Unwinding in between Meetings with Pyramid Solitaire

October 5, 2018

This post is sponsored by MobilityWare but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

I'm always checking in on my emails in between meetings but can never always answer back immediately. What I do like to do after checking in, however, is playing Pyramid Solitaire on my iPad. One of my favorite activities to help me relax along with killing some time includes this game, precisely for its fast turnaround of each round. It is also the perfect mobile game to exercise your brain and keeping you focused. So in today's post, I'll be sharing how to play on the game as well why I love to play this particular game while on the go, or rather, in some cases, while waiting in between meetings.

Pyramid Solitaire is the fastest growing title in MobilityWare’s suite of classic card games. I really enjoy that each game takes just 1-2 minutes, making Pyramid Solitaire the perfect game to play on-the-go and in-between various tasks. Not only is the game app free, but the game itself is also quick and easy, and a lot of fun! Players must clear the pyramid by matching pairs of cards that equal 13. The quicker you finish the round, the more points you'll acquire. Simple enough, straight to the point and a great way to focus on something if you do a lot of waiting around.

Whether it's waiting at the doctor's office, or a work meeting, or even commuting around the city by bus or train, Pyramid Solitaire is the perfect game for those that are always on-the-go and in between all sorts of activities/meetings/appointments. A free online solitaire card game where the player tries to match pairs of cards with a rank that totals 13. So why not download the game today on the App Store or get it on Google Play. Play the game and decide what you really like about it!

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE GAME

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Glenlivet - Make No Assumptions 12-Year Old Aged Whiskey

October 4, 2018

This post is sponsored by Glenlivet but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Spending quality time with my husband is imperative in our relationship. And in 2018, when it's an exciting time to be alive in this world- I need all the help I can get. It's also a time where assumptions and preconceived notions are challenged every day, even when it comes down to stereotype and pre-judged ideas on who and what we are. Which is why I'm thrilled to partner with The Glenlivet, where we're resetting the table and changing it up when it comes to the cast of characters and roles we play, and the people, places and things we choose to enjoy are all up for grabs. Call it equality. Call it modern. Here we call it well overdue.

The image of a scotch whiskey drinker tends to be an older, white, wealthy gentleman calmly sipping a neat glass of the classic brown elixir while reclined on a dark leather couch with a cigar in tow... and this has been the perpetuated stereotype for decades. However, the truth is that scotch whiskey appeals to a diverse array of humans from different backgrounds: like myself and my husband! You'd never think a Eurasian woman and Parisian man would love the Glenlivet as much as we do! And what a fun twist it is to mix up our dates, where even enjoying a neat glass with the bae during lunch break is totally doable in our book.

So say farewell to a time where assumptions and dusty values limit what we can imagine. As the Single Malt that started it all, the Glenlivet are living up to their responsibility and being the first to lead the way moving us forward into an era where both minds and doors are opening. We stand for diversity - I think we are definitely the essence of that as a couple. What are you passionate and proud of when it comes to your partner and what you both stand for? Make No Assumptions with the Glenlivet!

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE PRODUCT

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NYFW SS19 RECAP

October 4, 2018

My NYFW blog post is finally up! This SS19 season I wanted to keep things simple yet fresh. So for my content from this past September I'm sharing 6 favorite looks from each show I attended along with a recap/review of each designer's collection that I saw. Straight to the point without any bells and whistles. Thanks for waiting for this delayed post and I hope you enjoy my perspective on each collection. Let's get started!

A_I_R ATELIER

Eye-catching but understated colors, a mixture of prints such as tigers, bats, flowers, suns, each A_I_R Atelier look was paired with one-of-a-kind accessory from the luxury watch brand, Klasse14. Some items of note - this 'Wild World' graphic tee, floral bomber, and play of different prints both alone and in two.

NOON BY NOOR

The Spring/Summer 2019 collection pays homage to Bahrain, inspired by its desert beauty with its soft sands and palm trees. I've seen Noon by Noor’s work before and they're always creating attractive, fresh and clean clothes that hit the middle-of-the-road aesthetic. Lovely silhouettes - loose and flowing with delicate shoulders, subtle patterns - all in all less always being more in this house. Their blue palette was certainly a fave. Photo top middle corner. Case in point.

LAURENCE & CHICO

You can definitely say Laurence & Chico is over the top. Set at Chelsea Piers Fitness Center, I didn't expect to actually much sportswear from this dynamic duo who are known for their theatrical concepts. This is something I really appreciate because not all fashion should solely be ready-to-wear or haute couture. Fashion should be being able to do whatever your creativity wants itself to do. And what's fabulous (aside from Miss J Alexander's commentary AND walk throughout the show), they offered witty sport pieces there were either deconstructed, reconstructed or repurposed. Really with the now. One inspiration I couldn't stop thinking about when watching this season's show: The Fifth Element's opera singer. I must be really into blue this spring and summer season...

TADASHI SHOJI

Mermaid, starry-starry night vibes with intricate patterns of the galaxy or nature, either or both are universal and powerful in Tadashi Shoji’s SS19 collection. Leaves, fish scales, the universe itself with strong color palettes of neon greens and pinks but also modest blues. I especially gowns and the bottom right most - truly a stunner. Accessories such as earrings and shoes were very on point along with the dramatic sparkly makeup.

