121014 Dressing For The Holidays
Holiday parties can be stressful especially if you don’t know what to wear. Before you head off to buy something you’re only gonna use once, have a look in your closet to see if there’s anything you could reinvent.
This year my holiday attire consists of the black suit. I had bought it with the intention of wearing it as separates but also having the option to wear it as a suit. The blazer has a slight tuxedo cut and the pant has a feminine pleated waist. The ankle length also works well for showing off a beautiful shoe and I went with a simple black suede pointed toe pump. A low cut basic black tank underneath the blazer provides just the right amount of sex appeal without being too flashy.
I accessorized with a delicate gold necklace and a fabulous faux fur stole that has been in my closet, unworn for too many years now. The fur adds glamour to the outfit but I also have the option of being minimal by ditching it. A large cocktail ring, my Bambi clutch and statement purple Chanel frames add subtle colour, fun and creativity to the whole look.
Keep your personal style in mind when getting dressed this holiday season to feel your absolute best. Embrace your style and elevate it and be true to who you are. That confidence will come out at the holiday parties and you’ll shine regardless of what you’re wearing.
STYLE TIP: I love the look of heels but they’re not exactly my comfort zone. I keep my heels at a comfortable height of 3.5” or lower and add an insole to my shoes to stay comfortable for the night.
Click to SHOP THE LOOK
I'M WEARING: Chanel glasses | Lisbeth necklace* (exact mentioned above) | Aritzia Babaton Dominick Jacket, Cohen Pant & Wool Cocoon Coat (all exact mentioned above) | Madewell basic tank (exact mentioned above) | Jcrew Everly pumps | Givenchy Antigona Bambi pouch | Kelly Wearstler ring | H&M Faux Fur stole
120814 Makeup Essentials
Totally obsessed with these fab makeup essentials these days.
HOURGLASS LIQUID POWDER FOUNDATION
This liquid foundation gives medium coverage and turns into a powder finish meaning you can skip the powder. It's velvety and lasts all day on my oily/ combo skin. It can look a bit heavy if you don't prep your skin so make sure you exfoliate (I use my Clarisonic a couple of times a week) and moisturize well (I use an organic Cocoa Skin Cream by Meow Meow Tweet. Stay tuned for a review.)
BENEFIT WATT'S UP HIGHLIGHTER
I just discovered this amazing champagne coloured highlighter. I chose this one over High Beam because it’s a warmer base, and comes in a tube which means easy application when in a rush. I never thought of a highlighter as an essential until now. It really makes a difference subtly lights up the face and give it more definition. I use Watt's Up when I’m done my makeup along the tops of my cheekbones, underneath the outer brow line, along the centre of my nose and a bit in the center of my forehead, applying straight from the tube and blending with my fingers.
BEAUTY TIP: Dab Watt's Up on the centre of your lips overtop of your lipstick to get more definition.
BENEFIT HOOLA BRONZING POWDER*
This bronzer is flat and has no shimmer which makes it the perfect contouring shade for most skin types. I like to use it in the hallows of my cheek bones, a bit on my temples, along the top of my hair line and a bit down my nose. I keep daily contouring very light and just to my cheeks and temples and I apply it with the flat brush that comes with it.
STILA CUSTOM BLUSH IN CORAL
What makes this powder custom is that it's pH-based which means that colour will customize to your skin tone. I love it so much that I've been using it for over a year now. I dab it on the apples of my cheeks using a big flat top brush that gives me better application control. Then I take a clean powder brush and run over my cheeks to make sure it's all nicely blended into Hoola and the rest of my skin.
GIVENCHY LE ROUGE #304 MANDARINE BOLERO
This matte orange red lipstick has changed my life! I used to combine 3-4 different reds just to get this exact shade. My daily routine now includes dabbing this lipstick on, without a liner for a relaxed day time red. For evening, I use a liner and apply it with a lip brush. The matte formula isn't too drying or heavy and has excellent lasting power. The case reminds of my Givenchy Pandora with a cool leather sleeve and silver studs. The packaging alone is perfection.
