quotes – Happens For A Reason

Vicious Victim Cycle

October 31, 2017November 3, 2017Posted in FashionTagged feelings, happiness, happy, health, holistic health, life, lifestyle, quotes, reflections, relationships, spirituality, style, thoughtsLeave a comment

So the other week I was watching a video by speaker, author, and spiritual leader, Gabrielle Bernstein, and she was talking about the concept of playing the role of the victim. Now, I know that I am guilty of this, and I know a lot of people that are guilty of this well—we all fall into the victim trap occasionally as it’s human nature to do so. All of us see ourselves as victims in some way or time in our lives. Gabby explained that when we view ourselves as victims we begin to overthink and obsess about a situation and try to control it. We reach out and talk about the situation to everyone we know, and the more we talk about it, the more we obsess about it and try to over-analyze it. In reality, we make the situation worse, not better, and there is no resolution in sight.

I can honestly say there’s definitely one aspect of my life that I’m not happy with and working on. I’m really consciously trying to think differently and change my perception about it because it has affected my disposition in many ways, over and over again. I find myself falling into the trap of playing the victim when talking or thinking about this aspect of my life.

Although I am on a great path, very in tune with myself, and feel as if I’m in alignment with universe, we all have hiccups along the way. Nobody is perfect and let’s face it, life is a journey and a continuous learning process for both me and you.

So, the other week I caught myself complaining, complaining, and complaining, and then, I had this moment of clarity (which has happened before), but this time the clarity really sank in. The questions of why am I doing this and why am I ruminating about this problem and thinking negative thoughts over and over and over in my head really triggered something within me. If there’s anything I’ve learned in regard to the law of attraction it’s that the vibrations you put out into the Universe are what you will receive back. With that being said, why would I want to bring negativity into my life and continue to ruminate over a situation that is upsetting me?

I believe we all secretly, very deep down, love playing the role of the victim because we have the opportunity to shift blame onto other people or situations rather than looking inwardly at ourselves. If you’re unhappy about something, it’s much easier to blame someone else rather than to show up for yourself and acknowledge what’s really going on inside of you.

One of the coolest things that I’ve read within the past few weeks was a quote on Twitter by @LifeHacks. I’m not very active on Twitter, but I do love reading and occasionally retweeting things. One day I read a simple quote that went like this: “Three solutions to every problem: Accept it, change it or leave it. If you can’t accept it, change it. If you can’t change it, leave it.” How simple yet true!

When I read this quote, everything seemed very clear. If you can’t accept something, change it. If you can’t change it, leave it. Sometimes the key to happiness is really that simple. I guarantee that if you take this approach to many things in life, you’re going to be much happier because surrendering to something that just isn’t working in your favor and isn’t making you happy is a very strong and brave step in showing up for yourself. Ruminating about what isn’t making you happy may seem like the easier choice, but negativity has a domino effect, and the more negative you are, the more negativity you will bring into your life.

So, here is my advice to you: be present and acknowledge that you are playing the role of the victim. When you focus on living in the present, you observe, reflect and process things at a slower pace and in turn acknowledge everything around you and how you’re feeling. By doing so, you are aware of how you’re reacting to what you’re thinking and what’s going on around you. If you slow down the pace, in any moment of unhappiness, I promise that you’ll have a brief moment of clarity and want to reach for a happy thought.

The first step is awareness, and the second step is actually changing your mindset, which takes a conscious and continuous effort. Practice makes perfect, and you need to change out the negativity tape in your mind to achieve the results you want. Anytime you have a negative thought, reach for a positive one, whether it’s a silver lining in a situation or a positive thought or memory from your past. Feelings and emotions are all temporary, and you can change your mindset from negative to positive in an instant.

Everything in life is a choice, and you don’t have to choose to live in a negative world. It’s your choice to live a positive life. Stop feeding into the victim role by putting an end to complaining and ruminating. Life is going to be much easier once you do this, and I promise you that if you stick to slowing down the pace of your thoughts and reactions, you will become more aware of the vibrations you’re putting into the universe, and you will choose to think positive thoughts. End result: you will have a life filled with joy and happiness.

