8.28.2012

Peplum top - Anthropologie, Lace skirt - Express (Similar),  Cardigan - Halogen, Heels - Nordstrom (Similar), Clutch - Asos (pretty option), Necklace - House of Harlow, Bracelets - Stella & Dot and Forever 21

Lips - Lancome, Eyes - UD Naked & Ransom liner





I wore this in Santa Barbara to a dinner on the beach. The restaurant is called Brophy Bros. and if you're ever in the area, I suggest checking it out. The food was delicious, definitely order a cup of the clam chowder. It's the best I've ever tried!

I'm obviously still loving the peplum top I raved about here. I threw on a cardigan because it was chilly that night, and although many reviewers on the Anthro site mentioned that this top wouldn't look good underneath jackets and cardigans,  I don't mind the little flounce peeking out at all. Burgundy and plum are two shades you'll be seeing a lot for Fall. My clutch felt like the perfect dose of color against black and white.

♥ Noelle

8.27.2012



 
 
 
 
 
 
Just some quick snaps from my weekend stay in the gorgeous Santa Barbara area. The little getaway was much needed! My fiance and I had a wonderful time relaxing at the beach, exploring the shops and restaurants off State Street, visiting the Mission, and taking the train for our first time ever. I wish we were still there!
 
I hope you all had a great weekend too.
 
♥ Noelle
 
 
 

8.22.2012

Although I continue to use most of the same tried and true products, I do like to experiment at the drugstore. Many offer wonderful return policies, so you don't feel locked into something if you don't like a particular shade or formula. Also, because drugstore products are often relatively inexpensive, you don't have to feel guilty for buying something new.

Over the past month, I've discovered some gems that I had never tried before.


Julie G. is a YouTube guru that has turned her makeup tips and tricks into a full blown line of nail polishes at Rite Aid. I don't know too much about her, as I've only seen a few of her videos. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical, but the candy colored shades looked beautiful and I was definitely curious. The shades I have are Gelatos in Venice (the light mint) and Cupcakes and Castles (baby pink with shimmer). These are amazing! The formula goes opaque instantly, and only two coats are needed to achieve the color pictured in the bottle. They aren't thin or streaky. I highly recommend giving them a try the next time you are in Rite Aid.

Gelatos in Venice, after four days of wear.





Another product I'm happy I've discovered is Revlon's Brow Fantasy. After going through my Maybelline Define-A-Brow pencil, I was looking for something a little bit more versatile, and in a shade lighter. This pencil is in brunette, and I believe it is the second from the darkest shade. I love that it not only comes with the waxy pencil, but also a matching gel to tame my brows and keep them in place all day. You get a little more for your money with the two corresponding products, although I don't wear them together. I do one or the other.





After finishing my Pureology conditioner, I decided it was time to find something a little less expensive. I chose this one because I don't like to wash or condition my hair with products that contain sulfates. I didn't think I'd really see a difference in my hair, but I have! This claims to leave you frizz-free for 48 hours (or until the next wash) and I've really noticed my hair looking and staying less fuzzy. Now that's an accomplishment!


♥ Noelle

8.20.2012

Rockstar Super skinny jeans - Old Navy, Lace top - TRF Zara, Flats - Ivanka Trump Abello, Necklace - H&M (similar), Watch - Fossil Stella, Bracelets - Stella & Dot Renegade and Michael Kors
Lips - YSL Le Orange (I promised I would feature it on my lips, so here it is in all its vibrant glory)


I feel like a rockstar in these jeans. No wonder Old Navy gave them that name! I scored these baby blues after realizing that I need some more for Fall. I usually stick to Banana Republic because I've had good luck with their petite sizing. I used to splurge on denim in the past, mainly because I had such a hard time finding a pair that fit. More and more companies are starting to create jeans in short, regular, and tall sizing and I commend them for finally recognizing that we all come in different shapes and sizes! Fashion should be accessable to everyone.

I've read some great reviews on LOFT and J.Crew pants for petites, so I'm going to hit up those stores next. I think I need some colored or printed denim in my life :) If you have any other denim suggestions for shorties, please let me know in the comments.

♥ Noelle

8.17.2012

As much as I love Summer, as soon as August hits, I'm scouring the September issues of my favorite fashion magazines and slowly beginning to add pieces to incorporate into my Fall wardrobe. I have most of the basics already covered - jeans, cardigans, and boots. I use these essentials and build upon them to add more interest.

My M.O. is usually the same: Polish and lady-like. Then I choose a few trendy pieces that speak to my overall aesthetic, and that also suit my body type and lifestyle.

Unfortunately, it doesn't start cooling down here until November so I'll have to wait a very long time before I can put away the shorts and sandals. Humph.

Here are some looks I'm loving for this year:

Polka Dots

Stripes


Lace


Rich Jewel Tones




{Still Loving...}


Brights - Still big for Fall!


Mint - a color that is appropriate year-round

 photos above c/o Pinterest


I am so excited about dressing for Fall that I went on Polyvore for the first time in TWO years! Well hello there! I forgot I even had an account. Silly me. Here are some more ideas:








Fall Trends I'm Trying

Fall Trends I'm Trying by beautygirl24 featuring clutch handbags



What Fall trends are YOU looking forward to wearing?

