Midi Sweater Dress for Fall

 Well hello! I haven't posted since late June and now it's officially Fall, almost October. Where does the time go? I'll admit that I think about blogging more than I probably should these days. I do miss it, and I especially miss talking and interacting with all of you. Luckily I'm able to see many of you over on Instagram, and I still post outfit photos over there that I forget (or am a bit too lazy) to post here. I really want to show up more regularly here in the coming months though. We have so much catching up to do! 

I'll start today with this dress I recently bought from Abercrombie. Even though the temperatures are still pretty high in SoCal, Of course I'm shopping with Fall in mind. When I saw this on Abercrombie's new arrivals section, I was really drawn to the ribbed knit fabric and the keyhole detail in the bust. I still love the cutout trend, but I think this feels more appropriate for cooler weather. 

Wearing // Abercrombie & Fitch sweater dress, Sezane Gloria sandals and bag

The fabric is even better in person! It's incredibly soft with a generous amount of stretch. It hugs my curves while still being a bit loose where I want it to be around my hips and thighs. I sized up for that reason and I'm happy I did. Abercrombie comes in regular, tall, and petite so finding your size is really easy. The midi length is perfect for showing off some pretty heels, and I think some tall boots or booties will be great in the Winter. Add a jacket like I did, and you have a beautiful transitional outfit that can be worn for so many different events or occasions. Honestly, this dress is comfortable enough to even sleep in! But, I'll leave that up to you. 

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Evereve Maxi Dress

 I love a maxi dress that I don't have to hem! I just started shopping online at Evereve and I'm really enjoying their selection of brands. I know it's a store that has been around for awhile, but it's new to me. I follow another blogger that featured this dress, so while I was looking at the website I had to control myself before I added a few things to my cart. This maxi dress in particular is by a brand called Roan + Ryan. It has a smocked bodice which is ultra comfortable, and it also has pockets! What is it about a dress with pockets that most of us seem to love?! The colors are beautiful as well. 

Wearing // Evereve strapless maxi dress, Similar sandals here from Express & here, Sezane bag

You'll see me in maxi dresses a lot this Summer, as I've collected a handful over the past couple months. I used to be very picky about maxis, mostly because of my height. I think fellow petites will agree that they can be tricky, but I find that as long as I keep the rest of the outfit minimal, it can actually be quite elongating. 

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The Free People Dress

I'm still crazy for cutouts on dresses, so when I saw this Free People dress at the beginning of Spring I knew I wanted to have it. Except the actual dress I'm wearing below is from Forever 21! It looks exactly the same as the Free People cross of sunlight mini dress but for less. Unfortunately it sold out quickly and I can't find another look for less option, but the real deal is still available. for just under $80. Honestly, it's such a fun look that I do think it's worth it! It's incredibly easy to transition it from day (as I'm wearing here) to night by just switching out the shoes. 

Wearing // Forever 21 dress sold out but Free People available here, Similar sandals, Gorjana necklace

Aside from cutouts, blue is also a trend that I'm seeing a lot of this year. From soft pastel to bright periwinkle, there's something for everyone. I personally love shades of blue especially when paired with light neutrals like white and nude. It just makes me want to head to the beach, which I plan on doing a lot over the next couple months. It's the best part of living in California...

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Desert Vacation Style

 This past weekend, Nate and I finally went back to Palm Springs for a mini getaway. After a long hiatus due to restrictions during the height of the pandemic, it felt so good to be back. I really missed the colorful desert oasis! It's the one place where I feel compelled to do absolutely nothing but relax by a pool, enjoy the sun and beautiful views, and just escape. 

I brought three dresses with me on this trip, but the one I'm wearing below was by far my favorite. I love a halter style maxi dress. It may be hard to tell, but the background of it is a dark green with large blush and white flowers. It also has a keyhole that's fun without being too revealing. It really combines two trends I am living for at the moment: bright colors and sexy cut-out dresses. You'll be seeing them everywhere!

Wearing // Abercrombie & Fitch dress, Sezane shoes and bag, Gorjana bracelets, rings, and coin necklace

I plan on getting a ton of wear out of it in the coming months. I'm getting so excited because we are entering into my favorite time of year. More day trips, more road trips, and hopefully more time with family and friends. Even just a couple days away can be enough to recharge. 

Do you have any little getaways planned, or perhaps a big trip coming up? I hope you all are doing well! 

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Express Flexx Jeans

 I've been on the hunt for a great fitting pair of jeans since last year. Like probably most of you, I struggle to find a brand that I can stick with because styles and sizing vary so differently. I do love the last pair I bought, but I had been wanting something more basic that I could wear with everything. I tried Good American, Abercrombie & Fitch, Kut From The Cloth, and Target but I wasn't really thrilled with any of them. It was a game of "too much stretch" or "not enough." 

Linking what's available // Express jeans, Sezane bag, Similar flats

Linking what's available// Express jeans, Express bodysuit, Sezane bag and shoes

Before giving up on my quest, I decided to give Express jeans another try. Express has long been one of my favorite retailers, and they've definitely made a bit of a comeback for me after a few years of disappointment. Totally on a whim, I ordered their new Flexx jeans. Super high waist, the perfect shade of medium blue, short length to ensure I don't need to hem them, and just the right amount of stretch. Meet my new favorite skinny jeans! I know skinny styles are out, but I still prefer them over wide leg silhouettes. I'm obviously a creature of habit in that way, but I just find them to be more flattering. So why are they called Flexx? They move with your body, and come in sizes XS - XL instead of the usual standard sizing. For example, I am usually a size 8 or 29 in denim. I took a medium which is meant for sizes 6-10. I was skeptical of that amount of range, but once on my body, they hugged my curves perfectly without feeling loose nor restrictive. Basically, they feel like leggings. No gap in the waistband, but not tight in the legs either. I want them in every wash. I highly recommend giving them a try if you're shopping for jeans this Spring! 

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What I'm Wearing This Holiday Season

 I never in a million years thought that I'd be into bodysuits. They look great with high waisted jeans and skirts, but are they really even comfortable? I decided to test one out a few months ago and was pleasantly surprised! Yes, bodysuits can be supremely wearable. Now I have four, including this long sleeve version from one of my all-time favorite retailers. Express does it again. This is what I plan on wearing for this holiday season. 

Wearing // Express bodysuit, Jen7 jeans (also love these), Sezane sandals and similar bag, Gorjana necklace and rings

I told my best friend that it feels like second skin. It's soft as can be and can be dressed up or down depending on what you pair with it. This holiday season, I like the in-between of wearing such an outfit. Not as casual as leggings, but not quite as glam as a dress. The in-between seems apt after almost two years of not knowing what the hell what to wear! Express has always been a go-to for chic basics but they have really stepped things up with their body contour line. I highly recommend giving them a try. 

This is my last post of the month. I'm going on a family trip to Maui on the 29th to celebrate my brother-in-law becoming a nurse. It's my first real family vacation and I can't wait to tell you all about it when I get back! You can keep up with me on Instagram of course ( Noelleengel). 

Happy Thanksgiving to those of you in the U.S. <3

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