What I've Been Reading {April 2013}

Now that we are on our way in May, it's time for monthly must-reads and the question for April (courtesy of Skylette): What is blogging etiquette to you? For example, do you comment on everyone's blog that comments on yours? Do you follow everyone with a blog that reaches out to you? Great questions!

For me, blogging has always been about connecting with others. I think anyone can post pretty pictures on the internet and have their own space in the blogging community, but what purpose does that serve unless you are connecting with an audience? I love reading blogs, and I love commenting on them because I genuinely have a passion for it. I don't see blogging as a chore. If I did, I wouldn't blog, plain and simple. I don't see blogging as a popularity contest either. I still can't believe that anyone reads what I have to say, or takes inspiration from the photos I post. I don't expect anyone to leave me a comment, but I do love them! I try to show the same kindness and respect on the internet as I show to everyone I meet in "real life". I view many of you as friends, even though we've never actually "met". If someone takes the time to leave me a sweet comment or email me an equally sweet message, I do my best to respond. I unfortunately don't have as much time right now to devote to blogging, but I try to post at least two or three times per week. I love reading and discovering new blogs, so when someone wants me to check out their's, I always take a peek. I do admit that sometimes the whole "lets follow each other" thing can seem obnoxious. It just doesn't feel organic to me, so I usually pass on responding to a generic comment where I can tell the person didn't even read my post. Just like any relationship, there has to be a certain level of respect. After blogging for almost four years, I can usually tell when someone is being genuine as opposed to someone who just wants to amass a large blog following (for whatever reason). Overall, I treat you guys like friends and that's the only way I know how. I read and comment on as many blogs as I can because I love it! I follow more blogs than I can even count! And I'm always, always open to more :)

Thoughts? I would love a discussion on this!



• Beautygirl24 - Noelle has a serious sweet tooth this Spring. See what jewelry she likes to call her rock candy!
• Ella Pretty - Check out Ella's Mall Haul: Forever 21, Coach & Camo Pants
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay has some exciting news.
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen shared her Favorite Home Items that she can't live without.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle joined the ombre party.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette plays with the black & white trend here.

♥ Noelle

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This year's favorites

I did a post like this last year, so I wanted to keep the tradition going. Here are some of my favorite outfits from 2012. Looking back, there are definitely a few things that stick out. I loved pops of color, I used jewelry and accessories to dress up otherwise casual outfits, pleated skirts became a total obsession, and skinny jeans were (and still are) my go-to's.

It's amazing how blogging allows me to reflect on my style. I started this journey over three years ago while I was in my final year of college, and it still remains my number one love. I truly thank you for your readership and kind comments. 2013 is slated to be the most exciting (and probably stressful) year of my life. I'm marrying my best friend, we are moving into our own condo, one of my bridesmaids is giving birth to twin boys, and my best girl is also getting married. Lots of changes! One thing I won't change is this blog. Expect more outfits, more beauty products, and more superficial talk (mainly in a selfish effort to keep myself from going completely insane!)

I'm taking the rest of 2012 off, but I will be back later next week after NYE. I love you guys! See you next year :)

♥ Noelle



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What I've Been Reading {November 2012}

Now that our bellies have settled from stuffing ourselves silly over Thanksgiving, we look toward Christmas and the holidays. That means it's time for November's monthly round-up and question: What are your favorite three things that you have learned from other blogs/YouTube?

These bloggers have taught me how to incorporate color into my wardrobe. I was fairly bland before I got a clue that color is fabulous! Unusual color combinations, prints, and mixing casual with dressy is something I've really been able to achieve using their ideas and inspiration: The Chloe Conspiracy, Mix and Match Fashion, Lilly's Style, and Bows & Sequins. Other fashion bloggers that have taught me so much about personal style include: Veronika's Blushing, The Honeybee, and Ella Pretty. It's so difficult to put together a list because I follow so many wonderful girls who inspire me everyday. I have followed many of you since I started this blog over three years ago, but a new crop of girls are also teaching me how to cultivate my true style. If I could list everyone, I would!