Be well, be glam!

Xx Marisa

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This off-the-shoulder sweater is by Romwe. It’s so comfy for the change of seasons! I’m so happy sweater weather has arrived. Check out the top here!

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Photos Taken at Sweet Moment in Little Italy (NYC). I got the Creamart Red Velvet (naturally, because it’s red! 🙂 )

5 Ways to be Happy NOW!

August 18, 2017August 30, 2017Posted in CT Fashion Mag, FashionTagged art, Beauty, Fashion, feelings, happiness, happy, health, life, lifestyle, lifestyle blogger, love, quotes, reflections, relationships, style, summer style, thoughts, Travel2 Comments

Written for CT Fashion Mag. Article here.

How many times have you heard the phrase that life is too short to be unhappy? If you’re like me, then you’ve heard it probably one too many times. Everything in life is continuously changing. Nothing remains constant; it’s basic physics. Although my career as a scientist ended at the high school level, the most important thing I learned is that everything is constantly in motion. Simply put, one’s life can change in an instant. We all have good days and bad days, but at the end of the day, we are in control of our own happiness.

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Being human, we all get sad, stressed, irritated, upset, angry, etc. for a brief or even extended period of time. Recently, it took me almost two months to get out of one of the most creativity-blocking ‘funks’ I have gone through in my life. I felt like I was just going through the motions of life without actually living it. This experience made me thoroughly reassess what was holding me back and forced me to stop and regroup.

Over the years, I found that one of the easiest ways to be happy right now is to bring yourself back to living in the moment. We are constantly looking for the next life event or big-picture happening to take place, however, life also consists of the ordinary everyday moments that come in between these bigger occurrences. Every single moment makes up your life, so if your currently sad, angry, confused, or just feeling ‘blah,’ why not be happy in this moment, right now? So here are my tips on how to be happy NOW.

Just Breathe. The first step is simply to breathe. Inhale the good, exhale the bad. Whatever it is that is troubling or making your feel sad, just let it go with each out breath. Take five long, deep, and slow breaths like this: Inhale for four slow counts, hold your breath for four slow counts, and then exhale for four slow counts. Repeat these steps. Anytime I am stressed, I tend to hold my breath or breathe shallowly, cutting off proper circulation to the rest of my body. This is a huge no-no for trying to calm oneself down. If you can become aware of your breathing, you can start to ground yourself, begin to relax and focus on the moment. The simple, natural process of breathing is very calming and can dispel your anxiety and make you feel more relaxed and less stressed.
Take a moment to ground yourself. Even if you have to set your timer to exactly one minute, take that exact minute to recompose yourself. For me, this is closing my eyes and meditating in silence. I’ll even repeat a phrase like “you can do this, Marisa” or “you are so much stronger than you think.” Try it. I swear it works, even just for one minute.
Visualize your “happy place.” For me, I don’t have one exact “happy place” that I constantly resort back to in times of need. Many people have that one place, but I have many happy places because it doesn’t have to be limited to a physical place or time in your life when you were genuinely happy. I always think back to a joke a friend of mine once told me or simply the smile of a loved one. It’s not rocket science, just a memory that makes you feel good inside and a visual that can’t help but make you physically smile.
Step outside (unless the weather is bringing you down, of course, then just step away). Get some sunlight and reconnect with nature. I always find it so difficult to not be happy when I’m sitting or standing outside in direct sunlight. If you’re in an office or at home just take a step outside, or at the very least, step away from your desk. Go on a quick walk to recharge and to experience the serenity and beauty that is all around you. Whether you are in a big city or a small town, there is always a piece of nature that can’t be ignored or underappreciated.
Turn on your favorite song. Once you’ve brought yourself back to living in the moment, choose a song. For me, this probably entails a dancy/hip hop song from the early 2000s. Pick something that 1. Isn’t sad 2. That you can sing (or rap) aloud 3. Reminds you of a person you love or a great time in your life 4. That you can dance to or at least bop your head to. Moving your body in general can shift your mood and increase your happiness immediately as well.

