Larsson & Jennings Redux
You guys know me by now. I'm the kind of person who loves accessories. I don't shy away from gold shoes or pink sparkly boots and when I see glittery, shiny anything, I salivate just a little too much. I feel the same about the littles - my monogramed agenda, my glossy patent leather card holder and my Larsson & Jennings watch. They're personal items that make me feel good when I look at them but they're more than just pretty, they're a functional part of my day to day life.
For this collaboration I teamed up with larssonandjennings.com/ca/ to introduce their new Norse collection. Something about the rectangular watch face seems more classic and timeless to me versus the usual round. Details aside, LJ makes some of my favourite watches. Just ask my BFF, she swiped my last one and under the guise of borrowing it but it's clear she has no plans on giving it back. This is a woman who hasn't worn a watch in years. Very telling to Larsson & Jennings design wouldn't you say?
I've worn a watch pretty much everyday of my life since I was young. My watch has always been an extension of my personal style and I just love how something as subtle as the leather of the strap or the dials can make a big impact in its design.
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THAT MONOGRAMMED LIFE. Larsson & Jennings surprised me by embossing my initials into the strap meaning my BFF won't be swiping this one anytime soon! Sorry Diana!
This post is sponsored by Larsson & Jennings. All photos and opinions are my own.
COVER GIRL x KATY PERRY FULL COLLECTION
Let me just start this article by saying that I'm not the biggest Katy Perry fan out there. Sure, she's got some catchy songs, and I think she's pretty cute, but I'm far from being a die-hard fan. Regardless of what you think of her, you can't deny her makeup is always flawless so I was pumped when her entire Cover Girl collection landed on my desk.
Ya see, I love CG mascara like nothing else. Search the words "cover girl" on my blog and you'll find articles dating from the beginning proclaiming my love for it. Could the Katy Kat Matte lipsticks live up to mascaras? Let's see.
From black to nude, Katy's lip collection has a solid range of pretty colours. I'm actually surprised because so many celebrity collabs don't hold much weight to them. Black and lavender aside, the 11 shade lipstick collection features pinks, corals, reds and mauves that are flattering even on my olive skin tone.
The formula is more creamy than matte with a bit of a sheen, but they apply well feel good on the lips. I wouldn't exactly say they're long lasting, but when paired with a lip liner, your lipstick should still be on even after downing a venti iced coffee.
At under $10 a tube, they're much cheaper than Bite Beauty's Amuse Bouche, with some similar colours found in the Katy Kat collection. My personal faves are; Catoure, Maroon Meow, Crimson Cat and Cat Call.
Before getting the Katy Katy media kit, I thought Perry's collection was limited to lipstick. I'm thrilled she extended the line to mascara because COVER GIRL MASCARA IS THE SHIT! *Ahem.
Okay.
Available in Black and Perry Blue, the brush on these is unique with its twist design of long and short bristles to coat and separate lashes evenly. Thank you Katy!
BEAUTY TIP: Add a touch of blue mascara to the tips of your lashes for a subtle pop of colour. It makes it more wearable during the day.
I don't know if Katy and Cover Girl plan on extending the line at any point, but I hope they add nail polish to the mix because I have a feeling she would design a killer collection!
xo, Nathalie
*In collaboration with Cover Girl. All opinions and photos are my own.
UTILITY JACKET ON A COLD SUMMERS DAY
Before my shorter, newly dyed brown hair. Before my obsession with faux tanning and before summer, I shot this series with Michael of Global Garçon a few months back. Not sure why I haven't uploaded them till now but with today's windy, chilly weather, it somehow felt appropriate.
Keep warm friends!
xo, Nathalie
LANGDON HALL, CAMBRIDGE
When Garnier invited me on a skincare retreat to Langdon Hall, I said "yes please" before I even looked at the date. My agenda; to be pampered with a personalized facial, morning yoga underneath the gazebo by the gardens, and of course an in depth review of Garnier's latest skincare. Oh, and did I mention this is the hotel where DRAKE himself stayed and shot this pic? YASSSS!
My must-have shoes for a weekend retreat - my Louise Et Cie Bonnie sandals from Town Shoes.
WHAT TO PACK
SHOES: I'm the kind of girl who needs to pack more than one pair of shoes, even for a quick weekend getaway. My must have item though, my studded Louise Et Cie Bonnie sandals from Town Shoes. All you guys on Instagram are loving these shoes every time I wear them. Also packed, my gold Gucci slippers. I'm ruled by comfort.
