on its own with no wedding invite. I'd wear this to a baby shower, a picnic, even just around the city with some sneakers like I did here in my favorite Puma's.

Another great way to work with the white is to pile on the accessories. Think of your white dress like a blank canvas and go crazy decorating it with amazing and colorful accessories. Make them the star of your outfit, not the dress. I paired this sliced fruit crossbody bag with the cherry-print to make the look more playful and summery. To keep with the cherry-red accessories, I also painted my nails in a lovely similar color by Londontown USA in 'Guilty Pleasure'. I think all of the accents of pink-reds definitely tie the outfit together. It takes a little focus off the white.

The jewelry I have on is all gold beside my wedding band and engagement ring. This amazing gold ring is by Amanda Pearl, an edgy little piece of armor for the hand - I like it in multiples. And the gold hoop earrings are 14k gold and made by Zales, which also happens to be the same brand that did our wedding bands! I always loved pairing gold accents with any shade of red, how about you? Do you think it's better to wear minimal jewelry to a wedding or big bold statement pieces? In my opinion, I think it has to do with the outfit itself. If you have a busier piece, then more minimal jewelry. If your overall look is more minimal, then I'd say statement pieces are a better way to go.

What's your take on wearing white to someone else's wedding? Would you even take the chance? How about in an ensemble like this one in today's post? Don't forget to leave your thoughts in the comment section down below. As always, you can directly shop the pieces in the beginning and end of every blog post on MaQ + Suz. Wishing you a fantastic week (and wedding season.) ;)

LOVE & XX'S,

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treStiQue Makeup Sticks

May 19, 2018

WEARING: NICOLE FRANK FRUZSINA TOP | CHICWISH DENIM SKIRT | 
STREET LEVEL HOLOGRAM CROSSBODY | TELEPORT SHOES ECLIPSE BOOTS | 
FOREVER 21 FISHNET CREW SOCKS

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY TRESTIQUE, TELEPORT SHOES AND NICOLE FRANK.

trèStiQue is on a mission to simplify and empower the lives of REAL women of all ages. They believe makeup should be easy to use + apply. Their products enhance your natural beauty (not cover it up). With this mission in mind, they developed their Essential 8 Set to simplify your everyday makeup routine. Everything you need, nothing you don’t: 8 shade matched 2-in-1 essentials that combine high-performance formulas with tools for easy application. Their routine takes 5 minutes, weighs .05lbs and fits in a compact makeup pack. From your home to your office, to your gym or travel bag trèStiQue make touch-ups mess-free with portable makeup in both full and mini sizes for life on-the-go! I love this makeup brand so much, which is why I've got a giveaway going on my Instagram account! Continue reading to learn more about the 3 products that are being given out, how to enter, and where to shop this casual but edgy outfit!

treStiQue Color & Contour Blush Stick St. Barths Pink

1. treStiQue Tint, Moisturize & Blend Face Stick Paradise Island Beige

A two-in-one, weightless tinted moisturizer and built-in face blender. Less is more with this new two-in-one, cream-gel, tinted moisturizer. Light as air and powdery soft, this modern makeup glides onto skin to give you the perfect no-makeup, makeup look. Skin appears fresh and flawless with a naturally radiant, finish. This portable stick with sheer to medium, buildable coverage is perfect for use all-over face, or for quick touch-ups. This weightless tinted moisturizer is infused with Coconut Oil, known for its hydration properties. Its custom magnetic sealing cap keeps your makeup travel-friendly and spill-proof, while the built-in treSwitch Refill Face Blender allows for easy hands-free application on-the-go.

2. treStiQue Color & Contour Blush Stick St. Barths Pink

A lasting cream-gel blush with a built-in blender for the perfect pop of natural-looking color. This two-in-one, high-performance cream-gel blush gives your cheeks an instant pop of customizable color. Just blend it into a subtle flush or layer it on for added intensity. This cream-gel formula has a cushiony light-as-air feel, and it glides seamlessly onto cheeks, leaving skin instantly smoother and softer. It's also infused with coconut oil, and I love to use it on the eyes and lips on top of its functionality as a blush. It's probably my favorite multi-purposed item in my bag right now.

3. treStiQue Conceal, Cover & Correct Crayon Porcelain

A long-lasting creamy concealer in a portable crayon for under-eye or spot touch-ups. This two-in-one, long-lasting, creamy concealer is paired with a blender sponge for easy application. This high performance concealer crayon glides on in one swipe with smooth, fluid application and blends seamlessly into skin for buildable, medium-to-full coverage. Perfect for both under eye or spot touch ups.

