NARS Ignited Palette Review
NARS has just dropped their first eyeshadow palette of the year and I’m already smitten. With twelve dynamic nude shades, the limited edition Ignited palette features mattes, glittery and metallic shadows that are versatile and long lasting.
I personally love layering some of the shimmers to my eye lids if I’m looking for some subtle glamour. Otherwise I stick to the mattes if I want a quick and easy look that’s appropriate for day.
If you’re like me and you’re into warm shades, you’re gonna love this one so be sure to check it out!
NARS IGNITED EYE SHADOW SHADES
12 x 0.04 oz/ 1.4 g Eyeshadows
Ponte Noir (sparkling eggplant with pink)
Ignition (sparkling rose)
Atomic (sparkling bubblegum pink)
Fuse (sparkling purple with blue)
In Heat (sparkling magenta)
Light Up (sparkling pink pearl)
Fired Up (metallic rust)
Supernova (metallic coral with pink)
St-Paul-De-Vence (shimmering nectarine)
Nouméa (matte sienna)
Sophia (matte rich cool brown)
Hammamet (matte beige)
Photography by Nathalie Martin.
This post contains PR samples and affiliate links.
Suit Staples You Need To Try Right Now
Harry Styles continues to be my fashion muse. When I saw him rocking suits on tour last year I thought, “Okay, that works.” I didn’t exactly see myself as a suit person at the time but when I see Harry rocking something it makes me want to try it.
Since then I’ve added a few suit staples to my collection - something traditional and plaid (via the affordable Treasure & Bond two-piece from Nordstrom), something chic and modern (via the Zadig & Voltaire number featuring metallic pinstripes and an exposed cuff), and some colourful tailoring (via this amazing yellow plaid Robert Rodriguez suit with cropped flared trouser).
I’ve learned that suiting up doesn’t have to mean looking like a nine to fiver and that my personality can still come through with my use of accessories and shoes. Best of all, I can rock it as separates meaning I get more use out of them and more bang for my buck.
WEARING: Robert Rodriguez yellow plaid suit | Acne Studios face sweater and Pansy face beanie | Balenciaga clutch | Isabel Marant Mirvin shearling mules | Bonlook Jerry sunglasses.
WEARING: Plaid suit from Treasure & Bond at Nordstrom | Madewell adios t-shirt | Louis Vuitton 19 clutch and small agenda | Alexander Wang x Adidas Orange BBall sneakers.
WEARING: Aritzia Stedman coat | Zadig & Voltaire trousers and blazer | Zara beani | Acne Studios white knitted sweater | Saint Laurent small LouLou bowling bag | Bonlook Way glasses | Saint Laurent white canvas sneakers.
4 Ways to Rock A Modern Suit
SNEAKERS | Instead of reaching for the traditional dressy flats and heels, try a pair of sneakers or mules instead. My favourites are classic white kicks for an easy going vibe. If I’m feeling more outgoing I’ll wear my Isabel Marant shearling mules. They’re not for everyone but they make me happy and they're super comfortable.
SWEATERS & SHIRTS | My closet consists of plenty of tees and sweatshirts, which just happen to make the perfect pairing for a suit. I’ve seen Harry Styles rocking this combo plenty of times and to be honest, it probably kicked my ass in gear to do the same.
ACCESSORIES | Don’t underestimate the power of a badass hat and bag. How you accessorize your suit will not only show off your personal style but also break up the stuffiness of a garment that’s also worn by corporate types.
TOPCOAT | Since it’s still winter, you’ll need a good coat to layer on top of your suit. Go for one that’s longer than your blazer, preferably knee length. My favourites are by Canadian brands Aritzia and Montreal based Frank & Oak, who makes a killer coat in recycled wool.
A Lazy Girls Guide To Looking Put Together
WHAT I’M WEARING
Coat: Opening Ceremony pink nylon trench, sold out. (Similar here.)
Sweater: Balenciaga grey cropped sweater.
Beanie: Balenciaga wool logo beanie.
Pants: Zara sweatpants. (Similar here.)
Shoes: Saint Laurent white canvas sneakers.
Sunglasses: Bonlook Way glasses, $145.
