Marissa Elman | Fashion & Photography

Marissa Elman is a lifelong lover of fashion and photography.

Why you Need to Reorganize Your Closet

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The closet is one of the most common places in homes that can quickly become unorganized and cluttered. Plenty of clothes, accessories, and miscellaneous items can accumulate throughout the year, which can make it challenging to find certain products. Although you may need to set aside time to reorganize the space, there are a few reasons it’ll make for a great project that has lasting benefits.

 

Avoid Stress

Waking up and trying to put together an outfit in a messy closet can make it easy to feel stressed, which can be a negative way of starting your day each morning. Getting organized can allow you to have a mental calm and avoid feeling overwhelmed when going through your wardrobe.

 

Save Time

By removing junk and reorganizing your closet, it’ll be easier to find items that you need. You won’t have to spend as much time searching for a certain pair of heels or a shirt when putting outfits together, which can allow you to get out of the house on time and avoid being late.

 

Save Money

Many people don’t realize that organizing their closet can allow them to save more money throughout the year. By going through each clothing item that you own, you’ll become more aware of the number of clothes that you have and will be less inclined to buy duplicates. You’ll also become more aware of any items that are needed, which can allow you to invest in products that you need.

 

The Seasons Change

The seasons are continually changing, making it necessary to adjust the clothes that are on display in your closet to ensure you can have easy access to what you need. You won’t have to spend time digging through winter coats in the summer or tank tops in the winter by staying updated on the organization of the space throughout the year.

 

Better Aesthetics

An organized closet looks better and is more attractive compared to a cluttered space. You won’t have to feel embarrassed if your family members or friends happen to get a look at your closet if everything is neatly organized. A tidy closet can also motivate you to keep other areas of your home clean, which can make the property more functional and habitable.

Fashion Trends Making a Comeback in Summer 2018

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This summer many cutting-edge fashion trends are emerging, many of which are making a comeback from their original eras.

 

Pastels

 

Pastel hues in the sundae style are making a comeback this summer. This carries over to dresses, accessories, purses, pantsuits, belts, and any garment you can think of. In addition to this, you can find exciting ways to pair different pastels with each other to make an entire pastel outfit.

 

Pastels—whether it be green, blue, or a more exciting pink—will really make your features pop and compliment any complexion and hair color.

 

Feathers

 

Miuccia Prada spurred the revival of feathers last season, followed by Kaia Gerber and Gigi Hadid, who wore dresses adorned by swan-like feathers. This followed Zara’s debut of feathered swan sandals, proving that there are feathers are not only a high-class embellishment, but simultaneously a versatile one.

 

Additionally, feathers do a great job of framing and contouring the original garment. They are often used to help outline the body in a way that emphasizes and shapes features attractively.

 

Floral Prints

 

Botanical prints are undoubtedly making a comeback this upcoming summer. There are so many print combinations and patterns under this genre, and due to the numerous options, it won’t be difficult to find one that is particularly flattering to you and your body type.

 

Slogan Prints

 

Shirts that make a statement have been booming in popularity over the course of the last couple years. This market is continuing to expand to include not just shirts, but also hats, jackets, and a plethora of other accessories fit with snappy slogans.

 

There are so many types of slogans being printed on garments, from spunky to sassy, inspirational to hysterical. With a little searching, you’ll undoubtedly be able to find one that fits your style and expresses your personality.

 

Fringing

 

Fringing is part of the maximalist movement, a statement which is coming back in high fashion. It involves fringing and swishing along the edges of features, adorning where the fabric meets fabric or fabric ends. Fringing can be done with a variety of patterns and material, making it extremely personable and easy to pair with clothing.
It also allows you to modify simple outfits, and fringing is relatively easy and cheap to do yourself. If you have an old shirt or skirt that you would like to turn into a brand new garment and be in stride for summer style, it is extremely simple to accent it where you see fit.

5 Tips for Photographing Nature

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Capture Movement

 

A great way to create a stunning photograph of nature is to capture it at its most dynamic. Whether this is thinking about the way trees sway in the wind, or a river flows around a conglomeration of rocks, capturing motion will help you take an interesting and compelling photograph.

