Black & White

Lace skirt - Express, Blouse - Nordstrom, Cami - F21, Pumps - Nine West, Bracelets - J. Crew and Tiffany&Co, Rings - H&M and Engagement, Earrings - F21

As much as I love color these days, there is nothing as simple and understated as black and white. I've also been wearing my J. Crew chain bracelet non-stop. I decided to pair it with a silver bracelet from Tiffany's that my mom gave me for my birthday a few years ago. Sometimes, I wish I could be 21 again! Especially when I notice little lines forming on my face that didn't used to be there, say, a few weeks ago. Funny how that happens!

♥ Noelle

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{Colorful} Girls Night Out

Blazer - Nordstrom, Coral top - Anthropologie, Jeans - Banana Republic, Berry pumps - J. Crew, Bag - Kate Spade, Jewelry - J. Crew, Lisa Taubes, Chanel, Charlene K, Engagement, Flower pin - F21

I feel very much like Carrie Bradshaw in this outfit, mainly due to the large flower pin I found. I've always wanted a giant flower to add to the lapel of a jacket or blazer, but I could never find one that I loved. Leave it to Forever 21. This evening, I'm going to have dinner with two of my girlfriends. One knows she will be a bridesmaid in my wedding, and the other doesn't...yet!

Cheers to the weekend,

♥ Noelle

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Maybelline Color Tattoo

I can't remember the last time I was so excited to run over to the drugstore. As soon as I told you about how happy I am with the Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush, I decided to pick up the 24 hour shadow in Tough as Taupe. I wore it all weekend, and was so impressed by it that I picked up another shade with a CVS coupon.

The glass jars make them appear more expensive than they actually are. For reference, they retail for $6.99. I got Bad to the Bronze for half that because I acquired a coupon. 

These shades are extremely creamy, smooth, and pigmented. Bad to the Bronze is a shimmery golden shade, similar to MAC's woodwinked. It leans warm, but I'm sure it would look great on everyone. Tough as Taupe is a matte shade that leans more on the cooler/grey/mocha side. In the pot, Tough as Taupe looks lighter, and almost milky. Once you start using it, the color is much darker. It's a beautiful taupe!  

I have only worn both with my Urban Decay primer, as I always wear a primer, even with cream shadows. These lasted all day! No joke, no creasing or smearing. I didn't even top these off with a powder. If you do top these with a matching powder eyeshadow, there isn't a doubt in my mind that they will last forever (or until you take your makeup off).

I can't rave enough about them and I highly suggest giving one a try. I think I'm satisfied with the colors I have so I will not be buying anymore, at least for the time being.

Aren't they pretty?!

♥ Noelle

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Hana Air Review

Hey everyone, I hope you are all doing well! I've been busy with work and appointments, hence the slight lack in posting so far this week.

About a month or so ago (time has been pretty blurry lately), I was contacted by someone from Misikko.com. They asked if I would review one of their blowdryers, the HANAair Professional. I normally am quite hestitant when a PR person emails me. This may sound strange, as I realize that the nature of beauty and fashion blogging involves direct contact with companies. I'm discerning because I want my blog to be authentically me. I will never post something here that I don't feel genuine about. But you know, I am pretty hopeless with my hair. And I have never, ever owned a nice professional hair dryer before, only drugstore brands that I can admit aren't the best quality. So when Misikko contacted me, I was thrilled! I've been using the dryer every time I wash my hair, which is every other day. I have been using it consistently for the past two weeks.

I love that it's a sleek black color. It is light-weight, easy to manuever, and easy to hold while I blow out my hair with both a round brush and a flat paddle brush.

It also comes with a detachable nozzle. I've never used one before, and I can't believe what a humongous difference it can make! The air is concentrated down the hair shaft, allowing for better control of styling. I point the dryer downwards as I straighten, section by section. My hair dries quickly, more smoothly, and with less frizz.

I love all of the settings that the HANAair has. I usually use the HOT/HIGH setting to blow my hair out, then switch on the COOL button to set it in place and help seal the cuticle.

Overall, I would give my experience with this blow dryer a solid A! I left my Revlon dryer behind at my old house, but I have no desire to go back. This is hands down the best hair dryer I've tried. You girls know I just received a GHD for Christmas from my fiance, but if you are interested in hair straighteners, I'm sure the ones on the Misikko website are great too. If you girls have any further questions, please feel free to ask!

