The Reveal: Newly expanded CF Rideau Centre boasts new shopping for Ottawa

Last week, I was invited to have a sneak peak at the new CF Rideau Centre reveal, during the media preview party. The new expansion is amazing and does wonders for Rideau street. It looks clean, modern and rejuvenated. I also find that this expansion is doing wonders for mens fashion, maybe the most menswear available in one section of the mall!

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So what new shops opened at Rideau Centre you ask?

  • Simons
  • H&M (yes, they have a plus-size section!)
  • Anthropologie
  • Disney Store
  • Zara
  • Massimo Dutti
  • Strellson
  • Rudsak
  • Sketchers
  • Roots
  • Vans
  • Frank + Oak
  • Steven Madden
  • L’intervalle
  • NYX
  • Bridgehead
  • Emilio Guido
  • Lululemon
  • Indochino
  • Adore
  • Squish
  • Trade Secrets
  • lole
  • Bento Sushi
  • Alex + Ani

With all these new stores added to CF Rideau Centre, it has once again become THE MALL, that bares it all! Personally, I am excited to add more L’intervalle footwear to my collection, and hope to get reacquainted with Anthropologie and Simons.

Again, I was busy with filming live video on Facebook that night, so I didn’t get many pictures in. Here are some pics that I managed to scrounge up of the evening.

Hope you get a chance to see the new mall soon!

CF Rideau Centre New expansion Ottawa Shopping Mall

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Thanks to Alan Wainwright for this pic of Katie (@YowCityStyle) and I!
Thanks to Alan Wainwright for this pic of Katie (@YowCityStyle) and I!
CF Rideau Centre New expansion Ottawa Shopping Mall. new ottawa shoe store
My new favourite shoe store “L’Intervalle”, a brand designed in Montreal and made in Europe. Amazing designs and affordable price point.
CF Rideau Centre New expansion Ottawa Shopping Mall. L'Intervalle shoe store
I just had to buy these babies!

CF Rideau Centre New expansion Ottawa Shopping Mall. Fashion Style Ottawa

CF Rideau Centre New expansion Ottawa Shopping Mall. Fashion blog
Thank you to my gal Julie from @TrySmallThings for this lovely photo.
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Florals and chambray 

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!

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Street Style Fashion Gifs

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This is just a little sneak peak of the Ottawa Street Style photoshoot I did last week with photographer Kristy Chapman, who is specializing in Street Style photography, particularly in teen and friendship photo sessions.

I loved her direction and how she was open to collaborate on ideas. As we were skimming through photos on her camera trying to get the right amount of people zooming by me, I said “You could make a gif with that!” and voila… this happened! It’s so cool. It’s like turning your photoshoot into a 3D experience. Look out world, no more deleting images, street syle fashion gifs are gonna be the next thing!

I can’t wait to share the photos from the shoot. I’ll be releasing them slowly. I also wanted to point out that the theme for this shoot was “Local”. In this photo, I am wearing a J Crew chambray top from AMHStyle, Toronto designer Rachel Sin Dolce Rose skirt, grey pumps by Enzo Angiolini purchased at Wolf and Zed and my Fendi bag is from a local luxury consignment service, Valamode. Now how is that for supporting Ottawa businesses! Not bad at all.

About Kristy Chapman Photography
Kristy is a natural light photographer based out of Barrhaven, Ontario. When she’s not chasing around her 3 year old son or watching Netflix marathons with her husband, she can be found behind a camera capturing life’s moments. Kristy’s clients will tell you that she’s super friendly and they love her energy and excitement. Images by Kristy are natural, full of emotion and let the subject’s personality shine. Using a lifestyle approach, Kristy is best known for her family, maternity and newborn portraits.

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Ottawa’s Nordstrom Gala: A grand old time

Last night’s Ottawa Nordstrom Gala was a blur. A magical combination of gourmand canapés neatly stacked in rows on little carts, tiny cans of sparkling bubbly, a killer upbeat band, friendly smiles around and a magical feast of fashion.
Everyone came dressed in their best.

Personally, it was a bit of a sensory overload, but I managed to take it all in. My secret is going stag. I was happy to bump into my friends from Ottawa Life Magazine (seen below on the Step and Repeat). I made a point to say hello to fashion mavens Erica Wark, Christopher Massardo and Alyssa Beltempo. I had an absolute blast to say the least. Lots of friendly faces and close friends to catch up with.

I didn’t do much shopping, but I did spend lots of time (and $) at the Laura Mercier counter with Melody Iafelice who was representing the brand. Apparently, my choice of bright pink/purple lipstick made quite the impression on everyone (#trendsetter hahaha).

I wore a navy knee length tutu (purchased on Amazon.com) paired with a knit graphic tee from Forever21+ with “Champagne S’il Vous PlaÎt” written across the top. It was quite appropriate for the evening and very well received. I got many lovely compliments, someone even kindly told me that I reminded her of Sarah Jessica Parker… um… Success!

I wore a simple pony tail because I am a mom and had no time to get ready. I opted to focus on makeup and a killer lip instead. It worked in my favour 😉

In my travels through the department store I spotted a plus size section that I hope to dissect at a later date. First, I need more sensible footwear and second, I need a clear head… no alcohol beyond this point!! What can I say, I love champagne!

I didn’t take too many pics, I was really just soaking it all in. I encourage you to do the same and explore the wonderful worlds of shoes, cosmetics and bags!

Thank you Nordstrom for an exquisite event! The bar has been raised. Bravo!

Chantal Sarkisian Plus Size fashion Blog Ottawa Nordstrom Gala Mode XLusive

Chantal Sarkisian Plus Size fashion Blog Ottawa Nordstrom Gala Mode XLusiveChantal Sarkisian Plus Size fashion Blog Ottawa Nordstrom Gala Mode XLusiveNordstrom Ottawa Life Magazine Chantal Sarkisian Fashion Blog Mode XLusive 2 Nordstrom Ottawa Life Magazine Chantal Sarkisian Fashion Blog Mode XLusiveChantal Sarkisian Plus Size fashion Blog Ottawa Nordstrom Gala Mode XLusiveChantal Sarkisian Plus Size fashion Blog Ottawa Nordstrom Gala Mode XLusiveChantal Sarkisian Plus Size fashion Blog Ottawa Nordstrom Gala Mode XLusive

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