DOC MARTENS ARE COOL AGAIN. GO BUY THEM!
Hey guys! We're going to keep today's post short and sweet due to the heaviness of yesterday's topic (read the post here). I read all of your comments on IG and I'm seeing them on the blog as well and it saddens me to know so many of you had similar experiences. I digress. What doesn't break us makes us stronger so chin up dear readers!
Today I want to talk about the return of Doc Martens! They were super cool in the 90's when I was growing up and let me tell you, they're super cool again. My BFF Diana was in Iceland recently and she said all of the locals and Asian tourists were wearing them so yay, I'm on to something!
I've been wearing them non stop since I got my Docs at Town Shoes recently. I popped into the store, had a look around and right away I reached for the glossy cherry Docs. Why cherry and not black you might ask? Because I wear a lot of black and the cherry colour adds a cool unexpected pop with my outfits. Plus the boy I had a major crush on in grade school wore cherry Docs and skinny jeans and I just thought he was the coolest. LOL
Stay tuned for a lookbook I have coming up to show you guys a more refined way of wearing your new Docs. Yes, you can be a little more dressed up and put together but the whole point of a shoe like this is effortless, cool and it says "I don't try to hard cuz I don't give a ..." Am I right?!
Let me know what you think of the return of Docs. Are you gonna go out and buy them? What are you going to wear them with? Let me know in the comment section below!
SHOP DOC MARTENS @townshoes
Shop my look
Photography by: Diana Aldea
This post is sponsored by Town Shoes. All photos and opinions are my own.
MY GIVENCHY COLLECTION
Make sure you press play below to watch my latest video featuring my Givenchy collection. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think and if you want me to do more videos like this!
SHOP MY GIVENCHY COLLECTION
WHAT I'M WEARING
WHY I F@!#ING HATE NEW YEARS
I'm not gonna bullshit you guys. I hate NYE. Like I really fucking hate it.
Growing up my mum would make my brothers and I dress up in our holiday finest. I'm talking velvet and lace dresses that were a far cry from Valentino FW16. No. It was more like Little House On The Prairie meets Little Women. Come to think of it, I hated velvet until recently. LOL
My dad would make his roasted lamb with potatoes as a nice gesture to ring in the new year. Even now I recall the smell so vividly that it makes me gag. As a kid the thought of eating a baby animal was the stuff of nightmares! I'd push the piece of lamb around on my plate and would pick at the potatoes, which I swear tasted like lamb too. Honestly, I have so many memories of crying at the dinner table because I didn't want to eat my chicken or beef or whatever. Guess I was destined to be a vegetarian! #MeatFree
Aside from being scarred of lambs and velvet dresses growing up, I always thought New Year Eve was a sorry excuse of a party. Sure I have some strong opinions about the day but hear me out.
I'm an introvert (surprise!) and I've never been one to party so my ideal NYE is all about curling up in front of the tv while eating pizza, chips and beer, not lamb! Geoff and I typically spend the Eve with our closest friends while watching South Park or some other random comedy until the clock hits 12:00 and we say "Happy New Year". That's it. It's super simple and really not that cool but it's our tradition and it makes me happy.
And with that, Happy New Years dear readers! I hope you spend it how you want to, wether you're out partying your face off or snuggling at home with your cat.
xo,
Nathalie
shop the look
NYE MAKEUP: HOT PINK GLITTER EYES
I love pink and I especially pink eyeshadow. Hot pink is edgy, feminine and makes a strong statement that's perfect for New Years Eve. If you're feeling especially daring, add some pink glitter and falsies for major drama!
This look actually pretty versatile and it's as dramatic as you want it to be. I used hot pink blush on the inner parts of my eyes to bring out the colours because I really wanted to pink to stand out. If you want a day time version of this look, stick to the lighter shades I've suggested below for a more subdued version.
