Satin

This smooth fabric is the perfect pop of texture to any outfit. I can’t imagine a single reason why satin outfits would ever go out of style. It’s effortlessly elegant and chic, yet SO comfortable! Furthermore, it adds a glossy finish to any colour, making it extra special paired with any other garment.

Feathers

After lusting over the ever-so girly feathered outfits of ’90s romcoms, we can finally find them in stores because they are trending this autumn! Cher’s feather boa in Clueless is an eternal mood. Also, adding it to an accessory like a purse, or on some strappy heels, vamps up any outfit.

Capes

This is a real life Blair Waldorf dream outfit turned to reality. There are so many different versions of this piece and original ways to style it. So, it’s perfect for when the weather starts to get more chilly, but not yet cold enough for a heavy coat. It’s super preppy and easy to throw on top of any outfit.

Square neckline & Puffy Sleeves

Wherefore art thou, Romeo? Renaissance shirts are IN? Who would’ve thought that the medieval neckline would make its way back to the 21st century in the form of a crop top. We love it. Moreover, this is super easy to pair casually with some high-waisted denim, or more formally with a longline skirt. 

Cinched Blazer

A cinched waist is the universally flattering way of adding a shape to your outfit. This trend comes back again and again – popular in the ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘80s, and ‘90s, it’s back in 2019 in the form of a cinched blazer. This chic way of wearing a traditionally masculine piece is now both feminine and empowering. Moreover, it can be worn casually with some straight-leg jeans or biker shorts, or more formally with some tights or dress pants.

Fleece

Mountain hiker chic is now a thing. I always loved the oversized, sporty, fleece zip-up, but did I ever think Fendi would be making their own version of it? Absolutely not. This is the next step from the teddy jacket.

Argyle and Mixed Tartain

It’s the perfect mixture of autumn lumberjack, preppy college kid, and chic street style. Mixing these prints can be done super casually to go for that cozy fall look, or super chic in the form of a blazer or two-piece outfit.

Ultimately, personal style is all about exploration and creativity, so coordinate your trending pieces for Autumn/Winter 2019 in a way that makes you feel confident. If you try to style any of these trends, be sure to tag us on Instagram so we can check out some more autumn inspo! 

The post Trending Pieces for Autumn/Winter 2019 appeared first on Nuage.

This is a list of curated pieces that you should definitely bring with you to university:

1. Jeans

In at least two different colored washes.

2. Casual Trousers

Somewhat loose. Somewhat with a stretchy waistband. The key is cute plus comfort.

3. Graphic or Band Tees

4. Comfortable Shoes

Sneakers. Combat boots. The occasional sandal.

5. All of The Sweats

You’re gonna need hoodies, crew necks, sweatpants, leggings, etc.

6. Business Casual Outfits

1-3 business casual outfits for the occasional presentation or networking event.

7. Oversized Jacket

Oversized jean or leather jacket. All this depends on is which member of one direction you’re trying to look like.

So, here are some tips to help you organize your college closet:

• No, you don’t need all that jewellery.
• Same goes for shoes
• Undergarment comfort matters tremendously
• You will be sitting in each class for at least 1.5 hours. Remember that next time you want to wear skinny jeans and/or crop tops

Try to remember that you’re going away to university and it’s not a fashion show. I personally try to aim between a cozy and chic sense of style, but midterms always get the best of me and I end up living in leggings and sneakers. 

The post College Closet Staples appeared first on Nuage.

Here is my perfect, yet unofficial, college survival kit:

1. A Planner

Purchasing a planner will be the best decision you will make. It isn’t realistic to expect yourself to stay on top of all your work and other life responsibilities without an organized way to remember everything. Buy a weekly or daily planner, and most importantly, USE IT. Every day. 

2. A Laptop

This is an expensive, yet absolutely necessary purchase. Professors post their lectures on the school’s portal and you’ll often have in-class participation activities online. It’s also extremely convenient to have your notes in one place.

