"Big Girl" Bag

I did it. I bought what I proudly like to refer to as my first "big girl" or grown-up handbag. The Michael Kors selma satchel is everything I knew it would be:

• Gorgeous saffiano leather that feels sturdy.
• A roomy interior.
• Luxurious gold tone hardware.
• And one of the best and most practical features...an adjustable/completely removeable shoulder strap!

Genius.

I would dare to even say that it's a cross between this Prada, as well as the IT bag of the year. I got it on presale two weeks ago, when the SA at Macy's caught me staring at myself in the mirror, grinning like a fool from ear to ear, the bag dangling from my arm. She told me about the friends and family sale. 100 dollars off the retail price?! Yes, please! Before I knew it, I had her put the last black selma away for me in the back room. I picked it up yesterday and the rest is history. I strongly suggest going to your Macy's this weekend if you're interested. The F&F sale ends on the 28th.

If you want any details on this bag, let me know :)

♥ Noelle

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Cobalt Crush

Blouse - Express (old)

Jeans - Loft

Pumps - J.Crew

Bag - Juicy Couture (old)

Necklace - Sonya Renee

I hope you all had a beautiful weekend! Mine was actually pretty awful. Literally an hour after this picture was taken, I started feeling really sick. I'll spare you the gruesome details. I went to urgent care at 2am and the doctor confirmed my suspicions - I had a bad case of food poisoning. I spent the rest of the weekend in bed, while the warm sunny weather taunted me from my window. Oh well, what can you do? At least these cobalt beauties managed to make it out of their box, even if only for an hour. After crushing on them for over a month, I decided to treat myself. Cobalt is one of my favorite colors and I know these will get a lot of wear. I also treated myself to another gorgeous item I've been crushing on, but that will have to wait until another post ;)

♥ Noelle

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Currently Loving ---> Delicate Stone Necklaces

My obsession with stone jewelry (as evidenced here and here) is going strong! I'm not entirely sure where it all started, but now that I think back, my favorite companies like Stella & Dot, Sonya Renee, and Oia Jules are known for their beautiful creations using colorful gems. The natural, earthy beauty of a stone necklace has quite an impact around the neck.

Here are some options in case you're just as obsessed as I am

Stella & Dot

Oia Jules

This was the necklace I wore in my last post. Love it.

Sonya Renee

Delezhen

Etsy has a ton of stone pendants, so I would encourage you to look there! But whatever you choose,  you can't go wrong. There is nothing as beautiful as nature's own jewelry.

♥ Noelle

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Rock Candy

Blazer - H&M (similar)

Tank - American Eagle

Jeans - Old Navy

Heels - Zara (old)

Bag - Juicy Couture (ages old, my first real leather bag!)

Ring - YSL

Necklace - Oia Jules

Lips - Revlon Balm Stain in Lovesick / Nails - Essie Peach Daquiri

My friend wore a similar outfit the last time I saw her. She had on a peach colored tank top from Forever 21, along with a crisp white blazer. The combo had me longing for Summer! I looked for the same top she purchased from F21, but I couldn't locate it. The one I eventually found was on sale at American Eagle. I wasn't sure what jewelry to wear, but decided it was time to give my lapis ring some love again. The necklace from Oia Jules complemented it really well. Now I like to call these pieces my rock candy...cue the boy laughing :) You should hear our conversations over dinner. He officially knows a lot about fashion these days!

♥ Noelle

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White Eyelet

 Dress - American Eagle

Cardigan - Loft (similar)

Pumps - Zara (similar)

Bag - J.Crew Factory

Necklace - Boutique (identical by S&D)

Ring - Henri Bendel

Although the LBD is the dress du jour, I think the LWD is just as versatile in your wardrobe especially come Spring and Summer. The white Zara dress I had high hopes for was a total fail. It was all wrong - bad fit, bad fabric, a faulty zipper. Then came along this little number, complete with the same cut-outs on the sides as the Zara. Although I won't be wearing this for my bachlorette (too casual), I did wear it for our save the date pictures on the beach last weekend. The full skirt and soft cotton eyelet make it ultra comfortable in the heat. I'm sure it will get a ton of use the next few months. I already have plans to wear it on our honeymoon in Hawaii.

