How to Rock the 80s Look: Dress Like Your Art Teacher

July 5, 2017

WEARING: ZARA WHITE CROPPED TOP WITH PLEAT DETAIL | 
NATIVE YOUTH ORGANIC DISPLACEMENT WIDE LEG PANTS | HUSH PUPPIES MARIA TOTE | 
ZARA CORK & LEATHER WEDGES | H&M WOODEN BANGLES | H&M WOODEN BEAD NECKLACE

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY NATIVE YOUTH & HUSH PUPPIES.

Hey, hey, hey! How was everyone's long holiday weekend? (To those who apply.) Do anything fun? Or did you, like me, keep it low key? One of my favorite things to do while staying in the city during a holiday is taking advantage of all the hot & trendy restaurants I wouldn't normally be able to get into when everyone's in town. I love less-congested nights of catching up with friends over dinner. I've had a lot of Asian cuisines and soft serve over the past couple of days and my belly couldn't be more content. And that non-rushed feeling is completely refreshing from the hustle and bustle that comes from living in a place like NYC. When I feel more relaxed, I have a tendency to dress in a more bohemian/feminine way. The style is a bit more flirty and playful rather than my normal all-black, edgy, typical New Yorker look. In today's post, I'll be sharing with you one a few of my favorite current trends: wide leg pants, any print that's abstract in some way, and oversized anything.

Can wepul-eaaaassse talk about these pants to start?! The minute I laid my eyes on this gorgeous and unique print from Native Youth, I knew I had to have them. Normally, I am pretty cautious wearing wide leg because, one, I'm petite and if not fitted properly, it can immediately look bulky and awkward. And two, we're in the middle of summer and they're not the norm for pants that are in season. However, when made with a thin fabric such as linen or viscose rayon like this wide leg trousers, they are perfect for a city stroll or a walk on the beach. They're even cute for date night, in my opinion!

Given my small frame, these kind of pants aren't the typical go-to's for petite women like me. So how should a gal style wide leg pants if they're within this category? The first main rule is not to oversize the entire outfit. The pants are the statement piece so I'd recommend the top be well-fitted in one way or another. Like this cropped top with pleated detail by Zara, I styled it by tucking most of the shirt in the front since the pants also have pleat detailing in the front, and too much of anything can kill the entire outfit.

To finish accessorizing, I paired the pants with cork & leather wedges from Zara to bring me added height. I'm also at the moment really into any jewelry with wood material and felt these wooden bangles and bead necklace were the perfect pieces to style into this 1980s-inspired art teacher look. These pieces I'm wearing in this post are currently unavailable but I've linked similar ones down below in the shop section. And lastly, this adorable 'Maria' tote bag from Hush Puppies is my new favorite summer tote bag! It's great for everyday use and to carry around your essentials (I even brought it with me to jury duty where it had easily stashed my laptop, plugs, cords and all with more room to fit a thin jacket and bottle of water!) I think this tote would also be well suited at the beach as well! What do you guys think of this boho outfit? Wishing you a great (short) week!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Zara White Cropped Top with Pleated Detail

Native Youth Organic Displacement Wide Leg Pants

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Detroitish

June 29, 2017

WEARING: INK DETROIT TEE | DEZZAL ASSYMETRIC MERMAID SKIRT | 
& OTHER STORIES FISHNET SOCKS | HUSH PUPPIES MAZIN CAYTO NUBUCK BOOTS 
| STELLA & DOT GOLD AND BLACK FRINGE NECKLACE

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY DEZZAL, HUSH PUPPIES & STELLA & DOT.

DETROIT IS LIKE ROCK AND ROLL. IT'S LIKE SOUL. DETROIT IS THE WHOLE IDEA OF COOL. IF YOU HAVE TO EXPLAIN IT TO SOMEONE, THEY PROBABLY WON'T UNDERSTAND. YOU HAVE TO SEE IT. LIVE IT. BE IT. THAT'S WHEN DETROIT STARTS TO MOVE YOU.

