5 Reasons Why You Should Take a Social Media Break

January 14, 2019

WEARING: MINT GREEN CARDIGAN | WIDE LEG JEANS | WHITE ANKLE BOOTS | BLACK & WHITE BAG

When I first was building MaQ + Suz, which I still am, times have changed in the past three years. And even though I have remained consistent throughout this time, it has come to my realization now more than ever that as a creative person, it is vital to my well-being to un-plug from the social media world. I’m constantly on it for work, and lately the daily cycle of cranking out content has felt like it’s never-ending and yes, everyone can burn out! When everything is all about instant-gratification these days, I still think it’s completely acceptable to take a detox/break from something that isn’t always necessarily beneficial to you. As much as I love to share my life on social media, I also can really appreciate when to say no to certain things when it comes to what I do for a living. So in today’s post I’m sharing 5 reasons why you should take a social media break from time to time. Continue reading for more.

1. IT HELPS YOU SET BOUNDARIES

For many of us, social media can feel like an anxiety-fueled space, and it’s up to us to decide when to say enough is enough and not let any form of negativity into our personal space. Even on an everyday basis, I try and restrict myself to about 2 hours of social media postings and scrolling. But by setting a daily routine like a time limit of my time on my phone and taking mini-breaks even this way can be the healthiest boundary you set for yourself , which is the ultimate form of self-care. This weekend, I forbade myself from posting on social media, no matter how guilty I felt not doing so. I am exhausted, sick (migraine all day Sunday) and in need of recuperating from my job where there are literally no days off. And you know what? It led to learning other reasons why this is great to do every so often. (or as much as you like… you are your own boss, no?)

2. GET YOUR CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING

Whenever I really start to feel burnt out, I will go off the grid for a couple of days. I also have a tendency to do this when I’m suffering from writer’s block. This doesn’t bring forth my creativity per se, but you’d be amazed how great you’d feel after a full weekend of rest and just doing things you love to do, like read a book, go to the museum, have a phone call with a friend, taking a long walk with my dog, these mini-breaks not only take my mind off and recharge my batteries, it is then when these types of activities help influence my creativity. Sometimes freeing the mind and not trying to think so hard about the next amazing photo shoot actually will bring the next amazing photo shoot. Trust in the retreat your mind and body absolutely need to take every now and then.

3. RECLAIM YOUR TIME

You know you can’t buy back time, but you can reclaim it. With Apple iOS 12's “Screen Time” feature, you can track your social media usage. I'm currently using this tool and discovered that I could have likely read Murakami’s new novel in the time I spent scrolling Instagram last week. YIKES. Which in turn gives you more time for other things in your life aside from social media. Because I guarantee this is not the most important part of life by any means... it doesn’t define you as a person. Life is short. Spend it wisely.

4. KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE

Others’ comments or who has viewed your Insta-stories, or what’s currently trending… Yet another distraction when it comes to social media. It all leads to nowhere. I always remind myself why I started the blog in the first place. And I think the immense desire to someone’s “15 minutes of fame” is more and more outweighing the desire to create quality content and/or visual story-telling. So when whatever I see online all starts to become white noise and very little is inspiring me, it’s time to take a breather from the overly saturated social media world. When I de-tach myself from it temporarily, it always brings me back to where I started and why. Which is really important if you want to continue visualizing the big picture, too. Remember why you started.

5. RECONNECT AND COME BACK STRONGER

This kind of coincides with number 2 in this post. But this is more about our inner work. As I just said, social media is not the definition to life, nevertheless, it doesn’t define you. It’s a brand, a label, a front to what really is reality. Because in the world of advertising, not everything is ever the complete truth. And the same goes with what I do. Every photo is staged. Choreographed with makeup, hair, clothes, location, a lens, etc to end the final result with a quality image and a story behind it. It’s simply never just a snap. So when it comes to comparing yourself to others, for example, be clear about your goals and do the self-work IRL to come out confident; it will help curb the anxiety that the Instagram comparison game creates. Focusing on other parts of your life aside from social media/work isn’t just a simple “distraction” from the other not so glamorous side to what I do, it’s always a resetter. It helps me regroup and reconnect with loved ones and yes, myself. Sometimes a little self-care goes a long way, and if you’re feeling a bit unsure about what you’re doing online, it’s time to take a step back and regroup, reset and reconnect. And in the long run, you will always come back stronger. Remember this too… social media isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

LOVE & XX’S,

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Winter Blue Outfit

January 7, 2019

WEARING: CHUNKY BLUE KNIT SWEATER | PLEATED SKIRT | BLUE SATIN BOOTS | BLUE HANDBAG

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY H&M BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

What Monday Blues? When you wear the color blue, do you ever stop to think why? Did you know that when one feels empowered, they tend to wear blue? Which is why you should wear blue more often! ;) In today’s post, I’m sharing a very ‘blue’ outfit, with one of my favorite fall/winter trends of the season: A chunky knit sweater with a pleated skirt. So if you need to find style inspiration, whether a piece has already caught your attention or if you’re looking for a more bluesy look, continue reading to find out more along with what wearing the color blue means for you!

