Ditch Your Winter Coat & Try Layers Instead (Or Don't)
WHAT I’M WEARING
Jacket: Robert Rodriguez plaid yellow blazer, sold out. (Similar here.)
Cashmere Turtleneck: Unknown brand, cut off tags. (Similar here.)
Hoodie: Frank & Eileen Tee Labs front zip hoodie, $228.
Denim Vest: Alexander Wang, sold out. (Similar here.)
Jeans: Levi’s 711 skinny jeans.
Shoes: Loewe patent leather & velvet kitten heel boots, sold out. (Similar here.)
Hat: Balenciaga logo beanie.
Sunglasses: Bonlook Way sunnies, $145.
Bag: Saint Laurent small LouLou bowling bag, sold out. (Similar here.)
Let’s be real, winter sucks. I don’t snowboard and I don’t ski but I do enjoy a good winter wonderland hike every now and then. Unless it looks like a snow globe outside, I don’t want any part of it. Even though I have the warmest and coziest parka (c/o Rudsak), there does come a point where I just want to ditch the parka and head out the door.
On a chilly -4°C day, I decided to try a little experiment. I threw some thermal layers under my jeans and cashmere turtleneck, layered up with a denim vest, a hoodie, blazer, and then a wool beanie to see if my body would be well insulated against winter.
As we headed out, I was confident it would work. After all, I swear by Uniqlo’s HeatTech and wore it on both trips to Iceland and I was never cold. For sure it would withstand winter in the city.
But no, my experiment failed as soon as I stepped out of the car. The cold wind got to me and I was shivering like crazy and my toes were freezing in my velvet Loewe boots.
We headed for a coffee to warm up but I was fed up and wanted to go home. Sure, it felt great not to overheat in my parka but it definitely wasn’t worth freezing my butt off because ditched it.
I’ll save you the trouble guys, stick to a proper winter coat okay. Just make sure it’s as chic as it is warm.
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LUXE FOR LESS
Photography by Geoff Martin.
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Why You Need A Statement Coat This Winter
WHAT I’M WEARING:
Coat: Helmut Lang wool coat, on sale here.
Sweater: Zara furry brown sweater, sold out. (Similar here.)
Pants: Zara brown cords, sold out. (Similar here and here.)
Shoes: Prada brown suede mules, sold out. (Similar here and here.)
Bag: Loewe striped small hammock bag, sold out. (Similar here and here and here.)
Glasses: Bonlook Class sunglasses, $145.
Winter is drab, boring, and it seems to always be way to long. Sometimes wearing all black is just too much which is probably why I’ve been so obsessed with colour. A statement coat like this neon pink alpaca number from Helmut Lang is just the thing to lift my spirits. Yes, it’s bright AF so be prepared for looks as you rock this one around town.
If you love the look of it but you’re not sure how to wear it, consider head to toe neutrals, as I’ve done here. All black is always a classic option - whether you dress it up or dress it down. Finally, how about all grey? Think joggers and a grey hoodie with a chic pair of white canvas sneakers for a cozy look on the weekend.
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Photography by Geoff Martin.
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Balenciaga Logo Sweater
WHAT I’M WEARING:
SWEATER: Balenciaga cropped logo sweater (worn inside out).
COAT: Rag & Bone reversible wool coat, sold out. (Similar here.)
HAT: Levi’s x Mickey, sold out. (Similar here and here.)
JEANS: AGOLDE jeans. (Similar here.)
BOOTS: Alexander Wang Lyndon boots, sold out. (Similar here.)
BAG: Saint Laurent small LouLou bowling bag, sold out. (Similar here.)
I’ve recently been investing a more in my clothes and focusing on higher end statement pieces that will make a bigger impact on my closet. This Balenciaga sweater was up there on my list and I’m so glad I splurged on it. While the sweater itself is actually grey (you can see it here), I turned it inside out to rock the black side for this super casual, cozy outfit. I got the idea to reverse it from the sales associate who sold it to me, and I agree, why not have some fun with it.
