Sezane Gloria Sandals

 These beautiful gold Sezane sandals have been on my wish list for years after seeing them on so many French bloggers I follow. Sezane has become my favorite brand for luxurious shoes and handbags. I went to their store in NYC the last time I was there and Nate had to peel me away from the gorgeous racks of clothes. While they are still a bit pricey, the level of detail and quality makes them totally worth it. If you've followed me for awhile, you've seen my black abelle bag that I carry every Fall and Winter. Now I can throw these Gloria sandals into the mix! I plan on wearing them with everything I possibly can. They fit true to size and are incredibly comfortable with soft, supple leather and a low heel. 

Gold sandals linked here

I treated myself to them for my birthday and can't wait to wear them out! I have a fun dinner to go to in a couple weeks and plan to wear them with a navy floral dress. I'll be sure to document for you!

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Laced Up

Wearing //

Express top

LOFT skirt

Sole Society heels

BR bag

Kendra Scott necklace

The laced up trend is going strong this Summer, and these shoes by Sole Society are my new favorites. It started with lace up flats, then quickly morphed into lace up sandals, and now it's all about lace up heels! These in particular are really comfortable and easy to walk in because the chunky wooden heel is fairly low. I was worried that maybe the laces would untie as I walked, but I wore them for my friend's birthday this weekend and they didn't budge. My only complaint is that they are difficult to lace up at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's fairly easy. You can tie them in the front, but I think they look more flattering tied in the back. I highly recommend a pair if you're curious about the trend. Yes they are a bit out of my comfort zone, but I am doing a lot of things lately that are pushing me to get out of my little bubble. More on that later :)

I hope you have a great Monday! Linking up with Carylee and Rachelle again.

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Buy The Shoes

Wearing //

LOFT dress (so flattering)

Hinge heels

Banana Republic bag, love this too

Kendra Scott necklace (black pearl)

Beauty //

M.A.C. lips in See Sheer

These shoes are such a departure for me! But I featured them last month in this post, and ever since, I wasn't able to get them out of my head. You know that's the shopping God's way of whispering in your ear, "buy the shoes. Buy the damn shoes already". I still wasn't completely convinced so when I went on an impromptu trip to South Coast Plaza a couple weeks ago, I stopped in at Nordstrom and saw these. I tried on a bunch of wedge sandals - Steve Madden, Sole Society, Nine West, Sam Edelman. They were all lovely enough, but most were way too high and sizing was off on most. So I actually did something I've never ever done before. I looked on my own blog via my phone, referred back to my own post, and showed the SA these shoes by the brand Hinge. Lo and behold, not only did I get a new reader (hello!), but I also found my perfect funky "wedges". They aren't really a wedge, more of a chunky stacked heel that is perfectly out of my comfort zone...but also perfectly comfortable. 

I cannot wait to finally shop the anniversary sale tomorrow! I'm just gonna do the whole online thing since I have a couple personal appointments to attend to and my nearest Nordstrom is 45 minutes away. I've narrowed my list to these jeans, this palette, and this candle set. I'll be sure to show you the goods next week, if not here then on Instagram or Snapchat (Noelleengel)

Have you ever used your own blog to try and locate an item? It's pretty convenient!

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A Wedge Issue

I remember when I was in high school, I was irrationally self-conscious of my height, or shall I say, lack thereof. All of my girlfriends were much taller, with legs for days. So in an effort to fit in and be more like them, I wore the most hideous platform wedges I could find and I wore them almost every single day. My boyfriends would make fun of me, pointing out that even with a three foot wedge, I was still pretty damn short and they thought it was funny that I wore "blocks" on my feet instead of just accepting the simple fact that yes, I am short.

I'm not sure when it happened. Maybe college when I decided that stomping around campus was a waste of time and I was tired of getting blisters. I decided to try flats, and I've been hooked ever since. At some point, I accepted that I'm 5'2, and that it's okay to be shorter than a lot of other women. I may have trouble reaching the top of a shelf, but I can also squeeze myself into the back of an uber rather nicely. Being short does have its advantages, but I'll leave that topic for another day.

