Saturday, January 24, 2015

Study Space

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Hello all!!!
 
With the spring semester approaching, or has already begun for some, I decided to share my "study space"!
 
As a commuter, I have TONS of options to get some peace and quiet both at home and on campus. But I love coming home to my own room and sitting down at my desk.
 
Interestingly, I don't actually do much school work at my desk let alone at home. I usually do most of my work on campus mainly because I get too distracted at home. I find myself most productive at school with a big iced coffee of course!! :-)
 
Aside from that, I have to say, I love the little corner in my room I have delegated for my desk area. I've had this desk since I was very young and never really understood what I would use it for. I always did homework at the kitchen table and instead found myself using the chair to put my clean clothes I needed to put away on, and using the top as a table for all of my stuff.
 
During my recent winter break I found myself using it more and I finally think I've found the perfect set up for myself and my desk. Surprisingly, I find myself actually wanting to sit at it and do a million different things.
 
I think part of it is because I love the way it looks.  On one corner, I have keepsakes from my boyfriend and many silly little things we've found or done throughout out four year relationship. I still smile every time I look that way and think of him.  I always wanted to keep pens on my desk and finally found the perfect container! How freaking adorable is this mason jar?? Yes, I bought it like this and it actually came with a gold cover. I filled it with colorful pens which I love to use for basically anything I can! I also LOVE keeping a coaster close. My favorite thing recently is to scroll through pinterest while drinking my coffee. I actually find myself doing that most days. I finish it with this adorable desk calendar which I actually found online and just put it in the frame to stay nice.
 
I also love keeping a calendar like this on my desk. Although I don't really use it, I love the way it looks and keeps my desk neat. You'll also notice I keep my planner and these adorable notepads I got. It just reminds me to actually use them!!
 
I hope you guys enjoyed this post!! I loved sharing my little corner with you all.
 
What does your study space look like??
 
With love,
Mariss
 
 
Desk Accessories:
Candles- Bath and Body Works
Gold Mason Jar- Dollar Section at Target
Desk Calendar (Frame)- History in High Heels Blog (Freebies Section)
*Thank you to this blog for sharing all of the awesome freebies!! The prints are amazing!! *
Desk Calendar- Walmart
Planner- Kate Spade Large Agenda
Notepads- Both from TJ Maxx
 
 
 

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Layered Up for Date Night


 Welcome back!!
 
My winter break is almost over so naturally I am trying to spend the last few days off with loved ones and doing fun things!
 
My boyfriend and I attempted to go to the movies the other night for date night (it was sold out so we ended up getting tickets for another night) and I fell in love with this outfit. It is perfect for a movie night! Overall, its comfortable enough to sit in a movie theatre seat but yet it is still stylish and cute for a date!
 
I love this giant cowl neck sweater or poncho that I got last fall. It is super cozy and comfortable yet totally chic! I decided to pair it with a long sleeve shirt for some extra layers and I love how this combination turned out.
 
Also- I love these jeans and I think it paired perfect with the sweater! I love dark denim for nighttime and paired with dressier sweaters!!!
 
Finally, I finished the look with these adorable moccasins. These are Minnetonka and I love them more than any other moccasins I've had because the are not furry inside. Surprisingly, they are still warm but do not leave your feet sweaty and smelly. Also- I've worn these a ton and they have never stretched out which I feel the furry ones do.   
 
 
I wish everyone a great start to their spring semester (for my college gals) or for everyone else a great week!!
 
What is your favorite date night activity?
 
With love,
Mariss
 
What I am wearing:
Sweater: Forever 21 (Last year but saw different colors in store recently)
Striped T-Shirt: Ann Taylor Loft
Jeans: American Eagle
Shoes: Minnetonka
Watch: Michael Kors
Nails: Essie- No More Film
 

Friday, January 9, 2015

Flashback Friday

 
 
 
 
Welcome back!!!
 
I decided to post about my favorite fall outfit that I never really told you guys about. I actually wore this for my birthday dinner with my boyfriend's family and I love how it turned out!!
 
Also- Its been so cold that I wish I was back in the fall season, in the picture it was 60 degrees and at the time seemed really cold!! Now I know what cold really feels like!!!
 
I decided to pair my burgundy vest with this flannel. The colors are a little off, but I still think it looks great. In addition, I love that this flannel has gold detailing. I'm not sure if you can tell from the pictures but instead of buttons it actually has gold snaps and has gold studs on the shoulders!
 
