the Balm (it really is)

Last week I stopped at Sephora, looking for absolutely nothing in particular. I was mainly trying to kill some time. I have never paid much attention to the Balm cosmetics display, hidden at the very end of an aisle. The retro type packaging is cute, but then again, so is Benefit's. However, this face palette (aptly named Balmbini) required a second look and it was love at first swatch.

The packaging IS adorable, especially if you're into that type of thing. I normally don't care either way, but this palette really caught my eye.

The palette unfolds to reveal: two blushes(one a rosy pink, the other a peachy coral with gold shimmer), one highlighter(sort of like NARS Albatross), two eyeshadows(a shimmery taupe and a hunter green), one lipstick in berry red and one lipgloss with a slight hint of pink.

A closer look reveals I have already used the lip products. They are both sheer, but they still leave such a pretty stain and glow to the lips. The powder products are all extremely pigmented, soft, and buttery.

Truth be told, I actually don't care for palettes. The Urban Decay Naked palette and now this one are my only exceptions. I have been carrying this around in my purse ever since leaving Sephora with it, and it's great for touch-ups throughout the day (something I've never really done much before either). I wouldn't feature this palette if I didn't think some of you girls would love it! I suggest giving it a try, not only for yourself, but also as a sweet gift for all of the girly girls out there.

I hope you all are having a great week!

♥ Noelle

Continue the post

Fall Find: Wedge Boots

These gorgeous wedge BCBGeneration Boots are a recent find from Marshalls! I think you know by now that I love to shop at places like Marshalls, TJ-Maxx, and Nordstrom Rack. It's usually hit or miss, but when you hit, you find something amazing! These were 40% off the original price. They go up to just below my knees and are so comfortable. I have never considered buying wedge boots, as I like heeled boots the best. But after seeing the quality of these and then trying them on, I knew I couldn't pass them up because they were the only pair left! I have a hard time describing the feel of them. They are man-made material, but they feel like a cross between suede and leather. They are also slightly pebbled, and I love the little buckle detail on the sides. I can't wait to tuck them into some skinnies - my absolute fave look for Fall.

What kind of boots are you on the hunt for? I have a sneaking suspision many of you want over-the-knee boots ;) I wish my legs were long enough to pull off the trend! Do you shop at stores like Marshalls, or are they too overwhelming?

♥ Noelle

Continue the post

Popsicle - Stained Lips

I normally think of lipstains as being popular in the Summertime. No one wants to worry about goopy lip gloss and heavy lipsticks when the temps reach scorching levels. However, what about these pretty popsicle lips for Fall and Winter? Not so much huh? Well I didn't think so either until I kept wandering over to the displays in RiteAid and CVS these past couple of weeks. At first I resisted. I'm trying to keep my makeup buying to a minimum (although I do have some really lovely things to share with you, probably sometime next week). I've had mixed feelings about lip stains in the past, mainly because I find them extremely drying. But, Jessica Alba's ad campaign for Revlon convinced me to give them another try and while I was at it, I decided Maybelline's Color Sensational line needed some love too.

Top: Maybelline ColorSensational lipstain in Bitten Berry. Bottom: Revlon Just Bitten lipstain in Twilight.

Top: Twilight Bottom: Bitten Berry

The great thing about lipstains is that they last forever! I literally rubbed my hand raw trying to get the swatches off.

Can you see the remnants? As I type, I'm staring at two berry colored stripes ;)

The thing that I dislike about them is that they are sort of difficult to apply in the sense that they dry very quickly on the lips and can be hard to blend out. I suggest applying a lip balm over them. Note: The Revlon version comes with a balm on the end. I like the convenience of it, but I love love love the color of Maybelline's Bitten Berry. The great thing about these is that they give color to the lips, but the color is still more muted than using a lipstick or gloss. I think it's a wonderful option for those of us who can be timid and mostly wear nudes.

Revlon's Twilight, topped off with the balm it comes with. It can be layered and made quite dark.

Maybelline's Bitten Berry. So pretty! It's subtle but still gives that berry hint to the lips.

On another note, Happy Friday Dears! My internet has been down at my house, and it unfortunately won't be back to normal until next week. So here's the scenario on this stormy evening in Southern California: Yours Truly, a strawberry vivanno smoothie, noisy (sexually curious) pre-teens cackling in the seats behind mine, my trusty little laptop friend, and my local Starbucks. Well, I have about five in my near vicinity so note to self: go to a locale that isn't positioned next to a school on a Friday night =) The boyfriend is away all weekend. What a horrible time to have lost internet access at home!

Have a Beautiful Weekend,

♥ Noelle

Continue the post

Reader Request: Tory Burch Revas

A kind reader left me a comment regarding my Tory Burch Flats. Are they worth the price and all the hype? Are they comfortable? I'll admit that when I first became interested in purchasing a pair of my own, I was very skeptical. The on-line reviews I read, especially on Nordstrom.com, weren't stellar. Many people claimed that the Revas were quite uncomfortable due to the elastized detail on the heels of the flats.

