The Remaining Days of Fall

November 24, 2018

Hi, everyone! Hope you guys had a great Thanksgiving filled with good company, good food and all around good vibes! I always keep it low key with my fellas as my husband and I don’t really have big families, we enjoy the time spent together and with a few of our closest friends. I really savor the times spent with the pup, being that I’m busy 24/7, it’s so nice to cut myself off from the online world and just be in the moment with the two most important people in my life. Now that we’re gearing into the holiday season, the leaves are falling and the winter chill is taking its course. So I wanted to get in a few more photos of the beautiful foliage along with playing in the leaves with MaQ - he literally goes nuts for them! Continue reading to see more of the photos, where to shop the look, and why my dog is the cutest German shepherd in the world! ;)

FIRST: Can we talk about how warm and snuggly this teddy coat is?! AND it’s only $40! It’s such a bargain because with the right layering, you can wear this all winter long! Seriously, I paired this with a denim jacket and scarf in 30 °F and was so cozy outside! And anything neutral during the colder months is a good thing - makes it for easier styling among many of the fall/winter colors. Plus I think anything in the neutral palette looks good on so many skin tones and hair colors! Plus the two front pockets and folded over collar are also some of my favorite features in a rocking overcoat!

Now you know me, to go with a cute coat, I love to amp it up in the accessories department with a good statement bag and watch! This chic crossbody bag crafted in Italian Embossed Croc and Pebble Grain leather can also be worn as a shoulder bag and you can double the strap for a shorter length. Front open flap has a polished gold lock closure that’s super luxe and polishes it up to be a fabulous day or evening bag with the classical sophistication. Which way did you like the way I styled this bag the most?

This rectangular two-hand dial paneled in lustrous mother of pearl and semiprecious stone is the focus of this elegantly striking watch. Hand-assembled with Swiss and imported materials right in Detroit, Michigan, the refined style is anchored by genuine alligator leather for a luxe finish. Given that I was raised in Detroit, I’ve already grown to be quite sentimentally fond of the watch. They have other styles as well, with this particular design, but they also carry other well-sized luxury watches. Check them out at www.gomelskywatches.com

These sneakers are from Kenneth Cole and honestly are the most comfortable pair of kicks I’ve owned in a few years. They’re the perfect stylish sneaker for all-day wear and even cozy enough for travel. I always wear them on flights. They’re on sale at Macy’s for less than $60 and are totally worth the price for their quality. I love them so much I’ve already gone through two pairs! I guess I’m the kind of gal that when she stumbles upon something she loves, she’ll stock up on it! Haha.

LOVE & XX’S

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I Lilac Like That

November 13, 2018

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY W. CASHMERE.

Happy Tuesday! I’m back at it with another color clash when it comes to fall/winter colors! You guys really seemed to dig the last one on blue & pink (Link here) and since I’ve been loving it myself, why not?! :) So without further ado, let’s get talking about the color choice of the day, it’s not exactly lavender, nor is it violet, but lilac! And the feature of today’s outfit post is a gorgeous cashmere turtleneck sweater… in lilac! Come check out how I styled this piece along with where to shop everything.

Meticulously crafted with ultra-premium cashmere, W. Cashmere’s timeless essential is a winter wardrobe must-have. Top off any seasonal look with this modern take on the timeless turtleneck sweater. A contemporary relaxed fit pairs with a classic silhouette and super soft cashmere knit for a luxurious appeal that looks and feels great. Perfect for wearing with anything in your closet, this piece is destined to become your new go-to sweater. And did I mention it’s the softest cashmere I’ve touched to date?!

I contrasted the soft lilac with more vibrant colors such as red, orange and even, neon! But the neon is very subtle with just a pop of it on the side of my favorite oversized handbag. The red Chelsea boots are super comfy to walk in let alone how they look. And the orange is within a leather wristband of a watch, one by a luxury Parisian-brand you all need to know about called Michel Herbelin. I never thought I’d own an orange watch, but how unbelievably chic is this one… can you blame me?

Lastly, I’ve styled this leopard print dress before. But it was across the pond, in London during fashion week. (Link here) During the fall/winter season, I really love to layer and make the most out of my closet. When I had posted a teaser of this post on Instagram last week, many thought it to be a skirt! Layering game success! Lolol. I cinched the cashmere sweater just a bit to give it a more ‘crop’ like feeling, to bring more of a silhouette to my petite frame. Like this look and want to lilac like that? Ha ha! Drop your comment down in the section below!

