I never thought that I’d live in jeans for the simple fact that I spend most of my day on the floor (and they have pockets). But life with a one-and-a-half year old and an active dog has made practical fashion seems to be winning day-in and day-out.
And that’s not to say that I’m not following trends and playing with colours, prints and patterns like I always do. But dare I say, my outfits do seem to be “toned-down” this year vs. years past.
I also find myself shooting content more regularly, but not often sharing the details or styling choices behind it. Because in my mind the choices have been, “we were going to the park, it was hot, and I only had one clean bra.”
And thus the title of the post: has style (as a subject matter) become secondary (for me)?
I truthfully hope not, as the reason I’m in this blogging game is to share my passion for fashion and styling, but we’ll see, as the summer season is made for shooting, hopefully I’ll get more quality time to spending sharing my thoughts and takes on the current trends.
Here is a great spontaneous shoot we did in the early spring. To stay up to date with what I’m wearing make sure to be following me on Insta.
Some thoughts about this look
Since early spring, I’ve been living for beige and tonal neutrals. There is something lovely about the natural hue that matches so well with my predominately pastel wardrobe (and hair).
Sterling and I have both lived in our denim coats last season. Mine, gifted to me from Joe Fresh, is oversized, pastel and basically made out of dreams. Sterling’s jacket was found at a maker’s market last year, during the very early days of Baby Shark, and was hand-painted on the back of an up-cycled coat by artist Natalie Daye of Big Blue Denim. I instantly fell in love and predicted how much Sterling would love sharks.
So until I’m back spending my days in an office, I think my style will have a touch of “practical motherhood” sprinkled throughout.
On Sterling: Jacket: Natalie Daye, Romper: Gap, Shoes: Minimoc
On Barbara: Jacket: c/o Joe Fresh, Shirt: Target, Pants: Topshop, Shoes: Coach, Sunglasses: c/o Clearly, Necklaces: Van Der Hout Jewelry
Now, I often say that my memory is photographic, but what I mean is that if there is a picture of it, I can pull the memory.
I’ll never forget one summer, while away at overnight camp, I used 17 disposable cameras. I currently have boxes, hard-drives and over 30 000 photos on my phone and there is nothing I like better than going through them and looking back on the memories and moments.
The process of documentation has been been a critical part of my life and as I’ve gotten older I find myself investing in creative ways to capture moments.
At our wedding, I invested in an amazing photographer from Mango Studios, an inspiring cinematographer from Elle & Be Films and an illustrator Danielle Final, who live-painted the ceremony, reception and photography session. The combination of these three methods of documentation have kept the memory of this special day vivid for me.
By Danielle Final
Since Sterling’s arrival, my world has exploded with pictures, but I’m not complaining. I find myself often picking a month, from the past 17 and reviewing the special moments I captured. With Trevor and I both photographers ( 2Boo Studio) we are always with a camera on-hand.
When Sterling was first born we invested and took photos at about 6 weeks with the insanely talented Scarlett O’Neill. With these shots, we’ve printed giant poster size wall art and created hardcover books for our families to remember this quick moment in Sterling’s life.
So during our recent trip to Miami, we decided to invest in memories and capture this moment in time, Sterling at one. So we began to arrange for our second session of family photos. I found Emily Prada, a Miami local known for her breathtaking wedding photography, who uses nature to highlight her subjects via Instagram and fell in love with her aesthetic. Because she shoots locally, she had lots of recommendations for locations and we picked John U. Lloyd Beach State Park as it’s filled numerous scenic backdrops. Check out some of the photo session below.
I cannot wait to print these photos out and put them on display. I’ve already gifted a set of family ones to my grandparents for their hospitality and love during our trip to Miami.
If you are a Toronto local and looking to capture memories with your children, check out my photography business 2Boo Studio. I’d love to create special moments for you that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
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Sterling is 16 months now, taking about 10-15 steps on his own and ready to explore new things each day. He and I spend our days together and are currently exploring options of childcare, but in the meantime, Trevor and I have prioritized him having a growing library of books, toys, tools and crafts to engage and stimulate his developing mind.
So when buybuy BABY reached out to share their amazing assortment of indoor, outdoor, creative, and educational (STEM) toys and activities from our favourite brands (at every budget) I jumped at the opportunity to spoil Sterling. Although this post is sponsored by buybuy BABY all opinions are 100% my own.
