neighborhood faves: south end

working in the south end for the past year and a bit has given me a new appreciation for the neighborhood that I fell in love with during college. there are so many unique and interesting boutiques/studio spaces and some of the most amazing restaurants in the city, that it's easy to stick to the same places you know and love. based on recommendations from my bosses/their friends (some of who have lived in the neighborhood for 30+ years and seen the sub-par places come and go), I've branched out and tried new places/popped into boutiques that I may have missed. here is a round up of some of my faves:

DINE:

Myers + Chang- my hands down, favorite restaurant in the South End. whenever we're ordering in lunch for a birthday/celebration/just because at work, this is always my pick. it's fresh, real ingredient Asian cuisine, that will make it almost impossible to eat your standard Americanized Chinese food. the blackened udon noodles are my favorite, but their spring rolls, thai ginger chicken, and pork dumplings are all equally amazing.

The Beehive- is a restaurant that my roommate and I tried during last years Restaurant Week and instantly fell in love! during the warmer months the outdoor seating is the best- twinkle lights, small bistro tables, and perfect people watching. but inside and downstairs is what makes this restaurant truly amazing. the vibe is an old speak easy with a stage for jazz performers (every night!), small intimate tables, dark lighting, and thick drapes. there's also a great bar area that's perfect for grabbing drinks with girlfriends- the queen bee is my favorite (I'm a sucker for anything with champagne and elderflower). there isn't anything about this restaurant that isn't just the coolest. one of my favorite spots for bringing people who are new to the neighborhood.

Cinquecento- amazing Italian that defines it's style at "Roman Trattoria", whatever. gorgeous ambiance, perfect spot for a date night or girl's night out, or for after-work cocktails. my favorite dish is definitely the pollo al mattone, but the kale salad is a pretty close second (trust me, order it).

SHOP:

M. Flynn Studio- I may be a bit partial to this store for one reason or another, but if you're looking for a boutique that carries amazing designers (including their own in-house brand), unique & classic pieces, and great gifts at any price point, you've found your perfect place. everything from custom engagement rings/wedding bands to fun statement necklaces, gorgeous clutches, and vintage costume jewelry. or well known designers (like Alexis Bittar, Erickson Beamon, and Clare Vivier) and newer designers like (Les Nereides, Wevly Wilson, Doloris Petunia).

FLOCK- this store is a perfect mix of Anthropologie + Urban Outfitters = a cool indie boutique. the owner stocks her shelves with cool hippie inspired pieces, awesome jewelry, and cool trinkets that you can't help but scoop up. a lot of fresh and young pieces that are different from many of the boutiques in the area/Newbury Street.

PATCH NYC- the coolest place for unique housewares, candles and things that you never knew you needed to have, but totally do. this designer duo has had collaborations with just about everyone (Target, Anthropologie, and West Elm), and also have a studio/gallery space for their art work. the boutique feels like the perfectly curated home of your eclectic aunt/uncle or a worldly professor.

what are some of your favorite spots in the South End?

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

monday funday: maine

off for a bit of R&R with my lifelong best friend as we head up to Maine for the day. some sand and sun are just what the doctor ordered, and as summer starts to wind down (eep!), it's important to bask in the great weather while we have it (as much as I don't want to think about it- the polar vortex will be back soon enough)! It's disgusting to admit that this will be my 4th or 5th beach day of the summer- I remember being younger and having 4 or 5 beach days in a week, not an entire summer! the joys of growing up ;)

we'll be spending the day at Moody Beach with some cute babes, splashing and swimming, letting our hair down, and being our true mermaid selves. monday fundays are the best.

where are your favorite beaches to catch some rays? do you like the cold water of maine, or are you more of a cape gal (like me)?

xx, marissa

the perfect palette

as a self professed make-up junkie, I have more makeup than I will probably ever use (but that doesn't stop me from buying/trying new things). eyeshadow is one of my favorite products to try, but more often than not I find myself gravitating towards the same colors/textures/shadows over and over again. while I love the look of a dark smokey eye, or a fun colorful eye look, that just isn't what I find myself wearing. I love a natural smokey eye, shadows in taupe, bronze or rose gold, and keeping things very clean and blended. while most makeup junkies live and die by the Urban Decay Naked Palettes 1, 2 & 3, I'm a stubborn girl and never gave into that trend (#ridiculous). instead, I bought (and fell in LOVE) with the Stila In the Light Palette.

the colors are perfect for my everyday look- great light highlights, mid-tone taupes, deeper warm browns, and a basic matte black for liner. I love that the shadows come in a mix of finishes (matte, satin, and shimmer) which makes it possible to do a complete eye look with this palette alone. the only shadow that I find myself never using (and wishing they had skipped) is the shimmery blue- but I think it's good that they stuck a color in there in case you wanted to brighten up a look. I also love that they included a liner (the Smudge Stick Waterproof eyeliner in Damsel), making this the perfect travel companion. it's no surprise that Stila is one of my favorite makeup brands (their Stay All Day Waterproof eyeliner is my holy grail), but this palette truly takes the cake!

what are some of your favorite eye shadow palettes?

