Thirty-One

Wearing //

Express dress

Steve Madden flats, similar

Rebecca Minkoff tote

Elizabeth Stone Jewelry necklace and assorted TopShop rings here

Beauty //

Nails in Chanel Graphite

Lips in Glo Minerals Bloom

I apologize for being MIA lately! But should I? I remember reading a post that a fellow blogger wrote a few years ago. Her belief was (and possibly still is) that it's silly to feel guilty about being busy with other things in life. She wrote something to the effect about readers understanding when things get too hectic, and she would rather have quality posts that she genuinely feels good about than mediocre content every single day. I don't really know if anything I post is that spectacular, but I do agree that I like my hobby like I like my handbags - quality over quantity. Sometimes I think we fear that if we don't blog often enough, that it will go by the wayside and that readers will become uninterested and disappear. I personally don't feel that way. I'm pretty loyal to the ladies I love to follow, and I try my best to stay connected through Instagram and Snapchat if I can't post.

Anyway, part of the reason why I only posted once last week was because it was my birthday on the 12th and it threw me off schedule. I did document a couple of my birthday looks, and this is obviously one of them. I thought a little day dress and flats would be perfect for wine tasting. It's a dress from Express that I got before the labor day sale, which was a total impulse on my part. I needed instant gratification, and I also wasn't sure if there would even be a sale so I just grabbed it. I love the long sleeves! I feel like it's nearly impossible to find. Nate said I looked like the first lady in it, and my other friend said I dress like an old woman. Okay boys, I can appreciate the snark on my thirty-first. My second birthday look is coming up on Thursday, and it's my favorite of the two. Stay tuned!

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Inspired by a Friend

Wearing //

Express tee

Steve Madden flats, love these

Rebecca Minkoff tote

Loft jeans, similar

Nordstrom necklace, similar

Beauty //

Essie nails in Watermelon

Lancome Lip Lover in #334

This post is entirely dedicated to Carylee. After seeing this knot tee on her and a handful of other bloggers that I think she inspired, I had to give it a try. Not only are these tees supremely soft, but the detail on the hip makes it feel a little more special than your run-of-the-mill version. I'm constantly on the search for new tee-shirts I can live in during the Summer. I've had some luck with LOFT, but they do wear pretty easily after a couple of seasons so I'm always on the hunt to replenish each year. There are some days where you just want to feel comfortable, and a great tee and jeans is my uniform for those times. Now I'm tempted to get another...maybe white. 

A small rant before I go. I HATE mosquitos! Hate them. I got attacked by one as you might notice on my arm and it turned into a giant welt. Those little suckers always seem to find their way to me. Buzz off guys! Okay, rant over. 

How was your Easter? 

Linking up with Carylee and Gina. 

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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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Floral Kimono

Wearing //

Express floral kimono

Express sweater leggings, similar

Express cami

Rebecca Minkoff bag

Rebel pendant

Anthropologie bracelets (love these)

Sole Society booties

Beauty//

Essie nails in "bump up the pumps"

Revlon lips in "Demure" - haven't worn nude lips in months!

Chloe "Roses de Chloe" perfume

Happy Monday! I hope you all enjoyed your weekend! Did you watch the Super Bowl? We aren't big football fans around here (don't hate me) but we did manage to catch bits and parts. I've still been under the weather, so I was happy to make it out of the house to go to a gathering on Saturday. My best friend loves kimonos, so this look is entirely inspired by her style. She wore them a lot on our trip to Hawaii, and I admired the way the chiffon flowed as she walked. While I was browsing my favorite store the other day deciding on what my Spring purchases might look like, I found this black floral number on a mannequin. It was styled with a barcelona cami and jeans, which made me even more excited because I already have those in my closet. I was unsure about how to make it work for my body, but I guess a giant scarf look-alike is pretty easy for everyone to wear. I think it'll transition nicely into Summer, whether it be with shorts or over a bathing suit by the pool. Versatility is key!

Linking up for manic Monday with my favorite ladies, Carylee and Gina.

