Miss New Bootie

Wearing //

Express dress

Steve Madden booties

Rebecca Minkoff mini m.a.c.

Stella & Dot nova pendant layered with 

the aurora necklace

Use Noelle Engel as your stylist!

Cheeky little title. Every single time I put on a pair of boots, that song immediately comes to mind! Anyway, I really want to thank you ladies (and gentleman) for all of the feedback I received on my body image post last week. I was truly touched by your comments and own experiences, and I even got text messages from my best friends and mother on the subject! I don't think they read here often, but when they do, it means a lot to me. I wasn't sure what sort of response I would get, and I was humbled. Writing honestly has and always will be at the core of why enjoy blogging, and so I've decided to do posts like that more frequently. At least, when I get the itch to say something more relevant than simply describing what I'm wearing.

That being said, I do want to mention that these booties are my new favorite. I asked both Gina and Caryl for advice on them because I wasn't sure if I should get these or a black pair. They both chimed in that taupe was the way to go, and I'm so happy that I went with these. They are definitely versatile! I love how they blend into my legs and give the illusion of longer gams. If you don't have a pair of booties, I highly recommend a style like these. They don't come up as high on the ankle, so they don't cut off the leg line as much as other booties I've seen. These do come in other colors, and all of them are beautiful but I know that with Spring around the corner, these will transition seamlessly.

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Body Image and Blogging

Wearing //

Caslon sweater/tunic

Express jeans

Vince Camuto pumps, similar

Michael Kors bag

Kendra Scott necklace

Body image is a topic I've touched upon in previous posts. It's a natural point of contention when you've been putting yourself out there on a style and beauty blog for over seven years. After reading Alissa's Instagram post on Monday, I clicked over to her blog and it really struck a chord with me so I wanted to bring it up here. I can't take away from her extremely beautiful and thought provoking words, I won't even try. I suggest going to hers immediately (after reading mine of course) but it resonates with me so greatly because since starting my blog, a lot has changed - my weight, the size of my waist, hell the size of everything. I've tried to conceal it by solely posting flattering photos of myself, a trick that I think we all use, style blogger or not. My non-blogging friends do it too. "Don't you dare post that on social media, I look hideous!" or "if you post it just filter it so I look good". Let's face it. We live in a frenzy of staged Instagram photos. complete with filters that quickly hide "flaws" with the tap of your finger. We're so used to this false sense of reality that even I forget what people really look like, at least the ones I haven't seen in years. We've not only become comfortable with this phony sense of self, but I think almost blind to how it really impacts our self-esteem in a negative way. 

I don't want to get preachy here. It's my choice to put myself out there on the internet. Here is the comment I left on Alissa's blog because it sums up my feelings perfectly: Couldn't love this piece or agree any more! I think we all spend far too much time beating ourselves up. Not even on each other, but on ourselves! I've gained almost 20 pounds in two years since getting married. That's a huge what the fuck for me. Excuse the language but that's the only term I feel suits my frustration. I'm slowly getting back down, and I'm starting to make better eating and work-out choices. I'll never be the skinny girl. I'm petite, but I've got curves too, and I don't mind that one bit. We should all take your advice and just stand in the bodies we have now. Not yesterday, not a year from now but now. 

It's not just my weight that bothers me. Everything seems to these days, From my hair to my brows, and definitely to the simple fact that I've had to donate a ton of clothes, and not because of moving. No, the real reason was that they were tight, ill-fitting, and trying to wiggle myself into old size 4 jeans and blazers made me feel like a stuffed sausage. It takes guts to stand in the mirror and decide that you've had enough, and that a change is needed. I'm doing that by getting healthier for myself. But I also really love the idea of just being comfortable with where you are in life. I look at other bloggers and constantly wonder why they aren't just professional models. I thought blogging was a way to give a middle finger to the fashion heads and let them know that we can do our own thing and wear clothes beautifully without the need for photoshop or starving ourselves. I guess it worked, but I feel like it's all swung in the opposite direction. Who's fault that is, I don't know nor do I really care. But while I'm on the internet, I have to keep reminding myself what drew me to do this in the first place. I can and will be kinder to myself. I can and will shed some weight, but don't expect me to get crazy into it because when it comes down to it, I love enjoying life and that includes food. These are just my feelings, and my only hope for being honest about my body image struggle is to let you know why I don't post as often as I used to. It's not just about time constraints because we are all busy! It mainly has to do with just not feeling up to editing 30 photos, and throwing all but maybe two or three "good ones" in the recycling bin. 

 I promise I'm not looking for compliments or validation, just genuine feedback on the subject if you have any! I'd love to hear your experiences, especially as it pertains to blogging. 

