Dress: Pink Tartan, Sweater: C/O Tobi, Glasses: C/O Joseph Marc from Clearly.ca
So when UNIQLO reached out to share their new collection of sweaters I jumped at the opportunity to try them on and style them for the season. Although this post is sponsored by UNIQLO all opinions are 100% my own.
What I look for in my knitwear is very specific and I always gravitate to whites and cream knits, (I have around 10 white[ish] sweaters that I love). It’s likely because they are so easy to style with any print, pattern and colour. I’m obsessed with the texture and cut of this 3D Lambswool sweater, that has the perfect V-neck in the front and a mini one in the back and cocoons out in shape allowing it to be ideal for layering.
For the past few years, I’ve lived in turtle necks. Tight and tucked-in or oversized and chunky; turtle necks are one of the ideal cuts for sweaters. And it was love at first sight when I tried on this fine Merino wool turtle neck. The fabric is super soft, fine and fitted but not too tight.
After wearing it twice, I downloaded the new UNIQLO CA App, picked it up in two more colours and had them shipped directly to my door. I’ve worn it tucked into jeans and track pants, under overalls and dresses and layered with a chunky cardigan for a sweater on sweater look. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen me in them via my stories and feed for the last month or so.
With the holiday season officially starting, a great way to take knitwear into a more formal setting is with a sweater dress. Because knitwear could add a little bulk, I like to keep things more fitted when it comes to dresses allowing the material to hug your curves. This Extra Fine Merino Wool dress is a great fit and flare cut, making it super flattering. I added simple statement earrings to help highlight the mock turtle neck, adding a touch of glam to the look.
Having cozy and effortless basics to turn to makes getting dressed in the dark easier and the luxurious knits at UNIQLO are going to continue to be the go-to piece for the upcoming winter season.
Sweater, Turtle neck and dress: UNIQLO Canada, Glasses: Clearly.ca
Jacket & Pants: Banana Republic, Boots: Zara, Jeans: Target, Shawl (actually a blanket): Vintage, Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood for Erdem
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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Maternity shoots are a right of passage that I feel that all pregnant women should spend the time and money on. After everything your body does during these 9 months it’s important to embrace and celebrate all the changes by documenting it. Picking an outfit that makes you feel glamorous and comfortable is key to having a successful shoot.
This gown was created by the amazing team at Sew Trendy Accessories, a brand that specializes in handmade maternity gowns, formal gowns, boudoir clothing, gown accessories and newborn outfits ideal for photo shoots. I picked the timeless Krysten gown in white, because I loved the long sleeves and elegance of the cut.
When you order your gown and send in your measurement there are some options you can choose from to customize the dress. I chose the boat neck, rather than a droop back, to ensure I could wear a bra and picked to have a simple train instead of the exaggerated ones. If you are looking for maternity shoot inspiration, check out their Instagram account, as it served as a daily source of the most magical and beautiful images.
We shot this at 35 weeks pregnant on a freezing cold day at the Scarborough Bluffs. Other outfits that I’ve shot that could have worked for a maternity shoot are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and one of my favourites 6.
Dress & Headpiece: C/O Sew Trendy Accessories, Jewellery: Vintage
]]>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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Even though it’s still considered fall, Toronto is officially freezing and has a thick layer of snow covering basically everything. This outfit was shot a few weeks ago (at 31 weeks pregnant), when the temperatures were a bit more mild and ideal for light layers, rather than down parkas.
I love this layered look as an easy office to holiday party transitional outfit. Adding this adorable oversized asymmetrical sweater (now on sale) over one of my favourite body-con dresses, helped dress down the leopard, making it more appropriate for the office. This chunky knit is the perfect for the chilly season ahead and can be easily paired with jeans, leggings and dressed it up.
With this growing giant bump, I kept the dress unzipped and folded one of the sleeves down, tucking it into my bra (hidden by the sweater) which allowed for the off-the-shoulder slouchy look to be achieved.
It’s hard to believe that the holidays are right around the corner, which also means we are in the final countdown for Baby Negin. Being in the third trimester, with this giant bump, I’m limiting how many holiday events I actually plan to attend. But it will be nice to celebrate and go out, a few more times before #theNegins go from two to three and I spend my days and nights breastfeeding and changing dirty diapers.
While picking my holiday style this year I focused on dressing up while showing off these growing curves but also ensuring that I can remain comfortable at all times. When I found this bright and bold blue dress by Ripe Maternity, I knew it would be the perfect dress for the season and take me from an office holiday party to an evening gathering filled with friends, while being one of the most comfortable items I could possible wear thanks to the knit’s stretch.
