6.06.2011

When I saw one of my favorite bloggers, Anna Jane, in this post, I just had to try and re-create her look. The mix of a casual black dress paired with a stunning contrast of coral is effortless yet beautiful. I unfortunately don't own a long black maxi dress like hers, but I do own something similar that I purchased a couple years ago from one of my go-to boutiques. With its plunging neckline, it reminded me quite a bit of Anna's J. Crew dress. I think trying to mimic an outfit can be overwhelming if you don't have the proper elements of the outfit in your own closet. But for me, it isn't about an exact copy; it's about capturing the overall look and feel.





Dress - Angl (old), Coral necklace - Anthropologie, Sandals - Cynthia Vincent for Target, Earrings (unseen) -  Chanel


My nails were painted with Essie's Topless & Barefoot:

Verdict? If you have light to medium skin like I do, it does live up to the hype. The perfect nude!



How do you girls go about re-creating an outfit? There are so many inspirational bloggers out there, it's hard not to pull from their lookbooks!

~Noelle

6.03.2011

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed, Dior Amber Diamond SkinShimmer, NYX Bronzing Stick in Tango and Highlight, Essie Nail Polish in Topless and Barefoot, and Orly Polishes in Fancy Fushia and Pixy Stix










I went on a little shopping rampage after holding myself back from buying too much makeup. I have been lusting after the Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes since they were released, the color Exposed in particular. I don't own any tawny/bronze blush in my collection and since I have countless corals and pinks, I think a more natural option will be great to layer this Summer.

What's not to adore about Dior? I have never purchased Dior anything. Amber Diamond is gorgeous. It came with a lux velvety pouch that I plan on traveling with. I love this powder because it leaves behind a candlelit sheen, more of a glow really. I can't explain the texture. It looks shimmery in the pan, but it isn't shimmery on the skin. It's oddly fascinating and I recommend swiping one at Sephora the next time you can. I'm amazed by it!

I'm also excited that I finally found Essie's Topless and Barefoot. Beauty Gurus promise that this is THE PERFECT nude. I'm skeptical, but hopefully it's as pretty as it is in the bottle.



P.S. - My boyfriend and I are going to Las Vegas for my birthday in September! I know it's still a ways out, but since we are saving for more important things, we aren't planning a big vacation this year like we normally do. Instead, the Aria will be our mini vacay destination for 2011. Vegas is a wonderful birthday spot, although I've never been on my own birthday. I'm already planning my outfits. Yeah, I'm OCD like that.


Do you own any of the products I bought? Let me know! Oh and if anyone has stayed at the Aria, do tell me your experience :)
~Noelle

6.01.2011

One of my favorite trends for Summer are tribal prints. On tanks, dresses, and skirts, the look is fresh and somewhat unexpected. The print is a great way to turn a casual ensemble into something that is a little more eye catching. I've seen it offered at several stores and at different price points, making this a really easy trend to emmulate no matter what your budget is. And of course, I always recommend some colorful stone or even feather jewelry for the perfect Summer look.








 I own this tank and have worn it to death already!










My version, and an outfit from this past weekend:
My tribal print tank is from Anthropologie, purchased and loved from last year.


Do you love tribal prints as much as I do?
Happy June!

~Noelle

5.27.2011




Leopard print maxi dress - Angl,  Black lace bandeau (underneath) - Nordstrom,  Bag - MNG Mango, Beaded sandals - Steve Madden "Bride", Mint and silver ring - F21, Nail polish - Kiss the Bride by Orly


When you're wearing head to toe leopard, I think it's best to keep the rest of the look very simple. Hardly any jewelry, chic flat sandals, and a nude/pink nail allows me to feel comfortable and put-together instead of over-the-top. How do you girls think I did on the styling? Simple is key, right? As a maxi dress novice, I feel out of my element wearing such a long dress with such a...such a print! I do love it though, and I am so proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone. I like it so much that I want to find another in a solid color, preferably black. That way, I can wear more accessories.
In writing this, I thought it was funny that the style of the SM sandals are called bride, while the polish I chose is called Kiss the bride. Hmmmm...a sign of things to come? Someday! I'll keep this look in mind if I ever get my wishes and have a wedding on the beach =)
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
~Noelle

