Upbra: A Girl’s Best Friend

Ladies—I have found the most amazing piece of clothing on the planet! A push up bra that gives you everything you want and more.  Upbra: where have you been all my life?!

The Upbra was designed with three goals in mind: 1.  Cleavage that you never thought was possible 2. Fully adjustable so that women could select the amount of lift they’d like 3. To create this cleavage and lift naturally without excessive padding.

This bra is amazing. It pushes you up all in the right places, and makes the gals look amazing and very natural.

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For the most part, I have been eating healthy and exercising (despite the holidays!), and I hate to say it, but I swear I lost some cleavage weight. This bra gives me the extra push up that I need.

My favorite part is that they make strapless bras! I feel like I wear strapless bras more than regular bras.  This strapless bra doesn’t slip, and still gives you the perfect push up.  They also have a gorgeous swimsuit line—how perfect for the summer months!

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Thank you for the collab Upbra!

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.

 

 

21 Reasons Why I’m Excited for Fall

New seasons call for fresh beginnings.  I like to view the turn of the season as new doors opening for exciting possibilities.  Change is an inevitable part of life that is often times thrown at us when we least expect it.  Recently, I was in a pretty comfortable groove, happily sailing through life.  I have been working on some bigger, exciting projects, specifically one that I will share with everyone soon!

Despite Mercury being retrograde this past month, everything has been going along quite well.  Although I have been making a lot of progress, I recently experienced a couple of hiccups along the way.  I must admit that whenever I hit a couple of roadblocks, I like most people, tend to get stressed out.  There are a few (major) things up in the air for me right now, and I’m typically the type of person who likes and needs a plan.  I’m not great at relinquishing control and letting the Universe take the lead and waiting patiently for the outcome.  Keeping my cool this past week has proven to be difficult, but I have to continue to remind myself of one vital point: Everything happens for a reason.

I am exactly where I need to be, in this moment, right now, and so are you.  Challenges are called challenges for a reason.  They encourage and test us to grow, learn, and better ourselves.  Also, I have to continue to remind myself that it’s not about what’s happening in my life, it’s about how I’m perceiving the challenge and my reaction to it.  So, with all of that being said, I can choose to continue to be stressed out or take it moment by moment and look at the future with an open mind and the numerous opportunities to continue to grow, adjust and to be happier.

Without further ado, here are 21 reasons why I’m looking forward to Fall:

  1. New beginnings: new opportunities for change are endless
  2. Fall fashion: bring on the beanies, chunky sweaters, flannels, tights, leather jackets, and thigh high boots!
  3. Foliage
  4. Crisp air
  5. Pumpkin picking and other farm activities: Confession—I still go pumpkin picking with my mom once a year in CT
  6. Halloween.  It will never get old for a big kid at heart like myself
  7. Oktoberfest. Flight of seasonal beers anyone?
  8. Cleaning out my room.  I try to “spring clean” my room every season
  9. Fall foods: Apple fritters, warm savory soups, roasted veggies, spaghetti squash, etc.
  10. Snuggling up on chilly nights
  11. Fall color palette: navy, olive green, mustard yellow, deep reds, magenta, etc.
  12. My New York Anniversary: I’m going on year 4 here in the big apple
  13. Friends’ birthdays.  I have a lot of close friends who have September, October, and November birthdays!
  14. Turning back the clocks.  I’ll take that extra hour any day
  15. Excitement for the holiday season and my birthday, which in December
  16. Football & fall sports.  I’m not a huge sports fan, but I love watching games and participating in all the social aspects J
  17. Thanksgiving, which is my favorite holiday.  There’s always so much to be thankful for
  18. Spending time with my family, specifically that long weekend of Thanksgiving
  19. Fall flavors: I’m not a pumpkin spice girl, but I do love a spiced apple cider.  You can always find me with a hot apple cider in hand. I love cinnamon and spices.
  20. Launch of my new secret project—coming to you soon!
  21. Renewed sense of energy and excitement [in the city].  This goes for any season, but there’s just something about Fall that makes me really feel this energy