Makes me wanna do a twirl :)

♥ Noelle

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Mint + Gray + Pink

Sweater - Old Navy

Jeans - Loft

Pumps - J.Crew (I want these!)

Necklace - Baublebar, given to me by Lilly :)

Bag - Mango by JCP (old)

Nails - L'oreal Creme Puffs (seen here)

After seeing this adorable sweater on two of my favorite girls (Danielle and  Lindsay), I knew it had to be mine one day. Although I own this in the Fall version, I love Spring's mint and gray even more. For some reason, the sweaters Old Navy has come out with for Spring feel softer and a bit thicker then the ones popular back in Fall. Paired with a statement necklace and a fun pop from raspberry heels, I felt happy and colorful for a date night with the boy.

P.S. - I want another pair of J.Crew heels. I could go for one in every color.

♥ Noelle

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Little pick-me-ups

A little retail therapy never hurt anyone, right? As long as you don't go overboard, little pick-me-ups can be a perfect solution to the doldrums. I think treating yourself to a bottle of nail polish or a new lipstick can be just as satisfying (if not more) than saving money for a big item.

Pretty Spring polishes

L'oreal has a new limited edition collection, and I had to have some! I got Creme Puffs and Lacey Lilac.

I also picked up Tart Deco and Maximillion Strasse Her by Essie.

Any of these colors would be great for Easter. I have yet to actually paint my nails with them, but I plan on wearing Creme Puffs this weekend. I'll report back on the opacity, and I have high hopes for all four.

Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rose Kiss. I've heard great reviews about these new lip butters, and seeing as I'm a sucker for both raspberries and anything rose, I decided to try it. It has a soft, fruity scent and is really moisturizing.

NYX Butter Gloss in Vanilla Cream Pie is great! Non-sticky, very lightly scented (unlike most other NYX lip products) and smooth coverage. This shade is really natural so if you want more color, I'd go for a darker or brighter shade.

 

 

I finally plopped down for the Sephora 55 airbrush. I've been wanting this for what seems like ages, but I've never spent a lot of money on makeup brushes. I love my Sigma, Kirkland, and Eco Tools. However, I am so happy with this brush. I use it for blush, bronzer, and powder. Ultra soft and applies everything like a dream. I haven't washed it just yet, so I'm hoping the bristles flare out.  Right now they are quite tapered and I'd actually prefer a little fullness.

 

 

 

These delicate stone necklaces are so beautiful! I picked them up at a tiny boutique while in San Diego this past weekend and I'm just in love. Pretty layered or on their own, expect to see them appear in outfit posts very soon. I love my statement jewelry, but nothing is as sweet or as feminine as a dainty necklace around your neck.

What little pick-me-ups have you treated yourself to lately?

♥ Noelle



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Neon & Neutral

Bag - J Crew Factory

Necklace - Target (recent, check stores) (pretty option)

Shoes - Ivanka Trump (love)

Blouse - Target (similar)

Cardigan - LOFT (similar)

Watch - Fossil

Bracelet - Stella & Dot

One of my favorite things to do on a beautiful, sunny weekend is visit my favorite person in San Diego. My best friend and I spent the day getting our hair done, walking around downtown, and visiting Hotel Palomar. If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend making a stop there. The place is stunning! Great food and drinks too :)

I decided to spice up my neutral outfit by carrying my newest love - the neon envelope clutch. Something tells me that she will get lots of play time this Spring and Summer.

♥ Noelle

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The J.Crew {Factory} Envelope Clutch

J.Crew is one of my favorite shop spots. They do color so effortlessly, and the polished, preppy, ultra feminine look is right up my alley. My only complaint are the prices. The quality is high and I'm a strong believer that you ultimately get what you pay for. But when I discovered J.Crew factory a few months ago, I became addicted. The same beautiful, colorful clothes and accessories that the company is known for, but for a fraction of the cost.

