A guide to being cheap chic

Living in LA has taught me a valuable lesson: There's a cheaper version to everything. There's tons of fashion companies that have a large following of fashionistas, but not all of us can afford to have that specific look. The beauty of living in LA is having the fashion district at your fingertips. Along with an array of thrift shops that hold treasures of rich hollywood gals who have easily donated their clothes when they've worn them just once. 

I am a fashion l.o.v.e.r. and it kills me not to be able to afford things like Novella Royale's amazing bells, or that amazing For Love and Lemons lace dress. Well Vanessa and relatable fashionistas, do not fret cause there is a light at the end of that tunnel. Go to the fashion district in LA! There you will find an array of the exact same merchandise that is sold at Nasty Gal. Shoes galore, clothes, and accessories galore as well. Delve into the busy streets of Santee Alley to discover it all, it's worth it. I have purchased numerous kick ass shoes for all under $30 bucks in that alley. And I have a favorite jewelry shop there that has everything for $1, I bought 4 gold and silver ring and bracelet chain combos today and I cannot wait to wear them, that's also where I purchase my cheap gold hoop earrings for my Brooklyn girl phase that I am currently experiencing. And I also purchased all those rings from above from there. Shopping in downtown does involve patience, but you never leave empty handed. I went there today and had actual errands and supplies to purchase and ended up spending a lot more than I had anticipated because I found a hidden treasure: Artini Accessories Inc. They are currently having a 60% ofF sale on all their jewelry and bought myself some amazing pieces that were worth the price. I'm talking $8 bucks here instead of lets say, $30?!

And one more secret of mine is DOLLAR SHOPS! I swear, these are a safe haven for me. When I first moved here I was on a mad search for A Dollar Tree but instead I found The Dollar King in Glendale. Best. Dollar. Store. Ever. I think they only have a location in Glendale so I apologize to those who don't live in LA. They have the greatest make-up aisle I have ever seen in a dollar store. Quality stuff too. It's mainly lip, eye and nail stuff and that's all you really need if you're gonna spend a dollar on it. Face make-up is a different story, that needs to be purchased with more thought, caution, and money. Everytime I go, I buy a new lipstick or nail polish and I'm always satisfied when I get my first use out of it. That saves me so much money on having to spend it on MAC or organic make-up. And the stuff I use still looks AS GOOD as MAC. That picture above is proof on how much I have purchased from the Dollar King. So before you go spending money on things that aren't worth the price, investigate around your city or online and see the cheaper alternatives  because honey, there always is. 

Until next time

Maverick Nessa

Photo Diary: Winter is coming

It rained today! All day! I was the happiest person. I ran out on my break and stood in the rain with my arms out, just taking all that shit in. I waited for this day to come since summer started and now I finally feel like myself. I always feel my best in the fall.

Now that I have my own camera, I have been attempting to use it as much as I can. Here are a couple shots from the past two days. First one is obviously me being excited about the colder weather. Annnd the rest are from the amazing show I went to at the Greek just yesterday to see Grizzly Bear. That venue itself is magical, with the illuminated trees hovering over you as the sounds from the stage vibrate through your soul. I went with my friend Devon, and we were overly satisfied with the whole show. There were numerous times when we would simultaneously look at each other and approve of the many favorites they decided to play for us. The guys of Grizzly Bear put on an amazing show. I even feel weird referring to them as grizzly bear, because they are all such great individuals who blew me away, and I feel like I have to commend them on their talents one by one. Christopher, the drummer was a charismatic gem, Ed was such a unique soul, Daniel's voice translated so well at the venue, and Chris could easily be a one man show with his endless talents. One main factor that made the show even greater were the jelly looking lanterns dancing all over the stage. And the harmonies...the flipping harmonies man. Those men know how to sound good together, there was such a great balance between all of them and the greatest part is that they all have tremendous voices on their own. Everyone shined in their own way and I love these guys in a way I never expected to. 

Just give their music a listen if you haven't yet. Oh and Happy Friday everyone!

Until next time

Maverick Nessa

Hooligan Lifestyle

The city of Angels has been treating me well. My life has not stopped for one minute and I don't know when my body is gonna say it's had enough. I've worked full days at work and come home to get ready to go out into the city that same night. I went to the Bloc Party at Hudson a couple of weeks ago and was intoxicated from 2pm till 1am. It was packed, hot and great. That was the kick off for Summer in the city. Since then, I have been trying to enjoy the sun and summer as much as possible. Pool parties, dancing with binki shapiro, the roosevelt, hiking to the hollywood sign, watching spanish boys grind on their guitars and new friends being made anywhere and everywhere. I don't remember LA being this entertaining when I lived here a couple of years ago, but I'm glad I'm back and L.A. is glad I'm back too. 

XOXO MAVERICK NESSA

Skater Gurl

I finally have time to sit in front of the computer and update you all on some stuff. So I have been wanting to purchase a skateboard for a while now, but I kept putting it off and I kept wasting my money on clothing instead of the skateboard. Well last weekend I finally decided to get one and spent the whole day practicing on it! My sister and I found an empty parking lot by our house and literally practiced for hours. We fell on our asses, got a couple os scratches here and there but we kept shreddin. I even tried catching myself from falling and somehow ended up in the splits with one foot still planted on the board. gymnast skills man. We even started watching youtube tutorials. dont judge. Then we finally got around to practicing on tricks. So its official now, we are sk8tr gurls! I'm probably gonna be spending my summer trying to get some status at the Venice beach skate park. So you can look for me there. Holla. And 

P.S. I found a place to live in LA! Life is moving too fast man. 

Wearing h&m cropped sweater, thrifted maxi daisy skirt, and deena and ozzy velvet boots.

XOXO MAVERICK NESSA

Roaming

So all I have for you guys in this post is a compilation of my latest instagram photos because my life has been going 100mph these past two weeks. I have big news! I am now working in L.A. for a great company that manufactures clothing for women and I have become the ultimate information sponge. The job has a lot of responsibilities, a lot of work, a lot of fun, a lot of crazzzy stuff and a lot more other stuff. It's all too exciting. Anyways, this is my most recent instagram feed, if you follow me then you are quite aware of my latest adventures. I have been spending a lot of time in Los Angeles, trying to find an apartment and trying to get back into the crazy rhythm of this city. I'm commuting for now and it's killing me softly. I need to find an apartment pronto. And let me just say it was not this hard to find a decent apartment for a decent price. Man times have changed in a matter of just two years. Until next time...whenever that will be.


MY INSTAGRAM USERNAME IS: MAVERICKNESSA

XOXO MAVERICK DIVA