Holiday Shopping and My Must-Haves

I may be the only blogger who doesn't enjoy shopping on Black Friday, or during the Holidays for that matter. It gives me the worst anxiety being out amongst throngs of people making mad dashes for just about anything with "sale" listed. I do however carefully watch from a distance, usually during a coffee or lunch outing. Nate and I can't help but laugh at all of the craziness. Some of it is just too much for my nerves.

I can't even remember if I created gift or sale guides in the past, but I thought it would be useful this year to remind you ladies about my must-haves in the style and beauty departments. I myself have already done some early shopping, picking up another twill moto jacket from Express (they are back in stock and in all colors from what I could see). So here we go:

From Express:

Said twill moto jacket, here in Leijune 

(I got another in Stone. For reference, I take a size 8 in these jackets)

Barcelona Cami

(I have one in white, black, and recently just purchased pink for my upcoming Oahu trip)

Sweater Leggings

(Comfortable and thicker than your average)

The Portofino shirt

(Comes in so many colors and prints and is my ultimate must-have)

From Loft:

Petite moto jeans

(But all of their denim is great, and for the price, I highly recommend giving them a try)

Chambray shirt, similar

From Sole Society & J.Crew:

Sole Society makes the cutest, most feminine shoes! And the best part? They are affordable! They are available through their own site, or at Nordstrom. 

Olyvia pumps

I love J.Crew for more luxurious pumps, although I don't splurge often. I do think that when they are are on sale though, it's time to jump! My favorite are the blue pumps pictured above, but I also love their mirrored metallic pumps.

Valentina Pumps

**I've heard through the grapevine that my other standard shop spots like Banana Republic and Old Navy will also have sales for Black Friday.**

As for beauty, I highly recommend stocking up on gift sets at Sephora and Ulta. You really can get a lot for your money. Not to mention gift cards always come in handy. Some of my suggestions:

Urban Decay Naked Basics 2

Soap & Glory Hand Food for stocking stuffers 

(I'm on tube numero dos)

Other sales include Stella & Dot and Benevolent Jewels for pretty bits and baubles. I'm eyeing two pieces from Elizabeth Stone, formerly known as Oia Jules. That may be the extent of my "me" shopping.

I hope this was somewhat helpful in case you're brave enough to venture out into the shops this weekend. If not, there's always Cyber Monday. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I'll be back next week after a nice break with family and friends. As always, thank you for stopping by and reading :)

Continue the post

Oh, Pretty Things...

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

Continue the post

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

Continue the post

Zoya

While reading Tiffany's latest blog post, I learned two things: 1) I love her cozy sweater and beautiful new Prada booties and 2) now's the perfect opportunity to try Zoya nail polish. I have heard excellent reviews on the brand, but I can't find it anywhere and have always been hesitant of ordering online. Tiffany mentioned that Zoya is giving away three free nail polishes with the promo code FB2011. They reached 20,000 "likes" on Facebook and it's their way of saying thank you, I suppose! I quickly placed my order, simply paid for two extra polishes and shipping/handling, and now I can't wait to receive my order. I think the promo ends this Friday, so if you want to take advantage of a great deal then I suggest doing so shortly.

Here are the colors I chose to get for free:

Demi

Edyta - My personal fave!

Pinta

I also decided to get two more. These I did have to pay for:

Valerie

LC  

The color that first sparked my interest in Zoya ;)

Happy Wednesday!

♥ Noelle

Continue the post

Black Friday and Cyber Monday?

Well for me, it was Cyber Friday and it will be Black Monday! You girls know I don't really like to follow the rules that closely, and so instead of battling the crowds yesterday (which I actually did for a couple hours and quickly retreated back home like a scared puppy), I ordered just a couple of things online. Beauty related of course!

I have been dying, literally almost loading up my shopping cart on the Kiehl's website but instead of placing an order, I would just click the x on the screen and forget about it. Through the 30th, use code FAMILY10 and get 20% off your order. This is what is finally coming my way:

Creme de Corps

Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

I have wanted to try these products for months, if not years so I'm happy I decided to give in. Have you tried either of them?

Not a very exciting Black Friday, but I do plan on going shopping this Monday since I have the day off. We will see what I come home with, but gifts for friends and family are a priority. I hope you all are enjoying the weekend!

Continue the post