Inspiring us all in the rather dull month of January is blogger Nathalie Shible Martin from ‘WoahStyle’. It’s easy to see why Nathalie has amassed an ever growing fan base, cementing her paired down, simple yet chic style throughout her blog. Kicking off the week in a pair of faux leather sweatpants Nathalie nails the sports luxe trend. Sports luxe’s key is texture and these matte finish trousers are the perfect piece, plus the baggy fit means they are comfortable too! Fending off the cold with a cozy black polo neck and masculine inspired wool coat. Smartening up her all black look with a pair of pointed 3.1 Phillip Lim ankle boots and a leather and patent Alexander Wang bag.
Leather Trousers: Oak + Fort / Scarf: Fara / Sunglasses : Armani / Coat: Aritzia / Turtleneck: Jcrew | Boots: 3.1 Phillip Lim / Bag: Alexander Wang
What do you do when you’re not blogging?
In addition to blogging I have a day job as a set designer for a television station so I feel like I’m always working! To unwind I love, finding new places to eat, visiting museums and watching movies. Comedies are always a favourite of mine as they clear my mind. I’m a bit of a home body so I’m happiest when at home.
What interests you?
Fashion is probably what I’m most passionate about but I also appreciate so many different elements of design. I love art and interior design and I’m constantly redecorating my home. The way I see it is that design is ever evolving and it’s good to keep ideas and the space around us fresh. I also love to read but find that I don’t always have time. It can take me a couple of months to finish a novel whereas before I would devour it in a couple of days.
What is your motivation everyday?
My mind is always on over drive and I have so many ideas and so little time to execute them! Everyday I get up with a list of things that I want to accomplish for either the blog, my work or whatever project I have going on. My husband and I like to spend time at café’s on the weekend before we get on with the rest of the day. It’s good to pause for a moment and enjoy ourselves.
Do you have a treasured garment?
Yes! My Mackage leather jacket. I swear it’s practically moulded to my body! I wear it all year round, dress it up and dress it down. It makes everything I wear so much more interesting and makes me feel amazing! My Mackage leather pants do come in as a close second and though not a garment, my shoe collection is always on the top of my list! And no, I don’t have a favourite pair, I love them all equally!
What is your best style advice?
In my opinion the most important style rule is to dress for your body type and stick with what works for you regardless of what the trends are saying. If 5 inch heels all over the runway and you can’t walk in them, don’t buy them. Adapt the trends that suit you and make them work for you. Don’t change yourself for a trend! Another one that I live by is buy what you love regardless of how much it costs. Whether it’s $2 or $200, buying what you love means your closet will be filled with pieces that you’ll use time and time again which is the best possible wardrobe investment.
Who is your style inspiration?
I admire strong confident women with a very defined sense of style that is forever evolving. Some of my favourites are Jenna Lyons, Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen, Taylor Tomasi Hill, Emmanuelle Alt, Linda Rodin and Sofia Coppola. They’re women who wear fashion as an extension of themselves and yet they’re never boring or predictable.
Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
I’m working towards being an entrepreneur again and I’m hoping to build WoahStyle.com into a lifestyle brand where women can be inspired and feel empowered by their fashion and beauty choices.
What is your biggest highlight in your career to date?
Being self-made. I ran my own business in my early 20’s that was successful in various countries. I used to design and make accessories with my business partner and we were able to collaborate with many amazing people. I’m already seeing a great amount of growth for WoahStyle in the short amount of time that it has been around. I’m very proud of that because I’m working hard to make a name for myself. Also having Joan Rivers say that I’m a great stylist! That’s on my resume!
Which trends will make a return next season?
Flares will be huge next season and I’ve already started to wear mine. It feels almost romantic wearing a flared jean after so many seasons of skinny jeans. With that being said, I don’t think skinny jeans will be going anywhere. It’s here to stay. I’m also loving a bold lip right now. I think it’s all about making small yet impactful statements!
What would you like to be remembered for?
It may be a bit far-fetched but I would like to be remembered as an influencer with a strong sense of style and for helping women feel empowered through fashion.
Interviewed by Jessica Wykes