Swoon Reads

June 30, 2018

Thank you to Swoon Reads for kindly sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% honest & completely my own.

SHOP THE LOOK

Rujuta Sheth Kaftan

Artesano Cristi Straw Bag

TKEES Jo Suede Georgia

Extraordinary books are better when they're shared. Swoon Reads distributes the most recent and most noteworthy young adult and new adult novels suggested by readers like myself. From brave legends to outsider undertakings, to romance—if we're digging it, they'll distribute it. Swoon Reads is dedicated to the undiscovered and are constantly seeking out the very best in bright, new bookish talent. Being a writer myself, there's nothing better than a publisher who takes the time in finding new talent, so you can imagine my support on this as well. To learn more about Swoon Reads and what I'm currently reading, proceed with this post!

You have the ability to get books distributed! Through a shared, participatory way to deal with distributing, Swoon Reads gives readers access to an industry that is frequently kept "in secret." From submitting unique original copies to voting on which cover makes it onto the completed books, Swoon Reads includes the network in each progression of the distributing procedure. Through Swoon Reads' online stage and application, book sweethearts have the chance to manufacture and draw in with an online network of kindred book readers and writers. Writers present their unique, unpublished compositions to the Swoon Reads people group. At that point, readers who join on the web or download the application can rate, remark, and offer their top choices. Swoon Reads utilizes that input to help choose what to distribute. The best part is it's all totally free. I discovered this is an awesome method to give new scholars a possibility for presentation and furthermore to get input as well as finding new talent. What do you guys think of this concept? You can ever vote on covers for books that are coming out here!

Most of you know I'm a complete bookworm and I've read thousands of books. I enjoy reading complex work such as Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and others but during those hot summer months, I like nothing more than something simple and 'flowy' to read. Like a young adult novel (YES I still read them from time to time!) or a romance novel that just whisks you away, these are the kinds of books I like to read at the beach and on vacation. For example, like the book, I'm currently reading is an utterly relatable contemporary novel about loving yourself and forging your own path. Here's the synopsis: Savannah is dreading being home alone with her overbearing mother after her big sister—and best friend—goes off to college. But if she can just get through senior year, she'll be able to escape to college, too. What she doesn't count on is that her mother's obsession with weight has only grown deeper since her appearance on an extreme weight-loss show, and now Savvy's mom is pressuring her even harder to be constantly mindful of what she eats. Between her mom's diet-helicoptering, missing her sister, and worrying about her collegiate future, Savvy has enough to worry about. And then she meets George, the cute new kid at school who has insecurities of his own. As Savvy and George grow closer, they help each other discover how to live in the moment and enjoy the here and now before it disappears. To Be Honest is another sharp, witty novel from Maggie Ann Martin, about a spunky heroine who is dealing with very real issues—body image, parental pressure, loneliness, first love, and finding your way—with heart and humor.

So get excited for all the benefits that Swoon Reads offers as a community-focused, participatory publishing company — including starting conversations among like-minded book lovers, unlimited access to free original manuscripts, and the opportunity to make your opinion count toward something tangible! If you'd like to learn more about Swoon Reads, please go to www.swoonreads.com or click here! Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

LOVE & XX'S,

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Pooltime with Ramona

June 20, 2018

WEARING: VICTORIA'S SECRET BIKINI | AMSCAN MUSTARD YELLOW BANDANA | 
EGO RAINA SANDALS | BAN.DO GRAPEFRUIT COOLER BAG

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY RAMONA.

It's wine... but cooler. What is pink, keeps you hydrated and happy? Meet Ramona, the lovechild of a mimosa and an Aperol Spritz. If you're a fan of Aperol Spritzing and something more citrusy like grapefruit, then this is the drink for you. Ramona is a ruby grapefruit wine spritz made with organic Zibibbo grapes grown in Western Sicily. Bright, aromatic, and refreshing, it doesn't need a glass, a bottle opener, or an occasion to drink it. Continue reading to see me chilling in my very own pool on my rooftop (I'm super ballin' haha!) and to learn more about this great new summer drink you all need to know about!

