{Black, White, Sparkle, Denim}

Blouse - Target (got it in the light cream too), Jacket - Halogen (love this one), Jeans - Old Navy, Heels - Zara, Necklace - F21, Bracelets - Club Monaco and boutique, Watch - Michael Kors, Bag - Chanel, Lips - YSL Le Orange (dabbed on to create a stain)

It took every last bit of strength. I was so tempted to add a dose of color to this look! While reading one of the new Spring style magazines, I noticed a ton of black and white combinations. I think they titled one layout 60's mod, and it's definitely going to be a major trend this year. But don't worry my neon loving friends. Color is still big, and in my opinion, always will be.

On another note, I'm on week two of operation eating-healthy-let's-get-fit-and-lose-some-weight-so-I-can-squeeze-into-a-wedding-dress. It's fun, really fun ;) Although I haven't yet seen any results, I am really proud of myself for finally changing my bad habits (moving in with my fiance and his best friend has killed all of my good sense when it comes to eating and exercising. Silly boys. Good thing we are moving so I'll only have to live with one boy. He's trying to get back in shape too).

 Happy Wednesday!

♥ Noelle

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On Repeat

Blazer - Olivia Moon (similar)

Dress - H&M (old)

Tights - Express

Boots - BP Nordstrom (similar)

Bag - J. Crew Factory

Watch - Fossil

Bracelet - Club Monaco

I know you must be tired of seeing this dress on me! As a blogger, I oftentimes feel pressure to come up with new outfits to feature. But let's face it, there are just some pieces in your wardrobe that will never get old. Well, at least not for a very long time. Obviously, this is one of those pieces for me. It's such a versatile dress. You can really dress it up or down. I loved it with tights and boots for a girls night out this weekend. Fun, flirty, and practical. What more can you ask for when you're on a budget!

♥ Noelle

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California Winter

Jacket - Nordstrom, Scarf - Nordstrom (old), Jeans - LOFT, Boots - BP Nordstrom (similar), Watch - Fossil, Bracelets - Oia Jules & Nordtsrom BP (check stores)

Believe it or not, I've been searching high and low for a military or utilitarian syle jacket since last Winter! I found one I loved at the start of Fall, and because it was at Marshall's, the price was right. However, the fit was completely off. The hunt continued...until a few days ago when I stopped in at Nordstrom and spied this one hanging on a mannequin in the junior's department. The sleeves are a bit long, but it was styled with them cuffed so I think that's how I'll mostly wear them. I love the hidden drawstring around the waist, which lets you cinch tighter. There's nothing more flattering!
Also loving this stretchy gold skull bracelet. I'm not really a fan of skulls (unless done justice by the late great Alexander McQueen) but this is just dainty enough to tow the line. Plus, it actually is the perfect size for my tiny wrists! I think I'll buy/wear any bracelet that fits. It's a miracle :)

♥ Noelle

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Here comes the bride

If you follow me on Instagram, then you know I finally started shopping around for wedding dresses. I've avoided it for so long because the whole process completely overwhelms me. You'd think I'd be over the moon trying on beautiful gowns and playing dress-up. So many of us have dreamed about the perfect dress for that momentous day. I think I did too when I was a little girl, but then I let the fantasy slip away as I became older and actually realized how expensive weddings are. But I have to admit that when I was trying on one particular dress, a feeling came over me that I can't even describe. It was surreal. I wanted so badly to take pictures, but there was a strict no photography rule in the showroom my mom and I visited. The dress that made my heart flutter was gorgeous, and perfect for the beach wedding my fiance and I are planning. I'm going to keep looking around, but it is a strong contender. Our official date is September 21st of this year :)

Just to give you an idea of some dresses I love:

This would be so adorable for a bachelorette!

photos c/o Pinterest

♥ Noelle

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Otherwise Simple

Top - LOFT

Skirt - J Crew (similar, but in a different color)

Wedges - Target (old)

Trench - LOFT

Bracelet - TJ-Maxx

Necklace - Gifted, but from Forever 21

Necklace - J Crew

Top - H&M (Similar material)

Blazer - Gibson Via Nordstrom

Jeans - Old Navy

Pumps - J Crew Mona's (obsessed with these!)

Ring - Henri Bendel

Although New Year's Eve 2012 is now but a memory, my love for all things glitter clearly remains in the present! A little sparkle is always welcomed, no matter what time of year. I especially love it paired with casual pieces. It's a bit unexpected, and it really dresses up basics.

I hope you had a great weekend!

♥ Noelle

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2013 {My year of happiness}

 c/o Pinterest

I've never been a huge fan of new year's resolutions. For one, I never seem to keep mine going for more then a few weeks. I love the idea of a clean slate; the opportunity to start fresh, and change things in your life that perhaps aren't going your way, or aren't what you had previously planned for yourself. Every year, I think many of us resolve to change the same things: lose weight, eat healthier, work out regularly, stress less, conquer fears, work on relationships, become more organized. Sound familiar? I make these same resolutions every single year, and without fail, I never keep my promises to myself for very long. This then puts me into a spiral that drives a feeling of defeat and hopelessness that I'll never have the life I truly want.

This year, I have one simple resolution. I want to be happier. That's it. Yes, I'd love to get into better shape for my wedding, and I'd love to manage my stress and anxiety more effectively. I'd also like to be more outgoing, maybe find a more personally satisfying job. But really, all I truly want is for 2013 to be my year of happiness. Of gratitiude and appreciation. No matter what hurdles lay ahead, I want to enter into everything I do with a more positive outlook. That's my wish for all of us.

♥ Noelle

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