A Day in Central Park

Last week's Fall Mini Session left me inspired to shoot more of this glorious Fall weather before everything becomes bare and brittle. Did I mention frigid? We lucked out yet again today, here in New York City, with 70°F+ temps. So, with my rollerblades intact and MaQ by my side, I ventured the nearly 3 mile-trip uptown to Central Park. The workout wasn't exactly easy, given the backpack I was carrying which included my camera, a change of clothes, my boots, treats, a large bottle of water, his ball, and then some! Phew! I would say it was about an extra 20 pounds on my back during the trek! To say the least, we did it and it was totally worth it!

Isn't that just a spectacular view?! I was so glad to visit there today. It reminded me why I live here again. The hustle & bustle of the streets; the competition, the raw honesty in it's purest form; the smells of every kind of food you can imagine; the beauty within the park; and those wondrous skyscrapers that can't help but make you dream big. Live big. Love big. This is my city and I'm so proud to call New York my home. It ain't always pretty, but it's undeniably f*cking real to me! So is life.

When we first entered the park, MaQ was really excited about the horses! I remember when my husband and I got married in Strawberry Fields he totally went bananas over 'em and desperately wanted to make friends. Regardless, he's quite the stud muffin, isn't he? Plus, Fall makes for the best pictures! And trust me when I say this folks, the foliage is looking pretty groovy at this point! Y'all need to go for a stroll before all the beautiful colors are gone!

I really wanted to do a nice Fall portrait with the both of us, so I brought my little remote and snapped away. The light is a little harsh, but I only have my distraction to blame from the magnificent beauty Central Park holds! It just makes you think you have all the time in the world, I almost forgot I wanted to photograph us! Ha ha ha!

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I tried to take several shots in many forms of light. The park is perfect for that, at some point, (being a hardcore perfectionist) I wasn't ready to leave because it was just too enjoyable! But there are only 24 hours in a day and I only have a zillion things to do! I love the little lens flare from the light in the shot above. He looks like Rainbow Brite! Plus I'm still that young rebel who doesn't like to follow the rules so yeah, I like to shoot against the light sometimes. ;)

MaQ is adored everywhere he goes, like today when I was right in the middle of shooting (on a non-sturdy rock of all places) and this sweet maybe 12-year old Eastern European kid bravely walked up to me, and shamelessly asked if he could pet my dog. At first, I was kind of annoyed since he didn't seem to care that I was in the middle of trying to take a shot (of MaQ unleashed all the while), but when I looked into his piercing blue eyes, there was something so familiar and peaceful at the same time, I couldn't help but say yes. I wanted him to meet MaQ. And it made him so very happy, where it, in return, made me so happy!

We also visited The Pond, which is also where the first crime scene takes place in my debut novel, 'The Fisherman's Lily'. It's nice to go back to places where you've researched, and this being one of the very first chapters I wrote in the very beginnings of writing my book, I of course had to stop by and pay homage to my special place. I took a shot of MaQ on the bridge (right above The Pond) to encapsulate the feelings I had with the initials ideas of writing fiction many, many years ago.

Toward the very end of our photo taking, we played a long, rewarding game of fetch. We played out in an open field, and it was such a pleasure to watch him at full speed. I think the day completely wiped him out because he's been asleep for the past 5 hours! He really did a lot, so it's good he's resting. I seriously had the best time up there today! I wish we lived closer to Central Park, because we'd go there everyday!

We hope you enjoyed in taking a glimpse into our adventures! We love sharing them with you and the world. Would you like to do a Fall photo of some kind in the park? Please feel free to contact me about any inquiries you may have!

Thanks so much for reading! Please pass on & share! Happy Thursday! ♡

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

Mickey & Butterflies

WEARING: FOREVER 21 MICKEY SWEATSHIRT | JENABELLE FLUTTER MARLEY SKIRT 
| BAMBOO SHOGA SUMMER WEDGES |PURPLE SPARKLE PASHMINA SCARF

This week I'm pleased to announce I've teamed up with Jenabelle, an online fashion retailer based here in New York City, in collaboration with Shopping Links. Jenabelle's motto is 'Fun. Affordable. Fashion.' And it is so much more than that. They carry many different fashion trends, with it's clothes, accessories and shoes, serving any stylish gal a silver platter of endless tasteful chic choices.

I've never been one to only wear one style or label. I'm a mixer, just like my ethnic background and love to combine feminine and masculine pieces, even high end and lower end labels or vintage, and west coast vibes with the Midwest's. Detroit Rock to be exact! To me, style is all about how you carry yourself in whatever choices you make with your statement.

For today, my statement, of course, is even though I'm totally infatuated with the Fall Season (it really is my favorite!) I'm a California-born chic and am never fully willing to let go of summer! Now that it's getting colder in New York, but warm enough to hold on to maxi skirts and wedges (perhaps too stubbornly), I'm all for bundling up, but my legs and feets are not! I blame it on 20+ yrs of being a rink rat. Or what most people refer us as: figure skaters. :P

I mixed up a Fall statement pashmina scarf, a more masculine piece with Mickey (cause this mouse is from Cali LOL), a Bohemian flowing skirt from Jenabelle, and my go-to summer wedges! I like to think of this outfit as "Hippy & Shabby-Chic meets Casual & Fun!"

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As a New Yorker, I am guilty of wearing too much black and barely smiling in photos. New York will make you too honest, raw, and sometimes, sadly, will unknowingly start to take yourself too seriously. Life should be fun and your clothes should be too! (At least from time to time... if you're really that into black..) ;)

Here's a close up of Jenabelle's skirt's gorgeous fabric and illustration of butterflies with some floral foreshadowing in the background. I love how feminine and free-spirited this piece feels on me! As soon as I tried it on, I got major L.A nostalgia, reminiscent of Venice Beach, Disneyland and my mom's immaculate flower garden at our first home in Anaheim.