Blue represents authority, structure, communication, dependability, trust and loyalty. Some shades or too much blue can project coldness, but with the right contrast in an outfit, I find it more inviting rather than not. Wear blue when you want to exude power, have mental control, be conservative, respected or communicate an important message. When wearing this shade, you’re broadcasting creativity, positivity, peace, loyalty (this has come up in many of my research finds) and it’s also saying that you’ve decided to live by your own rules, and by your own truth. “Because blue wearers think for themselves, they’re smart , have a quick wit, and are independent.” (Thanks, Huffington Post!) Ha ha! Don’t wear blue when you’re literally feeling blue. Did you know fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty? Again with this one! But I really think it brings a confident mood to the table, overall. Why do you think you wear blue when you do?

I’ve linked similar skirts to the one I’m wearing, because the one I have on could not be found online. There’s the same diagonal striped pattern in the H&M linked below, along with a few other selections that have a similar look. How do you feel about the knit sweater with a pleated skirt? I love that you can styled it up or down with chic ankle boots, like these navy blue satin booties, or even just a pair of Docs. I might have to do something like that when it really gets colder, what do you think?

This cobalt blue cable-knit sweater is in a cotton blend and super-duper warm. Heavily dropped shoulders, long sleeves, and ribbing at neckline, cuffs, and hem, I actually started to get warm while shooting this (yes, these are all in self-portrait mode - yet another challenge I’ve made for myself this year, to shoot more of myself, just by myself.) I went with a medium in terms of size because when it comes to these kind of sweaters I like them a little oversized. I hope you enjoyed this blue winter outfit! Links are at the top, middle and end of each post. Gotta question? Drop them in the comment section down below. Have a great start to the week!

LOVE & XX’S,

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What I Learned from 2018

January 1, 2019

WEARING: PAISLEY JACKET | BLUE JEANS | CREAM FUZZY SWEATER

STAY ON THE TRAIN, THE SCENERY WILL CHANGE.

Life is a continuation of sorts - uphill battles, downfalls, and all the in between. And sometimes even in life’s most ordinary cycles, it seems nothing will ever change, improve, progress to your liking. Even if it is at a snail’s pace because yes, amazing things take time to cultivate I still struggle with the idea of remaining patient while continuing to be diligent in whatever I’m trying to accomplish. I truly sometimes think that no matter how hard I may try at something, it’s never going to be ‘good enough’ and that perhaps I will never grow. But after this year, I couldn’t be farther from the truth. Learning my strengths in the face of adversity definitely have shown that through discipline, perseverance and yes, a little bit of stubbornness will take you places. But you have to stay on the train.

YOU CANNOT CHANGE PEOPLE, ONLY YOUR REACTION.

And if you can’t change your reaction, then change your environment. For example, when you have to repeatedly tell a friend what they’re doing wrong (we’re talking moral values and such). If at some point they’re not getting it, it’s not your issue it’s theirs. Distance yourself from people who suck the living life out of you. There are all sorts of leechers out there and no one deserves to be taken advantage of. This goes for money, emotional manipulation and then some. Another example, I did a test shoot with a model a while back and was trying to take a street style shot with the person in the middle of the street with the Empire State building in the background. But no matter how I reacted in directing this person to be ‘in the middle of the street’, I shit you not, they did not understand. At some point I had to literally pin the person at the very center of the street and said, “Don’t move”, “stand still”… and YES they moved. So I eventually changed my environment because I knew it wasn’t working. Hahaha! :)

