Nadia Matar - Blog

Le Green Dress

10/1/2019

Photography by Trent Jones

Makeup by Averi Lee

Styled by me

Dress is from WEST

I initially started this website as fashion/beauty blog, but after a couple years of attending fashion shows and tagging brands (AKA free advertising) I just wasn’t into it anymore. I felt as though it was boring, redundant, shallow, and kind of pointless... Talking about clothes and makeup just didn’t interest me anymore.

There isn’t a clear-cut direction I want to go in with this website- but it’s definitely taken an artsier turn that is less about what’s going on in the fashion/beauty world and more about whatever inspires me.

*Side Note: How we dress and style ourselves is regarded as a form of self-expression and how we choose to present ourselves to the world. Fashion is also a major component in storytelling for film and television. With that being said, "fashion" will still be an underlying theme for many of my posts, I just won't write about it in the same way that I have in the past.

Summer In The City

8/23/2019

Shot with Aaron Crossman around the Upper West Side

Makeup by Averi Lee

Styled by Me

Vintage Colors

11/20/2018

Photography by Kolby Brianne
Makeup by Averi Lee
Styling by Me
Clothing is from West2Westport

Underwater Photoshoot

8/1/2018

Photography by Jenny Thompson

Makeup by Averi Lee

Venice Beach, California

5/1/2018

Photography by Rebecca Peloquin

Bodysuit: LNA

Denim Shorts: Vintage Calvin Klein (my favorite piece that I own/always wear)

Pants: 3X1

Somewhere In La La Land...

4/22/2018

Photos by Chris Cheney

Los Angeles, California

Getting Into Character

12/7/2017

I love doing artistic photoshoots where I can get into character and create something that is totally unique and different from what I have done in the past. Fashion, writing, and acting have always been my main interests, and merging those things together allow me to bring a character to life and tell a story. I find it much more interesting to use clothing and makeup as tools to transform into various characters, which is why my focus has shifted to producing more photoshoots and video shoots that have a specific theme.

The images below are from a shoot I did with photographer Jenny Thompson in Providence, RI...

Primal Instincts by Ane Amour

6/6/2017

"Primal Instincts is a collection based on humankind's innate instinctual nature and the inner landscape or wilderness that keeps us related to nature on a subconscious level. So that even a very cosmopolitan person is still deeply entrenched in the rawness and wildness of nature and this can be seen and felt as instincts. Instincts relating to our responses, what we wear, how we relate to others. No matter how far we physically may be from nature our primal nature is always intact." - Ane Amour Fall/Winter 16

Floral Enchantress Dress

Fearless Frolicker Shorts in Pualani

Siren Skirt in Peaceful Peony

The Kira Jacket in Peaceful Peony

Photography by Erin Miles

Fight or Flight Top

Photography by Nadia Matar

Pieces by Ane Amour | Makeup by Averi Lee | Photography by Erin Miles and I
Models Chloe Malvezzi and Erin Miles

Midtown Hotel Chic

5/15/2017

Shot by Jason Forbes X Styling by Me X Makeup by Averi Lee

Blank NYC As-You-Wish Embroidered Leather Jacket | Express Deep V-Neck Bodysuit | Express Skinny Jeans | Aldo Suede Ankle Boots | H&M Boyfriend Jeans | Forever 21 Leather Jacket | Forever 21 Tights | Forever 21 Bralette | Frasier Sterling Saturday Night Fever Starburst Choker | Chan Luu Choker Scarf
| Endless Rose Sheer Top|

Storytelling Through Still & Moving Images

4/30/2017

Photography & Videography by Kolby Brianne

Makeup by M.I.L.A. Beauty

The song is "Still" by Nova Fox

IZOD Men's Sweatshirt | Maison Coupe Knit Sweater | Michael Kors Wool Coat | LF Stores Ankle Boots

An Inside Look at the Glossier Showroom & Why It's Currently My Favorite Beauty Brand

3/31/2017

During one of my trips to the city I decided to peruse the Glossier showroom. Products are currently only available online & at the NYC showroom, so I decided to make my way downtown and test out everything I could get my hands on.