Back to wedges. I haven't owned a pair of real ones since college, but I'm starting to notice them this year for Summer and I think I may have to get a pair. Just one! I'm in search of THE perfect nude wedge that will go with literally everything. In honor of my guy friends from high school (bless their souls), one pair of "blocks" on my feet is enough.

Top Picks:

Sole Society Jenny Wedge

Charles by Charles David Arizona wedge

Shutz Francine Wedge

Steve Madden Nilla Wedge (on sale)

I also really LOVE these, but they are sold out in my size

Hinge Drea Sandal

Which of these is your favorite? I need some advice!

Will you be wearing wedges this Summer? Speaking of which, have a great Memorial Day! Enjoy, possibly wearing a fabulous pair of wedges.

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Review: TopShop Lace-Up Flats

One of the most notable trends of this Summer has been "the lace-up flat". I first noticed them on my favorite blogger, and then I continued to see them day after day on Instagram bloggers. Because I love wearing flats, I wanted in on this one. I live in flats during the week. They are comfortable and polished, and I don't have to worry about hobbling about from meeting to meeting in heels. But, are these lace-up flats just as effortless and comfortable as the norm? Are they worth the money? A little review for your consideration:

TopShop 

• To my surprise, these TopShop flats ARE just as comfortable as the others I own in my closet. They feel a bit loose upon first step, but once I tighten the laces, they are pretty damn perfect. They mold to my feet very well, and are supple and soft. For reference, I am 5'2, have narrow feet, and go between a 6.5 and 7 in shoes. These are only available in whole sizes, so I went with the larger size. I thought they would be too big, but they are actually roomy enough without my feet slipping.
• I will say that the laces ARE a bit of a pain to keep fastened. You have the versatility of being able to lace them both in the front of your ankle or the back, and I have seen them worn on others both ways. I prefer to tie them in a bow in the back, but that's just me. They look equally pretty and dainty tied around the front. After walking in them for any length of time, the laces begin to come undone for me. I do have ridiculously small ankles and maybe that plays a role, but this annoyance doesn't deter my purchase and overall recommendation for them. This may for some of you though. 
• I've worn them twice with jeans, and have yet to try them with a dress. That's the next step! 
• Although I would recommend them if this is a look you enjoy, I wouldn't spend a lot of money on them. Mine were only $50, so I didn't feel leery about being too spendy on a trendy shoe.  

More options here and here

So class, any other questions?

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Sparking Joy & Blog Birthday

Wearing //

Express top (last year), but love this

F21 cami underneath

Topshop skirt, similar

Nordstrom bag, similar

Asos pumps

Kendra Scott necklace

HRH collection bracelet

Beauty //

Lancome Lip Lover #334

O.P.I. nails in Funny Bunny

Thank goodness for flippy skirts with elastic waistbands. It amazes me how many times I've worn this one, and each time I do, I feel like a million dollars. Isn't that the point of wearing clothes? Well, aside from the fact that we can't all be running around naked. But what I love about this outfit is that it sparks joy, as beautifully explained recently by Gina and Laura. If you love something, you'll feel confident in it. When you feel confident, you're happier. And when you're happy, you feel like you can conquer anything. So wear what you love and hopefully that will translate into all aspects of your life. Oh, and if it has an elastic waistband that can allow you to eat like a glutton (which I did after these pictures were taken), even better. 

On a side note, I believe it's my blog's birthday. I don't know the actual date but it was around the 15th of July in 2009. Happy birthday blog! You've been a great friend over the years. We've laughed, we've cried, and together we have made some wonderful friends. It's been six years since I started Beautygirl24 and I am still in love with (almost) everything about this community. Thank you so much for supporting me. Thank you for reading. You really have no idea how this outlet has impacted me in a positive way...More to come.

