IN THE ITALIAN COVE

The travel bug. The kind that bites. Be careful, it effects the heart and the head with longing and confusing babble. Ever have the itch to get out? How do you know when it's a plaguing sense of dissatisfaction or a sign to adventure? When you pay attention, you can find a lot of what you're looking for right there around you. But sometimes, you need to take the plunge and succumb to the urge, to make it happen.

To being confused as ever,

Elisa

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PALETTE: CREPE FRANCAIS

[shop photo via]

With Spring on the way, or here and gone in Pittsburgh's case, I can't help but day dream of silky sundresses and bug eyed sunglasses. Then again a cafe in Paris, drenched in glistening sunlight, is always on my mind. So while the grey skies twinkle in through my office window, I'll day dream of gelato, 60's style and boat rides on the French Riviera. Oh, Brigitte Bardot!

To staying focused-

you'll get there one day soon,

Elisa

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PLOT PERSPECTIVE: YOGI MISERY

Oh, yesterday. You didn't make my attempt at yoga-ing my way to a healthier lifestyle any easier.

I rushed home after my 10 hour work day. To get there, I have to take a bus, the incline and then walk to my apartment. By the time I made it, I had seven minutes to change, get my yoga gear together and get moving. Needless to say, by the time I walked back to the incline and got to the bus stop, I'd missed the bus (the last bus that'd get me to the studio before class started). Or so I thought! With 15 minutes til class, another bus came! So I snagged it and made it to the Southside with 5 minutes before class and only a block between me and the studio. That's when I realized I didn't remember to bring a water bottle. Have you ever done hot yoga? I've only had "drippy sweat" three times in my life-these all happened at hot yoga! I had to rush in the opposite direction to grab a water bottle form Starbucks. I run back to the studio, try to kick off my shoes and spill my water...ALL OVER EVERYONES SHOES! By this point, I was losing my mind. I get upstairs, can't find paper towels, find the instructor, splash water in her face while trying to explain what happened and she offers to clean it up for me. Okay, one point for you universe. I rushed to set up my mat and happen to unknowingly position myself right next to the founder of Amazing Yoga... I then proceeded to fail miserably for the next hour and a half. Apparently running around like a crazy person for 12 hours before yoga, puts my mind in a funky place, thus effecting my yogi abilities. I leave class the sweatiest, hot mess I've ever been and run into my ex-boyfriend on the street. Babble with flustered-ness and run. Universe, I retract any points you may have earned for the last week! Blah blah blah, it takes me another hour and a half to get home (did I mention my apartment is only 2 miles from the studio!): get change for bus, find place to pick up dinner, wait 30 minutes for take out, wait 30 minutes for bus, take bus/incline/walk to apartment. Collapse!

While I could revel in the yogi misery that was yesterday-and don't let me pretend I didn't for a few minutes-that negative thinking wasn't going to get me anywhere! What could I focus on? I work in a cool penthouse office downtown, 10 hours of work yields a nice chunk of money, I got to live the urban lifestyle-taking a bus to a swanky yoga class, got to eat Nakama take out-something I could eat for every meal, I ran into an old friend-despite the idiocy that ensued, it's always good to see people are well, made it home in time to shower with my new shampoo and read a couple of pages from my current book before passing out. Also, despite somehow rocking yoga the first two times and then failing miserably the third, I dragged my butt down there and have made significant strides in creating a healthy habit. That's awesome!

All in all, it takes one bright bud of a thought, to turn a dreary bush around.

To starting somewhere,

Elisa

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A DOSE OF SWEETNESS

To Indulging in the little things,

Elisa

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PALETTE: PLUME OF PEONIES

[flower photo via]

I stopped at my favorite eatery yesterday. Seeing as I had my bosses pup with me, we stayed outside while they placed my order. It's funny how animals can bring people together: The super tall, quiet waitress that never said much, came out just to see us. She had a puppy back home in Romania that she loved and missed very much. She said instead of keeping puppies now, she kept flowers.
Both bring sweet joy. Both bring brightness to a room. And one doesn't pee all over the apartment!

To finding happiness-

when one is gone find another,

Elisa 

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WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

You know, social media doesn't have to just be a time suck. You can use it for several things, an inspirational avenue, as a learning tool or as a way to network (this one hasn't quite happened for me yet). But I've decided to use Pinterest as an experimental and recording tool. Here's how:

We've discussed a few times before that my style has morphed throughout the years. I continue to work toward finding my truest style. One that is perfectly curated to me, not what is popular at the time, not for the body type I wish I had or the style that'd get me the most attention, but one that makes me feel and look the best! To better figure out what that is, I've decided to start utilizing Pinterest as a way to find and record garments/styles/pieces I like. I'm collecting them on a board entitled, "Explore My Style." This way I can find patterns and silhouettes I come back to time and time again. I can weed out fads and remember to try out things I loved. It's all about a process and what a fun way this is to do it!

You can find my experimental board here and you can find all my boards here.

