10.30.2010

Thursday I posted some recent purchases, and I desperately needed your help with a pair of boots I was very iffy about. I got mixed reviews on them: some said I should keep them, others said the color or style was a bit off, and yet another lovely girl said they looked like pirate boots! No offense taken Natalia =) I adore Johnny Depp in Pirates of The Caribbean but I don't want to resemble him. I decided to return them yesterday morning. I mulled the boots over, and although I orginally loved their appearance on the shelf in the store, once I got them home and tried them on I was certain they weren't for me. I just needed some opinions to confirm my own thoughts. Thank you for the feedback, I really loved hearing what you girls all had to say. Your honesty was just what I needed!

My Sephora Friends and Family goodies arrived yesterday as well. I strayed quite a bit from my original wishlist. I skipped the NARS blush because I wanted to buy some from MAC instead. I also decided to forgo Benefit's Skinny Jeans creme shadow, although I'm sure I'll want it again in the future. Here's what I got:
Lancome Artliner in Noir, BE Buxom Mascara, UDPP in the LE Pro Tube, and Smith's Rosebud Salve. Three random samples were also included.


I stopped into the MAC counter to purchase two blushes. One is part of the Tartan Tale collection called My Highland Honey. It has no shimmer and is the perfect peachy-orange. The second blush has a cult following - Pink Swoon (permanent). Kardashian cheeks, here I come!
They are much more color saturated in person. The camera reads them as being muted, but they are not. Expect swatches and or reviews coming soon!


My OOTD (Friday)

Striped top with puffy shoulders - Forever 21
Chain necklaces - American Eagle
Jeans - Express. Please bring this style back! I don't like the new styles and washes
Green flats - Zara

Have I ever mentioned I have a ballet flat obsession? These are quite possibly my favorite. I love the combination of the green with the navy stripes in my top.

I am going to a Halloween party tonight! What are your plans?
♥ Noelle

10.28.2010

The thing I've discovered about following amazingly-gorgeous-creative-inspiring fashion bloggers is that their style sort of rubs off on you. Or at least it tends to rub off on me. My style is continually evolving, and thank Heaven for that! I've made some serious blunders in my day! Here are two new additions to my wardrobe, courtesy of  seriously fab fashion girls.

The striped top is from Forever 21, inspired by Vivian of Diamonds and Tulle.
The floral cami is from Target, and it has previously been spotted on Chloe. It looks great with grey!

I also purchased this from Forever 21's Love 21 line.
I love how flowy it is, and the little pocket is so cute. No. More. Lace. That's it, I'm starting to resemble my great-grandmother again. I do this so much. I fasten on to a certain trend I love each season, and then I buy it in bulk!

And this was too cute for words. I purchased it on Shopruche.com
I thought of you Katie ♥ Every girl loves Audrey.


One last thing Readers. I need some advice. I just bought these leather taupe boots from TJ-Maxx. The brand is dv by Dolce Vita
I just don't know what I think of them, so I may return them.
Pros: They are flat, comfortable, and good quality. They can also be worn over the knee
Cons: I want true brown or camel colored flat boots. Plus, I'm just not sure if these look "right" on me.

I need your input! Please let me know what you think!



10.25.2010

Lately I have been LUSTING over velvet. From pretty jackets and coats, to shoes and clutches, there is something so soft and romantic about this luxurious fabric. I think a pair of heels will make their way into my closet at some point, and soon!

Save these for a special occasion? Noooo. I would rock them every day!






Velvet leggings?! How amazing! I would love these!




Red Velvet Cupcakes - I'm lusting for this too!


Happy Monday,
Noelle



10.22.2010

Before I begin this post, I just want to thank all of you who commented on my last post from Wednesday. I truly appreciate the kind words of encouragement and support, and I know that many of you are either experiencing similar situations or have in the past (and have survived the madness!) This is why I love blogging. It's such a great way to interact with others from different parts of the world, and really, we all have common problems in some form or another. So...THANK YOU AGAIN!

I've definitely been under the weather the past week. I have barely had the energy to get dressed in the morning and have spent the majority of my time in bed. It's been fun to catch up on t.v., blogs, and YouTube, but I am really looking forward to feeling better and leaving the house! I think I have a head cold, because it started out as a sore throat and now it's all concentrated in my nose. I know, it's gross. Sorry! Anyway, I did manage to look semi normal, albeit not until six in the evening yesterday.

Here are some beauty products I use when I'm not feeling well, but still have to look presentable:
From Left to Right:
1) A good moisturizer is always a must when feeling sick. The weather here has been cloudy, rainy, and cold so a good facial lotion is a must regardless. But when I'm sick, my skin gets extra dry and flaky. My combination skin turns completely dry! I like Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, because it soaks right in and is moisturizing without feeling too heavy or greasy. I have used this stuff since I was eighteen and I love it even more now than I did then.

