Chic Rainy Day Outfit

May 13, 2019

WEARING: COTTON-BLEND TRENCH COAT | NAVY BLUE LACE TRIM DRESS | RED PATENT MEDIUM CROSSBODY BAG | BLACK CHELSEA RAIN BOOTS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ALLISON NEW YORK, ARCADIA BAGS & LEMON JELLY BOOTS BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

I thought the expression went, “April showers bring May flowers” but the month of May has been quite wet in terms of weather. Since it’s the last May showers before summer weather arrives, I wanted to share a rainy day outfit that’s not too casual - because even on the rainiest of days we’ve got places to be and people to meet! And given it’s wedding season, I’m also sharing a two-for-one look with a lace trim dress that’s perfect to wear as a guest to a wedding and other occasions such as bridal and baby showers, this dress is also great for everyday wear. I’ve also found the most gorgeous Italian red patent crossbody bag that won’t have you breaking the bank. So continue reading to see the complete look and also where to shop these specific items, for dry and/or rainy days.

This cute, A-line dress features covered front buttons, lovely crochet lace trim, and a ruffled, flared skirt for a charming feminine look. I think one shade of blue that works well all year round is in fact, navy blue. I think it’s a modest but regal color that’s perfect to wear while attending a wedding or shower of some kind. But I love to be able to wear items on more than one occasion. Which is why this dress is great for that. I styled it for everyday wear to show you its versatility. Fits true to size, it’s the ultimate romantic dress for this season. It runs at originally $185, but I found this dress on Nordstrom marked down half its price at $90! Check out this gorgeous navy blue dress here or down below.

An on trend white sole meets a classic Chelsea boot for an innovative, fresh appearance. The majority of rain boots I see are not very chic, but I really loved these black pair of rain boots. These ankle boot are in PVC, compliant with REACH European health and environmental standards against the effects of noxious substances. With a glossy finish and lemon-scented (literally not joking - I was pleasantly surprised when I first opened the package upon receiving it) these boots do run a little small so I recommend ordering a size up. If you’re a 1/2 size of any kind, I’d choose the next size up as well. These run for $150 but they’re also on sale at Nordstrom for only $80.

Arcadia Laila belongs to the famous “patent print” collection. It’s perfect for an elegant look, but at the same time it’s also fashionable thanks to the double adjustment gold chain. It’s made with a patent print calf skin and it has a customized lock on the front and a comfortable inner zip pocket. I love the bold pop of color from this bag when it comes to this rainy day look. But I’d also style it with an all white outfit or even a black pantsuit. Red always brings life to an outfit, in my opinion. If you shop on Arcadia, use my discount code, ‘suzanne10’ to receive 10% off!

I hope you enjoyed this chic rainy day outfit! Those rain boots can especially be worn during warmer weather, as the material is not as clunky/heavy. It is quite suitable for New York weather, as it’s going to be wet up until Wednesday. One day it is 70 and sunny and the following it’s rainy and 48 - seriously can’t seem to make up its mind, Mother Nature! Thanks for stopping by. Wishing you a wonderful week and a dry Monday ;)

LOVE & XX’S,

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Charlotte Tilbury Review - Waking Up Your Complexion

May 8, 2019

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

Even though Charlotte Tilbury’s skincare and beauty brand has been around since 2013, it wasn’t until this year that I finally got the chance to review the very well known British (now global) brand. I first took notice of the products a couple of years ago while on my very first trip to London. I was impressed with the packaging and quality of each product, but just never got the opportunity to try any of the well-known makeup artist’s brand. Charlotte Tilbury is an award-winning MUA and a British Vogue Contributing Beauty Editor and has collaborated with such designers as Tom Ford and Burberry. A definite game-changer in the beauty industry. So without further ado, let’s get started on some of my favorites from Charlotte Tilbury Beauty!

