9.29.2012





Dress - Forever 21 (recent), Cardigan - Halogen, Belt - H&M, Heels - Jessica Simpson (old), Necklace - Similar, Watch - Fossil, Bag - Chanel, Lips - YSL Le Orange


Although Summer is over, I'm still carrying two trends that I loved over into Fall: Chevron and the bubble necklace. Instead of bright turquoise, I decided to go for red. I think it pairs well with the stark black and white dress I scored at Forever 21, and this definitely reads more Fall. I'm not typically a fan of super flowy dresses. They have a tendency of swallowing me up in too much fabric. But for some reason, I like this one. I could wear this dress on so many different occasions.
 
In other news, Summer sun and ocean water have taken a toll on my brunette locks. I have the ombre look going on without even trying! I'm going back to a rich brown today, and I can't wait! I've strongly considered going lighter, but it just doesn't feel right at the moment. My main goal for the next few months is to get my hair in tip top condition so that it looks healthy, soft, and shiny for the wedding next year. *Fingers crossed*
 

♥ Noelle

9.27.2012

I'm a sucker for highlighters. No, not the kind you write with in neon yellow, but the kind you carefully place on areas of your face that you want to... well, highlight! After finding Dior's Amber Diamond, I'm not sure what compelled me to purchase this one from Too Faced. I walked by a display of them at Macy's, and they immediately caught my attention.





I think the reason why I love this Candlelight Glow is because it has that same silky texture of Amber Diamond. It provides just enough of a sheen to highlight the tops of my cheekbones ever so softly. When the light catches its tiny shimmer particles (not glitter), it really smooths the appearance of your skin. I wish I had swatches for you, but I just couldn't capture its beauty no matter what lighting or camera setting I tried. One side of the powder is a white gold, the other a golden pink that picks up different colors, almost like an aurora borealis crystal. When swirled together, the two sides blend beautifully into a warm golden sheen. It's very, very flattering and pretty. I think it would work quite well on most skin tones.

If you happen upon Candlelight Glow, I highly suggest swatching it for yourself! Dior is still my number one, but this comes in a close second.


Reminder: My Stella & Dot online trunk show is still happening here


♥ Noelle



9.24.2012





Skirt - J. Crew (similar), Blouse - Old Navy, Pumps - J. Crew, Watch - Michael Kors, Bracelets - Etsy, Necklace - Target, Bag - Chanel, Lipstick - MAC Dish it up




I love how flattering this skirt from J.Crew is! It cinches in the waist, and you don't even need a belt. The pretty navy color was the perfect backdrop for fun shoes in a shade that matched my lipstick. I wore this Saturday night to a comedy show, where I proceeded to laugh my head off for two hours straight! After a rough week, I needed it!

♥ Noelle

9.21.2012



For a few months, I have been on the quest to find the perfect little crossbody bag. Although I love shoulder bags, my arms often get sore from lugging around what seems to be the entire contents of my life. I drive long distances for work, and so I like to keep everything I could possibly need in my bag. I'm trying to change this now, and maybe this will force me to condense things a little.
So ladies...the crossbody of choice is Rebecca Minkoff's Mini Mac. Functional, versatile, and the perfect size - I see myself carrying this to work, running errands, shopping, and on weekends when I'm out and about. Now, the only problem I'm having is choosing a color. A little help would be greatly appreciated!






So what do you think? I'm not really leaning either way because ultimately they are both neutral. I like the black because it's classic. I won't baby it like I do with my Chanel. I also love the elegant gold hardware. Black is timeless, as well as basic. On the other hand, I like the charcoal because it is less expected than black, and I will still be able to pair it with many of the pieces hanging in my closet. Both will be great for Fall and Winter.

Help me choose! I'd really love your honest input.

Happy Friday! Enjoy the last day of Summer!
♥ Noelle

9.19.2012



A birthday trip to the mall included stops at Sephora, Macy's, and Aveda. For the first time in months, I absolutely adore every single item I got, and would dare say these products are HG worthy. It's always nice to treat yourself to some luxury beauty items, and even more satisfying when they work for your specific needs.

1. Aveda Pure Abundance Style Prep - "infuses all-day weightless volume". I used this on my damp hair after I washed it yesterday, and not only did it smooth my hair and made it feel super soft, it also did add some extra volume.

2. Chanel Natural Finish Pressed Powder - Okay, so I've always wanted a Chanel compact. My intent was really the mirror displayed inside. Sleek, polished, and sophisticated. However, the powder is great as well! I use it to blot my t-zone throughout the day, and it just leaves my skin looking less shiny. It isn't heavy or cakey at all. I love pulling it out of my bag when I need a quick touch up :)

3. Sephora Pro Smudge Brush # 29 - I use this to smudge eyeshadow along my lash lines, top and bottom. It's also great to smudge out pencil liner.

4. Laura Mercier Baby Lips  - This is an amazing lipstick. The texture feels like a balm because it is so soothing and moisturizing. The color itself is sheer, and in fact, it very closely resembles my beloved MAC lipstick in See Sheer (a light wash of red). I like Baby Lips even more, and that says a lot! This is a great color for anytime, anywhere. It really does remind me of a sweet baby's flush-stained lips.

♥ Noelle

9.17.2012

Skirt - Zara (similar) and same feel at Express! Blouse - Forever 21 (Similar) Black pumps - Nine West, Necklace - Oia Jules, Bracelets - J.Crew, Michael Kors, Stella & Dot, Bag - Chanel, Nails - Chanel Graphite





Although my birthday was on Wednesday September 12th, my fiance and I celebrated this weekend. It's much easier to enjoy when you aren't worrying about getting up early the next morning for work ;) What better birthday outfit then a sparkly sequined skirt, and in gold no less. I'm amazed at how versatile an embellished item can be. Use it as the focal point of the outfit, and keep the rest simple like I chose to do here. It's a really easy way of getting glammed up for a night.

