Pardon My Fucking French

WEARING: NASTY GAL GRAPHIC TEE | NA-KD FASHION LEATHER JACKET | 
 MAVI TESS JEANS | FOREVER 21 RETRO SUNNIES | 
TELEPORT SHOES BOLT BOOTS | LEVI'S BERET

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY NASTY GAL, MAVI JEANS AND TELEPORT SHOES. 

Parlez vous francais? Today's post is all on edgy Parisian style. This is totally me. As you guys know, my favorite part about styling is mixing it up and trying things outside the box, even pieces you might not even consider to be your ultimate 'look' but there's nothing more comforting than knowing your own unique take on fashion and then putting together an outfit that you'd not just wear once, but over and over again. So without further ado, pardon my fucking French and let's get down to what I'm wearing in this fierce look! Also, continue reading to learn more about some of the brands I've been wanting to partner with for the longest time and it's crazy to think that they're styled within this post! So... don't miss it, you definitely want to be checking this out!

I'm so excited to be working with Nasty Gal! They've been one of my favorite brands since forever, and to be able to style one of their pieces within my content is just surreal! They've created a collection of (p)unny uncensored graphic tees and of course being an Aries, I instantly gravitated to big, bold red font on a simple white T-shirt. My personality is quite unfiltered as well. I swear like a sailor and call it like it is. Not afraid of my voice let alone how opinionated I can be as well. So I found the 'Pardon my fucking French' tee to be fucking awesome! What do you guys think, would you wear something like this out in public? Obviously not to a job interview... ha ha!

When I was in college (and yes that was a while ago...) I discovered a jean brand with Turkish roots and had the most incredible and softest touch to their denim. Mavi Jeans is not just top quality (I had a pair that I wore for over ten years before I finally parted ways with them after literally splitting the seams with my big booty Judy!) but the comfort level is so legit, I never wanted to take them off! These pearl-studded skinny jeans are so fun and can go with so many different tops! This pair comes in at $128 (plus tax) but is so well worth the price. I find that once I got older, I was way more into investing in top quality staple pieces to my wardrobe because it's better for the environment and keeps your closet at a minimum when it comes to space - and us New Yorkers have so very little of it! 

I can't say I've ever owned a pair of red boots before but these Bolt boots are just the right amount of lightning red for any Aries girl. If you remember from my last fashion post with the metallic silver boots, these red ones are also from the same brand, Teleport Shoes. Teleport has established its origins in the heart and soul of Los Angeles. They design for today by perfectly juxtaposing celebrated elements of the past and present. Feel electric in these new red leather Chelsea boots. The lightning bolt elastic gore detail will add a little edge to any outfit. They're amazing to walk in, even with a -inch heel.

I styled the look with some retro sunnies from Forever 21 and my favorite beret from Levi's. People are always so surprised to hear that the beret is from Levi's the brand, but I just consider it a lucky find and of course, why wouldn't it be fab? (Clearly, a lover of Levi's LOL) I recently attended a private event to the launch of Givenchy Beauty's Le Rouge Liquide lipstick collection and their new lippies are to die for! I actually combined two lipsticks into one to give it a berry ombre look, I went for colors N-107 Nude Velours and N-412 Grenat Alpaga - what's amazing about these lipsticks is the functionality. You can go bold or soft with just a twist! The soft matte liquid cream gives you a blur-effect yet a hydrating luminous set of velvet lips!

SHOP THE GIVENCHY LE ROUGE LIPSTICKS

I ate one of the props straight away after shooting. It was early on a weekend morning and we walked with the pup for a couple of miles before getting the shots. I could eat bread all day, every day. Who's with me on this? Of course, this isn't healthy but who said anything about that?! Just kidding, seriously though, why can't bread be our friend?My favorite part of this look though is MaQ, of course. I always have so much fun shooting with him and I think he does too. He is very trained to sit and hold a position, we've been doing this since he was a pup! I used to pose him unleashed in front of street art and people are still amazed at his ability to sit still and look so happy while doing so. He's the best model, I swear! He even knows when "it's in the box"... meaning we got the shot. He literally walks away like a diva, convinced we have it and that's why it's a wrap! Ha ha ha!

LOVE & XX'S,

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Modern 50's Housewife

WEARING: CHICWISH DENIM PENCIL SKIRT | FOREVER 21 BLOUSE | NA-KD LEATHER JACKET | 
ODETTE & ODILE WHITE SUNNIES | NINE WEST LOAFERS | STEVE MADDEN TIGHTS | 
PAUL'S BOUTIQUE LONDON MIKA SHOULDER BAG | UO BLACK BANDANA 

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THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY CHICWISH & PAUL'S BOUTIQUE LONDON. 