I first learned about Glossier when videos and advertisements began showing up on my social media timelines- and I was instantly intrigued! They were refreshingly different from what I've always seen in most beauty ads. Instead of the ultra-glamorous, highly-stylized images of models that have always inundated magazines, Glossier had a sort of "normal" "everyday-person" kind of feel. They didn't utilize the generic, cookie-cutter model. Instead, I was met with videos featuring unique women from around the world of varying ages, ethnicity's, and professions sharing their beauty routines which obviously included some of their favorite Glossier products. The ads also featured models of different races wearing the same products in side by side images to show how each lipstick or blush appears on various skin-tones.

The down-to-earth, approachable style is what I found so appealing and innovative about Glossier. It wasn't overly pretentious, exclusive, or unrealistic when it came to how these products are used or who was using them. It's a refreshing departure from the caked-on, heavily contoured look that has become so prevalent- a.k.a. Instagram Makeup. Don't get me wrong I appreciate that style of makeup and there is definitely a time and place for it, I just don't see it as being a realistic everyday look for the average person.

Glossier is also big on skincare. It's about having the proper skincare routine and keeping it healthy, not just caking on layers of concealer to mask imperfections. Beauty trends here in the states tend to focus on makeup products and the final glammed-up look, we often want that instant gratification. Whereas in France and Korea skincare is the primary focus where women work to maintain or improve their skin.

I see Glossier as the new wave of cosmetics and the next big thing in the beauty industry. It's practical, convenient, and sends an entirely new message about how we wear makeup and care for our skin.

Keep scrolling to get an inside look of the showroom & see which products I snagged!

Tested out the Haloscope! It's a highlighter that adds a dewy sheen to your face. The white spot in the middle is infused with vitamins to help keep skin moisturized.

I don't typically use products on my brows, but I decided to give Boy Brow a shot. It looks like mascara but with a much shorter spoolie brush. It's designed to simultaneously groom and fill your brows but doesn't require the same patients and skill set when using a brow pencil or gel. It's perfect if you're running late, are new to filling your brows, or just want a two-in-one brow product to simplify your beauty routine.

Generation G in the color Cake (pictured left) is a sheer, matte lip color. It keeps my lips soft and moisturized while adding a subtle sheen. It's basically the same shade as my lips but adds an extra hint of color. It's great when I feel like adding a little bit of color to my lips but don't feel like putting on a heavy gloss or lipstick. Cloud Paint in Dusk (pictured right) is one of Glossier's latest products. It's a gel-cream blush that blends seamlessly into the skin for a natural-looking glow with a dewy finish. I think people tend to shy away from dewy-looking makeup because they think it makes them look greasy, but when done in moderation it can add a youthful, healthy glow to your skin.

Sustainable, Organic, and Naturally Imperfect: How One Brand Is changing The Way We Make And Wear Leather Goods

3/20/2017

Originating in California and inspired by New York City street style, BED|STÜ is the innovative shoe and accessories company that's changing the way leather goods are made and worn...

Recently I had the opportunity to preview BED|STÜ's latest Organics Collection at their NYC showroom. The line which features shoes, belts, and handbags for both men and women is handcrafted using genuine leather and sustainable materials that are free from harmful chemicals and heavy metals.

Vegetable tanned leather, water based non-toxic adhesive, natural latex rubber, biodegradable supports, and natural cork are just some of the components used to create BED|STÜ's uniquely-distressed look that is #NaturallyImperfect and environmentally friendly.

Top Looks From The Taoray Wang F/W NYFW Runway Show

2/11/2017

Sophisticated, edgy, and sexy... These were the first words that came to mind as I watched the Taoray Wang Fall/Winter runway show at New York Fashion Week. Overall the collection had a masculine edge typically seen in menswear with an air of femininity. Oversized jackets, strong lines, and classic men's fabrics were contrasted with lingerie inspired lace pieces and vibrant pops of pink that lined the inside of several coats and blazers. Leather accents along with thigh-high leather boots and the designers use of color put a youthful and modern spin on the classic power suit.

Photos Courtesy of Getty Images

Bundling Up In Style

2/9/2017

Thanks to the blizzard of 2017 I'm currently trapped in my house and missing the first day of New York Fashion Week *sheds tear*. So I've decided to do this post on how to bundle up in style...

