Down with J. Crew

After receiving my new J. Crew catalogue in the mail, I carefully flipped through each page in total admiration. I literally wanted everything! This is of course impossible. My wallet won't allow it. But I did create a little wishlist of sorts, just in case I happen to drive a full hour to the nearest store. Here's what I bookmarked:

Ring-Around Eyelet in Blue Grotto

Gorgeous blue color that would look great with denim shorts

Vintage Cotton V-Neck Tee

Gets rave reviews. You can never go wrong with a basic tee - the perfect blank canvas

Whisper Linen Cardigan in Summer Lime

How cute would this be with a neutral palette?

5" Chino Short

Love this in Neon Peach, Daiquiri Ice, and Casablanca Blue. I like my shorts a little longer, so the 5" might be worth checking out. They also come in a shorter 3" inseam.

Tessellate Necklace

In the catalogue, a model wore it with a peach/blush tee. Such a great pop of color

Double Crystal Brulee Necklace

I really want this!

Or, this one is pretty too

Crystal Venus Flytrap Necklace

Classic Leather Ballet Flat

You know I love my ballet flats! I think this neutral color would go with everything!

Margate Purse

Not that I need another beautiful handbag, but J.Crew offers gorgeous options. They are such a great combination between practical and polished.

It's safe to say I'm officially down with J. Crew. I'll do an update if I do decide to venture out and snag any of these lovelies.

Have you seen the May catalogue? What are your picks?

♥ Noelle

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Casual Glam

Tweed Jacket - Halogen via Nordstrom (old), White tee & Jeans - Banana Republic, Heels - Zara, Necklace - Nordstrom (old), Watch - Michael Kors, Clutch - ASOS, Nails - Chanel Riva, Lips - MAC Dish it Up

I'd like to think I'm channeling a modern-day Coco Chanel. Her little tweed suits have always been on my dream list. That is, if I ever strike it rich or win the lottery. When I saw a similar look on Bethenny Frankel a few weeks ago, I made a mental note that I had to wear my tweed jacket again before the weather gets far too hot. It's comfortable, and yet I still feel really put together in this. Casual glam at its best.

♥ Noelle

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What I've Been Reading: April

Hi ladies, happy Monday to you all. I hope you enjoyed your weekend and are having a good morning. I can't believe how quickly the month of April went by! That means it's time for monthly must-reads. April's question is: What's your best beauty tip/secret (aside from: drinking lots of water, wearing sunscreen and taking off your make-up at night).

For me, it's all about moisturizing, moisturizing, moisturizing! I think I look and feel my best when my skin is fresh and dewy. Although I use Makeup For Ever's HD Powder to set my makeup, I finish off with a good spray of Urban Decay's All Nighter or MAC Fix+. Not only does my makeup last longer throughout the day, but it also gives me a dose of hydration that leaves my face glowing. I don't like looking shiny, but I also hate looking dry. Taking good care of your skin and moisturizing every morning and evening is so important to me now that I'm in my late twenties.

Clinique Moisturizing Gel, MAC Fix+, and Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

Now for this month's must-reads:

• Beautygirl24 - Noelle has been discovering new beauty products. See what she recommends, and one product she thinks you should avoid.
• Ella Pretty - Ella's reviewing lip balms - find out which one tops her list.
• Lilly's Style - Lilly's keeping it simple.
• Pearls and Green Tea - Jiye shares her favorite make up essentials!
• Saltwater Dreams - See Andi's favorite inspirations for Spring.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle has re-invented the traditional button-up: wearing it open and belted instantly transforms it from dressy to casual.
  
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette knows to add a bright color to punch up a "Casual Friday" look.

What are some of your beauty tips?
♥ Noelle

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Over the rainbow

Coral pleated skirt & Green lace pencil skirt from Francesca's

Merona Sandals from Target

Pretty jewelry from Francesca's

New candy colored pieces that I've been adding to my wardrobe. I've never seen so much color in my closet. It's true what they say, you know. Bright colors really do lift your mood! You can't take life too seriously when you're wearing the rainbow.

♥ Noelle

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To the Max

One of my favorite looks for Spring and Summer is the maxi - both in dress and skirt form. They are just so easy to throw on and go. They can be dressed up with a chic handbag and plenty of jewelry or dressed down with a bathing suit underneath to lounge by the pool. As a petite girl, I never wore a maxi until last year. It's true that shorter hemlines are more flattering when you don't have long legs. But actually, I find that as long as I choose one that is less flowy and more form fitting, I can absolutely get away with wearing more fabric on the bottom half of my body. The right maxi can create the illusion of length by drawing your eyes up and down.
I am on the hunt for a maxi skirt in a bright color, one that I can pair easily with just a plain tee. And I'm also on the look-out for a simple black maxi dress. Pretty jewelry to accessorize is required :)

Maxi Dresses

Maxi Skirts

Images courtesy of Google and Pinterest

Will you be wearing a maxi this season? How will you style it?

♥ Noelle



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lollipop

Blazer - Frenchi, White dolman top - Express (old), Jeans - BR, Heels - Zara (no longer available online, but check stores), Turquoise necklace - H&M (old, but similar here), Ring - YSL arty, Lips - Lancome (seriously my favorite lip color ever), Nails - Chanel's May

What color is more feminine then pink? I'm a fan of three variations: a soft Victorian blush, an electric neon, and a hot fuchsia. Anything in between and I shy away. For years I steered clear of the girliest of colors altogether. I think my best friend and I boycotted it.  But looking back, I'm actually perplexed as to the real reason why. It lifts the face and brings out my dark features. It pairs well with neutrals, as well as other brights including turquoise and orange. It brings out the rose in my cheeks and lips, and brightens up my skin.

What can I say? Tastes change.

I'm a convert.

Just don't expect to see me in head to toe pink. Now that, I could never do!

♥ Noelle

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