Off to the Races

April 24, 2017

WEARING: ECHTEGO LACE DRESS | GUESS CARRIE BLACK SATIN PUMPS | 
BOOHOO MOCK CROC CLUTCH BAG

Do you guys remember the 'elevator' shoot from a few weeks ago? (Post link here.) If not, let me jog your memory. It was an editorial shoot with a navy blue dress by a great Korean designer, Sungmin Shim, for Echtego. I discovered her from a new showroom, Dreams On Air (DoA) here in New York City and was immediately attracted toward her style and collection. I love her designs so much, today's post is focusing on another beautiful piece from her 'Sentimental Vengeance' collection. And I will be telling you why I had to style this statement dress, not only because of it's aesthetic-gorgeousness.

I love when an object, whether a piece of clothing, a photograph, or a musical instrument can bubble certain memories/feelings toward the surface. It might be nostalgia or melancholy, perhaps both, with a tinge of hope, joy or fear (eek), but what I find so wonderful is its (objects) power to evoke sentiments we wouldn't have otherwise. And when I saw this black and white lace dress, it immediately drew me to my passion for Classical music. (Check out this dedicated post solely on that here!) You guys know I live for opera, but my first love when it comes to music is the Classical stuff. It's been in my life since my figure skating days, but something about the way it made me feel as I listened to it brought my attention to study it and learn from it. Nowadays, it's one of my main choices in music to listen to while writing. It keeps me centered and relaxed. Plus I just really love it. I just find it so incredible how an instrument can make you feel things you wouldn't feel from anywhere else, or with anyone else. Do I have any Classical music lovers out there?!

I used to go to the opera and the philharmonic like it was my religion, but I honestly haven't had the time to do so in a few years. Plus, I don't know many people (my age) that are as into it as I am. And that's perfectly fine, but damn I miss the hell out of it! And how lovely would this dress be for a night out for something like that? But I also think this dress also works well for the office or even attending a wedding! The tiny striped trim on the sides gives the lace dress a little bit more of a chill factor, as in easy and cool to wear. But I would really want to wear to this while doing something more on the fancier side. I feel confident and sexy in this number, so why not do something a bit more fun than just hitting the office in it? Have a great week, guys! :)

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

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Fiercely Feminine

April 6, 2017

WEARING: MEDEA MARIS ORGANZA TRENCH | LUX. DUSTY PINK DRESS | 
LOUISE & ELEANOR RUNYON CLUTCH | MANOLO BLAHNIK PATENT NUDE PUMP | 
KENDRA SCOTT ALEX EARRINGS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY MEDEA MARIS AND LOUISE & ELEANOR.

What makes a lady? As you know by now, my style doesn't reflect prim and posh (not that I don't love it but it's just not me) but rather more of an edgier kind of look. I may be physically petite and carry a delicate body frame, but my attitude and energy have been described the opposite of my tiny self. I'm known to be intense, bold, and even intimidating, but it's always confessed after getting to know me. I can understand - my facial features are strong thanks to those Korean and Eastern European roots. But it's also a Detroit thing (where I'm originally from), we don't back down and we're not afraid to speak out. Call it fearlessness - to me, it's more of an adversity kind of thing. I've been through a lot and perhaps that tends to bleed out, no matter how I might try to conceal it.

Those who do personally know me can attest to my warmth and silliness as well. I don't think anyone would say, "Awe, Suz is such a lady," as in extremely Bourgeoisie, but I've never been one to not carry class. Am I always going to walk away from whatever situation and have this mentality of, 'it's best to leave it alone/not my business/etc;? Nope. I'm not afraid to use my voice, and to me, in this day and generation, what makes a lady is a woman who is fiercely strong, independent, and uses her mind to make an impact on anything she sets out to. And all the while maintaining her femininity, hard and soft together... refined.

Today's ladylike outfit is one I would wear to a girlfriend's baby shower or Sunday church. Which in this case, is a rare occasion. Ha ha! What I love about this Medea Maris white organza trench (many of you on Instagram mistook it as a dress in yesterday's post, which could be worn as one anyhow) is its versatility. You can style it more casually with an awesome pair of distressed denim jeans or leather leggings. But its genteel-like quality can also be styled very feminine chic. For example, I wore a dusty pink dress which is a hot-hot-hot spring trend color and with a pair of Manolo Blahnik patent nude pumps. To polish up the entire look, I accessorized with an embroided clutch by Louise & Eleanor and Kendra Scott Alex earrings. I hope you enjoyed today's post! Regardless how your style is, a lady carries it with her always. Same goes for the gents, am I right, ladies? :)

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

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Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?

