#NoMoreRules: Swimwear and Summer Style with Addition Elle

I had the pleasure of presenting another fashion segment on CTV Morning Live yesterday. We featured summer looks and new pieces from Addition Elle’s 2016 Swimwear line. My favourite part, other than meeting my new gorgeous models, was styling summer outfits around swimwear.

Addition Elle #NoMoreRules Campaign

I am so proud of Addition Elle’s recent #NoMoreRules campaign featuring plus size model Barbie Ferreira. Their message is totally on point! Don’t follow any rules and do what makes you feel sexy this summer! It’s easy to do that, when they have such gorgeous bathing suits and properly fitting bikinis.

Forget what you’ve been told. Plus size bikinis are in and stripes are a must! The Cactus collection features playful, sexy and supportive swimwear.

So how did I style my models? Well here they are!

Vaia is wearing a one piece bathing suit with white Bermuda-style knee-length shorts. The bathing suit has a supportive layer underneath and a lose fitting top layer. The ruching on the side creates movement and keeps the bathing suit flowy and flattering.

Plus size bathing suit swimwear Addition Elle Ottawa Fashion Blog

This is Kerry and she looks fab in this gingham top which is hot hot hot this season, and not to mention the off-the-shoulder look. I paired the black and white top with some bright red shorts to add a punch of colour.

Plus size clothes Addition Elle Ottawa Fashion Blog

Nathaly completely kills this look, I mean, look at that hair! Nothing says summer beach party like throwing on your favourite summer dress over your bathing suit and heading out to the party. I absolutely love this dress and I love this look! Again, the off-the-shoulder style creates a feminine and delicate look. The ruffles over the chest also softens the whole outfit.
Plus size dress Addition Elle Ottawa Fashion Blog

Now this bikini look that Melanie is wearing, I love! This macrame tassel vest is everything! It offers light coverage and loads of interest to the look. I also love that the bikini bottom doubles as a mini skirt. Nothing says summer like adding bright turquoise jewellery to finish off the look, so we did!
Plus size swimwear bathing suit bikini Addition Elle Ottawa Fashion Blog

Don’t forget to have fun with your summer style this season and most importantly, remember that there are #nomorerules! Find swimwear that fits, that is supportive enough for your curves and werk it!

In case you missed the segment, you can watch it here.

Continue Reading

Pink and Pretty among the Cherry Blossom trees

My Ottawa photographer friend Debra Cowie is working on building stock photography to sell on her website, and was looking for a model.

The current theme she is working on is “PINK” and if you’re in Ottawa in May, there is no shortage of pink in the city! We got together at the Lincoln fields OC Transpo bus terminal on Carling and snapped these whimsical photos! We even managed  to squeeze one of Victor and I. It’s so sweet.

The cherry blossom trees are in full bloom, but won’t hold up for long. You may only have a few days left before the petals come down. But, can you image how a bed of petals would photograph? We will have to go back!

Outfit
In these photos, I am wearing a simple white v-neck and my famous pink tutu from Simons.

Makeup
My lipstick is “Talking Points” lip liner from MAC
My eye liner is Stila Stay-All-Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Black 0.5ml

Chantal 4 Ottawa Fashion Blogger Curvy Plus-Size photos lincoln fields cherry blossom pink treesChantal 2 Ottawa Fashion Blog Curvy Plus-Size photos lincoln fields cherry blossom pink trees Chantal 7 Ottawa Fashion Blog Curvy Plus-Size photos lincoln fields cherry blossom pink treesChantal 5 Ottawa Fashion Blog Curvy Plus-Size photos lincoln fields cherry blossom pink treesChantal 8 Ottawa Fashion Blog Curvy Plus-Size photos lincoln fields cherry blossom pink trees Chantal 6 Ottawa Fashion Blog Curvy Plus-Size photos lincoln fields cherry blossom pink trees

Continue Reading

Bailey Nelson: Ottawa welcomes new eyewear and sunglasses store in Westboro

I was walking in Westboro on Victoria Day, and noticed a new shop, and it was the only one open on the strip. Of course, being the curious person that I am, I walked in and started chatting with one of the employees. It’s an Australian brand that has recently launched in Canada called Bailey Nelson and is a prescription eye wear and sunglasses shop made in Canada. Every pair is slowly crafted and assembled in Canada, using the best quality products sourced from countries like Australia and Japan.Bailey Nelson Westboro store Ottawa Fashion Blog Mode Xlusive Chantsy

It turns out this is the company’s sixth store, and they opened it right in the heart of Ottawa’s boutique shopping district! I love it! The store itself is simplistic, with clean lines and natural accents. The company has an eco-friendly eye and a soft spot for maximizing sustainable materials.Bailey Nelson Westboro store Ottawa Fashion Blog Mode Xlusive Chantsy Blogger

The premise of this business is that all frames are $145 (taxes in!), whether it’s prescription or sunglasses. The sunnies are made with high quality lenses and they are all polarized, which means they are actually good for your eyes (bonus! fashionable and functional).Bailey Nelson Westboro store Ottawa Fashion Blog Mode Xlusive

There are loads of gorgeous styles to choose: from feminine flirty to geek chic, with most options being unisex. I am told that the glasses are made in small batches, so the really popular styles will naturally become collector’s edition. At that price, you can afford to start your own collection and BUY THEM ALL!! hahaha

If you’re in the area, I highly suggest popping in to say hello! The staff are super friendly and the shopping experience will not disappoint!Bailey Nelson Westboro store Ottawa Fashion Blog Mode Xlusive Chantsy Style Blogger

Get out of your comfort zone, and start exploring the new shops that are popping up in Ottawa!

Continue Reading

Getting racy: The plus-size black lace bralette of your dreams

Look no further, I found the perfect black lace bralette that will actually hold your girls in and cover your cleavage! Unless of course that is not what you are looking to do.

I was searching high and low for a bralette that I could wear under tops that have a deep neckline or my romper that crosses over the chest. You and I both know that the cross top never has enough coverage and I don’t want my girls peaking through the sides.

This black lace bralette is from Addition Elle, and the just restocked it! So I urge you to buy it right away! I regretted not buying it last month, when I featured it on my CTV segment about Addition Elle bras.

So, to thank my readers for sticking around, I decided to post a pic of me in the bra! It’s so delicate and pretty that I want to wear it out in public, just like that!Plus Size bra lace bralette Ottawa Fashion Blog Mode XLusive Chantal Sarkisian blogger

This bra is size X at Addition Elle, which fits like a Large/XL in other stores and is only $40. I am also told the lingerie line at Addition Elle fits one size smaller than normal. In the last picture, you can see how the delicate lace in the back is thick enough to actually cover your back and not get wedged under the rolls! hahaha

Why are you still reading? GO BUY THE BRALETTE!
Plus Size bra lace bralette Ottawa Fashion Blog Mode XLusive Chantsy in a bra

Continue Reading