Being the social media stalker that I am, I found Ashley online and was so impressed with the work that she does. You have to check out her site! I also liked her style (and frame of mind) so I asked her some questions.
What’s your passion for fashion?
I am all about the colour! Give me all things bright and fun. It makes me feel good wearing clothes that are similar to the way I approach life — with a whole lot of joy!
What XLusive tip can you share?
Don’t be afraid to try new things! Never think to yourself that you can’t wear something because of your body type! You can wear anything you want! Rules were made to be broken.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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!
Get out of your comfort zone, and start exploring the new shops that are popping up in Ottawa!
