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