I paired the top with some dark distressed jeans and finished the look with moccasins.
 
This outfit could totally be worn during the winter! I actually have worn it recently and just changed it up a little. I paired it with plain dark jeans and brown riding boots instead so I was a little warmer!
 
 
I hope you guys enjoyed this look! It is one of my favorites!!!
 
Have a great weekend!!
 
With love,
 
Mariss
 
 Outfit details:
Vest- JCrew Factory (don't have this color available right now)
Flannel- Pacsun (old)
Jeans- Hollister
Moccasins- Minnetonka
Sunglasses- American Eagle
 
Jewelery:
Watch- Michael Kors
Earrings- Kate Spade
Bracelets- Alex and Ani 

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Winter Favorites






 
 Hello loves!!!!
 
I am back with another post! I decided to tell you guys about recent favorites for winter!! In New York where I live specifically it does get super cold and it does snow but nothing compared to what other parts of the state get luckily!!
 
It was actually great timing because it snowed the day before I shot these pictures but then suddenly began to snow right as we took them!!

  • Micheal Kors Down Coat (Macy's)
Its super warm yet super light!! Great for the winter (especially on campus) and super glamorous!!!
  •  Fur Infinity Scarf  (Nordstrom Jrs)
Kinda giant but super cozy and a simple yet great accessory!!
  •  Sunnies (Tory Burch)
These were a Christmas present and I am obsessed!! They are my first pair of designer sunglasses and I'm obsessed. I love that they are tortoise so they match with everything! GO MOM!!
  • Longchamp 'Small Le Pliage' Shoulder Bag
These are great bags. Especially while I am on break because I can basically throw everything I need in there! I also love the fabric and especially this color.
  • Gloves  (American Eagle)
I am a sucker for pink and hearts so these were an obvious favorite. They are so warm and so cute! Also-they are tech so you can use them with any touchscreen phone!
  • Hunter Rain Boots (Bloomingdales)
These were also a Christmas gift and I have been wearing them non-stop! I love that they can match so many things and can be worn with a dressy outfit or leggings and a sweatshirt.
  • Dual Pearl Earrings (Ann Taylor LOFT)
Love these statement earrings!!! So classic but so chic! I've been wearing these since I got them.
  •  Louis Vuittion Keychain
Although this was a birthday/anniversary gift I was given in October I have recently been finding more and more uses for this baby!
  •  Dark Nails (Wearing "Material Girl" by Essie)
I love a good dark manicure! Especially in the winter!! I love deep burgundy and purple. Most of the winter (pretty much since October) I've had dark polish on!



I hope you guys enjoyed this post! It was fun to take pictures in the snow!!
 
What are your current favorites??
 
 
With love,
 
Marissa

Sunday, December 28, 2014

First Semester Thoughts

Hello All!!!
 Sorry I've been MIA, I just finished finals and the holiday was great but of course crazy.
After finishing my first semester, I wanted to share five important things I realized/learned as a freshman. I hope these help other fellow college students!
 
I hope everyone had a great holiday!!
 
See you again soon.
 
With love,
Mariss



Five Things I Learned Throughout my First Semester


1.       Always read, read, read!!

Professors always assign so much reading throughout the semester and I found myself asking, “Do I really need to read all of this?” By the end of the semester, I figured out the answer, YES! Although it is horrible and sometimes painful, just do it! It should benefit you in some way and if not, that’s a personal decision. I like to read the chapter right before we cover the material in class. Also- my suggestion is to read the chapters as they are assigned so that way you don’t get behind. And get rid of any distractions like a phone to help finish reading faster.

 
2.       Do what’s best for you!!!
There had been many times where I found myself in a little pickle. Whether it came to work or my studies, I found myself in a position I shouldn’t have been in. I always am proactive when I see a problem but with all of the craziness, I sometimes forgot. You have to put yourself first, especially as a student. If you can’t pick up that extra shift because you have a test then don’t! Or if all of your friends or boyfriend are going out but you know you should stay home and study, do what YOU think is best for you. If they are really your friends/boyfriend, they will understand a not give you a hard time about not going out.

 
3.       Stay Organized
Even though I am a little O.C.D. when it comes to planning and organizing, sometimes color-coding my assignments isn’t really a first priority. Sometimes I can be extreme but some kind of organization is 100% necessary. I would recommend getting some sort of planner, I personally love the large Kate Spade planners but any office planner would get the job done. Make sure to write down deadlines, assignments and important plans like club meetings. Also, I love post-its. They make all different kinds, colors and shapes. I use them in my notes to make a note of an important page or diagram in the textbook or I even put them in my planner as a to-do list. They really help me to stay focused.
 
