7.29.2011

So, first things first: What do you think of my new blog design?! I have to say a giant thank you to Jillian from Cornflake Designs. She was extremely friendly, and very easy to work with. I highly recommend her if you are thinking of re-designing your own blog. I couldn't be happier!


Now onto the business of the LBC - little black clutch. You may remember this post when I raved about Spring and Summer's oversized, candy colored clutches to tuck under your arm. I still love them, but because my focus is starting to veer towards Fall, I think I am in need of one in the most basic of colors - black. One that is classic, will go with any outfit, and will transition brilliantly no matter what the event or occasion.

 "dream" option:




Mid Range Option:



Look for less option:




A black clutch is a closet essential, and they are relatively easy to find. Now I just have to find mine :)

~Noelle

7.26.2011





Simple makeup, just a taupe eyeshadow (Mac Smoke & Diamonds) and pink lips (NYX Soft Matte Lip Creme in Istanbul)



With such a simple dress, it's always about the accessories

Nails - Essie Meet me at sunset, Ring - YSL arty ovale


Bag - MNG by Mango, Shoes - Guess (old)




This dress is by far a favorite in my closet. Soft cotton lace, and a great fit.
Thank you Zara.

~Noelle

7.22.2011





Ruched sleeved blazer - Nordstrom, Lace top - Charlotte Russe, Denim shorts - AE, Leopard flats - Steve Madden, Bag - MNG by Mango


I found another pair of American Eagle boyfriend shorts! They are pretty identical to my original pair you have seen me wear countless times, except these are a tad darker in wash and they have less distressing going on. I'm sure no one will be able to tell the difference, but I am thrilled to have another standby. I was looking through Lucky magazine the other week and saw an outfit like this featured. I knew I had to try it out and I love it! I think this is a great "preppy" uniform for the Summer. Leopard, lace, and denim really work together.

~Noelle

7.20.2011

Gold is a classic metal. One that lights up the face and looks wonderful against a tan in Summertime. As a rule (albeit a loose one), I gravitate towards gold in the Spring and Summer, silver in the Fall/Winter. Of course it depends on my mood and my overall outfit for that day, but this is something I've done for years now.

It's no secret that I've been really into chunky, colorful statement jewelry (seen here, here, and my favorite here!)

I like to mix it up, and as of late I have my eyes on quite a few delicate silvery pieces instead. (I mean, how many variations of turquoise, coral, and lapis necklaces, rings, and bracelets can one have? Well many, actually! But that's beside the point.)


I already own these, which I love:

But I wouldn't mind having these pretties too:  I adore Sonya Renee.





Pearls are timeless and I love this necklace from the CurrentCustom






When it comes to Silver, Tiffany &Co. and that little blue box always comes to mind.

I fell in love with this bracelet on Veronika's blog. Pretty to wear alone or layer.


This personalized monogram pendant is very similar to the Jennifer Zuener necklaces seen on Hollywood actresses. The maker, elygoldart, can be found on Etsy.


What type of jewelry are you loving?
~Noelle

7.18.2011



It's been two years since I first started this little bloggy blog. I started it mainly out of boredom to be honest. I was still in college, studying a subject that isn't very light-hearted a lot of the time and I really needed an outlet. I loved makeup, so I figured why not start a blog? I loved beauty products, I am a girl, and was 24 - hence, the moniker Beautygirl24. Not the most exciting or creative name. Sometimes I regret choosing it, but I never thought I'd even get 10 followers let alone 400. So really, I don't regret it. It's me. Now that I do more fashion posts, it's even more me!

I've been wanting to re-design the overall look of my blog for a long time, but because I'm not computer savvy I wasn't sure how to go about it.  Well, I finally found someone to vamp it up, and I couldn't be more thrilled! The process begins next week. Expect a new layout soon. I want something simple, because that's how I am ;) I have no idea how it will turn out, but I don't think it could be anything other than a much needed boost. I hope you all will like it!

 I love blogging even more now than I did back then.

Thank you for reading and commenting. I really appreciate all of you!