3. A Good Backpack

You will be carrying your laptop everywhere. You will be carrying books everywhere. And your back will feel a pain it has never felt before if you don’t invest in a good backpack. Trust me when I tell you that the cute purse you planned to swing over your shoulder will become your worst enemy.

4. A Sticky-Note Pack

You’ll be paying exorbitant prices for your textbook, so read them and use sticky-notes to keep important pages. If you’re planning on selling your books next semester, don’t highlight them but definitely highlight your notes. It makes all the difference when studying.

5. A Water Bottle

You’re human. You need water. If you’re a student, that also means you’ll need caffeine. Don’t waste money by continuously purchasing wasteful products.

6. Good Headphones

Don’t let the conversation happening next to you at the library distract you from your work. Just get some noise-cancelling headphones.

7. A Yoga Mat

This doesn’t necessarily have to be for yoga. As a student, you’ll be sitting for long periods throughout the day, carrying heavy books, and leaning over your desk to write or stare at your laptop. This will take a toll on your body – take a few minutes to stretch and meditate in the morning or evening. As a result, having a successful academic career will be much easier when you’re also taking care of your mental and physical health.

Conclusion

So, here it is: my perfect back-to-college essentials guide. These simple, yet absolutely essential items will be your best friends come midterms. Enjoy your time and study hard!

The post Back to College Essentials 2019 appeared first on Nuage.

Plastic is harming our planet at an alarming rate. Despite environmental groups and activists making changes to their lives and trying to guide us,
we’re not doing enough to save the planet. The problem has gone unattended too long for a simple solution.

So, here are some facts and information about plastic waste that you need to know.

What is plastic pollution?

It is the accumulation of all types of plastics on earth, polluting all parts of our ecosystem. This ultimately leads to severe environmental damages.

What about recycling?

Very little plastic actually gets recycled- in fact, the majority of it doesn’t! Less than one fifth of plastic gets recycled, the rest becomes waste that crowds, poisons, and kills our land, water, and air. To make matters worse, not all plastic decomposes fully. It can take over 1000 years for it to disappear.

What kind of damage does plastic pollution cause to the environment and I?

Land
The most obvious problem is that plastic waste is taking over fields, mountainous areas. beaches, and more, turning them into wastelands. However, there are some other problems occurring from this that we can’t directly see. Many plastics contain toxic chemicals known to cause health problems in humans, so it’s concerning that waste is buried in our soil, where we grow food to consume.

Water
Over 8 million tonnes of plastic are dumped into the ocean every year. This plastic waste is killing marine life in various ways. Some are strangled or suffocated by items like plastic bags and six-pack rings, some accidentally ingest small particles of plastic and die from complications from not being able to digest it and absorbing its toxins.

As a result, everything on our planet is affected by the ocean. It generates oxygen, creates rain, regulates climate, and is a source of food, medicine, transportation and recreation. The death and destruction of living beings in our ecosystem is alarming enough. We all fall under the organization of the food chain where every ripple will eventually reach us. It’s no longer a question about if we’re ingestive toxins from micro plastics inside of fish that we eat. The question is now: how much and how toxic?

Air
Burning plastic is a method of destroying it, but by doing so it pollutes the air. Many people consider this the worst possible way to deal with the plastic crisis because of the amount of environmental damage it causes, also affecting ocean life. Without clean air, everything on our planet will eventually deteriorate and die so it’s extremely important to consider air pollution.

What can I do to help?

So, there are numerous ways to make the world a better place, more importantly a safe and habitable place for your future children and grandchildren. We have an entire blog dedicated to it here.

The post What You Need to Know About Plastic Pollution appeared first on Nuage.

What’s interesting is that like most fashion pieces, these items have been on trend before, but it’s now time for their resurrection.

Barrettes.

We wore butterfly clips when we were kids and somehow forgot how adorable they were for the past ten years. The current butterfly clips of our generation are decorated barrettes – and they come in many glorious forms. Our favourites include the tortoise shell pattern, pearls, and gold shapes.

Hair scarf.

