Stripy Wednesday

WEARING: EXPRESS DENIM VEST | GOLD MOVADO WATCH | RAY-BAN CLUBMASTERS
FOREVER 21 BLACK PENCIL SKIRT |ALDO BLACK STUDDED ANKLE BOOTS | 

First and foremost, I have to mention (to my horror) what I woke up to today. You see, I have a ritual. Every morning, I have a cup of coffee while watching CNN. I like to know what's going on in the world. Well, it's a sad day in TV news. I woke up and saw the breaking news of photographer, Adam Ward, and reporter, Alison Parker, from the WDBJ7 TV station in Virgina, shot killed while reporting a story at a water park All of this happened while filming live. So awful. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone at the station as well as their families and loved ones through this difficult time. I don't need to go into how terrible this is, because who needs to read the obvious? I will state this though: We're with you #WDBJ. Keep broadcasting. Keep filming. Keep writing.

In light of this dark news, here is something to cheer you up and make your day a little more colorful. Perhaps, brighter. Or more stripy :)

Want to hear a pretty dope name? At least to me it is. Chamberlin Newsome. She's a street artist // graffiti extraordinaire! A graffiti art lover myself, maQ and I had to get down to the Lower East Side and check out her most recent work! And of course, get in some shots of this gorgeous piece! I see inspirations of Modernism, Abstract, Expressionism, Color Field Painting -- Chamberlin's art utilizes color, repetition, and linear form; and this #makeyougodream piece is pure wall porn! Two thumbs up, Chamberlin!

Check out the photos below. Photo credit goes out to my awesome hubby, Gilles Decamps. :)

We hope everyone has an awesome Hump Day! Remember, the only thing to fear, is fear itself.

Love & xx's,

maQ + suz

25 Random Facts About Me

 

Let's Get Personal

I've been back blogging now for a couple of weeks and wanted to help you all get to know maQ and I a little better. I love blogs that help me immerse in their world with photos and videos, but I always like to know more about the person behind all the imagery.

So, I've compiled a list of random facts about myself, including my doggy, maQ. We hope you enjoy reading about us!

Have a great start to your week!

Love + xx's,

maQ + suz

1. My middle name is Sunny. Yes, my first, middle and last name all start with the letter S.

2. I’m half-Korean and half-Polish. So, I’m Eurasian :)

3. Music, like words, is the air I breathe. Music has helped me on so many different levels. My choice in music ranges all the way from Classical to Rap. I love everything (yes, gospel, teen pop, country, original soundtracks) except for heavy metal and jazz. I know Jazz is like a God to many of you, but with me, I'm sorry. #icant

4. Most of you know I have a German Shepherd named maQ, but what most you may not know is his formal name is McQueen. He was named after Steve McQueen for his handsome looks, his style, and of course, his charm. I even share the same birthday as Steve, March 24th!

5. I smoked cigarettes for nearly ten years, but am proud to say I haven’t had one in over 3 years.

6. My first love was David Duchovny. When I was 15, I literally cried when I discovered he married Tea Leoni. I can’t believe I’m telling you all this!

7. I would love to say I’ve inherited my mother’s green thumb, but for the most part, I can’t keep a plant around to save my life! What’s interesting though, in the past few months, I’ve managed to keep (most) alive and some have even grown. I know it’s sounds cheesy, but I feel like I’ve grown with those plants.

8. If I was on a deserted island with only one choice of food to survive off of, it would, hands down, without question, be mashed potatoes.

9. I’m not fashion-obsessed, but I am into style. I would have say, like many women, one of my staple style icons is definitely Kate Moss.

10. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve really been into video games. I love GTA, Borderlands, Left 4 Dead, and arcade classics like Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter and of course I can’t leave out Zelda, Mario, Tetris and Double Dragon yo! If you know Double Dragon, let’s be friends. Extra points if you know the brothers' names right off the bat. I also love Words with Friends on the phone. WARNING: I'm HIGHLY competitive.

