Instagram Karissa VS The Real Karissa

Posted on March 30, 2015 by karissaestrada

I keep on forgetting to mention that I reached 10K on Instagram the other day. I’m shocked I haven’t blurted out those words yet to anyone. The reality is, I find reaching 10K pretty cool but I’m so relieved that I don’t let the number of subscribers or followers on any of my social media handles consume me. I don’t stay awake at night counting the number of likes on post or waiting for the next follower to discover me. No. It’s not like that at all. I’ve always been visual and loved taking pictures. When I look back, I’ve always been somewhat good at social media. I remember back in the good ole MySpace days, I was always being told how much people loved my page set-up and my photos which are now called “selfies.” I guess you can say that I have a raw talent for the internet. It’s so silly when I hear myself say it out loud. Social media has been an incredible platform for my blog. I’m able to reach so many of you on a more personal level. Because of Instagram, I can express my creativity more freely and I’ve been able to drive business from it. Best of both worlds. I’m still waiting for the day I get noticed and someone important sends me off to travel the world, wearing cute designer clothes and taking pictures for Instagram. (Ya right Karissa.) But really, that’s happened to a few of my Fashion Blogger icons. Sincerely Jules, one of my first blogger inspirations, was just doing her own thing on her blog and one day it became an empire. She lives in L.A. for the most part but she’s constantly traveling the world and living it up. Because of her blog success she is now a designer. Like seriously? That’s just one of many fashion blog success stories that I wanted to share. I don’t know if I will ever make it that big. I wouldn’t mind it at all but honestly, I won’t beat myself up if I don’t. I think that is the biggest misconception about me, that all I want is internet fame. Nope, ew, no thank you. I’ve gotten over 10,000 followers on Instagram simply by BEING MYSELF. I think that’s something to be proud of for sure but I won’t let any amount of followers get to my head or more importantly, to my heart. I have a lot of people who look to me for fashion inspiration and trust me, I feel the pressure of it all. Last Saturday I was approached by not one but THREE of my blog subscribers. THREE! Strangers that I had never seen before came up to me saying “Are you Karissa Marie?”

Wuw. What is life right now? I had no idea I was capable of impacting so many of you. It’s an honor to be recognized for the things that I do and for the person that I am. But if I’m being completely honest: I don’t feel appreciated outside of the internet world. I’ve bent over backwards, shown all sorts of my creativity and my kindness and my willingness to GROW to all kinds of people and even though, yes, I do get praised for it, praise is NOT what I’m looking for. I’m looking for a career people. I’m looking for my dream job or at least a step in that direction. I don’t know if it’s just Denver or if it’s just me but I don’t feel appreciated here. My lease to my apartment is up in 3 months and I could not be more excited to pack my bags and hopefully go somewhere where my talent can make an impact and a difference. Somewhere I can throw myself into projects and be surrounded by like-minded people. I really think my age has something to do with the fact that I haven’t gotten a decent job here in Denver. But that’s SO NOT FAIR. I have a lot to give. I just need a chance and an opportunity to prove myself.

YOU CAN’T FAKE CREATIVITY.

So here I am, in the same position I was in last year and the year before: Lost. I’ve been lost for a few years now and I’ve reached the point where I question if I always will be lost. Will my brain be stuck in a state of limbo for the rest of my life? I’ve been “stuck” forever now. The only thing difference is that I have a few more followers. I’m ready for a better, more positive outlook on my life. I ready for better, more uplifting friendships. I’m ready for a better job but more importantly a better self.

I just felt like being honest today. I felt like typing up all my feelings and posting it on my page because it will make me feel better for just a few minutes before I go back to my life of disappointment. My biggest fear is making a living out of something that doesn’t truly make me happy. I want to make a living doing spiritually, emotionally, and mentally fulfilling work.

I fear a job that squashes my creative juices into oblivion.

I need a sign. Any sign that says I am here on this planet for a reason. A literal sign that points in the direction that I should go would be helpful as well because I have no clue what life has in store for me. I don’t even have the slightest hint.

So thank you, 10,oo0 + followers, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for believing in me but I think my biggest accomplishment will be whether or not I can believe in myself.

With love,

Karissa Marie

Top. Skirt. Fedora.

Dusty Blue

Posted on March 12, 2015 by karissaestrada

Trend Alert: Blue.

All shades, shapes, and colors of blue are all the rage right now.

Denim. Indigo. Chambray. Dusty Blue. I don’t think I’ve seen these arrangements of colors more in my life until right now. Every clothing store you walk into displays denim jackets, chambray tops, indigo pants, the list goes on and on. I’ve never owned so much blue in my closet until this season. I can’t get enough of it. Blue goes hand in hand with menswear but for just for today, I wanted to show my girly side and prove you that you don’t have to wear pinks and purples to look feminine. A tulle skirt and sleek leather jacket will do the trick just fine. Blue is the new pink. You can walk into any store and pick up your perfect shade of blue but only Alexandra Grecco has this unique shade of Dusty Blue. This skirt is beautiful and can be worn with ANY color. Trust me, I’ll prove myself to you in future posts. This kind of “blue-grey” is the sweetest and most stylish color of 2015. You better hop on the bandwagon now or you’ll miss out. Alexandra Grecco, a New York-based vintage-inspired womenswear line, has much more to explore on their site (here.) I desperately needed a city backdrop for this look. Since this company is based out of the most gorgeous city in America I had to pretend that I was in NYC just for a moment. Like the color of this skirt, I was in the clouds.

