Whatever Lola Wants

July 31, 2017

WEARING: ZAFUL BACKLESS HIGH CUT SWIMSUIT | YEAH BUNNY HEART DENIM SHORTS | 
WHO WHAT WEAR™ WOMEN'S LIGHT WASH DENIM JACKET 
IZIPIZI SUN WHITE WITH BLUE MIRROR LENSES | GUCCI BELT | PUMA SNEAKERS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ZAFUL, YEAH BUNNY & WHO WHAT WEAR™.

Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets... right? We live in a time where everything is immediate. Anything can be delivered to you within a drop of a hat. There's Seamless, Ubers, and more to service your everyday needs. And we also live in a time where women are supposed to be as powerful as ever, yet still to some, an overly confident woman can come across as too 'aggressive'. What da fuq? Since when did it become frowned upon for a gal to call it like it is and go after what she wants? Yes, there are boundaries when it comes to everything. Example? Sex. Other women more so than others, from lifestyle preference to insecurities, don't do relationships and definitely keep it casual. Nothing wrong in that so long as you're playing with protection and not losing your dignity over 'some guy (and/or girl).' If the rules are clear, don't try to manipulate either. Respect the boundaries. But in today's post, whether when it comes to sex, relationships, work, and other parts of our lives as women in this day and age, how should one behave when it comes to our self-assertive ways? Meeker and less confident, or steadfast assertive not giving a %&*^ what anyone thinks? Do you think there's something political in self-confidence nowadays?Continue on to read more about what is considered too confident and why perhaps, it's not the best way to shine in today's new digital world.

Even with limits and understanding the rules to the 'game', casual sex can still rub off the wrong way, men especially. I find that some men are intimidated by a strong, self-assured woman. Of course, no one wants a girl who's too cocky all the time either, so where do you draw the middle line? How can a woman have sex without being in a relationship and without being judged by others, men specifically? Why even now, after so much change, does society still consider a woman to be a slut if she enjoys sex, where if a man does and is older and successful, is considered to be an eligible bachelor? I say screw the rules and what society thinks! Just don't go running around boasting about the fact that you like sleeping around... there's a way to class that ish up!

So is there such a thing as silent confidence? You betcha. It's how you carry yourself, the way you walk, talk... everything that comes down to your energy is going to project itself. Even what you order in a restaurant. Be that femme fatale. You just don't have to go and 'show and tell' everyone everything. Regardless if it's enjoying sex or anything else. To me, it's always best to never lay all your cards out up front as well. Like a striptease, if you will... that way you'll leave them wanting more, whatever it may be. I guess what I'm trying to say is there's an understated kind of way to exude confidence. And you can totally do it without any kind of verbal communication. I find nothing sexier in a man, knowing what he's got and has the goods to back it up... without any bragging rights. Telling everyone how great you think you are or your work is, is just not a good look. So the next time you set your eyes on something, either that being a person or a job, always let your intentions be known, but keep it cool.

Have to give a few mentions to this cool look as well. These limited edition Izipizi sun white crystal blue mirror lenses are my new favorite summer shades! Polarized sunglasses are trending hard right now and these are right up that alley. My mustard yellow one piece is from Zaful and what I dig about one piece swimsuits is styling it with a pair of bottoms like these adorable heart-patched denim shorts by Yeah Bunny. And how chic is this Who What Wear™ denim jacket?! I love the ruffled trim and also the customized stitching of our blog, MaQ + Suz, that I had done at an event. Don't forget to shop directly down below, click the photo which will take you straight away to the piece you're looking at. And I'd love to hear your thoughts on this post so please feel free to comment down below as well! Wishing you guys a great week!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Who What Wear Women's Light Wash Denim Jacket

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Sunning in the Hamptons

July 21, 2017

WEARING: GWEN SALAKAIA DRESS | ARTESANO HAT | GUCCI BELT | 
TEDDY ONDO ELLA BAG | PUMA SNEAKERS | LELET NY BUTTERFLY NECKLACE

PHOTOS BY: LAYERS OF CHIC // STYLED BY: SUZANNE SPIEGOSKI

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY GWEN SALAKAIA, ARTESANO & LELET NY.

Happy Friday, everyone! I'll be cranking out major content this upcoming week as I've been away the past week traveling for work and trying to find the time to post can be tough! I sure do miss the Hamptons after last weekend's soirée, especially the people, good weather, food and all-around positive vibes! Not to mention that glorious pool! I figure if I'm going to reminisce down memory lane, it better be fitting to the Hamps. When I spotted this Gwen Salakaia yellow floral print sundress, I knew it had to be styled out there! And what better sunny day to shoot this gorgeous dress in? Come check out how I brought this look together, keeping it posh yet me, a little spunky and sporty at the same time. Today's post will show you why the feminine dress and sneaker combo is so effective and trendy chic!