No one’s life is perfect, and the unfortunate truth is that we aren’t going to be happy in every single moment of our lives. However, when we fall off the wagon and become consumed with negativity or sadness, these five life hacks certainly come in handy for reassessing our current state of mind. Just remember that you are in control of your happiness, and if you can slow down your thoughts, become present in the moment, and change your attitude from negative to positive, you can essentially become happy in any given moment.

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Photography by Stephanie Cowan theblondwiththesmile.com @stephaniecowan

Criss cross backless swing dress by SheIn!

Xx Marisa

It Ain’t Me

July 27, 2017July 27, 2017Posted in Fashion, TravelTagged art, blog, Fashion, fashionista, feelings, hamptons, health, life, lifestyle, photography, quotes, reflections, relationships, reviews, style, summer, summer in the city, Things to do, thoughts, Travel, trends, vineyard, wine, womenLeave a comment

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.

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.

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.

P.s. Adorable sundress by AMI Clubwear! 🙂

Xx Marisa

A 16 Handles Miracle

July 11, 2017July 11, 2017Posted in Fashion, Quotes of the MomentTagged Fashion, fashion blogger, fashionista, feelings, health, life, lifestyle, lifestyle blogger, love, miracles, moments, quotes, reflections, relationships, spirituality, style, thoughts, trends2 Comments

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.

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!

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.

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

Times Like These

June 21, 2017June 21, 2017Posted in Fashion, TravelTagged China, culture, Fashion, feelings, France, life, lifestyle, love, quote, quotes, reflections, relationships, spirituality, style, thoughts, Travel, trends, trendy, versailles3 Comments

Happy first day of summer! I can’t believe I have yet to write a post for June! The past month has been a whirlwind of both good and bad. I have been collaborating with so many brands, worked on a few awesome modeling jobs, and I even took a trip to France (travel post to come!).

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Despite all of this, I have felt very unbalanced and scattered the past month and a half. It’s become extremely hard for me to ground myself, so I know something’s up. Life is a bunch of ups and downs, and nothing is constant. I had been moving up since the beginning of the year, but I recently hit a plateau. It occurred to me last night that I’ve been stagnant, and if everything is constantly in motion, stagnant means I’m going down.

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Although I’ve been insanely busy, I’m bored. I’ve been going through the motions instead of looking inward and trying to figure out why I’m feeling this way. Chatting with a friend helped to to realize why I’m bored and what I want. It’s time for a change. It took me a bit of time to realize what that change could be, but I think I’ve now found it. For the first time since May, I feel inspired, and I’m ready to run with it.

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This adorable off the shoulder lantern top is from SheIn. This look combines two of my favorite trends for Spring/Summer: off the shoulder and bell sleeves! It’s the perfect blouse for daytime fun (i.e. visiting Versailles, picnics, day parties). I even saw a couple of girls wearing this top at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic this year too. This top is adorable, but please note that it runs small! SheIn is one of my favorite places to shop! If you’re looking for fashionable clothing or the latest styles and trends, SheIn is the place to go. All of their clothes are so chic and on trend. Not to mention, they are outrageously affordable 🙂

Top: SheIn ; Bag: Louis Vuitton ; Shorts: BDG ; Sunglasses: RayBan; Sandals: Steve Madden

All photos were taken in the Gardens of Versailles in Versailles, France

Xx Marisa

Falling Into Place

May 12, 2017May 12, 2017Posted in Fashion, UncategorizedTagged art, blog, Fashion, feelings, health, life, lifestyle, love, photography, quotes, reflections, relationships, reviews, style, thoughts, trends, womenLeave a comment

A year ago today, I was in a really bad place. I was lost and confused. I was frustrated and stuck. I had zero confidence and no sense of who I was as a person. I had no idea which direction to go in. I was overwhelmed and let my anxiety run my life. The simplest of tasks seemed difficult, and I felt like nothing was going my way.

