Cape Cod Style

June 29, 2016

WEARING: ROMWE WHITE STRIPED SPLIT DRESS | ZARA CORK + LEATHER WEDGES |
ALDO CROSSETT CROSS BODY | J. CREW PANAMA HAT | NATHALIE GARÇON SCARF | 
ROMWE GOLD RINGS

Hey, everyone! I'm back! I've been away on our mini-vacation to Cape Cod, and what a treat it was! My husband and I celebrated being together for ten years, and bringing our boy, MaQ, was the icing on the cake. The Cape is such a magical place. Keep your eyes open for a travel diary post in the next coming days. I'm excited to share with you our amazing adventures! We even ran into another German Shepherd in Provincetown and let them play together in the marina one afternoon. What are the odds of that? :)

I've partnered with ROMWE, a lovely clothing line that's chic and affordable for every woman, in all shapes and sizes. They've got some crazy discounts and deals at the moment. Trendy long-sleeve dresses are 60% off your first order! That's only one of the many specials they currently have. Ladies, definitely check them out! I love my casual white striped dress that I wore non-stop while in the Cape. With drawstrings and pockets, it's a sporty feel with comfort and style. Perfect for summer, especially this long weekend approaching us! The dress can be worn over your bathing suit or for a casual stroll through the many magical destinations of Cape Cod.

It felt good to take a break from the internet and social media, but it's also great to be back! I have many upcoming projects I'm just dying to share with you! Stay tuned...

Photos by: Gilles Decamps

Sponsored post in collaboration with ROMWE.

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Mei Lin Interview — More Than a Chef

June 22, 2016

When you think of Detroit, I’m sure one (or all) of these come to mind; Blue-collar, 8 Mile, Henry Ford & GM. Motown oldies. Eminem. Maybe Kid Rock? But how about a female Chinese chef? What most don’t know about the city I grew up in is its deep cultural melting pot and the results from that kind of diversity. And Mei Lin is certainly a by-product from this environment.

Even though growing up in Detroit city’s prominent multicultural population, the Asian community is scarce. As a young girl, I did get bullied and picked on, but I never let it have an affect on me. Neither did Mei. The most difficult part was relating to the other kids, especially during the stages of adolescence. Just think about the difference in each other’s lunch-boxes, let alone a new and unfamiliar culture. And then coming from very typical standard Asian traditions, our parents strongly urged us to go to school to become a successful doctor or lawyer, where the idea of social conformity was the last thing we wanted to do. The Motor City gives you an edge, a sort of inner intensity that’s been mentally building up through the years. Survival of the fittest, if you will. You’ll definitely develop a backbone. The 313 made us want to get out and see the rest of the world.

The winner of “Top Chef” Season 12, Mei grew working alongside her family-owned-and-operated restaurant (Kong Kow) outside of Detroit. Surprisingly enough, she didn’t want to become a chef until later, while in college. Initially going into pre-nursing, that pursuit came to a screeching halt when she saw the sight of actual human blood. Afterward, she enrolled in the culinary arts program at Schoolcraft College. Since then she has worked for some of the most respected chefs in the industry. Michael Symon (Roast), Marcus Samuelsson (C-House) and Eric Klein (Spago) are just to name a few. After spending time in Chicago and Las Vegas, she relocated to West Hollywood and joined Michael Voltaggio's opening team at ink. in Los Angeles, where she climbed the ranks to become his sous chef in three years. Ambitious, to say at the very least.

What rose her to stardom was her victory on “Top Chef”. And what’s even better? She had no intentions of even going on the show. If it weren’t for her friends, she may have never done it. And the best part of the whole experience was not just the knowledge gained and lessons learned - it was all about the camaraderie amongst the other contestants on the show. While watching her during the entire season, the competition was fierce but what was even more palpable was their mutual respect and trust towards one another. Mei has several tattoos, even a little piggy to commemorate their win during the restaurant episode, where she and a few other chefs created Four Pigs. Her most recent addition is a vibrant strawberry on her back arm, also in celebration to her final dish on the show, which in my opinion, sealed her fate.