Hello, my darlings! Are you excited for the long holiday weekend? Summer time and the livin' is easy... or so to speak. Got any special plans? I used to be a huge fan of the Fourth of July when my pops was around, but his passing, which was a few days after Independence Day, has changed my ways of celebrating. I used to go out and watch the fireworks, but since he's been gone, I find it too hard to do, let alone celebrate anything. I'm a very private person and getting myself to open up to you guys has been challenging, and quite frankly, a little terrifying. Af first I thought no one would listen. No one would care. But as time has gone on, I have become more courageous in telling my story. Am I ready to tell-all? Oh hell, nah. Some things are better left unsaid. But with baby steps and perhaps when the timing is right, I believe I will slowly but surely share more about myself. In today's post, I'll be discussing two topics. One, how to get through jury duty easily and as painlessly as possible. And two, I'll be talking about copycats and if imitation really is the best form of flattery.

Miraculously I only served jury duty for one day. Now before you go and get your hopes up, know that most cases you'll serve for at least 2-3 days. But some of the tips I'm about to give you has nothing to do with getting out of it faster. It is a civic duty and most of us take it for granted. Just like paying your taxes or voting in this country, it is something you have to do. But while you're stuck at the courthouse for eight hours a day, why not have it go as fast as possible? So instead of twiddling your thumbs while you watch the clock, bring a shit ton of reading materials, whether, on your iPad, or a newspaper and/or a book, you're going to have to keep that mind of yours occupied. Not much of a reader? (We can't be friends if you're not... haha JK!) You can play games or stay engaged on social media with your phone or laptop. Or you can do what I did, the moment I sat down at 9 am sharp, I whipped out my laptop and went straight to work.

Another tip while serving jury duty? If you're a heavy snacker like me (I don't eat 3 square meals a day, but rather on average, snack non-stop throughout the day instead... a heavy lunch makes me lethargic, and as Gordon Gekko once said, "lunch is for wimps") make sure to bring a lot of single dollar bills for the vending machine. You can't bring in food or drinks through security (just like the airport) so be prepared to have some singles to get through the day and to keep your belly happy. Bathrooms and the courts, in general, are pretty skeevy so be sure to bring hand sanitizer. Sometimes the bathrooms will have no more soap or paper towel to dry your hands, so even keeping a package of tissues with you would be good. Lastly, bring a jacket or cardigan especially if you serve during the summer because they normally crank the AC full blast in these buildings, especially in the courtrooms.

And now onto copycatting. I've been reading a lot from other bloggers and influencers about their frustrations in others copping their creative concepts or even worse, flat out re-doing the same shit they saw someone else do. (literally from head-to-toe outfits, same travel itineraries and more.) I've even read somewhere about influencers wanting to copyright their own work. Guess what, folks? Most creative ideas and/or concepts have been done since the dawn of time and have been recycled and done over and over again but in different ways. So when it comes to fashion, no, nothing is exactly your own invention. There may be inspirational or admirable factors (and yes, the dreadful SWF factor... I've experienced it and it's creepy AF), but to think you were the first to come up with an idea, you better think again. The challenge is to try and find something that hasn't been done before and actually seeking out to do it! I can't tell you how many times I've seen others try to do what others do, and it's cute, perhaps even flattering to some, but don't hold it against them. Why? Because... YOU are YOU, and that is your POWER. They can try all they want to be like you, but at the end of the day, that'll never be.

Going back to my roots in Detroit, as a kid, I used to get made fun of for liking X-Men comic books and wanting to go out and be Batman rather than Cinderella. When I hit adolescence, I was known for being, 'flat as a board', 'chink', and other derogatory names I don't feel worthy of mentioning. Fast forward to now, half of the kids that used to pick on me are now trolling through each and every one of my Insta Stories and through my other social media channels. I've never received an apology, nor do I ever expect one, but now I think it's all comical. Why are they watching? Because I'm doing me and they're doing them, and I can guarantee my life is much more interesting than it was back in high school. I see 'em, but I don't acknowledge them. The same goes for anyone who can't be true to themselves. Why do you want to be anyone other than yourself? One of the most powerful tools to have in life is authenticity! Without it, there's really not much else to go by. So is imitation the best form of flattery? Nope. Don't be basic. (As the 'millennials' call it.) Here's something to go by, INSPIRE, NOT IMITATE.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Stella & Dot Gold & Black Fringe Necklace