BAG: I normally travel with one bag. My Givenchy Pandora is comfortable and fits everything.
CLOTHES: A black slip dress from Aritzia (similar), this statement bomber from Zara, yoga pants, jeans, a grey tank and a silk white off-the-shoulder top from Club Monaco. I had plenty of outfit options and layers without overpacking.
TOILETRIES: A flat iron and nothing else. Garnier had me covered with SPF from their Ombrelle line, micellar water, face wash, day & night creme and then some! I'll have a full review for you guys soon!
DINING AT LANGDON HALL
I'm still dreaming about the poutine at Wilk's Bar with black truffle, aged cheese and triple crunch mustard. I've been vegetarian for a few years now and eating out doesn't always mean I have a lot of tasty options to choose from. Chef Jason Bangerter was on it with a mouth watering, dairy-free, vegetarian menu. Veggies are grown on their on-site garden and yogurts and breads are made in house daily. YUM!
*Special thanks to ROI Relations, Garnier and Langdon Hall for this experience!
All opinions and photos are my own.
BUY THIS NOW: TANGLE TEEZER
Written by: Diana Aldea
Photography by: Nathalie Martin & Geoff Martin
Victorian ladies were said to give their hair 100 brush strokes a day to keep it healthy and shiny. Sounds fancy and romantic, but who has that kind of time?
Everyone is a little obsessed with their hair, whether they're willing to admit it or not. One of the most popular beauty products on the market is a $300 boar brush and people claim it's the unicorn of hairbrushes. If you're looking for something to tame your locks, but just don't have 3 bills to support your hair habit, check out the Tangle Teezer.
This thing will untangle even the craziest, curly hair and works wonders for locks that come straight out of the shower. AND it's only $20 and available at Sephora, so if you absolutely hate it, they'll give you your money back. But you won't take it back. You'll use it every single day and wonder how you lived with out it. You'll tell all your friends to buy one, and if they don't within a few weeks of you telling them, you'll go out and buy one for them BECAUSE IT IS ONLY $20. Do it. Do it. Do it. It'll change your life, promise.
*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. The Tangle Teezer was NOT provided to WoahStyle.com.
This is an honest and enthusiastic opinion about a crazy legit $20 brush.
JEANS & T-SHIRT
One of my favourite things to wear ever is a simple pair of jeans and a t-shirt. It's when I feel most comfortable. For example, when I wear a mini skirt I can't sit anyway I want and I have to be conscience of how I get out of the car for fear of flashing any passerby-ers. When I wear jeans, I can sit anyway I want and I can get out of my car any way I please. I love jeans, I do and they'll always have a special place in my closet (and heart).
What's your go to fashion item that you just can't do without?
xo, Nathalie
FASHION FOMO FEAT. GUCCI'S GOLD CROSSOVER SANDALS
FASHION*
noun fashΒ·ion \Λfa-shΙn\
- a popular way of dressing during a particular time or among a particular group of people
- the business of creating and selling clothes in new styles
- fashions : clothes that are popular
*Merriam's Websters definition.
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FOMO**
noun foΒ·mo \fΕmΕ\
- "Fear of missing out".
- The fear that if you miss a party or event you will miss out on something great
- Even though he was exhausted, John's fomo got the best of him and he went to the party.
** Urban Dictionary's definition.
The other day I picked up a pair of gold Gucci sandals on sale. They were just over 50% off and I couldn't resist even with the heel height being too high for me at 4".
I battled with myself before I paid "How many gold shoes do I need?"
"I've always loved them and now they're on sale!"
"They'd look so cute with my new striped Rag & Bone jeans!" (Disclaimer, said jeans were also on sale. Don't judge!)
"Seriously, how many gold shoes do I need?"
The sales associate at Holts sealed the deal when she informed me of their sale return policy - "7 days with original receipt, unworn". Holts used to have a 24 hour policy for returning sale items so I'm glad to hear they changed it. I've had the shoes for a couple of days now and I'm still unsure. It's that damn 4" heel height!
The reason I brought them home is because I have fashion fomo. Seriously we all have it. My BFF Diana and I are at the mall at least once a week returning something we've changed our minds on. Geoff says "imagine how much gas money and time you'd save if you didn't have to return something every week" but I don't care because I have fashion fomo and I can't help it!
How does that stupid saying goes "nothing haunts us more than something we didn't buy". Well it's true and I'd rather return something later than live with regret.
As for the gold Gucci sandals, I'm still deciding but I'm leaning more towards returning them.
