adventures in styling: surf bazaar

My ultimate beach blanket fashion fantasy has always included mixed tribal prints and stripes, an armful of bright stringy bracelets, and piled-on ethnic-inspired jewelry. It was these exact elements that inspired this test shoot I styled with photographer Rob Gullixson, model Lacey Nelson and hair/makeup artist Jenni Shaw. Any of these looks would be right at home on a gypsy surfer chick laying on a hammock on the beaches of Tulum. Unfortunately, we had to settle for a studio and some turquoise seamless paper. BUT, I am super happy with the results and truly love each of these looks. 

Now stands the question-- is it really worth it to wear all this jewelry when spending a day in the sand and sea? When the resulting vibes are this fun, I think it's an easy answer.

Peace, Love and Neon,
Marisa

one picture: pink print mixing

[image: hallie daily]

This image seemed to be all over my Pinterest feed this weekend and I absolutely adore the print mixing going on here, courtesy of personal style blogger Hallie Daily. Pattern blocking is such a refreshing styling trend, especially when tied together by a common color like the bubblegum pink palate here. 

Stripes pair easily with most prints, even zany ones like on the top and clutch in this picture. Lately, I've been wearing my favorite striped tees with tropical and tribal patterned pants and loving the results. 

Do you have a favorite print mixing combo? Tell me, tell me!

Peace, Love and Neon,
Marisa

home decorating: the coveteur x britt aboutaleb

The Coveteur just does not stop inspiring, hence a second homage to the site that photographs fashion big-timers' most treasured possessions. (SHWING! MAJOR EYE CANDY ALERT!) Check out my first post here.

This time, the inspiration comes by way of former Fashionista-ista and current ELLE.com Style News Editor Britt Aboutaleb, who, like me, appears to have obsessions with striped shirts, leopard accents and chunky rhinestone jewelry, as well as the chutzpah to paint a wall hot pink.

Here are some inspiring home decorating clues from today's photo montage of Britt's New York space:

use a vintage suitcase as storage for magazine tear-outs and photographs.

extra points for leaving it open to display your favorite flats.

dare to splash your walls with hot pink.

(or fuchsia, orange, or yellow for that matter.)

display muted vintage photographs on said hot pink wall.

upholster a salvaged chair with an old striped tee.

take it a step further and paint the rest of chair your favorite color.

frame a collage of treasured invitations, shopping bags, etc.

strive to maintain a general color scheme, mood or theme.

Also, be sure to check out The Coveteur's tumblr for a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process and a more complete view of their subjects' homes.

Peace, Love and Neon,

Marisa