Tuesday, January 31, 2012

IT'S ALL ABOUT PERSPECTIVE


In the last few hours I've reflected on the last few months. I'm dumbfounded by the world. How we've gotten this far down such an ugly road. How we let our babies suffer in the decrepit foster system or how we push our children through institution after institution without really giving them a chance to learn. We judge each other because we're unhappy with ourselves. We rape the earth of her resources because we always want more. Our government works under greed not welfare. And we're drugging ourselves to forget our reality, instead of changing that reality. Unfortunately, I think humanity is at it's tipping point. We've got people sleeping in the streets of every city to show our government-those who are there to put our voices and opinions into action-that we're not gonna let them take advantage of us anymore.

And this is where the hope lays. This is where it's about your perspective. It's hard not to feel defeated, like there's nothing you can do. But once you've hit that point, it's your opportunity to see the world around you and do your part to change it, to even help one other person, to change yourself for the prosperity of everyone. It's time we act guys, time to make change and change how you look at things. It's time we save each other.

In memory of Khiry,
Elisa

Monday, January 30, 2012

OH MOTHER...


...earth, that is. How beautiful you are. 

This is my totally unedited images from this morning's walk to school. Can you even believe how beautiful they are? Taking the few extra stops on my way in let me enjoy the warm sun, which I've eluded to in previous posts, can be scarce this time of year. Granted, I was 4 minutes late to class, which happened to be exactly when the teacher got there...phew! But, it was totally worth the risk. Plus my 12.5 hour mondays don't usually let me see light. So, taking that extra time really helped set my day up for success.

To making time,
Elisa

Friday, January 27, 2012

PROJECT IN THE WORKS

Top secret for now, but I'm working on a really cool project I'll explain later. Cross your fingers for me! But until then, share in my obsession with all things blush!

To beautiful colors-
and the smiles they bring,
Elisa

Thursday, January 26, 2012

AN ARTFUL CURATION OF FRIENDS


I've been holding onto this one for the perfect moment. A little while back, our group of friends got together to celebrate Richie's gallery showing. It had delicious niblets, beautiful art and tons of fun people to talk to. I think about it today, we're all in different stages in our lives-some graduated, graduating and working towards graduation-and it's taking its toll on most of us. So, I wanted to remind us of what our everyday lives brought to us, good friends, great memories and tons of inspiration. And man, will I keep reminding myself of that until I catch a break.

To holding on to the good things-
til the bad things pass,
Elisa

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

LOVE FOR LAYERS

[No Boundaries Vest//Forever 21 Sweater & Cozy//H&M dress//Target tights//Seychelles boots]

I got away with wearing this on a winter day. Unfortunately, not because of the sun or any indian summer weather, but because of more mastermind layering. I love a longer layer peaking out from under a cropped top. I feel like this cozy adds something to the shape-perhaps more flattering-and has beautiful movement. Not to mention, another layer of warmth.

I think I'll have to do a post on the break down of all the pieces I'm wearing here, because you wouldn't believe me without proof. In total that's seven layers and a big bun on top! But until I divulge, wrap a scarf on your neck and a couple, pair of socks in your boots.

To not letting weather hinder-
but rather help your style,
Elisa

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

SWEET LITTLE LIES

[American Eagle tee//Forever21 skirt//ModCloth boots//Gifted scarf//Revlon lipstick]
Maxis are great for hiding layers underneath-aka leggings to protect from the 10 degree wind chill! So I'm layering up and off to some meetings!

Creative layers-
creates function,
Elisa

Monday, January 23, 2012

INDIAN SUMMER

 Sooo, how about that Indian Summer-its been off and on here in Pittsburgh-but truthfully, these photos are from fall. They were hiding in my drafts! I just had to honor the sunlight; it's allusive these days. Here's to beautiful roommates, noticing the details and my street's kick ass views!

Remember what I always tell you-
learn to appreciate,
Elisa

Friday, January 20, 2012

WHO SAYS? STYLESAYS!



Featured Stylist?! Yes, please! The sweet girls at StyleSays have asked me to be a Featured Stylist. If you even knew the 30 minutes that preceded me receiving their awesome email, you'd be wide eyed at the irony. Needless to say (which I've been saying a lot lately), it couldn't have come at a better time. I'm so happy to be a part of their community.

So blah blah, what is it?! It's a place where I post my recent style photos and upload the pieces that make up the outfit. Soooo, you see something you like on the blog one day? Visit StyleSays, click the outfit and then click to buy the item. 1, 2, 3. Done! Keep an eye on the sidebar, there will be a button to my StyleSays soon!

Now break!,
Elisa 

Thursday, January 19, 2012

A DAY IN A CAFE

[Thrifted jacket//Highway Robbery vest//Gifted tee//Figleaf scarf//Charlotte Russe boots//ModCloth bag]

Man, the last few weeks have been filled with hours upon hours of work on the computer. From working on tons of Front Row stuff, to revamping the blog and making sure you guys have something pretty to look at everyday. I'm also trying to figure out how to supplement my salary for the next couple months before graduation and find a big kid job. Needless to say, my eyes are a bit tired. But, everyone keeps saying it'll all pay off and that I've got great things ahead of me. And though all the let downs lately really have me saying, "yea, yea. sure!". I couldn't appreciate them more! Don't ever stop listening to encouragement. And make sure you let those lovely people know how much their support means to you.