2) I usually skip foundation when I'm sick and just use a light tinted moisturizer instead. The one I have used for awhile now is by Korres, and it smells like watermelons! It's the perfect amount of lightweight coverage.

3) A little bit of blush and bronzer to brighten up the complexion is vital. I look extra pale when I get sick, and this ELF blush and bronzer duo has enough sheen and shimmer to make me look a little less like a zombie.

4) Concealer! This is the most important in my opinion. I get really red around my mouth and nose when I'm battling a cold. I use the green tinted concealer in the bottom left corner of this Sonia Kashuk concealer palette to cover the redness. I might sneeze it off, but it's sort of like a security blanket while i'm out in public.

5) EOS lip balm is my savior! My lips have been chapped all week (cuz I can't really breathe through my nose, so I breathe through my mouth). This causes lots of dryness, and lip balm feels so good when you're sick with a cold.

~Honorable Mention~ Any type of eye brightening shadow to enhance the eyes and bring some light to the face. I like All That Glitters, Grand Entrance, or Naked Lunch all by MAC. Just a quick sweep over the entire eye makes a big difference.



This was me forcing a smile last night. I wore everything I mentioned above, plus mascara and eyeliner. A GIANT MISTAKE! A few minutes after this, I started sneezing like crazy and the eyeliner wound up everywhere. So, I suggest skipping liner, especially on the bottom lash line. I'm just a creature of habit, so I lined them anyway but I don't recommend it. Just keep everything clean and simple.

Other under-the-weather must haves: Vitamin C, Water, some type of OTC cold medication to alleviate symptoms, a warm blanket, fashion mags, and if brave enough, a sweet loving BF to cuddle with. Just don't sneeze or cough on him ;) Have a great weekend everyone! I'll be back next week, hopefully feeling back to normal! ♥ Noelle

10.20.2010

This is going to be a very uncomfortable kind of post for me Readers. I normally don't like disclosing too much information about my life, not because I don't want to share the details with you, but mostly because this little blog is an escape for me, a break from reality and a way to share my most frivolous and fanatical obsessions.

I graduated from College this past Spring, with a BA in Human Development. People often ask me what that really means, and the best way to explain it is to lump it into the same category and realm as Psychology (minus all the applied research). I chose this as my major because I was a floater in school. I didn't know what the heck I wanted to do or who I wanted to be. So I took a couple of intro Psych courses in college and although I wasn't sure what I wanted to do after graduating, I kept on a floatin'.

Well now I feel like I made the wrong choice. Big time. I think. I THINK?!!!

This is where the Quarterlife crisis comes in. It is a great book that was recommended to me and although it helps to reassure me that as a mid twenty-something, I am not alone in my confusions, my fears, and my doubts, I still have a nagging feeling that I have no clue what the hell I'm supposed to be doing and it's preventing me from living my life to the fullest.

I recently got a job working in a residential treatment center/school in a dorm with young children who have very serious problems. I'm sick as a dog already and I just started my first day of training yesterday! I had to skip today and won't be back until next week when I feel well enough. But again, I am just not sure this is the right job for me. I need to have a steady job and I need to make money, so I am going to stick it out and see what happens. But I want more than anything to be happy in what I do every day.

What makes me happy: I love to write. I always have, always will. I could have majored in journalism or literature, but I didn't. I'm not sure why.
What also makes me happy: Fashion. I wanted to possibly attend FIDM after I graduated high school, but I didn't want to move away to Los Angeles or San Diego and leave the security of home. So I didn't. Becoming a fashion buyer would be my ultimate dream job!

The bottom line is that I sacrificed my true loves because I was scared, lazy, and lacked the discipline and motivation to really make things happen for myself. I settled for a major that looked "good on paper", that would satisfy my need to be considered smart by others, that I thought would allow me to feel fulfilled by helping others. Now, I am thinking about going back to school, maybe take a few fashion and writing courses. But there is also this part of me that thinks I should go back and get my Master's, possibly in school or college counseling so I can be an academic advisor. See? So many options! I go back and forth 100 times in a day.

So, to any of you bloggers out there who have felt this way, please share a bit of your struggles with me! I would love to hear from you. Also, to those of you working in the fashion industry now, just in case I ever decide to go that route: any advice for someone like me who has no experience at all? Where do I even begin?



If you stuck this one out, Thank You for reading!
Noelle

10.18.2010

Happy Monday Readers. I can't lie and say that I love Mondays, because I don't! But, may as well make the most out of  'em. I just wanted to do a quick post about the Sephora Friends and Family Sale, going on October 22nd and running through November 3rd. I don't know about you, but I am super excited for this! I love discounts, and 20% is pretty good especially since beauty products are rarely ever discounted at Sephora.

