Ottawa’s Nordstrom Gala: A grand old time

Last night’s Ottawa Nordstrom Gala was a blur. A magical combination of gourmand canapés neatly stacked in rows on little carts, tiny cans of sparkling bubbly, a killer upbeat band, friendly smiles around and a magical feast of fashion.
Everyone came dressed in their best.

Personally, it was a bit of a sensory overload, but I managed to take it all in. My secret is going stag. I was happy to bump into my friends from Ottawa Life Magazine (seen below on the Step and Repeat). I made a point to say hello to fashion mavens Erica Wark, Christopher Massardo and Alyssa Beltempo. I had an absolute blast to say the least. Lots of friendly faces and close friends to catch up with.

I didn’t do much shopping, but I did spend lots of time (and $) at the Laura Mercier counter with Melody Iafelice who was representing the brand. Apparently, my choice of bright pink/purple lipstick made quite the impression on everyone (#trendsetter hahaha).

I wore a navy knee length tutu (purchased on Amazon.com) paired with a knit graphic tee from Forever21+ with “Champagne S’il Vous PlaÎt” written across the top. It was quite appropriate for the evening and very well received. I got many lovely compliments, someone even kindly told me that I reminded her of Sarah Jessica Parker… um… Success!

I wore a simple pony tail because I am a mom and had no time to get ready. I opted to focus on makeup and a killer lip instead. It worked in my favour 😉

In my travels through the department store I spotted a plus size section that I hope to dissect at a later date. First, I need more sensible footwear and second, I need a clear head… no alcohol beyond this point!! What can I say, I love champagne!

I didn’t take too many pics, I was really just soaking it all in. I encourage you to do the same and explore the wonderful worlds of shoes, cosmetics and bags!

Thank you Nordstrom for an exquisite event! The bar has been raised. Bravo!

Chantal Sarkisian Plus Size fashion Blog Ottawa Nordstrom Gala Mode XLusive

Chantal Sarkisian Plus Size fashion Blog Ottawa Nordstrom Gala Mode XLusiveChantal Sarkisian Plus Size fashion Blog Ottawa Nordstrom Gala Mode XLusiveNordstrom Ottawa Life Magazine Chantal Sarkisian Fashion Blog Mode XLusive 2 Nordstrom Ottawa Life Magazine Chantal Sarkisian Fashion Blog Mode XLusiveChantal Sarkisian Plus Size fashion Blog Ottawa Nordstrom Gala Mode XLusiveChantal Sarkisian Plus Size fashion Blog Ottawa Nordstrom Gala Mode XLusiveChantal Sarkisian Plus Size fashion Blog Ottawa Nordstrom Gala Mode XLusive

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Proutfit: To stripe or not to stripe

I must admit, I don’t know all the technicalities that come to fashion, like horizontal stripes versus vertical stripes. Vertical stripes are supposed to make you look longer while horizontal stripes do the opposite. Technically they are a no no for large women, but I disagree. Some of my favourite tops have stripes, and I have a lot of them! All I know is that if you feel good in something, then you should go for it.

I give you my Banana Republic stripe rushed body conscious dress (ugh.. I hate that term!). But I love this dress! It’s comfy, dressy and flattering (?)… I don’t know, you tell me. Stripes are a tough one. For one thing, the dress does not photograph well, as the stripes get thinner you see that it plays an illusion with your eyes. The rushing on the side helps to cover up any imperfections like chub lines or belly button valleys (PS- I hate the belly button valley! I feel like it’s screaming “hey, look at me! No abs here”).

Chantal Sarkisian Mode XLusive Ottawa PLus Size Fashion Blog
How fantastic does my Invicta watch look in this pic! Bought it on amazon for a crazy cheap price! Notice the side rushing on the dress? I actually wore this dress when I was pregnant. I love it.
Chantal Sarkisian Mode XLusive Ottawa PLus Size Fashion Blog
Banana Republic striped dress I bought 3 years ago. Still loving it!
Chantal Sarkisian Mode XLusive Ottawa PLus Size Fashion Blog
I paired my dressed with my taupe Enzo Angiolini pumps! Love them!
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What to wear to the affair: Revive Your Style with Erica Wark

IMG_7434On Sunday, January 25 I attended my first “Revive Your Style” fundraiser event hosted by the ever fashionable Erica Wark.

