8 valuable business lessons I learnt from Ottawa Bossbabes

As I wrap-up the first half of year three in my business, I could not help but to look at some of the lessons I learnt from the bossbabes around me over the last years. Some are doing amazing things and achieving great success. To be honest, this post is more for me, as a reminder to keep doing what I love doing in hopes for this to be my full-time business one day (*plants dream seed).

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What’s a capsule wardrobe and why you need one

I am a part of a vast network of bloggers in the Ottawa area. It’s a very supportive community. We try to get together on a monthly basis, and everyone gets their turn to host. We take part in charitable causes, we hash out business ideas and most of all, we vent about the #firstworldproblems of being a blogger.

This week we had our Christmas party meetup at Two Six [Ate}, on Preston Street. They kindly hosted our gang in their event space upstairs. The food was spectacular. I forgot how delicious that place was. I have to admit, I used to go more often when it first opened.

Anyhow, I was sitting beside Flic Taylor of loveagoodstripe.com. She is a self-confessed shopaholic attempting to build a capsule wardrobe. I loved how she defined her vision of a capsule wardrobe. I am paraphrasing here, but (in her lovely british accent)she said something along the lines of “a capsule wardrobe shouldn’t look the same for everyone. It’s not about everyone having black pumps, black trousers with a camel coat. It’s about finding the right pieces to build an ideal capsule collection for yourself. A great bowler hat and leather motorcycle jacket would be fundamental in my capsule wardrobe.” In essence, not all styles share the same essentials!

Back it up, what exactly is a capsule wardrobe? Let me wiki that for you.

Capsule wardrobe is a term coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called “Wardrobe” in the 1970s. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that don’t go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces.[1] This idea was popularised by American designer Donna Karan, who, in 1985, released an influential capsule collection of seven interchangeable work-wear pieces.[2]

So here in lies the problem: I am not only a shopaholic, but also a fashion chameleon. Capsule wardrobe equals impossibe. My style is, literally, not having to stick to one! I dress based on my mood, what my day looks like, what inspired me that day and the overall vibes of where I am headed. I have an overabundance of clothes, which I partly blame for having a very conservative corporate job by day and being a creative social fashion butterfly by night. I could try really hard to find a style that works for both, but I love me some classic corporate atire. Think Rachel Zane in Suits, #goals.

I also find the waste and pollution brought on by fast fashion, a little difficult to swallow. Building a capsule collection can play a huge role in sustainable fashion. It’s a hard balance between investing in classic essentials (a.k.a. clothes that will last you a long time), keeping up with trends to stay relevant, and squirrelling enough money away to pay the bills.

The Prophecy-1

“The Prophesy” is a series of photographs by photographer Fabrice Monteiro that shines light on the problem of pollution in Africa, yet offers a message of hope.

A great resource for sustainable fashion in Canada, is Ottawa’s own Malorie Bertrand. She has many great suggestions on building a simple, effective and sustainable capsule collection, if that is the direction you prefer heading. She also has a few exciting things up her sleeve, so make sure you follow along!

I think we can all use a little lesson in building our own Capsule wardrobe. So, here is my attempt at one! I think I have way more than I need, but it’s a start. What do you think? Is there anything missing? What would you swap?

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Lord & Taylor Leopard Print Scarf • $28.80

Knit Wrap Cardigan • Dex • $165

Diane Von Furstenberg Leopard Calf Hair and Leather Gloves • $298

August Hats Felt Large Fedora • $46.14

Amazon Collection 18k Yellow Gold 5mm Ball Stud Earrings • $65

Daniel Wellington Classy Sheffield 34mm Goldplated Watch • $265

T By Alexander Wang Black Scoopneck T-shirt • Alexander Wang • $90

Karen Kane V-Neck Lace Dress • Karen Kane • $186.79

Ivanka Trump Abstract Floral Blouse • Ivanka Trump • $66.75

Faux-Leather Hem Full Skirt • $115.99

Majestic Filatures turtle neck sweater • Majestic Filatures • $176.24

Mes Demoiselles ‘Field’ cable knit sweater • Mes Demoiselles • $823.91

Hue Python Faux Leather Ponte Leggings • Hue • $69.50

Trish-F5 Long Ink Winter Down Coat With Fur Hood • Mackage • $950

Pajar Alice Faux Fur Winter Boots • Pajar • $168

Lacoste Womens White Ramer LCR2 Canvas Sneakers-UK 3 • Lacoste • $110.18

Rag & Bone ‘Brando’ t-shirt • Rag and Bone • $110

Paige Skyline Ankle Peg Jeans Gr. 25 • Paige • $395

Vince Camuto Snake Point Toe Pumps • Vince Camuto • $88–131

Vince Camuto Raylan- Suede & Leather Point Toe Bootie • Vince Camuto • $173.74

Dav Festival Prep • $98

Marc By Marc Jacobs ‘New Too Hot To Handle’ hobo tote • Marc by Marc Jacobs • $672.08

Chanel Vintage ‘2.55’ shoulder bag • Chanel • $9,236

Burberry London Virgin Wool Trench Coat with Cashmere Gr. 8 • Burberry • $2,095

Simplicity® Unisex Winter Wool Cashmere Feel Fibers Scarf w/ Tassel, Light Grey • Simplicity • $38.99

Jenna Biker Jacket • $196

Wool Blend Shawl Collar Wrap Coat • Le Château • $225

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Simons Gatineau Haul: All dressed up and nowhere to go

Head to toe Simons, well almost! I love this outfit! It’s fun and flirty and perfect for the Holidays. It’s not a traditional holiday or winter colour scheme for that matter, but I don’t tend to stick with rules. This is a navy marino wool t-sweater paired with a pale pink tutu. I snatched up both pieces from Simons. I completed the look with a bright bib necklace and vintage Louis Vuitton Mary-Janes, and voila!

I don’t feel like doing a lot of talking, so let these gorgeous pictures speak for themselves! These are, once again, brought to you by the ever-talented Kristy Chapman Photography.

I have been hoarding these photos for a while, and I am so happy to share them with you, finally! This shoot was also meant to display my gorgeous kitchen… a.k.a. my bedroom. I love it! I live there 24/7! Thanks to my lovely husband who did all the work, almost 1 year ago!

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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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