My new love // Zara patchwork print blouse

Oh heLLO beautiful!

I mean, I'm talking initially about the blouse but that model is a beaut too.

I won't lie, I had an "Is this cute or ugly?" moment when I first saw this. I mean, the blue to the brown, the shoulders, the print - I wasn't sold when I first picked it up.

But then I put it on.

It was love at first on-my-bod sight.

I don't know what it is specifically that I love most about this. The fabric is gorgeous and extremely lightweight, I really love how the shoulders sit on my own (I can tell now that my posture exercises are actually working), it tucks perfectly, the buttons are just the right size.

Then I had the ever-present do I need this, or do I just want it? Well let me tell you how hard I justified this purchase in my head with my "I don't have anything like this, especially in these colours, and the structure is so cool, and it's a perfect length for my tiny-person torso..." and on and on and my inner monologue kept going - even longer than this horrific run-on, if you can imagine.

So I did it. I went straight to the register, paid for my new love, went home, (had a nap), and wore this bad girl out to a taco dinner date.

It was perfect. So perfect, I didn't even snap a picture of my outfit in the mirror before I left. But, 10/10 would wear again with nice jeans, which are basically the only pants I wear anyway.

I'm fully in love and not afraid to shout it from the rooftops.

xox, 

Suz

POTD // Striped Swimsuit

I went into town way too early for a haircut yesterday, and after a Starbucks pick-me-up in order to make it to opening times, I popped into Zara to take advantage of the zero people inside the store. I've had my eye on this suit for ages and finally had the patience to try it on. I tried on this printed number on as well, and while I loved it, the prospect of accidentally flashing people would definitely be high, so I decided to go for the safer (and cuter) option.

Now we just need a warm holiday planned ASAP.

Until next time.

xox, 

Suz

POTD // Crap Eyewear

I am ridiculously guilty of always wanting a new pair of sunglasses. To be fair, my eye doctor did tell me that I need to wear my sunglasses as much as possible. But considering my birthday purchase of Ray Bans in Mallorca, I couldn't justify another expensive pair of sunnies to my arsenal. 

I've read so much about Crap Eyewear, and these are so similar to the pair that I want without the hefty price tag. Friends, family - if you're looking for a way to save my eyes over the next few months, this would be the perfect summer surprise!

xox,

Suz

Cactus Print // &OS Gent

My favourite parts of the weekend in Gent are the combined desire to go shopping and stay in bed. I always feel extra guilty since Hobson always wants to play on a Saturday morning, so getting up isn't the issue - it's getting out. But considering it takes all of 10 minutes to bike to the centre of town, I can't really complain too much.

Town was, as is usual on the one-day-per-weekend when everything is open, packed on a Saturday so we actually steered clear of the big shopping street - considering it was also the last day of the sales period, we knew my favourites would be absolutely swamped.

After making our necessary purchases (damn cold season means we have to stock up on the essentials: tissues, flowers to make the room pretty, a jewelry holder because I liked it...), and a pit-stop at a BAGEL RESTO (omg I was so excited), we were walking to our bus stop to go home when ya know, & Other Stories just caught my eye. There was absolutely no way that I planned it like this...

And thank God we stopped in because I left with the cutest cactus print dress. Whenever I get those there, I actually always wear them as a light jacket instead since people in the BENELUX area are giants and none of the clothes fit me the way they're supposed to.

I love love LOVE this print - PJ also got really excited since it reminded him of New Mexico. It's the first place I ever lived in the US and one of the vacations we took together to visit my family. And for the absolutely ridiculous price of €22.50, this little baby was mine, and PLEASE mother nature, let me have some warmer temperatures so I can cover my body with this asap.

Hope your Sunday is as relaxed as mine is (aside from my farting puppy)!

xox,

Suz

POTD: Target Deco Box

OK, late to the game as usual, but I love boxes. Especially glass boxes. Especially decorative glass boxes with delightfully cute messages.

How many do I have? None. How many do I need? Well...none EXCEPT THIS BEAUTY from the one and only Target!

Possibly one of the things I miss most about living in Richmond (and the US in general) is Target. That great big bullseye holds the key to my heart and can cheer my up just by setting inside, though I tried it on Black Friday once and am still traumatised.

Any friends coming over soon, consider this your hostess-gift hint. In return, I'll present you with Belgian beer and endless puppy cuddles. 

Enjoy this beautiful Sunday!

xox,

Suz

ASOS shoe sale

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

There's a pretty damn good reason why my friends and family use the nickname Shoezi fairly often when we're out shopping...lets be honest, these trips often end up in a section that make my feet very happy, but my wallet not so much. 

And while everyone has those post-holiday blues, I'm really, really feeling it this year since Belgium has these two insane shopping-filled sale months per year. For people without day jobs its like heaven. For those of us staring at a screen all day it's a less than desired situation to be in.

Which is why I turn to ASOS and all these post-2015 sale stunners. New year, new heels #2016goals! At least I can get my fix somehow...

I've really gotten into strappy heels lately, but especially those that keep my ankles in place. With a pretty bum right hip it can be really difficult for me to wear heels that don't have an ankle strap, though I've been branching out with some pumps and mules this holiday season (though, tbh I was sitting and eating a lot of that time).

When I can finally decide what pair will soon be on my little footsies, my ankles will be telling me *yes* even when my bank account says nooo. I figure I can shake this off as a work investment - event coordinators need to look professional, right? ;)

xox, 

Suz

Forever 21 // Autumn Picks

So I think we're all pretty aware that Forever 21 has some pretty big plans for their future and is really stepping it up in terms of style geared towards...well...people my age, aka the millenials of the world.

