Either/Or: A shop that makes you think twice about your purchase

Last weekend, I went over to my friend Malorie’s place to play with some clothes and do a photo shoot in her bedroom. Sounds weird, right? The folks outside must have thought the same thing! I mean the lights, the backdrop… a bit much for suburbia town! But, I bet if you looked into every home, you would find a rock star running her own business out of her guest room… I mean, aren’t we all? I know I am!

Either/Or is Malorie’s new online store, where she sells only Canadian and sustainable fashion designs. As you all know, I am attending the Metamorphosis Eco-Fashion show and wanted to wear something that was on brand with the theme of the show. I approached her and asked if she would dress me for the occasion. Instead, she invited me to play dress up and reassured me that I shouldn’t buy anything, unless I loved it!

Malorie is so completely devoted to sustainable design, that she has carefully planned her business model around running a successful and lucrative business while being mindful of the planet and supporting Canadian designers. That is dedication, and I admire her efforts to support slow fashion. I think we can all use a little more thought when making purchases, and I am 100% guilty of not following her advice! I have no self control, and it’s starting to become a problem!

Less is more… I can’t forget this!

She has carefully curated her first collection, and still learning about how different brands are cut, how they size and fit differently on each woman. We learnt a few things that day, ourselves . For examples, in some brands and materials, I can wear a size small, but in others, size L is a bit snug. Malorie was also appreciative of my feedback and was happy with the way I styled some of the looks. Overall, I was very impressed with the cut and quality of the clothing. It is important to remember that these are premium items, and are considered an investment. The prices are higher than what we are used to because when you factor in  things like proper wages and sustainable fabrics, it absolutely comes with a higher price tag, but with much less guilt.

Without further ado, I share with you some of my faves!

Jennifer Torosian Zip coat

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Top Zara | Jeans Gap | Heels L’Intervalle

Sunja Link Palm leaf dress

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Heels Zara

Duffield Design Maxi infinity dress (as skirt)

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The bolero is actually a top that I wore backwards! It’s not on the site yet, but I am sure it will be soon!

Devlyn Van Loon Sweaterdress

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Booties L’Intervalle

So what do you guys think? What did I end up getting for the show? Either leave your comments below or you’ll have to wait and see!

 

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Christian Siriano for Lane Bryant fashion show the at United Nations in New York

On Monday, May 9, 2016, celebrity stylist Susan Moses and founder of Empowering Women NYC and Lane Bryant partnered to host the first annual Empowering Women Summit in NYC.

Held on an outdoor terrace, guests watched the gorgeous fashion creations of Christian Siriano for Lane Bryant. You would remember seeing Christian on Project Runway, he was the winner in the fourth season. This amazing collaboration between Lane Bryant and Glamour magazine showcased all the curvy talent, be it models, actors or bloggers, all the gorgeous icons were there.

The show featured Siriano’s spring 2016 capsule collection worn by key players in the curvy girl ecosystem: bloggers including GabiFresh and Nicolette Mason; models including Ashley Graham and Candice Huffine, and celebrities including Amber Riley and Danielle Brooks of “Orange is the New Black.” Source WWD.com

I WISH I WAS THERE! I couldn’t possibly image meeting all these women and telling them that they are paving the road for the rest of us. #GirlCrushCon

As a brand, Lane Bryant is killing it and has been known to think outside-the-box when it comes to body positive movements. It’s such a breath of fresh air!

Bonus news- Lane Bryant is also now shipping to Canada! You can shop the entire Christian Siriano collection or just browse through their sale rack! haha

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All images were sourced from Lane Bryant Facebook page.

Learn more about plus-size models in the media.

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Pink Tiger features Canadian Fashion Designer Kristie Lance and supports LGFB

I was invited to attend a fundraiser luncheon, hosted by Sue Norton of Pink Tiger. Over lunch, we watched Canadian fashion designer, Kristie Lance, present her Spring 2016 looks which also included her first full plus-size line. This fashion show lunch was also a fundraiser to support Look Good  Feel Better. The lunch was held at Santé Restaurant, who hosts fashion show lunches on the regular!

Pink Tiger is an online marketplace that showcases a variety of Canadian designers. The unique shopping experience at Pink Tiger is built around a Random Acts of Kindness movement.

At Pink Tiger, we are truly passionate about two things: fashion and philanthropy. We believe that companies have an obligation to give back to the community – after all, our community is our customer base.  We also believe that by supporting emerging and existing designers, we can give them a way to give back, just by selling an item on www.pinktiger.com.

She’s been doing some pretty crazy work all over Ottawa these days, and if you haven’t heard of her, you must be living under a rock! I am always amazed at Kristie’s talent and finally had the chance to watch the fashion show. I was front row, and not back stage this time! Kristie does custom design work and specializes in curvy and plus-size fashion! Her clothing line is available from size 0-22. She and I share the same philosophy when it comes to embracing your curves and I couldn’t be more honoured to share this with you! You’ll have to follow her #JoinTheRebellion ventures online.

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Capital Catwalk: Her Campus uOttawa

Finally, I am proud to call myself a uOttawa alumni! hahaha

Capital Catwalk featuring Chantal Sarkisian Mode XLusive Ottawa Fashion Blog and Ottawa Lifestyle blogger

Please join me and Her Campus uOttawa for an elegant evening of fashion and entertainment in honour of The Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. Her Campus uOttawa is hosting their 4th annual charity fashion show, Capital Catwalk, at the EY Centre on January 30th. In keeping with their tradition, there will be a silent auction, marketplace, entertainment and of course, fashion!

I am honoured to be MC’ing the event alongside Rayhan Pitigala, uOttawa student and health writer for Her Campus uOttawa.

Some of my favourite local designers will be part of the Fashion Show and I can’t wait to present them!

Buy your tickets now, because this event will sell out quick! There are still opportunities for sponsors and vendors in the marketplace, just send your inquiries to Monica. Rates are super affordable and 100% of the proceeds go towards the ORCF.

I’m a little anxious for my debut, I have to admit. I feel quite old amongst the student crowd! Please come out and support the event, if not to encourage me! Hope to see you there.

!!!GIVEAWAY TIME- I have 2 tickets to the event with your name on it!!!
Leave a comment below with an outfit idea for me.
I will select a random name on Monday January 25 2016.

Her Campus uOttawa is an online chapter magazine at the university of Ottawa. The magazine is written and run entirely by students. In the past, HCuOttawa has raised money for The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, The Canadian Lupus Society, and The Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. In addition to hosting an annual charity fashion show, the magazine also hosted their first ever student leadership conference last year, and will continue to host the conference each year because of its success. Due to HCuOttawa’s viral and unique articles and large-scale and extravagent events, they have been crowned a Pink Level Chapter by Her Campus National and continue to uphold the title for a second year in a row.

 

 

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