2013 {My year of happiness}

 c/o Pinterest

I've never been a huge fan of new year's resolutions. For one, I never seem to keep mine going for more then a few weeks. I love the idea of a clean slate; the opportunity to start fresh, and change things in your life that perhaps aren't going your way, or aren't what you had previously planned for yourself. Every year, I think many of us resolve to change the same things: lose weight, eat healthier, work out regularly, stress less, conquer fears, work on relationships, become more organized. Sound familiar? I make these same resolutions every single year, and without fail, I never keep my promises to myself for very long. This then puts me into a spiral that drives a feeling of defeat and hopelessness that I'll never have the life I truly want.

This year, I have one simple resolution. I want to be happier. That's it. Yes, I'd love to get into better shape for my wedding, and I'd love to manage my stress and anxiety more effectively. I'd also like to be more outgoing, maybe find a more personally satisfying job. But really, all I truly want is for 2013 to be my year of happiness. Of gratitiude and appreciation. No matter what hurdles lay ahead, I want to enter into everything I do with a more positive outlook. That's my wish for all of us.

♥ Noelle

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~ CELEBRATION ~

Happy New Year friends! I hope you all had an amazing time, whether you hit the town or stayed home for a cozy night in :)

My fiance and I went to San Diego (of course). I feel like we just need to move there, we have been going so often! We had a beautiful dinner at Bali Hai, and then went to a bar called El Camino to dance the night away and ring in 2013. We loved every minute of it.

Cue obligatory outfit of the night...

Blouse - Bellatrix (pretty option)

Skirt - Zara (gorgeous!)

Pumps - Nine West

Bag - J Crew Factory (similar)

Earrings - Forever 21

Watch - Fossil

Bracelet - Derng

Up to no good ;)

What did you do for New Year's?! More importantly, what did you wear?

♥ Noelle

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This year's favorites

I did a post like this last year, so I wanted to keep the tradition going. Here are some of my favorite outfits from 2012. Looking back, there are definitely a few things that stick out. I loved pops of color, I used jewelry and accessories to dress up otherwise casual outfits, pleated skirts became a total obsession, and skinny jeans were (and still are) my go-to's.

It's amazing how blogging allows me to reflect on my style. I started this journey over three years ago while I was in my final year of college, and it still remains my number one love. I truly thank you for your readership and kind comments. 2013 is slated to be the most exciting (and probably stressful) year of my life. I'm marrying my best friend, we are moving into our own condo, one of my bridesmaids is giving birth to twin boys, and my best girl is also getting married. Lots of changes! One thing I won't change is this blog. Expect more outfits, more beauty products, and more superficial talk (mainly in a selfish effort to keep myself from going completely insane!)

I'm taking the rest of 2012 off, but I will be back later next week after NYE. I love you guys! See you next year :)

♥ Noelle



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Faux Fur & Sparkles

Faux Fur Vest - Express

Black Chiffon Blouse - F21 (similar)

Jeans - Old Navy

Heels - Zara (similar)

Bag - Chanel

Necklace - F21 (recent, check stores)

Watch - Michael Kors

Earrings - Sonya Renee

Ring - Henri Bendel

Nails - Essie Limited Addiction

The last time I wore this vest was last year! I can't believe it took me so long to take it out for a spin again. Honestly, it is so warm and cozy that you don't need much more to keep you warm. Well, at least if you live in an area where it doesn't snow.

I just want to wish those of you who celebrate a Merry Christmas! I'll be back later this week with another quick post. As always, thank you all so much for reading :)

♥ Noelle

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It's all in the details

I think when it comes to fashion and beauty, the little details are just as important as the bigger picture. Whether it's an accessory that acts as the finishing touch to your outfit or that spritz of perfume before walking out the front door, I have been paying close attention to the details that make me feel complete on a daily basis.

J.Crew, Forever 21 (recent, check stores)

I'm loving jewelry with crystals. Even if I'm wearing a sweater, I love to throw on some sparkle. Pearls are also topping my outfits!

 

 

Buxom lip gloss in Dolly, MAC lipstick in Syrup

This has been my favorite lip combination! The perfect sexy, plummy lip. It's great because it strikes a nice balance between natural and bold. Last year was all about red for me, but this year has been all about plum. I blame it on the burgundy/bordeaux trend.

 

 

Jimmy Choo, Chloe, (This looks beautiful and would make a great gift)

I love perfume, and I think it's the ultimate way to alter your mood and make you feel more feminine. These little rollerballs are not only great for taking with you in your bag, but they are also a less expensive way to try out a new fragrance.

 

 

 

Speaking of keeping track of details, I went into Target last week and picked up this new 2013 planner:

Pretty! I love a good metallic! I also spotted these in gold and rose gold as well. I can't find this on the site, but if you go to the store, look in the cubicles around the women's clothing section.

 

♥ Noelle



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Wine Tasting

 

Blouse - Express

Jeans - LOFT

Scarf - Nordstrom (similar)

Flats - Shoemint (similar)

Watch - Fossil

Bracelet - Derng

Earrings - F21

Bag - Rebecca Minkoff

Every town or city has something that it's known for. My town is known for its wineries, so I go wine tasting with friends every chance I get! You'd think I'd get tired of it. I've visited almost every winery we have. But strangely enough, it never gets old and I always look forward to it. I have my favorite spots, and so when my best friend came up to visit this past weekend, I made one in particular a destination. The weather was cool and crisp, so I decided to wear jeans and a scarf to warm up my newest blouse from Express. It's the same cut and shape as this one, just in a fun snakeskin print.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

♥ Noelle

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