NYFW AW19 Outfits

February 13, 2019

Wrapping up on Day 6 of New York Fashion Week this season, I’m starting off with a week of outfits! I wanted to share a range of my personal style for you guys! Staying true to my maximalist rebellious tendencies, I played print on print, bold vibrant color and different era contrasts, for example: The 40s with a modern vibe. And lots of different fabrics, such as sequin, tweed, velvet, cashmere and more. So stop for a few - take a peek and let me know what what your favorite look from the past week! Stay tuned for more fashion week content, my regular roundup of the shows I attended and this year I’ll be sharing a beauty trend report from what I saw backstage! Keep your eyes peeled, it’s all going down in the next couple of days before I head off to London Fashion Week! xx

WEARING: FLORAL PRINT DRESS | HOUNDSTOOTH JACKET | WESTERN BOOTS | TRI-COLOR BAG | MARBLE HOOP EARRINGS

LOVE & XX’S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

January Beauty Favorites

February 1, 2019

BEAUTY FAVORITES: ACQUA DI PRIMA PERFUME | KERASTASE RESISTANCE COLLECTION |

SUNDAY RILEY GOOD GENES | LAURA MERCIER FLAWLESS SKIN | FIRST AID BEAUTY CONCEALER |

TATA HARPER CLARIFYING SPOT SOLUTION | REVLON ULTRA HD MATTE LIP MOUSSE | STILA

COSMETICS LINGERIE SOUFFLE | DR. JART+ CICAPAIR COLOR CORRECTOR | KORRES H2ROSE SPRAY

Happy Friday! I don’t know about you guys, but I’m really looking forward to this weekend as it will be the last relaxing one for the next few weeks. Fashion month is upon us as we have been prepping for many weeks to organize everything - which is a lot. From travel agenda, to meetings, showroom pulls, events, shoots and every day life/errands, it does take a bit of a toll on me. So I’m happy to enjoy not doing a whole lot this weekend, even though we are still shooting content and strategizing for future work, it’ll be nice to just sit back and unwind. In the meantime, here is my monthly roundup of beauty favorites! From my latest favorite fragrance, to hair products, liquid matte lipsticks, a rosy face spray, to innovative makeup you all need to know about, it’s all happening now in today's post so don't miss out! Continue reading to learn more about these products and where the shop them!

ACQUA DI PRIMA MAGNOLIA NOBILE

Inspired by the beautiful palazzo gardens of Italy's majestic Lake Como region, Acqua di Prima Magnolia Nobile represents the essence and expression of natural, understated elegance. Top notes of Italian bergamot, lemon and citron blend seamlessly with the magnolia accord, a rare essence that can only be extracted with time and dedication. The heart evolves with refined notes of rose, jasmine and tuberose. The base notes unfold with sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver and vanilla. A unique and enveloping harmony. An unforgettable, captivating fragrance. Available at Sephora.

KÉRASTASE RESISTANCE COLLECTION

I've been using Kérastase haircare products since I was in college! They have amazing hair masks and lotions on top of shampoo/conditioners. With their new Resistance collection, it's the perfect regiment for hair seeking a healthy length. I’m growing out my bangs right now, and this collection has really helped speed up the process of my hair getting longer. My hair grows fast on its own, but after using this collection for a while now and the results have been amazing! Here's a breakdown of these four products:

Kerastasé Résistance Masque Thérapiste

Reparative Bandage Treatment Fiber Renewal care for thick hair. The thick, creamy reparative masque deeply nourishes and works at very core of the hair, for very damaged, over-processed thick hair. The hair is deeply repaired as its core. The hair fiber regains its strength and elasticity. Hair is toned and revitalized.

Kerastasé Résistance Serum Extentioniste

Strengthen and protect strands with the Kérastase Resistance Serum Extentioniste, a nourishing leave-in hair serum that helps to protect against breakage. The non-greasy formula uses a host of powerful ceramides to seal the hair cuticle whilst a blend of lipids creates a smooth surface, creating a fortifying effect from the inside out. The highly concentrated serum forms a defensive barrier over the scalp to protect against damaging environmental aggressors, whilst also sweeping away impurities for a fresh appearance. Hair will be boosted, revitalized and given improved resistance.

Kerastasé Résistance Shampoo

Strengthen hair from the inside out with Kérastase Resistance Bain Extentioniste, a fortifying shampoo that uses powerful amino acids and ceramides to improve elasticity from root to tip. Targeting weakened and brittle strands, the silky formula helps to rebuild the hair’s internal structure to make it more resistant to breakage, whilst a blend of lipids creates a smooth and shiny surface. The shampoo gently lifts away the build-up of dirt, impurities and excess oil from the scalp to leave locks fresh, clean and strong. Suitable for weak hair types.

