Kitty Cat Geek

WEARING: CALVIN KLEIN SWEATER | KYBOE! ROSE GOLD WATCH | 
AMSCAN GREEN BANDANA | AE DISTRESSED JEANS | VIVIAN'S CAT PRINT TIGHTS | 
DRESS LILY POINTED TOE HEEL BOOTS | PERSOL EYEGLASSES

Happy Hump Day! With the colder weather coming in, I've been playing a lot with layers and mixing of textures. Never the girly-girl type (hell will freeze over before I wear pink... ha ha ha!) I've always been comfortable with my style: Tomboyish with a kick of rock n roll and a dash of minimal chicness. So when I received these adorable cat print tights by Dress Lily, I wanted to put a twist on how to stylize these cuties into my everyday wear. Sure, you can wear these tights with a super cool LBD (little black dress)  or miniskirt and get 'witchified' but Halloween is soooooo over! ;)

Instead I added an old pair of American Eagle jeans, one I've distressed myself through the years. I actually can't wear them by themselves because one part of the bottom back pocket is ripped and you can totally see my booty through them! But with black tights you can get away with much more. I wore my husband's Calvin Klein hunter green sweater to keep warm and accessorized with an Amscan green bandana and Kyboe! watch. My favorite accessories from this look? Definitely my new Persol eyeglasses and these killer Dress Lily pointed toe heel boots. I love the lace-up detail and red soles of the boots.

The boots definitely bring something extra to the outfit and to be quite honest, I always love shooting in high heels! I feel much more confident and I believe bringing that kind of energy into anything you do, but especially when you are doing work for someone other than yourself, it's imperative to keep your insecurities to yourself. And if a sexy pair of high-heeled boots will do the trick, then wear the crap out of them! You got to appreciate fashion & style in everyday life because it's not just a form of expression but it can also change your mind in how you're feeling. So whatever accessory brings out the best in you, I suggest you keep these staple pieces in your closet for as long as you can! What is your favorite piece of accessory that makes you feel more confident?  

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LOVE & XX'S,

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Neutrals with Black Satin, Velvet and Blues

WEARING: H&M TURTLENECK SWEATER | THEORY SATIN DRESS | 
OLIVER BILOU AMY BAG | EGO OFFICIAL VELVET BOOTS | 
ARGENTO VIVO GOLD HOOP EARRINGS | H&M WOODEN BANGLES

This post is sponsored by Oliver Bilou & Ego Official. All opinions are my own.

Fall staples this season in my wardrobe are definitely neutrals, black satin, velvet and blue tones! I'm not one of those girls that wears one piece once and that's the end of it. I like to economize. I like to get creative. AND I love to take risks and give fashion a play on its seriousness. Such as the ultra-trending 90s comeback. I even went to an pop-up event last night in the city that solely had collector items from this time period! The 90s Forever store was filled with vintage items from the 1990s bringing a nostalgic set of rare goodies ranging from all sorts of clothes to toys. I found a dope-ass burgundy velvet slip dress (you can get a sneak peek of it on my Snapchat/InstaStories) that I can't wait to style!

Velvet is really in right now and for all the right reasons. It's plush, fun and versatile. My newfound obsession is these rich purple velvet ankle boots from Ego Official. Aren't they bomb?! I love the luxurious feel without them being too over the top or gimmicky. It can elevate any simple outfit with its pop of color and chic look. I literally can't stop wearing them, on top of how great they look the ankle boots are extremely comfortable to wear while running around town all day. On average, I walk about 4-5 miles everyday so I'm not a frequent 5+ inch high-heel wearer. I gotta get that cardio in somehow... thanks MaQ! ;)

Blue complements with purple well. And this Oliver Bilou Amy bag goes perfectly with my purple velvet ankle boots. I love the vibrant royal blue hue as well as the quality of the bag. Only $100 bucks! When I received it in the mail, the packaging was flawless. It even came with a purse dust cover which is always a plus for me. Keeps the bags in top shape. The tassels and zips of the bag bring a playful twist on its classic structure, and I love the side pocket that can easily fit a cell phone or small wallet. Oliver Bilou also has other differently styled handbags such as a hot pink one and a sleek black with rose gold bag. Check out the purses at their site and use my coupon code, 'suzannespiegoski' to get 10% off your purchase. 

I styled chunky wooden bangles with a camel turtleneck sweater both from H&M. The drawstring of the black satin dress from Theory is supposed to be tied around the neck as it has short sleeves, but I improvised and wrapped it around to give it a sleeveless look. The result also gave me pockets and the added detail from the drawstring finessed the entire outfit. Lastly, my gold hoop earrings are from Argento Vivo. You can shop similar products down below. What do you guys think? Fashion yay or nay? 

LOVE & XX'S,

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Cami Over Shirt Trend

WEARING: DRESS LILY LEATHER BIKER JACKET | REFUGE GREEN SILK LACE CAMI TOP | 
FOREVER 21 WHITE T-SHIRT | BDG JEANS | PAPERCHASE BLACK SATIN CHOKER | 
MADORA BLACK CROSSBAG W/ GREY POM POM | RAY BAN EYEGLASSES | MADORA METALLIC PUMPS 

This post is sponsored by Madora & Dress Lily. All opinions are my own. 

