Summer To Fall Transitional Fashion Picks

With August winding down, it's time to think about fall fashion - or, at least pieces to add to your wardrobe to take you from summer to fall. I would always much rather build on my existing closet rather than go ahead and buy a whole new wardrobe for a new season, and that's totally possible to do with a few key pieces; think culottes, cardigans and little booties. I've rounded up some of my favourite summer to fall transitional pieces from Amazon to help build your wardrobe for the upcoming season -  and the best part is that everything is under $100 CDN.




I hope you guys like these round-up posts! I feel like they're dangerous for me since half (if not all) of the items I recommend end up in my shopping cart and then in my closet.

What are you most excited for in Fall? Are you planning on adding any pieces to your closet? Let me know!

xo Joëlle

Beauty Essentials with Sephora and Upper Canada

I'll admit it: I'm an absolute beauty product fiend. I love trying and testing out new products, and no shopping trip is ever complete for me without browsing the aisles in Sephora. As much as I love adding to my growing makeup collection, I do have a few beauty essentials that are always found in my makeup bag. Recently I ran out of all of my makeup must-haves, so an emergency trip to Upper Canada was in order. I love how Upper Canada has a beautiful Sephora, where I can find all of my go-to products in one stop. With my beauty emergency solved with one visit to the mall, I'm happy to be able to share my all-time beauty essentials with you.

Becca Poured Crème Highlighter in Moonstone

I was a bit late to the highlighter craze. As someone with oily skin, I never understood why I would want to add more glow to my face. I soon came to realize that not all highlighters were created equal, and I needed to find one that had more of a natural finish, as opposed to glittery and sparkly. Enter Becca's Poured Highlighter in Moonstone. This creamy product easily blends into the skin to reveal a healthy, natural highlight - very 'glowing from within.' I now understand how flattering highlighting the high points of your face can be and am never without my cream highlighter.

The Beauty Blender

Goodbye excess brushes, hello Beauty Blender. As soon as I incorporated this magic tool into my routine, I was able to eliminate almost all of my face brushes. A beauty blender is a tool that, when damp, can effortlessly blend in any foundation, concealer, and cream-based product. I actually even use my beauty blender to apply my cream bronzers and blushes! Ever since discovering the beauty blender, my makeup routine has become much quicker (since I'm not switching from one brush to the next) and my face makeup is always looking flawless.

Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder

One of the drawbacks of having oily skin is that my makeup doesn't seem to last all day, or will crease right after I apply it. I always like to have a jar of Laura Mercier's Translucent Setting Powder in my makeup kit to properly set my makeup, preventing creasing and helping to make it last. TIP - if you're someone who travels often as I do, I appreciate that this powder comes in a travel-sized version. Perfect for makeup on-the-go.

Urban Decay Chill Setting Spray

Did I mention that I have oily skin? I'm always on the lookout for products that will help my makeup last, and incorporating a setting spray into my routine is an absolute game-changer. This Urban Decay Chill Setting Spray not only ensures that my makeup lasts all day, but it also doesn't irritate or dry out my skin.

Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment

There isn't much that can make a statement quite like a bold lip colour. I love adding a dark hue on my lips to change up my look, or take my routine from day to night. The problem with darker lip colours though is that they can quickly fade or smudge, which is definitely not the look I go for. Finding a great long-lasting lipstick is crucial, and I've found the perfect one in the Nars Powermatte Lip Pigments. This liquid lipstick is so opaque, is comfortable on the lips and, once it dries down, does not budge. I know that this is a relatively new product from Nars, but it's quickly made its way onto my list of beauty essentials. If you're looking for a new, bold lip colour then I would definitely recommend giving the Nars Powermatte Lip Pigments a try.

