Laced Up

Wearing //

Express top

LOFT skirt

Sole Society heels

BR bag

Kendra Scott necklace

The laced up trend is going strong this Summer, and these shoes by Sole Society are my new favorites. It started with lace up flats, then quickly morphed into lace up sandals, and now it's all about lace up heels! These in particular are really comfortable and easy to walk in because the chunky wooden heel is fairly low. I was worried that maybe the laces would untie as I walked, but I wore them for my friend's birthday this weekend and they didn't budge. My only complaint is that they are difficult to lace up at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's fairly easy. You can tie them in the front, but I think they look more flattering tied in the back. I highly recommend a pair if you're curious about the trend. Yes they are a bit out of my comfort zone, but I am doing a lot of things lately that are pushing me to get out of my little bubble. More on that later :)

I hope you have a great Monday! Linking up with Carylee and Rachelle again.

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Vest Dressed

Wearing //

Express dress

Target vest, love this too!

Banana Republic bag

Asos pumps, pretty here and in flats

Micheal Kors watch

The past few seasons, I've really taken notice of the soft, draped jackets and vests that bloggers have been wearing. I love how easily they layer on top of other pieces, but don't add bulk to an outfit. However, they do instantly add a chic touch. Originally I was in the market for an olive green cargo vest, but after spotting this lovely variation at Target of all places, I decided that the feminine counterpart was much more my style anyway. It can be worn in so many different ways: with a tee and jeans, shorts and a tank, and on top of a little dress as I've done here. I like the contrast of sweet ruffles and cream lace with an "edgier" vest. I put the term in quotations because this is probably as edgy as I get! It's fun to try new trends while still remaining true to my own personal style. As the late great Oscar de la Renta famously said, "Fashion is about dressing according to what's fashionable. Style is more about being yourself." And these days, I'd rather be myself.

Linking up with Carylee and Rachelle today.

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Palm Print

Wearing //

Express cami (must have)

Asos skirt (sold out) but keep an eye out! Love this too!

Halogen clutch, similar

Sole Society heels, similar

Stella & Dot ring, bracelet, and sunglass case

Elizabeth Stone necklace

Palms and leaves are THE official print for SS2016. Although it can look a bit overwhelming, when styled simply, it's quite a stunning alternative to your basic florals and stripes. I originally saw this maxi skirt on a high-end blogger, but was shocked when I clicked her link and was directed to Asos. I love Asos! Affordable, trendy clothing that has become a staple in my online shopping. I was going to wait to wear this in Hawaii, but I just couldn't resist! It's too pretty to hang in a closet unworn. I'm still bringing it with me for a nice dinner out, so don't be surprised if you see it again soon.

I don't plan on taking too many outfit photos while on vacation, mostly because I want to give Nate a little break from being the "photographer husband". I'm thinking of maybe just doing some flat lays so you can get a feel for my vacation style. However, I can't imagine a more perfect outfit for Hawaii than this one so Nate might have to take a few shots! We leave bright and early tomorrow morning and will be gone for nine days, so in the meantime, two of my dear friends are taking over Beautygirl24. I hope you ladies enjoy some different content while I'm away! Of course, you can follow me on IG and snapchat for updates.

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A Wedge Issue

I remember when I was in high school, I was irrationally self-conscious of my height, or shall I say, lack thereof. All of my girlfriends were much taller, with legs for days. So in an effort to fit in and be more like them, I wore the most hideous platform wedges I could find and I wore them almost every single day. My boyfriends would make fun of me, pointing out that even with a three foot wedge, I was still pretty damn short and they thought it was funny that I wore "blocks" on my feet instead of just accepting the simple fact that yes, I am short.

I'm not sure when it happened. Maybe college when I decided that stomping around campus was a waste of time and I was tired of getting blisters. I decided to try flats, and I've been hooked ever since. At some point, I accepted that I'm 5'2, and that it's okay to be shorter than a lot of other women. I may have trouble reaching the top of a shelf, but I can also squeeze myself into the back of an uber rather nicely. Being short does have its advantages, but I'll leave that topic for another day.

Back to wedges. I haven't owned a pair of real ones since college, but I'm starting to notice them this year for Summer and I think I may have to get a pair. Just one! I'm in search of THE perfect nude wedge that will go with literally everything. In honor of my guy friends from high school (bless their souls), one pair of "blocks" on my feet is enough.