I love how airy and light the Gwen Salakaia dress feels. It's the perfect summer dress for so many different occasions. I don't feel like it's just a sundress because I'd be comfortable wearing this to a wedding with cute heels (obviously to a less fancy one) or even to an event, brunch or some kind of bridal and/or baby shower. Its vibrant yellow color puts such a smile on my face and has been my favorite summer color trend, so much so, I think I'll be carrying this color into fall. Can you tell I'm a fan of transition and versatility on top of being currently infatuated with yellow? ;)

A couple of weeks ago during New York Men's Fashion Week, I had the pleasure of attending the debut show of talent Gabonese fashion designer, Teddy Ondo Ella, whose contemporary lines fused with proud African heritage were all the rage. They gifted the attendees with such a chic summer crossbody bag made of straw that I had to feature it in a look! How cute is the seashell button detail? I'm utterly obsessed with this designer and am looking forward to seeing more of his future work. To complement with the straw material, I wore an Artesano Porto Panama hat, the detail on the trim was very similar to the bag and looked pretty fantastic together. Artesano hats are handmade in Ecuador but the brand is based in Miami. If you're at Miami Swim Week be sure to check these high-quality hats!

To finish off the look, I paired the look with these chic Puma 'Clyde' 4th of July sneakers. I just love the crisp red and blue stripes on the side, it gives any outfit a cool laid back but stylish look. I also mixed in this great headband from New York-based jewelry designer, LELET NY, but instead of using it as a headband, I styled it as a necklace. I thought it looked so sweet against the floral print of the dress, what do you guys think? I love this jewelry line, so check them out too! Lastly, I cinched my waist with my favorite Gucci belt, I think I wear this accessory the most among the hundreds of accessory pieces in my closet! What can you do when Gucci knows what's good? Ha ha! Hope you're all enjoying the summer, have a lovely weekend!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Gwen Salakaia Yellow Floral Print Sundress

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Summer Longline Trench Blazer

July 10, 2017

WEARING: NATIVE YOUTH LONGLINE CRESCENT TRENCH BLAZER | 
VAGABOND HONEY BRISBANE BODY SUIT | PERIDOT BOUTIQUE IVORY CHAIN TASSEL EARRINGS |
 PERIDOT BOUTIQUE MIA MID RISE JEANS | PERIDOT BOUTIQUE LOAFER SLIDES | 
MICHAEL KORS MERCER LEATHER CROSSBODY | GUCCI BELT

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY NATIVE YOUTH & PERIDOT BOUTIQUE.

Happy Monday! How was everyone's weekend? I worked a lot, two photo shoots, running around getting ready for the upcoming week, will be doing some traveling here and there for creating content and to do my first fashion editorial as the head creative director and photographer. I'm really excited to shoot! Also, New York Men's Fashion Week is happening right now, and I'll be attending a few shows/previews and events so be sure to check it all out on my Insta-Stories! Today's post is focused on lightweight jackets/blazers for the office when it's hot outside but freezing inside. The struggle is real! And how gorgeous is this gray, longline trench blazer from Native Youth?! Let me show you the rest of the look!

The Crescent Blazer is a lightweight outerwear piece, ideal for the transition to spring-summer. This longline jacket comes in a classic gray colorway and features functional front pockets. The Crescent coat also comes with an interesting split on the center back hem for an interesting take on summer outerwear. It's perfect for running around while working indoors, especially when they want to crank the A/C on full blast! Chilly vibes, much? I also am crazy about the color, as I do not have a long trench blazer in a gray color, now I need a variety in different colors ha ha!

I styled the jacket with a black bodysuit from Vagabond Honey (has an almost backless view which is oh so breezy in hotter weather) and a pair of mid-rise jeans from Peridot Boutique. Peridot Boutique is located in the lower Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle, WA and has some really great, affordable trendy pieces. I love their collection so much, this outfit features many other accessories aside from the jacket and jeans! These ivory chain tassel earrings and super-comfy black loafer slides are also from Peridot Boutique.

My new favorite leather crossbody bag is from Michael Kors. I love its size and shape, polishing up any look, either casual or a little bit fancy, it makes any outfit chicer! To bring a small tinge of luxury, I styled the jeans with an embossed navy blue Gucci belt. It's my go-to belt, I'm sure you've seen it a few times in many outfit posts, but what can I say I'm in love with my belt and it works pretty much with anything! What do you guys think of this office-inspired look? Have a great Monday and the rest of your week! Catch ya soon!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Native Youth Longline Grey Crescent Trench Blazer

Peridot Boutique Chain Tassel Earrings Ivory

Peridot Boutique Mia Mid Rise Relaxed Skinny Jeans

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Compartmentalization

May 13, 2017

WEARING: THE KOOPLES BLAZER | HONEY COAST USA T-SHIRT | 
ADIDAS NEO CLOUDFOAM DAILY QT HIGH-TOP SNEAKER | GUCCI BELT | BDG JEANS | 
MAD-STYLE TALL METALLIC GEO TOTE BAG | MAD-STYLE TRANSLUCENT CATEYES SUNGLASSES

HAIR DONE BY OMALIA FROM MB45 STUDIO

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY MB45 STUDIO, MAD-STYLE & HONEY COAST USA.

