Transformation: Tailored and hemmed

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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Event: H&M Conscious Closet

Last night, I attended my first ever blogging event. Officially, I’ve been blogging for the last seven years, but my recent efforts really seem to be paying off. It all seems surreal.

Starting a plus size fashion blog is exciting but at the same time, it puts me in a vulnerable position. I’ve always been open about my personal life, and share everything on social media, but this is different. Especially when I most recently shared my weight loss journey on this blog. My role has now transformed from plus size fashionista to a motivational and self-acceptance coach. Not a bad gig at all! 

Now back to last night. Absolutely everything was gorgeous, the beautiful flowers, the delicious food and the company of course! I had the opportunity to meet new blogger friends, that I naturally connected with right away. We just have so much in common. Get your glam on, take pictures, post on social media… Check!

H&M Canada and Bayshore Shopping Centre teamed up to host a series of events that would promote H&M’s latest eco-fashion collections “Conscious” and “Conscious Exclusive”. Check out the Bayshore website, to participate in all their initiatives and contests. Make sure you use #HMConsciousCloset!

I’m a visual person, so I decided to share all my iPhone pics to show you a glimpse of what the event was all about.

    

The most incredible feeling to see your name and blog out there in the real world. Inside the box is a special gift that was picked out just for me from H&M Canada, by Emily Scarlett.
  
Alyssa Beltempo and Caroline Lacasse, Ottawa’s trendsetters
      
The elegant Emily Scarrlett from H&M Canada. My favorite part of the night is when Emily talked about all the different ways H&M recycles and reuses the clothes they collect from these initiatives.
  
What blogger events should look like
  
What blogger events actually look like
   
The table was gorgeous even with the mess we left behind after dinner.
 
5 course meal catered by Thyme and Again
 
I met some really great people last night and I look forward to connecting with them online!  

(You know who you are) xox Chantsy

Spoiler Alert- this is the gorgeous dress that I got in my secret gift. They were on point, since I already bought it! Looks like I get to swap it for another beautiful piece!
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Going ‘green’ with envy for H&M’s new Conscious line

I fell in love with H&M the moment it came to Toronto, almost 10 years ago now. What a wonderful way to update my wardrobe with good quality items at a fair price. I must admit, I was sad when they dropped their size 16, making size 14 now even more difficult to find. Recently, they opened a few stores in Ottawa and expanded their line with plus size and maternity, which pretty much excuses them for those past mistakes.

The real reason I am writing today is to share some exciting new with you! To celebrate Earth Day (April 22, 2015) a wonderful collaboration has been sparked between Bayshore Shopping Centre and H&M’s new Conscious Exclusive Line. Drop off your unwanted clothing and get H&M swag for going green… not a bad deal! Make sure you visit the ONLY H&M store in Ottawa that is offering their Conscious Exclusive collection and by the famous words of Parks and Rec “Treat Yo Self”! There are some gorgeous dresses and skirts that are absolutely perfect for this year’s wedding season!

H&M Bayshore Ottawa Conscious ClosetThis is me in my new favourite H&M Conscious V-neck top. I love the colour and the fit. The sleeves and the V-neck are particularly flattering for us XLusive gals. This is a size Large, and as you can see, fits loose. I did this photo shoot for my bio and head shot for Ottawa Life Magazine. I am their new beauty insider! Petty cool,eh?

Loads of new things happening, so stick around!

Chantal Sarkisian H&M mode XLusive Ottawa Plus Size Fashion Blog
#HMConsciousCloset Vneck shirt
Chantal Sarkisian H&M mode XLusive Ottawa Plus Size Fashion Blog
#HMConsciousCloset Vneck shirt
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Proutfit: White denim, black blazer

As I mentioned in my last post, I had packed smart this time, at least I tried too.

My goal was to pack clothes that can be professional, comfortable, and fashionable.

This week Vancouver is warm and sunny, a comfortable  20° celsius. This time of year can get pretty cool when you’re in the shade, so layers are the best way to go.

 

I was very happy with the tones of this outfit. White Gap denim jeans, pale pink H&M top and black blazer from Cassis. I added a little pop of color with my orangey-red Michael Kors sandals. These are one of the most comfortable sandals I own, I have clocked a lot of miles in these bad boys.

I felt a bit silly doing my own photo shoot in the hotel room but I think this photo turned out pretty great! It’s all about the lighting.

Xox chantsy 

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