How I Went from Criminal Justice to Fashion

WEARING: AVANZARA-B HOUSE OF KIMBERLY TEAL BLOUSE | GENUINE PEOPLE JEANS | 
THE KOOPLES JACKET | GUCCI BELT | 
BRAHMIN ANDESITE GABRIELLA MELBOURNE BAG | EGO METALLIC BOOTS

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY EGO.

Happy NYFW! Let the fashion commence! Who is as excited as I am to see all of the SS18 collections for the upcoming season?! Since today is our first day of New York Fashion Week, I wanted to share with you guys a little more about my journey. What led me to here? Well, the title of this post sure must have caught your eye. Yes, you read correctly. I once almost became a cop instead of any of pursuit for a career. Instead of Detective Spiegoski, I'm Fashionista Spiegoski! So, how did I start from where I began and ended up here where I am today? Continue reading to find out more why I took such a leap of faith and why I am so, so, so grateful for my crazy (but intuitive) decisions. 

Once upon a time, I grew up in an environment that was rough, both in and outside the home. Because of my surroundings as well as life experiences, I initially chose a path in law enforcement, even receiving a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. I even traveled to distant lands to learn more about the cultural diversity as well as the different types of government and policing procedures. My '5-Year Plan' was to get my degree, move to NYC and join the New York City Police Department, and quickly climbing the ranks from Sargeant to Detective. Specifically? Homicide. But once I moved to the city of my dreams (I had wanted to live here basically my whole life), I didn't know a single soul. I came here with $300 bucks in my pocket, 3 full suitcases, with a place to share in Spanish Harlem. My first apartment in New York was literally a closet. Okay... walk-in closet: Enough to fit a full bed, dresser, mirror and a clothing rack. I didn't need much else. 

Because I didn't know anyone yet, I became lonely rather fast. With that, I began writing again, something that's been in my life since I was very little (my father taught me how to read and write at the age of 4) and I always found solitude in the power of my voice and the freedom to express my thoughts and feelings through words. And while doing so, my gut switched a flip. I no longer had the desire I once had in the career I chose. I felt lost. Confused. Young. Undiscovered. I gave it a good hard look before changing my mind, but I'm tellin' ya, even to this day, I can't tell you how thankful I am that I took that jump and decided to explore my options a bit further. From this, I've given back, teaching figure skating and working with kids for nearly a decade, wrote and published a novel, have had my photographs published around the world, and learned so much about myself in the process. 

I just surpassed my 2-year anniversary of my blog, MaQ + Suz. Since then, I've only attended 2 seasons of NYFW [this week being my 3rd season (!)] and am starting to receive invites to other fashion shows globally. Now, for those of you wondering... have I always been a die-hard fashionista? Not exactly... but it's always been with me, so to speak. When I was very young, I used to illustrate what campaigns I saw from the Korean fashion magazines my mother had. I'd flip through them, find inspiration and would recreate my own version, with even the prices of each piece of clothing! From there, I became more interested in the world of fashion while in college (where I started to read Vogue religiously) but that fizzled once I decided to do something else in my life. It's funny now looking back because even at the age of 6-7 I was already studying fashion when I was creating collages of them on my bedroom walls. 

I believe within a person's life, one will change many times over. Hopefully for the better. As you grow older and discover more about yourself, you will find out what you want, what you don't want, and who you really are. Part of the evolution of the path to self-discovery. And here I am now, a writer and photographer working full-time in the creative field and I couldn't be happier with my choice. Is it hard work? You bet your ass it is and I'm completely dedicated to it. Here's to making life's grand decisions and to fashion & style. Shoutout to this vintage teal blouse that belonged to my mother, the label says 'Avanzara–b House of Kimberly' but I can't find the brand on the internet. It's from the 80's back in Cali... and to these favorite new rose gold metallic boots from Ego, I feel like Wonder Woman strutting around in these. Hope to see all you other fabulous selves strutting around town as well this week! Happy Happy Fashion Week! :)

LOVE & XX'S,

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Are You a Katie Girl?

