Bag Spill + New Faves
I feel like there’s so much excitement happening right now I can’t wait to share it! Stay tuned because on Thursday I'll be announcing the first part of something very exciting. GTA followers, you're going to be able to partake in this one! In the meanwhile, let’s do a bag spill/ current faves – the early fall edition.
- This beautiful leather box bag from JCOS STUDIOS just arrived in the mail the other day. It’s bigger than my Saint Laurent nano Sac De Jour so I’m really enjoying the extra interior space.
- I'm also loving this pretty wallet from Australian brand Status Anxiety. It fits my iPhone 6+ comfortably with room to spare for a lipstick - perfect for when I ditch my purse.
- Pixi Beauty just launched their Fall 2015 collection which includes their Mattelustre Lipsticks. I got the shades Pure Fuchsia and Plum Berry. I find the formula is surprisingly creamy, and not cakey and heavy like most matte lipsticks. They're also infused with peptides and vitamins C & E to help create a fuller, smoother lip. I wear mine with a nude lipliner for extra staying power.
- To keep the berry theme going, I just gave my nails a nice coat of Essie's Fishnet Stocking, a sultry berry-red shade. I love Essie for always being on-trend with colours.
- For eyeliner, I'm currently using Pixi's new Cat Eye Ink in Intense Black. This one has a nice slant felt tip that applies the liner comfortably. The colour payoff is awesome and it wears well until the end of the day.
- A brow pencil is something I almost always carry around. When I was younger I over-plucked my brows and they've never fully grown back. The Endless Brow Gel Pen, also by Pixi, helps me fill in sparse areas quickly.
- I'm super picky with fragrance but Italian Summer Fig from The Body Shop is beyond heavenly! Seriously, I just want to bathe in this scent! It smells like freshly cut greens but also smells a bit complex. I don't know how to describe it exactly but go smell it and tell me what you think!
- Lastly, I'm never without my Dior eyeglasses. I couldn't see without them! >_<
The Cotton Crew Neck with Everlane
My adventures with Everlane continues in this post with their Cotton Sweater Crew. Honestly, I can't seem to get enough of this comfortable knit. I shot it for this post on the weekend and I wore it to work today. Generally when I become obsessed with a new piece I wear until I just can't anymore. Is that a touch of fashion OCD? I don't know and I don't care. Expect to see the piece on repeat. #sorrynotsorry
xo, Nathalie
WHAT I'M WEARING
Everlane The Cotton Sweater Crew. Mackage leather jacket. Jbrand black Maria jeans. Jcrew suede pumps. Armani sunglasses. Larsson & Jennings Läder watch. Zadig & Voltaire quilted bag and wool hat from Andrews.
Casual In The City
Busy weekends call for comfort and simplicity. These Everlane Street Shoes are excellent for running errands in the city and I love the strong contrast paired with a dark outfit. The weather is a bit cooler now so that means cardigans and sweaters can come out to play. I love the traditional cut of the grey one I'm wearing here. It reminds me of a grandfather cardi with the deep-V, large buttons and waist pockets. The fabric is luxurious and feels even better than it looks - super soft and almost silky.
xo, Nathalie
HOW TO KEEP YOUR WHITE SHOES LOOKING NEW
When I originally posted these shoes on IG, a lot of you guys asked me how I keep them clean and looking new. This shoe is leather so it should be easy to wipe off any scoffs or dirt but just in case, use the holy grail of shoe cleaners - Woly's Combi Cleaner. I've used it on canvas, leather and plastic and it works wonders. Promise.
WHAT I'M WEARING
Everlane Luxe Sweater Cardigan & Street Shoe. Brandy Melville black muscle tank. Zara black ankle jeans. Old Navy mirrored sunglasses. 3.1 Phillip Lim CASH ONLY cross body bag. Larsson & Jennings Läder watch. Lisbeth necklace.