11. I’m a writer, and earlier this year debuted my first crime thriller novel to the world. It’s about a manic-depressive, rough-around-the-edges, female Asian detective who’s hunting for a serial killer in New York that’s targeting other Asian women like herself. Let’s just say the ending left a few people in tears and completely in shock. Check it out on Amazon or Barnes & Noble, The Fisherman’s Lily.

12. My favorite authors, in no particular order, are Stephen King, Jeffrey Deaver, Agatha Christie, Tana French, James Ellroy, Haruki Murakami, Thomas Harris, Kyung-sook Shin and John Steinbeck.

13. I’m a die-hard Lakers fan. Take me to a basketball game and I’m one happy gal!

14. Frida Kahlo, Michelle Kwan and my mother, or rather what I called her my whole life, 'my ma', are my super women. I worship and adore each of these extraordinary ladies for several reasons. They've left me inspired and empowered, giving me courage and strength through many hardships in life. They've all kept my boat afloat. And forevermore grateful.

15. I’m a huge foodie and really love to eat and more especially, cook. However, there are two items I really detest and cannot be bothered with. One: coconut flakes. Bleh! There’s something about the texture I can’t get past. I love the flavor of coconut, but no Almond Joy’s or German chocolate cake for me. Two: anything orange flavored. No candy or liquor could change my mind. I love the fruit and orange juice though, but when trying to concoct it with something else, my taste buds go, "yuck!"

16. My favorite restaurant in New York is Indochine. French-Vietnamese cuisine. And the entire waitstaff are drop dead gorgeous. Need I say more? A recent close runner-up: Estela. I’m still dreaming about those ricotta dumplings.

17. I’ve been with a French man for nearly a decade and still can’t speak fluent French! Don’t get me wrong, I know more than I like to admit. I can completely follow conversations and read fairly well, but when it comes to verbal communication I get stage fright. I don't think learning Spanish first helped any either. I tend to roll those R's and L's when I'm not supposed to!

18. I live for peach pie. Speaking of which, I should make a couple more soon before the season comes to an end! New food blog post coming up? Hint hint!

19. Horses are my nemesis. We do not agree. Every time I’ve ever gotten on one, they’ve either taken off or bucked me off. It’s my nerves. They can feel the fear. I find them to be such beautiful, remarkable creatures, but once I get on them I am immediately aware of their strength and power and don’t feel in control. That’s when the fun starts to happen! Giddy up, Suz!

20. One of my favorite things to do is people-watch. Call it trolling, stalking or just plain ole' observing, what can I say, it's the writer in me. I think everyone's got a story to tell. All I want to do is listen, watch and see.

“They motivate us to play, be affectionate, seek adventure and be loyal.”

— Tom Hayden

21. maQ's favorite toys are his plush stuffed animals. We've created the identification game, where he can literally go and ID each and every one of them by certain, specified names. (e.g.; "Where's your monkey? Go get me your crocodile. Can I have your octopus? What about sharky?") Yes, my GSD is hella smart. Who wants to see a vlog about this? :)

22. I have the craziest numeric memory. I still remember my childhood friends' home phone numbers by heart! I can even recall my father's old business numbers too. Give me any number and I'll be able to remember it. It's freaky.

23. I'm an active person. I love to do anything outdoors with my pooch. We love to go running and rollerblading, even if it's just running errands, if I can take maQ with me you won't be surprised to see him with me.

24. Some of my ultimate favorite TV shows are LOST, True Detective (first season), The Leftovers, The Killing, Broadchurch, Damages, Homeland, Game of Thrones, and Californication.

25. If I could be anywhere in the world right now, it'd be a toss up between Santorini and Jeju Island. Definite bucket listings.

Wednesday: My Kind of Naked Dress

WEARING: FOREVER 21 CONTEMPORARY HALTER NUDE DRESS | EXPRESS BRACELET

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Good morning! Can you believe we're nearing the end of August?! This entire summer I've been wearing this dress from Forever 21. It's been constant. I love how the color accentuates my tanned skin and the highlights in my hair. And the detail in the back with the zipper is super fun and clean. I like to mix things up in my closet, but 'less is more' is key to me. I like the basics. And like any true New Yorker, I f*%k)@! LOVE BLACK. But only so much. I can get tired of it from time to time, so I mix in some white, grey, and nude tones like this halter dress. Of course I can't forget my obsession for denim, suede and (duh) leather.

