Aldo made me do it

I am continually amazed at how many companies are stepping up the quality and design elements of their products. I used to have so much trouble replicating pieces in my wardrobe that would resemble a high-end brand. These days, companies realize that as savvy consumers, we don't ever want to compromise quality simply because we may not have the budget for extravagant designer goods.

I was in Aldo recently and stumbled upon this gorgeous handbag:

Cyphert

With it's perfectly neutral color and the pretty tassel detail, I knew it would be a great choice for Spring. The $45 dollar price tag blew me away and before I knew what was happening, I walked out of Aldo with a pretty new bag to add to my collection. I wasn't going to do it because I am saving for something special, but how can an accessories addict resist?

It reminds me of this dream bag, one in which I would have to sell all of my current posessions (including maybe my car) to attain.

Of course not exactly the same, but I still got that whole Birkin vibe from Aldo's Cyphert. What do you girls think?

♥ Noelle

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Bella Bamba

January is one of the best times to go shopping. With my gift cards in hand, I feel like I can test things out more freely and so I try to either stock up on my must-have products or give something new a shot. Hence, my newest Benefit boxed blush, Bella Bamba. I have been dying to see this in person and I was definitely not dissapointed. It's gorgeous! It is a beautiful watermelon color with fine gold shimmer. The MUA piled it on pretty thick at the counter, which I didn't like because it made me look too flush. However, applied with a lighter hand the way I normally do my blush, the effect is so pretty and glowy.

TheVogueDiaries

It looks very similar to Lauren Conrad's. Since I always love her makeup, I'm happy to be able to re-create it.

♥ Noelle

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Fashion is nothing without accessories

Cardigan - LOFT, Tank - H&M, Jeans - Banana Republic, Boots - BCBGeneration, Beenie - Macy's,

Ring - YSL Arty

"Fashion is nothing...without accessories." That little quote hangs on my wall right next to my vanity. It has a picture of a tiny brass purse. For me, this statement rings true. When I peek into my closet, the things I love the most are my bags, shoes, and jewelry. And now, my one and only beenie can be added to that list.

Have a great weekend!

♥ Noelle

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Zoya

While reading Tiffany's latest blog post, I learned two things: 1) I love her cozy sweater and beautiful new Prada booties and 2) now's the perfect opportunity to try Zoya nail polish. I have heard excellent reviews on the brand, but I can't find it anywhere and have always been hesitant of ordering online. Tiffany mentioned that Zoya is giving away three free nail polishes with the promo code FB2011. They reached 20,000 "likes" on Facebook and it's their way of saying thank you, I suppose! I quickly placed my order, simply paid for two extra polishes and shipping/handling, and now I can't wait to receive my order. I think the promo ends this Friday, so if you want to take advantage of a great deal then I suggest doing so shortly.

Here are the colors I chose to get for free:

Demi

Edyta - My personal fave!

Pinta

I also decided to get two more. These I did have to pay for:

Valerie

LC  

The color that first sparked my interest in Zoya ;)

Happy Wednesday!

♥ Noelle

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Skincare Products I'm Loving!

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all celebrated with the ones you love and are having a great start to 2011. Isn't it so awkward to write the date? It's going to take me awhile to get used to!

I started this blog over a year ago to share my love of beauty products. It didn't morph into fashion as well as beauty until a few months later, when I realized that I love clothes and accessories just as much as I love lipstick and blush. But to kick off 2011, I have been wanting to share some skincare products that I am absolutely in love with. I have no problem recommending all three to each and every one of you!

First on my skincare must-have is the Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. I first heard about this eye cream on YouTube, but I now know many other bloggers who swear by it as well. This doesn't contain any anti-aging components, none at least I am aware of. If you're interested in banishing fine lines and wrinkles, I suggest trying another product (or a dermatologist). What this product is great for is moisture. I put this on every morning before I do my undereye concealer, and it acts as the perfect base for smooth application. My undereye area has never looked brighter, or felt more supple. This retails for $25.50, but a little dab goes a long way.