My best friend Katie has beautiful style. She always looks put together, and she looks amazing in chunky jewelry and bold makeup. She's a girl's girl, and she has definitely taught me how to be glamourous no matter what the occasion.

Some of her favorite things. She loves lashes (unlike myself). Even on casual days, she looks so chic.

Always glam ♥

As for YouTube, These three girls are my go-to's for hair, makeup, and style. Michele1218 is my favorite. She is so incredibly sweet, articulate, and down-to-earth. I love her effortless style. She uses a lot of vegan products, and has taught me so much about good skincare without using harsh chemicals. She is also the one who taught me about dry shampoo. Sonia is great at makeup tutorials. She loves (and resembles) the Kardashians, so if you love that look, then she is a great girl to follow. She taught me how to apply liquid eyeliner. I was a mess until I started watching her videos. And of course, there's also Alex. She showed me how to mix metals and layer bold chain jewelry. She has her own line, very popular on bloggers :)


That was more than three, wasn't it? This was a hard question for me to answer!

• Alison*Elle - Alison has found her perfect sweater.
• Beautygirl24 - Noelle was finally able to layer for the chilly weather, and decided to try it with burgundy and fuchsia.
• Ella Pretty - Ella shares recent outfits and her Black Friday purchases.
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay debuted her new bangs and found a new love for glammed up collars!
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen is ready for the holidays and has her wishlist made!
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle has popped and is making the most of her pregnancy style.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette is remixing a summer silk tee by adding a dark blazer.
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen is preggers and is taking us on her journey !

♥ Noelle

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What I've Been Reading: June 2012

Hi everyone, happy Friday! I couldn't be happier that the weekend is here, lots of fun plans ahead. To close out June, here is the monthly question: Why do you blog? Has the reason changed over time, and if so, in what ways?

For me, blogging isn't about how many followers I get (although I appreciate every single one!) or how many companies contact me. I rarely get sent anything for free. I don't have a photographer to take my pictures, nor do I even have an awesome professional camera. I don't use this platform to share too much of my personal life, and honestly, that's the way I prefer it. Now, that's not to say that every little thing I blog about isn't autentically me. Anyone that knows me in real life would surely attest to that. I share the part of myself that makes me the happiest, and that's my love for beauty and fashion. As much as I enjoy writing and taking pictures for Beautygirl24, I enjoy reading your blogs even more! You inspire me to try new products, steer me clear of bad purchases, and put a smile on my face when I need a good pick-me-up throughout the day. I only hope I do the same for you.

So...I blog because I love reading and writing. I want to share my passion for pretty things (as frivolous as that may seem). I blog because it serves as an escape. But mainly, I blog because I love it, and because I love connecting with you. That has never changed, and it never will.

Via

• Beautygirl24 - Noelle has enjoyed styling outfits using unexpected color combinations. Mint and hot pink are surprisingly versatile!
• Ella Pretty - Ella's "What's in my Bag" post features her new Marc Jacobs Single bag.
• Lilly's Style - Lilly is mixing bright colors.
• Pearls and Green Tea - Jiye's back from Paris - and she has a "mini" surprise.
• Saltwater Dreams - Andi's reviewing her recent beauty purchases, check out what makes the grade here.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle is embracing her love for all things nautical.
  
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette is sporting leopard as a neutral here with bright yellow pants!

Now I ask my readers: Those of you with your own blogs, why do you do it?

