Simons Gatineau- Now Open!

I was invited to attend the media preview of the new Simons in Gatineau last night, that is set to open its doors at 11 a.m. this morning inside Les Promenades Gatineau shopping mall. The good news is that Simons is also scheduled to open an Ottawa location on Aug. 11, 2016 at the Rideau Centre.

New Simons open in Gatineau Chantsy Ottawa Blogger Montreal Store Canadian Fashion mode XLusive fashion blogger

One of Canada’s oldest family owned company’s, Simons is now being led by Peter Simons, CEO and 5th generation Simons family member. We had the pleasure of getting a personally guided tour of the store with Peter and had an opportunity to get cozy with Simons true Mission and Vision.

Here are 10 things that I learned last night:

  1. Simons is one of the oldest Canadian family owned business, founded in 1812 by Peter Simons in Quebec City.
  2. The Simons family business model is all about supporting local and doing world class business in Canada. Although this may cost them more, they are passionate about being a fully Canadian business.
  3. Simons loves to experiment with different brands that offer a creative and fashion forward feel at a great value. These sub-brands will evolve as fashion trends do, but the Simon brands focus on remaining classic and timeless.
  4. Simons is a large supporter of Canadian Arts and Culture and believes that they need to be integrated in their community. They also strive to support as many smaller initiatives as best as they can.
  5. Every store has a creative Canadian collaboration, including Douglas Coupland and Julie Tremblay. For the Simons Gatineau store, Julie Tremblay has created “Metamorphique” a large scale art installation in the centre of the store, suspended between positive and negative spaces in the ceiling. This large piece was created in her Brooklyn studio and disassembled into 18 pieces to be relocated to the store. It took 1 year to create. The inspiration behind this concept comes from the patterns we see in the movement of nature, whether organic or inorganic matter. The textures and shapes in this piece also resemble the movement of textiles and fabric.
  6. Every store is carefully designed with architecture in mind, to maximize the shoppers experience.
  7. All clothing is available to purchase online, but their major focus is serving their clients in-store with a true Canadian customer service approach.
  8. Although Simons doesn’t carry a specific Plus-Size line, their “Contemporaine” brand, targeted to a more mature crowd, goes up to XXL.
  9. Simons is working on a few initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and provide more eco-friendly options. They are looking for discovery brands that are advancing environmental and social initiatives.
  10. Simons approach to fashion is allowing women and men to mix their brands, which is why they carry a wide range of price point and style selection.
New Simons open in Gatineau Chantsy Ottawa Blogger Montreal Store Canadian Fashion mode XLusive fashion blogger plus size Julie Tremblay Metamorphique Art Instalation
Peter Simons alongside Julie Tremblay explaining her inspiration behind “Metamorphique” large scale Art Installation inside the store. http://julietremblay.net/
New Simons open in Gatineau Chantsy Ottawa Blogger Montreal Store Canadian Fashion mode XLusive fashion blogger plus size Metamorphique by Julie Tremblay
“Metamorphique” Canadian artist, Julie Tremblay’s large art installation piece inside the Simons Gatineau store. http://julietremblay.net/
New Simons open in Gatineau Chantsy Ottawa Blogger Montreal Store Canadian Fashion mode XLusive fashion blogger plus size Peter Simons CEO
Peter Simons, CEO Simons

  
 New Simons open in Gatineau Chantsy Ottawa Blogger Montreal Store Canadian Fashion mode XLusive fashion blogger 5 New Simons open in Gatineau Chantsy Ottawa Blogger Montreal Store Canadian Fashion mode XLusive fashion blogger plus size Eve Cafe Restaurant New Simons open in Gatineau Chantsy Ottawa Blogger Montreal Store Canadian Fashion mode XLusive fashion blogger plus size 2 New Simons open in Gatineau Chantsy Ottawa Blogger Montreal Store Canadian Fashion mode XLusive fashion blogger plus size 3 New Simons open in Gatineau Chantsy Ottawa Blogger Montreal Store Canadian Fashion mode XLusive fashion blogger plus size 4 New Simons open in Gatineau Chantsy Ottawa Blogger Montreal Store Canadian Fashion mode XLusive fashion blogger plus sizeThank you to Emily Lynne Smith from The Best of this Life for capturing some shots of me swooning over the purse section at Simons!

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ambiSHEous- A Business Workshop for OttawaTeen Girls

AMBISHEOUS Ottawa EventIf only this existed when I was a young girl… I have always been an entrepreneur. My father came to Canada from Armenia and built his business from the ground up, with literally nothing. Growing up, we didn’t have much money, so we learned to be very frugal, creative, resourceful and entrepreneurial. I was dressed head-to-toe in second hand hand-me-downs. We used to make our own Barbie clothes and cardboard Barbie houses. We would have annual garage sales and lemonade stands and I used to sell stickers at recess in elementary school (until they banned it! haha).
I got my first job in grade 9 at a Mom and Pop hardware store, where I worked to the bone and paid for everything myself. I juggled school, Army cadets, a part-time babysitting gig and my social life (duh!). I was a busy kid then, and I am a busy gal now!

