Holiday Style Series {Christmas Traditions}

Wearing: American Eagle sweater, Loft jeans, Kate Spade bag, Sole Society sandals, Baublebar necklace

This is the best Christmas I think I've had since I was a kid. As a newlywed, my husband and I are just beginning to realize what we want our family to do each year in celebration of the holidays. We don't have children yet, but we still are a family, just the two of us. At this time last year, we were in the process of moving out, but still living with roommates in a large two-story house. Now that we have our own little condo, we feel at home and have really enjoyed putting up some decorations (mostly borrowed from our parents). It's also my first time ever having a real tree! That has been my favorite part - there's nothing like the smell of a pine tree! 

So, we are still working on coming up with our own family traditions. I'm sure once we have children, things will fall into place. One thing we have been doing a lot this month is going to our favorite restaurants and wineries to enjoy good food and even better wine. We also always see a movie on Christmas day! We've been doing that as a couple for about five years now. 

Here are some of our decorations. Nothing too elaborate, but we are both very happy and proud of our little home :)

This time of year is always about being grateful, and appreciating all that you have. I forget to do that in the hustle and bustle of daily life. People let me down, I get complacent. It's easy to do. But I am so thankful for the people in my life that I can truly count on, the ones I know will love me no matter what. That's what Christmas means to me. I hope you all have a wonderful beginning to your week! 

Don't forget to check out these wonderful ladies! More Pieces Of Me and On The Daily Express. They are the hosts of the Holiday Style Link-Up, and they are both very talented bloggers. 

I will be back on Thursday with another outfit post :) 

As always, thank you for reading!

Oh and by the way, my blog is in the process of getting a fresh new look so that's why things may look a bit off for the next few days...

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Mini Reviews {Fashion & Beauty}

With all of the fantastic sales taking place this Holiday season, it's safe to say that I've been doing my fair share of shopping. Temptation is always high around Thanksgiving and Christmas, so while I shop for others, I also sneak in a few treats for myself as well. That's allowed right?!

I have picked up a few things that I just have to share with you! I wanted to review them in case any of you are in need of some last minute gift ideas, or if you've been coveting them for yourself.

Sam Edelman "Felicia" flats

I wear flats every single day to work. I own a few pairs, so I can switch up my look fairly easily without sacrificing style. However, I was in desperate need of flats that were really comfortable, didn't rub my heels, and didn't pinch my toes. These Sam Edelman flats are a dream come true! Hands-down the best fitting and most comfortable I have ever worn. The foot bed is cushioned, and the elastic around the heel does not rub or cause friction. It also does not slide down either, which is something I know a lot of us have experienced with other flats. The toes have plenty of room. I feel like I'm wearing house slippers! They come in leather, but I preferred the wine colored suede because they will pair well with other neutrals. They also come in a multitude of colors, even metallics! I will never spend money on other higher-end flats. These are perfect!

Baublebar Crystal Zodiac Bracelet (Bottom)

Baublebar Mini Pave Links Bracelet (Top, mine is in silver but it comes in gold as well)

I've had quite the affinity for Baublebar since I first spotted their pieces on my favorite bloggers and friends. Honestly, the addiction is a little out of hand these days (I have more jewels on the way!) but I just can't feel guilty about it because the quality is incredible and the price is attainable for someone with such an obsession. I wanted to rave about these bracelets in particular because they are both still available (to my knowledge) on the website and because they are perfect for the holidays or anytime! I've worn both out and have received so many compliments. They look beautiful on their own, but they also layer with other bracelets to create whatever look you are going for. I like to wear mine with my watches for a classic combination. 

Nails Inc. Gel Effect Polish in Kensington High Street and Porchester Square

Always on the quest for nail polish with a great formula, I decided to see what all the fuss was about during the Sephora V.I.B. sale. Good thing I did! These are exactly what I want in a polish - smooth formula that goes on opaque in one coat, and absolutely stunning in two! The gel effect lives up to the name. I have worn both of these shades, and they lasted for a full week with little to no chipping. I see more shades in my future. 

