Purchases of 2015 #2

Is it really June? Come on, someone has to be pulling my leg because I don't believe it. In late February, I did my first post about my purchases thus far in 2015. Since then, I've definitely added a few more things to my closet. I've even added basics I've had on my wishlist for years, which is great because I am making the effort to stick to a budget and a plan. Keeping a list of things I need (or okay, things I want) is absolutely the best way to hold myself accountable while shopping. It's easy to get caught up in trends, but unless you have a ton of disposable income, that isn't realistic and is usually followed by regret. So, with this all in mind, here are my purchases from March through now.

I linked to everything that is still available online. 

Asos pumps

Express white dress

Express floral barcelona cami

Express knot front tee (I also just got another in white)

Express lace kimono, Sole Society flats

Target peplum jacket

Olivaceous dress worn as tunic

Nordstrom dress and (nude clutch - wishlist item)

LOFT white jeans

(LOFT denim jacket - wishlist item), White House/Black Market sandals

I also got these flats from Forever 21, but am exchanging them for a 7 instead of 6.5. They were too snug so I'm hoping the 7's do the trick!

It's safe to say I am a total Express addict. I knew it before so this isn't some sort of revelation, but I was chuckling as I was compiling these pictures. Hey, their sales are great and I rarely buy anything full price. You shouldn't either. 

Next on my list? Well, not much really! I always have my eyes on new handbags and shoes, and I actually just got this one.

I also wouldn't mind adding a couple more basic tees and a colorful maxi dress to my Summer wardrobe. But I'm going to stay on my best behavior and stick to classic pieces I can wear often. 

What have you added lately? Any bad purchases you regret?

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pretty new things

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Mine was sheer perfection, if I do say so myself. The holidays are often a stressful time for me, but for whatever reason, this year's festivities have been surprisingly relaxed. I think any time away from work and instead spent with loved ones is what I'm currenty craving.

Did anyone do any sales shopping? I try to avoid black Friday, and I did this year too...well, almost. I did stop at the mall very quickly on the way to San Diego. Needless to say, I didn't last long. I also ordered a couple things online, which is so much easier!

After months (maybe even a year) of lusting, I finally plopped down for this J. Crew beauty (25% off)

I still love bubble necklaces, and this one from Baublebar (a collaboration with Atlantic-Pacific) will be perfect to add lady-like polish to my outfits.

My very first Henri Bendel purchase! Although many of their pieces are quite expensive, this little crystal ring was just right for me. Love it!

The Gibson equestrian blazer is available for half the price at Nordstrom Rack! I purchased one in gray, and the green (it's a bit brighter in person) shown above. If you have a Rack near you, go check them out! It sells for $98 at a regular Nordstrom, but I scored two for the price of one at my Nordstrom Rack.

Happy Shopping,

♥ Noelle

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Retail Therapy

This is a shopping post. It doesn't get much deeper than that. I suppose no apologies are needed as I'm preaching to the choir ;)

Essie nail polish in: Bikini so Teeny, Bazooka, and Lights

Much brighter in person

M.A.C blush in full of joy
I had to try it after Laura's recommendation. Sadly, it is limited edition which reminds me why I don't even bother with collections anymore.

From the Nordstrom anniversary sale:

Frenchi Vanity Tweed Jacket
Doesn't have much hanger appeal. In fact, it looks sort of pathetic here. But it's very sweet in person, and I'm always a sucker for a little tweed jacket in the Fall. Paired with denim, it looks instantly pulled together. I was joking with my friend that this won't see the light of day until November.

Lily White Lace Shorts in Taupe
After lusting after lace shorts on countless bloggers (including this favorite ), I wanted to give them a try.

Ivanka Trump Abello Flat in Light Beige (Nordstrom Exclusive)

Chic and versatile.

Rose Oversized Link Strand - Baublebar

Beautiful statement necklace that doesn't need anything else!

Did you pick anything up from the anniversary sale? Share in the comments!

♥ Noelle

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New Season

A new season means...

Pretty blouses from Forever 21

Spring-worthy nail polish in feminine, fresh shades

Small pictures hanging on my wall that remind me where I'd love to go (Paris and New York, again)

What is getting you in the mood for Spring?

