One of the unexpected fashion struggles I’ve recently been faced with, while growing this little nugget in my stomach, was planning for a formal event. Typically I shop early and plan ahead when attending a wedding, gala or something that requires a new gown. But when you are unsure of how big you’ll be at the time of the event, it creates an extra level of difficulty and stress.

For my cousin’s wedding a few weeks back, I began my search online, looking for local stores that would carry something formal and fun and that would fit a me at 25 weeks. I kept finding myself on ASOS browsing their huge selection of dresses. Having only shopped on their site once before, and not too pleased with the sizes (or duties) of the items I had purchased,  I found myself hesitant to order, but I finally came around a few days later when I felt that there weren’t other affordable options that would really work. I picked out a handful of dresses with two in mind for this event. Two would provide me choice, given the inability to try it on, or knowledge of how big my bump would be at the time of the event. When the order arrived, this off-the-shoulder blue dress was the clear winner, as the other option could fit a bump double the size and a bust half the size.

I do love this dress and it had caught my eye on their site super early during my pregnancy, when I was researching flattering silhouettes. The body-con shape leaves nothing to the imagination and shows the world your beautiful growing bump.

The struggle is definitely real shopping online, especially on sites that you don’t often shop on. But the task is even harder when your body is going through daily changes. I still hope I can find an occasion to wear the other dress as it’s stunning, or at least fit into it to properly to share with you on the blog.

Dress: ASOS Maternity, Shoes: 424 Fifth, Bracelet: Swarovski, Necklace & Earrings: Vintage

It’s getting to be that confusing transitional time of the year, when not only am I dying to wear my new (and old) fall pieces, but also am exhausted by the summer options. The days are still so hot, and it’s impossible to be layering knits and textures yet. So, I’m left with getting creative, and finding new ways to wear my fall favourites, early.

I’ve folded down a vintage dress shirt, that is a little big on me, and tucked in the collar. Then I tied the hanging sleeve with the bottom of the shirt, giving it that belted look, creating a very on-trend and updated asymmetrical top. Paired with simple culottes and my trusty mules, I’ve styled a classic look with an updated twist.

Shirt: vintage, Culottes: WhoWhatWear x Target, Mules: Design Lab from Hudson’s Bay, Earrings: Erickson Beamon from The Room, Glasses: Kam Dhillion from Clearly.ca
Photography: 2Boo Studio

Once again, the dress-silhouette of the season, is the slip dress and with this spring’s weather being more humid than usual, it’s absolutely perfect. To update the trending dress for 2016, I’ve paired it with simple mules and a dainty choker, that I removed for some pictures as it was getting caught in my hair (that I’m beyond obsessed with btw).

Slip dresses are so easy to wear, and because they are so on trend, you can find them in literally every length and fabric. Some of my favourite slips that I’ve styled are; this simple denim maxi dress, this sexy slip for an evening out, and the one I wear the most, the classic striped one.

What are your favourite ways to style the slip dress?
Dress: Finder’s Keeper’s, mules: Zara, frames: Derek Cardigan
Photography by 2Boo Studio

I’ve been wearing glasses since I was a kid, never really appreciating how beautiful they can be and interest they can bring to your outfit, and as you’ve probably noticed, I’ve been full-on 4-eyes for the last few months.

My only issue with my glasses was driving in the sun I found myself often blinded during the afternoon commute by that beautiful setting sun. Enter Holly Eyewear, an eyewear boutique in Yorkville, that I had first found on Instagram. Holly, the shop owner, explained to me the importance of quality eye care and how a pair of prescription sunglasses would protect my eyes from the damages of the sun. Finding the perfect glasses was simple, as she carries such a stunning curated selection of designer and unique brands, and I immediately fell for these rose gold cat eye frames from Sunday Somewhere.

Thank you so much Holly for all the help and this amazing pair of prescription sunglasses, as promised my life is changed!

Trench: Zara, tank top: Helmut Lang, jeans: Joe Fresh, watch: Skagen Denmark, mules: Design Lab by Lord and Taylor, bracelet: Wear Your Label

Photography by 2 BOO STUDIO

Fashion Magazine asked their style panel what our plans were, and of course what we were wearing, for ringing in the New Year. Here is what I said.

Photography by Trevor Negin
Sweater: Free People, Dress: Club Monaco, Mules: Design Lab for Lord and Taylor, Jewelry: Vintage, Glasses: Ray Ban

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

When heading back into a work week, I like to prep my outfits to ensure that they are clean, steamed and prepared for the possibility of a sleep-in, especially when a long weekend had just passed. I’m very selective when choosing appropriate outfits for work, as I want to ensure I have decent coverage of any bra straps and undergarments. I find that as my fashion taste has evolved, my style has become a bit more modest in terms of length, favouring midi to maxi rather than shorter hemlines for an office environment. I love the ladylike silhouette that this hemline provides, and it is flattering on basically everyone.

Dress: Lumière, Mules: 424Fifth by Lord & Taylor at Hudson’s Bay
Photography by Trevor Negin

So… it got hot quickly, here in Toronto, and I definitely felt a bit unprepared (but yet beyond excited) for the temperature change. Summers in an office environment are often difficult, and with all this talk about dress code, it’s important to understand how to dress appropriately for your office. Every environment is very different, even within the same field, so ask the questions if you are unsure and I’m always prepared with a sweater incase the air-conditioning is blasting too much.

Dress: Motel Rocks (picked up at @samplesaleguys most recent sale in Markham), Mules: Zara, Sunglasses: Miu Miu from Saks Fifth Avenue, watch: Movado from Hudson’s Bay, necklace: H&M

If bright colours aren’t your thing (they clearly are mine), but you still want to dress more in tune with the season, I recommend some florals in muted tones. Keeping the colours understated, will allow you to be on trend, and still be true to yourself.

Dress: H&M (old but these are cute: long sleeve or tank), Jacket: Helmut Lang, Mules: Design Lab
Photography by Trevor Negin

The 1970s are full force this season, and I’m loving the classic and cool styles coming back into the scene. I found this amazing linen suit while shopping at Topshop and knew I had to have it. I’ve been on the search for a wide-leg striped pant for a while now, and when this one came with a contrasting matching shirt. I had no words.

Linen, during the summer is so unbelievably lovely to wear, as it’s light and allows for your skin to breathe in the heat. It does wrinkle easily (like, if you look at it wrong) but this seems to be more excusable in the heat.

Photography by Trevor Negin
Suit: Topshop Canada, Mules: Design Lab exclusively available at Hudson’s Bay & Lord and Taylor