Lavender and Polka Dot

May 31, 2018

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK LAVENDER MATCHING POLKA DOT SET | 
CHLOE HUDSON MINI SHOULDER BAG | NINE WEST JANILLY LOAFERS | 
ODETTE & ODILE WHITE SUNNIES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SAKU NEW YORK.

Happy almost Friday, everyone! In today's post, I'm sharing two of my latest favorite trends: the wonderful color of lavender and the plentiful world of polka dots. I normally only see black or white polka dot within a print, but this one mixed with maroon and lavender is unique and super eye-catching! Throw me on a good graphic print and I'm ready! At first, I was thinking of styling this matching set in Coney Island or in a garden of cherry blossoms or magnolia. But I find the setting to be so crucial in setting the tone of an outfit and with a piece as 'busy' as this one by Saku New York, too much going on in the photograph can mislead the eye and completely change the way we see the outfit. Continue reading to see where our photo shoot was located... we've shot here once before for my ten-year New York anniversary, come check it out!

How adorable is this matching polka dot set from Saku New York? I simply am in love with anything lavender, and I found this set to be very graphic. I got several compliments while we were out and about taking photographs in it. I love how versatile it is as well, later that day after the shoot I changed into some jeans and only kept wearing the top with it to an event. I would imagine the pants to work very well with a white tee and blazer of some kind, maybe even a hot pink? How would you style these pieces separately? And look at that beautiful white trim on that top, how gorgeous is that?!

I went with a comfy pair of white loafers from Nine West and a Chloé burgundy saddle bag. I felt the colors complemented with the matching set very well and kept it from being too busy and distracting to the main piece. I wore my favorite pair of white sunnies from Odette + Odile, the cat-eye shape is so cute, right? Other features I forgot to mention from the set: the pants have an elastic waistband which makes it ultra comfy, and my favorite; pockets! The top can also be worn over the shoulder or shoulderless, which I prefer the latter.

Alright, I have to hop off here and catch up on emails. Yesterday was so busy, I had a shoot, editing for half of the day, plus three events in between everything. Today is a pampering day and will be spending most of my day at my favorite salon to have a little hair rescue session. Haha! I am in serious need of a cut + color. Stay tuned for the results on my stories later on today, I'm also heading to an event later tonight for a French makeup brand in a pretty cool location... more to come later! Wishing you a fantastic day. :)

LOVE & XX'S,

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Pardon My Fucking French

May 23, 2018

WEARING: NASTY GAL GRAPHIC TEE | NA-KD FASHION LEATHER JACKET | 
 MAVI TESS JEANS | FOREVER 21 RETRO SUNNIES | 
TELEPORT SHOES BOLT BOOTS | LEVI'S BERET

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY NASTY GAL, MAVI JEANS AND TELEPORT SHOES.

Parlez vous francais? Today's post is all on edgy Parisian style. This is totally me. As you guys know, my favorite part about styling is mixing it up and trying things outside the box, even pieces you might not even consider to be your ultimate 'look' but there's nothing more comforting than knowing your own unique take on fashion and then putting together an outfit that you'd not just wear once, but over and over again. So without further ado, pardon my fucking French and let's get down to what I'm wearing in this fierce look! Also, continue reading to learn more about some of the brands I've been wanting to partner with for the longest time and it's crazy to think that they're styled within this post! So... don't miss it, you definitely want to be checking this out!

I'm so excited to be working with Nasty Gal! They've been one of my favorite brands since forever, and to be able to style one of their pieces within my content is just surreal! They've created a collection of (p)unny uncensored graphic tees and of course being an Aries, I instantly gravitated to big, bold red font on a simple white T-shirt. My personality is quite unfiltered as well. I swear like a sailor and call it like it is. Not afraid of my voice let alone how opinionated I can be as well. So I found the 'Pardon my fucking French' tee to be fucking awesome! What do you guys think, would you wear something like this out in public? Obviously not to a job interview... ha ha!

When I was in college (and yes that was a while ago...) I discovered a jean brand with Turkish roots and had the most incredible and softest touch to their denim. Mavi Jeans is not just top quality (I had a pair that I wore for over ten years before I finally parted ways with them after literally splitting the seams with my big booty Judy!) but the comfort level is so legit, I never wanted to take them off! These pearl-studded skinny jeans are so fun and can go with so many different tops! This pair comes in at $128 (plus tax) but is so well worth the price. I find that once I got older, I was way more into investing in top quality staple pieces to my wardrobe because it's better for the environment and keeps your closet at a minimum when it comes to space - and us New Yorkers have so very little of it!

I can't say I've ever owned a pair of red boots before but these Bolt boots are just the right amount of lightning red for any Aries girl. If you remember from my last fashion post with the metallic silver boots, these red ones are also from the same brand, Teleport Shoes. Teleport has established its origins in the heart and soul of Los Angeles. They design for today by perfectly juxtaposing celebrated elements of the past and present. Feel electric in these new red leather Chelsea boots. The lightning bolt elastic gore detail will add a little edge to any outfit. They're amazing to walk in, even with a -inch heel.

I styled the look with some retro sunnies from Forever 21 and my favorite beret from Levi's. People are always so surprised to hear that the beret is from Levi's the brand, but I just consider it a lucky find and of course, why wouldn't it be fab? (Clearly, a lover of Levi's LOL) I recently attended a private event to the launch of Givenchy Beauty's Le Rouge Liquide lipstick collection and their new lippies are to die for! I actually combined two lipsticks into one to give it a berry ombre look, I went for colors N-107 Nude Velours and N-412 Grenat Alpaga - what's amazing about these lipsticks is the functionality. You can go bold or soft with just a twist! The soft matte liquid cream gives you a blur-effect yet a hydrating luminous set of velvet lips!

SHOP THE GIVENCHY LE ROUGE LIPSTICKS

I ate one of the props straight away after shooting. It was early on a weekend morning and we walked with the pup for a couple of miles before getting the shots. I could eat bread all day, every day. Who's with me on this? Of course, this isn't healthy but who said anything about that?! Just kidding, seriously though, why can't bread be our friend?My favorite part of this look though is MaQ, of course. I always have so much fun shooting with him and I think he does too. He is very trained to sit and hold a position, we've been doing this since he was a pup! I used to pose him unleashed in front of street art and people are still amazed at his ability to sit still and look so happy while doing so. He's the best model, I swear! He even knows when "it's in the box"... meaning we got the shot. He literally walks away like a diva, convinced we have it and that's why it's a wrap! Ha ha ha!

LOVE & XX'S,

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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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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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Summertime Crop Topping with Tweety Bird

May 10, 2018

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

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.