sale: Bauble Bar

it's safe to say I have a healthy obsession when it comes to jewels, and all things pretty and sparkly. (hey, it's a job requirement!) and while I love beautifully crafted pieces of jewelry, I love a trendy colorful statement necklace and all things costume too! when I saw that Bauble Bar was having a sale for Labor Day, I hopped over and took a peek at what they were discounting. so many bright statement necklaces, fun earrings, and great additions to your collection. the colors may be a bit bright for some people, especially heading into fall and winter, but not me! (#IdowhatIwant) here are some of my favorite pieces, and a couple that I scooped up for myself.

 Obriter Bib Necklace / Monochrome Galactic Drop Earrings / Crystal Vienna Collar Necklace

Buckle Bangle Bracelet / Tictac Drops Earrings

have you ever ordered from Bauble Bar? what are some of your favorite pieces from the end of summer sale?

xx, marissa

this weekend: saint anthony's feast

if you find yourself in the city this weekend (and haven't taken off for the cape, the vineyard, new hampshire or maine- like everyone else), the Saint Anthony's Feast is happening in the North End and a fun event if you're never experienced it. after living in the North End for going on 4 years, I've seen my fair share of feasts (Saint Aggripia happens right outside my bedroom window), but it's a fun event to take out-of-towners too. between the food (italian specialties, and standard fair/carnival food), games, stands selling italian items and special blessing water, music/performers- there's a lot to take in. but it's the parade when residents carry the giant life-size statue of Saint Anthony that really draw the crowds. north end streets that are tiny enough, are jam packed with more tourists than any other day. if you're around the city this weekend, head over to the North End Saturday or Sunday for some good ol' fashion Italian fun.

have you ever been to any of the North End feasts?

xx, marissa

a letter to my 18-year-old self: a lá Tickle Me Pink

I came across a post from Kelsey of Tickle Me Pink a few days ago, and loved the idea. I think it's so important to look back on how far you've come as a person, the changes you've made to your life, and the growing you've done since certain milestones. while her letter is to her 18-year-old self, I was 17 when I started college, but we'll just pretend ;)

dear marissa,

you figured it out. through all the bs that was stopping you from getting here, you're here. with the help of incredible people in your life, you accomplished what you wanted as a young teen visiting Boston and falling in love with the city, you're going to Suffolk. you're about to meet some of the most important people in your life, people who will change who you are as a person; some who will effect you for a bit, and some who will effect you for much, much longer. learn everything you can from all of the people that you choose to surround yourself with, but remember that you ultimately have the power to choose who is in your inner circle. if, and when, someone has extended their welcome in your life, send them on your way. ain't nobody got time for that. you will encounter awful girls who make you question everything about yourself, and shake your self-worth to the core, but that's okay. you'll make it out alive, and see how strong you are. you will pledge theta phi, something that you just considered a fun extra-curricular, but will play a huge part in your college experience. enjoy these first few years, because they are the best. you will have endless amounts of freedom and time, savor every minute of it. do stupid things at 2am because you can, and your best friends live next door. explore new neighborhoods, make new friends, stay out too late, and drink too much; this is what freshman year is all about, and the four years go by too fast. you will realize just how lucky you are to have the friends from home that you do, savor the time you have with them, and learn to incorporate them into your new friends group; it will make your life easier in the end. there is a girl at the end of the hall, you've seen her rushing off to soccer practice and heading out to parties on Friday nights, she will eventually become your best friend (you just don't know it yet). you will be so enthusiastic about the work/career that you plan on doing, and that's great, but don't put all your eggs in the law basket. i'm on good authority it doesn't work out the way you thought that it would, and again, that's okay. try not to try so hard- the girls that seem like they're the most carefree and having the most fun have a lot more going on under the surface that the world doesn't see; just be you, you're more than enough.

