12.29.2011

I'm not sure anyone loves New Years Eve as much as I do. For me, it's a day of quiet introspection. I ask myself questions such as What did I accomplish this year? Did I do the best I could? What do I need to change? I remember the fond memories, and say a silent prayer that the new year brings health and happiness to all those I love. Then the day turns into night and I let it all go, ready for a fun time ahead! 

I like the clean slate feeling that the new year brings. Maybe I have been slacking in certain areas, and I became too lazy or too complacent to change them. The start of a new year reminds me that I can get back on track, that I can start again. If I want to, I can change.

And let's face it: New Years Eve is that perfect night to put on some glitz and wear a pretty party dress. No questions asked, cuz everyone else is covered in sequins and glitter too.

I always plan my outfit weeks in advance, although I don't always stick to the plan. Here's what I am (probably) going to wear Saturday night:

Black strapless lace dress from Express (last seen way back HERE)

Topped off with a black blazer

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These shoes

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This clutch

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This makeup

And these nails



Jewelry is still undecided, but that's always the fun part for me. The not so fun part of my NYE story -  I'm battling a horrendous cold and I hope it goes away quickly!
 OOTD to come :)


Before I go, I want to wish my fiance a *Happy 30th Birthday*
I love you babe, you have always been the brightest part of my life! I can't wait to marry you!

See you next year everyone!
♥ Noelle

12.28.2011

       
                                                              
                                         
                               

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                      









                                   

                                          
                                                                                                                     




Oh, and I said YES!



What will you remember about 2011?

As always, thank you SO MUCH for reading, commenting, and being a part of my life.
♥ Noelle

12.26.2011




I ordered these shoes from LOFT about two weeks ago, and they were 40% off. They are an insanely sparkly mass of charcoal colored glitter.
Most definitely the prettiest (and highest) heels I own. They will be on my feet NYE :)




OPI polishes in Designer...De Better! & Crown Me Already





I'm still not tired of the "accent nail." I painted my ring fingers with the silvery glitter polish, and the rest of my nails glistened with the silvery taupe. Other colors like milky pink, deep purple, and mint are on my list to pair with the silver glitter accent nail. Mere's nails are also on my radar. I think it's so festive for the Winter season, don't you? Again, my nails will be painted this way for New Years.

On another note, I think I'm going to finally give in and get a professional manicure. I pride myself on my ability to take good care of my nails, but this weather is wreaking havoc on my poor, dry hands. I slather them in oils, salves, and lotion but nothing seems to cure the dryness. I think I overwash my hands, but I am terrified of germs and illness this time of year. Any suggestions for me, or any standout products that you girls use?

Thanks!
♥ Noelle

12.21.2011

Let me preface this by saying that this is my new favorite outfit in my closet. And I don't mean in any way to sound like my head is up in the clouds or I'm tooting my own horn. But there has to be just one outfit in every girl's wardrobe that makes her feel instantly pretty and confident, that special outfit that epitomizes her personal style. This is that outfit for me.









Dress - H&M, Tights - Express, Pumps - Nine West, Clutch - ASOS, Bracelet - TJMaxx, Earrings - F21




This evening, the fiance and I did some very last minute Christmas shopping and treated ourselves to dinner before making our way through the chaos of harried shoppers. We never go out on a weeknight, and it was fun to break up the monotony of the work week. Equally fun was my snake print dress, paired with my suede ASOS clutch and a rose gold/marcasite bracelet from TJ-Maxx.


♥ Noelle

12.20.2011

In the past, there were some things I would never have imagined wearing. Why? Because I didn't think I could pull them off.  Shorts and tights, an ever popular trend these days, would most certainly have been one of them. I'm still trying to figure out what possessed me to try it out. I don't like to take risks, and in my mind, shorts with tights are super tricky. Scary even.


