Spots and Stripes

Cardigan - Express, Blouse - Zara, Jeans - Banana Republic, Clutch - Jessica Simpson, Heels - Zara, Rose Gold Ring - Ariella Collection (Nordstrom), Necklace - Lisa Taubes 17 inch Rose Gold Chain (Lorraine Stanick)

In doing these weekly outfit pictures for the blog, I have come to the realizations that:
1) I wear jeans about 99% of the time in Winter. Reason? Pale legs (which I actually don't mind as much as I used to). And the fact that once you stumble upon that elusive perfect pair, you don't want to take them off. Ever.
2) My style is quite simple. I love girls who love to follow the latest trends and who never seem to fear anything in fashion. I however like simplicity. I've made enough mistakes to know what works for me and what doesn't. I'm trying to step out of my comfort zone as often as I can, but I'll never tire of classic lines and shapes.
3) I really don't like posing for the camera this way. I keep asking boyfriend to take pictures, but so far it hasn't happened.
4) Neutrals are my best friends.
5) I'm obsessed with stripes. Polka dots are sure to follow this Spring.

On another maddening note, the YSL Lapis Arty I ordered has been cancelled! It isn't in stock anymore, and I am furious! Yes, I am being overly dramatic. It's not the end of the world. The hunt is on, Readers. It's on.

Happy Friday!

♥ Noelle

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~Fashion Buys & Reader Requests~

I did a little shopping on my day off:

H&M, Zara

Rose Gold Saddle Ring (Ariella Collection, Nordstrom), Zara Flats.

Lapis YSL Arty, Net-A-Porter

I can't wait for this to arrive!

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Last week, I posted some beauty buys that I have acquired. I had a few requests to review two products in particular:

ELF Shimmering facial whip, Hard Candy Glamoflauge concealer

ELF on the left, HC on the right.

~The ELF shimmering facial whip is a liquid highlighter that can be used anywhere on the face. I use it on the very tops of my cheekbones and above my cupid's bow. Only a TINY amount is needed! I used way too much for the swatches above. The color I have is called lilac shimmer and it reminds me of Benefit's High Beam highlighter. The color looks dark and almost brown in the pictures, but it's actually a really pretty light rosey pink. I had a sample at one point of the Benefit and almost purchased that one, but it is quite expensive. Overall, I think the ELF facial whips are great. When blended out, a pretty sheen is left behind. This one is not glittery. The only problem I find is that it doesn't stay put. I top mine with a powder highlight to ensure it lasts throughout the night. For $1.00 at Target, I think it's worth a try.

~ The Hard Candy Concealer can be found at Walmart. I don't remember how much I paid because I threw away the receipt, but I know it was inexpensive. This stuff...is serious! It is extremely thick. I mean it. I have tried using it under my eyes, and I have found that it is way too thick and hard to blend out. However, this stuff is perfect for covering blemishes and any scars or redness on the face, even on the body. One small dot of this is what I have been using on stray red marks on my chin left behind by old blemishes (those darn things!) I have read that this heavy duty concealer is comparable to Kat Von D's Tattoo Concealer. Although I haven't tried that, I definitely believe that this version by Hard Candy would do the trick. I have a tattoo on my lower hip that I actually tried covering up with this, just to see if it worked. It did! I took pictures but I don't want to show them here because it feels a bit indecent. But if you're looking to do some heavy duty concealing, I would try Glamoflauge. I do not think it is good for under the eyes. I love my Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer palette for that.

♥ Noelle

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Tied up in bows

Top - Anthropologie Volante tee, Jeans - BR Petite Skinny, Shoes - Jessica Simpson, Clutch - Unknown, Watch - Michael Kors, Earrings - Chanel, Lipstick - MAC Viva Glam Cyndi

There's something about wrapping myself up like a giant present that delights my fashion sensibilities. I don't know what it is, but I think it began when I was a little girl and my mother used to tie big bows in my hair and send me off to school. Or, it could also be the fact that my father was the person who showed me how to tie my shoelaces into fanciful looking knots. "Now dear, the bunny goes through the hole..."? Whatever the case may be, I love bows! I thought that maybe the satin one on my Anthro top mixed with the cute Valentino-esque detail on my new JS peep-toes may be a bit overkill. Nah! That worry lasted, oh, about two nano seconds. I'll just go with it. I think the MAC Cyndi lipstick ties it all together. No pun intended.

Have a wonderful weekend! To all the ladies back east, stay safe and warm!

♥ Noelle

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