Scrolling through Instagram in need of some new creative fuel, I stumbled upon Inspo + Ivy. Lifestyle Influencer Alissa Pavano curates her squares with an elevated eye, covering food, beauty, mom life and fashion. Although the vibe is refined (and she also happens to be gorgeous), her content is always approachable, stylish, fun, witty, uplifting and real. If you don't follow Alissa already, meet your new insta-inspo.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: My life has been fueled by twists and turns. With a background in pre-med, I found myself as a stay-at-home mom of three and a professional relocator—moving our young family nine times in five years, making Fairfield our final relocation from Florida. In 2019, I decided it was time to do something for myself that I could be proud of. I began to build Inspo + Ivy, driven by sharing fashion, family, and everyday moments —the highs and lows, and all the inspiration in between. Most recently, I stepped into the corporate world as Director of Training for a financial planning firm - from the carpool to the conference room, I like to say. I'm most proud of being able to reinvent myself at every stage of life.
Q: How would you describe Inspo and Ivy and how did it get its start?
A: Inspo + Ivy started as a women's e-commerce store featuring curated collections for each season. Over the years, it has evolved into a lifestyle page. I share all the things: at-home skincare, thirty-minute family meals, affordable fashion, home finds and DIY projects. I try to strike a balance between family life, juggling a career, and enjoying a dose of healthy, let-your-hair-down, live-in-the-moment fun—and most recently—dating in your forties.
Q: What was the catalyst for Inspo and Ivy and what is its mission?
A: This question hits home. Since pausing on chasing my aspirations and passions to start a family, I had little to no financial independence. Something that terrified me and that I was never comfortable with. After a tough day, I hopped on a train to NYC and attended a fashion trade show. Within two weeks, Inspo + Ivy was born. I always knew there was more I wanted to create and this marked a huge life pivot for me. It took a lot of courage for me to take the leap and step outside of motherhood for something more. I have poured so much heart into Inspo + Ivy —a brand built to inspire women to lift each other up, prioritize self-care and well-being, and embrace their bold, edgy, and unapologetically daring side, all while maintaining balance at home.
Q: What is your overall fashion philosophy and style motto?
A: Style should be bold, effortless, and real. Something that fits both the boardroom and the bleachers. I love mixing high-impact pieces with everyday practicality. Confidence is the best accessory a woman can wear. My motto is - style is a feeling, make it powerful.
Q: What three words best describe your style?
A: Bold. Feminine. Savvy
Q: Give our readers some tips to easily update their wardrobe for Fall and your never-fail resources.
A: Brown is still very much trending. I have my eyes set on some brown leather staple pieces to update my wardrobe. I try really hard not to live in pants all winter. Grab a pair of sheer black tights (I have several Amazon tights linked on my Instagram) and a wool trench to keep your look feminine all through winter. If you don't have an oversized blazer, add one to the list and belt it to wear as a top. Lastly, when all else fails, an easy pulled-together go-to is leggings, an oversized sweater, and boots, and call it a day. Plus, don't forget eyewear- you can make an entire outfit with the right sunglasses.
Q: Share your most essential beauty tip and the must-haves in your cosmetic bag?
A: The NuSkin Lumispa ALL DAY LONG. It increases cell turnover, deep cleans your pores and is the greatest anti-aging device around. Peter Roth hyaluronic eye patches. Brow filler pencil. Waterproof retractable eyeliner for the waterline of your eyelid. And a nude lipstick (current fave: Maybelline Reef).
Q: What are your simple go-to recipes and easy teen snack hacks for on the go, especially for those hectic back-to-school days?
A: With three athletes in the house- I am all about Sunday meal prepping. We keep it simple and clean: always some marinated chicken breast, roasted baby red potatoes, jasmine rice, and roasted broccoli (475°F in the oven with olive oil - game changer). I have several slow cooker recipes on my website that won't leave your family dreading dinner. Don't be afraid to break out the ol' crockpot. But my family's absolute favorite meal to come out of my kitchen is Sunday sauce, rigatoni, and breaded Italian chicken cutlets. For snacks, we're always protein-chasing. Yogurt parfaits, a fridge full of pre-made protein shakes and our favorite movie snack popcorn with fruit snacks tossed in. 10/10 recommend!
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: My Instagram community. As silly as that sounds, I think we inspire each other. And my kids. They keep me young. They keep me sleep deprived as well. Anyone with a teenager in the house knows— one eye open at all times.
Q: What's up next for Inspo & Ivy? Manifest here ;)
A: I am embarking on a major reinvention- home life will look different (I will be sharing all the home finds, renovations, and decor), personal life will also look different (sprinkling it in when it feels right) and always on the fashion and beauty hunt to share with you all. I am most excited about this new chapter and inspiring so many of you to chase a life you deserve. Your soul should feel nourished; if it doesn't, ladies, it's time for a change. Let's manifest all things home on the horizon.
Q: What's the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
A: Letting life flow through me and allowing it to happen. There is something rewarding about letting go and then being proud of not just how you adapt, but also how you thrive along the journey. Be a love warrior. Believe in humanity and good people. Trust that the universe will deliver what is meant to stay. And lean in to what brings calm over chaos. When life throws something ugly your way, rather than react, do one thing to make yourself healthier, whether it's 100 squats, a walk, or an at-home skincare session. Before you know it, you're a better you. Nothing more rewarding than that.
Follow Alissa's fashion and beauty advice, recommendations and recipes on Instagram @inspoandivy or visit inspoandivy.com
Alissa’s Fairfield Favorites:
Family fun: Golf at the Patterson Club or Smith Richardson
Sweat Sesh: City Strong Athletics
Me Time: Samantha the Colorist @samanthathecolorist
Date Night: Barcelona Wine Bar
Sweet Treat: Playa Bowls
Girlfriend's Day: Terrain
Recharge: Jennings Beach
Design Inspo: Beehive
Retail Therapy: Jane & Mercer
IG must follow: @ashleylangerconnects