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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LOVE & XX'S, 

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How to Achieve a Perfect No Makeup Makeup Look


Happy Wednesday, everyone! I have a lot of content coming your way in the next week or so, but today's post is on how to achieve a perfect "no makeup" makeup look. Meaning... you do have some makeup on, but the goal is to keep it looking fresh and natural. Especially after a crazy week like NYFW, where every day I had some pretty heavy duty makeup on, I like to give my skin a break and let it breathe afterward. And with Perricone MD's No Makeup Instant Blur, it's the perfect last and lasting addition to my most recent everyday makeup wear. Continue reading to get the step-by-step tutorial to this "no makeup" makeup look, there's even a tutorial video to follow along and ask any questions along the way!

1. FRUDIA GREEN GRAPE PORE CONTROL TONER

The only kind of toners I ever use are Korean. This pure, refreshing toner made up of 89% green grape extract controls pores with natural grape tannin and helps remove dead skin cells. Panthenol calms agitated skin, while fruits seed oil complex helps to maintain skin clarity. The tannin works with and vitamin E from the green grapes to not only hydrate the skin but keep it smooth and healthy. Soothe and hydrate your irritated skin with this fresh-feeling green grape toner, it smells fantastic too!

2. FIRST AID BEAUTY HELLO FAB COCONUT SKIN SMOOTHIE PRIMING MOISTURIZER

A superfood-powered, oil-free priming moisturizer that brightens, smooths, and visibly blurs pores and imperfections while leaving skin with a natural, dewy glow. Solutions for: Dryness- Pores- Dullness and uneven texture If you want to know more… Makeup meets skincare with this two-in-one moisturizer and makeup-gripping primer. Formulated with superfood ingredients that are rich in vital proteins, electrolytes, and minerals and infused with a natural coconut scent, this priming moisturizer hydrates and smooths skin as light-reflecting micro-pearls impart a dewy luminosity. The result is beautiful, healthy-looking skin when worn alone and long-lasting makeup when used as a prep step. It is formulated without Parabens, Sulfates & Phthalates. This product is noncomedogenic, allergy-tested, and suitable for all skin types, even sensitive.

3. LANCÔME TEINT IDOLE ULTRA WEAR CAMOFLAUGE CONCEALER

This ultra-pigmented, full-coverage color corrector hides imperfections. It won’t crease or cake, and it easily addresses the following common skin concerns: redness, dark spots, under-eye dark circles, sallowness, dullness, and acne scars. It blends seamlessly for a lightweight, second-skin feel and a natural finish—a little goes a long way.  I use it under my eyes as a color corrector and it's my favorite concealer I've discovered in a very long time!

4. KISS NEW YORK PROFESSIONAL CREAM CONTOUR PALETTE

A wide range of concealer cream shades that color-correct, conceal and contour the face. Its lightweight, satin finish concealer for long-lasting contour is perfect for color correcting shades for discoloration, scarring, and imperfections. There are eight different shades for a wide range of skin tones, but I use the green almost every day to reduce redness and the darker colors for contouring. 

5. URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHT LIQUID FOUNDATION 7.75

A full-coverage, matte-finish, waterproof foundation that lasts all night. All Nighter Liquid Foundation by Urban Decay provides full coverage with a modern matte finish that never looks overdone. Get all-night wear and a blown-out effect you never thought was possible for a flawless-looking complexion that looks incredible and stays that way. Perfect for all-night affairs, this innovative formula is also comfortable enough to wear every day. While Naked Skin complexion products are semi-matte, All Nighter Liquid Foundation is completely matte and oil-free. Urban Decay loaded this formula with a higher amount of pigment (about three times as much as Naked Skin Liquid Makeup), so a little goes a long way. There's no need to build coverage or apply multiple layers. This waterproof formula diffuses light to blur flaws for beautifully perfected skin, while it mattifies and absorbs oil to reduce the appearance of shine. It's a wonderful foundation for fall. 

6. FIRST AID BEAUTY HELLO FAB MANGO BUTTER MULTI STICK ROSE

An all-in-one, cream-to-powder multi-stick that imparts a natural-looking, lit-from-within glow. Solutions for:- Dullness and uneven texture If you want to know more… This must-have cream-to-powder complexion finisher imparts a natural, gorgeous glow. With the help of superfood mango butter, it glides on easily over skin leaving behind a soft, luminous finish that's never dry or cakey. The versatile multi-stick is available in two universally flattering shades that can be used anywhere including the cheek, eyelids, lips, and decollete to capture the light and warm the complexion for a custom finish. The lightweight formula provides buildable coverage to create your desired look, from subtle illumination to intense strobing.

7. MARC JACOBS BEAUTY DEW DROPS COCONUT GEL HIGHLIGHTER

Give your highlight a dose of skincare. Inspired by Marc Jacobs' love of coconut water and the glow of youthful-looking, radiant, well-hydrated skin, this gel-cream instantly lights up the complexion. Directly highlight skin or blend this concentrated luminizer with foundation and primer to transform them into illuminating elixirs. A little goes a long way: This gel highlighter builds for the ultimate sheen, and the sensual, golden-peach hue flatters all skin tones with warm radiance. It’s formulated with five forms of coconut and provitamin B5 to help hydrate and nourish skin.

