Transformation: Tailored and hemmed

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I really struggled to find a cute pun for the title of this post, but these late nights and this cold I am fighting are eating away at my creativity. Sorry.

So, here I am now 17.5 lbs lighter than I was about 17 weeks ago. People are really noticing it in my face, my stomach, my butt and my legs. I still can’t get those arms to shrink though (PS- my nickname in high school was “Pipes”… how feminine). With my busted shoulder it’s hard to get in a decent upper body workout. I just really want to fix it already so I can play volleyball again.

That being said, at 17 lbs lost and down two sizes, my clothes obviously don’t fit properly anymore. I know “that’s a great problem to have!”… except when you have amazing clothes that you have been curating over the years through consignment shopping, online sales and souvenirs brought back from multiple vacations. There was a point in my life, about 1.5 years ago, where I decided to accept the size I was (XL to 1X) and embrace the fashion behind this new shape I had to work with. I discovered great online stores like ASOS (Curve & Plus Size), who offered gorgeous plus size clothing made in the UK. Small fortune to have shipped, but worth looking fab.

Last week, I made the executive decision to get some key clothing items tailored and hemmed according to my new body’s measurements. I brought in 2 black slacks, a black pencil skirt and my favourite white skirt. I picked them up today, and “wow” is all I can say! It cost me over $100, but was worth the investment to be able to keep my expensive and high quality office staples. Not only have the clothes been taken in, they are now adjusted to my body shape and never fit better. They look and feel amazing! I recommend doing this, whether you have lost weight or just looking to have your garments fit better.

This is me sneaking a quick pic inside the tiny change room in my tailor’s workshop. I go to Hillary’s on Bank Street (Old Ottawa South). The ladies there are very talented and work out of a small room next to the dry cleaners. The clothes also get dry cleaned which is a nice touch.

This journey has been a real eye opener for me. It’s amazing how much time, effort, energy and money i spent distracting myself from the real issue. “Just lose some weight, and you can wear pretty much all the clothes that you want!” this is what I wish I could have told myself, rather than finding creative and expensive ways to look fashionable.

I am looking forward to my new Proutfits that I will be putting together with these clothes. I hope I can snap up some pics and share them soon.

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Transformation: New bod, new clothes

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When I decided it was time to start my weight loss journey, I never in a million years considered the psychological aspect of it. I mean, not just finding your motivation and determination, something deeper than that. For instance, getting dressed. I am at a point now, where getting dressed in the morning at a lower weight is more difficult than when I was heavier. Why? Well for one thing, I want to show off my new (and tighter) figure. I am working hard people, I deserve it! Second, my clothes look frumpy on me, they are floating in the wrong ways and are frankly, unflattering. These are “big people” clothes meant to hide your soft parts. That’s not the person I am today or will be tomorrow. But the real question is…what shall I wear?

Chantal Sarkisian mode xlusive plus size fashion blog ottawa

Easy solution- Shopping! Something I am very good at, by the way.

So, I went shopping the other day, on a mission to find myself a new pencil skirt for work. I want a white skirt with a bright floral print. I did my typical rounds and visited the stores I often buy from. Wait a minute, I am now 2 sizes smaller, which means I can buy smaller clothes, which means I now have a world of stores that I can shop in!!! More like $$$!!! OVERWHELMING!

You’d think it would be easy for me to grab everything in a size 12 and call it a day. It wasn’t. Let me paint you a picture of what is going on in my head.

Am I done losing Weight? Should I keep going? Is there a finish line? When is this finish line? What’s my final and optimal weight for my body? What if I GAIN IT ALL BACK!!???

You see what I mean? Weight loss is a journey, and I am obviously not ready mentally and physically to invest in new clothes. Plus, going through my closet was a sign of how easy it is to buy bigger clothes and hide your problems under the flowy tops and cozy tights.

So, I went to H&M, where I can find reasonably priced fashionable clothes and bought some fun tops to brighten my closet. I bought some motivational J Brand jeans (2 sizes smaller!!) from Vincent that keep me in check. I love them! I pulled out some old clothes that were too small and reacquainted myself with a pair of old trousers that never really fit me. They still don’t fit well.. they are getting lose 😉 I also found an LBD that I can almost zip up! It’s a classic little black dress that I bought 7 years ago and I can’t wait to wear it at my fiends wedding in May! Big strides!

I am creating a series of posts about my transformation, so stay tuned! I’ll be talking about my “closet conundrums”, where I share my tips on how to transition your closet slowly. Also find out how your clothes can tell your story. Stay tuned!

xox Chantsy

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