Pepper Lady

July 16, 2018

WEARING: ELLY PISTOL BOMBER | TOPSHOP SHORTS | EGO BOOTS | 
SMALL THINGS EARRINGS | FOREVER 21 SUNNIES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ELLY PISTOL & SMALL THINGS.

It's a fresh start to a brand new week! And it's time to spice things up! Pepper is the symbol of spice and excitement. And in today's post, I'm sharing a relatively new clothing brand based in Stockholm, and their athleisure wear is literally the bomb! One of my favorite pieces from the collection is this edgy, fun Pepper Lady bomber jacket. It's the perfect new addition to my Fall wardrobe! Continue reading to see how I styled the bomber in a fierce, summery look with ripped denim shorts and over-the-knee boots! What does it mean to you to be a 'Pepper Girl'?

Pepper Lady has a super strong orange lining and just like all Elly Pistol jackets you can easily roll up the arm sleeves to show off even more of the orange goodness. The bomber comes in a completely new design with quilted arms only, and color blocking on the rib both in front and on the back. Stretchy rib on arms and waist gives you that super comfortable fit. There are large chunky metal zippers in silver, 4 pockets- 2 in front and one on each arm sleeve. The jacket includes our popular Elly Pistol arm tag in rubber, that can easily be hooked off and placed anywhere you can possibly imagine. Use it as a bag accessory or keychain. Whatever floats your boat. Use my discount code, 18SUZANNE10 and gives 10% off everything on their website.

To keep the style super-edgy, I paired it with black denim shorts and all-black over-the-knee boots. The floating pearl double hoop earrings are double the trouble! These modern, geometric earrings with front and back hoops and orbiting pearls are artfully created for a minimal, chic look. I also styled my hair halfway up and tied it with a thin black ribbon. I found the ribbon and pearls to bring a tiny bit of feminine features in the overall edgy look. My retro sunnies are from Forever 21 and less than $8!!! You can get them directly here.

And of course, what girl isn't complete without her beloved furry companion?! What can I say, I just love my boy to bits! He is the best. Fun lil' tidbit from behind the scenes: MaQ literally walks offset when we have the shot. He's our cue to know when it's a wrap. Ha ha! And it's hilarious because when we check the photos, he is right everytime! I think after awhile, having taken so many photos with me around the city, it's become second nature to him. It's truly amazing. We will have another Q&A up next month. Would you like a video Q & A? Blog post and/or both? I'd love to hear feedback from our readers! Wishing you a great week!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?

March 20, 2017

WEARING: ELEVEN PARIS BYSCOOB T-SHIRT | VAGABOND HONEY JAKARTA DENIM PANTS | 
EXPRESS SUIT JACKET | BOTTEGA VENETA LOAFERS | JILL-E DESIGNS SMART TABLET PURSE | 
LINEA PELLE STUDDED CHOKEN | 80S PURPLE FALA ROUND FRAMED SUNGLASSES

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY LUV.IT AND VAGABOND HONEY.

Today on the blog I’m showing you how to style a simple graphic tee with a collegiate vibe! This look is perfect for this temperamental weather that won't fully click into Spring just yet! (Even though it's the first day of spring... :::eyes rolling:::) With one of my oldest suit jackets I styled the Scooby-Doo t-shirt with ripped boyfriend jeans and loafers to give a casual chic look. I'm really digging the fit and comfort of the jeans. They're from a cute California boutique called Vagabond Honey and I love the boyish tone it brings to my look. To also bring a school-ish feel to my outfit I also accessorized with my Jill-E Designs smart tablet purse bag, a pair of retro shades and this cute choker I found to be so fitting with the t-shirt.

The choker is cute and gives the look a tiny edge while keeping it cool and laidback, and with my partner in crime, MaQ, no less, this is really one of my everyday looks for Spring! A lot of you have been asking about him, and I know you are missing him in action so I HAD to bring him in for a little feature of course (more dog content coming your way in early April), and short, adorable story: If MaQ had the voice of one character, I always have believed it to be Scoobs. I think every pet owner comes across this thought and has one person in particular for the part. Ha ha ha! I know it sounds silly, but I know it's true! He sends lots of bbo boo... MaQ has learned how to kiss in Korean! ;)

I got the Scooby-Doo tee, studded choker and the sunnies (all for under $75 together) from a shopping app called Luv.it, which I’ve previously written about them in this post. The app features smaller brands that you wouldn’t normally find at department stores, such as this graphic Scooby-Doo t-shirt which is from a brand called Eleven Paris or these amazing tortoise sunglasses from 80s Purple. I love how the app has a strong mix of styles from higher-end brands to middle and lower. I love combining the different 'hierarchies' of brands if you will, so Luv.it is definitely one of my current favorite fashion shopping apps. On the hunt for some new Spring and Summer pieces? Be sure to download the app at the iTunes store and follow me @suzannespiegoski.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

North Polar Bear London Winter Wear

November 26, 2016

WEARING: NORTH POLAR BEAR SWEATSHIRT | NPB PIN |

NIKE REVOLUTION 3 RUNNING SHOES IN BLACK | TASC LEGGINGS | DIOR SUNGLASSES

SPONSORED POST IN COLLABORATION WITH NORTH POLAR BEAR.

