NEW NAME, NEW BLOG

Helloooo needies!

I took the summer off from blogging--somehow thought this was normal behavior-- but I am finally back and just as the season changed, so did the blog. Please head over to my new blog Fashion Needy Co-Op and let me know what you think of this newly established cooperative. I can't promise you it's as formal as it sounds but I can definitely promise a chuckle, or two!

xoxo,
LMQ

FashionNeedy Turns One (sort of)

It's almost hard to believe that its been more than a year since I started FashionNeedy. What started out as a whim from pure boredom, immediately became a challenge and now I am happy to announce its just an extension of my life. What will come of this... time will tell but for the moment, I can't help but be grateful to everyone that supports me week after week.
Some of you might find this surprising but before FashionNeedy became what it is today, it used to be a simple little tumblr spot that only a few people followed. It was mostly me rambling about trends and style until I discovered I had followers I didn't even know of and  a knack for pretending I am participating in an America's Next Top Model season. That's only if ANTM required models to wear sunglasses in every pose. What's underneath those shades will forever be a secret, let's just pretend I want to keep one part of my life a secret (that works for me). I also discovered someone in my office had the talent of capturing stunning images and let's just say... it was the beginning of a beautiful journey. Nowadays I am struggling to find time to balance a full time job (minus the photographer), NYC life and this spot but I think this is just the first step of something marvelous to come. In the meantime, while I get my s*&t together, please enjoy some of my favorite pieces of this last year!!

xoxo,

LMQ

Summer Chic

As I skimmed through all my pictures picking some of my favorite ones for an anniversary post, I came across this look that for some reason never made the cut. As the weather heats up a brunch rooftop will certainly be part of my summer adventures and when I think of outside eating and drinking, a hat like this certainly fits the bill... Don't you think?

On another note, Let's talk giveaway winner! I am amazed by the amount of people that guessed the Dolce Vita wedges as my recent purchase. Although they are absolutely stunning and number one on my summer wish list, this girl's pockets don't run so deep at the moment, hence I bought the Soda shoes via Lulu's. That by the way are unbelievably comfortable and so affordable, 100% recommended. And so, without further adieu, the winner of the $30 Gift Card is Kate Frenkel from Lifestyle Journal. Thanks for those who participated and keep checking in for more summer surprises!

Dress- Ruche, Shoes- Steve Madden, Hat- Old Navy, Necklace- F21 and BCBG, Ring- House of Harlow 1960, Bangles- Free People

Wedges and a Giveaway!!

Wedges... a summer staple and a summer statement if you pick the right one. I clearly have not stopped thinking about these. Not only are there hundreds of different styles everytime I pass a shoe store (and I have one two blocks from my house- so give or take, twice a day), but my boss seems to have a different pair for every day of the week and then some. So despite the fact I've accumuluated a couple throught the last two summers, I still have a lot of catching up to do. And this summer, I think this is a necessity-- and you know how needy I can be. So I've been tiredlessly searching for my pair of wedges and fallen in love with a few as well as purchased a couple already (I can't help mysefl) and a lesson I learned is to have in mind what you wish to achieve from these shoes in correlation to your summer wardrobe. What do I mean? What colors will you be wearing the most and how will you like to match your shoes to them. I believe a nude pair is extremely necessary. If you are bold, go for a double/triple colored wedged and if not, just go for a bold bright color that still turns some heads. And if you are like me, a person that might be spending 45 minutes walking to and from work, consider height. A comfy wedge can go a long, long way... or so I've heard (still searching for mine).

In any case, here are some great ideas that might rock your boat and, as a special treat, guess which pair I just purchased and you will be entered in a raffle to win a $30 gift card so you can get yourself your summer staple or at least quasi get yourelf one-- courtesy of me, myself and I! (Just comment with your guess and leave your email or best way to contact you. Ends Friday, June 8th)
PS. Make sure your following me on GFC

Soda via Lulu's 

Andre Assous via ShoeBox

Zara

Zara

Dolce Vita via Saks

Chinese Laundry via Macy's

Sunday Fun ft. The Sneaky Weasel

Boy Meets Girl (and a bun)

Do you know what happens when it rains for 2 days and then the sun comes up? A humidity so intense that any rational person with troubled hair must simply give up and go for a bun. I didn't expect this situation to happen the day I go for a boyish look but I am thinking the heels serve as a friendly reminder that I am a girl wearing a men-inspired look? 

