currently craving: bangs

my only personal experience with bangs (that should be classified as a personal nightmare) came right around the 11/almost 12 year mark (ie. perfect pre-teen awkwardness when everyone is their most attractive). I had begged and pleaded with my mother to cut bangs into my thick and naturally wavy hair that frizzes even at the slightest hint of humidity, and eventually won the mother daughter battle. I should have listened when she told me that they would require upkeep, daily blow drying, and about their affinity to get frizzy and look awful in the 90% humidity that New England has more than half of the year, but what did I know. I resented those bangs for exactly as long as it took to grow them out, and developed an aversion to anything bang related.

flash forward to now, and living in a place with hardly any humidity (besides this past two week long heat wave- that's enough Mother Nature! I'd like the real LA weather back please), and I've been itching for a change. now my hair is in serious need of a haircut, but any movie/show/random person the street has me craving thick, long bangs like none other.

what to do, what to do?

xx, marissa

currently craving: clogs

a few years back the idea of owning a pair of clogs would have sounded insane to me. who do I think I am, Heidi? but after seeing an oh-so-stylish friend of mine rock them basically on the daily (with socks during the winter even- gasp!), I was sold. I picked up a pair last winter on serious sale at DSW, but they've seen better days. I've been online window shopping for the perfect pair of classic swedish style clogs for a hot minute, but haven't been able to pull the trigger on the perfect pair. in case you're in the market, I've rounded up a couple of my favorites and hopefully one of these pretty (and practical) babies will be making their way into my wardrobe soon.

what's your take on clog sandals? too fugly for your taste? maybe you're a reformed hater like me, or are you one of those über cool girls that liked them before they were trendy? 

xx, marissa 

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

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

currently craving: veggie noodles

if I could go back in time and tell myself that I would be obsessed with anything vegetable related, I would have laughed in my face. over the past 3 or 4 years I've work to overhaul my diet, and make a serious effort to eat whole/clean foods, while upping my vegetable intake. my mom recently gave me a gadget that she had picked up at Bed, Bath, and Beyond that turns vegetables into "noodles". normally I would have looked at a product like this and considered it a total gimmick, but I have been interested in trying zucchini noodles, so I figured what the hell. 

not only were they ridiculously easy to make, the noodles were a million times better than I had imagined. now as a true-blooded Italian gal I will say it straight out, they are not a pasta equivalent. but, if you're someone that loves the concept of spaghetti squash, or is looking for the idea of spaghetti, pad thai or a great stir-fry without the brick feeling that traditional pasta/noodles give, then this thing is amazing. so far I've used it with zucchini and cucumbers, and both have been really good. one tip- if you're using a really wet vegetable (like a cucumber), blot some of the moisture off the noodles with a paper towel so you're not left with a bowl full of watery sauce. I served mine with a tomato and basil marinara which was delish, but next I want to try a pesto or a thai peanut sauce (maybe with a mix of carrots and zucchini- so fancy!). this seemed totally gimmicky, but in reality is one of my favorite kitchen gizmos.

have you ever tried zucchini (or other veggie) noodles? what are your favorite ways to eat them?

xx, marissa

currently craving: harem pants

 

I tend to steer clear when it comes to super trendy trends; more often than not, they're a style that only looks good on waif-y starlets, and off duty models. my style is pretty classic, but I'm a firm believer in stepping out of your comfort zone every once and a while. enter the harem pant (or joggers, genie pants, whatever you want to call them). there are always so many different looks that I love, but only on other people. I'll convince myself that while it's cool, I'm just not cool enough to pull it off (pastel hair, sneaker wedges, elaborate/detailed tattoos, etc.), and harem pants were totally one of those things. when I was shopping with some girlfriends yesterday I saw a pair at H&M that were basic, not too drapey or in crazy colors, and I figured what the hell. I tried them on, and let me tell you, they are amazing. of course they're comfortable, it's like wearing glorified pajamas, but they also (when styled correctly) were super cute. I opted for a pair of black with tiny random taupe/pale pink dots, but I think the three above would also make great options

Harem Pants from H&M -  the black color is super basic and will mix & match with much more in your wardrobe. tuck in a v-neck to show off your waist, or wear a fun patterned crop top to punch it up a bit. for day time wear a fun sandal, and switch to a strappy heel or platform wedge to dress them up at night.

Satin Side Stripe Joggers from Topshop -  this style is a bit more structured if you're not about the diaper butt look. these would look great with colorful or detailed pair of sneakers, with a silky white sheer button- up. I love that the khaki green is nuetral, but a great color for transitioning into fall (eek! I can't believe we're already talking about fall)

Kaleidescope Jersey Tapered Trousers from Topshop - these are my favorite pair of the three! I love the print, and the colors- perfect vacation pants. while the print might be intimidating for some, I think all of the colors give you so many options for pairing with tops. these are certainly the focal point of your outfit, so keeping it simple with a solid colored top, and accessorizing with metallic jewels and sandals. dress them up at night with black pumps and a leather jacket.

what are some trends that you love, but are afraid to try?

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