3 Holiday Table Setting Ideas to Try This Season
With the holidays just around the corner, I've been obsessed with the idea of creating fabulous table settings.
From minimal, monochromatic, and Nordic-inspired, to more elegant and chic, I tried three different settings to give you an idea of how to dress up your table for the holidays.
As per usual, I logged onto Pinterest and started pinning inspiration.
This is what I came up with.
Muted Greys & Minimal
This table setting featured a muted color palette of soft greys and beige.
For the centerpiece, I added a table runner from Ikea ($5) and decorated it with cedar and spruce branches to create a garland. Then I added a bowl of golden-colored Rocha Pears in the middle to make the natural elements pop against the muted table linens.
And because candlelit dinners set the ultimate cozy mood, I added a votive candle (from Nest New York) to each seat.
ELEGANT NATURE INSPIRED TABLE SETTING
This table setting is all about subtle elegance. I brought out my wedding china which so happens to have a soft silver trim around the edge. I love how the candlelight bounces off the metallic trim and almost looks sparkly.
I used grey linen napkins as place settings and did without the table cloth. Doing this put the focus on the garland centerpiece and the tall structured candleholders from Parisian designer, Sarah Levoine.
Nestled in the center are juicy red apples and a couple of large pine cones. I would have preferred red berries but apples are all I had on hand.
Finally, on each plate, I added the small votive holiday candles from Nest New York.
Scandinavian Inspired Table Settings
It's all about the black stoneware with this table setting so let that be the focus and kept the rest simple.
I added a beige linen tablecloth from Ikea and ditched the placemats and just simply put the dinner plates over top. I thought it would look a bit weird but I like how it came out! Also, knotting the linen napkins and placing them on top the of plates softens the overall look.
Finally, I kept the centerpiece minimal adding only spruce branches and a couple of candleholders.
This post features affiliate links. If you choose to buy something I will get a small commission from the sale. This doesn’t impact the price you pay. Affiliate links are just another way to monetize my blog.
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Beauty Edit: Skincare Over 40 feat. Re-Nutriv
With my 40th birthday looming just around the corner, I've been stepping up my skincare game and incorporating more serums, facial massages, and liquid exfoliators into my daily routine.
While the idea of getting fillers and botox is tempting, I'm not quite there yet, and honestly, I don't know if it's for me. (Talk to me again in a couple of years and we'll see how I feel then.)
Anyway, this skincare enthusiast is always looking to try something new and do whatever I can to step up my skincare routine, including testing out the latest lotions, and potions, but I guess that's nothing new.
Just recently I began using a few items from the Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv collection.
The line is specifically made to target aging skin and areas of concern such as dull skin, lifting, firming, dryness, and dehydration.
It's suitable for normal to combination skin, is dermatologist tested, and won't clog pores.
A bit of background on the collection, Re-Nutriv's luxury formula contains Himalayan Gentian, a flower that thrives in the bitter cold of the world’s highest mountains. It's harvested by hand, before carefully extracting its regenerative energies.
On the skin, the Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Regenerating Youth Eye Creme smoothes over eyes with a silky texture that reminds me of La Mer's Eye Concentrate, a favorite of mine.
The Ultimate Lift Regenerating Youth Creme applies to the face with the same silky texture that absorbs into the skin quickly.
The Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Regenerating Youth Treatment Lotion feels like a fine toner that's patted into the skin before serum or moisturizer. It leaves skin hydrated and soft.
And finally, the Re-Nutriv Hydrating Foam Cleanser has a gentle lather that softly scented and leaves skin feeling soft.
My skin has been looking better these days. Whether it's courtesy of Estée Lauder, that extra bit of sleep I've been getting, or all of those facial massages, who knows. The skincare line is damn good so let's just chalk it up to that.
At the end of the day what I do know is this, taking care of your skin by moisturizing, drinking lots of water, staying out of the sun, and wearing SPF is the best thing you could do for yourself long term, and it's never too late to start.
Estée Lauder skincare in this post is a PR sample. All opinions are my own.
This post features affiliate links. If you choose to buy something I will get a small commission from the sale. This doesn’t impact the price you pay. Affiliate links are just another way to monetize my blog.
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Gift Guide for the Candle Obsessed
Each holiday season I look forward to festive scented candles from Nest New York, Diptyque, Jo Malone, and yes, even Bath & Body Works. (Cheap and cheerful for the win, am I right?)
I love gifting candles and I love receiving them as gifts. When you're this obsessed with bougie candles, it's the sort of gift that never gets old.
