So when UNIQLO reached out to share their new collection of sweaters I jumped at the opportunity to try them on and style them for the season. Although this post is sponsored by UNIQLO all opinions are 100% my own.

What I look for in my knitwear is very specific and I always gravitate to whites and cream knits, (I have around 10 white[ish] sweaters that I love). It’s likely because they are so easy to style with any print, pattern and colour. I’m obsessed with the texture and cut of this 3D Lambswool sweater, that has the perfect V-neck in the front and a mini one in the back and cocoons out in shape allowing it to be ideal for layering.

For the past few years, I’ve lived in turtle necks. Tight and tucked-in or oversized and chunky; turtle necks are one of the ideal cuts for sweaters. And it was love at first sight when I tried on this fine Merino wool turtle neck. The fabric is super soft, fine and fitted but not too tight.

After wearing it twice, I downloaded the new UNIQLO CA App, picked it up in two more colours and had them shipped directly to my door. I’ve worn it tucked into jeans and track pants, under overalls and dresses and layered with a chunky cardigan for a sweater on sweater look. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen me in them via my stories and feed for the last month or so.

With the holiday season officially starting, a great way to take knitwear into a more formal setting is with a sweater dress. Because knitwear could add a little bulk, I like to keep things more fitted when it comes to dresses allowing the material to hug your curves. This Extra Fine Merino Wool dress is a great fit and flare cut, making it super flattering. I added simple statement earrings to help highlight the mock turtle neck, adding a touch of glam to the look.

Having cozy and effortless basics to turn to makes getting dressed in the dark easier and the luxurious knits at UNIQLO are going to continue to be the go-to piece for the upcoming winter season.

Sweater, Turtle neck and dress: UNIQLO Canada, Glasses: Clearly.ca
Jacket & Pants: Banana Republic, Boots: Zara, Jeans: Target, Shawl (actually a blanket): Vintage, Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood for Erdem

Now that we are into December and the holidays are right around the corner, I find myself drawn to comfortable and chunky sweaters. Probably the only real reason I like when the temperatures drop is that we are able to layer up and stay cozy in fabulous knits.

Being pregnant while in winter, sweaters have become my go-to, as their stretch allows for the bump to shine. When I came across the super trendy site, Tobi, I was drawn to their amazing selection of sweater dresses, and quickly picked up a few. This rose coloured one (now on sale!) has been my go-to, for it’s oversized nature and slight bell sleeves. Because Tobi, is not a maternity site, I did go up a size to allow for the growing bump and to ensure this chunky knit dress will still be cozy throughout the season.

Also wanted to remind you of Daniel Wellington’s Holiday Bundle, which makes an amazing gift for the upcoming holidays. With the purchase of any watch and cuff, you’ll get 10% off your order and get an additional 15% using my BARBARAANN promo code!

Sweater Dress: C/O Tobi, Boots: Zara (old), Glasses: C/O Main + Central from Clearly.ca, Watch: C/O Daniel Wellington, Socks: American Apparel

When I began my hunt for maternity clothing I became obsessed with finding a pair of overalls. Something easy and comfortable that I can add layers to keep warm as the temperatures continue to drop.  It felt like everywhere I shopped, I could find denim overalls, but as soon as I searched for the pregnancy equivalent, there were none.

That was until, I finally hit up one of the few H&M stores that carried their adorable Mama lines (Eaton Centre, Hillcrest and Vaughan Mills) and there they were. My dream pregnancy pant. Skinny through leg but with enough room for my (giant) bump and easily styled with sneakers or heels.

Overalls: H&M, Turtle neck: Uniqlo, Coat: Zara, Frames: C/O Clearly.ca, Heels: Christopher Kane, Leash: HBC Collection, Taco’s Jacket: Home Sense

Being a curvy woman, horizontal stripes have always been a touchy subject. Some people think that they highlight the wrong places on your body and can make you look larger. I’ve found that with picking the right stripe along with a great fitting garment can be super flattering for any body shape. Some of my favourite outfits that I’ve worn that feature horizontal stripes are 1, 2 and 3.