♥ Noelle

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Recent Acquisitions

Nordstrom brand houndstooth scarf

 screams Winter and I've always wanted a scarf in a houndstooth print

Hue leggings from Nordstrom

Super thick, comfy, and warm. They are quite long on me, but if they are folded under, scrunched, or covered by boots, they work just fine.

Loft

The site is down so I apologize that I can't link this pretty sweater scattered with sequins. I got it in the petite sizing, 50% off

Loft

Again, no link but I tried it on in-store and this leopard print is really pretty and more sophisticated than some I've seen. I will most likely wear it to a Christmas party my fiance's work is hosting next weekend.

Now for the sad face: I ordered this pretty clutch from Lodis last week, in the burgundy color. Well I got a call today informing me that the burgundy is sold out and discontinued. I will be refunded, but am still bummed. The color would have been perfect for the season! I am still tempted by the black, but am on the fence. 

I was actually surprised at how uninspired I was this past Black Friday/Cyber Monday to shop. I did hit the mall once, but everything was picked over by the time I got there.

Did you girls brave the sales? What did you get?

♥ Noelle

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Weekend Shopping & Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July everyone! And, happy birthday, America!

I hope everyone is loving the long holiday weekend as much as I am. It is definitely needed. I did a little bit of shopping on Friday and I wanted to share the things I got. I don't do these posts as often as I used to, mainly because I think showing new clothes in outfits or doing reviews about the makeup I buy is more useful to you as readers. But, sometimes it's fun to just do a shopping post.

The obligatory "haul".

Gorgeous, flattering dress from Zara. It's part of their new collection and it was the last one in my size (small). I love the pretty lace. The cotton is extemely soft and it's so comfortable I could sleep in it. Don't worry girls - I won't.

I love the little keyhole in the back. The tiny button looks like an abalone shell. Can't wait to wear this. It's such a soft nude that I think I could pair it with just about anything.

How would you wear it? What colors/shoes/accessories?

 I'm thinking brights! Then with other neutrals come Fall.

This flowy chiffon top is from Nordstrom. Notice a nude theme?

Again, I'm all about the details.

From Ulta: China Glaze Shocking Pink (neon). Remember this post? Yup, still into the whole dayglo thing. I've been searching for Essie's Pink Parka, but can't find it. I think the China Glaze is close enough!

I also got one of NYX's new Soft Matte Lip Cremes and a trial size of Living Proof's No Frizz Wave Styling Creme. My hair is a frizzy bleeping mess this time of year and I am so tired of blowdrying it. Hopefully this is a miracle, but I'm very skeptical.

Reviews/swatches of everything to come!

I also picked up a couple more polishes, two very very special nail polishes. That will be my next post.

~Noelle

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Beauty Shopping

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed, Dior Amber Diamond SkinShimmer, NYX Bronzing Stick in Tango and Highlight, Essie Nail Polish in Topless and Barefoot, and Orly Polishes in Fancy Fushia and Pixy Stix

I went on a little shopping rampage after holding myself back from buying too much makeup. I have been lusting after the Tarte Amazonian Clay blushes since they were released, the color Exposed in particular. I don't own any tawny/bronze blush in my collection and since I have countless corals and pinks, I think a more natural option will be great to layer this Summer.

What's not to adore about Dior? I have never purchased Dior anything. Amber Diamond is gorgeous. It came with a lux velvety pouch that I plan on traveling with. I love this powder because it leaves behind a candlelit sheen, more of a glow really. I can't explain the texture. It looks shimmery in the pan, but it isn't shimmery on the skin. It's oddly fascinating and I recommend swiping one at Sephora the next time you can. I'm amazed by it!

I'm also excited that I finally found Essie's Topless and Barefoot. Beauty Gurus promise that this is THE PERFECT nude. I'm skeptical, but hopefully it's as pretty as it is in the bottle.



P.S. - My boyfriend and I are going to Las Vegas for my birthday in September! I know it's still a ways out, but since we are saving for more important things, we aren't planning a big vacation this year like we normally do. Instead, the Aria will be our mini vacay destination for 2011. Vegas is a wonderful birthday spot, although I've never been on my own birthday. I'm already planning my outfits. Yeah, I'm OCD like that.