The envelope clutch has been my favorite not-so-secret find. It started with one in a vibrant raspberry suede. I've literally worn it to pieces, as the edges are beginning to look worn, discolored in some areas, and a little frayed.

Now I have these to add to the collection.

J.Crew Factory Envelope Clutch

 

The quality of these leather clutches is amazing. Soft and smooth, and the color is extremely saturated. I think these will hold up a bit better then my  suede version.

I love the versatility too. You can carry it as a clutch with the chain tucked inside, or use the chain and throw it over your shoulder. The burnished gold chain itself has a nice weight to it. It feels substantial, and not at all like an afterthought. I got black because every girls needs a classic black clutch, but I'm most excited to carry the neon. It will add so much to my neutral outfits. Note - the color is super bright in person. 

 

 

My little factory family :)

 

This is a very positive review, and I hope you give one a try!

 

Have a great weekend!

♥ Noelle

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In Bloom

Blazer - H&M (recent, check stores) (similar from Banana Republic)

Dress - BP Nordstrom, old (cute option)

Bag - Kate Spade

Heels - Guess, old (love these)

Necklace - Stella & Dot

Beaded bracelet - Etsy

Watch - Fossil

Labradorite bracelet - Oia Jules

Spring is in full bloom around my area. The grass has never looked greener, and it seems like everywhere I go, flowers are in full bloom. My fiance and I celebrated the weekend by having lunch at the park by our house. My green dress matched the scenery (and St. Patty's) perfectly :)

♥ Noelle

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Rosey

Blazer - Frenchi

Top - Zara

Jeans - LOFT

Bag - J Crew Factory (love this color for Spring)

Ring - YSL

Necklace - Derng

Shoes - Guess (old, old, old!)

The lighting was gorgeous when these pictures were taken. Everything seemed to have a rosey glow. My attitude matched, because after a couple difficult weeks in which I constantly felt stressed, frazzled, and basically wanted to hide under a rock, I got a massage on Sunday and that really made a huge difference. Ladies, I cannot stress the importance of taking care of yourself, especially your mind, enough. Whatever relaxes you - a pedicure, a nice blow-out at the salon, a long bath with pretty salts. It's not always about vanity. It should be more about your sanity!

♥ Noelle

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Soft Neutrals

Blazer - Gibson

Blouse - Target (check stores)

Necklace - Derng

Bag - Rebecca Minkoff

Watch - Fossil

 

 

 

I decided to break up the monotony of dark Winter colors with Spring-like hues. At this time each year, I start itching for softer, more feminine shades. The gray blazer and ruffled blouse became a great backdrop for my pave necklace. What's more girly than rose gold sparkle?

 

♥ Noelle



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Neon & Nude

Sweater - J Crew (bright yellow)

Jeans - Banana Republic

Bag - Kate Spade

Necklace - F21, recent so check stores (Similar)

Earrings - H&M (Similar)

Nails - LC by Zoya

It felt like Spring yesterday! What better way to celebrate the gorgeous weather then with a neon sweater (this baby is BRIGHT in person), and accented by nude accessories. It's my favorite way to do neon without feeling over the top. I think if you're weary of this trend, pairing it down with neutrals is the safest way to go. Oh, and how pretty is my new necklace? Browsing aimlessly through Forever 21 isn't always a bad thing ;) If I can't be dripping in diamonds, I like to be dripping in pearls (even if they're faux).

♥ Noelle

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A Little Leopard

Cardigan - Halogen

Blouse - F21

Skirt - J. Crew (different color)

Heels - Zara

Jewelry - Target (want this one) and Club Monaco

Bag not shown - Chanel

Nails - Chanel Graphite

 It's been months since I last wore this blouse. It's been at the bottom of a "dry clean" pile. Funny how it got there because it's actually machine washable. Hmmmm, I won't let that happen again. Anyway, I think it's exactly what this outfit needed to break up the black and navy blue. Once hailed as a fashion faux pas, black and blue have become decidedly cool to wear together. I never had a problem with this combination before, but then again, I never thought much about pairing them. Throw in a little leopard and I was ready for a night out to dinner. 

