Riviera Bardot Chic

June 12, 2019

WEARING: NUDE BODYSUIT | JEANS | HAIR SCRUNCHIE SCARF | PEYOTE BAG | TAN SANDALS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY CLOSED, ATELIER DES FEMMES AND LE PARMENTIER PARIS BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

When I think of French Riviera style, I right away think of the 50s with classic, iconic stylish women such as Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Jane Birkin. Breton stripes, straw bags and hats, wrap blouses made of lace and cropped trousers. A mix of nautical and Parisian chic. So I wanted to style this look that’s timeless, elegant yet casual but with a modern twist. I played neutral colors with a strong mustard yellow shoulder bag and gave the outfit a Bardot-feel with a hair scrunchie scarf that’ll spruce up any summer hair style in a jiffy. Continue reading for full visual story along with direct links to each piece from this look.

The Peyote Smooth Leather Shoulder bag w/ Bow crafted in smooth genuine Italian calf leather, brings a twist to minimalism with its updated take on a winged silhouette that goes from day through to fun nights. Featuring a flap closure, straight lined bow detail on front in tonal or contrasting colors, adjustable detachable shoulder strap and gold tone hardware detail, is quite the distinctive bag. You can get your Peyote bag from Forzieri. Use the code name: SUZANNE15 for 15% OFF on Le Parmentier bags collection at forzieri.com valid until July 4th. When I thought about what color scheme would work best with such a bold color, I knew that less would be more.

Featuring a plunging neckline with twist knotted detail at the front, this nude bodysuit is sexy and super chic for the summer. You can pair it with a midi/maxi skirt, jeans - which I did in this case which are from a super cool German brand called Closed that have been making jeans since 1978! They are known for their trademark quality and I love these new pair of jeans I recently was gifted from their latest press preview. The blue cotton stretch slim cropped jeans feature a mid rise, a waistband with belt loops, a button and zip fly, a five pocket design and a cropped length. I love how the hems say ‘pedal pusher’ to those that want to hem their own jeans. It’s cute.

The tan slip on sandals are a dupe of Saint Laurent’s Woven Leather Sandal Slides. Since I’m not willing to spend $600 on a pair of sandals, these come in a similar style at only $35. I think the color goes well with the tan bow detail in the bag along with my skin tone. I wore a bold red-orange lip with not much else makeup to keep with the minimalist style. The polka dot scrunchie scarf is a luxe reinterpretation of the 90’s scrunchie. It looks equally as good with a low ponytail as it does with a messy bun. Your hair will definitely have Brigitte Bardot vibes. Woohoo, put Riviera chic on the style agenda!!

LOVE & XX’S,

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Pink and Blue Ombré Dress

June 10, 2019

WEARING: PINK AND BLUE MAXI DRESS | BLUE MULES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY GGB BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

One of my favorite types of dresses for every season, and especially during the warmest season of the year, are maxi dresses. They look flattering on all body types and there’s so many different patterns, prints, and materials to use for this type of dress. Ombré - the gradual blending of one color hue to another, usually moving tints and shades from light to dark. This multi colored ombre maxi dress featuring accordion pleats, gold halter neck strap, and elasticized open back screams summer. Continue reading to see complete visual story of this cotton candy - colored ombré dress.

This pink and blue ombré maxi dress is available in a variety of colors, such as an orange/red and purple, yellow and pink/orange, and lavender and blue/purple. The dress is from GEEGEEBAE and are $45. Use my discount code SUZANNE for 15% off your purchase from GGB. I don’t recommend this brand to petite women, unless you’re okay with many alterations at your tailor, it’s all good, but if not, try a different brand amongst the many I wear and share on my blog.

The blue mules are from EGO Shoes and matched quite perfectly with the blue part of the dress. The heels are over four inches and are a bit hard to walk in (not something I’d wear all day long) but for the office or even a nighttime outing would be completely doable. They run at about $40 and the brand has a 50% off online sale happening right now you guys can check out here. As always, thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed today’s photos! Until next time, xo.

LOVE & XX’S,

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Alexander Wang Pre Fall 2020 Collection and Beauty Trends

June 7, 2019

Last week I was invited by Jin Soon to go backstage at the Alexander Wang Pre Fall 2020 Collection Runway Show to see what the beauty artists were up to when it came to hair, makeup and nails. As an ode to the pioneers of American sportswear, Alexander Wang took inspiration from iconic designers such as Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren for his 2020 Collection 1 runway show. With the collection broken down into four parts, the last part being Wang's future vision of American design, he also wanted four variated hairstyles to go with the looks. And that’s just hair. Continue reading to see full visual story of the behind the scenes in beauty along with some of my favorite looks from the show.