LOVE & XX’S,

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Satin, Leather, Denim and Springbok

October 31, 2017

WEARING: SATIN ROSES SILK DRESS WITH DENIM SLEEVES & COLLAR | 
NA-KD FASHION WORN OUT LEATHER JACKET | GENUINE PEOPLE BELL BOTTOM CROP JEANS | VVA 
CARLINA YELLOW CROSSBODY BAG | GUESS CARRIE BLACK SATIN PUMPS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SATIN ROSES CLOTHING.

Happy Tuesday and Happy Halloween, everyone! Today's post is dedicated to the art of layering. With fall in full swing, one of my favorite ways to continue wearing spring/summer pieces is by incorporating them into my autumn wardrobe. A great example is this featured piece on the blog today, a white satin dress with denim sleeves and collar. Normally this would be perfect to wear during the warmer seasons, but from the moment I laid eyes on this Satin Roses piece, I wanted to show you how you can style a dress like this from your closet and straight into your fall collection. It's easy as 1-2-3!

Satin Roses was launched in 2016 by designer Amanda Kamhawy. After finishing her education in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Kamhawy began to focus on her own line that she had been envisioning since the age of seven. Inspired by something that women of all sizes can wear and feel great in came Satin Roses. In her quest to always give back, 10% of proceeds benefit will go to charity. Based in New York City, I had met Amanda last month at her preview collection held at the W in Union Square. I was immediately struck by the materials and shapes being used in her designs. Mesh, lace, faux-leather, satin, and more, it's very trendy but also has a decadent, luxurious quality and timeless staple to the collection.

I love the details of the white denim from this mostly-satin white dress. The blush-pink buttons down the front complement with the feminine touch of overall satin. To stay with the material, I paired the dress with black satin heels from Guess. But instead of wearing the dress by itself or with tights, I love layering these type of slip dress with a pair of jeans. These bell-bottom crop jeans by Genuine People is perfect for someone like me who is petite and short. The jeans help elongate my legs and with the heels, it definitely gives me the height I need!

To keep warm, I wore a long-sleeved bodysuit inside the satin dress and wore a leather jacket as outerwear. And then, to give a final balance and finished look, I wore this springbok bag tightly as a crossbody. It's a definite trend, which you will see much more in the next year. What do you guys think of this edgy, feminine fall look? Want to see more of Satin Roses Clothing and the collections? Go here to check it out!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Satin Roses Clothing Silk Dress with Denim Sleeves & Collar

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Running with Scissors

October 25, 2017

WEARING: SAKU MUSTARD YELLOW LACE TOP | LEVI'S 711 ALTERED SKINNY JEANS | 
FOREVER 21 BURGUNDY FAUX LEATHER ANKLE BOOTS | SEPCOEUR PARIS SUEDE DRAWSTRING BAG

HAIR CUT + COLOR: TAYLOR & DAVID ADAMS FROM FOURTEEN JAY & AVEDA.

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY s a k u New York.

Ever willfully act in a reckless, foolish, and/or dangerous manner? Alluding to the literal act of running with a pair of scissors in one's hand, which can cause severe injury, yet for whatever reason, one keeps running around with 'em and that is without a doubt stupid. But why? Most might say, it's easy. You just don't know any better. You like to live dangerously. Maybe you just don't give a damn and don't want to stop. But I don't think everything is that crystal-clear either though. Sometimes you have to dig deeper in search of the answer as to why. I'd say my blatant honesty are those pair of scissors sometimes, and that first cut can be rather sharp. I am fiery and passionate even impetuous at times, especially when emotions are running high. Especially in matters of the heart.

I'm an all or nothing type of gal. I never half-ass in anything I do, if I'm in it - I am all the way, 100%. This applies to all sorts of relationships, either professional or personal. But those very personal ones? I have to be into you. No, it doesn't have to be a romantic relationship, this also relates to friendships, to even companies/brands I work with. The relationship has to be REAL. And it should go both ways, so if I'm interested in them then it should be equally reciprocated. How else are you going to build what you have together? Is there such a thing as mutual interest though? Or is it always one having a little bit more of an interest than the other? I think that's what makes relationships unique and difficult simultaneously. And when you find those rare, great ones, they're all the more special.

On another scissoring-note, the cut of this ribbed top by s a k u New York is my latest fave! The mustard yellow is not a normal color hanging up in my closet and I am completely obsessed with the lace detail on the front and back end of the top! s a k u New York is one of my favorite Korean clothing brands. The designer, Lissa Koo, never plays it safe - as do I - on top of her talent and creativity. And I think playing it safe in life isn't the best approach either. You've got to be a little reckless and wild to be free. Because it will open you up to so many amazing things! So I say run with those scissors from time to time. Just don't intentionally hurt anyone with them.