Having Sterling born so early in the year (January 4th), I find his developmental stages change with the season. As we approach spring, he’s all about moving and being outside, which is convenient because I am as well. The Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Sports Car has definitely been a winner as the weather has been warming up. We’ve gone cruising around our neighbourhood thanks to the push handle allowing me to have full control. Sterling absolutely loves playing with this stylish car in our home too, and practices getting in and out. I love that this toy can also grow with him as there is a removable floor to give him control once he’s ready.
We also picked up the Happy Trails Walk and Ride-On Giraffe to encourage movement around our home. I love to watch Sterling’s development, coordination and balance while pushing and scooting on this adorable wooden toy. Sterling is currently mastering backing up and navigating around Taco.
As a designer myself, sparking Sterling’s interests in the different types of art is one of my favourite parts of parenting. He’s been drawn to music since day one, probably because I walked around singing every day of his life and my entire pregnancy.
The Hey! Play! Acoustic Toy Guitar has been fun for the whole family to play with, Trevor “tuned” it and I’ve been walking around playing everything from The Beatles to Baby Shark. Sterling likes to pick the cords while hitting the base to a beat. Instruments as toys, introduced at an early age will hopefully ignite a life-long passion for music and the preforming arts.
As Trevor and I are photographers, our collection of cameras is pretty big and growing. Knowing that Sterling will grow up around cameras, we started his collection of toy versions pretty early. Again, hoping to spark interest.
I love the nostalgic feeling of this Fisher Price Classics Changeable Disc Camera, that is an updated version of the 1968 original. So far Sterling has only figured out the pressing of the button, and has yet to discover the adorable pictures that can be seen through the viewfinder. The camera comes with three discs, which are filled with images from animals to nursery rhymes to stories.
TSkirt: Bébé Fête 
We also picked up the Hey! Play! Montessori Wooden Math Game, which teaches STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) basics. With wooden pegs and colour tiles and stacking rings, the game teaches children to count, sort and stack. This is another toy that will continue to grow with Sterling and so far, he’s at the stage where he’s arbitrarily stacking the rings and sorting them across the pegs.
Probably Sterling’s favourite and most used item we picked up from buybuy BABY was his new Sweet Seats Shark Chair. His face lit up the first time he sat down in it. He can usually be found lounging in it while flipping through his books, cuddling with a stuffed animal or snacking on Cheerios. I think he really likes having a spot just him.
Over these next few months as we move into the warmer weather of spring and summer, I can’t wait to see how much more Sterling learns and develops. These toys and activities from buybuy BABY should ignite his interests, creativity and thirst for discovery. Each day as he takes his tiny steps forward, it feels like leaps and bounds as he discovers the world around him.
Dress: Ingrid & Isabel Double Layer Midi Dress + Nursing in True Navy
Being a style blogger for the past 6 years, I didn’t realize how much of my closet would change when becoming a mother. There were the obvious changes, like size, and for me it’s been harder than expected to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight as I’ve been suffering from patellar tendonitis on my left knee and for the last 10 weeks a broken right foot, but I’m not putting too much pressure on myself. Though, I think the biggest change was that I’ve needed my clothing to do more.
Shirt: Ingrid & Isabel Double Layer Woven Top + Nursing in Bright White
As a mom, who has exclusively nursed her son for the past 8 months, finding clothing that is nursing-friendly has been a struggle, especially being well-endowed. Many new moms can still adorn their button-up blouses, or many of their pre-baby clothing that allows for easy nursing while on-the-go, but for me this has been impossible.
Shirt: Ingrid & Isabel Off The Shoulder Maxi Dress in Blush
Luckily, I’ve partnered with the amazing maternity brand Ingrid & Isabel, and have a few key items that have been on serious rotation over the last few months that have allowed for me to discreetly feed my son. Specializing in trendy clothing to take you from your first trimester into your fourth (after baby is born), I became obsessed with their line of dresses and tops and this amazing jumpsuit that make nursing a breeze.
I must be honest, breastfeeding has been one of my favourite and least favourite parts of the last 8 months. I can feel the special time coming to an end as Sterling becomes more dependent on food and he approaches his first birthday. Which makes me feel excited to take back ownership of my body, but also saddens me as I’ll miss the cuddles and closeness that breastfeeding provides.
