Why I Stopped Buying Fast Fashion
Last year I wrote an article called The Truth About Fast Fashion after seeing a CBC documentary on how it impacts our planet. The environment is something I’m very passionate about. I’m not perfect by any means but I try to do my part. I even switched to a vegetarian diet after learning about how much energy and resources it takes to produce a single serving of meat. I digress. This is not that type of post.
These days I'm finding it more difficult to get behind fast fashion. Both Geoff and I have experienced too many seams ripping and things shrinking recently. Quality is at a decline and fast fashion production is at an all-time high. Just look at this post from Business of Fashion about H&M's increased inventory vs. their declining profits. Everything seems to be made of polyester or nylon these days and did you know that they can take up to 200 years to decompose? Scary stuff.
When shopping for new clothes my intention is to invest in pieces that I’ll enjoy for years to come. Throwing stuff out or donating them after a couple of washes doesn’t sit well with me, which is why I’ve started to invest in a higher-end wardrobe. But even still, plenty of designers still use synthetic fabrics so know your brands and most importantly, know what your money is ultimately supporting. After all, we all have a responsibility to do our part.
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LUXE FOR LESS
Photos by Geoff Martin
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A Look Into My Balenciaga Filled Closet
When it comes to shopping I try to stick to my rule of thumb, buy what you love. Sure, some purchases can be impractical at times - ie; pink glitter Saint Laurent boots or green satin Balenciaga flats, but fashion is all about feeling good and nothing makes me feel more like myself than a statement shoe.
For clothes I always keep things pretty basic but with a twist. A classic leather moto jacket from Saint Laurent with a no smoking illustration on the back. An oversized button up shirt that says BALENCIAGA in graphic letters paired with cotton shorts from H&M’s mens section. It’s totally impractical for some but these pieces couldn’t be closer to my personal style as I’ve always been drawn to bold, graphic design.
Some things are worth paying full price. I saw this green mini Loewe Puzzle bag at the SSense Montreal flagship store and it was love at first sight. The biker wallet on a chain from New York designer Kara is a newer addition.
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My Balenciaga XXS Everyday tote in magenta pink. I picked this one up on sale and I’ve been using it non stop all summer.
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I clearly have a think for this florescent green shade. The easiest way to wear it is with accessories and just adding a pop of colour to an otherwise basic outfit.
Photography by Geoff and Nathalie Martin
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The Statement Bag You Didn’t Know You Needed
Okay, I’m sorry for starting of a post by saying you need something because after all, it’s just a bag so do you actually need it? No.
I was on a waitlist for the biker wallet by NYC designer Kara for a few weeks before I actually got my hands on on it. It makes just enough of a statement on even the simplest outfits.
Mind you it only fits my debit, credit and ID cards and that’s just about it. No room for lipstick, my keys, let alone my iPhone XS Max but that doesn’t bother me one bit.
Only the white remains available on ssense.com but Kara’s online shop still seems to have the black in stock. Don’t wait to long though because I have a feeling these are gonna sell out.
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Photos by Geoff Martin
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CHANEL WATER-FRESH TINT Foundation, Review + Full Day Wear Test
For a full review and my thoughts on CHANEL’s new Water-Fresh Tint, make sure you click play above! Also, be sure to hit like and subscribe as I’ll be posting more beauty and fashion videos moving forward!
xx,
Nathalie
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19 Of The Best Hailey Bieber Outfits
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Today we’re going to be looking at Hailey Bieber’s style and what makes it so great. In a time when everyone looks the same or has no idea how to dress *cough,Kendall Jenner *, it’s nice to know we can turn to what Hailey is wearing for some realistic outfit inspo.
She’s normally seen rocking gold hoops à la Jennifer Fisher, badass rectangular sunnies à la Celine’s CL41468/S style, and a natural bronzed no-makeup makeup look.
If you want more, make sure you click here for 13 Hailey Bieber Outfits To Copy Right Now. And if you want daily outfit inspo, make sure to follow me on Pinterest.
Keep scrolling to discover my favourite Hailey looks.
The Best Hailey Bieber Outfits
This super casual look gets balanced with a pair of white pointed toe boots.
