Thursday, October 30, 2014

Thursday Thoughts With Kristi

Hi Mermaids! 

There is exciting things in the works for NBG. Make sure you follow us on all our Social Media. We have a fun Loop Giveaway going on over at our Instagram page. We also just launched our Nobella Grace Gift Guide on our website. 

Tomorrow evening gorgeous new arrivals will go up and we decided to give you a quick sneak peek. 

Have an awesome weekend Mermaids. 

xoxo,
Kristi 


Monday, October 27, 2014

{{Comfy + Cozy}}

Hi Nobella Grace Mermaids! Temperatures are finally dropping here in Arizona and I can't wait to bundle up in some comfy clothes! Here are my favorite Nobella Grace Comfy + Cozy looks that I will be rocking all through fall and winter!

Not Your Average Top in Royal ((SHOP HERE))
Fair Isle Leggings in Royal Blue ((SHOP HERE))

I seriously love this outfit! The top is long enough to wear with leggings and it's a gorgeous royal blue hue! The leggings are super soft, high waisted, and a fabulous knit material. The pattern is fun and very Nordic. Perfect for the upcoming season!! Rock this outfit with combat boots like I did or pair with some black flats. Either way, you will be ready to cozy up with your favorite book, but you will be looking super chic while you do it!

Gold Coast Oversized Hoodie in Charcoal ((SHOP PINK HERE))
Destroyed Denim Jeans ((SHOP HERE))

If you don't have a throw on and go hoodie, this one NEEDS to be in your closet! I love the length! It can be worn with leggings or jeans. These destroyed denim jeans are my favorite jeans EVER and that says a lot because I have TONS of jeans. They are soft and stretchy, not restricting like most jeans can be. They pair so well with this hoodie and even though charcoal is sold out, pink is still available! This outfit is perfect for errands or just a chill hang out day! Throw on your comfy shoes and you are ready to go!

Nobella Grace Tank ((SHOP HERE))
Rae Cardi- Currently Sold Out ((SHOP OUTERWEAR HERE))
Denim Skinnies ((SHOP HERE))

This tank is so much fun to wear! It's super soft, has the cutest message, and I love navy and pink paired together. It also happens to go perfectly with the Rae Cardi, which is colorful and a beautiful length. Even though this particular cardi is sold out, check out the Outerwear section on Nobella Grace's website. So many beautiful cardis that will go perfectly with any graphic tee! To finish this look, I grabbed my denim skinnies that literally go with everything! I also threw on my comfy cognac studded flats to complete the look. This outfit is perfect for a day out and about or an evening in. You will stay warm, but look super cute too!


What is YOUR favorite Comfy + Cozy look using Nobella Grace pieces? Leave me a comment below and let me know!

Until Next Time
Xoxo,
Jenna
(IG: jvalpintor)



Sunday, October 26, 2014

Remembering Oscar de la Renta


RIP, classic clothier Oscar de la Renta. During his impressive tenure, he dressed everyone from first ladies to Hollywood's A-listers. De la Renta's pieces could easily be identified by his use of delicate silk prints, ruffles, soft silhouettes and vibrant palettes. His flattering and feminine pieces inspired women all around the world, and also became some of the most sought after in haute couture.
 
So today in honor of the late, great Oscar de la Renta, I have chosen to share my top 5 favorite looks from throughout his amazingly fashionable career. Hope you enjoy mermaids!


1

Jackie Kennedy wearing a fitted silk apricot dress by Oscar de la Renta in 1962.
De la Renta went on to dress every first lady that followed...
 
 
2
 
Cameron Diaz wearing Oscar de la Renta during the 82nd Annual
Academy Awards in 2010.
 
 
3
 
Taylor Swift wearing a custom pale pink Oscar de la Renta gown with satin
embellishments and Lorraine Schwartz jewels to the 2014 Met Gala.  
 
 
4
 
Beautiful vintage dress by Oscar de la Renta from 1969.
 
 
5
 
Nicole Richie wearing Oscar de la Renta during a photo-shoot for the
May 2014 issue of Paper Magazine.
 
 
 
Comment with some of your top favorite pieces designed by Oscar de la Renta! 
 
xoxo, karabears

Friday, October 24, 2014

Nobella Grace Vintage Day 5


       Well Mermaids we made it to Friday! Woohooo! It's been an awesome week of birthday celebrations and giveaways! I've enjoyed every minute and couldn't be happier for Nobella Grace Boutique! It's been amazing to watch Nobella Grace grow into what it is today. It's been truly inspiring! It's taught me to go after my dreams. One woman's dream has shown us all that anything is possible! If you put your mind to it and don't give up you can achieve amazing things! 

