So growing a human inside you may be considered one of the most beautiful and natural things that you can do as a women (if you so choose), but it definitely comes with a fair bit of discomfort. And I have gotten a decent mix of the common and not-so-common problems. From the obvious first trimester nausea and daily vomiting, to the unheard of pregnancy-induced carpal tunnel syndrome, that has developed this week out of nowhere. Let me tell you, it’s been a fun few months.

When your body feels like it’s out of control, it’s hard to feel like yourself. You spend so much time trying to “feel better” that you no longer are doing things that feel natural for you. I found myself living in sweats and barely leaving the house, and if I did, I rarely bothered to do my hair or makeup. Definitely a different version of Barbara.

But on the days that I did decided do my typical routine, I felt better and more normal, and it dawned on me that even though I feel discomfort, I can still try to pull myself together. I’ve always had the mentality that on the darkest days to wear the brightest colours, in order to cheer myself (and others) up and I had stopped doing the common sense things that have brought me joy for all these years.

So here I am, 22 weeks pregnant, in 6 inch platforms, cute glasses and a crop top, and finally feeling like myself.

Top: A.L.C, Skirt: Topshop Canada, Frames: Joseph Marc C/O Clearly.ca, Shoes: Charlotte Olympia
See more of my style the bump posts here: 1, 2, and 3

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

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

What I’ve come to realize, is that glasses can be the one accessory to make a huge impact on how you look. A simple change of the frames can switch up your look from 70’s glam to geek chic.

ClearlyContacts.ca‘s spring 2015 campaign was asking their Look Ambassadors to Bend the Trend, and they make it so easy to stay on top of their eyewear trends, with super cute frames. My trend that I represented was the Full Circle, which I adore, and this look is perfect to reflect the 70’s trend that is all the rage this spring season. My girl, Marie, who is an eyewear designer breaks down the season’s biggest trends right now on ClearlyContact’s blog.

Photography by Trevor Negin
Frames: ClearlyContacts.ca, Jacket: Topshop Canada (similar and on sale), T-shirt: Tiger of Sweden, Skirt: 424 Fifth available at Hudson’s Bay (similar and on sale), Boots: Jeffrey Campbell

 One of my favourite trends for the spring summer season would be the 1970s. This season there are so many ways to get inspired by this fabulous decade. Fashion Magazine asked their style panel to discuss their favourite ways to style the trend. Here is what I said. 

I’ve been in saving mode for some time, trying to limit my expenses and only buying things that are on major discount. The end of the month of February/beginning of March gets extremely difficult to not find things that are marked down so low that they make you feel like your stealing!

The first thing I found was this coat, mixed in with pea coat in the basement of my local Urban Outfitters. But what I really had found was a beautiful blue leather jacket by Australian brand Ryder. I’ve always been a big fan of the cool-girl label, which uses a great mix of graphic prints and beautiful colours. The coat was marked down 84%, coming in at less than $100.

The next must-have that I found was this Marc by Marc Jacobs laptop bag, that will double as a purse. I’ve wanted it since the day I saw it, and that’s one of the reasons that I love shopping at Hudson’s Bay. If you keep your eye one something, you can always get it at a great price! I ended up with this baby for just over $40, and could not have been smiling any bigger as I left the store last week.

Photography by Trevor Negin
Jacket: Ryder X Urban Outfitters, Sweater: Topshop Canada, Pants: Loft, Boots: Zara, Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs at Hudson’s Bay, Earrings: ALYSHAALEXA

Fashion Magazine is headed to Miami this week, and asked their style panel what to wear when adventuring around this beautiful and lively city. I’ve been going to Miami, since I was kid, and feel as though it’s my second home. I’ll be heading there in February and cannot wait to hit the malls and beaches. Here is what I told Fashion Magazine is my biggest tip to for packing for this sunny city.

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

Fashion Magazine asked their style panel about their Halloween costume plans. Since the festive holiday lands on a weekday, I plan to keep things very work appropriate, yet fun wearing a head-to-toe leopard suit, giving my girl Josie from Josie and the Pussycats some love.

Here’s what I told Fashion Magazine.

Photography by Trevor Negin

Leopard suit and boots: Topshop Canada, earcuff: Baublebar 

When Fashion Magazine asked their style panel about sweater dressing in 2014, I decided to suit-up in this sweet Topshop plaid set. Here is what I told them about layering while wearing head-to-toe knits, to keep the outfit luxe and sweat-free.

Photography by Trevor Negin
Sweater and skirt: Topshop Canada, Shirt: Joe Fresh, heels: Gianvito Rossi for Altuzarra from The Room at Hudson’s Bay, earrings: BaubleBar