My first beauty purchases of 2012

On a trip to Sephora today, I made my first purchases of 2012. I wanted to branch out and try brands and products that I am completely unfamiliar with, and that is precisely what happened.

How's this for branching out? Highlighter neon (I mean NEON) nail polish from Illamasqua called Rare.

So excited to wear this! I'm still in love with the whole neon trend that's taken fashion and beauty by storm.

Hourglass cosmetics is a vegan line that does not contain any sulfates or parabens in their products. That drew me in, but the sleek packaging and elegant design also won me over. This is a lip stain in the color Petal, a soft peachy pink. So far, so good. I want to try more from the line in the future.

I also am loving this present I received from my best friend.

MAC lipglass in Check This Out.

 Not sure if it is limited edition because I've been avoiding those collections like the plague but this is a very natural, glowy gloss. It reminds me of the infamous Love Nectar that is said to be a prime choice for brides on their wedding day. I actually like this color better.

There's nothing quite as satisfying as a good beauty binge is there?

♥ Noelle

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Don't Stop Til You Get Enough

Dress - H&M, Belt - Taken from an old dress, Necklace - HoH, Pumps - J Crew

It's been unseasonably warm, even for southern California! This girl is taking advantage. I can't get enough of this saucy little dress (a tunic for non-shorties like me, I'm sure). It just makes me feel so...so...saucy! What can I say? When I find something I love, I tend to wear it to death. And since I can't afford to go shopping for new things all the time, it's important to make the most of the pieces I love to love.

What do you wear over and over?

♥ Noelle

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Shailene Woodley {Inspiration}

After watching Shailene Woodley last month in The Descendants, I wanted to see more! She is strikingly beautiful and extremely natural which is something I love. When I received my latest In Style issue, there she was in a tropical fashion story.

{Thank you to Instyle for these pictures}

Just gorgeous. Makes me long for another Maui trip.

♥ Noelle

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wear, love, repeat

Top - Madewell, Skirt - Banana Republic, Pumps - J. Crew, Bracelet - TJMaxx

No full pictures today because I just wasn't feelin' it. I'm sure you girls can relate. The winter weather and holiday stress have left my face spotty and my hair fried. Get thee to a hairdresser stat! I am on Friday, just in time. This mane is not cooperating.

Anyhow, what do I do when I'm feeling a bit blah in the beauty department? Well I wear my favorite pieces of course! This outfit is comprised of things that make me happy, and more importantly, easy.

Wear...love...repeat.

♥ Noelle

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Auld Lang Syne

Happy 2012! How was your New Years Eve girls? Mine was phenomenal! We went to the local pub/grill that we like to frequent, and they did such an amazing job and gave wonderful service. It was a closed party with 65 guests, and the fiance and I wasted little time enjoying the food and drinks. Despite the fact that I have a sinus infection (and not a cold like I previously thought), I was still able to feel well enough to go out and put myself together. I would have preferred my hair to have been curled and my nose to have been less red, but by the time we were out and about, that didn't matter. Thank goodness for antibiotics. And concealer :)

Dress - Express (old), Blazer (unseen) - Frenchi via Nordstrom, Pumps - LOFT, Clutch - ASOS, Necklace - Kenneth Jay Lane Via Cocobella Ballerina :), Earrings - Sonya Renee, Rings - Engagement and Tiffany & Co.

I painted my nails a little bit differently then planned. I did a coat of Essie's Cocktail Bling as a base, and then two coats of OPI's Crown Me Already on top. Sparkles galore.

♥

Yesterday, we went to Dana Point and Laguna Beach to scope out some possible wedding venues. We went to a beautiful resort in Laguna and fell in love with the view.

These were taken with my HTC, so sorry for the brightness!

We could say "I do" on this terrace. Absolutely :)

So far, the new year has been great! I have a lot I want to work on. I didn't make any resolutions, but I have some things in mind...

How is 2012 treating you today?

♥ Noelle

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Loving: New Year's Eve

I'm not sure anyone loves New Years Eve as much as I do. For me, it's a day of quiet introspection. I ask myself questions such as What did I accomplish this year? Did I do the best I could? What do I need to change? I remember the fond memories, and say a silent prayer that the new year brings health and happiness to all those I love. Then the day turns into night and I let it all go, ready for a fun time ahead! 

I like the clean slate feeling that the new year brings. Maybe I have been slacking in certain areas, and I became too lazy or too complacent to change them. The start of a new year reminds me that I can get back on track, that I can start again. If I want to, I can change.

And let's face it: New Years Eve is that perfect night to put on some glitz and wear a pretty party dress. No questions asked, cuz everyone else is covered in sequins and glitter too.

I always plan my outfit weeks in advance, although I don't always stick to the plan. Here's what I am (probably) going to wear Saturday night:

Black strapless lace dress from Express (last seen way back HERE)

Topped off with a black blazer



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These shoes



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This clutch



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This makeup

And these nails



Jewelry is still undecided, but that's always the fun part for me. The not so fun part of my NYE story -  I'm battling a horrendous cold and I hope it goes away quickly!

 OOTD to come :)

Before I go, I want to wish my fiance a *Happy 30th Birthday*

I love you babe, you have always been the brightest part of my life! I can't wait to marry you!

See you next year everyone!

♥ Noelle

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