Plus-Size Summer Style Guide in BHBB Magazine

I am so excited to finally share this with you!

A few months ago, I worked like a crazy person to get ready for my first official article on summer styling tips for plus-size women. Be Healthy Be Beautiful is a free local quarterly magazine in Ottawa that covers beauty and fashion in the area.
bhbb-summer-2015-cover BHBB Summer 2015 Plus Size fashion Style Guide Ottawa Chantal Sarkisian Mode XLusive ChantsyBecause space was limited, my article was cut back a bit. So, here is the complete version.

There is no real secret to being a plus-size fashionista. Often times, the same rules apply. Most women love their summer clothes, but the reality for plus-size women is that summer can bring on major fashion challenges. The constant sticky and sweaty mess is one thing, but not being able to hide behind clothes is another. Common struggles include showing more skin and the fear of baring legs and arms. Feeling comfortable in your skin is part of any fashionista’s journey to self-acceptance. It’s all about finding tricks that work for you. If you are looking for inspiration, these 10 plus-size fashion tips should help guide you in creating flawless style this summer.

  1. Know your body type. Don’t focus on size. Women come in all shapes, length and weight, from plus-size to petite.
  2. Invest in classic, quality and versatile pieces. A good pair of jeans or a well fitted blazer will go a long way.
  3. Get your clothes tailored. When clothes fit well, they look more expensive and make you feel amazing.
  4. Don’t splurge on trends. Stay stylish with brands that offer temporary and trendy at a bargain price.
  5. Accessorize to the max with quality jewelry, shoes and hand bags.
  6. Find inspiration online and in magazines and keep track of your favourite outfits.
  7. Stick to natural materials, like cotton and linen, to help keep you dry and breezy.
  8. Put some effort in your hair and makeup. It’s amazing how it can boost your confidence.
  9. Clean out your closet seasonally and rediscover some old favourites.
  10. Supportive undergarments are key to looking sleek and supported.

The most important thing women should remember is to know your body shape, know what flatters you most, have your own style, exude confidence at all times and most importantly…have fun playing in your closet!

Camouflage tips
Women who chose not to show their legs in the summer should opt to wear lose trousers made of thin cotton or linen. Maxi skirts and dresses are also a great way to stay breezy and covered.
For women who want to cover their arms, a light cotton cape or lose cardigan does the trick.

Old Navy Plus Size Fashion Ottawa Fashion blog mode XLusive Chantsy Chantal Sarkisian
Old Navy- Head to toe!
Addition Elle Plus Size Fashion Ottawa Fashion blog mode XLusive Chantsy Chantal Sarkisian
Addition Elle (excluding shoes and purse)
H&M Bayshore Plus Size Fashion Ottawa Fashion blog mode XLusive Chantsy Chantal Sarkisian
H&M head to toe! (excluding shoes)
Desigual Bayshore Plus Size Fashion Ottawa Fashion blog mode XLusive Chantsy Chantal Sarkisian
Desigual head to toe!
GAP Bayshore Plus Size Fashion Ottawa Fashion blog mode XLusive Chantsy Chantal Sarkisian
Gap head to toe!

A big thank you to Bayshore Shopping Centre for providing all the fashion and to Karie Hession of Yow City Style who took the photos.

Continue Reading

Proutfit: One blouse- Four ways

 

Do you remember this Ganni blouse I bought at Vincent a few month ago? Well, I am still in love with it and wear it all the time. Work, night out, casual… it doesn’t matter, this blouse is the bomb diggity.

F0898-166-1I have never owned such a versatile piece of clothing. It has great texture and a range of soft colours that go well with everything from denim to pale pink skirts and white lace shorts.

I rarely know what to pair with this blouse, because it inspires so many ideas. So, I had to create this post and show you how you can style one blouse, 4 ways! Enjoy!

one Blouse- 4 ways Chantal Sarkisian Ganni Blouse Vincent Plus Size Fashion Blog Ottawa

Continue Reading

Transformation: Swap & Commit


I did it. I started the pile. I am committed to swapping out all my old, frumpy clothes, for smaller sizes that fit me and flatter me better now. I just can’t wear clothes that look big on me. I have earned the right to wear fitted clothes and to show off my new curves. I want to feel sexy again.

This past weekend, I ventured off to Tanger Outlets (Kanaka) and scored some major deals on: a new pair of white jeans, a new pair of jean shorts and a jean jacket. I had to get used to picking out smaller sizes for myself… Also, it’s nice not being disappointed in the change room.

“It fits!” She hollered from the fitting room.