WEARING: ROMWE WHITE STRIPED SPLIT DRESS | ADORE ME LYANNA TOP |
CLOSET ACCESS MINI ARIA SADDLE BAG | EGO NASH BACKLASS ANKLE BOOTS | 
MOVADO ESPERANZA BRACELET WATCH | FOREVER 21 FISHNET CREW SOCKS

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THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY EGO SHOES.

 

THE WORLD IS MADE UP OF TWO TYPES OF WOMEN: THE SIMPLE GIRLS AND THE KATIE GIRLS. I AM A KATIE GIRL. ~ CARRIE BRADSHAW

If you're a SATC fan, I'm sure you know by now what episode Carrie said this in, with who, and why. It all comes down to Hubbel and why Robert Redford didn't end up with Barbara Streisand, or as us girls know her as, Katie... the complicated woman with wild curly hair. “Hello! C-C-C-Curly!!” Not all men, but many would prefer being with a simple girl rather than a Katie girl. Why? She's basic... ordinary... nothing special. She won't challenge you or inspire you or make you want to be a better person, but more so has the talent of keeping things light and well... simple. A definite non-core shaking kind of gal. And there's nothing wrong in that. But men I find to be highly intelligent and sophisticated will eventually grow tired with boredom. Wouldn't you rather find someone who touches your soul? What is the phenomenon of some men wanting to have a more quiet, less intense-filled relationship? Let's take a closer look...

There are a variety of reasons. One is that some men have trouble handling a Katie girl. We're passionate, ambitious, and sometimes yes, wildly difficult. Not because it's cool to be a great deal of maintenance required, but because we have opinions and aren't afraid to stand up for them let alone share them with you. We don't have simple minds and nothing about a Katie girl is basic. Ever see that couple walking down the street where the man is drop dead gorgeous, but not the woman? Now she may not be ugly, even far from it, but there's nothing particularly unique about her. She looks like a dime a dozen, and the personality is the same. An attractive man may prefer being with someone less attractive-looking for the sole purpose of being the better looking one. And because they know this, they too realize that these women will also worship the ground they walk on. They need that sort of validation from this kind of girl as they'd never receive it in the same way with a Katie girl. Plus,  a man like this tend to also be extremely insecure or narcissistic, and would also have trouble being with an extremely desirable woman. Just the idea of another man looking at her would piss them off to no end. (Yes, I've been with a guy like this before, and ugh, such a turnoff.) 

The other reason comes to down to simplicity. As mentioned before, the easier the relationship is -  the happier the guy will be in this situation. No muss, no fuss. But how can you grow with someone that you never disagree with let alone shares any kind of objections with? You think they're going to share their hopes & dreams on top? The same goes for women wanting a Katie guy. Is there anything real in that? But I also think not everyone wants fireworks... complications... difficulties. Most of us hardly have the time to see our friends let alone immerse themselves in an intense relationship as such. And how many times do you encounter a love like that? Once? Maybe twice if you live long enough? I think the key to finding and maintaining a successful healthy relationship is definitely figuring out what you want... what works for you, what doesn't. Because no one is exactly the same. 

How do you guys feel about this dynamic? Do opposites really attract, or is it just a disaster waiting to happen? Find out at least, in my opinion. I like to live with no regrets and if making a few mistakes leads me to something great, it's worth looking into right? But only if you're truly into the person. And I mean, TRULY. Lastly, I can't forget to mention a few shout outs with this fun pre-fall look! I'm all about the layering lately so today I matched an Adore Me pajama blouse with a cute summery striped split dress from ROMWE. I love the lavender satin ribbon detail in the back of the blouse, it brings a nice feminine added touch to the overall edgier look. My new backless ankle boots are from Ego Shoes, and they're one of my favorite shoe brands based in the UK! I added fishnet crew socks to complement the layered outfit. And my Movado watch was my mother's, a gift my father once gave her as an anniversary present, and a lesson within itself that you cannot buy back time. Don't forget to check out the entire look by shopping directly down below! You can follow my everyday adventures on Instagram too! And leave those comments down below about how you feel about basic b*tches vs. non-basic b*tches... and/or what you look for in a relationship that works for you :) I hope you all have a great week! 