Through the twenty-some odd years I’ve known Mei, she has continued to be such an inspiration. She is subtle, resilient and a force to be reckoned with. The ultimate badass. Her background is clear in her dishes, and her personality never fails to shine through in her flavors and plating. One of the finest artists in the kitchen, in my eyes, it never was an easy ride for the now-acclaimed chef. You should see all her ‘battle’ scars! During her downtime, when she’s not gallivanting around the world cooking and creating incredible dishes and meals, you can find her at a local L.A eatery or in the comfort of her own home, with a bowl of hot ramen or her favorite go-to comfort food, Hunan chicken. Unless she wants to amp up the wow-factor, she’ll slow cook you one of the best prime rib of your life. That is, if you can wait for nearly six hours.

For more info on Mei, go to her website.

Photos by © Suzanne Spiegoski

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Simplicity with Chopin

June 10, 2016

WEARING: FOREVER 21 HIGH-SLIT MAXI SKIRT |

FOREVER 21 CREAM OFF-THE-SHOULDER PEASANT TOP |

MICHAEL KORS SANDALS

Happy Friday! Today's post is focusing on a new outfit look, (think Chanel meets affordability 🙊) but with attention also on my deep love for Classical music. Lately, I've been feeling inspired to do a black and white film 'look', but I wanted to evoke feelings of playfulness, intensity and the art of simplicity, which to me, is the key to sophistication, and remaining effortlessly chic.

I've been listening to Classical music since I was a young teenager. The reason being was because of my training as a competitive figure skater, where a lot of time was spent on researching and choosing the perfect piece of music to go with the perfect skating dress and choreography. I was immediately drawn to Vivaldi, Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and Beethoven. But my interest really peaked while in college, where I spent many of those first lonely freshman nights studying while listening to 'my men'. That is, until I actually made some friends! The only person I knew was my cousin and she was on the other side of campus. (And Michigan State's campus is one of the hugest in the country.) Freshmen stuck out like sore thumbs with their stationary parked bikes in the middle of the sidewalk with their faces immersed in the map of the campus. Trust me, I was definitely one of them, ha ha!

When I wrote my first novel, most, well to it's near entirety, music was filled in the background with Classical music. If not that, lots of original soundtracks. Dark. Soundtracks. Why do I love Classical music? It transports me to places I've never been. Eras, even. It sometimes uplifts me, fills me with intense anticipation of the unknown, melancholy, nostalgia, and even sometimes great sadness. But each time, regardless of the mood or set tone, I am never left without feeling fulfilled in some way. It gives me life! How many times has music saved your life?

I styled my hair in three knotted ponytails, bringing them together in a sort of french-braid kind of way. My makeup is inspired by the new Chanel campaign with Kristen Stewart shot by Mario Testino. What I love is the variation to the smokey eye, with different vibes like a tomboy, being mischievous or playful, to even feeling like a glamorous star. Eyes are, after all, the window's to our soul. We are whoever we want to be. #EyeCanBe

My off-the-shoulder peasant top has subtle floral embroidery in the bell sleeves, and my high-slit black maxi skirt, are both from Forever 21. I've had these Michael Kors's gladiator sandals for a few years and love them during the summer season. Just because you're on a budget when it comes to fashion doesn't mean you can't look like like one of the runway girls! Make it your own, in reflection to your personal style and taste. There's no price to chicness! Take a look at my editorial video created for this look of the week. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE for new videos every week. Please scroll down to directly shop the look. Have a lovely weekend, everyone! :)

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

Classical music with black and white film, two of my faves put together. Here is my latest editorial video, inspired by simple chicness, knotted ponytails, and Chanel's most recently updated smokey eye makeup. To me less is always and will always be more.

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When Bloggers Do Dumbo

June 3, 2016

WEARING: MOTO RIPPED MOM SHORTS | BASIC MEDALLION BANDANA | 
ARTIFACT NECKLACE | EXPRESS DENIM VEST | ALDO BUGIANO STUDDED ANKLE BOOTIES | 
RAY-BAN CLUBMASTERS | SEPCOEUR PARIS SUEDE DRAWSTRING BAG

Happy Friday! Last weekend, I met up with two other New York bloggers, Nataliya from Style Tomes & Andrea from Pretty Proper Quaint, to venture a day in Brooklyn. I love to meet like-minded bloggers from the city and do photo shoots. It's a great way to interact and engage with fellow bloggers. And, I'm all about learning and growing, which nevertheless will take place when getting to know others in your field and spending the day with them. Can you believe that I've never visited the Brooklyn Bridge Park since living here for over a decade?! It just goes to show that New York City is filled with endless amounts of adventure and fun.

