manicure monday: must-haves

you could definitely call me obsessed when it comes to my nails. as soon as one has the tiniest chip- it's all over for me. I love spending time doing elaborate nail designs, but regardless of what's going on with polish, glitter and patterns, these are my tried and true must-haves every single time I do my nails. this cuticle remover is amazing! just apply a little bit, let it sit for a minute or two, and push them back before clipping. some people aren't fans of clipping, but my cuticles grow so fast and strong I have to. a sharp cuticle clipper makes a huge difference. to remove my nail polish, and clean between steps, I always use cotton rounds with some texture to them. it makes taking off glitter polish a bit easier (because we all know that's QUITE the pain) and doesn't leave cotton fluff all over your nails. when it comes to files, I always assumed a nail file was a nail file. when I was in Hawaii a few years back I randomly bought a glass file (who knows why) and have never gone back to a standard cardboard file again. not only do they stay sharp for-basically-ever, but they're less flimsy and allow me to be more precise with my edges. always remember to file in one direction, not back and forth like a saw! I also always use a multiple sided buffer file. these work great to smooth any rough edges, buff away any crack or peeling nails, and help get rid of any stains from dark polish. if you're someone who wants well manicure nails, or is looking to let their nails breath for a bit, using these can give you a shiny polished finish without any polish. and finally, the pièce de résistance of ALL of my manicures- this top coat. people often think that my nails are fake, or a gel manicure because of how strong and shiny they are, but honestly it's all thanks to this top coat. I've also found that it makes even the cheapest, more difficult to apply polishes look like a dream. if you're someone who always ruins their manicure with smudges or pillow lines- you need to try this. it dries so fast that I can do my nails 15-20 minutes before bed and make up with a perfect manicure.

what are some of your manicure must-haves?

xx, marissa

summer style: dresses

my absolute favorite aspect of summer is living in dresses. simple, patterned, bright, lacy- anything and everything. these are a few that I'm considering adding to my growing collection. I love the shape and neckline of this mermaid colored dress- something I could wear to work on a Friday, and out for drinks/dancing after. everything about this neon lace dress screams me. I love the sheer panel on top, and the fitted bottom- but the color is amazing (also available in a coral and mid-toned blue if neon isn't your thing). this simple linen dress is great for a casual option- and can be dressed up with fun accessories or thrown over a bathing suit after a day at the beach. and this patterned dress is easy and breezy, and the colors are great with a tan. perfect for an outdoor party/bbq or a night out on a patio/rooftop.

what kind of dress gal are you; maxi, mini, midi, patterned, or plain?

xx, marissa

bar exam: Scholars

in a city where bars/restaurants open and close before you know it and with so many options to choose from, it's easy to miss great ones and stick with what you know. scholars is a bar that I've been to a few times, and every.single.time I ask myself why I don't come more often. the location, tucked away in Downtown Crossing, keeps it off the beaten path of the more popular nightlife areas (Boylston, Fanueil Hall, The Alley), but super easy to get to walking or taking the T. besides heading there for a  Friday or Saturday night out- dinner and a private holiday party were also great. since I'm a few years out of college (eek!), I find myself gravitating more towards bars for young professionals, and if that's your scene- this place is gold. a good after work crowd, but also lots of 20somethings and young 30 year olds to mix and mingle with. the cocktails are on point; broken down into three categories "Easy A's", "Light Reading", "Heavy Literature", and "Extra Curricular"- with cute Boston based names like the Tremontaine, the Absolut Boston Tea Party, and the Granary Ground. being a gin girl myself, I love the Dead Poet and the Movie star- but they're all amazing. the inside is decorated like a sexy library (is that a thing? yup- just made it a thing), which plays up the name and vibe. upstairs they have pool tables if you're feeling playful, and the nights I've been there it always seems to be throwback 90's music- which is the best.

where are your favorite bars in the city? have you ever tried scholars?

xx, marissa

currently craving: sunglasses

Maybe it's the fact that it is officially summer that has me itching for a new pair of sunglasses, but I can't stop online window shopping looking for the perfect pair. My obsession with Jackie-O and Audrey Hepburn has definitely affected my taste in sunnies- the bigger the better, and add a cat-eye? I'm sold. Tortoise is my favorite when it comes to basically anything, but matte black has been catching my eye for a while now. I have a Saks gift card that has been burning a hole in my pocket for the past few months that will be perfect towards one of these beauties. Decisions, decisions.

Burberry Cat's Eye Check, Karen Walker Northern Lights, 

Karen Walker Number One, Illesteva Matte Black

which pair is your favorite?

xx, marissa

essentials: summer

Since today marks the first OFFICIAL day of summer, this post seemed oh-so fitting. For me, there's no better way to spend a summer day than at the beach, and making sure you have all the necessary things packed and ready to go makes it that much easier. Here are the things that I always make sure to have in my beach (or pool) bag so that I'm always prepared.

