Cadieux – Say Yes To This Dress

March 6, 2017

WEARING: CADIEUX PARIS DRESS | VVA IVY CALF GREEN POUCH HANDBAG

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY CADIEUX PARIS & VVA HANDBAGS.

Happy Monday loves! I've come down with a cold. I felt it coming on this weekend and I tried to fight it but unfortunately, the lil' bugger has gotten comfy and wants to stay a while longer. Nothing major but it has me sluggish, don't you hate that feeling when everything seems to take forever - as if you're moving in slow motion all day? My sinuses are killing me, but I continue to work because there's no other way to get it done. As many of you know I am the creative director, stylist, hair and makeup artist, and editor when it comes to all our fashion shoots here on MaQ + Suz. Every outfit post is carefully thought through and in the recent months, I've become extremely passionate again with fashion & style.

FUN FACT: When I was a little girl, around the age of 6 or 7 years old, I was completely obsessed with my mother's Korean fashion magazines. She didn't read the U.S. versions as Korean was her first language and anyone that knew my mother can attest to her eclectic style. She had very good taste and knew the difference between high quality and the rest of the bullshit that's put out there. I even used to be amazed at her estimation skills when we used to watch 'The Price is Right' together. She was peculiarly accurate and knew what everything cost. I really miss shopping with her where strangers used to constantly hit on her, even asking if we were sisters (which she LOVED since that meant she still looked like a teenager... thanks to those Korean genes, though, really! Ha ha!) We'd always make a pit stop to Mrs. Fields for their soft chocolate chip cookies afterward. It was one of our shopping rituals like all of us girls share with each other...

I looked up to my mom's personal style. So much so, and with the help of all those Korean fashion magazines, I started my own fashion magazine where I'd draw the models in a notebook and then label everything that they were wearing including the price on the side. I was just a kid when I did this but my parents found it to be so neat they had kept it through the years, but I lost it in a fire from my childhood home later on in my late teens. (Sounds brutal I know but it's not like the house completely burnt down or something worse like losing someone I love) But long story, I'm so happy to be where I am right now, here doing what I'm doing.. it just feels right.

When I saw this dress by Cadieux at the Manhattan Edité showroom, it immediately reminded me first, of course, Parisian flair, but secondly, my mother. I'm not sure why since it wasn't something either of us would wear on the regular, perhaps to a special occasion, yes, but for whatever reason ever since I spotted this beauty I've been thinking a lot about my mother. It's tough, even as a grown-ass woman, to not have your mother with you. (She passed away in 2005.) I can never describe how much I miss both of my parents, but my 'umma' has been on my mind. Instantly I wanted to style this dress just for her.

I do a lot of things in honor of my parents. Maybe it's because I'm still trying to prove something. Maybe I'm still trying to make them proud of me. But I don't care what the reason is. They drive me to be the crazy bad ass girl I know that I am (and not bad as in bad but bad as in good) and are a huge inspiration in my life. I inherited my mother's fiery passion and would be damned to burn that one out. I'm even starting to consider learning Korean because it's something my mother really wanted me to learn but as a youngster, I refused. I wish she didn't give me that decision but it's never too late, am I right?!

PHOTOS BY: GILLES DECAMPS

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Karoline Lang – The Prettiest Periwinkle Trench Coat

March 2, 2017

WEARING: KAROLINE LANG TRENCH COAT WITH DOUBLE COLLAR | 
HALOGEN V NECK NAVY BLUE SWEATER | NINE WEST PLAID PANTS | BANDOLINO KITTEN HEELS | 
DRESS LILY FRESH BLUE CROSSBODY BAG | DIOR SUNGLASSES

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY KAROLINE LANG.

Happy Thursday, loves! I'm so excited to share with you my new spring trench coat by Karoline Lang! Reasons I love this trench coat so much: One, the double collar is so chic and brings added texture along with layers for days not so spring-y. Two, the color is phenomenal. One of my all-time favorite blue hues, periwinkle is such a lovely subdued color. It's definitely trending this coming spring season. Three, it fit me like a glove!