Urban Decay Naked 3

Okay. How hyped up are Urban Decay naked palettes? The hype is always unbelievable, and before I even have a chance to catch a glimpse of one, they are gone! Sold out in a matter of minutes! That always frustrates me, and I spend the next week convincing myself that I don't care, and I don't need another eyeshadow palette filled with neutrals. Wrong. I hate to tell you this, but naked 3 lives up to the hype. I know, I'm sorry I have to be the bearer of bad news. If you can't get ahold of it yet, don't worry. The hype will die down after the holidays and they will become more available. I own a lot of eyeshadows but I really don't have much, if any, of these rosy toned hues in my collection. They are warm, but not overly so. They really are just beautiful.  

Notice these are all positive reviews! I love it when that happens.

♥ Noelle

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Soiree

Wearing: Express portofino dress (also have it in blue), Halogen bootie (a must-have), J Crew factory clutch, BP Nordstrom necklace (check stores)

Baublebar bracelet, Revlon ultimate suede lipstick in "Backstage". Nails are China Glaze in "Emerald Fitzgerald".

In keeping with last week's party theme, I decided to bring out my favorite glamorous combination for hubby's company Christmas party - black and gold. When in doubt, I always stick to this no-fail palette because I know it works for any event or special occasion. It always looks put together and classic. So do wine colored lips! It was my first attempt at such a dark color and I absolutely loved the result. I think I'm going to repeat the makeup look I wore over and over this holiday season.

♥ Noelle

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Fall Lookbook

Now that Fall is coming to end, I want to share my lookbook for the season. I know most of you have already been experiencing Winter weather for awhile, but it's just now been cold enough here in southern California to really make people feel like Winter is around the corner. And when I say now, I literally mean now. I just checked the temps for next week and it's going to get back up into the 70's! Hardly Wintertime.

Fall trends are my absolute favorite so I hope you enjoy these outfits! Most can be layered with coats, tights, and boots to transition into Winter. My first lookbook (Summer) can be found here.

Unlike Summer where I was all about color, Fall has been more neutral. I have been reaching for black a lot, and that's something I never thought I'd do again after gravitating toward color the past couple of years. I'm sure once Spring hits, that will change. The beauty of fashion is that you can reinvent yourself every day. For now though, I think I'll stick to jewel tones, sparkle, black and gold, and of course...my favorite pumps! 

What did you wear a lot this season?

♥ Noelle

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It's a date

Wearing: H&M blazer, Express blouse and flats, Loft modern skinny jeans, Banana Republic clutch, House of Harlow necklace

I love a good date night. Despite the fact that I'm married, I still find it important to "date" my husband. Things are so hectic during the week that we hardly have any time to really spend together. Friday night rolls around and we try to do our best to go out and do something fun together. These little moments make all the difference in the world. Plus, it's a great excuse to get a little dolled up :)

Speaking of which, is it Friday yet? This week has been tough and I'm looking forward to the end!

Hope you're having a better time!

♥ Noelle

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Holiday Style Series {Party Time}

Happy Monday everyone! I bet some of you are possibly recovering from a fun party you went to over the weekend. I didn't go to any, but I do have my husband's annual work party coming up next Saturday and I always look forward to getting dressed up. There's no better time to put on the glitz and glam. For week two of the holiday style link-up, the theme of course is dressing up for a formal or semi-formal event.

Wearing: Asos top (old), Loft skirt, Zara pumps, J Crew factory clutch, Nordstrom necklace, family heirloom ring, and Nails Inc polish in Kensington High Street

I chose to wear a shimmery metallic blouse paired with a pleated skirt and gold jewelry. The details really elevate an otherwise simple look. I love the ease of a top and skirt because you can mix and match them with other pieces, which makes everything in your wardrobe go a long way. For fun holiday parties, I suggest metallics, sequins, playful prints and shapes, and anything that makes you feel fabulous! Now's the time to shine.

Here are a couple of other party look ideas:

For even more ideas, check out my friends! More Pieces Of Me and On The Daily Express. Stay tuned for more of the series next week.

♥ Noelle

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