Topshelfie: Perfum Edition
WHATβS 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 CrΓ©me Main Texture Riche
Diptyque Ambre scented candle
CHANEL CC Cream and 3D Printed Mascara
Every season I change up my perfume the way Iβd change up my wardrobe for something seasonally appropriate. I canβt even fathom wearing a coconut based scent in the dead of winter when thereβs two feet of snow on the ground. That would just confuse my senses like crazy.
These days Iβve 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 donβt have a photo of it here, but nonetheless, I would strongly urge you to check it out. In the meanwhile Iβve been enjoying the other beautiful scents from Narciso.
Givenchy released their LβInterdit fragrance a couple of months ago. Itβs 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 Mercierβs Ambre Vanilla eau de toilette is so luscious and decadent that you probably didnβt 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 IβM 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. Thatβs 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 βtoo girlyβ. If it counts for anything I topped off my look with a black wool coat to elevate everything. Never underestimate a good coat. ;)
SHOP MY LOOK
SHOP VARSITY JACKETS
LUXE FOR LESS
RELATED STORIES: HOW TO WEAR CORDS THIS WINTER
Photography by Geoff Martin.
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Happy Holidays & Happy New Year
WHAT IβM 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! Itβs been an interesting year full of so much good, but as you might know from my post βBattling Depressionβ that Iβd been dealing with a lot of heavy personal stuff this year.
That aside, I just want to say that Iβm 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
SHOP MY LOOK
LUXE FOR LESS
RELATED POSTS: WINTER WARDROBE STAPLES
Photography by Geoff Martin.
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Anndore House Staycation with Bonlook
Iβve needed corrective lenses since my early teens. The optometrist said I would only need them for a few years but my prescription hasnβt changed much since then. Around the time I got married, I switched to contacts because I didnβt want to wear glasses on my wedding day and I also wanted to see Geoff when I walked down the aisle. Anyway, that didnβt last long. I chucked them all after waking up with a wicked case of pink eye one morning. Even though I was religious about washing my hands and sterilizing my contacts, bacteria invaded my eyes to the point where I couldnβt even open them. I havenβt touched contact lenses since. These days even my sunglasses have my prescription.
Beauty essentials; CHANEL 3D mascara, eyeshadow, and hand cream. For skincare Iβve been using Eve Lomβs cleanser and Olayβs Daily Facial Cleansing Cloths for removing makeup, followed by their new facial Mist. For my hair, Iβve been love, love, loving, the T3 SinglePass Curl.
For our staycation with Bonlook we stayed at the Anndore House in Toronto, just around the corner from the Yorkville area. Even if you donβt have a chance to stay at the hotel, I would highly recommend their restaurant, Constantine. Breakfast and dinner here is divine and we plan on going back soon. The staff is friendly and helpful while the decor is gorgeous.
CHANELβS No 5 is probably my all time favourite scent. Itβs beautiful, unique, and elegant. The purse spray is excellent for travel but the limited edition red bottle is so exquisite Iβll probably keep it on display long after itβs gone.
Decisions, decisions. Iβve amassed quite the glasses collection from Bonlook. Because I wear prescription glasses and sunnies I might as well have fun with them. Just like I donβt wear the same shoes everyday (itβs a quirk of mine), Iβll change my frames up often.
Bonlook also has blue light protection lenses which shield eyes from the blue light of computers. Geoff happens to be one of those lucky humans with 20/20 vision but he works on a computer all day so he picked up a pair of these and loves them.
An impromptu shopping session with Michael led me to this stunning cropped Balenciaga sweater. It was already on my radar and the fact it happened to be the last one in the store sealed the deal. The grey and black makes it a seamless addition to my wardrobe and I love how it looks with my new Way sunglasses from Bonlook.
RELATED POSTS: EMBRACING BALENCIAGA'S LOGOMANIA (featuring Bonlook)
RELATED POSTS: HOW TO WEAR CORDS THIS WINTER (featuring Bonlook)
This post is in collaboration with Bonlook. All opinions are my own.
Photography by Geoff Martin.
This story contains affiliate links.
Balenciaga's Logomania
WHAT IβM WEARING:
SWEATER: Balenciaga cropped logo sweater (I sized up and got mine in a 38).
WOOL COAT: Aritzia Stedman pinstripe coat, on sale $175.
HAT: Zara neon green beanie, sold out (Similar here.)
PANTS: Aritzia Jallade crepe trousers, $128. (Worn without the belt.)
SHOES: Saint Laurent canvas court shoes, on sale here.
GLASSES: Bonlook βWayβ frames, $145.
I didnβt see myself falling for this trend but I should have know better. Considering how Iβm always drawn to bold graphic patters, I couldnβt help but be drawn to this Balenciaga statement piece. The wool knit is perfect for this time of year and the fact the brand made it reversible gives me more options. As the SA from Holtβs said βItβs like a two for one sweaterβ because this piece is totally reversible.
Logomani is alive and well in my heart. While I normally wouldnβt splurge so much on a sweater, I wanted to treat myself to something special on my birthday, which happens to be today. Iβll be looking forward to a low-key dinner with Geoff later in evening. Iβm thinking Chinese takeaway and celebrating with a bottle of MoΓ«t. Yum.
