beverly hills whatta thrill

it's been exactly twenty three days since I made the hop, skip, and jump from boston to los angeles, and I'm still in that weird "I feel like I've been here forever" slash "it feels like it's been 5 minutes" phase. I jumped right into work the second day I arrived (#whatwasIthinking), and have been attempting to adjust to the time difference/jet lag/settling in phase ever since. I feel like Thanksgiving, with it's sleeping in/laid back vibe/good food/humbling attitude, has given me just what I needed to get my butt into gear. what an incredible opportunity for me to be here in california, with one of my best friends, in a city with so many amazing opportunities, and limitless adventures. in these twenty three days I've managed to cross quite a few things off my LA bucket list; lunch at Lemonade (order the arnold palmer with mac & cheese- so good!), visit the urban lights at the LA county museum of art (expect a post with pictures soon because it was just too pretty not to have a mini photo shoot), shopping on melrose (surprise visit from my cousin who decided to drive down from san fran for the weekend), santa monica (celebrated a very Persian thanksgiving with Nikki's family at her grandmothers by the beach. less traditional, more rice- but amazing), but there are still plenty of adventures to be had :)

xx, marissa

love letter to boston

dear boston,

you and I go back quite a bit. you were the first city I remember visiting as a kid, and thinking to myself, this is where I want to live when I grow up. driving through you during the hiccup (then shit show) that was the big dig was interesting. you were the place that housed the museums that featured some of my favorite works, and opened my eyes to the beauty of rembrant, degas, and monet. you were where we went for certain foods that couldn't be found in the boonies when we made the move from the north shore to hopedale (pizza from santarpio's and pastries from modern). for an adventure filene's basement was always there to riffle through and score good deals, but it was more the thrill of the hunt that we loved than actually shopping. newbury street (at the time) opened by eyes to the benefits of boutique shopping, and I was introduced to designers and brands that couldn't be found at my suburban shopping mall. you were the home of suffolk- the school that I dreamed of, and hoped and prayed senior year that I would get into. where I thought that my career aspirations of law school would come into fruition, and I would make a difference in the world. you are where I made my first best friendship that I wasn't born into/was a result of location, and where I tiptoed into letting someone into my heart for the first time. you are where I experienced a sense of fear & vulnerability that I had never felt, that ultimately shook me enough to take a good, hard look at my life, and see that it wasn't going where I wanted it to go. you were my home during the quarter life crisis, where I eventually picked myself up, dusted myself off, and moved forward. you are where I found my two bosses who turned into mentors/role models, and opened my eyes to the benefits of having a strong & bad ass circle of female friends. and now, it is where I leave you, to start a new life in a new city. I will forever miss your amazing weather that month and a half out of the year, oh fall why can't everyone have you! I will miss your citizens with brains full of knowledge and mouths full of sarcasm. I will miss your windy, cobblestone streets; your one ways; and your blue book laws that I've cursed forever. you've been good to me boston, and I can't wait until I see you again.

love, marissa

city faves: boston

after a long (and eventful/exhausting/heartbreaking/transforming/amazing) 7 years of calling boston my home, the time has come to close this chapter of my life. this city is amazing, and anyone who tells you otherwise has no idea what they're talking about (or they're from new york... so same thing). besides the fact that the entire city is walk-able (and as a car hater, one of my favorite aspects!), has some of the oldest places in the country, and has FALL- there are plenty of reasons to love good ole' beantown. whether you're a first time visitor, live in the city, or are from a surrounding town/city in massachusetts- I'm rounding up some of my favorite places/spaces/things to do in this glorious city.

catch a game at fenway: baseball has been my favorite sport since I was a kid (having an older brother who played on about 4 teams, my weekends and evenings were spent at fields & training camps, and my summers were filled with trips to cooperstown & ballparks). my love of the game has evolved over time, and it's one of my favorite ways to spend a summer night. if you love baseball/the sox, a trip to fenway is non-negoationable. but even if you're not super jazzed to watch a game, fenway itself is incredible. I get goosebumps every time I enter the stadium, and catch my first glimpse of the field or the green monster. there's no such thing as a bad seat at fenway, and even going the bleacher route is always a good time. (honorable mentions- a bruins game or a celtics game. as a city of champions, we have some mighty fine teams to pick from. patriots don't count, unless you want to schelp all the way to foxboro.)

spend some time in the garden: sucha tourist trap on a beautiful day/the weekend (but who am I kidding, where isn't?!), but so worth it. not only are the grounds beautiful (gorgeous well maintained flowers and plenty of benches to sit on), but the trees and lagoon are amazing, and the people watching is incredible. one saturday mid-summer there were 11 weddings/bridal party shoots/photo shoots- eleven! make sure and check out the make way for ducklings statues, and the bench from good will hunting.

visit the museums: there are many museums to check out within the city, whatever may tickle your fancy. my favorites are the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Fine Art- but there's also the Museum of Science, the Bostons Children's Museum, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and many, many more. I took a few classes at the ICA for my Art History minor in college, so it holds  special place in my heart, but as a huge fan of contemporary art, their collection is amazing. make sure to check out the harbor walk while you're over there, a gorgeous place to spend an afternoon outside. the MFA has a fantastic collection, and their exhibits are always changing and featuring something new. the close proximity to the Gardner museum is great, two museums in one afternoon (although the MFA is the type of museum that I like to do in chunks), and enjoy the Back Bay Fens while you're over there.

celebrate saint patrick's day (the right way): as a half blooded irish gal, saint patrick's day has always been my favorite day. as a kid it meant a giant party with my entire irish side of the family, enough corned beef and cabbage to feed a small army (bleck!), and generally good times and memories. as I got older, it meant a day to wear my second favorite color, celebrate my ancestors, and have a great day partying with friends. if you're looking to do st. patty's day right, there's no better place to celebrate than southie. get to the parade route early, grab a good spot, and make sure to hit the packie the night before (the lines are insane). you're in for a grand ole' day.