1. Toni & Guy Sea Salt Spray- This is the best product for getting beachy waves whether you decide to go in the water or not. If you're like me, and beach trips end with a trip to a beach side bar, it's nice to have this to perfect your wind blown hair. Spray it in your air dried hair to create piecy hair that looks done, not ratty.

2. Baseball Hat- To each their own with who is on your hat, but being a proud Boston gal, it's only the Red Sox for me. I love keeping a baseball hat in my bag to protect my face towards the end of the day when I'm starting to feel a bit crisp.

3. Kind Bars- I like to keep a snack in my bag, just in-case. Usually beach side snack shacks have not the best snack options, and I'm obsessed with Kind Bars. Anything combining nuts, sea salt and chocolate is my favorite- so this flavor wins!

4. vineyard vines Classic Tote- This has been my go-to beach bag for the past few years. Perfectly preppy and sturdy canvas with built in pockets to stay organized.

5. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment- My favorite lip treatment with SPF15. Super important to not only protect your skin, and the lemony taste reminds me of Fruity Pebbles.

6. Emi-Jay Hair Ties- These hair ties are the cutest! Not only do they not leave dents in your hair and come in so many different colors and patterns, but they also look like a bracelet when you have them around your wrist. I can't be without a hair tie at the beach, especially towards the end of the day when I just want my hair off my neck.

7. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen- This brand is the best for giving you sun protection without the gross, sticky sunscreen feeling.

8. Subliminal: How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior- I have to have a book (or two) with me in my beach bag. This is one that I'm currently reading and am obsessed. If you love sociology, marketing, human behavior, or psychology- pick this up.

9. Wide Tooth Comb- My hair has a mind of it's own at the beach/when it's wet. If I don't brush it out, I will end up with the worst rats nest at the end of the day. Wide tooth combs are the best for dealing with tangles, and are gentler on wet hair (which is when it's most susceptible to damage!).

10. Beach Towel- To dry off with, to lay on, to wrap yourself up with when it gets cold. Everyone needs a beach towel. I look picking ones in bright colors or fun patterns- it makes it easier to remember who's is whose.

11. Tumbler Cup- I'm a crazy person when it comes to drinking water. I need lots millions of ice cubes to keep my drink freezing. These cups are the best with their built in straws and double walls to keep your hand dry/sand off it. Plus, everything is better in hot pink.

What are some things that you keep in your beach/pool bag?

xx, marissa

cheap date: outdoor movie night

here in boston, it seems like winter lasts FOREVER. while other places deal with just as much, if not more, snow/ice/cold as we do, being a walking city forces the majority of us to brave the elements on a daily basis. it's no wonder that as soon as the first signs of spring (i.e. sun or temps above 55) show, bostonians have no issue breaking out the sandals and shorts, and start looking for patios. the way I see it, a nice day spent inside it a day wasted! one of my favorite ways to enjoy beautiful summer nights is with an outdoor movie. I was pretty spoiled growing up; one of the only drive-in movie theaters in the area was around the corner from my house. but the city of boston has stepped up their game the past few years to bring the outdoor movie experience to the city. a great date night option, but also a great (and FREE!) option if you have kids, or with a group of friends.

Music & Movie Friday Nights at the Boston Harbor Hotel

Movies start at sundown and feature a mix of classics that change every week.

Free Movie Nights from Friends of Christopher Columbus Park

Hang out in Christopher Columbus Park, grab a seat on the grass, and watch great movies projected on the big screen. Great Sunday Funday activity.

Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell

For more kid friendly options, try the Hatch Shell. Pack a picnic and relax by the Charles.

what are some of your favorite outdoor summer activities?

xx, marissa

currently craving: bold lips & chubby pencils

 

makeup wise, nothing says summer more than a bright bold lip. the contrast against tan skin is the perfect way kick up your beauty routine. since summer also means hot, sticky and humid weather in new england, a colorful lip is the perfect way to look done, without being over done. who wants makeup melting down your face? not this girl! it seems like every makeup brand has come out with their own version of the chubby lipstick- my personal favorite for wearing a bright color (so much easier than a full fledged lipstick to apply). i've rounded up a few of my favorite colors from a variety of different brands (drugstore and high end) to help you perfect your summer pout, whatever your budget it.

