swimwear – Happens For A Reason

A Bikini Babe’s Wishlist

July 28, 2017July 28, 2017Posted in FashionTagged beach, beach style, beachwear, Fashion, fashion blogger, fashionista, lifestyle, pool, pool style, style, summer, summer in the city, summer style, swim, swimsuit, swimsuits, swimwearLeave a comment

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:

Scallops

2. Crochet

3. Lace up Bandeau

4. Plunge/ Plunge with mesh

5. Velvet

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

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.

***
All of these beautiful photos were taken in Aruba!

The swimsuit is by Asos 🙂

Xx Marisa

All For Color with a Pop of Pink

April 7, 2017April 9, 2017Posted in Fashion, TravelTagged Aruba, beach, Beauty, Fashion, fashionista, flamingos, island, life, lifestyle, photography, products, style, swim, swimwear, Travel, trends, womenLeave a comment

Hi friends! Long time no write–I’ve been so busy! As many of you probably know I took a trip to Aruba (travel blog post to come)! Talk about paradise! This 19-mile island just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela is a beach lovers’ delight. Lined with stunning beaches, white sand and clear blue water, I found my piece of tranquility far from the rat race of the City. I am grateful for my time in Aruba. It was truly an enjoyable and relaxing experience. My days were filled with sight-seeing adventures, delicious cuisine, and R&R on the miles of tranquil and picturesque beaches. It was my first time to the island, and needless to say, I’m definitely going back!

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While in Aruba, I had the opportunity to visit Renaissance Island, a private island exclusive to Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino guests. The hotel sells a limited number of day passes to non-Renaissance guests (which aren’t necessarily guaranteed). In order to guarantee a day pass as a guest of Renaissance Island, you need to book a spa treatment at their Spa Cove. I was lucky to secure a pass and book an outdoor massage which was set at the end of a private walkway with an expansive view of the ocean. Talk about relaxing! What are you waiting for?–treat yourself, you’re on an island after all!

The main attraction on the island are the flamingos! Yes, flamingos! There are only about eight or so of them, but you can get insanely close and even feed them! How cool, right?! I had such a fun time taking photos and feeding them. And don’t worry, they don’t bite..much 😉

This little island is a slice of heaven. Amazing food, delicious tropical drinks, magnificently clear water, flamingos, iguanas, spa treatments–they have everything you need, and you can spend the whole day there! I’ll be writing more about my further adventures as well as other attractions and my experience in general in my Aruba travel post.

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My adorable swimsuit and hot pink cover up are from All For Color! This is the cutest online boutique that has everything you need for your next island vacation or spring break getaway. The brand incorporates so many bright, fun, and energetic colors in their clothing and accessories. The bikini I am wearing is super adorable and can be worn off the shoulder. The unique clothing and swimsuits from All for Color are sure to turn heads and are a must have for the upcoming summer months! And there are so many fun patterns and designs to choose from. Life is too short, so enjoy it in color! I love All for Color because they have fun, unusual, affordable clothing that appeals to women of all ages. Shop my bikini here and kimono here!

* * * GIVEAWAY * * *

With sunny days quickly approaching, I am excited to announce a $200 Beachin’ Wardrobe Giveaway in collaboration with All For Color! (April 10-17, 2017)

Interested?! Sign up here! The contest starts tomorrow (Monday, April 10,2017). You will receive additional entries for visiting and following each involved blogger on IG. You may also earn extra entries for referring friends to the giveaway. One winner will be chosen at random for entries. If chosen, you have 5 days to claim your $200 e-gift card or a new winner will be picked.

Please Note: This contest is in no way sponsored, administered or endorsed by Instagram. Inc or any of the companies in the photo. By entering, entrants confirm they are 18+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s term of use. No purchase necessary. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.