How to Update the Back to Front Shirt Trend

October 3, 2016

WEARING: STEVEN LAND WHITE MEN'S TUX SHIRT | EXPRESS BLACK FLARE EDITOR PANT | 
DRESS LILY FRESH BLUE CROSSBODY BAG | BCBG PARIS BROWN SUEDE HEELED SANDALS | 
VAJZE ARTA RING | WEARVERONIKA NOEL CHOKER | UO BROWN WESTERN BELT

Happy Monday! How was everyone's weekend? We had a low key and cozy one for a change. For once I was able to unwind and just relax! And catch up on some much-needed sleep. And have brunch with an old gal pal. And editing, of course. ;) MaQ turned 4 on Saturday and because of the rain, we postponed his birthday plans until hopefully sometime next weekend. YES. My dog has birthday plans every year! I don't care what anyone thinks. He's only going to have so many birthdays, and I'm determined to making each one count! I was kind of bummed not being able to do what we initially had planned, but to be quite honest, I needed to recover from working non-stop since NYFW. After going weeks without a break, it's important to breathe and reboot. As much as I love going out, meeting new people and socializing, I also enjoy my alone time. It's where I gather my thoughts and inspirations, and try to creatively put together different points of view, whether from fashion or travel, or food, I want you to see my world from own personal style & taste.

An ongoing trend that started during Milan Fashion Week same time last year is the back to front shirt, where all types of buttoned down shirts are worn in reverse. The back in the front and the front in the back. Even during the latest interview I did on the blog, I helped style my goddaughter, Océane, in one of her boyfriend's white shirts, where I created an off-the-shoulder look and tied the sides of the shirt around her waist. Take a look here. I love how versatile and casually chic this look brings to the ordinary mundane white blouse. And in fashion, I love playing and mixing up with trends. In this case, one of my favorite trends happening on the runway right now, especially in Paris, is oversize everything. The extra layers and volume put a great twist on already trendsetting looks, such as the back to front shirt! Which is why I picked out my husband's white tux shirt with French cuffs. The sleeves are exaggerated to my petite frame, bringing attention to the shirt. I tied a small doubt-knot in the back leaving the front of the shirt unbuttoned to show a little skin.

What I also love about this style is you can pair the shirt with jeans or a nice flared pant, which I did here in this outfit. I love that you can wear this day to night, or work it with a skirt or even a maxi dress. There's so many ways to style the plain white shirt! Let's not forget to mention my favorite pieces of jewelry at the moment, the Arta ring from Vajzë and the Noel choker from Veronika. I'm obsessed with both; the gold dagger ring dazzled with clear crystals and the emerald gorgeousness from the choker. Talk about bead work too! Brown suede heeled sandals are BCBG Paris and the fresh blue-colored crossbody bag is from Dress Lily. Western-styled belt is from Urban Outfitters. To accentuate the green and blue colors from the accessories, I wore fuchsia colored lipstick and let the wind do it's thang to my mane. (Did not at all intend to rhyme. Nope, not one bit.) ;)

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

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Green, Brown and a Hint of Chartreuse

September 27, 2016

WEARING: SILENCE & NOISE PLEATED MINI TANK DRESS | 
LORD & TAYLOR BROWN SUEDE LEATHER JACKET | NINA RICCI POUCHETTE | 
THE PEACH BOX PEARL EARRINGS | ALDO NUDE HEELS

Happy Tuesday! What did everyone think of the debate last night? I have to agree with most, Hillary definitely won the first round. Donald Trump allowed his buttons to be pushed immediately, and was his usual narcissistic self. I could barely understand half of the things he said because he was so scatterbrains. Completely unprepared, he babbled on about anything else except answering straightaway the questions he was asked. And girls, what did you think when you saw Hillary Clinton in red? The moment I saw how she was dressed for the occasion, I knew she was going to kill it! Tell me a time where you wore red and you didn't feel empowered, fierce and sassy! She was literally on fire!

The latest dress I picked up at Urban Outfitters makes me feel just how (I'm sure) Hillary felt last night. Ready to conquer anything. This emerald green pleated mini tank dress truly hugs my hips and makes me feel confident and one major #girlboss. To accessorize, I styled the dress with a favorite Lord & Taylor brown leather-suede jacket and the Nina Ricci pouchette, that gave the entire ensemble a pop of color in the already warm and cool tones of the jacket and dress. My most recent favorites earrings are from The Peach Box. These dainty and delicate pearl drop numbers are modern yet classic. Lastly, I wore Aldo nude heels to elongate my petite figure and to have the dress be the main 'attraction' of the entire look. With the color schemes, I think any other kind of colored heel would have brought too much to the outfit.