Do you own any of the products I bought? Let me know! Oh and if anyone has stayed at the Aria, do tell me your experience :)

~Noelle

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~Current (happy) things~

Stacking bracelets 

A lovely package from Ella Pretty. It smells amazing! Thank you!

My rainbow colored necklaces hanging in my closet. My most recent additons front and center, begging to be played with.

A cute top from one of my favorite boutiques.

Hold the phone - a leopard print maxi? I've never even worn a maxi dress, let alone a printed version. I'm coming out of my shell =) Picture it with beaded sandals. Now I just need to have it hemmed a bit.

A find at JCPenny, MNG by Mango. Very speedy-esque.

Just some things that are making me giddy with glee. Summer is fastly approaching, and at this time last year I was just getting ready to graduate from college. I keep thinking about how much things have changed. For some reason, I can't completely process it all. Even my style is evolving. I used to be fearful of color, maxi ANYTHING on my short stature, and I'm just now trying out the stackable bracelets that I see on so many girls around California.

I hope you all are having a wonderful week! Thank you so much for reading.

♥ Noelle

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New, New, New

Happy Monday! I feel like I always begin the week by saying ," I hope you all had a wonderful weekend." The saying is a bit trite, but I really do hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was perfect because the boyfriend and I went to San Diego and visited my best friend and her boyfriend. We went for dinner and drinks and celebrated their upcoming move to Little Italy in the downtown area. I can't wait to see their new place!

I did some shopping last week and just quickly wanted to share some great finds. I must say, shopping for Spring has been such an eye opener for me this year. I am gravitating towards things I wouldn't normally pick up, like lots and lots of color! And patterns! This new self discovery is just what my drab wardrobe has been needing.

Leopard chiffon blouse, H&M.

This skirt is form-fitting without being too tight. The camera didn't pick up the detail of the pattern, which is very unique. It's a white background with a mix of deep purple and navy. This was a steal at Forever 21.

I've been searching for a pair of nude or camel colored ballet flats and Zara once again came to the rescue.

What I wore Saturday, new necklace from Forever 21 and ring from H&M.

Candy colored rings from H&M, MAC cremeblend blush in Something Special, a repurchase MAC shadow in All That Glitters, and Revlon lipgloss in Shine City to layer over my bright lipsticks.

Did you do any shopping recently? Are you marking things off your Spring Wishlist?

♥ Noelle

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Come Shopping With Me! Sort Of.

I always go alone. And although I enjoy the "me" time it provides, having a partner in crime in the dressing room would most definitely be helpful. Should I size up or size down? Does this color suit me? And the most obnoxious question in the world to tumble out of a woman's mouth, " Does this make me look fat?" Hey, it's an important question, one I can't really answer on my own. So I normally end up putting items on hold while I mull them over. Lately, and as part of my New Year's Resolution, I am only going home with things I love or need in my closet. I took a little trip to Forever 21 today, camera ready to take some dressing room shots.  I love seeing these posts on other blogs. However, there was only one problem: I forgot to charge my camera and I only got one picture of a dress I was trying on before it died! I was so disappointed! I think I actually cursed. With the loud music blaring throughout the store, nobody heard. I think.

This dotted number DID NOT come home with me. Cute, but way too baggy on top and I felt it was incredibly unflattering.

Then..........Camera died. But I was just getting started! Hmmmmmmm.

However, I found the dress that did come home with me on the website.

Forever 21

Love the pockets, the tiny cream polka dots against the black background, and the full lining. It's been very chilly here, but I can't wait to wear this with a skinny belt, cardigan, and my new heels.

While reading Veronika's Blog, I noticed that many girls were recommending Nine West's Ambitious Pumps. I've been searching for platforms, and the hunt continues. I tried several pretty pairs on,  But they were all either far too tall for me or out of my price range. But then these caught my eye and I remembered the raves they received on her blog. They aren't platforms, but they are gorgeous and extremely comfortable. I would say the heel height is about three inches which is perfect. I love the classic look and  shiny patent is beautiful if done correctly.  

So overall, my attempt at taking you with me to shop was a giant fail. I love the idea, so my next attempt will be better. I promise.

Thank you for reading,

♥ Noelle

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