The Philo Collection
I recently shot a styled post (here) featuring Philo handbags, a line from Montreal, also sold at Zane in Toronto. The collection features something for everyone, from convertible backpacks, to clutches, crossbody bags and totes. While the beauties that I snapped for this post aren't mine to keep, Philo will be sending me one of my very own to add to my personal collection. Can't wait!
xo, Nathalie
Happy Holidays
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. Thanking each and every one of you for all of your support this past year. I wouldn't be as much fun if it wasn't for you guys! Happy Holidays!
xoxo, Nathalie
WHAT I'M WEARING
CONVEY at 754 Queen W Toronto, Striped blouse.
ARITZIA, Wilfred Cocoon coat (other colours here)
LISBETH JEWELRY, Layla necklace and beaded necklace (from past season)
MACKAGE, leather leggings
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, Anjalina 85mm black heels
THE KOOPLES, leather gloves (similar here)
Banff Springs
A little bit of downtime left us to explore the beautiful Fairmont Banff Springs. The view from the terrace is unreal. My trip may be wrapped up but my mind is still in Alberta, dreaming of when I can go back.
xo, Nathalie
WHAT I'M WEARING
ZARA, stripped top (similar here)
THE KOOPLES, leopard scarf (similar here)
RAG & BONE, zippered jeans (same style, different colour here)
GIVENCHY, small Pandora with studs
GUISEPPE ZANOTTI, ankle boots (available in croc here)
FELONY CASE, iPhone 6 plus case
ON LOCATION, Fairmont Banff Springs
MOUNTAIN VIEWS
I'm finally home after a 4 night getaway at the beautiful Fairmont in Banff & Lake Louise. Our schedule was jam packed with lots of winter activities but we found time to get dressed in "real clothes" aka, no bulky winter coats, thermal layers and snow boots. Trust me, when you're wearing heavy winter gear all of the time, a pair of 4" heels is welcome!
I'll be updating the rest of my Winter Wonderland stories soon so check soon!
xo,
Nathalie
WHAT I'M WEARING
THE KOOPLES, Smoking Jacket
SAKS, cashmere scarf (gift from Global Garçon)
RAG & BONE, distressed jeans.
RAYE, Thalia pumps (exact here)
VALENTINO, Rockstud clutch
ON LOCATION, Fairmont Banff Springs
The legging trend
The obsession with cozy knits and leggings continues. It must have to do with the weather because I'm always compelled to wear cozy clothes this time of year. The only upside is the lack of snow, which means I can wear heels with anything I want.
xo, Nathalie
WHAT I'M WEARING
ERIS & THREAD, The Muse knit (25% off with promo code WOAHSTYLE)
HUE LEGGINGS, leggings
THE KOOPLES, leather moto jacket
ISABEL MARANT, ankle boots
GUCCI, Boston bag
Gifts Under $20: Natural Skincare
In my 20's, I was obsessed with giving elaborate gifts to show I care. The recipients always looked a little overwhelmed and I was always left wondering if they actually liked their present. In my 30's, I learned that thoughtfulness and quality counts so much more than the value associated with a gift. Nathalie and I love natural skincare for different reasons. She, because she loves animals and the environment. And me, because I have sensitive skin. Don't worry, I care about animals and the environment too, I'm not a monster.
With that said, these are some of our favourite natural skincare products that are under $20. They make fabulous stocking stuffers, or paired together for an amazing, larger gift. We use all of these products regularly (even daily), and some of our favourite people are getting these for Xmas this year (shh!).
Happy gifting,
Diana
Consonant Natural Foaming Face Wash, $18.00
Natural Soap Bars (available in oatmeal, lavender, mint and grapefruit+rosemary)
Set of 3 comes in holiday packaging, $5.00-$12.00
Dealkalizing Deodorant, $12.00
Bath Bombs (available in decongest, hydrate, muscle relief, relax), $9.00
kaia naturals juicy bamboo natural facial cleansing cloths - available in holiday packaging, $15.50
Must Have Core Pieces: The Modern Classics
I'm the kind of person who spends more money on accessories than clothes but that's probably because I'm a basics girl at heart. Skinny jeans, leggings and t-shirts are the back bone of my closet because they're so easy to dress up and dress down, depending on how I accessorize myself. I never really find myself saying "what am I going to wear?" but I usually ask "what shoe am I going to wear?"
I favour quality over quantity and prefer to invest in well made t-shirts, sweaters and leggings. Right now I'm really digging the ones from Eris & Thread, a brand that's homegrown and operating straight out of Toronto. They're all about the modern classics and feature beautifully cut knits, tees, and scuba jersey. Here I'm wearing their Ingenue black tee paired with navy leggings for a bit of colour. I like the feeling of being comfortable and moving around the city with ease which is why I'm drawn to pieces like this more and more each day. What are your go to pieces right now?