March 20, 2017

WEARING: ELEVEN PARIS BYSCOOB T-SHIRT | VAGABOND HONEY JAKARTA DENIM PANTS | 
EXPRESS SUIT JACKET | BOTTEGA VENETA LOAFERS | JILL-E DESIGNS SMART TABLET PURSE | 
LINEA PELLE STUDDED CHOKEN | 80S PURPLE FALA ROUND FRAMED SUNGLASSES

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY LUV.IT AND VAGABOND HONEY.

Today on the blog I’m showing you how to style a simple graphic tee with a collegiate vibe! This look is perfect for this temperamental weather that won't fully click into Spring just yet! (Even though it's the first day of spring... :::eyes rolling:::) With one of my oldest suit jackets I styled the Scooby-Doo t-shirt with ripped boyfriend jeans and loafers to give a casual chic look. I'm really digging the fit and comfort of the jeans. They're from a cute California boutique called Vagabond Honey and I love the boyish tone it brings to my look. To also bring a school-ish feel to my outfit I also accessorized with my Jill-E Designs smart tablet purse bag, a pair of retro shades and this cute choker I found to be so fitting with the t-shirt.

The choker is cute and gives the look a tiny edge while keeping it cool and laidback, and with my partner in crime, MaQ, no less, this is really one of my everyday looks for Spring! A lot of you have been asking about him, and I know you are missing him in action so I HAD to bring him in for a little feature of course (more dog content coming your way in early April), and short, adorable story: If MaQ had the voice of one character, I always have believed it to be Scoobs. I think every pet owner comes across this thought and has one person in particular for the part. Ha ha ha! I know it sounds silly, but I know it's true! He sends lots of bbo boo... MaQ has learned how to kiss in Korean! ;)

I got the Scooby-Doo tee, studded choker and the sunnies (all for under $75 together) from a shopping app called Luv.it, which I’ve previously written about them in this post. The app features smaller brands that you wouldn’t normally find at department stores, such as this graphic Scooby-Doo t-shirt which is from a brand called Eleven Paris or these amazing tortoise sunglasses from 80s Purple. I love how the app has a strong mix of styles from higher-end brands to middle and lower. I love combining the different 'hierarchies' of brands if you will, so Luv.it is definitely one of my current favorite fashion shopping apps. On the hunt for some new Spring and Summer pieces? Be sure to download the app at the iTunes store and follow me @suzannespiegoski.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

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Angela Roi Handbags

March 18, 2017

WEARING:

LOOK 1: ZAFUL ARMY GREEN WOOL BLEND MASCULINE COAT | FRAME DENIM VEST | 
ANGELA ROI JULES BUCKET BAG | SHOEDAZZLE FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS | 
STEVE MADDEN BLACK ANKLE BOOTS

LOOK 2: H&M OFF-THE-SHOULDER DRESS | BETSEY JOHNSON CHUBBY FAUX FUR COAT | 
UNIQLO HEATTEACH TURTLENECK | ANGELA ROI DARK GREEN MORNING CROSSBODY BAG

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY ANGELA ROI & ZAFUL.

Happy Saturday, friends! A couple of months ago I styled two outfits with Angela Roi handbags as a part of their Urban Model campaign, and I'm so thrilled to share the complete shoot with you! Angela Roi is a New York-based ethical luxury handbag brand, using premium animal-friendly materials and working closely with artisans to craft their handbags. Every sale supports mistreated animals with ASPCA. As a major animal lover, this brings me such joy knowing a brand is doing great work on top of their high-quality craftsmanship!

The first look features a modern workday lady boss vibe. The Zaful wool coat brings a good touch of masculinity to any kind of look and is perfect for the office and even a laid-back dinner with your girlfriends. I'm also obsessed with the fit and color of the coat, I've been wearing it since NYFW! I love how this casual outfit can go from day to night as well. The Angela Roi Jules Bucket Bag goes amazing with so many looks and is wonderful for those long days where you need to fit your essentials into just one bag. I think it's also super trendy for the fashionable mommies! The bag is not only stylish but efficient in size and space.