Here is what is in my shopping cart, ready to go:









OOTD:



Navy ruffle jacket: Aryn K
Striped top underneath: Forever 21
Jeans: Express (this style is no longer available)
Flats: Tory Burch Revas (yes, I do wear them a lot now and although they are still a tiny bit uncomfortable after a few hours of wear, I still love them)

Are you planning on indulging in the Sephora Friends and Family Sale?
Let me know!
♥ Noelle



10.13.2010

I bought this lace skirt yesterday while I was looking around Express. I was on the hunt for a black dress to wear to my friend's wedding in three weeks (she wants her guests to wear black if possible) and I am growing tired of the other thousand LBD's hanging in my closet. So I needed one thousand and one. Look for it to make an appearance on this little blog in a few weeks!  This lacey skirt is made of the same material as the dress, and I love the way it fits. Not like I needed another black lace skirt, but. Um. Yeah, I don't know. There's no way to justify this purchase other than I like it! And it doesn't ride up the bum like my other lace skirt from Forever 21.

I ended up wearing it out to dinner later in the afternoon. I've been schlepping around the house for the past couple of days and it felt good to put some heels and some lipgloss on!


Must. Get. New. Camera.



Black lace skirt: Express
Blazer with ruched sleeves: Necessary Objects Via Nordstrom
White top: Love 21
Chain necklaces: American Eagle
Patent peep toe pumps with bows: Unisa Via Marshalls
Creme leather bag: Juicy Couture, have owned it for years!


Is there anything you keep gravitating to in stores, even though you already own similar items in your closet? It needs to stop Readers, it needs to stop.
♥ Noelle


10.12.2010

Good 'ol Jack. Jack Johnson and his music always puts me in a peaceful mood, one in which I can pretend I am on a beach in Hawaii, digging my toes into the sand and listening to the waves clapping against the shore. I get this type of wishful thinking when I am unsure about things, and right now I sort of am. I got a new job Readers! It's much closer to home than my previous job (nine miles to be exact) and it is at a school/residential center for kids with behavioral problems and emotional traumas. My job is going to be to work with the younger kids in the dorm, mainly just watch over them and make sure they aren't getting into trouble. I'm nervous because I've never really worked with kids before, and I'm not sure how good I will be at it. But I'm also very excited to get out of an office environment and do something totally different than what I was doing as an administrative assistant. Plus, I'll really get to see first hand the things I learned about in college.

So I sit. I don't start until next week. And I wait. And...why not wish for really extravagant things? I'm a dreamer, this is what I do.

A Burberry Cashmere Scarf, cuz it gets very cold here in Southern California ;)


I must admit that I've never really bought into the LV madness before, but the Damier Speedy 30 is oh so pretty, and I just love a bag resting comfortably on my arm.


I love Michael Kors, and his watches are a classic. This one in particular is my favorite. Love the mother of pearl face.


Rebecca Minkoff leather pouches. This item, out of all of my crazy fantasies, is very possible to attain =)


And of course, because the boyfriend is sick of hearing about it...
Now I know these things are quite unrealistic at the moment, but that's why it's called A Wishlist! What are you obsessing over these days?

10.10.2010

I managed to wake up early on this Sunday morning and battled zero traffic. I love that about Sundays in my suburban town. It only took two visits to two separate Target stores to find the Mulberry For Target bag I have been lusting after:

The quality is alright. It isn't bad, but it definitely isn't the real thing either. I think it's PVC, but with a slight pebbled appearance. I have really been wanting a simple black bag this Fall, and this is a great option. I have already detached the heart key chain from it, because I don't like the look of it much. In my opinion, it takes away from the classic feel of Mulberry.





This one is already sold out! And according to target.com, it won't be back until November 14th:



Did you girls take a peek at the collection online? Are you planning on buying one? Let me know in your comments! Have a great Sunday!

10.08.2010

Happy Friday! Another wonderful weekend to look forward to, and what better way to kick it off then dinner at a fun restaurant followed by a movie (The Social Network). I always feel like a teenager during these types of outings, except I can drink a glass of wine now and I don't have to bother calling my mother to tell her where I am. Wait, scratch that. I still often do ;)

Cardigan: Halogen (Nordstrom)
Tank: Target
Skinny Jeans: Banana Republic
Pumps: Kenneth Cole Reaction (DSW)
Bag: Mango

I added a black satin ribbon from a black dress I have.


It's always about the accessories for me. The hamsa necklace was only nine dollars at a boutique, and the sparkly "amazing" studs can be found on Lorraine Stanick's (TheCurrentCustom) blog. They were a gift from the bf.