enjoy the water: since boston is a place with awful weather 8 or 9 months out of the year, once it starts to turn, you have to take every chance you can to be outside. the north end ends at the harbor, and beacon hill/back bay butt the charles- both beautiful areas to hang out around on a gorgeous spring/summer/early fall day. whether it's renting sailboats/paddle boats on the charles, hanging out on the docks, walking along the harbor walk, or enjoying a water taxi- boston is lucky enough not to be land locked. make the most of it!

via ilostmydog.com

visit the different neighborhoods: i've blogged about my love of many of the different areas of boston (n.end/s.end/beacon hill), and they are one of my favorite aspects of the city. I know that all cities have different areas (complete with names, characters, and specialties compared to others), but the fact that you can walk from one to the other, and do an entire tour of the city so easily here is amazing. start your day with breakfast and shopping on beacon hill, head to the south end for coffee while strolling the neighborhood before dinner and cocktails (even going through back bay/newbury street for more shopping), and finish your night with desert and a night cap in the north end.

amazing restaurants, universities, parks, shopping, cafes, streets, bars, nightclubs, concert venues- to me, boston has it all. but, as much as I love this city, the time has come for a new adventure.

what are some of your favorite things to do in boston?

xx, marissa

all about the boots: timberland styles

just the other day I was poking around instagram, looking for some style inspiration and saw a great pair of booties that I fell in love with. I was completely floored when I looked to see who they were designed by, and saw that it was timberland. I had plenty of flashbacks of their awful work boot style shoes for women, in pastel colors, with chunky soles (bleck). these new styles are very much on trend, short desert booties in neutral suede, or a classic bootie with metal buckles. for new england winters, having boots with a good sole is absolutely necessary. there have been way too many times that I've almost wiped out on slippery cobblestones or slick bricks. these boots, with the classic timberland sole, seem like a great option to add to your shoe wardrobe. and no one would ever guess that they're timberland.

have you seen any of these new, updated timberland styles? what are your thoughts on their updated look?

xx, marissa

26 before 26

 

today officially makes the day that I am a quarter century old, holy holy! while some people my age are off having their quarter life crisis (been there, done that), getting married (eep!), or having babies (double eep!), I'm prepping for my cross country move and spending time with my friends&family before I head west. 25 is usually a big number for most people (5's and 0's have always meant big birthdays in my eyes), but as someone who has been waiting to turn 26 since just about forever, this upcoming year will hopefully be an exciting one :) since the whole moving across the country things doesn't seem to be enough, I've decided to challenge myself just a bit more, and figure out 26 things I want to do before I reach that golden birthday.

1. learn to drive stick shift
2. get another tattoo
3. volunteer 26 times
4. get a puppy
5. create something
6. take a class in something (cooking, painting, dance...)
7. ride a bicycle along venice beach (with a basket, preferably in a pastel color. non-negotiable)
8. drink wine in nappa valley
9. go to disney land
10. go camping... or glamping ;)
11. hike a mountain (a small mountain)
12. try surfing (key word being try)
13. brush up on my spanish
14. try 26 different foods
15. learn to run a mile
16. travel somewhere outside the country (preferably someplace I've never been)
17. visit san francisco
18. go to 26 concerts/performances/shows
19. have my tarot cards done
20. start doing yoga
21. cut a guilty pleasure out of my diet
22. sing in public
23. continue blogging (consistently!)
24. skype/facetime with my family at least 4x a month
25. adopt meatless mondays
26. wear sunscreen everyday

what are some things that are on your bucket list/that you want to accomplish for yourself?

xx, marissa

this weekend: trunk show with designer Page Sargisson

one of my favorite parts of my job is putting together events to bring the designers that we carry & love, into the store. this weekend new york designer page sargisson will be stopping by with her collection, for an afternoon filled with jewels and cocktails. her pieces are the perfect present for any new mamas (hello push present), newlyweds (day of gift), or anyone special in your life (birthday, christmas, just because). her constellation charms are my favorite- tiny diamonds set in gold to display your (or your little ones) astrological sign. I dream of one on a long gold chain to wear layered with other shorter pieces. her calendar charms are the perfect way to remember any special date in your life (birthdate, anniversary, or wedding date). as an added bonus, all page pieces purchased that day will receive 20% off. I know it's a bit early to be talking christmas/the holidays, but scoring a perfect present and 20% off- how could you go wrong? join us october 25th at M. Flynn in Boston's South End (46 Waltham Street).

will you be in the city this weekend? stop by and check out page and her jewels!

xx, marissa

love it/hate it: toni&guy sea salt texturising spray

 

i've talked a bit about this product in the beginning of the summer as one of my summer must-haves to toss in your beach bag. while it definitely isn't summer anymore here in new england, we've had a few days of the worst, most disgusting rainy/humid weather. as a gal with thick curly hair, if there's any moisture in the air, I can't be bothered to blow dry or do much with my hair. I know even an hour later the kinky curls will be around my face, and I'll have a halo of frizzies to battle. not fun. this product has been a lifesaver for creating easy, piecey beachy waves these past few days. i'm not sure how well of a product this would be if you hair doesn't have any natural wave/curl to it (sorry straight haired girls), but with my hair type I'm left with waves throughout, lots of volume and ringlets at my ends. and to top it off the smell is amazing. it's beachy, clean, and fresh without screaming ocean/summer. i've found some sea salt sprays leave my hair too crunchy and obvious that there's product in it, but this product hasn't done that at all. i've even brushed it out at night, and re-applied the spray the next morning and the curls/look are as good as new. it can be a bit pricey, so make sure and look around to find the best deal (the link above is to target's website where I've found it the cheapest). I have the deluxe sample size, which I received as part of a birchbox about a year ago, and it's still going strong.  (considering trying out birchbox? check out my thoughts here). I love shopping my stash, rediscovering forgotten products, and finding new uses for old favorites.