Kerastasé Résistance Conditioner

Create smooth, silky and flowing locks with Kérastase Resistance Fondant Extentioniste, a creamy conditioner that expertly detangles strands. Powered by a blend of ceramides and Maleic Acid, the formula helps to fortify the natural hair fibre from the inside out, improving strength and elasticity to encourage growth. Replenishing moisture to the scalp and nourishing from root to tip, the purifying conditioner will leave locks super-soft, supple and noticeably healthy.

SUNDAY RILEY GOOD GENES

For an instant boost, reveal brighter fresher skin with Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment. Harnessing the exfoliating power of lactic acid, this intensive treatment helps to instantly brighten skin while working to reduce the appearance of fine lines and restore damaged skin. Enriched with licorice and lemongrass, the rich formula works to reduce the appearance of dark spots and boost blood flow, helping to bring new life to tired skin, in time revealing a fresher, more even-toned face. You can use Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment as a mask for an instant rejuvenating boost, or apply daily under makeup to reap long-term benefits and get skin truly glowing.

LAURA MERCIER INFUSION DE ROSE FORMULAS

LAURA MERCIER NOURISHING OIL

Lightweight yet powerful, this fast-absorbing oil leaves skin with a healthy glow – soft, radiant, and renewed. A true multi-tasker, Infusion de Rose Nourishing Oil also provides multiple beauty benefits:
•Skin: provides soothing nourishment and moisture.
•Hair: conditions dry ends and tames flyaways.
•Nails: hydrates and softens cuticles..

LAURA MERCIER CLAY MASK

A clay mask that deeply purifies and cleanses the skin, blended with the unique soothing and nourishing properties of the rose. A rose-infused mask powered by rich clays and infused with soothing, moisturizing ingredients to deeply cleanse the skin and remove surface impurities.

LAURA MERCIER FACE POLISH

This creamy scrub cleanses, exfoliates and removes dead skin with purifying microbeads. A luscious blend of emollients softens the skin, leaving it smooth and even-toned. Suitable for all skin types.

LAURA MERCIER NOURISHING CREME

This light, whipped nourishing crème is supremely hydrating and offers intense moisturization and conditioning with mango and shea butters. Its unique formula rejuvenates the skin’s appearance and strengthens its moisture barrier, helping to replenish and balance during the day and restore natural radiance and softness at night.

FIRST AID BEAUTY HELLO FAB BENDY AVOCADO CONCEALERS

This full-coverage, buildable concealer provides a natural, luminous finish. It stretches and bends with skin’s movements throughout the day so it never cracks, creases, cakes, or settles into fine lines. The clean, skin-loving formulation contains avocado oil, vitamin E, and mushroom extracts to help hydrate, condition, and soothe skin while caffeine helps to diminish the appearance of under-eye puffiness and dark circles. The clean formulation contains no artificial colorants, is safe for sensitive skin, and is available in seven adaptable shades. The shade I use is 2.

TATA HARPER CLARIFYING SPOT SOLUTION

Tata Harper Clarifying Spot Solution Skin Care Serum: Infused with healing copper, magnesium, zinc, essential oils, and powerful herbal extracts, this solution treats blemishes by neutralizing impurities and reducing inflammation on the spot (literally). Whenever I get a big ole’ honking zit (hey, I love my dairy) I use this bad boy to quickly zap them away. And it’s the perfect travel size as well.

REVLON ULTRA HD MATTE LIP MOUSSE

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Mousse Hyper Matte is a pigment packed, creamy formula that glides on smooth for hours of comfortable hyper matte wear. My favorite lip shade is Spice.

Benefits:

Hyper Matte meets creamy comfort for up to 8 hours
Lips feel nourished, silky, and conditioned
Extreme precision, plush applicatory defines and contours lips
Non-drying formula with micro-fine mattifying powders glide on smoothly
Non-smudging and lightweight

STILA COSMETICS LINGERIE SOUFFLE

STILA LINGERIE SOUFFLE SKIN PERFECTING PRIMER

Stila Lingerie Souffle Skin Perfecting Primer has over 70% water for the most luxuriously hydrating feeling. Formulated with light-refracting pearls which blur imperfections - so every light is a good light! Why you need it: Stila Lingerie Souffle Skin Perfecting Primer is Stila’s most luxurious multi-function primer. The opulently-whipped gel formula primes skin with the added benefit of two finishes - illuminating or bronzing. Multi-function gel primer smooths skin and blurs imperfections, with the benefit of two finishes - either illuminating or bronzing Opulently-whipped, yet refreshingly lightweight, non-tacky texture Skin-loving formula with natural botanicals and over 70% water for a refreshing feel, all day New generation light-refracting pearls add a natural-looking glow with a blurring, skin perfecting effect. Innovative gellifying ingredients and emulsifiers allow for a smooth application, without the usual associated tackiness.

