A Colossal Mistake

Well...not really. But I do regret buying Maybelline's The Colossal mascara last week. From my last post, you girls know that I like to be boring. I find something I like and then I stick to it for as long as possible. I have used CoverGirl's LashBlast (the original) ever since it was first introduced, along with L'Oreal's Double Extend mascara. The former for volume, the latter for length. And I've been very happy with my two lash builders. I've just heard so many good things about The Colossal that I wanted to see for myself. That and the fact that I was getting sick of my mascara routine.

Colossal Pros:
~The brush is nice and fat, giving the appearance that it will do wonders for stubby lashes. It is also not plastic, which some people prefer.

Colossal Cons:
~I don't like the formula. It isn't buildable at all.
~It has a really strange floral-plastic type scent, and it is very strong.
~It doesn't hold a curl very well. I wore this to work and by the end of the day, my lashes had disappeared completely.
~Overall, it does not live up to its name.


I am not saying that The Colossal won't work for everyone, but it certainly does nothing for me. I think I am going to try L'Oreal's Voluminous next. Does anyone have any good drugstore mascara recommendations?

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Time for a little change (scaredy cat)

That's me when it comes to change...one big scaredy cat! I'm not very good with change, however minor it may be. I am more of a set-schedule, routine, creature of habit type of girl. Especially when it comes to my hair. I'm not exactly sure why I use my hair as a security blanket. I secretly envy all of the girls out there who can change their cut or color as often as they change their underwear.
But me, I just like to keep my hair as easy going as possible. I did a post a couple of weeks ago on wanting to go a bit lighter. Summertime is the perfect excuse to throw in some highlights, although my hair gets lighter naturally because I go to the pool and the beach a lot this time of year. After all the advice seeking (Thanks girls!) and after asking the boyfriend a million times what he thought ("babe, I really don't care"), I decided to just park my indecisive butt at the hairstylist's chair and have her work those scissors. The cut is pretty much the same, with long layers all around, gradually getting shorter in the front to frame my face. But she added some highlights and now my hair is a few shades lighter than it was before.

I do really like the highlights, as it has been years since I've really had any. But I'm still a scaredy cat who's afraid of change, and I don't know how long I can maintain them. So I'll be going back to my former, darker, self in the future. I'll probably be scared of that too!

On another note, I am wearing a new lipstick from Victorias Secret called Scrumptious. I have never tried VS lipsticks, and I was surprised by how smooth and creamy this one feels. I recommend!

It's a peachy-nude with just a hint of a vanilla scent. It's what I was wearing in the picture above, just for reference.

♥Noelle

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Blue Jean Baby

Just a couple outfits Dears! The first is from today ( I get Fridays off). The second is from earlier this week. Let me know what you think!

I took a cue from Chloe, and purchased these boyfriend fit shorts on sale from American Eagle. Tank: Charlotte Russe  Cardi: Halogen (Nordstrom)  Beaded sandals: Steve Madden

Essie Mint Candy Apple

I couldn't wait to wear my new tweed jacket from the Anniversary Sale! Two side notes: 1) I work in a tiny office that feels like an icebox at times. So even in the dog days of Summer, I can wear tweed. 2) Said office is very casual, so I can most definitely wear jeans if and when I want to. They just can't resemble the shorts in the first picture ;)

Halogen collarless cropped tweed jacket: Nordstrom  Black ruffle top: H&M  Jeans: Express  Bag: BCBG  Nude quilted heels (LOVE!): Zara

Have a beautiful weekend

♥ Noelle

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Summer to Fall: Lace Tops

Lace is quite possibly one of my favorite details on clothing, and I've recently seen a ton of it all over basic t-shirts. What a great way to dress up an otherwise casual look.

New York and Company.

I recently snapped this up in Evening teal and Poppyseed.

Shopbop

Nastygal

I love the boxiness of this!

Nordstrom - Anniversary Price!

Forever 21

I think this one may be my favorite.

Express

My take.

Andee from THE HONEYBEE also featured lacey tops in a post.

Yup, I'm down with the lace.

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In a Nutshell

       Dreaming of:

So Thankful I Saw:

Now Wanting To See:

Really Craving:

Drooling Over:

And Saving For:

Strangely Loving:

Excited For My Future With:

~Just a fun little post I wanted to share. Some images found using Google.~

Here's hoping to a good (that means FAST) week!

♥ Noelle

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Nordstrom Anniversary Sale - Pure Craziness!