Ramona is an organic, all-natural, gluten-free and vegan wine spritz. And I do enjoy a little something citrusy during the hot summer months, not too much of a drinking those super sweet fruity cocktails, and this wine spritz is legit - so refreshing and tasty! I even took full advantage of my favorite summertime hangout spot, my rooftop with a kiddie pool shaped as an elephant. Yep, you read that correctly, lol. We just got through our first heat wave this summer here in New York, so it was perfect timing to unwind with drinks and a pool all to myself! You can safely guess I received a few tan lines from this super fun shoot!

The brand was also sweet enough to send me a summer kit, including of course their drinks that I love (seriously though, low in alcohol and the best fizzy drink out there right now), a pair of really cute pink sunnies, straws, sweet and sour grapefruit candy, this adorable fruit bag from ban.do that is also a cooler, and this mini-inflatable drink holder shaped as a grapefruit. My bikini is from Victoria's Secret (I linked a similar one for $19.99 from Target here) and I kept my hair tied back with a mustard yellow bandana. Who else loves to tie scarves, ribbons, bandanas into their hair? I think it's a great summer accessory. The kiddie pool is from H2OGO!™ and you can bet I'll be using this bad boy again - especially on those hot sweltering days here in the city!

LOVE & XX'S,

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Aqua Seafoam Chanel and Yellow Florals

June 4, 2018

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK YELLOW FLORAL PRINT DRESS | CHANEL BAG | 
KOIO SNEAKERS | VINTAGE SUNNIES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY REBAG AND SAKU NEW YORK.

Us girls have heard of a few stores that offer a discount for a previously used luxury handbag. But not many matches up to top trends and top quality other than Rebag. Besides becoming a destination to find this season’s It bag for less than the retail price, Rebag has streamlined the process of buying and selling gently loved luxury handbags by simplifying the peer-to-peer sale process. Plus, for those in New York, the brand also recently opened a concept store so customers can experience the site in an IRL setting. (Aside from their app, which is awesome btw). Continue reading to see how I styled this beautiful aqua seafoam Chanel handbag with a vibrant yellow floral print dress, oozing retro 70s vibes with both European and Californian flair.

You know when you put on a dress and it just hugs you in all the right places; feeling so comfortable yet stylish at the same time? This long sleeved floral print dress with a deep yellow hue is it for me. I never ever want to take it off Seriously though, I love when you come across a designer that makes clothes that fit so well on you. Being a petite woman, it is hard sometimes to find pieces that fit right then and there without having to tailor them! But never in the case of Saku New York. This dress could be styled in so many ways, but I'm such a big time sneaker gal.

The yellow color inspired me to style the dress with aqua-colored accessories. Something just as rich in color but with a contrast that would complement well with each other. And colors that bring out the mood of summer. Well, to me at least. I find this outfit to be an inspiration between the Amalfi Coast of Italy and the West Coast of California. The aqua color reminds me of the sea, the shades of the ocean along with the yellow being the bright warm sun. I'd link these sunglasses in the post but they're one of a kind and I bought them on the streets of SoHo in one of the markets for $20. You know, one of those happy finds. How would you have styled this aqua seafoam Chanel bag?

If you have bags you don't use anymore, Rebag is a company that actually sells your bags for you. Perhaps you have a Michael Kors, Kate Spade or Coach bag you don't wear anymore, but you know it is in great condition. You can take some pictures of the item, submit it to Rebag, they'll give you a quote, let you ship the item to them for free and then pay you within 2-3 business days. As someone who normally sells things on Poshmark (that almost seem to never sell), it is amazing to know that there are companies that just pay you upfront for the item and sell it on your behalf. If you are interested in trying Rebag, use my discount code: SUZANNE for 5% off your purchase.

LOVE & XX'S,

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Lavender and Polka Dot

May 31, 2018

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK LAVENDER MATCHING POLKA DOT SET | 
CHLOE HUDSON MINI SHOULDER BAG | NINE WEST JANILLY LOAFERS | 
ODETTE & ODILE WHITE SUNNIES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SAKU NEW YORK.

Happy almost Friday, everyone! In today's post, I'm sharing two of my latest favorite trends: the wonderful color of lavender and the plentiful world of polka dots. I normally only see black or white polka dot within a print, but this one mixed with maroon and lavender is unique and super eye-catching! Throw me on a good graphic print and I'm ready! At first, I was thinking of styling this matching set in Coney Island or in a garden of cherry blossoms or magnolia. But I find the setting to be so crucial in setting the tone of an outfit and with a piece as 'busy' as this one by Saku New York, too much going on in the photograph can mislead the eye and completely change the way we see the outfit. Continue reading to see where our photo shoot was located... we've shot here once before for my ten-year New York anniversary, come check it out!

