One of the most popular blog postings I’ve made was talking about primary colours, and how playing around with them can add huge effect to an outfit. I clearly feel the same, and can fill you in on a colour trend – Green is hot now and will continue to be hot far into summer 2013! Different shades and strong hues; mints, jade, and forest.

My lovely Necklaces/Scarves are handmade by my dear friend Melissa Ann who works with me at The Bay head office. She is the founder and creative director of  Cara Mia! She has given me 4 necklace/scarves that are perfect for fall to give away to one lucky fan! All you have to do to enter is like Cara Mia By Melissa Ann on Facebook and Barbara Ann’s Style Blog, if you haven’t already and  leave a message on the bottom of this post! Contest closes November 15th! Winner will be announced and contacted soon after that.

Jacket: Old Navy Sweater: Signature Collection from The Bay Pants: Joe Fresh  Necklace/Scarves: Cara Mia  Purse: Winners  Heels: TOPSHOP

Photography by Trevor Negin

Sweater: Zara  Skirt: Joe Fresh  Shoes: Jeffery Campbell  Necklace: Vintage  Watch: Michael Kors

Fall is here. *fashionistas everywhere cheer*

 I feel confused when looking at the weather and getting dressed lately, it’s super cold in the a.m. and warms up, to be beautiful for the afternoon. This is our time to layer up with great knits, while still showing some skin. Keep the tights close by, but when you can I’d leave them at home, and rock a few last looks with bare legs, and even peep toes.
An easy way to ensure a powerful look this fall, is by going tone-on-tone. If one solid colour is too much, work in tones that work well together, like a forest green with a brighter one, or a pastel with more of a neutral shade, like army green and mint.

Shirt: Zara   Pants: Joe Fresh Fall 12   Belt: Banana Republic   Shoes: Michael Kors  Necklace: Family Vacation

I’ve recently started working for The Hudson’s Bay Company as a graphic designer and it’s pretty unreal, to be honest! The Bay is such a great brand and I so excited to design for this Canadian Icon. That being said, I went from a casual dress work environment to a very corporate, and I must say I’m excited to rework my closet to create a more polished look.

Fall is one of my favourite seasons, and as the new lineup hits the stores, my heart and wallet skip a beat (thank g.d for the new job!). I’ve been decorating in Kelly Green for a bit now around my apartment, and when I saw these pants at Joe Fresh, there were really no questions. (Similar pants are available at The Gap, I was hours away from buying those to be honest.) Kelly Green works so well in my very collective style home and closet, matching almost any print, pattern and colour I throw at them.

And Plaid Magazine where I also work as an art director is now 1 of the 25 Magazines You Should Know in Toronto!
check it out Fall Winter 2012 is available soon

Dress: ooyo   Shirt: H&M   Wedges: Kimchi Blue

So we all always can’t be shopping. So an awesome tip to buying classic pieces that will work season after season is colour. It’s super easy to find what you like and what looks good on you, human nature says we will surround ourselves with colours and patterns that compliments our personalities and appearance.  I know I love red, but I look around my house and closet I see my favourite accent pieces in red, but also I have many strong shades of blue and numerous hues of browns and taupes. Like decorating (because style is style regardless of where it is) it’s best to work in colours of three, I like two brights and one neutral.  When shopping and having the options of colour, pick the one that fits you and your closet most rather than trending one (ex: neon).

So when it comes to shopping and keeping the bills at a minimum, purchase classic colours you can wear year after year, your wallet and financial planners will thank you.