♥ Noelle

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just a splash

Leopard blouse - F21, Black Cardigan - Nordstrom, Scarf - F21, Jeans - BR, Pumps - Nine West, Jewelry - YSL and J. Crew, Lips - Hourglass lip stain in Petal with MAC Check This Out lipglass, Nails - Essie Watermelon

Just a splash...of color, that is. Sometimes I think of getting dressed the way I do when I make a cocktail. Nothing too overpowering, otherwise the whole thing is thrown off balance. But, sometimes a little something extra makes a world of difference.

Happy Friday!

♥ Noelle

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Birds of a Feather

Blouse - Target, Cami - F21, Jeans - BR, Pumps - Anne Michelle, Bracelet - TJ Maxx, Belt - H&M, Lips - See Sheer by MAC

My best friend and I have a thing for birds. She calls people she loves "goose" and I quickly caught on and followed suit. I don't know, there's just something about that word we enjoy saying. Goose. Goooose.

I found this casual top on a Target trip where I was returning a concealer. Good sense told me to just return the item and dart on outta there, but I couldn't help it and I looked through the clothes section. I like this flowy tunic top I found. It has character, what with the birdies and all. The color is also a pretty teal/green and it makes for a nice combo with jeans. Shades of green and blue are huge for Spring.

P.S.     After almost six years of dating, I  finally moved in with my fiance on Sunday! So if the background looks a bit different, that's the reason why (although the rooms are painted the same color as they were in my old house). We are in the process of buying our own condo or small home, so until then, this is where I'll be. Yup! Just me, my fiance, and three roommates. Oh, and two dogs :) It's a full house. I close the door to my little room that serves as my big closet. It's a room that's adjacent to the one I share with my fiance. His room doesn't have enough space for my stuff, so the room next to it serves as my powder room. It has my vanity where I do my makeup and hair, and a walk-in closet.
I keep the door closed while I'm getting ready and blogging. I think the roommates would judge me if they really knew what I do: behavioral specialist by trade (I guess?) but beauty and fashion blogger by heart. I may not do this for a living, but I love it a lot more then I ever dreamed I would.

♥ Noelle

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Bouncy Blush

There has been a slew of new products hitting drugstore shelves recently. From Revlon to L'oreal to Maybelline, it seems like every drugstore cosmetic brand is amping up their lines with inventive looking products. The one that caught my eye is the bouncy blush from Maybelline. I love cream blush, and although I don't really understand the purpose of these "bouncy" blushes, they are so pretty! I just had to try one and see what all the hype was about.

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Peach Satin

It is honestly one of the oddest products I've ever tried. It has the consistency of putty. I was expecting a sponge or some sort of foam underneath the product to give it that "bounce" but I don't believe that there is. The product itself provides the texture, not the packaging as I had previously thought. I hope this is making sense! It really is very diffcult to properly describe.

This shade in particular is more coral than peach. I love the glow that it gives. I think overall, these blushes are sheer. They don't give off a lot of pigment, they are much more of a natural looking flush. In fact, Peach Satin gives me that color I naturally get after a good workout. I like that! This will be beautiful in the Summer, when I wear nothing but cream products. If you are going to try one of these for yourself, I would definitely recommend going for one of the brighter shades, as I think the lighter colors won't show up at all.

I do recommend the Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blushes. They may seem a little gimmicky, but I can assure you that they are more reliable than that. I would purchase it again.

Next, I want to try the  Maybelline Tattoo cream eye shadow in the taupe color. Have you tried any of the new drugstore products?

♥ Noelle

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Saturday Shopping

Cardigan - Halogen via Nordstrom, Sequin sweater top - LOFT, Cami - F21, Jeans - BR, Leopard Flats - Steve Madden, Bag - Old Navy, Bracelet - J. Crew, Nails - Rare by Illamasqua

I always imagined that if I were to get my dream bag (my Chanel flap) that I would immediately stop dreaming about other handbags. After all, what's the need for more when you own your dream bag? But here's the thing: although I adore my Chanel, I am extremely OCD about it. I can't carry it to work with me. I can't carry it out when it's raining or even when I go out with friends for fear that someone might spill something on it. Or it might accidentally get scuffed or scratched. I don't know if it's my anxiety or my Virgo instincts kicking in, but I am very very careful with my Chanel. Too careful.

