Holiday Gift Guide from Romwe

Looking for a cute gift to get one of your galpals or sweetheart? I’ve been browsing Romwe’s site and came across some adorable finds.  From apparel to accessories, this brand has it all! If you especially love comfy yet chic lounge wear, they have a bunch of trendy outfits  Here’s a list of holiday gift options that I adore:

Faux Pearl Beret Hat

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Wool Blend Newsboy Hat

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Knit Faux Fur Pom Beanie

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Tassel Trim Knit Scarf

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Faux Pearl Tippet Scarf

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Faux Leather Tassel Crossbody Bag

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Chain Tassel Decorative Velvet Crossbody Bag

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Eyelash Pattern Purse

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Bear & Pom Keychain

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Heart & Key Keychain

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Off the Shoulder Texture Knit Sweater

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Low Back Scallop Sweater

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Happy shopping and gift giving! Shop these accessories and more at Romwe! 🙂

Xx Marisa

 

 

 

 

SheIn Party Dress Wish List!

Hello ladies! December, my favorite month of the year, is here!  Have you been struggling to find the perfect outfit for NYE or a holiday party?  I’ve been browsing SheIn’s site to find my birthday, holiday party, and NYE dresses.  Bring on the reds, blacks, metallics (my favorite colors 🙂 ) and sequin everything!  I especially love seeing trends like wrap dresses, bell sleeves, fringe, pearls/beading and ruffles move into holiday looks.   Here are some of my favorite holiday dress options, all available on SheIn!

Screen Shot 2017-12-04 at 2.12.18 PM1. Bow Tie One Shoulder Metallic Dress

  1. Screen Shot 2017-12-04 at 2.13.13 PM 2. Contrast Faux Fur Hem Metallic Sequin Cami Dress

 

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 3. V Notch Sequin Bandeau Dress

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 4. Fluffy Fringe Cami Dress

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5. Knot Side Surplice Wrap Slip Dress

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6. Backless Ruched Velvet Tulip Dress

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7. Allover Fluffy Fringe Cami Dress

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8. Mock Neck Exaggerate Bell Sleeve Dress

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9. Flounce Trim Tulip Wrap Dress

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10. Tiered Trumpet Sleeve Slit Back Bardot Dress

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11. Pearl Beading Boxed Pleated Flare Dress

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12. Pearl Beaded Tiered Bell Sleeve Choker Neck Dress

Shop these party styles and many more at SheIn!

Xx Marisa

 

21 Things I’m Grateful for This Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Thanksgiving is a time to reflect back on everything that we are thankful for.  There is so much to be grateful for every single day, not just today.
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For those of you who don’t know, I have been keeping a gratitude journal since May of 2016.  Every day, I write down at least three things that I’m thankful for.  This simple exercise has completely changed my life.  It has opened my eyes to many aspects of my life that I have taken for granted over the years.  There will 100% be a post solely dedicated to gratitude, but until then, here’s a sneak peek into my gratitude journal and the top 21 things I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving.
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1.  My family
2.  Every single one of my friends
3.  Waking up each morning
4.  My friend’s surgery going well
5.  Living in Manhattan
6. Running into old friends and catching up with friends I haven’t seen in some time
7. Being very happy and enjoying the journey
8. My blog and YouTube channel—will be launched soon! 🙂
9. Almost 21 days without coffee! I’m feeling so much less anxious and my sleep and skin have seriously improved!
10. Being able to hop on a train and escape to CT to be with my family for the holiday
11.  The start of the holiday season!
12.  Being employed
13.  Meditative mornings to myself
14.  For all the recent opportunities that have come my way
15.  Finally getting a bit of a much needed break. I’ve been in need of some serious R&R
16.  For everything I have had the opportunity to experience (good and bad) in 2017 this far
17.  Feeling inspired. I woke up yesterday morning in a blah mood (perhaps also because of this rain), and I opened up my phone to a Gabrielle Bernstein video that inspired me and put me back on track. The Universe will always give you what you need!
18.  For the tradition of Thanksgiving
19.  Whoever invented pie (although I’m not a huge pie fan, I love it around this time of year!)
20.  My persistence and strength when times are tough
21.  Anyone and everyone reading this—thank you for taking the time to do so!
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I wish you all a very happy and safe Thanksgiving! I hope you ate copious amounts turkey and watched a lot of football.  This holiday certainly calls for some serious

R&R with your family and loved ones, so I hope you enjoy!
Xx Marisa

Daydream, Darling

Whenever I find myself daydreaming, I am immediately taken back to my English class during junior year of high school.  Don’t tell my mom, but hands down, it was the best class to completely zone out in and fantasize about my future.  Daydreaming or spacing out definitely isn’t encouraged (as it can clearly serve as quite the distraction), but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t visualize our hopes and desires in our leisure time.

