Stylish and Office-Appropriate: Your Guide to Business Casual

Whether you have an awesome summer internship coming up or you have an important meeting or presentation, the key to success is a killer outfit. Business casual by no means translates to a boring, stuffy outfit. Business casual can definitely be fun and cute while still being professional. Basically, business casual is dressed up but not too dressed up which I know can be kind of confusing. But, do not fear! I like to think that I'm kind of an expert on business casual, so I've put together three outfits to help inspire your business casual fashion decisions.

My go-to business casual outfit is a pair of amazing patterned pants and a nice blouse or sweater. Pants like these take little effort to style and make you look put together and confident. If you are in a more professional environment, throw on a blazer or light cardigan, especially if your shirt doesn't cover your shoulders.

Putting on a nice skirt instantly makes you look more professional. You could go with a skirt like this or a more classic pencil skirt. A business skirt is a staple for anyone's closet, and if you stick with a neutral color such as navy or black, you can pair it with a variety of tops. Statement heels instantly make your outfit look more chic but be sure to throw a comfy pair of shoes in your bag for lunchtime errands or the walk to the train station.

I love dresses because you just have to add a sweater or a blazer and your outfit is complete. The dress pictured above is great because the pattern isn't too over-the-top, it has a high neckline, and the cut with the collar and belt make it look professional. This is something you could dress up or down depending on how professional you need to look.

Make sure you gauge the company culture before you wear anything too edgy or too casual, and remember that being overdressed is always better than being underdressed! 

Do you have a cool internship this summer? Comment below!

-Marisa

10 Reasons Why You Should Be Watching House of Cards

House of Cards isn't just a TV show, it's a way of life. If you haven't seen it yet, stop everything you're doing and go binge - it will change your life. HOC follows the rise (and fall, perhaps) of the predatory politician Frank Underwood as he manipulates his way through power, politics, and love. It's basically one of the best shows I have ever watched, and y'all know I've watched a lot of shows. Here are ten reasons why you should follow Frank Underwood on his journey down the rabbit hole. 

1. The acting.
2. Breakage of the fourth wall.
3. There's never a dull moment.
4. It's a show that plays the long game.
5. Everything is not always as it seems.
6. Frank Underwood is the epitome of an anti-hero.
7. Quotes on quotes on quotes.
8. You can actually learn about the basics of the American political system.
9. It's a rather bingeable show that will leave you hanging on the characters' every word. (Hello, spring break plans!)
10. They're all on Netflix so it's super convenient!

#soml

All it takes is a little push ;) Bonus - season 4 is being released in less than 24 hours! #FU2016 #gethype

If you're looking for other TV show recs, check out my post on 8 Shows You Should Be Binge Watching!

-Marisa

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17 Struggles That Only Glasses Wearers Understand

I love wearing glasses. I think they complement my face and my personality. I think glasses are great. But, they can also be a definite struggle. With the recent cold and rain, some of these struggles have come to the forefront of my mind. To those perfect-sighted people - I hope this helps you appreciate our struggle. To you fellow glasses wearers - cheers!

Yes, the blizzard was fun. No, I could not see anything.

1. Rain and snow are a constant struggle.
2. Two words: prescription sunglasses.
3. 3D movies are a no-go.
4. Buying a new pair is such a commitment.
5. Smudges galore.
6. Making out.
7. Remembering that horrible pair of glasses that you thought was so cool in middle school.
8. Putting on makeup.
9. In the same regard, trying to get your eyebrows on fleek.
10. Hairstyles are also a struggle.
11. The constant questioning of "Why don't you wear contacts?".
12. Lenses fogging up in any and every situation.
13. Swimming is always a scary thought.
14. Losing your glasses.
15. Over-the-ear headphones hurt.
16. People taking your glasses to see how blind you are.
17. The societal stereotype that if a nerd takes off her glasses she becomes instantly beautiful.

The struggle is real. Any struggles I'm forgetting?

-Marisa

What to Wear for Sorority Recruitment

I never thought I was the type of girl who would be in a sorority but rushing last spring was one of the best decisions I have ever made. While recruitment can be fun, it is also stressful and can be confusing. I'm here to help ease a little of that nervousness with a clothing guide for winter recruitment.

