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
In grade 3 everything changed. I had gone to the eye doctor and received the news that I needed glasses.
This was the 90s and I picked out a pair of tortoise-shell, round-metal frames that I wore for the next few years. By grade 6 I was wearing contacts daily. While in school, at camp, basically anytime I left the house. I’d sleep in my contacts. Wear the same pair for months. And with this disrespect to my health as a youth, my eyes have suffered.
Last year, I made the decision to give my eyes the year off contacts and the proper care that they deserved. I got my eyes examined, and invested in new BlueReflect lenses that helped with the eye strain from starring at screens all day and night. Soon after, I noticed a difference in how my eyes felt and began embracing how frames can add so much style to an outfit. I started falling in love with this new accessory, and as I began growing my collection I feel in love with switching them up with each outfit. From bright colours to interesting shapes, glasses have become my go-to statement piece.
My vision for 2017, is to live a life in balance.
After the year-long break, I’ve stocked up with new contact lenses, with the goal to not only take proper care when wearing them (and never to sleep in them again), but to wear them in balance with my glasses. These are my newest frames to my collection, I love how similar they are to my first pair and how the retro-metal frame is back (did you noticed the throwback wraparound arms). Clearly and I have teamed up to offer my friends 40% off lens upgrades until February 15th, so you can start your year looking cute and feeling good. Just use the promo code BARBARA during the purchase. If you haven’t gotten your eyes checked in a while, I would recommend adding a visit to the Clearly store to your annual list of doctors and check-ups, with 3 locations – 2 in Vancouver and 1 on Queen St. in Toronto – it’s easy to book an exam and start your year seeing clearly. And make sure to tag your photos #SeeClearly for a chance to be featured on their social media channels weekly.
Dress: Madewell, Jacket: Banana Republic, Boots: Zara, Frames: Joseph Marc Experiment-48 c/o Clearly.ca, Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington, Earrings: Hortense from Catbird
Photography by 2Boo Studio
I’m a T-Rex. At least that’s what I tell myself everyday. Allow me to explain.
A few years ago, when I was suffering from my first round of anxiety in my adulthood, my loving husband (boyfriend at the time) went out and purchased me a dragon (they didn’t carry dinos at the time) Kigurumi suit from Japan. His theory for the animal he chose for me was that, “no matter how bad my day was or how I felt, I could come home and be strong and brave like a Tyrannosaurus”. And it worked, to this day I still come home, after bad days, and he’ll find me curled up in my suit.
So when Coach launched their Rexy collection in 2015 (as a bag charm), I was OBSESSED. It was on my wish list from the second I saw it on the runway. For F/W 2016, Rexy starred in her own capsule collection and appeared with her wild beast friends on bags, charms and some insanely amazing clothes (this jacket), and it was my chance to snag a piece. I must say it was love at first sight.
Coat: Banana Republic, Sweater: Alice and Olivia, Skirt: Tanya Taylor, Boots: Topshop Canada, Glasses: Kam Dhillon from Clearly.ca, Bag: C/O Coach
Photography by 2Boo Studio
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
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
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Once again, I’m overwhelmed with the past year, and so grateful for everything that has happened in 2014, and cannot wait to see what adventures Trevor, Monkey and I get into in 2015!
So much love!
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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
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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
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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