Proutfit: Casual Jean Friday

You know that go-to outfit you always gravitate towards? Well, on Casual Fridays at work, when I can wear my jeans, I always seem to wear the same old (awesome!) outfit. I feel professional, warm and comfortable. I can also transition this outfit for an after work rendez-vous. Which is precisely what I will be doing tonight! I have a gal-date at North and Navy!Chantal Sarkisian Casual Friday mode Xlusive ottawa plus size fashion bloggerIn essence, I can’t live without my:

  • Gap skinny blue jeans
  • Army green Banana Republic top (that I bought on sale-on sale)
  • Black structured wool cardigan from Bailey 44, I bought at Vincent (my favourite boutique on Preston)
  • And of course, my gold wishbone necklace from Katye Landry Designs (best Xmas gift ever!!!)

It’s actually not like me to recycle my outfits, I feel like I can’t be seen wearing the same thing twice. But this morning, I had no time (insert mom excuse here), so I just grabbed the first thing I could think of!

What I really need to do is work on reorganizing my closet like Cher from Clueless, so I can easily pick out my clothes in no time at all!

What do you do to save time getting dressed in the morning?

Happy Friday lovelies!

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Transformation: A Weight Loss Journey

Ok, the secret is out. You know how much I weigh now. To be honest, I don’t care. Weight is but a number. It doesn’t determine your energy level, your physical capacity, your health, your sense of humour, your intelligence, your beauty, your style… you get the point. What it does however, is help you set your objectives, it’s a tangible and measurable number you can hold on to. So here is a picture I am so happy to share with you!

Chantal Sarkisian before after weight lossMar 2015

Having a plus size blog is a difficult battle in that, I promote self-love no matter what size. But as we all know, when you are not at a healthy weight, there is a stigma that you should strive to be “thinner/healthier”, that you can’t possibly “accept yourself” as a larger person without feeling guilty. You and I both know that my body type is never going to be a size 6/8. I see myself being a healthy manageable size 10. I just want to be “tighter” that’s all. Size 10/12 is still considered plus-size, which is why my blog will makes sense forever!

The point of this blog is really to teach others how to work with their body type and still look fabulous. But why am I on a weight loss journey if I accept myself the way I am? Well, because I am finally ready and determined to transform my body into what I think it should look like. No excuses, tons of motivation… it’s just my time. Plus, I had a baby 2 years ago, and my body needs some repairing. I had back pain because my core was weak. I wanted to get tight, fit and increase my energy level so I can keep up with my son… LOT OF ENERGY THERE!!

Transformation was a word that implanted itself in my head in December, so I went with it. I had laser hair removal (at Ottawa Laser Clinic) done ALL OVER my body, I started Weight Watchers and finally committed myself to a workout regime that I had to stick to because now I was accountable to a personal trainer! (Love you Tina!). I stopped eating stupid desserts and only ate things that were worth my calories. I plan more, grocery shop more, make my lunch every day. I loaded up even more on vegetables, limited starchy foods and alcohol. I don’t feel deprived (anymore) and my body has found a great rhythm. At first it was difficult to rid my body of all the terrible habits I developed, mostly sugar and eating out. I feel good now, and before eating something bad, I think twice. I still eat out, I just work around special events and earn my bad meals. I think about how my clothes are falling off or how the scale makes me feel before indulging.

I really want this to be a long term lifestyle change and I hope to keep it up. I had some bad weeks and had some fantastic ones. But in the end, the exercise is what really helps you stay on track, shape your body and repair it.

Please, take this as inspiration and trust me, if I can do it, you can too! Or don’t… do what makes YOU happy.

xox Chantsy

PS- I don’t want to lose my readers because I am turning into a health freak. I think everyone just really enjoys a good weight loss story.

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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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