bottom line: if you're looking for a super easy product for creating pretty and undone curls (if you have some natural curl/texture to your hair), then this product is definitely a winner. love, love, love it. and the small is to die for.

have you ever tried the toni&guy sea salt texturing spray? what are your thoughts?

xx, marissa

this weekend: head of the charles regatta

image via boston.com

if you're a lover of all things preppy (like this girl), the sport of rowing, or are looking for an excuse to get outside and experience the beautiful fall weather that's finally returned, this weekend is the perfect event for you. every year the head of the charles regatta brings together the best rowers from all over the world to compete in the world's largest two day rowing event. head over to cambridge, watch along the banks of the charles, or (if you get there early enough) head to one of the bridges to be up close and personal with the race. even if rowing isn't your thing, many preppy vendor/designers/stores set up shop along the river offering samples, info and great deals on all sorts of things. the races start at 8 am, and go until 5pm, today and tomorrow. the biggest races are the championship and lightweight contests, which are the last races of the day. if you have kids in tow, today is a great day for the little ones, and the earlier the better (the crowds can get pretty crazy). i'm pretty bummed that I'll be missing this year (and my last year living here for it!), but alas working & family come first. for more info, specifics, and such- check here.

have you ever

currently craving: dark lips

while I definitely don't always stick to the "rules" of make-up, one of my favorite fall/winter trends is a deep, dark lip. I've rounded up a few of my favorite deep plum/raisin lip colors (high end & drugstore) to create the perfect dark lip.

the Wet N Wild Megalast Lipcolors are one of my favorite drugstore products. not only are they incredibly long wearing and super cheap (hello $1.99!), they also have an incredible shade range- many of which are dupes for some of your favorite high end colors. I purchased this color (Sugar Plum Fairy) on a whim one day, and instantly fell in love with the color. it looks super intimidating in the tube (so dark it's almost black), but when applied sparingly (blot, don't swipe), it's the perfect shade.

the MAC lipstick in Rebel is a cult favorite and for good reason. this creamy plum is the lux version of Sugar Plum Fairy- with a satin finish. matte lips definitely  have their time and place, but for normal day to day wear (and for comfort), I love a lipstick with a satin finish.

the Smashbox Be Legendary Lipgloss in Vivid Violet was part of a gift set that I received for Christmas last year, and honestly I was initially turned off by this color. It's a beautiful sheer wash of berry color when worn alone, but when layered with a lipstick (I usually wear it over the Sugar Plum Fairy to help with the matte finish) it is gorgeous.

the Butter London Lippy Liquid Lipstick in La Moss is the most recent addition to my dark lip addiction. while the Smashbox version is sheer on it's own and needs to be layered with a lipstick for that true dark color, the Butter version can be worn alone (for a toned down deep look).

the Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Berry Allure is a good drugstore dupe for these deep glosses. this is the perfect color if you like the look of a raisin/berry lip, but are aiming for something a bit more daytime or toned down.

what are some of your favorite deep, dark lip combos?

xx, marissa

home sweet home: small spaces

boston is famous for teeny, tiny apartments with huge price tags; and the neighborhoods that I chose to live in during my 7+ years have been some of the smallest & priciest. I've managed to make every space homey and true to my style, while sticking with a budget, and maximizing the given space. leaving this apartment behind is going to be tough, my room here is exactly what I imagined and my ascetic is in each and every common room, but a new apartment means new chances to decorate and find treasures to make this space a home.

paint is one of the biggest game changers when moving into a space. most (if not all) landlords are adamant about keeping the walls in pristine condition- but if you're a lucky soul who has the green light to unleash your inner designer, have at it! paint can completely transform a room, can create the illusion of more space/height/different areas within one room, and is my favorite decorating tricks. my current bedroom has cream and white horizontal stripes that I had been dreaming about for years. they made my little room seem bigger and airy, but were a bitch to paint. using deeper/darker colors can make larger rooms seem cozier, and different colors/tones can help to differentiate between the sleeping area of your studio, and the living area.

statement pieces are great for setting the mood/motif of your space. in my bedroom, my large tufted mint green headboard is totally the statement piece of the room. it provides the majority of the color in an otherwise neutral space, and is the first thing you see upon entering my room. a bench in a cool fabric, a rug with a graphic print, a gallery wall full of different pictures, or a bright colored piece of furniture are great for being the statement in a room, and guiding the rest of your purchases. since we're talking teeny, tiny city apartments- statement doesn't' necessarily have to mean statement size. a cluster of pillows in great colors/patterns/textures takes up no extra space- but really adds a lot to the room.

double duty pieces are mandatory when you're short on space. an apartment with all the space in the world can be full of knick-knacks and strictly decorative elements, but when you're working with limited square footage, every inch is precious. on my bureau I have a large mirrored jewelry box that is both beautiful and functional. it's perfect for storing pieces that I don't always grab for, and more sentimental jewels that are put away for safe keeping. baskets and bins can look great when displayed, and are perfect for storing shoes, extra blankets, and out of season clothes. since my roommate and I converted the living room into another bedroom, we have one large space that doubles as the kitchen and living room (this is the second apartment that I've done this arrangement- and it works out perfectly every time). our coffee table has to be usable as a coffee table, and kitchen table. our wine rack/butcher block has to double as extra counter space since ours is very limited.