5.25.2011

I was looking through my archives the other night while I was saving some old pictures from my laptop to a flash drive. See, my computer decided to be a pain in the you-know-what and my internet now has a virus. The boy reassures me that his techie friend can wipe away all the mess, and my laptop will be good as new in a few days. I hope so, because the last thing I want to spend my money on are necessities ;)

I had so many pictures on my computer that made me laugh. Swatches of lipstick, eyeshadows and blush. Super blurry outfits from when I first started blogging. I deleted most of them, but saved a few that I actually really like. Most are fairly recent, because I'd like to think that my style has greatly improved over time.

One of my first OOTD. I still love the simplicity of this look. However, bad lighting and an ultra messy background (note the white splotch on the mirror) taint it. I also don't watermark my pictures anymore. Maybe I should, but I just don't.


Infamous rose dress from the H&M Garden Collection last year. This was at Megu in NYC. I still adore that dress, and keep thinking of some place I could wear it.


Friend's wedding, where black was mandatory.


This past winter


Five year anniversary with my bf


And most recently in the necklace you'll see me wearing a lot in the next few months!


I think looking back at old outfit photos is a great way to see what you used to love and, most importantly, what you don't anymore. Me? Well it's abundantly clear I love skinny jeans. It's also clear I love basic colors and silhouettes.


The witty Amy nominated me for a "Stylish Blogger" award and I was tickled that she even thought of me. I have to disclose 7 things about myself you girls may not know, and then nominate 7 others to do the same. Here goes...

1) I am having a tough time "dressing down" at work. For those of you who are new to my blog, I work in a group home. It's actually half school, half residential treatment program but I mainly work in the teen boys' dorm at night. The rule is that you can't wear heels or open toe shoes, and because these kids have serious emotional, mental, and behavioral issues, I have to be ready to possibly go hands-on with them. This means no jewelry either. I find myself wearing lots of  zip up hoodies, not exactly my style! There's such a discrepency between my personal life and my work life. Not really complaining or anything, but it's very odd.

2) This leads to my next fact: Most people have no clue that I have a beauty/fashion blog. I bet my co-workers would die if they knew because I am not able to share that side of myself with them. I also find myself struggling to tell friends for fear of what they may say or think. Is this insane? Why am I embarassed? I love this community so much and I love blogging. We should all be proud of ourselves for the time and passion it takes to blog. Have any of you faced similar problems?

3) I'm addicted to The Food Network and all of the reality shows on Bravo! The Real Housewives franchise? It's a sickness.

4) I'm not very good at swimming, even though I live for the ocean. I even go snorkeling! But only with my boyfriend, who holds my hand out in the water. I grab on for dear life! I can tread water and keep afloat, but I really only know how to dog paddle or do the "froggie" as I call it.

5) I have a grotesque sense of humor, typically associated with males. I'm a girl, but I still love bathroom jokes. Don't ask me why!

6) I light candles in my room every night. My favorite scents are vanilla, cake batter, and anything by Glade.

7) I really, really, want a French or English bulldog. Do you read The Honeybee? Andee has the cutest puppy!

I want to pass along the award to:

Natasha from Schue Love


Lilly from Lilly's Style




Ella from Ella Pretty


I love every single blogger I follow, so if you want to participate and tell us all something about you we may not know, please feel free =)

Thank you for reading,
~Noelle

5.23.2011

























































Coming from a girl who proudly proclaims to love neutrals, I sure am attracted to all the bright neons that are taking over fashion and beauty this season. I am so tempted to paint my nails like the picture above (on a weekend I'm not working!) The Lubus would be welcomed too.

* All images courtesy of we heart it*

~Noelle