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First Weekend

Wearing //

Express jacket, tank, & jeans

Zara pumps, similar here and I want these

French Connection bag, similar

Stella & Dot Nova necklace

Delezhen labradorite necklace, similar

Beauty //

Nudestix lip and cheek pencil in Mystic

The first few days after any kind of move means comfortable clothing. For the majority of last week, I frumped around in whatever was handy and clean, and being "fashionable" took a backseat to comfort, We didn't hire movers to shlepp our furniture from the condo to the new house. Why would we? We only moved about a mile up the road! However, let me tell you. I am SO out of shape! My legs and back are still sore from carrying boxes up and down the stairs 50 times over. At the end of the weekend, all I wanted was a warm shower and a massage. I didn't get the massage, but I did take an extra long shower so I could feel human again. How I managed to get dressed at all still mystifies me, but we wanted to have some drinks at our favorite bar to celebrate our move and this is what I came up with. I'm still loving olive green paired with other neutrals, and this utility style moto jacket fits the bill of slouchy comfort. I definitely could have sized down, but this was the last one in the store and I kind of like the oversize fit with skinny jeans. Thank you ladies for all the well wishes on Instagram and snapchat! I really appreciated them. You were all right - the change felt sad, but only for a split second. Now that we have more space, I can't imagine why I worried so much that this wouldn't feel like home. It's been one week, and it absolutely does :)

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Two New Products Worth Mentioning

Over Christmas, Nate was sweet enough to get me a gift card to Sephora in my stocking. I was pleasantly surprised because I didn't drop any hints that I was wanting to splurge on some beauty items. He always does a great job, but we aren't the type of couple that gift each other with things. We like experiences instead, like planning a road trip or future vacation together. You know, memories instead of "stuff" that we frankly can buy on our own. However, I won't complain because I was able to get these and am so glad that I did.


First, this neutral eyeshadow palette by Tarte. 

It's a neutral lovers dream! I own many shadows, including palettes by Urban Decay but for some reason, every single time I passed by this in store, I had to stop and stare. The quality is just beautiful - smooth, easy to blend, no fallout, and a great range from nude to black. I also appreciate that these are mostly matte, with three exceptions being funny girl, rocker, and firecracker. The palette is small and compact, making it perfect for those of us who don't want a bunch of clutter in our makeup drawers. 

Next up is my reluctant answer to the Kylie Jenner lip. This cheek and lip pencil by Nudestix called Mystic is the perfect "my lips but better" shade. It adds that slight hint of mauve and brown, but is wearable enough. I was originally looking for Kat Von D's Lolita, but that has been consistently sold out in my Sephora so I decided to try this instead. It appears similar enough, maybe not quite as dark or dramatic. It does dry out my lips a bit, but if I use a balm underneath, it's perfect.

Have you ladies bought any makeup in the new year? Let me know if you have tried these!

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The End of an Era

Wearing //

Express trench and cami

Loft jeans, similar

Old Navy flats, identical and these too

Michael Kors bag

Stella & Dot necklaces

Use me (Noelle Engel) as your stylist

These photos and this post are bittersweet for me. This is the last time you'll see me beside our condo, our first home together as a married couple. It was our first time living in a small space, but it was also the first time we felt like we were truly at home. No parents, no roommates. There were plenty of firsts here. From planning our wedding to getting a dog to turning thirty. I'm going to miss it, even though I'm excited to have more room and a yard again. I won't have to worry about looking put together when I take Nettie out for a walk in the mornings, and I'll be able to do laundry inside the house instead of in the garage. Small luxuries that I took for granted before condo life. But your first real place together as newlyweds is always special, and up until a few months ago, I loved calling this home. It definitely served its purpose, and allowed us to save a little money in the process because our bills were so low. I remember feeling so unsure when we moved in, and now I'm experiencing the same pangs of anxiety as we move out. I told you guys I'm not good with change. Living in a house is a bigger responsibility. I'm excited to decorate, as well as the means to entertain guests. We never really had friends over in the condo because it felt too cramped.

There's so much more I could say, but it's hard to collect my thoughts at the moment. Maybe things are better left unsaid, or maybe I'll write a future post once I feel settled. I'm happy that I'll have my blog archives to look through which documented this period. Even though I don't get too personal on here, it feels like a diary. I have to remind myself that it's just a move, and like most change that has happened so far in my life, I doubt I'll regret it.

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Winter White & Plaid

Wearing //

Nordstrom coat, (old) but love this!

Loft jeans, similar here & here

Vince Camuto pumps, similar

Rebecca Minkoff bag & gifted ring

Beauty //

Nails in Essie Limited Addiction

I'm so glad I don't adhere to the whole "no white after Labor day" rule. Does anybody anymore? White looks just as clean and crisp in the Winter months as it does in the Summer. It's just a great canvas for any other color you might pair it with, and I especially love incorporating grey. This plaid coat has been in my closet since college, and I still feel fabulous when I put it on. After the holidays, I think a lot of us are reevaluating our wardrobes (and our budgets) so it feels satisfying to reach for older pieces that still spark joy. Don't get me wrong, I'm putting my gift cards to good use. The temptation to shop is always looming, but I'm trying my best to resist. Just don't hold me to it! I don't think I could ever stick to a shopping ban, unless I really had to. I know some of you brave ladies are though, so let me know how that's going so far.

Before I go, I have to mention this fun ring that Caryl gave to me when she was here for Christmas. It's one piece that is held together by a little chain in the back. I have nothing even remotely similar, so she did the best job picking this out for me. I love my blogging friends :)

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