And recently, a lot of *ahem* high rollers have been seen wearing those very same shirts we can shop!

But I've gotta say, I've loved the brand since I first started buying chains upon chains of cheap jewels there back in my teens. Most of my most beloved, bright pieces come from the fast fashion giant, and I am in no way ashamed of my love for them, and it just makes me really excited that they're going to get the recognition they deserve for being a company that can churn out affordable, great pieces ( as long as you take care of them), and has awesome brand partnerships.

(And, I can only hope that these positives will also turn into more high quality pieces, use better metals in jewelry and safer working conditions in factories across the world.)

Today I'm showing you some of my recent favourite pieces for fall that I can't wait to get my hands on :D

They're a little more subdued and a touch more 'professional', if you will, than what I usually wear, but I. Love. It. 

 

high socks // shirt dress // faux suede heels //

overcoat // keyhole top // cutout shift // 

crescent pendant // crochet dress // tooth necklace // 

I'm in this crazy "must-get-work-clothes" mindset even though my office is ultra casual (I'm mostly in jeans, occasionally with my dog in my lap), and I'm really digging the preppy/varsity/laid back but boss-lady vibes a lot of the pieces are giving me.

I'm especially impressed with the contemporary line, and that high-neck crochet dress has me catching my breath, and with those silver jewels and a big floppy hat?

Send me to boho heaven! I could die happy. Though not before wearing those clothes. 

Here's to the beginning of autumn and a whole new way to wear our clothes!

xox,

Suz

Suz & the Grapefruit // POTD

I would just like to praise Reformation for making a petites line SO stunning and for people my size. The line is for the vertically challenged (5'4 and under) and since all of my maxis magically look like a wedding dress train around me, I would GLADLY rock this strawberry coloured Petites Grapefruit dress.

 Love. Love. Love. 

xox,

Suz 

Suz & the Mason // POTD

 For some reason, I don't like to take rolling bags as my carry-on or travel bag, no matter where I go. I fell in love with the Mason travel satchel by Sole Society ages ago, but shipping to Belgium turns into a bit of an issue. 

I love that this one has a separate compartment for shoes, because let's be honest, what else would go in there? I always take too many pairs because you never know what the weather may bring!

My last little suitcase purchase has recently become a very comfy puppy bed in our kitchen, so I'm now definitely in the market for a new one!

Any suggestions? Let me know!

xox,

Suz 

Suz & the Drew // POTD

I think pretty much every blogger has tried to score at least one dupe for the Chloé Drew bag, and I think I got my hands on Zara's last one. Available in early 2015, this chain strap black bag is a pretty good lookalike for the far-out-of-my-unemployed budget. 

However, there is still hope! As many have noticed, Forever 21 has their own pretty incredible dupe that I tried to have B bring over for me when she visited but they weren't yet in stores. 

SO how lucky was I when Zara had the last available bag in Belgium. I'm totally loving this bag and can't wait until I really get to use it in the next few weeks!

xox,

Suz 

Suz & the Gel Eyeliner // POTD

I've recently converted to gel eyeliner instead of the liquids that I've previously loved. I love the Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner, but I couldn't help but think that I would love a little colour on my lids instead. 

With my green/blue eyes, this dark grey and violet Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner would be perfect! I love how gel eyeliners feel on my face and this will definitely be the next liner I try. I can't wait to get my hands on it!

What's your favourite type of eyeliner? Are there others you would recommend?

xox, 

Suz 

Suz & the Dayflower Indigo // POTD

I tried this colour two weeks ago when B was here visiting. We were looking for really 'Euro' beauty products for her coworkers, like the best nail colours or the best eye shadows. 

And so, upon walking into & Other Stories in Gent, we happened upon this stunning nail polish. Today, I took the plunge and bought it, and my nails are bright and shiny and so full of the feeling of summer. 

It also has the best name. It makes me think of rolling in the flowers at a festival with a crown on my head and a mint julep waiting for me at my tent. Which will happen one month from Thursday!

I can't wait to show off my nails tonight with the boys at football, though I can't imagine they'll be quite as excited as me ;)

xox, 

Suz 

Suz & the Mules // POTD

I think I go into Mango basically every time I pass by one, and these little babies have been on my radar since I first saw them. I love heels and stilettos, but I still need to learn to wear them in my new city (cobblestones are my worst enemy wherever I am in the world). 

I love the edge that the five straps give to these sandals. They would make any foot look killer, but also laid back without that heel strap. These babies also come in silver, but I prefer the black and brown vibe to go with the rest of my closet. 

Anyone else a huge fan of mules? Am I jumping on this bandwagon way late?

xox, 

Suz

Suz & the Crochet Dress // POTD: Product of the Day

Crochet is a huge hit this summer. And let's be honest, when are white maxi's not a good idea? I love an affordable piece to wear, and Forever 21's Crochet Maxi Dress is spot on.

Forever 21 Crochet Paneled Maxi Dress

I can't get over how beautiful the back of this dress is, and the skirt looks like it has so much movement to it; the perfect dress for beach bonfires or cava by the water.

I know a lot of people have their doubts about the quality of fast-fashion stores, but I have to say, many of my favourite dresses and shirts come from Forever, HM and Mango. And they last because I take care of them, as you should with all of your clothes. 

Now that I'm a real adult with an actual place to store my clothes, especially my new maxis, I think I'm going to have to add this to my summer circulation!

Enjoy the Monday! My massive cup of coffee and I are.

xox, 

Suz