Author

Shalice Noel

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In my personal opinion, everyone needs a chill, off-the-shoulder dress that works for both errands (in gladiator sandals) and date night (with a wedge). Sometimes one needs practical and efficient, as well as fashionable. I’ve been budgeting my time by shooting looks once a week, writing copy when Reid is home and posting daily here at the blog. It’s been giving me more time to make dinner and play Legos with my little guys before they leave for school next month! Be sure to sign up via email to see what I’m working on next.

Shop my top 5 off the shoulder dresses:

MISA LA DRESS

OTS FRINGE DRESS

TUNIC DRESS (under $80)

LACE MINI DRESS

dress MISA LOS ANGELES (white version) / wedges AGL / sunnies RAY BAN ring SAMANTHA WILLS

shot on location at ISABEL MARANT with Felicia Lasala Photography

and MUA Molly Paddon

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Within walking distance of the Alfred Tea Room on Melrose, we found this beautiful house which became the location for this shoot. While we were standing out front, the owner came out and invited us to his garden and coach house, both of which looked straight out of a magazine or an exotic location in Costa Rica. 

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2016_06_23_ShaliceNoel4-893-EditI’m obviously loving gingham lately and it has proved to be not just for picnics, but an ever versatile warm weather sister to plaid. And when in doubt, the bigger the check, the better. 

Shop my top 5 gingham picks below:

Navy OTS gingham dress

Gingham Cold Shoulder Dress

Gingham check shirt 

Gingham espadrille  (and these HEELS)

Red Gingham OTS dress

shot on location in West Hollywood, CA, with Felicia Lasala Photography

and MUA Molly Paddon

gingham top STORETS  white version HERE/ jeans ELAINE KIM STUDIO / SIMILAR / sunnies RAY BAN / heels SIMILAR  Similar AQUAZZURA (lower heel HERE)

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Besides the hubby calling me a figure skater when I first wore this, I think he really liked it. But he knows bottom line if I like something, his opinion doesn’t stand a chance. Sorry babe. With a tiered bodice, eyelash trim, and a well worn jacket, what’s not to like? Usually our favorite Gracias Madrè and a swing by Verve for black coffee ends date night. All of which helps us remember we’re in love, we’re a team, and ready to greet our cute 6am 3′ tall alarm clock.

 

dress THREE FLOOR  jacket SIMILAR / heels SIMILAR / clutch CLARE V.

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XO

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dress LINE & DOT / boots SIMILAR  LOWER HEEL and SIMILAR / jacket RIPPED SIMILAR / go-to lipstain STILA ‘beso’

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FOODIE FRIDAY

by Shalice Noel


Foodie Friday

Free of Tyranny, and Dairy

Mason jars are fantastic – they make adorable glassware, vases, and storage containers. And this Fourth of July, they are the perfect vessel for a red white and blue treat. There are a lot of versions of these layered fruit parfaits but most include dairy, which excludes my lactose intolerant kiddo, and cake or pudding which tend to have a lot of artificial ingredients. So I’m creating my own parfait without dairy, artificial ingredients or even gluten. This really is the land of the free. 

Independence Day Jar Parfait

This one is particularly fun as a build-your-own dessert once all the pieces are prepped. And any leftover coconut cream can double as a fruit dip!

What You’ll Need

6 8oz Mason Jars

1 14oz Can Extra Thick Coconut Cream (chilled)

1-2 Teaspoons Vanilla

1 Tablespoon Agave Nectar or Honey

1lb Strawberries, sliced

2 pints Blueberries

1 cup pomegranate seeds

12 Fat Free Vanilla Meringue Cookies 

How You’ll Do It

1 – The coconut cream layer can be a little tricky on a hot day. It can easily melt and lose its texture. I recommend keeping the can in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. First, you’ll need to drain any water left in the can so you’re only dealing with the thick cream. Then whip it in a steel bowl using an electric mixer so it’s nice and fluffy. Add the agave nectar and vanilla to taste and mix until it’s incorporated and totally spoon-licking delicious. Now pop that bowl back in the fridge to keep it cool.