The second look is a bit more feminine with a bohemian edge. I've worn this dress in the past, (blog post here) but it was more into the season of spring. In this look, I wanted to showcase my favorite form of styling – layers, layers, and more layers. It's a great way to continue wearing seasonal pieces all year-round like slip dresses as this one. I paired it with an Uniqlo Heattech turtleneck to stay warm along with black tights and a fuzzy faux fur coat. My favorite color combination in the recent years is pink and green. How gorgeous is the Morning Crossbody bag?! They have a variety of colors too if you're into more rich, vibrant colors. Shop the two looks down below! Have a lovely weekend! :)

photos by: Arthur C. Hauser

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOKS

Zaful Army Green Wool Blend Masculine Coat

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To All the Ladies with Style and Grace

March 8, 2017

WEARING: CADIEUX SS 17 JACKET | UNIQLO HEAT TECH TURTLENECK |
SHOE DAZZLE FAUX LEATHER LEGGINGS | ANGELINA SHOETIQUE OTK BOOTS | 
BOOHOO MOCK CROC CLUTCH BAG | SHOPTIQUES ROSE EARRINGS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY CADIEUX.

Happy International Women's Day! I could say the usual, such as how all women are beautiful, special and worthy of everything, etc.; but I'm not the usual kind. *WARNING* This post is not anger filled but brutally honest. Don't like what you read or see? Get outta my way. BYE.

There's a ferocious new trend-demic where women, but more so cliché-like cliques, that are parading around their 'love & support' for ALL women. Now, don't get me wrong. There are a ton of bad-ass ladies that are really about community and the idea of everyone getting their fair share of the pie with unity and togetherness, but then there are always the typical two-faced bitches (particularly in the blogger world) that are not only complete hypocrites, but also liars and manipulators and have no other motive than to cause drama because of their unhappiness and insecurities. Maybe they're not as terrible as it sounds because hey, I get it. We're all human. I'm flawed and complicated, and not in a light-hearted funny kind of way. But I'm in no way intentionally mean-spirited.

My closest girlfriends, which have been in my life for decades, can be counted on one hand. Why? LOYALTY. TIL THE END DAWG. We have been through so much shit in life I don't even know where to begin. I'm not talking about childish high-school breakups or fights with the folks, I'm talking about life & death situations. Loss, heartache, violence – our trials & tribulations were sometimes extreme and I really wouldn't have made it out alive if it weren't for my babes. And we didn't become friends because of race, social class, and other ridiculously atrocious reasons why some girls 'clique-ify' their way through life. It's the same type of girl who can't STAND being alone and always has to have a guy around. Seriously?

I don't need a pile of so-called friends to waste time shooting the shit with over coffee anymore. It's so mundane and it makes me nauseous just thinking about it. On the same note, it is crucial to network and to connect in New York City and also the world. It's not just about how hard you work to get towards that 'pie' but rather, who you know and what you can do for each other. Now is having coffee with any kind of friend, close/non-close a crime? Of course the fuck not. Yes, I continue to make new friends and they're all truly AMAZING but again life is so short and there will be very few people in the world that will deeply matter to you. And you to them. I'm not here today to engage in any kind of battle but I see what I see and I have the right to express what I want to freely. Dammit, I hate being a writer sometimes...

It's unnerving to continuously meet other bloggers who are not in this game for the right reasons. Sure, everyone has the right to go after whatever they want. I remember having a conversation with a 'part-time' blogger, and even though she wasn't doing it full-time, she thought anyone can become a blogger. That's like saying anyone can become a writer, a photographer and so on and so forth. BULLSHIT. It takes so much hard work, PASSION, dedication and discipline. It is by far the most challenging work I've ever had and I wouldn' have it any other way. And yes we 'all have to start somewhere'. You pay your dues, you learn & grow (I PRAY), and you work hard and be kind to people. BUUUUUUUTTTTT, that doesn't give anyone the right to make you feel uncomfortable about yourself. PERIOD. The second anyone, not just a woman, wants to treat you this way: DISENGAGE. Don't even give them the reaction that they're just dying to wait on. Pathetic. Let them get even more pissed because of your lack of care or effort on the situation.

To all my bad bitches, I LOVE YOU. I cherish our friendships and you all mean to me more than you'll ever know. Thank you for continuously inspiring me, supporting me, laughing with me and enjoying the good times with before they all fade away. To my loving followers, I may not have time to reply back to every single comment on social media every day, but I SEE you and I can never thank you enough for your encouragement and love to continue what I'm doing. Today is for you, ladies. Keep it real. Always. NOW, to all y'all weak-ass wannabes, I don't have the time playing checkers when I'm mastering my strategies at chess. Boom. Signing off. One Love.