 

To do this you will likely need to look at a longer shutter speed to make sure the photograph comes out as high quality as possible.

 

Maximize the Depth of the Shot

 

It is important for a good photograph to ensure that you are capturing depth so that the photograph doesn’t appear to be flattened or one-dimensional.  By positioning the camera in a way that captures the depth of a scene you will be able to manipulate the composition of the picture and encompass many different planes and elements.

 

This will also allow you to incorporate many more colors, textures, and intensities of lighting into your photograph. It will make it a far more interesting composition, carrying the eye of the viewer along varying levels and plains.

 

Set Up a Tripod

 

You’ll need to use a longer shutter speed in order to capture the depth and motion of a landscape, and to maximize this you will also need to set up a tripod. This will ensure that the camera remains completely still, yet you can still adjust it and capture the shot that you would like.

 

Capture Different Types of Lighting

 

The lighting of a scene can make or break a shot. However, it is also entirely unreliable in that it flexes constantly in response to the time of day, geography, and weather. Do not be afraid to take photographs even when the lighting does not look optimal, as they might turn out even more striking.

 

It is hard to predict the effect that the lighting will have on a picture, so do not be afraid to experiment and capture a location at a range of times in a range of forecasts.

 

Change your Point of View

 

Don’t let yourself get bound by one point of view or focal point. Of course, when you are thinking about photographing a place, you will have that one perfect picture in mind. However, by experimenting with different positions, angles, and points of view you may come out with an unexpectedly stunning photograph. The key to a fantastic picture, even more so than the technique and equipment, is being willing to experiment and surprise yourself.

Things To Consider When Buying A Tripod For Your DSLR Camera

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tripod for DSLR camera - marissa elman

A digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera is a popular tool among modern photographers. DSLR’s can be utilized for either fun or professional photo shoots depending on the advanced capabilities it may have. One of the more popular tools utilized with this camera is a tripod. That is why the following list of things to consider before buying a tripod for your DSLR camera has been created. The considerations are as follows:

 

  • Why Is It Needed?
  • What Price Is Too High?
  • What Is The Most Important Factor?

 

Why Is It Needed?

 

While this may seem obvious, it is worth the time to truly investigate why this tripod is being purchased. If it is just to take a few photos once or twice a year, rental equipment may serve the purpose better. If instead, it is viewed as an investment in a photography career, it can serve dozens of purposes and be a useful tool day in and day out. For example, low light situations are ideal for tripod use and this investment opens up a whole new group of photographic possibilities such as this and many others.

 

What Price Is Too High?

 

For amateur photographers, an average or even lower priced tripod may be more than enough. For professional photographers however, the extra expense may be well worth it. The additional features that are afforded with more expensive tripods will pay for themselves in the long run because of the added capabilities that it provides. Price shopping is essential to making the proper purchase.

 

What Is The Most Important Factor?

 

There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing a tripod. Some photographers require the tripod to be lightweight as to easily transport it across rough terrain. This can be highly beneficial to photographers that frequently shoot in nature. If the tripod is too heavy, it may make the trek into the wilderness nearly impossible. Height is also a contributing factor. If the tripod fails to be able to shoot from a range of heights, it may serve less useful than was originally thought.

 

Tripods can be highly beneficial to professional photographers. That is why it is so imperative to consider all of the above questions and so many more before finally deciding to pull the trigger and purchase one.

 

What NOT to Wear to the Office This Summer

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What not to wear to the office this summer - Marissa Elman

Whether you’re absolutely tired of the heat or not, you can’t exactly throw on your jean shorts and hit the office. One thing is for sure, whoever invented air conditioning is both a genius and a hero. Hopefully, your office has it, but, you still have to wade through the inaugural heat wave to get there. With all the how to’s out there we thought this subject deserved the reverse with what NOT to do. So, here is what NOT to wear to the office during the summer.

