I'm Feelin' Myself

You know that feeling when you put on an outfit that just makes you feel real nice? Ya, this is me here. 

You guys know that I try to invest in pieces that I love and will wear them over and over again. I love the challenge of styling them in new ways and changing it up to keep things interesting. 

I've worn this Veronica Beard blazer plenty of times before but never styled like this. I mean, it's summer and it's been hot af out there! 

I kept it light and seasonally appropriate with a breezy white oversized v-neck to complement the linen blazer. 

I could have accessorized with sandals, but I opted for my favourite pair of Isabel Marant cowboy boots instead cuz I was feeling them. Then I broke up the heaviness of the black from the jeans and boots by adding my tanned Alexander Wang Diego bag.

Accessories are a great way of changing the mood of an outfit and this bag helped me accomplish just that. Most importantly, the tones of the bag help tie everything back to the blazer.  

STYLE TIP: Go up one or two sizes when shopping for tees to get relaxed look. 

So, you wanna know why I'm digging this outfit so much? It's cuz it's super comfortable and versatile. They're pieces that already live in my closet and I didn't have to buy anything new to create this look. 

I'm also feeling like 100% myself in these clothes which means I feel more confident and like I could conquer anything in it. Don't you just love when an outfit does that? I think that should always be our goal when we get dressed!

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Hawaiian Inspired & Harry Styles Approved

I'M WEARING: 
Cinq à Sept embroidered silk blouse.
Zara trousers.
Loewe small striped Hammock Bag, SS18.
Isabel Marant sandals. 

My closet is built with basics and statement accessories in mind - lots of denim, t-shirts and plenty of glittery, sparkly and metallic footwear. Above all else, I place a lot of importance in comfort and versatility. Let’s be real, no amount of fabulous shoes is going to make you look like a rock star if you don’t feel like one right?

When I saw this Cinq à Sept silk blouse, I knew it would be perfect for me. It’s breezy and can be paired with cutoffs in the summer, leather pants and ankle boots in the fall, or brown trousers from Zara like the ones I’m wearing here. Bonus, this Hawaiin inspired blouse totally looks like something Harry Styles would wear so you know I just had to have it!

I happen to score my entire outfit on sale, yes, Loewe bag included. You guys know that I LIVE for a good sale. Of course, that means that sometimes the pieces I’m wearing aren't available, but I tried my best to find alternatives for you to shop.

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7 Fabulous Summer Scents to Try Now

Summer doesn't have to mean swapping out your favourite scent for something light and fruity. If you're like me, the idea of this is repulsive. As my best friend points out, I'm drawn to "mysterious" scents. Trust me, nothing's gonna stop me from wearing sandalwood, regardless of the weather.

Below are seven of my favourite scents that will withstand even the hottest of summer days and will always leave you smelling amazing. 

1. MARC JACOBS DAISY LOVE - Youthful and sophisticated this new MJ scent has top notes of Crystallized cloudberries (smells as intriguing as it sounds) with a base of Cashmere musk and driftwood.
2. CHANEL N°5 L'EAU - Fans of N°5 L'EAU are going to flip for this one. It's the same uber-chic scent in an All-Over spray formula. What does that mean? Lighter in delivery and can be used in your hair. Yes, please!
3. ATELIER COLOGNE CLEMENTINE CALIFORNIA - Sweet but citrusy with a tangy kick, this scent is beautiful on everyone. Yes, it's gender neutral and I love it!
4. CHANEL L'EAU TAN - Not exactly a fragrance, this self-tanning mist smells amazing enough to be one. A blend of citrus with accents of orange blossom & lily, with an underlying soft amber base of white musks, I'm living for this one!
5. TOM FORD SOLEIL BLANC - It smells like the most luxurious vacation ever. Seriously. If you haven't caught a whiff of this one yet, run to the nearest TF counter!
6. TOM FORD SANTAL BLUSH - Perfect for summer, and actually, all year round. You'll love this spicy oriental scent if you're a fan of sandalwood. 
7. ANINE BING SAVAGE ROSE - This isn't Grandma's rose scent. This scent is modern, unique and smells very green - like freshly picked flowers after the rain. It's beyond gorgeous. 

