Summer Style Series Vol 1.5: What Makes Me Happy

I hope you have all enjoyed my Summer Style Series this week! Last but not least we have Marissa at What Makes Me Happy. Her blog is full of quirky pictures that make my heart melt, fun to read lifestyle posts, and my personal favorite....really awesome accessories! I love checking her page for new finds on clutches, nails, and fabulous style photos that inspire me. Oh and I am insanely insanely jealous on her Rebecca Minkoff find....but you will just have to keep reading to find out the details on that one!

Hollie: Why did you start blogging?

Marissa: I started blogging because I was in desperate need of a creative outlet. I had just finished the fall semester of my senior year of college and was freaking out because I was also preparing to move across the country, so I really needed an escape. I also thought it would be a fun way for my family and friends to keep up with my life after I moved to LA. 

Hollie: What's something your readers don't know about you?

Marissa: I am one of four children in my family! I have three sisters, so my house is full of women-my poor dad!

Hollie: Describe your personal style in five words.  

Marissa: Eclectic, Laid-Back, Loud, Cozy, and Feminine- words that one would never think go together, until they see my closet anyway.

Hollie: What inspires your style?

Marissa: So many things! I draw inspiration from other bloggers, old movies, and girls I see on the street in LA and infuse pieces of their outfits I like into my own style. I used to look for celebrities for inspiration, but I think seeing how other "real girls" are working trendy pieces into their wardrobes is so much more fun. 

Hollie: What items can't you live without?

Marissa: I have a black vintage dress of my Grandmother's that I would die if I lost it. She used to wear it to work in the 50's and the silhouette is one that never goes out of style. Wearing it makes me feel close to home and it's so fun to dress up or down. I also have to have a comfy pair of ballet flats, an oversize button-down, and perfectly broken in jeans.

Hollie: Where are your favorite places to shop? 

Marissa: I am a total shopping addict and I don't discriminate when it comes to the stores and websites I frequent! I shop everywhere- I love resale and consignment shops like Buffalo Exchange and Goodwill, but I also love getting affordable trendy pieces at H&M, Forever 21, Gap and Kaitlyn. When I want a good deal on great pieces, I look online at ideeli, Gilt, Hautelook and MyHabit.  I've also been exploring the boutiques in LA since I'm so new to the city and love hunting down independent designers! 

Hollie: What's the best deal you've gotten lately?

Marissa: By far one of the best deals I've ever gotten was my Rebecca Minkoff MAB on Gilt. I've been coveting Minkoff bags for years, but I just graduated from college and haven't been able to justify the price tag. I got my daily sale alert from Gilt and saw the Rebecca Minkoff sale and snagged myself a gorgeous red bag for about 70% off. I may have harassed my UPS guy everyday until he finally dropped off my new baby.

Hollie: You can buy any three things. What would you pick?

Marissa: I would pick a large quilted leather black flap Chanel bag because it will never go out of style and is so chic, a pair of nude Brian Atwood pumps because his shoes are like little works of art, and a great pair of jeans in a dark wash straight cut.

Hollie: What would the fashion police catch you on?

Marissa: When I'm feeling super lazy, I usually throw on a super old pair of BKE capris and a flannel button down- and sometimes I repeat that outfit twice a week. Such a fashion faux pas, but I work in retail and sometimes comfort trumps style when you're on your feet for 8 hours a day.

Hollie: Last but not least! What blogs inspire you ?

Marissa: My blog roll is always changing and growing, but I have several favorites that I make sure to visit daily: Cupcakes & Cashmere, Sterling Style, Sea of Shoes, The Glamouri, The Rockstar Diaries, Cheetah is the New Black, Adored Austin, and The Dainty Squid are all so fun and I love that they all have unique voices. Notice that every single one also features great photography, which makes me want to amp up my photography skills. 

Everyone have a safe and amazingly fun fourth of July! Can't wait to read about all of your eventful weekends on Tuesday :)

Summer Style Series Vol 1.4: All Things Bright and Beautiful

Happy Thursday! FYI, Blogger refuses to format this how I'd like so beware of giant spaces!