The items listed below are the exact products I used to help achieve my hot pink dramatic makeup. If you don't have the items listed here, don't feel pressured to go out and buy everything. For anyone looking for similar items on a budget, NYX and Colour Pop are two cosmetics companies that are cruelty free that can help you recreate this look for an affordable price.
Lastly I should mention that I used a matte red liquid lipstick in place of eyeliner. Some people might have a sensitivity to the red pigment around their eyes so feel free to skip this step and replace it with a black liner instead.
Overall, I love the look! I’m really happy with the hot pink eye makeup and I hope to share more of these kind of posts with you guys in the future.
Make sure you share on Pinterest if you’re a fan and subscribe to my newsletter if you don’t want to miss any posts. 2017 is going to be filled with more beauty and style lookbooks so make sure you stay connected and Happy New Year!!!
SAFETY UPDATE: 12/30/16, 8:40 pm
While watching YouTube this evening I came across a video from KarinaKaboom stating that the ColourPop x Hello Kitty collection isn't safe for eyes based on FDA standards. I'm linking the video for you guys here so you can watch it and base your own opinion. I wanted to bring this to your attention in case you've had eye irritations using ColourPop products. I've personally used the eye shadows that are said to cause irritations and I didn't have any problems. Everyone reacts differently so what doesn't react on my skin might react on yours. I'd suggest using the Sephora Collection eye crayon in Call Girl as an alternative.
Skip ahead to 3:05 in the video to see ColourPop's admission to using pigments that are not safe for eyes in KarinaKaboom's video.
MY SKINCARE ROUTINE
- Consonant Skincare, Antioxidant Superhero Serum, $63
- Darphin Chamomile Aromatique Care facial oil, $94
- Tatcha Balanced Pore Perfecting Water Gel, $82
- Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue eye cream, $85
FOUNDATION, POWDER & CONCEALER
- Before foundation, prep your skin with a thin dusting of powder like Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent, $10. Your foundation will look flawless and stay longer too. I learned this trick from makeup artist Wayne Goss and it works!
- I wanted a natural looking, high performing foundation so I used Smashbox Camera Ready BB Water in shade Light/ Medium, $50
- To conceal discolourations and under eye circles I used Smashbox Studio Skin 24 Hour Waterproof Concealer in Light and Light/ Medium, $29 each.
- Dust face with more powder to set makeup.
- Afterwards I patted a bit of Laura Mercier Secret Concealer For Under Eye in shade 2.5, $31, to lighten up my under eyes more.
THE EYE BRUSHES
HOT PINK EYE SHADOW LOOK
- Prime eyelids with Annabelle Cosmetics eye primer in Beige (new for Spring 2017).
- Seal the primer with a light pink shadow from lash to brows with Annabelle Cosmetics single matte eyeshadow in Pink Lemond (new colour for Spring 2017), $5.95.
- Use a fluffy brush on the crease and load it with Too Faced eye shadow in Lovely from the Too Faced x Kat Von D Better Together collab, $79.
- Build up the colour on the crease with a mid-tone pink using MAC eye shadow refill in Sushi Flower, $9. Use the same colour along the lower lash line.
- Use a darker pink colour on the outer corners of the eye. I used Anastasia Beverly Hills Love Letter from the Modern Renaissance palette, $55.
- Add a light pink shade on the inner corner of the eye using Colour Pop's eye shadow in Small Gift from the Hello Kitty collab, $18 for 4 shadows.
- Use a vibrant creme shadow on the eye lid like the Sephora Collection Shadow & Liner crayon in Call Girl, $18.
- Add more of Love Letter (ABH deep rich pink) to the outer corner of the eyes and the crease to build up depth even more.
- Using a flat brush, press a bright pink blush Colour Pop bright pink blush in Coin Purse from the Hello Kitty collab, $8, all over the inner part of the eye and the lower lash line.
- Pop some bright pink glitter on the inner part of the eye using Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Liner in Junk Show, $30.