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Rockstar Status with DIORCLUB2

Is there anything better than a killer pair of sunglasses to elevate an outfit? Well, probably but let's pretend for a second that's all that matters.

Dior's latest style, called DIORCLUB2, will make you reach rockstar status instantly. The rectangular-shaped sunnies feature a super rad visor that reads J'ADIOR in bold white caps. It is removable if you choose to go for a more traditional look, but seriously, why would you? 

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Frizz-Free Summer Hair feat. PANTENE

Summer is pretty much here and we’re all living for it, except me. Sunny skies and 35 degrees of sweltering heat. Do you know what that does to a girl’s hair when she’s rushing around the city going from meeting to meeting? Mayhem. Hair mayhem!

The reality is, I love fall. I love the cool air, the layered fashion and the humidity-free weather. Most of all, I really like that I don’t have to worry about my hair flaring up into a frizz ball that resembles a lions mane.

Summer for me has always meant big, unmanageable, frizzy hair and I’ve always felt too deterred to even deal with it, so it was always tied back in a ponytail.

My pony had so many frizzy fly-aways coming out of every which direction that I should have just gotten myself a hat! LOL! Childhood can be cruel, that I’m sure we can all agree on, and I for one have spent a good chunk of my adulthood trying to figure out how to deal with the hair I was given.

Conditioner is the biggest key player in getting it looking smooth and healthy in the summer months. It’s the best way of fighting humidity, keeping away frizz and holding onto my hairstyle! Without it, my waves fall out and my hair puffs up like a lion’s mane! Remember those before and after pics from my last PANTENE post? ;)

Before I made the switch to PANTENE I was going back and forth between some high-end designer stuff and another drugstore brand. My job as a fashion and beauty blogger means that I’m constantly testing out new products for you guys so I can give you my honest review.

My hair completely transformed as soon as I started using PANTENE’s Smooth & Sleek Conditioner. It’s way more manageable now and can withhold even the hottest of summer days in the city. I have to admit that one of the coolest outcomes from using PANTENE these last few months has to be that my hair is much stronger and healthier now!

If you want to read about how I style my hair, keep reading below.

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+ RELATED READING: ­­
-       Changing the way you think of conditioner FOREVER feat. PANTENE
-       Learn more about how 55% of households in Canada aren’t buying conditioner here

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How I Style My Hair for Soft Waves

1.    

The foundation of all good hair days starts in the shower. I use PANTENE’s Smooth & Sleek Shampoo and Conditioner collection to bring out my natural waves and keep the frizz away. PANTENE’s conditioners are all formulated to protect and strengthen hair, and they have over a dozen different ones to suit all hair types, so be sure to get the right formula for you.

2.    

Right out of the shower I use their combing crème in my damp hair before running a wide-tooth comb through it. The product allows the comb to glide through wet hair, minimizing any breakage.

3.    

I air dry when I can but if not, I set the blow dryer to medium heat and always use a heat protector.

BEFORE

AFTER

4.    

Now that my hair is dry, I divide my hair into four sections. I work through each one by taking a small 1-inch piece at a time and glide my flat iron down my hair, twisting my wrist mid-way to create a soft curl.

5.    

As I work my way through each section of my hair, I set the curls with PANTENE’S Airspray, an alcohol-free aerosol hairspray with flexible hold. I love this one because it doesn’t leave your hair sticky or crunchy and doesn’t have that alcohol scent that a lot of hairsprays have!

6.    

Once I’m done my whole head and the hairspray is set, I take a hairbrush and gently brush my hair, converting all of those curls into soft waves.    

That’s it!

BONUS STYLE TRICK: At night I put my hair into a super high ponytail, right on the top of head, and I sleep on a silk pillow case. I find doing this doesn’t flatten my curls at all. In the morning, I just let it out, give it a quick brush and I’m ready.

DISCLAIMER: This post is sponsored by Pantene. All photos and opinions are my own.

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My Thoughts on Style & Age

I'M WEARING: ZARA TRENCH, TOPSHOP TUNIC, FREE PEOPLE SHORTS, LOEWE STRIPED SMALL HAMMOCK BAG, CONVERSE ONE-STARS.

