Current Favorites

I haven't done a post like this in a few months and since it's one of my favorites to compile, I figured today would be the perfect time. In all honesty, I don't have any outfit photos for the remainder of this week either so...full disclosure guys!

Let's begin with fragrance.

After popping into Anthropologie last week, I finally gave into the hype (and my nose) and purchased the infamous and much beloved "Volcano" candle. One of the greatest pleasures of walking into that store is the way that it smells, and with these candles lit in almost every corner, it's definitely a smart marketing strategy! I lit it as soon as I came home and it's been in our bedroom ever since.

Another raved about fragrance is Bobbi Brown's "Beach". I remember testing it last Summer, and I just couldn't wrap my head around why someone would want to smell like suntan oil mixed with sweat. I must have been in a bad mood that time around, because when I saw it on display at Sephora last week and tried it again, I decided that it really does smell like a day at the beach. I've also decided I need to smell that way at all times now. I didn't want to invest in an entire bottle of it however, so a rollerball will do just fine. Bonus - I can throw it in my bag.

I'll list these products below and simply say that I'm continuing my mostly nude face kick, using subtle products that make me look fresh but aren't fussy to apply. "Slap it on and go" seems to be my motto this Summer. Call it laziness if you will, but I think using proper skincare is key to this. I once was embarrassed to leave the house without a full face, but now that I'm sticking to a nightly routine that cleanses and moisturizers my face, I've seen a vast improvement in overall texture.

Stila Kitten Highlighter (used on cheeks and corners of my eyes)
Bite Beauty fruit gloss in Strawberry (slicked on lips)
M.A.C. pigment in naked (one sweep over my lids)

My highlighter obsession continues with this Jaclyn Hill for Becca Cosmetics in "Pop Champagne". It was the last one left at my Sephora, and I'll admit that always suckers me into buying something. I know I didn't need it (as shown above with the Stila Kitten) but I'm happy I did because I would have regretted passing on it. It's the most gorgeous peach sheen. If you're on the fence, I would go ahead and get it especially if you are in the market for one that really adds warmth to the face. I will say, it's much more shimmery than the Stila though so be aware of that.



I'm also really loving this new necklace as worn in my last post. I plan on wearing it next with black and white tops so that the color of this stone really stands out. The picture doesn't do it justice.

Lastly, I must mention Snapchat. Are you guys doing it? I'm still getting the hang of it, but I think it's slowly replacing my Instagram obsession, if that's even possible. Add me if you care to see my daily life which mostly consists of work, casual outfits, my dog and husband, friends, and other real-life moments that are definitely not blog-worthy.

My username is noelleengel. Leave yours below so I can add you!

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Summer 2015: The Year of The Dress

Wearing //

Anthropologie Dress

Sole Society heels, similar and so pretty

Halogen clutch, similar (I have this bag in grey)

JaxKelly necklace

Beauty //

Essie nails in California Coral

Bite Beauty lipgloss in Strawberry

If last Summer was the year of the midi skirt, and the year before that was the Summer of shorts, then this year for me has been all about the dress. Long dress, short dress, any dress! I love the versatility. Dress it up with heels and fun jewels and it can take you to a wedding, or dinner al fresco. Dress it down with sandals and a tote and you're ready for a trip to the beach. I love that dresses are flattering on everybody, and thus you have a complete outfit in one fell swoop. No need to waste precious time figuring out what to mix and match. A dress is easy, and that is what Summer should be all about. What more can a girl ask for?

I hope you had a beautiful weekend!

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Pretty Little Dresses: Summer Style

I've followed Tara for quite some time now, and I've always admired not only her style, but also her authenticity. Although I've never met her in person, I feel like I know her because she seems so down-to-earth and genuine on her blog. Her link-up posts are a great way to connect and network, so when I saw that she was having guests co-host with her this Summer, I jumped at the chance to be a part of one. Being the sweet person I know she is, Tara said yes and I'm so excited to join her this week. 

I originally ordered this dress because my best friend owns several of them in different colors. I admired them on her, so I decided to try out the cobalt blue shade for myself. I'll admit that I'm not used to showing this much skin. I'm pretty modest, but given the fact that it's Summer and it's so hot and humid, I think it's the perfect little dress to throw on with some strappy heels and delicate jewelry. It's one you can dress up as I did here, or dress down. Put a bathing suit on underneath and it is a wonderful beach cover-up. Versatility is always key for me, and I think Tara would agree with that.

