Stepping Out of my Comfort Zone

Wearing //

Soprano dress, check B.P. Nordstrom 

Sole Society booties, similar but love these!

Express bag and bracelet, similar

Nordstrom necklace

Beauty //

Essie nails in Size Matters

Glo Minerals blush in Bellini

Sometimes I think that as style bloggers, we are too vain to post outfits that we are perhaps a little unsure of. Nobody wants to make a fool of themselves, especially on social media and the web. Well, this is one of those outfits for me. I love dresses and booties on others, but on me? Totally on the fence! My first inclination was to pair this swing dress with little heels in an effort to elongate my legs, but because it was cool enough to finally break out my little boots, I decided to go for the more casual route. I loved it while I was wearing it, but looking back on the pictures, I'm uncertain that it works. Funny how that goes! You think you look fabulous until you see photographic proof. I'm posting this anyway because number one, I don't have anything else planned for Beautygirl24 this week and number 2, why not? I'm proud for stepping out of my comfort zone. I think next time, a shorter dress will be more successful with booties. But for my first try, I guess this will do :)

I can say one thing - This dress feels like lounge wear, and I'm in love. I plan on wearing it next with an olive moto jacket and...heels. 

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Windy Midi

Yes, I had to do a twirl. And yes, I looked ridiculous. 

Wearing //

Express twill moto jacket (comes in other colors)

Express cami (also in many colors)

Asos midi skirt (petite) (gorgeous in pink)

Vince Camuto Pumps, Similar

J.Crew Factory clutch, Similar

S&D necklace

Express stretch bracelet

Beauty //

Essie nails (Size Matters)

Dior Addict Lipstick (Diablotine)

Windy Autumn days call for swaths of pleated chiffon. Just make sure the skirt is long enough, as to avoid any embarrassing "accidents". My midi skirt curiosity continues, so I decided to order one from the petite line off of the Asos website. I figured it would be the perfect length, but it's actually quite a bit longer than I had anticipated. I've had it in my closet for over a month, contemplating daily whether I should take it to the tailor's shop for a hem. I decided against it, although I'm still unsure. What do you ladies think? Too long? I love the berry color and the movement it creates when I walk (or even when I'm standing still). The air hits it just right! So it's a keeper, despite some slight reservations. I think it works well year-round here in California.

If you haven't yet entered the giveaway I last blogged about, well what are you waiting for?! I hope you all are doing well today. It's raining here, so wish me luck driving around for work :)

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One of the boys

Wearing //

Loft plaid shirt and moto jeans

J.Crew pumps, love these

MK bag

Essie polish

I know plaid shirts, coats, and scarves are a huge trend right now, but I've actually been a bit leery of trying them on myself. Plaid is such a classic print, so I don't know where my reservation comes from. I do own a beautiful plaid coat that I am determined to wear again this year, but other than that, my wardrobe is comprised of mostly solids. I was thinking about why I don't gravitate towards it, and I think I found the reason. Every single guy I know, my husband included, wears plaid button-downs. I feel like a boy in plaid! There, I said it. Even looking at these pictures, I feel very "boyish". The heels help of course, and maybe the lipstick too. Nate loved it! In fact, he's never complimented me so honestly as he did when I wore this shirt over the weekend. Go figure.

Before I wish you all a happy Wednesday, I'd like you to check out a survey I participated in on Gina's blog regarding trends in my area. Other ladies from across the country did the same, and it's really fun to read. Link here!

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Shopping for Fall

We all seem to get into a shopper's frenzy around the end of Summer. With cooler temps promised to us around the corner, there's no better way to prepare than to go a little crazy and snap up as many new items as possible. I normally like to add pieces in slowly so that I don't make impulse purchases. I clean out my closet, take inventory of what I already have and what I am missing, and then I make a list. I also read my Fall fashion magazines, check out blogs and Pinterest, and then go from there to edit my wishlist. It seems like quite the process, but it really isn't. I find this is the best way to manage my money and prevent me from overspending. But let's face it, Fall is to fashion what football is to many, so I do let myself splurge a little. The darker jewel tones and the moody hues get me so excited. Even if Fall is a joke here in southern California, I take it quite seriously. Not to mention it's my big 3-0 tomorrow so the excuse to shop is real my friends!

Here's what I've added so far:

Steve Madden Leopard Flats

J.Crew Pave Link Bracelet 

(Identical affordable option)

J.Crew Valentina Pumps

Express Twill Moto Jacket

Caslon Drape Neck Cardigan

Ann Taylor Sleeveless Trench/Dress

Loft modern skinny moto jeans

So what do you think? Have I made some wise choices so far? Neutral and basic enough, right?