♥ Noelle

8.15.2012

Over the weekend, I stopped by Macy's and finally used a gift card that had been burning a hole in my wallet since last Christmas! How I managed to keep it around for so long I'll never know. I have been wanting a gold watch for quite some time, but wasn't sure I wanted to go with Michael Kors or another brand. After much deliberation, I opted for this one:




Reasoning? It doesn't have any rhinestones, and it's the perfect tone of gold. Not a super stark yellow, but not champagne either. I love that the middle of the band has a brushed look, while the rest of the watch is shiny. The quality is there. Not too heavy but it does have a nice weight to it. Did you know that Fossil actually makes Michael Kors watches? But, Fossil is typically less expensive which is why I went with it rather than a different brand.


After leaving Macy's, I had to stop next door to Sephora. I had heard that YSL had a fiery red lipstick called Le Orange ( # 13 in the Rouge Couture line). I had to take a peek. Nevermind that I sometimes feel like a little girl playing dress-up and experimenting with mommy's red lipstick. I was that little girl. And sometimes when I wear a red lip, I am transported back to that happy time, standing on my tippy toes in my mother's bathroom :)





After doing some research, I learned that Kourtney Kardashian is indeed a fan. Of course it looks a bit different on me, but it's still that same orange-red. I wore it all day Sunday and it never disappeared! Even at the end of the day, I still had a stain on my lips. If you are scared of color, this will probably be "too much" for you. Otherwise, I highly recommend it. One swipe (or a few light dabs if you want to play it safe) and you are good to go. I promise to wear it in a future outfit of the day.


Surprisingly, this is my first YSL lipstick. I doubt it will also be my last...


♥ Noelle

8.12.2012


Blazer - Frenchi Via Nordstrom, Tank - Marshalls, Skirt - J Crew Factory, Shoes - Guess (old), Ring - YSL, Earrings - Anthropologie, Lips - Revlon Balm Stain in Lovesick

Nails - Orly Fancy Fuchsia with gold glitter accent nail


My happy outfit did not match the weather outside this weekend. It was really hot and humid, but it was also storming like crazy. I personally love thunder and lightning, but my hair doesn't! Fresh from a trim and blow-out at the salon and it started pouring! Great timing. That night, my fiance and I braved the madness and went out to a little wine bar. I apologize for the grainy, shadowy pictures. This was the best I could do that day. I will say though that I loved my mustard tank paired with my neutral blazer and leopard heels. It might not have been sunny out, but I felt the day lift after slipping this pretty top on.

♥ Noelle

8.09.2012



1) Makeup Forever Mat Velvet +: Great for combination to oily skin. It is buildable coverage, and it makes skin appear flawless.

2) Makeup Forever HD Powder: I use this to set all of my makeup. It keeps skin matte, but is still quite sheer. In other words, this won't make you look powdery.

3) Buxom Lip Creme in White Russian: The only lip gloss I'll continue to purchase. It's the perfect pinky-nude that feels refreshing on your lips. Also non-sticky.

4) M.A.C. lustre lipstick in See Sheer: Beautiful wash of light red.

5) Benefit Coralista Blush: The perfect pink toned coral with tiny hints of gold shimmer.

6) Benefit They're Real Mascara: Makes my little bitty lashes miles long, and with tons of volume. Who wants to mess with falsies when you have a mascara like this? Not I!

7) Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler: There's a reason why this is a cult favorite.

8) Urban Decay All Nighter Spray: This sets makeup and keeps it looking good all day (or night) long.

9) Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner Pencil: This stays on the waterline longer then any other liner I've found. It's really creamy and smooth, and glides on like a dream with no pulling or tugging.

10) Dior Amber Diamond: This highlighter is the perfect amount of sheen. It doesn't contain any glitter. Finally, a highlighter for grown-ups.


This is my makeup must-have list. I am no expert, but I think I've learned a little something over the years through trial and error. I couldn't be without them in my beauty arsenal, and I would absolutely recommend them to anyone I know.

♥ Noelle

8.07.2012

Nail polish - Color Club Modern Pink  (accent nail) and Essie Bazooka
Seche Vite top coat
MakeitStickDesigns chevron nail decals






This was my first attempt at nail decals, and although my application looks a bit sloppy under a camera lens, I'm really happy with the overall effect. The chevron accent nail is the perfect way to spruce up a manicure. My only concern is the lasting power. The decals probably work best on larger, flatter nails. Mine are small and narrow, and they curve which makes the decal lift at the edges a bit.
It's alright with me, I'll just keep practicing.


Have you used nail stickers or decals before? Any tips?

♥ Noelle

8.05.2012


Shorts - Lily White (on sale!), Scalloped tank and Cardigan - J Crew, Flats - Ivanka Trump Abello Flats, Jewelry - Sonya Renee, Lisa Taubes,  Derng, Stella & Dot, Bag - MNG Mango (old)



I loved these little lace shorts so much, I wore them all weekend! Not only are they adorable and light-weight, but they are super comfortable too. They don't ride up, and the length is cute without being revealing. Also loving my new pointy toe flats from Nordstrom's sale. They look and feel much more expensive than what I paid. Clothes you love - you can't beat that.

♥ Noelle

8.02.2012








These sets of photos c/o Pinterest








I just bought some of these nail decals from a seller on Etsy.
Thank you to Tara for the idea!


Where my fiance and I stayed last year when we got engaged :)



Chevron print seems to be everywhere! In fashion, on home decor items, even in beauty. There is something about those little zig-zags that catches everyone's attention. Whether in bright color or classic black and white, it's certainly a playful, youthful print that can be used in a multitude of ways. I'm hooked.

♥ Noelle