That's it for my makeup essentials! Have you tried any of these products? I would love to know what your makeup bag must-haves are. Let me know!

xo Joëlle

This post was created in collaboration with Upper Canada. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
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OOTD - Pretty Things To Come

Pretty things are on the horizon, and I couldn't be more excited. The end of summer is always bittersweet for me, but with so many exciting things planned for the next few weeks, I'm choosing to focus on the sweet. I've got a few fun trips coming up very soon, and I cannot wait to share them with you! I'm also pretty happy that I've got my blogging mojo back, so expect a flood of new photos, videos and just content in general.

Dress - c/o Le Chateau, Shoes - c/o Le Chateau
Hat - Lack Of Colors, Bag - Ellen and James

Speaking about getting my blogging mojo back, I'm happy to be doing a good old-fashioned OOTD post again, so let's talk about this outfit! Nothing screams summer to me like a little white dress, and since yesterday the weather was hot enough to wear summer dresses again, I took full advantage.  I love the subtle pattern on the white material and the fun shape of this dress. I paired the piece with my new platform sandals from Le Chateau, not only for their leg-lengthening qualities but also because they're so darn comfortable to walk in. Topped with my favourite pink hat and a summer bag, and I was ready to take on the heat.

What do you guys think? How are you spending the last few weeks of summer? Let me know!

xo Joëlle

Toronto Staycation + Origins GinZing Energy Boosting Products

For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you will have seen that I had an incredible staycation in Toronto at the Thompson Hotel with Origins Canada. It was the perfect girl's getaway, and just what the doctor ordered. Sabrina and I were absolutely giddy as we checked into our gorgeous room at The Thompson Hotel in anticipation of the fun night ahead of us.

I was so happy to be able to learn more about the Origins GinZing line. One look at the fun orange packaging, and you know that your skin is about to get a serious dose of energy. Formulated with energy-boosting products like coffee beans and Panax ginseng, and with a refreshing citrus scent, these products are like a good night's sleep in a jar. Myself with ultra-sensitive skin, I'm always very nervous to try out a new skincare line, but because Origins only uses quality ingredients I'm happy to report that I haven't experienced any breakouts or irritation from the products.

I'm truly enjoying everything that I was given by Origins Canada from their GinZing line, but the standout product for me is the GinZing SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer. You know of my struggles with acne and, while it seems to be under control for the time being, I do have lots of scars left from past breakouts. This tinted moisturizer not only cover my acne scars, but it also leaves my face looking radiant. I also love how it has such a high dose of SPF, since I really do need to start being more diligent with sun protection. I could speak about this product for hours, but nothing quite drives the point home like watching it in action. Check out my Youtube video reviewing the products from the Origins GinZing line, and a demonstration of the GinZing SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer:

The view from the Thompson Toronto rooftop is still my favourite in the entire city.

Dinner at the fabulous Colette Grand Café with Sabrina of My Miaou

What do you guys think? Have you tried the Origins GinZing products? Can you believe that a tinted moisturizer can replace a foundation? Have you ever been to the Thompson Hotel in Toronto? So many questions, lol!  Let me know!

xo Joëlle

Thank you Origins Canada for our amazing staycation, and for collaborating with me on this post.

Some Thoughts On Time

A few weeks ago we celebrated Brian's grandmother's birthday. Avó is in her late eighties, and as sharp and beautiful as ever. While sitting at the table, I was casually chatting with his grandfather and he mentioned that he was going to turn 90 soon. After saying that he turned, looked me directly in the eyes and said "90. I didn't think it would come so fast." The day was a whirlwind of family and celebration after, but his words really stuck with me and I've been thinking of them ever since.

Time is a strange thing. I feel like we're all always racing against a clock to go somewhere, do something or get something done. Some days seem to drag on, while others seem to have less hours in the day. Brian's grandfather's words have been on my mind lately, as well as a few other events that remind me how quickly time can pass us by. While I don't think that there's much any of us can do to stop the clock, there's a few habits that I've taken up to help live in the moment and better appreciate the time we all have.