As I write this, I can picture myself sitting in the middle of Central Park, wearing a chunky sweater and booties, surrounded by the colorful foliage of Autumn.  The sun is shining down upon me, while I’m reading a book and breathing in the crisp air.  I take a sip of a hot Caramel Apple Spice Latte, and I can’t help but to think, “Fall is here, and I’m ever so excited!” 🙂

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Bell sleeve blouse by Romwe

Leather skirt by Urban Outfitters

Lips by Kylie Cosmetics

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Xx Marisa

Always Love

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This super cute, white romper is from AMIClubwear.  Rompers are a must have for the Spring and Summer seasons, and you’ll be seeing a lot of tops, dresses, and rompers with unique cut-outs and sleeve trends.  This outfit can also double as the perfect beach coverup.  These colorful pom poms make this romper pop! Now I just need to get my hands on a pair of espadrille wedges with pom poms!

All photography is by Josh Lobel (@jlobelphoto) and shot on the corner of Kenmare & Mott in SoHo

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I am also in love with these Spring booties from AMIClubwear! I’m a believer in wearing booties all year long–I love an edgy summer dress paired with cute booties. You’ll be seeing a lot of shoes with clear or see-through mesh or plastic material during the upcoming seasons. Definitely reminds me a bit of the Spice Girls and the 90s in general, but hey, fashion trends always recycle right?! You’ll also be seeing a lot of shoes, bags, and other accessories with fun prints and patterns like these.  Who doesn’t love emojis?!

Thank you for the collaboration AMIClubwear! This brand is super fashionable, chic, and outrageously affordable.  It has everything you’re looking for and more. If you want to stand out this season, look to AMIClubwear for the next addition to your wardrobe.  You will not be disappointed!  You can shop here!

P.s. my hat is from H&M! Hats always make a great accessory to complete a look 🙂

Xx Marisa

Poptails and Pop Art!

Hi friends!  If you follow me on Instagram or like my Facebook page, then you are probably familiar with FrutaPop, a beverage company that has reinvented the ice pop with a boozy twist.  Yes, these alcohol-infused ice pops or “poptails” exist, and they are so delicious.  FrutaPOP also specializes in detox and coffee pops.  All of their pops are made out of natural fruits and juices, and they offer seasonal flavors so your can have your pops year-round.  With a poptail in hand, you’re brought back to your childhood days, with an adult twist of course.

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Throughout the month of April, FrutaPOP has been proudly sponsoring The Art of POP: An Ode to Andy Warhol exhibition located at 548 West 28th Street in Chelsea.  Until the end of the month, this POP up exhibition will highlight work from artist and co-founder of FrutaPOP, Laurance Rassin.  Rassin is also the artistic director and founding member of The New Blue Riders, a twenty-first century contemporary art movement.  This POP up exhibition pays tribute to POP icon Andy Warhol.  Pop Art is one of my favorite art movements, and I was delighted to see pop art pieces with a modern twist. If anyone wants to buy one of these pieces for me, please let me know 😉

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Every Thursday during the month of April, FrutaPOP will host a series of poptail parties.  Come join us on the 20th and 27th of this month.  You’ll have the chance to try FrutaPOP’s limited edition, alcohol-infused “Andy POPs,” which feature some of Rassin’s Pop Art works from this exhibition on the label.

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Please visit Eventbrite (click here) to get your free tickets to one of the next poptail parties!

The POP up exhibition is open until April 30th, 2017, and hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 10am-5pm.

Also, these pops make the perfect beverage at any event or party, especially now that Summer is around the corner—talk about refreshing!  Click here to read more about their flavors and how to order a batch today.

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Please follow FrutaPOP on social media!

Instagram: @frutapop

Twitter: @Fruta_POP

Facebook: FrutaPOP

 Hope to see you on the 20th and 27th 6-9pm!

 Xx Marisa

Beautiful Vulnerability

There is something beautiful about being vulnerable. A friend told me this about a year and a half ago. I remember cringing as he said this to me. The person I was at the time responded very differently to these words back then.

