Skirt - Express
Blouse - Forever 21 (old)
Pumps - Zara (similar)
Bag - Michael Kors
Watch - Fossil
♥ Noelle
5.09.2013
5.07.2013
Now that we are on our way in May, it's time for monthly must-reads and the question for April (courtesy of Skylette): What is blogging etiquette to you? For example, do you comment on everyone's blog that comments on yours? Do you follow everyone with a blog that reaches out to you? Great questions!
For me, blogging has always been about connecting with others. I think anyone can post pretty pictures on the internet and have their own space in the blogging community, but what purpose does that serve unless you are connecting with an audience? I love reading blogs, and I love commenting on them because I genuinely have a passion for it. I don't see blogging as a chore. If I did, I wouldn't blog, plain and simple. I don't see blogging as a popularity contest either. I still can't believe that anyone reads what I have to say, or takes inspiration from the photos I post. I don't expect anyone to leave me a comment, but I do love them! I try to show the same kindness and respect on the internet as I show to everyone I meet in "real life". I view many of you as friends, even though we've never actually "met". If someone takes the time to leave me a sweet comment or email me an equally sweet message, I do my best to respond. I unfortunately don't have as much time right now to devote to blogging, but I try to post at least two or three times per week. I love reading and discovering new blogs, so when someone wants me to check out their's, I always take a peek. I do admit that sometimes the whole "lets follow each other" thing can seem obnoxious. It just doesn't feel organic to me, so I usually pass on responding to a generic comment where I can tell the person didn't even read my post. Just like any relationship, there has to be a certain level of respect. After blogging for almost four years, I can usually tell when someone is being genuine as opposed to someone who just wants to amass a large blog following (for whatever reason). Overall, I treat you guys like friends and that's the only way I know how. I read and comment on as many blogs as I can because I love it! I follow more blogs than I can even count! And I'm always, always open to more :)
Thoughts? I would love a discussion on this!
- Beautygirl24 - Noelle has a serious sweet tooth this Spring. See what jewelry she likes to call her rock candy!
- Ella Pretty - Check out Ella's Mall Haul: Forever 21, Coach & Camo Pants
- Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay has some exciting news.
- Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen shared her Favorite Home Items that she can't live without.
- Schnelle Couture - Danielle joined the ombre party.
- Sequins and Stilettos -
Skylette plays with the black & white trend here.
♥ Noelle
5.06.2013
Lace top - Charlotte Russe (old)
Skirt - J Crew
Pumps - Zara
Bag - Michael Kors
Belt - LOFT
Bracelet - TJMaxx (check stores for similar options)
It's amazing what a couple hours at the salon can do for a girl. A trim, a dose of fresh color, some sassy curls, and I skipped outta there feeling like an entirely new person!
My new sash from Loft also did the trick. I'm really not much of a belt lover because I can never find one that fits correctly. They are either too loose or too tight. This one, complete with gunmetal gems that sparkle and shine was the last one in the store, and I had to ask the SA to kindly remove it from the mannequin. Thank goodness she sold it to me. I'm one happy customer.
♥ Noelle
5.02.2013
I love the month of May! It gets brutally hot here for most of Summer and part of Fall, so Spring is the perfect in-between phase. May is especially lovely because it starts warming up, but it's still bearable enough to venture outside in my go-to uniform of jeans and flats. It's one of the perfect months.
In celebration, I decided it was high time to do something special for you guys! I appreciate and love each and every one of you, and I'm not sure I show my gratitude quite enough. I went to two of my favorite shop spots and walked out with gift cards to giveaway to one of my beautiful readers.
Rules:
Open to U.S. and Canada readers only
Only one reader will win both $25 gift cards
Winner will be chosen using random.org.
All you have to do to enter is:
Make sure you follow my blog via GFC and Bloglovin'
Leave me one comment with your email address so that I may contact you if you win.
This giveaway will run through next Friday, May 10th. You have until Midnight PST.
*These gift cards were purchased with my own money, and this is not sponsored in any way.
Good Luck!
♥ Noelle
4.30.2013
My current Springtime essentials:
- Make Up For Ever HD Foundation - After testing it out for a couple of weeks, this foundation has really grown on me. I wasn't impressed at first, mainly because I am so in love with my Mat Velvet +. I like a nice, medium coverage to conceal the patches of discoloration I have. However, after a few days, my bias changed and I now love how natural it looks. I still prefer the overall coverage and lasting power of Mat Velvet. That foundation will always be my favorite, but the HD is beautiful for this time of year when I want a more dewy complexion. I think of it as a kicked up tinted moisturizer!
- UNITE 7 seconds detangler - My soon to be sister-in-law/hair stylist swears by this leave in conditioner at the salon she works in. She got me hooked on UNITE products, and 7 seconds leaves my dry ends looking and feeling much softer and more manageable. I use this right before I blow-dry my hair.
- Hourglass Ambient Powder - The much raved about face powder on YouTube intrigued me to the point that I had to see what all the fuss was about. Hourglass has a few shades, but I got mine in Dim Light. I sweep this all over my face as a setting powder. It's very finely milled so it doesn't leave me looking powdery or dry, just very natural.
- Revlon Lip Butters in Juicy Papaya and Pink Lemonade - ADDICTED to these two shades. I wrote a post about juicy papaya here. Pink lemonade is a light peachy pink that's great for everyday.
- Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer - Let me confess something guys...I tend to get really lazy about applying lotion once the weather heats up. My skin is extremely (and I mean extremely) dry in Winter, but as Spring and Summer come around, my skin becomes more normal. This spray - on lotion is great because it absorbs quickly and has a soft scent. Fast, easy, and it really does moisturize without leaving behind a film.
What are your current Spring beauty favorites?
♥ Noelle
4.26.2013
I did it. I bought what I proudly like to refer to as my first "big girl" or grown-up handbag. The Michael Kors selma satchel is everything I knew it would be:
- Gorgeous saffiano leather that feels sturdy.
- A roomy interior.
- Luxurious gold tone hardware.
- And one of the best and most practical features...an adjustable/completely removeable shoulder strap!
Genius.
I would dare to even say that it's a cross between this Prada, as well as the IT bag of the year. I got it on presale two weeks ago, when the SA at Macy's caught me staring at myself in the mirror, grinning like a fool from ear to ear, the bag dangling from my arm. She told me about the friends and family sale. 100 dollars off the retail price?! Yes, please! Before I knew it, I had her put the last black selma away for me in the back room. I picked it up yesterday and the rest is history. I strongly suggest going to your Macy's this weekend if you're interested. The F&F sale ends on the 28th.
If you want any details on this bag, let me know :)
♥ Noelle