Madora is a really great iPhone shopping app where you can easily shop for shoes, bags, and accessories with amazing discounts. Once I downloaded the app, I was immediately drawn to the favorites list. By taking pictures of an item you want and uploading them to the app, Madora will suggest similar items from its stock of more than 30,000 products at an affordable price. This will help the app recognize your style and will suggest other items you might like. How groovy is that?!

The app is easily accessible and fun to navigate through. I did, however, have a bit of a delay when it came to delivery, even though they offer free shipping and free returns. Not too much of a wait so I can't say it was for too long. About a week more than expected, and well worth it! I got a beautiful black cross body bag with a grey pom-pom and a stunning pair of metallic silver snakeskin pumps. I loved my pieces so much, I've partnered with Madora to do a giveaway for you guys! 

GIVEAWAY

Madora has generously offered to give one of my followers a $50 gift card to shop their amazing collection. All you have to do is follow Suzanne Spiegoski on Instagram (like the corresponding picture for this post) and follow Madora. This contest will end on Sunday, October 23rd, at midnight EST. I will announce the winner sometime on Monday on my Instagram account, so be sure to keep an eye out for a direct message from me if you enter this contest. Good luck, everyone! 

I hope you enjoyed hearing about my experience with Madora. You definitely should give them a try and down the app! It's easy as 1-2-3, and a whole lot of fun while shopping online. :) A couple of extra side notes: insert newly obsessed perfecto jacket by Miranda & Mocha: You can get it from here and yes, I sometimes wear eyeglasses. I'm actually required by law to wear 'em while driving. To get a similar pair of Ray-Ban's like the ones I have, go here

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How to Take the Best Pictures of Your Dog

WEARING: LASSO DOGS LEASH & CAMERA STRAP | UNIQLO DOWN VEST | 
BDG JEANS | CHIC ALLOY MATTED SUNGLASSES |
NIKE REVOLUTION 3 RUNNING SHOES IN BLACK | LULULEMON RUN WITH ME NECK WARMER

Happy Monday! I've been working hard on creating the best content I can for you guys! I'm booked up solid until the end of the first week of November with new upcoming stories, as overwhelming and crazy as it's ever been, I cannot wait to share everything we have in store for you! From more fall looks to even a special feature interview, today we're covering how to take the best pictures of your dog! Here are 8 tips on making this somewhat challenging task more enjoyable for everyone involved. :)

1. CARRY HIGH-QUALITY EQUIPMENT

This goes without saying. And I'm not talking technical equipment such as the camera or lens, but other factors that need to be considered when doing dog photography. Like a 100+ pound wolflike dog that will need a good steady leash in between takes, which is why I use Lasso's rudder leash and matching camera strap. What's great is the customization options Lasso has - you can choose length, size and colors for each. I went with a 36 inch camera strap because of my small petite frame, but you can choose from a selection of lengths. Same with the leash. And I can't forgot about footwear and eyewear. When photographing MaQ, I will always be in sneakers. My go-to pair for the past year are the Nike 3 Revolution running shoes. And recently, I've been obsessed with the Chic Alloy matted sunglasses. If I can't see and/or move for photo shoots, we might have a problem. :) 

2. PERFECT TIMING

I'm not talking about f-stops or shutter speed, but more about being in tune with your dog's energy and vibe. Looking for a regal portrait? Draining your dog's energy with exercise before the shoot can help you and your dog be in a more calm, relaxed state. If you're opting for more action shots, the photo shoot itself will provide the exercise! Save that energy for this kind of shoot. This also goes with trust and training. It has taken a lot of time and work to get MaQ to pose the way he does. Our bond is undeniable and it shows in our pictures, but when people ask me how I get my dog to be so still and focused in photos, it's all on training, timing and dedication. 

3. DECIDE ON YOUR LOCATION/BACKGROUND

Will you two be in a park? Or on the streets of a bustling city such as ours in this post? Being prepared comes in handy when shooting with your furry baby. Know what to bring for certain settings and environments, such as warmer months of the year, carry water to stay hydrated. Extra batteries never hurt either. The more aware you are of your surroundings for a shoot will only better your comfortability and chances of getting the shot(s) you really want. That's where the magic really starts to happen!

4. KEEP SETTING/ENVIRONMENT NATURAL & RELAXED

It's important to get your dog used to the sights and sounds of his surroundings as well. And it's even more crucial for you yourself to try and stay as calm and relaxed as possible. I try to stay away from squeaky baby-talk or shouting uncontrollable things to my boy during a shoot. Calling his name once or twice is usually enough, though sometimes like a teenaged kid, his attention span lessens and I have to get a bit more firm with a 'watch me' command. When he hears this, he knows it's time to stay focused. And he is ready to please. All in all, the goal is to always make any experience a positive one. One that is fun & engaging for both of you!

