12.13.2010

If you're anything like me, you fight with your hair on a daily basis. And, your hair usually wins. My hair is thick and wavy. It sounds like a blessing and maybe in some ways it is. But I constantly have to blow it out and straighten it with a flat iron in order to tame frizz, flyaways, a cowlick, and a very awkward wavy texture that I wish would go completely curly or flatten out. I struggle with the inbetween.

I discovered Ready Set Blow at my local Ulta last month and I've been testing it out ever since. "Created by the hair experts at Blow, the New York blow dry bar," the express blow dry lotion claims to "accelerate blow dry time, plump hair for fuller heat-style, and tame frizz and flyaways." Um, okay! Sold!


The ready set blow lotion is not tested on animals and is free of parabens and sulfates, perfect for those of us who have colored treated or damaged hair (and those of us with a conscience too). So does it work? Yes! I haven't touched my other hair styling products. I love that it really does cut drying time. What I do is flip my head over and get my hair about 85% dry, then quickly section it off and finish blow drying the top layer with a brush. Overall, this process takes about ten minutes. Ten minutes! This doesn't account for straightening my hair with an iron, but I usually just do a quick run through with that anyways, especially during the week when I'm not entirely in the mood to deal. I also like that it acts as a heat protectant. That way, I can use this product on its own rather than having to use at least two separate products (one for protection and one to act as a leave-in conditioner or styling assistant).

Overall, I would recommend this product if you want to cut down on drying time while adding some extra shine and combat frizz. You can find this at Ulta and it retails for $22 dollars.

On that note, I am doing a project hair pan if you will! I know a lot of beauty gurus have done project 10 pan where they have to use up 10 beauty products before purchasing anymore. I am on a mission to do the same, except with all of my hair products. I am very happy with the shampoo, conditioner, and styling agents I currently have and I do not need anything else. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
♥ Noelle


12.10.2010

I'm getting ready to eat the boyfriend's infamous (read: insanely delicious spaghetti) and then we are going out later tonight for dessert. It was really warm today, but the nights get pretty chilly where I live. The fun will be short-lived as I have to wake up before dawn tomorrow and fumble my way to work, eyes halfway closed no doubt. Happy Friday, Dears ♥






Maroon jacket with faux fur: Forever 21
Black top: H&M
Jeans: Express
Pumps: Anne Michelle
Earrings: Forever 21
My makeup was achieved using this palette.

12.08.2010

I am completely enamored with YSL's ever popular bauble, the Arty Ovale Ring. Seen in countless magazines and on the fingers of fashion-forward bloggers, I can't help but admire its beauty and stamp it firmly on my wishlist. I wouldn't dare ask for one; No readers, this will be a treat to myself in the future. As long as I can track one down.









I love them all, but I am gravitating towards the oceanic blue lapis or the turquoise. I'm sure the final decision won't be an easy one. Candy-colored stones set against regal gold. And talk about statement jewelry! I think if you're in the mood to splurge on something special, the Arty ring is the way to go.                        
♥ Noelle

12.06.2010


I found my Winter coat:
Jolt Ruffle Front Coat (Juniors)
I know I need to start making my way out of buying in the Junior's section, but this coat is exactly what I've been wanting - practical and warm, but still feminine and cute.
I want to wear my hair like the model's!

Here it is on me:
The sleeves are a bit long of course, but that's the only drawback. Love it! Love the plaid, especially since I don't own any in my closet. The length is nice too. I wish I could have gotten a picture of it from behind, because there is a cute bow near the waist.
My Winter coat for 2011.

Here is the swing coat I got from Forever 21.

See? I think it works, right?! I would wear it with closed toe pumps but I was just trying this on for blog purposes. My hair back in a cute bun and I think it's darling for an evening out on the town.

♥ Noelle

12.04.2010

I was awarded/tagged by the lovely bloggers Ashley from A Fashion Fixation and Lilly from Lilly's Style.


Thank you so much girls! I haven't done this in a really long time so I am grateful that you thought of me.
Here are 7 things you may not know about me:

1) I was 16 years old when I experienced my "first kiss." It was sort of mortifying. And fun ;) Not the boy, just the actual kiss.

2) All of the dogs my mom and I have ever owned have come from a shelter or pound.

3) I am allergic to cats. My eyes get super itchy and so does my nose. Bummer.

4) I have had anxiety problems my entire life. It gets worse during big changes and stressful times. I'm not ashamed at all to admit this, even though it's very personal to me and only a couple of my closest friends know. I have seen therapists off and on about it, and am currently seeing one now, just a couple times a month.

5) I can't use chopsticks! I have to get those little trainers that connect them everytime the bf and I go to sushi ;) I've tried and I just can't get it down!

6) I'm looking into doing freelance writing, but have no clue how to come about it. This blog is a great outlet for me, but I want to take it further one day if I possibly can. I would love to have my own column!

7) I get this question asked extremely often: My heritage - my mother was born in Mexico, but she's been a U.S. citizen for forty years. My dad is Irish, German, Scottish, and English. Put it all together and whadya get? Me!

12.02.2010

I will preface by saying that once upon a time, I was very much anti-cape. They just didn't seem practical to me and I didn't think they flattered my body type. I love big winter coats and jackets, but I have an extremely hard time finding the perfect fit. I'm petite, but I also have curves and so coats are either too long, too fitted throughout the arms, and too loose in the waist. *Frustration!* Enter capes and swingy coats, the best alternative to my dilemma. They aren't tight at all in the arms, and they are supposed to be loose in the waist! Why didn't I give them a chance before? It amazes me how picky and unwilling I once was to trying things on and giving them a fair shot before making up my mind. I did some shopping a few days ago and found so many cute capes and fun swing coats.

I would be thrilled to own this by Juicy Couture. I tried one on and I fell in love, but the price was too high. I even debated buying online using Juicy's 30% off Cyber Monday discount, but it was still too much for my little wallet. I hope to one day have it in my posession, or at least a version of it. Does anyone have any recommendations?


I did manage to bring this home with me and I can't wait to wear it!

I had my reservations because of the overall shape. I thought it might overwhelm my small frame and make me look bigger and shorter, but it actually is quite flattering (I think). I tried it on with my Banana Republic super skinnies and black suede pumps and the effect is really cute. I have to be careful with it though. Any form of bagginess on my lower half and I'll absolutely look like a slob. Or a teal sack of potatos. But playing with proportions is fun, and come to think of it, I don't own any jeans that aren't skinny so I'm set. The boyfriend probably won't get it, but I'm ok with that =)

Have you found your perfect coat this year?
♥ Noelle