Peplum and Denim

Peplum Jacket - Nordstrom Rack (very chic option) Also pretty here & here

Jeans - Banana Republic (similar at loft)

Pumps - Nine West

Bag - Chanel (similar)

Turquoise Earrings - Kendra Scott

Watch- Fossil

I'm still very much on the peplum bandwagon/train! My love for the fancy frill actually stemmed from owning a navy peplum Aryn K. jacket. I still have that one hanging in my closet, but after several years of wear and tear, I'm actually really hesitant to bring it back to life again. Does anyone know of any cures for fabric pilling?

Anyway, this little white and grey lace jacket is the new version for me. It's very lady-like, right? In fact, although it's no secret that I live in jeans during the colder months, I still take great joy in dressing them up as much as I possibly can. The new casual glam I guess :)

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! The boy and I are headed off to a concert tonight, and we are staying at the W Hotel in San Diego. I'll be sure to Instagram...

♥ Noelle

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Cloudy Day

Trench (in petite size) - Loft, Skirt - Forever 21 (old) (similar here),  Lace blouse (underneath) - Zara (pretty option), Pumps - Nine West, Scarf - Target (similar), Bag - Chanel, Ring - YSL (Love this color), Lips - MAC Viva Glam Cyndi

This is my favorite outfit in my closet. Possibly my favorite outfit ever. As soon as I put on my new LOFT trench coat, this magical feeling came over me. You know the one. The feeling we all search for when we go shopping for that one special piece that will transform our wardobes and make us feel like queens. That feeling. The beauty of clothing is in the way certain items makes us feel. We may look like the best version of ourselves in it, but it transcends appearance. It alters our mood, and that my friends, is extremely powerful. So yes, fashion is frivolous. But there is some power in it too. Even on a windy, cold, and cloudy day, I floated on cloud nine :)

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Favorite Jewels

 "Fashion is nothing without accessories." I used to have that quote framed and hanging on my wall for good reason. I go crazy at the mere site of handbags, scarves, and especially jewelry. As much as I try to stay away from the sparkling treasures displayed under glass at J.Crew, or the racks upon racks of colorful bits at Forever 21, I always seem to wander over to the jewelry department. "How did I get here?" is what I end up thinking to myself as I walk away with yet another chunky necklace or pair of simple studs.

In an effort to try and reel myself back from buying more and more, I decided to instead appreciate the stand-out pieces already in my possession. I do have some clear favorites that I wear over and over. I know you've seen these at some point, so no real surprises I'm sure.

Rings

Necklaces

Bracelets & Earrings

They cross the spectrum from higher end (Chanel, YSL) to mid (Sonya Renee, J.Crew) to cheaper alternatives (Forever 21, H&M). I'm no snob! When it comes to jewelry, I love it all!

Of course, I will keep adding to my favorites. Bracelets are my new obsession this season, and I want to add more for layering purposes. But, I will be more discerning on future shopping trips. I think quality over quanitity wins out.

What are your favorite jewelry pieces? What are you looking to add to your own collection?

♥ Noelle

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Fancy Fuchsia

Swiss dot blouse  - F21 (recent), Navy skirt - Gap, Pumps - Nine West, Earrings - RichRocks NYC, Bracelet - TJ-Maxx, Bag - Chanel flap

I'm not sure you can tell in these pictures, but the skirt I recently bought from the Gap is a deep navy. I'm always on the quest for skirts that fit my body well. Most of the time, skirts are too long, the material is too sheer and flimsy, and I have issues with the cut. Because I'm petite and pear shaped with a small waist, I often encounter so many problems finding the right one that flatters my body. When I do come across a skirt that meets my criteria, I snap it up right away! I wore it with a fun, vibrant fuchsia blouse from Forever 21. I wore this outfit to my best friend's engagement party and I had a great time. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend as well!

