Shopbop Inspired ~ Denim Cutoffs & Giveaway

I have a confession to make: Last year was the first time in ages that yours truly sported denim shorts. Or white shorts. Or any shorts for that matter. Chalk it up to insecurity but these gams were terrified of anything remotely tight around the thighs. Then I saw so many of you wearing shorts. It inspired me to give them a try and you know what? I actually love them! I want more! I've been looking on different sites to find another perfect fitting pair, one of which is Shopbop. I can't typically afford designer clothing, but I'm often browsing Shopbop's jewelry, bags, and their sale section. I love dark denim because I find it to be universally flattering on anyone, regardless of size. I also want a more flowy version this year if possible. I love this one:

This pair is by James Jeans, but there are so many denim cutoffs to choose from.

These by J Brand are in exactly the type of dark wash I'm referring to.

I also love this pair by Current Elliot

They are a bit shorter than I would go, but I just love the soft color. Very beach inspired, and very California cool.

~I plan on pairing my shorts with lots of flowy tops. Last year, I was all about simple tees and tanks but I think the boho look is more interesting this time around.~

Looks like Summer =) I'll be sure to do some OOTD photos as soon as I start breaking out the shorts.

Now just add some excessories and you're good to go!

 So cute!

Do I need to mention how much I love colorful necklaces?

I live in flip flops or sandals in the Summer

Oliver Peoples - Tortoise shell complements any skin tone.

Ok, so this is big readers. I've never done a giveaway on my blog...ever. This is due to various reasons. After all, I'm just a regular girl, not a professional! But I hope you all know how much your comments and sweet thoughts mean to me. I truly believe in this community, and I love the new friends I've made. So when Shopbop offered to give one of my beautiful readers a $100 gift card, I couldn't pass the opportunity up!I've entered these types of giveaways on other blogs in hopes of snagging one myself!

*****CLOSED*****

The Rules: Lets Keep It Simple, Shall We?

*You must be a "Follower". I put that in quotes because I dislike that term! But please specify in a comment that you follow my blog. Please also leave an email address where I can contact you.

*Then tell me what you are most looking forward to this Summer! It can be anything! The winner will be announced Sunday, April 24th using Random.org.  

This is open internationally.

That's it! Thank you for reading!

♥ Noelle

Continue the post

New, New, New

Happy Monday! I feel like I always begin the week by saying ," I hope you all had a wonderful weekend." The saying is a bit trite, but I really do hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was perfect because the boyfriend and I went to San Diego and visited my best friend and her boyfriend. We went for dinner and drinks and celebrated their upcoming move to Little Italy in the downtown area. I can't wait to see their new place!

I did some shopping last week and just quickly wanted to share some great finds. I must say, shopping for Spring has been such an eye opener for me this year. I am gravitating towards things I wouldn't normally pick up, like lots and lots of color! And patterns! This new self discovery is just what my drab wardrobe has been needing.

Leopard chiffon blouse, H&M.

This skirt is form-fitting without being too tight. The camera didn't pick up the detail of the pattern, which is very unique. It's a white background with a mix of deep purple and navy. This was a steal at Forever 21.

I've been searching for a pair of nude or camel colored ballet flats and Zara once again came to the rescue.

What I wore Saturday, new necklace from Forever 21 and ring from H&M.

Candy colored rings from H&M, MAC cremeblend blush in Something Special, a repurchase MAC shadow in All That Glitters, and Revlon lipgloss in Shine City to layer over my bright lipsticks.

Did you do any shopping recently? Are you marking things off your Spring Wishlist?

♥ Noelle

Continue the post

The Manicurist

My mother used to be a manicurist. I was around ten years old, and I distinctly remember going with her some days to the salon where she worked. I even gave a little old lady a foot massage once, where she proceeded to give me a five dollar tip! Big bucks when you're ten! I loved watching my mom work on nails. She even did a house call to my second grade teacher, who became one of her regular clients. I was mesmerized by the pretty, shiny nail lacquers that littered the floors of our house while she practiced different techniques. Mannequin hands and nail tools strewn about the kitchen table. Bottles and bottles of nail polish remover, cuticle oils, and nail files. To this day, when I pass a salon and smell the acetone, it brings back fond, happy memories of my mom's days as a manicurist.

Yes, I believe this contributed to my love affair with nail polish. I'm an addict. Thanks, Mom.

This is my little nail station. I recently bought the storage container from Wal-Mart. It was around five dollars. I love that it has three roomy drawers, perfect for separating and sorting by color.

First drawer: Reds, Corals, Peaches, and Wines

Second drawer: Nudes, Pinks, Purples, and Lilacs

Third drawer: Blues, Greens, Greys, Taupes, and other miscellaneous shades that are more unique in my collection.

I love all brands, but I actually own more Essie than any other.  I have to say that Zoya is my new obsession.

I also keep my tools, base coats, top coats, and cuticle softeners right next to my nail polish stash.

How and where do you store your nail polish? Although my collection is large, I don't feel overwhelmed by it as I did when I stored my polish in a small bin a couple months back. However, I do need to downsize and stop buying more. But just as any addiction is difficult to break, so is mine!

♥ Noelle

Continue the post

Easy breezy weekend

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a lovely weekend, and I also hope we all have a great week ahead of us. Here are two outfits I wore, one from Friday and the other from Saturday.

White tank - H&M, Cardigan - Halogen via Nordstrom, Skirt - Forever 21, Flats - Zara, Watch - Michael Kors, Necklace - MyNameNecklace via Beso. Lips - Revlon's Fuchsia, Nails - LC by Zoya

Lace top - Charlotte Russe, Cami - Forever 21, Jeans - BR, Leopard heels - Guess, Bag - Juicy Couture, Necklace - Forever 21, Ring - YSL

How was your weekend? Did you wear something special? I'm just loving the warmer weather!

♥ Noelle

Continue the post