5 Top Trends from Paris Fashion Week

If the Chanel supermarket spectacle taught us anything, the Fall/Winter looks from this year's Paris Fashion Week are definitely ones to remember. The runways were adorned with pastels, knits and sporty looks abound. I'm sure the last thing you want to think about right now is next winter, but here are the top 5 trends to take note when building your wardrobe for the next Polar Vortex. I would definitely advise rocking these trends now to tie you over until spring.

1) Pastels

Designers transitioned the pastels from Spring/Summer effortlessly into fall on the runways. This dress from Dior matched with a blazer or leather jacket would be a perfect look for early fall.

Christian Dior, F/W2014

2) Head-to-Toe Knits

Knits in all colors and patterns are a go, especially when done in a complete ensemble a la Chanel.

Chanel, F/W 2014

3) Sporty

Quite a few designers had thrown in some sporty designs into the mix which I was absolutely thrilled about. I'm definitely going to keep my eyes open for a killer varsity jacket come fall.

Miu Miu, F/W 2014

4) Mod

The retro looks were super fun and each designer played the Mod theme with wonderful modern touches.

Valentino F/W 2014

5) Dramatic Blacks

Alexander Mcqueen had some showstopping head-to-toe black looks. Those were a bit more theatrical than practical, but beautiful none the less. Elie Saab showed us how to rock the dramatic looks for every day wear and I want to buy it all.

Elie Saab F/W 2014

Saving Face: Winter Skincare Essentials

Winters in Ottawa are known to be not the easiest to manage. Old Man Winter seems to have it out for us, and it is just not a fair deal... What did I do to deserve this? The biggest victim of the extreme cold is our delicate skin. It is so important to pay extra attention over the colder months to protect ourselves from the harmful effects or else you'll end up getting the life sucked out of you like an episode of True Blood. Here are the best ways to fight against winter's top culprits - biting winds, drying indoor temperatures and below freezing temps.

1) Moisturize

The indoor heat may be a nice change from what's going on outside, but it is sucking the moisture out of your skin. It is imperative to use a good natural moisturizer at least twice a day. Purple Urchin, an awesome local company, makes fantastic natural products that work wonders. I recommend their Extreme Cream for super hydration.

Purple Urchin Extreme Cream - $11.95

2) Don't forget the body either

I for one am guilty of this - I just never seem to have the time between the gym and work to slather on the moisturizer, but then I end up suffering from 'lizard-skin' syndrome. Trust me and take the extra minute to slather on some hydrating lotion before starting your day. My favorite is the Dream Cream from Lush. Sometimes I just use extra virgin coconut oil for extra moisture in a pinch. Side note - coconut oil is awesome for hair and nails too.

Lush Dream Cream - $29.95

3) Go easy on the soap

Most of the commercial soaps out there contain harsh chemicals that aggravate your skin which is the last thing you want when battling the elements. Use a simple bar soap with natural ingredients and you'll notice immediately healthier looking skin. Saaboon is another favorite local soap company. They're vegan too!

Saaboon Wash & Glow Soap - $7.00

4) Exfoliate

Remove the dull layer of skin to reveal a fresh, glowing face by using a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week. DO NOT use those defoliators which physical seed shells and/or ground nuts in them (such as St. Yves' products). These actually make little tears in your skin rather than slough off the dead skin cells. Not cool. I like the Soy Exfoliant by Fresh. The cucumber seeds are much gentler than the hard shells found in other products.

Fresh Soy Face Exfoliant - $49.00

5) Stop Tanning

This should be common knowledge by now, but those indoor tanning booths are pure evil for your skin. I know it is tempting to spend a few minutes soaking in the Vitamin D when it is -30 and blizzarding out, but you are only drying your skin out more and accelerating the aging process. Think of it as the opposite of the fountain of youth. Thanks to modern technologies though, there are lots of great sunless tanners out there to give your skin a faux glow.

Bare Minerals Faux Tan Face - $32.00

 6) Exercise

Yes, its true. That thing you vowed to do come January 1st that you forgot about works wonders for your skin too. Getting your sweat on removes toxins from your body. You may have noticed that awesome glow you get after a good sweat session at the gym - by increasing blood flow, exercise helps rejuvenate and nourish your blood cells. In addition to providing oxygen, blood flow also helps carry away waste products, including free radicals, from working cells. Exercise also reduces stress, which is a known culprit for dull looking skin.

I know I sound like your nagging mother by now but all of the above pointers should be a regular part of your winter routine. Follow these rules and you'll come out victorious once spring rolls around without having to spend a fortune on chemical spa treatments.

An Après Ski Style Guide

The days are certainly not getting warmer any time soon. While we may be tempted to hunker in and hibernate all winter, the best thing to do is to just go out there and make the best of it. What's not to love about spending a sunny winter day out on the slopes and relaxing in the hot tub afterwards with a hot toddy in hand? I have one memory watching the original Pink Panther movie as a child and being so fascinated by the fur hats and smoking jackets donned on the bottom of the Swiss Alps. With inspiration from this movie, here are some stylish-yet-functional pieces to don at the ski lodge this weekend.