YOU CATCH MORE FLIES WITH HONEY THAN VINEGAR

Unfortunately, life doesn’t always turn out they way you thought it was going to turn out. And it’s easier to be spiteful, bitter and even down right vindictive over life’s unfairness. Sadly, I even saw this in my father near the end of his life. The first time I took a trip to New York, I came back so excited to share my experiences and all the photos I took. My mother found it exciting, even courageous, to want to venture out into the world. My father couldn’t barely stand to look at the photos, only to say one thing, that he hated New York and when I asked him if he had ever even visited the city and said no, he had no reasons other than negative ones to behave this way. I, too, can sometimes get angry at what life has thrown at me, like how I lost both of my parent before the age of 30 and yes I ask all the time, “why couldn’t You just have left me at least one?!” Or why I don’t have a single family member to even call when I’m feeling down. You just have to look at it this way, in that things don’t just happen. There’s a reason and rhyme to everything, and with a more positive, I guess sweeter, perspective, you’ll be sure to find your way. If I stayed bitter over my losses in life, I never would have found my way to my husband, my dog, MaQ, or even this blog that I consider to be my baby! And yes, in the caption’s saying - it is always better to be nice rather than rude too.

ALWAYS STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

I challenge myself on a daily basis in this living mantra. Especially when life’s daily routines become a bit too routine and nothing exciting is really going on. This year I took my very first solo international trip to London for work (loving it so much I did it again six months later). And even though for most people, it’s not a big deal, for me, someone who does suffer from anxiety, had a lot of nerves about it. But I took a leap of faith, and just went! Best decision ever, as it has really helped me grow personally and professionally. Not ready for something like that? Start small. Go to an event or party, be more social if not already - or start a new hobby you know that’ll make you a little nervous… maybe archery? That would make ME nervous! Ha ha! I think sometimes being impulsive is a good thing, because it pushes you to your limits (NO shopaholics do not apply LMAO) and you discover that you’re capable of so much more than you could even imagine.

EMBRACE YOU!

Yes, I still have trouble in loving my whole entire self. We all have flaws, insecurities, weaknesses, vices, etc; but you know what is truly amazing? No one is you and that is your power! How incredible is that… you’re one of a kind and unlike anyone else on this planet?! No one else can be you - you are loved and amazing just the way you are. I think too with age, you accept yourself more and more because you know that’s the way it’s going to be. So you might as well love your eccentricities, quirks and all - inside and out! I’m starting to more and more share this side of me on the blog and I think you guys too, really dig it! So yes, I always think the topic of self-love is a self-realization in growth for every year of my life.

I don’t want to go on and on about what I learned from this past year where I start to sound cheesy or too lecture-y. So, I’m going to leave it off with see you soon, wishing you all the best in the New Year, and yes, sending you Love & Light with all my heart. MaQ + Suz would not exist without its readers and we are extremely grateful for each and every one of you! So thank you as always, for the continued love and support of our brand, as we truly work very hard every single day to try and bring you the best styled creative images in the world of fashion, beauty, lifestyle and more.

Side note: ha ha! The paisley blazer from this post is by Saku New York, the cream fuzzy sweater is from H&M and the jeans are Levi’s. Hope you guys enjoyed our very first post on MaQ + Suz for 2019! What are some of the lessons you have learned from this past year? Don’t forget to drop them down in the comment section below! We would love to hear yours! Happy New Year, Happy 2019 and many, many blessings.

LOVE & XX’S,

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What to Wear on and off the Slopes

December 26, 2018

I hope you are enjoying this holiday season! How was everyone’s Christmas (to those who celebrate)? My hubby and I always keep it low key. We don’t have big families and the imminent pressures of engorged family gatherings and togetherness may not always bring happy feelings, but just the two of us, with of course our baby, MaQ, is always enough. Life has many twists and turns, and is very short, so I consider to be very lucky to have my boys with me. They are my life and without them, I’m not too sure how well I’d do. The spirit of this time period isn’t about presents, lights and pretty festive pictures (raise your hand if you’re a NYC blogger and shot at Lotte Palace, Rockerfeller Center, or another touristy-driven location site…) Sorry not sorry. I. JUST. CAN’T. So instead of the same ole’ content everyone is doing, I’m still doing it MY WAY. So in today’s post, we’re mixing Aspen with Chinatown - grunge with ski wear. Continue to see the details from this uber cool yet casual styled look for the winter, and how to get this ski-inspired outfit!

The touch of color on the sleeves and chest, gives a unique style to the coat to be worn in casual occasion, on and off the slopes. By the way, can you believe I have never tried skiing before in my entire life?! I’m a trained figure skater, so I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be completely terrible at it! Plus, being a Midwestern gal at heart, I’ve always loved winter and even more so, the snow. Normally with a ski jacket/coat, it is puffy and not exactly the easiest piece of outerwear to maneuver in. But this faux fur shearling-styled jacket is great in the cold, and quite fitting for next month… the month of love :) I love how this v-shaped jacket also looks like there’s a heart in the red, when angled to the side. Do you guys see what I see?