By the way...

I can't stop wearing this J.Crew skirt. Maybe that should have been the focus of this post!

♥ Noelle

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In with the new

Out with the old? Well, not exactly. But I have acquired a few new things recently that are making me very, very happy.

Too Faced Milk Chocolate Bronzing Powder

On the quest for a bronzer that didn't make me look orange, muddy, or shiny, I decided to give this one by Too Faced a try. Its more famous cousin is darker then I need this time of year, but the milk chocolate version is perfect for my pale skin. No sheen, purely matte. It's extremely natural, so those seeking a bronzed goddess look might want to go elsewhere. The great thing is I can swirl a giant brush into this and slap it everywhere on my face. I can almost use it like a regular powder. I personally love that in the Wintertime. If you are ghostly this time of year like I am, you will definitely appreciate it. And yes, it absolutely does smell like chocolate :)

 

 

Maybelline Color Whisper Lipstick (here in Lust for Blush and Pin up Peach) MAC creamsheen in Peach Blossom

I compare the Maybelline to the Revlon Lip Butters, except I actually prefer the feel of these on my lips a lot more. They perform like a balm, but they have a hint of color that makes them perfect for daily use. I'd give them a try, especially when they're on sale at CVS or Rite-Aid.

Peach Blossom by MAC is my new favorite. Similar to my beloved Shy Girl, but more pink then peach. How did I not know about this color before?! It's a must-have now.  

 

 

After Christmas, my fiance and I practically ran to the store and picked up iphones (our contracts were up). I always loved my android, and really had no issues with it. But all of our friends kept pushing us towards getting iphones. I'll admit they were a snobby bunch about it. I think that's why I resisted for as long as I did. But they were all right. I LOVE my new toy :)

What new item are you loving lately?

♥ Noelle

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{Black, White, Sparkle, Denim}

Blouse - Target (got it in the light cream too), Jacket - Halogen (love this one), Jeans - Old Navy, Heels - Zara, Necklace - F21, Bracelets - Club Monaco and boutique, Watch - Michael Kors, Bag - Chanel, Lips - YSL Le Orange (dabbed on to create a stain)

It took every last bit of strength. I was so tempted to add a dose of color to this look! While reading one of the new Spring style magazines, I noticed a ton of black and white combinations. I think they titled one layout 60's mod, and it's definitely going to be a major trend this year. But don't worry my neon loving friends. Color is still big, and in my opinion, always will be.

On another note, I'm on week two of operation eating-healthy-let's-get-fit-and-lose-some-weight-so-I-can-squeeze-into-a-wedding-dress. It's fun, really fun ;) Although I haven't yet seen any results, I am really proud of myself for finally changing my bad habits (moving in with my fiance and his best friend has killed all of my good sense when it comes to eating and exercising. Silly boys. Good thing we are moving so I'll only have to live with one boy. He's trying to get back in shape too).

 Happy Wednesday!

♥ Noelle

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Otherwise Simple

Top - LOFT

Skirt - J Crew (similar, but in a different color)

Wedges - Target (old)

Trench - LOFT

Bracelet - TJ-Maxx

Necklace - Gifted, but from Forever 21

Necklace - J Crew

Top - H&M (Similar material)

Blazer - Gibson Via Nordstrom

Jeans - Old Navy

Pumps - J Crew Mona's (obsessed with these!)

Ring - Henri Bendel

Although New Year's Eve 2012 is now but a memory, my love for all things glitter clearly remains in the present! A little sparkle is always welcomed, no matter what time of year. I especially love it paired with casual pieces. It's a bit unexpected, and it really dresses up basics.

I hope you had a great weekend!

♥ Noelle

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