LIP CHEAT LIP LINER IN PILLOW TALK

When it comes to lips, I always trust a good lip liner to start. That is, after exfoliating and hydrating them puckers. Lip Cheat Lip Liner smooths over lips to create a seamless line, resize, and reshape for a fuller pout. It lasts up to six hours thanks to a no-smudge, waterproof formula that won't feather or transfer. The texture is rich and velvety to layer comfortably on your lips. With a range of 15 shades that can be matched—nudes, reds, berries, and pop colors—to perfect any lip. Wear alone or with a gloss for a lighter finish. I love the ‘Pillow Talk’ shade: a pink nude, which is just perfect for anytime.

MATTE REVOLUTION LIPSTICK IN PILLOW TALK

The lipstick features 3D glow pigments that help lips appear wider and fuller. The matte formula is enriched with Charlotte's secret ingredient and orchid extract to protect and soothe lips for a cashmere finish. The unique, square-angled tip mimics the shape of a lip brush for a precise application. This lipstick comes in a range of 12 shades, including the bestselling Pillow Talk, giving every woman the choice of a perfect nude or pop of color. I love the matte finish and its long-lasting, buildable, and hydrating combination. My new favorite nude lipstick, for sure!

FILMSTAR BRONZE & GLOW DUO PALETTE

Celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury is a firm believer that shading and highlighting can re-sculpt and re-define your face. This iconic bronzer and highlighter duo has the perfect blend of pearl and golden pigments to sculpt and highlight your features. These universal shades are created from a refined golden base that flatters all skin tones. The sculpt bronzer adds buildable definition along the lower cheek, jawline, and sides of the nose while highlight illuminates the top of cheekbones, bridge of the nose, eye orbital area, and cupid’s bow. Visibly slim, sculpt, shorten, trim, and highlight your features for fabulous, red carpet-ready facial framework—this highlight bronzer duo is perfect for buildable and subtle coverage. This all-in-one pressed powder, bronzer, and highlighter creates killer cheekbones and candlelit skin, with the best control in terms of buildable coverage with a price tag at $68.

INSTANT MAGIC FACIAL DRY SHEET MASK

This sheet mask has a clinically proven five-skin solution IQ that reduces wrinkles, smoothes, brightens, lifts and hydrates exactly where your skin uniquely needs it the most for dramatic facial results now and in the future. It features a bio-mimetic vector delivery system, which allows for a prolonged release of actives, and powers them into the epidermis. The dry textile mask is imprinted with active ingredients, unlike most traditional sheet masks that are water and glycerin. The burst effects of this mask last for up to eight hours, and its technology allows skin to get exactly what it needs with ingredients that fill the intercellular gaps to reconstruct skin. Vitamin B3 brightens tone and revives the skin's glow; a plant stem cell matrix lifts the skin and helps to decrease wrinkles; and crocus bulb extract redensifies the skin to support reconstruction and encourage collagen and elastin production. Peptides work together to reduce wrinkles, and magic oils and butters help strengthen the lipidic barrier for a natural, nourished glow. A revolutionary mask that will have all your magic skin wishes come true.

WONDERGLOW FACE PRIMER

Give your complexion an instant pick me up and create an effortlessly dewy look. Wonderglow is formulated with breakthrough light-reflecting microspheres, collagen-supporting peptides, and patented anti-wrinkle ingredients to turn the look of dull, dehydrated skin around in a flash. Its translucent formula blends seamlessly into any skin tone, while light diffusers blur away lines and add luminosity for a flawless, poreless, complexion. Use under foundation or on its own for a sheer coverage, luminous glow. I love to use it both ways, but it will definitely give you that dewy skin look. Like a sun-kissed shimmer of a glow.

MAGIC CREAM

It certainly is not called ‘Magic Cream’ for nothing. This moisturizer fights visible signs of aging on all fronts, supporting natural collagen production and cell energy while fighting free radicals to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It supports natural hydration and elasticity, smoothing the surface and promoting healthy skin renewal. The youth-boosting ingredients lift and transform tired-looking skin. Give that perfect kind of ‘bounce’ you want before applying makeup. It’s a cool $100 bucks but really worth the price for the quality of this moisturizer.