We stopped at Jane's Carousel for a youthful outing. For $2, you can feel l like a kid again. Besides, you're never too old to go for a spin! And it's a great location for a photo shoot. Whether it's for your kids or a casual photo-op, I find this place to be whimsical and full of laughter and smiles. My kind of energy! We also visited Brooklyn-based artist Deborah Kass's Yo/Oy sculpture, which is a wonderful addition to New York's public art. I love to see anything that has to do with art, especially street art and graffiti. On the way back to the city, I suggest we take the East River Ferry, as this is also something I've never done! What's great about this form of transportation is you hop from Brooklyn, to Queens, to Manhattan, and even Governor's Island when in season. And bonus... you can take your dog with you! Can't wait to do it again with MaQ next time!

Coming up on the blog this week, a fusion recipe of a popular summer cocktail from the tropics (getting excited for me and my hubby's 10-yr dating anniversary trip!!!), a newfound love for a skincare product (with a giveaway so keep an eye out!), and a favorite quiche recipe, perfect for the weekend brunch! Stay tuned! :)

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Full Bloom in Central Park

May 24, 2016

WEARING: AGNES & DORA AUSTEN DRESS | STEVE MADDEN LUXE BLACK OPEN TOE PUMPS | 
FOREVER 21 BLACK BELT | NEW YORK & CO. FLORAL CLUTCH PURSE

Well, I've had quite the 'bumpy' morning! As what seemed to be the start to a great week from our last shoot, took it's downward fall earlier today. It's been drizzling rain in New York, but despite the gloomy weather, I took MaQ out for a rollerblading session. Overly cocky, I paid little to no attention to the slippery sidewalks and roads. Only about five minutes in, I was passing through at a crosswalk only to suddenly feel, by instinct, that one, I was going too fast with the wolfie pup (watching too much of GoT, perhaps?!) and two, that my balance was slightly off when taking a small hop off a ramp. Yup. I totally and completely fell flat on my ass (well, tailbone if we want to get really technical). I'm fine, but what I'm mostly left with is a bruised ego. I was so embarrassed! But, like a typical Spiegoski, I got up and brushed myself off and kept the F&CK going. Because that's what you gotta do. And yes, those figure skating days have trained me to be mentally strong. I guess it wasn't for nothing. Nothing is, am I right?

Now, let's talk about the dress. Because it's stunning. Because it's so comfortable. Because it's wedding season and this Austen Dress from Agnes & Dora is the PERFECT summer dress! I love adding pieces to every season that can be staples in your closet, only to trickle down from these pieces with accessories and other styles of clothing. With this dress and my petite size, I wore a thick black belt from Forever 21 to give more of a Coca-Cola bottle figure. The belt definitely brings more shape to my teeny-tiny figure. To continue elongating my silhouette, I wore 5-inch heels from Steve Madden with an open-toe. This brings more height to a shortie like me. And lastly, to add a little sparkle to the look, I carried my New York & Co. floral clutch purse I've had since I was in college! I always try to preserve/keep sentimental pieces in my collection. It makes me feel special and is a reminder of who I am and where I come from. What are some of your favorite pieces like this in your closet?

Coming up on the blog this week: a new food/cooking recipe that I'm totally excited to share with you! I'll also be doing another cocktail recipe as well, so stay tuned! There's a lot of upcoming stories/posts in the next few months that I cannot wait to just share with you guys, but to tell them, relive them, and to experience them with you all. Until next time, enjoy the editorial video I made from this look down below! Please don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel!

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

The concrete jungle is in full bloom! Here is my sixth editorial video, shot in Central Park, New York City, New York. This week's video is inspired by chic, Parisian, style and springtime in New York, which to me, is the ultimate, most romantic time of the year in the city.

To shop the look, please continue below.