To knowing when to listen
(encouragement)-
and when not to
(haters),
Elisa

P.S. My eyes can take a hike, because I haven't been happier with all my "home-work".

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

A NEIGHBOR'S DRIVE

[ModCloth dress//H&M belt//Nixon watch//American Eagle necklace turned bracelet//OPI nail polish//Target boots]

So after I was inspired by the snow, and took it out on my nails, I got to go the CLO Caberet! It was my first time and I haven't laughed so hard in a while! The show was entitled Defending the Caveman, basically describing the difference between men and women. It was eye opening and pretty philosophical under all the jokes.

But before all of the he-said-she-said fun, I got to get dressed up! And I had so much fun getting creative. Like, my tying up this necklace into a bracelet. And putting a turtle neck under a dress, so my black boots didn't look out of place. "Tying" it all together, get it! ;)

Keep your childish innocence-
like snowflake-inspired nails,
Elisa

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

THE FIRST [REAL] SNOW

Its halfway through January and mother nature has finally decided to sprinkle us with fairy dust. So, in celebration I decided to drink up hot tea and put snowflakes on my fingers! The icy blue. The sparkly glitter. Okay, you may think it's a stretch, but I call it 'conceptual'. But seriously, I saw several snowflakes up close for the first time this weekend.  I was amazed at how intricate and beautiful they were...just long enough for me to appreciate them before they melted into my pretty, knit scarf.

Celebrate the little things-
and the big things seem less scary,
Elisa

Friday, January 13, 2012

MIXOLOGY

[H&M cardigan//Figleaf tee//Gifted scarf//Target dress//Nixon watch//H&M leggings//Target boots]

A little bit of business: menswear-inspired watch & cardigan with fold over sleeves. And a little bit of college kid: pink polish, floral mini & a shaggy scarf. I actually loved this outfit today. You know when your clothes are just snug enough? Like a yummy hug, all day. Makes you feel secure. That's what I got to feel like today.

The top of this dress is a little more revealing than I prefer, and with the mild chill, I decided to try layering a long sleeved tee on top. I just angled it and tied a little knot on the side. It worked and it felt great.

Reinventing what you have-
helps you appreciate it, 
Elisa

Thursday, January 12, 2012

SINCE ITS BASICALLY STILL FALL ANYWAY

Pumpkin tortellini it is. This indian summer has been full of sunshine and I'm not complainin'. However, I must admit, I'm seriously worried about what winter has in store for us, when she finally shows. 

But anyway, back to our delicious dinner. We modified this recipe for the sauce. No fresh rosemary for us, so we heated the olive oil with oregano and italian seasoning instead-and added extra pepper flakes. #collegekid. #resourcefulness. It was surprisingly light with a nice kick in the tongue. Poured it over cheesy tortellini with adorable scalloped edges and devoured it!

To knowing what you want-
and being creative to achieve it,
Elisa

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

EVERGREEN RUBIES

Thanks to one of closest friends, Shana, for being my amazing photographer.

Sometimes you've gotta keep it simple. Today was a quiet day. It was just me, the car and some coffee for most of the day. It's left me mellow and without much to say. It's kinda nice.

To learning new things about yourself-
no matter how hard,
Elisa

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

COLOR PALETTE


Well ladies & gents, I've applied to be a part of the Delightful Dozen! In short, they are a group compromised of a dozen wonderful girls, with all different styles, that share {via snailmail} pieces from their wardrobe. The challenge is to style them in their own unique way, lending new perspectives to old pieces!

And like all too often, I've put myself in a situation yielding nail biting, clock staring and email refreshing. But, after having typed up my 'little' entry as to why I wanted to join, it got me thinking about why I love being a blogger.

I'm not sure how many of you have noticed FashBar's motto {in that little pink box on the sidebar} or understand why this blog is called Fashionista Barista. But, it's about my first love, style and all things fashion. And also, the action of mixing life's 'ingredients'-fashion, food, lifestyle, all things inspiration and learning to live a happy life.

"I love [the] idea of appreciating all the ingredients that make up our lives and having intent when choosing or experiencing each piece. I love the feelings a 'cafe' evokes, the quiet calm for some, the diligent few hours for others and a place for gathering (community) for many." -An excerpt from my application.

All in all, I'm happy to be here. I hope to inspire you. I hope to help with words of wisdom I've learned along the way. And most importantly, I hope to offer up beautiful photos, creative style and words worth reading.

Thank you for your continued support-
we're in this together,
Elisa :)

Monday, January 9, 2012

PITA-FOR A BOTTOMLESS-PIT

Who said delicious food had to be expensive, or complicated? Check out this pita I made at home! Yummmm. Might have been one of the best things I made in all of 2011! I roasted some cherry tomatoes, sauteed onion and peppers, seared some chicken and melted brie throughout. Slipped it all into a toasted pita and devoured it! Which took all of about....20 mins (that included that scarfing)! But look at that deliciousness, could you blame me?

To making better habits-
like cooking at home,
Elisa

Friday, January 6, 2012

RINGING IN 2012


Thanks to my new friend Nora for being my impromptu NYE photographer! It was a night of reunions and new friends. It was a night of good food and great dancing. A huge thank you to Alyssa & Leo, who were the best of guests and boo-boo menders. ;)

Enjoy your first weekend of 2012! Be back Monday!

Its a fresh start-
take advantage,
Elisa