1.10.2012

For about two years, I lusted after the GHD. The hefty price tag not so much. I've never been one to splurge on hair tools. At almost 200 dollars, there was no way I could justify it. I was content with my Chi straightener, although I was unhappy with the inconsistency in my hair. An hour after I straightened my waves, and my hair's natural curl would show, along with some frizz. I chalked it up to the weather, and just accepted the fact that my hair is fussy with a mind of its own.

Well this Christmas, my fiance ordered the GHD from Sephora. I received it in the mail a few days ago, and let me tell you: it really is worth the hype, and it really is much better than Chi. Not to dis the latter, because it isn't a bad product by any means. I just think that GHD has a leg up on its competitor and I find it more efficient for thick, unruly hair.



Here is why I love it:
* It heats up in nano seconds. You turn on the switch and a beep tells you when its ready about 10 seconds later.

* It not only straightens my waves, but it keeps them straight too. It also imparts a lot more shine, less frizz.

* It automatically turns off  and goes into sleep mode after 30 minutes if accentidentally left on. This is huge for me, because last month I came home after an entire day out and found my Chi still on. Thank God it didn't start a fire. It just turned part of my vanity an orange rust color :(




If you don't use a straightener often, then you don't really need one. However, if you use one a lot like I do, then it's worth it.


I am still keeping my old straightener for back up, but I prefer the GHD. I'm very happy with it!

Oh, and I'm also experimenting with the new hair dryer that Misikko.com kindly just sent me. Review to come!


Do you own a GHD? What are your thoughts?

♥ Noelle

1.09.2012

On a trip to Sephora today, I made my first purchases of 2012. I wanted to branch out and try brands and products that I am completely unfamiliar with, and that is precisely what happened.




How's this for branching out? Highlighter neon (I mean NEON) nail polish from Illamasqua called Rare.
So excited to wear this! I'm still in love with the whole neon trend that's taken fashion and beauty by storm.





Hourglass cosmetics is a vegan line that does not contain any sulfates or parabens in their products. That drew me in, but the sleek packaging and elegant design also won me over. This is a lip stain in the color Petal, a soft peachy pink. So far, so good. I want to try more from the line in the future.


I also am loving this present I received from my best friend.
MAC lipglass in Check This Out.
 Not sure if it is limited edition because I've been avoiding those collections like the plague but this is a very natural, glowy gloss. It reminds me of the infamous Love Nectar that is said to be a prime choice for brides on their wedding day. I actually like this color better.


There's nothing quite as satisfying as a good beauty binge is there?

♥ Noelle

1.06.2012




Dress - H&M, Belt - Taken from an old dress, Necklace - HoH, Pumps - J Crew




It's been unseasonably warm, even for southern California! This girl is taking advantage. I can't get enough of this saucy little dress (a tunic for non-shorties like me, I'm sure). It just makes me feel so...so...saucy! What can I say? When I find something I love, I tend to wear it to death. And since I can't afford to go shopping for new things all the time, it's important to make the most of the pieces I love to love.

What do you wear over and over?
♥ Noelle

1.05.2012

After watching Shailene Woodley last month in The Descendants, I wanted to see more! She is strikingly beautiful and extremely natural which is something I love. When I received my latest In Style issue, there she was in a tropical fashion story.














{Thank you to Instyle for these pictures}


Just gorgeous. Makes me long for another Maui trip.

♥ Noelle

1.03.2012



Top - Madewell, Skirt - Banana Republic, Pumps - J. Crew, Bracelet - TJMaxx



No full pictures today because I just wasn't feelin' it. I'm sure you girls can relate. The winter weather and holiday stress have left my face spotty and my hair fried. Get thee to a hairdresser stat! I am on Friday, just in time. This mane is not cooperating.

Anyhow, what do I do when I'm feeling a bit blah in the beauty department? Well I wear my favorite pieces of course! This outfit is comprised of things that make me happy, and more importantly, easy.

Wear...love...repeat.

♥ Noelle

1.02.2012

Happy 2012! How was your New Years Eve girls? Mine was phenomenal! We went to the local pub/grill that we like to frequent, and they did such an amazing job and gave wonderful service. It was a closed party with 65 guests, and the fiance and I wasted little time enjoying the food and drinks. Despite the fact that I have a sinus infection (and not a cold like I previously thought), I was still able to feel well enough to go out and put myself together. I would have preferred my hair to have been curled and my nose to have been less red, but by the time we were out and about, that didn't matter. Thank goodness for antibiotics. And concealer :)


Dress - Express (old), Blazer (unseen) - Frenchi via Nordstrom, Pumps - LOFT, Clutch - ASOS, Necklace - Kenneth Jay Lane Via Cocobella Ballerina :), Earrings - Sonya Renee, Rings - Engagement and Tiffany & Co.


I painted my nails a little bit differently then planned. I did a coat of Essie's Cocktail Bling as a base, and then two coats of OPI's Crown Me Already on top. Sparkles galore.







Yesterday, we went to Dana Point and Laguna Beach to scope out some possible wedding venues. We went to a beautiful resort in Laguna and fell in love with the view.

These were taken with my HTC, so sorry for the brightness!
We could say "I do" on this terrace. Absolutely :)




So far, the new year has been great! I have a lot I want to work on. I didn't make any resolutions, but I have some things in mind...

How is 2012 treating you today?

♥ Noelle