If you'd like to shop the look, scroll down to direct links of the items. Links are also available at the top of the post as well. Or go to my LiketoKnow.it page for direct access. Coming up on the blog - more recipes including the start to fun fall baking, including Halloween! And MaQ's birthday is this Saturday! He's turning 4 but to me he's still just my big baby. :) Stay tuned for a recap on our celebrations and more! Can't wait to share with you with what we'll be doing. Have a great rest of the week!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

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Monstera Deliciosa

August 31, 2016

MONSTERA DELICIOSA, SELF-PORTRAIT SERIES, AUGUST 30TH, 2016.

PHOTOS BY: © Suzanne Spiegoski

When it comes to my work in self-portraiture I rarely if ever photograph myself in the nude, let alone publicly show any of the photographs. Self-portraits are not easy to do, in fact, it's the most challenging subject I have ever had. Well, so far... we'll see if that'll ever change. ;) But the more involved I become in the torrid affair that is - one with the camera, the more open I am in the relationship. When I first started 'dating' the camera, I was always so anxious to start clicking away. Now, don't get me wrong. I still get that feeling to this day. But there's a more calm formality to it now. With time and effort, a shitload of patience, and experience, I've learned quite a bit. But that shouldn't stop there. Never stop learning.

This past year has been all about taking risks, good and bad, perhaps even downright ugly when I come to think of it. But the more chances I've taken, the more rewards I've been given. Does it have anything to do with money? No. Vanity purposes? Not at all. To me, self-portraiture is all about the relationship you have with yourself and with the camera. To know oneself is to know many, in my belief. What better way to know how to photograph anyone or anything? No, not every photographer does self-portraits, and they shouldn't have to nor need to be a good photographer, but it's a wonderful path to self-discovery and in my opinion, one of the best forms of self-expression. Being first and foremost a writer, there are sometimes feelings... stories... concepts that I cannot put down in words. With photography being my other medium, it aids me in releasing vulnerabilities I didn't even know were there. 'A picture is worth a thousand words', and sometimes the image of a subject can convey its meaning or essence more effectively than a description does. I get the best of both worlds as someone in the arts. I'm very fortunate to be able to do what I do. And I never forget it.

Lastly, today I had the immense pleasure and honor of interviewing the wonderful Henry Leutwyler at his studio in downtown Manhattan. He is a wonderful photographer with a new book coming out this Fall that'll I'll be writing about on the blog! I can't wait to share my experience with Henry and his amazingly talented work. You are going to be blown away! Just utterly spectacular. I'm so excited about this story! Stay tuned... in the meantime I'm doing another recipe this week and step-by-step video! It's got a ton of avocados by the way..... :)

LOVE & XX'S,

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Océane Chiaroni Interview — A Parisienne in New York

August 16, 2016

A commonality of interests we share: She's known my husband just as long as I have, however, she's known him longer, and yet she is only twenty-four years old. We've both lost a loved one to suicide. We too, are both very much involved in the artist's world. And if we were to be deserted on an island, where we had to choose only one kind of food to survive off of for the rest of our lives, it'd be mashed potatoes. She's not only my goddaughter, but a close personal friend: a part of my chosen family. Her sun sign of the lioness, Océane (Ocean) has a zest for life and a warm spirit, despite enduring hardships most 20-something year olds never have to face.

Born and raised in Paris, Océane grew up rather quickly and in a creative environment. Her mother, a journalist, and her father, an actor; the path to her own discovery of who she wanted to be was an easy one. Very early on in life, she had her heart set on becoming an actress. Her father, who, after she was born, owned a bar in Le Marais - a district in Paris where many famous French humorists of stand up started out, was friends with many of them and were in her childhood home often. Seeing her father act had a great influence on her. At five years old, she was the primary acting coach to her teddy bears and Barbie's while playing with them in her bedroom. She'd help direct them, giving stern but detailed corrections. But even then, she strongly believed in herself. When she performed at her first theater show at eight years old, the feeling beforehand was something she cannot explain. She was not queasy, but the butterflies in her stomach were palpable. The anticipation of performing was more of an exciting, adrenaline-pumping sensation, not a worrisome one. Nothing else in life has given her such hair-raising goosebumps.

And so with her dream, her parents strongly encouraged her to pursue them, adamant in working hard toward your goals. Océane is following her passion. Now a student, for nearly a year, at the Susan Batson Studio in New York City, she is currently working on a number of projects, including a web series, but one piece of her is missing. One of her biggest dreams was to always be able to clown around with her father, forever thick as thieves, and furthermore, maybe even performing in a play or movie together in the future. This hope was shattered when he took his own life over three years ago. Her world suddenly stopped, grieved to the core of her heart. At first, Océane was naturally angry (one of the many stages of grief), with feelings of abandonment and unfairness; a harsh lesson in the cruelties of life at such a tender age. She took time to take it all in, wanting to understand the why's and how's of it, trying to sort through complexities one should never have to sort through. But she refuses to let this stop her from living her life, something I myself find very commendable. Courageous. A freedom message.