LOVE & XX'S,

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Indian Summer – Wear a One Piece Swimsuit into Fall

WEARING: ZAFUL TIED CAMI PLUNGING NECK HIGH CUT SWIMSUIT |
VAGABOND HONEY JAKARTA DENIM PANTS | NA-KD FASHION WORN OUT LEATHER JACKET |
STELLA & DOT LAYERED FEATHER NECKLACE | CALVIN KLEIN RUBY PATENT SLINGBACKS
ZAFUL TRIANGLE CLUTCH | MAD-STYLE IGGY SUNGLASSES

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ZAFUL AND STELLA & DOT. 

Happy Wednesday, guys! NYFW is right around the corner (starting after Labor Day) and I am in full swing getting ready for the crazy but fun-filled week! I love this time of year as the weather is changing, but the season doesn't click right away as if it likes the period of transition as well. So today's post is dedicated to those unpredictable days where like a woman, can go from hot to cold in an instant. What better way to keep wearing those adorable (and yes, some racier) one-pieces into fall instead of putting them away now that summer is coming to an end?! These kinds of swimsuits I feel can be styled in so many different ways, I had to share my take on it with you! And this gorgeous army green is one of my favorite colors to wear come autumn season! Come take a look and see how you can still wear your swimsuit come fall! 

The tied cami plunging neck high cut swimsuit from Zaful is not only a showstopper but actually really comfy to wear! I love the back to it too. And the tied-up spaghetti straps? Too cute. I paired the one piece swimsuit with my favorite jeans from Vagabond Honey. I think I'm in need of a new pair as I've literally worn these ones out (or you could say I'm a jeans-addict too... whichever you prefer...) To bring down the oversized look from the denim, I wore a pair of Calvin Klein slingbacks. They are circa 2008, I believe, and yes, you bet your ass I still wear them! I love them so much, especially the ruby color and shape of the shoe. 

I styled the swimsuit with a worn out jacket from Na-kd Fashion to complement with the jeans and edgy look. Plus, tell me a girl who doesn't wear the crap out of leather jackets come fall?! Ha ha ha! Guilty as charged! And I have no shame because a great leather jacket can make any outfit stylish! And let's not forget about this incredible, layered feather necklace I received from Stella & Dot... With three different ways to wear the possibilities are endless! Wear as one cohesive statement or remove the feather strands to wear the top piece for a simple everyday layering look. In this look, I wore it as a whole because I loved each piece so much and couldn't make up my mind! But I'd love to show you the different ways of wearing it, perhaps on Insta-Stories?

Lastly, my triangle clutch is also from Zaful (can you tell I dig this store?) and my round sunnies are from Mad-Style. You can still use my code, 'maqandsuz' for 20% off your purchase today at www.mad-style.com. Also, I get a lot of questions about my makeup, so here's a little more info on today's look: Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Women's Smoker Eye Duo in Smokey Green and Lancôme Matte Shaker High Pigment Liquid Lipstick 272 Energy in Peach.

LOVE & XX'S,

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Fall Stripes with Red Panama Hat

WEARING: MAD-STYLE FLUTED SLEEVE CREWNECK TOP | MAD-STYLE RED PANANA FLANNEL HAT |
 GENUINE PEOPLE BELL BOTTOM CROP JEANS | PERIDOT BOUTIQUE LOAFER SLIDES |
 MAD-STYLE PEARL MULTI RING CHOKER 

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY MAD-STYLE. 

Happy Monday, guys! How was everyone's weekend? The past few days I've been struggling with the mundane everyday life responsibilities, just finding the time to do laundry has been challenging! Life happens when you're busy making other plans, am I right?! But I have no complaints, I'm so crazy about what I'm doing in terms of work that I literally forget about the other things in life I also need to be doing (until I'm on my last run of granny panties... then you know you've outdone yourself HA HA) But that's also the great thing about New York City, don't have time to do the laundry? Drop it off somewhere and have someone do it for you. (No, I don't do that but I could...) you can even have someone come and pick up your laundry for you! Aside from my hectic schedule that doesn't seem to be calming down anytime soon, my all-time favorite season is just around the corner and I couldn't wait to get started on my new fall wardrobe! Today's look is all about bold colors and patterns that will super trendy this season, and at the same time keeping the outfit somewhat casual yet super chic! Let's take a closer look at some of my new favorite items I picked up from Mad-Style.

