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

I may be more like the men in my life than I ever expected. My mother’s father (my Zadie) grew up in the Canadian coat industry, designing the house label for Eaton’s, once Canada’s largest retailer. This ad, below, features my grandfather, Bernat Goldberger with two models (and a cute pup) showcasing two of the the season’s most beautiful coats.

Now to move onto my father, who has one of the largest wardrobes I’ve ever seen, and I’ve stolen a few of his coats to feature on the blog. Like his amazing coat straight out of the 1970s ft here in Refresh Time back in 2013 or here in 2014 wearing his Roots Canada 2002 Olympic Team Canada Hockey Award Jacket, Something To Be Proud Of.

Today I’m wearing new cocoon coat, which are oversized in nature, but this one is just dreamy with the large zippers and lapels. A beauty that you know that I’ve been living in, if you follow me on instagram (@barbaraannstyleblog). My collection of coats is getting excessive, so I’ve decided to give them a review and find the ones I love. Follow along with these Coat Confessions and we’ll stay warm this winter together!

Photography by Trevor Negin
Coat: Banana Republic (on sale), Sweater dress: Joe Fresh, Socks: Hayley Elsaesser, Shoes: Opening Ceremony from The Room at Hudson’s Bay, Glasses: Derek Cardigan at Clearly.ca, Watch: Skagen Denmark

Oh and HAPPY NEW YEAR! Can’t wait to share this year’s adventures with you!!

<3

b + t

In celebration of the historic US Supreme Court decision Clearly.ca created the limited edition #LoveisLove rainbow sunglasses, with 100% of all proceeds donated to It Gets Better, whose mission is to let the LGBT youth facing harassment know that it gets better. The It Gets Better Project has become a worldwide movement, inspiring more than 50,000 user-created videos viewed more than 50 million times. For more information, visit their site.

Sunglasses: Clearly.ca, Earrings: Erickson Beamon from The Room, Tank: H&M (old)
Photography by Trevor Negin

When shopping on sale, I like to remember to keep to the basics. There is no reason to fall head-first into a trend–because it’s on sale–as it may be on its way out. If you are unsure if something may be seasonal, opt for the item in a neutral colourway, allowing it to be more seasonless. Collecting great neutral pieces will allow you to play with a contrast in a different way each season.

Photography by Trevor Negin
Tank: Zara (similar), Pants: Cut25, Earrings: Baublebar, Purse: Vintage, Shoes: Pierre Hardy from The Room (similar and unreal)

Fashion Magazine asked what their style panel wears during road trips and since Canada Day, I’ve been living in my Canada gear. Here is my post on FashionMagazine.com.

oh and excuse the cat hair, Monkey was all over me moments before leaving the house.

T-shirt: Canadian Pan Am Team Collection, Jeans: American Eagle, Flats: Charlotte Olympia from The Room at Hudson’s Bay

Welcome back from the holidays! Sorry that I’ve been away from the blogging action, but I was celebrating a bit too much with family and friends, sipping and snacking the holidays season away. We will soon be back into the normal swing of things, I have put myself on heavy restriction, to purchase nothing new, (unless it’s a steal) and to save for my upcoming winter get-away. We are exactly 1 month away until we hit the beach, and the goal will be to spend less time in the mall, and more time at the gym, working off that last bottle of red, enjoyed with friends.

A yearly, New Year’s Resolution for me, is to live a healthier life, and 2014, I took up the lifestyle of juicing which has introduced so many more fruits and vegetables into my life. I also created the hashtag #onawalkwiththenegins, which allowed for my Instagram followers to join my husband and I (with friends) on our walks around the city with the goal to help you get outside.

In 2015, I hope to add some more physical activities to help with having better overall balance, and learn to cook meals, which will allow for us to save money and take control of what we are putting in our bodies. I hope the last bit of 2014 is magical and that all of your dreams come true in 2015! Thanks for spending so much time with me this year!

xx.
B

Dress: Zara (on sale and amazing),  Boots: Christopher Kane from The Room at Hudson’s Bay, Earrings: BaubleBar.com, Mitts: Hudson’s Bay
Photography by my love and supportive husband Trevor Negin

I think I had to finally admit that the warm fall days are now going to be a thing of the past, and it’s time to start thinking about typical fall things like boots.

I was lucky enough to score these sweet Christopher Kane boots from The Room and have been obsessed with them ever since. First reason why is the colour. I love navy, and I think it works here as a different take on a neutral. I also love the camo calf-hair sections mixed with the patent leather. I think this mix of textures is so luxe and unique. I am completely in love with them. <3

Photography by Trevor Negin
Sweater and skirt: Topshop Canada, Tanktop: H&M, Boots: Christopher Kane from The Room at Hudson’s Bay, Clutch: Moda:Ko

Maybe I planned my shopping list for fall better this year, or maybe, I just got lucky, but this season I’ve already fallen in love with my newest treasures from my fall haul. I searched for an easy-to-wear, oversized sweater and came up with a steal with this great knit from Joe Fresh. I’ve learned to achieve ultimate comfort, to go up a size. I was looking for unique, yet interesting jewellery, and found great treasures from Baublebar. And probably the hardest commodity to for me to choose each season are my boots, but that was simple with Topshop Canada.

Photography by Trevor Negin
Sweater: Joe Fresh, Pants: Proenza Schouler from The Room at Hudson’s Bay, Boots: Topshop Canada, Necklace and Earrings: Baublebar, Frames: Raybans C/O Clearly Contacts

When Fashion Magazine asked their style panel about the midi skirt, which is a huge trend this season, I took a moment to look back at some of my favourite ones that I’ve styled. I ended up showing their readers this amazing Valentino Red dress that I picked up years ago, that is a perfect example of how easy this cut of skirt is, once you figure out the shoes. Here is what I said. 

Photography by Trevor Negin
Dress: Valentino Red. Boots: Christopher Kane. Purse: Coach.

Fashion Magazine asked their style panel this week about styling more than one statement piece. Here is what I said, including my tip on keeping the look feel balanced by ensuring no more than one item in your clothing, accessories and one beauty feature to highlight.

Photography by my love, Trevor Negin
Frames: Raybans from Clearly Contacts, dress: Millibon, heels: Pierre Hardy from The Room at Hudson’s Bay, bracelet: Nektar De Stagni, necklace: vintage