Click To SHOP THE LOOK
My skin type: Oily/ Combination. Skin tone: Olive.
120614 | The Perfect Saturday
Strolling the Christmas Market at The Distillery District.
Sipping hot chocolate with Geoff.
Daniel Wellington watches.
The perfect Saturday.
The Perfect Holiday Gift
Get 15% off on all items on DanielWellington.com with promotional discount code Holiday_woahstyle and get free worldwide shipping. Gift wrapping is available with a purchase of an extra strap.
Click to SHOP THE LOOK
On Nathalie: Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield Lady in rose gold* | Roots pom pom beanie | Chanel glasses | Oak + Fort scarf* | Acne Studios Ruth Pineapple cotton sweater | Aritzia Cocoon coat | Rag & Bone zippered jeans | Alexander Wang black ankle boots | Givenchy black leather small Pandora bag with studs
On Geoff: Danie Wellington Classic Bristol men's watch in rose gold* | Fjällräven jacket
12214 Holiday Gift Guide For Her
I composed this gift guide with all of the ladies in mind - for mum, the BFF, the co-worker, and every girl in between. The list contains some of my top fave items of the year and they're things that I'm very excited about gifting.
THE $20 GIFT - THE BRACELET
These adorable bracelets from Birds Of A Feather have gotten me a ton of compliments which is why it's the perfect small budget gift. The local Toronto jewellery line consists of cheap & cheerful fashionable pieces that are suitable for every age and style. With free shipping over $50 (within Canada), it's good to stock up on a few of these!
Gift To: Coworkers, sisters, cousins, nieces, BFF and yourself.
THE TASTY GIFT FOR EVERYONE
Just looking at pics of macarons on Instagram has me foaming at the mouth! Butter Avenue is a local Toronto pâtisserie & café that makes the most divine macarons I've ever had. Macarons make a delightful, unexpected and tasty gift for pretty much anyone on your list. With new holiday flavours like Candy Cane, Gingerbread and Mont Blanc, you'll be tempted to eat them before handing them over. Oh, and their little yellow boxes are elegant, adorable and fun to open!
Gift To: Host, boss, coworkers, parents, siblings, relatives, BFF... pretty much everyone.
THE UNDER $50 GIFT - THE BEAUTY ESSENTIALS
Don't let the adorable package fool you, the cosmetics in this metal keepsake tin are 100% sophisticated. Benefit Cosmetics have released their special Holiday Gift Sets that range from $25-$120. The Sugarglam Fairies set (above) contains some of my favourite Benefit products that I believe no girl should do without -
They’re Real! Mascara (full sized), The POREfessional (full sized) , Hoola (full sized) and Benetint (medium sized). The products are absolute staples for every girl's makeup bag and universal with so many skin tones.
Gift To: The makeup junkie in your life including your BFF, sister, mum and yourself!
THE GIFT FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING
Every year with my husband and I it's the same question, "What do we get your grandmother?". If you're unsure what to get her, think about a luxurious and functional gift that she needs anyway. This year it's the L'Occitane Hand Cream Set that contains some of the most beautifully scented and formulated hand creams out there. This set has the versatility of being gifted as is or broken up between a few people. Trust me, this is not the kind of gift that will leave her thinking "WTF".
Gift To: Grandmother, mother, aunt, mother-in-law, hostess, coworker and your kids teacher.
THE UNDER $100 GIFT - THE CANDLE
There's something so special about receiving a luxurious candle as a gift and the iconic Jo Malone packaging is almost as good as what's inside. I went for the Wild Bluebell, a light clean floral scent, for my BFF. She's extremely picky and has everything she needs but a luxury candle (from either Jo Malone or Diptyque) always leaves her feeling appreciated. Granted a candle might not be the ideal gift for everyone so make sure it's the kinda thing she would appreciate. I would have preferred it to the bluetooth clock radio my husband got me last year! *LOL*
Gift To: Grandmother, mother, aunt, mother-in-law and BFF.