STYLE TIP FOR THE BUSY WOMAN:
I've actually been doing something really naughty recently. On the days I go to bootcamp after work, I go into the office dressed in leggings and a t-shirt. I throw a cozy cashmere knit over top to "dress" it up and pair my outfit with black ankle boots. I look office appropriate and when it's time to hit the gym, all I have to do is change into sneakers! ; )
PS - I wear a sports bra under my tee. The ultimate in lazy girl dressing.
xo, Nathalie
PROMO: Eris & Thread is offering 25% off right now to my readers with promo code WOAHSTYLE. The offer runs from now until Dec 22nd at 4pm so get shopping!
WHAT I'M WEARING
ERIS & THREAD, Ingenue black t-shirt (25% off with promo code WOAHSTYLE)
HUE LEGGINGS, blackout leggings in navy
THE KOOPLES, leather moto jacket and leather zip gloves
3.1 PHILLIP LIM, black patent leather ankle boots
ARMANI, sunglasses
REVIEW: L'Oréal SUPERSTAR MASCARA & EYELINER
I'm the kind of person who loves big luscious lashes but I don't care too much for falsies because no matter what, I always mess them up. For the last few years I've been using the same mascara but I've recently become more adventurous and stepped outside of my comfort zone. I figure, part of the fun of having Beauty page is testing out new products and seeing how they compare in real life vs. the ads.
The latest eye makeup to hit my (ever growing) cosmetics bag is the Voluminous Superstar mascara and liquid liner from L'Oréal Paris. I have normal/ oily skin it's always challenging for me to find eye makeup that doesn't smudge all over my face. This duo held up after a night of partying AND after an intensely sweaty bootcamp class. I think it's safe to say the Superstars preform well. Keep reading for more.
L'Oréal Voluminous Superstar Mascara
Like I said before, I LOVE mascara and what I'm looking for is simple - long, thick lashes without clumping, smudging or flaking. This new mascara delivers on all of my expectations but I find you do have to use it a certain way in order to get the best results.
Step 1: Prime your lashes with the hourglass shaped brush to separate and help fatten them up. Work on one eye before moving to the next so that you give the primer time to dry. Don't worry, it doesn't take long. You'll know when you're ready for step two when the white primer turns "clear" on your lashes.
Step 2: Sweep a few strokes from root to tip with the curved mascara wand. I immediately noticed how long and thick my lashes looked with just one coat of mascara. My lashes were separated and defined without looking clumping and most importantly, without flaking all over my face by the end of the day.
I find this mascara does what my old mascara did in 3 coats, but better. The blackest black colour is richly pigmented, but it's not so highly pigmented that it leaves me with racoon eyes after I wash my face. (Mine is the normal formula. I don't wear water proof mascara.)
Multiple layers of this mascara is best when it's still wet to avoid clumping. I should also mention that I like to beef up my lower lashes with a coat of mascara. They are naturally long so sometimes I have a bit of smudging, but not aways. It just depends on how I apply the mascara to my lower lashes. I dab instead of pulling the wand down on my lower lashes to avoid smudging. Overall, I find this mascara is excellent and defines, thickens and lengthens in two steps.
Pros:
- Defined lashes
- Lengthening, after 1 coat
- Thickening, even after 1 coat
- No clumping (1 coat)
- No flaking (yay!)
Cons:
- Extra drying time for primer
- Some clumping after multiple coats
- Minimal smudging (on lower lashes)
L'Oréal Voluminous Superstar Eyeliner
Adele's eyeliner is always so on point and I only wish mine looked like that! This liner allows for the perfect cat eye to go from thick to thin with the flick of a wrist. To be honest, I'm set in my ways when it comes to creating my winged line and what I look for in a liquid liner is staying power and ease of use. The felt tip on this Superstar is comfortable to apply the colour pay off is perfect. It went on smoothly even when I was wearing a ton of iridescent eyeshadow - a sign of a good eyeliner if you ask me. It holds up well throughout the day but I find I do need a primer for the best staying power.
Cons:
- Smudges on my oily skin without the use of a primer.
Pros:
- Crisp lines
- Easy to use
- Comfortable
- Superb colour pay off
- No flaking
To get into the holiday spirt, I'll be gifting two L'Oréal Voluminous Superstar Mascaras and Eyeliners. Think of it as one for you and one for your BFF, sister or mum. It's up to you. Keep your eyes peeled for my IG contest soon!
*All opinions of are my own. View disclaimer for more info.
The Teddy Bear Bomber
A cozy teddy bear bomber jacket for a chilly December day is everything I need right now. I've been sick for almost two weeks now and while I'm still recuperating from this nasty sinus infection, I'm not 100% yet. Comfortable clothes are a must for me and this Chaser jacket gets a big fat checkmark from me.
xo, Nathalie
WHAT I'M WEARING
CHASER, vintage faux fur bomber jacket
ERIS & THREAD, the ingenue black tee
THE KOOPLES, fringe bag (budget here)
RAG & BONE, distressed zippered jeans (budget here)
3.1 PHILLIP LIM, patent leather ankle boots (budget, on sale)
ARMANI, sunglasses (budget here)