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

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Detroitish

June 29, 2017

WEARING: INK DETROIT TEE | DEZZAL ASSYMETRIC MERMAID SKIRT | 
& OTHER STORIES FISHNET SOCKS | HUSH PUPPIES MAZIN CAYTO NUBUCK BOOTS 
| STELLA & DOT GOLD AND BLACK FRINGE NECKLACE

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY DEZZAL, HUSH PUPPIES & STELLA & DOT.

DETROIT IS LIKE ROCK AND ROLL. IT'S LIKE SOUL. DETROIT IS THE WHOLE IDEA OF COOL. IF YOU HAVE TO EXPLAIN IT TO SOMEONE, THEY PROBABLY WON'T UNDERSTAND. YOU HAVE TO SEE IT. LIVE IT. BE IT. THAT'S WHEN DETROIT STARTS TO MOVE YOU.

Hello, my darlings! Are you excited for the long holiday weekend? Summer time and the livin' is easy... or so to speak. Got any special plans? I used to be a huge fan of the Fourth of July when my pops was around, but his passing, which was a few days after Independence Day, has changed my ways of celebrating. I used to go out and watch the fireworks, but since he's been gone, I find it too hard to do, let alone celebrate anything. I'm a very private person and getting myself to open up to you guys has been challenging, and quite frankly, a little terrifying. Af first I thought no one would listen. No one would care. But as time has gone on, I have become more courageous in telling my story. Am I ready to tell-all? Oh hell, nah. Some things are better left unsaid. But with baby steps and perhaps when the timing is right, I believe I will slowly but surely share more about myself. In today's post, I'll be discussing two topics. One, how to get through jury duty easily and as painlessly as possible. And two, I'll be talking about copycats and if imitation really is the best form of flattery.

Miraculously I only served jury duty for one day. Now before you go and get your hopes up, know that most cases you'll serve for at least 2-3 days. But some of the tips I'm about to give you has nothing to do with getting out of it faster. It is a civic duty and most of us take it for granted. Just like paying your taxes or voting in this country, it is something you have to do. But while you're stuck at the courthouse for eight hours a day, why not have it go as fast as possible? So instead of twiddling your thumbs while you watch the clock, bring a shit ton of reading materials, whether, on your iPad, or a newspaper and/or a book, you're going to have to keep that mind of yours occupied. Not much of a reader? (We can't be friends if you're not... haha JK!) You can play games or stay engaged on social media with your phone or laptop. Or you can do what I did, the moment I sat down at 9 am sharp, I whipped out my laptop and went straight to work.

Another tip while serving jury duty? If you're a heavy snacker like me (I don't eat 3 square meals a day, but rather on average, snack non-stop throughout the day instead... a heavy lunch makes me lethargic, and as Gordon Gekko once said, "lunch is for wimps") make sure to bring a lot of single dollar bills for the vending machine. You can't bring in food or drinks through security (just like the airport) so be prepared to have some singles to get through the day and to keep your belly happy. Bathrooms and the courts, in general, are pretty skeevy so be sure to bring hand sanitizer. Sometimes the bathrooms will have no more soap or paper towel to dry your hands, so even keeping a package of tissues with you would be good. Lastly, bring a jacket or cardigan especially if you serve during the summer because they normally crank the AC full blast in these buildings, especially in the courtrooms.

And now onto copycatting. I've been reading a lot from other bloggers and influencers about their frustrations in others copping their creative concepts or even worse, flat out re-doing the same shit they saw someone else do. (literally from head-to-toe outfits, same travel itineraries and more.) I've even read somewhere about influencers wanting to copyright their own work. Guess what, folks? Most creative ideas and/or concepts have been done since the dawn of time and have been recycled and done over and over again but in different ways. So when it comes to fashion, no, nothing is exactly your own invention. There may be inspirational or admirable factors (and yes, the dreadful SWF factor... I've experienced it and it's creepy AF), but to think you were the first to come up with an idea, you better think again. The challenge is to try and find something that hasn't been done before and actually seeking out to do it! I can't tell you how many times I've seen others try to do what others do, and it's cute, perhaps even flattering to some, but don't hold it against them. Why? Because... YOU are YOU, and that is your POWER. They can try all they want to be like you, but at the end of the day, that'll never be.

