The Last Day of March

WEARING: ASSEMBLY NEW YORK BLACK BELT COAT | 
ZARA WHITE CROPPED TOP WITH PLEAT DETAIL | ZARA LONG FLOWING BLACK SKIRT | 
ZARA BALLERINAS WITH STRAPS | GUCCI DIANA SATCHEL 

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Thank Goodness it's almost Friday! I've had quite a crazy week filled with technical difficulties such as code developing mishaps, learning more about the world of videography and then some! This week, along with the look of the day, I'm also sharing my first directed video for MaQ + Suz! Here you'll get a glimpse of our everyday lives with a mix of fashion and style along the way! And if you're a dog lover like myself, there's a whole lotta German Shepherd in the video! We will be posting more of videos on our YouTube Channel weekly. Click here or down below to view the entire video! I'd love to hear what you guys think! What would you like to see more of?

Today's outfit is monochrome and minimal. My kind of everyday style. My white cropped top and black flowing skirt are from Zara, as well as the ballerina flats. I love these for spring. They're definitely trending this season! My Gucci bag is from Purses for Nurses (obsessed with the bamboo handle) and my daily coat as of late is from Assembly New York.

Looking forward to this weekend! I'll be posting a new cocktail recipe then. I know I'll be having a few! Ha ha! Stay tuned! Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel and shop the look! Thanks for your continued love and support! Enjoy the rest of your day. 💕

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photos + videography by Gilles Decamps | director, styling, hair + mua by Suzanne Spiegoski

LOVE & XX'S

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Birthday Giveaway

Happy Monday! Last Thursday was my birthday and even though I'm not a huge fan of my birthday, in particular, my husband and I went for dinner at One If By Land, Two If By Sea - voted by The Culture Trip as one the 10 most romantic restaurants in the world. It was amazing. Period.

I have my reasons for being awfully quiet about my birthday. And no, it's not because I'm getting 'older'. I won't even indulge in it, because to me, age is nothing but a number. I may be a certain age but I don't feel a day older than 16! Even though I'm young at heart, I am an old soul and do find it important to keep my personal life private. Which is why I took a six-day break from the blogging world. It's refreshing (and healthy) to embrace some downtime, especially around an occasion such as your birthday. Like reading a book while taking a bath. Enjoying a strong cocktail with a good meal. Or taking a 5-mile stroll through your city just because. Or people-watching (MY FAVE.) I can't help it, I'm a writer. Everyone's got a story to tell and I'm always looking for one.

In light of my birthday, I'm also celebrating with a giveaway! So attention to all the bookworms out there, I'll be hosting an EBook giveaway until April 4th. And it's my first novel! What's it about? A New York City homicide detective, Lily Dietz, who becomes engrossed in the hunt to catch a killer who favors Asian-American women — a category she herself falls into. And here is something that isn't mentioned in the synopsis: I love German shepherd dogs so much I felt compelled to create a dog character in the book, Cuffs, Lily's beloved K-9 working-line GSD. He is her shadow, her confidant, and her best friend. Interested? Cool. Want to read it? Even better! Here are the requirements for participation:

• 18+ years of age (or legal age)
• Resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia
• Must own a Kindle

The first 10 entrants will win a FREE Kindle copy of The Fisherman's Lily! Click HERE to enter. This giveaway will be running until next Monday, April 4th. Don't miss your chance to read my debut novel... on me!

Hope everyone had a great weekend! For more upcoming looks and food & recipes this week, don't forget to subscribe to my site down below! A little hint for what's to come? I'll be doing a Korean-fusion cocktail again, but, this time, it's more suitable for brunch than with any other meal! Hm, any clues? Stay tuned...

LOVE & XX'S

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ!