NICOLE MILLER

The ultimate cool girl, most adoringly loose-curled hair and smokey eye makeup models strutted down the runway in mixed prints of polka dot, denim, and leopard. Yes, you have heard it here folks, animal print is back ;) And the 80s aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Favorites were the oversized jackets with varsity cuffs and a fully sequined camo trouser with matching T-shirt. Oh, and that the ‘club kids’ danced/walked the finale together and not in the single-filed line. Nicole Miller is indeed, here to stay.

CONCEPT KOREA - LIE COLLECTION

Concept Korea may not be a name that is familiar to many, but its assured use of color - reminiscent of the master itself, Prada, definitely makes it one to watch. The dress I wore to the show (shown here from my NYFW SS19 Outfits) was from their FW18 collection. When I went in for my fitting, I instantly fell in love with the hug of the fabric and ruffles of the plaid print. Different, fun - just like me! Favorites was the army green trench and other mixed plaid trench. As you can see, heavily into trench coats. the concept of the Spring/Summer 2019 collection was ‘Perfectly Imperfect’. The designer, Chung Chung Lee wanted it to say that women do not need to be perfect and that their imperfection already has a perfect personality.” The perfect combination of intense detail, soft colors, tailoring, and athleisure style, in my opinion.

CHROMAT

The models came down the runway literally dripping in water. Playing on the idea of the beach cover up Chromat flipped the script by adding transparency, weblike netting, and cropped silhouettes to this concept. But what makes Chromat is not just the clothes themselves, but more so the message that is being sent out in the fashion industry: And that is inclusivity. The ongoing dialogue about the human form that play's out in Chromat's collection was definitely acknowledged in the SS19 show. Body positivity, gender fluidity, and disability rights—Becca McCharen-Tran's shows serve as more than a showcase for clothes, as she was one of the first designers to recognize these subjects and I'm all for it. Hip hip hooray!

MARINA MOSCONE

Held in Willem de Kooning’s former studio and residence near Union Square, Marina Moscone is the first designer to use this space for an event as such. A serene space with enormous archways, chipping pastel doors, and giant water lilies painted on the walls set the mood. Models breezed through the rooms and gave editors and buyers an up-close look at their raw-edged silk dresses, fluffy hand-knit sheaths, and gently molded Basque tailoring. Moscone said “unconventional women” of the ’60s like Natalie Wood and Penelope Tree were her muses this season. They were instrumental in bringing a new, less-traditional kind of femininity to the era, one that merged glamour with a touch of eccentricity. I really dug each garment’s flexibility and the way certain looks such as the chunky sandal can and will be worn at black-tie events. Favorite was the black cocktail dress in bottom left hand corner. Simply divine.

TAORAY WANG

Considered the “queen of suits”, Chinese designer Taoray Wang stayed true to her brand, showcasing a mix of traditional and trendy styles. Pastels, plaid and a pop of color intertwined within Taoray Wang’s trademark tailored structure. Merging East and West, dressing that global business lady and oozing with feminine power, independence and confidence: Wang’s SS19 presented a flower bursting into bloom, very much a blossom-blush inspired collection.

TIBI

Hands down probably my favorite show for every NYFW, it was a true pleasure to attend the show for the first time this season. Play on suiting mixed with resort accessories such as beachy sandals and sunnies was the ultra-coolness of the collection along with a few male models strutting down the runway. (Perhaps Tibi will launch menswear in the near future?) What I truly love about the designer, Amy Smilovic, is her innate attention for supercharged, statement-making colors, in particular for the SS19 collection, the palette merged “sun-bleached” pastels like lemon, baby pink, and lime with bolder pops of orange, cobalt, and raspberry. Truly a match made in heaven. It was definitely difficult choosing my favorites for this one - I loved the ENTIRE collection!

DENNIS BASSO

The Dennis Basso SS19 collection takes global women on an amazing journey from sporty and carefree to glamorous evenings. Pale pinks and baby blues are mixed with red and cream and a statement of black and white for a feminine and chic color palette. A variety of crisp fabrics such as organza, gazaar, and canvas create interesting shape and structure throughout the collection. Summer furs are also incorporated with sable, Russian broadtail, mink, and fox. The collection also includes feather touches and intricate hand embroideries. Favorite looks? Top right (HI pockets) and bottom middle (HELLLLLLLLO jacket) LOLOL

HAN WEN

If you haven't already heard of Han Wen, you're going to want to pay attention ASAP. The 24-year-old designer recently unveiled his Spring/Summer 2019 collection, a summertime wardrobe "for one's journey through life, love, and remembrance," per the press release. The collection was inspired by a story from the designer's mother's life, he explained: We imagine a young bride, called away on business to Europe for the summer. Her days are spent working tirelessly to advance her professional career. On weekends, she explores foreign cities and cultures, all the while chronicling her adventures in letters and postcards to her young groom, waiting anxiously for her to return home. Each look in the collection carries with it a bit of that story—soft feminine lines, warm hues, and delicate map illustrations. Check out my post here to see a shirt I wore by the designer to the presentation.

