11.13.2013




Wearing: Nordstrom jacket (similar here and here), Loft tee and jeansHalogen bootiesMichael Kors selma satchel, J Crew necklace (similar)


Utility jackets are everywhere this season, and I for one can't get enough of mine. Purchased last Winter, it's a great lightweight jacket that can carry over into all (two) of California's seasons. I decided to pair mine with some slightly distressed jeans and the Halogen booties I got during Nordstrom's anniversary sale. I felt surprisingly polished in this outfit, and I think the shoes and bag elevated the casual jacket to that level.

♥ Noelle

11.11.2013



Wearing: H&M sweater/blouse (old), Loft jeansJ Crew pumps (similar for less), Banana Republic clutch (obsessed), Stella & Dot pendant and bracelet, Fossil watch (in rose gold)


Bright cobalt and leopard are becoming my go-to combination this season. I think I initially saw them together on Instagram, and the pairing caught my eye right away. I can't put my finger on what it is that I love so much, but they just look so sharp against dark denim, navy, and black. Any dark neutral outfit becomes the backdrop for these bold accessories (my favorite way to get dressed). Speaking of getting dressed, I was looking through my closet the other day and shoved way in the back was this H&M cult favorite sweater from two years ago. Remember it? I swear we all had one!

Before I go, I wanted to show you girls some new decor details I've been slowly adding to our condo. We have lived here for almost a full year, and yet I never got it to look the way I wanted because of our wedding. Now that it's over, I have more time to devote to decorating, and trying to make our little space a home that reflects more of who we are. I'll show it to you once it's all complete, but here are a few pictures of the progress.

I love our master bathroom - clean and simple

Mirrored box that sits on my nightstand :)

Our new king bed that undoubtedly makes getting out of the door every morning such a task!
Both the bed and the headboard are from Costco (online). The bedding isn't complete just yet, as we want to actually buy new pillows as well. But the down comforter and sheets are from Target (online). 


Just purchased these over the weekend and can't wait until they arrive! Both are for our bedroom.{Throw pillow for bed, print for wall} {SSprintshopAnthropologie}



Thank you so much for reading!
♥ Noelle

11.08.2013

Happy Friday friends! I'm sorry this post is so late, but instead of making excuses, I'll just go ahead with it :) I haven't participated in a question of the month collaboration since July! Now that's awful, and I hope to stay on track with these because I love doing them and I adore the ladies I do them with. So here goes: The question for October is actually a tag, and a series of questions about my favorite subject - shopping!

1. Would you consider yourself a shopaholic?
Yes I would! Not in the sense that I blindly purchase things and certainly not to the point where it's out of control. I make sure to stick to my budget, and I usually muddle over a big purchase for awhile before going ahead with it. But I do love shopping. I even have a fashion and beauty blog to prove it :)

2. How would you classify your style?
I love classic pieces, things that I can wear over and over again and that will hopefully look timeless. Coats are probably my favorite, which is unfortunate given where I live! I love feminine details and shapes - lace, a smattering of sequins, stripes, polka dots, sparkly jewels. I do follow trends, but I choose wisely. I splurge on classic pieces, and save on trendy items. Oh, and I live in skinny jeans.

3. What store can you not leave without buying at least one thing? 
This is tricky! My initial thought was Forever 21, but I would say Nordstrom in reality. I honestly can't set foot in there without at least getting a pair of studs from the BP section, or a MAC lipstick. Nordstrom can be pricey, but it also has a ton of really affordable finds.

4. Where do you find the best deals?
Loft, Express, and Old Navy! All three stores are comprised of clothes that appeal to my style, and they all offer coupons that make shopping there really easy. I rarely buy anything full-price at these little gems, and you shouldn't either! Join their email list so you can keep up with all of their sales and promotions. They have them constantly.

5. What designer are you willing to splurge for?
Um, Chanel? I wish! I would say any designer that makes a fabulous handbag. Hey, some ladies love shoes, I love bags.

6. Do you have a go-to shopping outfit?
Definitely! Comfort is key. I don't want to be struggling with crazy layers, buttons, or massive amounts of jewelry when I am trying things on in a dressing room. I like to wear a sweater or top that I can easily get in and out of, minimal jewelry, comfy jeans, and flats. Still put-together, but also practical.

7. What is your guilty pleasure?
Jewelry. I am such an addict. I am especially drawn to necklaces. I am currently trying to down-size my collection, mainly because I don't have room for it. But I have several baubles on my wish list as we speak, so I feel very guilty about that :)

8. What is one staple clothing piece you cannot live without?
Skinny jeans. How would I function without them? I wear them almost every day to work, and now that it's Fall, I wear them a lot on weekends too. Plus, husband loves them.