It’s all about perception, and during this time, I chose to look at life with a negative outlook. It seemed easier that way. I was vibrating at such a low frequency and living in a mundane fog. The more negatively I thought, the more negativity I attracted into my life. I was trapped and claustrophobic to the point where I had to physically remove myself from the situation and leave the city in order to gain clarity and just a mere sense of who I was again.

One of the most important things I’ve learned over the past year is that your thoughts create your life, and if you change your thoughts, you can change your life.

So much can happen in a year—it’s wild. Over time and with a lot of gratitude, forgiveness, and self-love and care, I successfully changed my life because I changed the way I viewed my world around me. Like attracts like, and positivity attracts positivity. My life now and the way I live it is completely different compared to a year ago.

Today I was catching up with one of my close friends over the phone, and she told me that everything is falling into place for me. I have been thinking this for the past few months now, but it’s so much more rewarding and satisfying when you hear it from someone else. Not everything in my life has fallen perfectly into place, but I’m not striving for perfection. It’s all about the journey, and I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be right now in this given moment.

Xx Marisa

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Dress: AMIClubwear, Bracelet: C.Wonder, Earrings: Forever 21 Forever 21, Lipstick: Kylie Lip Kit “Maliboo”

All photography is by Josh Lobel (@jlobelphoto) and shot at NoMo SoHo

Holding Back

May 8, 2017May 8, 2017Posted in Fashion, TravelTagged Aruba, beach, Beauty, feelings, life, lifestyle, photography, pool, quote, quotes, reflections, relationships, spirituality, style, swim, swimwear, thoughts, Travel, womenLeave a comment

So, if you look back on my previous posts, you’ll come across one titled “Beautiful Vulnerability.” It was my first post that had more ‘meaningful’ content, so to speak, or at least gives you a glimpse into my heart and mind, reflecting who I am as a person.

A couple of months ago, I was chatting with a friend. We were talking about relationships, and he flat out told me that I’m too guarded. I could see why he felt that way. He’s someone who has been very patient in taking the time to get to know me over the past year and a half. He told me that my blog was a glimpse into the person I am deep down, but my writing just scratches the surface.

Although (still) slightly offended, the saddest part was, I couldn’t even really defend myself because I knew it was true. As someone chisels away at the first layer of a pretty thick wall I’ve built over several years, I’m replenishing the cement on the other end simultaneously.

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I’m at a point in my life now where the walls that (I thought) used to protect me are now only holding me back. I always say I’m an open book if someone asks the right questions, but what if they’re not asking the tough questions? When do I have to show up and be even more vulnerable in order to open up? When is it my turn to step it up and self-disclose first?

I’m not saying that I never initiate these deeper conversations; I’m just saying that it makes me uncomfortable, and I’d rather the other person initiate them. I’m sure I’ve lost a handful of people in my life because I wasn’t ready to fully open up and be vulnerable. Not everyone is going to stick it out. To play Devil’s advocate, I’ve even ended a relationship because I felt frustrated (and bored, honestly). I felt that it wasn’t meaningful and not on the deeper emotional and intellectual level that I desired it to be on. I needed something more, but to be fair, my fear, which held me back from initiating those deeper conversations, strongly came into play.

I shouldn’t have a fear of getting close to someone, but it’s there. Not for everyone, just for people who don’t self-disclose first. Maybe it’s time for me to make someone else feel comfortable and initially reveal myself to them. If anything, getting close to someone new is a rewarding and beautiful experience that I should look forward to, not be afraid of.

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All of these beautiful photos were taken in Aruba!

The swimsuit is by Asos 🙂

Xx Marisa

Let’s Get REAL ft. Real Underwear

April 20, 2017April 20, 2017Posted in FashionTagged feelings, health, life, lifestyle, lingerie, photography, quotes, reflections, relationships, style, thoughts, trends, underwear, women1 Comment

“Your soul is always going to whisper your truth back to you. Your soul wants what is best for you. And if you try to silence its voice, eventually the whisper will become a roar.”