Korean Soju Blood Orange Cream Soda Floats

You've made it midweek and deserve an adult treat! Even though I'm not much of a drinker, my French hubby loves cocktails and was more than happy to be my guinea pig. Blood oranges are all the rage and a complementary fit for spring cocktails with its tasty, citrusy flavor. I wanted something acidic to go with the tartness from the Korean soju and the color from the oranges is gorgeous. Pretty in pink, this sexy adult beverage is playful and luxurious, and will keep your taste buds desiring more! The perfect mixology of sinful, sugary tang! And what's sweeter than a heavenly scoop of good ole fashioned vanilla ice cream, on top?! If you're a fan of floats, you won't want to miss out on trying this dreamy Korean fusion concoction! Don't forget to download recipe below. Oh! And MaQ sends his love (and approval) of these drinks as well! 😉🍹💕

Korean Soju Blood Orange Cream Soda Floats

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 cup raw cane sugar
4 blood oranges, juiced and the zest of 2
1 tsp lemon juice
8 oz Charm Korean Soju
Club soda or sparkling water
Vanilla ice cream
Cocktail shaker
Strainer/Sieve
Straws

Directions:

1. Combine sugar, blood orange juice and zest, and lemon juice in a small pot over medium heat. Bring mixture to low boil for 5 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and cool for 1 hour.
3. As an option, strain the now syrupy mixture through a sieve to remove zest and pulp. Keep sealed and refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Measure 1 1/4 cup of blood orange syrup and soju into a cocktail shaker.
5. Shake until mixed through. Pour into 4 serving glasses.
6. Top with club soda until it reaches about 1 1/2 inches from the top of the glass. Stir briefly to combine.
7. Top the float with ice cream and serve immediately.

Love & xx's,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Minimalistic Monday

I don't know about everyone else but today has been a drag! Not in a negative way... but more so in (what seems to be) the extra weight I've been carrying from yesterday's food. I blame it on the Super Bowl! 😜 And it's Monday. And it's cold. I miss carefree, warm summer days, man!

Minimalistic Monday Vibes, Self-Portrait,

February 2016, New York City, New York. © Suzanne Spiegoski

Today's post is more on my personal style. To me, your style is a reflection of who you are and what you feel. An important part of expression. Now if you just don't care because you're one of those people who's 'got better things to do', well... dressing like you don't care will not only make you look like you don't care about yourself (which isn't very appealing), but most likely you'll eventually resonate with that type of feeling. And who wants to feel like that?

Now, I've never been a girly-girl. I'm rough around the edges but keep my style minimal. A great inspiration derived from that kind of look is of course, Kate Moss, tell me a girl who doesn't idolize her is some aspect (because she's the bomb.com) I love to mix different trends and looks with just a little bit of rock -n- roll/rebelliousness. I'm definitely not the type of gal to always follow the rules, in fact, I like to break them. Challenge me at something you think I can't do and I'll make it a point just to prove you wrong. Because no one's got the right to tell you what you can and cannot do, whether in fashion or in life! When it comes to sheer will-power, I'm far from simple-minded. 

Bejeweled. 🌟

Since I was born in Cali but call New York City home, I have a tendency to mix East Coast and West Coast looks. I'd say my style is edgy yet sporty with a touch of the free-spirited bohemian, but I also spent most of my childhood in Detroit and I think that's where that's where the brazenness originates from. I'm that classy girl who cusses a little, okay (LIE), maybe more than a little! 🤐 Ha ha ha!

But if we're strong enough to let it in, we're strong enough to let it go. © Suzanne Spiegoski

Adorned with jewels. 💍💕

Jewelry has always been a passion of mine. I adore earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, toe rings, anklets, etc; you name it I love it! I think they're the perfect addition to any outfit. These embellishments, both bold or minimal, can enhance any style. Jewelry can also be a personal statement, like monograms, names, birth stones - even Angelina Jolie's tattoos that include all the latitude- longitude coordinates of where she met her husband, Brad, and their children's places of birth is so meaningful and in a way, archaic. Obviously tattoos are not adorned jewels but in my opinion, they're just as beautiful and significant. I've always wanted a few (!) but I've never been courageous enough to go for it. Plus, I want to be 200% sure about the artwork before I permanently ink that onto my skin! Are you yay or nay when it comes to tattoos?

