1.30.2013

Now that we are all moved in, I thought I'd share my closet! Please keep in mind that I'm new to the condo/apartment life! I'm still trying to figure out where I want everything to go, and I'm doing my very best to utilize the closet I have now, and not the closet of my future dreams. Space is limited so organization and neatness are a must. Otherwise, my wardrobe won't be functional, and that's really the most important part of getting dressed every day.

I like to keep my favorite pieces or outfits that I'm planning on wearing within the next few days, front and center! That way, they are easy to find and I can use part of my closet bar to essentially "style" a look. I still have my rolling clothing rack, but I've honestly been using the bar in my closet a bit more. Both are great tools for me.


I have shoe dividers (purchased from Target about two years ago). They are a very durable plastic, and are easy to put together or disassemble. My shoe collection is quite basic, and I truly love to keep it that way. I'm sure you shoe addicts are cringing! I have a couple pairs of fun heels (like my raspberry J.Crew pumps) but I have spent my early adult years trying to build a decent shoe collection that will stand the test of time.

I think every woman should have:
* Classic pumps in black and nude.
* Comfortable ballet flats. Stick to neutrals, but play with embellishments.
* A pair of flat boots, and a more feminine pair (heeled or wedges). Rain boots are always important if you live in cold, wet climates.
* A couple "fun" pairs that can elevate your outfit! Bright colors, bows, sequins, studs, glitter. They can be heels or flats, but make sure they are showstoppers.
* I live in California, so obviously I think everyone needs a pair of flip-flops and strappy sandals.


I have shelving that runs along the top of the closet. At first I wasn't sure how to use it, but I think my bags (also front and center) are perfect to store on a shelf. I must confess that I'm a total bag lady, and if left to my own devices, I would have an obnoxiously large collection. However, I also prefer to go for quality these days instead of quantity, so the bags that I amassed in my teens and early twenties are now completely gone. I have a few clutches, my RM crossbody, a nude shoulder bag by Kate Spade and of course, my dream bag (safely tucked away in her Chanel box in the corner). My next purchase? A structured satchel as well as a tote, not necessarily in that order.


My future mother in-law gave me these scarf hangers for Christmas, and I really find them useful. I like hanging them instead of keeping them folded. It's a great space saver too.


This is the one area of my closet that I really don't like, and if you have any tips I'd be grateful! These are little storage containers that I found at Target a few months ago. I love the compartments and I definitely love the color, but I just don't have the room for them. Currently sitting on shelves, they work because I can easily access everything, but I'm more into the idea of getting a big jewelry box instead.


One thing I've really learned over the years: Get rid of junk! If you haven't worn something in months, give it away. Re-evaluate your wardrobe every single month, and toss anything that you don't love anymore. Keep track of what you are lacking in your closet so that you don't buy more of what you don't need. As a fashion/beauty blogger, this is one of those cases of "do as I say, not as I do"... Think streamlined!

Any tips or tricks for your closet that you'd like to share?
♥ Noelle

1.28.2013




Skirt - Halogen (very similar!)
Watch - Fossil
Sunnies - F21



Well, hello there. I have a blog, really? You don't say. I missed you guys! Not that I was gone for very long, but it seriously felt like an eternity. As I joked with my best friend last week, remind me never to move and plan a wedding all in the same year. It's bad for your brain. Especially when your internet and cable isn't working and the repair man has to come by at least once day, and then when the problem isn't resolved, it's really unnerving listening to your fiance yell into the phone while the other end of the line is playing elevator music. That's really bad for your brain! I'd like to think that the past week or so has taught me a lot about myself. It was nice to get organized and get our new condo in order. It was also nice to "unplug", and to take more time for myself rather then coming home from work and hopping straight onto the computer for hours on end. But I'm glad things are back to normal. I think taking pictures will be a challenge for awhile, at least until I figure out better lighting in our place because I'm not completely fond of having to ask the boy to take outfit shots all the time. I'm accustomed to the mirror ;)
Our condo is definitely coming along, but we by no means have it decorated yet. Our little outside balcony is empty, and the giant tree that grows directly beside us sheds like crazy so it's a little distracting in photos. Bear with me guys! I've been feeling so frazzled. The cure? A bright coral skirt and raspberry pumps!

♥ Noelle

1.23.2013



Cardigan - Halogen
Blouse - F21
Skirt - J. Crew (different color)
Heels - Zara
Jewelry - Target (want this one) and Club Monaco
Bag not shown - Chanel
Nails - Chanel Graphite



 It's been months since I last wore this blouse. It's been at the bottom of a "dry clean" pile. Funny how it got there because it's actually machine washable. Hmmmm, I won't let that happen again. Anyway, I think it's exactly what this outfit needed to break up the black and navy blue. Once hailed as a fashion faux pas, black and blue have become decidedly cool to wear together. I never had a problem with this combination before, but then again, I never thought much about pairing them. Throw in a little leopard and I was ready for a night out to dinner. 



By the way...


I can't stop wearing this J.Crew skirt. Maybe that should have been the focus of this post!

♥ Noelle

1.21.2013




Jacket - Nordstrom
Tank underneath - J. Crew
Skirt - J. Crew Factory (pretty option)
Flats - Shoemint (LOVE these)
Scarf - Target (similar)
Bag - MNG Mango via JCP (Lusting after this)



When I saw this outfit on the gorgeous Kacie, I almost fell over in my chair. I loved it. Then last weekend when I was in San Diego, my friend and I went out to brunch and we saw an almost identical look on a hostess. That pretty much solidified it for me - I needed to at least try and re-create it. I pulled out my cognac boots but for some reason, the look just didn't feel like "me". I opted for the ballet flats in the same pretty shade, and it was a winner. I still think the other girls pulled it off much better then I did, but I felt comfortable and cozy while running errands all day. It was a nice break from the usual jeans and blazer combo. I never would have thought to pair such a casual, utility style jacket with a more feminine skirt but it's such a cute contrast.
See, It never hurts to try :)


♥ Noelle