Hi ladies, bringing it back to basics with a black and white OOTD — my favourite.
Lately I’ve been loving looking back at older pictures of Jessica Simpson’s style after her show with Nick, especially her daytime looks with flared pants, oversized sunnies and simple accessories. I wanted to recreate that effortless early-2000s feel and add my own touch.
Happy Sunday xo
Now that I have found a Polyvore-like website, prepare to be sick of me because I am about to become fully obsessed with making photo collages of outfit inspiration. Consider this your warning.
I am currently on a HUGE The Hills re-watch and completely forgot just how much I loved Lauren Conrad’s style. Honestly, looking back at her outfits from 2006–2008, I am shocked by how many of them still feel completely relevant today. There is something about her wardrobe that feels timeless rather than trendy, and I would genuinely wear so many of her looks today without changing a thing.
If you look closely, Lauren always had a very strong foundation to her personal style. There was a signature beauty look that almost never changed: short red, nude or black nails, perfectly tousled blonde hair, usually with either a little side twist or a middle part, defined eyeliner, and, of course, a Chanel bag. The beauty and accessories stayed consistent while the outfits themselves rotated around that formula.
And that is really what made her style so good. She would fluctuate between a pretty feminine dress and a much more casual combination of skinny jeans and a blouse, but somehow everything still looked distinctly like Lauren. Nothing felt overly complicated or like she was trying too hard. It was polished, feminine, slightly preppy, and very California in the best possible way.
Watching The Hills again has also reminded me that a lot of what we considered quintessentially “2000s” Lauren Conrad fashion has actually aged incredibly well. The skinny jeans, simple blouses, ballet flats, little dresses, oversized sunglasses, delicate jewelry and structured handbags could easily be pulled from her 2007 wardrobe and dropped straight into 2026.
I think that is what I love most about her style: she had a very recognizable uniform, but she knew how to make it feel fresh without constantly reinventing herself. Lauren was never chasing every new trend. She simply knew what worked for her, and honestly, that is probably the ultimate fashion lesson.
And, of course, we cannot talk about Lauren without talking about the business empire she built alongside the fashion. This is actually why I incorporated her book into the collage. She was incredibly business savvy and used The Hills as a platform to build a brand far beyond television. Books, clothing, makeup and so much more followed. Looking back now, it is pretty impressive to see how intentionally she turned her personal style and television presence into an actual business empire.
Are you still inspired by Lauren Conrad’s style just like I am?
XO, Marilou Isabel
Hi Ladies, just wanted to share a good ol' flat lay of my beauty favorites! I'll make it short and sweet and cut right to the chase For my face, I have been loving self-tanner, of course. I swear by the St. Tropez 1 Hour Mousse. I love the MAC Face & Body Foundation as a base because it's so lightweight, and then I cover whatever needs a little more coverage with my beloved MUFE Foundation Stick. It's super high coverage and long-lasting.
For bronzer, it's cream bronzer only for me. My skin is more on the dry side, so any powder tends to make it look super cakey and even drier. I love the Chanel Universal Bronzer, or, for a more budget-friendly option, the Maybelline Bronzing Lifter Stick. It's so easy to use and gives you an instant tan wherever you need it.
For lips, it's always the Fenty Heat lip glosses. Any of them, honestly, they're just the best and very plumping. And if you're more on a budget, I love the e.l.f. ones. They're super shimmery and so nice to wear on top of a lipstick.
This has honestly changed my 2026: the lash cluster. What do you mean I get to have instant, salon-looking lashes at home for less than $10? Obsessed. I'm using the Key You in Flora right now, but I have my eyes on the VeyesBeauty in Whisper. A must-have!
I also swear by these PawPaw Beauty Blenders. I used to only use the Real Techniques ones, but these are 1. pink, and 2. you get six for the price of one Beauty Blender. They also feel like such good quality.
For my hair, I went back to basics and started using Pantene again. My hair is doing amazing, and I love the scent of the Collagen Shampoo they have. It reminds me of a product from Miriam K that I used to love, kind of bubblegum-y.
The Clarifying Shampoo for volume is also a must for a good cleaning reset and a fresh scalp. It gives so much volume too! Love!!!
What are some beauty products you've been absolutely obsessed with lately?
XO,Marilou Isabel
Is anyone else ready to bring back the BlackBerry as a fashion statement?