Going back to my roots in Detroit, as a kid, I used to get made fun of for liking X-Men comic books and wanting to go out and be Batman rather than Cinderella. When I hit adolescence, I was known for being, 'flat as a board', 'chink', and other derogatory names I don't feel worthy of mentioning. Fast forward to now, half of the kids that used to pick on me are now trolling through each and every one of my Insta Stories and through my other social media channels. I've never received an apology, nor do I ever expect one, but now I think it's all comical. Why are they watching? Because I'm doing me and they're doing them, and I can guarantee my life is much more interesting than it was back in high school. I see 'em, but I don't acknowledge them. The same goes for anyone who can't be true to themselves. Why do you want to be anyone other than yourself? One of the most powerful tools to have in life is authenticity! Without it, there's really not much else to go by. So is imitation the best form of flattery? Nope. Don't be basic. (As the 'millennials' call it.) Here's something to go by, INSPIRE, NOT IMITATE.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Stella & Dot Gold & Black Fringe Necklace

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

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 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. ❤️

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Victoria's Secret Black Satin Pajama Blouse

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Grey Tones

April 5, 2016

WEARING: H&M LONG GREY SUIT JACKET | H&M LONG SLEEVE GREY SHIRT
FOREVER 21 STRETCHY HIGH-RISE SKINNY JEANS 
STEVEN MADDEN NOBLE STONE PEEP TOE SHOE BOOT | GUCCI DIANA SATCHEL

One of my ultimate dreams in New York City has come true! It was so hard to keep it hush-hush for about a week now, but I am delighted and very excited to finally be able to tell you guys all about it! Sometime last week, I was having a very rough start to my morning and was really feeling under the weather, but I like to start my day by taking walks with MaQ, especially when I'm feeling down. Just the two of us roaming the streets of New York never fails to inspire me to keep going.

That morning was kind of cold. You know, those spring mornings where it's only slightly warm being in the sun. I was going to keep it a brisk walk and take MaQ out for a longer one later on in the day, as I had so much work to do. But, because I wasn't feeling 100% and the fact that I walk around to clear my head, I opted for a longer route and went to one of his favorite parks in New York City, Washington Square Park. He loves to find sticks to chew and play with, accompanying me while I people-watch and take snapshots. Suddenly, a deep male voice from behind said, "Excuse me, do you mind if I take a picture of your dog?" But before I could reply, he graciously continued. "I run The Dogist... I'm not sure if you've heard about us..."

My jaw dropped to the ground and I was beaming. Ever since Elias Weiss Friedman had created The Dogist in October of 2013, I've been following him religiously. With nearly 2 million followers on Instagram and over 10,000 photos of dogs from around the world, he's got my (well one at least) dream job, chasing dogs and traveling. I just never saw the man behind the camera! We had a blast shooting with Elias and his assistants, MaQ took his role as a supermodel VERY seriously. Come take a look at his AMAZING portrait shot HERE!

To see more incredible portraits of dogs by The Dogist, go to thedogist.com

Lastly, here's my look of the day! Grey tones meet casual chic with a long suit jacket from H&M, Steve Madden open-toe ankle booties and Forever 21 skinny jeans. It's one of my favorite comfy go-to looks. You can totally keep doing your #GIRLBOSS thang in this outfit. Sadly, due to grey tones not only being a part of this look, the weather did not allow us to film this look for the week. Boo, to rain! But don't worry, more to come soon, soon, soon! Stay tuned...

Photos by Gilles Decamps

Styling & Editing by Suzanne Spiegoski