I love discovering designers, especially one with clothes that complement my petite frame. I styled the trench coat with Nine West plaid pants as I loved how each pattern from the pants and also the double collar of the coat suited each other. Another fabulous and comfy trend for spring – a low heel. The lower the better. Don't get me wrong, I have a few sky-high pairs of what some might call heels (:::giggles:::) but being comfortable results in feeling confident, thus looking and feeling great. Plus, I'm a walker, no not the zombie-type, but city dweller. It's my form of relaxation these days, and I Iove nothing more than taking a stroll with MaQ to clear my head. The sights and sounds of the city always bring me inspiration and comfort. I love my home.

Other accessories in this look include a pair of Dior sunglasses and a Chloé-wannabe bag from Dress Lily. You can, as always, shop the pieces within the links in the written post or at the end of each blog post. Thanks for stopping by! This has felt like the longest week ever but tomorrow is finally Friday! Hang in there and I'll catch you all soon!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Mrs. Heisenberg

February 28, 2017

WEARING: FOREVER 21 DENIM DISTRESSED JACKET | FOREVER 21 GRAPHIC TOP | 
YOSHOP V NECK TANK TAP W A LINE SKIRT | STELLA MCCARTNEY OVERSIZED AVIATOR GLASSES | 
PAUL SMITH WATERMELON SOCKS | GIGI NEW YORK CARLO FILE FOLDER | ADIDAS NEO CLOUDFOAM

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY YOSHOP.

When I think of Mrs. Walter White, or Skyler, from Breaking Bad, she wasn't exactly at first, or if ever, a complete and total badass. But the latest trend, oversized aviator glasses – has always reminded me of Mr. Heisenberg (aside from his famous hat and whitey tighties.) So when I finally got myself a pair of the retro glasses, I wanted to maintain Mr. White's style but also keeping it contemporary with L.A. street & hip-hop vibes. And with a feminine twist!

I've been really digging this v neck tank top with an a-line skirt by Yoshop. The suede material and green color is a cool transitional piece as you can layer it up or keep it as is for when the temps start to rise. Since we're pre-spring and are still having some chilly days, I styled the two piece with some layered tops from Forever 21. The 'Out of Service' graphic top screams L.A. street style and the oversized orange denim distressed jacket is killer! Fun little accident while picking up this vibrant jacket: I had no intention of doing so but this is denim jacket is for men! Happenstance as such, since I'm a huge fan of anything oversized.

South of my ankles are the new Adidas Neo Cloudfoam High Top Sneakers, my new favorite kicks. You can wear them with just about anything, two-piece included! I love the little details such as the lace-ups as well as the subtle rose-gold logos. It adds a nice touch to the completely white shoe. And they are super comfy! I accessorized with an adorable pair of Paul Smith watermelon socks to balance the green and orange outfit. Lastly, the Carlo File Folder in British Tan embossed in python leather by Gigi New York is my idea of a handbag for this look. Because Mrs. Heisenberg isn't going shopping, she's taking care of business.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Forever 21 Denim Distressed Jacket Orange Men's

Yoshop V Neck Tank Top with A Line Skirt

Stella McCartney Oversized Aviator Glasses

Gigi New York Carlo File Folder British Tan Embossed Python Leather

Women's adidas NEO Cloudfoam Daily QT High-Top Sneaker - - White

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

T3 Micro – New Favorite Blow Dryer & Hair Straightener

February 27, 2017

T3 MICRO COLLECTION: T3 FEATHERWEIGHT LUXE 2I DRYER | T3 SINGLEPASS LUXE 1" STRAIGHTENING AND STYLE IRON

AVEDA DAMAGE REMEDY COLLECTION: AVEDA DAMAGE REMEDY RESTRUCTURING SHAMPOO | AVEDA DAMAGE REMEDY RESTRUCTURING CONDITIONER | AVEDA DAMAGE REMEDY SPLIT END REPAIR

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY T3 MICRO & AVEDA.