Now that I'm in my thirties I've come to terms with the fact that there are some pieces in my wardrobe that now qualify as inappropriate for my age.  Goodbye short shorts and very tiny mini-skirts. R.I.P, I'll miss you. 

One's age doesn't necessarily mean that it's mandatory have to purge the fun clothes and swap them for boring conservative pieces, but it doesn't hurt to do a little closet assessment either. If you're not feeling it, get rid of it and introduce some timeless pieces. 

I'm all for having fun with fashion and I look forward to the day when I can finally turn into that eccentric person that I've always aspired to be (I'm looking at you Diane Keaton and Iris Apfel, my style queens). I just don't think I'll be doing it in a short tight dress. 

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The Incredibly Versatile CHANEL Beauty Cruise Collection 2018

Summer is all about that radiant glowing skin but how many of us are actually willing to change up our makeup each season? You know who you are - busy, with a mile long to-do list with no end in sight. Trying a new look feels daunting, impossible even, but CHANEL’S 2018 Cruise Collection makes it oh-so-easy for us all.

Inspired by the reflections of water, the limited edition 14-piece collection, takes your everyday makeup to another level. The best part is that you don’t even have to try some crazy new technique to get your glow on.

The collection is all about sheer washes of shimmery colour on the face, chic pastels on the nails, and a sun-kissed complexion that’s easy to obtain with L’EAU TAN, a new summer essential in self-tanning that comes in the form of a refreshing body mist that contains a small percentage of DHA and leaves a light invigorating scent.

From office wear to weekend makeup at the cottage, the 2018 Cruise Collection is incredibly versatile and one you’ll want to add to your makeup bag this season. 

The collection is in stores now at chanel.com and CHANEL beauty counters. 

CHANEL 2018 Cruise Collection

STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF #887 CHARME, satin brown-aubergine shade, perfect for a more natural look.

LES 4 OMBRES, ÉCLAT ÉNIGMATIQUE, this palette contains four modern takes on Summer colour: a satin ivory; a concrete grey; a brick red and a bronze brown.

“The colours in Éclat Énigmatique eyeshadow palette are made of a more transparent texture so even if you have a red, bronze, grey and pearlescent gold colours, when you apply them they have a very transparent texture so you have this hint of glamour.” 
-Lucia Picca

The travel-friendly compact features a trio of sheer, dewy textures, perfect for applying with fingers. PALETTE ESSENTIELLE ÉTÉ #190, ÉCLAT SOLAIRE, a beige-caramel highlighter, a gold highlighter and a blush in raspberry red.

"Nails take a sophisticated hue this summer. Subtle but never predictable, the trio of new shades represent opportunity  to explore something new." LE VERNIS LONGUE TENUE, #608 LÉGÉRETÉ (green khaki), #610 HALO (milky pink), #612 CHICNESS (mauvy deep burgundy).  

CHANEL gives us the sheerest, carefree colour this summer that feels beautifully hydrating, almost like a balm. LE ROUGE CRAYON DE COULEUR, #17 A LA ROSÉE (milky pink), #19 AU NATUREL (ultimate rosy caramel nude).

Summer Scents

I change my scent daily according to mood and have found that all of my CHANEL favourites transition well into summer. If you're looking for a light mist of scent - try out the new N°5 L'EAU All-Over Spray, which can be used on the body and hair. 

For a summer glow - try the new L’EAU TAN which is subtly self-tans the skin and leaves a delicate scent.

"It gives you a very light tan, it's almost like what you'd get at the beginning of the summer. The colour you get on your skin is quite golden but very transparent, and it's got a beautiful cologne perfume in it so it feels fresh."

-Lucia Pica, CHANEL Global Creative Makeup and Colour Designer

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VIDEO: VLOG 1 | Balenciaga, CHANEL Beauty, Fresh Beauty, Loewe & HOTEL X Toronto

I've been blogging for about four years now (woahstyle.com) and honestly, I need to mix things up a bit to keep it fresh. I figure YouTube is a great platform for that so I'm starting a vlog series so you can get to know me better and see what I get up to as a freelance blogger.