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The more I learn about manifesting one’s destiny, the more I realize that visualization plays a major role.  Picturing yourself achieving your dreams or visualizing a particular situation unfolding in your favor allows for the event to happen.  Simply taking a few minutes out of your day to daydream or visualize what you want for yourself will help you to obtain exactly that.  When you picture yourself succeeding, you will naturally feel more confident and secure about yourself, exude positivity, and be more attractive to other people and situations which will manifest into more opportunities.  Essentially, we respond to our own positive energy by manifesting the picture we are holding in our minds and making it happen.  If you can visualize it, you can actualize it.  It’s that simple.

Every day I try to set aside some time (usually before bed) to daydream and visualize myself achieving a goal or pursuing something that I want to do (i.e. taking a relaxing vacation to Italy).  The Universe truly does respond to your thoughts and vibrations, and it will start to make whatever you’d like to happen, happen.   Through visualization and positive thinking, you can accomplish your goals and overcome obstacles in your life.

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I always get such an adrenaline rush thinking about what my future could entail.   These are the moments when I truly feel like I’m “high off life.” I used to look at the future through “fear goggles,” but realized that fear did nothing more than hold me back.  Although some things about the future still give me some anxiety, I do not get nearly as worked up about uncertainty as I used to.  If anything, I now embrace the unknown!  We are all in control of our own lives and our own happiness.  If we choose to view the future with a positive outlook and embrace it, we create numerous opportunities to attract even more positivity and prosperity into our lives.

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I am so exited for this collaboration with one of my all-time favorite brands, Tobi!  I first discovered this brand in college.  This red “Be Your Lady Bodycon Dress” is so classic and simple, yet it’s absolutely a perfect staple to have in your closet.  Can we also talk about the gorgeous detail in the back?!  Seriously sexy!  This dress also comes in black, so definitely add it to your LBD collection.

I’m obsessed with this Rebecca Front Tie Romper Dress.  A dress and a romper? What a great combo!  I love the soft pastel color and sophisticated design, which takes elegant to a whole new level.  This piece is absolutely stunning and can be worn out for an intimate dinner, or paired with the right accessories even to a night at the opera or equally elegant occasion.  This dress lends itself to a dramatic setting!  Need I say more..

I haven’t worn many crop tops this season, but this Every Time Tie Blouse is so chic and can be worn with a high waisted skirt, shorts, or your favorite pair of jeans.  It makes me feel super groovy and as if I just walked off set from That 70’s Show.  After all, they say that fashion repeats itself every 30 years or so! Be seen in this edgy crop top and you will be sure to turn heads!

Shop these Tobi looks and more here 🙂

Xx Marisa

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All photography is by Josh Lobel Photography (@jlobelphoto) and shot in Dumbo, Brooklyn.

 

 

Sweater Weather Wishlist x Romwe

Hey, babes! Although it’s still 80 degrees and insanely humid here in NYC, sweater weather is right around the corner.  If you’re familiar with weather in the Northeast, then you know that with a snap of a finger 80 degree weather drops real quick.  Sadly, summer has come to an end, but fall (and its fashion) has arrived!  Romwe offers so many affordable, chic styles for the fall, and I’d thought I’d share some of my favorite picks with you.

Here’s a roundup of my favorite, comfy sweaters you’ll be needing for this sweater weather season (all from their site!):

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Drop Shoulder Mixed Knit Jumper

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Cable Knit Open Front Longline Sweater Coat

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Pearl Beading Layered Bell Sleeve Jumper 

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Cold Shoulder Loose Fit Longline Jumper

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Laddering Sleeve Jumper

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Contrast Lace Up Hollow Out Ripped Sweater

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Criss Cross V Back Sweater

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Embroidered Chunky Kit Jumper

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Contrast Bow Oversized Knitwear

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Geo Pattern Hollow Out Jumper

Clearly, I love black and white with a pop of red 😉 I can picture myself wearing any of these and lounging on my couch, with a hot apple cider in hand, while watching my latest Netflix binge.  I hope these sweaters get you in a comfy Fall groove.  You can shop any of them here on Romwe!