It’s really difficult to let go, especially if you love your wardrobe and have taken so much time and effort to build it. Some are key basics, some pieces are from my travels. But really, it’s just clothes. I have to learn to let go of them.

It seems glamorous to have a fashion blog, but I purchase everything that you see on here. And trust me, it gets expensive! I wish I was at the point where people were throwing things at me in exchange for a little product review or a shout out.

I am no charity case, but I am writing this post to announce that I would like to sell my gently used favorites for an exceptional price. I’m talking $5 a piece kinda deals.

Keep an eye out on my Facebook album where I’ll be selling my stuff online. If you’re looking for clothes between sizes14 and 16, or XL, this might be a nice way to get some new pieces in your closet for a fraction of the price!

Continue Reading

New Orleans Street Style

I went to New Orleans (NOLA) in June for exactly 36 hours with a good friend.

We spent 3 whirl-winding days of walking, shopping, boozing on the street, eating and sweating of the excess pounds from the heat and humidity. I was pooped, let me tell you. I barely had any energy left over for Jazz club hopping on Frenchmen street. It’s hard to travel fast. You want to see everything, go everywhere and do it all!

We visited some vintage boutiques like The Revival Outpost where I got my new glasses and Boho Kimono, the famous Bourbon French Perfume perfumery where I purchased a soft musk that smells fabulously clean.

New Orleans Chantal Sarkisian Mode Xlusive Plus Size Blog Ottawa Burbon French Perfume

musk Bourbon French PerfumeBut can I say something, NOLA is Street Style heaven! The streets are beautiful and the architecture has so much history, it’s almost palpable. That was my favourite part, well that and eating of course.

Here are some pics of the trip.

New Orleans Chantal Sarkisian Mode Xlusive Plus Size Blog Ottawa Porter Lounge
Posing for the good old fashion selfie stick in the Porter lounge.
New Orleans Chantal Sarkisian Mode Xlusive Plus Size Blog Ottawa Porter flight
My Porter essentials
New Orleans Chantal Sarkisian Mode Xlusive Plus Size Blog Ottawa Dunkin Donuts
My first cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee… very good!
New Orleans Chantal Sarkisian Mode Xlusive Plus Size Blog Ottawa Cafe du Monde
Famous Cafe du Monde Beignets- what a powdered sugar mess!

New Orleans Chantal Sarkisian Mode Xlusive Plus Size Blog Ottawa Bourbon Street  New Orleans Chantal Sarkisian Mode Xlusive Plus Size Blog Ottawa Cafe du Monde Beignets

New Orleans Chantal Sarkisian Mode Xlusive Plus Size Blog Ottawa Carousel Bar Hotel Monteleon
Carousel Bar at the Monteleon Hotel
New Orleans Chantal Sarkisian Mode Xlusive Plus Size Blog Ottawa Dat Dog
Alligator Hot Dog from Dat Dog with white trash fries.
New Orleans Chantal Sarkisian Mode Xlusive Plus Size Blog Ottawa DDM Cosmetics
Product testing my DDM Cosmetics- LED Lipstick
New Orleans Chantal Sarkisian Mode Xlusive Plus Size Blog Ottawa maison St. Charles Quality Inn Hotel lobby
Hotel lobby of the Maison St. Charles on St. Charles Street in the Garden District
New Orleans Chantal Sarkisian Mode Xlusive Plus Size Blog Ottawa Starbucks
Local Starbucks
IMG_9484
Gorgeous night market on Frenchmen Street
IMG_9389
Found this amazing abandoned derelict building.. STREET STYLE!!!

New Orleans Chantal Sarkisian Mode Xlusive Plus Size Blog Ottawa maison St. Charles Quality InnNew Orleans Chantal Sarkisian Mode Xlusive Plus Size Blog Ottawa Lafayette Cemetary    New Orleans Chantal Sarkisian Mode Xlusive Plus Size Blog Ottawa street car train
As far as street style was concerned, it was quite disappointing. The retailers in the boutiques had a cute boho look to them, because they must dress for the heat! But overall, it was not an exceptionally fashion driven community. If only they realized the opportunities! Here are some fun shots we took.New Orleans Chantal Sarkisian Mode Xlusive Plus Size Blog Ottawa street style 2 New Orleans Chantal Sarkisian Mode Xlusive Plus Size Blog Ottawa Street Style IMG_9400  IMG_9552

Travelabulous helped me build a map of all the sites I visited. If you are thinking of a quick trip to New Orleans, do check it out.

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=z_QaiWJhAVHw.kaPerZ7tr8-Q&w=100%&h=360]

Continue Reading