Best of Style 2016

Since the year is quickly coming to an end, I wanted to showcase some of my favorite style moments of 2016. I'm no Rachel Zoe, so I guess having a "style moment" sounds silly, but hey, that is why most of you stop by right?

This year, I definitely was a repeat offender. I wore so many pieces over and over again - I have found that having a smaller selection in my closet helps me get ready in a pinch, and I know that everything fits relatively well (with the exception of a few things that are too snug but can't let go of just yet). It's hard being a style blogger today and NOT giving in to every sale, promotion, or outfit that another blogger is wearing, but I'm at the point where having too much clutter isn't good for me. I don't want to rely heavily on possessions to make me happy; rather I'm working towards finding that within. It's a novel concept. Although I love having this space to share my finds, I think it's important to take it with a grain of salt. I know you understand.

Laura explains this better than I can. 

Anyway, some discoveries of keeping a style record in 2016:

1. Favorite color combinations

• Blue and white
• Olive and white
• Red as an accent

2) I really like black pumps. I own four different pairs.

3) I have about ten pairs of jeans in my closet, but really only wear half of them regularly.

4) Little dresses are my "thing"

5) Little bags are also my "thing"

6) Fit and flare styles flatter my body best, since I'm slightly smaller on top than I am on the bottom.

7) I wear the same sunglasses too often! I promise I have eyeballs. I think most of you know that but I'll try to skip them more often in the future.

8) My style is really simple, bordering on...boring?

I plan on doing a round-up next week of my favorite beauty finds this year, so stay tuned for that! I also have a few more outfit posts planned. I just wanted to get this up before things get too hectic! Have a Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, and I'll see you back here on Monday. 

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My First Stella & Dot Trunk Show

I've been a Stella & Dot stylist for a year now. I joined because at the time, I really (and I mean really) needed an outlet from my job, and I wanted to try my hand at something completely different and outside of my comfort zone. I was encouraged by a fellow stylist, and after some serious convincing on her part, I decided to give it a shot. What's the worst that could happen right? If anything, I could at least get a discount on some gorgeous jewels of my own. And we all know that I love my jewelry.

So when I received my starter kit, I didn't even open the box for a few weeks, maybe even a month. The package was so damn heavy and for whatever reason, it scared me. If you can't tell, I'm not a natural salesperson. I don't like it when other people push me to buy, so I don't ever want to feel like I'm pressuring others to buy from me. The thing is, I believe in these products. I own countless pieces in my collection now, more than any other line from brands I admire. And I appreciate the quality, craftsmanship, and thought that our New York and San Francisco designers put into each piece. I often go out to the mall and spot replicas of our bracelets and necklaces. I feel partly flattered, and partly annoyed but I guess that rant is for a different day!

My favorites - Sparkle studs (only $19), Celestial ring, Maylee ring (sold two at my show), and the Luxe coil bracelet (out of stock at the moment)

The showstopper - Jolie sparkle chain necklace

This past year, I feel like I've barely dipped my toe in the S&D pond. I've promoted it a little here and there, especially on Instagram. I've let most of my friends and family know that I'm selling, and I have had some luck online. But the real bread and butter of this company comes from doing trunk shows, and I was terrified of them. Wait, you mean I have to stand up in front of people and talk? And sell? Uh, no thanks! But the more I got into it, the more I finally did my research. I decided that if I want to be successful at anything in life, I have to be okay with being uncomfortable. So I asked one of my best girls if I could have my first show at her house last Saturday, and I must say...it was so much fun!

It was a small group of us, which I was thankful for! That way I could practice and not feel like a ton of eyes were being placed on me. The theme was really simple: holiday of course, and with black, white, and gold being the main colors and a beautiful pop of red from a poinsettia plant. We had light appetizers and some wine, and then got into it and played with the jewelry I brought. The thing about selling is that if you actually are selling something you genuinely love and buy yourself, it's much easier to sell to others and that passion really comes across. At least, I hope that's what the ladies would say!

Overall it was a great first show and I plan on doing two more next month! I'm honestly proud of myself because all of last week, I was nervous and certain I would fail - whatever that means! I did it, and my confidence has raised a few degrees because of it.

