Babushka Chic

March 27, 2019

The word, ‘babushka’, has its origins in Russian and means, ‘grandmother’. It also makes reference to the manner in which ladies in Russian, use this type of scarf, covering the head and knotting it under the chin. The last reference was taken to name the famous, ‘Lady Babushka’ who was suspect of recording the Kennedy assassination while wearing this garment. A trend that has come and gone, from Audrey Hepburn to the film, ‘Thelma & Louise’, to the Queen of England and even A.S.A.P Rocky, the rapper, has kept this style alive, even breaking boundaries which is something I definitely enjoy doing. And I really wanted to style this in a great setting instead of the usual street style photos we sometimes take. So continue reading to see the complete shoot along with where to shop the pieces in this look today!

I love a good rib-knit dress in a cotton blend. This one is great for spring. Small stand-up collar, short sleeves, and slits at sides, it’s movable and very comfortable. Since the the weather is not quite springlike here in New York yet, I layered the dress with a faux fur coat with contrasted cuffs to bring out a more Russian-feel to the look. I even wore sheer nude tights to also keep with the overall mood of this outfit. I also mixed with the stripe print with an animal one, as snake print anything is super hot in trends at the moment. Don’t worry, they’ll still be around this coming fall/winter as well.

These snake print booties are awfully comfortable too! Super sleek pointed ankle boots featuring exposed zip and sock style fit, you would think 4.5” in terms of heel height would be too much on the feet, but they’re so well-fitted, like a glove, makes it easy to walk around in. I wouldn’t say this if you’re on your feet all day, but for an afternoon or evening will do just fine. I like my shoes to be practical.

So I’ve mixed in animal print with stripes. You’d think I’d stop there, right? Nah. I love playing up on the beauty of print and patterns. There’s something about pushing boundaries like I mentioned earlier in today’s post, I find that when you do, in terms of fashion & style, you can really find out if these rule-breakers work or not. I wore a blue and white floral scarf around my head, a standard must in a babushka chic outfit. :) This scarf in the post is not intended to be a headscarf and is no longer in stock so I linked a very similar one that can definitely be intended for a headscarf/headwrap.

Other accessories featured in today’s look are a luxe burgundy crossbody bag and gold statement earrings. I hope you enjoyed this more stylized editorial shoot! I am working on doing more of this kind of content, but it takes more time, therefore, a longer waiting period. What did you like the most about this babushka chic look? The headscarf? Coat? Perhaps, you’re wanting to see a trend/concept on MaQ + Suz that you haven’t seen and would like to? Drop your messages down in the comment section below!

LOVE & XX’S,

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10 Ways to Be a Badass

March 25, 2019

Normally when one thinks of a badass, one doesn’t usually come across an image of myself but more so along the lines of ‘The Terminator’, ‘Rocky’… even Lara Croft. Or perhaps a pick-up artist or someone who is all about getting ‘ripped’. My physique is petite more than anything else. But it’s what you carry on the inside that truly resonates who you are. So after my birthday weekend, I had some reflections as to where I am in life and who I really am as well. And I can assure you, I’m one hell of a badass for many reasons. So continue reading to learn more on ten ways to be more of a baddie in your life as well!

1. STOP GIVING A FK ABOUT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK OF YOU!**

As a trained figure skater, I was criticized on a daily basis (and then some) which became part of the norm in my childhood. Good and bad, the latter proved to toy with my insecurities for years. But what it has also taught me is discipline, perseverance and most importantly, the only competition that I’m up against is with myself. Do you really think, with the career I’m in now, that I’d have any real fighting chance if I spent my days trolling Instagram worrying about other people and what they think of me? I’d never leave the house! So throw caution to the wind in this case - once you really don’t care about what others think of you and are only worried about yourself, it is forever life changing. And yes, a complete badass in doing so!

2. TAKE ACTION IN SPITE OF FEAR

We are human after all, we all become afraid of many things throughout our life. But it’s how we manage that fear is what counts. To lead an exciting life, one must be open to new experiences. Jump with a leap of faith instead of waiting for something to happen. You just got to go for it, remember that you are uncomfortable because you are simply traveling out of your comfort zone, which is a good thing. Overcoming fears equals personal growth, and badasses are far more capable than what they ever imagined to be. Better to have tried than not try at all.