Today I'm featuring someone absolutely hilarious...Aubrey at All Things Bright And Beautiful! I love checking out her new posts because she always finds these really cozy and colorful interior design photos. Her blog makes me want to redo my entire apartment in a completely different way. Every day. It's actually becoming a problem as I'm way too indecisive now! Her blog writing style is always very animated and always fun to read. And...her version of the smiley face is so cute. What's not to love? (c:

Hollie: Why did you start blogging?

Aubrey: Um, attention...duh! Hehehe...no I'm totally kidding!!! I started blogging because I got completely obsessed with design blogs and I just felt like I would really like a place to be able to put my ideas and inspiration out there...plus it is *SO* much fun meeting all the fun and talented bloggers out there! Sometimes I think I started so I wouldn't go insane at home...but that is a completely different story (c;


Hollie: What's something your readers don't know about you?

Aubrey: I'm pretty open and honest with my readers...maybe a little *too* honest sometimes...but I suppose that not *everyone* knows that I lived in Brazil for two years and speak fluent Portuguese...every once in a while you with see some of my friends leave comments in this lovely language!  

Hollie: Describe your personal style in five words.

Aubrey: Um, what style? 

Easy, streamlined, bright, shiney, and FUN. 

Hollie: What inspires your style?

Aubrey: Mostly it's my lifestyle...honestly, if I had my pick, I would completely wear heels and dresses all the time, but HELLO, not exactly practical with two little buggers running around! Same with my home...I really like light and bright materials, but sometimes those don't go so well with jelly/mud/boogers, y'know? (c: The pic is of my little one taking after her mama!!!

 Hollie: What items can't you live without?

Aubrey: This is pretty much the *least* glamorous answer ever, but I can't live without Wet Wipes. Seriously, they save my life at least 3 times a day.

But I'm also pretty sure it will be a cold day in hades if I ever step out of the house without at least mascara on and some lip gloss. It might be where my two year-old got her "lippie" addiction. 


Hollie: Where are your favorite places to shop?

Aubrey: Fantasy shop or actually buy things shop??? I'm pretty sure I would love to take home about 2/3 of Anthro and I could do some serious damage at Restoration Hardware...but I think that Etsy is pretty much the best thing since sliced bread, you can find *ANYTHING* on there! They have the most fantastic pillows around... 

Hollie: What's the best deal you've gotten lately?

Aubrey: I'm still super impressed with my new chair...$25 for all it's velvet tufted goodness. It's a beautiful thing. 

Hollie: You can buy any three things. What would you pick?

Aubrey: Three pairs of Christian Louboutins. BAM. How's that for a quick decision??? (c: I would actually probably pick some awesome furniture like an amazing upholstered headboard, a tufted sofa, and a chaise lounge...but that's not nearly as fun!

Hollie: What would the fashion police catch you on?

Aubrey: Probably my purse...those two little people who are responsible for the stains and boogers in my house have also worked their magic on my purse. I'm not gonna lie, it's grody (yeah, I'm resurrecting that word from the '80's, you're welcome.)

gro·dy 

[groh-dee]

–adjective, -di·er, -di·est. Slang .

1.repulsive; disgusting; nauseating.

Hollie: Last but not least! What blogs inspire you?
Aubrey: What blogs don't inspire me is a lot shorter list!!! There are *SO* many with amazing things and talents that a goober like me can only *dream* about! Three of the very first that I began following and got me hooked on the blog world are Elements of Style, Style Files, and I Suwannee...those are some amazeballs women right there... 


Thanks so much for having me, Hollie! I mean really, who doesn't like to talk about their favorite subject ? I totally mean blogging...not me...of course...(c:


No thank you, Aubrey!! Check out her blog people. Tomorrow I have a really awesome Texan sharing! :)

Summer Style Series Vol 1.3: Natalie Watkins

I've wanted to do style interviews on my blog for awhile now, and I've been bothering Natalie about participating. She's been one of my best friends for 13 years now! So I can text her and bother her as much as I'd like muahaha. But really I wanted to feature her for a very specific reason. We have such different styles. Natalie is very boho and adventurous. She wear stunning pieces that I could never pull off. At the same time, she has this sense of timelessness (a word? you get the gist) she inherited from her Mom's wonderful advice and closet. Check out her blog HERE! because I swear on my life she actually IS living a real fairytale. Go read about it later, I vow that it's true!

Hollie: Why did you start blogging?
Natalie: I originally started my blog as a travel blog. Recently I decided to expand on that and include everything that interests me.