The hair scarf is so damn versatile. You can wear it as a low ponytail, incorporate it into your braid, tight it as a bow, use it for a bun… and the colours and patterns are endless.

Headbands.

Our team at Nuage and I thought this trend died a decade ago, and it was to my pure bliss to find that it came back to the surface. The gorgeous preppy style of a headband-wearer is every college girl’s dream aesthetic, and we can all finally realize our Blair Waldorf headband dreams.

The best part about these 3 trending hair accessories is the fun that we can all have with them – because that’s the entire point of a trend. It’s just another way for self-expression that manages to unite us all, so embrace your creativity and enjoy these accessories.

The post Hair Accessories Taking Over a Generation appeared first on Nuage.

Ah, the sweet smell of acceptance. Acceptance that your break is over, the leaves will be changing, and you’ll have to start wearing mittens scarily soon. But, don’t worry – adopting this as your official “Summer is Over” playlist will bring you all the warmth you need.

Here’s a playlist that sounds and feels like fall:

1. Melissa – The Allman Brothers Band

The intro to this song is the sound of a sunrise. It’s just perfection. It’s like The Allman Brothers have the secret formula for a flawless composition. The instruments come together in such a warm way, but the lyrics are cold. It is the autumn of music.

2. Real Love Baby – Father John Misty

This song sweetly embodies the crave we all share for love. Even if you’re in a wonderfully fulfilling relationship, this song will make you feel included in something bigger. Indulge in it before cuffing season arrives. 

3. English Graffiti – The Vaccines

The Vaccines’ music is so distinct. I imagine it as the sound of youth and adulthood colliding. This track is simple in composition, but each sound melts into each other for the perfect effect. 

4. Green is the Colour – Pink Floyd

Honestly, I’d put Pink Floyd’s entire discography into this list if I could. Their music is absolutely brilliant on so many different levels. This song isn’t one of their top hits, but it’s extremely peaceful and well-composed.

5. Angela – The Lumineers

If your name is Angela, I can only imagine that you’ll listen to this song every night before you fall asleep for the rest of your life. There’s something so incredibly gentle, yet powerful about this song.

6. It Ain’t Me Babe – Joan Baez

I have a particularly soft spot for Joan Baez. Not only is she INCREDIBLY talented, but she’s been an activist for social rights for nearly the entirety of her life. She also was one of the few women who made it to the spotlight alongside the likes of Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, and more. During a time when the rock/folk industry was dominated by men, she paved a way for the future women entering the scene! 

7. She – Ed Sheehan

I will never NOT miss pre-2012 Ed Sheeran’s discography. All of it is so soothing, sounding like it’s just him and his guitar by the fire. This is the type of song I listen to as I pour my coffee in the morning, or right as the sun is setting and the weather is getting colder. Listening to it is like grabbing a warm mug with cold hands – soothing perfection. 

8. Carolina in My Mind – James Taylor

Yes, I threw James Taylor into this mix. No, I’m not your mom’s age. James Taylor’s music is perfection and it makes everyone feel happy and warm, so deal with it. Put this song on while you’re prepping for Thanksgiving with your family and/or friends – everyone will love you for it. 

9. Home Again – Michael Kiwanuka

Michael Kiwanuka captures the innocence and grace of an old-timey coming of age song. I seriously couldn’t believe that I was listening to an artist of our generation. Sometimes I forget that thoughtful artistry in music isn’t extinct in our time. He sings about home, which to me, is the warmest, coziest place on earth. AKA exactly where I want to be when it starts getting chilly outside.

10. New York’s Not My Home – Jim Croce

This song is so thoughtful and relatable. Jim Croce basically managed to put every young person who moved to New York’s thoughts into one gorgeous and peaceful acoustic melody. If you’re going through it, having some realizations about where you’re at in life, and want to feel like you’re not alone – listen to this song while sitting in a park during autumn with a warm drink. It’ll be blissful.

11. A Horse with No Name – America

America describes the nature surrounding them as they’re riding a horse through the desert – is this a metaphor for something? I’m sure it is. Regardless, this song is a BANGER. Seriously, everyone loves it. Just listen to it this fall while driving through the country and enjoy the scenery of the changing leaves. 

12. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right – Bob Dylan

Something about Bob Dylan just shrieks “AUTUMN” to me. His aesthetic, aloofness, brooding poetic persona may be then human embodiment of a changing season. This song in particular, is a gentle farewell to a broken relationship. Dylan accepts the change of path in his life, as the season accepts theirs. This song has always been my own “Summer Is Over” playlist in itself… on loop.

13. Coming Apart – The Wackers

In my opinion, The Wackers are the most underrated rock band in history – equally, if not more talented than their famous rock counterparts. Their entire discography is absolutely magical, and this song is no exception. The sound of the leading vocals and guitar is crystal clear, and the backup vocals just make the entirety of the song sound angelic. 

14. Harvest Moon – Neil Young

Neil Young truly outdid himself with this song. I think every person I know feels some type of way when they listen to it. The acoustic guitar, soft percussions and harmonizing vocals send shivers down my spine!!! Also the lyrics are just…. so beautiful. If singing about love under a harvest moon doesn’t get you thinking about autumn, the music video definitely will. It depicts a room of people in a cabin-in-the-woods type of bar falling in love, and they’re all either wearing denim or plaid.

When music embodies autumn as beautifully as this playlist does, it isn’t so heartbreaking that summer is over.

The post Celebrate Autumn’s Arrival With Our “Summer is Over” Playlist appeared first on Nuage.

Don’t get me wrong, I agree that there is a time and place for certain articles of clothing. I don’t think it’s socially acceptable to wear a backless top or sweatpants to a work meeting.
However, it still bothers me that this fashion item is portrayed as not being socially acceptable for a general public place.

For those of you, who have been criticized for wearing leggings and *shock* not covering your butt with a long sweater, we can all relate. So, to celebrate our ability to wear whatever we please –

Here are some fabulous ways to style your biker shorts.

The Blazer Combo

I love this because it’s an effortless way to combine a trend (which happens to be extremely comfortable) and a piece that makes you look more put-together. It balances out the casualness of the outfit, distracting from the fact that she’s essentially wearing cropped leggings.

The Blouse Combo

Like the blazer option, a blouse enables you to look slightly more dazzling, while maintaining total comfort with the short. I love how clean and crisp her blouse looks (with matching tennis shoes) in contrast to the darker, bolder pieces. Her cherry purse is a sweet touch to accessorize.

The Sporty Combo

This is the obvious pairing – a hoodie to equally match the comfort levels of the short. It’s a sporty, yet trendy look. This goes perfectly with a chunky sneaker and some accessories, like sunnies or a cross-body purse.

The Street-Style Combo

The ultimate *it-girl* outfit: street-style! This combo embodies all that is cool and trending, so it’s perpetually changing. Fashion week always has some incredible street-style outfits for inspiration.

As you can see, the biker short has a lot of style potential. In this mini lookbook, I tried to show some great ways to style your biker shorts. So, embrace your style of choice and rock those shorts.

The post Why We Need to Embrace the Biker Short appeared first on Nuage.

Something really important to consider, is acquiring pieces that don’t age you in a totally weird way. There is such a thing as timeless beauty, and vintage shopping doesn’t have to mean looking like you travelled back in time to wear your grandmothers curtains as a dress (that have a weird smell, by the way). 

Here are 3 tips to help you successfully shop, that’s also sustainable.

Find shops slightly outside of the city.

Trendy, urban fashionistas are always scoping out the best finds at thrift shops downtown, so there’s not a great chance you’ll get there to find the good stuff. Go to a shop either in a suburb or in another city farther away from trendy neighbourhoods because those will be less busy.

Look for the best quality.

Especially in the outerwear section, look for real over synthetic materials. The best quality leather and jean jackets are always a few decades old.

Don’t be afraid to mix up your decades.

Trends sink and resurface every few years – if you see something that captures your eye or that fits you beautifully, don’t shy away from a look that isn’t 21st century trending. There is something beautiful about fashion from each time period, so be open to a new look.