At Johns Hopkins, we have recruitment in January so that freshman have a semester to settle in and meet the different sororities; however, that means that there's a good chance that it will be mighty cold out. We have 4 days of recruitment: Ice Water (cute casual), Theme Round (business casual), Pref (formal), and Bid Day (white dress). Below you'll find a little guide for each of these rounds.

Winter Recruitment: Ice Water Round by marisaelle96 featuring flat brown knee high boots

All throughout recruitment, you want to be wearing something that makes you feel confident. Make sure your clothes reflect your personality (and are comfy for a full day of standing and girl-flirting)! Ice Water is the cute casual round. A nice pair of jeans with riding boots is a great choice for those in colder climates. I absolute love wearing flannels and I think the vest and necklace add great finishing touches to the look. This year, Hopkins is giving all the PNMs (Potential New Members) a shirt to wear for Ice Water, so make sure you accessorize so the sisters you talk to can pick you out from a crowd.

Winter Recruitment: Theme Round by marisaelle96 featuring cropped pants

Next we have Theme Round, at other schools it might be called the Philanthropy Round. This round is business casual. Don't be alarmed when you hear the word 'business'. Business casual outfits can be adorable and are actually some of my favorite outfits to style. You can't go wrong with a pair of patterned business pants. I recommend that you check out H&M if you're in need of a pair. These pants look great with a nice sweater and some boots or heels. Just remember the business does not mean stuffy! Your personality can still shine through and an outfit like this will help you stand out in the sea of other PNMs.

Winter Recruitment: Pref by marisaelle96 featuring fringe booties

On our third night of recruitment, we have Pref Night. This is the most formal night and is a great reason to buy that dress you've just been dying to have. PNMs wear formal dresses in any color (think Homecoming or Winter Formal, not Prom) and sisters wear black dresses. I would choose something similar to the dress above because it's cute, appropriate (keep it classy, you're not going clubbing), and in one of my favorite colors. Because of the cold weather I would opt for boots, but you can always wear weather-appropriate shoes over and change into your heels once you get to the round.

Winter Recruitment: Bid Day by marisaelle96 featuring a white dress

The end of recruitment is finally here! You've finished pref and you're about to get a bid and meet your new sisters! At our school, PNMs wear white dresses for Bid Day. Just keep it nice and simple with a white dress, nude heels, and a cute bow or necklace. You'll be meeting a lot of new people today so wearing something like a burgundy bow is a great way to help them remember you.

Good luck to everyone who is going through recruitment! Remember to let your personality shine through and that everything will work out for the best!

-Marisa

Top 5 YA Books of 2015

I love reading. I read quite a lot, basically whenever I have free time. So, because my reading list is so extensive and I did not have much free time this year, I only read a few books that were published in 2015, but I did read enough to compile a top 5 list. Without further ado, my top 5 books of 2015:

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1. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven - Two high school students meet at the edge of the bell tower and become unlikely friends. They pair up for a class project that instructs them to discover the "natural wonders" of the state they live in. While discovering more about the world around them they are also discovering more about themselves. It is a beautifully intricate story that brings mental health to the forefront of readers' conversations.
2. The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett - Bex Adams has her heart set on following in Da Vinci's footsteps and plans to spend the summer before her senior year sketching actual cadavers and working at a local market. Her plans might not be as concrete as she thought they were, though. One night on the late bus, Bex runs into a mysteriously attractive boy named Jack. Both characters are quirky and lovable but they both have skeletons they are hiding from. Readers' will be rooting for the characters throughout the whole book.
3. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon - Madeline has SCID otherwise known as the "bubble baby disease." She is allergic to the world and has been living in an airlocked house for the last 18 years, not once stepping foot outside. She had never really felt like she was missing out on much; she takes classes online and spends most of her time reading or hanging with her mom. She starts to question everything about her world when a boy in all black moves in next door. Yoon weaves an intricate tale that will surprise the readers at every turn. My only complaint is that I feel like the ending was a little rushed and kind of a last minute thought.
4. The Brilliant Light of Amber Sunrise by Matthew Crow - Francis is a teenage boy who is the narrator of this emotionally honest story. Francis' home life has never been all the great and he has had to live a rather independent life. He is planning out his years after school when he is diagnosed with leukemia. As his life is falling apart, the last thing on his mind is making new friends, but it is exactly then when he meets Amber, a fierce spirit who also has cancer. The book will have you laughing out loud and bawling your eyes out.
5. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell - So, this is not necessarily the greatest book of 2015 but it's definitely a must-read if you are a fan by her previous book Fangirl. The book is basically a rip-off Harry Potter so any HP nerds will see alarmingly similar characters, activities, and descriptions. However, it is still an interesting read. I feel like it's almost purposely written to read like a fanfic. Simon Snow, the chosen one, attends a school for young wizards (Watford's) but grew up not knowing that magic existed (ring a bell?). He believes that his roommate, Baz, is out to get him and that he also happens to be a vampire. The plot is rather simple but it has ghouls, vampires, and magicians galore as well as a rather interesting love story.