To finding ways-

to enjoy the process,

Elisa

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THROUGH THE LENS

My eye's lens, that is. The way the world works can look totally different by the way you 'focus' your lens. A positive outlook, a belief in change, can better your life and our world. Figure out what you want out of life, what you want to see in this world, and how you can use your best you to help make it that way. I'm still ironing out the first one and learning to be okay with that. But you've gotta start somewhere.

Learning to love yourself-

and your place in this world,

Elisa

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ALL FORMS OF LOVE

[Meet Buggy! You first 'saw' her in this post. She's my-hopefully-soon to be lil sis. She's my love bug!]

No matter what form your love takes, it's always so sweet. When we think of love, we often picture a partner, but what about a friend? a parent? a sister? Some are deep and some are new. They all make you excited to see someone and make you smile when they pop up in your thoughts for a visit. What I find fascinating is how every different relationship, filled with love, can have its own 'rules'. Be that, an unspoken sense of history, a little extra leeway or a unexplainable ability to jump right in. I hope I never stop experiencing new kinds of love.

To your today love-

in whatever form it takes,

Elisa

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PALETTE: ADORNING ABODE

[home photo via]

I've been oogling over all things home decor lately! It's always been a close second to fashion, but lately it's been utterly time consuming. Maybe it's because I'm getting older and home ownership doesn't seem so far off anymore. Then I remember I'm 21 and my timeline is always a bit skewed.

To living at your own pace,

Elisa

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AROUND DOWNTOWN

While we "suffer" through our last day of work (read: it's friday!), let's stare at all the pretty things outside waiting for us to play with them this weekend. And if you're feeling extra antsy today, eat lunch at your desk and use your lunch time to say hello to the sun. It's rays make my skin feel tingly and alive. How about you?

To shedding the walls-

and enjoying the earth,

Elisa

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MASTER OF THE SLEEPOVER OUTFIT

[H&M cardigan//No Boundaries vest//Forever 21 dress//Target scarf//Seychelles boots//Francesca's sunnies]

Over the years, I've mastered the art of 'throwing together an outfit'. From living between three houses, borrowing/lending clothes and dryer-eaten garments, putting together a decent outfit with leftovers or left-behinds, can be tough. It's also a fun challenge. I've used boyfriend's shirts tucked in like a fake dolman, or ski socks as leg warmers, it helps you get creative. Fashion is all about inventing uses for garments, a shirt doesn't always have to be, just, a shirt.

To challenging your skills,

Elisa

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KEEP YOUR EYES TO THE SKY

[The ceiling in the Byham before the Banff Mountain Film Festival]

Timing is one of those things that is always against me. Things never happen in a nice neat order, instead everything happens-or doesn't happen-all at once! And you know you what, it's probably gonna be a while before it stops bothering me. But I'll remind you of what I always tell myself, it'll all work out. And you know why? Because I'll bust my butt. Because the cosmos are on my side. Because I deserve it. Eventually it won't sound so cheesy.

Talking to yourself-

can be healthy,

Elisa

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SOMETHING ABOUT IT SAYS CITY STYLE

[Jack by BB Dakota jacker//H&M dress//Ten Toes boots//Aldo clutch]

I haven't quite figured it out. What is it about some girls' styles that make them look city chic and powerful? I'd have to say, Taneeka's outfit would be the epitome of urban dress in my eyes. We've heard her wise words on the blog before too. Maybe it's the subdued colors that resemble the soft hues of the buildings around us, the sleek, crisp lines of each garment or the attitude in which she carries herself. But either way, I love it! And this is something I'm really trying to nail down as I explore and fine tune my style.

To finding inspiration-

in your friends' closets,

Elisa

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NOTHING LESS THEN OBSESSED

[nail art by the fabulous Kari Evans]

One of the things I find most fascinating about people is their style. I love seeing how people adorn themselves and even more, sometimes, the little secrets their houses can tell. I've always felt like personal style is a journey. Something someone discovers about themselves. I'm dedicated to unearthing my true style, its evolved throughout my time in fashion school and continues to do so now. The more I get comfortable and understand myself, the more it shows in my personal style. To me, it's really quite exciting! So glad you can all join in as I discover my best self.

To curating your best life-

and showing that in every detail,

Elisa

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YOUR LAST MEAL

[sliders from Diamond Market Bar & Grill]

...as a college student; not that kind of 'last meal'. Or maybe, it was my first meal as a college graduate. I feel a glass half full analogy coming on. Check out my yummy food board on Pinterest. It's now my biggest board...surprise, surprise.

To choosing what you put in your body-

with care and a sense of humor,

Elisa

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GRAVITY GLIMPSE

I've always done things the hard way. Some because I had to. Some because I wanted to. Some because that's what I'm supposed to do.

Ever dream of what you want your life to be? Ever wonder if that dream is even realistic? Your dreams. Your future.  Ever have trouble knowing the difference?

Ever feel like you're straddling two worlds? One of striving. Achieving. Success. Yet, one of love and worldliness. One of understanding. They fight for dominance. I wish they'd settle. So I knew what to do next.

To being honest-

foremost with yourself,

Elisa

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