♥ Noelle

9.14.2012

Every September, I look forward to New York Fashion Week. Of course, I'd love to be there! I've strongly considered attending the blogger conferences, but with my job schedule and money constraints, it just hasn't happened. Yet.
The next best thing is pouring over all of the beautiful photos and downloading the videos from each show. Here are some of my favorite looks this year.


Street Style:








Celebrities:

Lauren Conrad in Rebecca Minkoff

And...
In Tracy Reese


Louise Roe at DVF

Olivia Palermo


Shows:

DVF



Jason Wu


Lela Rose


Little Jenna Lyons look-alikes at J.Crew



What were some of your favorites from fashion week?


♥ Noelle

9.11.2012

If you're a regular reader of my blog, then you know how much I love jewelry. Accessories are my favorite part of getting dressed, whether it be for work, running errands, or going out for dinner and drinks.

When my Stella & Dot stylist contacted me about hosting an online trunk show, I was beyond thrilled! I definitely have a few pieces in mind for Fall, and this is a great opportunity to add some new things to my little collection.





If anyone wants to visit my trunk show, please feel free to click this link!


Here are some things I have my eyes on:












The Beautygirl24 link will be active for three weeks, so stop by sometime if you're interested in Stella & Dot jewelry :) Thank you to Nazifa for putting this together!

♥ Noelle

Edit: The previous links I posted were incorrect, but as of now, that error has been fixed! The links above are now working properly :)

9.09.2012


Blouse - Bellatrix (Similar) and I love this! Jeans - Old Navy, Scarf - Target, Flats - Ivanka Trump, Bracelet - F21, Midi Rings - Glamrocks designs, Nails - Essie Enuf is Enuf, Bag - Chanel Jumbo Flap



It seems as if every blogger I follow has swiftly made the transition from Summer to Fall. With the start of September and NYFW in full swing, I can't help but feel envious of those of you lovely ladies who can successfully pull off your new Fall attire. As I typed this yesterday, my house had the AC on blast, and when I stepped out into the day in this fabulous little blouse and scarf, I couldn't help but laugh. My fiance was decked out in flip flops and shorts! Me? I don't follow the weather too much around here. I'm the idiot sweating in the corner. But I must say, when I pulled my Chanel out of her box for the first time in months, I knew the trouble was worth it.

Cheers to Fall,
♥ Noelle

9.06.2012

I received so many sweet comments last week about my love bangle that I started to realize just how popular it is these days. Everywhere I go, I see this type of inscription. I even purchased this little necklace at Target:

It isn't sold online, but if you enter your zip code, the search will bring up availability in your local store.

Other pretty options here, here, and the look for less!


Now I can't find the bangle that I own. I purchased two for myself and also one for my friend last year at Forever 21. But, there are so many great options!



Love this! Etsy


I think the trend started with Sydney Evan:





Nothing can compare to the real thing, but it's always nice to find alternatives that don't cost much.




Delicate and dainty. Perfect for days where you don't want to look too overdone or fussy, or perfect to mix in with larger statement pieces. And who doesn't love...love?

♥ Noelle

9.04.2012



Top - Zara, Skirt - Halogen, Belt - J.Crew, Heels - Guess (old), Necklace - gifted by the lovely Lilly, Watch - Fossil



I am beyond OBSESSED with this unbelievable necklace that Lilly kindly sent to me. It's quite possibly the sweetest gift I've ever received. It amazes me how many wonderful people I've "met" through blogging. I think we all know each other's style pretty well, and this mint colored statement piece couldn't be any more "me". Definitely expect to see it often!

I hope you all had a wonderful long weekend!
♥ Noelle

9.01.2012

This edition of monthly reads involves a question that every girl gets asked at some point in her life! "Please share a pic of your engagement ring and tell us the story behind it." I smiled when I read this, as it was September 13th last year when my fiance popped the question. It's almost the first year anniversary of our engagement! We are getting married September 21st, 2013.





He proposed when we went to vegas for my birthday. I had no clue. After 5 years of (mostly) blissful coupledom, I was quite comfortable with our relationship status. Of course, everyone around us started to get itchy, asking questions about when we were planning on finally making things official. I was getting itchy too.

Apparently, my friends and family are much better secret keepers then I had previously thought. I give them credit! Especially my best friend. We always promised each other that when the time came, we would "steer" our guys into the right direction. Meaning, we would help them go ring shopping! Who knows your taste better then your best girlfriend? Or guyfriend.

So everyone knew that he was planning on proposing and I had no clue. He proposed in the Mirage Casino, right after a fancy dinner in which I didn't eat much because I was in the midst of a panic attack. I know I've mentioned this before, but I suffer from terrible generalized anxiety. I've been struggling with it since I was a little kid. It was pretty severe last year, and when we were eating dinner that night, I had a full-blown melt down at the table. He rubbed my back and tried to relax me as we walked out of the restaurant and made our way to the garden area that stands in the center of the casino. He proposed to settle my nerves I guess :)

It was beautiful. Totally ridiculous in some ways, and definitely a bit awkward. I always envisioned we would be alone. Instead, we had a huge crowd around us as he got down on one knee. I was shaking. He was tearing up. Strangers oohed and ahhed.

It was perfect :)

So...I'm looking forward to reading everyone's story! If you are engaged or married, feel free to share your story in the comments below!


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♥ Noelle