5.16.2011

About two years ago, my favorite hairstylist in the whole world moved to a salon where they used a haircare line called UNITE. I had never heard of the brand before, but my hair girl raved that it was the best shampoo and conditioner she had ever tried on her clients. I was a bit skeptical, because let's face it, even our trusted hair stylists want to make commision on selling products.

As soon as I smelled the shampoo, I was hooked! I love using products that make my hair smell delicious long after I get out of the shower, and this shampoo reminds me of Summertime. It's very tropical, but not too saccharin sweet. It's fruit scented for grown-ups. The conditioner carries the same notes, but is a bit different (although I can't really say what that difference is).

 I had a hard time finding UNITE in stores. Even a local beauty supply mecca that carries everything didn't carry it.  From then onward, I looked forward to going to her salon just so she could use those products. Until she quit hairdressing and became a nurse. ?????? I was so sad.

Fast forward two years later and my boyfriend's sister now does my hair. And, she happens to work in another salon that uses UNITE as their main products. Score!

I use the Volumizing shampoo and the Moisturizing conditioner. The shampoo gives my limp locks a boost without weighing them down. It isn't a heavy feeling shampoo, and neither is the conditioner. They are amazingly light, and I don't get an oily residue that some other products have left behind in my hair. All  UNITE products are "proudly free" of: sulfates, parabens, gluten, sodium chloride, dea, mea, and is 100% vegan and color safe.








I always like to do research before buying a hair product, and UNITE has a great website. They even have videos explaining certain ingredients.

I will say that the shampoos and conditioners are pricey. They are comparable to Pureology, Phyto, and other brands I've splurged on over the years. But if you struggle with your hair like I do, I highly recommend it. I'll be using this for a long time to come. Oh, and this isn't sponsored or anything. I just love the way my hair has been managing ever since I bought the shampoo and conditioner again.

Have you heard of the brand before? Let me know!
I'm off to San Diego again for the weekend tomorrow after work, so I will catch up with you all next week.
♥ Noelle



5.10.2011



Stacking bracelets 


A lovely package from Ella Pretty. It smells amazing! Thank you!



My rainbow colored necklaces hanging in my closet. My most recent additons front and center, begging to be played with.



A cute top from one of my favorite boutiques.




Hold the phone - a leopard print maxi? I've never even worn a maxi dress, let alone a printed version. I'm coming out of my shell =) Picture it with beaded sandals. Now I just need to have it hemmed a bit.






A find at JCPenny, MNG by Mango. Very speedy-esque.



Just some things that are making me giddy with glee. Summer is fastly approaching, and at this time last year I was just getting ready to graduate from college. I keep thinking about how much things have changed. For some reason, I can't completely process it all. Even my style is evolving. I used to be fearful of color, maxi ANYTHING on my short stature, and I'm just now trying out the stackable bracelets that I see on so many girls around California.

I hope you all are having a wonderful week! Thank you so much for reading.
♥ Noelle

5.08.2011


Happy Mother's Day!


I hope you all are having a wonderful time with family. My day has been pretty low-key, but it did involve some sushi at my favorite Japanese restaurant =)


I spent Saturday night celebrating my best friend's birthday. I wish I had taken pictures of her new apartment in downtown San Diego. She did a beautiful job decorating, I was in awe! Next time I visit, I will be sure to snap some shots.

We had dinner and drinks, and it was a fabulous time. The birthday girl danced the night away, something she rarely does. Before I left my house, I took a really quick outfit picture.


Flowy bubble sleeve top - Express, Printed skirt - Forever 21, Patent peep toe flats - Circa Joan and David (Macy's) Ring - H&M

You can't tell because my hair was covering them, but I wore these:

They were a hit! The turquoise is even more vibrant in person. They glowed against my dark hair.


The skirt is so comfortable, and I LOVE the fact that it has pockets! I decided to wear flats that night because I wasn't sure how much walking we would do. They are my first ever peep toe flats, and I got them on sale at Macy's a few weeks back.

Thank you for reading!
♥ Noelle

5.06.2011

Last Summer, I distinctly remember flipping through an issue of People StyleWatch where I saw this:



I admired Michelle's beautiful turquoise earrings designed by Kendra Scott, and made a note to order them. Then other items piled onto my wishlist and I forgot all about the pretty stone earrings.

Until recently, when I saw them again appearing on blogs. How could I forget their beauty?



 I ordered mine here, after visiting the Kendra Scott website and waiting for the Danielle earrings to come back into stock. They come in a multitude of bright colors, the turquoise being my personal fave (and everyone else's too). I cannot wait to wear these tomorrow for my friend's birthday! Thanks, UPS man. You brought my earrings to me in the nick of time.

♥ Noelle

5.04.2011

Rose gold fingertips!


Rage by Orly.
 I bought this bottle at Target, a surprise encounter.
Orly can also be found at Sally's Beauty Supply, Ulta, and in many salons.


~Indoors~

And since it's Spring and my garden is a bloom with roses...





I'm quite the photographer, aren't I? (sarcasm my dears)


What I love about rose gold nails is that the effect is almost like foiling. There's so much dimension depending on what the lighting is like around you. I find that this shade is soft. It's metallic, but it isn't as stark as true yellow gold or copper, which I find too harsh at times. It's a lovely gilded shade that I know will enhance many skintones. What a great way to get in on the blush gold trend .

Happy Wednesday!
♥ Noelle

5.02.2011

In keeping with my Target theme from my Friday outfit, I decided to go to one of my favorite stores again. I had success with my last shopping trip, so I thought I would check out the dress selection. I only found one that caught my eye.

It was cute with the cascading ruffles, and I liked the overall feel of it. However, the size small was just a tiny bit too roomy in the chest area, while the extra small was too tight in the hips. I also wasn't completely sold on the print. Great for Summer, but I passed instead of purchased. I'm still thinking about it though...

Here is my comfortable "running around" outfit of the day: Coral tank - Nordstrom, Nude cardigan - H&M, Shorts - American Eagle "Boyfriend" style, Gold flip-flops - Reef, Necklace - Lisa Taubes, Ring - H&M, Nails - Chanel's Riva


So I failed in the clothing department. I browsed through the new Calypso for Target stuff, but wasn't really into anything. There were some cute tunics that would look great paired with shorts or just worn over a bathing suit. I still might go back and give it another try. I'm OCD like that ;)

However, the makeup section never ever fails me, and I found some great polishes I have been admiring from Orly. I also got another concealer palette from Sonia Kashuk and I was ecstatic because I have a difficult time finding them these days. I hope they aren't discontinuing them!
L to R: Rage (rose gold!), Cotton Candy, Lollipop, and Kiss the Bride.
Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette



As happy as I am that it's officially May, my allergies are killing me! My eyes have been watering nonstop for the past two days and I'm constantly itchy. Is anyone else having problems with the season? My boyfriend went to the doctor for his allergies, and the doc told him this is the worst season he's ever seen. His office is flooded with people who are miserable right now.

I'm taking Claritin and calling it a day!
♥ Noelle