"Compartmentalization is a form of emotional intelligence," according to Jeremy Yip, a lecturer and research scholar at Wharton. Psychology defines compartmentalization as a defense mechanism, or a coping strategy, which doesn’t exactly sound all that great (at first). But, it’s how our minds deal with conflicting internal points of view at the same time. Isolating and focusing on difficult issues separately is something I’ve used my entire life to get through trauma as a result of my upbringing; so one could say this skill was acquired through the years, however, I never really noticed its implications in business until recently.

When I was younger, I once heard from J-Lo (of all people) say that when it comes to one's personal life and professional one, it's crucial to be able to put one or the other aside as soon as you 'leave the door'. And she's absolutely right. You can't let either mix with the other, no matter what's going on. I know it sounds easier said than done, but I truly believe this is part of the key to success; refusing to compromise and not letting anyone get in the way of your dreams and ambitions. The way that I see it, and Eleanor Roosevelt too, "no one can make you feel inferior without your consent." So keep it together, don't give up and as my dad always used to say, "keep on keeping on." And having a couple of girlfriends to help you get through it all doesn't hurt one bit either. :)

A few mentions about this outfit since I got a ton of feedback from the Instagram post from the other day. Both my Cateye sunglasses and metallic tote bag are from Mad-Style, use my code, 'maqandsuz' to get 20% OFF your purchase. Lastly, my blazer is from The Kooples, skinny jeans are BDG and my high-tops are from Adidas, definite faves in the causal chic everyday wear department! What are your casual staple pieces in your closet and your thoughts on compartmentalization?

Photos by: Layers of Chic

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

HoneyCoastUSA But First Let's Cuddle T-Shirt

Women's adidas NEO Cloudfoam Daily QT High-Top Sneaker - White

BDG Twig Crop High-Rise Skinny Jean - Light Blue Slash,LIGHT BLUE,25

Mad Style Translucent Cateyes Sunglasses

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Mixing Prints

April 17, 2017

WEARING: RAILS ROCSI LIPSTICK PRINT SHIRT | REBECCA TAYLOR PHLOX FLORAL PANT | 
GUCCI BELT | CHLOÉ MEDIUM HUDSON BAG | EVALINE WHITE TIGHTS | 
MADDEN GIRL MORGHAN PEWTER

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY OLIVE & BETTE'S.

Happy Monday! How was everyone's Easter (to those who celebrate this holiday) weekend? We kept it pretty low key, and I even did some reading. The past week kicked my ass and I've been exhausted! I have to say it was the first weekend in a really long time, where I wasn't as active on social media. Sure I did a couple of Instagram posts like I usually do but I wasn't engaging as much as I do. It was kind of nice to just step away from constantly being on the phone and to do something else for a change. Yesterday, I laid in bed and read Keats for a few hours because I simply miss the beauty in reading poetry. Reading's hot, if you didn't know by now...

Aside from a relaxing past couple of days, today's post is about the wonderful play of mixing prints when it comes to fashion. Number one tip or Rule of thumb? Always try to mix two different prints together. I'm not a big fan of matching prints such as a pantsuit or even two-piece set of some kind. For example, I played with the ever 'groundbreaking' floral (Laughter cue in for The Devil Wears Prada reference ha ha ha!) print with a pair of pants from Rebecca Taylor. And instead of going with a matching top, I went for a more casual but flirty shirt from Rails, which has an adorable lipstick print! And the material is so soft, I could wear this shirt everyday with anything! Both pieces are from Olive & Bette's, an amazing boutique in Soho (there are other locations in the city) that carries other designers such as AG Jeans, Iro Paris, Yumi Kim, and more! I simply love their friendly staff too! If you're here in New York girls, you HAVE to check them out next time you're downtown.

Accessories from this look are definitely Asian inspired. I've been heavily embracing my Korean background as of late, and because of it I've also begun to dig deep into the cultures (and sub-cultures) of Asian fashion. This year I've been all about the socks and sandals trend. Many would never dare to go for this look (which is all good) but I love how much fun it brings to an outfit! If I wore only sandals or a higher heel with this look, it'd completely change the overall style of it. But with white tights, a few sprouting cherry blossoms in the background, and big Korean hair, I definitely think brings a more daring approach to an already 'busy' look. I'm not saying it'll work every time, but in some instances, it can really elevate or heighten an overall style. Also, my hair is a tad blonder... and I'm loving the slow but big transformation! Color done by the one and only David Adams from Fourteen Jay. I styled my own hair for this post and did it up a little differently, you guys like? Have a killer week! Catch with y'all soon. :)