SHOP THE treStiQue SET

treStiQue Tint, Moisturize & Blend Face Stick Paradise Island Beige

treStiQue Conceal, Cover & Correct Crayon Porcelain

If you are interested in winning these three selected items from trèStiQue (in your selected shade of course), all you have to do is go to my Instagram account and find the image above and follow the rules in the caption. It's super simple, I've made the rules in three easy steps: Follow me, follow trèStiQue, and like the photo. That's it! The selected winner will be chosen randomly on Monday, May 21st at the end of the day. I will DM the winner on Instagram for further information. If you have any questions about the products or the giveaway, feel free to send me a message through my blog or on my Instagram! I look forward to announcing the winner on Monday. :)

The Eclipse booties are a wardrobe essential. These silver leather lace-up booties can be paired with any looks, to complete any outfit. Made with 100% leather, they are really comfortable to walk in while looking pretty darn chic doing it! I paired it with this holographic crossbody to bring out the silvery features. Plus I love anything that is a hologram, it is such a trend right now! Definitely bringing back the 90s. Also to keep the black color of the outfit, I wore my favorite Forever 21 fishnet crew socks. They give the boot a little more of a sturdy support while running around in them (which I did the other night - two events back to back) plus an edgy touch within this look.

And just when I thought it was safe to put away what's in my autumn/winter wardrobe, New York wanted to bring back some chilly weather. Thanks to Nicole Frank, this black Fruzsina top can go from day to night with interchangeable zip-on sleeves on top of keeping you warm during those unpredictable spring rainy days. This top comes with your choice of black, leopard print or shearling sleeves (which would be perfect for the colder season). The fabric is mostly made out of nylon so it has that stretchy comfy feel to it. You can even wear it without sleeves to have that 3/4 sleeve look. It's quite the versatile piece, check more of Nicole Frank's designs at nicolefranktwe.com

What do you guys think of this look? Don't forget to enter my giveaway on my Instagram account! My handle is @suzannespiegoski and there are 3 easy steps to enter! Winner will be announced on Monday. I also have a really cute shoot coming the same day, and it's the kind of look that's just perfect for wedding season! Did you watch the Royal Wedding this morning? If so, what was your favorite part? I think mine was the impromptu kiss outside the church - just so sweet and tender. And that Givenchy dress was to die for! Also, the reception dress by Stella McCartney had me swooning along with the Jaguar E-type car of MY DREAMS! Yes, I'm a woman who LOVES cars. :) Have a lovely rest of your weekend!

LOVE & XX'S,

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Calico Print Matching Set

May 14, 2018

WEARING: SHEIN CALICO PRINT MATCHING SET | ZAFUL TRIANGLE CLUTCH | 
URBAN OUTFITTERS BLACK MULE

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY SHEIN.

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Mother's Day weekend. Sadly, my mother is no longer with us so this time period always has mixed emotions for me. I don't want to get too far into it as I've dedicated entire posts to her in the past (here and here) but nobody wants a Debbie Downer all the time. Which is why I didn't do one this year. It's hard for me because sometimes I want to share my story, but then there are other times where I feel those times that I did have with my mother are sacred, and not meant to be shared with just anyone. I'm extremely private and guarded - which is something I still struggle with that coincides with what I do in my career. I am supposed to be a public figure, be open to sharing everything about me to the public eye, but I never have nor will be that person. I think one day I will definitely share more, but it's just how I'm built. And I don't want the pity - all the 'I feel sorry for you' looks and those that don't know what to say when you tell them that not one but both of your parents are gone. It sucks. But I'll tell you this. As a creative person, such heartache and pain have brought me closer to the artistic notions in a very complicated world. And I'm grateful.

It's as if it opened my eyes to something bigger, more profound than anything before. You see - I don't create to get rich, or make friends, or for self-validating purposes. The only reason I have when it comes to creating my work is because I feel compelled to. Without it and if someone were to tell me right now that I no longer could write or take any more photographs for the rest of my days, I'll tell ya what... I'd be seeing you. It's that important to me. Not that I'm a Caravaggio by any means, but that same insanity, that same feeling of release I get other artists may feel when creating their work? That's everything to me. It's the only way I know how to gather every little detail out of life and to put it into one entity and feeling whole afterward. Do any of you feel like that?

But something my mother taught me about passion and art is that once you find what you're looking for, pursue it with all your might, but in turn, be more focused on the journey and not about reaching the destination. You need to ignore what everyone else is doing and achieving. There will always be someone prettier, richer, working with better brands than you. Your life is about breaking your own limits and outgrowing yourself to live your best life. You are not in competition with anyone else. Plan to outdo your past, not people. Which can sometimes be difficult when you're competitive and extremely hard on yourself. Remember this, however - we are all going through shit. Big and/or small, what's important is to be kind, and to be aware. Even And to always try your best to bring forth something new and fresh. Make a little bit of difference, even if it's just for yourself. Or even better, for someone else.