~Noelle

7.17.2011





Black babydoll dress - Charlotte Russe(old), Cobalt cardigan - Nordstrom (Halogen), Peep toe wedges - Boutique 9(old), Bag - MNG Mango (JCPenney), Necklace - Lisa Taubes, Ring - YSL Arty, Earrings - Chanel


Past closet favorites: the Charlotte Russe babydoll dress, worn in Maui when I went there three years ago. I actually considered tossing it a few months back, but something told me to hang on to it. When I put it on again Friday night for a date with the boyfriend, I was instantly transported to that happy vacation. I also used to love the wedges, and I still do. They are just a bit uncomfortable to walk in, so I don't reach for them very often. One plus is that they make me taller - a whopping 5'6 ;)

New favorites: My YSL arty rings, this one in lapis. They really make an outfit look more special and are surprisingly versatile. My Lisa Taubes necklace has been a staple lately, as I can't seem to take it off. I wore it doubled for the first time, and I liked the way the light catches the gold around my neck.

What are your closet favorites?
~Noelle

7.15.2011

When it comes to Summer, there is nothing I love more than hot pink. Saturated, bright, lift your spirits pink. Nothing better!


Two of my favorites. Opaque and easy to work with.





On my fingers: Orly in Fancy Fuchsia.
I love the Barbie Mattel pink with my YSL Lapis ring.













This is quite possibly the most unique lip product I've ever tried. A cross between a gloss, lipstick, and a stain! Love it! It applies like a gloss or liquid lipstick, then dries to a matte finish. I recommend topping it off with a good lip balm.



~Noelle

7.13.2011

I needed a light fragrance for Summer and the boyfriend was sweet enough to get this for me:



It's a limited edition fragrance by Philosophy, sold only during Summer. Here is how it's described on Sephora:
"Inspired by the sunny, carefree spirit of summer, Philosophy's Summer Grace spray fragrance refreshes the spirit and opens the heart. Like a bottle of sunshine, this warm and bright floral fragrance was created to make a woman feel the lighthearted happiness and ease of summer."

Notes: "Blooming flowers, sun ripened fruits."

I will say that overall, I'm a big Philosophy fan. I love their message as a brand. I've tried other fragrances such as Falling in Love and Unconditional Love, both of which I really liked.

My only gripe is that the scent fades rather quickly, so you have to keep applying or at least you might be tempted to. I try to avoid that temptation, as I think people often make this mistake and over-apply. Just because you can't smell it on yourself, doesn't mean others can't ;)

This scent is perfect for Summer. It's floral, but not so much that you feel overwhelmed. It settles very nicely on my skin. I actually prefer the way it develops on me over time than at first spray. It's a happy scent, and instantly puts me in a better mood.


What's your Summer fragrance?
~Noelle

7.11.2011

In my last post, I had a reader request to see a more detailed look of my natural hair using only the Living Proof Wave Styling Creme. Well of course I can!

I took a shower, put my hair in a towel for about ten minutes, combed it through, and then dispersed a nickel sized amount of creme, focusing on the middle of my hair and going down through the ends. I didn't put any near my roots, although I did use a tiny amount left over on my hand to run through the shorter layers of hair around my face. Then, I air dried. Fan blasting in my room, my hair was dry in no time flat.



I think it looks much better than it normally does without the Living Proof product. It isn't perfect by any means. But I don't think naturally wavy or curly hair ever is perfect. If I want a more polished look, I have to pick up a heating appliance, bottom line. But I really love the creme's control. It can be a bit crunchy, but only use a small amount and you should be ok.
The sole reason I bought this was to wear my hair as is, and I feel confident enough that I can. Do I still  prefer my hair straight, or curled with an iron? Yup! But because it's a million (ok, 100) degrees where I live during Summer, I needed something to tame my frizz and let me be free.
I hope this photo helped my reader =)

PS - taking a close up pic is a leeettle bit strange for me. The old days of taking gratuitous self shots for MySpace are long gone my friends. Long gone!


If all else fails, and my hair just won't cooperate no matter what, then I use this:

There, that'll do it. Fedoras are great.




On another note, GO BUY THIS BOOK!

I love Bethenny, I think she's a riot and incredibly savvy. But even if you aren't a huge fan of hers, I highly, highly recommend this book. Hate your job, your relationship, your food habits, your life? Or just need a quick boost? This is life-changing, no joke. I read it cover to cover in one day!

I sound like a walking infomercial.