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Cali Boho Retro Vibes

June 22, 2017

WEARING: ALICE & TRIXIE KYRA TOP | PARIS BLUES SOULMATE JEANS | 
MOST WANTED USA TIFFANY SATCHEL | ZARA CORK & LEATHER WEDGES |
VINTAGE BLACK SATIN RIBBON

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY ALICE & TRIXIE.

I'M GOING, GOING, BACK, BACK, TO CALI, CALI

(GOIN' BACK TO CALI)

Happy Thursday! Today's post is a complete head-to-toe West Coast retro outfit! I'm always trying to show a variety of different looks because tell me a girl who doesn't like to play dress up but also remaining true to my style while doing so. As mentioned before, I love to mix and match old and new pieces, like these bell bottom jeans from Paris Blues date back to my college days! (and YES I still can fit into my skinny jeans while eating whatever my heart desires.) When I re-discovered these jeans while moving, I knew I had to style them very bohemian chic with a little Cali flair, given the fact that I was born there! How perfect do they go with my new 'Kyra' top from Alice & Trixie. Let me tell you more about this amazing designing team that's based here in New York City!

Founded in 1997 by Angela Taylor George, Alice & Trixie is a collection of dresses, tops, and bottoms featuring exclusive and proprietary prints, all designed and produced in New York City. Alice & Trixie is feminine, classically hip and most importantly, unforgettable. Alice & Trixie is a celebration of Angela’s obsession for exploring vintage stores and global marketplaces, her appreciation for style icons of the past, and her passion for art. Angela believes that when a woman is wearing something that she loves, she radiates. She designs for the woman that is feminine, chic, sexy, and most of all, confident.

I think the 'Kyra' top really resonates with the designer's collection and interests when it comes to fashion and style. If you guys are looking for something a little different, but still bohemian, fun and cool, you have to check out Alice & Trixie! Use my discount code, 'SUZANNE20' to receive 20% off your purchase! There's something for everyone and I don't advocate designers I do not believe in. I'm in love with their entire collection, it's making me miss my roots so much. What do you guys think, is a Cali trip in order for Suz? Should I venture out to Hawaii while on the West Coast? I do have family friends on the Big Island... (I know, I know, you're probably asking me wth am I waiting for?!)

Well... I got summoned for jury duty. I already postponed once during last NYFW (trust me, we had a moment of panic in terms of work and then some but it all worked out lol) so I can't postpone again to take a vacation. And I'm shooting my first cover for a new fashion magazine next week so it's a matter of getting my ducks in a row and organizing and finding the time to put it all in my already insane schedule. Can there be more than 24 hours in a day, please? I'm off to finish some more work before attending 4 events for work tonight (eeeek!) Wish me luck and catch ya'll soon.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

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White Summer Shorts Suit

June 10, 2017

WEARING: DEZZAL WORK BLAZER AND MINI SHORTS | NA-KD FASHION DEEP V SINGLET | 
VAGABOND OXFORD SHOES | MAD-STYLE ROCK N ROLL CROSSBODY BAG | MAD-STYLE CALLY EARRINGS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY DEZZAL & MAD-STYLE.

CHIC FOR MOST OFFICES AND EVERYWHERE ELSE.

Shorts suits' ultimate-feminine take on menswear is one Spring/Summer trend I can jump onboard for. I love mixing soft and hard pieces together, and because I'm also not necessarily either in particular, it's a great way to showcase my style while also having fun doing it. (and perhaps simultaneously taking care of business.) And this kind of trendy suit is more than 'suitable' in warmer temperatures, especially for busy working gals who don't have time to change in between work and evening functions. I adore a day-to-night look because a simple but stylish outfit can be carried throughout the entire day, so long as you carry yourself well too. And what suit doesn't give a woman an added boost of confidence? Let me show you how to style a shorts suit just in time for summer!