 

  1. Do NOT wear shorts

Shorts don’t even fit the bill for business casual, let alone full business attire. Maybe you work for an office that has casual Friday’s and you can ask your boss about wearing shorts then? But for the most part, it’s just inappropriate. We know, it’s hot, you’ve probably got a nice summer glow going on those lovely legs of yours, but you still can’t wear shorts to the office!

 

  1. Do NOT wear sunglasses indoors

It isn’t cool and is it absolutely NOT ok in the office. Keep your shades outdoors for when you actually need shade, not indoors. We all know there is no reason for you to use them inside. You’ve got about a 2- minute window to get them off and into your bag before the people will notice. Get to it!

 

  1. DON’T be a shoobie

If you are unfamiliar with what a shoobie is, it is a person who wears socks with sandals, kind of pulling off the combined style of a tourist/surfer- aka NOT ok for the office. Stick to your regular close-toed shoes or, if you’re a woman, you might get lucky with some open-toed heels.

 

  1. Do NOT wear ripped clothing

Ripped jeans, ripped t-shirts, ripped jackets, anything ripped- don’t do it! It is unprofessional and should be saved for out-of-office activities.

 

  1. Do NOT wear yoga pants, crop tops, or tank tops

We know, we know, yoga pants are so comfortable! You still can’t wear them to the office. Same goes for trendy tank tops and crop tops. If you can wear it to the gym, you shouldn’t be wearing it to the office, plain and simple.

 

Whatever you do, use this list as a guide when planning your outfit for the office during the summer months!

Fashion Icons in History

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Fashion Icons in History

There has always been an interest in what everyone around you is wearing, especially the elite – the celebrities, the movie stars, royalty. We look to them for inspiration and can still spot their influence, decades later.

 

Here are a few big names that just might sound familiar, and the fashion influence they brought to the table:

 

Grace Kelly

To say Grace Kelly influenced fashion is equivalent to saying Leonardo da Vinci painted a few pictures. This actress-turned-princess was one of the first in Hollywood to really  develop her own “signature style” and became well-known for her uncluttered, clean-cut look. She appreciated simplicity and elegance and was a firm believer in wearing pieces you love more than once, which is why she has been photographed wearing the same dress at multiple events. Almost unheard of in the entertainment industry!

 

Grace Kelly is also one of the first to inspire fashion houses – does the Hermes Kelly bag sound familiar? That’s because it was designed for Grace herself. When she married into Monaco’s royal family, she continued to play by her own rules and set trends each and every day.

 

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn is another style icon known for her clean lines and crisp look, and if you’re still not entirely sure why, maybe the words “Little Black Dress” will jog your memory. That’s right – we have Audrey Hepburn to thank for making the idea of a versatile little black dress fashionable again, even decades later after Coco Chanel initially introduced the idea. Audrey made the look fresh again, and as evident in Breakfast At Tiffany’s, the public really took to it. That, and her infamous black capris.

 

While many of her outfits had the look of men’s fashion, there was no doubt of her femininity even during a period where bold patterns and wide skirts were the norms. Audrey kept her look clean and simple, and many still emulate her today.

 

Madonna

Everyone knows Madonna, and unlike Grace or Audrey, it’s not because she kept her outfits simple. She changed the pop music game starting in the 1980s, and it’s never been the same since, and neither has fashion. Her outfits have spanned styles from punk, western, androgynous, military, even geisha and a touch of S&M, and no one really knows what she’s going to wear next, even now. Her outfits often reflected the tone of her music – for “Material Girls,” Madonna channeled her inner Marilyn Monroe. For “Vogue,” she drew from Horst P. Horst’s famous 1939 photograph. Her influence is alive and well today, too. If it weren’t for Madonna, who knows if crop tops would have taken off nearly to the extent that they have?

 

Whatever Madonna was wearing, people were taking note. Whether that meant a cone-shaped bra and pink corset, or simply befriending and wearing a new designer, all eyes were on Madonna for the next trend.

Subscription Boxes: Getting Fashion in the Mail

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subscription boxes - marissa elman

 

If you’re into fashion but your schedule is too busy and doesn’t allow you hours each month to shop for clothes, a subscription box could be a great solution.