I randomly came across this quote on Instagram one day, and it really struck a cord with me. Let’s get real–the truth always comes out in some shape or form. We all have internal struggles, perhaps some that we deal with on a daily basis, and especially when our moral compass is involved. I have a pretty strong moral compass, and whenever I go against my grain, or even think about going against it, I’m left with inner turmoil that destroys my morale and clarity.

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When you try to suppress a thought or emotion, it can certainly work for a while, but eventually it will be revealed. I’ve always been one to bottle up my emotions, but eventually (well, fairly quickly, to be honest), the glass shatters, and I’m left with a mess of unsorted thoughts and emotions that I attempted to resist and blatantly ignored for some time.

Resistance is a concept that I think about a lot. Typically out of fear, many of us tend to resist what can be good for us. It can be as basic as resisting eating vegetables, although you know that incorporating more vegetables into your diet will be better for your health.

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For the past few months, I have been analyzing my life and thinking about where I am resisting most. If you’re resisting something that you know deep down is good for you, you’re resisting it out of fear. It might sound crazy, but self-sabotage is a real thing. It’s something that I’ve personally struggled with for years across all aspects of my life. The concept of self-sabotage deserves a post or two on it’s own, but at the root the self-sabotage is the idea that we do not believe we are worthy or good enough to some degree.

So, I’ve been trying to acknowledge what exactly I’m resisting and then surrender to my resistance. History tends to repeat itself until the lesson is learned. The Universe will keep throwing you something until you’ve dealt with it completely. You might be resisting many things in your life, but the root of the problem may all be the same. Show up for what the Universe throws at you, and you will be rewarded with closure, peace, happiness, and clarity.

Everyone has intuition; some of us are just more in tune with it than others. I consider my intuition to be my superpower of sorts. Your intuition will never lead you astray, you just have to be wise enough to recognize its voice and then choose to listen.

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I had the opportunity to partner up with Real Underwear, an innovative lingerie brand that specializes in seamless bras and panties. Talk about REAL maximum comfort and fit! I don’t think I’ve ever felt so comfortable chilling in my bra and panties before. I love how sleek all the designs are and the fabric is incredibly soft. And because they’re seamless, my clothes fit better and look amazing. You will want these seamless bras and panties to wear under all of your chic summer tops, rompers and shorts. Your outfits will look super smooth without any panty and bra lines. Now that I’ve felt the true comfort of a wire-free bra, I think wire-free bras are definitely the only way to go. Not to mention, Real Underwear’s bodysuits and camis are also super attractive and chic. You can shop my bra here and matching panties here. These undergarments are definitely staple items you’ll want to add to your lingerie collection–I’m thinking of getting them in all three colors myself!

Xx, Marisa

Bleeding Love

April 13, 2017April 13, 2017Posted in art, Fashion, new york city, Quotes of the Moment, Street ArtTagged art, Fashion, feelings, life, lifestyle, love, love wall, model, new york, photography, quote, quotes, reflections, relationships, soho, spirituality, spring, style, Things to do, thoughts, Travel, trends, womenLeave a comment

“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” -Maya Angelou

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.” -Dalai Lama

“The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides” -Audrey Hepburn

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This stunning white, off the shoulder dress and lace up sandals are from one of my favorite boutiques, AMIClubwear. Off the shoulder and bell sleeves are two trends that you’ll see a lot of over the Spring and Summer, and I’m obsessed! You can find me in dresses and tops similar to this dress all summer long. These lace up sandals are perfect for every occasion! The heel is only about three inches high (not too tall) so you can definitely pair these with shorts, dresses, rompers, and skirts either for day or night. Not to mention, nude goes with everything! It’s a staple item you need in your wardrobe. You can shop these looks here and here.

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!

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Street art by jgoldcrown found on the side of Seamore’s (Broome & Mulberry in Soho)

@jgoldcrown #lovewall #bleedinghearts #seeyouatseamores

Xx Marisa

Spring Has Sprung

March 20, 2017March 20, 2017Posted in FashionTagged Beauty, culture, Fashion, fashionista, feelings, health, life, lifestyle, love, photography, quotes, reflections, relationships, spirituality, spring, thoughts, womenLeave a comment

Spring officially begins on today, March 20th..although it’s hard to believe considering we had one of our biggest snow storms of the season just last week!