Sterling is wearing: Romper: Smash & Tess, Outfit: Target Cloud Island (pants, shirt), Hat: Hillcrest Mall
I’m wearing: Visor: Kate Spade New York (old), Hat & shorts: Target (old), Frames: c/o Clearly (black) (pink)
Personalized backpack & duffle: c/o Ketzel Baby
As a new mom, I think one of the most important things that helped me feel normal (during a time when nothing feels normal) was getting outside. Having a winter baby, it was easy to get comfortable staying at home and hibernating while getting to know my new bundle of joy, but as the season changed, there was no longer an excuse and it was time to move that bonding time outdoors.
All babies are different and I’m beyond fortunate that Sterling allows me to bring him with me to events, road trips and errands around the city. Having a baby that cooperates with an active lifestyle has proven to be a blessing and the right equipment has been key for when he needs a little extra attention and care.
The essentials for excursions may also differ baby-to-baby, but for Sterling and I, the keys to success has been to have options, sun protection and a plan. I never leave the house without my diaper bag filled with a swaddle blanket for privacy during nursing, either my ring-sling or baby wrap in case he gets fussy and wants to be held, and a handful of outfits for him (and at times an extra one for me).
Probably the most important item for a day on-the-go is a compact and portable, lightweight stroller, like the new MINU by UPPAbaby available at West Coast Kids. I’m so excited to have partnered with UPPAbaby to try the newest stroller to the collection. It has a spacious seat suitable for babies 3 months to 50 lbs, there is also a bassinet attachment available for newborns (From Birth Kit), and the seat has the ability to recline which allows Sterling to fall asleep while we’re on-the-go. (From Birth Kit & Infant Car Seat Adapters available in stores Fall 2018).
But my favourite feature, with this compact stroller is the way that it folds, it’s literally a one-handed smooth movement, that I can do while holding Sterling. Once folded it can stand and can easily be carried using its built-in handle or shoulder strap.
Some of my favourite places to go with Sterling are for walks along the waterfront where we live, for picnic days at Trinity Bellwoods and shopping around downtown on Bloor Street or Queen Street.
He travels so easily in the UPPAbaby MINU stroller, with the all-wheel suspension and a pop-out sunshade to shield his eyes from harmful UV rays that I don’t need to worry about having him tag along during any adventure I’m on. There is also a peekaboo-window which allows for air to flow through during those hot summer days that we’ve been having.
I think that having options available to you is important when it comes to life with a baby. Different things work at different times and a travel stroller, like the UPPAbaby MINU, has been essential for a busy day in the city.
They say “you only get 18 summers with your children”, and with this being our first one with Sterling, I’m looking to making the most out of it as we explore our favourite parts of Toronto with him. Be sure to follow along Instagram, as I share a lot more of our daily adventures using the hashtag #OnAWalkWithTheNegins.
Jumpsuit: Gap, Slides: Loeffler Randall, Frames: C/O Main & Central Clearly.ca
Stroller: C/O UPPAbaby Minu in Jake, Diaper bag: SkipHop
Sterling’s romper: Ollie Jones
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Brought to you by Jamieson and TheCo.
With Sterling almost 4 months old it’s hard to believe how much has changed. He’s doubled in weight, he’s sleeping through the night (most nights) and he’s smiling all time. With that being said, it’s hard to believe how much hasn’t. I’m still hungry and tired all the time and my main concern is still to keep this sweet little boy happy and healthy.
During pregnancy, most will do everything in their power to ensure a healthy baby. We eliminate some of our favourite foods (bye sushi), we get lots of sleep and take prenatal vitamins which help to ensure that you and your baby are getting the essential nutrients like iron, iodine and folic acid to help with development and overall health. I’ve partnered with Jamieson Vitamins to discuss what I took during my pregnancy and have continued to take since Sterling’s birth. Although this post is sponsored by Jamieson Vitamins all opinions are 100% my own.
I was advised that as soon as I began trying to get pregnant I should be taking a prenatal vitamin, so early last year I headed to the pharmacy and picked up a bottle of Jamieson 100% Complete Prenatal Multivitamin with DHA. With many options to choose from I selected this one because it had 150 mg of omega-3 DHA, which helps develop the baby’s brain, and only required me to take one soft-gel per day. I reviewed it with my doctor, who reassured me that it had the right amount of folic acid to help prevent neural tube defects with the baby and had all of the vitamins and nutrients I would need to have a healthy pregnancy.