Dress - Zara, Hat - Dynamite (old)

Put Down The Phone

Isn't it funny how this piece of advice can be applied to so many situations? Honestly I'm definitely not an expert in this since I'm glued to my phone most days, but on the days where I put the device down I can definitely tell a difference in the quality of my time. Now I'm making an effort to put my phone away on weekends, and when I'm spending time with family and friends. Sure I miss out on what's being posted on social media, but in the end I spend less time scrolling mindlessly through my phone and getting to the end of a day feeling like I accomplished nothing.

Start A Journal

I used to journal all of the time when I was younger. Notebooks would fill with my daily ramblings, thoughts and the occasional picture or two. It's so fun now to go through these books to see what occupied my mind as a teen - even if it was mostly about boys. Although I guess now my blog is my journal, I miss taking the time to sit down and write about my day. I'm currently looking for a new journaling system, whether it be the 5 Minute Journal or just starting my own Bullet Journal. I would definitely be interested to hear your thoughts and if you have ever tried either.

Spend More Time Outdoors

For me, a girl who lives in the middle of a large city, spending time outdoors is crucial. I find it all too easy to spend all my time cooped up in my condo, and wondering where the day went. Getting outside, preferably among nature, is a great way to feel as though time is standing still. I also feel as though spending time outdoors is a great way to lift my mood and give me some perspective, which leads to a more fulfilling day.

Reflect On The Past

While I acknowledge that there is a thin line between reflecting and living in the past, for me nothing makes me realize how much I have accomplished like taking a stroll down memory lane. Brian and I were browsing through old albums the other day, and came across a photo that was seven years old. We couldn't believe how fast seven years had flown by! However, upon further reflection, we realized just how much had happened in seven years: lots of travel, moving in together, a dog, an engagement, a wedding, multiple apartments, lots of highs, and some lows. A lot of life happens in seven years and while it seemed quick, when you reflect on the time you realize just how full the moments can be.

What do you guys think?  I'm sorry if this post seems a bit off-character, or all over the place, but I've really been thinking about time lately. You support on my personal posts have been amazing, and I so appreciate your love and positivity as I mould La Petite Noob into a more personal space.

I would love to hear your methods to fight the feeling that time is passing by too quickly. Let me know!

xo Joëlle

OOTD - Work Wear with Reitmans

I thought that when I left my 9 to 5 office job, I would be done with work wear. Not true.  Surprisingly, there have been quite a few instances in my career as a full-time blogger that called for office-appropriate dressing; meetings, presentations and interviews, just to name a few. While I'm all for looking business appropriate, I literally cannot handle my life when said work-wear is uncomfortable - it's distracting, and dampens my confidence. I've been on the search for a comfortable office-appropriate pant for years, and have finally found them in the Iconic Pants from Reitmans.

You guys know that Reitmans is my go-to when shopping for pants, since they have petite sizing. The Iconic Pant is no exception; with its stretchy fabric, it actually helps to sculpt and shape your leg! Add the fact that they're pull-on and come in petite sizes (!!) is a huge bonus for me. I wanted to add a bit of variety into my work-wear pants, so I chose a faint pinstripe and I love how this little detail can elevate the look from your basic black pant. Paired with a loose sweater with a bell sleeve, this outfit is a great option for office-casual, and something that I would feel comfortable enough in to wear all day! I'm also confident that these pants can be easily dressed up with a crisp white blouse and a blazer for a more formal setting.

Pants - c/o Reitmans, Top - c/o Reitmans

Seriously though, I never thought that I would be a fan of a pinstripe pant but they are now on my wardrobe radar! I love how the subtle lines helps us short gals to look taller - especially when paired with some basic heels. It's amazing how sometimes even the simplest of details can make the biggest impact.

What do you guys think? What do you look for in work-wear? Do you work in an environment that requires business dressing? Let me know!

xo Joëlle

This post was created in collaboration with Reitmans. All opinions are 100% my own.