Consider the travel size candle as a thoughtful hostess gift.
THE $250 GIFT - CASHMERE
This luxe gift should be given to that special lady in your life. It's something every woman will appreciate and not always something she would get herself. Zara has come out with a beautiful cashmere cold weather set just in time for the holidays. The scarf and beanie gift set comes in a colour choice of pale pink and classic tan, packaged in a pretty gift box ready to give. Consider cashmere when wanting to impress.
Gift To: Girlfriend, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother.
In the last few years my friends, family, husband and I have all taken a lighter approach to gift giving. It's more about having fun with smaller budgets and being thoughtful and creative with what we give each other and that's what inspired me to put the above gift guide together. I hope it helps inspire your gift giving this Christmas and makes shopping easier.
** Birds Of A Feather, Butter Avenue & Benefit Cosmetics are PR samples but I offer these suggestions here because I truly love them.
xo, Nathalie
113014 New Classics
I simply adore a classic white button up shirt and have about 5-6 very different styles in my closet. This particular shirt by STUDY-NY is sustainably made in the U.S. from hemp and organic cotton. The texture on this top is so soft that it's almost silky.
The boxy cut on this shirt reminds me of cool refined french women which is why I opted to button it up all of the way to the top and accessorize with a hat.
I paired the white button down shirt with my Mackage leather leggings to add some contrast between the shiny black leather and white sheer top.
Chanel moccasin loafers with a patent leather finish furthers the subtle contrast in the black and white outfit and keeps it from becoming boring.
STYLE TIP: With monochromatic dressing, always consider the textures between each piece. An all cotton black outfit with a matte leather shoes can look dullsville. An all black outfit with patent leather, faux fur and silk thrown in the mix can look fab. Even if shiny shoes and fur is not your jam, consider playing with your textures!
Finally, shout outs to The New Classics for launching their ethical and sustainable online shop! I was notified that my order allowed for them to plant their first tree in Alberta, something they'll be continuing to do. Now how awesome is that for eco fashion?!
Click to SHOP THE LOOK
112714 Holiday Gift Guide: His & Hers
Over the next couple of weeks I'll be taking the time to bring you some gift guides based on my favourite items. My first gift guide is the perfect gift for him and her- the Daniel Wellington watch.
My earliest memory of receiving a watch as a gift when was when I was 14 years old. On Christmas day I opened up this little box that contained the most perfect watch I’d ever seen. It was men’s inspired with a navy face, silver bezel and a blue leather strap. My father, who never shops without my mum, had picked it out. I had such a strong sentimental attachment to this watch that I wore it every day, changing the band whenever it broke or just to change the look, until nearly a decade later my boyfriend, now husband, gave me a small silver watch for my birthday. Let's face it, watches are just meant to be gifted don't you think?
The generous folks at DW (thank you Erik and Isabelle) sent my husband and I a lovely little gift – the Classic Bristol watch for him and the Classic Sheffield Lady pour moi. I also received an extra band so the look can be changed without having to buy a whole other watch. Daniel Wellington is all about classic, timeless, modern and elegant. It's the perfect accessory for holiday outfits, office attire and weekend wear.
I’m also happy to share the discount code Holiday_woahstyle, that entitles you to 15% off on all DW products on their site. Bonus - they’re also offering free worldwide shipping and will be delivering in time for the holidays!
On Geoff: Classic Bristol Men's Watch with Rose Gold
On Nathalie: Classic Sheffield Lady Women's Watch with Rose Gold.
Necklace from Lisbeth Jewelry. Bracelet and Ring from Birds Of A Feather.
112614 Givenchy Pandora Review
I fell in love with the Givenchy Pandora a few years ago at the peak of my Alexander Wang obsession. Countless AW items in my collection later, the Pandora was still a faraway flicker on my wish list.