Which is why I'm gearing more towards creative direction, photography & styling rather than just being a blogger who shoots pretty pics of brunch, outfits and "stuff". (Even though this floral set is only $15 and you should totally check it out! ;)) There's so much more to life than that and I find limiting myself to one box doesn't inspire me or challenge me. I'm currently working on my second book, and though my first book was fiction (crime thriller), I'm pursuing a different genre. Not much to say at the moment, as I've learned, it's better to SHOW rather than to TELL. Wishing you all a kick ass week filled with goals, adventures and love.

LOVE & XX'S,

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Sporty Footwear with SOREL

May 8, 2018

WEARING: GANT RUGGER CRINKLE DREAMY OXFORD KNOT SHIRT | AMERICAN EAGLE DENIM SHORTS 
| SOREL ELLA SANDALS

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY GANT & SOREL.

Hey guys! I don't know about you but I always have the toughest time finding the perfect summer sandal. Since I'm a very active gal and literally run around doing a gazillion things at once, I need footwear that's comfortable enough to wear but also stylish. I need good quality support, something that's enough to take it from day to night, especially during those crazy warmer months where I'm not home as often as other seasons and therefore have no time to change outfits if I'm going out. Which is why these SOREL sandals in today's post are the bee's knees when it comes to summer footwear. Continue reading to see how I styled this casual but chic summery look and also where to shop these items directly.

The quality of the sandal material is very good and the sole has great traction and feels surprisingly thick. I'm wearing the Rose Gold with white straps and they are so cute and will match with so many outfits. This particular sandal also comes in a variety of colors such as black and camel, grey, all black and white. They are all a great sporty but sophisticated look to any summer look. And I find them very easily packable for travel for those jet-setters who are always looking for a little extra room in their luggage, these multi-purpose sandals would look amazing on anyone. The Ella sandal runs at $80.

The Crinkle Dreamy Oxford Knot Shirt takes its cue from classic American sportswear styling with its knot detail at the front. Made from crinkled Oxford cotton, (which is one of my favs) this shirt has an exaggerated shirt shape, with extra-long cuffs, point collar, and button down placket. I think the features really ties well in together with the American Eagle denim cutoff shorts and the SOREL sandals that are both also sporty - the ripped hem thanks to myself makes it a little country which I don't mind... I guess you can take the girl out of Michigan but you can't take Michigan out of the girl! :)

Again I can't stress enough how great these sandals are. If I can leap up in the air with them and have no trouble whatsoever, I either was born with cat feet-like tendencies or the SOREL sandals are legit amazing and everyone should own a pair. I'm already considering a different color to add to my collection but I must resist the temptation! I have too many shoes as is! More content coming your way soon, I'm sorry for the delay this week in posts! Too much going on - and in a fabulous way! Catch ya back on M + S very soon.

LOVE & XX'S,

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April Beauty Favorites

April 29, 2018

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOSCIA, AMOREPACIFIC, DIPTYQUE, GIVENCHY BEAUTY & LIPSTICK QUEEN BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Hey guys! I'm back this Sunday with the regular monthly blog post of my latest discoveries in the beauty world. Before Monday's I'm all about a little pampering and R&R with attention to skincare. Being partly Korean, my mother showed me the secrets very early on in life and I've been applying the same regiment to my skin for decades. We literally used to put on toner together and she'd literally show me how to 'tap' it in, rather than rubbing into the skin. One of the many different regiments she's shown me through the years. So into today's post, my beauty favorites are more focused on skincare rather than makeup. I tend to balance them within a post, dividing up each category with five products from each, but this month is a little less (2/5 is makeup) because my skin has been adapting to the changes of season and have been wearing much less makeup and not trying new items as much out. Hope you enjoy it! Continue reading to learn more about what my mom and I have used while hearing about bits and pieces of our skincare stories with us and where you can find these amazing beauty products!

APRIL BEAUTY FAVORITES

At boscia, plants are the secret to skincare success. They use ingredients rooted in nature: plant-to-bottle formulas that show results and feel even better. Good skin comes naturally because, in their world, beauty really does grow on trees. They are revolutionizing beauty routines around the globe with products that are made for play and meant to be shared—because your skin wants in on the fun! Formats that surprise and textures that move with you, bounce, and stretch… it’s all part of their plan to make skincare meet the modern world, with an attitude of exploration and excitement. Boscia keeps things clear with nothing to hide, because only good-for-you ingredients go into their products, with no harmful irritants or chemicals allowed.