Clinique Chubby Stick in "Curviest Caramel" (great nude/your lips but better than looks great on darker skin tones)

Nars Satin Lip Pencil in "Timanfaya" (a bold mandarin orange that all the J. Crew models are wearing)

Tarte LipSurgence in "Hope" (gives your lips the perfect 'just ate a popsicle' look that screams summer)

BITE High Pigment Pencil in "Corvina" (perfect HOT pink that looks better the tanner you get)

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in "Unapologetic" (my favorite! the best watermelon/touch of coral)

NYX Chunky Dunk Hydrating Lippie in "Berry Mojito" (a sultry tone that would be great for a pop on date night)

what products do you add to your beauty routine that scream summer?

xx, marissa

LA or bust

my love affair with Boston is strong, but there's something about the west coast that had always intrigued me. the laid-back vibe, incredible beaches, and gorgeous weather roughly 360 days a year might have something to do with it, but the fact that it happens to be the home to my college best friend is the kicker. since we graduated (eek- THREE years ago!), we've discussed west coast trips and something has always come up. but since she made the trek out for my birthday last october, it only seemed fair that she received the same treatment for her big 2-5 this summer. since tickets have officially been booked, i've officially given myself the green light to compile a list of all the places I've wanted to go, and will hopefully be seeing while i'm there. thanks to Emily and her fabulous LA must-see lists!

eat:

- Sprinkles Cupcakes (as a self proclaimed cupcake addict, how could I not)

- the Ivy (because it's the Ivy, duh. maybe a celeb spotting, or two!)

- Lemonade (flavored cutesy lemonade? sold.)

shop:

- VintageTShirt.com (the store for scoring the perfect vintage t)

- Rodeo Drive (because hello, every girl wants to have a Pretty Woman moment- "without the whole hooker thing")

- Melrose (to find cool one of a kind things that no one on the east coast will have)

- Venice Beach (cool sunglasses for cheap)

see:

- Urban Light at the LA County Museum of Art (been obsessed since before knew this was a real place!)

- Griffith Observatory (love space, stars, and incredible views)

- Celebrity Center International (because Scientology/cults fascinate me)

play:

- the Pacific Ocean (the beach is my favorite place in the world, I believe I'm part mermaid)

- Runyon Canyon (for cool views of the Hollywood sign)

- Vegas (not in LA, but there will be some playing while we're there)

- Disneyland (not sure we'll have time to visit the original happiest place on earth, but a girl can dream)

these are just a handful of things that I'd love to do while visiting Lala land, but if I know my tour guide, she'll have plenty of her own adventures planned. any other spots that I just have to hit while I'm there?

xx, marissa

boston's best: cupcake

 

there are plenty of bakeries that claim to have the best cupcakes. sometimes the cupcake is too dry, the frosting is too sugary, or they have that artificial sugar taste that I just hate. but one bakery that has never let me down (knock on wood) is Lulu's in the North End. while the close location makes it dangerous, thankfully it's on the other side of the neighborhood, so I'm good about only treating myself once and while. some people like HUGE globs of frosting with their cupcakes, but for me, it's all about the cupcake itself and the filling- which Lulu's is stellar with. my personal favorites are the Lulu (think an old school Hostess snack cake- but a million times better) and the Salted Caramel (love anything and everything salted caramel flavor. who was the genius that invented that flavor combo?!) cupcakes not your jam? Lulu's is a full scale sweet shoppe with homemade ice-cream, cookies, chocolates and nostalgia-filled old school candy. the North End may be famous for Italian restaurants and cannolis (the best are at Modern Pastry, btw. don't even bother going to Mike's), for me it's all about the cupcakes.

xx, marissa

Boston Calling

what better way to kick off the summer, than with a good old fashion music festival. for only being in it's second year, the organization, marketing, and (most importantly) the bands, were incredible! transforming the eye sore that is Government Center into a great two stage venue was genius. having Samuel Adams provide a beer garden, even more genius. even with the downpour saturday night that caused us to miss Death Cab for Cutie, the weekend was still amazing. Modest Mouse, Bastille and Tegan and Sara were the definite highlights for me, but even the other lesser known bands still gave great shows and it was so fun to be outside and enjoying the weather with pals after the awful death of a winter we had.

bummed you missed the show memorial day weekend? no worries, these musical fairy godmothers are back with another show in september, and the line up is looking just as amazing. Lorde, Nas x the Roots, and GirlTalk- sign me up!

xx, marissa

boston is a city full of educated, stylish and successful people. before I moved here for college, I knew this was the place where I wanted to grow as a person and become the adult that I had always imagined. with so many amazing restaurants, great boutiques, and beautiful locations- it's easy to stick with the same places you've grown to know and love, and miss out on great hidden gems. I hope that my little corner of the internet will help inspire you to try something new; whether it be a fun nail art look, a new restaurant you didn't know existed, or a piece you didn't think you had the guts to wear. life is short- make sure it's beautiful. 

xx, marissa