Hollie: What's something your readers don't know about you?
Natalie: I am currently living in Switzerland with the love of my life and our new kitten Miko, I am in heaven.

Hollie: Describe your personal style in five words.
Natalie: classic yet trendy, simple yet sexy, but most importantly comfortable!

Hollie: What inspires your style?
Natalie: Everything inspires my style. From walking down the street and seeing something interesting on someone else, to photos online or in magazines, my fashion eye is always open.

Hollie: What items can't you live without?
Natalie: My mac lingering eyebrow pencil, if I had no make up but that I would be okay.
My nude flats from Urban, I wear them with everything.
My black Marc by Marc Jacobs cross body bag, it's small and only fits the essentials, but it's turned me into a minimalist. 

Hollie: Where are your favorite places to shop?
Natalie: Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters and random San Diego boutiques

Hollie: What's the best deal you've gotten lately?
Natalie: I got an Aqua maxi dress from Bloomingdales for sale online. I think the original price was around $150 and with shipping I got it for about $80. It fits like a dream, hugs in all the right places and just skims the ground, making it wearable with wedges or flats.

Hollie: You can buy any three things. What would you pick?
Natalie: ANY three things? I would go for the obvious: louboutin pumps, louis purse, ect. but thats unrealistic.
Realistically, I would get a pair of black ballet flats, boring I know but my current black flats have been worn to death.
I have been looking everywhere for a leather, tobacco colored, cross body, messenger bag for summer but have not been able to find the ideal one.
Finally, a perfect fitting pair of jeans because that seems to be impossible for me.

Hollie: What would the fashion police catch you on?
Natalie: Last week I wore black tights under a maxi skirt. It looked ridiculous when I lifted the skirt up, but it was cold and I wanted to wear it so bad.

Hollie: Last but not least! What blogs inspire you?
Natalie: The first blog I really started reading was popsugar. Now they have a section called fabsugar, which I love.
I also love hollie takes notes for a fun informative read.

Such a suck up :) Thank you, thank you Natalie!!

Summer Style Series Vol 1.2: Sorelle In Style

I was so excited when the lovely sisters at Sorelle In Style agreed to let me interview them for my Summer Style Series! I absolutely adore their blog. It's so chic and sophisticated all the while being young and fun. They combine old classic labels with the youthful trends of today...and do it with taste. The outfit photos these two post give the stylists on Gossip Girl a run for their money. Plus, they both seem really sweet and down to earth. Read on!

Hollie: Why did you start blogging?
Le Sorelle: We started blogging because we’ve always loved playing dress up, even now that we’re older! We’ve inspired so many of our friends with our love of fashion, and now we’re sharing it with all of you! J

Hollie: What's something your readers don't know about you?

Jilly: In high school and college I studied Italian, Spanish, French and Hebrew!

Sally: Although I love dressing up and going out every day, my favorite thing in the world is to be at home, in my PJs, with my family.

Hollie: Describe your personal style in five words.

Jilly: Classic, elegant, comfortable, feminine, (and more recently) colorful!

Sally: Classic, fun, polished, trendy, timeless

Hollie: What inspires your style?

Jilly: My Mommy! Very often you’ll see me wearing her things on our blog – she has incredible taste, and has encouraged my love of fashion from a very young age

Sally: Along with fashion blogs and magazines, a huge style inspirations for me would be my Grandma and my Mommy. They always look so classy and polished-they definitely influence me.

Hollie: What items can't you live without?

Jilly: My toothbrush! And my Burt’s Bees lip balm. Oh, and my hairdryer!

Sally: I'd have to say my white J. Crew jeans, my orange Ralph Lauren jeans, a perfect t-shirt, comfy but fashionable shoes, my makeup, and a good bag.

Hollie: Where are your favorite places to shop?

Jilly: H&M, J. Crew, Forever 21 and more recently Zara! (I’m the cheaper of the two of us ;) )

Sally: I love Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, Singer22, American Apparel, and Zara. 

Hollie: What's the best deal you've gotten lately?

Jilly: I did some maaajor damage at the J. Crew outlet store recently. The bargains are insane!

Sally: I went to J Crew and got four pairs of pants for $19.99 each! They were on sale-but each pair used to be $75 and up! 

