shopping 101: missing wardrobe pieces

for most people, shopping usually ends up being the hunt for a certain something, retail therapy, or "just looking" that ultimately turns into buying. impulse shopping or picking up random pieces is a great way to find fun gems for your wardrobe, but I like to think of mine as a collection of things that I love. and while that collection is constantly evolving, a trendy piece from forever21 or h&m here and a random find at a vintage store there, there are key basics and solid foundation pieces that make getting dressed every morning super easy and and create an unlimited combination of looks to choose from. as super type-a as this sounds, I love to keep a running list of the pieces I've found are missing from my wardrobe. it makes me treat shopping as a sport, always on the hunt for that elusive something that's missing, and I get such a sick satisfaction out of checking something off the list when I take it home. there are some things that seem like they should be easy finds (a soft, semi-slouchy v-neck t in white & black), but being the perfectionist that I am, if something isn't perfect, I won't even bother. my list is full of investment pieces (a black leather moto jacket, taupe suede desert booties, and a structured leather handbag), but also pieces that could go high end or budget friendly (DVF wrap dress or one that just fits amazing). and with the holidays coming up, I always find myself stumped when people ask something that I would love. clothes shopping for another person can be super tricky, but it provides a great jumping point for someone, and for specific items (like white low-top chuck Taylor's or matte black folding wayfarers) that's pretty impossible for someone to screw up.

do you keep a list of pieces you're on the hunt for, or am I alone in my type a-ness on this one?

xx, marissa

currently craving: fall

usually this is right around the time the air is at its perfect crispness, the leaves are looking pretty spectacular (but also equal parts crunchy beneath your feet), and one of the best holidays is so close you can taste it. I say usually because what I'm describing it pretty particular to a place that isn't Los Angeles, and not that it's the end of the world, but this girl misses fall. I'm sure it sounds crazy to someone who hasn't grown up their entire life with it as your favorite season and what you straight up wait for all year (and put up with the bs that is snow in the winter and the humidity in the summer/all year long), but it really is the best. not to mention the fashion (hello layering and knits and boots and sweaters!), the activities (apple picking and corn mazes and pumpkin patches and haunted hayrides), and the tastes (apple cider and cider donuts and caramel apples and sugar rim on my pumpkin beer). did I say I was missing fall?! the year I was in madrid was the first and only time that I missed it, and it's just as horrible now as it was then. and thanks to the creation of instagram (that was back in the day when all the cool young people were using facebook), I have the daily reminder of just how much beauty and fun I'm missing out on. I know when it's January and New England is dealing with the raw, grey horribleness that is winger, I'll be counting my blessings that I jumped ship and headed west- but right now, autumn on the east coast is looking mighty good.

love it/hate it: bioderma

there are few products that I will give "holy grail" status to, and bioderma is definitely at the top of that list. back when I was studying abroad in Spain, I loved poking around the department stores and pharmacies to see what products these beautiful women used and loved. I picked up a small bottle of bioderma and was immediately obsessed with its ability to cut through my waterproof makeup (specifically my holy grail eyeliner) and was instantly a convert. it wasn't until I was back in the states, and realized just how difficult it would be to get my hands on this amazing product, that I cursed falling in love in the first place. there was always amazon, which charged ridiculous prices/shipping fees, but I just couldn't bite the bullet. fast forward to two years ago when one of my bosses took a trip to Slavonia and popped over to Italy to snag me a bottle of this miracle worker. I was instantly hooked again and savored every last drop of that bottle (which side note lasted quite a bit since I only use it to take off my eyemakeup and a little goes a long way). thankfully, the makeup gods have spoken and bioderma is easily available from the website beautylish (#hallelujah). as soon as I heard that they were the first US distributor, I hoped on the website and ordered a bottle (with a cute travel size too) and it is still just as amazing as before (sometimes when European products jump the pond the formula is different and it's not the same product that you know and love- this was not the case). there are plenty of micellar water products out on the market now (I'm looking at you simple), but none compare to the original. the best, and only product, that cuts through my waterproof eyeliner like it's nothing, doesn't leave my skin tight after using, and unless I get it directly in my eyes- doesn't sting them. the only thing that would make bioderma better, is if it were a bit more easily accessible (I love being able to pop into sephora, target or cvs to pick up my favorite beauty products), but online vs. over seas? I'll take it.