STILA LINGERIE SOUFFLE SKIN PERFECTING COLOR

Opulently whipped and refreshingly lightweight, Lingerie Soufflé Skin Perfecting Color creates the illusion of a flawless, naturally fresh complexion. Enriched with botanicals for comfortable wear, this delicately tinted cream forms a translucent veil over the face, using advanced pigments and light-reflecting particles to smooth, blur and even skin tone. Makes any unwanted feature - BE GONE! Ha ha! My shade is 3. :)

DR. JART + CICAPAIR TIGER GRASS COLOR CORRECTING TREATMENT

A green-to-beige color-correcting treatment that corrects redness and helps protect skin from environmental aggressors. Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment is the all-in-one treatment that includes a color-changing capsule within the formula to cover blemishes and restore the look of the skin's strength, health, and vitality. It provides SPF 30 protection from UV light, and it forms a dust barrier to protect the skin from the environment while enhancing the skin's viability. It restores the strength of skin with the resurrection plants, houttuynia cordata and yarrow. It's infused with sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium to help improve the skin's moisture levels and restore fatigued skin for a healthy appearance.

KORRES H2ROSE HYDRATING FACE MIST

This invigorating mist, made with aloe vera and orange blossom flower water, hydrates, refreshes, tones, and minimizes the appearance of pores with every spray. It can be used throughout the day to refresh skin. It feels weightless on the skin and after spraying my skin always feels energized and toned. With a subtle rose scent, it is a definite refreshing face mist!

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE PRODUCTS

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

My Best Tips for New York Fashion Week

January 28, 2019

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY HEARTLOOM & CULTRESSE BY ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Happy Monday! How was everyone’s weekend? I spent it working, while also preparing for next month, which is one of the busiest months for me. In less than a couple of weeks New York Fashion Week will be here. This will be my sixth season attending NYFW, and after a few years in the ‘rodeo’ I definitely have learned a few lessons along the way. It’s not all what it is cracked up to be, in that it’s not something you just show up to, like going to the movies. It takes weeks (more than that if you’re out of towners) to organize and plan for the week, from meetings with brands/pr agencies that you’ll be working with, to the shows you will be attending, and even squeezing in a couple of photo shoots and dinners/site seeing along the way. And if you’re visiting, you’ll need to handle your flight, hotel, transportation, etc; So in today’s post I’m sharing 5 of my best tips for New York Fashion Week. Whether it’s surviving or thriving (let’s hope both ha ha) - during the week here in New York, these tips will keep you moving and grooving!

1. IT’S ALL ABOUT WHO YOU KNOW

A blogger once told me that if the brand could not seat her front row, she would refuse to attend the show. So it’s not only about who you’re connected with, because in the 7-day binge of networking with other like-minded people you could potentially partner with in the future, it’s about how you are connecting (while certainly being kind to others) to begin with. And this is not in terms of logistics, but rather taking value in a person’s time and input, and actually connecting on a creative level. For example, getting in the Coach show because it’s a place to be seen is not going to get you in at all. You have to gain the experience in the industry along with a growing audience in order to achieve some sort of recognition, only then to have bigger opportunities in meeting with the bigger labels in fashion. I’ve been fortunate to meet many in the business just by chance, or even taking another chance on smiling at someone backstage and striking up a conversation, only to lead to some sort of connection. Nowadays it’s all about numbers and what’s on the phone, but I think in order to build any sort of successful business relationship (or any for than matter, not just business), there has to be a personal connection, first and foremost.

2. BE PREPARED

No matter how much you think there’s time to prepare for what’s a veritable buffet for fashion bloggers during NYFW, it goes by so fast and there is a ton of preparation to deal with beforehand. For example, the emails that are sent out and received. Hopefully, your emails are not automated/robotic-like and have some sort of ‘you’ in the message along with yes, your numbers, because stats are also important. Then the organization of what you chose to do everyday, from events to shows, meetings, shoots and, hopefully some sleep, along with preparing looks each day before as well. It’s a lot of work for only a week. And even more if you do more than just one fashion week, like I have been doing for the past two seasons attending London Fashion Week, where next month will be my third time visiting - I’m very excited! Bring a really good external/portable charger. With all the phone usage from ubering, texting, photo/video taking, and more, your phone’s going to die rather quickly. Here’s a little tip: To conserve your
phone battery during fashion week, put your phone on airplane mode during
fashion shows. You can post what you want afterward, of course after turning the airplane mode off.