Hollie: You can buy any three things. What would you pick?

Jilly: Right now it’d be an Hermès bracelet, a Winter Kate shrug, and Prada minimal baroque sunglasses just because!

Sally: J Brand 811 Mid-Rise Skinny Leg Jean in Bright Red, Christian Louboutin Bianca Platforms, and an Hermes Birkin 

Hollie: What would the fashion police catch you on?

Jilly: Rockin’ sweatpants in public! I’m a law student, cut me a little slack ;)

Sally: Wearing the same outfit twice!


Hollie: Last but not least! What blogs inspire you?
Le Sorelle: Both of us love The Blonde Salad - it's always a go-to for happiness and amazing style! A blog we more recently came across is Marielle Heart - the photography is amazing,  and it's always fun to read.


Thanks again to the ladies of Sorelle In Style for participating! Come by tomorrow for another blogger...and every day until Sunday! (Really don't check on Sunday because you will be very disappointed as I will be in Huntington Beach celebrating the wonderful U S of A!)

Summer Style Series Vol 1.1: a la mode

I'm very excited to present to you my Summer Style Series! I LOVE reading interviews in magazines, newspapers, online and watching them on television. I'm a firm believer you can learn a lot from people if you listen...or in this case read. Catch a different blogger here sharing style tips and info every day!

First up is Jenna Lee over at a la mode. She's one of the first bloggers that paid any attention to my little ol' blog and she made me feel so special. Wait, someone I don't know wants to read my blog?! Although, I'm sure she does that to a lot of you since she has SO many sweet comments every day. Her posts are creative and genuine. She's got her style icons spot on with posts on Gwen Stefani, Diane Kruger, Jessica Alba, and Lauren Conrad. Basically, she's a pro. So sit back, grab a coffee and read away. Enjoy!

Hollie: Why did you start blogging?

Jenna Lee: I wish I had something interesting to say but one day I was online and MSN.com did a feature of popular blogs online. I found A Cup of Joe on the list and my heart sang. I related to her, loved her ideas, and I think I read her blog in a day. While reading some of her posts I thought to myself, why not blog? I love weddings, fashion, products, and trends. I emailed Joanna to get some help in the starting process.Then and there I started my blog. Thank you Joanne Goddard

Hollie: What's something your readers don't know about you?

Jenna Lee: There are so many things. One silly thing about me is that if I had the courage I would be completely tattooed with sleeves and all. I have over ten hidden tattoos now, but I would love more.

Hollie: Describe your personal style in five words.

Jenna Lee: Simple, Casual, Comfort, Fit, & Sexy

Hollie: What inspires your style?

Jenna Lee: I love style that looks comfortable and wearable. Something like a maxi dress that I can dress up or dress down. When i look at Jennifer Aniston or January Jones it truly inspires me. They dress their bodies so well.

Hollie: What items can't you live without?

Jenna Lee: WOW! This is hard. I would have to say a simple white tank, good jeans and a great sweater. Fall is my favorite season because my go to look is jeans boots and a fabulous sweater.  (I have to mention I also have an insane collection of dresses)

Hollie: Where are your favorite places to shop?

Jenna Lee: Aerie, Kohls, Target, Payless and I splurge on Jbrand jeans

Hollie: What's the best deal you've gotten lately?

Jenna Lee: I use Retailmenot.com to get all the promo codes necessary to get great deals online. So Kohls would be my last best deal/purchase.

Hollie: You can buy any three things. What would you pick?

Jenna Lee: My dream home (log cabin), A navy blue Range Rover with tan interior, and a house in Maine on a private beach. ( Sorry but I had to go big or go home!... Dream Big Right! )

Hollie: What would the fashion police catch you on?

Jenna Lee: When I was younger I wore a neon pink leotard to run track. Not sure why my Mom allowed it but it WAS pretty hilarious.

Hollie: Last but not least! What blogs inspire you?

Jenna Lee: What blogs don't inspire me? I get a little inspiration from everyone. I love to see everyone's unique ideas and view on life, fashion, and love. Its been an awesome experience blogging. Its like a whole new group of friends.

Thank you Hollie for giving me this wonderful opportunity. Happy Blogging! 

Thanks for sharing Jenna Lee!! Check out her blog HERE! and come back tomorrow another great blogger :)