Top Picks:

Sole Society Jenny Wedge

Charles by Charles David Arizona wedge

Shutz Francine Wedge

Steve Madden Nilla Wedge (on sale)

I also really LOVE these, but they are sold out in my size

Hinge Drea Sandal

Which of these is your favorite? I need some advice!

Will you be wearing wedges this Summer? Speaking of which, have a great Memorial Day! Enjoy, possibly wearing a fabulous pair of wedges.

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Sunny Days

My little sunglasses collection is growing. It's apparent that I favor a particular style. I tend to listen to the professionals and abide by the "rules" for my round face. I like a shape that is more square or elongated, because it makes my cheeks and chin look less round. I also love the glamorous oversize style, as they remind me of old Hollywood starlets. They all look quite similar, don't they? I also don't spend more than twenty dollars on a pair because although I am very careful with handbags and shoes, I throw sunglasses around like they are going out of style! I'm very rough with them. I like to scour places like Forever 21, the BP section of Nordstrom, and Target for fun sunnies that look designer minus the steep price tag. When I was contacted by Polette to pick out a pair from their website, I decided on trying something new (I chose the Parisienne, pictured above with the gold hardware). They remind me of Ray-Bans! I'll have to wear them soon in an outfit post. It's safe to say I'm done growing my collection, at least for awhile. Maybe I'll take the plunge one day and buy my dream pair from Tom Ford. Or...with so many affordable options...maybe not. I'd rather buy a handbag :)

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Casual Sparkle

Wearing // 

Zara skirt (old) but pretty options here and here

Express sleeveless portofino

J.Crew Factory sandals

Kate Spade bag, in red for Fall!

Anthropologie necklace (obsessed)

Stella & Dot engraveables necklace

Forever 21 pearl stud earrings

Beauty //

YSL "Le Orange" lipstick

Chanel "Graphite" nails

Urban Decay Naked Palette

When I think about sequins, sparkle, and gold, I tend like many of you to associate them with getting all dolled up. But why can't a gold sequined skirt just be worn casually? Like to run to the grocery store or pump gas or visit the doctor? Okay, I'm totally kidding. I would never wear this outfit to the doctor's office. A grocery run or a gas station...maybe. I guess what I'm trying to get at is that I think we should break "the rules" sometimes and just wear whatever the hell we wanna wear, wherever we want to wear it. Me, well I wore this out to dinner. Hubby and I even took a walk on the wild side and ventured into the mall, despite protests that there would be too many high school kids roaming about on a Friday night. We walked anyways, and although I probably resembled a disco ball to some, I felt just as comfortable in this casual-ish outfit than I would have felt in jeans and flip-flops. I just felt a bit more glamorous.

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The Cobalt Maxi Skirt

Wearing //

Express barcelona cami (in many colors)

Old navy maxi skirt

J.Crew Factory sandals

Kate Spade bag

Gorjana cuff

Oia Jules bracelets

Boutique chalcedony necklace, similar

BP Nordstrom sunnies, check stores!

Essie "Mint Candy Apple" nails

I ventured into uncharted territory this weekend by wearing a maxi skirt. I can manage a maxi dress, but a maxi skirt? Well this is just risk-taking in Beautygirl24-land. I spotted this cobalt beauty while shopping for something else at Old Navy. I'm really liking the slouchy pants trend, so after seeing these on the lovely Lilly, I decided to try some for myself. I looked and looked but couldn't find them anywhere in the store. As I was about to leave empty-handed, delirious from this humidity-wave that we are having, I spotted my favorite shade of blue and was instantly drawn to it like a mirage in the desert. I was even more delighted to find out that it was on sale! After trying the skirt on, I knew it was meant to be so I forgot about the pants and went for some swaths of chiffon instead. Okay, so that's a lie, I haven't forgotten about the pants. I still want them desperately. But I figure that a long, flowy, stretchy skirt is just as good (and as comfy) as a pair of fancy pants so I'll live with this until I can get my grabby little hands on those ;) Oh, and a great big thank you to Gina for bringing the Express Barcelona cami to my attention! How can an Express addict miss such a closet staple? Hello options! Great for Summer, but I'm even more excited to layer it underneath a blazer for Fall. I'm going back for more.

Speaking of Gina, I'm linking up with her and Carylee today!