If you want to know what else I'm reading, check out my Goodreads profile at www.goodreads.com/marisaelle. What were your top reads of 2015?

-Marisa

My 2016 Bucket List

My 2016 Bucket List

Survive sorority recruitment.

Go Greek! Go Theta! (Image Source)

Spoil a little. 

Attend my first lacrosse game.

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Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

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Spend the fall semester in DC.

The Washington Monument!

Run to the White House when the 45th President is announced.

Throwback to 2013 East Coast trip!

Build up my blog.

Go to more concerts.

I love myself a good concert - Grizfolk was great!

Learn fluent Spanish.

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Apply for a study abroad program for spring 2017.

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What are y'all planning on doing this year?-Marisa 

8 Shows You Should Be Binge Watching

I know, I know - I haven't posted in almost 4 months (yikes!). This last semester was crazy busy, but now it's winter break and I have some time to write up a few posts.

So, I'm back home in SoCal for a few weeks. I spent the first few days hanging with friends, eating In'n'Out and Mexican food, and catching up with the fam, but now the boredom of break is starting to set in so it's time to turn to Netflix. As y'all should know, I'm a TV addict so I thought I might share some of my expert knowledge with you and make a list of some shows that you should be binge watching this break.

1. The Mindy Project (Hulu) - Mindy Kaling stars in, directs, and writes this adorably witty sitcom. Mindy plays the role of an up-and-coming OBGYN looking to make her mark in the Big Apple. Mindy and the rest of the crew are hilarious and instantly lovable.
2. The Newsroom (Amazon Prime/HBO) - If you're a fan of House of Cards, you'll be a fan of The Newsroom. This show gives you a behind the scenes look at the production of a nightly, controversial newscast. Will, the news shows' host, is stubborn and outspoken but proves to be a dynamic character. 
3. The Man in the High Castle (Amazon Prime) - Here's another one for you Frank Underwood lovers. This is a fantastic Amazon Prime original that might just have one of the best pilots I have ever seen. The show is based on a book written in the 1960s that envisions what the world would be like if Nazi Germany won World War 2. It's brilliantly captivating and is what I am currently binge watching. 
4. Psych (Netflix/USA) - If you haven't seen this classic yet then you have been missing out. Nothing is better than mixing a crime show with comedy. Basically, Shawn, a novice sleuth, works with the Santa Barbara Police Department as a psychic contractor. Him and Gus get into a bunch of shenanigans which makes for a pretty entertaining binge session.
5. Criminal Minds (Netflix/CBS) - This is definitely my favorite show of all time. The Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) of the FBI travels around the United States taking down serial killers with badass profiling skills which makes for just as cool of a show as it sounds. Also, it doesn't hurt that Reid and Morgan make for great eye candy ;)
6. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Hulu/Fox) - Here's another sitcom, this one starring Andy Samberg. Samberg plays Jake Peralta, an immature but talented NYPD officer who is a part of the lovable but awkward Nine-Nine crew. This show follows him and the other officers as they solve crime as well as through the ups and downs of their personal lives.
7. Mr. Robot (USA) - This show is a bit strange but is extremely interesting. The show follows the life of a young computer programmer who suffers from mental illness as he encounters a mysterious hacking group led by the one and only - Mr Robot.
8. Grey's Anatomy (Netflix/ABC) - This is definitely a guilty pleasure binge but I enjoyed it. I don't know if I really need to explain Grey's but basically it follows the lives of a group of medical interns as they learn the inter-workings of the hospital as well as learn more about themselves. All I can say is be ready for some DRAMA and lots of untimely deaths - Shonda Rhimes sure knows how to tug at your heart strings.

Let me know if you think there's anything missing from the list :) Merry Christmas and Happy Binge Watching!!

-Marisa

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