♥ Noelle

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Polka Dots & Blush

Blazer and tee - H&M, Black skinny jeans - Banana Republic, Peep toe pumps - BP Nordstrom (old), Audrey necklace - ShopRuche (old), Rings - Engagement and F21, Bag - Chanel

If you are petite and looking for a great blazer, I highly recommend H&M. I found this pale blush and miniature polka dotted number and was surprised at how well it fit. The sleeves were rolled up, a look I dare not interfere with. I'm sure if I rolled them back down, the length would be too long. But otherwise, this was just one of many blazers that looked petite friendly. I was unsure about the zippers on the pockets, and just thinking about my reservation makes me smile - This is as "edgy" as I get (along with my $1.50 pyramid ring!)

♥ Noelle

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Outside of my comfort zone

In the past, there were some things I would never have imagined wearing. Why? Because I didn't think I could pull them off.  Shorts and tights, an ever popular trend these days, would most certainly have been one of them. I'm still trying to figure out what possessed me to try it out. I don't like to take risks, and in my mind, shorts with tights are super tricky. Scary even.

I even added a scarf (because I was chilly).

Teal top and tights - Express, Blazer - Frenchi via Nordstrom, Shorts - H&M, Suede pumps - Anne Michelle, Bracelet - TJ Maxx, Scarf - Angl, Bag not shown - Chanel

Fashion bloggers work miracles on girls like me. I didn't think I could wear something so far outside of my comfort zone, but somehow I did. I really like the dark colors in the outfit, which is an instant way for me to try something new or trendy without feeling like I'm saying, "look at me!" I think the charcoal cotton shorts are also a safer option, and they seem more appropriate for evening, the only time I would consider such an outfit for myself.

So what's the worst that could happen anyway? Having someone tell you that you don't look so hot? It's not the end of the world ;)

Would you ever wear something completely outside of your safe zone?

♥ Noelle

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Textures

Details:

White tee & jeans - Banana Republic, Tweed jacket - Halogen via Nordstrom (last year), Pumps - J Crew (Mona Suede), Chain necklace - LOFT, Watch - Michael Kors, Bag - Chanel jumbo flap, Nails - Revlon Starry Pink, Engagement ring

Start with dark jeans, a soft cotton tee, and a chunky chain necklace. Add a tweed jacket with some chain detail and a gorgeous quilted bag. Suede pumps complete this textured look.

I've been blow drying my hair and then using hot rollers to add some extra body and to accentuate the layers. I tried it all week, and despite the fact that I've been under the weather, I find that doing the hot rollers lets me go an extra day without needing to wash my tresses. Now I see what all the fuss is about! Less time spent washing and then doing my hair means I have more time to lay in bed :)

I hope you girls are taking care! 

♥ Noelle

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leopard lush

In going through my closet the other day, I took note of just how many leopard print pieces I own. I was actually astonished. It's no secret that I love a good leopard print, but my goodness! I think I need an intervention.

Just a handful of things in my collection

Head to toe:

Just a touch:

Rachel Zoe says that it takes courage to wear leopard. I guess I agree with that to a certain extent, but then again, I consider myself to be pretty shy.

Who knows?!

On another unrelated note, I am enjoying my jumbo flap with full gusto. I am very careful about what I put in it, for fear of pens leaking, lipgloss spilling, or dirty change floating around. Paranoid much? Absolutely, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. But I am loving it!

Makeup bag (Tory Burch), Wallet (Rebecca Minkoff), HTC phone, Keys.

Although I have room in my bag to store more things, I find that this is all I need. I carry everything in my cheapie totes and other bags from H&M and Aldo, but I stay streamlined with my Chanel. Funny how that works.

♥ Noelle

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Little Black Pants

leopard blouse - F21, black blazer with ruched sleeves - BP Nordstrom, skinny black jeans - Banana Republic, suede pumps - Anne Michelle, ring - YSL lapis arty, necklace - Jewelmint, bag - Chanel

I'm finding that little black pants are just as versatile as the little black dress. Yes, this is a lot of black and I normally don't don so much of it at once. But with some leopard print peeking out from my blazer and a tiny hint of lapis from my ring, I felt that these details were enough for a night out on the town.