Girl in The Green Jacket
I kept this look simple with my favourite Rag & Bone jeans and this inexpensive Forever 21 halter top that I got during the summer. The suede emerald green moto jacket breaks up all of the black and adds a nice hint of colour. Even though I ditched the handbag here, my accessory game always has to be strong so I wore my new Sandro Paris boots, an amazing sale find at Winners. Have you guys visited their Runway section? I swear it's hit or miss but I've found the most incredible pieces there. As for the hat, it's another cheapie find from Target back when it used to be in Canada. It's a little bittersweet but as is life. I acquired all of the pieces from this outfit in the last year. It just goes to show that when you buy strong basics, they'll withstand trends and seasons.
WHAT I'M WEARING: Obey suede moto jacket with buckle. Forever 21 halter top. Rag & Bone skinny jeans. Sandro Paris leather and suede black ankle boots. Target wool hat. Armani sunglasses. Felony Case Kaleidoscope X Clear iPhone 6 plus case.
Fall Skincare Routine With Seabuckthorn
I think it's as important to change your skincare for the changing climate as it is to update your wardrobe. In fashion we're always talking about clothes, light layering for fall, even more layering for winter yet we don't always discuss our beauty routine.
A good moisturizer is something you should never be without and in fact it was the Anti-Aging cream that convinced me that I didn't need a fancy label or high ticket price tag to get a good quality product. In the mornings I add an SPF to this and at night I use it straight up. I also like using this one on my chest. Yes, I'm talking boobies. I remember reading an article in Vogue about this woman who would slather moisturizer on her chest every morning and night. Apparently even late into her 60's she had wonderful skin so I started doing the same. I find my skin is incredibly sensitive in that area and SBT is one of the only moisturizers that doesn't break me out.
Lip balm is a no brainer when we're talking about cold weather beauty. I wear it under lipstick, over lipstick and sans lipstick when I'm at home. I like to have a couple of tubes with me all of the time because I always leave them behind somewhere. I'm also a good wifey and stock up my hubby with his own tubes since he's always asking for mine. Perhaps that last one is more of a selfish act though... Speaking of balms, SBT has a unique product called the Sniffle Stick that I love more than anything. Think of it as a balm with peppermint oils that help relieve your sinuses when you apply it. I find it incredibly soothing and like to use it year round.
A therapeutic shampoo during the cold weather is something I discovered last year. I tried the Peppermint Shampoo which helped with the dryness on my scalp. It also helped me wake up in the morning since the oils have a cooling sensation. The Lavender shampoo and conditioner also contain peppermint but primarily have lavender oils, which are soothing. Of all of the natural, sulphate free shampoo's I've tried, these ones are my faves and I'd highly recommend them. My hubby really likes these too and I know he was excited to have them back in our shower.
A new and interesting product that arrived in my care package was the 3 In 1 Shampoo Bar. I love the concept of this product, especially for travel (low maintenance and carry 1 product for face, body and hair) but I was a bit skeptical at first. I have A LOT of hair and I didn't think I'd be able to rather up properly a bar of soap. To my surprise it did its job well and it was fun washing my hair with it. I think I'll leave this one to my hubby though as he liked it more and I prefer my therapeutic shampoo.
Speaking of bars, I was thrilled to see SBT update the packaging on their soap to read, "non GMO, gluten free, cruelty free, eco friendly, soy free". Their Cleansing Bar is a favourite of mine since it's gentle on the skin, perfect for cold weather months. You can use this on your entire body and it's also suitable to use on the face. It's good for normal to dry skin, people with rosacea and sensitive skin. My skin is oily/ dry and this one works well for me too. Basically if you have skin, try this!
Salves are something I'm just getting into. I like to slather them on my hands, heels, elbows and knees, basically anywhere that I need extra moisture. SBT makes their normal salve full of nursing seabuckthorn oils and they also make a Soothing Salve for muscle and joints. True story, the soothing balm became my best friend recently when I injured my knees and heels while running.
Finally, who doesn't love tea during the cold months? SBT makes a nice herbal tea high in protein. I like to drink my tea at night before going to bed. Something about it is very settling to the stomach and relaxing to the whole body. Try it and let me know what you think.