In this post, you'll find some exquisite holiday home fragrances that will wow the candle enthusiast in your life.
And just in case you want to gift a non-holiday scent, I've also included some stunning scents from Tom Ford, YSL, Jo Malone, and Maison Margiela REPLICA that can be enjoyed all year round.
Happy gift-giving! Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
This post features affiliate links. If you choose to buy something I will get a small commission from the sale. This doesn’t impact the price you pay. Affiliate links are just another way to monetize my blog.
Holiday Candles by Nest New York, $23 - $184 CAD
Nest New York makes some of my favorite candles and each year I look forward to their limited edition holiday scents. The scent, appropriately named Holiday, is a blend of pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, and cinnamon alongside a hint of vanilla and amber and comes in a beautiful limited edition vessel. Affordable and high quality, Nest makes candles in a variety of sizes as well as diffusers. The Birchwood Pine scent is an earthy woody scent with notes of White Pine, Fir Balsam, Rich Musk, and Amber and is sure to get your home into the festive spirit.
City Edition Candles by Jo Malone, $94 CAD
It’s a given that anyone who collects bougie candles does so because of; a) the scent and b) the packaging so when Jo Malone launches a limited edition illustrated collection, you can bet it’s game over. This Holt Renfrew exclusive is part of JM’s City Editions collection and features a hand-sketched illustration inspired by London. Trust me when say that I’m tempted to put these on my wish list.
Set of 3 Holiday Mini Candles by Diptyque, $162 CAD
Each year Diptique releases a trio of limited edition holiday scents. This year the French fragrance brand has teamed up with artist Ugo Gattoni to create the illustrated gift box. The limited-edition scents include Moonlit Fir Scented Candle (aromatic woody), Floral Majesty Scented Candle (spicy rose), and Amber Feather Scented Candle (warm amber accord).
Tradition des 13 Desserts Candle by L’Occitane, $59 CAD
With notes of Sweet Orange, Thyme, Cassia, Cinnamon, Patchouli, and Whisky Accord - L'Occitane's cozy new scent Tradition des 13 Desserts is all about warmth and the holiday spirit of generosity. Available in both a candle and room spray, this is the sort of scent you'll want to gift someone, but you'll also want to buy one for yourself too.
Caban Luxury Candle by YSL Beauty, $75 CAD
The latest from YSL Beauty caught me by surprise and is something I'm extremely excited about, to say the least. Available in three signature scents, Tuxedo, Caban and Saharienne, the luxury candles are inspired by the Yves Saint Laurent lifestyle and spirit.
Fucking Fabulous Candle by Tom Ford, $158 CAD
Warm & Spicy this Tom Ford scent has notes of Bitter Almond Oil, Leather Accord, Orris Accord.
Wild Berry & Bramble Candle by Jo Malone, $160 CAD
This beautiful collection from Jo Malone comes in a textured bisque ceramic jar that's so stunning that it feels like a piece of home decor. The scent encapsulates a sunny pathway, the fragrant tapestry of thorny shrubs, brimming with red berries - perfect for gifting that special person you want to impress.
REPLICA Beach Walk Candle Gift Set by Maison Margiela, $95 CAD
This fresh floral scent from the Margiela REPLICA collection comes with a bonus travel-sized fragrance that's perfect for touch-ups. With notes of Bergamot, Heliotrope, and Coconut Milk, this scent captures salty air and warm, sunkissed skin and evokes the memory of endless summer days.
BOIS D'ENCENS LUXURY CANDLE by Armani Beauty, $135 CAD
Armani Privé outdoes themselves with a luxury candle collection that's pure and refined. Each scented candle is poured into an elegantly sculpted glass holder that embodies the Armani Privé brand.
Bois D'Encens is a luxurious woody scent with spicy notes of ginger and Peruvian pepper accentuates the precious Somali frankincense. Its powerful sensuality fuses with ambery woods and cedar.
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4 Affordable Neutral Outfits To Wear Right Now
It’s been one hell of a week so far. Parts of Toronto back in lockdown and close friends and family are now out of work just around the holidays. It’s stressful, to say the least, and I’m feeling sad and overwhelmed by the state of everything right now.
Yes, there's a pandemic and we have to control the spread, absolutely. However there has to be a better solution other than shutting down businesses and putting people out of work.
I digress.
This blog has always been light-hearted but these days many of us feeling anything but.
Anyway, this morning I was on Pinterest trying to distract myself for a bit when I realized that my eyes kept landing on photos of neutral fashions.
