FALL DARKNESS

I've been bitten by the nail polish bug. Well, I've always had a knack for finding some unique colors. But dark nail polish is truly the way to go. Farewell to the neon and bright colors that summer brought, and hello to the deep hues autumn has bestowed upon us.

I've added 4 new nail polishes to my ever-so-abundant collection, and I am very pleased they are in my possession. The first was a great $2 find produced by the wallet-friendly E.L.F. cosmetics. It is a black nail polish with the tiniest flecks of green glitter. It was an impulse buy, but it was dark enough to calm my oh-so-dark soul. -__- I can't wait to use this when it comes closer to the holiday season! Sonia Kashuk has made an impression on me with the color "All Vamped"--a creamy dark red color that almost looks like a mauve-purple when you apply a good 2-3 coats. It's so gloomy and for $5, this will look great when wearing a plain white tee and distressed denim. "Haute Couture Red" from Loreal's new and improved line of nail polishes is an even deeper blood red, also at $5. I feel like it would look amazeballs with the layered outfits I have planned out for winter! The last color is the $7.50 "Stylenomics" from Essie's new fall 2012 collection. This dark teal will add something new to my nail polish collection, as I have no other colors similar to it. It's still dark enough for fall, and I'm excited to flaunt this baby on an autumn date night!

I'm a happy camper. Hooray for dark nail polish fever!

- marissa vanilla.

GRUNGE & GOD

I apologize for the lack of blogging, but there has been so much going on. I have recently moved into a new city and am still getting used to it. I have also graduated from college and have begun the nervous search for a full-time job. I have three new roommates, two of whom I have worked with at Urban Outfitters, and the other is a new friend. Honestly, I haven't really finished unpacking due to my lack of hangers. But nevertheless, I am determined to start somewhere.

I think moving here has opened my eyes to financial responsibility. I can't really spend money anymore for things that I want. My money goes towards rent, bills, and most recently parking tickets (I told you, I'm still getting used to this place -__-). I don't have any more money to spend on leisure things like clothes and makeup. I'd have to say a big chunk of it goes towards food. I've also noticed that because of these financial burdens, my heart rate has increased. Maybe it's true, maybe I do have high blood pressure.

I have made it an effort to start going to church more often. When I was away at college, I admit, I had so much freedom that church wasn't really on top of my list of priorities. But I know that God has been beside me all this time. And I think it's time for me to pay Him a visit. I don't like feeling this way; I don't like thinking about money all of the time. I know that it's a part of life, but the thing is, it truly stresses me out. So God will be seeing a lot of me and my heavy heart in prayers.

- marissa vanilla.

OUTFIT:

SHIRT: Obey Killer Quality Tee

FLANNEL: Obey Growler Button Down Shirt--boy roommate's shirt LOL (I'm going to steal it.)

SHORTS: Classic shorts from Abercrombie & Fitch

SHOES: Nepal Espadrille Sandal (in neutral) by Jeffrey Campbell--roommate's shoes ;)

UNRULY HAIRZZZ

It's week 10 and I have one more week left of my undergraduate career. It is at this time in the quarter when my hair decides to not cooperate. Oh well.

Summer begins exactly one week from today at 6 pm. Finals, here I come.

- marissa vanilla.

EL NATURAL

Today, I decided to keep it really basic. I'm not one for extremes; I tend to like things that are mostly on the DL. It is usually due to the fact that I see pieces that I know will work with my wardrobe throughout the seasons. I am in love with the nude colors and feel like it is such an easy-breezy type of statement.

The moment I laid eyes on this sheer button-up, I knew it had to be in my closet. They have "cold shoulders" which is basically the term to describe cutouts around the shoulders. I have always wanted a top like it, but could never find "the one." But lo and behold, I find this treasure at Windsor (of all places) and fell in love. It is a nude, almost mauve, color with cute lavender buttons. It also has an asymmetrical hemline, making it that much cooler.

I paired them with my new favorite pair of jeans--these mid-rise skinny flares. They have a nice faded look on them, creating that almost-vintage feel. Not only are they flared, they make your BEHIND look AMAZING. They hug your bum like no other and it seriously is the best feeling. I've always been a fan of bell bottoms and I am super glad that they're back in season. I can't wait to wear these out all the time!

To sneak a peek at to what was underneath my flares were these beautiful babes--the Jeffrey Campbell Foxy. I wanted to make the nude theme more cohesive with my taupe suede Foxys because they are super comfortable and very easy to walk in. I recommend getting them because they go with everything and with summer coming around, I'm sure they will make appearances more throughout the upcoming seasons!

For accessories, I'd like to introduce you to some of my everyday finger swag! From left to right: vintage diamond ring my aunt gave me, Jewelmint's Sweetheart Rose Ring, two finger Gypsy ring, and my favorite hinged armor ring. I am seriously obsessed with every single one of them. I wear the vintage ring every day and I have an gnarly tan line because of it. After an unfortunate mishap dealing with my boyfriend stepping on my very favorite Sweetheart Ring (in gold), I had to suck it up and deal with it being lost forever. But Jewelmint rereleased an entire new set of the Sweetheart rings; the set included the original gold ring, and as an added bonus, they created a rose gold and silver version. So I snatched up the rose gold one and have been in love ever since! I also ordered the gold one to replace my old one, but found that I loved the rose gold one even more. My roommate decided to buy the gold one off me, so I'm still a happy camper. The two finger Gypsy ring is a new favorite of mine. I saw it on Vanessa Hudgens when she went to Coachella this year and it was totally calling my name. It basically goes with everything and adds an eclectic vibe to every outfit. As for my hinged armor ring, this baby is definitely a show-stopper just by the looks of it. It's a versatile piece and I'm glad it is in my possession.

So that's my OOTD! Excuse the mess! I have no fancy places to take pictures in NOR do I have a fancy camera to take pictures WITH! Little updates with me: it turns out I got all 5 of my internships! I had to choose one...so I'll be interning with the Earth Resource Foundation this summer! Go check them out if you have the chance! In other news, I'm graduating in less than a month and I have yet to find the perfect graduation dress! I'm stressing out! If you have any suggesting, send them my way! I'd love to hear from you!

VANILLA OUT,

-marissa vanilla.

OUTFIT:

SHIRT: Cold Shoulder Blouse from Windsor (similar)

JEANS: 5 Pocket Skinny Flare (in Storm) from Free People

SHOES: Foxy Wood (in taupe suede) by Jeffrey Campbell

RINGS: vintage; Sweetheart Rose Ring from Jewelmint; two finger Gypsy ring from Planet Blue; gold hinged armor ring from H&M (similar)

DOUBLE DREAM HANDS

I introduce you to another Zen on Mars production.  Enjoy!