Elementary, My Dear Watson

WEARING: ROSEGAL DOUBLE BREASTED BELTED PLAID TRENCH COAT | 
FOREVER 21 RIBBED KNIT SWEATER | VAGABOND HONEY JAKARTA DENIM PANTS | 
OLIVER BILOU ROXY CLUTCH/CROSSBODY | GUCCI BELT | LIE COLLECTION SCARF | 
PERIDOT BOUTIQUE LOAFER SLIDES 

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ROSEGAL & OLIVER BILOU

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After writing and publishing my first novel in 2015, many of you have recently been asking if and when I'll be writing my second one. Well... the answer is still a mystery! Why? A few reasons: To say my debut was on the New York Time's bestseller is definitely not the case. (No, this was not my expectation.) Not to mention I also have at least three other big projects I'm trying to do while simultaneously plotting a way to somehow cure a deep writer's block I've been having for the past year or so. While I have my blog to communicate my daily life with you, in terms of fashion, beauty, love & relationships, photography and more, my one true love has always been the written word and in doing so, telling stories. Favorite way? Definitely fiction. But with a new career path in the digital world, I find it more and more difficult to juggle everything that I do and have been asking myself a lot of questions lately in regards to my work and discipline, in that; can a person be successful in more than one field and when one is struggling in one area more than the other, how can it be managed and put back in order? Continue to read more on my reflections and thoughts on this part of my life, including where to shop my new favorite fall plaid trench from this post that I wore during NYFW!

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Now going back to my novel... I never had any intention or high hopes for my book to be anything but legitimately published. Before I found my publisher, I had debated for quite some time whether or not to self-publish and I get asked this question rather frequently when talking amongst other writers. I say there are pro's and con's to both, as there are in everything. But as someone who wanted to establish herself as a writer, I really wanted to be traditionally published. And so I made that happen. And like everything else as well, you learn so much along the way. So long as you're paying attention. With that, I've also embarked on a new journey into the digital world, creating content on a daily basis through photos and text, I truly love what I do. However, finding the time to manage both have put on quite a lot of pressure for myself, balance has never exactly been my forte... I always like to bite off more than I can chew. So, what's a girl to do?

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You do the best you can. I am also a photographer, freelancing here and there and everywhere. The hustle is endless, and I would love to reach a point in my life when I won't have to hustle as hard anymore... but does it ever really get easier? I sometimes think we get lost in our own thoughts and have a tendency to think too much about things. Sometimes it's important to just run with it and let what will happen, happen. Because how much can you really control anyway? And how many of you are where you thought you'd be when you were younger? I bet not that many. So the moral of the story is to try your best every day. That's my motto. If I can look at myself in the mirror at the end of each day knowing I gave it my all, in every aspect (which too, in turn, can be a daunting task, especially if one is trying to maintain a social life on top of everything else), then I'm okay with that. What you think about yourself is more important than what anyone else thinks about you.

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Something I've also learned from the past year: actions really do speak louder than words and when you deliver, that's it. You're good. Don't get me wrong, guys. I LOVE sharing bits and pieces of my life with you, but there's also boundaries and limitations to that too. I am also very private and when it comes to my personal life, very few are aware of what's really going down. And I think when it comes to the work, let that speak for itself rather than running around telling people what you are going to be doing. I'm all about sharing and conversing with one another, but if it's all talk and nothing else, well... I rest my case. I guess at the end of the day, keep yourself involved in whatever it is that you're extremely passionate about, don't compare yourself to others, (easier said than done, I know.), try to be nice (hey, no one's perfect but try to be lol), and after a lot of hard work (we're talking blood, sweat, tears, and then some), the fruits of your labor will come into play. Don't talk, just do. 

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And while I started my second novel last summer followed by a nasty case of writer's block, I know the work will come. It took me nearly four years to write my first one while holding down two jobs, so it's a matter of the right timing, patience, and discipline. When it comes to writer's block, my best suggestion is to walk away from what you're trying to write and take a break or, like myself, write about other topics that are very distant from the one that you're focusing on. Or go off for a tiny shopping run, and score this ultra-chic double-breasted belted plaid trench coat from Rosegal like I did! I love to coffee and grey tones with the long silhouette - very Sherlock Holmes. All I need is Hyde Park and some tea with crumpets and I'll be all set! Perhaps I'll be in Europe in the near distant future? Don't forget to leave a comment down below and follow me on Instagram. Have a great week, friends! 