- Finally, run a small liner brush loaded with matte red lipstick along the lash line like Colour Pop Ultra Matte lippie in Avenue, $6.
TAME THOSE BROWS!
- First fill in sparse areas with Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Pencil in shade 4, $30
- Brush a highlight through the brush with Benefit's 3D Browtones highlighter in shade 4, $30
- Finally set the brows into place with Benefit's Ready, Set, Brow! clear eye brow gel, $30
For mascara I used Essence Forbidden Volume Mascara, $4, and applied natural looking falsies from Ardell, #109, $7. I'm still very new to using lashes therefore not the greatest at applying them but you know what they say, practice makes perfect.
THE FACE BRUSHES
- Powder brush by Too Faced, $45
- Blush brush, Sephora Collection, $43
- Contour brush, Kat Von D, $43
- Highlight brush, Real Techniques, $10
CONTOUR, BLUSH & HIGHLIGHT
Contour with Benefit's Hoola bronzer, $36.
Add a pop of peachy pink blush like Milani's Luminoso, $10.
Apply a shimmery pink blush like Pamplemousse to the apples of the cheeks from Jaclyn Hill's x Becca Champagne Pop palette (limited edition, sold out).
Highlight the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupid's bow and inner corner of the eyes with Champagne Pop from Jaclyn Hill's x Becca Champagne Pop palette, (limited edition, sold out).
Set your makeup with Pixi's Makeup Fixing Mist, $20.
All photos by Nathalie Martin
LIPS
- Moisturize your lips using Maybelline's Baby Soft gloss, $5.
- Outline the lips with Annabelle's liner in Meet Rosie, $9.
- For a neutral pink lip, use Kat Von D's Double Dare Everlasting Liquid Lipstick, $24.
- For a red lip, use XO from the Kat Von D x Too Faced Better Together collab, $47.
In collaboration with Annabelle, Smashbox, Benefit, Pixi by Petra, Consonant Skincare, Tatcha, Charlotte Tilbury and Darphin Paris.
All photos and opinions are my own with exception of the Anastasia Beverly Hills Lover Letter eye shadow pic.
TRIED + TESTED: SOCKS WITH HEELS
Before you say anything this isn't something I'd normally do but I wanted to channel my inner Leandra Medine (aka, Man Repeller) and pair my sparkly Ted Baker heels with a pair of matching sparkly socks from COS. I was hoping that cool Yeezy sock boot look but instead it looked like I was wearing socks with heels. Seriously.
The silky socks made it difficult to even take a step before my heels where falling off my feet, hence no walking pics. To top it off, the socks where bunched up in all the wrong areas and left me feeling sloppy and self conscience instead of hip and chic like Leandra.
I've seen plenty of amazing sock + heel pairings on Pinterest that look really good. Perhaps the secret is socks with more traction. Who knows. The verdict is still out and this is one trend I want to revisit because I'm no quitter.
SHOP MY TED BAKER HEELS @TOWNSHOES
Yeezy sock boots anyone?
Shot at the Royal Botanical Gardens.
This post is sponsored by Town Shoes. All photos and opinions are my own.
NYE BRUNCH WITH NESPRESSO
The holidays aren't over just yet people! Are you ready for round two?! As we gear up towards New Years Eve, more parties and brunch with the fam, I thought it would be fun to bring you guys a recipe to try this NYE weekend featuring poached eggs on toast, a personal fave in my house.
This isn't any egg on toast though. This is Wild Mushrooms & Coffee On Toast (!!!), a recipe by chef Olivier Perret at Renior in Montreal. I tried it at the Nespresso holiday breakfast when they launched the limited holiday coffee flavours and let me just say, these eggs are yuuummmm! I would have had seconds, and thirds, except I would have looked like a piggy asking for more. LOL
I'll be serving this dish for brunch on New Year's day alongside my cup of Nespresso and homemade donuts. Trust me, you'll want to do the same. It's a pretty simple dish to put together and it'll impress the heck out of your guests! Mmmm. Is it the weekend yet?