Holding a BlackBerry in your hand was the it-girl move in the late 2000s. I’m obviously thinking of Lauren Conrad in the later seasons of The Hills, BlackBerry in hand, Chanel double flap, effortlessly looking like she had somewhere very important to be.
I still remember saving €500 during my college days just to buy one, which felt like an absolute fortune for a phone at the time but I remember feeling so cool having one and being able to BBM my friends,
So when I recently discovered that you can still find BlackBerry phones on Amazon, I started thinking: why not bring one back? I’m seriously considering getting one as a burner phone for the days when I don’t want to be on social media but still want access to the basics : a phone number, calls, texts, and a little bit of independence from my smartphone. I am feeling SO saturated right now with social media : especially the reels and short content, I want either long Youtube makeup tutorials or no content!
XO,Marilou Isabel
Hi ladies, happy Monday!
I’ve been working on this post since Sunday evening because I was on the hunt for a Polyvore-style website to help me create my inspiration board and clip outfits from different websites. IYKYK, as an early-00s blogger, Polyvore was our go-to!
As a Zara girl through and through (and someone who refreshes their website daily honestly at this point), I’ve put together my three favourite dresses for the end of summer. As mentioned in my last post, these all work with my colour palette now that I know I’m a Cool Summer, no black in sight! Lol. But I’m actually loving having some new options, especially this gorgeous wine colour. Right now I am on a mini dress + mules kicker. You just can't go wrong! It's always effortless and put together without trying too hard.
My favourite is probably the second one. It has a beautiful jacquard print, and I LOVE the corset detailing, it makes the dress fit so perfectly. Honestly, it gives me a little House of CB vibe in the best way.
The last dress was also inspired by my last post. The girl I follow and love, Chanel Poda from Chicago was wearing a House of CB dress with this gorgeous flowy, off-the-shoulder vibe, and Zara has a very similar look-for-less option! I’m obsessed with the whole silhouette. I love that the dress name is : Georgette shimmer ruffle mini dress. Very cute!
Which look is your favourite? Xo
Here’s my personal take on fall fashion this year: I want to be a real-life Bratz Doll. Think fun, very thematic outfits, a full beat of makeup, extensions, heels every chance I get, even during the day, lots of browns and darker pastel colors, and fun accessories like capes and headbands. Obviously, all of it paired with a deep tan and fun activities like a pumpkin patch day or a rooftop night out.
I love Chanel Poda on IG; she’s one of my favorite fashion inspirations to follow.
What’s one fall outfit or fashion moment you’re most excited to wear this year?
Back in the day, I was really into Whitney and her sweet-girl persona, but growing up, I’ve definitely switched teams and become much more into Olivia Palermo and her mean-girl persona. Not saying being a mean girl is cool, but you live and learn! Sometimes you need to channel a little bit of that mean-girl energy, because otherwise, people will walk all over you… just like Kelly Cutrone said "If you have to cry, go outside!"
Honestly, I need to rewatch this show and see how differently I feel about everyone now! Also, Olivia’s fashion is SO on point, she’s incredibly inspirational, and I absolutely love her with lighter hair!
This show is actually part of the reason I renamed my blog The Belle in the City. Having my blog is my own version of “Whitney Port moving to NYC to pursue her fashion dreams. I’ve always loved having a space where I can share, connect with, and hopefully help inspire women. I’ve also always loved living in big cities, from London to now Mexico City. So watch out, CDMX, the Belle is now in the city!
XO,Marilou Isabel
My idea of a good time: going to the supermarket on my own, checking out everything pink, and having my chihuahuas tag along in QUIET! lol. I don't want to talk! I just want to enjoy the vibes.
Hope you enjoy these series of me just me wandering around various supermarkets, noticing all the cute things, and filming along the way.
XO,Marilou Isabel
Hi ladies, happy August! So excited for September, my birthday month is just around the corner. I wanted to share some of my recent hair diaries as I am currently in a crossroads. Being naturally brunette, I always wanted to be blonde and feel like I am blonde at heart. I have been icy blonde, honey blonde, lowlights, highighted, bronde and almost brunette. I think the blonde style definitely suits me more - but I am craving to go full full blonde.
Not a highlighter look anymore.
Which do you like more?
(See inspo below from my Pinterest page).
Follow my Pinterest page @thebelleinthecity same for Instagram.
XO XO , Marilou Isabel