Do you ever feel like you've got those pair of scissors around you too? What do you do to get them to 'disappear' and have it more 'together'? Is there a way to do that with a fiery and passionate person like myself? Because I'm pretty difficult to tame... and who's to say frankness is such a terrible trait to have? I'm always saying, so long as you're not hurting yourself or others, I'm fine with it. So scissors, honesty, schmonesty - just don't be deliberate in causing pain. I'd love to hear your insights on today's topic! Comment down below and follow me on Instagram for more of my everyday life. See you guys back here on Friday!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

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The Red Scooterist

October 23, 2017

WEARING: WET SEAL RED TRENCH W/ BELT | MAD-STYLE CHARLIE BLOUSE | 
MAD-STYLE CAPRI PANTS | MAD-STYLE COLOR BLOCK LARGE TOTE | EGO NASH BACKLESS ANKLE BOOTS

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY MAD-STYLE.

When it comes to shooting street style in New York City, there are a thousand and one locations to choose from. What can make it fun even after living here for almost twelve years (this coming January), are the random serendipitous moments that still occur while out and about looking for something different than the norm. Initially, with this red, black and white outfit, I wanted to shoot it in contrast to a very minimal backdrop, but when we started to work the photos didn't look right. When I don't feel something when immediately looking at the image, I move on to something else. It's a strange creative vision, and I always can put together what the final image will look like, even before post-production. After walking around I stumbled upon this beautiful red Vespa and thought it would go well with the red light trench in this look. Plus, I knew it was a setting that didn't look like the typical NYC street style background with taxis and skyscrapers, it really reminded of Italy and just knew it was going to be a great location to shoot in in tune with the outfit. So in today's post, I'm sharing my tricks of the trade on how to find amazing locations, no matter where you are in the world and how you can make it look like any setting you'd like.

1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK

No matter where you're located, be sure to do a little scouting beforehand. It's not only going to help you get inspiration from that within itself, but it'll also get you familiarized with your setting and how you want to shoot. Of course, you're not going to learn everything in one sitting so take it in stride and at least pick a few places you're interested in as the location for your photo shoot. Also, in terms of street style, be sure to also do your homework! Don't schlep together an outfit and call it style. Learn the different eras of fashion, the latest trends, and more to get a deeper knowledge of what you're working with and this will help expand your range of locations/settings as well.

2. STAY CLOSE TO HOME

Helmut Newton never really did shoots far from walking distance wherever he was. And he proved that you don't have to travel far and wide to create incredible photographs. I completely agree. Yes, it's amazing to go to places you've always dreamed about and documenting them with your own eyes, but to me, if you can create strong images near wherever you are, that says a lot over those that need exotic and far travel destinations to create "amazing" images. Because let's face it, nowadays with the quality of the iPhone, anyone that travels to somewhere like this will more than likely be able to create a decent picture. So, I feel in order to be good at location scouting, you should be able to shoot wherever, and more especially very close by.

3. DON'T BE AFRAID TO GET LOST

No matter how much content I've created, I will occasionally run out of steam and won't feel as confident about my direction in terms of street style shoots. In which case, I just don't have as much of a detailed plan and will literally take whichever direction the wind takes me. In this outfit, when I happened to run into this cute red Vespa, it was as if it were meant to happen that way. I don't mean to sound cheesy, but you'll feel the magic in the air while creating something more than just a 'snapshot'. I have to say some of my most memorable shoots ended in serendipity so seriously, don't be scared to wander off the grid.

4. CREATE A STORY

And not just any story, a real authentic one. As cute as outfit posts can be, being a writer and someone who is hungrily willing and able to read anything, I crave more than a 100-word post about some fashion blogger's look. Bring a feeling to the table. It can be any emotion you want, but to me, fashion & style has a lot to do with expression and I think it's quite important to exert how you feel, either in words, photos, outfits, whatever you're trying to evoke, it should have the person who's looking at your work feel SOMETHING. Don't be shy to talk more about how you feel about anything! You can incorporate that with looks and locations and make it of more substance this way. I mean, who doesn't love a good story, right?

If you are adoring the Mad-Style pieces as much as I am, use my promo code, 'maqandsuz' to get 20% OFF your purchase from Mad-Style! They also carry a variety of accessories such as jewelry, clothes and even dog apparel! Don't forget to follow me on Instagram & YouTube for more daily content. Wishing you all a great week!