Hope you enjoy the video! 

xx, Nathalie

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Wardrobe Refresh + 5 Items to Buy for SS18 feat. NORDSTROM

WHAT I GOT FROM THE NORDSTROM 'HALF YEARLY SALE': 
AG Jeans in the Harper cut (on sale in Nordstrom stores)
Vince Emberly Mule
Madewell Denim Jacket (size large for that oversized fit)
White t-shirt (similar here)

Do you guys ever have that feeling that your wardrobe needs a little refresh? Ya, me too and I’m totally going through that right now.

My wardrobe has been feeling a little stale recently and after countless hours of perusing Pinterest, I felt like the universe was trying to tell me something – get yourself some new clothes woman!

I took an afternoon to purge anything that I don’t use anything – handbags, shoes, clothes, jeans that no longer fit. Come on, who else does this hoping they'll fit again one day? 

After dropping everything off at my local consignment shop, I drove over to Nordstrom for their 'Half Yearly Sale'.

There were certain key pieces I’d be on the lookout for – a black shoe, some straight cut denim, and maybe a new jacket?? I didn’t want to stick too closely to a list because I really believe in leaving room for the element of surprise. Nothing gets my heart going like finding that perfect piece on a total whim.

I was keen on refreshing my wardrobe with some new cuts. My personal style remains the same and I still all about that whole edgy chic/retro aesthetic that I’ve always loved. I’m just a bit tired of the ankle-hugging skinny jeans and flat shoes at the moment so it was time to change it up. 

I immediately found these amazing black suede mules from Vince. I have a similar pair in camel and every time I wear them I get loads of compliments. They're also really comfortable and don't need any breaking in.

I went for some good ol’ classic denim pieces and found not one, but two pairs of straight cut jeans I’d been after. I also couldn't resist this oversized denim jacket from Madewell. I got mine in a size large and what I like about the oversized fit is how it can be worn a few different ways. 

You'll notice in some of the photos I buttoned up the last three buttons from the bottom and wore it off the shoulder with a white tee underneath. For the other denim on denim look, I just went for the over-the-shoulder-tried-tested-and-true. 

What I like about the oversized fit of the jacket is how it creates movement and visual interest to an otherwise simple outfit. 

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STYLE TIP: Denim on denim or anything monochrome is a simple way of looking put together. It's impactful, chic, and works for everyone!

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I’m really happy with the starting phase of my wardrobe refresh and I’ll be looking at adding a few more key pieces as the Nordstrom 'Half Yearly Sale' continues. Full disclosure, I went back the next day for some fuchsia pink trousers and a checkered blazer. Now we’re talking!

5 ITEMS TO TRY FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2018

STRAIGHT CUT JEANS

Any wash will do but there’s something about medium or light wash straight cut jeans that just work!

CHECKERED BLAZER

Still loving these. I updated my wardrobe with a linen one I can’t wait to show you.

BLOCK HEEL MULES

Comfy and chic. Enough said.

POLKA DOTS

Go for an entire outfit with dots. Break it up and add drama with small and large scale pattern. So, so, so chic!

BOLD COLOUR

Red and pink, mustard and brown, purple and blue. Do it, try it. Whatever floats your fancy. It’s an easy way to add drama to your wardrobe this spring.

1. STRAIGHT CUT JEANS

Any wash will do but there’s something about medium or light wash straight cut jeans that just work!

2. CHECKERED BLAZER 

Still loving these. I updated my wardrobe with a linen one I can’t wait to show you.

3. MULES

Comfy and chic. Enough said.

4. POLKA DOTS

Go for an entire outfit with dots. Break it up and add drama with small and large scale pattern. So, so, so chic!

5. BOLD COLOURS

Red and pink, mustard and brown, purple and blue. Do it, try it. Whatever floats your fancy. It’s an easy way to add drama to your wardrobe this spring.

SHOP THE NORDSTROM HALF-YEARLY SALE IN STORE ACROSS CANADA in store and online. Store locations: Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Ottawa.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by ShopStyle and Nordstrom. All photos and opinions are my own.

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