Cloudy Day

Trench (in petite size) - Loft, Skirt - Forever 21 (old) (similar here),  Lace blouse (underneath) - Zara (pretty option), Pumps - Nine West, Scarf - Target (similar), Bag - Chanel, Ring - YSL (Love this color), Lips - MAC Viva Glam Cyndi

This is my favorite outfit in my closet. Possibly my favorite outfit ever. As soon as I put on my new LOFT trench coat, this magical feeling came over me. You know the one. The feeling we all search for when we go shopping for that one special piece that will transform our wardobes and make us feel like queens. That feeling. The beauty of clothing is in the way certain items makes us feel. We may look like the best version of ourselves in it, but it transcends appearance. It alters our mood, and that my friends, is extremely powerful. So yes, fashion is frivolous. But there is some power in it too. Even on a windy, cold, and cloudy day, I floated on cloud nine :)

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Details {Gold Watch & YSL Le Orange}

Over the weekend, I stopped by Macy's and finally used a gift card that had been burning a hole in my wallet since last Christmas! How I managed to keep it around for so long I'll never know. I have been wanting a gold watch for quite some time, but wasn't sure I wanted to go with Michael Kors or another brand. After much deliberation, I opted for this one:

Reasoning? It doesn't have any rhinestones, and it's the perfect tone of gold. Not a super stark yellow, but not champagne either. I love that the middle of the band has a brushed look, while the rest of the watch is shiny. The quality is there. Not too heavy but it does have a nice weight to it. Did you know that Fossil actually makes Michael Kors watches? But, Fossil is typically less expensive which is why I went with it rather than a different brand.


After leaving Macy's, I had to stop next door to Sephora. I had heard that YSL had a fiery red lipstick called Le Orange ( # 13 in the Rouge Couture line). I had to take a peek. Nevermind that I sometimes feel like a little girl playing dress-up and experimenting with mommy's red lipstick. I was that little girl. And sometimes when I wear a red lip, I am transported back to that happy time, standing on my tippy toes in my mother's bathroom :)

c/o HelloCotton

After doing some research, I learned that Kourtney Kardashian is indeed a fan. Of course it looks a bit different on me, but it's still that same orange-red. I wore it all day Sunday and it never disappeared! Even at the end of the day, I still had a stain on my lips. If you are scared of color, this will probably be "too much" for you. Otherwise, I highly recommend it. One swipe (or a few light dabs if you want to play it safe) and you are good to go. I promise to wear it in a future outfit of the day.

Surprisingly, this is my first YSL lipstick. I doubt it will also be my last...

♥ Noelle

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Favorite Jewels

 "Fashion is nothing without accessories." I used to have that quote framed and hanging on my wall for good reason. I go crazy at the mere site of handbags, scarves, and especially jewelry. As much as I try to stay away from the sparkling treasures displayed under glass at J.Crew, or the racks upon racks of colorful bits at Forever 21, I always seem to wander over to the jewelry department. "How did I get here?" is what I end up thinking to myself as I walk away with yet another chunky necklace or pair of simple studs.

In an effort to try and reel myself back from buying more and more, I decided to instead appreciate the stand-out pieces already in my possession. I do have some clear favorites that I wear over and over. I know you've seen these at some point, so no real surprises I'm sure.

Rings

Necklaces

Bracelets & Earrings

They cross the spectrum from higher end (Chanel, YSL) to mid (Sonya Renee, J.Crew) to cheaper alternatives (Forever 21, H&M). I'm no snob! When it comes to jewelry, I love it all!

Of course, I will keep adding to my favorites. Bracelets are my new obsession this season, and I want to add more for layering purposes. But, I will be more discerning on future shopping trips. I think quality over quanitity wins out.

What are your favorite jewelry pieces? What are you looking to add to your own collection?

♥ Noelle

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just a splash

Leopard blouse - F21, Black Cardigan - Nordstrom, Scarf - F21, Jeans - BR, Pumps - Nine West, Jewelry - YSL and J. Crew, Lips - Hourglass lip stain in Petal with MAC Check This Out lipglass, Nails - Essie Watermelon

Just a splash...of color, that is. Sometimes I think of getting dressed the way I do when I make a cocktail. Nothing too overpowering, otherwise the whole thing is thrown off balance. But, sometimes a little something extra makes a world of difference.

Happy Friday!

♥ Noelle

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orange cardi

Cardigan & Blouse - Halogen via Nordstrom, Bracelet - J. Crew, Ring - YSL

This feels very Fall to me, and the more I think about it, slightly Spring too? I have never been a fan of the color orange on myself, but something about this cardigan made me grab it off the rack at Nordstrom. I also love the polka dot blouse, complete with a floppy little bow.

Oh, and funny story about both of my YSL rings (I'm wearing the turquoise). They are both size 5, and unfortunately, I wish I had purchased one of them in a 6 because I can only wear them on my middle finger. And, because I'm a freak of nature, they only fit on my left hand! I can't wear my engagement ring when I wear my artys as they knock into the delicate little thing and I'm scared they will cause it some damage. *Sigh* I know, it's a rough life right? :)

♥ Noelle

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Little Black Pants

leopard blouse - F21, black blazer with ruched sleeves - BP Nordstrom, skinny black jeans - Banana Republic, suede pumps - Anne Michelle, ring - YSL lapis arty, necklace - Jewelmint, bag - Chanel

I'm finding that little black pants are just as versatile as the little black dress. Yes, this is a lot of black and I normally don't don so much of it at once. But with some leopard print peeking out from my blazer and a tiny hint of lapis from my ring, I felt that these details were enough for a night out on the town.