Essential to every product is boscia's signature botanical blend: an effective mix of jojoba leaf and willowherb. Jojoba leaf is a powerful antioxidant that helps to prevent free radical damage caused by pollution, UV rays, and other environmental irritants. Willowherb is a natural skin-calming botanical that helps to alleviate inflammation and redness.

The original black mask and reigning fan favorite, Luminzing Black Mask is a peel-off mask powerhouse that unveils a post peel glow worth sharing. Chock-full of powerful antioxidants like activated charcoal and vitamin C, this powerfully detoxifying mask leaves your skin feeling flawlessly fresh and clean while helping to minimize the appearance of pores and enhance radiance. An innovative, powerful, mineral-rich mask infused with activated charcoal that peels off to reveal a brighter, more clarified complexion. I would give this mask a 5/5 rating. It's superb!

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Steeped in centuries of Korean heritage, Amore Pacific has unearthed the extraordinary skin-health benefits of Asian botanicals, channeling these ingredients into luxurious, high-performance anti-aging skincare.

It carefully utilizes green tea cultivated from the Dolsongi Green Tea Garden; the first of the three green tea gardens that Amore Pacific owns and operates on Jeju Island off the South Coast of Korea. The green tea leaves are handpicked and naturally fermented in optimal conditions for 50 days. These fermented leaves are then transferred by tea masters and placed into "onggi's", traditional Korean earthware band buried in the earth, to age naturally for another 50 days. After 100 days of waiting and a 24-hours slow extraction process, Amore Pacific’s Vintage Single Extract Essence is perfected.

This anti-aging essence delivers the antioxidant power of Single Extract Formula™. Created using the patented Full Body Extraction™, it promotes prebiotics to prevent further signs of skin aging. Vintage Tea Leaf™, containing green tea’s precious substance catechin, works to improve the appearance of skin’s clarity, texture, and elasticity. My mother really stressed the importance of an excellent toner. It not only helps hydrate and tone the skin, but balances the skin's pH levels in general, giving it a clean, fresh start for any other regiments such as oils, serums, lotions and more! And this Single Extract Formula™ is the best toner I have tried in ages.

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Enriched with real rose petals that provide continuous hydration, this quick-absorbing, non-greasy oil by Diptyque contains high concentrations of active ingredients. White iris oleate infusion smoothens and boosts radiances, sweet almond oil nourishes while rose petal provides the necessary hydration. Perfect for all skin types. In case of oily skin, use two drops of this oil before applying face cream or use a drop of oil blended with face cream in the morning and 3-4 drops for a relaxing face massage in the evening. What it does: It restores the skin's natural radiance, reinvigorates and smooths skin eliminating wrinkles and fine lines. How to use: Apply it to your face in a gentle upward and outward direction. For massage, warm it in the palm of your hand and apply on your face, massaging around eyes, and moving in upward motions around cheekbones, jawlines, and neck. I love face oils at night and I use a jade roller to massage in all the extra nutrients, so it can really absorb into my skin. The perfect kind of hydration for traveling on a plane. That dry air will suck the living life out of your face! And this one takes the cake, the scent alone is intoxiating.

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A loose powder with a fusion of four complimentary, complexion-refining shades that together, create a made-to-measure, color-correcting finish. Get surreal skin perfection in four natural shades. Each color combination evens out the appearance of skin tone while enhancing radiance and keeping shine under the utmost control. Upon application, imperfections appear diminished and skin looks more even and porcelain in nature, with a lasting, radiant, matte finish. The formula and the pigments are treated with an exclusive, technological atomization process that creates a perfectly uniform and natural-looking result. I've been using the Givenchy Prisme Libre loose powder lately instead of a ton of foundation, because it's good to have the skin breathe from time to time, especially when you may have been wearing a lot more makeup than usual for photo shoots, events, etc. It naturally takes the redness out and keeps my skin radiant without having it look overdone. I love this mineral powder more than wi-fi honestly. LOL!

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Emanating the free-spirited glamour of the '70s, Lipstick Queen's Blue By You Lipstick is a playful tribute to the lavish glitz of the decade, with a modern twist. Evolving the iconic transformer collection, luxe Blue By You is a soulful indigo blue that transforms into a metallic raspberry pink.

Enriched with Shea Butter, Mango Butter and antioxidant Vitamin E, lips are left soft and hydrated, while the sheer, shimmering finish provides easy-to-wear, comfortable, long-lasting color. Reminiscent and iridescent, Blue By You encourages us all to get out in the center of the dance floor and strut our stuff. Starting as a bold, soulful blue, the color transforms into a flattering, metallic raspberry pink that perfectly captures the medley of glistening magic within a disco ball, transforming you into a dancing queen in a swipe.