HAIRSTYLES

The first hairstyle was a very structured '70s silhouette, with two different types of braids. Some of the models had braids (which took up to six hours to create) with a center part. The hair was then saturated with handfuls of L'Oreal mousse to ease the pressure of the braids on the scalp, lock in style, and tame any fly-aways and baby hairs. "Alex wanted a very clean and graphic silhouette," says lead hair stylist Duffy backstage. "There's a Jet cover from 1973 with a [model with a] center part. When you look through documented trends in hair, some of the braid work was so intricate and well-executed. I wanted to celebrate that moment that was forgotten." For the second type of braid, the hair was extended into ponytails and then wrapped with leather to resemble a bull whip. My favorite hairstyle from the show. After waist-length extensions were added, models were given one, two, or three ponytails that were pulled tightly and held in place with Elnett Extra Strong Hold Hairspray. They were then wrapped and braided with leather all the way down — a project that took as many as five stylists on a single model. The level of focus from the stylists were intense. Major dedication to this look.

The second group of models had their hair separated into three sections, straightened, and then finished off with loads of L'Oreal setting lotion. The aesthetic was, "graphic, hard, and shiny," according to Duffy, but Wang didn't want the hair to look too wet or plastic-y either. The third look was inspired by sumo wrestler hair. L'Oreal Extra Hold Gel was applied to the strands in order to achieve an iridescent, reflective sheen and the hair was then fanned out into ponytails. See in image above to the right.

The fourth look matched with the other three looks but consisted of more individuality. Wang “gang” girls, Kendall Jenner, Kaia Gerber, Lexi Boling, Selena Forrest, and Binx Walton, all wore white for the show. To go with this look, they wanted sexy and minimalistic, as if the models just stepped out of water. This is definitely a look I go for during the summer time.

MAKEUP

Lead by makeup artist Diane Kendal, the models were given a subdued look of luminous, glowing skin with a bit of cheek contouring using Nars' Endless Orgasm Palette and Orgasm Liquid Highlighter. Brows were filled in with a "boy-ish" charm to them and the Nars' Orgasm Oil-Infused Lip Tint (insane packaging) was applied to both lips and the tops of the cheekbones for a 90s-inspired, dewy glow. That gloss/glass effect on the cheekbones and eyelids is definitely going to be making a comeback in the next few seasons. I have yet to try any of these products (too crazy to attempt to amidst the chaos backstage) but do use their Orgasm blush every day and it’s my go-to-product for fresh, subtle blushed cheeks. This look is perfect with slicked-back wet polished hair - I think because of the intricacy behind the hair along with the strong statement from Wang’s collection definitely were influenced by the minimal no-makeup-makeup look and it truly works because the makeup doesn’t need to distract from the clothes.

NAILS

The nails were also minimalist, with Jin Soon Choi using four nude shades from her eponymous polish line: Dulcet, Demure, Nostalgia and Muse. "We tried to match a JINsoon nude shade to each model to complement their skin tone" explained Choi. Then, because the designer "wanted a cool, more modernized spin" to the neutral nails, she topped the polish with Jin Soon Matte Maker Topcoat, noting that, unlike many other matte-finish polish formulas, hers is "very satin-finished, not dry. This gives more of a cool, sportswear look," said Choi, “while celebrating each model's individuality without overpowering any of the looks they are sporting.” If I’m wearing a nude polish on my nails, it’s Nostalgia, but I’m dying to trying Dulcet for the fall!

FAVORITE LOOKS/TRENDS

Taking place at Rockefeller Center the show was the first ever held at the venue, and sectioned off to specific clientele along with a quite vulnerable position for public viewing (hey, he’s done it before). In homage to the Holy Trinity from the 90s - Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, Wang feature 4 different looks including his own future take on American sportswear. I loved the bold shouldered blazers inspired from Karan’s collections along with the crazy cool denim, a personal favorite and one that will be sold out in a heartbeat are those thigh-high slit denim skirts. (That' 90s light blue wash is MINE) Definite Klein vibes along with logo tees and even underwear as outerwear. Ralph Lauren-isms like flannel plaid, mile-long suede fringe, and wide-wale corduroy were also spotted on the runway. How good are those corduroy blazers though?! Another detail I spotted were neck ties being used as an accessory on a handbag. Not your typical piece, but I will definitely be re-interpreting this.

LOVE & XX’S,

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May Beauty Favorites

June 4, 2019

When summer hits my makeup definitely becomes more minimal than any other season throughout the year. I usually only wear lipstick and mascara with a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. Just enough coverage, but still light enough for my skin to breathe. In today’s post, I’m sharing my monthly beauty favorites for the month of May, which include my in-between skincare regimens for the summer which does include some K-Beauty as well as other classic brands. I also have a favorite new prebiotic mask that’s great for anyone that’s a city dweller. And it’s fun because it changes color after applying. Continue reading to see more of my latest faves, such as a red orange lipstick and texture hair spray for beachy waves.