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LOGOMANIA ACCESSORIES
RELATED POST: EMBRACING BALENCIAGA’S LOGOMANIA
As you guys know my style is pretty casual but that doesn't I want my outfits to look boring. I always like a little bit of contrast, whether it’s in colour or texture, to bring everything to life. Since my coat and sweater are both black and wool, I went for a pair of light wash distressed denim to keep the look for being too heavy. I accessorized with my Levi’s x Mickey Mouse baseball hat, which is a similar colour to my jeans, to bring it all together.
LUXE FOR LESS
Photography by Geoff Martin.
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How To Style a Sweatsuit
WHAT I’M WEARING:
Jacket: IRO Paris patent leather moto jacket, sold out (Similar here.)
Sweater: Zara grey hoodie, sold out. (Similar here.)
Pants: Zara sweatpants, sold out. (Similar here.)
Hat: ACNE Studios ivory Pansy face beanie, $200
Shoes: Saint Laurent Paris white canvas sneakers, $600.
Bag: CHANEL patent leather jumbo bag.
Sunglasses: Saint Laurent Paris blue squared glasses.
In attempt to be as cozy as possible but still look presentable, I decided that sweats and patent leather are meant for each other. I picked up these soft joggers at Zara recently, along with the matching hoodie. The patent leather jacket is IRO Paris and it happens to be one of those lucky sale scores from Winners. Of course no sweatsuit ensemble is complete without an ACNE beanie and white sneakers à la Saint Laurent.
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Photography by Geoff Martin.
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How To Style Neon
WHAT I’M WEARING
Coat: Topshop Piper Check Coat, $140.
Hat: Balenciaga logo beanie hat, on sale here.
Sweatshirt: Zara Men neon yellow hoodie (wearing size S/M), $45
Bag: Saint Laurent LouLou small bowling bag, sold out. (Similar here.)
Pants: Aritzia Jallade pant, $128.
Sunglasses: Dior Club 2 sunnies, $450
Shoes: Balenciaga bronze leather Knife Mules, sold out. (Similar here.)
I’m full fledge in the middle of a neon obsession that started kind of by accident. As you know, Harry Styles is a massive style influence for me, and after seeing him rock bold pops of colour recently, it got me thinking about how how easy it is to refresh my wardrobe with some neon yellow or vibrant pink. My approach is easy - some neutrals like this fabulous plaid coat from Topshop (that features yellow and pink lines) accented with a bold pop of neon to give my outfit a wearability that’s both age appropriate and perfect for day. I accessorized my new Balenciaga logo beanie and my leather Knife Mules that I picked up back in summer of 2018.
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NEON ACCENTS
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Photography by Geoff Martin.
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Luka Sabbat Inspired
WHAT I’M WEARING:
Coat: Chaser teddy bear bomber jacket, sold out. (Similar here.)
Hat: Acne Studios ivory Pansy face beanie, $200. (Black beanie here.)
Glasses: Bonlook Class sunglasses, $145.
T-shirt: Sandro Paris LOVE tee, sold out. (Similar here.)
Pants: Zara brown cords, on sale $45. (Similar here and here.)
Shoes: Converse One Star white sneakers, sold out. (Similar here.)
Bag: Saint Laurent Paris wallet on a string crossbody bag, sold out. (Similar here.)
I’m addicted to Pinterest as it’s my favourite source for fashion inspiration. The other day I can across this image of Luka Sabbat wearing a loose pair of brown trousers, white shirt and brown teddy bear jacket that looked like he might have borrowed it right out of his grandfather’s closet. Anyway, I became so obsessed with the look that I had to try it for myself. I’d already had everything in my wardrobe with exception of the brown cords which I picked up at Zara on sale. That’s what I love about Pinterest, it challenges me to shop my own closet and come up with new outfit combos I would have otherwise not thought of. What’s your favourite place for inpso?
