Join me at The Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show April 10, 2016

The folks behind the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show are at it again, and promising to once again deliver the best in vintage fashion this city has to offer. Join me on April 10, 2016 at the Shaw Centre (Convention Centre, 55 Colonel By Drive) for a full day of treasure hunting. At this ONE DAY ONLY event, from 10am until 5pm, fashion conscious shoppers will find everything from retro street wear to vintage Chanel hand bags. Admission is $10, discount pass available online at OttawaVintageClothingShow.ca. Keep reading though… trust me!

All the vintage Chanel your coeur desires!
All the vintage Chanel your coeur desires!

Last November, I attended the The Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show and to nobody’s surprise, did a LOT of damage. (Seriously, folks, this part-time “hobby” of mine gets really expensive!) The most impressive booth had to be the one selling vintage Chanel handbags, Luxe Touch. They are based in Hamilton but ship worldwide! Can you image this being your business (insert “heart-eyes” emoji here).

This year’s notable vendors include The Handbag Gallery and Ian Drummond Collection.

GIVEAWAY TIME!
For sticking around this long, I am offering you a chance to win 2 free tickets to the show! Tell me what gems you are hoping to find at the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show and I’ll enter your name in the draw! The winner will be selected Wednesday, April 6, 2016.

Good luck and happy shopping!

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#ShopYourShape with Smithery’s Spring Lookbook

Spring is finally in the air and it has me all gaga over new trends and old styles that are making a comeback. It’s ok, I am a hoarder, and this is when it comes in handy. I kept all my old accessories and now I just need to build up the courage to wear them! My black leather cuff bracelet comes to mind and my collection of leather strap chokers!

A few weeks ago, I drove all the way to Toronto to take part in the Smithery‘s Spring lookbook. It was an all day photoshoot, where I played the “O” shape model. Gorgeous clothes were waiting for me on a rack along with a collections of shoes that somehow were all my size. #dream

The Smithery is an online fashion boutique based out of Toronto, that specializes in helping women shop their shape. They have categories like X, V, H, A, and O (that’s me!) all representing a different body type. What I love is that they are helping women select clothes that are flattering to their shape, while still offering stylish and on trend selections at a fair price.

I was in love with all the looks, even though I swore that I would never wear my bell bottom jeans again!!

Check out some of my outfits that are now on their website:

The entire day was such a thrilling experience. I got to meet real lovely women, and basically hang out with them and take pictures in pretty clothes. Although I was zonked by the end of the day, and did a fair bit of damage to the bank account after nearly buying my entire rack of clothing, I have a bank of wonderful memories of this super fun day!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

Since you stuck around this long to hear about my magical day, I am giving you a reward! I am thrilled to announce that Smithery is giving away a $50 gift card to one of my lucky readers. All you have to do signup to my blog and leave a comment bellow telling me what you would buy with the gift card! I’ll pick a name at random on Friday April 1 2016 at 5:00 p.m.

Good luck, and may the winner win!

 

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Shoe talk: Build your wide shoe collection this Spring

I know. If the shoe fits, buy them in all the colours, right? I hear you loud and clear and I am guilty as charged!

I suffer from a little shoe obsession, and having wide feet does not stop me from buying shoes. What’s my secret to shopping for wide shoes and taking good care of my shoes?

  • Invest in leather shoes, they are more stretchy, durable, comfortable and breathable
  • Avoid thin straps that go across  the foot or mule type shoes that cover the foot and are not stretchy enough
  • Only wear comfortable shoes, don’t sacrifice your feet for cheap shoes. It’s not worth the pain or residual health problems they can cause
  • Take care of your shoes! Use leather and shoe protectors, wear the right seasonal footwear, brush your suede and clean the inside (yes, the goop) and outside (rinse off salt stains right away).
  • Stick to the brand that is right for you. Personally, I love Michael Kors shoes, Nine West and Louise et Cie. They are made for my feet and sell at a fair price point.
  • Buy the right size and fit, and buy multiples or different colours if you have too
  • Find a cobbler. I go to Moneysworth and Best at Billings Bridge (Ottawa). They do fantastic work!
  • Pimp your shoes with leather insoles and gel padding when needed

Although buying your shoes in one size up is not always the solution, I am happy to report that there are brands like Jessica Simpson and  Louise et Cie who pay close to attention to this very common issue “the wide shoe and wide calf boot“. We already know that heels are bad for our spine and feet, why must we feel the need to squeeze our feet in them too!

Worry not. I found a few wide style shoes, mules, booties, espadrilles, flats and heels to slowly help you build your shoe collection this Spring.

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Spring Fashion 2016 Trends with Addition Elle

I had the pleasure of presenting another fashion segment on CTV Morning Live today, where we talked about 2016 Spring fashion trends from Addition Elle with a twist. Today’s segment was all about pulling a look together that was inspired by the bra!

Addition Elle has a gorgeous selection of quality bras and has qualified staff to help you find the right fit. That’s ultimately the secret, the right fit! This month they are featuring their bra fitting services with special promotions from March 17-22 2016. This is not to be missed.

CTV Morning Live Perfect Bra for Curvy Body Types

To be honest, I have never been a lover of lingerie. Particularly because my bras are usually too “functional” to be pretty. You know what though? I no longer need to feel that way. Their selection (size and fit!!) are wonderful and completely accommodating to all women who need more support. I fell in love a few times with their racy designs, particularly those from the Ashley Graham line (I mean, who doesn’t love Ashley Graham). The new Sheer Desire set is also to die for; a lightweight mesh that is both sexy and practical.

CTV Addition Elle Bra Mode Xlusive Chantal Ottawa Plus Size Fashion Blog Canadian Style Blogger Street Style Srping Fashion 2016 additionelle_Sheer Desire Black setjpgCTV Addition Elle Bra Mode Xlusive Chantal Ottawa Plus Size Fashion Blog Canadian Style Blogger Street Style Spring Fashionadditionelle_Black Lace Bralette CTV Addition Elle Bra Mode Xlusive Chantal Ottawa Plus Size Fashion Blog Canadian Style Blogger Street Style Lookbookadditionelle_Ashley Graham Phenomenon Halter Black bra CTV Addition Elle Bra Mode Xlusive Chantal Ottawa Plus Size Fashion Blog Canadian Style Blogger Spring Fashion Street Styleadditionelle_Dot print and lace contour flirt bra

 

I want to say a huge THANK YOU to my amazing models Melissa, Meeka and Emily who support me and trust my styling skills! They always do a fabulous job! Love you ladies xoxox!

If you missed the CTV Morning Live segment, you can watch “Perfect Bra for Curvy Body Types” here.

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