Calico Print Matching Set

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

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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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Summertime Crop Topping with Tweety Bird

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK CROP TOP | DL1961 DENIM HEPBURN JEANS | EGO RAINA SANDALS | 
MOST WANTED USA TIFFANY SATCHEL | MONICA VINADER LINEAR BEAD FRIENDSHIP BRACELET | 
ODETTE + ODILE WHITE SUNNIES  

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SAKU NEW YORK AND EGO SHOES.

It's almost the weekend and I've been cranking out posts today like a mad woman! Sorry for the delay yet again... I normally keep my blog very consistent but getting busier and busier means more problems and more things to do! Therefore, a little bit of irregularity up in here so I thank you guys for the patience and continued support, it means more to me than you'll ever know! (Yes, I know we bloggers will all say this, but I truly do mean this from the bottom of my heart!!!) This week has been jam-packed with more than the usual meetings and events so I haven't been able to get to my editing until today. Alas, I finally am releasing this outfit shoot and it's all about the crop top with details that are so extra - but oh so good. Continue reading to see more of the accessories from this look like the turquoise deets and this gorgeous personalized rose-gold bracelet that's perfect for Mother's Day!

If you're a new reader, (welcome btw) I style a lot for my wonderful dear friend's, designer label, s a k u New York. s a k u is both feminine and casual, with great attention in creating never-seen-before styles. What makes this off-white crop top unique is the neon peach trim in the front and the ribbon in the back. You can either leave it untied and loosely hanging on its own or bow tie it to make it even more feminine. It's a great versatile piece to wear with several summer staples like maxi skirts, denim shorts, and more. I love the playful tone to it and would totally wear it to a fair/carnival or festival of some kind. There's a zipper in the back center and it is also made out of polyester. 

I accessorized with my favorite pair of wide-leg denim jeans from DL1961. The Hepburn style is so flattering and comfortable. I've been wearing them on heavy rotation and am a total jean gal - I styled with turquoise pieces such as this Western belt and Tiffany blue satchel bag. Both are from Most Wanted USA, a handcrafted leather handbag and accessory line based in NYC for everyday wear and I absolutely adore this brand. I styled a different look with these accessories here but it is more of a winter look. I think the color balances well with the peach neon trim, what do you think? 

The kinda shoe that bloggers will love, the Raina studded slider is the must-have slider of the season with multi-strap upper, stud detail, and PU finish, it's perfect for those days on the beach. Throw these on with frayed denim and a crop top and you're good to go. They're not exactly a sandal you'll want to run around in, per se in the city, but it's a great relaxing, kicking it back, kind of summer shoe. It's definitely reminiscent of Alexander Wang, but hey, one can only afford so much high-end shoes. They come in at roughly $34 and are faux leather.

Lastly, I wanted to share this Monica Vinader sleek friendship bracelet that features five flat disks that line up perfectly on a double plaited adjustable cord. Each Linear bead is slidable to create your desired look and can be engraved with numbers, letters or symbols on both sides, introducing a playful new way of making your jewelry unique. It's a lovely sentiment for Mother's Day, and you can personalize it is many different ways. I had mine engraved with my blog name a while back at an event but never got a chance to share it on the blog. Link to the bracelet is here. 

LOVE & XX'S,

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Sporty Footwear with SOREL

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

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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 Showers Bring Stutterheim

WEARING: STUTTERHEIM MOSEBACKE BURGUNDY RAINCOAT | GENUINE PEOPLE SWEATER DRESS | 
HUNTER LACE UP RAIN BOOTS

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY STUTTERHEIM. 

Rain, rain, go away! It isn't out of the norm to have a wet month in April, and this season I'm not minding all the rain in my new raincoat. The latest, waterproof, lightweight and packable coats combine Stutterheim's commitment to wet-weather protection with fresh colors and bold, graphic elements - lifting spirits during depressing spring and summer showers. Besides, before you know it, May flowers will be sprouting everywhere. But in the meantime, I'll be sure to wear my raincoat and wellies appropriately. Continue reading to learn more about the Swedish brand and how I styled this gorgeous burgundy raincoat. It's definitely a showstopper and not to be missed!