Bright beyond her years, she's taken this painful experience and is subsequently making the world more interesting; a better one. I recently had the privilege of watching her perform at the Susan Batson Studio on her current subject: Jean Seberg. And Océane's deep understanding for life and death is clear. A little inside scoop: Jean was a very talented American actress who also happened to commit suicide. The correlations between her different worlds was remarkable. Disturbing at times, where even I was uncomfortable, I was also completely taken aback by her raw talent - pulling emotions out of me I haven't even tried to unravel. And she was capable of doing that from her 5-minute act.

My cousin took his life in 2013. She shared her experience & beliefs with me on such a difficult subject. Ever hear of an old saying as such, "You can drag the horse to the pond, but you can't make him drink the water."? If one is in denial of a problem, no one can help them, not even themselves. No matter what you try. Regardless of what the problem may be, the first step is to admit to the problem and be willing to seek help. Océane did have a friend who confided in her earlier this year with suicidal thoughts. It is with a keen pair of ears and an open heart that will aid in being acknowledged and understood. Spend every chance you can with that person. If you can't be with them, make sure other friends or family members are there. Find a solution. See what they need to get better. If they want to see a doctor, offer your hand and go with them. Be a nurturer, but not an enabler. I admire Océane's strength and openness, especially after everything. The easy way is through denial and self-loathing, falling into the abyss one so easily can fall into, but the hardest is to never give up. To be aware and never stop believing in hope, to live and carry on, no matter what life throws your way. This is passion. This is living. This is love.

If you are in crisis or considering suicide, please go to hopeline.com to chat online now or call 1-800-SUICIDE to talk with someone. Open 24/7. #IMAlive

FUN FACTS

Biggest fear: Being like my Dad.
Biggest pet peeve: People who are judgmental.
Greatest regret: Je ne regrette rien.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?: My kindness because sometimes people take advantage of this.
Favorite movie: Pulp Fiction.
Favorite actor(s): John Travolta & Jean Seberg
Favorite place in NYC: The Highline
Favorite place in Paris: Le Marais
Favorite Restaurants: Balzem in New York & L'Arpège in Paris

LOVE & XX'S,

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Rhapsody in Blue - Happy 1 Year Blogiversary

August 9, 2016

WEARING: FOREVER 21 BLUE DRESS | H&M SCARF | ADIDAS ORIGINALS STAN SMITH

photos by Gilles Decamps / videography by Gilles Decamps & Suzanne Spiegoski / edit by Suzanne Spiegoski

Happy 1 Year Blogiversary to MaQ + Suz! What an incredible year it's been, I had to celebrate! Check out my 'Rhapsody in Blue' video for the occasion! Thank you so much for your constant love & support, I couldn't have done this without you guys! Cheers!

Exactly one year ago today, I created and launched my lifestyle blog, MaQ + Suz! I've come a long way throughout this crazy embarkment of a journey. To learn is to grow and I'm so lucky to be able to do what I love in the process. Never did I imagine I could roll all my passions into one whole and have that actually be plausible. It's kind of like New York in that way. It doesn't make any sense as to how it works, but it does. In every way possible.

There were some highs and lows; challenging at times, yes - but I've always enjoyed biting off more than I can chew. I'm a true believer in the power of intention. If you set your mind to something, you can make anything happen. You just really have to believe in it, more importantly, you must believe in yourself. I've worked very hard to get to where I am today and I couldn't have kept on going without you guys! Your daily words of encouragement remind me why I do what I do. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your constant love and support. I'm left completely inspired and incredibly humbled by all the experiences, friendships, and lessons from this year. I've truly made some wonderful, empowering connections - both new and old.

And it's all because I decided to take a leap of faith. I never wanted an ordinary life or even a glamorous one, and I most certainly have never played it safe. I'm living the life I've always imagined, open and free. This year was also highlighted on stepping out of comfort zones. Without MaQ + Suz, I would not be where I am right now, both professionally and personally, and for that, I'm eternally grateful. It's been one wild ride and I can't wait to see what year two will bring!

In light of this occasion, I'll be doing a 1-Year Blogiversary Giveaway on my Instagram! Keep your eyes peeled in the next coming days! I can't wait to share! Lastly, I've got some upcoming stories I'm so excited to share with you! MaQ + Suz will be posting another interview feature with a New York actress and dear friend [photos too (by moi) ;)] and an overdue recipe I'm dying to show you! Coming soon, so stay tuned! Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch our Blogiversary - celebration video! :)