 In any case, here's some food for thought... When you try to pull of a boyish look, it is extremely necessary to use as many girly things as possible. In my case, I think the only girly thing in my outfit is the pink and the rhinestones (because I was expecting wavy hair in my shoulders) but next time, I will be sure to measure the humidity level before stepping out of the apartment. I have to admit, I am having a serious trouble getting over my lack of hair, cleavage and leg show-off, is that terrible? What do you think? How do you best pull off this look?

Top: H&M, Jeans: Hudson, Shoes: Tinley Road, Necklace: India, Ring: Mexico, Bracelets: J.Crew, Handbag: Ann Taylor, Sunglasses: BCBG

Shopping the Closet

Some people say there's nothing better than shopping your closet. That sense of satisfaction you get when you find something you haven't worn in a long time, that perfectly matches the season and the trend you had in mind, and at no cost. I don't know if I would go as far as to say that it's the best feeling in the world, the feeling I get when I eat a perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie might trump this... but that's just me. I will say that it is a close second. Definitely a bit better than the bittersweet feeling of buying something new but dreading the bill! 

In any case, I wanna thank Givenchy, Peter Som, Richard Chai, Stella and any designer who thought of using oversized florals in their designs. And with that said, why not thank the clairvoyant folks at Arden B. for creating this dress two years ago. Because of all of you, I had amazing feeling this morning when dressing up, a much needed one...

Hope you all have an amazing Mother's Day weekend! I know I will be pretty busy showing my mother what New York is really like ( I am not sure if I am excited or scared!!)

Dress- Arden B., Vest- F21, Shoes- Nine West, Handbag- Cambridge Satchel, Bracelets- Peru, David Yurman, Charriol, Watch- Omega, Sunglasses- Tom Ford

Summer Mojo

 I’ve always been a bit of a conservative when it comes to my look. Some of my close friends wouldn't necesarily agree but I always remind them, it could be way worse! Now, when I mean conservative I don’t mean trousers and a button-up cotton blouse, I simply mean, I never take my fashion sense to extremes… I keep it as normal as I can with a splash of edgy. This is why color blocking might become my summer mojo. It's a simple way of dressing that simply requires an eye for the perfect color combinations to create a successful ensemble. It's complexity can be untangled by a fifth grader if you asked me...

When I pair one of these outfits I always go back to my kindergarten years when my mom used to talk to me about the rule of three's: wear three and only three colors in one entire outfit, more would be committing a fashion crime. I adore my mom and she's someone who can put an outfit correctly but I have never been a huge fan of her style, however I gotta hand it to her, she got something right. When it comes to this trend, I suggest to follow the rule of three’s and put together 3 pieces that are basic but different colors. Be bold! Create combinations you had never thought of, think outside the box. The main point is that when somebody looks at you they see a variety of colors in a uniform way that simply work, and don’t worry if people keep staring… you are supposed to stand out, not go unnoticed. Leave the latter to the boring people!

Blouse- H&M (old), Sweater- GAP, Skirt- ASOS (old), Necklace- BCBG & Jewelmint, Bracelets- H&M, F21, Charriol, David Yurman, Vintage, Ring- BCBG, Watch- Omega, Sunglasses- BCBG

Overaccessorizing

It's  been a pretty busy week at the office setting up for market week.... I like the sound of that ... let me try it again...
It's been a pretty busy week at the office setting up for market week so this girl had to make lemons out of lemonade (yea.. I can do that!) and produce something worthy of sharing with you by myself. This time, let's talk accessories. As you know by now, I am obsessed with them. More than I am with clothes which should really leave you wondering the extent. I collect jewelry like its my business– who knows. maybe one day it will be– and for me, there is nothing better than over accessorizing every once in a while. So when I paired the most colorful look I've worn since my last color blocking post, I decided that its jewelry complement would be even more out there. Even though a look like this can be easily worn with small accessories and work, sometimes its just necessary to be bold, hence the arm festival and necklace. And trust me, at the pace these New Yorkers walk, this might just be what you need to get some heads turning!!

Top and Blazer- H&M, Pants- Zara, Shoes- Zara, Necklace- Bloomingdales (brand n/a), Bracelets- David Yurman, J.Crew, H&M, Watch- Michael Kors

Spring-ing!

Gotta love a beautiful Spring afternoon that entails  good company, good food and wine all the way till 9 pm. A glass of wine can make my day just as much as a new pair of shoes. Only difference is the durability of each, I guess.