I'm definitely a fan of layering pieces since I'm always cold and I need as much warmth as possible- plus it looks cool. I also like to have the option of leaving some pieces on or taking them off depending on what the temperature is like indoors.

For this outfit I layered a denim jacket underneath my wool coat and finished off the look with a faux fur infinity scarf.

H&M faux Fur Infinity Scarf | Michael Kors Wool Coat | Forever 21 Denim Jacket | H&M Skinny Jeans
Style & Co. Ankle Boots

Photos By Erin Miles

Editorial Photoshoot In Boston

1/22/2017

Photography by Jessica Tiffany

Modeling, Hair, Makeup, & Styling by me

Forever 21 Metal Choker

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Hair Cream

Topshop Leather Moto Jacket with Faux Fur Collar

Asymmetrical Designs with a Romantic Twist

1/11/2017

Strong, structured lines merge with soft, feminine cuts of fabric to create asymmetrical pieces that are both modern yet timeless in the Minnoji F/W 2016 Collection. The pieces are undeniably comfortable and wearable while still possessing that unique, fashion-forward style predominantly seen on the runway and editorials.

Milena Encheva, who is the founder of the NYC womenswear brand, often finds herself inspired by nature when it comes to creating her asymmetrical pieces since not every single thing found in nature is perfectly symmetrical...

The Eva Dress

The Holly Dress

The Bella Dress

Photography- Watt's Studio
Dresses- Minnoji
Hair- Anthony Negron
Makeup- Averi Lee
Models- Chloe Malvezzi and I

Bridal Bouquets & Accessories

12/17/2016

Jennifer Ferencz is the owner and creative force behind Glamorous Bouquet, a line of handcrafted bridal accessories, boutonnieres, and brooch bouquets... Each one-of-a-kind creation can be adorned with Swarovski crystals, pearls, precious gems, and gold or silver finishes. The designer works directly with each bride-to-be when custom making every piece in order to fit her clients unique and special vision.

Photographer- Erwin Schrijver
Designer- Jennifer Ferencz-Barato
Jewlery Designer- Jessica's Bridal
Hair- Monica Lee Kramer
Makeup- Nina McKenna & Tammi McDonald
Models- Me, Victoria LaRegina, Ava King, Mary Jocelyn

Disco Fever At NYFW!

9/14/2016

Son Jung Wan debuted her Spring/Summer 2017 collection at New York Fashion Week on Saturday, September 10th. The high-energy fashion show which took place at the Skylight at Moynihan Station featured an array of bold, playful, and vibrant pieces inspired by the ‘70s disco era & the glamour of the Studio 54 scene. The Show concluded with legendary supermodel Pat Cleveland making a surprise appearance as she extravagantly sashayed down the runway, vogueing and twirling.

My favorite looks from the collection...

Sequins, flowing shimmery fabric, and various shades of PINK. My absolute favorite look from the show! I loved the contrast of the sequins against the sheen of the bottoms.

The shows' opening look. I loved the red leather! And the big, frizzy curls caught my attention right away!

Pat Cleveland making an entrance and closing the show in style! It was great to see a high-energy fashion show, where a model actually moved and performed. Instead of watching the same mannequin-like models making their way down the runway as if they're on a conveyor belt, it was really refreshing to see models with personality- like the way it was in the original Supermodel era (circa the '70s, '80's, '90s)!

All images courtesy of Rodin

Sunbathing In Style

7/10/2016

Bikini Top: Love Culture

Choker: Forever 21

Sunglasses: Kenneth Cole Reaction

Shorts: Vintage Calvin Klein (one of my favorite pieces)

Hair: Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Hair Cream

Photography by Robert Harrington Studios
Photo Editing by Zhenya Shatkovska

Say Yllo To The Beauty Brand That's Giving Back

6/11/2016

Yllo Turmeric Scrub is the all natural, seven-ingredient face scrub that’s been dubbed “The ultimate badass for your face”!

Native to the Southwest region of India Turmeric has been coveted for its powerful health & beauty benefits. Yllo has combined this exotic superfood with chickpea flour, sea salt, cane sugar, coconut oil, vitamin E, and essential lemon oil to create a melange of antioxidant rich ingredients to help unveil your natural beauty!

