Marissa Belle

My dream home is modern but cozy, with vintage details that give it personality. Sharing furniture, decor, lighting, and finishes that feel elevated, timeless, and intentionally collected. Contemporary foundations, vintage soul. Think warm neutrals, natural textures, statement lighting, old-world accents, and modern shapes, all layered to feel editorial but livable.

Build your dream at-home bar cart with this complete, curated guide to home bar essentials. This list covers everything you need to be a bartender at home, from must-have cocktail tools (cocktail shaker, jigger, strainer, bar spoon, muddler, citrus press, ice molds) to elevated glassware (coupe glasses, martini glasses, double old fashioned glasses, margarita glasses, wine glasses) that makes every drink feel like a night out. I also included a smart “starter shelf” of best liquors to stock for a home bar like vodka, gin, tequila, bourbon/whiskey, rum, and the bar staples that actually make cocktails taste legit: dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, bitters, cocktail syrups, rimmers, and cute functional garnishes like cocktail cherries, dehydrated citrus, olives, and edible flowers. If your favorite drinks are dirty martinis, margaritas, and espresso martinis, you’re in the right place. I added dedicated sections for each so you can nail the classics at home, plus the fun extras that make it feel like a vibe: bar cart styling pieces (trays, coasters, decanters, ice buckets, cocktail picks, napkins, and bar books) that look pretty but are actually useful when you’re hosting. Whether you’re building a bar cart on a budget, upgrading your glassware collection, or putting together the perfect setup for entertaining, these are my tried-and-true picks to make cocktail night at home easy, elevated, and very “yes, I made this.”

These are the Coach purses living rent-free in my head. The “I’m just browsing” bags that somehow turn into a full-on wish list. I’m saving the most luxe-feeling styles here, think buttery leather, iconic shapes, and that perfect mix of classic and cool. Some are everyday staples, some are wedding guest and date night perfection, and a few are bold pops of color or funky prints for when I want my bag to do the talking. Basically: dream bags only.

A curated list of my favorite Target finds, from home staples to little upgrades I repurchase or recommend all the time. Cute, practical, and actually worth it.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually worth it at Sephora, these are the tried-and-true favorites that made the cut. I’ve repurchased most of these more times than I can count (and my Rouge status proves it). From everyday staples to products that make you feel a little extra, these are my go-tos. No fluff, just the good stuff. 💋

This is my smell-good starter pack. I’ve tested way too many perfumes, detergents, and body oils, but these are the ones that always get compliments. Clean girl meets cozy luxury. 🫶🏻

If you love the look of a calm, “everything has a place” home but you do not want to spend your whole weekend decanting and labeling, this list is for you. These are my favorite Amazon organization finds that actually make a difference, from pretty baskets that hide the chaos to closet tools that instantly double your space. I organized everything by zone so you can tackle one area at a time and get that “ahhh” feeling fast.

Lululemon vibes, but my wallet said “absolutely not.” This is my Amazon-only roundup of dupes I’ve actually vetted for that sleek, elevated athleisure look: buttery leggings, cozy half-zips, flattering jackets, supportive bras, and the accessories that finish the outfit. Start here (quick guide): - If you want Align-like softness, look for “buttery,” “naked feel,” and nylon blends (these feel the most luxe). - If you want more hold/compression for training, go for “tummy control,” “sculpt,” or “high support.” - If you need squat-proof + pockets, hit the pocket leggings first (best for everyday + errands). - Fit tip: I usually go true to size in leggings, and size up if I want a roomier half-zip or a less-snug bra/top. My rule: if it doesn’t look polished and feel comfy, it doesn’t stay on the list.#amazon #amazonlist #lululemondupe #workout #amazondupe

Big Ralph Lauren vibes, but it’s ALL from Amazon. I curated this list to help you get that classic, tailored, collected-home look without the designer price tag. Think warm brass lighting, rich browns and saddle leather tones, crisp stripes and checks, cane and linen textures, blue-and-white ceramics, tortoise and lacquer accents, and elevated little details that make a space feel intentional. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just upgrading the finishing touches, these pieces are timeless, easy to mix, and meant to give your home that “quiet luxury” feel (aka the cozy, polished, lived-in-but-still-chic look).

If you’re looking for the cool, cozy, quietly elevated side of Dayton, this is my go-to list. These are the places I actually recommend when friends ask where to go for a good drink, a really solid dinner, or a slow coffee date. Think candle-lit cocktail bars, intimate wine spots, thoughtfully curated restaurants, and brunch places worth lingering at. Nothing overly flashy, just well-done spaces with great energy, great food, and that “I’m so glad we came here” feeling. Whether you’re planning a date night, a girls’ night, or just want to experience Dayton at its best, these spots never miss.

If you’re dreaming up a wedding day that feels elevated, intentional, and timeless on camera, this list is for you. I’m a wedding photographer, (check out my website after this! www.marissabelle.com) and these are Ohio venues I recommend because they’re genuinely photogenic and experience-forward, meaning they tend to have beautiful light, clean backdrops, strong portrait locations, and the kind of setting that makes the whole day feel effortlessly luxe. I organized everything by area (Cincinnati, Columbus/Central Ohio, and Cleveland/Northeast Ohio) so you can quickly narrow down what fits your guest count and weekend plans. You’ll find a mix of estate properties, museums, garden venues, country clubs, and a few “destination-feeling” spots that still make sense logistically for Ohio couples. (The included photos were provided by the venue websites and do not belong to me)

If you’re building your photography business (or trying to make your workflow feel way less chaotic), these are the apps I consider true must-haves. This is my real-life stack as a wedding photographer, the tools that help me move from inquiry to delivery smoothly, stay organized during peak season, and keep my editing process consistent without living at my computer 24/7. I’m sharing these because they genuinely save time, reduce mental load, and elevate the client experience, not because they’re trendy. Whether you’re newer and trying to set solid systems early, or you’ve been shooting a while and want a more streamlined “shoot, edit, deliver, repeat” rhythm, this list is a great place to start.