have you ever tried bioderma? are you a fan of micellar waters?

xx, marissa

neighborhood faves: Beverly Hills

spending the last eleven months in beverly hills (with a stellar resident tour guide bee tee dubs), I definitely have my fair share of favorite places. whether it's the perfect chicken sandwich, or the best rooftop for drinks, I've got you covered. I've founded up a list of my favorite places & spaces that are must sees the next time you're in the neighborhood.

food:

honor bar was the first restaurant we hit when I visited LA last summer, and home of the best chicken sandwich (currently tied with another neighborhood favorite, but that's for a different day). love the ambiance, the great location, and of course the food. their french fries are amazing, and there's even a liquor store attached where you can buy a bottle of bubbly and share it at your table. I've heard great things about their sushi, but you'll have to take other people's word on that (my relationship with the whole raw fish thing is touch and go.)

urth caffé can be a total zoo (equal parts tourist trap & hip spot) but totally worth it for brunch and great people watching. inside is cutesy, but try and snag a table outside in the sun. 

il tramezzino is a tiny little panini restaurant not too far from work that makes a nutella and banana croissant that will make you weep (pressed in a waffle maker to melt the nutella and bananas, crisp up the outside, and then topped with powdered sugar- holy yum.) I'm pretty partial to the chicken dijon (avocado & dijon/honey mustard is always a winning combo in my book), but the chicken special is also great (hint hint it's the basil garlic sauce that seals the deal).

sirtaj was the go to spot after a grueling day of soccer practice all season. amazing indian food, great servers (the bartender on Monday nights was the best), and mellow vibe. order the chicken tikka masala, garlic naan, and the potato croquette (but make sure it's a Monday & ask for it to be extra spicy). and if you have room (ie make sure you have room) order the chocolate samosa- so good.

mulberry street is the LA equivalent to Boston's Ernesto's (check out my north end neighborhood faves here) and THE place to go to for a slice. chicken parm is my favorite, but be sure to try the garlic knots with a side of sauce to dip.

shop:

planet beauty is california based beauty boutique that is like a baby sister to sephora. less total brands, but amazing quality. shop big names like stila (my favorite eyeliner of all time here), OPI, Essie (check out my favorite picks from either brand here), Sarah Happ (amazing lip scrub and treatment), sigma brushes (rival MAC quality brushes), or smaller like ahava (great line from Israel made from Dead Sea minerals) and nuxe paris (their dry oil is my go-to for taming my curly hair post brushing, and the shimmer version is amazing for summer goddess skin). plus they have amazing buy two get one free deals (jump on that bandwagon sephora!) that are perfect for stocking up on your favorite products or trying something new.

kyle by alene too is the boutique owned by real housewives Kyle, which would usually make me run in the other direction, but their window displays always draw me in. they carry typical LA girl wardrobe staples, but also manage to incorporate amazing pieces from Elizabeth and James, Mara Hoffman, Tolani, and Rebecca Taylor to keep it interesting. the boutique space is the former home of a bank, so the back room features a vault loaded with past season goodies that they open up for sales at different points of the year. 

planet blue is great for fun bathing suits, cheeky wild fox pieces, and dainty accessories. while I'm not the biggest fan of the shopping experience there (think sales associates who are more interested in appearing cool vs. helping customers), their buyer does a great job having a good mix of trendy pieces and lust investments.

go:

SIXTY Beverly Hills (formerly known as the Thompson hotel) has my favorite rooftop for cocktails and enjoying a beautiful day. it's the go-to spot for showing out of town visitors (amazing views of the hills and all of LA), bungalows and a great pool for lounging, and mellow music & people. my go-to is the Beverly Hills lemonade, but swap out the vodka for tequila- amazing.

the Beverly Hills farmer's market is every sunday morning/early afternoon and is such a fun way to start a sunday funday. great people watching (may or may not have seen a celeb or two before), picking up fresh and organic fruits & veggies for the upcoming week, tasting some amazing food (the chilaquiles are RIDICULOUS but literally the hottest thing I've ever eaten. get their early, before the guacamole is gone, or else you'll be crying like a little baby), and jamming out to the live music on a beautiful morning.

xx,
marissa