Xx Marisa

 

My Favorite Fall Looks x SheIn Wishlist

Hello, babes! Fall has arrived, and I am so excited!  In my last post, I created a list of 21 reasons why I’m excited for fall with one of them being fall fashion, of course!  I have a ongoing wishlist of so many styles on SheIn, but I’ve narrowed down just a couple of my favorites and thought I’d share with you.  Here are some of my favorite picks from the start of the season:

1.  Faux Fur Jackets, Coats & Vests

 

 

2.  Pleather Bottoms

 

3. Blouses with Ruffles & Bell Sleeves

 

 

4. Unique Blazers

 

During fall and winter, you’ll constantly see me wearing pleather skirts..I think I own about six different colors now!  I have been trying to find my perfect pair of pleather pants, and I love these Cigarette Buckle Pants shown above.  I am also a fan of pleather shorts (although I only own one pair of these).  As for faux fur, I’m obsessed with different colors and patterns on jackets and vests.  I love how Shein incorporated faux fur sleeves on the Belted Hem Heathered Jacket above.  Ruffles and bell sleeves have been popular summer trends (personally, my favorite trends of summer 2017!), and I’m more than ready to continue to include these looks into my fall wardrobe.  In the past I haven’t been one to wear blazers, but I love the sophisticated look, and I’m hoping to wear more this season.  I love a trendy blazer with unique details like the two pictured above.  Although they are both white and Labor Day has passed, I think you can get away with these looks for just a little bit longer 🙂

Shop my favorite styles here and have a happy, stylish Fall!

Xx Marisa

Alterre Shoes for the Chic, On-the-go Woman

Hello, friends! I am so excited to share my most recent collaboration with you! I recently worked with the most fabulous shoe company, Alterre. Based here in New York, they create innovative heels and sandals for the on-the-go, modern woman.

Have you ever referred to yourself as the ‘bag lady?’ Well, I have on numerous occasions! I am constantly carrying around a large bag or tote stuffed with extra clothes and shoes in the event I have a last minute change of plans and need a quick wardrobe adjustment. Typically when I’m out of my apartment for the day, I’m out of my apartment for the day. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as “going home quickly to change” in a city like New York.

Enter Alterre shoes to save the day! Why lug multiple pairs of shoes with you all day, when you can just bring one pair and some additional straps? With these shoes, you are able to alter the straps as many times as you’d like, while technically wearing the same pair of shoes all day. Talk about the perfect shoe for an on-the-go woman or traveler! They are comfortable, versatile, and bring “packing light” to a whole new level.

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Check out some of their starter kits here. I had the chance to try the “Platform” shoe in black, and I chose the “Elise” straps in gold and “Marilyn” in black suede. I tend to wear a lot of black, and I also love black with a pop of color, hence my choices. The straps are easily interchangeable, and I know this is a game changer for me in terms of traveling and bopping around the city!  There are over 500 combinations, so you’ll never get bored!  I am so excited to wear them throughout the fall months. I’m also certain that I’ll be investing in a lot more of these shoes and straps for my future travels and adventures.

Not only does Alterre create customizable, chic shoes, they also donate 5% of the proceeds to the women’s sex-trafficking shelter Restore NYC, so you get to do a great deed while looking fabulous.  One of many reasons to purchase your first pair today!

Thank you for the collab, Alterre!

Xx Marisa

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A Bikini Babe’s Wishlist

Hey, hey! I can’t believe how fast this summer is FLYING by! How is it already the end of July?! I feel like this happens every summer *sigh.*

This is super embarrassing to admit, but I have yet to go to the beach this season (other than while I was in Corsica)! I have, however, spent a lot of time at the pool. I’m planning on taking a trip to Newport, RI, in a few weeks, and I have ordered some adorable swimsuits from two of my favorite brands: SheIn and Romwe.

Although the summer is wrapping up, we still have the full month of August left, so why not embrace it and spend even more time at the beach & pool?!  With that being said, here are my top 7 swimsuit trends of 2017:

  1. Scallops

 

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2. Crochet

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3. Lace up Bandeau

 

4. Plunge/ Plunge with mesh

 

5.  Velvet

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6. Underwire top

 

7. Backless One pieces

 

I absolutely love this backless one piece from Romwe! I’m a huge fan of one pieces–I think they are sexier than two pieces! Not to mention, they are very classy as well.  I have this particular suit in black, and although it looks very revealing in the photos, it actually has more coverage than you think.  You’ll definitely be turning heads 🙂

Xx Marisa

It Ain’t Me

Hi friends! It’s been quite a whirlwind over the past few weeks in the best ways possible. In my last post, I shared with you a few personal struggles I have been going through. It occurred to me that I have been feeling stuck because I was surrounding myself with people who were only holding me back, not helping me to move forward.

Since I let go completely of a couple of negative relationships, my world quickly changed. Almost immediately, I began to think differently and more decisively. A huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. My creative thought processes began flowing, I became more focused, and I ultimately began to feel inspired. I finally got the ball rolling once again in the right direction, and I began to take the initiative to revamp my blog and to take my ideas to the next level.

This morning I read a quote by Gabrielle Bernstein that she posted on her Instagram page: “The Universe will always remove what is no longer serving you.”