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The Ruched Skirt

Wearing //

Express trench coat

Express ruched skirt

Loft striped tee, old but cute chevron option here

Zara pumps, similar

Chanel bag, less expensive option here

Beauty//

Essie nails in double breasted jacket

NYX butter gloss in Strawberry Parfait

I had been stalking the Express website for this ruched skirt for what seemed like months. After admiring it on Gina, Carylee, and Rachelle, I was thrilled when it finally popped back up on the site. Better yet, it was also on sale for under twenty dollars. You can't beat that! The fabric is stretchy and extremely forgiving, and I love that it doesn't have a zipper. It feels like wearing pajamas, especially when paired with a simple soft tee shirt. I decided to polish it up by adding elegant touches. This may very well be my new favorite wardrobe staple. I love how easy it's going to be to dress up or down. The only concern I have is making sure that my lady bits remain covered because it has a tendency to ride up a bit after sitting down for a prolonged period of time. I can manage though, the ruching is what makes it more unique. Thank you for the inspiration ladies!

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A Classic Trench

Wearing //

Express trench

Express sweater leggings

Michael Kors satchel

Sole Society booties (last year), similar style and color

Dior addict lipstick in "New Look"

This little trench coat was almost perfect when I received it in the mail during all of the crazy sales. Almost. The sleeves were too long, so I took it to my tailor and she was able to shorten them for me. I'm so happy she did. Gone are the days when I rolled up everything! Before I met my tailor, I would just deal with extra material by cuffing sleeves and rolling up jeans. I didn't mind so much back then, but now that I'm older and the college days are in the rear-view mirror, I feel sloppy rolling up my coats. I'd rather pay a little extra because I know that means I'll actually wear the piece more often.

How are you ladies doing this week? I'm getting ready to hop on a plane with my best friend and I feel obnoxious saying that I'm headed for Hawaii again. Six days, five nights on Oahu. I've never been to that island, so I'm very excited to explore and compare it to Maui. I'm still going to post maybe one or two more times while I'm away, but just know that I might be a little silent on your blogs until I get back. Don't forget to check with my fellow bloggers tomorrow when the Express gift card winner is announced! I'll probably post something on Instagram since I won't be sitting behind my computer.

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Windy Midi

Yes, I had to do a twirl. And yes, I looked ridiculous. 

Wearing //

Express twill moto jacket (comes in other colors)

Express cami (also in many colors)

Asos midi skirt (petite) (gorgeous in pink)

Vince Camuto Pumps, Similar

J.Crew Factory clutch, Similar

S&D necklace

Express stretch bracelet

Beauty //

Essie nails (Size Matters)

Dior Addict Lipstick (Diablotine)

Windy Autumn days call for swaths of pleated chiffon. Just make sure the skirt is long enough, as to avoid any embarrassing "accidents". My midi skirt curiosity continues, so I decided to order one from the petite line off of the Asos website. I figured it would be the perfect length, but it's actually quite a bit longer than I had anticipated. I've had it in my closet for over a month, contemplating daily whether I should take it to the tailor's shop for a hem. I decided against it, although I'm still unsure. What do you ladies think? Too long? I love the berry color and the movement it creates when I walk (or even when I'm standing still). The air hits it just right! So it's a keeper, despite some slight reservations. I think it works well year-round here in California.

If you haven't yet entered the giveaway I last blogged about, well what are you waiting for?! I hope you all are doing well today. It's raining here, so wish me luck driving around for work :)

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Express E-Gift Card Giveaway

This is such an exciting giveaway! I've teamed up with some of my fellow bloggers and Express enthusiasts to give away a $650 dollar E-gift card to one of my favorite (and most shopped in) stores. This is a great opportunity for one lucky reader, but it's also a special way for us to give a thank you to our wonderful friends and readers. 

Here are the rules:

1) It begins today and will end on Monday, December 8th at 11:59 pm central.

2) The winner will be announced on Wednesday, December 10th.

3) This is open to both U.S, and Canadian residents, but the total of the E-card is $650 USD.