Photography by Geoff Martin.
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How To Wear Cords This Winter
WHAT IβM WEARING
WOOL COAT: Aritzia Stedman pinstripe coat, on sale $175.
SWEATSHIRT: Frank & Oak, $60.
CORDUROY PANTS: Sandro Paris, on sale here.
SUNGLASSES: Bonlook Jerry aviator sunglasses in Terra, $145.
BAG: Saint Laurent small LouLou bowling bag, sold out. (Exact bag in ivory here and similar here.)
SHOES: Saint Laurent canvas court shoes, on sale here.
Who thought cords and a sweatshirt would ever be my go-toβs? These Sandro cords are high-waisted and wide legged so they look super chic. Theyβre also incredibly versatile and can be styled with a silk blouse and a pair of kitten heels during the holidays. The sweater is from Frank & Oak, a Canadian clothing brand that Iβve been low key loving these days. I even got Geoff hooked on their clothes as they cater to both men and women.
I decided to splurge on these Saint Laurent canvas sneakers only after realizing that white court shoes are my go-to whenever I travel. Letβs face it, kicks are comfortable and go with everything. I even happen to be wearing the same Adidas Stan Smithβs as Alexander Wangβs sis-in-law when I went to his runway show in New York this past summer. BTW - she pointed it out to me. Just saying. LOL.
As with shoes and bags, I love playing around with different glasses to make a statement. These aviator frames from the Montreal based company Bonlook, are prescription and cost a reasonable $145, all in, frames and all. Considering how expensive prescription glasses can be, I love that this company has taken the initiative to create affordable, stylish lenses. I find the βJerryβ frames Iβm wearing in this post to be the perfect blend of vintage and contemporary so I picked them up in both sunglasses and regular lenses.
Photography by Geoff Martin.
This story contains affiliate links.
Winter Wardrobe Staples
WHAT IβM WEARING
JACKET: Rudsak Mythos leather moto jacket with shearling collar, on sale $600.
WOOL COAT: Rag & Bone, sold out. (Similar here.)
T-SHIRT: Frank & Eileen, LAB219 cotton short sleeve shirt, $92.
HAT: Acne Studios wool Pansy face beanie in ivory, $200.
SUNGLASSES: Saint Laurent, from SAKS Off Fifth, $215. (Exact pair here.)
WOOL PANTS: Aritzia Chambery trouser, $148.
BOOTS: Alexander Wang Lyndon combat boots, sold out. (Similar style from FW18 here.)
LEATHER BACKPACK: Givenchy, sold out. (Similar star backpack here and with Givenchy logo here.)
I opt for layers on a mild winter day but will typically reach for a proper parka when itβs freezing out. A long wool coat and a leather jacket not only looks chic and effortless but also keeps me warm. I love this moto jacket from Rudsak, called the Mythos, because it has a removable shearling collar that adds texture and elevates my otherwise casual look. (Itβs currently on sale and available in three colours. I wonβt lie, I was tempted to get one with the white shearling collar, currently under $450, but my size sold out.)
Iβm wearing Aritziaβs Chambery wool pleated pant in black/charcoal. I was instantly drawn to the bold pattern when I saw them online but they happen to be sold out. Luckily I was able to place a special order and got them before nearly selling out again! Upon publishing this post it seems like thereβs only size 4 in stock. Grab them fast if thatβs you!
I love the contrast of a good combat boot to make this otherwise monochrome outfit pop. Not only are they supremely comfortable but theyβre also very warm. I got my Alexander Wang Lyndon boots at SAKS Off Fifth for about $250 if you can believe it! Probably one of my best finds of the year!
Canadian winters are cold and brutal so accessorizing with beanies is more about practicality than anything else. This one is from Acne Studios and I had been wanting one for years. Not knowing what to get me for my birthday this year, Geoff decided it would make a good gift. I couldnβt agree more!
Photography by Geoff Martin.
This story contains affiliate links.
Current Faves
Iβm all about simplifying everything in my life these days from makeup and skincare, to what I wear. Iβm all about a glowing complexion, rosy cheeks, a pink mouth, and a swipe of mascara.
They say it's the little things that make you happy and that couldn't be truer. Just the other day I was at Nordstrom doing some Xmas shopping when I decided to pick up the holiday edition Diptyque candle set.
The blue one, called Amber Balm is my favourite of the three limited edition scents. With notes of vanilla, benzoin, and lavender, it has an elegant scent that lingers and lifts my mood.
I started reading fiction again after picking up Patti Smithβs book Devotion on one of our road trips. We came across this quaint bookstore in Dundas, Ontario and I couldnβt resist picking up a few things. I havenβt read fiction in a while as Iβve been wholly into biographies and self-development books but something about Patti's writing left an impression on me. Sheβs probably one of the most beautiful writers Iβve come across and I'm looking forward to reading more of her works.
Well, thatβs all for now. I hope youβre all doing well.
Make sure you stay tuned to my IG Stories as I've been holding a series of contests this holiday season! I have plenty of cool contests coming up so make sure youβre following me on @_nathaliemartin.
xx
Nathalie