When I was shopping in my latest go-to boutique, Carry Maternity located in Yorkville, I stumbled upon this long sleeve maxi dress and completely fell in love with the cool tones. Once trying it on, I loved how stretchy and warm it was perfect for my growing bump and will work for post-baby too.

I’ve paired it with white boots and a wide brim hat, but plan to layer a long cozy cardigan or structured blazer on top and ankle boots for when the weather gets a bit cooler.

And Taco agrees, stripe are totally in.

Dress: GeBe Maternity C/O Carry Maternity; Hat: Lack of Color,  Boots: Zara, Glasses: Ray Ban C/O Clearly.ca

At 21 weeks, my body is has changed drastically from what it was in early spring to where we are now, at the end of summer. My curves have become bumps and these bumps have and will continue to expand over the next 19 weeks, as baby Negin develops into a mini person.

The way that your body changes, during pregnancy, is really a lot to process and as your wardrobe comes smaller and more limited, it’s hard not to feel at times negative about your new body. It took me a while to realize that this body is now serving a different purpose for the first time. It’s no longer about me and my health, but rather about creating this new life in the healthiest way possible.

To help combat the negative feelings I was having, I stored away the clothing that no longer fit me, so each morning it wasn’t staring me in the face, tempting to be tried on. I found that styling the bump, in my current wardrobe, as I haven’t really gone maternity shopping yet, has been very difficult. One trend that I am loving is to show off my curves in tighter fitting dresses and pairing it with layers like blazers (fall’s hottest jacket), kimonos, duster coats and cardigans.

Dress: Lumiere Fashion (old), Blazer: Banana Republic (old), Boots: Zara (old), Eyewear: C/O Clearly, Watch: Daniel Wellington

Seasons change and time passes. It’s super important to take the time to reflect on what’s working in your life and what needs work. Spring and summer are a perfect time for this type of reflection, as inspiration is all around.

I find it necessary to put away time each day, it can be as little as 15 minutes, to really analyze what makes you happy. Is it spending more time outside, with friends, or taking care of yourself? For me it’s all of the above and I’m happy to be back in the mindset of self-care, and taking the time to focus on what’s really important.

By the way, you can save 15% off the new Classic Petite by Daniel Wellington by using the code “BARBARAANN15”

Pants: Theory, Shirt: Paul & Joe Sister, Shoes: Zara (old), Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington Glasses: Clearly.ca

For the last few weeks, Fashion Magazine has asked their style panel to discuss this season’s top colour trends, Metallics and millennial pink. Without realizing it, I basically wore the same outfit twice. My love for these trends is real.

Read about Metallics
Read about millennial pink

Metallics: Sweatshirt: Skinny Sweats, Skirt: Pink Tartan, Boots: Zara, Frames: Clearly.ca, Earrings & Necklace: Catbird
Millennial pink: Blazer: Theory, Sweater: Halogen Cashmere, Pants: Topshop Canada, Earrings: Vintage, Glasses: Clearly.ca, Shoes: Carven x Robert Clergerie at The Room
Photography by 2Boo Studio

Last week, Fashion Magazine asked their style panel about how they pack for a summer vacation. Next week Trevor and I are heading to New York on a city adventure, filled with humid and hot days. So here is what I said that I needed to have with me. Please let us know in the comments your favourite places in New York.

I also am wearing my newest addition to my growing eyewear collection from the new Retro Flux line by Derek Cardigan for Clearly.ca. And I’m absolutely obsessed with not only the amazing colour and the cat-eye shape, but the metal finish on them is just so stunning. The line comes in 4 beautiful colours, but I knew I needed a pair of frames that would contrast my hair, and the Kelly Green are perfection.

Dress: Marimekko for Target, Mules: Zara, Glasses: c/o Derek Cardigan for Clearly.ca
Photo: 2Boo Studio

Last week Fashion Magazine asked their style panel how they planned to show skin this summer. Here is what I said.

Tank: Helmut Lang, Skirt: 424 Fifth at Hudson’s Bay, Glasses: Clearly.ca
Photography 2Boo Studio