For those of you that ever want to order through me, I would love to help you! We have so many amazing pieces in our collection for the holidays, and because shipping is so fast, there's still time. Stelladot.com/noelleengel 💋😉

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Putting On My Party Dress

Wearing //

Express cardigan

Lulu's dress, similar here and here

Sole Society pumps

Gigi New York bag

Stella & Dot covet necklace here 

Beauty //

Essie polish in Beyond Cozy

Sara happ lip scrub

M.A.C. lipstick in Twig

One of the best parts about the holidays is getting dolled up. There's no better excuse than Christmas parties! This year, I think my festivity style is a bit more subdued than seasons past. I used to be obsessed with sequin skirts, giant statement necklaces, and glittery heels but now that my lifestyle has changed, I am reaching for pieces that are more...how shall I say this...grown-up? Listen, there's nothing wrong with pulling out all the stops and putting on the glitz and glamour, but for me, I think I've realized that I like more streamlined outfits that are simple yet polished. And of course, a red accent like my bag is perfect for the holidays.

I want to say thank you so much for the comments both on and off my blog regarding my last post. It meant a lot to me, more than you know.

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Real Talk: Holiday Blues

Wearing//

H&M cardigan

Bella Luxx camisole (dress version here)

LOFT jeans

Sole Society pumps (so comfy)

Michael Kors bag

Kendra Scott necklaces here & here

This is going to be another post where I don't talk about the outfit I'm wearing above. I understand if it's too much for some, and it won't hurt my feelings if you skip it. I've decided to start a series called real talk, where I discuss things that are relevant to me and how I'm feeling. I'm sure you've noticed it over the last few months but now it's got a name! So here we go...

This is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. So why do so many people struggle with it? For a long time I assumed it was just me being a grinch, but after working with foster children and at-risk youth, I came to know that many of us experience the holiday blues. Sadly it's not just adults either. It's children who aren't with their families, or young adults who have lost their parents to drug addictions and the law. That's the part that really breaks me. My friend lost her father a few years ago to an aggressive form of cancer. He was her rock, and in an instant, he was gone. Other friends of mine have lost their families to infidelity, divorce, and misunderstandings. Even more have lost loved ones to terminal illness or inevitable old age.

My story is somewhere in the muck. My parents are divorced, and I haven't spent a single Christmas with my dad since I was 18. He calls each year to say hi, but the conversation is short. I'm lucky that I have Nate's family to spend Christmas with. They are incredibly generous and kind-hearted, and there's no doubt in my mind that even if I wasn't married to their son, I would still be invited over because that's who they are. My sister-in-law is a hair stylist, and she invites one of her older clients over every year because she doesn't have family here in America (she's from Germany). 

But the blues creep in despite the kindness of my "adopted" family. I thought it would go away when I married, but if anything, it's gotten worse and I have no idea why. My friends tell me this will change once I have little ones running around, and I really hope they're right. I guess it boils down to feeling a lack of control. I can't control that my parents don't get together anymore. My mom isn't in the kitchen cooking, my grandma's booming laughter isn't reverberating throughout my house, my dad doesn't get to wrap his arms around me. And conversely, Nate and I haven't yet established our own traditions so it doesn't feel as special as it should. I'm 32 and I should be over these things by now, but the wounds haven't quite healed yet. Nate and I plan on going to midnight mass this year because I think that faith is a huge part in being at peace with the past, present, and future.  

I hope faith will propel me into being grateful for what I do have, not what I have lost. The past is best left behind, and the future hopefully holds better things. I just ask for two simple things this season that no doubt make the holidays easier for those of us that don't really enjoy them: 

1) Don't be a jerk on the road. I know everywhere is crowded with shoppers trying to check off their lists. But please don't flip me off on the way to the mall because you need to get your presents like yesterday. That's not the point. If you think that is the point, I feel sorry for you.

2) When you do get to the mall, or a restaurant to celebrate, don't be so hasty. Open doors for people, say thank you. I'm observant to a fault while I'm out in my community and am sometimes disturbed by people's lack of manners and general politeness towards others. On the other hand, I feel restored when I witness acts of simple kindness. More of that!

I hope reading this didn't give you the blues! This isn't my intention. I just want to point out that amidst all the twinkling lights, hot cocoa, and Christmas carols... that some people are hurting. If you love this time of year then that's great! I wish everyone did.

I just prefer the Summer. 

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