Sweater Season

As soon as the temperatures begins to dip in mid-September, I get excited to pull out my sweaters and begin layering them to stay cozy on those cool early fall nights. As we are now in mid-December, most days I’m rotating between chunky knits, oversized cardigans and soft turtle necks.

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.

SweaterTurtle neck and dressUNIQLO Canada, Glasses: Clearly.ca
Jacket & Pants: Banana Republic, Boots: Zara, Jeans: Target, Shawl (actually a blanket): Vintage, Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood for Erdem

What’s your super power?

I make milk. What’s your super power?

Dress: Ingrid & Isabel Double Layer Midi Dress + Nursing in True Navy

Being a style blogger for the past 6 years, I didn’t realize how much of my closet would change when becoming a mother. There were the obvious changes, like size, and for me it’s been harder than expected to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight as I’ve been suffering from patellar tendonitis on my left knee and for the last 10 weeks a broken right foot, but I’m not putting too much pressure on myself. Though, I think the biggest change was that I’ve needed my clothing to do more.

Shirt: Ingrid & Isabel Double Layer Woven Top + Nursing in Bright White

As a mom, who has exclusively nursed her son for the past 8 months, finding clothing that is nursing-friendly has been a struggle, especially being well-endowed. Many new moms can still adorn their button-up blouses, or many of their pre-baby clothing that allows for easy nursing while on-the-go, but for me this has been impossible.

 

Shirt: Ingrid & Isabel Off The Shoulder Maxi Dress in Blush

Luckily, I’ve partnered with the amazing maternity brand Ingrid & Isabel, and have a few key items that have been on serious rotation over the last few months that have allowed for me to discreetly feed my son. Specializing in trendy clothing to take you from your first trimester into your fourth (after baby is born), I became obsessed with their line of dresses and tops and this amazing jumpsuit that make nursing a breeze.

I must be honest, breastfeeding has been one of my favourite and least favourite parts of the last 8 months. I can feel the special time coming to an end as Sterling becomes more dependent on food and he approaches his first birthday. Which makes me feel excited to take back ownership of my body, but also saddens me as I’ll miss the cuddles and closeness that breastfeeding provides.

Sterling is wearing: Romper: Smash & Tess, Outfit: Target Cloud Island (pants, shirt), Hat: Hillcrest Mall 
I’m wearing: Visor: Kate Spade New York (old), Hat & shorts: Target (old), Frames: c/o Clearly (black) (pink)
Personalized backpack & duffle: c/o Ketzel Baby

Maternity Shoot

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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.

that-bump

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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.

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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.

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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