       My last vintage pick of the week is this colorful Cali dress! It is such a great pick to end the week on. It's casual, fun and flirty! It was hard picking only 5 vintage pieces to show you this week! But it's been fun sharing with you all. Thanks Nobella Grace for giving us so many beautiful pieces!

     

 So let's end this week of Birthday Celebrations with some inspiring words! Share your favorite inspirational quote on Instagram with the hashtag #nbginspired! Until next time Mermaids, 
Ashley 

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Nobella Grace Vintage Day 4



         Happy almost Friday Mermaids! Today I want to do this post a little differently. Nobella Grace has some amazing dresses but they also started with amazing tops and tunics! I love that in every aspect of my life I could rock some Nobella Grace. Even running after my 4 year old daughter! Kristi has an eye for picking pieces that are practical and perfect for any day. 

      My vintage pick for today is the "In the Hood" hooded tunic top! It is adorable on. It goes great with the Destroyed Denim JeansGray leggings, and work out style bottoms. It pretty much goes with anything. And the best part is how comfy it is. 





This would be my most vintage Nobella Grace piece by far. And it's my most comfy for sure! Be sure to share your most vintage Nobella Grace piece today on Instagram for your chance to win a $25 gc to shop! Winner announced tomorrow morning! Can't wait to see your pics! 
See you tomorrow Mermaids, 
Ashley 

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Thursday Thoughts with Kristi

Good Morning Mermaids!

Today is the official one year mark and I am ecstatic as 50-90% of businesses fail within their first year. I remember those words all too well when I as in college at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. I went in wanting to be a buyer for Nordstrom, somewhere along the line thought I wanted to open my own business and left with a sales job working for a wine and spirits company.  Life is so unpredictable but I am thankful for my journey as it has led me exactly where I am today. So many of you have shared what you love about Nobella Grace with such kind and beautiful words and today I am going to share what I love.



When I started NBG I wrote in my business plan that I wanted every women to feel beautiful about herself, whether the stay at home Mom who only treats herself once in a while or the busy college student who eats Ramen so she can buy that dress she has had her eye on (I have worn many hats and can totally relate to both in life).  My goal was to have excellent customer service, have our customers feel like they are shopping with their best friend, great pricing, and leave a positive mark in everything NBG touches.  I am very proud of what NBG has become but it is all of you who have made NBG what it is today.


Many of you know that 4 days after I opened Nobella Grace my life changed forever.  My husband was in a serious surfing accident and while we are thankful for the miracle that he survived he was left with a traumatic brain injury.  I was so blessed I started NBG the day I did, during that time of difficulty I was able to push myself farther than I ever knew was possible.  So many of you reached out to me in the months he was in brain rehabilitation and let me know you cared and NBG was making a difference in your lives.  The positive intention that I had put out into the world with NBG was coming back to me ten fold, so many of you helped carry me through my hardest days.  For this I am forever thankful.



I feel like NBG is a huge, awesome family who focuses on not only our own needs but those around us.  So many of us have become friends through NBG after finding each other through our own struggles, which is a huge part of life.  I thank each and every one of you for the positive impact you have made in my life and making my dream as a little girl become a reality.  We are so looking forward to the amazing year ahead of us.  This past year we were able to expand with our children's, curvy and home décor line along with our Bella Box Personal Styling Service. We have so many more great things coming your way, thank you for sharing this journey with us.

With Love and Gratitude,

Kristi

Nobella Grace Vintage Day 3!


           Happy Wednesday Mermaids! Today is Day 3 of NBG Vintage, let the Birthday celebrations continue! Today I want to tell you what I love most about Nobella Grace. Let's start from the beginning. Before I found Nobella Grace I was a little lost on what I should wear. I'm a wife, a mother, and I'm almost in my 30's. Long gone are the days of the junior's section. I wasn't really sure where to shop and let's just say my closet suffered. 

        So what do I love most about Nobella Grace? I love that NBG gave me my style back. Or better yet gave me style! I am so much more confident when it comes to clothes. I've tried styles and trends that I was scared to try. And guess what? I loved it! Kristi who runs Nobella Grace, has such amazing taste in clothing. She picks quality pieces and has affordable prices! I adore all my Nobella Grace pieces in my closet! Here's another one of my favorite vintage pieces!


 This is the Audrey dress! It's one of my favorites for the simple fact that it's feminine! How could you not feel beautiful in this dress! I love Nobella Grace for carrying beautiful pieces like this! 

