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

As a designer and fashion lover, I’ve always had a thing for the Finnish design brand Marimekko. Known for their bright prints and bold patterns I was drawn to the natural playful and simple designs.
When Target launched a design collab with the brand last month (during the same weekend my parents were visiting NYC) I knew I was going to try to score some of the brands most famous prints made into new pieces. My parents killed it. This monochromatic outfit is one of my favourite looks.
Oh and I love the the tags, they tell you the history of the print you are wearing. My pants are Okariino meaning “ocarina” in Finnish and was designed in 1973. My shirt, which is actually terry cloth, was designed in 1986 and is named Ministeri, Finnish for “minister”.

Dress & Pants: Marimekko for Target, Shoes: Zara, Frames: Clearly, Coat: Banana Republic

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

We are taught at a young age, that when dressing ourselves there are certain colours that go nicely together, and other that should NEVER be paired for an outfit. Today I’m breaking those silly rules, as I’m wearing the perfect cropped black tank and an amazing pair of navy linen pants. This bruise inspired colour-way, is the number one combination I’ve been told to stay away from with the rhyme, “black and blue should never been seen, unless they’re in the washing machine” always playing in my head. Ensuring that the black is a rich dark black and that the navy has blue and purple qualities will help make sure this tricky coupling will work.

This is a very old way of looking at colour and fashion. I dare you to break some rules, if not daily at least on the weekend, when your fashion choices can be a bit more liberal.

Tank: Zara, Pants: Topshop Canada, Mules: Design Lab by Lord and Taylor, Name Necklace: Jewlr, Glasses: Derek Cardigan by Clearly.ca, Earrings: Hortense
Photography by Trevor Negin

This summer season is truly about colour, as the gardens are in full bloom and the days seem to last forever. This season’s bright colours influenced the newest collection of Derek Cardigan frames available at Clearly Contacts. Available in the classic 7003 frame in fluoro fuchsia, blue, purple, and an amazing neon green that will turn heads!  So far I’ve loved every look I’ve styled these frames with, and they are quickly becoming my favourite accessory of the season.

Photography by Trevor Negin
Frames: Derek Cardigan thanks to Clearlycontacts.ca, Shirt and pants: Zara, earrings: Hortense, shoes: Aldo
Trevor’s frames: Derek Cardigan from Clearlycontacts.ca

When Fashion Magazine asked me to style this season’s super hot trend of metallics, I was somewhat lost at first. I looked back to some of my favourite times I’ve worked with this trend before like last December when I wore my boldest metallic look which was a great mini dress from the Isabel Marant pour H&M collection.

I find that this trend, is much easier to introduce into your wardrobe as flavour, rather than being the featured item. Like when Topshop Canada brought out the bling with this chain collar around the holidays last year, or this insane cuff from ASOS. Metallic shoes have always been a big thing (booties) (heels), and this summer there are so many choices available, and luckily now likely on sale!

Here is what I said to the style panel.

Photography by Trevor Negin
Dress: Topshop Canada, heels: Zara, clutch: Roots, Glasses: Derek Cardigan from clearlycontacts.ca,