White Eyelet

 Dress - American Eagle

Cardigan - Loft (similar)

Pumps - Zara (similar)

Bag - J.Crew Factory

Necklace - Boutique (identical by S&D)

Ring - Henri Bendel

Although the LBD is the dress du jour, I think the LWD is just as versatile in your wardrobe especially come Spring and Summer. The white Zara dress I had high hopes for was a total fail. It was all wrong - bad fit, bad fabric, a faulty zipper. Then came along this little number, complete with the same cut-outs on the sides as the Zara. Although I won't be wearing this for my bachlorette (too casual), I did wear it for our save the date pictures on the beach last weekend. The full skirt and soft cotton eyelet make it ultra comfortable in the heat. I'm sure it will get a ton of use the next few months. I already have plans to wear it on our honeymoon in Hawaii.

Makes me wanna do a twirl :)

♥ Noelle

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Mint + Gray + Pink

Sweater - Old Navy

Jeans - Loft

Pumps - J.Crew (I want these!)

Necklace - Baublebar, given to me by Lilly :)

Bag - Mango by JCP (old)

Nails - L'oreal Creme Puffs (seen here)

After seeing this adorable sweater on two of my favorite girls (Danielle and  Lindsay), I knew it had to be mine one day. Although I own this in the Fall version, I love Spring's mint and gray even more. For some reason, the sweaters Old Navy has come out with for Spring feel softer and a bit thicker then the ones popular back in Fall. Paired with a statement necklace and a fun pop from raspberry heels, I felt happy and colorful for a date night with the boy.

P.S. - I want another pair of J.Crew heels. I could go for one in every color.

♥ Noelle

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What I've Been Reading {March 2013}

Happy April everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Easter yesterday! Question of the month: How would you describe your own personal style? How has it evolved over the years?

This question comes from myself as well as Alison, and it has definitely taken some thought!

I would describe my personal style as practical and comfortable above anything else. I love getting dressed up and feeling glamourous, but I think everyone has their own definition of what glamour looks like. I love the classics - a great fitting pair of jeans that can transition from day to night, a little tweed jacket to throw on over everything, a great pair of shiny black pumps that look smart in any situation. Versatility is key in my wardobe. I also value looking put-together and timeless. I love following a trend just as much as the next girl, but I don't ever want to look back on a picture when I'm older and think, "God, who was I trying to be?" I don't ever want to feel like I'm getting dressed for someone else. I like neutrals with splashes of color. I love wearing basic pieces and then adding accessories to really complete a look. I love looking feminine, and I don't feel the need to "edge" things up (although I do love that sort of tough-girl look on others). I think I just know myself these days. My style has evolved in the sense that I know more about what I like and what I don't like. Fitting in was a huge part of my style when I was younger. I just wanted to look like everyone else, to blend in with the crowd. I've always loved fashion, and that's something I get from my mom. But I was always very confused about what looked "good" on me. Being petite at 5'2 and having some curves is difficult. It took me a long time to realize that my body is fine just the way it is, and a tailor can take care of a lot of it! I know this is something I still struggle with as a woman. But I do believe that essentially, even if and when my body changes throughout life, my personal sense of style will still remain. I'll still always gravitate towards the classic, lady-like look. I'm pretty sure that Coco Chanel will always be my icon :)

Here are some looks that sum up my style:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What does your personal style look like? Please share your thoughts in the comments section, I'm really interested in this month's topic!

 

 

• Alison*Elle - Alison is keeping it weekend-casual in an asymmetrical sweater and boyfriend jeans.
• Beautygirl24 - Noelle took a stroll through the park and enjoyed the Spring flowers. Her green dress matched the scenery.
• Ella Pretty - See Ella's Target & Outlet-shopping haul from her US vacation.
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay shares 5 Things about herself, now it's your turn.
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen is dreaming of warm weather and summer BBQs with her Spring Wishlist.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle shows off her first postpartum OOTD.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette is playing up the yellow and cobalt trend.
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen shares her inspiration for her baby girls nursery.