9. What is a trend you hope never goes out of style? 
Um, skinny jeans. Are they a trend anymore? I thought they were at one point, but I think they are here to stay. Oh, and can I just be controversial for once on my blog and say that one trend I do want to quickly go away are wedge sneakers. I just can't get behind them. Yes, they may be comfy but how about just wearing regular classic sneakers instead? Converse, vans...wedge sneakers, go away.

10. What trend did you love that passed too quickly?
I've been racking my brain for minutes staring at this question, and I still have no answer. I'm not sure!

11. Who is your fashion icon?
My best friend and husband will roll their eyes but my fashion icon is Lauren Conrad. California beach girl meets classy sophisticate. Casual glam at its best.

Here are a couple looks from previous posts that really show my style:







   

Have a wonderful weekend!
♥ Noelle

11.06.2013

I finally got around to sitting down and going through some of our wedding pictures! You girls have been so sweet and supportive of my planning process during the past few months, and I really appreciate all of the kindness and suggestions! As many of you know, my husband and I were married on the beach on September 21st. I was worried sick for about two weeks leading up to the wedding. We planned most of it ourselves, and although we did receive generous help from both of our families and close friends, it was an incredibly daunting task nonetheless. Nate and I aren't big party planners, and neither of us really like too much attention so the whole thing was a lesson in confidence and stress management. However, the big day was beautiful. The sun shined brightly, despite the gloomy weather that had taken place all that week. A good sign! 
The worrying I had done did hold some validity though.There were some things that didn't go as I'd hoped. It was extremely windy that afternoon, so my hair and veil were kind of all over the place for most of the ceremony and reception! Also, even though our florist did a gorgeous job on the flowers, she left out some rose petals that were supposed to line the aisle in a swirl design. Some of my Etsy decor got lost in the shuffle, and didn't make it onto the tables. But, I felt so loved by our friends and family members that it ultimately didn't (and doesn't) matter. I married my better half, my best friend. I am so blessed, and I feel it every day I am with him.

I am only sharing a few pictures, partly because there are just too many to post and partly because I want to keep some private for ourselves. I hope you enjoy :)



My dress was designed by Essence Of Australia. Layers of lace and chiffon, complete with a lace-up corset in the back. It was altered three times due to the length, and the bust had to be heavily altered as well! It came with a gorgeous train, but because we got married right on the sand, that had to be bustled underneath. 



My husband and brother-in-law :)


Sweet Layers wedding cake, made mostly of red velvet. It was so delicious!

We had a sand ceremony, quite fitting for the beach.




















Notes:
Pinterest was my best tool in planning our wedding. However, if I were to do it all over again, I would hire a wedding planner. WORTH IT! Unless you enjoy planning of course :)

* It is true what they say, you know. I was an OCD, anxiety-ridden wreck months before our wedding. But the day of, I was actually really calm. My bridesmaids helped with that. And everything went by so quickly! The best advice I can give future brides? Relax! Enjoy it! It's only ONE day!

* In case you are planning your wedding right now, I wanted to share a 15% off discount code with you to Simply Bridal. They offer dresses, veils, and other beautiful accessories for brides-to-be! They were kind enough to reach out to me and offer my readers this discount. At Check-out, enter code SBL263BG.


If you have any specific questions on decor, the ceremony, or reception, feel free to ask! 
♥ Noelle

11.04.2013





Wearing: Loft trench (last Fall, similar here)Express leggings, Ivanka Trump flats, Michael Kors Selma bag, Essie polish in "Cocktail Bling"


This adorable striped trench coat is by far one of the best purchases I've ever made. I wore it to death all of last Fall and Winter, and I expect the same thing to happen this season. We went to the beach Friday night, and it was definitely chilly. The sweater leggings from Express kept me warm too! They are pretty thick, not flimsy like your typical pair. I recommend them for cozy, comfy nights. Lately, I find myself reaching for simple pieces that don't require much thought. You can never go wrong with a classic trench, a structured bag, and lady-like flats.

♥ Noelle

10.30.2013






Blazer - H&M
Jeans - Loft
Scarf Necklace - Anthropologie (check stores)
Pumps - Zara


Sunday was the perfect Fall day. Husband and I decided to take a walk through a beautiful community area, complete with a lake and benches to relax on. As we were walking along the path, I looked down at my feet and smiled from ear to ear - red and orange leaves were scattered about like confetti. Fall is such a fleeting season isn't it? We rarely get to enjoy it here. Summer turns straight into Winter, bypassing that perfect time of year where it's cool enough to wear light layers but warm enough to spend evenings outside. It's such a delicate balance, one I'm always searching for. I think this will become our Sunday ritual :)

Happy Halloween in advance! Are you girls doing anything special? Mine will revolve around comfy Pj's and passing out candy to kiddos.

♥ Noelle