Sometimes when petite or shorter girls wear something like a shorts suit, they need additional help in elongating their legs. If you're a little bit disproportionate in terms of measurements, wear a heel of some kind. To give even more length, a strappy sandal would definitely fit the bill. But if you want to go for a more traditional look, I'd go for some oxfords like I styled here. I love the nude/faded-blush tone in these Vagaband oxfords because it helps focus on the main attraction, which is the shorts suit. To balance the color out with the shoes, I chose a lighter pink colored rock -n- roll bag and a carnation pink silk camisole top.

The beautifully cut singlet top is from NA-KD Fashion, featuring thin straps in a racerback design and is light as a feather. I've never been a huge fan of pink, but other shades such as dusty pinks, and other blush tones have been making me grow more fond of the feminine color. Perhaps it never really was a girly color, but more of an empowering one. Now that I think about it since when has pink ever really been a soft or weak color? I must admit when I do wear pink, which is still quite a rarity, I do feel more feminine, but in the best way possible. Use my code Suzanne 20 for 20% off at NA-KD Fashion!

To go with the guitar-strapped rock -n- roll bag, I wore these cute Cally earrings, both by Mad-Style. These stunning earrings are on trend and create an eclectic mix of modern and rustic style. They have some really great accessories at very affordable prices. Check them out at Mad-Style.com, and use my code, 'maqandsuz' to get 20% OFF your purchase. The gorgeous metallic tones of the earrings mix well with natural stone accents, like this white shorts suit from Dezzal.

There are a few reasons why I love this particular shorts suit. One it's fresh and crisp white color is so clean for summer. Two, it's materials, such as the texturized fabric for both the blazer and shorts is pretty fantastic, and three, the pearl details on the pockets of each piece is almost too good, am I right? Just the right amount of chicness, playfulness, and charm in the perfect summer outfit; both for business and for pleasure :) What's your guys' take on the shorts suit trend? I'd love to hear from ya! Don't forget to comment down below and leave some love... have a wonderful rest of your weekend, everyone!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Dezzal White Work Blazer and Mini Shorts

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Keep on Moving Forward

June 6, 2017

WEARING: TOBI OFF THE SHOULDER BLACK DRESS | ZARA BALLERINAS WITH STRAPS | 
LOUISE & ELEANOR SQUIGGLE BAG | H&M EVIL EYE/ITALIAN HORN NECKLACE

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

"THE TRUTH IS UNLESS YOU LET GO, UNLESS YOU FORGIVE YOURSELF UNLESS YOU FORGIVE THE SITUATION UNLESS YOU REALIZE THAT THE SITUATION IS OVER, YOU CANNOT MOVE FORWARD."

Moving sucks. You know it, I know it, we all know it. Hence, for my lack of social media posts and overall online activity as of late. I just packed up all my stuff and relocated to Union Square from the East Village, and even though the geographical change ain't too shabby, the process of any move can sometimes be overwhelming, let alone stressful. It can even trigger memories you've stashed so far in the back of your mind from many, many years ago. And because you guys have been so supportive of me opening up more on the blog lately, today's post won't be on how-to-move, or explaining the move, because who cares, really? Instead, I wanted to share with you more on my relationship with my father and my first-time experience moving... across the country.

I was originally born in the Los Angeles area but my time there was brief. As mentioned in previous posts, my parents fought like it was their full-time job. What made matters worse was the way they fought over me. Where to start? It all began with my father's tan Toyota truck. It wasn't anything special. It wasn't even brand new. But he and I rode in that thing everywhere. Anywhere he'd go, I'd follow. You know the arm rests that are located in between the two seats? I would sit right on top of the one nearest to my dad, just so I could literally be as close to him as possible.