The Stutterheim Mosebacke Burgundy raincoat is the women's A-line version of their iconic raincoat. This feminine model has a beautiful silhouette with a spacious cut. It is handmade in rubberized cotton, comes unlined, with double welded seams, snap closures and cotton drawstrings. The finest craftsmanship is used to create this style, here in a beautiful burgundy version with silver buttons. Their raincoats have undergone severe testing in horrible conditions both at sea and in the city. Each coat is individually quality-controlled by their skilled seamstresses. It's by far the best quality raincoat I've ever owned and aside from that, it's the color that makes my heart swoon.

Given the temperamental weather, I wore a sweater dress with a high slit, some wool socks, and my trusty Hunter boots. The combination is enough to keep me warm but also a little room for my skin to breathe. Fun BTS story behind this shoot: for many who saw the teaser photo to this post on Instagram and asked how we got the 'fog' into the photos... we did not rent a smoke machine, but rather I stood on top of one of the steam vents in the streets and said a little prayer. These kinds of mysterious 'drops' (including sidewalk hatches that always leaves me ridden with anxiety) I can never predict how far down they go... even just telling you about it is making me nervous! Plus, the smell of the steam, eww. I didn't exactly smell too pleasant afterward! Ah, the things we do to get the shot. It's not as easy as it looks, guys, trust me! Stay dry out there today, x. 

LOVE & XX'S,

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Polka Dot Blazer

WEARING: SHEIN POLKA DOT BLAZER | HONEY COAST USA CUDDLE TEE | 
LEVI'S DENIM MINI SKIRT | EGO BLACK PATENT LEATHER BOOTS | MAD-STYLE CROSSBODY BAG | 
DANIEL WELLINGTON WATCH | PAPERCHASE BLACK RIBBON

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SHEIN AND EGO SHOES. 

One big trend that's still sticking around this spring season is anything in polka dots. The versatile style can be in several forms. You can go for supersize statement spots in a monochrome palette, or wear your specks small in a flattering silhouette like in today's post with this super chic black polka-dot blazer. The trick is to not overdo it when it comes to styling such a busy piece! So how do you add playful polka dots to your real-life wardrobe without looking overly prim and too proper? I'll be sharing how to finish the look with some edgy accessories to toughen up the ultra-feminine print. Continue reading to see more details, like ruched sleeves and fierce black patent ankle boots, along with how to incorporate this trend into your closet. 

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 SHEIN POLKA DOT BLAZER // HONEY COAST USA CUDDLE TEE // LEVI'S DENIM MINI SKIRT  EGO BLACK PATENT LEATHER BOOTS // MAD-STYLE CROSSBODY BAG // DANIEL WELLINGTON WATCH // PAPERCHASE BLACK RIBBON

When I first received this polka dot blazer from SHEIN I thought to style it with a pair of jeans. One, because I'm a total jean girl. I literally wear them almost every day, (which is funny because when I was a child, I would be wearing anything but, the reason being... I hated them!) and two, it was what first came to mind in terms of styling the blazer. But when we got our first really nice day here in NYC, we're talking summer-like temps, my skin was rather excited to get in a good dose of Vitamin D. So I went with a Levi's denim mini skirt and also a simple graphic 'But first, let's cuddle' tee. 

Accessories included are a Daniel Wellington watch in silver and black, a classic I wear often, black satin ribbon as a belt, to which I'd only recommend doing this with a piece that already fits quite snug to the body, as this type of belt alone won't hold up other loosely fitted things. The Ego Ruben pull ring detail ankle boot in black patent is not just for fall and winter seasons. If you're a true New Yorker, I guarantee you still have a good pair of black boots for the spring and summer seasons as well. We do tend to wear a lot of black, and this includes footwear during the hotter months. The Mad-Style rock and roll crossbody bag also brings in the edginess to this outfit along with the boots. (Which btw, I'm in love with the heel shape and pull ring details) My earrings are also similar to the hoop shape and go well with the polka dot blazer. 

What do you guys think of this look? Are you on board with the polka dot trend? I adore it, even considering a dress Pretty Woman-inspired, which is strange as I am not big on dresses. How would you have styled this polka dot blazer? Shop this blazer here or at the start/end of the post, plus it's only $37! Wishing you all a lovely week filled with no more Mercury in retrograde (TYG LOL) and lots of goodness. Okay but first, cuddle. Ha ha ha! Catch you guys back here on MaQ + Suz soon.  

LOVE & XX'S, 

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