Florals and chambray 

Mode Xlusive

The mornings are getting cooler and I am craving my long sleeve shirts that were put away all summer.
It’s hard to believe that summer is officially coming to a close. But like every girl knows, a change in season means a change of clothes! I am both nervous and excited to finally get my fall wardrobe in gear. My recent weight loss and fitness journey has caused somewhat of a closet dilemma. Do I buy more clothes or get them tailored? #firstworldproblems #iambroke #toomuchclothes
Never the less, the days are getting shorter and our sleeves are getting longer.

This leads perfectly into a fashion segue, the chambray shirt. This lovely denim blouse officially made its appearance in the winter of 2014 and I hope it’s here to stay. Like its counterpart, the denim jacket, a chambray shirt can easily dress up a pair of slacks or dress down a fabulously feminine skirt. That beautiful balance of comfortable and classy with a touch of structure. I have a shirt in every shade!

In these pictures, I am wearing:

This was part of a series of photos that I did with Kristy Chapman Photography. Enjoy!

Continue Reading

Ottawa Street Style: Casual Fridays with black and blue

Mode Xlusive

It’s casual Friday here at Mode Xlusive! What are you wearing?

Don’t you just love that denim jackets are in right now! I love how they are a cross between a tailored blazer and a cozy sweater. They can make gorgeous dresses casual or amp up a lazy sweater and tank top. Denim is also great for temperature control (I’m always hot, so this is important for me). The cotton is breathable and warm at the same time. A short jacket that hits you at your waist can do wonders for your figure and help accentuate the most narrow part of your body. A good stretchy denim will be comfortable and offer a more structured look.

Black and blue shall never been seen, except in the washing machine!

Have you ever heard of this non-sense? I love mixing blue and black… and breaking fashion rules! I love the black accessories in this outfit too, especially this black patent leather Gucci purse with a tassel! You know I have a weakness for tassels. My black Michael Kors strappy sandals are oh-so gorgeous and oh-so comfortable! They are a mix of edgy and dressy, sort of like the denim jacket.

This was part of a series of photos that I did with Kristy Chapman Photography. Enjoy!

In these pictures, I am wearing:


  
  
  
  

Continue Reading

Le Veston- My Denim Vest

Mode Xlusive

Le Veston

A few observations. First, I feel so 80’s today with my new vest. Second, I might be obsessed with denim… hahaha

Today’s proutfit is brought to you by my new Old Navy light wash denim vest, perfect to hide chubs and rolls! he he We can’t all be sleek but we sure can try and hide our flaws!

This cut is perfect for me as it hits high, right at my waistline and really helps accentuate it. For a more pear shaped body type, or if you are blessed with a booty, I would recommend a longer version, the Plus Denim Vest.

These vests are perfect for the summer. They keep you cool, but covered. Give you a more tailored finish without being too restricting and best of all, as I mentioned above… it helps to hide imperfections. I will be wearing it with skirts and dresses./.. so watch out!

Yes, I have imperfections. It doesn’t mean that I hate myself. I am just on a mission to find flattering clothes and help you do the same!

chantal Sarkisian plus size fashion blogger ottawa blog mode xlusive
Paired a white t-shirt from Joe Fresh, a navy maxi skirt from H&M with my Old Navy vest!
Continue Reading

Ottawa Street Style: Denim and the BR dress

Mode Xlusive

If you look at my closet, you’ll see that I don’t have a lot of colour. I am quite picky when it comes to colours, to be honest. But I had a soft spot for the bright orange pops of colour on this blue Banana Republic Dress. I had to have it! You can’t see it in this picture, but the back of the dress is open. The dress is split at the waist, so you can get a glimpse of the low back with a soft breeze. Very sexy.

I paired the dress with a classic denim jacket (Old Navy), cobalt blue pumps (Nine West) and a vintage snake skin clutch (AMH Style), and my idea of a pop of colour for makeup is my favourite lipstick “Morange” (from MAC).

I love the juxtaposition of the bright colours of the dress and graffiti along side the drab trees and tones in this alley (Old Ottawa South at Bank Street and Sunnyside Ave).

A big thank you to John Finnigan-lin for these gorgeous shots! xox
 Chantal Sarkisian Ottawa Street Style plus size fashion blogChantal Sarkisian Ottawa Street Style plus size fashion blogChantal Sarkisian Ottawa Street Style plus size fashion blog

Continue Reading