~One Year Blogiversary~

I realized last week that July 15th was my one-year anniversary on Blogger. I'm so happy that I decided exactly one year ago today to take the plunge and start my very own blog. It began mainly as beauty related, then evolved into beauty AND fashion. I just wanted to take this time to seriously, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for clicking on that little "Follow" icon on my page. I appreciate each and every one of you for taking the time out of your busy lives to read the little things I write. It is so rewarding to share a common passion, and not have to worry about others judging me for it. I feel like I have made some great friends on here, and there is no better feeling than that!

So again my dear readers,

Thank you for reading, commenting, and supporting!

♥ Noelle (Beautygirl24)

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The end of an era

I just stumbled in the door from work (I am SO sore from a body/abs class the boyfriend and I took at our gym last night!)
Plop on my bed, turn on my laptop, and turn on the T.V. to find a Hills marathon on. The finale is tonight! Really, the real finale. Are any of you going to watch? The Hills has been my ultimate guilty pleasure, right from the start when Lauren Conrad moved to Los Angeles from Laguna Beach. I hate to admit just how obsessed I have been with the show. The boyfriend just found that fun little fact out this past weekend. "Wait, you actually WATCH that? You LIKE IT?" Yes, dear, yes I do. Not because I love the story lines, although they are entertaining. But because I love watching what all those girls are wearing!

THE definition of Southern California style. I love it, but I guess I'm biased.

I'm going to miss it. Long-awkward-silences-into-the-camera and all. I'm sure i'll end up buying the complete series on DVD, whenever that comes out.

So, back to my question: are you going to watch the last episode? Are you sad it's ending, happy? Couldn't care less?

♥ Noelle

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I did a teeny-tiny bit of shopping

Happy Monday Everyone!
I hope you all enjoyed your weekends. Mine was incredibly relaxing, just the way I like it! The boyfriend's Aunt is in town visiting, so we spent Sunday talking by the pool. She told us that every weekend in the Summertime should be treated as a mini vacation, and that every evening should be seen as a little vacation too. I thought that was a really nice way of looking at things, because I don't know about you, but all I want to do this time of year is have fun with friends, go to the beach, and shop! The monotony of daily life can often interfere with living it to the fullest, and I am trying my best to enjoy every minute of it.

I picked up a few things that I wanted to share with you. I really love reading posts about shopping, so hopefully you do too.

I had to go to Target and while I was there, I decided to take a peek at the jewelry section. This little sterling silver compass necklace has been talked about by Michele1218 and TiffanyD. It's so dainty and delicate, I knew I had to have it. It was about $20 dollars.

I also stopped at Macy's and made a beeline for the MAC counter. This Stereo Rose MSF was the only thing I really wanted from "In The Groove" and luckily they still had some left! I wore this on my cheeks all weekend and am truly in love with its bronzy-coral sheen. I love that it isn't glittery or gritty as many MSF's tend to be. This one is soft and finely milled.

I also got a dress in from Lulus. I had a 15 percent off code, so that basically took care of the shipping cost.

This was my initial try-on. Success!

Did anyone else pick anything up from In the Groove? Or any other shopping?

♥ Noelle

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A TRUE Coral

Ok, so by now everyone knows that my favorite color of the season has been coral, especially on nails. Essie's Van D' Go and Shop Til I Drop have been on my fingers and toes about 90 percent of the time, with a little pink thrown into the mix every couple of weeks. I realize that Essie is a love it or a hate it nail polish brand. As Laura, or Lollipop 26, has written in her own blog "There is good Essie and there is BAD Essie!" I would most certainly agree. In general, Essie is known for its wide range of drop-dead gorgeous colors. And, it's also known for being too sheer and watery. I personally don't mind sheer, but many of you have expressed your disdain because of that very reason. If Van D' Go and Shop Til I Drop don't work for you, then I HIGHLY suggest giving Revlon's "Tropical Temptation" a try.

Proof:

My little wishbone finger, just one coat! Sorry for the blurry.

After applying two coats. I love Revlon polishes. The formula is much more opaque and less streaky than Essie. More affordable than OPI.

I've worn Tropical Temptation twice now, and I'm convinced it really is a beautiful true coral. The next time you're at the drugstore, see what you think!

I also want to thank everyone who commented and gave me feedback on my last post. After looking through tons of pics online, I have decided that this is what I want my hair to look like:

Olivia Palermo. I love the color, just a couple of shades lighter than what I have now so it won't be too much of a change. In fact, I really think this is very close to my natural color! I just love everything about her hair and am definitely bringing these photos with me to the salon the next time I go.

~Photos found using Google~

Happy Wednesday!

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Do Blondes Really Have More Fun?

Hmmmmmm, I'm not so sure about the answer. I'm sure some do! I remember when I was in high school, I seriously envied the blondies. I couldn't afford to go to a salon at the time, so my mom took me to a beauty school where some random student proceeded to pour orangey looking dye all over my head. I knew it was going to turn out a disaster, but I was too meek to say anything to the poor guy. He looked terrified after he was done. I kinda just dealt with it. Needless to say, it was at that very moment that I realized I liked being a brunette. I liked it so much that I actually dye my hair a couple shades darker, and so has been the case for a year and a half. It's definitely easier to maintain, and I never have to worry about tell-tale roots. But my dear readers, I am bored. My best friend just dyed her hair a beach blonde and it looks amazing on her. She has inspired me to perhaps make the blonde move, but I am so scared of my hair turning orange again. I think maybe some light brown highlights are the way to go. I guess I don't want to be blonde, I just want to be lighter. Sunkissed. Beachy. You get the picture. Here are some that girls that I love.

Or maybe I can just use my old hair for inspiration. This was about two years ago when I was in Maui

What do you girls take into consideration when changing hair color? Any advice?

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Ode to Zara

I originally found out about Zara's massive sale from Veronika's post. I admit that I'm not too familiar with the store, being that there is only one remotely close to where I live and that one is about an hour and fifteen minutes away. Zara is sort of elusive here in southern California, and I have no idea why! It is slowly becoming my favorite place to browse, when I have a day off and can make the trip up to Orange County where it's located. The sale they were having was huge. Everything in the store seemed to be marked down and I tried a half a dozen things on in the dressing room. Unfortunately, most of the tops were too big and flowy. I like flowy this time of year, the bohemian look is perfect for hot weather! But, the tops I tried on made me look like I was in my third trimester (adorable if you're preggers, not so much when you're not). I tried a cute floral dress as well, but that one also seemed to be too loose and I tried it in an X-Small. I wish I had my camera with me that day so I could do a fitting room review. A lot of my favorite bloggers have been doing those lately, and they are so fun to read! I guess next time I shop I'll be sure to bring my camera. Anyway, I didn't leave with much, only two purchases. But I love what I got, and I can't wait to go back again soon.

Ok, I know I have a love affair with the nude shoes and I need to stop! But these were so exceptionally pretty. I love the patent quilted leather. They reminded me of Chanel. When you are short like I am, any shoe that will make stubby legs appear longer are a must-buy.

This printed top fit me perfectly. I like the solid contrast of the navy collar. I actually wore this to work yesterday with gray pants and my black Zara flats that I wore in New York.

Two little deals that I was excited to snag. I can't wait to wear my new heels.

Have a safe and happy 4th Readers!

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