Thank you for reading :)

♥ Noelle

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~Changes~

weheartit

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

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Favorite ootd pics thus far & an award

I was looking through my archives the other night while I was saving some old pictures from my laptop to a flash drive. See, my computer decided to be a pain in the you-know-what and my internet now has a virus. The boy reassures me that his techie friend can wipe away all the mess, and my laptop will be good as new in a few days. I hope so, because the last thing I want to spend my money on are necessities ;)

I had so many pictures on my computer that made me laugh. Swatches of lipstick, eyeshadows and blush. Super blurry outfits from when I first started blogging. I deleted most of them, but saved a few that I actually really like. Most are fairly recent, because I'd like to think that my style has greatly improved over time.

One of my first OOTD. I still love the simplicity of this look. However, bad lighting and an ultra messy background (note the white splotch on the mirror) taint it. I also don't watermark my pictures anymore. Maybe I should, but I just don't.

Infamous rose dress from the H&M Garden Collection last year. This was at Megu in NYC. I still adore that dress, and keep thinking of some place I could wear it.

Friend's wedding, where black was mandatory.

This past winter

Five year anniversary with my bf

And most recently in the necklace you'll see me wearing a lot in the next few months!

I think looking back at old outfit photos is a great way to see what you used to love and, most importantly, what you don't anymore. Me? Well it's abundantly clear I love skinny jeans. It's also clear I love basic colors and silhouettes.

The witty Amy nominated me for a "Stylish Blogger" award and I was tickled that she even thought of me. I have to disclose 7 things about myself you girls may not know, and then nominate 7 others to do the same. Here goes...

1) I am having a tough time "dressing down" at work. For those of you who are new to my blog, I work in a group home. It's actually half school, half residential treatment program but I mainly work in the teen boys' dorm at night. The rule is that you can't wear heels or open toe shoes, and because these kids have serious emotional, mental, and behavioral issues, I have to be ready to possibly go hands-on with them. This means no jewelry either. I find myself wearing lots of  zip up hoodies, not exactly my style! There's such a discrepency between my personal life and my work life. Not really complaining or anything, but it's very odd.

2) This leads to my next fact: Most people have no clue that I have a beauty/fashion blog. I bet my co-workers would die if they knew because I am not able to share that side of myself with them. I also find myself struggling to tell friends for fear of what they may say or think. Is this insane? Why am I embarassed? I love this community so much and I love blogging. We should all be proud of ourselves for the time and passion it takes to blog. Have any of you faced similar problems?

3) I'm addicted to The Food Network and all of the reality shows on Bravo! The Real Housewives franchise? It's a sickness.

4) I'm not very good at swimming, even though I live for the ocean. I even go snorkeling! But only with my boyfriend, who holds my hand out in the water. I grab on for dear life! I can tread water and keep afloat, but I really only know how to dog paddle or do the "froggie" as I call it.

5) I have a grotesque sense of humor, typically associated with males. I'm a girl, but I still love bathroom jokes. Don't ask me why!

6) I light candles in my room every night. My favorite scents are vanilla, cake batter, and anything by Glade.

7) I really, really, want a French or English bulldog. Do you read The Honeybee? Andee has the cutest puppy!

I want to pass along the award to:



Natasha from Schue Love

Jackie from Ollie Things beautiful

Lilly from Lilly's Style

Nina from Nina's Little Blog of Style

Lisa from Cocobella Ballerina

Diana from Dressed up Alligators

Ella from Ella Pretty

I love every single blogger I follow, so if you want to participate and tell us all something about you we may not know, please feel free =)

Thank you for reading,

~Noelle

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New Year's Goals, A Prize, & Happy Birthday!

The month of December always gets people thinking about next year: a clean slate, a fresh perspective, a slimmer waistline ;) Even those of us who think new year's resolutions are pointless can't help but ponder the future and look back on the year that was. I guess it's only natural that as time passes, we want to progress. If you had a wonderful year, consider yourself blessed and hopefully the momentum will continue. If you had a so-so year or a horendous one, I hope that January 1st brings you the promise for brighter days!

I try not to make too many resolutions, and I actually will just name these goals instead since that is really what they are. Everybody needs some of those! I decided to not only write these down on paper, but actually type them here on my blog. Maybe then I can be held a little more accountable. I need to be reminded sometimes!

