Faith Style

Baby On Board Apparel is a Canadian Made maternity fashion company. Their mission is to create fashionable basics that fit, flatter and feel as great as your favorite t-shirt. The brand was conceived when founder Ali McEwen’s sister was pregnant with her first child. After seeing that the maternity market lacked apparel that celebrated pregnancy, Ali soon sent on her mission to create something that mommies to be would be proud to wear. BOBA is by far the best maternity clothing I’ve come across because her pieces are extremely versitle and can be personalized to fit your unique style. I had the pleasure of asking Ali a few style questions.

S: Why do you think Style is important?
 
A: I think style is important because it is an expression of who you are. Style doesn’t mean that you are wearing the top brands and the “it” items. I don’t own any luxury brand items because that isn’t who I am. I still think that they are stunning, but I would rather go on a great vacation and wear Joe Fresh then splurge on a Gucci handbag. This is the great thing about the direction that style/fashion is going in; it’s becoming more about personal preference than looking like a particular celebrity. 
 
S: What are your secrets to Authentic Style? 
 
A: I love to mix the old with the new. My Grandma has passed down some amazing jewelry to me. She had amazing style and most of all fabulous jewelry. I love the Grandma Chic look. My favorite look to rock right now is a fitted t-shirt, a broach and a pretty skirt. Just like the clothes I design I love pairing basics with everything. Nothing feels better on than something made in jersey.
 
S: What are the items in your life that you absolutely couldn’t live without? 
 
A: My Blackberry although I have a love hate relationship with it. My camera and all the photo’s I have taken. I love taking pictures but even more so I love looking at them over and over again. My favorite new models – my niece and nephew!
 
S: What are your newest obsessions?
 
A: Using Olive oil for everything and I am not talking about cooking. A while ago I was watching Dr. Oz and the segment was about using olive oil for beauty treatments. Now I use olive oil instead of shaving cream which is amazing and also as a moisturizing facemask along with some white sugar to exfoliate my skin.
 
 S: Do you have any exciting news you’d like to share with us? Or can you share what your inspired to do next?
 
A: This summer has been amazing. I have loads of exciting things going on. On August 9th I went to Haiti for 6 days with the Colline Foundation to work at a summer camp in an orphanage,then on August 28 I will be attending the Boom Boom Room Emmy gifting suite in Los Angeles with Baby On Board Apparel and then in October I will attend my first business to business tradeshow in Las Vegas. I am also working on a new website which is going to be fabulous and so innovative.

Ali is such a giving spirit and her line of fashionable basics for blossoming bellies gives expecting mamas beautiful clothes that are comfortable, practical and stylish. I encourage you to browse the line and learn more about this amazing designer especially if you have a small one on the way!

Style is meant to be a fun process, in which you can take it upon yourself to do just about anything. Not sure what your style is exactly? Or maybe your lifestyle has changed and you’re not the Chic Urbanite you once were. The best way to forge a path to your new Signature Style is the process of discovery. Opting into in a few fun activities to get your creative juices flowing will do just the trick.

Go on a sensory shopping experience and become a connoisseur for your unique beauty. Here are some of my favourite style hunting activities.

1. Visit a museum; notice what catches your eye. Maybe that translates into a new colour palette.

2. Go to your local fabric store, play with pattern. Maybe you pick up a unique fabric for a one-of-a-kind dress.

3. Attempt a DIY project, get crafty. Maybe that turns out to be your signature element.

4. Venture into a vintage boutique, discover a story. Maybe that opens up the door to a new passion.

What do you adore? What do you love? Let your interests lead to your style. Have faith in the process. You may not find an entire outfit that communicates your style. But you will find something that makes your heart sing, your eyes see fireworks and your soul do a happy dance. Take that as a Style Sign. Maybe you come across a beautiful vintage rhinestone brooch that you can’t take your eyes off of…ask yourself what about it do you love so much? It is the fact that it has a story? Does it have clean lines? Does it sparkle? Come up with 3 adjectives that represent it. Take those words and look for the same qualities in a blouse or skirt. Once you’ve found a selection of items that communicate those core adjectives, the second step is making sure there is some contradiction/conflict. A little drama always sparks the curiosity of others. If there is flow add some structure, if the outfit is predominantly black add a punch of colour. Step three is putting the effort into the details. Your fragrance, jewelry, accessories, makeup and hair all unify your look making it more interesting.

Take a deeper look, explore the meanings and venture outside the box to create something unique. Translate that into a wearable outfit that emulates your essence and is an authentic representation of your soul.

The scarf is by far one of my favourite go-to accessories. It adds a punch of colour, an unexpected pattern and instantly creates depth and interest in an outfit. It is an inexpensive way to update your wardrobe and is easily the best way to integrate your personality into your wardrobe. Paired with grey capris, a white tee and denim jacket any of the scarves below transform the look into something causally chic. Or added to a pair of trousers and blazer makes you look more polished and put together. The possibilities are endless and the hunt for the perfect one can be super fun!

Tips For Selecting the Perfect Scarf:

1. Buy the best quality that you can afford.

2. Avoid the chain stores and venture into stores/boutiques that offer a smaller selection of styles to ensure you will not be the hundredth person sporting the same item.  (For example Winners, Vintage Shops or online)

3. Pick a pattern that is in harmony with your facial features and does not over power you.

4. Select a colour you adore and brings a smile to your face.

5. Choose a texture that feels great against your skin.

Spun by Subtle Luxury |Ikat Diamond Print Scarf $35 USD

Lucky Brand | Feather Weight Bamboo Wrap $ 55 USD

Lucky Brand | Paisley Dream Square Scarf $39.50 USD

Spun by Subtle Luxury | Monet Garden Scarf $40 USD

Faithful Style Tip: If you’re in the Toronto area, visit the Exhibition Place during the annual CNE festivities. The cultural vendors from around the world carry a great selection of goods (including unique scarves) in a variety of colours and fabrics and at a great deal. You’ll be sure to find a few great pieces to add to your wardrobe.  All these beautiful scarves are available on www.piperlime.com

As written for Pretty Savvy