8.29.2010

At the ripe old age of twenty-five, I still get mistaken for an eighteen year old. Flattering? It should be, but somehow it makes me feel a bit self-conscious. I chalk most of this up to my height. At five feet two inches short, most people my age tower over me. So many of my friends are tall, and they wear their heels with pride. I, on the other hand, am caught wearing flats about eighty percent of the time. I love a good heel just as much as the next girl, but there is something about little ballerina shoes that make me feel so gosh darn happy, so light and care-free. I must have been a dancer in a past life. There is nothing more chic (IMO) than a great flat paired with skinny jeans and a jacket. My go-to look!

Recently acquired: Emerald green from Zara, Charcoal gray from Gap. It's the last day for the Give and Get coupons, so run out today if you get the chance!

I'm still planning on treating myself to these for my birthday:


And who wouldn't want these on their feet?


I think no matter your size or height, you should wear whatever makes you happy, and with total confidence. I'll keep my feet planted firmly on the ground ;)

♥ Noelle

8.27.2010

...Hello September! September is my favorite month of the year. It's my birthday month, so maybe I'm a little biased. With the sweltering heat and the high humidity that has made its way to my neck of the woods, I am more than ready to bid farewell to August.
Not without compiling a favorites list, all beauty products:



~ NYC Blushable Creme Stick in Plaza Pink. How appropriate that I picked this little baby up while browsing Duane Reade in New York City. I have used this quite religiously over Summer, and since I haven't done favorites every month, I thought I needed to include it in this one. It is the perfect answer to lazy Summer days when you don't want to look "done" but also when you want a little flush to your cheeks. I am tempted to buy more!

~ Viktor and Rolf La Vie en Rose. I can check this off my beauty wishlist! When Katie and I went shopping this past Saturday, she convinced me (or I convinced myself) to take the plunge and buy my first designer perfume at Sephora. It was painful spending the 80 dollars, but so worth it. Very similar to the original Flowerbomb, but with some fruity notes. I should mention it is a Sephora exclusive.

~ MAC shadows in Shroom and Kid. Shroom is the best highlight color and Kid reminds me of Soft Brown. Both great for defining the eyes in a very natural way.

~ Benefit Powderflage. Some days, I skip concealer and just apply this baby pink silica powder to my under eye area. It brightens without getting cakey, and it stays put all day.

~ MAC pigment in Naked. Naked is my favorite pigment of all time! If I could only recommend one to buy, Naked would be it. It gives a nice sheen without being too shimmery. I use it as an all over wash of color on the eyes or to highlight my brow bone. One sheer swipe and I'm good to go. I love the brightening effect it gives, while still looking natural. Notice a theme this month?

~ Tresemme Dry Shampoo. I can't rave enough! This stuff works like magic at volumizing. I actually use it every day as a finisher once I've blown out and straightened my hair. It of course works well for its purpose ( waterless shampoo) but I just find it to be so good at adding some va-va-voom to my locks. The wonderful scent lasts all day!

~ Favorite lip combo of August: MAC Shy Girl cremesheen l/s and Revlon Super Lustrous l/g in Peach Petal. The best peachy-pink. What more can I say?

~ Fan brush by ELF cosmetics. I bought this on a whim before work one day, and I'm so happy I did. It applies powder to my cheekbones in one quick sweep, and the effect is so natural. Again, Natural is my August theme!


What are your favorites this month? Let me know in the comments below! Happy Friday ♥

8.25.2010

She's my dearest, most beloved friend in the entire universe, and also a real life style icon. We have always shared a love for clothes and cosmetics. In fact, it takes up quite a bit of conversation when we get together once or twice a month. This past weekend, Katie came up from San Diego to visit me, and we spent Saturday shopping and blabbing about our favorite pastime ;) Here are some questions that I asked her about her own personal style:

How would you describe your style?
Ever evolving. From week to week, month to month, season to season, year to year...I am constantly inspired by different things that help mold my style. I'd say typically, in Summer I drift more towards the bohemian look, and in Fall/Winter I like more classic cuts and pieces: pearls, blazers, neutrals with some jewel tones thrown in. Most of the time I can depend on good ol' Coco Chanel to inspire me, but not when it comes to her view on accessories! She says "When accessorizing, always take off the last thing you put on"...gals..I say only if you feel like it! I just love that extra flair or piece of jewelry . If you want to go with the bold necklace and bold bracelet and bold ring, flaunt it. You know what feels good on you. If you exude confidence in what you are wearing, others will pick up on that. So long story short, wear what makes you happy and what makes you feel good in that moment. It's just fashion. You can always change or take it off. Don't follow too many rules, just make your own. This is how our style icons got to where they are today.

