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)
As you can obviously see, the accessory of choice for me is clearly glasses. Growing up I wasn’t crazy about wearing glasses. I had one pair and would only wear them when I needed a break from my contact lenses.
Things have most definitely changes for me, as now I only wear my contacts when going out formal and I have over 20 different pairs all thanks to my amazing partnership with Clearly.ca over the last 5 years. I’ve learned that having a variety of frames can really help you update your look and compliment your style. From bright colours to fun neutrals I love being able to switch my frames and have them match my outfit each day.
But saying that, my obsession with variety, is not necessary the best thing for the environment. Which is why I’ve fallen in love with the new Main & Central brand, exclusively at Clearly.ca. These frames are made from a biodegradable acetate and can be returned and recycled, when I tire of the look. This brand has 6 styles (Monday – Friday and one of the weekend) and comes in 3 sizes, so you’ll have the right size, no matter your face shape. I’m wearing the Friday frames in teal and opted for the Kodak BlueReflect lens which help reduce glare and eyestrain that is caused from spending so much time online.
Shirt: Tanya Taylor, Jeans: Joe Fresh, Shoes: Charlotte Olympia, Frames: C/O Main & Central by Clearly.ca
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It’s spring time in Toronto and everybody knows that the one place to go at the end of April-to-early May is High Park to try to snap some beautiful shots of the Cherry Blossoms. Trevor and I explore High Park as often as possible, as the trails are simply beautiful and even when the main attraction (the Cherry Blossoms) aren’t in full bloom there is so much magic to discover there.
With the cooler weather this year, I’ve found myself living in denim. I can’t seem to get myself into the season’s dresses and skirts, so jeans has been my go-to staple these last few weeks.
When dressing up this essential, I’ve found myself always looking for statement coats to really add that something special to my rather basic outfit. This collared-floral coat by Diane Von Furstenberg (which I have the matching dress for) is the perfect nod to the cherry blossom season and the right weight for these confusion spring days.
Coat: Diane Von Furstenberg, Denim: Marc Jacobs, Tank: Helmut Lang, Boots: Timberland, Hat: Lack of Color, Frames: Clearly.ca
Photography by 2Boo Studio
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.
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
]]>A few years ago, my husband and I, as newlyweds, purchased our first home together. It was a pre-construction, and move in was set for summer 2015. Due to, literally every unforeseen circumstances, we have just moved into our new home this past February, that has three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. (Which has also been the reason for my recent disappearance.)
Due to the delays, there were a few things we’ve realized that we had the time to do, like save, plan and invest. Staying in our tiny apartment for those extra years, was definitely a strain to our lifestyle, but as time went on, both of us were able to continue to save money, as we tried to live with our new budget.
We spent a lot of time figuring out how we were going to use the space; today, a year from now, and five years from now. We bought a stacked town house, aka too many stairs – but it’s turning out to be a great workout. Our main floor is an open concept living space that hosts our living, dining, cooking and entertaining. This is my favourite space, probably because it’s the most complete, but also because I’ve been shopping for most of these pieces over the last few years, and at last I can see them.
Today I’m revealing kitchen to you, and over the next few months, stayed tuned as I complete each room and share with you our journey as we make this space our home.
Trevor, and I are entertainers. We love to host, so creating a kitchen and dining area that made sense for group gatherings was really important to both of us. We started with keeping things open – which meant loosing our upper cabinets and allowing our beautiful collection of dinnerware and serving pieces to shine. We found sturdy and beautiful floating shelves from Silicate + Studio, a design studio and lab in Idaho, and fell in love with the perfect imperfections of their wood pieces.
Next came to adding the show stopping piece. I was fortunate enough to have partnered with Delta Faucet Canada to upgrade my kitchen space. This Champagne Bronze beauty is not just about her looks, she’s also brilliant. With Touch2O Technology, a simple touch anywhere on the curved spout will turn the water on and off, and will automatically shut-off after four minutes to conserve water. I love the colour and how well it works with the mixed metals, whites and woods, blues and citrus theme I have.
Thank you to Delta Faucet Canada for sponsoring this post, all opinions are my own. To inquire about sponsored posts and working together, please email amy@shineinfluencers.com
Life gets chaotic, busy and at times overwhelming.
