Statement Spring

Posted on by barbara solomon

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One of my favourite accessories to invest in are earrings. Timeless, elegant, and statement pieces that can stand alone to add detail and glam to any outfit. I often tag @tnegin in jewellery posts on Instagram to inspire him for my next anniversary/birthday/just cause present. My theories regarding gifting include to know your audience – so never be afraid to give people hints.

Earlier this year, Trevor and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary of being together, which is really surreal and definitely has been feeling all sorts of old. To celebrate this special moment, I was spoiled after pointing out earrings by Michelle Ross while shopping at the One of a Kind show. I loved the distressed aesthetic of antique hammered gold mixed with the fresh water pearls.

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Being my birthstone, pearls have always meant so much to me, and I have been collecting special pieces over the years. These reminded me of a pair of earrings that my mother used to wear of cluster drop-down pearls.This spring, statement earrings are all the rage and there are so many different versions, from natural stones like these, to colourful fringe to (my next purchase) gold hoops.

Dress: Ganni, Earrings: Francie by Michelle Ross Shoes: old (similar, similar, similar), Frames: Joseph Marc from Clearly.ca

OOAK Spring 2017 Picks

Posted on by barbara solomon

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Ever since I was a teenager, each spring I attended The One of a Kind Show. Growing up with parents and grandparents who appreciated and took part in the arts, I always felt very connected to artisans and respecting their crafts. I believe in the understanding that something is more valuable and means more because of the story behind it, because of this, now as an adult, I try to continue to shop local and support artists.

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This year was a truly special show for me, as I was asked to contribute and style a mannequin in the Fashion District. I was beyond honoured to be considered as an influencer among this group of insanely talented artist, and immediately felt overwhelmed picking pieces from their beautiful collections. I ended up falling in love with a very “Barbara” outfit, filled with beautiful colours and bold shapes. I chose cropped pants by Melow Par Melissa Bolduc, a printed shirt by Melissa Nepton and a beautiful shirt/dress by Lennard Taylor as a duster jacket.

After setting up the show, I returned on the weekend with my family to do some shopping! Here is what we purchased:

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Trevor and I just celebrated 10 years of being together, and he decided to spoil me with these beautiful earrings by Michelle Ross, a Toronto jewellery designer that specializes in semi-precious stones and metals juxtaposed with glass, ceramics and vintage findings.

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My favourite indulgence would have to be the Lobster Mousse, which was sadly emptied by the time I wrote this post. Trevor and I are obsessed with The Little Shop of Lobsters and I swear next time I’m picking up the jumbo jar!

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Those who know me, know I can’t handle the heat – so these are all for Trevor, who couldn’t pick from all the spicy options that Peppermaster Original All Purpose Hot Sauces had.

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We both fell hard for the stunning designs and flavours from Mellifera Bees, who produces hand-crafted honey infusions of that are amazing. We picked up the Vanilla honey and 2 jars of the Thai Chili infused honey that will pair well with chicken wings or on top of salads.

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I also had to pick up one of the one-of-a-kind, hand painted dresses from, my new friend Lennard Taylor. He was painting his pieces live at the show, and I couldn’t believe how talented he is.

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Shirt and Harness: Lennard Taylor, Shoes: Zara, Eyewear: Clearly.ca
Photography by 2Boo Studio

New Year, New Glasses

Posted on by barbara solomon

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In grade 3 everything changed. I had gone to the eye doctor and received the news that I needed glasses.

This was the 90s and I picked out a pair of tortoise-shell, round-metal frames that I wore for the next few years. By grade 6 I was wearing contacts daily. While in school, at camp, basically anytime I left the house. I’d sleep in my contacts. Wear the same pair for months. And with this disrespect to my health as a youth, my eyes have suffered.

Last year, I made the decision to give my eyes the year off contacts and the proper care that they deserved. I got my eyes examined, and invested in new BlueReflect lenses that helped with the eye strain from starring at screens all day and night. Soon after, I noticed a difference in how my eyes felt and began embracing how frames can add so much style to an outfit. I started falling in love with this new accessory, and as I began growing my collection I feel in love with switching them up with each outfit. From bright colours to interesting shapes, glasses have become my go-to statement piece.

My vision for 2017, is to live a life in balance.

After the year-long break, I’ve stocked up with new contact lenses, with the goal to not only take proper care when wearing them (and never to sleep in them again), but to wear them in balance with my glasses. These are my newest frames to my collection, I love how similar they are to my first pair and how the retro-metal frame is back (did you noticed the throwback wraparound arms). Clearly and I have teamed up to offer my friends 40% off lens upgrades until February 15th, so you can start your year looking cute and feeling good. Just use the promo code BARBARA during the purchase. If you haven’t gotten your eyes checked in a while, I would recommend adding a visit to the Clearly store to your annual list of doctors and check-ups, with 3 locations – 2 in Vancouver and 1 on Queen St. in Toronto – it’s easy to book an exam and start your year seeing clearly. And make sure to tag your photos #SeeClearly for a chance to be featured on their social media channels weekly. 

Dress: Madewell, Jacket: Banana Republic, Boots: Zara, Frames: Joseph Marc Experiment-48 c/o Clearly.ca, Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington, Earrings: Hortense from Catbird
Photography by 2Boo Studio