 What is your biggest fashion pet peeve?
My biggest fashion pet peeve is when you can tell someone isn't comfortable in what they are wearing and are just trying to follow the trend..ladies..dress for your body, not just the trend. You can always admire a trend, but just put your own flair on it to suit you.

 What Fall trend or items are you most looking forward to?
Over the knee boots..flat over the knee boots. There is this little boutique near my house that had these black, suede, flat, over the knee boots last year and I am kicking myself for not splurging on them. The second I spot a similar pair, I am diving for them. That and just being able to throw on a classic trench or jacket. As we "speak", I am sweltering in this So-Cal humid weather and can't wait for it to be cooler out.

 What is your most coveted item?
I would have to say this black, velvet clutch with crystals on it from Banana Republic I got a few years ago. I LOVE this clutch. I swear I am going to carry it on my wedding day and hand it down to my daughter. Or son for that matter, lol. Hands down, every time I wear it out, I get so many compliments. It is rich, classic, a statement piece in itself. That, and a silver open heart Tiffany's ring my babe got me Christmas of '05.  I have a permanent tan line of it on my finger. He gave me that along with my favorite movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's. I thought it was rather clever for him to put together ;)

 Who are your fashion icons?
Audrey Hepburn- I love her effortless fashion sense. Some skinny pants, ballet flats, a button down, and some black winged liner. That is classic Hepburn.
Brigitte Bardot- I have a ton of hair! So much, at times i truly don't know what to do with it..so I have no choice most days but to have volume..so the easiest thing for me to do is to pin it back in what I call my classic "Bardot" look. I'd say 9 times out of 10, you will catch me sporting that hair...just love it..makes me feel glam, girly, classy and fun all in one. I just love vintage fashion from the '40s- '60s. Women (and men for that matter) looked so polished then. I feel like something was lost in fashion throughout the years. Going back to question one, many days, I like to feel "modern pinup"- polished, clean, with some winged liner and some bounce to my hair.

What item are you lusting after?
Michael Kors watch..white..enough said. And someday over the rainbow: a classic Chanel purse with my perfectly tailored, classic Chanel suit.

What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
Makeup: Lip gloss,eye-liner, and foundation with some SPF.
Non Makeup "items": Noelle, my babe, and a good book that I would never get sick of reading...

What fashion style irks you?
One word: Jersey!

To sum it up, fashion is my hobby. It's what makes the twinkle in my eye and my heart beat a little faster when I think of the things I want. Fashion is not saving lives, its not that important in the big picture of life.  But it does make me happy :) Now, I think it's appropriate to end this with one of my fave Chanel quotes: "The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud."..

Adieu for now..and thanks Noelle for letting me share on your lovely page..:) .



Awww, Thank You for letting me interview you! It was pretty cool doing this with her, a long time in the making. We share many of the same philosophies, and we are both inspired by many of the same things. (Who isn't inspired by Coco Chanel in some capacity?)

Katie and I last year? On her birthday.



She's an Auntie


She always has her "lips" on and always looks put-together!


Breakfast At Tiffanys



Katie's signature Bardot bump


I couldn't get pictures of some of the items she mentioned, like her vintage looking clutch. This was a spur-of-the-moment deal. But I'll be sure to share them with you if I ever remember to take pictures the next time I go to visit her! I hope you enjoyed reading! Happy Wednesday.
♥ Noelle

8.23.2010




Remember the dilemma I faced with the Nick and Mo jacket from Nordstrom? Well, I guess the third, errr, FIFTH time's a charm!


