5.28.2012

Tank - J.Crew, Blazer - Frenchi Via Nordstrom, Lace skirt - Francesca's, Heels - Guess (old), Necklace - F21, Bracelets - TJ-Maxx and Etsy, Ring - H&M, Bag - Elliot Lucca via TJ-Maxx, Nails - Essie Van d' Gogh and Orly


A night out was precisely what I needed after a crazy, stressful week. I went out with my best friend in San Diego and it was the perfect antidote.

♥ Noelle
Hi everyone, I hope you are all enjoying the long holiday weekend! I just wanted to formally announce the winner of my ElevenSkin giveaway. I used Random.org to generate a winner, and it is...



Julissa F!


Congratulations! I emailed you, so please check your messages as soon as possible so you can try out the goodies.

Happy Memorial Day!

♥ Noelle

5.25.2012

Summer season is fastly approaching, and for some of us, it's already here. That means it's time to dust off your sandals and show of those pretty pedicures. If you are looking for a new pair this year, here are some gorgeous options:

The color "rose dust" is my pick

This one has tiny spikes on it, but the gold keeps it soft


I've seen this sandal in almost every magazine. Love it in snakeprint.


If you are looking for a great alternative, I am obsessed with these by Merona.
They come in a multitude of colors.

I have two:
Plus my Reef flip flops - you have to have at least one pair of those!


How incredibly gorgeous is this?!
Somehow, I'm never this done up at the beach. Maybe I'll try harder this year;)



But you know, for me Summer is all about simplicity. Get those bare feet in the sand and take a walk along the surf with someone you love.

* Images via Pinterest *



♥ Noelle

5.23.2012

Blouse - H&M (recent), Cardigan - J.Crew, Denim shorts - American Eagle, Cognac flats - Shoemint, Watch - Michael Kors (similar) 


This was the first time this season wearing my denim boyfriend shorts from American Eagle. I own two pairs and literally have worn them to death for the past two Summers. Need proof? (One, two,) I thought I had more than just two posts featuring them, but I guess not! Well I promise I wear them all the time. Longer shorts or midi shorts are great for casual weekends and lazy days. I personally love the way Laura wears hers (here & here). She has been inspiring me to wear shorts with unexpected pieces.  Dress them up with a blouse, blazer, and cardi. Dress them down with a flowy boho tank and sandals. Voila! Instant Summer :)

♥ Noelle

5.20.2012



Skirt - Halogen via Nordstrom, Top - F21, Pumps - J Crew Mona Suede Pumps in Wild Berry, Leather Belt - J. Crew, Bracelets - J.Crew, Stella & Dot, Michael Kors,  Ring - H&M, Clutch - Elliot Lucca Via TJ-Maxx, Lips - Lancome Corail in Love

This is what I wore for dinner and drinks at the best little Italian place in my town - Gourmet Italia. My fiance and I don't treat ourselves too often, but when we do, we like to indulge!

Happy Sunday!
♥ Noelle

5.18.2012

A couple of months ago, maybe even longer than that, my blogger friend Andi emailed me about her friend's new skincare line called ElevenSkin. As you know, skincare is a huge subject for me these days. I remember when I was younger, I committed cardinal sins against my precious skin. I would sleep with my makeup on, I wasn't very worried about applying suncreen, and I really didn't have much of a product routine. I just didn't care.

Fast forward to last year, when I started noticing some changes. Although I don't break out on my chin as often as I used to, there is something else to take its place - little fine lines between my eyebrows, as well as some dryness on my cheeks, underneath my eyes, and around my nose. To clarify, I do have combination skin. My t-zone still gets rather oily throughout the course of the day, but my cheeks stay dry.

I was very happy with my skincare before I started using the ElevenSkin line, but am even more thrilled with these new products. If you'd like more backstory on how and why the line was created, please visit Andi's blog post. She explains it much better than I ever could!

Anyway, onto the review and giveaway!

I was sent four products: A day cream, a night serum, an eye cream, and a cleanser


Let's start with the day cream:
It's aptly named Protect, because that is exactly what it does. It contains SPF, soaks right into the skin after application, and feels very lightweight. It does vaguely smell of sunscreen, but the scent goes away after you blend it in. I alternate between using this as my daytime moisturizer and Clinique's moisturizing gel. However, now that I'll be outdoors more often, I will use Protect full-time.

The eye cream is called Smooth. This is incredible! I've never used a thicker cream underneath my eyes before. My beloved Kiehl's is much thinner than this formula. I just love the richness. I've been using it every night and have noticed a difference in how my under eye area feels. Plus, I know this will last a long time since only a tiny amount is needed.

The Hydrate serum is hands-down my favorite product from the line, and one I will repurchase the moment it's gone! This is also incredibly rich and creamy. I apply it at night to my face and neck. It made me nervous when I first tested it because I thought it would be too oily and therefore cause breakouts. Thankfully, none of these products irritated my skin. I really have noticed a major difference with this product. My skin looks and feels so much softer and more radiant. I think I was suffering from a bit of dullness due to the dry weather, but this has infused all of that lost moisture back into my face. Love it!
By the way, this and the eye cream are virtually fragrance-free. I do detect a slight scent, but it's very light.

Last but certainly not least is Refresh. This cleanser in my opinion is extremely similar to Cetaphil, my go-to cleanser. I say this because they have that same clear liquid consistency, are great for all skin types, and feel gentle when applied. This lathers a bit better than Cetaphil, and it has more of a tea scent. I'm very happy with it and so is my fiance who I catch occasionally using it ;)



Overall, I'm very grateful that I have these products in my life! I really do love the line, and I would recommend ElevenSkin to anyone with any skin type. The products are all natural and marine derived, which means no harsh chemicals that are going to strip or damage the skin.  The line is all about hydration, and it really is the key to better looking skin.

So it's giveaway time! (This will be a four piece kit like the one I have)
All you have to do to enter is:

2) Leave me a comment that you did so with your email address in case you are the winner

This contest will run until Friday, May25th. You have a full week to enter. I will announce the winner on Monday, the 28th.

Good luck girls!
♥ Noelle