Transformation: A Weight Loss Journey

Ok, the secret is out. You know how much I weigh now. To be honest, I don’t care. Weight is but a number. It doesn’t determine your energy level, your physical capacity, your health, your sense of humour, your intelligence, your beauty, your style… you get the point. What it does however, is help you set your objectives, it’s a tangible and measurable number you can hold on to. So here is a picture I am so happy to share with you!

Chantal Sarkisian before after weight lossMar 2015

Having a plus size blog is a difficult battle in that, I promote self-love no matter what size. But as we all know, when you are not at a healthy weight, there is a stigma that you should strive to be “thinner/healthier”, that you can’t possibly “accept yourself” as a larger person without feeling guilty. You and I both know that my body type is never going to be a size 6/8. I see myself being a healthy manageable size 10. I just want to be “tighter” that’s all. Size 10/12 is still considered plus-size, which is why my blog will makes sense forever!

The point of this blog is really to teach others how to work with their body type and still look fabulous. But why am I on a weight loss journey if I accept myself the way I am? Well, because I am finally ready and determined to transform my body into what I think it should look like. No excuses, tons of motivation… it’s just my time. Plus, I had a baby 2 years ago, and my body needs some repairing. I had back pain because my core was weak. I wanted to get tight, fit and increase my energy level so I can keep up with my son… LOT OF ENERGY THERE!!

Transformation was a word that implanted itself in my head in December, so I went with it. I had laser hair removal (at Ottawa Laser Clinic) done ALL OVER my body, I started Weight Watchers and finally committed myself to a workout regime that I had to stick to because now I was accountable to a personal trainer! (Love you Tina!). I stopped eating stupid desserts and only ate things that were worth my calories. I plan more, grocery shop more, make my lunch every day. I loaded up even more on vegetables, limited starchy foods and alcohol. I don’t feel deprived (anymore) and my body has found a great rhythm. At first it was difficult to rid my body of all the terrible habits I developed, mostly sugar and eating out. I feel good now, and before eating something bad, I think twice. I still eat out, I just work around special events and earn my bad meals. I think about how my clothes are falling off or how the scale makes me feel before indulging.

I really want this to be a long term lifestyle change and I hope to keep it up. I had some bad weeks and had some fantastic ones. But in the end, the exercise is what really helps you stay on track, shape your body and repair it.

Please, take this as inspiration and trust me, if I can do it, you can too! Or don’t… do what makes YOU happy.

xox Chantsy

PS- I don’t want to lose my readers because I am turning into a health freak. I think everyone just really enjoys a good weight loss story.

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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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