FULL FAT LASHES MASCARA

Featuring ingredients for the ultimate false lash effect, Full Fat Lashes will give you curl, separation, volume, length, and drama.. The five-grooved brush deposits the optimal line of mascara along the lash line, pushing your lashes up and out. It features fine-tipped bristles that catch every lash—no matter how short or fine—coating them from root to tip in the glossy black formula. The buildable formula creates voluptuous lashes that don’t dry up and fall onto your cheeks and a three-dimensional flutter that is ideal for finely separated, naturally-defined eyelashes.

LOVE & XX’S,

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Indigo Shirt Dress

May 6, 2019

WEARING: INDIGO SHIRT DRESS | BLACK BELT | WOVEN NET BAG | BLACK SANDALS

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY JUST FASHION NOW BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

A shirtdress is a style of women's dress that borrows details from a man's shirt. These can include a collar, a button front, or cuffed sleeves. Often, these dresses are made up in crisp fabrics including cotton or silk, much like a men's dress shirt would be. As they are typically cut without a seam at the waist, these dresses often have a looser fit, usually relying on a belt to define the waist. Button fronts and a forgiving fit make this a flattering look for most body types. And a favorite during summer time. Easy, breezy and so comfortable it’s a great piece to have in a woman’s closet. Continue reading to see more of this gorgeous indigo shirt dress along with how I styled it with black, summery accessories.

One of my favorite bags to carry around during the warmer seasons are mesh market bags. Simple but oh-so-chic market bag inspired by the traditional French net grocery bag, these kind of bags can be filled with beautiful things and simple but elegant ingredients - flowers, beach essentials, leafy greens, wedges of fancy cheese, and loaves of bread. French market bags are not actually made in the round but rather in a large square that is then gathered quite closely on the two sides where the handles go and a little less on the other two sides to form the sack shape. This allows for optimum expansion of the bag. Don’t you think the granny smith apples complement with the deep blue indigo of the shirt dress? Plus, I think the mixture of blues is also nice for the spring/summer season.

I wanted a moodier color palette when I styled this dress which is why I went with black accessories. Funny… we did this shoot while MaQ was undergoing many tests and we had no idea what could potentially be wrong with him. I’ve had this black belt for years and the reason why I still wear it to this day is the elastic fabric that really shape a loosely-fitted dress like this one. To keep with the black, I chose a pair of black sandals. These pair in particular a very comfortable to walk in. They’re only $35 and come in tan and white colors aside from black.

This shirtdress comes in a variety of colors such as yellow, ivory, black, green, pink, orange and more. They’re currently on sale at $20 per pop. I love this one in today’s post so much, I’m considering getting more colors. I can style a shirtdress so many different ways, with sneakers, espadrilles, different types of belts, and even unbuttoned as a kimono/cardigan piece. How would you have styled this indigo shirtdress for the summer season?

You can get this complete look at a little over $60. I think all of these pieces are quite versatile and you can definitely wear them more than once, and in different seasons. Thanks for stopping by on the site today! We’re getting back to our regularly scheduled programming (after MaQ) so stay tuned for a lot of new content coming to the blog soon! Wishing you a great Monday and week!

LOVE & XX’S,

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How to Wear a White Blazer Casually

May 3, 2019

WEARING: WHITE BLAZER | BLUE JEANS | BEIGE HEELS | BEIGE BAG | GOLD WATCH

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY YUUL YIE & MAVI JEANS BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Friday, and we’re waiting on the results from MaQ’s ultrasound from yesterday. I’m not going to lie, I’m starting to freak out a bit. I’ve been waiting on the vet’s call since this morning and it’s been torturous waiting. We thank everyone who’s been so supportive, you guys are amazing. Of course, we will keep you posted once we know more. If he’s in the clear, we’re doing some partying tonight. Maybe a pizza party since my pup loves pizza crust lol. But today’s post is a cool and casual look for date night! I’m not one to ever dress up like crazy, it doesn’t feel comfortable for me, and I’m so much into laidback tomboyish looks. So keep on reading to see what this kind of Friday night look is for me and how you can get the look yourself!