To enter: 

Fill out the rafflecopter below! Good luck :)

CARYLEE AND GINA | Mascara Melodies | Jasmin Daily | Sweaters Stripes Sweets | EDF by Lee

Leaving the Corner | Nicole to the Nines | Pocketful of Polka Dots | Rose Colored Shades | Red Reticule

Dressed 2 D Nines | Ella Pretty | It's Mostly About Fashion | FashionBlingGirlyThings | Pink Sole

IE-Style | The Real Arnolds | Streets of Gold | Deelightfully Wild | GlamVolution

Loop Looks | Beauty Girl 24 | Adri Lately | We Shop in Heels | Avec Amber

Willfully Elegant | Red Tag Chic Los Angeles | Induffinitely Me | Style Diary | EatPrayWearLove

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Emerald Envy

Wearing //

Express portofino in green

Loft moto jeans

Zara kitten heels (old) but similar here

House of Harlow necklace, also in silver

J.Crew pave link bracelet, similar here for less

French Connection bag, similar

Ever since last Fall, I've been searching for an emerald or hunter green blouse. Searching what seems like everywhere, to no avail. I had given up already this year, when I walked into Express and spotted my favorite portofino in the color I've been wanting. God I love Express. I've said it before but I'll say it again - it never fails me! One look at the deep, rich color and it was mine, didn't even have to try it on. I think this makes portofino number 7? I've lost count. 

It's feeling like Fall here in California. Halloween usually marks the drop in temperature, but I would say this year was more dramatic than in the past. Windy falling leaves, that certain chill in the air, bad photo lighting now that it gets dark so early...I'll take whatever I can get. 

How was your weekend?

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Tea Time & Girlfriends

Wearing //

Express dress, last year. Love this for Fall

Sole Society pumps, similar. Love these

Kate Spade bag, on sale!

Fossil watch

One of my friends is getting married in October, and this is what I wore to her tea themed bridal shower. She's the last in my close circle to be tying the knot, and I am honored to be a part of her wedding just as she was in mine. It's a funny thing, really. I mean, this whole getting older thing. Just a few short years ago, my girlfriends and I were all either single or in horribly awkward, dead-end relationships. We would go out every night and have way too much to drink. We would commiserate together, share laughs together, and more often than not, we would cry together. Fast forward to today and we still do many of these same things. Some of us have children, some like myself still don't. But we have all managed to stick by each other, even if we live miles apart and have more responsibilities that take us away from one another. My husband is my most intimate friend, but I still need my girlfriends and they still need me. There's a huge comfort in knowing that, especially when times are tough. I hope you, reading this, have the same experience with your girlfriends. 

I just wanted to get that out there. 

my beautiful friend and bride to be

Happy Wednesday! Hubby and I are camping for the next two days and guess what? It's on the beach where we got married last year. We are also seeing Jack Johnson on Saturday, so we are both looking forward to a relaxing 5 day weekend! Have a great Labor day and I'll see you soon :)

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Weekend Sparkle

Wearing: Nordstrom top (similar feel)

J Crew skirt (similar factory version)

Zara flats

RM Mini Mac  (love it in peach)

Express Earrings

The weekend is always cause for celebration, and what better way to show it than by wearing tons of sparkle! I used to save my glittery pieces for nighttime, but I find that wearing them in the day is a bit more unexpected and chic. When the light hits just right, the effect is almost ethereal. The earrings and the flats are both recent treasures, and I'm a very happy girl about that.

Linking up with Carylee and Gina today!

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Soiree

Wearing: Express portofino dress (also have it in blue), Halogen bootie (a must-have), J Crew factory clutch, BP Nordstrom necklace (check stores)

Baublebar bracelet, Revlon ultimate suede lipstick in "Backstage". Nails are China Glaze in "Emerald Fitzgerald".

In keeping with last week's party theme, I decided to bring out my favorite glamorous combination for hubby's company Christmas party - black and gold. When in doubt, I always stick to this no-fail palette because I know it works for any event or special occasion. It always looks put together and classic. So do wine colored lips! It was my first attempt at such a dark color and I absolutely loved the result. I think I'm going to repeat the makeup look I wore over and over this holiday season.

♥ Noelle

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Flirty

Wearing: Express blouse (love this print too), Loft skirt, J. Crew pumps and necklace, Stella & Dot bracelet

Here is my formula for a great date night look: A soft skirt that appears to float as I walk, a polished button down blouse, pumps in a vibrant color, and a statement necklace that ties it all together. Easy! Now, if it would just cool down a bit! September is always the hottest month here, but this year feels especially unbearable with temperatures well over 100 degrees. Doesn't mother nature know that it'll be Fall soon? I'm dying to jump into some denim! That is my second no-fail formula for date night :)

I hope you are all enjoying the week!

♥ Noelle

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