Carlina Springbok VVA Handbags

February 2, 2017

WEARING: VVA CARLINA YELLOW LEATHER HANDBAG

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY VVA HANDBAGS BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Functional versatility is the driving force behind VVA Handbags. Made in Britain, the collection evokes both versatility and elegance, and are individually produced and crafted by hand, using the finest British and Italian leathers. Each VVA bag can be carried and styled in several ways. The new arrivals, like this Carlina Yellow Leather Handbag, which I'm totally obsessed with its uniqueness and vibrant color!

The Carlina shoulder bag is a handbag with attitude - a showstopper, in your face statement handbag that will certainly catch the eyes of many! What makes this bag ultra-special to me is the leather is Springbok (South African antelope) which has beautiful markings and a rich "punk" effect on the front and is paired with Italian black leather on the back, along with the handles and interior trimming. It even has a signature pink interior!

Designed to be your go-to handbag the roomy interior provides space for your technology, magazines, work documents, and other daily essentials. There's an additional inner handbag in Springbok attached with press studs making it easy to remove and can be used as a separate shoulder or clutch bag. Hand finished with silver nickel details, VVA Handbags are standout investment pieces to your wardrobe. I definitely can say my new bag will come in handy during NYFW! I'm getting excited for next week, how about you guys?

PHOTOS © // GILLES DECAMPS | CREATIVE DIRECTOR // SUZANNE SPIEGOSKI

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

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Crop Top and Trench with a Side of Maroon

January 27, 2017

WEARING: SHOPFW RIB KNIT STRAPPY CROP TOP | 
MICHAEL KORS BLACK TRENCH | BDG HIGH-WAISTED JEANS | 
JILL-E DESIGNS SMART TABLET PURSE BERRY | HUNTER LACE-UP RAIN BOOTS | 
ESPERE DIAMOND PAVE WAVE RING

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY SHOPFW, JILL-E DESIGNS & ESPERE JEWELRY.

First, I got to get something off my chest. I read a quote the other day. It said, "I have a bad habit of searching for beauty in beasts and forever in temporary people." Sure, nothing lasts forever. But dammit, I'm a die hard romanticist and just absolutely LOVE falling in love with people. Why can't it be forever always? Because most people you'll come across in your life aren't meant to be with you permanently. Meaning, the majority of people you know will not be there for you when you hit rock bottom and are at the end of your pitiful rope. Sadly but truly, from one human to the next, people are bound to disappoint you, and even worse, hurt you. (Grrrr face.)

Have you ever had such a connection with someone, one from the inner depths of your soul; one that was so strong, as if you knew them from a past life? Can be a lover or a friend. It's a rarity to come by these days and I've only experienced it a few times. But something always goes awry - you're just a passing distraction to one's amusement, or the timing isn't right, or somebody never follows through. Perhaps one grew easily tired of the other or it's just a fleeting moment/chance encounter. People drift apart and can change. I believe you meet everyone for a reason, though, and yes, it's all for the better because you LIVE and LEARN. My best relationships were all happy accidents.

Having a conversation over drinks with a new girlfriend this past week we discussed how important it was to us to have meaningful relationships in our lives. And no, not everything in life has to be deep and intense because you can't take life so seriously. It's true, you'll never get out of it alive. And not everyone you meet is going to shake you to your core (so to speak), but like many of you, I'm sure may feel, I miss my friends. Always. Old and new. What a fool to be bothered with such nonsense, right? Hardly. I'm a highly sensitive, emotional creature. And yeah, it does suck knowing that not everyone wants you to be happy. And yes, (yikes) many are there to either use you, abuse you... (Annie Lennox rolling through ha ha!) Most likely, though, 99% of the time it's because they're unhappy. I don't expect to be lifelong friends with everyone I meet, but to the special ones I've made especially this past year, I'm beyond grateful for you. Without you, I wouldn't have grown the way that I have, and this means more to me than you'll ever know. So, apologies for the semi-LONG rant (HEY, I'm first & foremost a writer so...) but thank you for continuing to inspire me and for always making me want more than 24 hours in a day.