And as for fashion fomo. Just wait, it'll be a thing before you know it!
xo, Nathalie
ESPADRILLES - THE ULTIMATE SUMMER SHOE
Chanel killed it with their own version of the espadrille flat complete with waitlists and a quick sell out rate. Saint Laurent came out with an espadrille wedge last year that left me drooling everywhere but I never got them for fear of the 4" heel height. Instead I went for a pair of flat Isabel Marant sandals that resemble uber-cool Birkenstocks with metallic flames on the shoe but let's face it, they weren't espadrilles.
This year I finally got my hands on a pair by Raye, Revolve's own private shoe label, and guess what? They have a 4" heel yet they're super comfy! The shoes have buttery soft leather than make them ideal for hot summers. (TIP: When tying ankle straps like these, make sure to leave some room. I tied them too tight at first and they ended up cutting into the back of my ankle. Same thing happened with another pair of ankle straps. Whoops!)
I'm glad I finally got my hands on a pair of espadrilles. They look super cute with skirts and jeans. I just have to remember to tie the straps a bit looser.
Will you be wearing a pair this season and if so, will you be opting for the ankle strap?
xo, Nathalie
This post is in collaboration with Raye. All opinions and photos are my own.
HOW TO CREATE A SUN-KISSED GLOW
With summer here I want my makeup to be soft, glowy, radiant and fresh. I also want to get ready in 10 mins or less because it's summer and I want to get out there and enjoy the weather (or get to work, let's be real).
This look is inspired by sun-kissed skin (without the sun) and it's all about being effortless. My goal is to make the skin look like it's glowing from within. It's true what they say, the "no makeup look" takes some effort but trust me, it's worth it.
SHOWER, MIST & SPF:
I start my summer glow in the shower. Body Shop make some of my favourite body washes and their new Pina Colada scent makes me feel like I'm on holiday. Post shower I'm loving Mediterranean Blue Waters from Bath & Body Work's. It's light body mist that smells amazing, "with the scent of sparkling passionfruit, watery fig, driftwood musk & Mediterranean white coconut". I seriously can't get enough of this stuff. Finally, before applying any makeup I always slather on SPF. Shiseido's Ultimate Sun Protection in SPF 50 is excellent and it's even suitable for sensitive skin.
CREATING THAT SUN-KISSED BASE:
I prep my skin for that sun-kissed glow by ditching the foundation and reaching for Benefit's Dew The Hoola. It's a liquid bronzer that's good for light-medium skin tones. To cover up imperfections I've been loving Maybelline's Fit Me Concealer in Sand. I let it sit on my under eyes for a bit before blending it with a Beauty Blender. Then I bake* my under eyes with Make Up For Ever's HD Microfinish Powder. It's the only powder that doesn't dry my under eyes because it's super light weight. I set the rest of my face with Physician's Formula Super BB #InstaReady Trio Powder. It has just the right amount of shimmer, which is perfect for this look. (*If you're not familiar with baking makeup, make sure to check out this quick tutorial by Tati Westbrook.)
BECOMING A BRONZED GODDESS:
Here's my favourite part. Now that the bronzed base is down it's time time to make those features pop! My all time favourite bronzer is still Benefit's Hoola. I sweep it on the hallows of my cheekbones, on my forehead (just follow the hair line) and jawline. For blush I start with a peachy shade like CORALista, and then layer a touch of pink in the shade Dandelion. These colours are all part of Benefit's Cheekathon Palette. I've been loving this palette so much but I just wish the colours were a bit more pigmented. This part is optional but I like to add a bit of shimmer to my dΓ©colletage using Rockateur. Then I add Jaclyn Hill's Champagne Pop on my nose, cupid bow and tops of my cheekbones for major glow. Finally a swipe of Posie Balm, a sheer pinky coral, to hydrate the lips and add a touch of colour.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE EYES:
When I'm sporting the "no makeup look" I like to go heavy on the lashes. I start by priming my lashes with Benefit's Theyβre Real! Tinted Lash Primer. It's been a fave of mine since it launched a few months ago. Then I add 2 coats of the Tartiest Mascara on the top lashes and finally a coat of Cover Girl's Super Sizer Fibers Mascara. CG is the only brand that doesn't smudge on my lower lashes so it's a constant must-have in my beauty bag. For my brows I've been using Rodail's Glamobrow in Dark Ash Brown. The colour is very natural looking and it stays on even in the hot summer weather.
WoahStyle brand ambassador Marvin, the black cat, approves this sun-kissed glow. His summer faves include sun-bathing in the late sun and fresh salmon.