~ Noelle


7.08.2011





cream top - Nordstrom, cami underneath - F21, black bandage skirt - Express, patent peep toe pumps - Nordstrom (old), necklace - Lisa Taubes, "love" bangle - F21


It took me a long time to jump on the bandage skirt bandwagon. I liked them on other girls, but felt sort of confined whenever I tried one on. I'm not used to wearing tight skirts. This one from Express is cut for petites, and is surprisingly forgiving. I love the propotion with my new flowy cream top from Nordstrom. I was tempted to belt it, but I don't think it would look appropriate with this skirt. The gold Lisa Taubes necklace (a constant when I don't know what jewelry to wear) and my love bangle are the perfect add-ons to a fun, simple look for a night out on the town. In fact, I think I'll wear this very same outfit in Vegas come September.

***I have been wearing my hair naturally for the past week and I really enjoy the freedom of being me! No dryer, no straightener, no bs! It's Summer, to hell with it I say. The Living Proof Wave Styling Creme is great, and it does make my waves less fuzzy and messy looking. In fact, it's the best I've tried yet. My hair isn't completely frizz free, but not a total disaster. An accomplishment in my book.***

~Noelle

7.06.2011

I first heard about Chanel's stunning Fall collection while casually flipping through Allure magazine the last time I payed a visit to my hair salon. I wanted to cut the page out and save it, but instead I made note of the July release date. I only own Chanel's Black Pearl, one of my favorite nail colors to wear. I also won Riva, a pale baby blue, through a blog giveaway.

The price tag of a Chanel polish pushes me away, but I knew I wasn't going to even try to resist this time.

So I went to Bloomingdales last Friday. They didn't have the collection in yet. I went to Macy's. They didn't have it either. I went to Saks and they didn't have it. Ugh.......


Then I went to Nordstrom, where lo and behold...they did have the collection. *Smiles all around.*





Graphite was the color I coveted most.
A unique mix of silver, gold. I can't quite explain it.
It is amazing!


Peridot is what I've always wanted from the trendy duochrome polishes.
It's a mix of stark, tarnished gold with hints of turquoise and green.
Trendy, but still chic and sophisticated.


With flash


Without flash




Of course my camera doesn't do them justice, which is heartbreaking for me as a beauty blogger. I really hope you will check them out in person.

My new obsessions for the upcoming Fall season.

What do you think?
~Noelle

7.04.2011


Happy 4th of July everyone! And, happy birthday, America!


I hope everyone is loving the long holiday weekend as much as I am. It is definitely needed. I did a little bit of shopping on Friday and I wanted to share the things I got. I don't do these posts as often as I used to, mainly because I think showing new clothes in outfits or doing reviews about the makeup I buy is more useful to you as readers. But, sometimes it's fun to just do a shopping post.

The obligatory "haul".

Gorgeous, flattering dress from Zara. It's part of their new collection and it was the last one in my size (small). I love the pretty lace. The cotton is extemely soft and it's so comfortable I could sleep in it. Don't worry girls - I won't.

I love the little keyhole in the back. The tiny button looks like an abalone shell. Can't wait to wear this. It's such a soft nude that I think I could pair it with just about anything.

How would you wear it? What colors/shoes/accessories?
 I'm thinking brights! Then with other neutrals come Fall.





This flowy chiffon top is from Nordstrom. Notice a nude theme?


Again, I'm all about the details.





From Ulta: China Glaze Shocking Pink (neon). Remember this post? Yup, still into the whole dayglo thing. I've been searching for Essie's Pink Parka, but can't find it. I think the China Glaze is close enough!

I also got one of NYX's new Soft Matte Lip Cremes and a trial size of Living Proof's No Frizz Wave Styling Creme. My hair is a frizzy bleeping mess this time of year and I am so tired of blowdrying it. Hopefully this is a miracle, but I'm very skeptical.

Reviews/swatches of everything to come!

I also picked up a couple more polishes, two very very special nail polishes. That will be my next post.


~Noelle

7.01.2011

I can't remember how I stumbled upon Kris Nations. I've been over-the-moon for jewelry the past few months, and so I regularly frequent sites in hopes of finding hidden gems. Although I love bold statement pieces, there is something to be said about delicate options; dainty looks feminine and pretty. Easy to wear and to layer. Little necklaces don't need to compete for attention.

I love my California necklace. State pride all the way! I think it would be cool to collect necklaces from every state I have visited.



The clasp is unlike any I've seen.




Hawaii is next on my must-have list =)



Aside from loving my California necklace, I'm also loving the California weather. A bit steamy, and I know my hair is fighting the humidity, but I picked up this adorable floral top from F21 and it's such a cute way to beat the heat. I just love flowy tanks. The back forms a pretty T. I wore it last night to sushi.




Have a wonderful Friday!
~ Noelle