Kiehl's

The second product I'm obsessed with at the moment is another popular item here on blogger: The Microdelivery Mini Peel Pads by Philosophy. These pads contain lactic acid that "help exfoliate and smooth skin." I use one at night right before bedtime when my skin has been cleansed. I am still using Cetaphil cleanser which I also recommend. Once all traces of makeup are gone, I swipe a pad across my face, concentrating on areas where I have large pores and where I am prone to breakouts. This is usually my chin, forehead, and cheeks. I have used the Philosophy pads for almost a month and I can honestly atest that they are saving my skin. My pores look and feel tighter, and I haven't had a major breakout since I started incorporating them into my routine.

Sephora

Ok, so I just received these as a gift from my best friend Katie. We celebrated NYE together and it was our chance to exchange Christmas presents. She went above and beyond what she should have (thank you!) but I am so happy she introduced me to these, purchased from Forever 21:

Click here

No joke girls, these are the nicest makeup remover wipes I've ever tried and I have tried several different brands, including Korres and MAC. They smell exactly like roses, are super moist, and remove all my eye makeup without any tugging or pulling. I am stocking up the next time I make a Forever 21 trip. Try them!

Have you already tried any of these products? Are you using something on your skin that I should look into?

♥ Noelle

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New Year's Goals, A Prize, & Happy Birthday!

The month of December always gets people thinking about next year: a clean slate, a fresh perspective, a slimmer waistline ;) Even those of us who think new year's resolutions are pointless can't help but ponder the future and look back on the year that was. I guess it's only natural that as time passes, we want to progress. If you had a wonderful year, consider yourself blessed and hopefully the momentum will continue. If you had a so-so year or a horendous one, I hope that January 1st brings you the promise for brighter days!

I try not to make too many resolutions, and I actually will just name these goals instead since that is really what they are. Everybody needs some of those! I decided to not only write these down on paper, but actually type them here on my blog. Maybe then I can be held a little more accountable. I need to be reminded sometimes!

So here are my goals for 2011 in no particular order:

1) I will take more fashion risks. Nothing too outlandish, but enough to push my sensibilities and move my style forward. I think we are always evolving in terms of what we like and what we don't, what we will wear comfortably and what will make us freak out a little in our heads. Just little risks, that's all.

2) I will only buy beauty/hair/and makeup products that I need or absolutely have to have! Hear that, MAC collections? No more shopping just because I can, and more shopping because I actually need something or simply can't live without it!

3) I've fallen off the health and fitness bandwagon and I can't get back on! It's been almost three weeks since I hit the gym and boy am I feelin' it! I will get back to my routine, despite the sore, bruised bum. Starting next week! I was given a Yoga mat for Christmas so I will also try Yoga. And, I will get back to eating lots of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole wheats.

4) I will drink more water.

5) I want to learn more about photography and eventually get a better camera so that I can make this little blog look more professional. So...

6) I will TRY and make this little blog look more professional. No promises though!

7) I will work hard and save for things I really want instead of just dreaming. I'm not simply referring to clothes and cosmetics either. You can have anything with heart and determination.

8) I will continue to improve and sharpen my writing skills. This includes reading more books.

There's more, but I don't want to bore you any longer with this so I digress.

What are your new year's goals?

On another note, I finally won something in a blog giveaway! I don't think I've ever won anything in my life! I was so excited when the gorgeous Carolina of Closet full of nothing announced my name. She is an incredibly stylish blogger and I just adore reading everything she posts. Thank you so much again Carolina ♥

She sent me the sweetest little card along with Chanel's Riva nail polish. My first bottle! It is a pretty robin's egg blue with loads of shimmer.





Lastly, I want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my love. He is older, wiser, and more handsome today than the first night we met ;) I never thought it was possible to love someone so much. He's a good one, and I am lucky.

Happy New Years everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful celebration tomorrow night, whether it's with friends out on the town or spent in some warm pajamas with loved ones at home. For the last time in 2010, Thank You for reading.

♥ Noelle

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