using your stuff as decor sometimes has to happen. as a girl who loves her clothes, I've never had an issue with having my clothing and accessories on display. I've had rolling racks in multiple apartments, and find that it makes getting dressed a bit more fun. instead of shoving all of your shoes in the bottom of your closet, or under your bed, line up your favorite (or the prettiest) pairs, and display them against a wall or at the foot of your bed. a great jewelry collection can be displayed in shadow boxes, hung on your wall, or displayed on a mini mannequin. hang a coat rack in an area of wasted space and use it to display your favorite bags and scarves.

a huge piece of living in a small space, is staying on top of messes and clutter. small apartments/rooms look extra messy (even if there are only a few things out of place), so purging your wardrobe/cabinets/surfaces on the regular keeps everything looking neat and tidy. I think it's also important to allow for your space to evolve over time. it's fun to tweak things as you go, swap out items as the seasons change/as you get more comfortable in your space.

what are some of your favorite tips&tricks for creating your ideal space? do you constantly battle for space in your space?

xx, marissa

love it/hate it: blo south end

a couple weeks back I was the bridesmaid in one of my good friend's weddings. she was the most laid back bride (which hallelujah! bridezillas are the worst) and really wanted us to be comfortable and happy with all of the day of details (dress, shoes, hair, etc). while the other girls opted to have up-dos done the day of the wedding, I have way too much hair to ever be happy with an up-do. more often than not I end up with a giant mass of hair on the top of my head, which isn't a good look for anyone. I decided to get a blowout the day before and save myself a headache. I've made my rounds to the different blow dry bars (the dry bar, hairo, and be styled to name few), and love the premise. no matter how hard I try, how many tutorials I watch, products I buy, brushes I try, I cannot master the va-va-voom look of a professional blow out. my bosses are always raving about blo blow dry bar in the south end, so I figured this was a perfect opportunity to try this place out. my stylist was amazing- super down to earth, funny as hell (I was laugh/crying the entire time that I was there), and knew what she was doing. they have a menu of different styles to choose from; the red carpet (classic blow out), the executive sweet (super straight), the holly would (full bouncy curls), and the pillow talk (tousled bed head), but I ended up describing the style that I was going for (lots of volume, sleek, with curled ends that would last a lá the kardashians). she took into consideration the fact that I have thick, super heavy hair (and a lot of it!) so she blew it out and set the curls to make sure that they would last. while I lost quite a bit of the curl between that night and the next afternoon, the end result was exactly what I wanted. the location was super cute, hot pink everywhere, with white accents and blown up pictures of screen sirens with serious hair, and all of the girls working had amazing hair (sidenote- if you're at a new salon and trying to decide who you want to do your hair, I always choose the girl with the best/closest to my own hair). I was a bit bummed that they didn't provide drinks (I could have totally gone for a class of champagne... or prosecco... or rosé) like they do at dry bar- but it wasn't make or break. I wish I had pictures to include of what my hair ended up looking like (I do not do selfies so a pre-sleeping on shot doesn't exist), but I was all about my bridesmaid duties and didn't snap a single picture. hopefully I'll see some of the professional shots soon and update this post with one, or two.

bottom line- if you're looking for a place for a great blowout (birthday, anniversary, presentation, bachelorette, girl's night, just because), they do an amazing job. also! if you go on monday or tuesday in the morning/early afternoon they offer a discounted rate.

have you ever tried blo? are you a fan of the blow dry salon concept?

xx, marissa

tonight: boston food truck festival

double post today but I love finding out about cool things going on in the city on any given day & night, and sometimes it happens last minute. tonight, as part of Boston's Art Week, a Late Night Food Truck Festival will be happening on the Greenway. a bunch of my favorite food (including Roxy's Grilled Cheese & Cookie Monstah) and fashion (The Fashion Truck) trucks will be there from 11:30 pm to 1:30 am. pop over before heading out for the night, or when you're stumbling home post bar hopping for some delish snacks and fab fashion.

will you be hitting up the Late Night Food Truck Festival?

xx, marissa

let the countdown begin

well it's officially, official- one month from today I'll be hopping on a plane to begin my next adventure. a few months back when I visited california, I fell in love with LA, and knew I had to get my behind out there (sooner rather than later). the universe has aligned (fingers crossed that it stays aligned) and I'll be moving out there to live with my best friend from college, working for her company, and getting my foot in the door of the LA fashion scene. and while I'm sad to be leaving boston/new england/my family + friends, I'm ready for something new. seven, almost eight years, is a long time to spend in one place. I'll have all new areas/stores/restaurants/people to meet and see; and bellabellaboston will be coming right along with me ♥

this east coast girl is movin' west.

xx, marissa

manicure monday: nail polish brands

as a self professed nail polish addict, I have my favorite brands/colors that are tried and true. there are certain brands (cough, cough chanel) that the ridiculous price tag is not justified. but there are polishes with a hefty price tag that I can totally justify shelling out top dollar for. each brand that I use serves a purpose within my collection, and while some brands are great in one area, they aren't necessarily a brand that I love as a whole.

for dark colors & interesting dimensions: OPI is the big winner. I'm definitely someone who prefers a cream finish to the majority of my nail polish colors, but come fall and winter, the deep and dark colors that OPI has just can't be touched. they do "so dark it's almost black" better than anyone else on the market. my top picks? lincoln park after dark, russian navy, you don't know jacques, jade is the new black, and black cherry chutney.

for sheer washes of color & nuetral tones: essie wins, no contest. since the brand was created as a way to layer their sheer colors to create the perfect match for you, it makes sense that they still create some of the best sheer colors; including ballet slippers and mademoiselle. my classic go-to manicure when I want to look clean and professional has always been fiji, or for a bit less baby pink, marshmallow is another great option. other colors that are worth mentioning from essie are mint candy apple (possibly my favorite color of all time!), chinchilly, lilacism, and haute as hello.

