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.
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
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We are now mid-wedding season, and I found myself attracted to a classic shapes this season, that is totally new for me. For the last few years, it was all about gowns when it came to wedding-dressing (two examples of stunning gowns I’ve worn to some fabulous weddings: 1, 2). I loved how glamorous I felt in a floor sweeping gown while twirling on a dance floor. But this season, and it may be the humid temperatures, I’ve found myself tempted by shorter silhouette for formal engagements.
Typically I wouldn’t wear a short dress to a formal event, as it never really felt as elegant as I wanted to, until I laid eyes on this silk embroidered shift dress from Stella McCartney. It was love and first sight. From the colour to the floral details, not to mention the pockets, it truly was like nothing else I have in my wardrobe and knew I had to have it.
I paired this beauty with my favourite vintage choker and the matching earrings I picked up at The One of a Kind Craft Show a few seasons ago, and was absolutely in love with this ensemble.
Dress: Stella McCartney, Necklace: Vintage, Earrings: OOAK, Shoes: Nine West (old)
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Now that we are in mid-June I can finally feel those summer vibes that I’ve been craving all year. There is something to be said about what changes when the city heats up, from the sudden urge for gelato to the increased traffic basically going anywhere, Toronto becomes alive in the summertime. I personally, can’t help but feel the heat and want to get out and explore our beautiful city, from Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market to exploring what’s changed on Queen Street. Summer in the city is without question my favourite.
My go-to look for exploring in the city are flowy dresses that can take me from day tonight – because you never know where you’ll end up. When I found this stunning dress (now on sale) I knew it would be the ideal item to that I could hit Sugar Beach in, walk to some shopping, then out for dinner. As soon as I put it on (back in early spring when it was still snowing) I got all the summer vibes and it was true love.
Dress: Ganni, Frames: Michelle Lane, Earrings: by the fab Emily Valentine, Sandals: Dune London (old)
Photography by 2Boo Studio
Tis the season, and I guess, the age, where every weekend, there are weddings and/or babies to celebrate. It’s a great and exciting time for my family and friends, and you have to love all the time you get to spend dressing up and eating cupcakes and champagne.
I find it important to stock up on easy and effortless dresses that allow you to move and can stand the summer temperatures. Basically, if you can keep them somewhat trend-neutral and classic you’ll be able to style them differently for many future occasions, as spring now truly means Shower Season.
Some other perfect daytime party outfits are:
- Anything off the shoulder
- Pastel and floral
- Gingham is always a good idea
- A neutral body-con
- The sexy slip
Dress: Nicole Miller Artelier, Shoes: Dune London (on sale rn!), Frames: Clearly.ca, earrings: Hortense Jewellery
Photography by 2Boo Studio
Once again, the dress-silhouette of the season, is the slip dress and with this spring’s weather being more humid than usual, it’s absolutely perfect. To update the trending dress for 2016, I’ve paired it with simple mules and a dainty choker, that I removed for some pictures as it was getting caught in my hair (that I’m beyond obsessed with btw).
Slip dresses are so easy to wear, and because they are so on trend, you can find them in literally every length and fabric. Some of my favourite slips that I’ve styled are; this simple denim maxi dress, this sexy slip for an evening out, and the one I wear the most, the classic striped one.
What are your favourite ways to style the slip dress?
Dress: Finder’s Keeper’s, mules: Zara, frames: Derek Cardigan
Photography by 2Boo Studio
Fashion Magazine asked their style panel what we will be wearing to this summer’s weddings. Working in the bridal industry for the past two years, I’ve developed the need to try to break the rules and pull inspiration from the fashion industry and bring it into the bridal world. That being said, I couldn’t be expected to wear a simple little black dress to any bridal affair, but rather I challenge myself to pull off this past award-season’s hottest look—The Cropped Top, done formally. Here is what I told Fashion Magazine this week.
Photography by Trevor Negin
Skirt: Joe Fresh Runway (similar), Cropped top: Zara (similar), Pumps: Max Studio, Necklace: Fallon Jewellery, Rings: vintage, Earrings: H&M
Kids Help Phone x Billy Talent
What To Wear To The Holiday Party
Kaelen X Sam Roberts Band for Opernation 2013
I feel so grateful that for everything that has happened in this past year.
Thank you everyone for your support and love!
And thank you to my photographer, best friend and husband, Trevor Negin.
The top trend of the year was plaid.
The top post of the year was our surprise wedding on August 18. #bandtsurprisewedding
A wedding is the biggest fashion moment for a woman and my J. Mendel gown was the perfect mix of vintage and unexpected enchantment for the morning affair.
Here are more pictures taken by the amazing Brie and Titus of Mango Studios
Can’t wait to see what adventures we get into in 2014!
xx. b
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Fashion Magazine asked the Style Panel what to wear for the upcoming wedding season. Here is what I said. This season is going to be super fun, as I celebrate my own engagement to my sexy photographer Trevor Negin, who popped the question in March after 6 years of dating. Those outfits are likely going to be hard to find and the search begins with numbered days before the first event. Wish me luck
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