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These sets of photos c/o Pinterest

bagsbymelanie

Bellatrix

MakeitStickDesigns

I just bought some of these nail decals from a seller on Etsy.

Thank you to Tara for the idea!

Where my fiance and I stayed last year when we got engaged :)

Chevron print seems to be everywhere! In fashion, on home decor items, even in beauty. There is something about those little zig-zags that catches everyone's attention. Whether in bright color or classic black and white, it's certainly a playful, youthful print that can be used in a multitude of ways. I'm hooked.

♥ Noelle

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What I've Been Reading: July 2012

Hey girls, I hope you had a wonderful weekend! The weather was incredibly gorgeous by the beach, I didn't want to leave. It's much much hotter inland :(

Anyway, this month's question comes from the beautiful Andi: If you were stranded on an island--which one album and which one book would you want to have with you?

I'm embarassed to admit that I'm not as avid a reader as I once was. Growing up, my parents teased me and called me Belle from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Belle always had her nose planted into a book. That was me. Throughout high school and early college, I continued my love of reading and writing. There is something so much more powerful about the written word. I tend to stutter or get flustered when I speak, but that never happens with my writing. Anyway, I've lost a bit of interest in reading novels, which makes me sick to my core! I think reading is so important for everyone! All of this new technology is distracting, and I fear that reading will one day become obsolete. Let's all motivate each other to pick up a great book!

I read White Oleander in high school, and have read it numerous times since. Please don't see the movie! It took away so much of the emotion. I even wrote a paper about the characters in one of my Psychology courses.

From Barnes & Noble: "Everywhere hailed as a novel of rare beauty and power, White Oleander tells the unforgettable story of Ingrid, a brilliant poet imprisoned for murder, and her daughter, Astrid, whose odyssey through a series of Los Angeles foster homes-each its own universe, with its own laws, its own dangers, its own hard lessons to be learned-becomes a redeeming and surprising journey of self-discovery."

It's sad, breath-taking, and it makes me cry. But I highly recommend it, even though it's quite meloncholy.

As for one album I'd be "stuck" with. It's Jack Johnson all the way! He makes any day a vacation in paradise.

Album: In Between Dreams

Favorite Song: Better Together. Look it up!

What one book and one album would you bring? Share!

• Beautygirl24 - Noelle fell in love with a pretty peplum top
• Ella Pretty -  Ella's made a list of her must-have handbags & shares pictures from her bag collection here
• Lilly's Style - Lilly's feeling summery in shorts
• Saltwater Dreams - Andi has discovered two new must-have products, see what they are here
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle is enjoying her new baubles
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette finally found a blouse to try the peplum trend with- take a peek here

♥ 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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Reader Request & Instagram

Last week, a reader asked me to do a review on the new Revlon Balm Stains. I have three: Charm, Cherish, and Lovesick.

Charm is a peachy coral, Cherish is a light blue-toned pink, and Lovesick is a deep fuchsia. Out of the three, Lovesick is the obvious shade with the most payoff. However, my favorite is Charm. It looks very light when swatched, but it reads better on the lips. It's a great shade for Summer, and it makes my skin look more tanned. Cherish is pretty also, but it's a tad too cool for me. I've been layering it with a bit of Lovesick to get a better color.

Swatches: Charm, Cherish, and Lovesick

When the Revlon lip butters came out, I raved about them every chance I got. I still like those, but I like the balm stains even more! They have a minty taste, they are moisturizing, and they really do leave a beautiful stain. They are much better than Revlon's Bitten lip stains. Those are like a marker, these are definitely a balm. I like layering these with other products, such as lip liners and glosses. They wear beautifully. They have a glossy sheen that eventually disappears, but the color stains the lips long after the shine wears off. I remember sleeping with Charm on my lips the first night I got it, and when I woke up the next day, the stain was still there. I highly suggest giving these a try. I don't see anyone being disappointed.

I love answering your questions, so please feel free to request something in the future! I read each and every comment :)



Now for some Instagram love. I'm still obsessed with it! I take every opportunity I can to take a picture now. Food, beauty products, scenery, friends, fashion...I try to include it all on my Instagram. I think it's great because you guys get a chance to take a peek into my personal life a little more then you do on my blog. I've only been on Instagram for a few short weeks, but I'm so happy that I figured out that it's not just for iphone users.  Here's the past week in pictures:

Dinner and drinks

My pool essentials.

This was actually taken a few months back on our Pismo Beach excursion. So beautiful!

The boy...so cute :)

Girls night with...the girls <3

I love the white flowers in my mom's front yard.

Tonight, I'm painting my nails with Essie Marshmellow. On Saturday, my best friend and I are going to treat ourselves. I plan on getting a pedi and using CG Shocking Pink.

 

I'll feature my photos as often as I can, as long as you don't mind!

Have a great weekend!

♥ Noelle

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Point and Shoot

Here are some random snapshots from the past few days. Tomorrow, my fiance and I are going up north to Pismo Beach and camping, so I won't be blogging again until we get back. Have a great rest of your week!

I picked up two eyeshadows over the weekend from one of the new MAC collections. Sweet Heat is on the left and Havana is on the right. These are really pigmented, shiny (not shimmery), and smooth. It's like liquid metal on your lids. I have been wearing them non-stop.

My cousin Mimi and I at Disneyland. She was visiting from Guadalajara, Mexico. It was my first time seeing her since I was 10! I love her, we have so much in common. She loves fashion and beauty products too. 