I even added a scarf (because I was chilly).
Teal top and tights - Express, Blazer - Frenchi via Nordstrom, Shorts - H&M, Suede pumps - Anne Michelle, Bracelet - TJ Maxx, Scarf - Angl, Bag not shown - Chanel


Fashion bloggers work miracles on girls like me. I didn't think I could wear something so far outside of my comfort zone, but somehow I did. I really like the dark colors in the outfit, which is an instant way for me to try something new or trendy without feeling like I'm saying, "look at me!" I think the charcoal cotton shorts are also a safer option, and they seem more appropriate for evening, the only time I would consider such an outfit for myself.

So what's the worst that could happen anyway? Having someone tell you that you don't look so hot? It's not the end of the world ;)

Would you ever wear something completely outside of your safe zone?
♥ Noelle

12.18.2011

Now that it's almost Winter, I thought I'd take inventory and let you girls know what products I used consistently throughout the Fall season. I used much less makeup than I thought I would, purely out of laziness I might add. I focused on enhancing features I like, instead of really getting creative and coming up with different looks. I hope this little list of favorites doesn't bore you all, but at least we know what really works.


Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed is a tawny, natural color that goes with everything. I wore this blush the entire month of November, and so far every single day this month too. I sort of feel guilty for abandoning my other pretty blushes, but this really is a no-brainer. I've also been using it to contour, and I find that I don't even reach for bronzer because this gives my complexion a nice glow on its own.


I'm a huge fan of highlighters in the colder months. Amber Diamond by Dior gets rave reviews on Temptalia, YouTube, Sephora, and on MUA. Women of all ages find that it leaves a soft sheen and not an overly glittery or greasy mess. I think it would be flattering on everyone. I have been using it not only on my cheekbones, but also on the apples of my cheeks. I love it.

{I just wish I could find Laura Mercier's Rose highlighter, it's strikingly gorgeous! If anyone knows where I can get my grabby hands on one, please email me!}



As much as I love my UD Naked palette, this one by Too Faced has won me over. The colors are soft and eye brightening. I have been reaching for these shadows over any others in my collection. They all work together to create the perfect naked eye. I use this palette mainly for work.



I've already talked about the Maybelline Define -A-Brow and my Kirkland spoolie brush from Costco. These are the tools I use to amp up my eyebrows.



As for lips, I haven't been reaching for one in particular. I try to wear a different lipstick every day. Favorites include the Revlon Lip Butters, my MAC lipsticks in See Sheer and Shy Girl, a lip stain by TheBalm, Stila's Paramour, and lip balms from Korres, Victoria's Secret, and Fresh.


Let's see what products Winter has in store :)
♥ Noelle

12.15.2011






Top - ASOS (love!), Jeggings - BR, Nude pumps - Steve Madden, Necklace - J. Crew, Ring - YSL, Nails - Essie Limited Addiction, Lips - Revlon Fuschia



This is completely random, but have you seen What's Eating Gilbert Grape? I feel like it's a cult classic. A younger Johnny Depp and a much much younger Leonardo Dicaprio in their first leading roles. It always brings me to tears. Remember that scene with Gilbert and his mother towards the end of the film? "Your my knight in shimmering armor Gilbert." Gilbert corrects her and says, "It's knight in shining armor momma." She replies, "No, it's knight in shimmering armor. You shimmer and you glow."

I hope we all have a knight in shimmering armor in our lives. I know I certainly do :)

Random. I know!

So, this has nothing to do with my outfit. Except my top is super shimmery, and it almost glows in soft lighting. *Smiles and scrunches nose*

♥ Noelle

12.14.2011

An obligatory shopping post. It doesn't get much deeper than that! I placed an order on ASOS a couple of weeks back, went to H&M over the weekend, and used an old (I mean years old) gift card at TJ-Maxx. How I managed to save it for as long as I did, I have no idea. Luckily, everything in this post is under $60 dollars.


From ASOS:
My first time ordering, and I am super impressed!


Gorgeous natural suede envelope clutch in a cranberry maroon color. Since Lodis let me down, this was a perfect alternative. The brand is Pieces.



A shimmery pale gold dolman top. I love metallics for Winter.

The brand?


The great thing about ASOS is that they constantly update you about your package, so you're not left wondering where in the heck your order is. I will definitely order from the site again in the future.