Onward to what's going on in this look today! I'm showing you guys what I normally wear on a typical rainy day here in NYC, but given the mild temps and the fact that my abs got a serious workout at a boxing fitness studio the other day, (yes, I took my first boxing class!) I wasn't as shy to show some skin. :) This crop top from ShopFW is rib knit fabric and has a self-tie strappy midriff which gives an ultra-sexy feel to it. And it's really comfy! I styled the top with my usual rain boots from Hunter and Michael Kors black trench coat. Along with my most worn, and quite possibly, favorite pair of high-waisted skinny jeans to date, is the super cool and tech-savvy smart tablet purse by Jill-E Designs. It's great berry/maroon color is only the icing on the cake. Inside is a Joey Energy charger where you're able to charge your phone, tablet/laptop, etc. on-the-go! It even has a longer strap to make it a crossbody. I know this will come in handy come fashion week! And last but not least is the gorgeous ring by Espere Jewelry. It's such a statement piece and I love its shape and design. Perfect to sparkle up any gloomy, rainy day!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Michael Kors Black Cotton Trench Coat Ladies

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Turquoise, Wool, and Leather – Introducing LuvIt!

January 23, 2017

WEARING: GENUINE PEOPLE HIGH SLIT WOOL SHIRT SWEATER |
DRESS LILY LEATHER BIKER JACKET | MOST WANTED USA TIFFANY SATCHEL 
+ MATCHING TURQUOISE BELT | STEVE MADDEN NOBLE STONE PEEP TOE SHOE BOOT | 
FALKE RIBBED WOOL SOCKS |

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY LUVIT! & MOST WANTED USA GENUINE LEATHER. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

In this day and age of technology, we rely on our phones for almost everything. From texting to social media, to video games and even shopping, I too can say I've been using my iPhone for these reasons, specifically many of my fashion needs aside from work-related ones. Apps are a terrific way to not only avoid hectic crowds and waiting in long lines at stores, but to also find great deals and to get what you're looking for efficiently and effectively. Ever see an outfit post on Instagram by one of your favorite bloggers and immediately want whatever it is they're wearing? Exactly. And what if I told you I discovered an app that pays you to shop?

LuvIt is the app that "luvs" you back. When you set up a style profile, you can automatically sign up using your Instagram and/or Facebook, letting you discover trends your friends are shopping for. The ability to create collections, which are folders filled with items you're "luving" at the moment, gives you full control over your feed. I "luv" that you can follow brands and people for specific categories so that you only see products on your feed that are truly relevant. Basically, less white noise. You can also find new brands each week, in addition to the 70+ that LuvIt already has available to shop from. Similar to other social media apps, you can like/heart (or "luv") products from the brands and friends you follow. The best part? Each time you make a purchase, you earn money back. Yes. You read correctly. And whenever someone else shops something you've "luved", you also make money. How cool is that?!

My most recent purchase through LuvIt was this gorgeous wool shirt sweater from Genuine People, and the whole process down from the ordering to the shipping, to the packaging and quality of the dress was stellar. The wool's dark charcoal nearly-black color complements with one of spring's hottest trending colors: Turquoise. Most Wanted USA is a handcrafted leather handbag and accessory line based in NYC for everyday wear and I absolutely adore this brand. The stunning, matching turquoise accessories – first with the Tiffany satchel in genuine suede and second the western leather belt are wonderful transitional accessory pieces for winter into spring. I believe a pop of color can lively up any kind of look, even mixing colors within different seasons like in this outfit. Being a fan of the socks and sandals trend, I couldn't help but style the wool dress with wool socks. Sometimes matchy-matchy does work!

The LuvIt app is available for download in the Apple store, and you can follow my collections/profile at @suzanne.spiegoski! Check it out and see which current and upcoming trends are happening right now! Believe me, you'll be having fun in no time... happy shopping! :)

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Genuine People High Slit Wool Shirt Sweater

Most Wanted USA Tiffany Satchel – Turquoise

Steve Madden Noble Stone Peep Toe Shoe Boot

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How to Wear Pink and Not Look Too Girly

January 12, 2017

WEARING: ZAFUL LEOPARD COAT | ASTR THE LABEL DAKOTA TOP |
BROOKS BROTHERS FRENCH CUFF MEN'S DRESS SHIRT | FOREVER 21 RED JEANS |
DRESS LILY BLUE CROSSBODY BAG | STEVE MADDEN BLACK BOOTS

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY ZAFUL & ASTR THE LABEL.

