Holiday Sparkle

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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.
 

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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.

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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)

Pregnancy Woes


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So growing a human inside you may be considered one of the most beautiful and natural things that you can do as a women (if you so choose), but it definitely comes with a fair bit of discomfort. And I have gotten a decent mix of the common and not-so-common problems. From the obvious first trimester nausea and daily vomiting, to the unheard of pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel syndrome, that has developed this week out of nowhere. Let me tell you, it’s been a fun few months.

When your body feels like it’s out of control, it’s hard to feel like yourself. You spend so much time trying to “feel better” that you no longer are doing things that feel natural for you. I found myself living in sweats and barely leaving the house, and if I did, I rarely bothered to do my hair or makeup. Definitely a different version of Barbara.

But on the days that I did decided do my typical routine, I felt better and more normal, and it dawned on me that even though I feel discomfort, I can still try to pull myself together. I’ve always had the mentality that on the darkest days to wear the brightest colours, in order to cheer myself (and others) up and I had stopped doing the common sense things that have brought me joy for all these years.

So here I am, 22 weeks pregnant, in 6 inch platforms, cute glasses and a crop top, and finally feeling like myself.

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Top: A.L.C, Skirt: Topshop Canada, Frames: Joseph Marc C/O Clearly.ca, Shoes: Charlotte Olympia
See more of my style the bump posts here: 1, 2, and 3

Love thy bump


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At 21 weeks, my body is has changed drastically from what it was in early spring to where we are now, at the end of summer. My curves have become bumps and these bumps have and will continue to expand over the next 19 weeks, as baby Negin develops into a mini person.

The way that your body changes, during pregnancy, is really a lot to process and as your wardrobe comes smaller and more limited, it’s hard not to feel at times negative about your new body. It took me a while to realize that this body is now serving a different purpose for the first time. It’s no longer about me and my health, but rather about creating this new life in the healthiest way possible.

To help combat the negative feelings I was having, I stored away the clothing that no longer fit me, so each morning it wasn’t staring me in the face, tempting to be tried on. I found that styling the bump, in my current wardrobe, as I haven’t really gone maternity shopping yet, has been very difficult. One trend that I am loving is to show off my curves in tighter fitting dresses and pairing it with layers like blazers (fall’s hottest jacket), kimonos, duster coats and cardigans.

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Dress: Lumiere Fashion (old), Blazer: Banana Republic (old), Boots: Zara (old), Eyewear: C/O Clearly, Watch: Daniel Wellington