Some days I just don’t want to get dressed and would much rather stay in my PJs. Instead of looking like a total mess, I thought I should invest in a pair of comfortable joggers to go with my grey Balenciaga sweater. The matching beanie keeps me warm in the winter but truly it means I can go one extra day without washing my hair. Hah. Finally, a bright pink nylon trench injects some serious colour into my day - but secretly I love how it feels like a cozy blanket wrapped around me. It’s almost like I never got out of bed.
SHOP THE LOOK
TIPS ON GETTING DRESSED WHEN YOU’RE TOO LAZY TO FUNCTION
KEEP IT MONOCHROME. Keep it all in the family by wearing the same colour and making a statement.
SHOE GAME. White sneakers look good with everything from joggers to suits and dresses. Get yourself a pair from your favourite brand you’ll find yourself reaching for them all of the time.
COATS MATTER. Whether it’s a leather moto jacket, a long wool coat or a bright pink nylon trench, a good coat will transform your look from “I don’t know what I’m doing with my life” to “I have my shit together”. This applies to all outfits.
GRAB A HAT. Wether it’s a beanie or a ball cap, grab a hat to cover up dirty, unstyled hair. Come on, who hasn’t done this?
LUXE FOR LESS
Photography by Geoff Martin.
This story contains affiliate links.
How To Rock A Suit in 2019
WHAT I’M WEARING
Wool coat: Aritzia Stedman coat, sold out. (Similar here.)
Suit: Zadig & Voltaire striped Volly blazer and striped trousers. (Currently on sale.)
Beanie: Zara, sold out. (Similar here.)
Sweater: Acne Studios white knit, sold out. (Similar here.)
Bag: Saint Laurent small LouLou bowling bag, sold out. (Similar here.)
Sunglasses: Bonlook Way glasses, $145.
Shoes: Saint Laurent white canvas sneakers.
I truly believe we’re fortunate to be living in a time with anything goes in fashion. Sure, trends will come and go but when you add some timeless staples to your wardrobe, you’re basically set. Allow me to elaborate.
I was doing a massive closet clean up the other day which resulted in either selling, storing or donating a ton of stuff. As I put summer clothes and skinny jeans into vacuum sealed bags, it occurred to me that a majority of my sell pile consisted of dresses and skirts. As I get older and become more aware of my comfort level and pushing my sartorial boundaries, I've come to terms with the fact I’m not a dress person. They look great on a lot of people but somehow I never feel quite myself in a dress.
So what are the options for women attending an event where evening attire is required? Well, why not a suit? Men wear them for work, to weddings, galas, and they look so dapper and put together. Who’s to say that in 2019 women have to continue to wear dresses for such occasions?
With that thought in mind, I happen to come across a simple, but beautifully tailored, pinstripe suit on one of my shopping excursions. This one from Zadig & Voltaire has metallic threads woven in the stripes so it’s more contemporary. The exposing cuff on the trouser makes it playful and versatile in that it can be dressed up with a beautiful heel or dressed down a simple white sneaker as I’ve worn here.
Honestly, I never considered a suit to be an alternative for a dress until now. Seriously, what took me so long?
We all know that suits aren’t going anywhere. It’s just a matter of injecting your own personal style and having fun with it.
SHOP MY LOOK
LUXE FOR LESS
Photography by Geoff Martin.
This story contains affiliate links.
Makeup Over 30 - Tips on How To Always Look Radiant
Looking for the right makeup is hard but looking for the right makeup in your 30’s is even more challenging. It’s a matter of finding something that will make your skin look fresh and radiant but never cakey. Cake is bad at any age but after 30 it can enhance line lines and make the skin appear older. UGH.
One of my secrets to faking glowing skin is to mix a few drops of an illuminating highlight to my foundation. In the instance of NARS limited edition Super Radiant Booster (in the shade Isola Rossa, a universally flattering rose gold shade), I like to add a bit to the tops of my cheeks before and after foundation. The result is more glow from within and less YouTube beauty guru aliens-can-see-my-highlight-from-outer-space.
There are other things I do to fake a good glow:
- using concealer only where I need it
- wearing a natural finish foundation
- lightly setting my makeup with a touch of loose powder
- layering a rosy blush to the apples of my cheeks
- and always misting my face with a good setting spray when my makeup is done
Less is more at this stage and how I apply my makeup makes a HUGE difference.