Look who came by to join in a couple of the shots? I call MaQ my 'Velcro Dog' because no matter where I am, he's right next to me. German shepherds are extraordinarily loyal. I love him so much! (Not apparent at all, clearly.) Lol! I guess my boy is not much of a fan for Monday's either! I love these shots of us because even though he's not giving the camera his pearly whites, he still looks so incredibly handsome! Every day when I wake up and see that face I am so unbelievably grateful. He definitely makes the start to any week that much more tolerable. Be thankful for each day, keep things simple and style away! Might as well enjoy life while you're still around. Catch y'all next time! ❤️

Love & xx's,

Graffiti Day

Mr. Smiley :) Put on a happy face! ♡

It's almost Friday! (Thank goodness.) We've been busy with several upcoming projects that I can't wait to share with you guys! I really haven't had the time to go and check out the new graffiti and street art in my neighborhood lately. I enjoy these city walkabouts, very much so, with my pooch, MaQ. We've been at this for a couple of years, running around the city and him posing in front of some seriously talented and amazing art! But this morning I had a little extra time so off we went! You can check out MaQ's Instagram feed for tons of New York City graffiti, videos and more! As you can see, he takes pride in his modeling work. It's tough being a stud muffin! :)

The first art piece MaQ posed with is Zukie's Art and these adorable lil' critters. According to the artist, "Zukies are mysterious creatures that do not talk. They communicate with thought bubbles and facial expressions. Zukies intend to generate emotions through their visual thoughts and that is how they create an emotional bond with us." - Miss Zukie

Bullseye! ◎

Happy Happy, Thank God it's almost Friday! Let's dance!

I can't seem to find the artist who did the mural with the bullseye in the background. If anyone by any chance knows, please get a hold of me! I always leave credit where credit is due. It drives me nuts when I can't find something I'm looking for! Can anyone else relate to this? :P

The photo to the left is me in front of Steve Zolin's mural. His graphic art is just simply amazing! It reminded me of Diego Rivera's work at the Detroit Institute of Arts. There's so much life and color in Mr. Zolin's piece even though when I look at the mural as a whole, it's very industrial-inspired. Lots of blue and purple tones, as if it's being vivacious with feelings of melancholy simultaneously.

Centre-fuge Public Art Project with Hissxx's kitty cats & MaQ!

Yay! Hiss Art has made yet another appearance at the well-known trailer that displays graffiti from different artists with the Centre-fuge Public Art Project. We photographed some of his older work as well a few months back on this graffiti blog post. Funny random fact about MaQ: he despises cats! When he was only an itty bitty puppy (a stocky 18-pounder at 10 weeks!) one of our friend's cat's scratched his nose in retaliation of MaQ trespassing onto his 'territory'. Poor bub, ever since then, the two don't mix. They're like oil and vinegar. You should see us with a New York City bodega cat. They really startle us when they're outside of the stores sometimes. Perhaps someone wants to play peek-a-boo and the other doesn't? Ha ha!

I'm with Batman, not Robin. ;) Graffiti by: Ramiro-Davaro Comas

Isn't this Batman & Robin piece so dope? I believe MaQ secretly thinks he's Batman. Eh, who am I kidding, I think everyone secretly WANTS to be Batman. Heck, I wish I was, don't you? :) Batman is my ultimate favorite superhero. Everything about him is just so bad-ass and the toys that he's got? Talk about cool. The artist behind this stunner is Ramiro-Davaro Comas and I can't wait to see what he'll do next! I'd love to see an artist do a mural of X-Men characters. I would be totally geeked up about it!

Look at me! Graffiti by: Billy the Artist

Lastly, I have Billy the Artist's new art up on E. 6th Street. (Between 1st and 2nd Ave.) We also covered a mural of his back in September in this blog post, see for yourself; he's all sorts of awesome! Thanks for stopping by! We hope you had fun looking through our batch of graffiti photos! Until next time... have a spectacular, vibrant day! ♥♥♥

PS Don't forget to check out MaQ's IG Page down below! :)

Love & xx's,

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