Palm Print Maxi Skirt

It's beginning to feel a lot like Summer, and with that comes my palm printed maxi skirt to welcome in the season. I used to complain about the heat, and I'm sure I still will. But I just have to embrace it because it's not going anywhere and at least I get to wear beautiful pieces such as this one.

Wearing //

Asos skirt from last year, similar here 

More palm prints here & here

Express tank

Steve Madden sandals, look for less here (I have them in nude)

Express bag

Stella & Dot necklace

Beauty //

Nudestix pencil in Posh on lips

Orly Pixy Stix on toes

I remember seeing this last Spring on Grace Atwood and wanted it for my Hawaii trip. It's been almost a year since we went to Oahu and Maui, so that means it's also been one year since I last wore this beauty. It is such a statement piece that I decided not to overwhelm the look. A good rule of thumb that I use: when wearing a standout item, let it be the focus and garner all of the attention by adding little to no accessories. Conversely, when wearing a simple outfit, use fun accessories to bring the style factor up a notch. Got it? That's what I do anyway so it doesn't look like I'm trying too hard, or too little! I think it's a fine line.

I'm so excited this week because Nate and I are leaving for Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Vegas! I will still be posting on Wednesday, Friday, and then next Monday which I can't believe is Memorial Day. Follow along on snap and Instagram (@noelleengel). I have a feeling this is gonna be good. 

Are you experiencing Summer yet where you live? Linking up with Caryl and Rachelle today, then Gina, Amy Ann, Laura, and Brooke on Wednesday.

Continue the post

Blue Floral Dress

Wearing //

Lulu's dress, similar love this one and this maxi

Express petite blazer

J.Crew pumps, similar color & similar

Banana Republic bag, similar here & here

Beauty //

Lips in YSL Le Orange

Tarte In Bloom 2 eyeshadows
Kevyn Aucoin Neo-Limelight highlighter

This blue floral dress that I bought last year from Lulu's is still a gem in my closet. It's incredibly flattering with its fit and flare style, and you know I love the combination of cobalt and white. I wore this on Saturday for a day filled with pinot noir and music at the winery we belong to, a quick pop in to Ulta, and of course blog photos at Temecula Creek Inn.

Do you ladies like this location? I realize all of my outfit photos are redundant because of the same backdrop, but we find that the lighting is the most even and it's protected from the wind. But let me be completely honest - I love photos here because they are typically flattering. We have tried other areas around town but usually end up defeated due to high winds, patchy light, and too many people.

Other things I'm loving about this look in particular:
My gel pink nails with glitter at the tips, slightly faded out.
This YSL lipstick in Le Orange that I've blogged about before. In fact, that post has been my most popular and I have no idea why!

How are you doing this week? Good I hope. Linking up with On the Daily Express and Straight A Style today.  Also linking up with I do deClaire and Pumps & Push ups.

Continue the post

My Favorite Spring & Summer Fragrances

Both Spring and Summer are my favorite in terms of fragrance. With warmer weather comes softer scents because I don't like to wear anything heavy on my skin. Who does when it's hot and humid? My perfumes are always in heavy rotation, according to mood and if there is a special event I'm attending. It's true what people say about the power of your senses, and when I need a boost, I choose certain perfumes to wear over others. However, they all fall into two categories. 

Floral

Ocean Inspired

First, let's talk about my Spring category. There's nothing more feminine than smelling like a flower, right? My ultimate is rose. It reminds me of my great grandmother who would crush actual rose petals and rub them on my wrists as a child. A bit eccentric I guess but I think she predisposed me to my love of flowers. I also like a hint of vanilla musk thrown in to round out the scent.

Philosophy Summer Grace - Bright floral notes with the carefree ease of Summer. Interestingly enough, I wear this year-round though it's definitely meant for warmer seasons.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb "La Vie En Rose" - Strong citrus and musk scent but with delicate floral. It's the lighter version of the original flowerbomb. This has sentimental value for me as I wore it on my wedding day and is Nate's favorite scent.

Chloe Roses De Chloe - This smells of roses, no big surprise there. It's subtle, light, and perfect for Spring. I think out of this category, it's the easiest to wear and has mass appeal.


Summer/ocean inspired scents are probably the category I wear most often because I love the beach and anything that reminds me of a day by the coast. I can't express this enough! Since I can't always be near it, I wear fragrances that make me feel as though I am.

Bobbi Brown Beach - The beach in a bottle! It's rather strong, consisting of a suntan lotion smell that apparently is not Bobbi's intended purpose if you read about it. The real notes are sea spray, jasmine, and mandarin. This isn't for everyone. I think only a true beach person will appreciate it, and that's not to sound condescending! Just the truth.

Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt (1.0 oz) - Bergamot, sea salt, driftwood, sage, musk. Read more about it here. 

Kai - Gardenia with "white exotics." Not sure what that means exactly, but this scent reminds me of plumeria and Hawaii. The oil melts onto the skin and layers well with other oils. It fades nicely, so much so that I can smell it on my skin even after a night's sleep. Read more here.



Which would I universally recommend? Kai and Jo Malone, the loveliest of the bunch.

Continue the post