for glitter & fun topcoats: it's a tie between deborah lippman & formula X for sephora. all of the glitters from deborah lippman are amazing and for $20, they better be. but they take a basic manicure to the next level. the different sizes/colors/shapes are unlike most things out on the market, and I am obsessed. my favorites would have to be across the universe, mermaid tears, and happy birthday. formula X for sephora is amazing for their xplosives line; which give the effect of splatter paint and graffiti (without all the mess that comes with nail art). these topcoats are the type of polish that will make people stop you and ask what's on your nails. my hands down favorite is wham!, but the whole line is pretty cool.

what are some of your favorite nail polish brands? do you have certain brands that you favor for certain things, like me?

xx, marissa

neighborhood faves: beacon hill

while the north end has been my home for quite some time, and the south end is one of my newer obsessions in boston, beacon hill (and charles street specifically) has always been my favorite. it's the first neighborhood in the city I called home, housed my college right on the tippity top (holla suffolk!) and is the epicenter for preppy bostonians . I'm obsessed with the old world charm, the cobblestones, the old buildings, and the incredible boutique shopping and amazing restaurants. I've rounded up a few of my favorite boutiques for scoring the best pieces, and my favorite restaurants for incredible meals and the prettiest cocktails.

shop:

crush boutique has been one of my favorites forever. my broke college self was famous for window shopping/lusting after their pieces whether it was this location, or their other on newbury street. they carry a bunch of my favorite boutique brands like bb dakota, splendid, olive & oak, and plenty by tracy reese.

wish boutique is another one of my favorites. where crush is a bit more edgy and trend driven, wish stocks more of a classic look with timeless basics, which I love. the spot for the perfect fitting pair of jeans, a great dress for an 'oh so special' occasion, a tops that blend seamlessly with the rest of your wardrobe. classic brands like j. brand, ella moss, theory, tibi, and vince are always my go-to's.

the beauty mark is the cosmetic and skin care destination on beacon hill. packed with harder to find brands like kai, duwop, julie hewett, and lipstick queen- it's a far cry from the glowing aisles of a sephora or ulta. the store also doubles as a beautification destination- have your lashes done, your makeup applied and a mini (or full) mani while you wait. definitely my kind of place!

dine/drink:

the king and I is hands down my favorite thai restaurant in boston. their pad thai is my favorite, and I've tried my fair share of pad thai (and nothing else compares). small location, but super clean, the staff is always friendly, and the food is always fresh and amazing.

the paramount is one of my favorite breakfast places in the city. I am a sucker for their french toast (caramel and banana) and pancakes (chocolate chip) and the giant line I'm always met with, tells me that the rest of the city is too! any restaurant that's managed to stick around since the 30's has to be doing something right.

the liberty hotel is an amazing mix of restaurants and bars that each have their own vibe/clientele. the hotel (a former prison- so cool!) is split into clink, alibi, liberty bar, the yard, and catwalk. clink and alibi utilize the old bars for the true prison feel, and feature framed celebrity mug shots. it's a tight space, it is a old jail remember, but a great place for grabbing drinks with your girlfriends or date night. liberty bar and the yard are located in the lobby (and the tiers above the lobby), and are the best for people watching. the yard is the outdoor space and fun if you have a table with a big group, or for a nice summer night.

what are some of your favorite spots on beacon hill?

xx, marissa

scent story

 

I remember the first bottle of expensive perfume that I ever owned; it was a bottle of Dior Pure Poison that I received as a Christmas present from my father, and I remember instantly feeling so grown-up. while girls my age (I think I was 13 at the time) were wearing sickly sweet, fruity scents, I loved the deep sultry woodsy scents. I still favor sexy over sweet, and have rounded up my favorite perfumes if you'd rather not smell like a floral garden/baby prostitute.

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black: 

my recent obsession. I got a sample with a Sephora online order and was hooked! the type of perfume that makes you stop and smell your wrist it's so amazing.

Burberry Brit:

 the sweetest of the bunch, but still sexy. a lighter option than my other fragrances.

Tom Ford Black Orchid: 

a deeper and sultrier version of my classic scent.

Dior Pure Poison: 

the perfume that started my obsession with deep scents. so much nostalgia whenever I smell it.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb: 

my all-time favorite perfume. even when I find a new scent that I like, I always end up coming back to it. a perfume that people are constantly stopping me to ask me what I'm wearing.

while some people think that certain scents are meant for certain time of day/season/occasion, I don't follow those rules. I love a sultry scent early in the morning, in the middle of summer, or even if I'm having a lazy day. find something that you love, and rock it whenever. "rules" are meant to be broken.

what are some of your favorite scents? do you like a sexy, sultry scent; or are you a flowery gal?

xx, marissa

this weekend: south end open studios

one of my favorite things about Boston is the amount of things to do on any given weekend. with so many different areas of the city, there is such a variety of activities whether you're heading out by yourself, looking for something to do with your hunny, out of town guests, or the kiddos. this weekend is South End Open Studios, a great excuse to poke around the artists lofts/studios, talk to the creator, get inspired, and maybe even pick up a piece (or two) for yourself. everything from photographers, painters, sculptures, installation artists, jewelers, and so much more. the event happens every year, and the studios are open to the public Saturday and Sunday. if you happen to head over on Sunday, the SOWA Market is also open (great food trucks, vendors, and artists on display there as well), and may be a better option if you have little ones in tow (more space to walk stretch out/not having to be worried about them breaking something in a studio space). in addition to the normal Open Studios activities and fun, Union Bar and Grille will be catering lunch in the Courtyard of 46 Waltham. feel free to stop by, grab lunch, and chat with the artists of the building all while enjoying lunch in the (hopefully!) beautiful weather.