Now that Sterling is here and I’m exclusively nursing him, I’ve continued to take my prenatal vitamins and began giving him Jamieson Baby-D droplets and Probiotic droplets once a day. Vitamin D is crucial for building healthy bones and teeth and to help him develop a strong immune system. The Probiotic drop is for supporting gastrointestinal health in infants. Both flavourless drops can be added to milk or formula, applied onto a pacifier or directly onto his tongue.
The early days of motherhood isn’t always easy, but Jamieson Vitamins makes it easy to ensure that I’m doing everything in my power to provide Sterling and I the vitamins and nutrients we need.
If you are interested in working together in please contact Krista at Shine Influencers (krista@shineinfluencers.com).
At South Beach. Sterling wearing H&M. Barbara wearing Who What Wear from Target.
Ever since I was little, I’ve been visiting Miami to enjoy the sun, sand and shopping. It’s always felt like a second home for me. This year would be a very different trip for me, instead of visiting my grandparents, I’d be visiting my parents and instead of bringing a friend or Trevor, I’d be bringing my 7 week old son.
On the balcony. Sterling wearing Carter’s. Barbara wearing Universal Thread from Target.
The thought of traveling with a newborn was stressful, but once I got his papers together (passport and letter for Trevor stating I could travel with him – which is 100% needed when crossing the border) I got excited to show and experience my favourite place with him. Miami for many is an amazing party city, but for me it’s always been a place for relaxation and rejuvenation. This year with Sterling on hand, I planned to take it even slower for our 10 day trip.
The Flights
I did a lot of research for best practices when flying with an infant. The best tips I learned was to feed upon take off and landing, as the swallowing process helps with the pressure changes. If feeding wasn’t possible then pacifiers could help to avoid popped ears.
I also decided that because I was travelling alone it would be best to wear him using my Solly Wrap and by the time we took off, he was sleeping. My infant wrap (which I love) was actually amazing for both the travel days and on the longer days exploring the city.
At The Miami Design District. Sterling in Solly Baby. Barbara wearing Farm Rio from Anthropologie
The Meals
We visited some of my favourite restaurants that I’ve been dining at each year, like Mo’s Bagels & Deli – which is like the most classic Jewish deli with unbelievable smoked salmon (they call it nova) and amazing black and white cookies, The Original Pancake House – which has the best chocolate chip pancakes, and Joe’s Stone Crab, the go-to spot in Miami for stone crab.
The Days
At The Miami Design District. Sterling wearing Carter’s. Barbara wearing Farm Rio from Anthropologie
We visited our usual spots like the Aventura Mall and Lincoln Road, two amazing destinations for shopping, with the latter having amazing restaurants and a great late night atmosphere. We also explored the breathtaking Miami Design District and the inspiring Wynwood Walls, a community covered in stunning graffiti and street art filled with culture, cafes and galleries.
At Wynwood Walls. Barbara wearing Farm Rio from Anthropologie
Though most of our days were spent relaxing by the pool and taking in the beautiful weather.
At the pool. Sterling wearing hat and bathing suit from Babies R Us. Barbara wearing (old) Joe Fresh, Glasses Kam Dhillon from Clearly.
The Gear
I must say that one of the most important things for traveling with a newborn is ensuring you bring the appropriate gear. The key items for me and Sterling were my infant wrap, our Maxi-Cosi car seat, our Dock A Tot (as mentioned in a previous post) and our ValcoBaby Stroller.
The Snap Ultra stroller was used everyday providing Sterling not only a smooth ride but also protection from the sun with its large breathable canopy. The lightweight stroller fully reclines providing Sterling the perfect place to snooze during the pool days and easily folds down and to take with us in our rental car to explore the city. The large basket underneath was the perfect place to hold our parcels when shopping.
At the pool. Barbara wearing (old) Mara Hoffman, Glasses Kam Dhillon from Clearly, Shoes: (old) Loeffler Randall.
Have you traveled with an infant? What were your tips and tricks? I cannot wait for our next trip together!