2. Matrix vibes with this oversized patent leather moto jacket and Balenciaga knife boots.
3. Growing up, I made a vow to myself that I would never wear sweatpants and sneakers in public but some vows don’t last. I’m currently on the hunt for the perfect sweatsuit. Thanks Hailey!
4. The girl loves colour and doesn’t let us forget it! How else can pull off head-to-toe neon this well? Who?
5. Go up a couple of sizes when shopping to get Hailey’s signature effortless look.
6. HB loves her Balenciaga and who can blame her. This sweater is currently on sale for half off and I’m tempted to get it.
7. Hailey keeps her look monochrome for an elegant casual look.
1. SIZE UP for an effortless, relaxed look.
2. Rock the same COLOUR head to toe.
3. SWEATSHIRTS go with everything can can be worn all season long.
4. SNEAKERS go with everything.
5. SWEATPANTS go with everything.
6. Find a signature jewelry piece such as GOLD HOOPS.
7. Skip the blowout and opt for a top bun and SCRUNCHIE.
8. Wear MONOCHROME outfits to look more editorial and expensive.
9. Invest in killer SUNGLASSES.
10. Rock something BALENCIAGA everyday.
hailey bieber style rules
8. She probably put this outfit together in two seconds which just shows us that getting dressed doesn’t require a lot of thought. Have fun and go with the flow.
9. This Nanushka knitted suit is now sold out but I’ve linked some similar pieces below.
10. Head to toe neon again with her signature gold hoops. LOVE.
11. Out of sweatpants and wearing the chicest oversized dress blazer.
12. Love how she paired these vinyl pants with a pair of Vans. It’s a great way to balance a piece that could otherwise look too hardcore for daytime.
13. Here she rocks a yellow sweatsuit with black Yeezy boots. Never would have thought this outfit would work together so well but that’s the thing about Hailey’s personal style and a lesson for us all, if you’re feeling it, you can rock it.
14. Simple white jeans and a black sweatshirt but again worn two sizes too big and looking amazing. She paired the look with Balenciaga’s Track 2 sneakers in blue and pink to add a pop of colour.
15. I’ve seen variations of this outfit over and over again - camel coat, all black outfit. Hailey’s take feels very much her own when worn with Off White Sneakers and her signature gold hoops.
16. A departure form her usual urban inspired, model-off duty look and more dressed up with neon green Balenciaga heels and an oatmeal coloured blazer. Instead of reaching for a feminine handbag, she opted for a simple nylon pouch from Balenciaga’s mens collection.
17. This neon yellow dress is from New York designer Matthew Adams Dolan and of course is sold out. Hailey, give me a call if you ever want to get rid of it okay? I’ll buy it off you girl!
18. Looks like she borrowed the Beebs Champion jacket because it’s so oversized but man does it look good. Here she balanced the casual look with a croc Saint Laurent bag and white Balenciaga baseball hat. OBSESSED.
19. Finally, these tiny shorts are hidden by an oversized hoodie, presumably by Balenciaga, what else?
All images sourced from Pinterest.
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Why I Rated Lancôme’s New Blush A+
Lancôme’s Blush Subtil gets a makeover with new, sleeker packaging just in time for summer and the brand sent me two shades to try for myself - Rose Liberté, a matte rose shade, and Make It Pop, a pink shade with gold shimmer that appears coral in the packaging.
They’re long-lasting and richly pigmented - which is excellent if you ask me because nothing irks me more than a blush that doesn’t deposit colour the way it should. It also blends beautifully with my favourite Laura Mercier blush brush, and even though I don’t normally use the tiny brush that it comes with, I truly do appreciate it. Trust me when I say it comes in handy when carrying the bare minimum in a tiny handbag.
Lancôme’s Blush Subtil, $43
347 Rose Liberté - matte rose
541 Make It Pop - pink with gold shimmer (appears coral in the pan)
Just to prove how good they are, I’ve worn these Lancôme blushes with foundation, on bare skin, and with tinted moisturizer, and I have to say the longevity of these is A+ all the way. There’s no fading either.
The silky powder blush comes in a whopping twenty-seven shades to suit everyone - from sparkling, shimmer, and matte.
My fave of the two is Make It Pop because I find coral blush adds a really nice glow to my complexion.
Some of the products in this post were received as PR.
All photos and opinions are my own.