I love the shoe embellishments of these Bamboo wedges. The beachy, west coast vibe shoes go very well with the lightness of the Jenabelle skirt. And I'm all for adding a few inches on my short self when wearing long dresses or skirts. Plus, my feet want to soak up as much sun until it really gets too cold! Brrrr!

Here's the back of the Mickey sweatshirt. How many of you are a fan of the messy bun btw? I love it but when my hair gets too long, there's literally too much to bun! Ha ha ha! I'm thinking about cutting the hair short again, but I love my hair long. Ah, decisions, decisions. :)

What's your signature style? Feel free to share and comment! We love to hear from our readers! See a fashion piece you're eyeing for yourself from this look on my blog today? You can shop for it below!

Thanks for stopping by! We hope you had a not so manic Monday. <3

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

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OOTD with Joey Ramone

WEARING: SPARKLE & FADE OLIVE GREEN SHIRT | THE SAVVY HEART 
THE EZRA NECKLACE IN WHITE ONYX | VINTAGE SUEDE & LEATHER
MINI FRINGE CROSS BODY BAG | RAY-BAN CLUBMASTER | STEVE MADDEN 
NOBLE STONE PEEP TOE SHOE BOOT | 

Yesterday I blogged about a necklace giveaway contest I'm doing this week. See the necklace with my outfit of the day? This necklace made by The Savvy Heart, is run by a lovely and talented duo based out in Seattle, and not only does incredible jewelry, but also makes apothecary sprays, stationary and pottery! The Ezra Necklace is still up for grabs until Friday! All you have to do is get on Instagram and go to my account and follow the details! My user name is @suzannespiegoski :) Good luck to everyone!

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Here is a close up shot showing you the spike details with the brass and onyx stone. The winner will get their choice of this necklace in black or white! And don't forget the extra goodies: a polishing cloth and a 15% promo code toward an online purchase!

And to all my dog lovers, Happy Tongue Out Tuesday! This is from one of our many outtakes - I'd normally pick a more smiley picture of my handsome fella, but this is too good. What a face! Looks like someone is getting ready for their closeup. ;)

I'm really digging this lipstick I've been wearing from NARS. The color is called Greta and it's the perfect pop of pink for the Fall! The rich pigmentation and luxurious texture looks and feels great! And it's long lasting which is always a good thing for a gal who's running around. I love me some soft lips! Ha ha!

A few of weeks ago, a Joey Ramone mural was created on Bowery St. across the street from the famous CBGB rock club, here in New York City. Of course, maQ and I had to check it out! We decided it would be fun to incorporate an OOTD with this spectacular mural.

The story behind the boxing gloves is its symbolism to The Ramone's relentless struggle before really making it big and ultimately becoming who they became to be. Solus and John (Crash) Matos, the artists behind this inspiring piece, left me in awe of their art and their message, to never stop believing in yourself and to keep going. Never give up what you want!

Thanks for stopping by to see us and Joey! We'll be back with some more graffiti soon! And remember, always kick ass! Because you're amazing! Peace.

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

Fall Fashion with maQ!

Fall is around the corner and I can’t wait for my favorite season! I love getting cozy in sweaters and scarfs, reading by the fire (or an electric one/space heater if you’re missing the whole chimney factor), downing chai lattes and getting anything pumpkin spiced flavored down into my mouth. Stat! With Fashion Week going on, it's got me feeling more inspired and extra stylish! I'm always trying to keep my style simple yet sophisticated. My philosophy when it comes to fashion? Less is more! 

I love what I'm seeing with the current color trends. This season I’m seeing lots of richness in brown and purple tones. Think burgundy, maroon, cranberry, merlot, mahogany- sweet, earthy, but mysterious colors. A mixture of blues, yellows, nude and pink colors are also very prominent. Lots of soft blush colors. Today, I paired up my pink scarf with my blush-colored undertones in my makeup. It's probably my favorite tone during the Fall. It's feminine and fresh!

These Aldo heels are probably one of the few pairs of high heels that don't put me in immense pain and make me swear off of 'em for good! (Well, at least temporarily... women!) I love the nude color. It pairs up with pretty much anything and in any season too.

Awe! Seriously, though... isn't maQ the most adorable German Shepherd dog you could ever possibly meet?! I think it's pretty obvious how much I love him. He is such a model. I swear when I photograph him, he is more than eager to pose for me. maQ, America's Next Top 'Dog' Model! Ha ha! What a ham. He makes me happy every single day. I couldn't have asked for a better pooch.<3

I think maQ is more stylish than me! And he's got nothing but a collar on! ;)

We hope you all have a great start to your week!
Until next time...

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

These Booties Are Made For Walking

WEARING: STEVEN MADDEN NOBLE STONE PEEP TOE SHOE BOOT | ESSIE NAIL POLISH

NAIL COLOR: NO MORE FILM

You keep saying, you got something for me...

TGIF! I'm really looking forward to the long holiday weekend. Even more so, I'm ready to break these pretty ladies in! Since last year, I've been really wanting a pair of peep-toe booties but something more on the neutral side; something I can wear day and night, keeping my style versatile. These chic Steve Madden booties are amazing! I got them from ASOS :)

Though I may be short, I'm not the type of girl who likes to run around in 5'' heels. I love how these are lower heels and are actually extremely comfortable!

For nail polish, I picked a darker blue hue to accentuate the soft colored shoes. It's Essie and the color is 'No More Film'. One of my favorite colors I use for Fall and Winter seasons. And can I just talk about the slingback part of the shoe? So much fun!

Wishing you all a lovely and restful Labor Day weekend! Until next time...

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

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