CLINIQUE FRESH PRESSED CLINICAL DAILY BOOSTERS

Turn your moisturizer into a de-aging powerhouse. Clinique 's breakthrough day and night Boosters with Pure Vitamins C 10% and A(Retinol) are freshly activated to deliver prescription-level results against visible wrinkles. Simply mix a few pumps with your favorite Clinique moisturizer—Vitamin C in the morning, and Vitamin A at night. Enjoy a potent de-aging boost without changing the moisturizer you love. Everyday, Vitamin C 10% works on skin's surface to instantly brighten. See remarkably even-toned and retexturized skin with continued use. Everynight, Vitamin A (Retinol) penetrates deeply into skin's surface. Overtime, skin appears revitalized, lines and wrinkles 're-filled,' youthful tone recaptured.

GIVENCHY LE ROUGE LIPSTICK COUTURE EDITION IN NO. 304 MANDARINE BOLERO

Le Rouge defines lips with its intense, pigment-rich color. Its feather-light, non-sticky, velvety texture glides across the lips to deliver a semi-matte finish and long-lasting wear. The case features the “scribble tiger” pattern straight out of Clare Waight Keller’s first Givenchy runway show. Use this limited-edition case on all your Givenchy Le Rouge lipsticks. The shade is a muted red orange, the perfect vibrant bold lip for summer.

GIVENCHY PRISME LIBRE COUTURE EDITION

Unify, set, and perfect with Givenchy’s Prisme Libre. Upon application, imperfections appear diminished, skin looks more even, and makeup is set with a lasting, radiant, matte finish. The cap features the “scribble tiger” pattern straight out of Clare Waight Keller’s first Givenchy runway show. Use this limited-edition cap on all your Givenchy Prisme Libre loose powders.

LUNE + ASTER REALGLOW SKIN TINT IN MEDIUM BEIGE

This light-diffusing Skin Tint covers and perfects with ultra-lightweight, customizable sheer to medium coverage for a naturally radiant look. Your skin, only better! After trying this product, I have given up on foundation as well as BB & CC creams. A tiny bit covers those imperfections and smooths my skin tone without looking like a heavy makeup! You can dab on extra to cover specific spots and it does not look cakey like other tinted moisturizers that I've tried before. It’s the perfect formula for flawless skin, while the ingredients help repair while you wear it:

Hyaluronic acid helps to plump and replenish the skin’s moisture level.

Vegan collagen helps to improve hydration and smooth the skin.
Vitamin E helps to hydrate, repair and protect.
Licorice extract helps to support skin's elasticity, fight inflammation, soothe irritation and reduce redness. Consistent use over time has been known to fade dark spots.
Apple seed extract helps to hydrate, repair and protect skin.

COSRX FIRST CLEANSING MILK GEL

COSRX's Low pH First Cleansing Milk Gel gently removes makeup, dirt and excess oil, without leaving behind a greasy residue. Olive oil and witch hazel are added to this silky formula to alleviate visible pores, oiliness and redness. Maintains skin's pH level, tightens pores, and refreshes skin without stripping the skin. I’ve been using it every other day when I do not do a double-cleanse and it’s a great balancer in between.

COSRX CENTELLA CLEANSING POWDER

Mildly acidic cleansing powder is infused with enzymes to gently exfoliate, and centella extract to soothe sensitive skin. Promotes a healthy-looking complexion with youthful radiance. I use it as an exfoliator once or twice a week, especially if I have had several shoots and am using more makeup than usual. They’re also a great travel companion due to its size.

URBAN DECAY PERVERSION MASCARA

So intense you might need a safe word, Perversion glides on and gets you sexy in one stroke. (Yet it won't quit until you say when.)Like a second skin, Urban Decay's ultra-creamy, lengthening, volumizing mascara coats each lash with triple-black pigments and a deeply nourishing ingredient blend - for bigger, blacker, badder lashes. It's sick how black it is...the purest, deepest, most intense black color imaginable. Perversion has a creamy, full-bodied texture that's not too dry, not too wet. This allows just the right amount of ""pull"" so it glides through lashes. The result: Incredible control for insane lashes. Go ahead and pile on coat after coat. Want to apply more before you go out at night? No problem. Even if it's been all day since you applied, more Perversion always means more beautiful lashes. It NEVER gets brittle or clumpy.

