Style Profile: Sarah Zilliox from NodstromOtt

Sara Zilliox Style Profile Nordstrom Ottawa

This is the gorgeous Sarah Zilliox who works at Nordstrom Ottawa. I have been crushing on her style for a while so I asked her a few questions. (#lipsticktwins)

What’s your passion for fashion? I’ve always had a love for retro silhouettes, prints, and bold lips. I love the pursuit of finding unique pieces that inspire me to build an outfit around. I’m so intrigued by the power of transformation, growing up I would clip celebrity outfits and runway makeup looks from magazines to recreate with out the designer price tags. Even now I still love to mix high and low pieces, but my ‘eye’ has evolved into my own sense of style that becomes defined and refined over time.

What XLusive tip can you share? I am an avid online shopper, even if I go to try something on at store…I love to look at reviews and compare discounts. My advice is, NEVER pay full price! Almost every website (Eloquii, City Chic, Addition Elle, Ashley Stewart, etc.)  have almost weekly coupon codes. Nothing is better than getting an amazing find ON SALE!

Stay Social with Sarah!
Instagram: @sarahzmcv

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Dressing up for the Holidays with Addition Elle

Well, I did it again! Today, I presented 4 Holiday looks from Addition Elle. We did a double header on CTV Morning Live as well as Daytime Ottawa on Rogers Channel 22.

I did my first segment on TV a month ago on Fall Fashion Trends for 2015 with Addition Elle. It’s always so much fun, but it goes by so fast. So much prep work, but it’s all worth it!

Now back to what is really important… the clothes! I know… there is a lot of black. But what I can I say, I love black! It’s so flattering, timeless and versatile. I tried to add a lot of metallic notes to lift the outfits. From the metallic dress, to rhinestones, sequin and jewelry, it all adds to the sparkle and glam that is Holiday dressing. As you can see, I also love layering with a cardigan or jacket. It adds a layer of warmth and helps to hide the problem areas, like your arms or your backside. If dresses aren’t your thing, you can opt to wear long and loose trouser. The flowy material gives off the illusion of a long dress and lifts the entire look.

Dressing up for the Holidays with Addition Elle CTV Morning Live Ottawa Daytime Rogers Chantal Sarkisian Ottawa Fashion Blogger
Nadia Aboulhosn Trench Dress $140 Woven Cuff Bracelet $25 Nude BCBG pumps (n/a)
Dressing up for the Holidays with Addition Elle CTV Morning Live Ottawa Daytime Rogers Chantal Sarkisian Ottawa Fashion Blogger
Michel Studio Wide Leg Pant $79 Michel Studio Chiffon Back Cardigan $80 L&L Sleeveless Lace Beaded Top $60 BCBG Heeled Bootie $150
Dressing up for the Holidays with Addition Elle CTV Morning Live Ottawa Daytime Rogers Chantal Sarkisian Ottawa Fashion Blogger
Michel Studio Mesh & Metallic Sleeveless Dress $130 L&L Cropped PDR Jacket $98 Fergalicious Rhinestone High Heel Shoe $95
Dressing up for the Holidays with Addition Elle CTV Morning Live Ottawa Daytime Rogers Chantal Sarkisian Ottawa Fashion Blogger
New Noir Long Sleeve Dress $95 BCBG Wedge Pump Shoe $140 Stone and Tassel Zipper Necklace $13.99

If you missed it, you can watch the CTV segment here.

CTV Morning Live Mode Elusive Plus Size Fashion Holiday Dresses for Curvy Women Addition Elle

You can also check out the Rogers Daytime segment here. Note that you must be a Rogers customer to view.img_0180

A million thank-yous to my gorgeous models who are always so professional and reliable! You always do a fantastic job XOX

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Now Open! Fashion United Bayshore

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Bayshore Shopping Center is getting a new independent boutique, and it opens tomorrow! Fashion United is a local retailer in Ottawa serving up some of the best high-end fashion brands including Mark Jacobs, Kate Spade and Longchamp. This is their fourth location in the city, and first retail space located inside a mall.

I find the shop quite impressive. It’s fully sock with a beautiful selection of classic and feminine pieces. Lots of neutral tones and colour palet. Although I would consider these investment pieces, the price tag is very affordable. Bonus- they carry up to size XL is most garments!

 I had the privilege of getting a sneak peak tour this evening as the owner was getting the store ready for its grand opening tomorrow. I spotted this gorgeous plaid Kate Spade coat. I mean, there’s a bow on the back! 

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I drooled over the rows upon rows of Longchamp, Marc Jacobs and Kate Spade bags, all patiently waiting for their new owners to take them home. How exciting! Fashion United is proud to be the exclusive retailer for these high-end brands in the entire mall. 

They are located on the third floor next to the Bay and Mrs. Tiggy Winkles, children’s toy store. Do yourself a favour, and check them out!

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The irony of self-acceptance

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Dear girlfriends,

The struggle is real and we are all partly to blame. Why oh why do we put these pressures on ourselves? Why are we preoccupied or envious of how others live in their own skin?

I’m talking about self-acceptance and the delecate balance between having enough self-esteem and being confident without coming across as self-absorbed. As the chart above demonstrates… It’s a fine line.

I experience this quite often and wonder to myself if my confidence can sometimes comes accross as narcissism. The key is… Stop caring about what others think so much!

I just want to encourage my readers to find ways to feel and be more confident in their look and start accepting themselves for who they are. Life is too short to hide in this darkness. Let’s be honest, it’s so much more fun when we let our hair down and let go!

Have you ever noticed that people with low self esteem are such downers? They are preoccupied with things that you couldn’t even bother to care about. “Does my butt look big in these jeans?” I could care less about your butt, I’m not your friend because of it. Just put your pants on already so we can go out!

On the other side of the spectrum, you might have that friend, you know her, the one that doesn’t give a crap. She’s well spoken, witty as hell and exudes gorgeousness even though she’s a little heavy. Let’s agree to stop judging her and other confident women like her, and learn to emulate their energy. You’ll be happy you did!

When it comes down to it, Demi Lovato said it best “What’s wrong with being confident?” I’ll just leave her sexy video right here…

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