3. EAT HEALTHY & STAY HYDRATED

I can’t tell you how many times I would only have one meal a day during Fashion Week because of my crazy hectic schedule. And I was the crankiest, hangriest b-ya there ever was, haha! Kidding, but really, no one is pleasant to be around when hungry, and it’s just not good for you. Duh. Yes, I confess on solely relying on caffeine, such as soda and coffee instead of water where I became extremely dehydrated. Now I try to drink water everyday, but I also tend to drink a ton more while traveling, especially while on the plane. I also will eat a bit more on the healthier side just to give myself as much energy as I can get - and obv. the overall way of eating and drinking properly while literally being on the go for a week straight.

4. WEAR WHAT YOU MAKES YOU FEEL CONFIDENT

Every time I wore something I was even 10% unsure about, I would not get photographed by the street style photographers and I would just feel uncomfortable about wearing it the entire day. And this shows in photos. You got to know your style and own it! This is the time to have fun with your styling skills, but also shining on in that department! Who doesn’t want to look their best during Fashion Week? Again, if you’re a fashion blogger and you’re maybe doing it to just go- as in see and be seen, it may not be within your best interest then. You should want to go for the experience and to learn from it, to make you a better blogger and person, overall. But wearing what makes you feel 100% great about yourself, is something we all strive for and definitely want to showcase during this time of the year, while also sharing emerging talent/designers.

5. SERIOUSLY THOUGH, HAVE FUN!

You can kiss that “perfectly scheduled day” goodbye, so you might as well make the most of it! Each day you’ll maybe get around 5 hrs of sleep (if you’re lucky and have an editing team) will not eat perfectly, and will definitely not be stress-free. Don’t forget why you’re doing what you’re doing, and I hope it’s because you absolutely love it, want to meet other people and connect, and maybe learn something you haven’t yet, whether it’s your first time visiting New York or your tenth - from all there is to do in my city, I hope it’s out of support and passion for fashion. And when is it a bad thing to catch up with old friends, too? I love seeing everyone during this time period too :)

I hope you guys enjoyed today’s post! I do realize not everyone that comes to my blog is solely doing so for my fashion content, more so the content from fashion week. But rest assured, lots of more beauty and lifestyle content coming your way very soon! If you come here for fashion + styling tips, what would you like to see more of on the blog? And if you are attending fashion week, drop your comments down in the section below with your number one tip for NYFW! Wishing you guys a killer week, get it done and have a good time while doing so! Catch y’all back here soon.

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Hot Cheetah in the City

January 24, 2019

WEARING: LEOPARD PRINT KNITTED PULLOVER | CLASSIC BLUE JEANS | OTK BOOTS | EDGY CROSS BODY BAG

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY ZEFINKA, MARC FISHER & EVVE MILANO, BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Happy almost Friday! In today’s post I’m sharing a few essential pieces that’ll bring an edge to any look. They are staple pieces any girl can have in her closet: Budget-friendly, chic and actually all comfortable to wear. I’m sharing a pullover, jeans, boots and a cross body bag that I know any girl will appreciate - regardless of your personal style. And one of the most trending prints of the season: Leopard - is definitely featured in today’s post! The rocker chic vibe from this look is casual, but you can definitely bring it up a notch with different pieces from your closet. Continue reading to shop the direct links while learning more about each piece that you too should have in your wardrobe palette very soon, if not already!

Introducing a timeless, beautiful collection by a master American shoemaker for a modern woman of purpose. Effortless. Luxe. Forever. Chic. These Marc Fisher black suede boots are a dream! They literally go with everything! I would love to style these pair of boots with a mid-length dress or midi skirt. Even with pleats - it would be so good! But in today’s fierce, edgy look, I paired them with my favorite Levi’s Jeans. These are the only Levi’s I own and they’re the 711 skinny jeans. They’re the perfect cut and length for someone petite like myself. But back to the boots - the heel height is high, nearing at 3 and a quarter inches, but walking in them are actually super comfortable! They retail at $289 - but worth the investment as classic suede boots as such can be worn with nearly every outfit, and they’ll last a lot longer than buying a less expensive pair of boots.