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At the time, we were sort of dating, and he told me this statement in order to get me to loosen up a bit. He was asking all the tough questions, attempting to break down walls I had spent years building up. I dodged his questions (successfully…so I thought) and chose not to self-disclose. That’s when he said, “You know, Marisa, there’s something beautiful about being vulnerable.”

I remember my body physically responding to that statement—muscles tightening, jaw clenching, body overheating—I was resisting in so many ways. It makes me think about what else I was resisting at that time in my life.   I was so closed-off and afraid of being vulnerable, even to a person who was completely open and receptive to my vulnerability. I felt so awkward, and it was so obvious. All I could think was how do I get out of this conversation? Somehow, probably with a bad joke or some kind of lame humor, I escaped the conversation. He knew he was pushing me to my limits, but I just wasn’t ready to answer the tough questions. I maybe couldn’t even answer them for myself.   It was safe to be transparent, but I couldn’t do it.  I felt attacked, although he was coming at me from a loving and caring place.

A year and a half later, I still struggle with times like these, although now, I wholeheartedly believe that there is something beautiful about being vulnerable.

It’s straight up frightening to be vulnerable. I used to see it as a sign of weakness, but that’s so far from the truth. I shake my head at my younger self for thinking that. Yes, you feel exposed and yes, exposure is scary, but if you own that exposure, nobody can use it against you. Not one single person.  Trust me.

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So, as part of owning my own vulnerability, I really want to start writing more, specifically about my life (more personal and meaningful topics) and how I live it.  This blog is a great creative outlet for me, and I’d like to take it to the next level. #WatchThisSpace for what’s to come in this new year 😉

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All of these amazing photos are from Pipilotti Rist’s exhibit titled Pixel Forest, which is now on display at the New Museum (located in the LES, 235 Bowery). I have seriously been trying to go to this exhibit since it opened in October, but just never found the time! Due to all the press and hype, the exhibit was extended, and I finally took the opportunity to go yesterday.

Rist is a Swiss video artist known for her mesmerizing and hypnotic video and multimedia installations. Her video, film, and image projections incorporate themes of gender, sexuality, and the human body.

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Pixel Forest occupies the main three floors of the New Museum. The exhibit includes works that span over the artist’s entire career, emphasizing the progression of technology and how this evolution has affected her art.

The kaleidoscopic projections, soothing audio, rhythmic lighting of each piece make you feel as if you are transported from your everyday, monotonous world into a tranquil, dreamlike environment.

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I love entrancing LED installations, so naturally my favorite piece was Looking Through Pixel Forest, a hanging LED installation and video projection piece (pictured above and below). The hanging LED lights changed to all colors of the rainbow in a rhythmic pattern while two videos played on the adjacent walls. The video, audio, and lighting combination made me feel like I was in a pixel forest, straight out of the movie Avatar or something. I felt like I was in a completely different world, and I loved every moment of it.

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This exhibit ends on January 15th!! That’s in 4 days, so I strongly suggest making it a priority to check it out yourself!

Read more about Pipilotti Rist and her Pixel Forest here and here.

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Xx Marisa

Nip + Fab Round 2

Hi friends!  Hope you are enjoying the holidays!

A few weeks ago, I partnered with Nip+Fab and reviewed some of their products! Check out my first post here.

They sent me some more skincare goodies, along with an eyeliner sample from their sister skin care and makeup line, Rodial. I had the opportunity to try five awesome products!

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The winter months are upon us, and my body is already in hibernation mode and in need of some serious sculpting.  Luckily, Nip + Fab sent me two body gels: one for my bust and one for my booty.  The Cellulite Fix is a body sculpting gel for fast action against the appearance of cellulite.  The Bust Fix is a light serum that plumps and firms the area around the bust.  I’ve been using these products for about a week, and my skin feels much firmer.  I haven’t gone to the gym in two weeks because I have been sick, but my skin (especially my booty–a problem area of mine) feels tight thanks to these products.