Now I'm off to eat and be merry!
♥ Noelle


10.06.2010

Last week I stopped at Sephora, looking for absolutely nothing in particular. I was mainly trying to kill some time. I have never paid much attention to the Balm cosmetics display, hidden at the very end of an aisle. The retro type packaging is cute, but then again, so is Benefit's. However, this face palette (aptly named Balmbini) required a second look and it was love at first swatch.

The packaging IS adorable, especially if you're into that type of thing. I normally don't care either way, but this palette really caught my eye.


The palette unfolds to reveal: two blushes(one a rosy pink, the other a peachy coral with gold shimmer), one highlighter(sort of like NARS Albatross), two eyeshadows(a shimmery taupe and a hunter green), one lipstick in berry red and one lipgloss with a slight hint of pink.


A closer look reveals I have already used the lip products. They are both sheer, but they still leave such a pretty stain and glow to the lips. The powder products are all extremely pigmented, soft, and buttery.


Truth be told, I actually don't care for palettes. The Urban Decay Naked palette and now this one are my only exceptions. I have been carrying this around in my purse ever since leaving Sephora with it, and it's great for touch-ups throughout the day (something I've never really done much before either). I wouldn't feature this palette if I didn't think some of you girls would love it! I suggest giving it a try, not only for yourself, but also as a sweet gift for all of the girly girls out there.

I hope you all are having a great week!
♥ Noelle

10.03.2010



These gorgeous wedge BCBGeneration Boots are a recent find from Marshalls! I think you know by now that I love to shop at places like Marshalls, TJ-Maxx, and Nordstrom Rack. It's usually hit or miss, but when you hit, you find something amazing! These were 40% off the original price. They go up to just below my knees and are so comfortable. I have never considered buying wedge boots, as I like heeled boots the best. But after seeing the quality of these and then trying them on, I knew I couldn't pass them up because they were the only pair left! I have a hard time describing the feel of them. They are man-made material, but they feel like a cross between suede and leather. They are also slightly pebbled, and I love the little buckle detail on the sides. I can't wait to tuck them into some skinnies - my absolute fave look for Fall.

What kind of boots are you on the hunt for? I have a sneaking suspision many of you want over-the-knee boots ;) I wish my legs were long enough to pull off the trend! Do you shop at stores like Marshalls, or are they too overwhelming?
♥ Noelle

10.01.2010

I normally think of lipstains as being popular in the Summertime. No one wants to worry about goopy lip gloss and heavy lipsticks when the temps reach scorching levels. However, what about these pretty popsicle lips for Fall and Winter? Not so much huh? Well I didn't think so either until I kept wandering over to the displays in RiteAid and CVS these past couple of weeks. At first I resisted. I'm trying to keep my makeup buying to a minimum (although I do have some really lovely things to share with you, probably sometime next week). I've had mixed feelings about lip stains in the past, mainly because I find them extremely drying. But, Jessica Alba's ad campaign for Revlon convinced me to give them another try and while I was at it, I decided Maybelline's Color Sensational line needed some love too.

Top: Maybelline ColorSensational lipstain in Bitten Berry. Bottom: Revlon Just Bitten lipstain in Twilight.


Top: Twilight Bottom: Bitten Berry



The great thing about lipstains is that they last forever! I literally rubbed my hand raw trying to get the swatches off.
Can you see the remnants? As I type, I'm staring at two berry colored stripes ;)


The thing that I dislike about them is that they are sort of difficult to apply in the sense that they dry very quickly on the lips and can be hard to blend out. I suggest applying a lip balm over them. Note: The Revlon version comes with a balm on the end. I like the convenience of it, but I love love love the color of Maybelline's Bitten Berry. The great thing about these is that they give color to the lips, but the color is still more muted than using a lipstick or gloss. I think it's a wonderful option for those of us who can be timid and mostly wear nudes.


Revlon's Twilight, topped off with the balm it comes with. It can be layered and made quite dark.


Maybelline's Bitten Berry. So pretty! It's subtle but still gives that berry hint to the lips.



On another note, Happy Friday Dears! My internet has been down at my house, and it unfortunately won't be back to normal until next week. So here's the scenario on this stormy evening in Southern California: Yours Truly, a strawberry vivanno smoothie, noisy (sexually curious) pre-teens cackling in the seats behind mine, my trusty little laptop friend, and my local Starbucks. Well, I have about five in my near vicinity so note to self: go to a locale that isn't positioned next to a school on a Friday night =) The boyfriend is away all weekend. What a horrible time to have lost internet access at home!
Have a Beautiful Weekend,
♥ Noelle