H&M:
I saw this dress on Chloe Here, and have been looking for it ever since. Well, I finally found one! {Cue angels singing}

I've never been much of a snake print girl, you know I go more for the leopard. But the way this dress is cut? Great on petites! I just find it very flattering and bold.


TJ Maxx:
This is what happens during a work break.


Pretty Chanel inspired flats at a wonderful non-Chanel price (they were 24 dollars!)
The cap toe is like a patent leather, the cream part is suede. Love at first sight. They are also supremely comfortable.
The sparkly beaded bracelet was also super affordable, and I have been wanting one like it to wear out at night.



Will you be seeing all of these pretty things in outfits of the day? Oh yes you will ;)

Happy shopping,
♥ Noelle

12.11.2011







Black lace top and glitter clutch - Express, Cardigan - LOFT, Skirt - Banana Republic, Patent pumps - Nine West, Necklace and Earrings - F21, Nails - OPI Royal Rajah Ruby




...To wear lots of sparkle and glitter, paint your lips and nails ruby red, play with textures, and tie a pretty bow on everything - including yourself.

This is what I wore Saturday night to take Christmas pictures with my fiance's family, followed by a raucous time at his work's holiday party.
Let's just say I needed my migraine meds this morning ;)


♥ Noelle

12.08.2011

Some people say that part of being a beauty blogger/addict is the excitement that comes from trying new products. For me, it's easy to find something I love and then continue to repurchase. I am a creature of habit, so when I find a great item I have a tendency to go back to it time and time again. On the occasion I venture out, more often than not I am disappointed. However, I have found three products that I am loving lately, and using them on a daily basis. In fact, these products are now part of my makeup routine.


I initially learned about these face wipes from Tiffany D. You girls all know her I'm sure. She claimed that these are the wettest makeup remover towlettes she has ever tried. Sold!

The Pond's wipes were on sale at Target, so I grabbed some. She is so right about how moisturizing they are. They are dripping wet! So wet that you feel like you've just bathed after using one. I am able to remove all of my makeup, even waterproof mascara or hard to remove mascara like Benefit's They're Real! 

I really enjoy the quilted texture of each cloth. You really feel like it's removing every trace of makeup.

I will repurchase without a doubt.



I have been getting my eyebrows waxed by the same lady for a year and a half now. When I first started seeing her, our main goal was to fill in the sparse areas that had been overtweezed during my teen years. I also wanted to thicken them up, which has taken forever! My brows are still (over a year later) a work in progress, but I am very happy with them overall for the first time in my life. I love the shape of them. I get them waxed every three months, and I DO NOT TOUCH THEM AT ALL in between. I actually threw out my tweezers! She advised me to use a pencil or a powder to give the appearance of thickness, and I decided to try this on a whim:


Maybelline Define-A-Brow. I use the shade Dark Brown.

I lightly brush my brows with a spoolie. The pencil comes with a little comb on one end, but I don't find it useful. After I brush my brows with a spoolie, I use light strokes to fill in some spots where the hair is sparse. Then I comb and blend them again with the spoolie. I think the look is extremely natural.


My brows look thicker and fuller. I'm a happy gal!



With all of the dark lipsticks and stains I've been wearing this Fall, I decided to finally buy a lip liner. I never thought I needed one because my lips are naturally quite full. However, especially with the Revlon Lip Butters, I was noticing a lot of bleeding and messy smudges along my lower lip line. I needed a liner to keep it all in place. During the Sephora VIB sale, I spied this liner and was intrigued.

The unique part is that it goes on completely clear! According to TooFaced, "Borderline is a matte, colorless lip pencil designed to fill in and virtually erase vertical lip lines while it locks down your favorite lip products." Perfect! Why have I not seen more companies come out with something like this before? It's wonderful because you can use it with any and every single lip product you have. No worries about matching your lip pencil to your lipstick because it's colorless. I also agree that the tiny lines and cracks in your lips virtually disappear after using this. Brilliant!


Oh, I must mention this adorable little sample of Chanel's Beige perfume. How cute is it?! The scent is very pretty, softer than other Chanel perfumes I've tried.



Have you tried these products? What is something new to your routine that you're loving lately?

♥ Noelle