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

Spring Trend Alert with SheIn

Hi friends! I can’t believe it’s already March!  It has been a long Winter, and I’m so happy that we are approaching Spring, although I’m sad to say that this year is seriously flying by.

If you’re like me, then you’ve been thoroughly enjoying the odd, springtime temperatures that we have been experiencing in the Northeast.  This unseasonable weather won’t stick around for long, but to my delight, the rise in temperature has me thinking about all of the latest, fresh and exciting possibilities the new season has in store for us.  Enter new Spring fashion.  I’ve recently partnered up with SheIn to give you a collage of my favorite new trends for this spring season.

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Statement Sleeves

Word has it that fashion repeats itself every 20-30 years, and I can definitely see a strong 70’s influence for this season.  I am obsessed with this year’s bell sleeve phenomenon.  You’ll find me wearing this look throughout the Spring and Summer.  I also like the bell sleeve on a lace or mesh top–a very delicate, yet bold look.  Adorned with tassels, pom poms, and/or fringe, the bell sleeve takes on a playful look and one that I absolutely love. I am also very fond of bare shoulders. For me, the classiness associated with off the shoulder tops and dresses will never go out of style, so you’ll catch me wearing these throughout the warmer months as well.  Any of these good-looking tops can be paired with your favorite pair of jeans or a nice skirt and even a pair of denim shorts.  This look can take you from the beach to a nice candlelit dinner depending on the occasion and your mood!

Denim Reinvented

Denim will never go out of style, and it is constantly being reinvented. A jean jacket is a staple item for me during the springtime. I enjoy pairing the jacket with a soft floral dress or a sleek black on black outfit. I also love a Canadian tuxedo–a jean on jean outfit.  The versatility and options for denim outfits are endless.  Denim chokers?!  I’m super into it.  Denim shoes, including thigh-high boots (available in all washes and even black), will also be making an appearance this spring.  I just ordered my first pair, and I am so excited to wear them!  You just can’t go wrong with denim…ever!

The Ruffles/Layers Combo

So pretty and feminine!  You’ll be seeing this look a lot on bell sleeves (gotta love when your favorite trends collide!). Ruffles and layers are amazing on their own, but this combo is on fire and makes for a very sophisticated and unique look.  The ruffles soften any look and add an understated sexy appeal.  They layers add a flowing shape and this look speaks femininity in volumes. Every outfit you wear with this combo will for sure make a statement and turn heads. This lovely look is so appealing and can take you from the beach to brunch, or to a night out on the town.

Embroidery

It wouldn’t be Spring without tons of flowers!  And this Spring season, it’s all about embroidered flowers and patterns! Embroidery can be so delicate, as seen on this blue dress featured below, yet this season will also feature an edgy twist.  I’m obsessed with embroidered mesh–I need to get my hands on a black mesh bodysuit like the one featured below. The embroidered blouse also featured is ultra-feminine and pretty.  You will get unlimited compliments wearing this gorgeous blouse!  I am also a huge fan of these embroidered booties–they will finish off any outfit with polish and pizazz!

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There you have it! These are the trends you should be looking out for this season.  I am thrilled to showcase these lovely looks, and I am certain these featured pieces will make you feel super pretty, feminine and confident!

To shop all of these new items and more, click here to visit SheIn 🙂 This is one of my favorite places to shop.  All of their pieces are so trendy, chic, and outrageously affordable.

Thanks SheIn for the collab!

Xx Marisa

 

 

Radiant Aura

 Flatiron, Manhattan

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“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life” – Omar Khayyam

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“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony” -Gandhi

 “Our ambition should be to rule ourselves, the true kingdom for each one of us; and true progress is to know more, and be more, and to do more” -Oscar Wilde

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“To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance” -Oscar Wilde

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“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow” -Helen Keller

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“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars” -Oscar Wilde

Dress: Express; Shoes: Michael Kors, Choker: Forever 21, Lips: Laura Mercier’s Lip Glacé “Pink Spark,” Sunglasses: Bought them on the street in Flatiron 🙂

Photos by Devon McLaughlin, The Leveraged Look @theleveragedlook

Brighter Than Sunshine

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“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves” -William Shakespeare

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“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none” -William Shakespeare

“We know what we are, but know not what we may be” -William Shakespeare

“God has given you one face, and you make yourself another” -William Shakespeare

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“To do a great right do a little wrong” -William Shakespeare

Bradley Theodore (@bradleytheodore) is hands down my favorite graffiti artist.  He is best known for portraying fashion icons, including Karl Lagerfeld and Anna Wintour, in a colorful, skeletal way.  His is most recent work consists historical icons, such as Queen Elizabeth, and infamous stars, including Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe.  His work can be found in galleries and on the street throughout the world, specifically in major cities like New York City, Los Angeles, London, and Hong Kong.  In New York, most of his street art is found in Soho and the LES.  The above are found on Rivington and Ludlow in the LES.

Dress: Zara, Earrings & Bracelet: C Wonder, Shoes: Steve Madden, Lipstick: Lancome #333 Pink Preview (Matte)

Photos by Devon McLaughlin, The Leveraged Look @theleveragedlook

Empire State of Mind

This past week marked my 2 year anniversary in New York!  Most days the score is New York: 1, Marisa: 0, but I must thank you, New York City, for making me the person I am today.  Can’t wait to see what year 3 holds! tumblr_ncgygnrpyv1r9fos1o1_500

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Romper: Design Lab/Lord & Taylor, Ear Cuff Earrings: Forever 21, Lips: Laura Mercier’s Lip Glacé “Pink Spark,” Sunglasses: Bought them on the street in Flatiron  🙂

Photos by Devon McLaughlin, The Leveraged Look @theleveragedlook

Unlimited Vitality

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“One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest” -Maya Angelou

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“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated” -Maya Angelou

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“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them” -Maya Angelou

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude” -Maya Angelou

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“Nothing will work unless you do” -Maya Angelou

This colorful mural, featuring musician and singer-songwriter Joey Ramone, can be found on the side of Saxon + Parole on Bleecker Street. In 2015, this piece was commissioned  by the Little Italy Street Art Project (L.I.S.A., @thelisaprjectnyc) and painted by Dublin’s Solus and the Bronx’s John ‘CRASH’ Matos (#SolusxCrash).   The L.I.S.A. Project is “a 501(c)3 charity arts program founded in historic Little Italy bringing events & diverse artists to Downtown, creating NYC only mural district” (-L.I.S.A.).  The mural was strategically painted across the street from CBGB, the location where the band the Ramones originally started.

Top & Sunglasses: H&M, Bracelet: Ralph Lauren, Choker: Forever 21, Shorts: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Christian Siriano, Lips: L’Oreal 8hr New Nouveau Infallible #320 “Mirror Underneath”

Photos by Devon McLaughlin, The Leveraged Look @theleveragedlook