Happy Friday Eve! A lot of you have been asking about the engagement shoot that's STILL not up. Why? For any photographer, I'm sure you can understand my pain. Ever shoot something so great and meaningful but then when you go back to it for editing, it's an absolute nightmare?! Especially when you're in a bit of a funk? I just can't seem to get the photos to be 'good enough' with my own eye. Call it what you will, but I'm a total perfectionist and am pretty hard on myself let alone with others. Fair? Nah. But it's how I'm built. It's who I am. I promise the photos are coming soon! If you want to see other lovey-dovey couple photo shoots in the meantime, please go here.

What's the one color you're not the biggest fan of? Mine is pink. Any pink. Dusty pinks, blush pinks, neon pinks, anything with the word pink I usually stray from. But with my newfound openness and passion for fashion & style, it's good to challenge oneself even when it comes to certain aesthetics or tastes you're not that into. So when ASTR The Label sent me over their gorgeous Dakota top in pink rather than white, I decided to improvise and take the task at hand. Because when it comes to styling, whatever it may be, sometimes you just gotta make it work, even if it's a piece you're unsure of. Sometimes uncertainty brings out the best outfits!

So how to wear a pink anything without looking too girly? Here are a few tips. Less is more. Layer it up. It's winter out there, folks. (Well, for most of us.) Give contrast. Play with other colors. Bring a touch of masculinity to the already feminine color. Check out this look for example. I paired the Dakota top with a French cut Brooks Brothers shirt from the hubby's closet (I love his style and some of my favorite looks have pieces from his wardrobe in it), and to give an extra punch to the neutral lighter colors I wore red skinny jeans with my favorite Steve Madden black ankle boots. The boots are sleek and chic, polishing up any outfit.

A super hot trend this winter are leopard coats. Mine is faux-fur (even though I love real fur, sorry not sorry). I think this Zaful coat complements really well with the light baby pink of the shirt. Makes it less feminine and more rocker chic; a bit racy. I like intensity. Can you tell? To counter-balance the play with color-blocking, I kept it cool with my fresh blue crossbody bag. Ain't she a beaut? Shop the look down below or just follow the links for similar pieces! Have a great weekend. :)

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Brooks Brothers French Cuff Men's Dress Shirt

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How to Style a Pajama Top and Look Chic

January 5, 2017

WEARING: VICTORIA'S SECRET BLACK SATIN PAJAMA BLOUSE | 
FOREVER 21 DENIM SKINNY JEANS | SAGA FURS SILVER FOX COAT | 
LOUISE & ELEANOR APPLE GREEN LULU CLUTCH | NINA RICCI BLACK SANDALS | 
METAL MINGLE OTHER HALF NECKLACE

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY LOUISE & ELEANOR AND METAL MINGLE.

I've got to say I've been enjoying the heck out of the freshly cut fringe bangs I got done for the new year! When I asked for Penelope Cruz bangs circa Vanilla Sky, with a little sass but light and romantic, I was more than thrilled with the results! Thanks to Fourteen Jay Salon down in TriBeCa, my new do has been my latest favorite accessory. :)

Talking about recent obsessions, I know this trend has been around for awhile now, but I couldn't help but put my own twist on styling a pajama top! I have this Victoria's Secret black satin pajama blouse that I sleep in constantly, but who says you can't stay cozy and chic at the same time? My advice is to keep it casual but playful. Since it's freezing in New York, I've busted out my vintage Saga Furs silver fox coat that I've had for several years. These cute Nina Ricci sandals have also been around for ages, but I love its low heel and minimal feel to any look! With keeping the play on casual, I wore Forever 21 dark denim skinny jeans and added pops of color and twinkles of metal to style the outfit with a touch of luxury. Plus, it complements with the fur coat well.

You guys need to check out Louise & Eleanor! They are an amazing California-based designer handbags line carrying totes, clutches, and more. I'm so in love with the new apple green clutch I got from them, you should see all the other ones they have too! And let's not forget to mention this amazing necklace from a small shop based in Brooklyn, called Metal Mingle Jewelry. They create adaptable mixed metal jewelry with sleek and geometric designs. Absolutely adorable, chic pieces, I was so happy to receive one of their eclectic necklaces! Alright... enough chit-chat about this look! I need to get back to maaaaaad editing... and meetings... and events. Engagement post coming live on Monday so stay tuned! Can't wait to share the love. ❤️