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NYFW SS18 Outfits

DAY 1

WEARING: FOREVER 21 OVERSIZED CUTOUT SHIRT | VAGABOND HONEY JAKARTA DENIM PANTS | 
GUCCI BELT | LOUISE & ELEANOR LULU CLUTCH GREEN APPLE | EGO METALLIC BOOTS
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DAY 1 LOOK #2

WEARING: MALIKA RAJANI METALLIC LEATHER JACKET | VAGABOND HONEY BODYSUIT | 
GENUINE PEOPLE BELL BOTTOM CROP JEANS | EGO TEGAN POINTED TOE ANKLE BOOTS
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DAY 2 LOOK #1

NA-KD FASHION WORN OUT LEATHER JACKET | GWEN SALAKAIA SKIRT | 
FOREVER 21 SHIRT | EGO NASH BACKLESS ANKLE BOOTS
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DAY 2 LOOK #2

WEARING: SAKU LEOPARD PRINT VELVET DRESS | SØSKEN STUDIOS COAT | 
MAD STYLE NECKLACE | BRAHMIN BAG | EGO METALLIC BOOTS
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DAY 3

WEARING: VIP ME BLUE VINTAGE EMBROIDERY BELTED MAXI DENIM DRESS | 
FOREVER 21 OVERSIZED CUTOUT SHIRT | NA-KD FASHION WORN OUT LEATHER JACKET | 
CLOSET ACCESS MINI ARIA SADDLE BAG | EGO NASH BACKLESS ANKLE BOOTS | 
FOREVER 21 FISHNET CREW SOCKS | MAD STYLE SUNGLASSES
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DAY 4

WEARING: DEUX A BOMBER JACKET | DEZZAL ASSYMETRIC MERMAID SKIRT | 
FOREVER 21 GRAPHIC TOP | ADIDAS NEO CLOUDFOAM | MEDUSA PARIS BUCKET BAG | 
MAD-STYLE IGGY SUNGLASSES
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DAY 5

WEARING: BROOKS BROTHERS MEN'S SHIRT | H&M LONG GREY SUIT JACKET | 
YEAH BUNNY FLORAL PANTS | BRAHMIN BAG | EGO VELVET BOOTS | PERSOL GLASSES
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DAY 6

WEARING: MEDEA MARIS ORGANZA TRENCH | NATIVE YOUTH DRESS | 
YOINS GREEN BATCHEL BAG W/ CONTRAST TRIMS | EGO METALLIC BOOTS
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DAY 7

WEARING: ROSEGAL DOUBLE BREASTED PLAID TRENCH COAT | OLIVER BILOU ROXY CLUTCH | 
VAGABOND HONEY JAKARTA DENIM PANTS | PERIDOT BOUTIQUE LOAFER SLIDES 
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Hey, everyone! In today's post, I'm featuring all my looks from NYFW SS18! A total of 8 different outfits, you can shop similar pieces from each day by following the links through text and/or image. This season I went with a lot of different accessories from bags to shoes, to trendsetting wear, but I think the biggest challenge during this fashion week was finding something stylish enough yet comfortable enough for all day to night wear! On most days I stayed in sneakers or my newly obsessed metallic boots that are not only sleek but super wearable for those long grueling days. The last thing I want to worry about while working is feeling uncomfortable in an outfit. Have you guys checked out my full recap of all the NYFW shows I attended this season? There's a ton of coverage, plus backstage access to such amazing shows like Tibi and Public School... come check it out here and don't forget to follow me on Instagram! And if you have a question about any outfits from this post, please comment down below! 

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How I Went from Criminal Justice to Fashion

WEARING: AVANZARA-B HOUSE OF KIMBERLY TEAL BLOUSE | GENUINE PEOPLE JEANS | 
THE KOOPLES JACKET | GUCCI BELT | 
BRAHMIN ANDESITE GABRIELLA MELBOURNE BAG | EGO METALLIC BOOTS

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY EGO.

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Happy NYFW! Let the fashion commence! Who is as excited as I am to see all of the SS18 collections for the upcoming season?! Since today is our first day of New York Fashion Week, I wanted to share with you guys a little more about my journey. What led me to here? Well, the title of this post sure must have caught your eye. Yes, you read correctly. I once almost became a cop instead of any of pursuit for a career. Instead of Detective Spiegoski, I'm Fashionista Spiegoski! So, how did I start from where I began and ended up here where I am today? Continue reading to find out more why I took such a leap of faith and why I am so, so, so grateful for my crazy (but intuitive) decisions. 

