Social Butterfly

This summer I want to have fun and meet as many people as possible. It seems that everything I've been apart of happen because of the meeting random people. For example, I got my first college summer internship at the New York Film and Art Festival ( now New York Film and Video Festival) by simply talking to a stranger while waiting in a bathroom line. Weird right? That summer was awesome because I learned NYC to the fullest and a lot about the arts and the entertainment world. At the time of the internship I was studying Journalism and had goals of being an NBC reporter to cover war stories in Iraq or Africa. However after seeing lots of documentaries about journalist overseas I made the decision to cover entertainment and lifestyle.

Another one of my favorite bazar experiences is about partnering with a co-worker on an outside project. We both had dreams of doing a fashion show in the subway and within 2 month we gathered friends and sashayed from 14th street to Time Square. The list goes on about my encounters with strangers who are now some of close friends or mentors. Now forget about me, It's about you so go out and be the greatest stranger. Help someone with a project, give someone a chance or simply say hi to the person next to you. You never know!



Some great places to go: Habanna Outpost, Brooklyn and Bronx museum weekend events, Central Park free concerts, Lincoln Center summer festivities and there is so much more so stay tuned.

(picture of myself and Jamie from Writer's Block)

xoxo Madame Q

Barging Hunters: Great Finds

While in Albany I had to stop by one of the best vintage shops, Great Finds. As soon as I entered one of the sales associates tell me there is 40% off most merchandise. You know I was in my glee and no one could ruin my moment not even when my sisters decided to leave me without a ride home. I didn't care I was in vintage heaven and I knew my mom will come for me sooner or later. While browsing through fabulous garb, I am approached by two lovely fashionistas, Petra and Navada. We spend the rest of the hour picking out pieces for each other, taking pics and talking about randomness. What a blast we had, you would think we've known each other for years. Too bad I was leaving for NYC, we could've carried the night away. At least I left the Great Finds shop, with not only amazing pieces but two more fashionistas in my network.


Petra and Navada, you Rock!

xoxo Madame Q

Madame's Notes: The laughing Drought

I went to Albany to visit my family and to attend my nephew Nakiem's kindergarden graduation. Boy oh boy is Nakiem a trip and a half, at only five he knows more than some adults. His free spirit and bright smile gives me inspiration to look at my life a little differently. Why do we as adults loose the feeling of being free and bright? Are we taking things too seriously and forgetting to have fun? In the moments of Nakiem's laughter I remember the affect joy has on a person's soul. Recently I've done a lot more fussing than laughing and find myself overwhelmed. I thought about it and some of my best laughs have been by myself and now I've waited for others to give the invitation. Sound crazy? I think many of us rely on people to make us feel complete and over the moon. Why would we ever do that? No one in the world but the higher power knows what makes us truly happy. Everyone else around us is just there to celebrate.


p.s. Now I know there are people out there who will try to kill your joy but the fact that they try and fail is comical itself. When you have family and friends celebrating life with you it makes a great difference and I love mines for that. Especially my mom who knows me best.

xoxo Madame Q

Madame's Notes: Investing In You

It's almost 2 years since moving out on my own (college campus doesn't count) and It's been great. Of course I've could of had 24 pairs of Christian Lous but nothing can compare to having your own space. Can you believe I asked my friends before moving out what was better, a pair of Christian Loubs or an apartment? Now don't go making faces, C.Ls are power women shoes and at that time I thought I was. Truth be told after making the right decision, I felt more powerful than ever. Things started to fall right in place and trust me there are many ups and downs but surviving (Thank God) does a lot for my soul.


P.S. I'll take my hardwood floors over any shoe, any day.

xoxo Madame Q

For My Bargain Hunters!

bargainista by madameq featuring Bourne shoes

Hey I'm a super promoter on creating a good wardrobe because it's one of the many fundamentals of branding yourself. Let's face it, you have to look the part to get the part. Presentation goes a long way and I take it very serious. Now shopping for your special look doesn't mean you have to drop thousands. I'm a bargain shopper so I simply buy classic yet fun pieces for great prices. I encourage you all to do the same. Don't get me wrong it's okay to spend major dollars on certain things but not every item.

Your Treat: Designer Sample Sales:

Diane Von Furstenberg, 260 fifth Ave, 212-725-5400
June 8, 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
June 9, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
June 10th, 10 a.m - 7 p.m
June 11th 9 a.m - 3 p.m.

Escada 110 W. 19th St. 212-852-5446
June 13th-15, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.



xoxo Madame Q

Last Weekend!

Last weekend was very looooong but the girls and I had non stop fun. We went from from Sex and the City, to art and fashion exhibits at the Met, to Brooklyn dining and back yard parties to beaches on the Island and finally mellowing it out in Queens; we lived the weekend like it was our last.

Oh and by the way, The Smoke Joint in Fort Green, Brooklyn has the best mac and cheese.


xoxo Madame Q