Denim on Denim

Wearing //

Loft softened chambray shirt, love this wash too

Loft moto jeans

Zara pumps (old) but super similar

Michael Kors bag

Fossil gold watch, similar

J.Crew pave bracelet, exact look for less

Gorjana gold cuff

The whole denim on denim trend has always intimidated me. It has reminded me of my high school years, where it just wasn't "cool" to wear mixed denim. Not that I really cared about being cool since I was quite the expert at owning my wallflower identity. However, a lot has changed since those days and I am now convinced that a simple chambray shirt can look crisp and clean over a pair of dark jeans. Pinterest showed me the way. My one caveat is that although I adore my softened chambray shirt from Loft, it is 100 percent cotton. Good for keeping me nice and cool, but what a serious wrinkled mess it turns into after just a few minutes of wear. I promise you guys that I did iron this shirt before I wore it, and yet a five minute car ride was just enough time to create creases and lines. Oh well, what can you do? Go with it I say.

 Oh, and look who came out of hiding? I decided to give my blue Kate Spade bag a rest and bring out my selma satchel for Fall. 

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LOVE

Wearing: Old Navy "love" tee, H&M blazer (check stores), Loft jeans, Target heels, Baublebar necklace, Michael Kors bag

I've always been a t-shirt and jeans kinda girl, but I've never been much into graphic tees. Not sure why really, I guess I just never knew how to style one. My Fall uniform is simple, so throwing on an otherwise basic tee and layering a classic blazer over it is the perfect way for me to embrace the trend without going outside of my comfort zone. Plus, I am feeling very loved lately and I'm not afraid to show it.

♥ Noelle

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My Favorite Bags

Recently, I've had a few kind readers email me about my handbags. Which are my favorites? Which would I recommend or consider must - haves? I was flattered that anyone would be interested, because I've honestly downsized so much over the past year. Quality over quantity is my new motto. It's easy to get caught up in the latest "IT" bag of the moment. I do it too, all the time in fact. But as I can't afford to spend hundreds of dollars on new designer bags, I happily use the ones I already own and love. I then focus on the bags I see myself saving for in the future.

This is most of my collection, but I've broken them down into categories in an effort to keep this post simple. Let me know if you have any specific questions!

The Classics

Michael Kors Selma Satchel

Kate Spade Gold Coast Maryanne (Small)

These are the bags I reach for when I want to feel instantly polished and put together, no matter where I'm going or what I'm wearing. 

The Colorful Clutch

J.Crew Factory Envelope Clutch (similar)

Rebecca Minkoff Pouch (similar)

Great for adding color to any outfit. They are perfect for a night out.

The Everyday Bag

Juicy Couture (great option)

I've been carrying this bag most of Spring and Summer because it works with everything! It carries a ton without feeling heavy.

The Crossbody

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac (in almond)

This bag is so versatile. You can carry it as a clutch, as a shoulder bag, or crossbody which is how I prefer it. Great for shopping, festivals, concerts, or anytime where you want to be hands - free.

The Dream Bag

Chanel Jumbo Classic Flap in Caviar Leather, Silver hardware. 

This is my ultimate I-can't-believe-she's-mine dream bag. I love her. Enough said. 

My next bag? Well I've had my eye on the LV Neverfull for quite some time. I once obsessed over the Speedy, but I think a practical tote that I can throw over my shoulder and go is more my style these days. And I definitely want a red or burgundy bag for this upcoming Fall season. 

What are your must-have bags? Are you eyeing one in particular?

♥ Noelle 

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Summer Break

Dress - Express (wore another version here, my favorite for Summer)

Blazer - H&M (similar)

Pumps - Nine West

Bag - Michael Kors

Watch - Fossil

Nails - Essie "The girls are out"

It's nice to have a break...from Summer. Namely the heat. I love Summertime. Going to the beach, lounging lazily by the pool, spending more time with friends, outdoor adventures. But the heat often becomes unbearable for me come mid-July. I start longing for Fall, and I definitely start missing my sweaters and jackets. It was cloudy and rainy on Friday evening, and although I heard many complaints from co-workers and friends, I was so excited to venture back into the depths of my closet where my cooler weather pieces  are hanging. I gave my favorite crisp white blazer some much needed attention. I paired it with a little black dress and some patent pumps. The next day, it was back to sweltering heat. Business as usual.

♥ Noelle

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Strappy Sandals Quest + Quick OOTD Details

It seems like everywhere I turn (mainly on blogger and Instagram), I see strappy high heeled sandals gracing everyone's feet.  Simple yet chic, I am dying to grab a pair for myself. They are the perfect alternative to flat sandals, and much more dressed up then flip-flops. I own so many classic pumps that I think I've forgotten entirely about showing off my pretty Summer pedicures, and really, what a travesty that is! It's time I switch things up. The great part about the pairs I have my eyes on are that they are all super affordable.

Target

Zara

Sole Society

Which pair do you like?

On to a quick outfit from lunch with the boy yesterday, where I definitely would have loved some strappy heels!

Another pair of shorts paired with my beloved Zara pumps.