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The Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing pads are exfoliating facial pads that retexture and brighten the skin.  The glycolic acid retextures and resurfaces while the hyaluronic acid moisturizes and refreshes.  It leaves your skin feeling very smooth and calm.  I can definitely see myself using these on a daily basis.

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The pores on my face are visibly huge and suck up any makeup I put on, leaving my pores to be constantly clogged.  I tried Nip + Fab’s Viper Venom Micro Blur Fix, which is a priming gel that transforms the look of your skin, minimizes pores, and controls the production of oil. It definitely does it’s job–my pores are visually smaller.  You should apply it before putting on your makeup.

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Last but not least, I am also in love with my Smoky Eye Pen from Rodial! I have been in the market for a new black eye pencil, and I have found it! I love how it leaves a matte finish.  Now if I could only wing my eyeliner perfectly!

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Thanks Nip+ Fab & Rodial!

Xx

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PUMA x DSW Vikky Platform Launch

Hey friends!

This week I had the opportunity to attend the Puma x DSW Vikky Platform launch party! Puma’s Vikky sneaker now has a new look incorporating a higher platform.

The empowering theme of the event was “They follow, I lead,” encouraging you to be your authentic self, be the leader of your own life, and “do you.”

Check out some photos from the event below:

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And let’s not forget the new & fabulous Vikky Platform Puma’s

Thank you Puma, DSW, and Bloglovin’ for having me! I can’t wait to wear my new kicks!

The post is brought to you by Activate by Bloglovin and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.
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Nip+Fab Skincare

Hi friends!  I recently partnered with Nip+Fab and reviewed some of their products! Nip+Fab is a natural and affordable skin care line created by Maria Hatzistefanis, the founder of Rodial.  They have products for both your face and body, and they even have a line for men!

I had the opportunity to try four awesome products!

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The Dragon’s Blood Fix Plumping Serum is designed to moisturize dehydrated skin while leaving your skin looking plumper. Sap from the Croton Lechleri tree (Dragon’s Blood) helps to reduce redness and plumps skin.  Ingredients include hyaluronic acid to hydrate for plumper looking skin, amino acid to brighten the skin, and dragon’s blood which comforts and restores through skin hydration. My skin felt more hydrated and looked brighter after using this product for just one week!

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The Dragon’s Blood Fix Plumping Mask is a hydrating gel mask that intensely hydrates and plumps the skin (to avoid those nasty wrinkles) to refine the skin’s appearance for a brighter complexion.  My skin has been so dry from these weather changes, and both the Plumping Mask and Serum seriously hydrated my skin. This mask is not too heavy, and it has a nice, light texture and scent.  It leaves your skin feeling very refreshed!

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The Glycolic Scrub Fix is a triple action mico exfoliant with glycolic and salicylic acids to refine, brighten, and renew the skin.  The glycolic acid (3%) gently exfoliates and retextures while the salicylic acid cleanses pores. It leaves your skin feeling so smooth!

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The Glycolic Fix Night Pads is a super-strength treatment that targets oily and congested skin.  These pads contain 5% glycolic acid which aids natural skin exfoliation and refines the skin’s textures, salicylic acid that helps unclog congested skin, and lactic acid which gently weakens the bonds that hold dead skin cells together.  It really helped decongest my problem skin areas.  These pads are a life saver for problem skin or occasional breakouts.  I always break out after I eating dairy and these glycolic pads keep my pores really clean and clog free.

I give these products an A+ review. They also smell so good and are very lightweight.  You can shop these products and more here! Don’t forget, they also have products for men here!

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Thanks Nip+Fab! Xx

Me, Myself, and I

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Shirt: Zara

Skirt: Urban Outfitters

Tassel Necklace: BCBG

Thigh High Boots: Forever 21

Choker: Forever 21

Bracelet: Baublebar

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Street art by Apexer (@apexer) for Space NK USA

Found on Mott and Prince St.

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Photography by Tiffany Chen @photosbytifff