have you ever been to South End Open Studios? scooped up anything pretty for yourself?

xx, marissa

summer stock up sale: j.crew

while every store has started with it's fall collections, and every blogger (including this girl) has started with their fall looks/favorites, the end of summer is the perfect time to scope out sale sections of your favorite stores and stock up on summer staples for super cheap. right now j.crew has 30% off sale (awesome) and an additional 50% off select items (holy amazing!). here are some of my favorite picks for clothes that are perfect for transitioning between the hot muggy summer and cool fall, and to pull out next spring/summer for almost new pieces.

do you stock up for the next year at the end of the season?

xx, marissa

fashion week favorites: kate spade

even though new york is a city that I know I could never live in (too loud, too cramped, too dirty), every september when fashion week rolls around, I'm always so jealous of the style-makers and fashionistas that call nyc home. going to fashion week has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, but for now, I stalk designer's instagrams, websites and bloggers who are lucky enough to attend. kate spade is on the top of my list for brands that I would love to work with, and their presentation every year is always my favorite. I love all the bright colors, interesting patterns, classic silhouettes and fabulously fun pieces that they churn out year after year. this year they did not disappoint! here are my favorite picks from this years presentation.

this first outfit was one of the first pictures I saw of the entire line and I was instantly obsessed. I love the crop top/high waisted skirt combo- my celebrity bff mindy khaling has rocked this look before and I love it everytime. I also am obsessed with that print- the green is the perfect shade of emerald (not too dark, not too light) and the flowers are the perfect pop against it. I'm counting the days until these pieces are released because I need to snatch those up!

the second outfit is the perfect "cool girl" look. I love the super simple print, especially against the bright and clean white. I love the shape of the shorts, super flattering, and the boxyness of the top. I'm not sure I'm cool enough to wear these too pieces together, but I love the way they look on the model. super simple (but not boring!) and understated.

the third look is a perfect. the dress is just the right amount of audrey hepburn/breakfast at tiffany's, but the sheer panel on top and the school boy collar keep it fresh and new. I love the tulle layer peaking out from the bottom (doesn't it just make you want to twirl), and I love that it was accessorized with the sexy lace up pumps, and a bright red bag. I'm 99% positive that the dress has pockets, which makes any dress a million times better.

and the final look is a close runner up for my second favorite look. I love the shape of this shift dress, so easy for running around town, but also dressy enough when worn with a heeled sandal or pumps. this print is amazing, stripes and floral, I'm in love. I also love the exaggerated sleeve that keeps the rest of you looking smaller, since boxy shapes can sometimes make you look bigger than you actually are.

what are some of your favorite looks from the kate spade presentation? are you as gaga over the brand as I am?

xx, marissa

love it/hate it: birchbox

it seems like there are about a million and one different subscription services these days; everything from cosmetics (BirchBox, GlossyBox, and Ipsy), to clothing (StitchFix), to pet products (BarkBox), and crafting supplies (For The Maker). I love getting mail (that isn't bills) as much as the next girl, but with so many different options available, styles and tastes, it's hard to know just what is worth the price of the subscription (and what isn't). I received a 6 month subscription to BirchBox for my birthday from my bosses, who know I love anything makeup/cosmetic related, and was super psyched to try out the service I had heard so much about. for someone who is a newbie to cosmetics, this may be a great gift for them, but I found myself disappointed with each passing month. with every box there was at least one food related item (tea, mints, a single chocolate) that seemed totally out of place with the cosmetics. the sizes of the samples were hardly ever deluxe sizes, and more often than not featured things that weren't interesting to me. when looking at images of the boxes online, they always feature multiple deluxe sizes and great products from companies that I know and love. unfortunately, my boxes never contained any of these items. even the picture above features a huge sample of Caudalie Cleansing Water, a full size Benefit lipgloss, and four other good sized cosmetic samples! all brands that never made an appearance in any of my six boxes. my bosses were so disappointed that they went ahead and emailed the company to let them know/hopefully hear some feedback from them (long story short- BirchBox couldn't have cared less that a customer was disappointed- which is a major bummer since we work in an industry that is so customer oriented). most of the samples that I received are sitting in my makeup collection, barely touched. and again, as someone who loves cosmetics this was such a disappointment. the idea is brilliant, and the e-commerce tie-in makes it seems like a no brainer (you receive a discount every month to purchase the full size version of the products in your box when purchased through their sight/earn points for every purchase made), but they miss the mark on the execution. would I ever subscribe to BirchBox again? no way. but I have heard good things about GlossyBox, so maybe that one is worth a shot.

have you ever tried any monthly subscription services? which ones have you had good luck with?

xx, marissa

bar exam: central wharf co.

a bar/restaurant that's the perfect mix of classic preppy and industrial, that takes it roots in Boston seriously, but not too seriously, is right up my alley. I had been to central wharf co. a few months back for the Improper Bostonian Best of Boston party, and loved the look and ambiance. think exposed brick, interesting hurricane lighting throughout, steel fixtures/seating, nooks and benches upolstered in classic patterns, and large graphic fonts. for those of you that remember what used to be here (jose mcintyre's), central wharf co. is the total and complete opposite of that (it was a bit of a dump #sorryi'mnotsorry) the space is divided into two floors, with different areas each with their own bars and semi different feel- which I love. I hate going to a bar and being forced to stay in one room, with one bar, for the duration of the night; I like to be able to mingle & walk around. my most recent trip happened to be a rainy summer night , so the place was pretty empty, but a great spot for a young professional/late 20's/early 30's crowd. the drink menu had a variety of cocktails whether you're into whiskey, vodka, or gin (like me). the cocktail I chose was gin based with mint and elderflower, which was delish, and my favorite cocktail flavor combo. unfortunately their website doesn't have a cocktail menu, so the name is a mystery until I go back and order it again. I love the close proximity to the north end, right at the beginning of the financial district/bordering fanueil hall, which makes popping over for a quick drink or two a breeze. great spot for grabbing after work cocktails, a bite before heading out for the night (the santa fe spring rolls were so good, and the flat breads looked pretty tasty too), or a date night spot on a weekday night. 