Stripes are hot, hot hot right now and will definitely transition into the cooler season. This fluted sleeve crewneck from Mad-Style is my new favorite striped shirt! What I find so adorable about this top are its large bell sleeves! This oversized flounce sleeved top brings such a lovely detail to any casual look, it's perfect with your favorite pair of jeans or maxi skirt. I also love how thin the stripes are as they make it for a flattering fit for anyone! 

One bold color I always wear when feeling fabulously confident is red. I'm an Aries and red is definitely a hue that has burned long and hard in my heart when it comes to my selective choices in color. When I first noticed this Panama hat, I was immediately drawn to its rich color along with a unique belt accent that adds another notch of luxury and style. This buckle adornment is very eye-catching along with the flannel material in this boho, fedora style hat! 

My jeans are from Genuine People and my loafer slides are from Peridot Boutique. The last piece from this look and also from Mad-Style is this gorgeous pearl multi-ring choker necklace. The stunning multi-strand leather necklace with large conjoined rings and large pearl stone in the center I found to also be very unique. The rings come in different gold tone finishes: gold, rose gold, and silver. Are you guys loving the striped shirt, red hat and/or necklace? If you are adoring the Mad-Style pieces as much as I am, use my promo code, 'maqandsuz' to get 20% OFF your purchase from Mad-Style! They also carry a variety of accessories such as jewelry, clothes and even dog apparel! You can also shop this look down below. Don't forget to leave a comment on your thoughts from this post! Follow me on Instagram too! Have a great week, everyone! :)

LOVE & XX'S, 

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When Life Gives You Lemons, Make a Jumpsuit out of It!

WEARING: FOR LOVE & LEMONS LIMONADA JUMPSUIT | 
LOUIS VUITTON BROWN MUSETTE TANGO BAG | 
STEVE MADDEN CHERISH RUCHED TOE SLINGBACKS | DANIEL WELLINGTON GOLD MESH WATCH

Enjoying the last few weeks of summer before the chaos of fall season begins, you can be sure to see me wearing this around town - When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade out of it right? Oh no... why not do something more fun for yourself and make a jumpsuit out of it?! Yes, you heard me right! Today's style post is solely on this way too adorable lemon-print jumpsuit from For Love & Lemons and I got it from the coolest on-demand clothing rental in Manhattan called TrendlendNYC. Come get a better look at this cute, summery look and to read more about the recently discovered TrendlendNYC! 

Maggie is the founder and created TrendlendNYC because she kept finding all her 20-something year old friends in NYC were always complaining that they never had anything to wear, but were too broke to go spend $100 on the pieces that they actually wanted to buy while they endlessly shopped on the internet during their day jobs. Her vision for TrendlendNYC has been years in the making and she is determined to create a new way of affordable on-demand shopping in Manhattan. I can definitely say nothing but the best things about TrendlendNYC! I had a prompt and timely pick-up and drop-off delivery services with the messenger (they bring the clothing pieces to you) and had no trouble with sizes and the way the item looked, it was exactly the way it was on the site! And you get to schedule the time of your choosing either dropping off or picking up.

I love this jumpsuit not only for its lemon-print, because honestly how stinking cute is the entire style of this jumpsuit?! I love the short, flutter sleeves and the dainty fabric-covered buttons along with a tie belt that cinches from an elastic waistband. This is probably the most lively, citrus print I've ever worn and I'm completely enamored with this jumpsuit! And there's patch hip pockets! 

To accessorize the already eye-popping jumper, I wanted to neutralize the color palette and veer away from vibrant colors. So, with my newly colored hair, I went with a pair of Steve Madden slingbacks with a ruched pointy toe that I've owned since my college days! One of my favorite kinds of shoes are slingbacks, I feel so great in them! What shoe makes you feel powerful and sexy at the same time? To keep in the same color scheme with the shoes, I paired it with my favorite Louis Vuitton musette bag. Lastly, my gold mesh watch is my new favorite accessory. Clean and luxurious, it's the perfect watch to wear day to night! Use my code, 'SUZANNESPIEGOSKI' to receive 15% off your purchase at Daniel Wellington. Don't forget to leave your comments down below and to follow me on Instagram! Happy Wednesday, everyone. 

LOVE & XX'S,

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