Summer Grace

I needed a light fragrance for Summer and the boyfriend was sweet enough to get this for me:

It's a limited edition fragrance by Philosophy, sold only during Summer. Here is how it's described on Sephora:

"Inspired by the sunny, carefree spirit of summer, Philosophy's Summer Grace spray fragrance refreshes the spirit and opens the heart. Like a bottle of sunshine, this warm and bright floral fragrance was created to make a woman feel the lighthearted happiness and ease of summer."

Notes: "Blooming flowers, sun ripened fruits."

I will say that overall, I'm a big Philosophy fan. I love their message as a brand. I've tried other fragrances such as Falling in Love and Unconditional Love, both of which I really liked.

My only gripe is that the scent fades rather quickly, so you have to keep applying or at least you might be tempted to. I try to avoid that temptation, as I think people often make this mistake and over-apply. Just because you can't smell it on yourself, doesn't mean others can't ;)

This scent is perfect for Summer. It's floral, but not so much that you feel overwhelmed. It settles very nicely on my skin. I actually prefer the way it develops on me over time than at first spray. It's a happy scent, and instantly puts me in a better mood.

What's your Summer fragrance?

~Noelle

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Odds and Ends

In my last post, I had a reader request to see a more detailed look of my natural hair using only the Living Proof Wave Styling Creme. Well of course I can!

I took a shower, put my hair in a towel for about ten minutes, combed it through, and then dispersed a nickel sized amount of creme, focusing on the middle of my hair and going down through the ends. I didn't put any near my roots, although I did use a tiny amount left over on my hand to run through the shorter layers of hair around my face. Then, I air dried. Fan blasting in my room, my hair was dry in no time flat.

I think it looks much better than it normally does without the Living Proof product. It isn't perfect by any means. But I don't think naturally wavy or curly hair ever is perfect. If I want a more polished look, I have to pick up a heating appliance, bottom line. But I really love the creme's control. It can be a bit crunchy, but only use a small amount and you should be ok.

The sole reason I bought this was to wear my hair as is, and I feel confident enough that I can. Do I still  prefer my hair straight, or curled with an iron? Yup! But because it's a million (ok, 100) degrees where I live during Summer, I needed something to tame my frizz and let me be free.

I hope this photo helped my reader =)

PS - taking a close up pic is a leeettle bit strange for me. The old days of taking gratuitous self shots for MySpace are long gone my friends. Long gone!

If all else fails, and my hair just won't cooperate no matter what, then I use this:

There, that'll do it. Fedoras are great.

On another note, GO BUY THIS BOOK!

I love Bethenny, I think she's a riot and incredibly savvy. But even if you aren't a huge fan of hers, I highly, highly recommend this book. Hate your job, your relationship, your food habits, your life? Or just need a quick boost? This is life-changing, no joke. I read it cover to cover in one day!

I sound like a walking infomercial.

~ Noelle

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Black & Cream OOTD

cream top - Nordstrom, cami underneath - F21, black bandage skirt - Express, patent peep toe pumps - Nordstrom (old), necklace - Lisa Taubes, "love" bangle - F21

It took me a long time to jump on the bandage skirt bandwagon. I liked them on other girls, but felt sort of confined whenever I tried one on. I'm not used to wearing tight skirts. This one from Express is cut for petites, and is surprisingly forgiving. I love the propotion with my new flowy cream top from Nordstrom. I was tempted to belt it, but I don't think it would look appropriate with this skirt. The gold Lisa Taubes necklace (a constant when I don't know what jewelry to wear) and my love bangle are the perfect add-ons to a fun, simple look for a night out on the town. In fact, I think I'll wear this very same outfit in Vegas come September.

***I have been wearing my hair naturally for the past week and I really enjoy the freedom of being me! No dryer, no straightener, no bs! It's Summer, to hell with it I say. The Living Proof Wave Styling Creme is great, and it does make my waves less fuzzy and messy looking. In fact, it's the best I've tried yet. My hair isn't completely frizz free, but not a total disaster. An accomplishment in my book.***

~Noelle

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Chanel Nails (Fall 2011)

I first heard about Chanel's stunning Fall collection while casually flipping through Allure magazine the last time I payed a visit to my hair salon. I wanted to cut the page out and save it, but instead I made note of the July release date. I only own Chanel's Black Pearl, one of my favorite nail colors to wear. I also won Riva, a pale baby blue, through a blog giveaway.

The price tag of a Chanel polish pushes me away, but I knew I wasn't going to even try to resist this time.

So I went to Bloomingdales last Friday. They didn't have the collection in yet. I went to Macy's. They didn't have it either. I went to Saks and they didn't have it. Ugh.......


Then I went to Nordstrom, where lo and behold...they did have the collection. *Smiles all around.*

Graphite was the color I coveted most.

A unique mix of silver, gold. I can't quite explain it.

It is amazing!

Peridot is what I've always wanted from the trendy duochrome polishes.

It's a mix of stark, tarnished gold with hints of turquoise and green.

Trendy, but still chic and sophisticated.

With flash

Without flash

Of course my camera doesn't do them justice, which is heartbreaking for me as a beauty blogger. I really hope you will check them out in person.

My new obsessions for the upcoming Fall season.

What do you think?

~Noelle

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Weekend Shopping & Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July everyone! And, happy birthday, America!

I hope everyone is loving the long holiday weekend as much as I am. It is definitely needed. I did a little bit of shopping on Friday and I wanted to share the things I got. I don't do these posts as often as I used to, mainly because I think showing new clothes in outfits or doing reviews about the makeup I buy is more useful to you as readers. But, sometimes it's fun to just do a shopping post.

The obligatory "haul".

Gorgeous, flattering dress from Zara. It's part of their new collection and it was the last one in my size (small). I love the pretty lace. The cotton is extemely soft and it's so comfortable I could sleep in it. Don't worry girls - I won't.

I love the little keyhole in the back. The tiny button looks like an abalone shell. Can't wait to wear this. It's such a soft nude that I think I could pair it with just about anything.

How would you wear it? What colors/shoes/accessories?

 I'm thinking brights! Then with other neutrals come Fall.

This flowy chiffon top is from Nordstrom. Notice a nude theme?

Again, I'm all about the details.

From Ulta: China Glaze Shocking Pink (neon). Remember this post? Yup, still into the whole dayglo thing. I've been searching for Essie's Pink Parka, but can't find it. I think the China Glaze is close enough!

I also got one of NYX's new Soft Matte Lip Cremes and a trial size of Living Proof's No Frizz Wave Styling Creme. My hair is a frizzy bleeping mess this time of year and I am so tired of blowdrying it. Hopefully this is a miracle, but I'm very skeptical.

Reviews/swatches of everything to come!

I also picked up a couple more polishes, two very very special nail polishes. That will be my next post.

~Noelle

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The State Necklace

I can't remember how I stumbled upon Kris Nations. I've been over-the-moon for jewelry the past few months, and so I regularly frequent sites in hopes of finding hidden gems. Although I love bold statement pieces, there is something to be said about delicate options; dainty looks feminine and pretty. Easy to wear and to layer. Little necklaces don't need to compete for attention.

I love my California necklace. State pride all the way! I think it would be cool to collect necklaces from every state I have visited.

The clasp is unlike any I've seen.

Hawaii is next on my must-have list =)

Aside from loving my California necklace, I'm also loving the California weather. A bit steamy, and I know my hair is fighting the humidity, but I picked up this adorable floral top from F21 and it's such a cute way to beat the heat. I just love flowy tanks. The back forms a pretty T. I wore it last night to sushi.

Have a wonderful Friday!

~ Noelle

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