How adorable is this matching polka dot set from Saku New York? I simply am in love with anything lavender, and I found this set to be very graphic. I got several compliments while we were out and about taking photographs in it. I love how versatile it is as well, later that day after the shoot I changed into some jeans and only kept wearing the top with it to an event. I would imagine the pants to work very well with a white tee and blazer of some kind, maybe even a hot pink? How would you style these pieces separately? And look at that beautiful white trim on that top, how gorgeous is that?!

I went with a comfy pair of white loafers from Nine West and a Chloé burgundy saddle bag. I felt the colors complemented with the matching set very well and kept it from being too busy and distracting to the main piece. I wore my favorite pair of white sunnies from Odette + Odile, the cat-eye shape is so cute, right? Other features I forgot to mention from the set: the pants have an elastic waistband which makes it ultra comfy, and my favorite; pockets! The top can also be worn over the shoulder or shoulderless, which I prefer the latter.

Alright, I have to hop off here and catch up on emails. Yesterday was so busy, I had a shoot, editing for half of the day, plus three events in between everything. Today is a pampering day and will be spending most of my day at my favorite salon to have a little hair rescue session. Haha! I am in serious need of a cut + color. Stay tuned for the results on my stories later on today, I'm also heading to an event later tonight for a French makeup brand in a pretty cool location... more to come later! Wishing you a fantastic day. :)

LOVE & XX'S,

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Bikini Questa Sera

May 29, 2018

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK KNIT TOP | MAVI JEANS ANIKA CROP FLARE | 
TKEES JO SUEDE GEORGIA SANDALS | CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BIKINI QUESTA SERA

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BEAUTE.

Hi, everyone! How was your MDW? I have a new post up with an editorial video! For those who didn't catch my last post, I had been wanting to create more video content but given that video editing is not one of my favorite things to do, I do not create this kind of content often. However, so many of you, along with my peers have been strongly urging me to do more video so voila! When it comes to making a video, there's so much more that goes on besides a photoshoot. I feel like a like an internet browser... 19 tabs open, 3 of them are frozen, & I have no idea where the music is coming from! In all seriousness, that's another reason why I don't do videos often. It takes a lot of time and effort and if I don't see some sort of visual that I need to come to life, I wait until the inspiration comes. And when I received the Bikini Questa Sera perfume from Christian Louboutin, a strong sense of summer encouraged me to create this for you guys.

We literally had a total of two people in production and on set for this video. My husband and I are a team: He is the photographer & videographer - I am the creative director, location scouter, stylist, hair and makeup, and editor. While shooting photographs, you're too thinking a million and one things at the same time. Is my shirt tucked in properly? What about my hair? Are the sunglasses on straight? Am I on the good side of my face? Where is the light? Don't blink. Okay... car coming. Back to my mark. Another cat call? Great... oh where did I put my phone? Is it almost noon? I have a meeting to run to, I have to leave in a bit. Honey, now there's car behind you! Phew! See what I mean?

And doesn't even get to the shooting film, imagine doing all that again plus the multiple takes to get the shots you envision. And the more specific the frame gets, the more time and patience it will take, which to be honest can sometimes be challenging to me. But videography strengthens that along with my visual eye and apparent need to create film. I'm sure many other photographers, writers, and artists feel this way, where you get so many visual images in your head and this sudden outpour, this compelling conviction to bring it to life. To try to show others what you see, think and feel.

I hope this video (scroll toward the end of this post to view) brings you a certain feeling and appreciation for the artistic notion of oneself. I am still trying to get to a level where the content is super-glossy editorial, but alas, no one is perfect. But I am, every day trying to elevate my skills and to exercise them in the best way possible, and to me, I think that is through writing, photography, and film. So enjoy, and please leave me any feedback! I really appreciate and listen to what you guys look forward to on MaQ + Suz.

Lastly, a footnote on this summery outfit. The coral knitted top with shoulder straps is from Saku New York, the faded black crop jeans are by Mavi, and the coral suede sandals are by TKEES. You can shop the entire look at the beginning or at the end of each blog post. Don't forget to drop a comment in the section box down below. You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay updated on new videos! Happy Tuesday. :)