With Love,

©Karissa Marie

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Skirt. Top. Jacket-Zara (similar). Shoes-Zara. Purse.

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Girls With Red Lipstick

Posted on February 14, 2015 by karissaestrada

I’m so lucky to have a friend that’s willing to dress up with me and take photos for nearly two hours while 100 strangers just stop and stare at us. (Creeps.) Alena and I had such a blast doing this Valentine’s Day inspired shoot. We dressed up in our love inspired clothes and cheesed it up for the camera. (Like we do best.) I felt like we hopped on a time traveling machine and walked on the “GREASE” movie set. “Tell me about it, stud.” I love that movie. Check out Alena’s Blog…HERE. By the way, Alena has influenced me to mix prints more often and I have influenced her to shop more at Anthropologie! Oh Ya! That’s friend #3 that I’ve got addicted to Anthro. I should be getting some commission for this.

It was more than tempting to stop between shots and eat all the ice-cream that was at this ice-cream bar where we were shooting but we had a job to do. Afterwards, we all went and stuffed our faces with greasy hamburgers. No wonder models are always hungry… It’s a tough job. I was in my comfort zone with this fun heart printed skirt, my turtleneck, and my favorite chic leather jacket. Oh, and my converse of course because what else would I be wearing in Downtown Denver? (JK. I wore heels that day too. Hehe.) I will be an outfit repeater and wear this ensemble on Valentine’s Day while out and about with my Valentine. I normally don’t repeat outfits but hey, sometimes you have to make exceptions in this life. This skirt only has a lifespan of February 10-February 14 every single year so I might as well give it the love and attention it deserves until I have to part ways and meet again next year around Valentines Day.

Oh ya… HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! May your day be filled with not only love but also lots and lots of chocolate.

With love,

©Karissa Marie

My outfit: Skirt. Top. Jacket-Zara (Similar) Shoes.

Check out Alena’s post HERE!

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A Romantic Look

Posted on February 1, 2015 by karissaestrada

January was an incredible, record setting month for Karissamarieblog.com. Definitely the best month so far based on number of views each day and new subscribers. Not to toot my own horn or anything but we also just hit 8K on Instagram. We’re goin’ places people. We’re doing big things. Thank you all who take the time out of their day to read my little itty bitty posts. You might not know it but you make my day every single time you do. Thank you. I hope, in return, you get inspired after you’re done scrolling through my page. This month I plan to top January. I think we can do it based on the fact that I reach more and more of you every single day. You guys are doing a fabulous job sharing my page with your buddies, please continue to do that. I’m feeling very blessed that I have enough time and drive to post every other day. I hope I can continue do that as long as my schedule and creativity capacity allows it. One more time, thank you. 2015 is off to an incredible start. Yay us.

I wanted to start February with a romantic look. It is the month of love isn’t it? In almost every post leading up to Valentines Day I plan to give you inspiration on what to wear on the big special love bird day. Here’s romantic look #1. I don’t mean romantic as in sexy. Obviously, I’m covered head to toe. I mean romantic as in mysterious and glamourous. (Which is sexy enough to me.) This outfit has no rhyme or reason. I didn’t do much planning. It was one of those “go with the flow” kind of days. The cowled neckline sweater felt a little large around the waist so I decided to belt it. Cinching it in created a flattering hourglass shape which I believe created the “romance” factor. I elevated the look with some red lips, a top knot, and some statement tights. This look took me back to France. I would go back in a heart beat. All my girlfriends and I ate were banana & Nutella crepes. HEAVEN. Oh, how I wish my outfits could take me back to the places that inspired them in the first place.

The more exciting news is that this sweater has pockets…POCKETS!

With love,

©Karissa Marie

Sweater-XS ON SALE . Skirt- (Similar) . Tights– S/M. Shoes. Belt- (Similar)

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Something Beautiful

Posted on November 25, 2014 by karissaestrada

Some days more than others I have this sudden urge to dress like a rainbow. Have you noticed that I haven’t worn an all black outfit in forever? I mean that’s so 2013. Just kidding. But really, I wore nothing but black last year. I was honestly going through a lot, more than a lot, and wearing all black seemed to be easier. I felt depressed so why not be stereotypical and where all black? I’ve done a slight 180 since last year. I love to dress and live life in color. I never want that to change. A rainbow signifies a promise, happiness, and sunshine. Not to be cheesy but I’ve made it through the eye of the storm. I’m ready for the rainbow now. With that said not every day can be unicorns and smiley faces. I will always have those dark cloudy days for as long as I live but it’s about taking that sadness and creating something beautiful out of it. I want to be remembered as sunshine… so I’m gonna dress like it.

I hope everyone has a lovely Thanksgiving. Savor the food but also the moments with your loved ones. Take as many pictures as you can and say your “I love you’s.”

Xoxo,

Karissa

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| Sweater (SOLD OUT)- Similar | Skirt-Similar | Boots |