What you NEED to know:
Yllo is #BeautyWithAPurpose and a brand that gives back. Every two seconds a girl under the age of eighteen is forced into marriage due to poverty and a severe lack of gender equality. [1] 10% of Yllo's sales are donated to help end these child marriages. Visit girlsnotbrides.org to learn more about this incredible movement and to help make a positive impact on the lives of young girls.

Cruelty-free doesn’t always mean vegan and vise versa. Although a beauty product may be marketed as “cruelty-free” it can still contain ingredients derived from animals. Few brands encompass both a vegan and cruelty free practice, making Yllo the solution for anyone in need of a beauty product that is aligned with their beliefs and lifestyle.

My Yllo experience:
I’m no stranger to incorporating turmeric into my beauty routine which is why I was excited to discover what Yllo was all about. I began by massaging the scrub onto my face in circular motions. The exfoliating sea salt and sugar helped slough off dead skin, which I’m normally unable to do when using turmeric on its own. Once applied to the entire face the product is intended to stay on for 10-15 minutes doubling as a facial mask. Rising Off the product was easier than I expect and didn’t stain my skin. When using pure turmeric it requires a little more effort to remove any residual yellow stain.

After using the mask I was pleased to find that my skin had a fresh glow and the scrub helped minimize my acne scars. The main thing I noticed was that my skin didn’t have that dry “I’m standing in the middle of the Sahara desert” feeling that many facial masks leave you with. Overly dry skin can actually lead to more breakouts because your skin is overcompensating for the lack of moisture by producing too much oil. The added cold-pressed coconut oil helps maintain that balance of moisture while other ingredients are hard at work exfoliating.

I would definitely recommend Yllo as the go-to beauty product for a natural, non-invasive scrub/mask.

Photography by Watt Vong

[1] Girls Not Brides, 2016.

"Lucid Dream"

5/18/2016

Whimsically-dark yet beautiful, the work of photographer Jenny Thompson is undoubtedly distinguishable and uniquely her own.

I recently had the opportunity to be photographed by Jenny and this is what we created...

Makeup/Hair by Deanna

www.photosbyjennythompson.com

Cocoa Brown Introduces The Must-Have Sunless Tan Essentials

5/4/2016

In our tan obsessed culture achieving that bronze-goddess glow shouldn't come at the expense of our health or turn us into a shade identical to a kumquat... Which is exactly why Cocoa Brown is my latest beauty must-have!

Cocoa Brown products are a refreshing deviation from many typical self-tanners. The brand, which has officially launched in the US, offers products that range from instant bronzing gels, lotions, gradual self-tanners, and the latest shimmering body oil.

Although I'm naturally tan I still want the "I've been lounging in the sun all day" look regardless of the season. For an all over sun-kissed glow I applied the Instant Tan Bronzing Gel in 'Shimmer' to my shoulders, arms, legs, and decollete. It gave me an instant bronze sheen with a hint of shimmer without having to commit to a full-blown tan. The Instant Tan Bronzing Gel can also be used to sculpt & define your face- aka contouring! I recommend using the 'Matte' version on your face for a more natural look.

Whether you're a non-tanner or a dedicated bronze beauty the Golden Goddess Oil is a Cocoa Brown essential! This dry body oil illuminates your complexion and can be used to accentuate specific areas or enhance your entire tan. For this look my makeup artist Averi used it as a highlighter by applying the product to the tops of my cheekbones and down the bridge of my nose. It might sound odd to use an oil on your face (especially over makeup) but because it's a dry oil it doesn't leave a heavy, greasy residue. Instead, you're left with a silky-smooth radiant glow!

Photography by Watt's Studio

A Modern Twist On Film Noir

4/12/2016

Inspired by classic films... This is a modern rendition of Film Noir.

Photography by Fernando Ulloa, Jr.

Leanne Marshall Debuts FW16 Collection At NYFW

2/13/2016

Fashion designer & season 5 winner of Project Runway Leanne Marshall debuted her Fall/Winter 2016 collection during New York Fashion Week today...