I love Spring because it is a time of rebirth and regrowth. The dark, barren months are finally over. Flowers begin to bloom, leaves grow, animals appear, and the sun feels like it begins to shine brighter. For those who aren’t huge fans of winter (myself included), hope feels like it’s been restored in so many ways with this new, refreshing Spring spirit.

I absolutely love this beautiful season. During these months, I find myself reminiscing and looking back on the past, especially the past four (more or less) dark, winter months. How have I spent the beginning of the year? Where am I in terms of my personal goals? How have I changed in the past few months? Did I keep any of my resolutions? More importantly, how have I changed in the past year? Am I comfortable or am I challenging myself? I have always found this season to be a time of reevaluation and regrouping, and I think these are important questions to ask yourself in order to be true to yourself.

It’s always necessary to do a little spring-cleaning to declutter our lives. For me, an organized space is equivalent to an organized mind. Anytime my room is a mess, I’m typically frantic and scatterbrained. My room is a direct reflection of my mind—it’s actually pretty funny. Now is the perfect time to give your home a deep spring-cleaning and start fresh. Get rid of things you don’t need or maybe reorganize or rearrange your room. Change does the mind good.

I always feel like I get on a health kick around this time (and no not just for a hot summer bod), mainly to clean out all of the toxins from my body. You can do this by going on a healthy, whole food (no processed foods or refined sugar) detox or cleanse to get rid of all the toxins in your body that build up over time from processed or ‘bad’ foods, alcohol, products, etc.

You may even want to cleanse some habits or people out of your life that just aren’t working out for you anymore. Trying to quit smoking? Do it! Holding on to a relationship that just isn’t working out? Why?! Sometimes its necessary to declutter from all areas of our lives.

Never underestimate the act of letting go. Releasing whatever you’re holding on to can be so powerful and do your mind wonders.

There are so many opportunities to start over at the start of a new season. Just as new flowers blossom, you can as well. Spring can be another chance at your New Year’s resolutions–make that small change, add a new healthy habit to your life, begin to work out more, learn about something new, and above all, learn about yourself. The possibilities are truly endless, and you can constantly reinvent yourself anytime you feel inspired, not just during this Spring season.

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My red bomber jacket, pink fluffy heels, and over-the-knee black denim boots are all from AMIClubwear.

These pink faux suede strappy heels give just the right pop of pink to any outfit, and instantly give you a long, leggy look. A trendy addition to your wardrobe, these shoes pair well with any Spring ensemble, and make you feel super chic and glamorous. These heels will instantly escalate any outfit from ho hum to fabulous in a New York second! Whenever I wear them, I feel like I’m in Clueless or Legally Blonde. They are the perfect fun & stylish heel for Spring. Sure to turn heads and have your friends asking, “where can I get mine?”

Last Spring I bought my first bomber jacket (wasn’t sure if I could pull it off), but I’m now obsessed with this look! I was on a mission to find a red one this season, and I found this beautiful red wine color on AMIClubwear. I love the rich, deep red color that is sure to give you a regal vibe. The jacket is pretty lightweight, so do wear something warm underneath. As the weather gets a little warmer, you can wear a cute t-shirt or tank with it to change it up. The jacket also looks great with your favorite jeans or black on black, and it will make any outfit stand out. If you’re like me, I always feel cold in restaurants or other venues, so this little bomber jacket will be my constant companion as the weather transitions from Spring to Summer, keeping me comfortable and looking absolutely chic and fabulous!

Denim will never go out of style, and it’s constantly being reinvented. Thigh-high denim boots (yes, you heard correctly!) are going to be all the rage this season. These stylish boots are to die for! I’m wearing them in black here, but you’ll also see them in all shades of denim washes as well. These open-toe denim boots are comfortable and easy to slip on and off. They will compliment any outfit and will be a staple in your Spring wardrobe. For the perfect edgy look, pair these boots with your favorite dress or skirt for day or night. Stepping out in these boots will have all eyes on you this season!