Loving: New Year's Eve

I'm not sure anyone loves New Years Eve as much as I do. For me, it's a day of quiet introspection. I ask myself questions such as What did I accomplish this year? Did I do the best I could? What do I need to change? I remember the fond memories, and say a silent prayer that the new year brings health and happiness to all those I love. Then the day turns into night and I let it all go, ready for a fun time ahead! 

I like the clean slate feeling that the new year brings. Maybe I have been slacking in certain areas, and I became too lazy or too complacent to change them. The start of a new year reminds me that I can get back on track, that I can start again. If I want to, I can change.

And let's face it: New Years Eve is that perfect night to put on some glitz and wear a pretty party dress. No questions asked, cuz everyone else is covered in sequins and glitter too.

I always plan my outfit weeks in advance, although I don't always stick to the plan. Here's what I am (probably) going to wear Saturday night:

Black strapless lace dress from Express (last seen way back HERE)

Topped off with a black blazer



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These shoes



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This clutch



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This makeup

And these nails



Jewelry is still undecided, but that's always the fun part for me. The not so fun part of my NYE story -  I'm battling a horrendous cold and I hope it goes away quickly!

 OOTD to come :)

Before I go, I want to wish my fiance a *Happy 30th Birthday*

I love you babe, you have always been the brightest part of my life! I can't wait to marry you!

See you next year everyone!

♥ Noelle

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Flashback

       

                                                              

                                         

                               

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

                                                                                      

                                   

                                          

                                                                                                                     

Oh, and I said YES!

What will you remember about 2011?

As always, thank you SO MUCH for reading, commenting, and being a part of my life.

♥ Noelle

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Winter Wonderland

I ordered these shoes from LOFT about two weeks ago, and they were 40% off. They are an insanely sparkly mass of charcoal colored glitter.

Most definitely the prettiest (and highest) heels I own. They will be on my feet NYE :)

OPI polishes in Designer...De Better! & Crown Me Already



I'm still not tired of the "accent nail." I painted my ring fingers with the silvery glitter polish, and the rest of my nails glistened with the silvery taupe. Other colors like milky pink, deep purple, and mint are on my list to pair with the silver glitter accent nail. Mere's nails are also on my radar. I think it's so festive for the Winter season, don't you? Again, my nails will be painted this way for New Years.

On another note, I think I'm going to finally give in and get a professional manicure. I pride myself on my ability to take good care of my nails, but this weather is wreaking havoc on my poor, dry hands. I slather them in oils, salves, and lotion but nothing seems to cure the dryness. I think I overwash my hands, but I am terrified of germs and illness this time of year. Any suggestions for me, or any standout products that you girls use?

Thanks!

♥ Noelle

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Fierce

Let me preface this by saying that this is my new favorite outfit in my closet. And I don't mean in any way to sound like my head is up in the clouds or I'm tooting my own horn. But there has to be just one outfit in every girl's wardrobe that makes her feel instantly pretty and confident, that special outfit that epitomizes her personal style. This is that outfit for me.

Dress - H&M, Tights - Express, Pumps - Nine West, Clutch - ASOS, Bracelet - TJMaxx, Earrings - F21

This evening, the fiance and I did some very last minute Christmas shopping and treated ourselves to dinner before making our way through the chaos of harried shoppers. We never go out on a weeknight, and it was fun to break up the monotony of the work week. Equally fun was my snake print dress, paired with my suede ASOS clutch and a rose gold/marcasite bracelet from TJ-Maxx.

♥ Noelle

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Outside of my comfort zone

In the past, there were some things I would never have imagined wearing. Why? Because I didn't think I could pull them off.  Shorts and tights, an ever popular trend these days, would most certainly have been one of them. I'm still trying to figure out what possessed me to try it out. I don't like to take risks, and in my mind, shorts with tights are super tricky. Scary even.

I even added a scarf (because I was chilly).

Teal top and tights - Express, Blazer - Frenchi via Nordstrom, Shorts - H&M, Suede pumps - Anne Michelle, Bracelet - TJ Maxx, Scarf - Angl, Bag not shown - Chanel

Fashion bloggers work miracles on girls like me. I didn't think I could wear something so far outside of my comfort zone, but somehow I did. I really like the dark colors in the outfit, which is an instant way for me to try something new or trendy without feeling like I'm saying, "look at me!" I think the charcoal cotton shorts are also a safer option, and they seem more appropriate for evening, the only time I would consider such an outfit for myself.

So what's the worst that could happen anyway? Having someone tell you that you don't look so hot? It's not the end of the world ;)

Would you ever wear something completely outside of your safe zone?

♥ Noelle

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Fall Beauty Favorites

Now that it's almost Winter, I thought I'd take inventory and let you girls know what products I used consistently throughout the Fall season. I used much less makeup than I thought I would, purely out of laziness I might add. I focused on enhancing features I like, instead of really getting creative and coming up with different looks. I hope this little list of favorites doesn't bore you all, but at least we know what really works.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed is a tawny, natural color that goes with everything. I wore this blush the entire month of November, and so far every single day this month too. I sort of feel guilty for abandoning my other pretty blushes, but this really is a no-brainer. I've also been using it to contour, and I find that I don't even reach for bronzer because this gives my complexion a nice glow on its own.

I'm a huge fan of highlighters in the colder months. Amber Diamond by Dior gets rave reviews on Temptalia, YouTube, Sephora, and on MUA. Women of all ages find that it leaves a soft sheen and not an overly glittery or greasy mess. I think it would be flattering on everyone. I have been using it not only on my cheekbones, but also on the apples of my cheeks. I love it.

{I just wish I could find Laura Mercier's Rose highlighter, it's strikingly gorgeous! If anyone knows where I can get my grabby hands on one, please email me!}

As much as I love my UD Naked palette, this one by Too Faced has won me over. The colors are soft and eye brightening. I have been reaching for these shadows over any others in my collection. They all work together to create the perfect naked eye. I use this palette mainly for work.

I've already talked about the Maybelline Define -A-Brow and my Kirkland spoolie brush from Costco. These are the tools I use to amp up my eyebrows.

As for lips, I haven't been reaching for one in particular. I try to wear a different lipstick every day. Favorites include the Revlon Lip Butters, my MAC lipsticks in See Sheer and Shy Girl, a lip stain by TheBalm, Stila's Paramour, and lip balms from Korres, Victoria's Secret, and Fresh.

Let's see what products Winter has in store :)

♥ Noelle

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