calling all live music junkies

this has been the year of live music for sure. between the two days of Boston Calling in may, and a mix of small shows and huge venues (hello Bey), I've definitely had my fair share of good times. while today may not be the last show I see this year, it is a great end to a season, and I am fully embracing fall with open arms. if you missed out on the fun last time, tickets may still be available for the show today (check out Boston Calling on Twitter to see). while yesterday's show featured Lorde as the big name, when I saw the line-up months ago it was the combination of Nas x The Roots that sold it for me. my love of all things hip-hop has been expressed on here more than once, but to hear both of these amazing talents live is going to be amazing. and it happens to be the 20th anniversary of Nas' albumn Illmatic XX, which makes it even more special. I love that even though all of the installments of Boston Calling have been huge successess, the festival keeps changing and evolving. most exciting is the addition of Sam Adams Octoberfest, and even though the weather the past few days in Boston has been anything but crisp and cool, you better believe I'll be enjoying an Octoberfest while listening to some great tunes (praying that they have brown sugar rims!). I'll be back later this week with a more in-depth highlights reel of the day, with pics and all that jazz, but if you are free today (and tickets are still available) go! good times had by all <3

have you already snagged your tickets? who are you most excited to see?

xx, marissa

currently craving: fresh kicks

I don't know what's come over me lately (harem pants on a forever preppy gal?!), but my style is going through a bit o' change. maybe my trip to LA shook me up a bit, and threw some urban street style into the fashion part of my brain, but lately I've been drawn more than ever to an edgier style. now sneaker wedges are one of those things that I previously mentioned "not being cool enough" for, but I've been internet window shopping like none other and scoped out a few pairs that I'm obsessed with. they go from a great neutral "basic" to a straight up fun and funky. if only I could just talk myself into trying a pair on, I may be able to get over my fear of sneakers outside of the gym; baby steps, baby steps. I imagine styling these with skinny jeans (black, dark denim, distressed styles), basic tops (v-neck tees in neutral colors, long blousey tanks half tucked in), and leather bomber/varsity style jackets once the weather starts to get a bit cooler.

1. Nike 'Dunk Sky Hi' Wedge Sneaker- I like that this style is a nuetral colorway, making it easier to blend into my wardrobe. but part of me thinks that if you're going to do a trend, you should do the trend. the safest choice of all the sneaker wedges I've seen, and the lowest price point (which is always great- investing a ton of money into a trendy item is a big #fashiondon't in my book)

2. Nike 'Dunk Ski Hi' Print- these are my favorite of the three. I like that the colors are neutral enough, but the print keeps them interesting. I love the zig-zag, and the contrast between the periwinkle/blue-grey.

3. Nike 'Dunk Ski Hi Sneakerboot Lib QS'- these are definitely  the coolest, and least wearable of the three. I'm obsessed with the Liberty of London paisley fabric in the background, and love the higher ankle of this style (as opposed to the other two that are the same). the colors of this shoe (the navy, oxblood, and camel) are perfect for going into fall, and still work well come springtime.

what are your thoughts on sneaker wedges? were you originally a hater like me, or have you always seen the light?

xx, marissa

love it/hate it: Benefit They're Real! Push-Up Liner

normally, I am a huge fan of Benefit products. their They're Real! Mascara is one of my all-time favorites, so I was super excited to hear about the They're Real! Push-Up Liner that they had developed. like a true makeup junkie, I researched the product before the launch, read reviews, watched videos and tutorials before even getting my hands on the product. my bosses recently purchased the liner, and I was able to give it a try myself. to say that I hated this product is a bit strong, but not too far from the truth. so many reviews talked about how much product is wasted with every use, and they were not lying. it seemed that every time I clicked more product into the pen tip, I would have to squeeze out the excess- it was quite a pain. I will say, that the design of the tip is perfect for someone who is just getting into winged liner, and isn't quite sure how to get the perfect flick. it was easy to almost stamp at the outer corner, and then just connect the end to your lash line. the gel formula is great for getting a super smooth, rich, pigmented line- but the rich pigment is quite a b*tch to get off. so much so that they have to sell a special remover for the liner. I don't know about you, but I don't want to have to purchase a separate remover for one eyeliner, but I also don't want to scrub (and damage) my eyelids, or walk around with panda eyes. if only they could work on the product distribution to the tip, I would be obsessed, but for now (as the product is) I have to say I'm a bit of a hater.

have you tried this liner? what are your thoughts?

xx, marissa

essentials: fall

some people choose to wait until the end of september to fully embrace fall, but since moving to the city for college, september 1st has always been the unofficial kick off; leases start september first, all the college kids move back, back to school shopping, and the end of the summer feasts in the north end. and while I love summer, fall has always been my favorite season. between my birthday, halloween, fall styles, the leaves, fall smells/flavors- there are so many things to love about this season. here I've rounded up a few of my must-haves for transitioning from summer to fall.

1. Comfy Sweaters are my favorite when the weather starts to cool down. I love this lace version from J.Crew; great with a pair of jeans for a casual look, or layered over chambray or a white button down shirt when the weather gets a bit cooler. for me, fall fashion is all about layering.