Before I say "happy shopping", I'd like to thank you for making my 20's more bearable. I can't believe I'll be 30 years old tomorrow. I don't feel 30! Or at least I don't think I do (until I go to a bar and see how 20 year olds get along). It's hard to put into words, but I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your support and friendship. I started this blog when I was 24, and it's crazy to think how long ago that really was. Just when I get down on myself for not being where I thought I would be by the time 30 hit, I remember that life doesn't work that way, and that it's ok to feel a little "off" about it. So before I start rambling, I'll just say goodbye, and have a great day! See you next week on the other side :)

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The Sleeveless Trench

Wearing //

Ann Taylor sleeveless trench

Asos dress, similar

Vince Camuto pumps, super similar!

Kate Spade bag

A sleeveless trench. A sleeveless trench? Hmmmmmm. I couldn't quite wrap my brain around that for awhile, but then I started seeing this one from Ann Taylor on a lot of girls (Jean and Khatu are just two examples) and it suddenly just clicked for me. A sleeveless trench coat is genius. It's the perfect transitional piece, especially when you live in California and it stays fairly warm year-round. I like to think of this as a longer vest, so it's perfect for layering over anything! It can also be worn as a dress, though I probably won't do that often. It's just as chic as a regular trench coat which I love, but it adds a fun twist on the classic style. During Ann Taylor's F&F sale, I snapped it up for less than 100 dollars. I immediately threw it on once I received it and fell hard guys. Oh and you can still tell that I'm obsessed with my blue Kate Spade and will carry it well into Fall and Winter. The color is surprisingly versatile!

Happy Monday!

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Fall Lookbook

Now that Fall is coming to end, I want to share my lookbook for the season. I know most of you have already been experiencing Winter weather for awhile, but it's just now been cold enough here in southern California to really make people feel like Winter is around the corner. And when I say now, I literally mean now. I just checked the temps for next week and it's going to get back up into the 70's! Hardly Wintertime.

Fall trends are my absolute favorite so I hope you enjoy these outfits! Most can be layered with coats, tights, and boots to transition into Winter. My first lookbook (Summer) can be found here.

Unlike Summer where I was all about color, Fall has been more neutral. I have been reaching for black a lot, and that's something I never thought I'd do again after gravitating toward color the past couple of years. I'm sure once Spring hits, that will change. The beauty of fashion is that you can reinvent yourself every day. For now though, I think I'll stick to jewel tones, sparkle, black and gold, and of course...my favorite pumps! 

What did you wear a lot this season?

♥ Noelle

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Fall Favorites

Wearing: Loft sweater, Loft skirt, H&M scarf, BCBG bag, TJMaxx bracelet, Halogen booties, Chanel Graphite polish

I wore my favorite Fall pieces out to dinner Friday night. I can't stress enough how comfortable these Halogen booties are! I was worried they would pinch my toes, but instead I felt like they actually molded to my feet and were extremely easy to walk in. I purchased them during the Nordstrom anniversary sale over Summer, and now that the weather has cooled down a bit here in California, I can finally wear them. I know I'll be reaching for them often. 

Let's see...jewel tones, check! Leopard print, check! Fun new shoes, check! I love wearing all of my Fall favorites together.

How was your weekend?

♥ Noelle 

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More Fall Cravings

Fall Cravings by beautygirl24 featuring leather pendants

Before I left for my honeymoon, I showed you a few things I've picked up in anticipation of Fall. Shopping during the months of September, October, and November are my personal favorite because I just love all of the beautiful jewel tones and textures that are displayed in store windows. I collect things little by little, and instead of buying a whole new wardrobe every season, I instead get a handful of key pieces that will maximize my wardrobe and update it just so to make it feel fresh.

This year is no different than last Fall. Jewel tones, dark neutrals, leopard, and lots of texture are what I gravitate towards. Here's a closer look at what I'm still craving.

Coach Mini Tanner in Deep Port

Tom Ford

House of Harlow 1960

J Crew

Loft

Oh you know, an LV Neverfull would be nice as well :)

 Have a great weekend!

♥ Noelle

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Fall Purchases...So Far

As I read some of my favorite blogs from the east coast and up north, I continue to cross my fingers for cooler temperatures. I can't help it, I'm so envious of those of you who are already enjoying boots, pants, and layers. I'm still living in sandals and airy anything that will keep me from sweating to death. I try to avoid being outdoors for more then necessary, and our air conditioning is still puttering along. I know I shouldn't complain. I'm in many ways very lucky to enjoy a longer Summer than most do. And, I am very excited about Maui next week. I like the Hawaiian heat much better than California heat. I'm fickle.

Although I haven't enjoyed Autumn just yet, I am slowly gathering just a few new pieces to add to my closet. No major purchases just yet, but definitely looking forward to wearing it all. Here is what I've added so far:

Target

Marc Jacobs nail polish (Baby Jane), J Crew necklace, Essie polish in Smokin' Hot

Target

Loft petite modern skinny jeans

Baublebar

Not a bad start right? I still have a few more things on my wishlist, so check back soon for that!

What have you purchased so far this season?

♥ Noelle

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