For the past few days, Blogger has been abuzz in anticipation of Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale. I, being one of them! So many beautiful Fall clothes, so little money (I only speak for myself). This girl is on a precarious budget, and it is no easy feat to keep the purse straps tight when there are so many pretties just waiting to be shoved into my tiny closet. (To solve this, I cleaned out my closet and am giving away some old things I don't wear anymore to charity). Another strange thing about the Nordies sale: Treking my sweaty self to the store where nothing but heavy jackets and cardigans tease me. It is 105 degrees here readers! Really, I couldn't help but laugh at all the women I saw carrying loads of sweaters and skinny jeans, pulling on boots while pretending that outside, the pavement wasn't scorching and the sun wasn't beating down on all of our poor cars in the parking lot. I wore white cotton eyelet shorts today with a gray tee and my beaded sandals. Quite funny indeed while I tried on the two items that I decided to buy. It's unfortunate that these will have to sit unworn and unloved in my closet for the next three or four months. Oh well, at least I know they're there. I may have to go back for more...tomorrow?

Halogen Crop Collarless Jacket (in black and white). I DIE for this! Anything that remotely reminds me of Chanel-esque and I'm a goner. I got it in an XS. It doesn't look as cropped on my body because I'm short.

halogen Pleat Shoulder Cardigan. I got it in Deep Gem, size S. This wasn't on sale, but I needed it anyway and the price seemed right.

So that is what I limited myself to. I could have gone mad, but I am happy to report that I came out of the craziness with some money left in my wallet. Which, I still might blow through tomorrow if I decide to go back ;)

What, if anything, did you pick up? Let me know!

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~One Year Blogiversary~

I realized last week that July 15th was my one-year anniversary on Blogger. I'm so happy that I decided exactly one year ago today to take the plunge and start my very own blog. It began mainly as beauty related, then evolved into beauty AND fashion. I just wanted to take this time to seriously, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for clicking on that little "Follow" icon on my page. I appreciate each and every one of you for taking the time out of your busy lives to read the little things I write. It is so rewarding to share a common passion, and not have to worry about others judging me for it. I feel like I have made some great friends on here, and there is no better feeling than that!

So again my dear readers,

Thank you for reading, commenting, and supporting!

♥ Noelle (Beautygirl24)

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The end of an era

I just stumbled in the door from work (I am SO sore from a body/abs class the boyfriend and I took at our gym last night!)
Plop on my bed, turn on my laptop, and turn on the T.V. to find a Hills marathon on. The finale is tonight! Really, the real finale. Are any of you going to watch? The Hills has been my ultimate guilty pleasure, right from the start when Lauren Conrad moved to Los Angeles from Laguna Beach. I hate to admit just how obsessed I have been with the show. The boyfriend just found that fun little fact out this past weekend. "Wait, you actually WATCH that? You LIKE IT?" Yes, dear, yes I do. Not because I love the story lines, although they are entertaining. But because I love watching what all those girls are wearing!

THE definition of Southern California style. I love it, but I guess I'm biased.

I'm going to miss it. Long-awkward-silences-into-the-camera and all. I'm sure i'll end up buying the complete series on DVD, whenever that comes out.

So, back to my question: are you going to watch the last episode? Are you sad it's ending, happy? Couldn't care less?

♥ Noelle

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I did a teeny-tiny bit of shopping

Happy Monday Everyone!
I hope you all enjoyed your weekends. Mine was incredibly relaxing, just the way I like it! The boyfriend's Aunt is in town visiting, so we spent Sunday talking by the pool. She told us that every weekend in the Summertime should be treated as a mini vacation, and that every evening should be seen as a little vacation too. I thought that was a really nice way of looking at things, because I don't know about you, but all I want to do this time of year is have fun with friends, go to the beach, and shop! The monotony of daily life can often interfere with living it to the fullest, and I am trying my best to enjoy every minute of it.

I picked up a few things that I wanted to share with you. I really love reading posts about shopping, so hopefully you do too.

I had to go to Target and while I was there, I decided to take a peek at the jewelry section. This little sterling silver compass necklace has been talked about by Michele1218 and TiffanyD. It's so dainty and delicate, I knew I had to have it. It was about $20 dollars.

I also stopped at Macy's and made a beeline for the MAC counter. This Stereo Rose MSF was the only thing I really wanted from "In The Groove" and luckily they still had some left! I wore this on my cheeks all weekend and am truly in love with its bronzy-coral sheen. I love that it isn't glittery or gritty as many MSF's tend to be. This one is soft and finely milled.

