Extra Loved

 I bet you guys thought this was going to be a Valentine's Day post, and I guess it does describe a love affair I have...with certain pieces in my closet. I'll get to V-Day next week, but until then, I have been thinking about my must-haves. That term is used rather loosely in the blogosphere, so feel free to roll your eyes if you must. But since moving into a new home and updating the look, organization, and space in my closet, I've come to realize that there are some things I just wear the hell out of. I reach for them when I feel like a slob, and I reach for them just as well when I want to look my best. It's funny how that works. These are the "best friends", comforting me when I'm down and making me feel like a million bucks when I'm in a great mood.

1. Metallic pumps

Metallic pumps are so essential in any woman's wardrobe. Whether they are bronze like these, silver, pewter, or gold, they add a classic touch to any look. They are less unexpected than basic black, but still neutral. They are fool-proof. 

2. Olive utility-style jacket

So easy to throw on and still look put-together. You can pair this type of jacket with almost anything. It's a great canvas. Honestly, I wear it at least once per week. At least!

3. A black satchel

Who doesn't love a great carry-all? Colors are fun. and once you have a bag in black, go for some color. But I think starting with a great structured black satchel is a stepping stone. This is still my favorite bag, and I've had it for three years. It'll never go out of style.

4. Classic red nails

Whether it's on my toes or on my fingers, I really love the classic look of bright tomato red nails. It reminds me of old Hollywood glamour, and I think it looks beautiful on everyone. I wear it year-round. 

5. Layered jewels

This is one of my favorite photos (the other hand is my best friend). I used to be all about sparkly statement necklaces, and although those are fun from time to time, I now find myself gravitating towards layering dainty pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a look all my own. 

What are the clothes, shoes, or accessories that you can't be without? I'm really intrigued by the concept of a capsule wardrobe. I keep hearing a lot about it, and it's something I would be willing to try. If you have suggestions for how to get started, let me know!

I'm off to Palm Springs for a girls trip this weekend, so be sure to follow along on snapchat. User name is noelleengel. Happy Friday!

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Miss New Bootie

Wearing //

Express dress

Steve Madden booties

Rebecca Minkoff mini m.a.c.

Stella & Dot nova pendant layered with 

the aurora necklace

Use Noelle Engel as your stylist!

Cheeky little title. Every single time I put on a pair of boots, that song immediately comes to mind! Anyway, I really want to thank you ladies (and gentleman) for all of the feedback I received on my body image post last week. I was truly touched by your comments and own experiences, and I even got text messages from my best friends and mother on the subject! I don't think they read here often, but when they do, it means a lot to me. I wasn't sure what sort of response I would get, and I was humbled. Writing honestly has and always will be at the core of why enjoy blogging, and so I've decided to do posts like that more frequently. At least, when I get the itch to say something more relevant than simply describing what I'm wearing.

That being said, I do want to mention that these booties are my new favorite. I asked both Gina and Caryl for advice on them because I wasn't sure if I should get these or a black pair. They both chimed in that taupe was the way to go, and I'm so happy that I went with these. They are definitely versatile! I love how they blend into my legs and give the illusion of longer gams. If you don't have a pair of booties, I highly recommend a style like these. They don't come up as high on the ankle, so they don't cut off the leg line as much as other booties I've seen. These do come in other colors, and all of them are beautiful but I know that with Spring around the corner, these will transition seamlessly.

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Body Image and Blogging

Wearing //

Caslon sweater/tunic

Express jeans

Vince Camuto pumps, similar

Michael Kors bag

Kendra Scott necklace

Body image is a topic I've touched upon in previous posts. It's a natural point of contention when you've been putting yourself out there on a style and beauty blog for over seven years. After reading Alissa's Instagram post on Monday, I clicked over to her blog and it really struck a chord with me so I wanted to bring it up here. I can't take away from her extremely beautiful and thought provoking words, I won't even try. I suggest going to hers immediately (after reading mine of course) but it resonates with me so greatly because since starting my blog, a lot has changed - my weight, the size of my waist, hell the size of everything. I've tried to conceal it by solely posting flattering photos of myself, a trick that I think we all use, style blogger or not. My non-blogging friends do it too. "Don't you dare post that on social media, I look hideous!" or "if you post it just filter it so I look good". Let's face it. We live in a frenzy of staged Instagram photos. complete with filters that quickly hide "flaws" with the tap of your finger. We're so used to this false sense of reality that even I forget what people really look like, at least the ones I haven't seen in years. We've not only become comfortable with this phony sense of self, but I think almost blind to how it really impacts our self-esteem in a negative way. 

I don't want to get preachy here. It's my choice to put myself out there on the internet. Here is the comment I left on Alissa's blog because it sums up my feelings perfectly: Couldn't love this piece or agree any more! I think we all spend far too much time beating ourselves up. Not even on each other, but on ourselves! I've gained almost 20 pounds in two years since getting married. That's a huge what the fuck for me. Excuse the language but that's the only term I feel suits my frustration. I'm slowly getting back down, and I'm starting to make better eating and work-out choices. I'll never be the skinny girl. I'm petite, but I've got curves too, and I don't mind that one bit. We should all take your advice and just stand in the bodies we have now. Not yesterday, not a year from now but now. 

It's not just my weight that bothers me. Everything seems to these days, From my hair to my brows, and definitely to the simple fact that I've had to donate a ton of clothes, and not because of moving. No, the real reason was that they were tight, ill-fitting, and trying to wiggle myself into old size 4 jeans and blazers made me feel like a stuffed sausage. It takes guts to stand in the mirror and decide that you've had enough, and that a change is needed. I'm doing that by getting healthier for myself. But I also really love the idea of just being comfortable with where you are in life. I look at other bloggers and constantly wonder why they aren't just professional models. I thought blogging was a way to give a middle finger to the fashion heads and let them know that we can do our own thing and wear clothes beautifully without the need for photoshop or starving ourselves. I guess it worked, but I feel like it's all swung in the opposite direction. Who's fault that is, I don't know nor do I really care. But while I'm on the internet, I have to keep reminding myself what drew me to do this in the first place. I can and will be kinder to myself. I can and will shed some weight, but don't expect me to get crazy into it because when it comes down to it, I love enjoying life and that includes food. These are just my feelings, and my only hope for being honest about my body image struggle is to let you know why I don't post as often as I used to. It's not just about time constraints because we are all busy! It mainly has to do with just not feeling up to editing 30 photos, and throwing all but maybe two or three "good ones" in the recycling bin. 

 I promise I'm not looking for compliments or validation, just genuine feedback on the subject if you have any! I'd love to hear your experiences, especially as it pertains to blogging. 

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