To wrap this up here's a quick backstory on the SBT Seabuckthorn brand: they are based out of British Columbia where they grow and harvest the seabuckthorn berries on their facilities. They're very environmentally conscious which is why they've begun phasing out the use of palm oils in their products. Products are made in house and are 100% natural.
5 Blogging Tips for Beginners
Like so many other bloggers out there, I'm passionate about what I document. In my instance it's fashion, beauty and food. I'm always excited to share my new findings with you guys. I look forward to reading your comments and sharing tips and getting tips back (like stretching your shoes if they're too small). I've been at this for about a year and a half now and it's been such an amazing ride so far. I've met some incredible people along the way, bloggers and fans alike, and I've worked with some wonderful brands that I never could have fathomed working with in my wildest dreams. I'm so grateful for all of my opportunities and I know I got there because I've worked hard and paved my own way. My advice to any newbie bloggers goes like this:
- Stay true to yourself. Find your voice, embrace the fact that you're unique and ride that wave!
- Network like a mofo. Social media is such an excellent platform for meeting peers and making friends. Plus, you never know what brands are watching you as you grow. Chances are they'll add you to their list of influencers. You might be surprised.
- Be consistent in posting on social media and your blog and watch your numbers grow.
- Be gracious. Say thank you, please and share those positive vibes.
- Lastly, don't buy followers, not even for a boost when you're starting off. I've learned from my followers along the way and they've helped me get to where I am now.
WHAT I'M WEARING: Zara army jacket and patchwork jeans. Doll Memories black t-shirt. Alexander Wang oxford lace ups. Marc By Marc Jacobs striped mini bag. TOMS glasses.
Larsson & Jennings
This watch has been on my radar for some time now. Welcoming into my closet pre-fall feels like perfection in itself. The brand, Larsson & Jennings. Makers of minimalist, luxurious watches that are handmade and Swiss made. The watch is called Läder, in the black and gold combo. Trust me when I say it's even more lust worthy in person. The watch is unisex although straps come in small and large sizes - important to mention for ladies with tiny wrists, such as myself. I love how it pairs nicely against this grey waffle knit sweater but I'm tempted to start a new trend - rolling up one sleeve just to show off my Läder. Have you guys ever been smitten with a watch or am I alone on this?
WHAT I'M WEARING: Larsson & Jennings Läder watch in black. Aritzia Leclerc Sweater. Mackage leather leggings and cropped moto jacket. Isabel Marant Angie boots. Saint Laurent Paris Nano Sac De Jour. OST New York ring. Urban Planet sunglasses.
Parisian Style in The Secret Garden
If you read my last post you'll know that I recently teamed up with Love That Bag, Canada's largest consignment online shop, to talk shopping and to #streetstyle a couple of their handbags. Today it's all about the beautiful vintage Chanel bag you've been seeing on my IG. The details on this bag are even better in person. The leather has a subtle metallic glimmer, matte gold hardware and, a multicoloured jewel encrusted CC's. It reminds me of when I first fell in love with fashion in the 90s' yet it inspired me to style the bag in a more contemporary way. The striped Zara top has extra long sleeves with a cute little zipper in the back so I feel it's more special than the usual striped top. The black jeans, also Zara, happen to have just the right amount of distressed detail. I paired them with my black Chanel loafers because you know, how else was I going to nail that chic Parisian style? Finally you'll notice a change of scenery from my typical minimal background, we shot this at Gairloch Gardens in Oakville, right by the lake. I think the outfit not only inspired me, but also my photographer (aka, the hubby). Of course it helps when you have a little yellow Chanel flap bag to blog about! ;)
PS - Yes I took my soy milk Chai latte for a stroll and it was good!
WHAT I'M WEARING: Chanel Precious Jewel Mini Flap Bag in Yellow Lambskin from Love That Bag (exact bag here). Zara striped top and black jeans. Chanel patent leather loafers. Armani sunglasses.