xoxo, marissa

"no makeup" makeup

as a makeup junkie, I love learning about new and unique brands and products. recently my boss was turned on to a brand that I had never heard of, Perricone MD, that specializes in what it calls, "no makeup" makeup. The concept sounded interesting enough, face makeup that perfects your skin without showing up on your skin. "Cake face" is one of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to makeup; if you can see visible product on your skin, then you're doing something wrong. But it was seeing the products in action that made me really take notice. She was wearing the No Foundation Foundation and the No Blush Blush, and there was not a trace of product on her face. Her skin looked flawless, healthy and with the perfect bit of dewiness. While I personally am not a face makeup person (a bit of matte bronzes to contour my cheekbones, and a touch of cream blush for some color is all I do for face), if I was this would totally be a brand that I would invest in. I did notice however, that all the products (foundation, blush, bronzed, mascara, and lipstick) only come in one or two tones- not sure if it's the type of product that adjusts to your specific tone, but if you're lighter or darker than a mid toned tan, this may not be the brand for you. hopefully they'll expand their shade line to be more inclusive of ALL skin tones and shades.

what are some of your favorite product for getting a flawless face? have you ever heard of Perricone MD?

xx, marissa

cheap date: screening of Good Will Hunting

as a full blooded Bostonian, I love movies that are centered around the amazing city I call home. with so many amazing options to choose from (the Departed, the Town, the Boondock Saints, Mystic River, Fever Pitch), it's tough to pick a favorite, but Good Will Hunting definitely tops the list. it's refreshing to have a movie where crime and the mob aren't the focal point of the story, and it's also the movie that launched the amazing bromance that is Matt & Ben. with the unfortunate death of Robin Williams, this screening is a perfect opportunity to relive not only this amazing movie, but the role that won him an Academy Award.

catch the free screening at the Park at Channel Center in Fort Point (South Boston), starting at 8pm. for more info (including rain date info) check here.

xx, marissa

closet classics: chambray shirt

there are certain clothing pieces that should be staples in your closet (regardless of your age, career, or style), and the chambray shirt is absolutely one of them. I find myself wearing mine when I'm being super casual, and also when I'm more put together. they are insanely comfortable, and look good with just about anything that you pair it with. I've paired a classic chambray shirt from the Gap with two different looks, one for a more casual day (a weekend, running errands, working from home, or going to class) and one for a more put together day (wearing to work, out to lunch, a bridal/baby shower, first date, meeting the parents).

casual day: I love the idea of the classic chambray paired with a pair of basic black Pixie Pants from J. Crew. not only are they super comfortable, but they also look so much more put together than a pair of black leggings. perfect for errands, running around town, or for any day. I paired them with a pair of leopard mohair flats from Steve Madden that are my new obsession. I have a pair of smoking slippers that are super similar from a few seasons ago that are my go-to flat. some people may be scared off by the leopard print, but I'm a person who totally considers leopard a neutral; and a fun shoe kicks this basic outfit up a couple notches. even on a casual day, a girl can never be without a fun pop of color and jewels; I went with a bright pink Butter gloss from NYX and my favorite sparkly Pavé Link Bracelet from J. Crew.

dressier day: while I love chambray worn casual, my favorite way to wear this shirt is tucked into a high waisted a-line skirt. for this look I went with a pleated rugby skirt from the Gap in great neutral cream and tan stripes. I paired that with a perfect everyday pair of leather wedges from Steve Madden in the same neutral tan. this style shoe is one of my favorites, perfect for day or night, and can be dressed up or dressed down (and the slight wedge makes them super comfortable if you're wearing them all day for work, or out for drinks after). since the rest of the outfit is super neutral, I went with a bright orange/red Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick from Stila for a fun pop of color. a great tip if you're going out right from work and your makeup is looking a bit worn, add a fun pop of color to your lips and look instantly pulled together and chic! and finally for a bit of sparkle, because everyone needs a bit of sparkle, I went with a pair of my favorite Opal Cushion Blings from JoJo Loves You- a great neutral that you'll get tons of wear out of.

what's your favorite way to wear chambray? are you more of a casual girl, or do you like to mix the basic with something more girly?

xx, marissa

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