The red and white jacket is quite warm, but when the temperatures dramatically drop whether you’re skiing or not, it’s important to be properly insulated. Which is why I wore my favorite Uniqlo Heat Tech top. Black, sleek and goes with many many outfits. It is definitely a staple piece in my closet during the winter season. I love how lightweight it is, and that you can easily layer with other clothes to keep warm. The black pants are from Reebok. A classic jogger-silhouette, these comfy pants has a slim fit with a modern cut that hugs the body while still leaving room for movement. Very comfortable cotton fabrication. Other features include front hand pockets, tapered ankles for a bulk-free fit, elastic waistband with drawcord and detail at the outer left pocket.

To continue with the mostly black ensemble, I styled the look with my latest favorite pair of winter boots - these yellow-laced black combat boots. I thought the high-ankled boots would fit well with the jogger pants, keep an elongated frame. Sneakers wouldn’t made me look stumpy I think when it came to this look. They’re also great to tread in snow, completely durable and also easy to walk in. Literally can’t get enough of ‘em! Other accessories that I styled with this look is this cognac studded crossbody bag from Foley & Corinna and a very cool yellow pair of cateye sunglasses. I think the colors tied everything together when it came to the overall look.

What do you guys think of this look? Can it be worn both on and off the slopes? Are you an avid skier? Got any suggestions for a first-timer? Ha ha! Also, where’s a great place near New York? Vermont? Upstate? I’d love to hear from you guys as I continue to do my search for a possible trip with the boys! Also, I’ve listed each piece from this look with direct links in the beginning and end of this post. Wishing you guys a wonderful rest of Christmas break and an even Happier New Year! I have a feeling 2019 is going to be fun! Until next time… :)

LOVE & XX’S,

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White Teddy Moto Jacket

December 20, 2018

WEARING: WHITE TEDDY MOTO JACKET | FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS | BLACK CUTOUT BOOTS | BLACK STAR BALL BAG

Hey, guys! Are you done with all of your Christmas shopping yet? I’m still not done and every year I’m a last minute shopper. So while running around doing last minute shopping I like to stay in comfort when it comes to my personal style. I’m never the girl decked out in a full ballgown while running around town, let alone a simple dress. So in today’s post, we’re keeping it semi-casual but still maintain my edgy vibe - even if it’s just going out in search of holiday gifts for loved ones! Check out more details on how I styled this cozy white teddy moto jacket with faux leather leggings and a very spectacular glow-in-the-dark ball purse! Not to mention a pretty fierce set of black cutout boots.

If you haven’t seen my latest style post, I paired this Maya Luz bag with a pink dress (LINK HERE)! But I love the bag so much, who says I can’t wear an evening bag in the middle of the day?! It brings a ton of fun to my outfit, and literally since I got it, I can’t get ‘Wrecking Ball’ out of my head. Ha ha! All giggles aside, I’m truly obsessed with the design of this unique bag. 100% leather base with Swarovski crystal stones, silver studs, glow in the dark stars and hand painted detailing, there’s only a limited edition of 50 made in New York City, so it’s pretty wild I was able to receive on of them! She makes other designs aside from this one, so if you’d like to see more go to www.maya-luz.com

How warm does this styled up teddy bear white moto jacket look?! It is super cozy with a slight edge in its details. I’m normally not really into anything brown, but this past fall/winter season I can’t seem to wear enough of the color! I think it suits well with my hair color. But this moto jacket is the perfect kind of jacket to wear while running around and doing errands. I don’t like to wear a heavier coat because I get too warm inside, and sweat more, and by the time I go back outside, I’m shivering from the change of temperature so much. So I’d suggest a less hefty outerwear piece to shop in. More room equals better comfort as well as being efficient :)

I styled the coat instead with a pair of jeans like my usual self with a pair of faux leather leggings. These are under $20 bucks from Zulily. Affordable, comfortable, and stylish - they looked really cool with my new Cotto croc print ankle boots. With a pointed toe, sassin' block heel and cut out sides - these boots are right on trend. And the buckle and lace up details will have all eyes on you. I'll be wearing mine all day erryday. :) They are currently on sale for only $25 bucks! Get them before they’re sold out, trust me, I know they will go fast!

How would you have possibly styled this white teddy moto jacket? I think it would look amazing with a great pair of jeans or even a dress with some killer winter boots. I decided to keep it casual with an edge, something you’d see me wearing in an everyday outfit. D