Trust the Process

This past month I have been constantly reminded that there is a plan greater than mine. I was so adamant about following my own plan that I continued to resist the path that the Universe was setting for me. Enter feelings of uncertainty and frustration as well as the constant question of “why is this happening?!” The best way I could describe the past month is like a puzzle: a puzzle I had all the wrong pieces to yet was trying to piece together. When something is not meant to be, it will simply not be, no matter how much we think we can control it or force it.

Naturally, resistance occurs when our plan doesn’t match up with what the world is throwing at us. The Universe will place new people and experiences into our lives and take out what is no longer serving us, and if you don’t make the changes yourself, the Universe will make them for you, as we each have a plan that’s greater than our own. You just have to be ready to let go and trust the process.

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Surrendering to a plan greater than yours is indeed difficult, however, it is ever so rewarding. I can’t emphasize this enough: everything happens for a reason. You might not know or understand the reason while you are going through the process, but when you take the time to look back on the experience or situation, you will find that it happened because it was meant to.

In my most recent experience, the Universe was setting me up for a better situation that I didn’t even think was possible! (Thank you, Universe!). We all put the utmost trust in our own plans, while we should be putting trust in a power greater than ourselves. Allow yourself to find comfort in trusting the process, and everything will come with ease.

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P.s. This gorgeous red, asymmetrical blouse is from SheIn.  Shop my favorite fall styles here!

Xx Marisa

Don’t Let Me Down

The other day, a friend of mine wronged me.  She doesn’t know that I know she wronged me, but I do.  I’m not going to go into detail here, but it wasn’t something major, just the equivalent of something very high school (i.e. not inviting me to a party because she didn’t want me there for whatever reason).

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From high school to my junior year in college, I was bullied.  I wasn’t bullied by groups of people, nor was there a lot of concrete evidence that I was bullied.  I was consistently and sort-of passively bullied by my closest friends.

When I click with someone, I tend to become instantaneous friends with them.  During my younger years, however, my intuition was not as strong, and I constantly found myself becoming friends with people who were not good for me.

During high school, I quickly became friends with a girl, and we became inseparable.  Everyone knew we were very close and a package deal.  About a year into our friendship, however, she began to low-key bully me.  It started by putting me down by saying small comments here and there.  The subtle digs continued until they developed into so much more.

I remember her once telling me “Marisa, you’re never going to be a model.”  To that statement, I now laugh (if she only knew where I was now!), but at the time I was devastated.  How could my best friend who is supposed to love, care, and support me say that about me?  Answer is that she wasn’t a true friend.

There were many red flags that I should have ended my friendship with her, but we were at a small, all-girls school, where the level of drama tends to be high generally speaking.  I wasn’t looking to cause or add to any drama, and I sure as hell wasn’t looking for our friends to start choosing sides, something that would have been inevitable considering we had a small circle of mutual friends.  This girl was also known for having a strong and mean personality, and to be honest, my young, timid self was afraid to even have a simple conversation with her about how she was making me feel.  So, I sucked it up and tried to brush it all under the rug.

Eventually, we did end our friendship halfway during my senior year of high school.  I think the final straw was over a guy I liked that she was poaching on—I can’t remember to be honest, it feels like a lifetime ago.  Although I was devastated for losing my best friend and our mutual friends ended up choosing sides for the most part, I remember being very proud of myself for finally standing up for myself.

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Unfortunately, the lesson repeats until it’s learned.  After this falling out with this friend, the same thing happened to me again in high school and then twice in college.  It wasn’t until my junior year of college that I finally broke the cycle.

I continued to attract one close best friend who low-key emotionally abused me.  It happened to me 5x in a row.  Each time, it was hard to realize it was happening because girls can be manipulative, crafty, and for sure catty.

 Me being me, I also always tried to focus on the good in people and refused to believe anyone, let alone my best friend at the time, could do this to me.  I still always look for the good in people, but I sure as hell don’t overlook the bad anymore.  I don’t hold grudges—I think it’s a waste of time and energy, but I certainly don’t forget how people treat me and make me feel.

I started to attract good and genuine friends into my life because I finally stopped allowing people to treat me poorly.   I knew I deserved to be treated better, and I wanted to be treated better.  I knew I deserved to have genuinely good people in my life, and once I consistently started thinking this and changed my mindset, I began attracting the people that I wanted.

So, back to my friend that I started this article about: Although we are adults, and petty things like this blatantly shouldn’t be happening, at the end of the day, I can’t be mad at her for not being confident enough with herself.

People tend to project or take out their insecurities on others, and this is exactly what is happening here.  I was livid once I found out what she did to me because 1. situations like these clearly hit close to home because of my past and 2. We are all adults here, grow up, but once I realized this is about her, not me, I accepted what had happened and chose to let it go.