8. DERMABLEND LOOSE SETTING POWDER

Want a complexion that stays all day? Try the legendary Dermablend Loose Setting Powder. This powder provides a shine free finish that helps keep makeup in place for up to 16 hours of wear. Simply dust all over your concealer or foundation to lock your look in place. Formulated with silky micronized powders, this product helps keep your complexion matte, even and flawless. It's my first setting powder and trust me when I say this, I don't think I'll be switching to any other setting powder anytime soon!

9. PERRICONE MD NO MAKEUP INSTANT BLUR

A multi-tasking, invisible primer and complexion perfector powered by skin-smoothing Alpha Lipoic Acid to blur and minimize the look of pores, redness, wrinkles and fine lines both instantly and over time. I've been using it over my makeup to set in place. Just pat the applicator onto the formula and smooth over face, focusing on areas with oiliness, uneven texture, pores, or lines. I truly love how it looks and feels - very lightweight but really gets the job done in terms of ridding of imperfections. 

How to Achieve a Perfect No Makeup Makeup Look Hi, everyone! Today's video is a makeup tutorial focusing on the simple "no makeup" makeup look, brought to you by Perricone MD. Check down below for links to products. I hope you enjoy this easy everyday wear makeup tutorial!

LOVE & XX'S,

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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 to Survive NYFW with Dove

Thank you Dove for sponsoring this post.

Hey guys! Today is my last day of NYFW, and as much as I look forward to the madness that ensues during this week, I'm also looking forward to things calming down a bit. This fashion week, I outdid myself and literally burnt out yesterday from running around nonstop with 3-4 hours of sleep per day... I think doing it all by myself from attending the shows and events to documenting everything through photographs and videography (I'm even doing my first fashion week vlog on my YouTube channel this season! Coming soon!) to making it to appointments and meetings and then burning the midnight oil with edits can definitely take a toll on one person. It's a lot. So in today's post, I've partnered with one of my favorite brands of all time, Dove, to share with you guys on how to survive your first fashion week with these simple & healthy tips! 

1. NOURISH YOUR SKIN

3 in 4 dermatologists say that women often damage their skin in the shower, thinking they are caring for it. When it comes to cleansing, all skin deserves gentleness which is why 88% of dermatologists advise women to use a gentle cleanser when showering. Only Dove Body Wash is made with 100% gentle cleansers, is sulfate-free and is the #1 dermatologist recommended body wash. There's no other body wash that I use, I have been swearing by Dove for over a decade! My skin always feels so nourished - why would you want anything but silky smooth skin? You can purchase Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash in many food, drug, mass, value, club and online retailers nationwide - or here as well. 

2. TRY TO EAT RIGHT

Any fashionista knows in order to survive fashion week, you've gotta add some carbs into your diet! But as easy and as delicious as this may sound in the given moment, try to eat things in moderation. Going all out on pizza one night? No need to fret... have a yummy healthy breakfast the following morning to balance your meal intake and to feel less guilty about that extra slice of pepperoni you probably shouldn't have had but the cocktails got to you. Ha ha ha! I'm not a brekkie gal by any means, but this season I've really been watching what I eat before starting long days (we're talking 14+ hrs on some of 'em... eek.) I love smoothie bowls or smoothies in general. I love being able to take my food with me on the go!

3. A LITTLE SPLURGE NEVER KILLED NOBODY

Okay... so this might totally conflict with tip #2, but YOLO, am I right? A little treat like a few macaroons in between shows not only will give you that sugar rush you're probably in desperate need of, but you'll feel great because you've treated yourself to something yummier than leafy greens or quinoa. And treating yourself isn't limited to food either. Splurge on a nice bubble bath (using Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash makes some extra bubbles) if you aren't taking a night off or go on a shopping spree for some much needed retail therapy after coveting all the new collections straight off the runway! Just don't blame me for being a bad 'influence'! ;)

4. CELEBRATE ALONE TIME

As much as I love networking, going out and meeting people and being extra social during fashion week, everyone has their limits. Being a writer, I enjoy my solitude. I've gotten used to being alone a lot, and quite honestly I prefer it this way when it comes to relaxing. I also always feel so guilty when I'm not able to spend as much time with my German shepherd dog, MaQ. He is my fur child and I hate the idea of him being alone while I'm out and about. In between my schedule, I'll either get up extra early to have a nice, long walk with him before being out all day or I'll take an extra hour during the day (or any chance I can get with him) to spend some time with him. Our bond is maaaadddd strong and as much as I'd love to take him with me everywhere I go, it's not the reality of the situation. So instead I improvise and value my time even during one of the busiest work weeks of the year.

Tell me, my fellow fabulous fashionistas: what are some tips you have for surviving fashion week? Whether it be your diet, workout regiment and more, I'd love to hear from you! Don't forget to shop Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash and to leave your comments down below! To see more from my everyday action during NYFW, follow along on my Instagram! I'll be sharing all of my fashion week outfits on the blog on Friday, plus more designers and my first fashion week vlog! Stay tuned, so much new exciting content coming your way in the very near future! 

CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

LOVE & XX'S,

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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

 


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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