I also got a dress in from Lulus. I had a 15 percent off code, so that basically took care of the shipping cost.

This was my initial try-on. Success!

Did anyone else pick anything up from In the Groove? Or any other shopping?

♥ Noelle

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A TRUE Coral

Ok, so by now everyone knows that my favorite color of the season has been coral, especially on nails. Essie's Van D' Go and Shop Til I Drop have been on my fingers and toes about 90 percent of the time, with a little pink thrown into the mix every couple of weeks. I realize that Essie is a love it or a hate it nail polish brand. As Laura, or Lollipop 26, has written in her own blog "There is good Essie and there is BAD Essie!" I would most certainly agree. In general, Essie is known for its wide range of drop-dead gorgeous colors. And, it's also known for being too sheer and watery. I personally don't mind sheer, but many of you have expressed your disdain because of that very reason. If Van D' Go and Shop Til I Drop don't work for you, then I HIGHLY suggest giving Revlon's "Tropical Temptation" a try.

Proof:

My little wishbone finger, just one coat! Sorry for the blurry.

After applying two coats. I love Revlon polishes. The formula is much more opaque and less streaky than Essie. More affordable than OPI.

I've worn Tropical Temptation twice now, and I'm convinced it really is a beautiful true coral. The next time you're at the drugstore, see what you think!

I also want to thank everyone who commented and gave me feedback on my last post. After looking through tons of pics online, I have decided that this is what I want my hair to look like:

Olivia Palermo. I love the color, just a couple of shades lighter than what I have now so it won't be too much of a change. In fact, I really think this is very close to my natural color! I just love everything about her hair and am definitely bringing these photos with me to the salon the next time I go.

~Photos found using Google~

Happy Wednesday!

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Do Blondes Really Have More Fun?

Hmmmmmm, I'm not so sure about the answer. I'm sure some do! I remember when I was in high school, I seriously envied the blondies. I couldn't afford to go to a salon at the time, so my mom took me to a beauty school where some random student proceeded to pour orangey looking dye all over my head. I knew it was going to turn out a disaster, but I was too meek to say anything to the poor guy. He looked terrified after he was done. I kinda just dealt with it. Needless to say, it was at that very moment that I realized I liked being a brunette. I liked it so much that I actually dye my hair a couple shades darker, and so has been the case for a year and a half. It's definitely easier to maintain, and I never have to worry about tell-tale roots. But my dear readers, I am bored. My best friend just dyed her hair a beach blonde and it looks amazing on her. She has inspired me to perhaps make the blonde move, but I am so scared of my hair turning orange again. I think maybe some light brown highlights are the way to go. I guess I don't want to be blonde, I just want to be lighter. Sunkissed. Beachy. You get the picture. Here are some that girls that I love.

Or maybe I can just use my old hair for inspiration. This was about two years ago when I was in Maui

What do you girls take into consideration when changing hair color? Any advice?

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Ode to Zara

I originally found out about Zara's massive sale from Veronika's post. I admit that I'm not too familiar with the store, being that there is only one remotely close to where I live and that one is about an hour and fifteen minutes away. Zara is sort of elusive here in southern California, and I have no idea why! It is slowly becoming my favorite place to browse, when I have a day off and can make the trip up to Orange County where it's located. The sale they were having was huge. Everything in the store seemed to be marked down and I tried a half a dozen things on in the dressing room. Unfortunately, most of the tops were too big and flowy. I like flowy this time of year, the bohemian look is perfect for hot weather! But, the tops I tried on made me look like I was in my third trimester (adorable if you're preggers, not so much when you're not). I tried a cute floral dress as well, but that one also seemed to be too loose and I tried it in an X-Small. I wish I had my camera with me that day so I could do a fitting room review. A lot of my favorite bloggers have been doing those lately, and they are so fun to read! I guess next time I shop I'll be sure to bring my camera. Anyway, I didn't leave with much, only two purchases. But I love what I got, and I can't wait to go back again soon.

Ok, I know I have a love affair with the nude shoes and I need to stop! But these were so exceptionally pretty. I love the patent quilted leather. They reminded me of Chanel. When you are short like I am, any shoe that will make stubby legs appear longer are a must-buy.

This printed top fit me perfectly. I like the solid contrast of the navy collar. I actually wore this to work yesterday with gray pants and my black Zara flats that I wore in New York.

Two little deals that I was excited to snag. I can't wait to wear my new heels.

Have a safe and happy 4th Readers!

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