5. TAKE A LOT OF PICTURES

I've always believed in out of the ten times you're trying at something, doesn't matter what it is, you may get one good bite/hit/whatever word you would like to insert here to describe it. This also applies in taking pictures. The more you take, the better chance you'll have in getting those amazing shots. Candid ones are the best in this type of scenario. And the more time you spend with a camera, the more you will learn and grow in the process. 

6. TURN OFF FLASH

In my opinion the best form of light is natural sunlight. It is perfect for pet photography too. However, if you really need to use a flash, especially indoors, try to use an off-camera flash and turn it upwards so the light's bouncing off the ceiling and not your dog giving them demon eyes. Ha ha ha! 

7. GET YOUR DOG'S ATTENTION

Stock up on dog treats and toys! Positive reinforcement also brings an overall positive experience. Each time you reward your pooch after getting the shot(s) you want, makes the time spent together an awesome one. How can you get your dog to look straight into the lens of the camera? Bring their favorite toy or treat and hover it over the camera to entice them. For example, MaQ, like many German Shepherds, has an extreme high level of ball drive, so we use his all-time favorite Chuck-It ball for photo shoots. He could focus on that ball all day long. This is a great way to get their undivided attention. :)

8. GET ON YOUR DOG'S LEVEL

Literally meeting eye-to-eye with your dog will help them see you as an equal, that it's not an alpha moment but an experience to share together. And a good one at that! By also doing this, you can think outside the box in terms of angles and composition as most think to photograph their pet from above first. So get ready to get on the ground and perhaps get a little dirty... trust me it'll be worth it! ;)


Sponsored post in collaboration with LASSO & DRESS LILY.

photos + videography by Gilles Decamps & Suzanne Spiegoski

Our latest pet lifestyle video, 'How to Take the Best Pictures of Your Dog!' 8 Tips + Full story on the blog at www.suzannespiegoski.com and to get more info on the featured leash & camera strap go to itslasso.com photos + videography by Suzanne Spiegoski & Gilles Decamps Be sure to Subscribe for new videos every week http://bit.ly/21XFK0K 

LOVE & XX'S,

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Source: http://www.suzannespiegoski.com/maq-and-su...

Fall Fashion Trend Alert: Socks and Sandals

H&M CAMEL CARDIGAN W BELT | BCBG MAX AZRIA STRIPED BLACK/GREY DRESS
SHOE DAZZLE FAUX LEATHER PANTS | FAR FETCH MUSTARD YELLOW SOCKS 
ZARA CORK + LEATHER WEDGES | ALDO CROSSETT CROSS BODY

Happy Hump Day! Today I'm sharing a new fall look. This past month I've been so taken aback by every single fashion week, most especially with Miu Miu's new collection in Paris. Starting with NYFW (see my post about my experiences here) I was swirled with emotion from the 80's and raver culture-inspired Marc Jacobs show, and also JW Anderson's textures and Mulberry's stripes & colors in London. Let's not forget Maison Margiela's weirdness and Gucci's decadent & intricate vibes along with the risquรฉ YSL show. Can you tell I'm kind of into fashion & style? Ha ha! 

So this outfit's theme is circulated around my many fashion week inspos, but more specifically, the idea of breaking the rules and making it new. Case in point: Socks and sandals. I bet a lot of girls (and boys) find this pair together a big no-no. However, sometimes something so wrong can be surprisingly, so right! At first I thought the styling of the platforms with the socks would prove to be too gimmicky/too much, but I think with the rest of the outfit it gives it a pop of vibrancy and strangeness. Style should not be taken so seriously all the time. Style is about having fun, trying something different one normally wouldn't try - taking risks. Taking chances. This is exactly how I felt about Miu Miu's latest show. Don't even get me started on their shoe collection!

Mustard yellow has been quite a prominent color for fall fashion and I combined colors I found to work with such a distinct color. Rust/copper, camel/beige tones with black and grey; a touch of pink and blue. And for the finish, I went for a vampy lip. I used YSL, but can't remember the name of the color. Ask and I'll check for ya! :) I've been carrying this tribal beauty bag from Aldo around with me everywhere. From our summer vacation to the Cape up until now, I simply adore its versatility as well. Transitional pieces are always good to have in your closet, as I'm not the type of girl to wear something once and that's it.

The belt is actually part of the cardigan, but instead of keeping it together, I separated them to give the BCBG Max Azria dress some shape as it's a maternity dress! No, I'm not pregnant. But I'm obsessed with oversized clothing at the moment, and speaking of transitional pieces, I know I'll have a reason to wear this dress again in the future. Fun fact about this maternity dress: It was the dress I wore to my hubby and I's first official date to a swanky Korean restaurant in Soho. Sadly, the place has closed since then but I remember eating next to Famke Janssen and how crazy I was about my man before he even started courting me. (*Omg, how old do I sound?!) 

Stay tuned for new upcoming stories on the blog! This month we'll be doing a pet photography piece, as many of you have been asking me how I get those amazing shots of MaQ! There will also be a love story about where and how my husband proposed to me, AND a very special feature interview with an acclaimed photographer releasing a new book in the beginning of November. And of course, continued styled looks and recipes. Can't wait to share everything with you guys, as always! Catch y'all soon. :)   

LOVE & XX'S,

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