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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Planning a New Year’s Eve outfit is usually a daunting task, having to take into account how you will be celebrating, what the weather will be like, and ensuring you’d be comfortable for what is typically a long night. I remember in my 20s, spending hours freezing while waiting for cabs to pick up my girlfriends and I, while wearing somewhat inappropriate outfits for winter in Canada. Times have most definitely changed.
This year, at 37 weeks pregnant, my night will be a bit different than years previous. Trevor and I will be keeping the evening plans simple and quiet, while visiting with some friends at their house. Now that we are in a new stage, with #babyNegin on-the-way, ensuring comfort will be the single most important thing for me when getting dressed for the evening out.
Like, I’ve said throughout my pregnancy, knits have been my go-to choice of fabric, (examples: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) as they are so easy and stretch well allowing for my bump to stay cozy. I quickly fell in love with this simple black midi dress from Tobi (which is on sale now), and it will likely be my NYE outfit paired with sparkly necklace or statement earrings. I am also obsessed with the fact that these stretchy knits will fit well postpartum, as I work to get my pre-baby body back.
Dress: C/O Tobi, Hat: Helene Berman (old), Frames: RayBan C/O Clearly, Boots: Dr. Martens, Tights: H&M Mama
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As #babyNegin continues to grow (I was 31 weeks when these photos were taken), I’m finding myself gravitating back to dresses, for ease and comfort. Pre-pregnancy, I’ve always been more drawn to wearing dresses and lately it’s been the same decision.
Dresses paired with tights, when needed, allow me to stay comfortable without feeling like I’m stuffed into a pair of pants, and at times during this pregnancy it seems like the most logical thing for me. When I found this mock neck swing dress (now on sale!) from Pink Blush and I fell in love with how soft and effortless it was to wear. The cut makes it easy to dress up or down with a simple switch of the shoes and accessories.
Dress: C/O Pink Blush, Moto jacket: Danier, Frames: C/O Clearly.ca, Heels: Opening Ceremony
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Growing up, my family had our seasonal traditions. In the fall I looked forward to a fun filled day at Chudleigh’s Apple Farm, where we would fill bags with freshly picked apples to bake into pies and make into apple sauce. My memories of this magical farm were vivid, rows and rows of trees, adorable animals, tractor rides and the feeling of family and tradition.
It had been years since I had gone, when last year, Trevor and I decided to venture out to Milton, Ontario and pick some apples. I shared the wonderful experience of the late fall day on my Instagram here, here and here. We picked 2 bags of apples, and purchased some of the delectable pre-made pies, which inspired us to make our own, which we did a few days later.
I’ve since been looking forward to my return this year, not only for the beautiful scenery for some blog photos, but also to indulge in more of their delicious apples (and pies – I love pie). Last month, I got invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of my favourite farm, and I don’t think I’ve ever RSVPed quicker to an event. I couldn’t wait to visit and celebrate one of my favourite spots, and bring Taco along for the adventures.
The weather was perfect for a late summer weekend, and we spent the day frolicking around Chuleigh’s and enjoying Sunrise apples right off the tree. Taco loved his first bites of apple and was in heaven once we got to the fields. We also enjoyed their savoury blossoms, new to their store this fall, with options like pizza, pulled pork, tuna melts and mac & cheese, I indulged in almost every flavour.
It’s easy to say that I cannot wait to go back again this season, picking up few more bags of apples and letting Taco enjoy the beautiful farm.
Dress: Isabel Maternity from Target, Sunglasses: C/O Main & Central by Clearly.ca, Sneakers: Superga, Earrings: Emily Valentine
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Now that we are in mid-June I can finally feel those summer vibes that I’ve been craving all year. There is something to be said about what changes when the city heats up, from the sudden urge for gelato to the increased traffic basically going anywhere, Toronto becomes alive in the summertime. I personally, can’t help but feel the heat and want to get out and explore our beautiful city, from Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market to exploring what’s changed on Queen Street. Summer in the city is without question my favourite.
My go-to look for exploring in the city are flowy dresses that can take me from day tonight – because you never know where you’ll end up. When I found this stunning dress (now on sale) I knew it would be the ideal item to that I could hit Sugar Beach in, walk to some shopping, then out for dinner. As soon as I put it on (back in early spring when it was still snowing) I got all the summer vibes and it was true love.
Dress: Ganni, Frames: Michelle Lane, Earrings: by the fab Emily Valentine, Sandals: Dune London (old)
Photography by 2Boo Studio
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.
Barbara is wearing: Top and skirt: Who What Wear Collection, Glasses: Clearly.ca
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
I’m a T-Rex. At least that’s what I tell myself everyday. Allow me to explain.
A few years ago, when I was suffering from my first round of anxiety in my adulthood, my loving husband (boyfriend at the time) went out and purchased me a dragon (they didn’t carry dinos at the time) Kigurumi suit from Japan. His theory for the animal he chose for me was that, “no matter how bad my day was or how I felt, I could come home and be strong and brave like a Tyrannosaurus”. And it worked, to this day I still come home, after bad days, and he’ll find me curled up in my suit.
So when Coach launched their Rexy collection in 2015 (as a bag charm), I was OBSESSED. It was on my wish list from the second I saw it on the runway. For F/W 2016, Rexy starred in her own capsule collection and appeared with her wild beast friends on bags, charms and some insanely amazing clothes (this jacket), and it was my chance to snag a piece. I must say it was love at first sight.
Coat: Banana Republic, Sweater: Alice and Olivia, Skirt: Tanya Taylor, Boots: Topshop Canada, Glasses: Kam Dhillon from Clearly.ca, Bag: C/O Coach
Photography by 2Boo Studio
Coat Confessions: Part 3 Winter Formal Edition
Coat Confessions: Part 4 – The Denim Details
I’ve never been so happy to see the end of a year come. 2016 was rough, emotionally for me, and the last few weeks I’ve spent focused on my health and wellness, which will continue through into 2017 and hopefully make it my most successful year. Thank you for all of the love and support this past year!
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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