There's something so calming about a neutral color palette and maybe that's what I needed to calm my senses at that exact moment.
Even as I sit at my computer, writing this post, I'm wearing a camel colored cardigan from Revolve paired with a white t-shirt. Simple, clean, relaxing.
Never under estimate the power of fashion.
Below you'll find some of my favourite outfit ideas from Pinterest as well as similar pieces to shop if you want to get the look.
Happy shopping and stay safe everyone. And remember, it's okay to feel like shit right now. Reach out to a friend and talk it out. We're all in this together.
x, Nathalie
Image via Pinterest
Plaid Paper Bag Waist Pants, Nordstrom $77 USD
Faux Patent Leather Trench Coat, Nordstrom $89.40 USD
Image via Pinterest
Levi’s Fishtail Jacket, Nordstrom $119 USD
Levi’s Water Repellent Hooded Parka, Nordstrom $78.00 USD
Knitted Heeled Bootie, Nordstrom $109.95 USD
Image via Pinterest
Levi’s Utility Jeans, Nordstrom $41.39 USD
Topshop Raw Hem Denim Jacket, Nordstrom $80 USD
Tia Cropped Denim Jacket, Nordstrom $59 USD
Image via Pinterest
Sam Edelman Trench Coat, Nordstrom $99.90 USD
Superga Sneaker, Nordstrom $65
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to buy something, I will get a small commission from the sale. This doesn’t impact the price you pay. Affiliate links are just another way to monetize my blog.
Photos via Pinterest.com
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Menswear Inspired Outfit
Video by Geoff Martin
Menswear-inspired doesn’t have to dress like one of the guys. For me, it’s about adapting pieces and making my own.
Take, for example, the wool trousers featured in this post.
On their own, they read as business casual, however when paired with high-top sneakers they take on a more casual look that's slightly masculine.
And when a plain white t-shirt and black leather moto jacket is added to the mix, suddenly the outfit leans a little more towards menswear.
I accessorized with my favorite Balenciaga oversized scarf and classic Givenchy bag and that’s pretty much it.
Simple and borrowed from the boys.
Photo by Geoff Martin
I've linked similar pieces to the ones I'm wearing in this post. I choose affiliate links mindfully, posting both high and low fashion, as I would wear myself. If you choose to buy something, I will get a small commission from the sale. This doesn’t impact the price you pay. Affiliate links are just another way to monetize my blog.
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Beauty Edit: 10 Winter Skincare Must-Haves
For myself anyway, I use a lot of the same products that I use year-round however, I've started adding a few more exfoliators to my routine to keep the dry skin away and to keep skin looking fresh.
I also started incorporating a rich oil-based serum into my routine which happens to have only two ingredients - vitamin E and oat oil (it's awesome for hydrating and nourishing skin).
Otherwise - it's more or less the same but really, I find there to be something comforting about taking that extra effort to look after my skin during the cold months.
Below you'll find my top 10 skincare products to get your skin winter-ready. Oh - and in case you're wondering, my skin type is a combination (oily T zone and normal cheeks) and has a tendency to be dehydrated as well.
This post features affiliate links. f you choose to buy something, I will get a small commission from the sale. This doesn’t impact the price you pay. Affiliate links are just another way to monetize my blog.
HERBIVORE Prism 12% AHA + 3% BHA Exfoliating Glow Serum
This lightweight exfoliating serum is infused with a blend of 12% AHA to target dull and uneven texture, and 3% BHA to clarify and minimize the appearance of pores. It's gentle enough to use up to five days a week will reveal smooth and glowing skin. Just make sure to SPF the following morning to protect your skin as it is a liquid exfoliator.
SULWHASOO Essentials Kit
Korean skincare brand Sulhwasoo is revered for its ultimate skin solutions and holistic beauty. Their skincare is hydrating and feel luxurious on the skin and perfect for winter. My favourites are the First Care Activating Serum, Essential Balancing Emulsion, and Essential Firming Cream, but you’re better off getting the Essentials Kit and trying it out for yourself. PS - all of the ginseng based products in the kit are suitable for all skin types.
CONSONANT Vitamin E + Oat Serum
As someone with combination skin, I've become very careful about the type of products I put on my face. This rich serum from Consonant only contains two ingredients: vitamin E provides antioxidants, and oat oil hydrates and soothes. It targets dullness and uneven texture and is everything you need for your wintertime skincare routine.
