The Red Dress

Wearing: H&M Garden Collection dress (2010)

Zara Pumps (love these classics) (similar)

J Crew Factory clutch

Baublebar bracelet

Express Earrings

YSL "le orange" lipstick and Essie "cascade cool" nails

The hubs and I at dinner 

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and Valentine's day! As I said in my last post, husband and I went out to dinner at this quaint little Italian restaurant that we had never tried before. We had a caprese salad, veggie neopolitan-style pizza, tiramisu, and champagne that the owner's wife sent over to our table :) The night was perfect. 

What made it even better was the dress I wore. This red rose H&M Garden Collection dress is undoubtedly my favorite piece in my wardrobe. As silly as it may sound, it makes me feel like Carrie Bradshaw. I've only worn it twice, and both on very special occasions. The first time on our trip to New York City. The second time on the night that Nate proposed to me in Las Vegas. So Friday night was the third appearance of my beloved red dress. Who knows when it will come out to play again, but I'm hoping it's sooner rather than later! Until then...

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Valentine's Day Happenings {Giveaway & Thank You}

Happy Friday everyone! More importantly, Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you enjoy it no matter what plans you have - a fun dinner out, a romantic night in, or a celebration with girlfriends. Whether you are married, dating, or single...Do whatever makes you feel good today :)

In honor of V-Day, my favorite Stella & Dot stylist Ashley Vella and I have teamed up and are doing a giveaway on Instagram! I've never done one through social media before, but we wanted to give our followers a chance to win my newest obsession - the milana tassel bracelet! I've been literally wearing it non-stop since purchasing it. Now's your chance to become as obsessed with one.

It's such a chic piece, whether layered or on its own. It's actually three different mixed metal stretch bracelets, with one having a removable tassel. 

Visit my Instagram as well as Ashley's for the rules, and your chance to win!

On another more personal note, I want to wish the hubs a happy Valentine's day. More than I ever imagined, thank you for everything you do, are, and have given me Nate. You are my greatest gift. 

I love you guys, have a great weekend :)

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Blind Date

Wearing:

Express blouse (also perfect for V-Day)

Loft skirt (similar) (love this option)

J.Crew pumps (similar)

Asos clutch (obsessed with this one)

Stella & Dot Milana and Christina Link bracelets

J.Crew necklace (gorgeous as well)

Sonya Renee initial necklace

Heart ring (similar on Etsy)

Essie Nails in "Bahama Mama"

In anticipation of Valentine's Day on Friday, I decided to put together an outfit that would be worthy of a romantic dinner. It's fun to go all out, and it's the best time to wear red, pink, or both! I love these two colors together. I also love my V-Day inspired blouse, gold heart ring, and my sparkly J Crew necklace.

We plan on going to an Italian restaurant this Friday. I personally love Valentine's Day because it used to be our "dating" anniversary, or the first time I met my husband. Don't discount blind dates ladies! I am a living testament that they can and do work!  Now we have our wedding anniversary in September, but I'll always consider February a special time.

What are you planning on wearing? 

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Make me blush

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and as always, it leaves me wanting to add blush tones to my wardrobe. It's such a soft, flattering shade on everyone! And, it's definitely romantic. Here is a collage of sorts of some of my current cravings and picks. I'll take one of each!

                        

                                                       

Product Info:

Kate Spade bags one and two

Diptyque candle

Stella & Dot rose gold renegade
Jenny Yoo dress

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Current Cravings

On the eve before Thanksgiving, I thought I'd share just a few of my (current) favorite things. I say current because let's face it, they are always changing! However, this is just in time for Black Friday, and maybe this will give you some gift ideas.

1. Burgundy/cranberry/crimson/wine/oxblood

Just a hint of the burgundy lips I've been seeing everywhere. 

Clinique almost lipstick {Black Honey}

Love this {Via}

My best friend has this scarf, and I just ordered it as well :)

{Link}

Also these!

{Link}

2. Home Sweet Home

{Via}

{Via}

{Via}

Husband and I have been together for almost 8 years, but now that we are married, the vibe around our home is a little different. More romantic shall we say, and we have really been enjoying putting up some new decor.  Pinterest is still my best friend when it comes to ideas. We are even buying our first Christmas tree this weekend!

3. The Naked 3 Palette is on my wish-list!

{Via}

The rosy tones look gorgeous! 

4. Glitter & Metallics

{Kate Spade Holiday}

{J Crew}

5. Bows

{Latest Post}

6. Decorating With Wedding Photos

I honestly could go on and on about my current loves, but I think this gives you a good picture! I am taking the rest of the week off to spend more time with loved ones, but I will be back on Monday with a special post! I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am thankful for each and every one of you, and I really mean that. As always, thank you for reading :)

♥ Noelle

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The Big Day

I finally got around to sitting down and going through some of our wedding pictures! You girls have been so sweet and supportive of my planning process during the past few months, and I really appreciate all of the kindness and suggestions! As many of you know, my husband and I were married on the beach on September 21st. I was worried sick for about two weeks leading up to the wedding. We planned most of it ourselves, and although we did receive generous help from both of our families and close friends, it was an incredibly daunting task nonetheless. Nate and I aren't big party planners, and neither of us really like too much attention so the whole thing was a lesson in confidence and stress management. However, the big day was beautiful. The sun shined brightly, despite the gloomy weather that had taken place all that week. A good sign! 

The worrying I had done did hold some validity though.There were some things that didn't go as I'd hoped. It was extremely windy that afternoon, so my hair and veil were kind of all over the place for most of the ceremony and reception! Also, even though our florist did a gorgeous job on the flowers, she left out some rose petals that were supposed to line the aisle in a swirl design. Some of my Etsy decor got lost in the shuffle, and didn't make it onto the tables. But, I felt so loved by our friends and family members that it ultimately didn't (and doesn't) matter. I married my better half, my best friend. I am so blessed, and I feel it every day I am with him.

I am only sharing a few pictures, partly because there are just too many to post and partly because I want to keep some private for ourselves. I hope you enjoy :)

My dress was designed by Essence Of Australia. Layers of lace and chiffon, complete with a lace-up corset in the back. It was altered three times due to the length, and the bust had to be heavily altered as well! It came with a gorgeous train, but because we got married right on the sand, that had to be bustled underneath. 

My husband and brother-in-law :)

Sweet Layers wedding cake, made mostly of red velvet. It was so delicious!

We had a sand ceremony, quite fitting for the beach.

Notes:
* Pinterest was my best tool in planning our wedding. However, if I were to do it all over again, I would hire a wedding planner. WORTH IT! Unless you enjoy planning of course :)

* It is true what they say, you know. I was an OCD, anxiety-ridden wreck months before our wedding. But the day of, I was actually really calm. My bridesmaids helped with that. And everything went by so quickly! The best advice I can give future brides? Relax! Enjoy it! It's only ONE day!

* In case you are planning your wedding right now, I wanted to share a 15% off discount code with you to Simply Bridal. They offer dresses, veils, and other beautiful accessories for brides-to-be! They were kind enough to reach out to me and offer my readers this discount. At Check-out, enter code SBL263BG.

If you have any specific questions on decor, the ceremony, or reception, feel free to ask! 

♥ Noelle

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