 When it comes to spring wardrobe, it's safe to say that a shearling vest might not be the answer but since the weather has been kinda tricky lately, I've had to improvise on ways to keep myself warm. After a few weather surprises on my way to work, I had to unpack my winter coats again just until things get settled. I guess so much for being too positive! In any case, I am obsessing over pastels this season and you will soon discover what I have been accumulating for you all these past months. As I've said so many times before, when I like something... I reaaaalllyyyy like it, so its safe to say that my closet has definitely transitioned into a different group of shades. Give me a pink pastel blouse and I'll throw you a party... figuratively and maybe even literally. What are you obsessing over? 

Blouse- Pookie&Sebastian, Vest- F21, Pants- Zara, Shoes- F21, Handbag- F21, Necklace- BCBG, Ring- House of Harlow 1960, Bracelets- Free People, F21, Kenneth Jay Lane, Sunglasses- Alexander McQueen

Necklace- All Saints

My second favorite part @Fig and Olive

A new zip code... and then some!

Remember, way back when, when I set my self some new years resolution which I hoped to accomplish? Well I think it's about time I start telling you a little bit of what I've been up to lately. AS you all know, I was recently working and living in DC– and using the Panama Embassy grounds as my personal photography studio– but for a while I had been planning on relocating and embarking on my newest adventure: NYC. After a couple of months of job searches and interviewing and schlepping my wardrobe back and forth weekly, I finally landed a job and I am happy to announce that resolution #6 for 2012 is finally ACCOMPLISHED! So there goes another layer in my life and I guess to celebrate, here is layered outfit for you all :)

Because I am sure you will insist, let me tell you all about it. Although I don't have a wonderful receptionist who takes my pictures every afternoon, I have a desk in in the most adorable office in the middle of the Fashion District. The brand? Jane Marvel, a line of handbags for every day use (sort of a lifestyle handbag line). I was allowed to continue bugging whoever works with me for some pictures so by no means conclude that you've seen the last of me. I can't promise you beautiful spring/fall backgrounds but I can promise you some creepy delivery guy staring at my behind at some point... definitely a change of scenery. In any case, if you are in the area... my body can always use a drink or two!

Top- Pookie&Sebastian, Cardigan- UO (old), Vest- F21, Jeans- American Eagle, Shoes- Tinley Road, Handbag- Mulberry, Cuffs- ASOS, Necklaces- ModCloth and BCBG

What you say, Bobo? – Cayman Islands

I am going to get deep here (because I don't do it enough, of course). I think its time I share something from my past that you all might find a tad interesting: I did not live my entire life in Panama, I actually spent two years of my childhood in the tropical island of Grand Cayman. To say that I remember my time there would be a lie, considering I was two years old when I arrived. I do have a tiny memory of escaping my crib and getting caught twice, but I am not sure if I imagined it from hearing that story so many times or if my memory skills really resemble that of an elephant. Anyhow, my parents say it was an amazing time and oh boy were they right! During my last visit home, I was surprised with a family vacation to the Caymans to celebrate that we were all free at the same time, and Easter of course (hope this explains my continued absence). I had a long time to think and relax and I reached  a few conclusions that I am tempted to share with you. Number one, now I understand my uncontrollable desire to live in a tropical place in front of the beach. Number two, whoever invented Bloody Marys for breakfast was a genius!
Besides the tiny detail that when driving in Cayman, you must do as the English do, which, after 7 days I still couldn't master, the island was as close to paradise as it gets. Wonderful food, gorgeous sunsets, psychedelic houses, nice people, and funny accents galore.. what else can you ask. I for my part managed to get a tan that might last for the entire summer and I also got to see the house where I lived for those two years of my childhood. Nothing like reminiscing on times you don't really remember. One more thing I can scratch of my bucket list! Before I lose you to another blogger, let me get to the good part:

Look 1: Dress- ASOS skirt worn as dress, Necklace- Jewelmint, Bracelets- Peru, F21, Panama, Sandals- LF

Look 2: Top- H&M, Bottom- Zara, Necklace- J.Crew, Sunglasses- BCBG

My best look yet- Courtesy of Victoria Secret and Captain Marvin's

Look 3: Top- F21, Skirt- American Apparel, Shoes- ALDO, Hanbag- Cambridge Satchel, Earrings- Tara Chial, Ring- Kenneth Jay Lane, Bracelet- David Yurman, Sunglasses- BCBG

I found this bandana in my mom's bag. I am sure she's been reading the mags and wanted to rock her 80's fashion. I am giving her points for embracing 'vintage' accessories! 

Look 4: Top- H&M, Skirt- Brandy Melville, Belt- H&M, Sandals- Coconuts, Necklace- Nepal, Rings- Peru and Mexico, Sunglasses- BCBG

PS-This pictures were not saturated for intense colors, that is how the water looks everyday...