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

neighborhood faves: the north end

what I love so much about Boston is that every neighborhood is different; each with it's own quirks and personality. I may be a little partial since it's where I live, and have lived since college, but the North End definitely holds a special place in my heart. these are a few of my favorite spot in the neighborhood- whether I need a bit of retail therapy, or some amazing food.

Shake The Tree / LIT Boutique / Twilight Boutique

Ernesto's Pizza / Antico Forno / Bova's Bakery

Shake the Tree is one of my favorite spots for funky and eclectic finds. the perfect place for cute stuff for your home, or your super stylish friend that is difficult to shop for. the owner does an amazing job stocking her shelves with super special items, that have a touch of anthropologie mixed with smaller boutique brands. 

best bet if you're looking for: cool housewares, delicate semi-fine jewelry, and fun kitschy items.

LIT Boutique is my go-to for fun dresses, cute tops and statement jewelry. their buyer does an amazing job bringing in pieces that fall in every different price point, which is amazing when you're a college student looking for a cute going out outfit, or looking to find a fun present for your best friend without breaking the bank. the majority of my dress collection is from here, and most of them are under the $100 price point (both of my dresses for my college graduation/party were from here)

best bet if you're looking for: fun dresses, cute shoes/purses, and trendy accessories

Twilight Boutique is my favorite spot for their collection of JoJo Bling earrings and other fun accessories. They also carry great dresses, and clothing pieces- but their price point is significantly higher than LIT. 

best bet if you're looking for: fun sparkly accessories or JoJo's

Ernesto's Pizza is my favorite non-traditional slice of pizza in the North End. the Buffalo Chicken is my absolute favorite, but their BBQ chicken is a close second. their slices are actually two, so don't make the rookie mistake of ordering two- you'll end up with 1/2 a pizza. in college my roommate and I would get a slice of buffalo and a slice of bbq and split them for the best of both worlds.

best bet if you're looking for: slices with lots of toppings! don't even bother with the cheese- too many other combinations to try (and make sure you get it heated up)

Antico Forno is my favorite restaurant in the North End. away from the tourist trap that is Hanover Street, you don't have to deal with long lines, being rushed in and out, and the food is amazing. the gnocci is my absolute favorite, but their pizza is pretty amazing too.

best bet if you're looking for: delicious Italian food that's off the beaten path

Bova's Bakery is the best late night gem in the North End. don't even bother going to Pompeii, unless you like awful service, terrible pizza, and ridiculous lines. Bova's around 2:30/3 am is a prime spot for people watching since all of the drunk people are stumbling in looking for food to fight their midnight munchies. the calzones (chicken parm is my favorite) are the best, but they also have arrancini (rice balls), and pastries (if you're looking for something sweeter. if you're looking for a late night slice, don't bother going here if it's after 1 am. some weird law stops them from being able to sell it. and bring cash ($10 credit card limit).

best bet if you're looking for: late night munchies or drunk people watching

what are some of your favorite North End spots? do you love this neighborhood as much as I do?

xx, marissa

like it, love it, gotta have it: winged liner

when it comes to makeup, everyone has their signature look. for some it's a super fresh face, for other's a bold lip, or a fun colorful eye look. my go-to is definitely a neutral lid, usually in a taupe or bronze shadow, with a winged cat-eye. i've tried my fair share of eyeliners (pencil, gel, liquid, etc.) and always come back to a pen form of a liquid liner. these are a few of my favorites, at a variety of different price points that make creating that perfect flick of a wing super simple.

Like it- Lancome Artliner this liner has a foam tip, and pen-shaped applicator that make it a breeze to apply. the color is super pigmented, and with a eyeshadow primer stays put all day. the bendable foam tip makes the perfect flick at the end, but also gives you control to make your line thick or thin. the price ($30.50- eek!) is what puts it in the Like it spot.

Love it- L'Oreal Lineur Intense this liner is almost an exact dupe for the Lancome liner. same foam tip, same pen-shaped applicator (except this one has curves on the handle that I think only help), and same deep pigmented coloring. the only differences that I've found are the price ($8.99), and that it's available in the drug store, which puts it in the Love it spot. I have found that it sometimes does this weird thing where it can start to peel off your lids if it's super humid, or you have really oily lids, so make sure to wear it over an eyeshadow primer.

Gotta Have it- Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner this is my hands down favorite eyeliner ever; it's one of those products that as soon as it starts to dry out, I'm heading to Sephora to replace it. I received a set for Christmas from my bosses (they know that makeup is the key to my heart) which included black, dark brown, moss, and midnight- and have been hooked ever since. I originally was obsessed with the black, but one day decided to try the dark brown and instantly fell in love. the brown is super dark, almost black, but doesn't have the wet/metallic look that black liquid can sometimes have. the pen applicator is super easy to hold, gives you a perfect flick, allows you to control how thick or thin your line is, and does not budge. i'm taking heavy duty staying power that needs waterproof makeup remover to get off. it comes in a ton of different colors (I've been meaning to pick up the turquoise to use for a double lined liner look), and is just amazing through and through.

what's your go-to look when it comes to makeup? do you love a colorful eye, a bold lip, or a contoured face?

xx, marissa