Hey, everyone! I'm sorry I've been MIA on the blog this week. Sometimes life takes a toll and you just gotta deal with it. After a week from hell with both work and personal struggles, I have come to the notion that when it rains, it freaking pours. I decided to not over-do it and to take it a bit more easy this week, hence only posting twice on MaQ + Suz. Luckily it's been a rather slower week and I didn't have as many deadlines as I normally do, so I guess there's the silver lining in that. In today's post, I'm digging into more about the recent struggles I face as someone who is in the creative field, and why I'm a bit concerned about where it is all headed. It's like this outfit - everyone being modernized, 'updated', renovated, etc; and yet in terms of politics, sociological aspects and more, we're still living back in the damn 50's. Even in this digital world. Continue reading for more on what I'm talking about along with where to shop this 'Modern 50's Housewife' look. 

A couple of weeks ago I filmed a campaign with Innisfree, the #1 beauty brand in Korea and now available in the U.S., talking about beauty care, our environment, this upcoming earth day and just a couple things #IGiveASheet about - click here to watch more. Reasons I bring this up, (aside from shameless promoting) is because I am grateful for all the opportunities that I've been given. I have never imagined I'd even get this far in my career. I work hard, am professional, and just want what everyone else wants: To be happy and to be able to do what I love, which is to create. But the constant changes in the digital world is making my head spin on top of other things going on in my life. I'm tired of hearing about how everything is changing for the better and that the new economy is the only way for this better change. I have friends moving along in life having babies, job promotions, glorious vacations, and I'm still slaving away day-and-night just to catch one little break. I'm willing to sacrifice life choices over my love for what I do. I don't need the money or fame - it's about the acknowledgment of someone's time and effort in their work along with their character. The reason I create is to inspire you - to make you think, feel, and change your mind and heart about many things. 

Whenever I get into a creative rut, I always go back to the same question. "Why did you start in the first place?" The answer, which to my dismay from several other bloggers within the community answering as such: Money, power, and/or fame has never been mine. Would it be nice to live more comfortably and not stress out every day about finances and such? Absolutely. But it makes things more difficult when more and more brands/companies aren't willing to fairly compensate you for your time, energy and work. Even global brands (which yes, they have the budget) will come back and say they don't and the only compensation they can offer is in exchange for products. (The new exchange in commerce.) I even had one collab offer this week where the brand wanted me to travel and pay out of my own pocket (on top of the collab being non-paid.) We're talking over 3 hours of commuting, not a subway ride away. I graciously turned it down. Now don't get me wrong. I'm thankful for every opportunity I receive, but when it comes down to real-life... it certainly won't pay all the bills. I can only sell so much product and for a fraction of the original price. Or a brand will want a test-run to 'see how things go' before moving forward. This is understandable. You want to know what you're getting yourself into and if you're going to be a match. But it should be about working towards something and not instantly getting what you want and then bowing out. 

Should brands/companies be paying for numbers of followers, likes, etc; or for the quality of the work? I'd say both, but I'm more of a believer in quality over quantity. For example, which is often the case, every concept creatively is refurbished, recycled, yadda yadda yadda, so nothing is ever really fresh and new anymore. (In the grand scheme of things.) A company may feel that because of this, it's more important to gravitate towards the numbers because that's where the consumers are at. Wrong. A micro-blogger can reach specific demographics other big names cannot. But... if it's content they've seen before (and they have half a brain and actually read a book once or twice in their life) you won't get a bite and they'll just keep scrolling. NOW, I'm certainly not saying I've never been inspired by past photo shoots, art and such, but I have never tried to replicate anyone's work. To me, it's downright insulting and really shows your lack of creativity. Be original. Think outside the box. We should be trying to break through barriers, not stay confined in them. And then when you fall into a creative funk, knowing that you're not satisfied with the quality of your work (yes, I'm extremely hard on myself and therefore nothing is ever good enough), it makes the struggle all the more challenging. Some days I think all of this is rubbish and then the next I think I'm actually doing something meaningful in the content that I work so tirelessly for. 

I took some time to think about what I wanted to write today because I was self-conscious at first. I thought, what if a brand or company reads this and then thinks of me differently? I need to stop caring about what other people think because quite frankly they don't! And second, why would I want to work with someone who after reading this post, and because of it judging me in a bad light? Same goes for colleagues, friends, and then some. I don't want to be working with anyone like that, let alone be associated with them. We all deserve to be collaborating with those that not only appreciate your efforts but also wants to build something together because you both believe in something, whether it's a concept or personal growth or both, it should be with love and positivity and support. Not ways of jumping through hoops in hopes of climbing up that ladder a bit faster than others. Why can't we remember that it's not the destination in life, but the journey? Name a legend or icon that became instantly famous and remained that way. NONE. They worked for years before a big break. And the blogging world is incredibly tough. It's competitive, cut-throat and downright stressful with all the job 'descriptions' of what we do that comes with. I write, produce, edit, shoot, film, meet and greet, brand, travel, forget to eat, sleep, and take care of myself, all the while trying to maintain some sort of balance in my personal life as well. It's easy to say you want to grow authentically, but with the surmounting pressures in the industry, the difficulty to act is not the same. 