The Fair Isle Sweater
I cannot think of a better time to don the fair isle jumper than at the chalet. This was the most essential piece of the 70s ski lodge and J. Crew has perfected the modern version of this classic.

J. Crew Shawl-collar Fair Isle Cardigan - $252.00

The Puffer Vest

On especially chilly nights, a puffer vest is the perfect option. There’s little better than a vest for that transitional style quandary as it works so well over shirts, rugby tops and knits.

J. Crew Alpine Goosedown Puffer Vest - $138.00

Manly Boots
A cornerstone of the après ski look. Boots need to be casual and warm, preferably waterproof. Too dressy and you'll look way out of place. If you want to go authentic après ski check out versions by North Face or Sorel for heavy-duty, yet fashionable picks.

Sorel - Men's Caribou II Boot - $140.00

Pants

Anything casual works here. I like the look of khakis and wool dress pants paired with a cozy cable knit sweater and vest. You also cannot go wrong with a great pair of chinos.

Scotch & Soda Slim Fit Chino - $73.00

Long Johns

Uniqlo makes a fantastic variety of long johns to keep you warm all day at the slopes and all night at the chalet. These camo print ones are awesome.

Uniqlo Heattech Waffle Long Johns - $14.90

Classic Shades

Last but certainly not least, this is your chance to rock the 70s cool without looking like a raver. Persol has great classic shades in a variety of colors. Thanks to the casual, neutral tones of the typical ski lodge outfit, you can be a bit daring with a bold color.

Persol Suprema - $480.00

Now all you need is an open fire and a beverage in-hand and you'll be all set to enjoy your weekend at the slopes in style.

guest blogger le closet || updated beauty shelf

The cool weather is here and just like your wardrobe, your beauty routine should be updated. The wind, cold and lack of sunshine can leave skin looking dull but adding more exfoliates, oils and hydrating products into your every day beauty routine will do just the trick. Here's 19 products that will keep your skin looking it's best, even when the weather is not.


1. Diorshow new look mascara in black
This mascara is my go-to for big dramatic lashes. Perfect for a night out.

2. Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder
Switch up your shimmery bronzer for a lighter mat one. Swipe a little product on temples, cheekbones and the outer parts of your nose.

3. essie nail color in Stylenomics
Just picked up this colour. A deep green with dark grayish tones. Gives you that dark fall look without it being completely black.

4. Butter London nail lacquar 
Have fun by having one sparkly nail, especially great for the holidays.

5. Marc Jacobs beauty lip gel in 131 Saboteur - deep marroon
Ditch your bubble gum pinks for deep hues like purples, maroons and reds. Keep the rest of your makeup light while focusing on a dramatic lip.

6. Lancôme Artliner 24h bold color precision eyeliner
Finally overcome your fear for a cat eye as these liners make it super easy to apply (it's like a pen!). Do a subtle cat eye for day and go bolder for night.

7. Make up forever HD invisible cover foundation
Try this foundation which has a little more coverage but leaves you with a natural look. Especially great for in front of the camera.

8. Fresh sugar lip polish
My lips get super dry this time of year so the best thing is to keep exfoliating.

9. First Aid beauty ultra lip therapy
Keep a lip treatment handy and apply after exfoliating, under lipsticks and at bedtime.

10. Caudalie Vinosource SOS morning eye rescue
Keep eyes fresh and awake with extra hydrating products.

11. Lush Buffy body butter
Scrub away dead skin cells with this natural body scrub bar. It leaves skin looking and feeling super smooth.

12. Nature's Bounty extra strength Vitamin D
Since we lack sunshine in the fall and winter it's important to get it elsewhere, which is as easy as taking a vitamin every morning.

13. Nuxe Crème fraîche de beauté
This formula is super hydrating and feels luxurious. Keeps face from feeling and looking dry and will give you that extra little glow.

14. Living Proof no frizz shampoo & conditioner
Fight static season by switching to a no frizz shampoo and conditioner.

15. Caudalie divine oil
This stuff is amazing and should be on your beauty shelf year round. Apply after a shower or bath for ultra soft skin that looks and smells incredible. Also use whatever is left on your hands and run through the ends of your hair to avoid frizz.

16. Josie Maran argan cleansing oil 
If you get dry skin like moi this is a great formula to remove make up and cleanse face without stripping away any extra oils.

17. Tan Towel to go classic
Feeling pale? Just swipe these little towelettes all over and reveal a natural sun kissed glow. Keep them handy for those "escape winter vacations".

18. Bliss two-day detox
Detox from the "overeating" holidays also known as Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas.

19. Estée Lauder advance night repair
Apply this "miracle in a jar" every night before bed and you will surely notice a difference. Another trick? Apply a drop to your foundation for that "dewy" look.