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Photography by Geoff Martin.
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Topshelfie: Perfum Edition
WHAT’S ON MY VANITY:
Givenchy L'Interdit Eau de Parfum
Narciso Rodriguez for HER Eau de Toilette collection
Laura Mercier Ambre Vanille Eau de Toilette and body cream
CHANEL La Créme Main Texture Riche
Diptyque Ambre scented candle
CHANEL CC Cream and 3D Printed Mascara
Every season I change up my perfume the way I’d change up my wardrobe for something seasonally appropriate. I can’t even fathom wearing a coconut based scent in the dead of winter when there’s two feet of snow on the ground. That would just confuse my senses like crazy.
These days I’ve been reaching for floral based scents, which is a departure from my usual sandalwood and amber based perfumes for this time of year.
Narciso Rodriguez kindly sent me a PR package with the HER collection, including the new one called For Her Oil Musc Parfum, which is completely divine - feminine and sophisticated. Sadly the bottle broke in shipping so I don’t have a photo of it here, but nonetheless, I would strongly urge you to check it out. In the meanwhile I’ve been enjoying the other beautiful scents from Narciso.
Givenchy released their L’Interdit fragrance a couple of months ago. It’s a sultry and mysterious scent with white florals - orange blossom, jasmine, and tuberose - cut with darker, more mysterious notes of vetiver and patchouli.
Finally, Laura Mercier’s Ambre Vanilla eau de toilette is so luscious and decadent that you probably didn’t realize this was the one scent missing in your life till you experience it. It has base notes of amber, vanilla bean, brown sugar, and sandalwood. Splurge for the holiday bath set if you can still find it as it contains the fragrance mist, body lotion, body wash, and honey bath.
Photography by Nathalie Martin.
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Saint Laurent Teddy Jacket
WHAT I’M WEARING:
Jacket: Saint Laurent pale pink Teddy Jacket.
T-shirt: Sandro Paris LOVE pocket tee.
Pants: Aritzia Jallade Pant, $148.
Shoes: Saint Laurent canvas logo sneakers.
Bag: Saint Laurent small LouLou Bowling bag, sold out. (Similar here)
Glasses: Saint Laurent blue squared sunglasses, sold out. (Similar here)
I recently enjoyed a staycation at the Anndore House care-of one of my favourite glasses brand, Bonlook, and had a chance to rock my new Saint Laurent Teddy Jacket for a night at the ballet. That’s right, I wore this to the ballet.
In the past I probably would have shied away from such a casual look for an evening out but honestly, I never feel like myself when I have to dress up and cringe at the thought of looking “too girly”. If it counts for anything I topped off my look with a black wool coat to elevate everything. Never underestimate a good coat. ;)
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RELATED STORIES: HOW TO WEAR CORDS THIS WINTER
Photography by Geoff Martin.
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Happy Holidays & Happy New Year
WHAT I’M WEARING:
Blazer: Zara, sold out. (Similar here.)
Hoodie: Isabel Marant, sold out. (Similar here.)
Pants: Aritzia Chambery plaid wool pants, $148.
Bag: Loewe striped hammock bag, sold out. (Similar here.)
Hats: Acne Studios Pansy face wool beanie, $200. (Similar here.)
Glasses: Bonlook tortoise shell Jerry glasses, $145.
Happy Holidays everyone! It’s been an interesting year full of so much good, but as you might know from my post ‘Battling Depression’ that I’d been dealing with a lot of heavy personal stuff this year.
That aside, I just want to say that I’m so incredibly grateful for everything in my life, especially this platform that gives me the opportunity to call my passion my job. Not many people can say this and I for am so grateful. Thank you.
With that small note, I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
xx,
Nathalie
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RELATED POSTS: WINTER WARDROBE STAPLES
Photography by Geoff Martin.
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