♥ Noelle

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Lady-Like

Cream rose printed crop top - F21, Nude cami (underneath) - F21, Grey pleated skirt - Banana Republic, Pumps - Nordstrom Rack - Necklace - F21, Bag - Chanel classic flap, Earrings (unseen) - Sonya Renee

If I were to put together an "ideal" outfit, meaning a look that epitomizes everything that I love about fashion, this look would be it. Fall slowly forces me to kick off my beach girl sandals and breezy tanks in favor of feminine pleats and sophisticated pumps. I carefully prop my bag onto my shoulder, and I am instantly transported to a different feeling, one in which I stand up taller and walk with more purpose. I feel like a new person in these pretty clothes. Isn't that what fashion should do?

 ♥ Noelle

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Current Fall Favorites

There are so many Fall lists going around, that I decided to do my own. Here are just a few things that are inspiring major wear time for me this season.



1.

Colorful bib necklaces

Purple: F21  Orange: H&M  White & Cream: Francescas Collections

2.

Nail colors that serve as conversation starters

Chanel: Graphite   OPI: Crown Me Already  OPI: Dating a Royal

3. 

Snagging this gorgeous Missoni for Target scarf.

4.

Bellatrix Tie Front Blouse

My friend wore a beautiful burnt orange blouse by Gibson last weekend. I wanted it so badly!

I went to Nordstrom to try it on earlier this week, but it wasn't very petite friendly so the SA suggested this one by Bellatrix.

I am in L-O-V-E with all of the big pussybow blouses this season.

5.

Of course this is my absolute favorite :)

What are your Fall favorites? Please tell me!

♥ Noelle







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Chanel Reveal!

Hi everyone! I'm back from my trip to Las Vegas and I must admit...I'm sad to be home! I had such an amazing trip. I'll be sure to share more personal pictures of where I stayed and how things went. I have a lot to share!

In the meantime, I just wanted to say thank you so much for all the birthday wishes. It really made me smile and I appreciate each and every one of you.


Now, onto my big "fashion dream" reveal. You all guessed it of course.

Chanel Classic Jumbo Caviar Flap w/ silver hardware.

There are no words, readers. No words.

In our room, first day!

My beloved H&M red rose dress complimented it nicely :)

I'll never forget this birthday, it was the perfect mix of fun, relaxation, and surprises. More to come in my next post!

♥ Noelle

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A fashion dream becomes reality

Classic, timeless, and iconic.

After all these years of obsessing and dreaming...

I'll do the big reveal when I get back from my Vegas/Birthday vacation!

I hope those who had a chance to go out last night for Fashion's Night Out had a wonderful time!

♥Noelle

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Chanel Nails (Fall 2011)

I first heard about Chanel's stunning Fall collection while casually flipping through Allure magazine the last time I payed a visit to my hair salon. I wanted to cut the page out and save it, but instead I made note of the July release date. I only own Chanel's Black Pearl, one of my favorite nail colors to wear. I also won Riva, a pale baby blue, through a blog giveaway.

The price tag of a Chanel polish pushes me away, but I knew I wasn't going to even try to resist this time.

So I went to Bloomingdales last Friday. They didn't have the collection in yet. I went to Macy's. They didn't have it either. I went to Saks and they didn't have it. Ugh.......


Then I went to Nordstrom, where lo and behold...they did have the collection. *Smiles all around.*

Graphite was the color I coveted most.

A unique mix of silver, gold. I can't quite explain it.

It is amazing!

Peridot is what I've always wanted from the trendy duochrome polishes.

It's a mix of stark, tarnished gold with hints of turquoise and green.

Trendy, but still chic and sophisticated.

With flash

Without flash

Of course my camera doesn't do them justice, which is heartbreaking for me as a beauty blogger. I really hope you will check them out in person.

My new obsessions for the upcoming Fall season.

What do you think?

~Noelle

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