I may be more like the men in my life than I ever expected. My mother’s father (my Zadie) grew up in the Canadian coat industry, designing the house label for Eaton’s, once Canada’s largest retailer. This ad, below, features my grandfather, Bernat Goldberger with two models (and a cute pup) showcasing two of the the season’s most beautiful coats.

Now to move onto my father, who has one of the largest wardrobes I’ve ever seen, and I’ve stolen a few of his coats to feature on the blog. Like his amazing coat straight out of the 1970s ft here in Refresh Time back in 2013 or here in 2014 wearing his Roots Canada 2002 Olympic Team Canada Hockey Award Jacket, Something To Be Proud Of.

Today I’m wearing new cocoon coat, which are oversized in nature, but this one is just dreamy with the large zippers and lapels. A beauty that you know that I’ve been living in, if you follow me on instagram (@barbaraannstyleblog). My collection of coats is getting excessive, so I’ve decided to give them a review and find the ones I love. Follow along with these Coat Confessions and we’ll stay warm this winter together!

Photography by Trevor Negin
Coat: Banana Republic (on sale), Sweater dress: Joe Fresh, Socks: Hayley Elsaesser, Shoes: Opening Ceremony from The Room at Hudson’s Bay, Glasses: Derek Cardigan at Clearly.ca, Watch: Skagen Denmark

Oh and HAPPY NEW YEAR! Can’t wait to share this year’s adventures with you!!

<3

b + t

Fashion Magazine asked their style panel how they plan to keep warm this fall. This is what I said about stealing my mom’s favourite coat!

Photography by Trevor Negin
Coat, Vintage. Sweater, Banana Republic. Skirt, Central Park West from Aritzia. Knee Socks, American Apparel. Heels, 10 Crosby Derek Lam from Hudson’s Bay

At the start of each season, I feel the urge to run out a purchase the newest and hottest items, often forgetting about the hidden gems in my closet. Like this dress, purchased from Zara at the start of their summer sale, but it hung in closet for the remainder of July and August with the hopes of coming out for an end-of-season wedding that I  was attending. I ended up wearing another dress, and this beautiful marble printed dress continued to wonder when I would wear it.

Early this week, Trevor, my husband, invited me out for a dinner date, and I decided to take this baby for a spin. I sometimes forget that dressing-up for no reason, makes each moment a fashionable memory.

Photography by Trevor Negin

Dress and shoes: Zara, watch: Michael Kors, cocktail ring: Banana Republic

This week, Fashion Magazine asked their style panel how to wear silk during the hot summer months. Silk, while it’s very breathable, also allows for sweat to leave some embarrassing pit-stains  which could be problematic on hot days. But, with help from a good antiperspirant (I love this one from Dove) I spend my summers sweat-free in luxurious silks! Here is how I told Fashion to style them.

This dress is clearly one of my favourites, seen here and here in each Spring/Summer season.

Fashion Magazine asked their trusted Style Panel to discuss socks and sandals this week. Here is what I said.

I looked back to see other times I’ve rocked socks in unexpected ways. Back in February I wore a graphic pair from Joe Fresh with a statement dress from the Peter Pilotto collection at Target. I also wore a great pair of knee highs from Roots Canada that month in Winter Classic. In the fall of 2012, the style blog seemed to have taken major focus to covering up my toes, with posts about: finding the perfect dress to take you anywhere in The Perfect Dress, pastels featuring a great pair of knee high socks in Pale and Bold, all of the details, where styled delicate fishnet socks (Dots and Details), and lastly for that season, when I wore a frilly pair from Topshop in the Fall Floral post.

– Oh and I had crazy orange hair back in 2012!

Spring’s here and temperatures are warming up (barely). With the change of season, we need to rethink our basics. Ivania Carpio, an amazing Dutch blogger, inspires me to trash my entire closet in search for the minimal lifestyle.

Now, I know that really isn’t realistic for me, as colour and patterns rule my life, I do love the idea of the new neutrals. This season I’m loving the mushroom/nude colourway. This Soia and Kyo leather bomber has become my spring coat of choice, working perfectly with pastels as well as neutrals.

Photography by Trevor Negin

Coat: Soia and Kyo, Dress: H&M, Mules: Zara, Necklace and Earrings: Woudenberg, Ring: Banana Republic, Bag: Roots, Glasses: Ray Bans

Fashion Magazine wanted to know how we were wearing our favourite summer pieces in this freezing cold winter we’ve been having. My suggestion was the ensure that layering was involved. Here is what I said.

Photography by Trevor Negin

Sweater dress, American Apparel. Summer dress, Banana Republic. Shoes, Topshop. Jacket, Danier.

Happy Holidays! Sorry for the delayed post! Internet is finally back up!!

Hope everyone spent today celebrating family and friends!

xx.

Barbara Ann Style Blog & Trevor Negin

Photography: Trevor Negin

Shirt: Joe Fresh mens, Pants: Joe Fresh, Boots: Seychelles Necklace: Vintage, Hair pins: Banana Republic

Fashion Magazine asked their style panel to discuss statement accessories and how to wear them this season. For me, it’s usually about the shoes. Classic quality bags, simple yet edgy jewellery usually, and super cool, unique, or strangely comfortable) shoes. Here is what I said. 

Photography by Trevor Negin

Pumps, Erdem for Nicholas Kirkwood (from The Room at Hudson’s Bay). Sweater, Banana Republic. Pants, Kimchi Blue. Scarf, The Gap. Purse, Roots.

As promised, here is my baby Monkey. She is a 9 week old scottish fold munchkin.

Here is her youtube channel and my favourite video of her.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bExPxwUTgX0]

Photography by Trevor Negin Monkey’s dadda
Dress: Vintage Beaded necklace: Vintage Wedges: Aldo Belt: Banana Republic