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Once upon a time, I grew up in an environment that was rough, both in and outside the home. Because of my surroundings as well as life experiences, I initially chose a path in law enforcement, even receiving a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. I even traveled to distant lands to learn more about the cultural diversity as well as the different types of government and policing procedures. My '5-Year Plan' was to get my degree, move to NYC and join the New York City Police Department, and quickly climbing the ranks from Sargeant to Detective. Specifically? Homicide. But once I moved to the city of my dreams (I had wanted to live here basically my whole life), I didn't know a single soul. I came here with $300 bucks in my pocket, 3 full suitcases, with a place to share in Spanish Harlem. My first apartment in New York was literally a closet. Okay... walk-in closet: Enough to fit a full bed, dresser, mirror and a clothing rack. I didn't need much else. 

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Because I didn't know anyone yet, I became lonely rather fast. With that, I began writing again, something that's been in my life since I was very little (my father taught me how to read and write at the age of 4) and I always found solitude in the power of my voice and the freedom to express my thoughts and feelings through words. And while doing so, my gut switched a flip. I no longer had the desire I once had in the career I chose. I felt lost. Confused. Young. Undiscovered. I gave it a good hard look before changing my mind, but I'm tellin' ya, even to this day, I can't tell you how thankful I am that I took that jump and decided to explore my options a bit further. From this, I've given back, teaching figure skating and working with kids for nearly a decade, wrote and published a novel, have had my photographs published around the world, and learned so much about myself in the process. 

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I just surpassed my 2-year anniversary of my blog, MaQ + Suz. Since then, I've only attended 2 seasons of NYFW [this week being my 3rd season (!)] and am starting to receive invites to other fashion shows globally. Now, for those of you wondering... have I always been a die-hard fashionista? Not exactly... but it's always been with me, so to speak. When I was very young, I used to illustrate what campaigns I saw from the Korean fashion magazines my mother had. I'd flip through them, find inspiration and would recreate my own version, with even the prices of each piece of clothing! From there, I became more interested in the world of fashion while in college (where I started to read Vogue religiously) but that fizzled once I decided to do something else in my life. It's funny now looking back because even at the age of 6-7 I was already studying fashion when I was creating collages of them on my bedroom walls. 

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I believe within a person's life, one will change many times over. Hopefully for the better. As you grow older and discover more about yourself, you will find out what you want, what you don't want, and who you really are. Part of the evolution of the path to self-discovery. And here I am now, a writer and photographer working full-time in the creative field and I couldn't be happier with my choice. Is it hard work? You bet your ass it is and I'm completely dedicated to it. Here's to making life's grand decisions and to fashion & style. Shoutout to this vintage teal blouse that belonged to my mother, the label says 'Avanzara–b House of Kimberly' but I can't find the brand on the internet. It's from the 80's back in Cali... and to these favorite new rose gold metallic boots from Ego, I feel like Wonder Woman strutting around in these. Hope to see all you other fabulous selves strutting around town as well this week! Happy Happy Fashion Week! :)

LOVE & XX'S,

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Indian Summer – Wear a One Piece Swimsuit into Fall

WEARING: ZAFUL TIED CAMI PLUNGING NECK HIGH CUT SWIMSUIT |
VAGABOND HONEY JAKARTA DENIM PANTS | NA-KD FASHION WORN OUT LEATHER JACKET |
STELLA & DOT LAYERED FEATHER NECKLACE | CALVIN KLEIN RUBY PATENT SLINGBACKS
ZAFUL TRIANGLE CLUTCH | MAD-STYLE IGGY SUNGLASSES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ZAFUL AND STELLA & DOT

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Happy Wednesday, guys! NYFW is right around the corner (starting after Labor Day) and I am in full swing getting ready for the crazy but fun-filled week! I love this time of year as the weather is changing, but the season doesn't click right away as if it likes the period of transition as well. So today's post is dedicated to those unpredictable days where like a woman, can go from hot to cold in an instant. What better way to keep wearing those adorable (and yes, some racier) one-pieces into fall instead of putting them away now that summer is coming to an end?! These kinds of swimsuits I feel can be styled in so many different ways, I had to share my take on it with you! And this gorgeous army green is one of my favorite colors to wear come autumn season! Come take a look and see how you can still wear your swimsuit come fall! 