Happy Monday, guys! In today's post I wanted to share with you my new favorite hair tools from T3 Micro as well as my new favorite haircare line, the 'Damage Remedy' collection from Aveda. Since I've been coloring my hair lighter and lighter, the damage has been done and my thick, coarse Asian/Eastern European hair tends to dry out. But these products are all in it to REPAIR your hair NOT DAMAGE it!

1. T3 FEATHERWEIGHT LUXE 2I DRYER

This is the ultimate blow dryer! Other dryers use a hurricane-like wind flow and high heat that can damage the cuticle and cause split ends, frizz, and flyaways. T3 Featherweight Dryers work differently. A specially engineered fan generates a high volume of air and weaves it through the dryer at a soft, gentle speed, enriching it with negative ions and far infrared heat. The enriched airflow exits the dryer in a wide cone shape that dries large sections of hair quickly. Negative ions in the airflow cancel static and quickly seal the cuticle to retain hair's natural moisture, reduce frizz, and enhance shine.

This dryer features two speeds and three heat settings to provide greater styling versatility for all hair types. The cool shot button provides a burst of cool air that locks in any style for a smooth, sleek finish. The long life motor ensures a reliable performance and the professional-length, nine-foot cord makes styling feel effortless. This product comes with a two-year warranty with comprehensive coverage and support options.

2. T3 SINGLEPASS LUXE 1" STRAIGHTENING AND STYLE IRON

Enhanced with intelligent T3 digital SinglePass® technology, the SinglePass Luxe is designed to work in just one pass. An internal microchip controls temperature fluctuation and maintains even heat for optimal styling. Signature T3 Tourmaline® plus ceramic plates deliver a shiny, frizz-free, silky finish, while StyleEdge design features flexible beveled plates and a contoured body that glide smoothly, creating versatile styles from sleek looks to soft waves and curls. Digital SinglePass technology maintains consistent, even heating along the plates, which is the secret to one-pass styling and long-lasting results without exposing hair to unnecessary heat. When heated, the unique T3 Tourmaline plus ceramic styling surface emits negative ions that seal the cuticle, eliminate frizz, and deliver shiny, long-lasting results. Key benefits using this straightener are frizz elimination, voluminous creation all the while straightening and smoothing your hair.

3. AVEDA DAMAGE REMEDY™ RESTRUCTURING SHAMPOO

Gentle shampoo with quinoa protein helps repair and strengthen damaged and chemically-treated hair. Aveda's own pure-fume™ aroma with certified organic bergamot, mandarin, ylang ylang and other pure flower and plant essences maintain a delightful fragrance and at the same time keeping my hair frizz-free and super silky smooth.

4. AVEDA DAMAGE REMEDY™ RESTRUCTURING CONDITIONER

Conditioner with quinoa protein helps repair and strengthen damaged hair, while naturally derived conditioners help provide intense detangling and leave it smooth and soft. My hair has never been healthier since using Aveda 'Damage Remedy™' hair products!

5. AVEDA DAMAGE REMEDY™ SPLIT END REPAIR

Leave-in treatment instantly repairs split ends, and helps prevent future splits from forming. Formulated with nangai oil, this powerful treatment attracts the separated ends back together, helping to smooth and seal hair fibers. Repair lasts through your next wash and helps prevent future split ends from forming.

If you're looking for haircare products & tools that are not only efficient for everyday styling but also help repair your hair rather than damaging it, then look no further. T3 Micro & Aveda 'Damage Remedy'™ are perfect for you! You can shop the products down below or through the links from this post. Stay tuned for a fun new look coming very soon. Think LA Streets mixed with Breaking Bad... !

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE PRODUCT

T3 Micro Featherweight Luxe 2I Dryer, White/Rose Gold

T3 Micro Single Pass Luxe Professional Straightening and Styling Iron, 1 Inch, 21.0 oz.