I hope (to all it applies to) had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Last year I showcased our dinner with tips & tricks on how to make a good ass turkey. One would know as I've been making our Thanksgiving dinners for the past nine years! Yes, that means a whole turkey and all the trimmings. You can take a look at that post here. I would also love to hear if you missed seeing our spread this year! In all honesty, I've been so busy with work I didn't have it in me to do a post on it. I definitely have a holiday recipe or two coming up on the blog soon though. :)

We also kept it pretty quiet this year, didn't travel and stayed in New York. I love to cook on Thanksgiving and had one of our dear friend's over, but if you know me, we're not too big on the holidays. We do celebrate but we certainly don't go crazy. (If you do do that, please don't ever stop - I love you just the way you are!) I also discovered the cutest new luxe minimal wear from East London that's been keeping me awfully cozy and casually chic at the same time, especially around this time of the year where the colder season is kicking in!

North Polar Bear is a small business clothing & accessories company based across the Pond, but from it's packaging, delivery service, to even the quality of the grey pullover I received is absolutely amazing! The 100% organic cotton sweater is soft to the touch and extremely comfortable to wear. I didn't want to take it off! And I simply adore the minimal but cute geometric designs of NPB logo, straight down to their pins. NPB also carries other high-quality accessories such as mittens (totally obsessed with them), and now Christmas stockings! For other great holiday gift ideas and pieces from their collection, click here.

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

How to Take the Best Pictures of Your Dog

October 17, 2016

WEARING: LASSO DOGS LEASH & CAMERA STRAP | UNIQLO DOWN VEST | 
BDG JEANS | CHIC ALLOY MATTED SUNGLASSES |
NIKE REVOLUTION 3 RUNNING SHOES IN BLACK | LULULEMON RUN WITH ME NECK WARMER

Happy Monday! I've been working hard on creating the best content I can for you guys! I'm booked up solid until the end of the first week of November with new upcoming stories, as overwhelming and crazy as it's ever been, I cannot wait to share everything we have in store for you! From more fall looks to even a special feature interview, today we're covering how to take the best pictures of your dog! Here are 8 tips on making this somewhat challenging task more enjoyable for everyone involved. :)

1. CARRY HIGH-QUALITY EQUIPMENT

This goes without saying. And I'm not talking technical equipment such as the camera or lens, but other factors that need to be considered when doing dog photography. Like a 100+ pound wolflike dog that will need a good steady leash in between takes, which is why I use Lasso's rudder leash and matching camera strap. What's great is the customization options Lasso has - you can choose length, size and colors for each. I went with a 36 inch camera strap because of my small petite frame, but you can choose from a selection of lengths. Same with the leash. And I can't forgot about footwear and eyewear. When photographing MaQ, I will always be in sneakers. My go-to pair for the past year are the Nike 3 Revolution running shoes. And recently, I've been obsessed with the Chic Alloy matted sunglasses. If I can't see and/or move for photo shoots, we might have a problem. :)

2. PERFECT TIMING

I'm not talking about f-stops or shutter speed, but more about being in tune with your dog's energy and vibe. Looking for a regal portrait? Draining your dog's energy with exercise before the shoot can help you and your dog be in a more calm, relaxed state. If you're opting for more action shots, the photo shoot itself will provide the exercise! Save that energy for this kind of shoot. This also goes with trust and training. It has taken a lot of time and work to get MaQ to pose the way he does. Our bond is undeniable and it shows in our pictures, but when people ask me how I get my dog to be so still and focused in photos, it's all on training, timing and dedication.

3. DECIDE ON YOUR LOCATION/BACKGROUND

Will you two be in a park? Or on the streets of a bustling city such as ours in this post? Being prepared comes in handy when shooting with your furry baby. Know what to bring for certain settings and environments, such as warmer months of the year, carry water to stay hydrated. Extra batteries never hurt either. The more aware you are of your surroundings for a shoot will only better your comfortability and chances of getting the shot(s) you really want. That's where the magic really starts to happen!