There you have it, the best tips to help you find pieces that you’ll treasure in your closet, until it’s someone else’s turn to find it in a vintage shop.

The post The Art of Vintage appeared first on Nuage.

I never truly enjoyed where I was at, because it could never compare to the possibilities of the future, which is absurd for a child. This inevitably led to many hazy and anxious years for me. This is how I came to learn about enjoying where I’m at in life.

How it started

Dating back to… well, as long as I can remember, I continuously wished to reach the next milestone age because that meant I would reach the next stage in my life. All of these stages would eventually lead me to the ultimate stage: love, marriage, and becoming a mother. Now that I’m enjoying where I am in life, I look back to this mentality and think it was absurd.

And so the countdown continued…

In high school, I couldn’t wait to turn 16 so that I could learn how to drive.

Once I learned how to drive, I didn’t care because I wanted to turn 18 so that I could go out drinking with my friends.

When I turned 18, I didn’t care about clubbing because I’d soon be starting university. Which meant I needed to be serious.

Two years into university, I couldn’t wait to start working full time so that I could have a steady income and comfortably plan the next few years of my life.

What I’ve learned

I’m now at a place in my life where I realize how much time I wasted worrying about the future. Worrying that I wasn’t on the right track, not taking risks, overthinking every decision I made, and ultimately not being mentally and emotionally present for the majority of my youth.

Perhaps this is a side effect of anxiety which I’ve had my entire life, or maybe it’s because from a young age, girls are taught to be the woman they’re meant to become. Boys on the other hand, are encouraged to explore, be wild, and enjoy their youth for as long as possible.

If it wasn’t true would Beyonce have it in the intro of one of her songs? Absolutely not.

To you, the young woman reading this looking for guidance online: you are enough. You have enough time. You are not expected to have it all so soon. Don’t allow these precious and joyous youthful years pass you by – focus on your ambitions, your family, and the friends of yours who genuinely have your best interest at heart. There is nothing you can’t achieve when you invest in yourself and surround yourself with good people. I learned about the importance of enjoying where I’m at in my life, and you can too.

The post Enjoying Where I’m At Instead of Worrying About The Future appeared first on Nuage.

Unfortunately, that is not my reality.

I am the textbook definition of a night owl. No matter how early I wake up, how much I exhaust myself throughout the day, or all the caffeine I avoid, I am awake late at night with an annoyingly active brain. Mornings just don’t work for me.

But, here’s the thing: the rest of the world isn’t just gonna accept that and abide by my schedule, so I’ve narrowed down the best morning routine to make sure I can get to where I have to be on time and have a good day.

1. Set multiple alarms and place it far from your bed.

This might be a night step, but it affects your morning. Set up multiple alarms so you eventually wake up from the noise and make sure that it’s far away from your bed so that you have to physically get up to turn it off. I know, I’m a genius for this one.

2. Open the curtains, immediately.

Let that natural sunshine pour in so you don’t get any crazy ideas (like crawling back into your cozy bed in a dimly-lit room).

3. Get a pot of coffee brewing.

ASAP.

4. Splash some cold water on your face.

And proceed with your skincare routine while your coffee’s brewing.

5. Play a podcast.

Save some podcasts on your phone so you have easy access when the morning comes. Listening to an interesting topic of conversation will slowly wake your brain up and you will become more alert.

6. Drink coffee & get ready & listen to podcast.

Sit down, drink your coffee, put on your makeup, and get dressed. Do all of this with your podcast playing in the background.

7. Head out as soon as you’re dressed.

Do not sit anymore. Do not dilly-dally. Go start your day!

This routine is perfect because it forces you to be active once you wake up, but not too much. Have a routine with steps that you can follow to ensure that you get everything done that you need to know. What’s important here, is not to scroll through your phone, or watch any videos because that will just distract you and allow your body to remain relaxed. Follow this routine for a few weeks and watch how easy your mornings will become!

The post Your Perfect Morning Routine appeared first on Nuage.