Wearing //

Olivaceous Dress, here & here

Halogen bag, similar here

Sole Society heels, similar (I own these too) 

BP Nordstrom necklaces  1 & 2

Beauty //

Revlon lip butter in Juicy Papaya (the best)

Essie Topless and Barefoot nails

Speaking of pretty little dresses...

Summer Style Weekly Linkup guidelines:
1. Follow Mix & Match Fashion via bloglovin’ and Beauty Girl Twenty-Four via bloglovin'

2. Please link from today’s specific blog post, not your blog’s homepage.

3. Use the button below to link back to this linkup on your blog post, or use your own link if you would like.

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An InLinkz Link-up

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Pink Lady

Wearing //

Wayf dress via Nordstrom, super similar

Nordstrom reversible tote

Sole Society heels, similar

Express chevron bracelet, same look 

Rocksbox druzy cuff 

(Use code beachfirenkxoxo to get your first month free)

Beauty //

Essie polish in Topless and Barefoot

Cover girl gloss in Plumlicious

Too Faced mascara

I remember Rachelle wearing a beautiful pink dress a few weeks ago, and remarking on how she felt like she was channeling her inner Molly Ringwald (I really hope you know who she is. If you're a younger reader, look her up. The Breakfast Club got me through my middle school years). That's exactly how I felt when wearing this almost monochromatic look. I love pink as much as the next girl, but I have to admit that dressing like a human cupcake means having your husband tell you how sweet you look. Not sexy, definitely not sexy. But hey, I'll take sweet over sexy any day. I'm more comfortable with that term. 

I hope your week is off to a great start!

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Blogger Meet Up

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of attending a blogger/Instagram meet-up with six lovely ladies whom I had never met before. We ate brunch in downtown San Diego at a former Top Chef contestant's restaurant called Searsucker. I was extremely nervous because I get social anxiety, even around people I know! My husband did the usual "just relax and go" speech that morning as I was contemplating backing out. There is no logical reason for my nerves, and I am perfectly aware of that. So I went, and I had a great time. All of the ladies were friendly, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. Putting myself out there is difficult, but I never regret it. Think of it like going to the gym. You may come up with excuses as to why you can't go, but as soon as you're there, you are proud of yourself and you feel so accomplished afterwards. I definitely feel like I've made some new friends and I hope we all keep in touch. Connecting is honestly the best part of blogging. It may terrify me, but it's also a great way to network with like minded people.

I hope you'll take a look at their blogs and Instagram accounts. Here they are in order from left to right:

Jean - @ThePreppyPHD

Alyssa - @AlyssaGutten Blog: Alyssa with an A

Norma - @NVCampos She also makes jewelry: normavcampos.origamiowl.com

Crystal - @Caligirl_Fashions 

Megan - @mkashing Blog: A Stylish Start

Sara - @skashing Blog: A Stylish Start

I had the crab eggs benedict and it was heaven. I'm a benedict addict, and if it's on a menu, I'll always order it without fail. 

After the meet-up, we all parted ways and my husband and I caught up with our best friends. They live in Little Italy, so we spent the rest of the day people watching since it was comic-con week in San Diego. I hope we have more meet-ups soon, starting with my lunch with Gina this coming Monday :)

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Sparking Joy & Blog Birthday

Wearing //

Express top (last year), but love this

F21 cami underneath

Topshop skirt, similar

Nordstrom bag, similar

Asos pumps

Kendra Scott necklace

HRH collection bracelet

Beauty //

Lancome Lip Lover #334

O.P.I. nails in Funny Bunny

Thank goodness for flippy skirts with elastic waistbands. It amazes me how many times I've worn this one, and each time I do, I feel like a million dollars. Isn't that the point of wearing clothes? Well, aside from the fact that we can't all be running around naked. But what I love about this outfit is that it sparks joy, as beautifully explained recently by Gina and Laura. If you love something, you'll feel confident in it. When you feel confident, you're happier. And when you're happy, you feel like you can conquer anything. So wear what you love and hopefully that will translate into all aspects of your life. Oh, and if it has an elastic waistband that can allow you to eat like a glutton (which I did after these pictures were taken), even better. 

On a side note, I believe it's my blog's birthday. I don't know the actual date but it was around the 15th of July in 2009. Happy birthday blog! You've been a great friend over the years. We've laughed, we've cried, and together we have made some wonderful friends. It's been six years since I started Beautygirl24 and I am still in love with (almost) everything about this community. Thank you so much for supporting me. Thank you for reading. You really have no idea how this outlet has impacted me in a positive way...More to come.

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