It was the most beautiful weather. I think we got a little color.

My Easter mani: Essie Mint Candy Apple and a glitter top coat on two nails.

I had to see Titanic in theatres again. It's one of my favorite movies of all time. One word - Leo :)

Check this video out:

Tell me this isn't hilarious

♥ Noelle

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Little Treats

Butter London "Disco Biscuit" & O.P.I. "Pedal Faster Suzy"

Wearing O.P.I.

RichRocksNYC smoky pear earrings

 I love treating myself to little treasures when I need a good pick-me-up. As much as I love shopping for bigger items like clothes and handbags, there's nothing quite as sweet as small trinkets that will undoubtedy brighten my day. The nail polishes I just picked up are feminine and shimmery. I usually gravitate towards cream finishes, but lately I've been loving shimmer, glitter, and lots of shine. The earrings I ordered from RichRocksNYC are beautiful. I lost a somewhat similar pair in Vegas over my birthday, and I've been looking for a replacement ever since. Although these aren't as inexpensive as those were (they were F21), these have that same light-catching appeal.

♥ Noelle



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Week in Pictures

I see this type of post on several of my favorite blogs, so I decided to try it for myself. I chronicled last week by taking one or two photos every day.

Monday:

I wore a nude lace cardigan from F21, accompanied by a rose gold and marcasite bracelet from TJ-Maxx. I love the way the bracelet layered over the sleeve of my cardigan.

Tuesday:

Winter mani - Essie's marshmellow with a glittery polish by Revlon called Stunning on one nail

Wednesday:

While putting my makeup on for the day, I stopped and smiled at this picture frame that sits on my vanity. My best friend is getting married too, and I'm her maid of honor :)

Thursday:

I picked up three eyeshadows from M.A.C to put into my palette - Jest, Grain, and Phloof. Shimmery and eye brightening. Perfect anytime.

Friday:

My fiance bought me this rolling clothes rack when I moved in. I've always wanted one. These are the outfits that are patiently waiting to be worn.

Saturday:

We went to Supercross in San Diego and the races were amazing! It was cold and rainy but my adrenaline kept my mind off it.


Sunday:

The Nixon watch I bought my fiance for his 30th birthday. He's never worn a watch before, but he loves this and it looks great on him!


Pretty exciting week, huh? ;)
♥ Noelle

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night in shimmering armor

Top - ASOS (love!), Jeggings - BR, Nude pumps - Steve Madden, Necklace - J. Crew, Ring - YSL, Nails - Essie Limited Addiction, Lips - Revlon Fuschia

This is completely random, but have you seen What's Eating Gilbert Grape? I feel like it's a cult classic. A younger Johnny Depp and a much much younger Leonardo Dicaprio in their first leading roles. It always brings me to tears. Remember that scene with Gilbert and his mother towards the end of the film? "Your my knight in shimmering armor Gilbert." Gilbert corrects her and says, "It's knight in shining armor momma." She replies, "No, it's knight in shimmering armor. You shimmer and you glow."

I hope we all have a knight in shimmering armor in our lives. I know I certainly do :)

Random. I know!

So, this has nothing to do with my outfit. Except my top is super shimmery, and it almost glows in soft lighting. *Smiles and scrunches nose*

♥ Noelle

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Meeting Sonia Castaneda From YouTube!

Sonia is to blame for my YouTube obsession. Well, actually my best friend Katie is. She introduced me to Sonia's videos about three years ago, and she has been our favorite beauty "guru" on YouTube ever since.

Imagine my excitement when she hosted a meet and greet on Sunday at Ulta. My friend Kelleigh and I went together because I was too nervous to go by myself. I wish Katie could have come with us, because she loves Sonia just as much as I do. She was there in spirit. We stood in line for what seemed like forever, and finally I got the chance to give Sonia a hug and say hello. I felt so awkward and shy, and didn't know what else to say!

Ok, so she's seriously stunning. Stunning in person! She was wearing a beautiful necklace by another guru I love, Alex from HRH Collection. I think I need this necklace now.

Kelleigh and I stood on the side, where Sonia's friends and family were. I'm surprised they didn't ask us to move! She did a Q & A session, where I couldn't stop staring at her killer booties from F21.

The best part is when I won an ULTA gift bag filled with goodies like lotion, eyelashes, and perfume. The winners took a photo at the end of the meet and greet.

I was happy to know that she is extremely sweet and humble in person, just as she is in her videos. I think sometimes when you meet someone you admire, there is always that risk that you'll be disappointed. This definitely was not the case, and I will continue to watch and support her videos even more now. She is a total sweetheart.

♥ Noelle

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Ask Me Anything!

Happy December friends! I can't believe the year is winding down. I'm both excited for the new year, and apprehensive too. Hopefully this month is a good one for everyone.

So I decided to start a Formspring page last night. I guess I can only blame a bit of boredom for this, but I thought it might be fun to get asked questions from any of you who want to know more about me. Go to my page here. Fashion, beauty, relationships, pop culture, my background...ask me whatever you want! You can also ask me questions in the comment section below too ;) Of course, don't feel obligated to. I just thought it might be fun.

If you have a formspring, leave me a link below!

♥ Noelle

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Girl Crush

 

I have a serious girl crush. On these clothes, shoes, and accessories. The girls are all pretty too though :)

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Please remember to be grateful for all the little things in life.  

xoxo

♥ Noelle

*Images found using Chictopia & Google

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