I know I won't be able to wear this dress for that much longer, so I decided to do a mini self-portrait session with it before the season changes! I'm kind of looking forward to it, but don't tell anyone. Shh! ;)

LOVE & XX'S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Monday: Hot Child in the City

WEARING: EXPRESS DENIM VEST | BDG ALOHA STRAW PANAMA HAT | H&M BLACK ROMPER | ALDO BLACK STUDDED ANKLE BOOTS

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It's Monday! Hope you all had a nice weekend. I just got a new denim vest from Express that's definitely chasing away those Monday blues. Isn't it lovely? You can pretty much put it with any outfit, I love its versatility! Even though it's going to be a scorcher here today (we're reaching what will feel like 105°F), I've never been a big fan of wearing sandals while running around the mean streets of New York City. When it gets this hot out, the grit and grime of this town is just gross. The idea of who knows what getting on my feet is not a pleasantry in my mind. These pair from Aldo's are my go-to boots for all seasons. I love the gold plates on the heels and the studded design. The best part? They're actually comfortable! I do a lot of walking in this town so I've never been the type to wear 5-inch heels while doing so. Why take a cab when you can watch the world go by at your pace? I really do enjoy taking time out of my day for a good, long walk with the pooch. It helps clear my head and it's time with my favorite buddy. We always have such a good time, no matter what it is we're doing. :) 

Today's Monday Suzism is brought to you by Kurt Vonnegut. A little motivation to help you start off to a great week!

It's going to be hot, I can already feel it! Ick! Try to keep cool, stay hydrated and get those hats and sunscreen out! Have a good one!

LOVE & XX'S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

OTHER SIMILAR POSTS

Wednesday: Boudoir Sneak Peek

WEARING: NOTHING BUT TULLE. LOTS OF TULLE.

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Happy Hump Day! We've made it halfway, phew! This week has been going supremely well! Blogging again has put a new pep in my step. I can't wait to get up the next day just to share with you all another piece of me! It has been a lot of fun and I'm so happy doing it! Today's blog post is talking about boudoir!

When I graduated from college I was approached by a photographer to do a boudoir shoot, unfortunately to my dismay, it was NOT a very good experience. It made swear off these types of shoots because the photographer made me uncomfortable. I felt exposed. A few months ago, I took a mini-retreat up to Sherman, Connecticut and stayed at my dear friend Agnes's magical tree house for some much-needed R & R.  Agnes is a wonderful, talented NYC photographer and a close, personal friend. She had been asking to work on a shoot together for the longest time and when she presented me with the opportunity, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and to get jiggy with it! I'm a firm believer in whatever you are in fear of, face it and then you will conquer it. And I did just that!

I felt the overall experience was empowering, uplifting and joyful. She made me feel 100% woman and completely confident and secure, which is not at all how I feel about myself. I actually couldn't believe how carefree I felt throughout the entire shoot! Below are few sneak peek shots from our shoot. Kudos to you, my lady! You made me feel like an enchanting fairy! I cannot wait to see the other shots! Thank you for your friendship, love, and support through the years. I hold a very special place in my heart for my favorite Hungarian photographer! If you'd like to see more of Agnes's work, feel free to check out her website, Yellow Brick Collective.

Now, I'm not saying boudoir is a risk to take or that it's for everyone, but it should be light, fun, engaging and most of all, trusting. If you don't feel right about it, trust your gut! Don't do it if you think you'll be more a deer in headlights than anything else. I'm so grateful to be able to have done this with such a close friend, it just made it that much more meaningful and personal!

Enjoy the rest of your day, my beautiful peeps! Take care of each other and yourselves.

LOVE & XX'S

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