I swear fate brought us together on a windy rainy night. (Seriously!) Not expecting to do any shopping, I popped into the store looking to kill some time. I had just started looking at the handbags when one of them fell on the floor and landed on my feet. (Not even exaggerating. Promise.) I picked it up and there she was - the small Givenchy Pandora in black. I held it close to my body and walked around the store in a haze. I left with my new purchase not sure if I would keep it but after all, that’s what return policies are for!
I took it home and fell in love with in. Everyone on Instagram said “keep it” and so I did. Not only because it’s beautiful but because it’s so lightweight and comfortable to carry. Anyone with an Alexander Wang Rockie, Rocco or Diego knows how heavy bags can be. Carrying a shiny new lightweight Givenchy just felt like a breath of fresh air. The silver hardware is so different from anything I have in my closet and it looked more classic and less urban than what I own. It was meant to be.
This particular Pandora has 4 silver studs in each corner in the front of the bag. The front zippered pocket is excellent for keeping my iPhone and lipstick, basically anything I need quick access to. The zipper on the back of the bag is the main compartment. It’s large enough to hold my Fumo Wallet, cosmetics pouch and Frends headphone. A small interior pocket comes in handy for holding any other small accessories.
What I particularly enjoy about the small Pandora is that it retains its unique rectangular shape well. I had tried on the mini Pandora earlier in the year and I felt it was too small for the price point. I had also tried the medium Pandora and I felt it was too large for my petite frame and the bag quickly lost its shape. I was the Goldilocks of Pandora’s looking for the right one.
Sometimes the wait pays off. I’ve learned from past experiences to be patient and get exactly what you love instead of settling for something else. I’m really happy with my bag and I know I’ll love it for years to come. What’s your current favourite bag and do you have an interesting story of how it came into your life?
112414 The Versatile Shirt
I'm a big fan of versatile clothing - pieces that can be dressed up and dressed down that can be worn year round. Every piece of clothing in my closet serves a purpose and can be worn various ways. That's why I was excited when kor NYC approached me for a collab.
Cyclist Allison Cline, founded kor NYC with the intention of creating athletic clothing that can be worn off bicycle and out for cocktails with the girls. Athletic wear that doesn't look like athletic wear made of high performance fabrics. Based on my personal style and aesthetic, Allison sent me the Unisex Black Muscle tank. (Thank you!) The shirt is made of a silky mesh fabric that is slightly sheer. The perfect addition to my minimal style.
The incredible success of the Alexander Wang x H&M collection is proof that the athletica trend is still going strong. Sure, the designer name has a part in its success but people want sports wear right now. Just look at the line Hood By Air; couture sneakers by Chanel and street style influenced Nike runners donned by fashionistas like Aimee Song. Athletic wear is urban, minimal, contemporary, comfortable and shall I dare say it, fashionable. I'll be wearing my kor tank with cozy knits in the winter, with blazers to the office, with a leather jacket for a relaxed look and with leather shorts in the summer. Oh, and of course on the yoga mat and my bicycle for those 4 times a year I decide to work out. Check out more of the kor NYC collection here.
111914 Top 6 Tips for Shopping Online Sales
Online shopping and scoring major sales are my specialty. With Black Friday just around the corner (eek!) my wish list is done and ready to go.
This week’s style tips will be taken over with online shopping tips, one of my favorite topics! I’m going to tell you how to get exactly what you want this sale season and how to go back for seconds and still get what you want. Here is my top 6 list of Shopping Online Sales.
On the top of my wish list | Acne Studios Black Patent Cleo Sneakers
1. Make A List.
Before becoming overwhelmed with the shiny new selection of markdowns, make a list! Go through your favorite websites ahead of time and make a wish list of your absolute favorite items. Then go through your closet and see what you’re missing – black ankle boots or a basic white button up blouse or maybe a cobalt blue clutch. Stick to your list for a successful round of sale shopping. I like to buy items that are unique and might not be seen again later in the designers collection. For the spring 2014, I scored Helmut Lang perforated oxfords and my 3.1 Phillip Lim white cracked leather mini Ryder bag, both highly coveted items to have sold out quickly. Know what’s in demand, know what you need in your closet and buy what you love.