So my question to you is... What do you love most about Nobella Grace? 
Leave your answer in the comments or on Instagram where you could win $25 to shop for some Nobella Grace goodies for your closet! 
Until next time Mermaids, 
Ashley 

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Nobella Grace Vintage Day 2


       Happy Tuesday Mermaids and Welcome to Day 2 of Nobella Grace Vintage! Today I decided it would be more fun to show you two of my favorite pieces. But to do so I needed a little help from another beautiful Mermaid! She's been shopping with Nobella Grace just as long as I have! Some of you may know her as Jenna, one of our gorgeous models! She's here to help me show you another beautiful vintage piece of Nobella Grace! 


One of my favorite vintage pieces is the Lacey Details Dress! I first saw it on Kaitlin and knew I had to have it! The lace is a floral pattern with a white slip underneath. It is simply beautiful! It can easily be dressed up for just about any occasion! I paired my favorite denim jacket and scarf to complete the look!



Now on to Jenna's favorite piece of Nobella Grace vintage!

I love the Abby dress because it is super soft cotton! It can be worn year round because of the style. It also matches my favorite purple Kate Spade bag. The pattern and colors pop and it has pockets to boot! It's a versatile piece that worn while running around town or even out on a date! I paired it with my favorite ankle strap nude flats and glam candy bracelets from Metal Marvels.



Now in true Birthday fashion we have a fun surprise!! Today Share your Favorite Nobella Grace outfit with us on Instagram and you could be a winner of a $25 giftcard to shop for more Nobella Grace favorites! Winner announced Wednesday! Can't wait to see your favorites! 
 - See you tomorrow,
Ashley & Jenna


Monday, October 20, 2014

{{On Trend}} Faux Wrap Dresses

Hi darling mermaids! I'm so excited to be a part of Nobella Grace's FIRST birthday celebration! I have been shopping with Nobella Grace since February and I've been hooked since day one! I'm so blessed to be a part of this fabulous boutique that lifts women up and highlights their beauty. 

To celebrate this momentous occasion, I have decided to highlight one of my favorite trends that I've seen on the runway recently: faux wrap dresses. Of course, Nobella Grace carries them and they have many to choose from! I currently have 3, but I'm coveting them ALL! They are available in regular sizes and curvy as well! Check out my favorites and add one or more to your closet to be on trend for fall and winter!

Kennedy Maxi Dress ((SHOP HERE))
Paired with the Shrugged Off Cardi in Black

I recently wore the Kennedy Maxi Dress out for my husband's birthday. I can't even tell you how many compliments I received! The fabric is silky smooth, it's a great length, and the colors just pop! If you are looking to make this faux wrap dress a bit more modest, just add a bandeau underneath! This dress pairs so well with a pair of black flats and a simple black cardi!

Mermaid Maxi Dress ((SHOP MAXI DRESSES HERE))
Paired with the Jet Faux Fur Vest ((SHOP HERE))

This dress had to be mine as soon as I saw the colors. I LOVE blue and yellow together and I have a hard time finding pieces that combine the two! This dress fits the bill and is even more gorgeous in person. This dress can be worn year round because of how lightweight the fabric is. I'm secretly hoping it's still cool in April so I can wear it for Easter! To "warm" this dress up for the colder months, just add this beautiful faux fur vest! It will keep you warm and super stylish!

Tie Dye Maxi Dress ((SHOP HERE)) ((SHOP CURVY))
Paired with a jean jacket from the Gap

I don't know about you, but I am loving the tie dye trend. This dress matches perfectly with a jean jacket or just looks beautiful all on its own. The tie waist accentuates a women's curves and creates the coveted hour glass shape. I paired this dress with my new favorite Beach Bangle Set from Metal Marvels. It goes together so well and creates the beachy vibe I was looking for!

Hope you enjoyed my favorite dresses dolls! Which dress is most YOUR style? Leave me a comment below and let me know!

Until Next Time
XoXo,
Jenna
(IG: jvalpintor)



Chanel N° 5 + Gisele + Baz Luhrmann= LOVE

Hi Mermaids!

As you know it's a huge celebration in honor NBG's 1 year anniversary this whole week and there are so many fun posts in store.  However, Kristi and I both agree that it's extremely important to interrupt these posts to share with you our current obsession- Chanel N°5's new short film- The One That I Want.  I mean, how can you go wrong with anything that includes Gisele and a Chanel surfboard?

We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!


And who wouldn't love hearing more about the costume design:

Enjoy and stay tuned for all the festivities this week!