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The Romper

Wearing // Express Romper

Loft cardigan, similar

Zara pumps, love these by Sole Society

Michael Kors bag

Benevolent Jewels monogram necklace

Three new things here: 

 One, I am wearing a romper (or a onesie as hubby likes to joke). I've always been very skeptical of rompers. Not because they aren't adorable because they certainly are. I think I've just never found one that was flattering on me. Most I've ever tried either ride up or sit way too low in a certain womanly area, ahem. That alone has been enough to steer me away. But this one from Express sits just right, and it actually skims over my curves which I love. It's like a little black dress, but with shorts. Express knows how to do trends but still keep them classic looking.
Two, I finally found a blank wall/canvas in which to take blog pictures in front of. It's the obligatory white wall most of us see on blogs right? Well this just so happens to be city hall, and on Saturdays there is no one around. Perfect!
Three, my hair has never looked like this before. Ever. I went to an event at my friend's salon where she was doing a "braid bar". I wanted something totally out of my norm. I mean, the only time I wear my hair back is during a workout and a ponytail isn't exactly exciting so I told her to braid the sides and swing the rest of my hair into a loose bun. Humidity was high that day and I was a sweaty mess during these pictures but I really loved it. I need to remind myself once every so often to just try something new!

Oh, and new sunglasses from the brass plum section of Nordstrom! Those are new too :)

Linking up with Tara for Summer style.

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Radiant Orchid

Wearing // Express portofino shirt

Loft lace shorts (last year) but similar here

Zara flats, similar

Target tote, extremely similar by Target too!

Kris Nations state necklace

Michael Kors watch, similar

Stella & Dot renegade bracelet

Oia Jules "N" bracelet

Starfish ring from Maui, super cute option

Beauty // Nails Essie "bazooka", similar

Lips in Mac Cosmetics "Hot Gossip" mixed with Maybelline color elixir in "Petal Plush"

I hope everyone is having a great week! My "staycation" has hit the spot and feels like the exact break I've been needing. I mean, this outfit was taken on Tuesday and I'm wearing shorts! I could never wear something like this for work. I bought these last Summer when I became obsessed with Loft's Summer collection. I do admit that they fit a bit better last year. Since my wedding, I've managed to gain about eight pounds so I'm working on losing them through eating healthier and exercising more. It's a constant struggle, but I know most of you ladies understand what I'm talking about so I won't go into any details (they aren't that interesting anyway. I was seeing a personal trainer for six months and stopped going due to cost so I'm on my own. Hubby and I are trying to get a good work-out routine going again). Anyway, I still love these orchid lace shorts and refuse to keep them tucked away because of a few lb's. How foolish that would be in this crazy heat! Paired with sparkle, sparkle, and more sparkle, they still made me feel fabulously Summery nonetheless.

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Sunny Outlook

Wearing: Forever 21 top (old), Loft skirt & belt, Guess heels (old), Aldo clutch (old), Gifted pearl earrings.

After my best friend's wedding this past weekend, I wanted to continue the happy vibes by wearing light fabrics, textures, and of course, the perfect feel-good accessory - a yellow clutch. I even wore the pearl earrings she gave to me on the night before her special day. More on that to follow so stay tuned!

♥ Noelle

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Oceanic

Wearing: Forever 21 skirt, Loft sunwashed tee, J Crew pumps (similar), Juicy bag, Oia Jules India necklace, Loft necklace (check stores), Fossil watch

This Summer, much like most Summers, I do everything I can to head 45 minutes west towards the beach. It's been a life-long dream of mine to live by the ocean, even if it's in a tiny run-down shack. Who knows when and if that dream will ever come true, but in the meantime, I've been living in shades that remind me of the sea. I've had this little cotton skirt for years now. I was tempted to donate it, but gave it one last try on Friday night and ended up loving how casual and light it is to wear. The navy tribal print is perfect for pairing with other shades of blue.

I hope you had a great weekend!

♥ Noelle

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White hot

Maybe it's because I'm getting married in less than three months, but one thing's for sure: This Summer, I'm obsessed with white. Dresses, skirts, blazers - even my nails are donning a pearly white shade.

Photos c/o Pinterest

Are you wearing white this Summer?

By the way, how sad is it that Google Reader is going away? I've used it to manage my favorite blogs since I first started my own blog in 2009. I do have a Bloglovin' account, so I'd really appreciate it if you continued to follow me over there :)

♥ Noelle

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