As we end the month of May, temperatures are feeling like July, and I’m loving it. From the sunshine in the morning, to the warm breeze during my evening walks, these last few days have been beautiful.
A very common question I get asked each spring is about shorts and how to make them work for different settings. I most often wear my shorts, when I’m by the pool or camping up north, like I styled last summer. But today I wanted to show you how to style shorts for more fashionable affairs and settings (parties, drinks, shopping) by wearing a light weight cropped sweater, and contrasting printed shorts. I added chunky suede mules, that I’m completely obsessed with, so be prepared to see plenty of them this summer.
Sweater: A.L.C, Shorts: J.Crew, Mules: Zara, Broach &Collar: vintage, Frames: Clearly.ca
Photography: 2Boo Studio
Two years ago, I was the girl capturing the world behind the lens, but since starting Barbara Ann Style Blog, I’ve learned a few tricks to nailing a good shot. Fashion Magazine asked their style panel, how we do it? Here is what I shared about being in front of the camera. The secret I didn’t share, was my super talented secret weapon, Trevor Negin. I’m lucky enough to have fallen in love and married the Toronto-based photographer last year.
Photography by Trevor Negin
Shirt, Joe Fresh. Shorts, J.Crew. Earring, Vintage. Shoes, Gianvito Rossi for Altuzarra. Watch, Movado.
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It must be the weather, the reason that I’ve been in a daze for the last week or so. Toronto hasn’t felt this nice in so long, and everyone should be taking advantage of the Vitamin D. Dressing for early summer involves planning for the potential of extreme heat, with breezes and the potential dropping of temperature come sundown. I tend to gravitate towards breathable fabrics like silk, that are ideal for absorbing any sweat during the day while being light weight and easy to be worn layered under a sweater for the evening.
Photography by Trevor Negin
tank: Joe Fresh, shorts: J. Crew, sneakers: Jack Purcell for Converse (similar), watch, Movado, bracelet: Nektar De Stagni, earrings: Hortense
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Since joining ClearlyContacts.ca as one of their style ambassadors earlier this year, I’ve completely fallen in love with wearing my frames. These amazing Ray-Bans have become my newest staple, and are helping to define my spring style. Glasses can add so much instant glam to every outfit and this spring I look forward to sharing with you how glasses can enhance your style. Can we talk about Cat Eyes #monkeythekitty <3
ClearlyContacts is having a facebook style contest and I need your help! Please head over to there page and vote for this look! Here is there link: http://on.fb.me/1inAcVH ! Thanks so much loves! Good luck on your week ahead!
Photography by Trevor Negin
Coat: Sandro, Shirt and shorts: J.Crew, Heels: Zara, Necklace: Fenton Fallon, Earcuff: Urban Outfitters, Glasses: Ray-Bans from Clearlycontacts.ca
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Polo: Roots Shorts: Pins and Needles Socks: Happy Feet
After spending the past 5 years dating a wonderful man who has an amazing South African family, I’ve kinda fallen in love with this exotic country. I could spend hours listening to my boyfriend’s parents recall stories from their youth about growing up in Johannesburg and Zimbabwe. So I decided to root for both Canada and South Africa (since I already had the gear for both teams) during this Olympic season. Oh and South Africa’s flag is unreal with the colour blocking and with so many colours!
I truly found inspiration by South African sprint runner Oscar Pistorius also known as “the fastest man on no legs”. Pistorius, who has a double amputation, runs with the aid of Cheetah Flex-Foot carbon fibre transtibial artificial limbs by Össur and is the world record holder for class T44 in the 100, 200 and 400 metres events. He competes in T44 (single below knee amputees) events though he is actually classified in T43 (double below knee amputee). On 4 August 2012 he became the first double leg amputee ever to participate in the Olympic Games when he entered the men’s 400 metres race, and although he was eliminated in the semi-finals as a part fo the silver medal winning relay team he became the first amputee to win an able-bodied world track medal.
Congrats to all the Olympians and to London for hosting such an amazing game!
I was lucky enough to celebrate Canada hosting the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver!
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Top: COPE Shorts: Levis Shoes: Jeffery Campbell Belt: H&M Necklace Vintage Bracelets: Orange and Gold-Banana Republic Orange and Turquoise-Forever 21
It’s summer, and as much as I love neutrals it’s time to grab some attention in attention grabbing colours. Looking into the fall colour stories I see a ton of rich dark hues, combined with strong and powerful brights. So invest in these bright pieces now that they are on sale, just be prepared to tone them down for fall. I found this backless shirt and thought how easy it is to wear now, and throw to a cardigan over it in the fall, for a brighter take on stripes.
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Silk Tank: Zara Skirt: Single Shoes: Franco Sarto Watch: Michael Kors
It’s insanely hot out – probably the hottest summer since my summers as a camp counsellor in Malibu California. Its bittersweet that my cut off shorts and DIY crafted tie dye tank tops are no longer the uniforms for my summer. Rather it’s really about silky shirts, A-line skirts, and great wedges.
Tips for the office: bra straps are not really okay, so if your outfit doesn’t allow you to wear an appropiate bra, you may want to rethink your outfit. Shorts are great, but always think about length. Women know when their skirts or dress are too short, but often feel they can pull off shorter shorts in the office. I would rather opt out of shorts for the office and stick with a skirt to be safe. Its easier to dress down a dress skirt then dress up (and stay in the work appropriate zone) a pair of shorts. Maxi dresses and skirts are a great options for a summer office wardrobe, but make sure they aren’t too long so you’re tripping all over it.
Top: Vintage Shorts: Levis Shoes: Browns Purse: Roots
Stating that it’s hot out, would be an understatement. I chose a mall for a shopping adventure rather than the streets of Toronto (a mistake every time) just to stay out of the unbearable heat. My tips for staying cool during these summer days are: we know that layers are usually your friend, on days when less is more pick one great piece, in a natural fiber preferably (linens, silks, and cottons will keep your skin breathing). A summer dress in a light colour is basically perfect. Beauty Tips: waterproof makeup is your friend, a little bit of sun goes a long way for clearing your skin of any imperfections, and SPF! SPF! SPF! SPF! We aren’t even aware of the damage the sun will have on our skin as its effects get stronger!
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Shorts: Pins and Needles Glasses: Versace Belt: Michael Kors Shoes: Michael Kors Shirt: Joe Fresh Tote: Roots
SS2012 to do list is really explore the city.
6 hours of walking later:
Yonge Street: Eglinton – Bloor
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