XOXO,
Kaitlin

Vintage Nobella Grace Day 1

    
   Hello Mermaids, It's Ashley here or as some of you know me @MilWifeAsh!! I'm here to celebrate the 1st Birthday of Nobella Grace Boutique! As some of you know I have been shopping with Nobella Grace since the beginning. I have seen some amazing pieces in the last 12 months. So this week I'm going to share with you some of my favorite Nobella Grace pieces from my closet! First up is my very first shift dress. I bought it for Fall to wear with boots or leggings. I adore the pattern and the openings on the sleeves. I call this vintage Nobella Grace!



This was one of Nobella Grace Boutiques first dresses! Even from the beginning Kristi had fabulous fashion choices. She knew the direction she wanted to take with Nobella Grace and it has been amazing watching her boom to success! Every step of the way she has clothed us all in beautiful pieces that make us uniquely ourselves! I am so thankful for finding Nobella Grace when I did. Personally I was going through a lot in my life and had so many changes. Some of you may not know that Kristi herself was going through a lot when she first opened. Her husband Scott suffered a traumatic brain injury just weeks after opening. She went through everything with such grace. I admire her in so many ways! In a way finding Nobella Grace was a lot like finding myself. I own who I am, my style and my heart! And I owe a lot of that to Kristi and Nobella Grace Boutique! 



So this week will you join me in celebrating Nobella Grace's 1st Birthday?! I will be sharing my favorite vintage Nobella Grace pieces each day with you! Stay tuned :) and get your vintage Nobella Grace pieces ready ;) ! - Ashley

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Let the Birthday Celebrations Begin!

Nobella Grace is ONE!!!!!

This calls for a major celebration!!! And to kickoff the celebrations this week, NBG and it's soul sister, Metal Marvels, are having an amazing GIVEAWAY that you won't want to miss!! The giveaway begins today and will go through Friday with the lucky winner being announced on Saturday, the 25th!! Be sure you are following them both on social media!! 

Everyday this week NBG will be doing some super awesome things to celebrate this momentous occasion and **hint, hint...cough, cough** you will want to have a picture of your most {vintage} NBG item ready by this Thursday for another HUGE surprise!!
Three of the very first NBG pieces
Just 52 short weeks ago the life-long dream of the beautiful and talented Kristi Warwick had finally come true! I began shopping with NBG back in March (thanks to Jenna V.) so I have been lucky enough to watch NBG grow into the beautiful creature that she is today! Over the past 52 weeks NBG has become more than just a clothing boutique. It has become a community of women that lift each other up, spread positivity, love, and kindness (all while looking fabulous at the same time). I don't think anyone could have predicted just how big the NBG community would become and just how big of a success she would be! I know that I am truly thankful for Kristi & NBG for bringing such a wonderful group of women into my life that I now call my best friends! (and for also clothing me in the finest of duds for the most fashionable year of my life)!! :) Happy 1st Birthday NBG & congratulations to you, Kristi on your much deserved success!!!
Feel free to comment below and wish NBG a Happy 1st Birthday and don't forget to enter for a chance to win this awesome giveaway!!!! 
xoxo, karabears

Friday, October 17, 2014

Thursday Thoughts with Kristi

Hello Mermaids!

We are so excited for next week, Nobella Grace is turning 1! 



We have had such an amazing year and are celebrating big.  Make sure to follow us on all our social media as we are having fun contests and sales.  The festivities officially start on Monday and you do not want to miss out. To get the party started comment below with your favorite Nobella  Grace piece of all time.  One lucky winner will be chosen on Monday to win a $25 gift card to Nobella Grace.  Below is a few of my favorite pieces we have carried.  Good Luck!

 
 
 

Monday, October 13, 2014

NBG + MM = Perfection

Happy Tuesday Nobella Grace Mermaids! I'm so excited to feature my two FAVORITE shops in one post today! As many of you know, Nobella Grace and Metal Marvels go together like peas and carrots...peanut butter and jelly...Romy and Michele...the list goes on and on! Nobella Grace offers fabulous clothing and Metal Marvels helps you accessorize Nobella Grace's wonderful pieces with beautiful and budget friendly jewelry! Any time I reach for a Nobella Grace piece to wear, I know that I will be able to find the perfect Metal Marvels accessory to accompany it! 

Paris Pocket Tee
Destroyed Denim Jeans ((SHOP HERE))

Hollow Clover Pendant ((SHOP HERE))
Clover Wire Bangle in Silver/Turquoise ((SHOP HERE))
Born to be Famous Bracelet ((SHOP HERE))

The Paris Pocket Tee with the Destroyed Denim Jeans are a match made in heaven! They are both super soft and high quality pieces that you will want to wear over and over again! I added some fun motorcycle boots to create an edgy, laid back look! I love the Clover Collection from Metal Marvels...two of my favorite pieces from that collection are the Hollow Clover Pendant and the Clover Wire Bangle. They look fabulous paired with the Born to be Famous Bracelet. A versatile bracelet that will match with so much!