As you can see if you follow me on Instagram, I’ve been around, just a lot less, and I haven’t been keeping this blog up-to-date over the last couple months (sorry). But I’m currently taking a moment to reflect, regrow and recharge (self-care will be a topic I focus on in the future). Now I can get back to the things that I love. Lately, I’ve been practicing yoga and meditation, reading, painting and naturally Netflix binging.
Growing up, my mom and I always watched “our shows” together. From American’s Next Top Model to Law and Order SVU, every genre was hit and this was the time we often talked about school and everything going on, in both of our busy lives. When we heard that Netflix was bringing back Gilmore Girls, the two of us began planning for our girls night to watch the series, as mother-daughter opportunities don’t come often enough.
As November 25 got closer, our date-night plans became larger-than-life when Netflix sent us everything we needed for the perfect Netflix and Mom date night to watch the highly anticipated revival of Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life (thanks Netflix). In the kit was everything to get us in the Gilmore mood, from the girl’s favourite snacks Pop-Tarts, Red Vines and buttery popcorn, to trivia games, a Dragonfly Inn scented candle and of course, a giant mug for all of the coffee we’d consume binging the series, plus so much more.
My mom and I spent last Friday night cuddled-up on the couch watching Winter, the first episode of the four-part revival, that had just started streaming on Netflix. Exhausted, we promised to wait to watch the next three parts together, over the course of the next few weeks to ensure we make the most out of this mother and daughter bonding-time.
Have you watched the revival yet? If so, no spoilers!
This post is in partnership with Netflix.
]]>For the last few weeks, Fashion Magazine has asked their style panel to discuss this season’s top colour trends, Metallics and millennial pink. Without realizing it, I basically wore the same outfit twice. My love for these trends is real.
Read about Metallics
Read about millennial pink
Metallics: Sweatshirt: Skinny Sweats, Skirt: Pink Tartan, Boots: Zara, Frames: Clearly.ca, Earrings & Necklace: Catbird
Millennial pink: Blazer: Theory, Sweater: Halogen Cashmere, Pants: Topshop Canada, Earrings: Vintage, Glasses: Clearly.ca, Shoes: Carven x Robert Clergerie at The Room
Photography by 2Boo Studio
Being a blogger, I’ve come to learn a few tips and tricks to styling insta-worthy pieces that can guarantee to be a hit on your social media accounts. Other than nailing a great pose with ideal natural lighting, I like to let my statement pieces shine but ensuring that other elements are toned-down. Fashion Magazine asked their style panel to style a pair heels from Ecco’s new fall collection – which is bringing a new era of high heels that look as good as they feel and here is what I said.
Photography : 2Boo Studio
Jacket: Marc Jacobs, Dress: Diane Von Frustenberg, Mary- Janes: C/O Ecco, Glasses: Xavier Garcia from The Eyeglass Factory, Watch: C/O Daniel Wellington
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Last week, Fashion Magazine asked their style panel about how they pack for a summer vacation. Next week Trevor and I are heading to New York on a city adventure, filled with humid and hot days. So here is what I said that I needed to have with me. Please let us know in the comments your favourite places in New York.
I also am wearing my newest addition to my growing eyewear collection from the new Retro Flux line by Derek Cardigan for Clearly.ca. And I’m absolutely obsessed with not only the amazing colour and the cat-eye shape, but the metal finish on them is just so stunning. The line comes in 4 beautiful colours, but I knew I needed a pair of frames that would contrast my hair, and the Kelly Green are perfection.
Dress: Marimekko for Target, Mules: Zara, Glasses: c/o Derek Cardigan for Clearly.ca
Photo: 2Boo Studio
Tis the season, and I guess, the age, where every weekend, there are weddings and/or babies to celebrate. It’s a great and exciting time for my family and friends, and you have to love all the time you get to spend dressing up and eating cupcakes and champagne.
I find it important to stock up on easy and effortless dresses that allow you to move and can stand the summer temperatures. Basically, if you can keep them somewhat trend-neutral and classic you’ll be able to style them differently for many future occasions, as spring now truly means Shower Season.
Some other perfect daytime party outfits are:
Dress: Nicole Miller Artelier, Shoes: Dune London (on sale rn!), Frames: Clearly.ca, earrings: Hortense Jewellery
Photography by 2Boo Studio