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This chic and very fashionable top is from Romwe!  I have written about this before, but I must mention again that I am obsessed with the bell sleeve phenomenon for this season! What makes this top also stand out is the intricate sleeve design.  I love that this top incorporates eye-catching lace-up tie sleeves.  It makes for a stylish, edgy, yet sophisticated look.  It’s the perfect transition top to take you from day to night! I love it paired with white denim jeans or a cute skirt or shorts.  You can certainly wear this to a barbeque or when you’re out and about shopping during the day, and you can dress it up for parties or get-togethers later in the evening!

Romwe is the place to shop for fun, stylish and edgy clothing! If you’re looking for something very fashionable or the latest styles and trends, Romwe has it all! All of their clothes are so chic and on trend. Not to mention, they are outrageously affordable!

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All photography is by Josh Lobel Photography (@jlobelphoto) and shot in SoHo.

Xx Marisa

Fiesta Forever

A year ago I started a gratitude journal where I write down things I am grateful for each day.  I decided to start it because I randomly read that in 21 days, you can rewire your brain by writing down just 3 things that you are grateful for each day.  Initially, this seemed like an odd concept and too simple of an exercise, however, at the time, I was committed to working on myself and changing my thought processes, and I wanted to do everything I could to accomplish my goal of doing so.  Challenge accepted.

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With that being said, I found a tiny notebook and began listing three things that I was grateful for each day.  The list started out as basic as “1. Mom 2. Food 3. A home, to live in” but gradually developed into so much more.  I remember reaching the 21-day mark and thinking “wow, this really does work.”

The more grateful I became, the more humble I became, and in turn, I actually began to attract more into my life.  Listing three things a day turned into listing five or seven—sometimes even fifteen.  I noticed myself starting to say “thank you” multiple times a day under my breath, even for the smallest of things like good weather or being on time for work despite major train delays.  I even began to be thankful for the “bad” because I began to view bad experiences or challenges as lessons and opportunities to grow.

Every morning I used this exercise to ground myself, and I still do it to this day.  My life has become much more positive and peaceful ever since.  This simple exercise has helped me to accept the person I am and be thankful for the life I have been given, two concepts that were foreign to me before being committed to doing this simple, yet life changing exercise.

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Fiesta anyone?  This adorable polka dot dress is from SheIn!  My inspiration for this shoot was Spanish Doll/Barcelona Babe..I think I’m just dreaming about going to Spain to be honest!  The dress is very pretty and feminine and the polka dots give it a fun, flirty flair.  I love that this dress is off-the-shoulder, one of the hottest trends this Summer.  The dress also has two rows of ruffles at the bottom, making it super chic and sophisticated!   I  paired this stylish number with a black choker and strappy black sandals to keep with the Latin vibe.  It’s the perfect dress to wear to your next summer soiree, celebration or cocktail party!  You will definitely get compliments in this dress, and it’s super comfortable and fun to wear!

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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!

Xx Marisa

All photography is by Josh Lobel Photography (@jlobelphoto) and shot in front of La Esquina on Kenmare St. in SoHo.

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

Bleeding Love

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

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

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“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

 

Nip+Fab & Rodial Collab

I love, love, love these brands!  This is my third collaboration with Nip+Fab and Rodial.  Nip+Fab 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 more awesome products!

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My favorite product from this collaboration is the Kale Fix Clay Mask (maybe because I love Kale so much)!  This face mask both softens and decongests the skin.  It is super packed with amazing ingredients including kale extract, watercress extract, and witch hazel.  The kale extract contains vitamins A, C, & K to help reinvigorate the skin.  The watercress extract helps to provide maximum softness, while the witch hazel works to draw away impurities without leaving your skin completely dry.  My skin felt so smooth after using this product!

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Ok, so, we are officially in the dead of winter, and my body is  in hibernation mode and in need of some sculpting. The Bust Fix Night is an awesome night cream that seriously plumps and firms the area around the bust while you sleep.  Although I am a member of the IBTC (lol), I tried it out a few nights in a row, and I can say that it really does it’s job.

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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 love using these daily.

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Nip+Fab’s Dragon’s Blood Fix Hyaluronic Shot is an intense moisture serum that immediately saves your dehydrated skin.  The hyaluronic solution and dragons blood in this shot leaves your skin feeling fresh and plump.  It locks moisture into the skin, comforts, and restores.  With just two drops of this powerful serum, your skin will feel 100% hydrated- it’s a life saver during these dry winter months.

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I never wear liquid eyeliner because I always struggle with putting it on.  A simple winged look can turn into a catastrophe real quick, however, this Liquid Liner by Rodial is a game changer.  It’s so smooth and easy to put on.  I think I’ve used it every single day since receiving it!

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Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Pick up some of these products for your sweetie or for your friends–what a perfect gift for Galantine’s Day! Click here and here to shop these products 🙂

Thank you Nip+Fab & Rodial!

Xx Marisa

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

Soho Silhouettes

“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” -Rumi

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“Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love.” -Rumi

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“Let the beauty we love be what we do.” –Rumi

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Dress: Zara, Hat: H&M, Choker: Forever 21, Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters, Lips: Rimmel London‘s “104 Call me Crazy” Exaggerate Lip Liner and “660 In Love With Ginger” Moisture Renew Lipstick

Photos by Devon McLaughlin