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The tied cami plunging neck high cut swimsuit from Zaful is not only a showstopper but actually really comfy to wear! I love the back to it too. And the tied-up spaghetti straps? Too cute. I paired the one piece swimsuit with my favorite jeans from Vagabond Honey. I think I'm in need of a new pair as I've literally worn these ones out (or you could say I'm a jeans-addict too... whichever you prefer...) To bring down the oversized look from the denim, I wore a pair of Calvin Klein slingbacks. They are circa 2008, I believe, and yes, you bet your ass I still wear them! I love them so much, especially the ruby color and shape of the shoe. 

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I styled the swimsuit with a worn out jacket from Na-kd Fashion to complement with the jeans and edgy look. Plus, tell me a girl who doesn't wear the crap out of leather jackets come fall?! Ha ha ha! Guilty as charged! And I have no shame because a great leather jacket can make any outfit stylish! And let's not forget about this incredible, layered feather necklace I received from Stella & Dot... With three different ways to wear the possibilities are endless! Wear as one cohesive statement or remove the feather strands to wear the top piece for a simple everyday layering look. In this look, I wore it as a whole because I loved each piece so much and couldn't make up my mind! But I'd love to show you the different ways of wearing it, perhaps on Insta-Stories?

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Lastly, my triangle clutch is also from Zaful (can you tell I dig this store?) and my round sunnies are from Mad-Style. You can still use my code, 'maqandsuz' for 20% off your purchase today at www.mad-style.com. Also, I get a lot of questions about my makeup, so here's a little more info on today's look: Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Women's Smoker Eye Duo in Smokey Green and LancΓ΄me Matte Shaker High Pigment Liquid Lipstick 272 Energy in Peach.

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Fall Stripes with Red Panama Hat

WEARING: MAD-STYLE FLUTED SLEEVE CREWNECK TOP | MAD-STYLE RED PANANA FLANNEL HAT |
 GENUINE PEOPLE BELL BOTTOM CROP JEANS | PERIDOT BOUTIQUE LOAFER SLIDES |
 MAD-STYLE PEARL MULTI RING CHOKER 

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY MAD-STYLE

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Happy Monday, guys! How was everyone's weekend? The past few days I've been struggling with the mundane everyday life responsibilities, just finding the time to do laundry has been challenging! Life happens when you're busy making other plans, am I right?! But I have no complaints, I'm so crazy about what I'm doing in terms of work that I literally forget about the other things in life I also need to be doing (until I'm on my last run of granny panties... then you know you've outdone yourself HA HA) But that's also the great thing about New York City, don't have time to do the laundry? Drop it off somewhere and have someone do it for you. (No, I don't do that but I could...) you can even have someone come and pick up your laundry for you! Aside from my hectic schedule that doesn't seem to be calming down anytime soon, my all-time favorite season is just around the corner and I couldn't wait to get started on my new fall wardrobe! Today's look is all about bold colors and patterns that will super trendy this season, and at the same time keeping the outfit somewhat casual yet super chic! Let's take a closer look at some of my new favorite items I picked up from Mad-Style.

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Stripes are hot, hot hot right now and will definitely transition into the cooler season. This fluted sleeve crewneck from Mad-Style is my new favorite striped shirt! What I find so adorable about this top are its large bell sleeves! This oversized flounce sleeved top brings such a lovely detail to any casual look, it's perfect with your favorite pair of jeans or maxi skirt. I also love how thin the stripes are as they make it for a flattering fit for anyone! 

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One bold color I always wear when feeling fabulously confident is red. I'm an Aries and red is definitely a hue that has burned long and hard in my heart when it comes to my selective choices in color. When I first noticed this Panama hat, I was immediately drawn to its rich color along with a unique belt accent that adds another notch of luxury and style. This buckle adornment is very eye-catching along with the flannel material in this boho, fedora style hat! 

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My jeans are from Genuine People and my loafer slides are from Peridot Boutique. The last piece from this look and also from Mad-Style is this gorgeous pearl multi-ring choker necklace. The stunning multi-strand leather necklace with large conjoined rings and large pearl stone in the center I found to also be very unique. The rings come in different gold tone finishes: gold, rose gold, and silver. Are you guys loving the striped shirt, red hat and/or necklace? If you are adoring the Mad-Style pieces as much as I am, use my promo code, 'maqandsuzto get 20% OFF your purchase from Mad-Style! They also carry a variety of accessories such as jewelry, clothes and even dog apparel! You can also shop this look down below. Don't forget to leave a comment on your thoughts from this post! Follow me on Instagram too! Have a great week, everyone! :)

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