You've seen everything before, besides the printed shorts from, where else? Loft. I swear this is my last pair for the Summer ;)

♥ Noelle

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The Classics

Blouse - Express

Jeans - Banana Republic (old)

Pumps - J. Crew

Bag - Michael Kors

Necklace - Kate Spade (check Nordstrom)

Watch - Michael Kors (similar)

Bracelets - Stella & Dot  & Anthro (check stores)

When I don't know what to wear, I revert to the classics. A button down blouse, dark wash jeans, pointy toe pumps, a structured handbag, and red lipstick will take you through any event or occasion looking polished and chic. These are all pieces that I know I'll have in my closet forever, and when in doubt, I know I can rely on them. Fun new bracelets from Stella & Dot and Anthropologie keep the look fresh and young.

What items in your closet do you rely on?

♥ Noelle

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Sweet Layers

Skirt - Express

Blouse - Forever 21 (old)

Pumps - Zara (similar)

Bag - Michael Kors

Watch - Fossil

Last Saturday, my fiance and I decided to tackle our wedding cake. We went to a little bakery aptly named Sweet Layers. Just up the street from our place, it was honestly some of the best cake we have ever tried! Buttery, decadent, and probably way too many calories! But, we have our perfect cake all set to go for September (if you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw it). Everything is really starting to come together, and I can literally feel the stress slowly lifting away. I think now's the time when I'm finally going to enjoy the rest of the wedding process, and although I know I'm going to be a nervous wreck as the date gets closer, I'm soaking in all of the happy, carefree moments when I can.

♥ Noelle

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A Hint Of Sparkle

Lace top - Charlotte Russe (old)

Skirt - J Crew

Pumps - Zara

Bag - Michael Kors

Belt - LOFT

Bracelet - TJMaxx (check stores for similar options)

It's amazing what a couple hours at the salon can do for a girl. A trim, a dose of fresh color, some sassy curls, and I skipped outta there feeling like an entirely new person!

My new sash from Loft also did the trick. I'm really not much of a belt lover because I can never find one that fits correctly. They are either too loose or too tight. This one, complete with gunmetal gems that sparkle and shine was the last one in the store, and I had to ask the SA to kindly remove it from the mannequin. Thank goodness she sold it to me. I'm one happy customer.

♥ Noelle

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"Big Girl" Bag

I did it. I bought what I proudly like to refer to as my first "big girl" or grown-up handbag. The Michael Kors selma satchel is everything I knew it would be:

• Gorgeous saffiano leather that feels sturdy.
• A roomy interior.
• Luxurious gold tone hardware.
• And one of the best and most practical features...an adjustable/completely removeable shoulder strap!

Genius.

I would dare to even say that it's a cross between this Prada, as well as the IT bag of the year. I got it on presale two weeks ago, when the SA at Macy's caught me staring at myself in the mirror, grinning like a fool from ear to ear, the bag dangling from my arm. She told me about the friends and family sale. 100 dollars off the retail price?! Yes, please! Before I knew it, I had her put the last black selma away for me in the back room. I picked it up yesterday and the rest is history. I strongly suggest going to your Macy's this weekend if you're interested. The F&F sale ends on the 28th.

If you want any details on this bag, let me know :)

♥ Noelle

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Michael Kors Selma Satchel

Michael Kors Selma Satchel

As I can't afford a Celine, nor anything near that price range, I have been on a quest to find a satchel that is not only beautiful and well-made, but also budget friendly. I've considered Kate Spade, Tory Burch,  and J.Crew. However, this one by Michael Kors definitely fits the bill! Made of saffiano leather, it won't show marks or get scuffed up quite so easily. I haven't pulled the trigger yet, just looking around really. But isn't she lovely?

♥ Noelle

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{Simplicity Continued} Belted Dress & Flats

Dress - Target, Flats - Tory Burch Revas, Watch - Michael Kors, Earrings - Pearl studs, Lipstick - Revlon Colorburst in Fuschia

Clutch - Aldo

Target never fails me. I stopped in trying to kill some time during a work break and left with this adorable black and white number (it comes in other prints as well). The best part? It has pockets! Oh, and it also came with a snazzy little belt. Nice. The perfect dress to throw on over your head and go, no thinking required. There are a multitude of ways I will wear it, but my favorite for daytime is with flats. The bright mustard clutch makes it more fun.

~Noelle

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Casual California

 Tank - F21, Jeans - Banana Republic, Bow sandals - Michael Kors @ DSW, Watch - Michael Kors, Turquoise bead bracelet - Etsy (LadyBuddhaDesigns), Green stone necklace - F21

The best part of living in California during the Summertime is that I can feel completely free to wear flip flops and tanks no matter where I go. Of course, I typically only dress down when I have nothing to do, but I love that care-free style. I've always said I'm a beach girl at heart, and this will probably be the case forever. I think a pretty floral tank, a white watch, and cute sandals are the best way to relax while still looking appropriate. Mojitos anyone? Or maybe a pedicure?

~Noelle

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I Can Tell Time, Mr. Kors!

A belated Christmas present from my mom =) The two of us went shopping together for the first time in months, and it was awfully hard for me to decide just which one of Michael Kors' pretties I wanted to take home with me. I've had my eye on this one since I first spotted it in a Nordstrom catalogue. I love the silver hardware, mother of pearl face, and rhinestone detailing. I went back and forth between white, gold, and of course rose gold. However, as usual I went with my first instincts and chose the white. A neutral is a neutral and I know I will wear it with everything. Who says you can't wear white in the winter? It sparkles in the sunlight.

Have a beautiful weekend everyone!

♥ Noelle

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