First, I want to say, wow. I have a background in Marketing, beauty and events, and I was impressed my friends. No cheese here, this is the real deal and all grounds were covered. I was impressed on a few levels. Erica managed to sell out the venue, get connected with amazing sponsors, raise over $17,000 for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and pull together a very Ready-to-Wear budget friendly fashion show. Not to mention, she did this with poise and personality. I have gotten to know Erica online very well, but this was the first time we met in person. Such kindness and grace. This girl is going places my friends.

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Much anticipated selfie with Erica. Sort of gave her fiance a hard time with this pic. Haha

Ok- but let’s be honest, the thing that was stressing me out the most was my outfit for the event. How do I stand out? Show my own interpretation of fashion and most of all, pull off a plus-size look that any size 2 could admire? I was feeling very uninspired so I turned to Pinterest and searched for “New York Street Style 2015”. That’s ultimately the style I can relate to: feminine, simple, fabulous! A common trend I noticed was casual t-shirt, feminine skirt and killer heels. Easy! I can do this.

I opted to go for a dressy denim look and chose my black short layered Calvin Klein skirt paired with my Gap chambray shirt. Some black Capezio fishnets I got online and my taupe Enzo Angiolini pumps I got at Wolf & Zed for 50% off on New Years Day (psst- looks like they are on sale)! Denim was HOT HOT on the runway, so I was on point. Here is the finished look.

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Step and repeat with the lovely Rachella of EllaIssa.com and fashionista Katrina Turnbull

For makeup I went with Morange lipstick from MAC and a dark burgundy and gold eyeshadow combination. Trying to change it up and stand out. Makeup is my specialty after all, it wouldn’t make sense for me not to try and break the envelope.

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Hair did by Michelle Nguyen from Hair Republic. Loving the beach blond babe look 😉
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China Glaze “Out like a light” manicure from Upkeep Shoppe.
Chantal Sarkisian Mode XLusive Plus Size fashion Revive Your Style 2015
Katrina Turnbull, me and Rachella Clarot of EllaIssa.com (Uashmama Canada). Photo taken by Brittany of www.thronephotography.ca
Mode XLusive Chantal Sarkisian Erica Wark VIP Swag Bag from Revive Your Style 2015
VIP Swag Bag from Revive Your Style 2015
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Proutfit: Holiday Cuir

There is nothing more comfy than wearing tights, let’s all agree. But what I have noticed on my body type is that when I dress down, I look way dressed down, like a bum. Same goes for when I wear a dress, I look and feel really dressed up.

My friends, I think I may have found a middle ground… pleather tights! They have a nice way of upping the glam ante while keeping it casual and cozy. Warning- they can expose more nooks and crannies than your heart desires. Sometimes I feel like it amplifies the look of cellulite. As a member of the XLusive club, I make sure that my bottom and V are always covered by a long shirt or sweater. It’s just common courtesy folks!

Here is a quick shot of today’s proutfit! Pleather tights from the Bay (last year), black Franco Sarto pumps (old) and a cozy knit sweater from H&M (last year). There is nothing new about this outfit, it was just something I pulled together this morning.

Mode XLusive Chantal Sarkisian Plus Size Fashion OttawaNow, if all goes according to my calculations, I should be expecting this gorgeous long Gold fill Wishbone Necklace from Katye Landry Designs. It would look killer with this outfit! Katye is a local Ottawa designer. You must check out her fabulous work! Oh ya… #supportlocal.

Large+Gold+wishbone+necklace Katye Landry Designs
Katye Landry Designs Gold fill Wishbone Necklace

Have fun in the next few days and make sure to take advantage of the holidays! Rest. Laugh. Eat. Love.

Merry Christmas!

xox Chantsy

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