This is my most favorite white blazer I’ve ever owned. Unfortunately it’s sold out and I can’t find it anywhere. So I’ve linked similar blazers to achieve the look! And different price points because I know you guys appreciate the range. How would you wear a white blazer for date night? I opted with a cool pair of jeans from Mavi, a soft and stretchy denim with indigo stripes racing down the outseams. I’ve loved this jean brand since I was in college, and are the best Turkish jeans on the planet! So fitting and comfy. You could easily wear this during the day with a pair of white sneakers before slipping into something more festive for dinner/drinks. These YUUL YIE heels are my new absolute fave and fit on my feet like a glove. I find slingback shoes to be very sexy and that pearl detail on the heel is so chic. Definitely will polish up all sort of outfits, from dresses, skirts, pants, jeans - all, really!

I don’t ever normally match my shoes with my bag in a look because it looks too contrived most of the time, but given I’m wearing a white blazer, I didn’t want too much contrast but also not too much white to wash out the look. So I went with a more neutral based color like the beige here in this post, because I felt the color nicely balanced with the jeans and the white blazer. What do you guys think? To bring a little sparkle to this look, I wore a silver statement earring and a bracelet with a gold watch for a layering effect. The watch belonged to my mother and was given as a gift by my father. I only wear it on special occasions but given this stressful week, I’ve honestly been wearing it for good luck. Do you guys have pieces of jewelry like this? I want to know what it is and its background.

I hope you enjoyed this casual date night look! If you have any questions or want to drop a comment - leave them down in the section below. We hope you have a great weekend, and will definitely keep you up to date with MaQ once we know more. Fingers crossed and much love to you all.

LOVE & XX’S,

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How I Feel About Blogging Lately

May 1, 2019

WEARING: OVERSIZED BLACK BLAZER | SKINNY JEANS | BLACK BAG | BLACK & GREEN WATCH | BLACK MARY JANES

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

I’ve been wanting to write this post all week but alas I’ve been quite the mess. My dog, MaQ, even though seems to be his good cherry self, has had some kind of skin infection (or so it seemed) but after a vet visit and the blood work came back, his albumin levels were lower than they should be. So tomorrow we will be going in to have an abdominal ultrasound to further investigate the problem. I PRAY that there’s nothing serious, but given the fact this is the first time my baby is not well (internally) I want to be safe rather than sorry. And in doing so, I’ve been super anxious all week, to the point where I canceled all my meetings, events… everything. I know a lot will disagree, that the world keeps on ticking, but he’s more than just a dog to me. He’s my child and without him I’m not sure what’s left of me. Most have been incredibly supportive (and THANK you for the uplifting msgs/comments/etc;) but what’s been going on with MaQ lately has me thinking a lot about the future, and what that entails of in the blogging world and which direction I would like to take. Continue reading for more on my thoughts on this rather difficult subject and my fears for what lies ahead.

On a daily basis I receive approximately 10-15 invitations to press previews, launch events, and then some where in the start to my career in blogging, I accepted almost every invitation to network and expand my business. But now coming up on four years in August, I am highly selective with my time. Many of these events are to fill the room, as in to make it look like the event is lively and engaging, I get that, and in turn we, as bloggers show up for support and networking abilities but how many times do we really connect with others (business-wise) at an event where nearly everyone is drinking alcohol, bringing their +1’s because they need a hand to hold and gossip with, only to never really be as proactive as one can be during such a place and time. I rarely see strangers starting up conversations, and more so the cliquey groups I detested in high school. Don’t get me wrong, you can connect while boozing, I’m sure, but in all likelihood, it’s not going to happen. Especially when there’s hundreds of people in the room. I’m more about intimate gatherings, or one-on-one meetings where you have a better chance in what I’m talking about. I’m not the type of person who likes to see and be seen. Frankly, I don’t give a shit and would rather be in the comfort of my own home in my pj’s snuggled up with my dog.