Day three of NYFW is in full swing, and as I made my way into the Skylight At Clarkson Square I realized I had reserved seating! That may not be a huge deal to Fashion Week regulars but I was beyond excited to find my name in the "influencer" section!

This is the largest show I have attended to date and as you'd expect celebrities had taken residency in their front row seats. From actresses to the most influential bloggers to the current Miss Universe it was definitely one if the 'it' shows to attend.

The runway show opened with simple black dresses and quickly transitioned into (what felt like) an endless array of stunning silk and chiffon gowns that included hand painted details along with embellished organza pieces. I absolutely loved the fluidity of the fabric and the designers use of color & texture. It's not as common to see such vibrant pops of color in a fall/winter collection- which I definitely appreciated. I don't really understand that whole rule about wearing darker colors when it's cold and brighter colors in the spring/summer... or that you can't mix black and brown... Certain fashion "rules" are dated in my opinion and you should only abide by them if you truly want to.

Leanne's collection had an ethereal vibe while unique textures & sheer fabric revealed just enough skin giving the pieces a modern edge.

Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach towering over me post fashion show

I had the opportunity to meet & speak with Marie Claire's Senior Fashion Editor Zanna Rassi!!

Kevin Shahroozi's Fashion Kickstarter

1/12/2016

Trendy New York City designer Kevin Shahroozi is excited to share a sneakpeak of his upcoming Kickstarter video! The full video, which premieres later this month, features several of the designer's fashion forward outerwear pieces, and is intended to help fund his new collection. Shahroozi’s new line is geared towards a more dapper and sophisticated style, while remaining true to the cool and comfortable edge the designer is admired for. Be sure to stay on the lookout for the official release of the Kevin Shahroozi Kickstarter by following him on Twitter & Instagram, and by visiting kevinshahroozi.com

What are some new things we can look forward to from a full line of Kevin Shahroozi attire?

Lots of new things! We will be adding some garments that lean more toward our sharp and dapper style, with still a little edge. This means there will be some blazers & suit jackets with zipper details, and fabric blocking on them. A couple of new garments will have popular, trendy fits and shapes to them. This includes a long garment, compared to its original state, and a short boxy jacket.

In what ways do you hope your new line will positively contribute to or influence the fashion industry?

We want to bring newness and excitement in our garments. Taking a classic sport coat and putting a modern edge to it. Bringing in a couple new shapes such as a short and boxy jacket, compared to the ordinary slim fit jacket we have been seeing for many years. Another essence is keeping our sleeves tapered at the end from elbow to wrist and putting a zipper there. Also, we like to continue some of our garments with androgynous style. Some of our outerwear will be unisex for men and women to wear a same jacket. We want to bring new, exciting pieces for the modern young professional in the city. It can help take them from day to night. With these transitional pieces, they can go from their workplace, to the restaurant, to the cafes, to rooftops, and to the club while always looking professional and sharp -- with a little edge.

Another way we are looking to contribute to the fashion industry is to bring in more jobs! Some stores and high end magazines have been eyeing us, but are waiting to see our new collections and growth first. Whether its employees for marketing, sales, production, we look to eventually have our own stores which, will need stylists, salespeople and managers. I hope to inspire other aspiring fashionistos, fashionistas, and entrepreneurs. Whether you are looking to be a well known photographer, next runway model, designer, or starting your own business, I would like my journey and story to inspire you. I already have had a few old friends and acquaintances contact me in the recent years, telling me how they became motivated and had faith in pursuing their dreams because of what they saw in my adventure. This felt amazing.

How has your style evolved since you designed your first collection?

First, the style is gearing more towards clean & dressy compared to our first collection, which were mostly street style. We have a vision of today's style being sharp, yet with a touch of casual and flair. Too many magazines and brands are going very casual. We like to keep people with a professional look, but not stuffy or too classic. "Business with an edge" is another way people look at it. You can say it’s a Giorgio Armani mixed with Alexander Wang. We added some new colors such as tan and aubergine. Also, adding other high quality fabrics such as silk, satin, cashmere, and rain resistant wool! Last, but definitely not least, we will have some women's outerwear in the new collection as well!

kevinshahroozi.com