♥ Noelle

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Zara Dress {Love}

Simple makeup, just a taupe eyeshadow (Mac Smoke & Diamonds) and pink lips (NYX Soft Matte Lip Creme in Istanbul)

With such a simple dress, it's always about the accessories

Nails - Essie Meet me at sunset, Ring - YSL arty ovale

Bag - MNG by Mango, Shoes - Guess (old)

This dress is by far a favorite in my closet. Soft cotton lace, and a great fit.

Thank you Zara.

~Noelle

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pink POP

When it comes to Summer, there is nothing I love more than hot pink. Saturated, bright, lift your spirits pink. Nothing better!

Two of my favorites. Opaque and easy to work with.

On my fingers: Orly in Fancy Fuchsia.

I love the Barbie Mattel pink with my YSL Lapis ring.

This is quite possibly the most unique lip product I've ever tried. A cross between a gloss, lipstick, and a stain! Love it! It applies like a gloss or liquid lipstick, then dries to a matte finish. I recommend topping it off with a good lip balm.

~Noelle

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Craving: Colorful Stones & an Oversized Clutch

Spring has sprung! I actually dislike that phrase, and is it really officially Spring? Someone let me know! But the weather has been changing in southern California, and although my allergies are bothering the heck outta me, the warm temps and long afternoons are making me feel as giddy as a schoolgirl. At this time last year, yours truly was getting ready to graduate from college, saving up a bit for a trip to New York City and Ohio, and, most importantly, adding new dresses and little tank tops to my wardrobe. I find the transition from Winter to Spring to be somewhat tedious. I stare blankly into my teeny-tiny closet and wonder what in the world I'm going to do with all of my big coats and sweaters. I really have no where to put them! Lately, I've been exposing my arms and legs, and that in itself is daunting. Pale girl, over here! Nothing some L'oreal Bronzing Gel won't fix =)

And nothing that my current fashion cravings won't fix either! I am loving colorful stone jewelry and oversized clutches that will take me from day to night.

Helios Posts - Anthropologie

Envious Ring - Anthro

Areito Necklace - Anthro

♥♥♥ Anthropologie has a great selection of colorful baubles ♥♥♥

My collection ~ I think I have a good start.

I want these pretties tucked under my arm:

Leatherette Chain Clutch - Forever 21

Medium Leather Carry-All Pouch - American Apparel

YSL Belle de Jour - Via Nordstrom

Dying over this!

What's putting you in the mood for Spring?

♥ Noelle

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Lapis Of Luxury

Last Monday, I was mindlessly stalking various websites in hopes of finding the Lapis YSL ring. I came across my size 5 on the Saks site and I think I literally gasped! I ordered right away, because I knew it would sell just as quickly as it had before, when I thought it was finally going to be mine (I'm talking to you Net-A-Porter!) I was right. I checked the site again on Tuesday, and the lapis was gone.

The color is even more brilliant in person. The stone glows.

My Arty family is now complete.

Edit: For you, Nicole =)

I hope everyone is having a good week so far!

♥ Noelle

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Fashion is nothing without accessories

Cardigan - LOFT, Tank - H&M, Jeans - Banana Republic, Boots - BCBGeneration, Beenie - Macy's,

Ring - YSL Arty

"Fashion is nothing...without accessories." That little quote hangs on my wall right next to my vanity. It has a picture of a tiny brass purse. For me, this statement rings true. When I peek into my closet, the things I love the most are my bags, shoes, and jewelry. And now, my one and only beenie can be added to that list.

Have a great weekend!

♥ Noelle

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Little Wishes Do Come True

I am sorry for my lack of blogginess readers. I wasn't planning on taking a mini hiatus but well, it happens. No need for apologies I know, but I miss you when I'm away from my computer. I can't believe how much blogging has enriched my life. I think it's become more than a hobby of sorts - I truly feel like I've found a home here and I just wanted to thank you again for being so kind and supportive.

Did you all have a wonderful Christmas? Mine was pleasant, but I feel like I've gained a million pounds! All of the goodies that my boyfriend's family made has spoiled me rotten. That coupled with that fact that I haven't worked out since I bruised my tailbone is forcing me to place "Work out, eat healthy" on the top of my New Year's resolution list. Typical, right?!

I decided to take the plunge and buy two pieces of jewelry for myself. I didn't feel so guilty because my Christmas shopping was done and I had some extra money saved up:

I bought these at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. My first Chanel purchase! It was difficult bypassing the gorgeous quilted bags, but I can at least afford a pair of gorgeous quilted earrings.

The YSL Arty Oval Ring in turquoise.

I couldn't be happier with them! My plan is to buy a pretty, old-fashioned jewelry box to store my treasures in. Did any of you buy anything for yourselves this Holiday Season? I couldn't resist!

♥ Noelle

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