So for the past month, I've been on the hunt for a real leather bag that I can carry everyday. It had to meet certain criteria: practical and functional. Not too big nor too small. I also wanted one in a lighter color.  Spring and Summer are right around the corner, and I already own a black Chanel, so no use it getting another black bag. But most importantly, I wanted a bag that I wouldn't have to baby! If it gets scratched, fine!

So Saturday when I went shopping, I brought this home with me:

"She tucked her coral lipstick away and floated back to the party."

Kate Spade

Ta-Da!

LINK!

I know. It is a total replica of the Chanel GST. I know! But I love quilted bags, and this one is so incredibly well made. The leather, although not as luxurious as my Chanel, is really beautiful quality. Soft and pillowy. And just look at the gorgeous nude color. The size is perfect for a petite girl, I don't feel at all overwhelmed by it. Plus, I feel that the price was right for such a bag.

Well done Kate Spade. I've never noticed your bags much before, but now I have!

I already put all my loot in it.

♥ Noelle

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electric feel

Illamasqua nail varnish in "Rare"

Thoughts:

* Please excuse the messy application. I did my nails right before leaving for a concert! It was rushed

* This is three coats. Now, rare is NOT as opaque as I had hoped it would be. The first couple of coats went on quite streaky, and that was frustrating. However, I tried for a third coat and that really made a difference.

* Despite the somewhat lack luster formula, I LOVE this color! It really does make a statement. I can't even tell you how many compliments I have recieved. The hubs? I don't think he's a huge fan, but that's ok.

* The color changes according to lighting. I think Emily from Emily Loves said it best when she commented that it must glow. Well it does! In the evening and at night, it is a fun almost lime green. During the day in bright sunlight, it is a lot more of a highlighter yellow.

* Overall, I am happy to have it and I know I'll wear it a lot, especially against neutral clothing so it really stands out. I can't wholeheartedly recommend this polish in particular because it is expensive (about 16 dollars) and I'm sure you can find a dupe for it for a lot less money.




Of course, the title of this post comes from one of my favorite bands. I dare ya to listen to it without at least doing a little wiggle-shimmy-shake.

MGMT

Happy Friday!

♥ Noelle

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orange cardi

Cardigan & Blouse - Halogen via Nordstrom, Bracelet - J. Crew, Ring - YSL

This feels very Fall to me, and the more I think about it, slightly Spring too? I have never been a fan of the color orange on myself, but something about this cardigan made me grab it off the rack at Nordstrom. I also love the polka dot blouse, complete with a floppy little bow.

Oh, and funny story about both of my YSL rings (I'm wearing the turquoise). They are both size 5, and unfortunately, I wish I had purchased one of them in a 6 because I can only wear them on my middle finger. And, because I'm a freak of nature, they only fit on my left hand! I can't wear my engagement ring when I wear my artys as they knock into the delicate little thing and I'm scared they will cause it some damage. *Sigh* I know, it's a rough life right? :)

♥ Noelle

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The Mighty GHD

For about two years, I lusted after the GHD. The hefty price tag not so much. I've never been one to splurge on hair tools. At almost 200 dollars, there was no way I could justify it. I was content with my Chi straightener, although I was unhappy with the inconsistency in my hair. An hour after I straightened my waves, and my hair's natural curl would show, along with some frizz. I chalked it up to the weather, and just accepted the fact that my hair is fussy with a mind of its own.

Well this Christmas, my fiance ordered the GHD from Sephora. I received it in the mail a few days ago, and let me tell you: it really is worth the hype, and it really is much better than Chi. Not to dis the latter, because it isn't a bad product by any means. I just think that GHD has a leg up on its competitor and I find it more efficient for thick, unruly hair.

Here is why I love it:
* It heats up in nano seconds. You turn on the switch and a beep tells you when its ready about 10 seconds later.

* It not only straightens my waves, but it keeps them straight too. It also imparts a lot more shine, less frizz.

* It automatically turns off  and goes into sleep mode after 30 minutes if accentidentally left on. This is huge for me, because last month I came home after an entire day out and found my Chi still on. Thank God it didn't start a fire. It just turned part of my vanity an orange rust color :(

If you don't use a straightener often, then you don't really need one. However, if you use one a lot like I do, then it's worth it.