3. BE COOL TO EVERYONE

Not to say one should be a doormat, but it never hurts to be kind. We are all in this together, meaning we are all going to go down just in different ways so while we’re here we should at least try to be nice to one another. Don’t get me wrong, once a boundary has been stepped outside of its line, I won’t be as cool. But to me, a badass isn’t a ‘mean girl’ or a beyotch with an attitude, but more so someone who is diplomatic, cool, calm and collective throughout many different scenarios. Treat others how you’d like to be treated. The cooler you are to everyone else, the cooler they’re gonna be to you.

4. STAND UP

Whether it’s for yourself or someone else, do it for the right reasons. Not for an ego boost. When you see someone being taken advantage of, abused, or wronged who may not have the strength to stand up for themselves, do whatever you can to help. Don’t go getting yourself into situations you can’t handle, but if there’s any opportunity to fight some sort of injustice before you, stand up and do something about it. Rise up for yourself because if you can’t do that, you’re not going to be able to help others either. But you’ll never regret doing either or the other!

5. SAY NO

Of course, it’s important to learn when to say yes but I believe it is even more important to learn when to say no. And rather frequently. You can’t please everyone, and even if you tried (which I have in the past) you will never win over everybody. Quickly saying yes to everyone and everything will consequently have you lose your focus and dilute your power. Be selective, take time in your decisions, and definitely be down to say NO AF. Lol.

6. STOP TALKING, AND START DOING

If I have to endure one more conversation amongst ‘bloggers’ as to what I have in store for summer plans, future content ideas, etc; I’m going to die of exasperation. Less talk, more action. Like a writer, don’t tell me… but SHOW ME. One of the best ways to stay stuck in your life is to constantly talk about things and never take action. If you want to really change your life or achieve a big goal, then commit to being someone who takes big action and does something about it after rather than the other way around. It kind of coincides with #1 but it’s all about delivering what you plan on doing. GET IT DONE!

7. KEEP IT MOVING

Life will try to beat you down, others will try and take what you have, and your own mind will tell you that you’re not good enough, but… guess what? The world doesn’t revolve around you and you have to maintain at not relenting. Don’t give up. Keep plugging away at it and go after it single-mindedly. Don’t let anything get in your away. Remember why you are doing what you’re doing and don’t let go of that.

8. ADAPT

Stay on your path and trudge forward with big strides, but be flexible and adapt to the conditions of the road. If you want to make the universe laugh, just tell them your plans. Things will go awry. If you’re too rigid, life will feel like it’s against you, so sometimes you got to adapt a little and go with the flow. Be like water, not cement.

9. FOLLOW YOUR GUT

It’s there for a reason, and believe me when I say this, it knows much more than you do! ;) If someone or something feels wrong to you, or a project just doesn’t feel right…listen to what your intuition is telling you. There’s a good chance that it’s right and you should at least consider what is going on. Don’t have a knack for it, or so you think? Meditate, take long walks, do things that will open your inner compass and guide you to do what is best for you.

10. KNOW WHO YOU ARE

We all have different sides to ourselves, but more so of what we project to the outside world, and then who we are - as in… who we really are deep down inside. In my profession, it’s easy to just think I’m this or that, depending on what’s in a person’s ‘about me’ page, outfit, tweet, and then some. None of this makes a person. What’s in your heart and what actions you take definitely take hold over who you truly are as a person. And it’s all about being able to look at yourself in the mirror every morning and be very accepting with yourself. Because if you can’t even face yourself, how do you really know yourself? Be happy knowing your true self, a badass at heart all the way!

LOVE & XX’S,

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The Best Revlon Hair Tools for Every Day Hair

March 18, 2019

This post was sponsored by Revlon Hair Tools as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Many of you have asked me about my go-to hairstyles. In partnership with Revlon, I'll be sharing my two most common go to's - straight and slightly curly. Both are great for everyday styles, along with day-to-night. I like my hair to be easy-going with my busy schedule, as I don't have that much time to style my hair every day. I'm only using Revlon hair tools in this post - continue reading to learn more along with seeing the final looks!