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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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Mustard & Lace

Wearing //

Express kimono

Express barcelona cami

Loft moto jeans

Sole Society flats

Nordstrom necklace, similar

Rebecca Minkoff bag

Express bracelet, check stores

Beauty //

Essie nails in Urban Jungle

Glo Minerals lipstick in "Aubergine" (love)

Mustard isn't a color that I ever imagined I would gravitate towards. I like it on my sandwiches and hot dogs, but would I wear it? A few years ago, the answer would have been an emphatic "no". Fast forward to the end of my college days, when it became all the rage. I remember my best friend got a beautiful long cardigan in the shade and once she wore it, I followed suit. That happens pretty often. I have to see a trend on her before I'll attempt it. Now I love it, but I feel like it's a hard color to find. When I received an email about these adorable little slingback flats, I think I actually squealed. I had to grab them before they sold out, and two days after placing my order they were happily on my feet. I've been experiencing the blues lately, so it's nice to look down and see such a happy color. Sunshine in the form of shoes. 

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Favorite Wardrobe Pieces

Because I've been feeling so uninspired with my clothing this season, I got to thinking about how fortunate I am that I've finally curated a few pieces in my wardrobe that I absolutely love! As a girl who has always been interested in fashion, I've had my mishaps over the years. I've worn some God awful looks, and I've spent money on things that didn't last longer than a few washes. Now that I'm more focused on my own personal style rather than trends, I feel like I don't need to buy as much when I venture out to shop. Don't get me wrong, I blog about clothing so therefore I am in constant fear of temptation. Not to mention I'm also an avid blog reader, so whenever I see you girls looking fabulous in something, I immediately want to run out the door to buy it. I just can't afford to do that anymore, so instead I've decided to focus on wearing the things I already own and love. These pieces work for me, and they never let me down. Like a loyal best friend, I can count on them to make me feel happy and confident.

Favorite maxi skirt, also in my absolute favorite color.

Favorite coat and leggings

Favorite feminine skirt and bag

Favorite lady-like dress

Favorite jeans

Favorite little jacket, cami, and skirt. 

Essentially my favorite outfit!

Favorite pumps

Favorite Express portofino

Favorite (Dream) bag

And of course...

Favorite dress I've ever worn, and probably ever will

***I'm not sure if these items are still available, but if you would like a link or at least more information about any specific piece, please let me know in the comments. This post was not meant for monetization***

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Early Autumn Updates

Happy October everyone! This is probably everybody's favorite month. Am I right? At least that's what I keep seeing on Pinterest and Instagram. I am in complete agreement. The promise of cooler weather is always a welcomed one!

Here are some random odds and ends on my beginning to Fall so far...


1. Shoes. I've gone a little crazy with them! I keep adding more to my closet, and I keep wanting more. Case in point:

J.Crew metallic valentina pumps

Steve Madden Flats

These two are next on my list, but I can't decide which I like better. Thoughts?

2. Wearing basic items again and again. I'm sure you ladies have noticed these! As hard as I try to rotate all of the pieces in my wardrobe, I can't help but come back to what's easy, flattering, and obviously that I love.

White Topshop skirt, Blue bag, Metallic pumps. 

I can't stop, and probably won't stop wearing them through Fall. 

Express Barcelona camisoles in white and black. 

Great basic! They are made Fall-worthy by wearing a blazer or jacket on top. I can't recommend them enough. 

3. I wanted to report back on some recent beauty purchases, as seen here:

* The Maybelline palette is good, but I wouldn't say it's anything too special. The colors are neutral, which makes them extremely easy to work with. The color payoff on most of them is decent, with the exception of the lighter shades. They come across as a bit chalky. Overall, if you already own plenty of similar shades from other brands, you don't need this. Common sense alerted me to that before buying it, but I wanted to try it for myself.

* The NARS dual intensity eyeshadow in Dione is gorgeous! I'm very happy with it and have been wearing it on the weekends. It glimmers and shines like no other. I like it so much that I want more, which is always a good sign (or bad for my wallet).

* The NARS illuminator is also really beautiful. I've been mixing it with my lotion on rubbing it on my arms and legs for a subtle sheen. I also dab a tiny bit on my cheekbones, then top with a powder highlight to set it. Again, a stunning product that's definitely worth treating yourself.


4. Nettie is keeping me on my toes, but I love her so much!

How has the beginning of Fall been for you? 

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