SUZANNE RAE

Suzanne Rae Pelaez’s Spring output was crafted from a youthful worldview informed by fairy tales, Hollywood films, and the punchy colors of Crayola crayons. With her vintage dollhouse sitting at the center of her Chinatown studio and daughter Ella playing alongside models dressed in cheery shades of pink and lavender, Rae Pelaez set an exuberant mood. The clothes were as smile-inducing; cropped suits in floral jacquard with transparent overlays of tulle with cross-stitching that resembled circuitry were cute and inventive, while bows adorning trousers, belts, and even shoes added an unapologetically girly touch.

Want to see more from any of these SS19 collection from NYFW? Continue onto my Instagram page where under my highlights you will find each finale walk in my NYFW sections. What was your favorite out of the ones I attended this season? If you had to pick one outfit of your choice, what would it be? Stay tuned for my London Fashion Week content, coming up next!

LOVE & XX’S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Fall Makeup Look with Bobbi Brown

October 1, 2018

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOBBI BROWN.

My favorite season is here! Crisp air, leave foliage and everything pumpkin, your girl is a little too excited for it all! Fall makeup is supposed to be subtle but with a touch of the dramatic. Some classic favorites? Black eyeliner, rich red lips, and overall warm tones. I've been wanting to create a look that's not too difficult to do but at the same time, also super gorgeous and still quite natural. Think of a very underplayed smokey eye with a cherry autumn lip and some gold highlight glowy-ness. Which is why I'm thrilled to partner with Bobbi Brown to share this fall makeup look with you guys! Continue reading to learn about every single product we used to achieve this look along with a quick fun makeup video!

When I met Analise Traficante, the Bobbi Brown BDA & Brand Ambassador at Bloomingdale's in SoHo, during NYFW, I knew we had to work together! She and I instantly connected and along with her talent, her personality is what really drew me to her. Filming didn't even feel like work, but more like two girls just hanging out in our bedrooms (like teenagers) playing around with makeup. When I gave her my vision of the look I had in mind, she instantly got me. Say no more, she went with a very subtle smokey eye with hints of dark brown and purples along with a gorgeous rusty red lip and highlight to boot.

We used one of my favorite illuminating powders of all time: The Nude Finish Illuminating Powder from SS16. The warm, gold tones are perfect for transitioning from summer to fall makeup, plus I think warmer highlights for olive skin is more flattering than cooler tones in terms of overall skin complexion as well as hair (but we can talk about hair in a whole other post.) The color we chose for lipstick shade is called, "Burnt Cherry" in Bobbi Brown's newly launched Luxe Matte Lip Color Beauty. These luxurious matte lipsticks feature oil-infused powders and pure matte powder pigments that deliver full coverage, a comfortable, lightweight feel and 12-hour high-impact color.

Skin prep also included products from the Bobbi Brown line, such as their hydrating eye cream which has CHANGED my life. If you're looking something to rid of those bags, this magic potion in a jar IS IT! We also moisturized with face cream as well as a primer before setting in the foundation and concealer. Other favorites as well are the Perfectly Defined Long-Wear Brow Pencil in Dark Brown, the Perfectly Defined Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Chocolate Truffle, and the limited edition Camo Luxe Eye & Cheek Palette - A modern spin on iconic camo that features six matte, metallic and sparkle shadows for multidimensional eye looks, plus a light-reflective highlighting powder to instantly illuminate skin—all in one versatile palette.

I've added direct links to shop this fall beauty look in the top and end of this post, so feel free to check these items out! Remember, some items are limited edition, so you should take a look now rather than later. Got a question about this makeup look? Drop yours in the comment section down below or come find me on Instagram! Special thanks to the wonderful Analise for her makeup wizardry, you are amazing! Check out her Instagram here as well (@misstraficante)!

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Illuminating Powder SS16

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Totes Cirrus Rainboots

September 25, 2018

This post is sponsored by Totes Cirrus but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

How many times have you tried on a pair of rain boots and absolutely didn't care for them?! Whether they're too clunky or too heavy for your liking, there are a lot of rain boots out there that are not comfortable at all. Well... look no further because I have found the most darling pair! You'll no longer dread taking rain boots out of the closet, trust me when I say you'll be singing in the rain, literally in these! Continue reading to see what all the fuss is about.

This year, Totes is launching a new brand called Cirrus that is as comfortable and lightweight as it is durable and protective during wet weather. Totes Cirrus Rainboot is made with Everywear™ technology, which makes them 60% lighter than other boots and every bit strong and durable. They are tough as boots, light as clouds. And not only are they completely functional, but these rain boots are also super chic! I paired them with a long blazer of a similar navy blue color and voila!

Totes Cirrus Rainboots also have a variety of colors and sizes. They also have them as ankle rain boots. Also available for children! Why not check out this affordable rain boot line for the entire family? Available at Target and here. Also, use my code, ‘CIRRUSLOVE25’ for 25% off your purchase!