2. Dark polish is a sure fire way to transition your beauty routine from summer to fall. I'm not a person who sticks to "rules" in regards to nail polish hues (I'll rock a black mani in the spring, or a bright neon in the winter #IdowhatIwant). This polish from ButterLondon is one of my newest obsessions. I used my best friends when I was visiting in California and can't wait to pick up a bottle myself. (I also snagged the matching lip gloss, and hello gorgeous!)

3. Leather booties are my go-to shoe once the temperate starts to dip. I love how they look with jeans, but also super cute with skirts and dresses (add tights when they really dip). A bit of a heel makes this pair comfortable during the day, and also dressy enough to wear out at night.

4. Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate from Starbucks is my seasonal obsession. while most other gals hop on the pumpkin flavored everything bandwagon, I'm not a fan of that taste. my cool/cold weather drink is the perfect combination of salty and sweet (my favorite!), and my go-to order when a green tea lemonade just doesn't seem right.

5. Dark skinny jeans are the cornerstone of the majority of my outfits during the fall/winter. I love this pair from American Eagle, and truth be told, AE makes some of my favorite pairs of jeans. no matter how many expensive brands I try/buy/like, no other brand fits me the way that AE jeans do. not to mention their great price point, I can scoop up multiple pairs for the cost of 1 pair of designer jeans.

6. this Fatigue Jacket was on my wish list for years. ever since I saw (and became obsessed) with Freaks and Geeks, I've been on the hunt for the perfect "Lindsey Jacket". every version I tried on wasn't exactly right, and when I have my mind set on a version of something, I can't settle. I found this beauty at J.Crew at the end of spring and it was perfect. A great transition piece when you need a light jacket, and roomy enough to layer with comfy sweaters before you need to bust out the tough guns.

7. Structured Handbags are my favorite type of purse, and this is the perfect piece whether you're heading back to school, or just looking to update for the season. I love the gorgeous emerald color, and Michael Kors makes some of the most classically structured bags out there (this style of the Hamilton is one of my all time favorites). this bag will be beautiful around the holidays, but will work with any season to come.

what are some of your wardrobe essentials for fall?

xx, marissa

sale: Bauble Bar

it's safe to say I have a healthy obsession when it comes to jewels, and all things pretty and sparkly. (hey, it's a job requirement!) and while I love beautifully crafted pieces of jewelry, I love a trendy colorful statement necklace and all things costume too! when I saw that Bauble Bar was having a sale for Labor Day, I hopped over and took a peek at what they were discounting. so many bright statement necklaces, fun earrings, and great additions to your collection. the colors may be a bit bright for some people, especially heading into fall and winter, but not me! (#IdowhatIwant) here are some of my favorite pieces, and a couple that I scooped up for myself.

 Obriter Bib Necklace / Monochrome Galactic Drop Earrings / Crystal Vienna Collar Necklace

Buckle Bangle Bracelet / Tictac Drops Earrings

have you ever ordered from Bauble Bar? what are some of your favorite pieces from the end of summer sale?

xx, marissa

this weekend: saint anthony's feast

if you find yourself in the city this weekend (and haven't taken off for the cape, the vineyard, new hampshire or maine- like everyone else), the Saint Anthony's Feast is happening in the North End and a fun event if you're never experienced it. after living in the North End for going on 4 years, I've seen my fair share of feasts (Saint Aggripia happens right outside my bedroom window), but it's a fun event to take out-of-towners too. between the food (italian specialties, and standard fair/carnival food), games, stands selling italian items and special blessing water, music/performers- there's a lot to take in. but it's the parade when residents carry the giant life-size statue of Saint Anthony that really draw the crowds. north end streets that are tiny enough, are jam packed with more tourists than any other day. if you're around the city this weekend, head over to the North End Saturday or Sunday for some good ol' fashion Italian fun.

have you ever been to any of the North End feasts?

xx, marissa

a letter to my 18-year-old self: a lá Tickle Me Pink

I came across a post from Kelsey of Tickle Me Pink a few days ago, and loved the idea. I think it's so important to look back on how far you've come as a person, the changes you've made to your life, and the growing you've done since certain milestones. while her letter is to her 18-year-old self, I was 17 when I started college, but we'll just pretend ;)

dear marissa,

you figured it out. through all the bs that was stopping you from getting here, you're here. with the help of incredible people in your life, you accomplished what you wanted as a young teen visiting Boston and falling in love with the city, you're going to Suffolk. you're about to meet some of the most important people in your life, people who will change who you are as a person; some who will effect you for a bit, and some who will effect you for much, much longer. learn everything you can from all of the people that you choose to surround yourself with, but remember that you ultimately have the power to choose who is in your inner circle. if, and when, someone has extended their welcome in your life, send them on your way. ain't nobody got time for that. you will encounter awful girls who make you question everything about yourself, and shake your self-worth to the core, but that's okay. you'll make it out alive, and see how strong you are. you will pledge theta phi, something that you just considered a fun extra-curricular, but will play a huge part in your college experience. enjoy these first few years, because they are the best. you will have endless amounts of freedom and time, savor every minute of it. do stupid things at 2am because you can, and your best friends live next door. explore new neighborhoods, make new friends, stay out too late, and drink too much; this is what freshman year is all about, and the four years go by too fast. you will realize just how lucky you are to have the friends from home that you do, savor the time you have with them, and learn to incorporate them into your new friends group; it will make your life easier in the end. there is a girl at the end of the hall, you've seen her rushing off to soccer practice and heading out to parties on Friday nights, she will eventually become your best friend (you just don't know it yet). you will be so enthusiastic about the work/career that you plan on doing, and that's great, but don't put all your eggs in the law basket. i'm on good authority it doesn't work out the way you thought that it would, and again, that's okay. try not to try so hard- the girls that seem like they're the most carefree and having the most fun have a lot more going on under the surface that the world doesn't see; just be you, you're more than enough.

xoxo, marissa