 

Gwynnie Bee

 

This subscription service offers sizes 10 to 32 and allows their members to have a lot of control in what gets delivered to their door, but also has an element of surprise because you never know what you’ll find on the site! Create an account and search through their inventory, adding individual pieces to your online closet that catch your eye. Once the items arrive on your doorstep, you can choose to send them back if they don’t appeal to you, buy them outright if you absolutely have to have it, or you can even choose to wear them a couple of times and return them later.

 

Stitch Fix

 

If you’re looking to expand your wardrobe with pieces you may never think to add, Stitch Fix is an excellent choice. First make an account and fill out your sizing information and personal preferences when it comes to clothing, and one of their personal stylists will put together a small collection and send it to you. The styling fee is $20, but shipping is free. Once you receive your subscription box, you can choose to keep the items and pay the cost for each, or send them back for free.

 

Fabletics

 

Keep yourself motivated to stay in shape by signing up for a Fabletics membership. This is a monthly subscription service that delivers workout outfits to your door. The styles are released every month and you can pick an outfit you love so you can showcase it the next time you hit the gym.

 

The Rachel Zoe Box of Style

 

If you don’t want to get clothing in the mail but still want a great subscription service, check out Rachel Zoe’s service. The Rachel Zoe Box of Style is delivered once each quarter, costing $100 and contains several high-quality items based on the upcoming season.

Microblading: Things to Know Before Making the Appointment

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marissa elman

 

The practice of microblading has become the latest brow craze in the efforts to achieve thicker, fuller and more beautiful brows. Brow tinting seems like a thing of the past, as many are now opting for the semi-permanent, effortless brows applied by licensed cosmetic tattoo artists. For those thinking brow microblading could be the solution for thin, sparse brows, here are some important things to consider before making the appointment.

 

Microblading is essentially a form of cosmetic tattooing:

 

Unlike a typical tattoo, microblading is done with a handheld tool instead of a machine. As it is still applied with a needle, depending on the pain threshold of the client, a very minimal amount of discomfort should be expected. The treatment can also take up to two hours to complete.

 

The pigment is bladed in tiny, hair-like strokes to resemble natural brow hairs. This form of tattooing is not implanted as deep within the skin as a regular tattoo would be, so the pigment will naturally fade over 18-24 months.

 

Take proper care and precautions before appointment:

  • Stop all use and consumption of blood-thinners, chemical peels and retinol a full week before the scheduled treatment
  • Do not wax, tan or overexpose skin to sun for at least three days prior to appointment
  • Skip the coffee and other caffeinated drinks on the day of the appointment 

After-treatment care is just as important:

  • Protect brows from water and moisture prior to treatment—avoid sweating and washing face with water
  • Take care to avoid any situation that might infect the freshly bladed skin with dirt, bacteria or other debris
  • Vaseline or aftercare ointment may be applied to calm itchiness and redness, but do not scratch, touch or irritate treated area as it heals
  • Similar to a regular tattoo, bladed brows may fade in prolonged exposure to the sun—after brows have healed, be sure to apply sunscreen when outdoors

 

Remember, microblading requires maintenance:

A follow-up appointment is recommended 4-6 weeks after the first blading, where the technician will touch up any hairs and adjust coloring. To keep brows looking flawless, touch-ups are required about every six months.

 

With first-time treatment costs that can cost up to $900, it is important to understand that the microblading process is a long-term investment that will require consistent upkeep.

 

Sources:

http://info.gotbeauty.com/blog/all-the-microblading-information-youll-ever-need

http://www.elle.com/beauty/a37438/semi-permanent-eyebrow-microblading/

 

Tips for Photographing a Wedding

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For professional and amateur photographers alike, working at a wedding can be both a learning and enjoyable experience. Not only is it a chance to showcase your photography skills and get creative with new shots, it’s also a great way to build up your clientele and gain new business. The following are tips for getting the best possible shots on your clients’ most important day of their lives.