Aveda 'Damage Remedy(TM) Split End Repair

Aveda Damage Remedy Restructuring Shampoo - 8.5 oz.

Aveda Damage Remedy Restructuring Conditioner - 6.7 oz.

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

NYFW AW17 – Events

February 25, 2017

Last NYFW post! I'm sharing with you guys some highlights from the many events I attended last week. Let's start with one of my favorite annual New York Fashion Week events with ShopStyle, a super fun social event for bloggers and influencers where you can borrow great pieces, we're talking designer-label clothes, shoes, bags, and more accessories, to style as you wish or just to wear around town during fashion week! Check out my picks from H&M and French Connection I chose to style in this post HERE.

On top of this, there was also an illustrator who did sketches of many fashionistas (I opted out as the line was too long for my liking) a Gigi New York pop up where you could get a monogrammed envelope and even a photo session with a photographer out on the terrace with the NYC skyline as a background.

Now, let's discuss the 'REAL' highlight of my time at NYFW last week. You see, I'm normally quite self-conscious when it comes to meeting those I admire. But my new career in the world of blogging has greatly helped me build the courage to always just GO FOR IT. If you truly want to meet someone, my belief is mind over matter. It'll happen if that's what you want, deep down. Call it fate, but I don't think we are all just floating around waiting to bump into each other. I feel you meet people for a reason.

I met a few famous bloggers, such as Heidi Nazarudin (@theambitionista) and Jiawa Liu (@beigerenegade) pictured above, and both were incredibly kind and down-to-earth! But the one blogger I literally lost my sh*t over, was the one and only, Chriselle Lim. She is my idol and has made such a tremendous impact on my life. I heard about a pop-up she was doing with Thakoon and even though I really wanted to meet her, I was too chicken to go alone. So after filming a YouTube segment at a nearby hotel for a new up-and-coming app, my new friends encouraged me to go, giving me the moral support that I needed, they joined forces with me! I was so nervous and kept trying to remain cool, calm and collected but the moment we met, tears started to come down in buckets! I apologized profusely trying to gain my composure but it was too much for me. Chriselle has helped me through very difficult times in my life most have no idea about, and for that, I'm eternally grateful for her. I could go on and on about how amazing she is, but she is such a true inspiration and just being able to tell her face-to-face what she has done for me will mean more to me than anyone could ever imagine. AND she was SO genuine - nothing about her is fake! It was such a heartfelt moment, I will never forget this meeting!

The same night I met Chriselle I also attended the photo exhibition party of Luka Sabbat's 'Hot Mess' at Milk Studios, an intimate but POPPIN' event and that basically culminated into a rager that night. It was one of the dopest parties I've been to in a while. The young creatives' endeavor drew A-list guests like Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, Pusha T, A$AP Rocky, A$AP Ferg, AlunaGeorge, Tyler the Creator, Cardi B, Mickey Boardman, Virgil Abloh, Heron Preston, Larsen Thompson, JunglePussy and Kerwin Frost among others.

I also attended Stylinity's event at Lulu Frost, which showcases GORGEOUS, decadent jewelry and vintage clothing. Veronica Webb, famous model & actress (who's 50 WHOA & from Detroit like myself) made an appearance to talk about her experiences and advice in the realm of blogging, which was insightful, funny and fresh. I learned a lot from listening to others and she was full of wisdom, humor, and strength. Number one lesson? Always keep it real and remain true to yourself.

Which brings us to our last event with Lifetime's, 'Women Behind the Seams' at Milk Studios. Photographer, Christelle de Castro's portraits of many women behind the scenes during fashion week, such as Tziporah Salamon, who was one of Bill Cunningham's favorite muse, showcased the faces behind many doers, muses and makers that don't get as much recognition as other may get in the fashion world. And I thought this to be wonderful. I hope you guys enjoyed all my NYFW content! Would love to hear from you and what you'd like to see more of next season! And stay tuned for more upcoming fashion & beauty posts this week! Have a lovely weekend. :)