Strong and bold accessories will help glam up this look and add seasonally appropriate sparkle. These pink cat-eye Friday frames from the new Main + Central Tortoiseshell collection paired with beautiful earrings compliment the outfit perfectly. When choosing frames from my collection to wear, I always look for a shape and colour that add interest to an outfit.
Shopping for glasses online, you may find it hard to choose which shape works best for your face, but Clearly has an amazing part of their site which helps you pick the best frame for your shape. I’ve always been drawn to the cat-eye shape and haven’t taken this pair off since I got them, as I love feminine shape and perfect colour.
Don’t forget to shop at Clearly using the promo code BARBARAANN20 for 20% off frames and lenses (some exclusions apply).
Dress: C/O Ripe Maternity from Carry Maternity, Frames: C/O Friday Frames by Main & Central from Clearly, Earrings: Michelle Ross, Watch: C/O Daniel Wellington, Shoes: Zara (old)
Being a style blogger for the past 5+ years, I’ve become very accustom to photographing my outfits and documenting my life. But for most people there are few occasions when they are photographed professionally. Typically their engagements, weddings, and during their pregnancies are the usual times they invest in portraits to remember these special milestones in their lives.
Because pregnancy is such a funny time in your fashion life, where nothing really fits the same, and clothing can at times feel like the enemy, over the next couple weeks I wanted to share a few of my favourite outfits that I’ve found would work perfectly for a maternity shoot.
The Wrap Dress: I found an amazing selection of stunning wrap dress on Pink Blush‘s Instagram and loved how stunning they looked on a growing bump. Once on their website, I found a bunch of different cuts, hi-low, short, and the maxi cut that I’m wearing, and a wide selection of the most stunning floral prints. Being a huge fan of the contrast of my hair and the colour blue – it was a simple decision for me when I spotted this one, and I began planning a location close to the waterfront to compliment the print.
I think that this dress is perfect for any upcoming occasion you may have during your pregnancy, a wedding (they also have the wrap dress in lace) baby shower or maternity shoot, as it’s effortless and comfortable.
Dress: C/O Pink Blush, Frames: C/O Clearly.ca
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One of the unexpected fashion struggles I’ve recently been faced with, while growing this little nugget in my stomach, was planning for a formal event. Typically I shop early and plan ahead when attending a wedding, gala or something that requires a new gown. But when you are unsure of how big you’ll be at the time of the event, it creates an extra level of difficulty and stress.
For my cousin’s wedding a few weeks back, I began my search online, looking for local stores that would carry something formal and fun and that would fit a me at 25 weeks. I kept finding myself on ASOS browsing their huge selection of dresses. Having only shopped on their site once before, and not too pleased with the sizes (or duties) of the items I had purchased, I found myself hesitant to order, but I finally came around a few days later when I felt that there weren’t other affordable options that would really work. I picked out a handful of dresses with two in mind for this event. Two would provide me choice, given the inability to try it on, or knowledge of how big my bump would be at the time of the event. When the order arrived, this off-the-shoulder blue dress was the clear winner, as the other option could fit a bump double the size and a bust half the size.
I do love this dress and it had caught my eye on their site super early during my pregnancy, when I was researching flattering silhouettes. The body-con shape leaves nothing to the imagination and shows the world your beautiful growing bump.
The struggle is definitely real shopping online, especially on sites that you don’t often shop on. But the task is even harder when your body is going through daily changes. I still hope I can find an occasion to wear the other dress as it’s stunning, or at least fit into it to properly to share with you on the blog.
Dress: ASOS Maternity, Shoes: 424 Fifth, Bracelet: Swarovski, Necklace & Earrings: Vintage
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Being a curvy woman, horizontal stripes have always been a touchy subject. Some people think that they highlight the wrong places on your body and can make you look larger. I’ve found that with picking the right stripe along with a great fitting garment can be super flattering for any body shape. Some of my favourite outfits that I’ve worn that feature horizontal stripes are 1, 2 and 3.
When I was shopping in my latest go-to boutique, Carry Maternity located in Yorkville, I stumbled upon this long sleeve maxi dress and completely fell in love with the cool tones. Once trying it on, I loved how stretchy and warm it was perfect for my growing bump and will work for post-baby too.
I’ve paired it with white boots and a wide brim hat, but plan to layer a long cozy cardigan or structured blazer on top and ankle boots for when the weather gets a bit cooler.
And Taco agrees, stripe are totally in.
Dress: GeBe Maternity C/O Carry Maternity; Hat: Lack of Color, Boots: Zara, Glasses: Ray Ban C/O Clearly.ca
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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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