Year in Review: 2017

2017 was a year that had its ups and downs, but overall I’m happy with the outcome. They say that everything happens for a reason and over the year I feel like I’ve learned so much about myself, my family, health and wellness and am excited for the adventures that 2018 will bring with #babyNegin joining us.

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.

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T-Rex Love

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Winter Walks

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New Year, New Glasses

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Time For Change

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Life Happens

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.

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Our Kitchen Reveal

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Living The Dream

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.

GANNI

Summer Vibes, At Last

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Wedding, Set, Go

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Holding On

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Maxi Momma

ASOS blue-baby-1

Baby Blue

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Little Black Maternity Dress

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Floral Wrap

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Overall Obsession

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Holiday Sparkle

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Leopard and Layers

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).

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Can’t wait to meet you in 2018.

OOAK Spring 2017 Picks

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Ever since I was a teenager, each spring I attended The One of a Kind Show. Growing up with parents and grandparents who appreciated and took part in the arts, I always felt very connected to artisans and respecting their crafts. I believe in the understanding that something is more valuable and means more because of the story behind it, because of this, now as an adult, I try to continue to shop local and support artists.

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This year was a truly special show for me, as I was asked to contribute and style a mannequin in the Fashion District. I was beyond honoured to be considered as an influencer among this group of insanely talented artist, and immediately felt overwhelmed picking pieces from their beautiful collections. I ended up falling in love with a very “Barbara” outfit, filled with beautiful colours and bold shapes. I chose cropped pants by Melow Par Melissa Bolduc, a printed shirt by Melissa Nepton and a beautiful shirt/dress by Lennard Taylor as a duster jacket.

After setting up the show, I returned on the weekend with my family to do some shopping! Here is what we purchased:

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Trevor and I just celebrated 10 years of being together, and he decided to spoil me with these beautiful earrings by Michelle Ross, a Toronto jewellery designer that specializes in semi-precious stones and metals juxtaposed with glass, ceramics and vintage findings.

little-shop-of-lobster

My favourite indulgence would have to be the Lobster Mousse, which was sadly emptied by the time I wrote this post. Trevor and I are obsessed with The Little Shop of Lobsters and I swear next time I’m picking up the jumbo jar!

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Those who know me, know I can’t handle the heat – so these are all for Trevor, who couldn’t pick from all the spicy options that Peppermaster Original All Purpose Hot Sauces had.

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We both fell hard for the stunning designs and flavours from Mellifera Bees, who produces hand-crafted honey infusions of that are amazing. We picked up the Vanilla honey and 2 jars of the Thai Chili infused honey that will pair well with chicken wings or on top of salads.

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I also had to pick up one of the one-of-a-kind, hand painted dresses from, my new friend Lennard Taylor. He was painting his pieces live at the show, and I couldn’t believe how talented he is.

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Shirt and Harness: Lennard Taylor, Shoes: Zara, Eyewear: Clearly.ca
Photography by 2Boo Studio