4. KEEP SETTING/ENVIRONMENT NATURAL & RELAXED

It's important to get your dog used to the sights and sounds of his surroundings as well. And it's even more crucial for you yourself to try and stay as calm and relaxed as possible. I try to stay away from squeaky baby-talk or shouting uncontrollable things to my boy during a shoot. Calling his name once or twice is usually enough, though sometimes like a teenaged kid, his attention span lessens and I have to get a bit more firm with a 'watch me' command. When he hears this, he knows it's time to stay focused. And he is ready to please. All in all, the goal is to always make any experience a positive one. One that is fun & engaging for both of you!

5. TAKE A LOT OF PICTURES

I've always believed in out of the ten times you're trying at something, doesn't matter what it is, you may get one good bite/hit/whatever word you would like to insert here to describe it. This also applies in taking pictures. The more you take, the better chance you'll have in getting those amazing shots. Candid ones are the best in this type of scenario. And the more time you spend with a camera, the more you will learn and grow in the process.

6. TURN OFF FLASH

In my opinion the best form of light is natural sunlight. It is perfect for pet photography too. However, if you really need to use a flash, especially indoors, try to use an off-camera flash and turn it upwards so the light's bouncing off the ceiling and not your dog giving them demon eyes. Ha ha ha!

7. GET YOUR DOG'S ATTENTION

Stock up on dog treats and toys! Positive reinforcement also brings an overall positive experience. Each time you reward your pooch after getting the shot(s) you want, makes the time spent together an awesome one. How can you get your dog to look straight into the lens of the camera? Bring their favorite toy or treat and hover it over the camera to entice them. For example, MaQ, like many German Shepherds, has an extreme high level of ball drive, so we use his all-time favorite Chuck-It ball for photo shoots. He could focus on that ball all day long. This is a great way to get their undivided attention. :)

8. GET ON YOUR DOG'S LEVEL

Literally meeting eye-to-eye with your dog will help them see you as an equal, that it's not an alpha moment but an experience to share together. And a good one at that! By also doing this, you can think outside the box in terms of angles and composition as most think to photograph their pet from above first. So get ready to get on the ground and perhaps get a little dirty... trust me it'll be worth it! ;)

Sponsored post in collaboration with LASSO & DRESS LILY.

photos + videography by Gilles Decamps & Suzanne Spiegoski

Our latest pet lifestyle video, 'How to Take the Best Pictures of Your Dog!' 8 Tips + Full story on the blog at www.suzannespiegoski.com and to get more info on the featured leash & camera strap go to itslasso.com photos + videography by Suzanne Spiegoski & Gilles Decamps Be sure to Subscribe for new videos every week http://bit.ly/21XFK0K

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Tapout Workout

September 23, 2016

WEARING: TAPOUT PRESTIGE BRA, TAPOUT PRESTIGE CAPRI, & NIKE RUNNING SHOES

As much as I love going out and meeting new people, there's nothing better than spending quality time with MaQ and getting our sweat on! I'm not a gym rat, never have and never will be. On the other hand, I've always been an extremely active person. When it comes to staying physically fit, I have my years of figure skating to thank. Not only did it keep me in top shape I was aware of the discipline it took to stay that way, and since then I haven't changed.

I love to make working out a fun thing. I love to take a dance class here and there with some of my girlfriends or go rollerblading over at the East River bikeway with MaQ. I like to go running when I'm having a really shitty day. Even doing random pull-ups is in my repertoire if the opportunity presents itself! Random fact: I was one of the best in the state of Michigan for pull-ups (chin-ups) when I was around 11 years old. I can still do them, but not as many when I was younger, which was roughly 15-20 at a time. Crazy, huh?

Walking nearly everywhere (within reason) in the city is also what keeps me burning those carbs. And talk about a money-saver! I only take cabs or the subway if it's more than a half hour walk. Or if I'm in heels for the evening. Otherwise I enjoy taking the alone time to walk to an event or get-together. It clears my head and I'm always left refreshed and rejuvenated. Plus, I usually give myself a treat after a longer walk such as a pastry or a cup of coffee with a ridiculous amount of sugar and hazelnut-flavored sweetener. Okay, sometimes maybe both... Maybe. ;)

For the first day of fall, we shot my new favorite athleisure wear from Tapout. I'm wearing the Prestige Bra in Black & White and paired it with the Prestige Capri in Black. The bra itself has a great amount of support and unlike some workout bras I've worn in the past, this one proved to be breathable and comfortable at the same time. My favorite little details are the mesh panels on the pants that are behind the knees. They actually provide exceptional ventilation. You can shop the look down below or just follow the links above. Also, use my discount code 'SUZTAP20' for 20% off your entire purchase from 9/23 (today) to 10/9.

Wishing everyone a relaxing and enjoyable weekend! I'll be working on the blog but will also be seeing one of my closest girlfriends who's in town for work the next few days. I'm super excited to catch up! I just love her!

Sponsored post in collaboration with Tapout.