During one summer afternoon when I was around 4 or 5 years old, my parents were fighting again when my father asked if I'd like to go for a ride in the truck. Little did I know it would be the longest road trip of my life. He had tricked me into thinking it was a quick trip to the grocery store. For three days straight, he drove from California to Michigan. All I really remember was the miles upon miles of the empty desert and spilling a glass of orange juice from McDonald's on one of the seats of the truck. I remember that accident quite vividly as I had never seen him get that upset before. I believe that was the first time I really started to see his true colors. It took me until my teenage years to finally realize how abusive my father really had been.

No, I was never physically abused. I once got hit a few times with a leather belt (let's just say I REALLY screwed up) but the kind of abuse I had endured was verbal; emotionally and mentally. It has taken me all my life to recover from this. I'm still working on it. I hate him for the damage he's caused. Not just on me, but on my mother, my brother, my estranged family... I almost want to say it's irreparable, but I also want to say I'm living proof that you can get through it. It can be pretty difficult, but with time, patience and the support from good friends, all wounds eventually heal. But just like a scab, you pick at it too long, it'll never have the time to repair itself back up.

Do I have issues with men & relationships now because of my father-daughter relationship growing up? Yes. I didn't have a father who was showing me right and wrong when it came to treating women. He not only verbally abused my mother but physically as well. And we're not talking some minor altercation where he's slapped her once or twice. (Which is STILL never f&%king okay!) We're talking throwing bows, even my mother chasing after him with knives and then some. All the while both of them screaming at me to call the police. I was just a kid and the idea of snitching on either of my parents, whom I both loved very much, was something I definitely didn't want to do. It was never about protecting them, but using me against each other. And therefore bringing guilt and shame into the situation. If I didn't call the cops, my mother would tell me I was a coward for not protecting her. If I did call the cops, which I did a few times, my father would tell me I betrayed him.

I felt like a rag doll being pulled from both ends through most of my childhood. And no matter what I did, I just couldn't manage (or so it seems) to ever be completely accepted by both of my parents. They were constantly competing for my love (i.e; "Do you know what your mother did? She couldn't love you like I love you if she could just leave you like that..." - "Did you know what your father did to me? Even my very own sisters told me not to marry such a monster...") Talk about toxic! I never knew what was completely true or somewhat fabricated.

But why stay together for over 25 years if it was all bad and nothing good? Well, I wouldn't say that either. My brother and I had the best birthday's, Christmas's, and every other holiday of every month because of my mother. She organized everything while my dad was the 'breadwinner' of the family. And even though we never had much, she made the best with what she had. And I truly miss those special occasions where she'd surround us with her warm, pure heart, making everything seem like it was going to be alright. And even though my father was far from perfect, he did manage to be present in my life, unlike some other father's I know.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, despite all the pain and heartache that can go on in any kind of relationship, know that it can't be all bad, and it can't be all good. And when it's like that, it's even harder to walk away from the toxicity, no matter how much you may love that person. I didn't become estranged from my father until my late 20s when I finally said enough was enough when he began to emotionally blackmail me with suicide threats for over three weeks straight. I stood my ground and told him I wasn't going to take any more of his abuse and that if he wanted me in his life, he'd have to get his life in order and be more present in his kid's lives. Unfortunately, we never got around to that.

The irony is the day he passed away was the day he finally was getting his life back on track. He has just left a job interview where he was hired on the spot, where while on his way out of the building, walking down the hallway, he suffered a massive coronary and died immediately after. I will always long to speak to him one last time, to reunite and tell him that even though he's caused so much hurt in my life, I still to this day will and always will love him. No matter what. Because love is about forgiving others and also, forgiving yourself. I still beat myself up for estranging myself from him because I know it hurt both of us too, but I had to do what was best for me at that given time. And I think he too, knew this deep down. So, don't burn every bridge you come across (even though some are meant to be burnt) because forgiving others is almost as powerful as empowering others or yourself. Without forgiveness, there is no compassion. No love. I don't mean to preach, but I've been thinking a lot about the best way to move forward, and to me, I think it all starts with the art of forgiveness.