4.       Take Good Notes
Depending on the class and the professor, you need to take good notes. Some of my professors did the annoying “you need to copy everything down on the PowerPoint” thing while others make simple PowerPoints that summarize the chapter. Whatever the situation, find a way to get all of the information down in the most organized and simplest way. Some of my professors actually posted the slides online. I always find for me personally, I need to actually write the notes down but having the slides as a guide is always helpful. In addition, some of the textbooks actually had a summary of the chapter which was just actually the PowerPoint. USE IT!!!! Include the date and underline important vocabulary. Whatever makes you understand the material do it!

 
5.       Be Active!
Throughout my entire life I have always cheered competitively and also for games. It was super intense during high school so I got great exercise. For my own reasons, I decided to stop in college. Although I don’t regret that decision, I regret my lack of physical activity this semester. As a commuter, I planned to work out at the school gym, which is a great facility. This didn’t exactly work out.  Then I decided I would just get a membership at a local gym five minutes from my house which didn’t exactly happen either. Yes, I am joining after the New Year (they run great promotions) but not exercising was really not a great idea. I found myself exhausted after sleeping long hours and feeling sluggish. I needed to get some sort of physical activity to stay focused and avoid that fatigue. And obviously, exercising is great for maintaining a healthy weight and diet.

 

 

Monday, December 15, 2014

Holiday Mani

Hello loves!!
 
I decided to dedicate a post to my favorite finishing touch to any look....a fresh manicure, Holiday Edition!!!!!
 
Especially with Christmas quickly approaching, I start to obsessed a little bit about finding the "perfect red"
 
I decided to share some of my favorite "reds" for this holiday season in addition to some other ideas if your not totally into the cliché red!!!
 
 
Bordeaux by Essie

I think this is a great choice for someone who doesn't exactly want that bright red look but still wants to look festive. It comes out definitely red but its more burgundy. When I chose this color last time at the salon, I asked for an extra coat of polish so it would look more burgundy and less red and it loved it!!!

Cinnamon Sweet by OPI (Part of the Gwen Stefani Holiday Collection)

While in Ulta the other day I saw this color and fell in love!! Its definitely that bright red but I think its more tasteful than say a fire engine red.  It looks beautiful in the bottle but they had a swatch of the color on the display and that's what sold me! I cannot wait to wear this color this Christmas!! 
Up's By Essie

This is the color I actually wore last Christmas! Believe me, while in the nail place I search for that perfect red and this was it! It is the perfect red for the holidays. I loved it so much because it was still that classic red, not really at all burgundy, but it was a darker shade so it wasn't so in your face. This is totally a classic.  
This is it on my nails last year. I also did a red/pink sparkle over it on my ring fingers and it looked great and super festive.
Rock at the Top by Essie

I think this gold would look great on the ring fingers for a little accent!! Although I'm not really sure if this is still "in" I think I am going to do it!! Its super festive and fun!!!
 

 
Next here are some of my favorite polishes for the winter!! These would also look great for the holidays ( if you wanted) !!!
Wicked by Essie-Colt favorite (actually wearing this color right now!!




Stylenomics by Essie- dark green...almost looks black but super pretty and different!



Style Cartel By Essie- deep royal blue/navy

Hope you guys enjoyed this post!!

Show me pictures of your "holiday mani"


Love,
Mariss

Friday, December 12, 2014

Fuzzy and Warm

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hello all<3
 
For today's look I am sporting my fur vest again, I'm sorry I'm so obsessed and in love with it.
Today, I paired it with something totally different. I actually got the inspiration for this look on Pinterest!  I found this adorable navy gingham shirt at J Crew Factory on Black Friday! I think it looks great under my fur vest. In addition, I love to roll up the sleeves on these types of shirts. I think it makes it look a little more casual and also its more comfortable!! I then paired the outfit with my dark American Eagle jeans (as per usual) and my favorite boots.
 
I have to say, I am obsessed with fur for the winter. It is of course warm and cozy but it also is super glamorous! I think it instantly dresses up any outfit and is a great accessory. I also love that they make so many different styles and colors.
 
 
I cannot wait to style this gingham shirt in different ways! Maybe a post to come?? :-)
 
Shout-Out to my college girls taking their finals!! I am too!! Good Luck!!
 
Who else is excited it is almost Christmas??
 
With love,
Mariss