So here are my goals for 2011 in no particular order:

1) I will take more fashion risks. Nothing too outlandish, but enough to push my sensibilities and move my style forward. I think we are always evolving in terms of what we like and what we don't, what we will wear comfortably and what will make us freak out a little in our heads. Just little risks, that's all.

2) I will only buy beauty/hair/and makeup products that I need or absolutely have to have! Hear that, MAC collections? No more shopping just because I can, and more shopping because I actually need something or simply can't live without it!

3) I've fallen off the health and fitness bandwagon and I can't get back on! It's been almost three weeks since I hit the gym and boy am I feelin' it! I will get back to my routine, despite the sore, bruised bum. Starting next week! I was given a Yoga mat for Christmas so I will also try Yoga. And, I will get back to eating lots of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole wheats.

4) I will drink more water.

5) I want to learn more about photography and eventually get a better camera so that I can make this little blog look more professional. So...

6) I will TRY and make this little blog look more professional. No promises though!

7) I will work hard and save for things I really want instead of just dreaming. I'm not simply referring to clothes and cosmetics either. You can have anything with heart and determination.

8) I will continue to improve and sharpen my writing skills. This includes reading more books.

There's more, but I don't want to bore you any longer with this so I digress.

What are your new year's goals?

On another note, I finally won something in a blog giveaway! I don't think I've ever won anything in my life! I was so excited when the gorgeous Carolina of Closet full of nothing announced my name. She is an incredibly stylish blogger and I just adore reading everything she posts. Thank you so much again Carolina ♥

She sent me the sweetest little card along with Chanel's Riva nail polish. My first bottle! It is a pretty robin's egg blue with loads of shimmer.





Lastly, I want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my love. He is older, wiser, and more handsome today than the first night we met ;) I never thought it was possible to love someone so much. He's a good one, and I am lucky.

Happy New Years everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful celebration tomorrow night, whether it's with friends out on the town or spent in some warm pajamas with loved ones at home. For the last time in 2010, Thank You for reading.

♥ Noelle

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Some Fashion Girls To Look Out For

 Ok, so you guys know I love to write. I especially love to write about beauty products, makeup, shoes, nail polish, the occasional breakouts on my chin (insert sad face). But I also really like to write about clothes and how I like to put myself together. I don't claim to be the most fashion savvy girl on the planet, and I unfortunately don't have the money yet to afford Chanel, C.L.'s and Louis Vuitton. But, even more than blogging about clothing, I also love reading what other fashion forward girls have to say. I only recently have begun to discover the fabulous world of fashion bloggers, but I am so happy that I have. It's such a nice complement to my beauty blog list. Beauty AND fashion...They go hand-in-hand in my opinion ;) So here are some fashion-y girls I think you will love if you ever need some inspiration. I'm not going to go into these in detail, just click on the links if you're interested.

~http://closetfullofnothing.blogspot.com/~

~http://dancinginchiffon.blogspot.com/~

~http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com/~

~http://fashionfoodfrivolity.blogspot.com/~

~http://fashionablyinspired.blogspot.com/~

~http://www.iamstyle-ish.com/~

~http://letsplaydressup239.blogspot.com/~

~http://lifeisbetterinheels.blogspot.com/~

~http://passionforfashion1983.blogspot.com/~

~http://futurebirkinowner.blogspot.com/~

~http://stylenirvana.blogspot.com/~

~http://www.thechloeconspiracy.com/~

~http://www.thelook4less.net/~

Phew, wow that was a lot. I didn't realize I have subscribed to so many blogs! No wonder I spend hours on here, just reading. This isn't a tag or anything, I just wanted to share some good information. I hope you don't mind =) Oh, and I also want to mention Be In Style, a blog about fashion, beauty, and accessories. My three loves.

♥ Noelle

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