9.01.2012

This edition of monthly reads involves a question that every girl gets asked at some point in her life! "Please share a pic of your engagement ring and tell us the story behind it." I smiled when I read this, as it was September 13th last year when my fiance popped the question. It's almost the first year anniversary of our engagement! We are getting married September 21st, 2013.





He proposed when we went to vegas for my birthday. I had no clue. After 5 years of (mostly) blissful coupledom, I was quite comfortable with our relationship status. Of course, everyone around us started to get itchy, asking questions about when we were planning on finally making things official. I was getting itchy too.

Apparently, my friends and family are much better secret keepers then I had previously thought. I give them credit! Especially my best friend. We always promised each other that when the time came, we would "steer" our guys into the right direction. Meaning, we would help them go ring shopping! Who knows your taste better then your best girlfriend? Or guyfriend.

So everyone knew that he was planning on proposing and I had no clue. He proposed in the Mirage Casino, right after a fancy dinner in which I didn't eat much because I was in the midst of a panic attack. I know I've mentioned this before, but I suffer from terrible generalized anxiety. I've been struggling with it since I was a little kid. It was pretty severe last year, and when we were eating dinner that night, I had a full-blown melt down at the table. He rubbed my back and tried to relax me as we walked out of the restaurant and made our way to the garden area that stands in the center of the casino. He proposed to settle my nerves I guess :)

It was beautiful. Totally ridiculous in some ways, and definitely a bit awkward. I always envisioned we would be alone. Instead, we had a huge crowd around us as he got down on one knee. I was shaking. He was tearing up. Strangers oohed and ahhed.

It was perfect :)

So...I'm looking forward to reading everyone's story! If you are engaged or married, feel free to share your story in the comments below!


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♥ Noelle

8.28.2012

Peplum top - Anthropologie, Lace skirt - Express (Similar),  Cardigan - Halogen, Heels - Nordstrom (Similar), Clutch - Asos (pretty option), Necklace - House of Harlow, Bracelets - Stella & Dot and Forever 21

Lips - Lancome, Eyes - UD Naked & Ransom liner





I wore this in Santa Barbara to a dinner on the beach. The restaurant is called Brophy Bros. and if you're ever in the area, I suggest checking it out. The food was delicious, definitely order a cup of the clam chowder. It's the best I've ever tried!

I'm obviously still loving the peplum top I raved about here. I threw on a cardigan because it was chilly that night, and although many reviewers on the Anthro site mentioned that this top wouldn't look good underneath jackets and cardigans,  I don't mind the little flounce peeking out at all. Burgundy and plum are two shades you'll be seeing a lot for Fall. My clutch felt like the perfect dose of color against black and white.

♥ Noelle

8.27.2012



 
 
 
 
 
 
Just some quick snaps from my weekend stay in the gorgeous Santa Barbara area. The little getaway was much needed! My fiance and I had a wonderful time relaxing at the beach, exploring the shops and restaurants off State Street, visiting the Mission, and taking the train for our first time ever. I wish we were still there!
 
I hope you all had a great weekend too.
 
♥ Noelle
 
 
 

8.22.2012

Although I continue to use most of the same tried and true products, I do like to experiment at the drugstore. Many offer wonderful return policies, so you don't feel locked into something if you don't like a particular shade or formula. Also, because drugstore products are often relatively inexpensive, you don't have to feel guilty for buying something new.

Over the past month, I've discovered some gems that I had never tried before.


Julie G. is a YouTube guru that has turned her makeup tips and tricks into a full blown line of nail polishes at Rite Aid. I don't know too much about her, as I've only seen a few of her videos. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical, but the candy colored shades looked beautiful and I was definitely curious. The shades I have are Gelatos in Venice (the light mint) and Cupcakes and Castles (baby pink with shimmer). These are amazing! The formula goes opaque instantly, and only two coats are needed to achieve the color pictured in the bottle. They aren't thin or streaky. I highly recommend giving them a try the next time you are in Rite Aid.

Gelatos in Venice, after four days of wear.





Another product I'm happy I've discovered is Revlon's Brow Fantasy. After going through my Maybelline Define-A-Brow pencil, I was looking for something a little bit more versatile, and in a shade lighter. This pencil is in brunette, and I believe it is the second from the darkest shade. I love that it not only comes with the waxy pencil, but also a matching gel to tame my brows and keep them in place all day. You get a little more for your money with the two corresponding products, although I don't wear them together. I do one or the other.





After finishing my Pureology conditioner, I decided it was time to find something a little less expensive. I chose this one because I don't like to wash or condition my hair with products that contain sulfates. I didn't think I'd really see a difference in my hair, but I have! This claims to leave you frizz-free for 48 hours (or until the next wash) and I've really noticed my hair looking and staying less fuzzy. Now that's an accomplishment!


♥ Noelle

8.20.2012

Rockstar Super skinny jeans - Old Navy, Lace top - TRF Zara, Flats - Ivanka Trump Abello, Necklace - H&M (similar), Watch - Fossil Stella, Bracelets - Stella & Dot Renegade and Michael Kors
Lips - YSL Le Orange (I promised I would feature it on my lips, so here it is in all its vibrant glory)


I feel like a rockstar in these jeans. No wonder Old Navy gave them that name! I scored these baby blues after realizing that I need some more for Fall. I usually stick to Banana Republic because I've had good luck with their petite sizing. I used to splurge on denim in the past, mainly because I had such a hard time finding a pair that fit. More and more companies are starting to create jeans in short, regular, and tall sizing and I commend them for finally recognizing that we all come in different shapes and sizes! Fashion should be accessable to everyone.

I've read some great reviews on LOFT and J.Crew pants for petites, so I'm going to hit up those stores next. I think I need some colored or printed denim in my life :) If you have any other denim suggestions for shorties, please let me know in the comments.

♥ Noelle

8.17.2012

As much as I love Summer, as soon as August hits, I'm scouring the September issues of my favorite fashion magazines and slowly beginning to add pieces to incorporate into my Fall wardrobe. I have most of the basics already covered - jeans, cardigans, and boots. I use these essentials and build upon them to add more interest.

My M.O. is usually the same: Polish and lady-like. Then I choose a few trendy pieces that speak to my overall aesthetic, and that also suit my body type and lifestyle.

Unfortunately, it doesn't start cooling down here until November so I'll have to wait a very long time before I can put away the shorts and sandals. Humph.

Here are some looks I'm loving for this year:

Polka Dots

Stripes


Lace


Rich Jewel Tones




{Still Loving...}


Brights - Still big for Fall!


Mint - a color that is appropriate year-round

 photos above c/o Pinterest


I am so excited about dressing for Fall that I went on Polyvore for the first time in TWO years! Well hello there! I forgot I even had an account. Silly me. Here are some more ideas:








Fall Trends I'm Trying

Fall Trends I'm Trying by beautygirl24 featuring clutch handbags



What Fall trends are YOU looking forward to wearing?

♥ Noelle