Are You a Katie Girl?

August 28, 2017

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

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,

SHOP THE LOOK

Women's Movado 'Esperanza' Bracelet Watch, 28Mm

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 Backstage with Aveda – Hellessy, Tibi, Public School & Tome

February 18, 2017

HELLESSY

Backstage makeup vibes at the Hellessy AW2017 show at Highline Studios in New York City, Aveda Artist, Janell Geason, used NEW Aveda Petal Essence™ Face Accents in Seychelles Sand (infused with aromatic floral notes) to illuminate and contour cheekbones in a more natural-looking way and NEW Aveda Nourish-Mint™ Smoothing Lip Color in Coral Sands (with a certified organic peppermint and vanilla aroma) to give lips a warm, soft peachy color. Definitely such a fresh, dewy look!

TIBI

Aveda Artist, Frank Rizzieri, created thick, healthy and face-framing hair for the TIBI AW2017 show –inspired heavily by menswear – held at Skylight Modern in New York City. Aveda Thickening Tonic) with a pure-fume™ aroma with certified organic rosemary, geranium, cinnamon) helped expand strands from root to tip, while Damage Remedy™ Split End Repair sealed ends instantly. No matter the length, each model had full and super plush strands. (Not to mention the tonic spray is my favorite Aveda hair product! Keeps my new fringe bangs intact without the hassle!)

PUBLIC SCHOOL

Aveda Artist, Allen Ruiz, created weightless body and volume for the Public School AW2017 show held at a packed Milk Studios in New York City. Aveda Phomollient™ Styling Foam (with a pure-fume™ aroma with certified organic peppermint, ylang-ylang, bergamot) helped make the most out of what each model had already without weighing the hair down. The bigger the better.

Male models received matte texture with a pliable hold from Aveda Artist, Allen Ruis. All-star Aveda Control Paste™ (with a pure-fume™ aroma with certified organic ylang-ylang, clove and clary sage) was worked into dry hair for a loose and piece-y high texture style.

TOME

Aveda Global Creative Director Antoinette Beenders honed in on natural hair textures to create an array of individual styles for the Tome AW2017 show – celebrating confident, strong women – held at Clarkson Square in New York City. Dry Remedy™ Daily Moisturizing Oil was used to instantly add moisture and bring hair back to life. The sleek ponytails and curly styles were then set with Air Control™ Light Hold Hair Spray featuring the Pure-Fume™ aroma with certified organic lavender, bergamot and palmarosa. And one of my favorite makeup looks from this fashion week was their simple white-lined eyeliner. Minimal yet extremely powerful. Just gorgeous!

LOVE & XX'S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

L'Oréal Extraordinary Clay Haircare

January 9, 2017

EXTRAORDINARY CLAY, SELF-PORTRAIT SERIES, JANUARY 7TH, 2017.

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY L'ORÉAL HAIR & INFLUENSTER.

When you think of washing your hair, clay is probably not the first ingredient that comes to mind. But thanks to L'Oréal #ExtraordinaryClay, a hair care trio that includes a 30% clay hair mask, this treatment has become a popular trend. So I was delighted to try these products, especially on my newly-do mane.

You first begin with the pre-shampoo mask, which is what is in this self-portrait series. Please note this treatment is meant for your entire head of hair, from root to end. But because I felt like thinking outside the box creatively within the self-portraits the mask is only shown on the top of my head, though I did do a full treatment after the photos. I'm thinking of doing a lot more work on self-portraiture this year, what do you guys think? Would you like to see more of these photos? Back to the lecture at hand (lol), what does the clay mask do? It rids of oils from the roots and moisturizes the ends, even purifying the scalp.

After shampoo & conditioner, my hair felt ultra-fresh and lightweight. And what's also amazing about the products is it absorbs enough scalp sebum where you won't even need to be using dry shampoo a couple days later, even with bangs! Even a few days later, my hair was still bouncy as ever. This trio line is the real deal. Find more L'Oréal Extraordinary Clay hair care info here. You can also shop the products down below. Happy Monday! :)

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE PRODUCTS

L'Oréal Extraordinary Clay Pre-Shampoo Mask

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Eva Hair NYC

December 7, 2016

EVA HAIR NYC ❤️ OLD NAVY TRAVEL - SIZE COLLECTION: CLEAN UP SHAMPOO | 
SOFTEN UP CONDITIONER | THERAPY SESSION HAIR MASK | ROCK-A-WAVE CURL CREAM |
 FRESHEN UP DRY SHAMPOO | SURF'S UP! TEXTURE SPRAY | MINI-STRAIGHTENER

This post is brought to you by Eva Hair NYC

Happy Hump Day and Happy last month of 2016! Get ready to ring in the New Year with a terrific haircare brand, Eva Hair NYC, based in Brooklyn, New York. Can I just start by commenting on the vibrant and boho chillax feel in their packaging?! This was the first thing I noticed when I received their travel kit sized collection. It includes shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, curl cream, dry shampoo, texture spray, and even an adorable cute mini-straightener.

1. CLEAN UP SHAMPOO

The Clean It Up Shampoo is a daily shampoo that gently cleanses, restores and nourishes hair. With Keravis™ Protein Complex it is scientifically proven for 3X stronger hair. Also containing Argan oil, this feeds hair with Vitamins A & E, Omegas 3, 6, 9, keeping your hair healthy, shiny and smooth.

2. SOFTEN UP CONDITIONER

The Soften Up Conditioner is a daily conditioner that gently moisturizes, detangles and repairs hair. This conditioner also contains Keravis™ Protein Complex and Argan Oil. And the smell of both the shampoo and conditioner are amazing!

3. THERAPY SESSION HAIR MASK

The Therapy Session Hair Mask is a daily or weekly treatment that deeply conditions, repairs and strengthens dry and damaged hair. It is a wonderful weekly hair mask to use and has been keeping my hair moisturized and silky!

4. ROCK-A-WAVE CURL CREAM

The Rock-A-Wave Curl Cream is a moisturizing leave-in treatment that lightly sculpts and defines curls while taming frizz and fly-aways. I simply love this cream because it really helps with my wavy hair. It texturizes but not overkill. Simply smells delicious and keeps those locks hydrated!

5. FRESHEN UP DRY SHAMPOO

The Freshen Up Dry Shampoo is a weightless spray that cleans without water, absorbs excess oil, and adds instant volume - with no white residue (which is kind of annoying, am I right ladies?) The natural rice starch absorbs excess oil and is a gentle alternative to harsh talc or aluminum. Containing Vitamin C & Omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9 all enhance shine while moisturizing and strengthening the hair.

6. SURF'S UP! TEXTURE SPRAY

The Surf's Up! Texture Spray is a weightless spray that creates instant texture and volume, with a dry, matte finish. With zeolite - a natural mineral that builds texture without salt I found it to be very effective in giving lovely beach waves to my hair.

7. MINI-STRAIGHTENER

The mini-straightener is a small but powerful travel iron perfect for touch-ups and styling on-the-go. The 100% ceramic and titanium plates radiate far-infrared heat and lock in moisture for a smooth, frizz-free finish. The added cosmetic bag and dual voltage feature make these the ideal travel companion for instant beautification. And how cute is the pouch?! I love anything iridescent.