Photography by Gary & Cynthia Solomon
I received products compliments of and/or in collaboration with ValcoBaby Canada, but all opinions are 100% my own. If you are interested in working together in please contact me (barbara.ann.solomon@gmail.com) or Krista at Shine Influencers (krista@shineinfluencers.com
Some of my favourite fashion moments and memories from 2017:
My Focus on Mental Health
2016 was a difficult year for me personally, so when this past year rolled around, I made it a goal to focus on mental health and wellness, ensuring I spent time outside, reflecting and finding mindfulness while living in the moment.
Our New Home
After a long delay, we finally moved into our first home back in late February and were able to share our first two room reveals. Up next, once it’s finished, will be the nursery which we have been putting together for a few weeks now.
Styling The Bump
Trevor and I planned to start a family in early 2018 and were fortunate to get pregnant right away. Since then, my pregnancy has not been so easy as I’ve struggled with morning sickness, carpal tunnel and lots of hip and joint pain. We are now reaching the end (37 weeks currently) and could not be more excited to welcome our baby into our family.
2018 will be an exciting year filled with more changes than ever before, and cannot wait to share all of details with you. I also wanted to shout out to some of the amazing brands I partnered with this year; Delta Faucet Canada, Clearly, Tobi, Carry Maternity, Pink Blush, Daniel Wellington, Coach, One of a Kind Show, and Westowne Mazda. If you are interested in working together in 2018 please contact me (barbara.ann.solomon@gmail.com) or Lindsay @ Shine Influencers (lindsay@shineinfluencers.com).
Can’t wait to meet you in 2018.
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I feel like so many of us will be holding onto every last ounce of beautiful weather we get before the cold fall and what is expecting to be a brutal winter come charging into the city. With how our summer went (if you didn’t hear about it), Trevor and I are trying to make up for lost time by enjoying these beautiful early fall days filled with beautiful temperatures and the sun beaming down on us.
Last week, when we had some beautiful and unseasonably warm temperatures we ventured to Andrew’s Scenic Acres to pick some of their breathtaking dahlias, fresh corn and some delicious blueberries (which we later baked into a peach and blueberry pie). Upon driving up to the farm, located North-West of Toronto, in Milton I was initially excited for the fresh fruit but once I witnessed their flower fields I could not contain my excitement. I ran towards the gardens and was in complete awe. I spent close to 45 minutes just frolicking in the beautiful field, surrounded by thousands of these blooms, as I picked a beautiful bunch to bring home.
As we approach the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, Toronto is expecting another burst of warm weather. Do you have any plans for the long weekend?
Dress: Mendocino, Glasses: C/O Clearly.ca, Bracelet: C/O Swarovski
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Growing up, my family had our seasonal traditions. In the fall I looked forward to a fun filled day at Chudleigh’s Apple Farm, where we would fill bags with freshly picked apples to bake into pies and make into apple sauce. My memories of this magical farm were vivid, rows and rows of trees, adorable animals, tractor rides and the feeling of family and tradition.
It had been years since I had gone, when last year, Trevor and I decided to venture out to Milton, Ontario and pick some apples. I shared the wonderful experience of the late fall day on my Instagram here, here and here. We picked 2 bags of apples, and purchased some of the delectable pre-made pies, which inspired us to make our own, which we did a few days later.
I’ve since been looking forward to my return this year, not only for the beautiful scenery for some blog photos, but also to indulge in more of their delicious apples (and pies – I love pie). Last month, I got invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of my favourite farm, and I don’t think I’ve ever RSVPed quicker to an event. I couldn’t wait to visit and celebrate one of my favourite spots, and bring Taco along for the adventures.
The weather was perfect for a late summer weekend, and we spent the day frolicking around Chuleigh’s and enjoying Sunrise apples right off the tree. Taco loved his first bites of apple and was in heaven once we got to the fields. We also enjoyed their savoury blossoms, new to their store this fall, with options like pizza, pulled pork, tuna melts and mac & cheese, I indulged in almost every flavour.
It’s easy to say that I cannot wait to go back again this season, picking up few more bags of apples and letting Taco enjoy the beautiful farm.
Dress: Isabel Maternity from Target, Sunglasses: C/O Main & Central by Clearly.ca, Sneakers: Superga, Earrings: Emily Valentine
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