Now if you know me and my personal style by now, you know I love a good leopard print. And ever since I discovered Zefinka - a fast-fashion online brand that’s been around since 2014, I’ve been a big fan of theirs! They carry a lot of great quality items that on mostly trending pieces, but the prices are even hotter! I love their tops, such as this leopard print pullover. It’s a mix of mohair and cotton, but overall the material is soft and cozy. The sweater would look amazing with leather pants, a black skirt, even wide leg - the possibilities are endless. I love a good piece as such - because it’s essential to my style and can be worn in a variety of ways. Plus, tell me you don’t love a good warm fuzzy sweater during the winter?! ;) Zefinka also did a lovely feature on me and my brand - check it out here now!

I also want to share with you another brand I discovered that’s really great - from Italy. EVVE Milano is a vegan handbag line that’s all about rocker chic, a mixture of Italian and New York style: Expressions of freedom. Each bag has an emblem of a snake, derived from the Adam & Eve story, embedded into it, symbolizing the woman’s inner ‘EVVE’. The BONN Crossbody has a semi-rigid but spacious shape to carry everything you need. Lasered details enriched with metal eyelets on the flap and shoulder strap embellish even the simplest look.

To keep with the edgy vibe, I wore certain kinds of makeup such as a bold red lip and cat eye. I’ve been doing more of a winged eyeliner lately - it makes my eyes look bigger (especially when one is TIRED lol) and gives a more dramatic look - what do you guys think? Also, seriously contemplating on whether or not I should grow out my bangs. I love my bangs but I also love no bangs as well. I used some hair clips (definitely in search of statement hair pieces right now) as this can give a more polished feel - but still edgy and rock and roll. Think it ties up the whole outfit together pretty well. Hope you guys enjoyed today’s fashion post! Leave your comments down below. Catch up with y’all again soon!

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Double-Breasted Jacket with Smocked Blouse

January 21, 2019

WEARING: DOUBLE BREASTED JACKET | SMOCKED BLOUSE | GREEN BAG | JEANS | SNAKE PRINT BOOTIES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY H&M AND SIENNA JONES BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Happy MLK day and happy Monday! Today in New York, is the coldest day of the year with a high of 15. Fahrenheit. So you can imagine my escapism to spring, in my outfit! It’s actually every blogger’s nightmare, shooting outside this time of the year. It’s not as easy as it looks to be cheery while literally freezing your ass off. No one wants to see your runny, red nose/flushed RED face! There’s only so much photoshop can do. And no, I don’t want to spend my life editing away goosebumps from my legs/arms. So I’ve been taking advantage of shooting more indoors, in places that I love, places people recommend and/or both! Since my husband and I rarely have time for each other, it’s a great quick outing while on ‘set’ creating content for a brand. Especially when it involves food! Ha ha! Plus in terms of content, I think it mixes things up with the usual street style photos. Continue reading to hear more about the location of this shoot along with details of this mixed up look that may not sound like a great idea initially, but when done right can be done well.

My favorite neighborhood hangout for working lunches/meetings is here in today’s post. The location is at La Pecora Bianca. It is a stylish and bright all-day dining restaurant featuring market-driven Italian cuisine - I mean… how can you go wrong? ;) Kidding aside, I always get the spaghetti, but their oatmeal is quite delicious for breakfast. I love the ambience as much as the food and it’s five minutes walking distance from home. Don’t you just love it when you find a place as such? Now onto today’s outfit…

Running around town from lunch meetings, to shoots, to showroom appointments, and more, I need a cross body bag that’s big enough to hold all my essentials, but without it getting too hefty and ‘boxy’ for me. I’m a petite frame so that can happen pretty easily. But the new Sienna Jones City Bag, is just perfect for an everyday bag. Crafted in first grade leather, it features a spacious interior, with a pocket for your smartphone and two zip compartments. Pure casual elegance. They also come in grey, black, red and brown. Designed and created in Covent Garden, London.

I had no intention of putting together a double-breasted jacket with a smocked blouse. Like I had mentioned in the beginning of the post, it doesn’t really seem to sound right together, but voila! I think it can work! I either had the blouse tucked into my jeans or I had the jacket buttoned up. I also think it helps that the colors are in a very similar blue palette so it doesn’t clash with each other too much where it’s distracting. Just like the floral print in the blouse doesn’t clash with the snake print boots. The subtly of the floral is enough to be able to wear the two together… what do you think?

Other accessories included in this look are an Anne Klein diamond-accent green ceramic watch, silver hoop earrings, and an embossed Gucci belt. All in all, I’d say this outfit is definitely spring-ready! What about you? What are you looking forward to after winter? And how do you keep spring fever at bay during the colder season? Wishing you guys a warm and happy week! As always, direct links are at the beginning and end of the post, with more details in between. Have a question? Drop those comments down below! x.