URBAN DECAY PERVERSION WATERPROOF FINE-POINT EYE PEN

If you want to nail an eyeliner look that's perfectly exact, you'll enjoy total control with Urban Decay's Perversion Waterproof Fine-Point Eye Pen, a super-smooth, free-flowing pen that draws crazy-precise, waterproof blacker-than-black lines that last all day.The pen's unique cartridge system allows for a constant flow of ink. Plus, its ultra fine tip glides on smooth without skipping or pulling, providing a smooth, controlled application. Easily create everything from fine lines to bold, thick lines. The waterproof formula lays down long-lasting black lines with ink that dries quickly and won't smudge, run or feather.

PEACE OUT DARK SPOT BRIGHTENING DOTS

Using microneedling technology, these revolutionary treatment dots create micro-channels within the skin that help deliver results in half the time of most treatments. Niacinamide, licorice extract, and tranexamic acid work together to visibly lighten and brighten without causing irritation. All dark spots are different—this product best treats dark spots from post-acne inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Now that I’m older it takes longer for an acne spot to clear up, and these brightening dots are doing the magic trick!

PEACE OUT ACNE HEALING DOTS

Zap that zit! These patent-pending acne-healing dots are the only acne treatment to combine absorbent hydrocolloid technology with active blemish-fighting ingredients. Infused with salicylic acid to kick acne-causing bacteria to the curb, they also contain vitamin A to help support natural skin turnover and aloe vera to soothe redness. Hydrocolloid technology extracts impurities while creating a protective barrier that guards against external irritants. By protecting your blemishes from bacteria, inflammation, and picking, these dots also reduce the potential for acne scarring. Whether you're struggling with hormonal acne, whiteheads, or inflamed pimples, your blemish is less red, less painful, and significantly less irritating in as little as six hours.

SGX NYC ‘THE DO-IT-ALL’ 3-IN-1 DRY TEXTURE SPRAY

Tired hair? Revive flat, 5pm hair with this multi-talented dry texture spray. Designed with dry shampoo to instantly add texture by refreshing and volumizing while hairspray provides brushable hold for that that perfectly undone tousled style. I love to use this dry texture spray all by itself on towel-dried/damp hair. During the summer, I’m not as into styling my hair with a blowdryer, curling iron, straightener, etc; that all do so much damage in the long run. So for those all-naturalé days, it’s my go to for wavy, beachy hair.

ALGENIST ALIVE PREBIOTIC BALANCING MASK

Algenist ALIVE Prebiotic Balancing Mask is a transformative mask that re-balances, detoxifies and leaves skin feeling alive and hydrated while enhancing clarity for an even, radiant look. Formulated with a probiotic, and prebiotic from algae, paired with our patented Alguronic Acid, to target concerns that may result from unbalanced surface skin bacteria. Probiotics and prebiotics are good for you ingredients that help balance skin's natural surface ecosystem. Skin is more resistant to pollution and the appearance of lifestyle aging. I use it every 2-3 days and it’s so fantastic! I love how it changes color, as if its really getting down to business and cleaning my face, ha ha!

LOVE & XX’S,

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Blue Floral Halter Summer Maxi Dress

June 3, 2019

WEARING: BLUE FLORAL MAXI DRESS | STRAW POM CLUTCH | WHITE MULES | WOVEN EARRINGS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY WHO WHAT WEAR AND STYLEWE BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

I love to wear blue all-year round, even during the summer. I think the color evokes many different emotions, but there might be certain occasions one would not feel so comfortable wearing a certain shade of blue. Take for instance: somewhere in the tropics. Not the first go-to color, right? But if for example I were to be at a very tropical destination wedding, this is the kind of look I would completely go for. Flirty and effortlessly, it is a dream dress for summer. Even if not attending a wedding, this blue floral maxi dress is perfect for this time of year. Continue reading to see full visual story.

The Tiered Halter Maxi Dress from Who What Wear™ is a floaty printed chiffon with ruffled edging, with a shoulder-baring neckline and dramatic A-line skirt that hits at the ankle. Wear it with a pair of flats for a modern boho look, or pair it with a heeled sandal for an elegant summer wedding statement. I went with a pair of Cult Gaia dupes, these white genuine leather hollow out pointed toe slippers are my new favorite shoes for summer. The heel detail is quite stunning and even though these pair are on sale for only $72 here, they look like they’re worth much more. Are you a fan of duping and if so, what’s your favorite way to do this?

To tie together the rest of this summery feminine look I accessorized with a straw clutch with black pom pom, wooden bangles and earrings with a similar woven straw-like material. I think these materials work well with the mules as well as with the dress. It’s a look I could wear any day, to a wedding, or on vacation at an island resort. Any piece or accessory that can be worn many times in multiple ways is a bonus in my book. Thanks as always for stopping by! Wishing you a great day and even more wonderful week.