 

Meet with your client beforehand

Most weddings require weeks or months of planning and can be stressful for both the photographer and the two getting married, but it doesn’t need to be. When you meet your clients for the first time, it’s a good idea to bring along a few ideas, whether or not they’d like you to use props, and ask questions about the venue. Some couples choose to take photos with their car or will request that a classic car be sent to the venue. Knowing this beforehand will allow you to plan out creative shots prior to that day.

 

Once your clients decide to go with you for their wedding, make sure you draft a contract for them to sign. Unfortunately, couples don’t always make it to their actual wedding day, and the contract will give you peace of mind when it comes to receiving payment.

 

Ask what shots they like

Nowadays everyone is on Pinterest, and couples will probably have a good idea of what shots they’d like to see taken during their wedding. Coordinating their shot ideas and mixing some of your own will only help guide you through the day with a bit of ease. It’s a good idea to give them a form they can fill out with the different shots they’d like to see after you’ve had a chance to develop them. Shots like the kiss after the vows and photos of them cutting the cake are ones that go without saying, but for the more creative pictures, it’s a great idea to have a list so they don’t spring them on you the day of the wedding.

 

Meet the Maid of Honor and/or Best Man

The ones that get this honor in the wedding are oftentimes either relatives or close friends that have known the couple for a long time. The couple will more than likely be quite overwhelmed the day of, and these two people can be invaluable in helping corral people that need to get their pictures taken into the room with you.

 

Go to the rehearsal

Make it a point to attend the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. This allows you to really plan out your day the night before. Make sure the lighting is how you need it to be, you have space for your gear, and you have a safe place for your equipment on that day.

Want Free Makeup? Sign Up For These Rewards Programs

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Want Free Makeup- Sign Up For These Rewards Programs

Beauty products are very well known for coming in small packages with large price tags. With that in mind, like most people you probably would love any rewards program that can alleviate some of that financial burden. These programs offer many perks which include free products after a period of time. Take a look of some of the beauty store rewards programs you might want to sign up for.

 
Sephora: Sephora’s Beauty Insider

Sephora is one of the most popular beauty stores, and they have a wonderful multi-leveled rewards program that benefits its’ customers’ spending. At Level one requires a small amount of purchasing to reach and it rewards you with a free birthday gift and beauty classes that teach things about makeup and other beauty topics. As you continue up the levels such as VIB and VIB Rogue you will be able to enjoy perks such as free and exclusive gifts, seasonal discounts, promo codes, and one free custom makeover. Along with that, you can also expect to receive free two-day shipping, a private hotline to answer all your beauty questions, and invitations to private parties and product launches.

 

M.A.C: M.A.C Select (Back to M.A.C)

M.A.C is another popular store with a great program that has numerous benefits that are beyond the basic free shipping, free samples, and anniversary gift. They also have the Back to M.A.C program where you receive a free lipstick, or eyeshadow, or gloss if you join the M.A.C Select program by returning original packaging for six M.A.C products to your local store. Other rewards include a free 30-minute makeup application, first glimpse at new collections, and free two-day shipping on orders of $50 and more when you spend $150 within the year. Now if you decide to go all in and spend $500 in a year, you will receive two 60-minute makeup applications, early access to new collections, and an even better anniversary gift.

 

Ulta: Ulta’s Ultimate Rewards

Ulta’s Ultimate Rewards program has a great points system that allows you to be rewarded for each dollar your spend. For every dollar spent, whether in-store or online, you receive a point. These points can be saved and redeemed for virtually any product in the store. You will also receive email offers where you can earn the double, triple, and even quadruple the amounts of points you would normally earn. During your birthday month, you can earn double the points when you make a purchase as well as a free birthday gift. Also when you spend $450 in a year, you can go up to the Platinum level where you will earn 1.25 expiration proof points, along with a ten dollar coupon to go with your free birthday present.

 

Sally Beauty: Sally Beauty Club

This one might seem a bit unpopular as unlike most other beauty rewards programs which are free, Sally Beauty’s Sally Beauty Club has a five dollar fee. However, the upside to that is that as soon as you sign up, they spot you with five dollars, so it’s almost like signing up for free. They also offer many great perks such as a fifteen percent discount when you spend $25 in a month.