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How To Choose The Right Moisturizer For Your Skin Type (feat. Olay)
There used to be a time when I would change my moisturizer according to the season but that was a long time ago. For the last two years, I’ve been dedicated to my Olay. It’s the only one my grandmother ever used and she had phenomenal skin her whole life.
Since my skin is combination-oily, it used to be tricky for me to find something that would help my makeup stay on all day while hydrating my skin. My previous moisturizers were either too rich or would break me out leave my face looking extremely oily at the end of the day. Or not the opposite end of the spectrum, they weren’t hydrating enough and my skin would feel itchy and tight.
It’s been a battle for sure but go figure, that in my partnership with Olay, I found some moisturizer that keeps my skin hydrated and balanced and go figure, it’s from the drug store. No wonder it was the only one my grandma ever used!
Keep reading for my tips on determining which Olay red jar is right for you.
WHY IS MOISTURIZER SO IMPORTANT?
Did you know that facial cleansers and exfoliators can strip away even good oils from the skin leaving it dry? FACT: Dry skin is less elastic and can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. That’s why it’s important to follow up with moisturizer right after cleansing so you can lock in moisture and prevent skin from drying.
FINDING THE RIGHT MOISTURIZER FOR YOU
When picking the right moisturizer, lifestyle and season matter. For example, if you live in an urban setting, you might want to go with something like Olay Regenerist WHIP because makeup lasts long while wearing it.
If you work indoors in an air-conditioned setting, you might want to opt for Olay’s Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream to keep your skin plump and hydrated throughout the day.
OLAY Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
SKIN TYPE:
This rich, nourishing moisturizer works best for dry to normal skin, although I have combination skin and I love this stuff. I use it all over my face, neck, and chest as part of my night time routine.
LIFESTYLE/ ENVIRONMENT:
This is ideal for those working long hours indoors in air-conditioned settings.
WHAT IT IS:
A luxurious moisturizer that provides immediate, long-lasting hydration. It softens the looks of fine, lines and wrinkles and leaves skin feeling and looking hydrated and plump.
MY THOUGHTS:
This moisturizer has a solid reputation behind it and some of my favourite beauty editors swear by it. While I’ve been devoted to my Regenerist Whip for the last couple of years, I will occasionally try something new as it is my job as a beauty blogger.
I was delighted to see how well my skin took to this cream after one use. I woke up the next day with visibly plumper and well rested looking skin. Since I liked the results so much, I’ve now taken it on as my night cream, though this can is perfectly good to use both morning and night.
OLAY REGENERIST WHIP
SKIN TYPE:
Normal and combination to oily skin.
LIFESTYLE/ ENVIRONMENT:
Ideal for those in urban settings who are always on the go. Moisturizer needs to absorb quickly and makeup needs to last all day.
WHAT IT IS:
Regenerist Whip is a lightweight, breathable moisturizer that leaves skin with a matte finish. It absorbs quickly, holding and releasing over 1000x its weight in hydration thanks to the Active Rush Technology.
MY THOUGHTS:
This has been my ride-or-die moisturizer for about two years now. I love how quickly it absorbs into the skin meaning I don’t have to wait around until to apply my makeup. And, thanks to the matte finish, it acts like a primer, meaning it’s one less step in my routine. Best of all, it keeps my oily T-zone under control all day so I don’t have to turn to powder.
Even my husband, who has started using moisturizer daily is a big fan of Whip. He has oily skin and has noticed that his skin isn’t as oily at the end of the day compared to some other moisturizers he’s tried.
(My grandmother and I when we lived in Nicaragua.)
I hope this helps you guys determine which moisturizer is right for you. If you’re like me and have combination skin, I would suggest thinking about what season you're in (summer vs. winter) and the lifestyle you lead to help you determine which is the Olay red jar for you. Since I’m indoors most of the time, I’ve been liking my Micro-Sculpting Cream, but if I have events and meetings in the city, I’ll opt for my Regenerist Whip.
I also want to say a special thank you to Olay for this partnership. Not only am I a fan of their products and use them daily, but my grandmother was such a big fan of their skincare, it was the only moisturizer she used. Even though she’s no longer here, working with Olay has made me feel closer to her in some ways and I can’t even imagine how proud and excited she would be if she was here.
Head out to your local retailer to pick up your red jar!
Disclaimer: this post is sponsored by Olay. All photos and opinions are my own.