Kiehl's Daily Refining Milk-Peel Toner
If your skin is feeling dull from the cold dry air, then you might want to step up your exfoliating game. This liquid exfoliator from Kiehl’s is gentle enough to use twice daily, which means that soft, glowing skin is possible during the winter months. Lipohydroxy acid exfoliates while emollients and almond milk nourish the skin.
HERBIVORE Rose Quartz Gua Sha
Honestly, I thought long and hard before jumping on the Gua Sha train because a) I already have a facial roller, and b) I’m in the middle of decluttering my house so buying more stuff is the last thing I need. However, the thought of relaxing on my couch on a cold winter day, watching Netflix, and while getting a Gua Sha facial massage just sounded like heaven. And it is.
This rose quartz Gua Sha stimulates circulation to help relieve facial tension and reduce the appearance of puffiness. It also promotes lymphatic drainage to improve the appearance of elasticity of the skin and aids the absorption of skincare products on the skin's surface.
I’m sure a facial roller does more or less the same but I love how the cool rose quartz feels on my skin.
KIEHL’S Ultra Facial Cream
I love a rich moisturizing cream that doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy and weighed down. If you have oily/combo skin and suffer from milia, like me, then you know that rich and heavy creams are a big no-no. This is why I'll always go back to Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream because I get the hydration my skin needs without having my pores clogged.
GLOW RECIPE Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm
If you’re like me and wear waterproof mascara, then you know that an oil-based eye makeup remover is the only thing getting that ish off. This is exactly why I was surprised to learn that Glow Recipe’s Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm melts away all traces of waterproof makeup. I use it as the first step in my double cleanse routine and I just love how it rinses away clean with water.
AVENÉ Eau Thermale
This soothing and calming thermal water is everything! I use it to add a boost of hydration to my skin - either right after washing my face before any serums or toners, while other times I’ll use it as the last step in my skincare routine. Trust me when I say everyone needs this thermal water in their skincare routine - no matter how many steps said routine might have.
BITE BEAUTY Agave + Intensive Lip Mask
I keep this Bite Beauty Classic on my nightstand table at all times because it’s the only lip product that actually hydrates my lips overnight. It contains agave nectar to help soothe and nurture and mangosteen extract, a tropical fruit known for being rich in antioxidants.
CONSONANT Cooling Face Globes
These round cooling globes help minimize puffiness all while receiving a facial massage. Just pop them in the fridge overnight and the next morning, roll them over the contours of the face and neck after your skincare routine. PRO TIP: Add a couple of drops of the Vitamin E + Oat Serum by Consonant first to help the globes smoothly glide over the face.
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YSL LIBRE Eau de Parfum Intense
I’m declaring 2020 the year of fragrance because I’ve either bought or obtained (through PR) more scents this year than in recent memory.
In some strange way, I blame covid for this because scents have been my way of differentiating all of the days spent in lockdown and adding a bit more excitement to my day.
Between candles, perfumes, essential oils, incense, and room sprays, it's safe to say that I've probably bought as many fragrances this year as I have house plants. So basically, a lot.
The latest addition to my collection is YSL LIBRE Eau de Parfum Intense.
It's the second release from Libre and as the name implies, is more intense and sultry.
YSL LIBRE Eau de Parfum Intense is a warm floral scent with notes of Lavender Essence, Orchid Accord, Vanilla.
Different from the original YSL Libre, YSL LIBRE Eau de Parfum Intense is floral, creamy, spicy with a slight smokiness.
"The captivating, sensual scent of orchid burns through the melting floral heart of LIBRE Intense, matching the honeyed facets of burnt orange blossom, smooth vanilla, and glowing amber accord built around grisalva—a classic ambergris note."
If you're like me and you love a warm and spicy scent this time of year, make sure to check out YSL LIBRE Eau de Parfum Intense.
It’s perfect for date night or if you’re just the kind of person who loves to switch up their scents every season.
FRAGRANCE TIP: When my favorite scents aren't available in a candle, I'll spray the fragrance around the room or on my curtains. It helps me enjoy the scent in a different way that brings me joy.
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Beauty Edit: 10 Warm and Luxurious Products To Buy Right Now
As we head into November, my needs in skincare and beauty are shifting towards creamier, warmer, and more luscious feeling products.
My skin has been dehydrated and I’m finding myself reaching for emollient creams and hydrating serums.
With makeup, I’m layering rosy cheeks with a tinted lip for that healthy, “I just took a walk in the woods” look.
At home, I’ve been lighting candles almost daily to set the tone for fall.