♥ Noelle

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Little pick-me-ups

A little retail therapy never hurt anyone, right? As long as you don't go overboard, little pick-me-ups can be a perfect solution to the doldrums. I think treating yourself to a bottle of nail polish or a new lipstick can be just as satisfying (if not more) than saving money for a big item.

Pretty Spring polishes

L'oreal has a new limited edition collection, and I had to have some! I got Creme Puffs and Lacey Lilac.

I also picked up Tart Deco and Maximillion Strasse Her by Essie.

Any of these colors would be great for Easter. I have yet to actually paint my nails with them, but I plan on wearing Creme Puffs this weekend. I'll report back on the opacity, and I have high hopes for all four.

Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rose Kiss. I've heard great reviews about these new lip butters, and seeing as I'm a sucker for both raspberries and anything rose, I decided to try it. It has a soft, fruity scent and is really moisturizing.

NYX Butter Gloss in Vanilla Cream Pie is great! Non-sticky, very lightly scented (unlike most other NYX lip products) and smooth coverage. This shade is really natural so if you want more color, I'd go for a darker or brighter shade.

 

 

I finally plopped down for the Sephora 55 airbrush. I've been wanting this for what seems like ages, but I've never spent a lot of money on makeup brushes. I love my Sigma, Kirkland, and Eco Tools. However, I am so happy with this brush. I use it for blush, bronzer, and powder. Ultra soft and applies everything like a dream. I haven't washed it just yet, so I'm hoping the bristles flare out.  Right now they are quite tapered and I'd actually prefer a little fullness.

 

 

 

These delicate stone necklaces are so beautiful! I picked them up at a tiny boutique while in San Diego this past weekend and I'm just in love. Pretty layered or on their own, expect to see them appear in outfit posts very soon. I love my statement jewelry, but nothing is as sweet or as feminine as a dainty necklace around your neck.

What little pick-me-ups have you treated yourself to lately?

♥ Noelle



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Neon & Neutral

Bag - J Crew Factory

Necklace - Target (recent, check stores) (pretty option)

Shoes - Ivanka Trump (love)

Blouse - Target (similar)

Cardigan - LOFT (similar)

Watch - Fossil

Bracelet - Stella & Dot

One of my favorite things to do on a beautiful, sunny weekend is visit my favorite person in San Diego. My best friend and I spent the day getting our hair done, walking around downtown, and visiting Hotel Palomar. If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend making a stop there. The place is stunning! Great food and drinks too :)

I decided to spice up my neutral outfit by carrying my newest love - the neon envelope clutch. Something tells me that she will get lots of play time this Spring and Summer.

♥ Noelle

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The J.Crew {Factory} Envelope Clutch

J.Crew is one of my favorite shop spots. They do color so effortlessly, and the polished, preppy, ultra feminine look is right up my alley. My only complaint are the prices. The quality is high and I'm a strong believer that you ultimately get what you pay for. But when I discovered J.Crew factory a few months ago, I became addicted. The same beautiful, colorful clothes and accessories that the company is known for, but for a fraction of the cost.

The envelope clutch has been my favorite not-so-secret find. It started with one in a vibrant raspberry suede. I've literally worn it to pieces, as the edges are beginning to look worn, discolored in some areas, and a little frayed.

Now I have these to add to the collection.

J.Crew Factory Envelope Clutch

 

The quality of these leather clutches is amazing. Soft and smooth, and the color is extremely saturated. I think these will hold up a bit better then my  suede version.

I love the versatility too. You can carry it as a clutch with the chain tucked inside, or use the chain and throw it over your shoulder. The burnished gold chain itself has a nice weight to it. It feels substantial, and not at all like an afterthought. I got black because every girls needs a classic black clutch, but I'm most excited to carry the neon. It will add so much to my neutral outfits. Note - the color is super bright in person. 

 

 

My little factory family :)

 

This is a very positive review, and I hope you give one a try!

 

Have a great weekend!

♥ Noelle

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