This certainly rings true for me. If you don’t take the time to remove what is no longer necessary from your life, the world will do it for you. It’s the natural flow of life.

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Other than working on my blog, I have been enjoying life in the Hamptons the past few weekends. Two weekends ago, my friends and I had the chance to grab a glass of rosé and explore the gorgeous Wölffer Estate Vineyard. There’s no better summer pleasure than sipping on a glass of rosé while soaking in the warm summer sun on a Sunday afternoon! This picturesque vineyard is absolutely gorgeous, and if you’re ever in the Hamptons, I suggest stopping by!  It’s a very relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

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Just last night, I stepped outside and realized that the days are getting shorter.  I can’t believe how fast this summer is flying by, but I’m super excited for the fall and its cool air & beautiful foliage.  I understand that there will always be ups and downs in life, but I feel like everything is moving in the right direction for me, and I’m so excited to share my positivity and my journey with all of you.

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P.s. Adorable sundress by AMI Clubwear! 🙂

Xx Marisa

A 16 Handles Miracle

I did it—I broke through the blocks! For the past two months, I have been feeling very stuck, and I just couldn’t break through the wall that was holding me back.  I felt misaligned and misplaced and had no idea why. I talk about it a bit more here in one of my past blog posts.

I desperately asked for guidance every day. Slowly yet surely, week by week, I began to understand and uncover answers to the underlying blocks that I couldn’t seem to describe or comprehend. Eventually, everything began to surface as I chiseled away at my feelings and I began to understand why I felt the way I did.

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Over this past weekend in particular, I felt very stuck in one place with no direction. Trying to make myself feel better, I decided to take a walk and get my favorite fro-yo at 16 Handles. On my way there, I began to pray. I don’t think I’ve ever told anyone that I pray, but yes..I do..every single day. I asked for help and guidance, and then I youtubed author, life-coach, and “spirit junkie” Gabrielle Bernstein for more encouragement. She is one of my favorite role models, and I always feel inspired by her words.

I didn’t have an immediate result, and I still felt pretty ‘blah’ after my walk to fro-yo and youtubing, but something happened as soon as I stepped out of 16 Handles. I am not sure if it was a sugar high or a mini miracle, but my whole mood changed. Everything hit me at once and I began to make sense of what was holding me back.

I realized I had been building up resentment in a couple of different areas of my life. In turn, this resentment was blocking my ability to stay and remain grounded, be present in the moment, and just focus on myself. Not to mention, I’ve felt completely uninspired and have been lacking creativity this whole time as well. I’ve dreaded writing for my blog—something I never thought I’d ever feel!

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History repeats itself until the lesson is learned, and interestingly, I have fallen into the same trap one too many times. For the past few weeks, I have been feeling the same feelings and emotions across various situations and aspects of my life. It simply (yet ever so destructively) comes down to the idea that I’m not good enough.

So, I dug deeper, and I asked myself why have I been feeling this way.  I realized that I have been surrounding myself with people and maintaining relationships with friends who have been destroying my self-confidence, diminishing my self-worth, and further reinforcing the idea that I’m not good enough.

These relationships have completely drained my energy instead of boosting my mindset and helping me recharge. I’ve written about toxicity before and the idea that certain people can be toxic to our health and well-being. I’ve detoxed people from my life in the past, however, the lesson repeats as needed.  Once again, I was confronted with the need to let go of relationships that are not in alignment with who I am.

After some inner reflection, I came to the realization that doing a little “spring cleaning” was more than necessary. I ended a close friendship with someone I thought was a very good friend of mine. I had no intention of ending the friendship that night, but it was meant to be. I walked away feeling 100% relieved. It was a long time coming, and if I wasn’t going to end the friendship myself, the Universe was going to do it for me. Damn right it did (even though I had resisted many times before, actually).

In a different relationship, I started to put my foot down and hit the pause button on being a “yes” person for once.  As a result, I have been treated with more respect and I am less stressed and more confident. In yet another friendship, I stood up for myself and spoke my mind about a situation that was really bothering me. The outcome of that one is still TBD, but que sera, sera. Regardless of what happens, I feel relieved that I let it all out.

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Over the past few months, I have been focusing on changing my relationship with myself, which in turn has changed my relationship with others. How you view yourself is a direct reflection of how other people view you.  The mirror doesn’t lie!

Also, for the record, it takes time to learn how to be attracted to what’s good for us. It took me 24 years, and I’m still a work in progress, but aren’t we all!

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Shop this look here on SheIn!  They seriously have the cutest styles for summer! All of their clothes are so chic and on trend. Not to mention, they are outrageously affordable! Thank you for the collaborations ❤

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P.s. All pictures were taken along the Hudson on Pier 26 🙂

Xx Marisa