It’s also the experience that comes with. I actually hate being called an influencer, because I don’t consider to be one. When you see others talking in selfie form on stories and load after load of unboxings, gifts, press trips, and always THE SAME OLE’ THING, it’s gets old relatively fast. I don’t even like to tell others I’m a blogger because of first impressions. Many have given the blogging label a bad rep, and I hate to have fallen in to that category because I’m far from it. I’m first and foremost a writer. I tend to forget at times due to the very difficult career path and yes, it’s not easy at all. But after being a writer, I consider myself a creative director and stylist who wants to further concentrate my energy into creation - such as fashion editorials, photo essays and more. It’s been a while since I wrote my last body of work, and to be quite honest, I haven’t jumped back on the wagon quite yet because of fear and the pressures of what comes next after writing your first book. It’s terrifying. I do have a number of ideas, but in recent years have lost a lot of confidence, therefore feeling very uncertain about the future. All I know is I definitely don’t see myself posting OOTD’S for the rest of my life, lol. So where do I go from here?

But after the past week with what’s going on with MaQ, it has put many things in perspective. My family comes first, because without them I’m nothing. They mean everything to me, and if anyone doesn’t seem to quite understand that, they can stick it where the sun doesn’t shine. I’m serious. “When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies but the pack survives.” My favorite Game of Thrones quote, it’s the epitome of what family means to me. We are better together rather than alone. I would love to add to our family, but that’s a long story and a whole other blog post alone. And even though it’s my '“job” to share a lot of my life to you all, I couldn’t disagree more. I’m like the Keanu Reeves of blogging. I relish in my privacy. And will keep it that way. Never hurts to leave a little mystery behind.

I’m sure you have heard by now but if you haven’t, Instagram is considering hiding the amount of likes on everyone’s account. And I think this is wonderful. Talk about healthy engagement. Because it never should be about the numbers, but the CONTENT. Is it good quality? Does it tell a story? Does it transport me to somewhere? And I think this idea would be greatly beneficial to the younger generation, where studies have shown the toxicity within social media and how validation plays such a terrible role. I mean, how many times have you felt bad when a post bombed? I know I have. I would like to focus on slow-creation as I term it, where back in the Avedon/Penn days, photographs/content would take a lot of time. Nothing was digital and the appreciation after waiting for the final product was always worth it. Nowadays, we can’t seem to go fast enough. And it’s exhausting, fully saturated with so many doing the exact same concept (YAWN) or even worse, just ripping off one another’s ideas. And yes, everything comes from somewhere but the way we interpret it is key. So I’m focusing on advancing in videography (something I’m good at but hate doing lol) where we can start to evolve our content into something fresh and new again. I will also be taking more focus on my writing,

I used to have trepidations of not staying consistent on the gram. Meaning, if I didn’t post everyday, I was in serious trouble! OMG, how ridiculous does that sound?! I would rather have my audience wait and appreciate the work rather than nonstop photos of outfits, events, etc; where it just gets to be too much and no one can really concentrate on the work, which is most important to me. That’s another reason I don’t post as much on stories either anymore because I find it creepy sharing your every move. And who really cares what you’re having for dinner? Unless you’re a major public figure like Angelina Jolie, you got me. I will keep my presence online, but will definitely not be posting everyday of the week anymore, which I have been doing for several months now.

So, while I have some projects I am really going to concentrate on for the remainder of the year, I would love to know from my readers on what you’d like to see me cover more on my social media platforms. Don’t worry - I will still post, go to (some) events and live my life, but what would you want to see more of? Fashion? Writing on more serious topics? Beauty? Travel? Pet lifestyle? Maybe some crime? Or still maybe a little bit of everything? I would love to have some feedback from you guys to better assess our future content. Thanks for stopping by and reading! Don’t forget to drop your comments down below and chime in on what you’d like to see more of on MaQ + Suz! Until next time, wish us luck tomorrow at MaQ’s sonogram and keep sending those positive vibes! Nothing but Love & Light to you all. xx