Yes, patience is a virtue. But the mistakes and hassles were well worth it because I love it so much. I am grateful that I got smart and went to talk to a Nordstrom customer service rep in person rather than over the phone. She was more than apologetic and even refunded my money. She made sure I would get the right item in the correct color this time. The jacket was put on a Nordstrom gift card, so it essentially turned out to be free ;) Thank You Nordstrom! My good faith in your service has been renewed.

I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend! I am looking forward to blogging about mine on Wednesday!

8.20.2010

Booties. Not only a huge Fall trend, but I think just a huge trend in general this year. The simple fact that they are referred to as "booties" makes me want a pair even more! I just can't decide what my perfect pair looks like: peep-toe or closed toe. Pointy or rounded. Velvet, suede, leather. Black or gray, the IT color for Fall. Ruffles, bows, platforms. So many options! I'd prefer to purchase only one really fabulous pair that I can wear with everything in my closet, from dresses and skirts to skinny jeans. Here are some booties that have caught my attention:

I like both the gray and the black suede. The added platform will make walking a bit easier!





How extravagant and gorgeous are these?





A sweet, unabashedly feminine shoe that would look amazing with a dress.





These Michael Antonio booties would go with everything! And they are inexpensive on Lulus.










Charlotte Russe has some great options at affordable prices. I really love the cuff detailing on these.


I completely regret not buying these JC's. They aren't really booties, but they offer the same type of feel. If I ever find these, I'm grabbing them!



What do you girls think of booties? Which are your favorites? Have a beautiful weekend!

 

8.18.2010

I first heard about the brand Phyto from Laura (Lollipop26) on YouTube. Since then, many other beauty bloggers and YouTubers have mentioned the brand and I became curious to try it. I love experimenting with different haircare products. Even when I find a certain product or brand that I love, I stray very easily and am always up for trying something else. A few months ago before I went on vacation to New York and Ohio, I bought a little travel pack of Phyto products at Ulta. The kit contained a Phytocitrus shampoo, a leave-in cream to tame frizz, and the restructuring mask which is essentially a very deep conditioner. I should mention that the Phytocitrus line is meant for those of us with color treated hair, but there are other types of products by the brand that vary in their purposes. The shampoo was nice, but nothing really unique in my opinion. The leave-in cream is also good, and I actually still have some left over from the trip. But the standout was definitely the restructuring mask, and so I went to Sephora a couple of weekends ago and forked over the cash - $38 dollars to be exact. I know what you're thinking. The price is...pricey. How can I justify it?
Pros:
~ This leaves my hair softer and silkier than any other deep conditioner I have ever tried. The ingredients contain: shea butter, grapefruit extracts, illipe plant butter, castor plant oil, and sweet almond protein.
~ Even after one use, the difference in my hair texture is noticeable, and I find that the results only intensify after continued use.
~ A little goes a long way! Once a week is really all you need. In between, I use Aussie's Deep moisture treatment, as well as Joico conditoner.
~ The consistency is very thick and rich, almost like a body butter.
~ The smell is slightly floral, but not overly so. I would say there really isn't much of a scent at all, which could actually be a con for some people who like their hair to be strongly scented after a shower.

Cons:
~ The hefty price tag. Once this runs out, I'll probably wait a while before repurchasing. This type of product is more of a luxury and so it's not something I would continuously buy over and over. I just wanted to treat myself!
~The trial size I previously got in the travel kit came in a tube, which I actually prefer. The tub can get cumbersome in the shower because water can get into it while I'm applying the mask to my hair. It's just a matter of preference though. I know a lot of people like tubs instead of bottles.

My recommendation if you are interested is to go to Ulta or Sephora and look into their travel size kits. It's a much better way to try a product before spending some extra money. The travel kits were about 12-15 dollars I believe.

  Any more questions? Feel free to ask if I've left something out!