2. Review Your Return Policies.
Is there anything worse than buyer’s remorse? Before hitting the checkout button online, review the online shop’s return policy, import taxes and free returns policy. Back in the day Shopbop.com was my favourite online destination. They had the selection I was looking for the prices seemed decent. Add in import taxes and exchange rates, I may as well have been paying full price. Granted I will return to Shopbop for exclusive items, but I think twice before shopping on international sites now. My favourite online destination for the last few years has been ssense.com, based out of Montreal, QC. Their designer selection only gets better each season - Isabel Marant, Acne Studios, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Rag & Bone, Saint Laurent Paris, Givenchy, Alexander Wang, etc. They offer free shipping and free returns within Canada pretty much all year round (with exception of sale season) and a 14 day return policy (with exception of final sale items) and excellent customer service. Well done SSENSE. Love you guys!
3. Buy What You Know.
If I’m shopping online I like to stick to the brands and clothing shapes that work for me. Alexander Wang shoes are my staples and I know my size well as are Rag & Bone jeans. When trying on new shapes and experimenting with different brands, I prefer to shop in person. Stick to what works for you when online shopping to avoid frustration and disappointment later. Remember – what looks good on the model may not translate well to your body type. Don’t let those discounted prices take over your reasoning.
4. Subscribe To Newsletters NOW.
I know, I know. We’re all tired of being spammed by companies on the daily but during sale season, you want to be signed up to the newsletters. You’ll get notifications of special discount codes in addition to what’s already on sale (Shopbop does this closer to Xmas) and get notification of when sales are starting and when there are further markdowns. (I’ve experienced SSENSE's site crash in the past during the launch of their sales due to popularity). Be first in that virtual line and get your Alexander Wang boots on sale before they sell out. You snooze, you loose.
5. Search For Coupon Codes & Compare Prices.
Some sites, like SSENSE, offer price matching on same items. It’s worth having a look around other sites make sure you’re getting the best possible price. With that being said, also do a quick google search for words like “coupon code” or “discount code” on your favourite online shop.
6. Going Back For Seconds.
My personal sale shopping strategy is so simple – make a list and buy what you have been coveting all season long first. Then when the further markdowns hit – go back for seconds and once more, stick to what you need and what you love. Last season I was debating between a pair of floral or nude Givenchy sandals on sale. I concluded the nude would be classic and last longer in my wardrobe than the floral but I didn’t buy them right away. The waiting game paid off as a couple of weeks later I ended up scoring them at an even deeper discount (this is when you want to be signed up to your newsletters).
The reality. Of course I don’t buy everything I want during sale season! That would be madness. I save up for the sales and sell some of my items to give myself a nice clothing “allowance”. I’ve also missed out on some amazing goodies in the past and the Marni silver and pony hair loafers from seasons ago still haunt my dreams!
I hope this guide helps you through sale season. Are there any strategy that works for you? Let me know, I’d love to learn how to shop smarter!
My Top 3 Favourite Items To Buy On Sale
1. JEANS
The markup on jeans borders on obscene. I like to stock up on my Jbrand’s and Rag & Bone’s when they’re on sale. Granted I will pay full price on occasion but for the most part I much rather not.
2. SHOES
I love shoes and I swear I inherited my love of flats from my mother. The most basic of outfits can be elevated with the right foot wear. For the in demand styles I pay full price but otherwise I wait for the sales.
3. HANDBAGS
Nothing makes an outfit better than carrying a stylish bag. Again, pay full price for the in demand styles and leave the rest up to fate and score it on sale if you can. My favorite spots for buying bags are SSENSE and the Outnet. They always carry a good selection of Alexander Wang.