RECIPE: WILD MUSHROOM & COFFEE ON TOAST
SERVES 4
11 oz. wild mushrooms (chanterelle with stem)
2 gloves of minced garlic
1 French shallot, minced
1 cup vegetable stock
A pinch of each; fresh parsley, chives, thyme and basil, chopped
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 brewed capsule of Grand Cru Intenso Nespresso coffee
2 tbsp. white vinegar
4 eggs
7 oz. buffalo mozzarella
4 slices sourdough bread
2 tbsp. olive oil
PREPERATION
Sauté mushrooms in olive oil for 5-6 mins.
Season with salt + pepper.
Add garlic and shallot, stir for 2 mins.
Add stock and chopped herbs. Reduce liquid by 3/4.
Add butter and coffee. Stir continuously over high heat for 3 mins.
Pour into a bowl and let cool.
Boil water in a pot with a pinch of salt and the white vinegar.
Poach eggs for 3 mins each (drop them into the water one at a time).
Remove eggs from water and drain on paper towel.
Cut the mozzarella into thin slices and lightly season with salt + pepper.
Toast bread until golden brown.
On each toasted bread slice, arrange mozzarella slices and sautéed mushrooms, then top with a poached egg. Add a touch of olive oil. Serve with your favourite coffee.
Bon apetit.
Recipe by Olivier Perret, Chef at Renoir, Sofitel Montreal
Photo by: Natalie Ho, mylittlesecrets.ca
Photo by: Natalie Ho, mylittlesecrets.ca
SHOP NESPRESSO VERTUOLINE
Wild Mushroom & Coffee On Toast recipe by Olivier Perret.
In collaboration with Nespresso Canada. All photos and opinions are my own.
THE SUSAN MILLER COLLAB ALL ASTROLOGY JUNKIES NEED
Horoscope junkies rejoice! Our favourite astrologist Susan Miller has collabed with the skincare giants at Fresh to bring us zodiac themed soaps. The limited edition soaps are come wrapped in beautiful artisanal papers and are available in four scents - Verbena (Aquarius, Libra, and Gemini), Sugar (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn), Waterlily (Pisces, Scorpio, and Cancer) and Mangosteen (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius).
These are fun for collecting if you're like me and can't start a new month until you read Susan's Astrology Zone. (I even have her daily app on my iPhone. LOL) The soaps also make an excellent hostess gift as your making your holiday/ NYE visits, just make sure you find out their sign first.
My only wish is that the soaps came with a 2017 horoscope overview wrapped inside. Is that too much to ask for?!
SHOP MY LOOK
I'm a sucker for anything personalized.
In collaboration with Fresh.
TECH TOYS FOR EVERYONE
2016 has been the year of tech toys for Geoff and I. We've invested in a new camera lens, 2 new Canon cameras, mics, and a ton of SD cards to help us do our job here at the blog but also because we love getting new toys! LOL
I'm happy to announce that I've partnered with Best Buy Canada for this post to bring you guys some goodies to consider during your holiday shopping, wether you still haven't bought a gift for someone or maybe you're out Boxing Day shopping for yourself here are two tech toys that should be high on your list.
BOSE SOUNDLINK color II splash proof portable SPEAKERS
$149.99
Geoff writes and composes his own music and in the last year he's spent quite a bit of time building himself a custom desk which includes a midi keyboard, audio interface, Shure stereo monitor professional headphones and studio monitor speakers. You'd think he was a professional musician but he does it all recreationally. I used to tease him for such an elaborate set up but I actually love his desk now that I do YouTube videos since I can sit there for hours and edit happily to my hearts content.