The first hair look is the straight-style one, using the Salon Copper Smooth 1.5” Flat Iron. Featuring advanced copper ceramic plate technology for ultra-fast results with less damage, it will leave your hair with silky smooth and shiny results. You can also adjust the heating temperature, which is perfect for different hair types! I love using the Revlon XL paddle brush before styling my hair with any heated tools. With IONIC TECHNOLOGY® infused bristles this hairbrush helps dry hair faster while still retaining moisture and reducing frizz. This brush is great for longer hair. I also normally put in some sort of heat-protected serum before styling my hair as well.

The second look for tousled curls, I used the Revlon Salon Advanced Copper Ceramic 1” Curling Iron. Featuring professional high heat, this fast heat-up curling iron reaches salon temperatures for fast styling and glamorous curls that last. Perfect for all hair types as this too has temperature adjustments. 5 settings to be exact! It literally took me less than twenty minutes to go from straight to this! Do you guys see the difference in texture and movement, while still maintaining that glossy shine?

So if you're looking to update your hairstyle routine, Revlon Hair tools has what you need! All products are available at Ulta. I've linked them within the post for you to check out. Which style do you prefer more on me, guys? Straight? Or more wavy/curly? Thanks for stopping by! Got a hair-related question? Drop them down in the comment section below! xx

LOVE & XX’S,

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Magenta and White

March 12, 2019

Coming at you with a double blog post from yesterday and today! Feeling hella inspired, more than usual, as if things are finally coming full circle and it’s really starting to make a lot of sense! I'm cooking up a storm in terms of creative content - so please keep your eyes peeled for special projects coming up this year. I can’t wait! Today’s post is a casual chic pant suit with a sporty twist. I’m also playing on a mixture of fabrics along with a simple, yet uber cool and trendy hair style. Who else is a hair clip fanatic like myself? I have to refrain myself from entering stores supplying these because I’d be hoarding them around all over the city, ha ha! This outfit is perfect for Easter Sunday (if you’re slightly a rebel and aren’t a prissy gal) a brunch date with the girls, or even a museum date with your man. It’s screams spring, but not in a corny way. Come take a look! :)

Would you believe this flower hair clip was from 2010 and for one of my dear friend’s wedding? I was one of her bridesmaids and wore it for the occasion - and even after almost ten years after, I still like to wear it from time to time. It’s kind of bridal hair wear, but I kept my hair with unpolished, tousled curls to help balance the modern parts to it. I was going to style it with more bobby pins, but felt it did just fine all on its own. Of course, I can’t find the exact piece as they’re no longer in stock, but below are an assortment of hair accessories similar to this style!

I played on different fabrics when it came to the pant suit. Most pant suits come as a set, but I mixed and match the whites. The white blazer is texturized with pearl detail at the pocket. The white paper-bag pants are made of a cotton and linen blend. I could also totally wear these pants on the beach, but as you can see, they’re also quite practical for this casual pantsuit look. The other main color aside from white that went into this outfit is magenta, with the velvet top and athletic sneaker.

What’s your favorite part of this look? Are you a fan of mixing fabrics like myself? I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s post! For more spring outfits and beauty favorites, along with more editorial work geared up for the future, subscribe to my blog to stay up to date with everything! You can also follow me on Instagram, which I’m rather on frequently ;) Wishing you a great rest of the week! Happy (almost) Spring!

LOVE & XX’S,

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LFW AW19 Outfits

February 26, 2019

Happy Tuesday, guys! My roundup of all my London Fashion Week outfits are now live! Come take a look where I am still mixing a ton of prints along with staple British pieces such as the classic trench, more punk vibes on Day 3’s look, a vibrant look reminiscent of tomato juice and even a crisp, all white look! A lot of outfit focus for London were accessories, such as western boots, hats, sunglasses and cute, unique handbags such as a bold yellow piece along with a croc lantern bag. Come take a look along with STL (shop the look) with direct links to everything. Unfortunately many items on me have sold out! If you’re looking for something in particular, drop me a message in the comment section down below (at the end of this post) to find similar items, more than happy to link ‘em for you upon request. Wishing you a great rest of the week! I’ll be having my monthly beauty roundup soon along with more up and coming spring trends/looks! xx