I'd rather authentically grow at a slower pace instead of sneakily participating in what are now, 'hidden giveaways', where bloggers are doing these giveaways under the radar where no one can see them (in secret groups and such) where they used to blatantly put loop giveaways into their feeds to instantly gain more followers because of the contest of winning free items (you know, a MacBook, an iPhone, etc; my eyes are rolling and are in pain at the same time just typing this) -what a crock of SH*T. (Don't even get me started on buying followers, likes and comments {and more}) That's why you see 'influencers' going from 20k to 40-50k overnight. It has nothing to do with the content they produce. It's all about the free goodies they're presenting to the world. And what's sadder? They lose nearly all of them once the giveaway is over. Oh, did I mention that in order to participate in the giveaway you have to BUY your way in? And I'm talking two to five hundred dollars, all for a few thousand instant followers. See my point here? And this is only one of the many scary examples as to why I'm frustrated with the business I'm in. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for giving back and have conducted some giveaways here and there, but then I remember what my main goal is for MaQ + Suz and it's certainly not giving away free crap just to gain a bigger audience. Also... if you call yourself an 'influencer', you're probably not an influencer at all. #sorrynotsorry  

My message is simple. I only work with those that believe and appreciate my work. Otherwise, I walk. Life's too short and if it's a gig that you think will compromise with your brand, just don't do it. I consider my blog my first-born child (aside from the furbaby MaQ), so whatever I feed/nourish it, that'll be the outcome as well. So take care of your baby. Take care of it every with all your might. And hold value into what you present to the world, whether it's yourself or your work, what you project will also be what the universe throws back to you. I hope you found some insight from this post and can relate to my struggles. We all go through it and even though it is my job to make everything look aesthetically beautiful, life is not this way and I believe interjecting real thoughts & reflections keeps my work honest and true. Leave your thoughts on this post down in the comment section below! I always love hearing from you guys! Thanks for the extra love lately, too. You're all too kind! Have a wonderful weekend. Catch up again soon.

LOVE & XX'S,

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NYFW AW 18 Outfits

DAY 1

WEARING: MKT STUDIO RED LEATHER JACKET | VIP SHOP PLAID WIDE LEG PANTS | CHLOE BAG
H&M TURTLENECK | GUCCI BELT | ACCRUE KANDINSKY SUNGLASSES | FOREVER 21 BURGUNDY BOOTS

SHOP THE LOOK

DAY 2

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK BURGUNDY FOX FUR COAT | CHLOE BAG | LEVI'S JEANS | 
FOREVER 21 BURGUNDY BOOTS | ACCRUE BONNIE SUNGLASSES

SHOP THE LOOK

DAY 3

WEARING: NA-KD FASHION LEATHER JACKET | SAKU NEW YORK LACE TRIMMED SLEEVE KNIT TOP | 
SAKU NEW YORK WIDE LEG PANTS | CHLOE BAG 

SHOP THE LOOK

DAY 4

ROSEGAL DOUBLE BREASTED PLAID TRENCH COAT | THACKER NYC BOYFRIEND SHIRT | 
VAGABOND HONEY JAKARTA DENIM PANTS | STELLA MCCARTNEY OVERSIZED GLASSES | 
BRAHMIN MELBOURNE CROSSBODY | KOIO CAPRI BIANCO SNEAKERS

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DAY 5

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK COLOR BLOCK LONG WOOL IVORY COAT | WHO WHAT WEAR™ SWEATER | 
GENUINE PEOPLE BELL BOTTOM CROP JEANS | EGO METALLIC BOOTS | 
MAD-STYLE PEARL MULTI RING CHOKER | ACCRUE BONNIE SUNGLASSES | 
DRESS LILY FRESH BLUE CROSSBODY BAG

SHOP THE LOOK

DAY 6

WEARING: MKT STUDIO JUMPSUIT | ZAFUL STRIPED JACKET | ASSEMBLY NEW YORK BLACK COAT | 
ALLES BAGS FRINGE BUCKET | EGO BOOTS | DIOR GLASSES | FOREVER 21 BELT

SHOP THE LOOK

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Satin, Leather, Denim and Springbok

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

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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,

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