2 – Place the meringue cookies in a large zip lock back and smash them up with a meat pounder or the bottom of a heavy spoon handle until it’s crumbly, but not powdered. This is a great way to let off any steam or holiday prep stress. You can also snack on a few cookies as you go – I know I did.

3 – Get Layering. If you’re doing a make-your-own-dessert station, place each ingredient in it’s own bowl with a serving spoon. I like to start with a spoonful of coconut cream on the bottom, then alternate layers of strawberries, blueberries, pomegranate and meringue crumbles and top it all off with some more coconut cream. The only rule is to always separate the cream and the meringue crumbles by fruit – otherwise that meringue can get a little soggy. 

my top MISA LOS ANGELES  / cutoffs TOPSHOP

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A good outfit is all about balance; here I paired culottes with a twisted crop top, bandana and my trusty leather jacket. Voila! My version of french flair. I’m especially loving all the neck ties and bandanas seen around lately. And bonus, they look cute on my daughters.

Felicia Lasala Photography

denim culottes ELAINE KIM THESE and SIMILAR/also flattering CULOTTES crop twist top STORETS / sandals SIMILAR / bandana FREE PEOPLE

I could think of worse things to do than a stroll down Melrose place, green tea matcha in hand, wearing my fave crops, and my four kiddos by my side. It was not a common Melrose Place scene but I think that’s why I liked it. There were barely any other kids in sight and the surroundings were just gorgeous. The highlight was for sure my ‘kate’ walking casually by the Equipment store and realizing a large ‘kate’ sign was in the window. This may or may not have made bigger sister mad. I’ll let you guess on that one. It afforded some pretty good conversation about how cool and special she felt, and more than a couple good snaps. I told her later it was for Kate Moss and she seemed confused. Haha. Also a highlight was little brother trying to make bunny ears with his small chubby fingers. Ahhhh

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Chasing them is a full workout. No joke.
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All in all a very fun afternoon hanging around Melrose, Alfred’s Tea with some of LA’s best: Janna Carney, Felicia Lasala and Molly Paddon. These types of outtings are best short and sweet. And if you’re curious if we were tired afterwards, you guessed right. Most of my days do not go as planned despite my best laid plans and are far from picture perfect, i.e. some tears and my three year-old only faced the camera if you shouted “lollipop!” However all this real life is what makes life exciting. It was a wise woman who said the days are long, but the years are short. And I know I’ll miss these exhausting and full, lollipop filled, energetic days full of innocence, wonder, naughtiness and love. Just give me all the coffee. Until the next adventure . . .

Felicia Lasala Photography

MUA Molly Paddon

denim culottes ELAINE KIM THESE and SIMILAR/also flattering CULOTTES crop top STORETS / sandals SIMILAR

bandana FREE PEOPLE

kids girls dresses TUCKER + TATE (stars) TUCKER + TATE (solid)

boys shirts Batman v Superman / Way RAD

I’m loving everything that ties! Blame it on the 70’s vibe. Whatever it is, it is flattering, fresh, and a new take on the traditional blouse. Thankfully, this neck tie blouse has the tie attached because God knows I would lose it!

As a side note, for those who asked how best to shop my instagrams, you can shop them when you sign up at Liketoknow.it. Once you put in your information, such as your email and shopping preferences, you’re free to shop. I know, it’s shamefully easy. And don’t worry, you can adjust how many emails you want to receive in your settings. Happy fourth!

blouse L’Academie /TANK version / I also like THIS / jeans ASOS / platform clog FREE PEOPLE ( I also like these buckle BOOTS)

 

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Today was the last day of Vacation Bible School, as well as gobs of traffic and a few tantrums to boot. And since I’m in such a good mood due to the above-mentioned, I’ll be a good friend and let you know that this top is only $28.  It moves like a dream and it’s light and airy. Definitely packing this for our day at the beach tomorrow. Because, yes, there are never enough stripes. 

handkerchief top NORDSTROM / jean SIMILAR (I cut the hem) / clogs RACHEL COMEY (in black) / bandana FREE PEOPLE