Chantsy’s Gift Guide: That’s Stunning

What’s the most cost effective way to add a bit of edge to your look and declare your personal style? Jewelry of course! It’s amazing how a little bling and chain can go a long way. Today’s holiday gift guide is all about supporting local and finding unique Ottawa gift ideas for yourself or your gal pals this Christmas.

What if I told you there is a sweet little eye-candy shop nestled on York street in the Byward market, just around the corner to Sussex. You’ve seen it, it’s by the parking lot, you just haven’t satisfied your curiosity enough to enter the white gates. The store is called Stunning, and if you haven’t been inside, you’re missing out!

I discovered Stunning last year, when I finally took the plunge and went in the shop, where I met the lovely store owner Mandy Gosewich and her dog Pearl. Now, I’m a seasonal regular. I wait for Mandy to post some bait on her Instagram feed, and then pop in when I am tempted to see the treasures in real life. That’s what happened when I spotted these little puff earrings!

Mandy has an exceptionally edgy style, and sources her goodies from all around the world. She has great stories about her buying trips to New York, and can tell you where each piece comes from. What I love about shopping there, is the reward for your individuality. Because there is so much to chose from, it’s up to you to find something that calls you, that suits your personal style. You know you will be the only one with the awesome necklace, or killer earrings, and that you were the one to find them! A challenge we easily forget when we go shopping at big retailers.

Mandy helped me pick out a few awesome pieces to showcase in this gift guide. I hope you love them as much as I do!

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I have a soft spot for long chains. This one in particular has a perfect blend of edge to it.

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Yup! Removal pompom on this tuque!
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I call this the puff cuff! You can get one or a pair! Can we also take a minute to stare at the ring!! It’s amazing!
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I loved these simplistic geometric earrings.
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This little candy shaped clutch stole my heart!
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Hoops are back, and this is a very cool way to warm up to them! Love the geometric design here too.
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These earrings to me are Kate Spade on a motorcycle… right?
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This bib was out of this world! Just wear all black and wear the rhinestone bib to the party!

So, what do you think? What caught your eye? I am in love with my little puff earnings and can’t wait to wear them for my Christmas party! I really want that long necklace too…

So will you satisfy your curiosity next time you’re in the market? If you head over to see Mandy, please tell her Chantsy sent you! Happy shopping and don’t forget to support local when you can this Christmas!

If you’re looking for more gift ideas, check out these WHITE & ROSE GOLD WIRELESS SUDIO EARPHONES or my new obsession with AMORE PACIFIC skincare routine.

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Fall 2015 Favourites: Marsala, Gold and Camel

DESTACADOI was never much a fan of the colour burgundy. It was one of the colours in my high school uniform, that could explain it. But now, I love it! On my nails, on my lips… and in a bag. I need a Marsala bag. Maybe it’s because Marsala is the official 2015 colour of the year, according to Pantone. We truly saw it everywhere this summer; in wedding bouquets and bridesmaid dresses no less. It’s funny how something can grow on you, once you get used to it and see it enough times.
Bouquet-marsalaOn that note, I put together some of my favourite pieces for fall, including makeup, jewellery, accessories, shoes and bags! The colour pallet is mostly camel brown, gold, black and MARSALA! Have fun screen shopping!

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Mode XLusive 2015 Fall fashion

Kevyn Aucoin Lip Gloss, Bloodroses • Kevyn Aucoin • $41.69
Shiseido Automatic Fine Eyeliner • Shiseido • $35
Laura Mercier Lip Parfait Creamy Colourbalm • Laura Mercier • $32.36
Deborah Lippmann Bitches Brew Nail Lacquer • Deborah Lippmann • $25.01
Opi Mimosas for Mr. & Mrs. Nail Lacquer-MIMOSAS FOR MR & MRS • $15
Butter London The Full Monty • Butter London • $18
Fashion Fair Perfect Finish Cream Foundation • $25
M.A.C Powder Blush • $26
Illamasqua Powder Blusher • Illamasqua • $13