And with my fragrance, I’m craving warmer notes like sandalwood and bergamot.
In this post, you’ll find ten beauty products that I’ve been reaching for often.
They’re products that make me feel cozy and warm and have me embracing the chilly fall weather.
This post features affiliate links. f you choose to buy something, I will get a small commission from the sale. This doesn’t impact the price you pay. Affiliate links are just another way to monetize my blog.
SULWHASOO First Care Activating Serum - Limited Edition Pink Lantern
I’ve gone through many bottles of Sulwhasoo’s First Care Activating Serum and I adore this product just as much today when I first discovered it years ago. This serum addresses the 5 signs of skin aging™, when resilience, vitality, nourishment, clarity, and elasticity lose balance. Apply a couple of pumps into the palms to warm up the product and then apply to the face and neck.
BYREDO Bohemia Candle
If you like unique woody scents, I highly recommend Byredo’s Bohemia candle. This home fragrance is a mishmash of scents that blends opoponax with rum, geranium with rosemary and labdanum, and vanilla with sandalwood and oak moss. Yum.
I love a good brow gel to set everything in place and the latest from BareMinerals is infused with a peptide serum that promotes healthier, stronger brows. It’s available in 3 shades, blonde, medium brown, and dark brown in addition to clear.
GUERLAIN Aqua Allegoria Orange Soleia
This fresh and citrus fragrance is the unexpected scent you didn’t know you needed for fall. Blood Orange, Bergamot and Woody Notes gives Guerlain’s Orange Soleia warmth and depth.
LA MER Eye Concentrate
Eye cream is a must any time of the year and for fall I’m completely smitten with La Mer’s hydrating formula on The Eye Concentrate. It helps brighten and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and under eye circles.
CHANEL Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick
I love the look of hydrated, dewy skin and my favourite trick these days is to layer a bit of Chanel’s Multi-Use Glow Stick overtop of my blush. I creates a gorgeous glow and looks incredible on the eyes as well.
WESTMAN ATELIER Baby Cheeks Blush Stick
Clean beauty brand Westman Atelier makes a killer blush stick that’s easy to use and lasts all day. I love to layer it on just after my tinted moisturizer and then again once I’ve set my makeup with a bit of powder for that glow from within look.
We all love a good lip balm and this one from Guerlain is enriched with rose oil extract to hydrate and plump the look of lips. It comes in four flattering shades.
GLOW RECIPE Plum Plump™ Hyaluronic Acid Serum
My skincare just isn’t the same without a good serum, which is why I’m including another one on this list. Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum leaves the skin feeling hydrated and plump. It has a gel like consistency that glides over the skin like silk. It also contains three antioxidant-rich plums (kakadu, illawarra, and burdekin) to hydrate, nourish, and rejuvenate skin‘s appearance.
GROWN ALCHEMIST Hand Cream
This non-greasy hand cream is scented with Vanilla and Orange Peel and comes in a handy pump that dispenses this luscious cream. I keep it by my night stand because the scent is warm and comforting, but also because I can’t fall asleep until my hands are moisturized.
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Simple Fall Outfit
Photo by Geoff Martin
Considering how overwhelming and complicated the world feels right now, it’s good to take a step back and simplify things where we can.
Our closet is one of those places, and as superficial as it might be to talk about the importance of clothing during a worldwide pandemic, hear me out.
Wardrobe affects our psyche more than we might realize or even more than some of us care to admit. (Though I'm assuming not you because you're reading this post and scrolling through a fashion blog.)
I'm hoping if there's any good to come out of this year is our overall approach to fashion and just buying habits in general.
Hopefully, we can put the days of fashion fast and trend shopping in the past and move towards more sustainable buying habits.
Buy now, wear now, wear for years to come.
In this post, I'm wearing pieces that I've owned for a combined five years, and yes, that I still adore them.
I store them away in the off-seasons and bring them out when it's time.
I'm also wearing a new piece here, a black Maje pinstripe wool coat which I picked up recently at a sample sale.
It's timeless and classic yet cut in a modern way that suits my personal style.
I hope this post, and all of the fashion posts here on WoahStyle, inspire you to shop your own closet and come up with new outfit combinations that will excite you.
x, Nathalie
I've linked similar pieces to the ones I'm wearing in this post. I choose affiliate links mindfully, posting both high and low fashion, as I would wear myself. If you choose to buy something, I will get a small commission from the sale. This doesn’t impact the price you pay. Affiliate links are just another way to monetize my blog.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.