POP UP SHOP ALERT!
Love That Bag will have pop-up sale in Montreal , at the nail salon, Barbarella at 3833 rue Saint Jacques.
Dates / Hours:
September 17 & 18: 10 AM - 9 PM
September 19: 10 AM - 6 PM
They will have a selection of bags from their website available for purchase and they'll be looking at bags that people want to sell. Make sure you stop by if you're in the area!
HOW TO: SHOP LUXURY CONSIGNMENT
I've been asked a few times why it is that I mainly write positive reviews on my blog. Well, I'll tell you why. It's because I chose to feature products and brands that I'm passionate about, therefore excited to share with you guys. Makes sense right?
My latest review is from one of Canada's largest online consignment shops called Love That Bag. They're proudly Canadian, based out of Montreal and specialize in luxury handbags. I worked with them on this story to show you guys how to style classic luxury handbags, like the beautiful Louis Vuitton Monogram Pochette and, to educate you guys on shopping consignment and how to make it the best possible experience ever!
6 REASONS TO BUY YOUR LUXURY HANDBAG THROUGH CONSIGNMENT
- LOWER PRICES THAN MARKET VALUE because the designer handbags up for sale are pre-owned. You can save anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand off the original price.
- RARE BAGS WILL EVENTUALLY SURFACE. We all have a story about the bag that got away. Mine is the Alexander Wang Marina bag. I once tracked it down through online consignment but I wasn't confident in the seller and therefore never purchased it. If it ever shows up through Love That Bag, it'll be mine!
- EXCELLENT SELCTION. The women of the world who are always buying the latest and greatest bags are the ones selling to LTB which means we get a fresh pick of current bags that are in fabulous condition! (Currently on my radar, the Chanel Black Velvet Mini Boy Bag. #todiefor!)
- WORRY FREE SHOPPING. When I was younger I foolishly bought a rare MBMJ dress on eBay only to find out it was a fake. I filed a complaint but nothing ever came of it and every time I looked at the imposter dress in my closet, I became enraged. I couldn't wear it and I could't resell it so I donated it to a thrift shop and called it a loss. There are a lot of fakes in the market and it's important to shop at a place that prides themselves in providing authentic designer goods.
- LOOKING GOOD! An excellent consignment shop is selective about the condition of the bags they carry which means preloved doesn't have to look second hand. I borrowed two bags from LTB and both of them are in superb condition and came accompanied with dust bags. (BTW - I should mention they don't lend out bags but made an exception for me here. Thank you!)
- THE EXCITEMENT! Part of the fun is the thrill of discovery and not knowing what you're going to find.
WORD TO THE WISE: I can't stress enough how important it is to buy from a reputable place like Love That Bag. I once bought a Celine Trio bag from a Toronto online consignment shop for the first and last time ever. When my bag arrived in the mail, I was appalled to see it was shipped in one of these plastic envelopes without the slightest bit of tissue around the bag to protect it. Yes the bag was authentic, but sadly it was in poor shape and didn't look like the beautiful bag online. To top it off, I realized after that they had charged me in USD so the bag cost me more than I had anticipated.
That experience obviously burned me. I want to make sure that you guys don't go through what I did and have a fun shopping expierince. I hope my How To guide helped!
xo, Nathalie
WHAT I'M WEARING: Louis Vuitton Monogram Pochette from Love That Bag (exact bag here). Aritzia Lin Sweater. Acne Studios black band skirt. 3.1 Phillip Lim Page Loafers. Thursday/ Friday black & white pompom. Armani sunglasses.
POP UP SHOP ALERT!
Love That Bag will have pop-up sale in Montreal , at the nail salon, Barbarella at 3833 rue Saint Jacques.
Dates / Hours:
September 17 & 18: 10 AM - 9 PM
September 19: 10 AM - 6 PM
They will have a selection of bags from their website available for purchase and they'll be looking at bags that people want to sell. Make sure you stop by if you're in the area!