I am still keeping my old straightener for back up, but I prefer the GHD. I'm very happy with it!

Oh, and I'm also experimenting with the new hair dryer that Misikko.com kindly just sent me. Review to come!

Do you own a GHD? What are your thoughts?

♥ Noelle

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My first beauty purchases of 2012

On a trip to Sephora today, I made my first purchases of 2012. I wanted to branch out and try brands and products that I am completely unfamiliar with, and that is precisely what happened.

How's this for branching out? Highlighter neon (I mean NEON) nail polish from Illamasqua called Rare.

So excited to wear this! I'm still in love with the whole neon trend that's taken fashion and beauty by storm.

Hourglass cosmetics is a vegan line that does not contain any sulfates or parabens in their products. That drew me in, but the sleek packaging and elegant design also won me over. This is a lip stain in the color Petal, a soft peachy pink. So far, so good. I want to try more from the line in the future.

I also am loving this present I received from my best friend.

MAC lipglass in Check This Out.

 Not sure if it is limited edition because I've been avoiding those collections like the plague but this is a very natural, glowy gloss. It reminds me of the infamous Love Nectar that is said to be a prime choice for brides on their wedding day. I actually like this color better.

There's nothing quite as satisfying as a good beauty binge is there?

♥ Noelle

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Don't Stop Til You Get Enough

Dress - H&M, Belt - Taken from an old dress, Necklace - HoH, Pumps - J Crew

It's been unseasonably warm, even for southern California! This girl is taking advantage. I can't get enough of this saucy little dress (a tunic for non-shorties like me, I'm sure). It just makes me feel so...so...saucy! What can I say? When I find something I love, I tend to wear it to death. And since I can't afford to go shopping for new things all the time, it's important to make the most of the pieces I love to love.

What do you wear over and over?

♥ Noelle

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Shailene Woodley {Inspiration}

After watching Shailene Woodley last month in The Descendants, I wanted to see more! She is strikingly beautiful and extremely natural which is something I love. When I received my latest In Style issue, there she was in a tropical fashion story.

{Thank you to Instyle for these pictures}

Just gorgeous. Makes me long for another Maui trip.

♥ Noelle

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wear, love, repeat

Top - Madewell, Skirt - Banana Republic, Pumps - J. Crew, Bracelet - TJMaxx

No full pictures today because I just wasn't feelin' it. I'm sure you girls can relate. The winter weather and holiday stress have left my face spotty and my hair fried. Get thee to a hairdresser stat! I am on Friday, just in time. This mane is not cooperating.

Anyhow, what do I do when I'm feeling a bit blah in the beauty department? Well I wear my favorite pieces of course! This outfit is comprised of things that make me happy, and more importantly, easy.

Wear...love...repeat.

♥ Noelle

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Auld Lang Syne

Happy 2012! How was your New Years Eve girls? Mine was phenomenal! We went to the local pub/grill that we like to frequent, and they did such an amazing job and gave wonderful service. It was a closed party with 65 guests, and the fiance and I wasted little time enjoying the food and drinks. Despite the fact that I have a sinus infection (and not a cold like I previously thought), I was still able to feel well enough to go out and put myself together. I would have preferred my hair to have been curled and my nose to have been less red, but by the time we were out and about, that didn't matter. Thank goodness for antibiotics. And concealer :)

Dress - Express (old), Blazer (unseen) - Frenchi via Nordstrom, Pumps - LOFT, Clutch - ASOS, Necklace - Kenneth Jay Lane Via Cocobella Ballerina :), Earrings - Sonya Renee, Rings - Engagement and Tiffany & Co.

I painted my nails a little bit differently then planned. I did a coat of Essie's Cocktail Bling as a base, and then two coats of OPI's Crown Me Already on top. Sparkles galore.

♥

Yesterday, we went to Dana Point and Laguna Beach to scope out some possible wedding venues. We went to a beautiful resort in Laguna and fell in love with the view.

These were taken with my HTC, so sorry for the brightness!

We could say "I do" on this terrace. Absolutely :)

So far, the new year has been great! I have a lot I want to work on. I didn't make any resolutions, but I have some things in mind...

How is 2012 treating you today?

♥ Noelle

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