I will attempt to give my own little review, but please keep in mind that 1) I have only worn these four times thus far (albeit all four times I wore them all day long). 2) I have extremely narrow feet. 3) This is only based on my own experience! I will break this down into three parts:

Sizing:
Ok, so I think sizing is a definite issue for many. Overall, I would say that these run small. To be on the safe side, I would order a half size up. I am a size 6 1/2, but can sometimes bump up to a 7 depending on the brand or style of the shoe. However, after much contemplation, I  purchased my usual 6 1/2 and I have no regrets. I tried both the 6 1/2 and 7 on at the Tory Burch store. At first try, the 6 1/2 felt a bit too snug in the toe, but the heel felt perfect. I was curious to see if the 7 would provide more toe space, and it did. However, the heels were way too large and loose. When I took a few steps, the back of the heels kept falling down due to the ruching. I personally would rather have some very slight discomfort in the toe and have the possibility of some stretching than to have a shoe that is constantly feeling as if it's going to fall off my feet and magically turn into flip-flops ;) Again, I have very narrow feet and small toes. Someone with wider feet may or may not have this same problem choosing between sizes.

Comfort:
Overall, I can attest that the Revas are preeeetty comfortable, Sort of. Kind of. Not like my Gap flats (which are by far the most comfortable flats I own) but still comfy enough to get through an eight-hour day. I'm still getting used to them. They definitely mold to my feet, thanks to the softness of the leather and the heel detailing I have mentioned.  I do hope they stretch out a little because they are still tight. I am actually thinking of taking them to Nordstrom to have them stretched. I also wish that the soles were slightly more padded, but I'm sure if it really becomes a problem I can stick some squishy gel inserts into them. I rate comfort at about an 8.  In case anyone is interested, here are the dreamy Gap Flats that I could walk all day in:  Link: Studded Bow Ballet Flats On Sale!



Lastly, Cost Per Wear/ Appearance Factor:

I really do recommend the Revas, despite the fact they take some breaking in. If you are going to invest in a flat, it may as well be designed by Tory Burch because the woman knows what she's doing! The Revas (named affectionately after her own mother) are chic, timeless, and polished looking. I love staring down at my happy feet and seeing the shiny signature TB emblem. They undoubtedly go with every outfit, no matter what you are wearing. I can only speak for myself, but this was a smart purchase that will (hopefully) last for years to come.

Got any more questions? Just ask!

♥ Noelle

Continue the post

OOTD: Classic

As much as I've loved scoping out the Fall trends this year, there is nothing that appeals to me more than classic pieces I can wear over and over again. I don't have a huge closet (nor an endless supply of money) and so I think I tend to gravitate to staples, and then build upon them with fun accessories. When I found this khaki trench at H&M last week, I knew I needed to give it a happy home:

Thank GOODNESS you don't have to look like a model to love clothes ;)

Trench: H&M

Black Leggings: Target

Peep-Toe Pumps: Nordstrom Rack

Camel Bag: Michael Michael Kors (TJ-Maxx)

Messy Ponytail - all mine!

I'm going camping at the beach this weekend, so it's back to shorts and flip-flops until Monday (gotta soak in the sun before it's gone). I'll be back next week!

♥ Noelle

 

Continue the post

OOTD: Banana Republic Petite

I've discovered some new things about myself Readers. 1) Half of my closet consists of cardigans. 2) I ♥ leopard way more than I ever thought I could. 3) All but two pairs of my jeans are of the skinny variety. And finally, 4) Banana Republic is the place to go for a great selection of petite clothing.

Petite Cotton Animal Print Cardi - On Sale

Petite Skinny Dark Wash Jean  I want more, maybe in black! These are also available in-store, which is where I got mine.

Beige Lacy Tank: H&M

Nude Pumps: Steve Madden

Assorted Gold Baubles

This ring is from Forever 21, purchased recently. I think it's fascinating for some reason:

On my nails: Sephora by OPI in Personal Shopper

Again, I highly highly recommend the petite cardigan and the petite skinny jeans. The sleeves of the cardi are the perfect length for my short arms. I don't have to roll them up at all (something I almost always have to do with regular sized cardigans). I bought a size medium because that was all they had left. It's a tad bit loose, but I kinda dig that because it just feels so darn cozy.

 The skinny jeans (not to be confused with the ultimate skinnies) have a lot of stretch to them, which I find flattering. They sort of form to fit your body, and the denim is extremely soft. Come to think of it, they almost remind me of leggings. I think petite girls who also have some curves like myself will be very happy with these, as well as petite girls who aren't curvy at all. They are universal.  The length is perfect for heels, but I also tried them on with my TB flats, and they looked equally good. Keep in mind I am 5'2 and 110 pounds. I bought a size 27P. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Continue the post