If you know any teen girl in the Ottawa area that has entrepreneurial spirit, check out ambiSHEous. It’s full day business workshop built by awesome business women in Ottawa who will be mentoring and coaching participants. I could not attend myself, so I sponsored a ticket… and you should too!

ambiSHEous is for girls who want to pave their own way and make an impact in the world.

Start Smart: Summer Workshop for World-Changing Girls (age 10-14)

This two-day hands-on interactive workshop takes participants step-by-step through the process of planning a socially responsible small business or social-profit enterprise. Building on the fundamentals of financial literacy, we’ll cover the practical aspects of business, offer girls the opportunity to take ownership over their ideas, and empower them to take initiative.

August 18-19, 2015
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
SHOPIFY
150 Elgin St.
$95 + HST

Lunch & snacks included.
Limited spaces available.
Participants are encouraged to bring laptops if possible.

To register for this awesome event visit www.ambiSHEous.ca!

Get Social with ambiSHEous!
www.facebook.com/ambiSHEous
www.twitter.com/ambiSHEous
www.instagram.com/ambiSHEous

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RBC Bluesfest- Spotted Festival Fashion 

I had the privilege of being on the Style Squad for RBC Bluesfest and capturing some of my favourite looks. Although only the first image (see below) was the only published photo on the RBC Bluesfest Instagram page and Ottawa Citizen I decide to share all my pics with you! Here is who I spotted!

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#rbcbluesfestfashion captured by @chantsy

A post shared by RBC Bluesfest (@ottawabluesfest) on

  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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Fashion Truck Canada

Fashion Truck Canada Ottawa RBC Bluesfest Fashion Blog Ottawa Fashion Blogger Plus-size curvy Chantal Sarkisian chantsy

Sometimes, I think I have a sixth sense when it comes to fashion. It calls me. “Hey Chantsy, something about that looks interesting… go see what it’s all about”. Every time I listen to that little voice, it guides me to beautiful things. This voice comes in handy when you are vintage or consignment shopping, antiquing and digging through the racks at Winners. I always anticipate my heart palpitations when I discover… “The find!!” It’s important to note that I also use this voice when I travel… it makes for stumbling upon amazing adventures!

Ok, back to Fashion Truck Canada (seen above). OMG! yes!!! Let me repeat that for you. This is a Fashion boutique, on a Truck, at a festival! Complete with a fitting room and cash! Again, let me repeat that, fashion comes to YOU. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to the owner, Ashley Barber, who was gracious enough to talk to me about the truck and her Toronto-based business. She curates a lovely collection of women’s clothing that is suited for most body types, trendy styles, comfortable materials and most importantly, fair prices. She carries brands in likes of Free People, Quay, Seychelles and more. Her truck is famous for private shopping parties and events.

If you are going to RBC Bluesfest this week, visiting this truck is a must! It’s located on the North side of the Bell stage. You can’t get a better souvenir than this. Pick up a pair of sunnies, clutch or a gorgeous wide brim hat! Bonus- if you use your Master Card, they are offering a 10% discount!

Check out the rest of the pictures I took of this gem. Don’t forget to visit and follow their Insta, Facebook and Twitter! Oh, and don’t forget to use #ShoptheTruck!

Happy #FestivalFashion to all!

 

Fashion Truck Canada Ottawa RBC Bluesfest Fashion Blog Ottawa Fashion Blogger Plus-size curvy Chantal Sarkisian chantsyFashion Truck Canada Ottawa RBC Bluesfest Fashion Blog Ottawa Fashion Blogger Plus-size curvy Chantal Sarkisian chantsyFashion Truck Canada Ottawa RBC Bluesfest Fashion Blog Ottawa Fashion Blogger Plus-size curvy Chantal Sarkisian chantsy

Fashion Truck Canada Ottawa RBC Bluesfest Fashion Blog Ottawa Fashion Blogger Plus-size curvy Chantal Sarkisian chantsy
“Great style doesn’t just fall off the back of the truck!” Well, now it does!

 

Fashion Truck Canada Ottawa RBC Bluesfest Fashion Blog Ottawa Fashion Blogger Plus-size curvy Chantal Sarkisian chantsy
The beautiful Ashley Barber, Owner and stylist of FashionTruckCanada.com
Fashion Truck Canada Ottawa RBC Bluesfest Fashion Blog Ottawa Fashion Blogger Plus-size curvy Chantal Sarkisian chantsy
Racks on racks of gorgeous clothes!
Fashion Truck Canada Quay Sunglasses Ottawa RBC Bluesfest Fashion Blog Ottawa Fashion Blogger Plus-size curvy Chantal Sarkisian chantsy
Quay sunnies display! You know I am already a huge fan of this brand 😉
Fashion Truck Canada Ottawa RBC Bluesfest Fashion Blog Ottawa Fashion Blogger Plus-size curvy Chantal Sarkisian chantsy
See that gorgeous white lace off the shoulder top… yup, I bought it!
Fashion Truck Canada Ottawa RBC Bluesfest Fashion Blog Ottawa Fashion Blogger Plus-size curvy Chantal Sarkisian chantsy
This is me, over-the-moon, after my purchases in the truck!

 

 

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