8.16.2010

Happy Monday Everyone! I've missed you, I feel like I've been away from my little laptop for far too long. It's funny how attached to it I've become, despite the fact that I still have a lot to learn about technology. I hope you all had a great weekend as usual. Saturday I went to Los Angeles, in particular Hollywood. I was born in L.A., only live about two hours away, but had never fully experienced the magic of it. Millions of people travel to Hollywood from different parts of the world each year, and yet I had never even set foot on the walk of fame. A travesty of sorts I guess. The boyfriend and I had a great time just being tourists and enjoying the scenery. Such great people watching! I didn't really take too many pictures, but I did manage to do a quick outfit before we left:




Top: Ella Moss (Anthropologie)
White cotton eyelet shorts: Banana Republic outlet
Heeled sandals (actually very comfortable): TJmaxx
Necklaces: Lisa Taubes and HoH
Rings: Ann Taylor and a boutique
Bag: Michael Kors (TJmaxx)


Nails: Essie Boat house


We saw some great signatures at the Chinese Theatre. We were mainly interested in the old Hollywood actors ;)



Marilyn Monroe's hands. Bigger than mine!


What a legend!


Oh, and I wanted to post this from last weekend's shopping trip. I completely forgot! I will have a review of the Phyto hair masque on Wednesday.

~Phyto restructuring masque, NARS lipgloss in Albatross, MAC lipglass in Flurry of Fun. I saw the MAC gloss on my friend Katie and just had to find one for myself~


♥ Noelle

8.11.2010

I need to vent a little Readers, because well, who else is going to understand my fashion frustrations? I ordered this little jacket from Nordstrom. About a month ago.

Cute, right? I saw it on several blogs during the Anniversary Sale madness. I went to my store, but they informed me that the jacket was not available in my entire region. Not even 100 miles away from my region.
So I ordered it in Navy, size S.
When I received it in the mail, it was a horrid baby blue color.
I called Nordstrom, the lady was very sweet about the mix-up, and I exchanged it for the proper color.
It came in baby blue. TWO MORE TIMES!!! That color doesn't even exist on the website! It comes in heather gray, black, navy, eggplant, and taupe. No baby blue!
So the third time, I said I would take the black.
I come home from work today and to my dismay, I get a man's shirt. Not anything remotely resembling a jacket, period.


Does this look like the jacket?

Now, I love Nordstrom. I have been a loyal shopper for years now, and their customer service has never ever been short of stellar. But this is ridiculous! I'm just going to go to my Nordstrom in person instead of calling. If I can't get the jacket I want, then I'll be happy to at least get my money back.
Have any of you ever had a problem like this? It's just so surprising that this is stemming from such a reputable department store!
I still ♥ you, Nordies. But WTF?

8.09.2010

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend as usual. Thank you to everyone who commented on my Saturday post - the sweet compliments made me smile! I'm very happy that you all seem to enjoy date nights with the boyfriends/hubbys ;)
I did some shopping yesterday with my mom and I plan on sharing what I picked up sometime later this week. Work is extremely hectic right now, and so I don't have much time for myself again until Friday. But I always have time to do some quick swatches, these of a lipstick I got after I took six empty containers Back-To-MAC. I love a free lipstick! Technically not free since I spent a pretty penny on the six products I used up, but still a fun concept none the least. I picked out Shy Girl, my very first cremesheen. Love the name (it's appropriately titled for a girl like myself) and I love the soft peachy-pink color even more. I hope you aren't getting tired of my peach/pink/slightly coral lip colors. I have a problem and there's no help in sight!

No Flash


With Flash


On my lips.

I have read reviews that Shy Girl may run a little orange or a bit too light on some fair-skinned girls. I think this shade may look better on people with slightly more olive complexions, but I am not overly tan and I feel like it looks great. If you're uncertain if it will work for you, my best advice is to swatch it in person, and have one of the MUA's apply it on your own lips. That's what I did when I was hestitating at the counter, especially since you can't return lipsticks that you have Back-To-Mac for.
I will repurchase again and again! Aside from Nude Rose and Way To Love (both limited edition), Shy Girl is right there with my favorites. The cremesheen texture is a bit drying on my lips, and I still prefer lustres as they are slightly creamier and more glossy. However, some gloss on top solves the problem.