Drew Dress ((SHOP HERE))

Jewel Tone Bangles in Light Blue, Pink, and Aqua ((SHOP HERE))

The Drew Dress has the most GORGEOUS beading and embroidery on the neckline. The cinched waist creates a beautiful hour glass shape and I love the modest hemline. Since the neckline is so intricate, I skipped the necklace and added fun Jewel Tone Bangles instead. I wanted to bring out the colors of the dress, so I chose light blue, pink, and aqua! Black flats helped finish off the look! This styled look is so easy breezy, but super chic as well!

Lace and Grace Sweater in Grey ((SHOP IVORY HERE))
Denim Skinnies ((SHOP HERE))

Beaded Bib Necklace in Turquoise ((SHOP HERE))

The Lace and Grace Sweater in Grey was SO popular, it sold out in the first day! Don't worry though, Ivory is still available! If you don't have this sweater yet, you need it! It is so soft and even more gorgeous in person! I love the lacy layers and frills on the bottom. The high waisted denim skinnies from NBG are the perfect bottoms to accompany this sweater. I wanted to add a pop of color, so I accessorized with the Beaded Bib Necklace in Turquoise. Talk about a jaw dropper...this necklace looks SUPER expensive, but with the price tag of only $21, it won't break the bank! I wear it often! Grey riding boots completed the look! This outfit will have you ready for some cooler weather!

Rachel Cardi ((SHOP HERE))
Denim Skinnies ((SHOP HERE))

Fluid Beauty Headband in Peach ((SHOP HERE))
Wire Wrapped Necklace in Peach ((SHOP HERE))

Last, but certainly NOT least, the Rachel Cardi...ahhhhh, this cardi is pure awesomeness. The tones of grey with the POP of neon coral makes it out of this world! I added my favorite denim skinnies and some grey riding boots. I wanted to bring out the coral/peach color in the cardi, so I accessorized with the Fluid Beauty Headband in Peach and the Wire Wrapped Necklace also in Peach. This headband is beyond cool! It is velvet lined and doesn't slip! Now let's discuss the necklace, gorgeous quality and such a pretty color! It also comes in turquoise and mint!

Well ladies, I could go on all day with the looks I have created with Nobella Grace and Metal Marvels pieces, but I want to hear from YOU! What fabulous {{Peas + Carrots}} looks have YOU worn? I would LOVE to hear all about them! Leave a comment below!

Until Next Time
XoXo,
Jenna
(IG: jvalpintor)








Sunday, October 12, 2014

{DIY} Dry Shampoo

If you hate washing your hair everyday like I do, then you'll want to pay close attention to what I'm about to share with you!

Dry shampoo has always been one of my favorite hair products so when I found a recipe on how to make it using all natural essential oils, of course I had to try it! This concoction has since taken the place of my beloved Suave Dry Shampoo (yes, I love it that much)! So I thought if I loved it this much, you guys might love it too! The recipe is super quick & easy and I guarantee you'll thank me for it if you decide to try it :) Enjoy!
 


What you need:
 
1 glass container
1 old or inexpensive makeup brush
Arrowroot Powder (Purchase Here) or at your local health food store
Cocoa Powder (dark hair only) (Purchase Here) or at your local health food store
Lavender Essential Oil (Purchase Here)
Rosemary Essential Oil (Purchase Here)
Peppermint Essential Oil (Purchase Here)
 

For Light Hair (this is the recipe I used): 

1/4 cup of Arrowroot Powder
2 drops of Lavender essential oil
2 drops of Rosemary essential oil 
2 drops of Peppermint essential oil

For Dark Hair: 

2 tablespoons of Arrowroot Powder
2 tablespoons of Cocoa Powder
2 drops of Lavender essential oil
2 drops of Rosemary essential oil
2 drops of Peppermint essential oil
 
Directions:
 
1. Put Arrowroot Powder, Cocoa Powder (if using)
and essential oils into a food processor*
2. Pulse until well combined (this should only take a couple seconds)
3. Store in a glass jar
 
 
IT'S SO EASY!!!!!!!!
 
*If you don't have a food processor, like my non-cooking self, then a sealable container will do the trick to mix the ingredients. Just put the ingredients into the container, seal, and shake.  
 
 
How to Use:
 
 
Apply powder to roots and/or the oily parts of your hair
(I used an old makeup brush to apply it to my hair)
 
Before & After