NARS FOUNDATION SHADE RANGE
Six additional shades (not featured here) can be found exclusively at Sephora.
RELATED STORIES: NARS MAKES FINDING THE RIGHT FOUNDATION SHADE A BREEZE!
In addition to the limited edition Super Radiant Skin Booster, NARS has released the Skin Deep eyeshadow palette featuring gorgeous nude shades that should suit everyone. The shadows have a good range of formulas that span from matte to shimmery and metallic shades.
I feel I should mention that this palette somehow feels an extension of the Atomic Blonde palette, a personal fave of mine. While SK features twelve nude/brown shades, AB features four eyeshadows and two contours in nude/brown. Regardless both are lovely and the overall formulas are what you expect from NARS, long-lasting, rich colours and velvety application. The SK palette is limited edish so keep that in mind if it’s on your wishlist.
SHOP THE POST
All photography by Nathalie Martin.
This post contains affiliate links and PR samples. All opinions are my own.
PREPPING MY WINTER CLOSET FOR SS19
WHAT I’M WEARING
Wool coat: Aritzia Stedman coat, sold out. (Similar here.)
Blazer: Robert Rodriquez double breasted yellow plaid blazer. (Similar here.)
Sweatshirt: Acne Studios men’s collection, sold out. (Similar here.)
Pants: Robert Rodriquez yellow plaid flared trousers. (Similar here.)
Shoes: Isabel Marant Mirvin shearling mules, sold out. (Similar here.)
Bag: Balenciaga flat clutch, sold out. (Similar here.)
Hat: Acne Studios ivory face beanie.
Sunglasses: Bonlook Jerry sunglasses, $145.
I was recently leafing through one of those special editions of VOGUE featuring the spring 2019 runway collections and was surprised at what I saw. From vibrant magenta, green, bright blue at Balenciaga to rich jewel-toned royal blue, teal and mustard at Givenchy - it’s clear that anything goes for S19. Colours and textures (like velvet and leather at Saint Laurent) we’d typically associate with fall are now popping up all year round and I’m okay with that. One thing is unanimous though and that’s the return of yellow. Seems like every fashion house has a preferred shade and I’m living for it.
I’ve been on a bit of a plaid binge recently and I haven’t been able to find the right pieces till now. I fell in love with the yellow plaid of this Robert Rodriquez blazer immediately. Upon learning it was actually part of a suit, I got excited and added both pieces to my shopping cart right away. I like how it’s so unique and works beautifully as a set but also as separates (as per my most recent outfit post where I’m wearing the jacket with a black hoodie, denim Alexander Wang vest and a pair of Levi’s.)
Nothing makes me happier than buying something I truly admire. Knowing that yellow is THE colour for spring 2019 is just the icing on the cake.
SHOP THE LOOK
LUXE FOR LESS
Photography by Geoff Martin.
This story contains affiliate links.
Must Have Denim for 2019
WHAT I’M WEARING:
Coat: Topshop teddy bear coat, sold out. (Similar here.)
Sweater: H&M navy sweatshirt, sold out. (Similar here.)
Sunglasses: Bonlook Jerry sunglasses, $145.
Bag: Louis Vuitton toiletry pouch 19, 460.
Jeans: Rag & Bone Hana jeans, $100.
Boots: Alexander Wang Lyndon boots, sold out. (Similar here.)
In between my new found love of neons and my on going obsession with Pinterest, I seem to have fallen in love with neutrals. Yes, I’m talking camel, brown, beige, and ivory. While I’ll always be person who loves head to toe black and good pair of skinny jeans, the truth is I’d been craving an update for some time now.
This outfit shows a step towards branching off and trying new things while still being true to my personal style. It’s all about being fearless and not giving a shit about what’s trending on Instagram or anywhere else. It’s just about dressing for me so that I’m comfortable, happy, and confident. This look may be super casual and the laid back, but I’m experimenting with cropped flared jeans for the first time and I’m loving the silhouette.
SHOP MY LOOK
LUXE FOR LESS
Photography by Geoff Martin.
This story contains affiliate links.