Holiday Sparkle

Posted on by barbara solomon

ripe-maternity

main-and-central-frames

the-holiday-bump

It’s hard to believe that the holidays are right around the corner, which also means we are in the final countdown for Baby Negin. Being in the third trimester, with this giant bump, I’m limiting how many holiday events I actually plan to attend. But it will be nice to celebrate and go out, a few more times before #theNegins go from two to three and I spend my days and nights breastfeeding and changing dirty diapers. 
 
While picking my holiday style this year I focused on dressing up while showing off these growing curves but also ensuring that I can remain comfortable at all times. When I found this bright and bold blue dress by Ripe Maternity, I knew it would be the perfect dress for the season and take me from an office holiday party to an evening gathering filled with friends, while being one of the most comfortable items I could possible wear thanks to the knit’s stretch.
 

Headshot_clearly-campaign

Clearly_Daniel-Wellington

Clearly_Holiday-Campaign

Strong and bold accessories will help glam up this look and add seasonally appropriate sparkle. These pink cat-eye Friday frames from the new Main + Central Tortoiseshell collection paired with beautiful earrings compliment the outfit perfectly. When choosing frames from my collection to wear, I always look for a shape and colour that add interest to an outfit.

Shopping for glasses online, you may find it hard to choose which shape works best for your face, but Clearly has an amazing part of their site which helps you pick the best frame for your shape. I’ve always been drawn to the cat-eye shape and haven’t taken this pair off since I got them, as I love feminine shape and perfect colour.

eyewear-style

holiday-style

Don’t forget to shop at Clearly using the promo code BARBARAANN20 for 20% off frames and lenses (some exclusions apply).

Dress: C/O Ripe Maternity from Carry Maternity, Frames: C/O Friday Frames by Main & Central from Clearly, Earrings: Michelle Ross,  Watch: C/O Daniel Wellington, Shoes: Zara (old)

Overall Obsession

Posted on by barbara solomon

little-taco-face

matte-yellow-frames

clearly-frames

clearlyca-glasses

When I began my hunt for maternity clothing I became obsessed with finding a pair of overalls. Something easy and comfortable that I can add layers to keep warm as the temperatures continue to drop.  It felt like everywhere I shopped, I could find denim overalls, but as soon as I searched for the pregnancy equivalent, there were none.

That was until, I finally hit up one of the few H&M stores that carried their adorable Mama lines (Eaton Centre, Hillcrest and Vaughan Mills) and there they were. My dream pregnancy pant. Skinny through leg but with enough room for my (giant) bump and easily styled with sneakers or heels.

hm_mama

taco-and-overalls

Overalls: H&M, Turtle neck: Uniqlo, Coat: Zara, Frames: C/O Clearly.ca, Heels: Christopher Kane, Leash: HBC Collection, Taco’s Jacket: Home Sense

Baby Blue

Posted on by barbara solomon

asos-maternity-

headshot

blue-formal-dress

asos-baby-blue

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.

blue-baby

vintage-jewels

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