Mode XLusive 2015 Fall fashion accessories
Kenzo ‘Tiger’ ring • Kenzo • $128.95
Bcbgeneration Gold Plated Base Metal Fancy Chain And Tassle Y-Necklace • BCBGeneration • $25
Wanderlust & Co Chevron-Stack Rings • Isabella Oliver • $27
Nine West Women’s Nude Strap Watch 32mm NW/1712PKRG • Nine West • $67.93
Versace Gold Medusa Stud Earrings • Versace • $245
Jules Smith Spike Cuff Bracelet, Golden • Jules Smith Designs • $54.11
Burberry Giant Exploded Check Cashmere Scarf • Burberry • $675
Tassel Black Leather Charm/Key Chain • Mackage • $49
Women’s Felt Floppy Hats • Old Navy • $17

Mode XLusive 2015 Fall fashion shoes and boots
Solid class loafer • Gap • $54.95
Converse Jack Purcell Leather Sneakers, Blue • Converse • $83.38
Burberry House Check Detail Rain Boots • Burberry • $375
TOMS Suede Desert Wedge Bootie, Natural Taupe • Toms • $123.68
Design Lab Lord & Taylor Leopard Print Booties • Lord & Taylor • $169
Louise Et Cie Louise Et Cie Albach- Gold Accent Triple Buckle Bootie • Vince Camuto • $137.35
FOREVER 21 Faux Leather Peep Toe Booties • Forever 21 • $45.90
Circus By Sam Edelman D’Orsay Ankle Strap Pumps • Sam Edelman • $42
Vince Camuto Rowin Pointed Toe Stiletto Heel • Vince Camuto • $160

Mode XLusive 2015 Fall fashion bags and purses

FOREVER 21 Metallic Travel Clutch • Forever 21 • $4.90
Saint Laurent Black Quilted Leather Monogram Large Satchel • Saint Laurent • $2,950
Kensie Fall in Line Pebbled Crossbody Bag • Kensie • $89
Chloé medium ‘Marcie’ tote • Chloé • $2,232
Caley-F5 Large Merlot Mesenger Bag • Mackage • $595
Vince Camuto Riley Small Back Pack • Vince Camuto • $298
Vince Camuto Leila- Classic Leather Tote • Vince Camuto • $159–272
Herschel Supply Co. ‘Little America’ backpack • Herschel • $130.39
Calvin Klein Belfast Nylon Backpack • Calvin Klein • $178

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Proutfit: Holiday Cuir

There is nothing more comfy than wearing tights, let’s all agree. But what I have noticed on my body type is that when I dress down, I look way dressed down, like a bum. Same goes for when I wear a dress, I look and feel really dressed up.

My friends, I think I may have found a middle ground… pleather tights! They have a nice way of upping the glam ante while keeping it casual and cozy. Warning- they can expose more nooks and crannies than your heart desires. Sometimes I feel like it amplifies the look of cellulite. As a member of the XLusive club, I make sure that my bottom and V are always covered by a long shirt or sweater. It’s just common courtesy folks!

Here is a quick shot of today’s proutfit! Pleather tights from the Bay (last year), black Franco Sarto pumps (old) and a cozy knit sweater from H&M (last year). There is nothing new about this outfit, it was just something I pulled together this morning.

Mode XLusive Chantal Sarkisian Plus Size Fashion OttawaNow, if all goes according to my calculations, I should be expecting this gorgeous long Gold fill Wishbone Necklace from Katye Landry Designs. It would look killer with this outfit! Katye is a local Ottawa designer. You must check out her fabulous work! Oh ya… #supportlocal.

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Katye Landry Designs Gold fill Wishbone Necklace

Have fun in the next few days and make sure to take advantage of the holidays! Rest. Laugh. Eat. Love.

Merry Christmas!

xox Chantsy

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