Do you own Shy Girl? What are your thoughts on the cremesheen formula?
♥ Noelle

8.07.2010

The boyfriend and I still date. I mean, we actually call going out for dinner, drinks, or a movie "a date." This perplexes some of our friends and family, considering we are way beyond the point of casual dating. Four and a half years into our relationship and everyone gives us a funny look when we say we are going on a date together. I mainly use these events on Friday or Saturday nights to get a little dolled up. And he does the same ;)





Halogen Pleat Shoulder Cardigan - Deep Gem. Highly, highly recommend! I want more.
White Tank: Forever 21 (Love 21)
Black Lace Skirt: Forever 21. I need more skirts! I wear this one to death.
Shoes: Nordstrom Rack
Necklace: Nordstrom, purchased eons ago.
Pewter Ring: Aldo



Ricky watched me get ready the whole time, and I had to shoo him away while I was taking pictures. I also have a puppy named Lucy, but she's camera shy ;)  (Stop laughing Katie!)

So where is a good place to buy skirts, because I need more in my wardrobe! I hope you all had a wonderful Friday!
♥ Noelle

8.04.2010

I normally lust after beautiful clothes and shoes, but recently I have formed a little wishlist of some beauty products that I have to have! Most of them are of the "higher end" variety, and thus why I am lusting and not buying. Hopefully one by one, I can check these off my list. Or wait for my birthday next month (are you reading this Boyfriend?)
Nars:
Rajasthan eyeshadow duo


Sephora Exclusive lipglosses (in Albatross and Luxor)
~Photos courtesy of Temptalia~


Viktor & Rolf:


Flowerbomb: La Vie En Rose. It's a bit more citrus than the original.


By Terry: Baume de Rose







Phyto: Hydrating botanical cream and Restructuring masque


They all look so luxurious. 

Oh, and I was reading my latest edition of InStyle last night and I came across this quote from Marc Jacobs, design genius. Interviewer: Do you feel you have an atypical vision of beauty? MJ: "Well, what one finds beautiful is subjective, and happily, so skin deep. I like imperfections. I'm just wired that way. It's how I see myself, I guess. Age doesn't matter. What matters more are people who are interested in the variety of life and exploring the life outside their comfort zone. People like Sofia Coppola are representative of this spirit. She is a mom, a daughter, and an artist. She has a special eye, a unique voice, and the curiosity to explore. Couple that with an unconventional physical appeal and what comes through is style - real style, as opposed to someone who is conventionally beautiful and radiates perfection. When you aren't handed the pass of physical beauty, you have to mine other talents, and sometimes that makes you more interesting." In a world filled with plastic surgery, youth obsession, and celeb wannabe's, his point of view is so refreshing. Just a thought to leave you with Readers, since I just compiled a "beauty" wishlist.
♥ Noelle


8.02.2010

As I have been reading all of your blogs from this past weekend, I can spot one giant commonality: What happened to the month of July? I can't believe how quickly the Summer is going by!

Anyway, I hope you all had a lovely weekend Readers. I certainly did =) I just wanted to show some goodies I picked up while doing some shopping. Luckily, my wallet didn't suffer too badly.

I made my first Anthropologie purchase! Can I just comment on how beautiful that store is? I know I'm behind the times, as many of you rave about Anthro but it was really my first time there! Upon entering, I was struck by the smell. It smelled like candles and flowers, two of my favorite things. I also loved the mix of clothing, furniture, books, and gorgeous jewelry like this:
***EDIT(8/3)*** Thank you to a reader for pointing out it is now on sale!
I read some pretty negative reviews online, mostly about the overall bulkiness of it, and how it doesn't lay flat against the skin. I have to completely disagree. I think this is really a beautiful statement piece, and it should be the focus of an outfit. I don't find it cumbersome at all. For the price, you definitely get what you pay for! I am in love with it and couldn't be happier with the color.

Also from Anthropologie, I got this sweet Ella Moss top with an Ikat print. I have been looking for something like this for awhile now and I love the fit of it. I think it will look great with shorts and gladiator sandals.


Aside from my first Anthropologie experience, there is a boutique by my work that was having a sale last week, so I bought this delicate little heart ring (resembling a pretzel, lol). I don't know the maker, but the saleslady told me that the line is based out of La Jolla (San Diego). My best friend used to work in La Jolla, so I instantly thought of her.
It's so light-weight, I can hardly feel it on my finger. LOVE!



Happy Monday!
♥ Noelle

P.S. The Rachel Zoe Project returns to Bravo tomorrow night for another season. *Happiness*