Seeing as music is such a big part of his life, I surprised him with the Bose Soundlink Color II speakers since he likes listening to music in our patio during the summer and likes to have music playing in the kitchen as we cook. The speakers are easy to hook up to any mobile device via bluetooth and the sound quality from this small box is superb. Best of all, I can steal it from him and listen to Sirius XM as I work so it's win win! These speakers are perfect for any music lover so consider this one while you're Boxing Day shopping this year.
iHealth Core scale
(ON SALE NOW FOR $99.99 UNTIL DEC 29, 2016)
2016 was the year of weight gain and bad health for me. I went from eating clean to stress eating junk food, not working out, not moving enough and gaining 10-15 lbs which has resulted in me going up a pant size for the first time in my adult life. I was vegan for two years and made the switch to vegetarian last year because I was too lazy and tired to make meals that nourish my body properly.
Getting back into shape and becoming a healthier me as been on the forefront of my mind recently as I think about expanding my family. I'm no spring chicken after all and getting my body and mind into shape is the best thing I can do. The iHealth Core scale measures your body composition - weight, body fat and tracks your lean mass, body water percentage, muscle mass, bone mass and visceral fat rating with the help of the app that tracks your progress.
This is an excellent gift for yourself or anyone who's interested in maintaining their health and getting back into shape.
This post is in collaboration with Best Buy Canada.
All photos opinions are my own.
WORTH THE HYPE? TOO FACED SWEET PEACH
If you weren't lucky enough to score the Sweet Peach shadow palette by Too Faced the first time around, fret not because the brand has just rereleased it. Expanding on the collection, there is now a blush, highlighting palette and peach oil lip gloss that comes in 8 shades.
Getting my Peach palette during the original launch was my own version of mini-makeup-hell, aka; calling 3 local Sephora's before being able to locate a store that still had them in stock. I love the palette so much that I've barely used it for fear of running out so I'm glad to see it stocked again. On the other hand, considering I did buy mine under the guise of it being "limited edition", it's a bit annoying as well. Regardless, I'm glad to see the line has expanded and I did go out to pick up a few goodies to go with my peachy shadows.
TOO FACED SWEET PEACH COLLECTION
THE OG
The one that started the craze, The Sweet Peach Eyeshadow Palette ($59) comes in 18 flattering peach scented shades.
GET THE LOOK
I used Georgia (light peach), Candied Peach (bright shimmery peach) and Summer Yum (peachy-brown) in the crease of my eyes. I popped Bless Her Heart (golden moss), in the outer and inner corners of the eyes and Bellini (gilded peach) in the centre of my eyes. I used a green eyeliner, from Make Up For Ever in shade I-34, on my waterline to accentuate the peach tones.
I finished the look with Kat Von D's Tattoo eye liner in Trooper and Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara on my lashes.
The packaging is as cute as the shadows are delish. If you like warm shades, you're gonna love these.
THE BLUSH
If you like sheer, shimmery, natural blush then you're gonna love Papa Don't Preach, $38. I typically go for highly pigmented matte blush and this is the total opposite. My skin is a light-medium olive shade and I find this blush is too subtle. I layered bronzer under mine to give it more oomph.
THE GLOSS
The shades are sheer and very moisturizing since they're infused with peach oil. I'm wearing Tickled-Me-Peach, $24, the darkest shade from the collection. It reads like sheer deep peach shade on the lips. This gloss smells and tastes peachy so if you're sensitive to scents, beware.
THE VERDICT
The Sweet Peach collection is adorable but also pricey. If you have to pick one thing up, let it be the Sweet Peach eyeshadow palette. The colours are beautiful, unique and diverse enough to suit lots of skin tones.
Skip the blush if you're above a medium skin tone since it's super sheer and might not show up on your skin.
The glosses are fun, but nothing special at the end of the day. Save your money and look for similar colours and comparable formulas at the drugstore instead.
As for the highlight palette, I'd say test it out at Sephora before brining it home since 2 of the 3 products I tried where hardly impressive.
Let me know if you've tried the Sweet Peach collection and what you think of it. Do you agree with my comments? Let me know in the comment box below!