Transformation: Tailored and hemmed

I really struggled to find a cute pun for the title of this post, but these late nights and this cold I am fighting are eating away at my creativity. Sorry.

So, here I am now 17.5 lbs lighter than I was about 17 weeks ago. People are really noticing it in my face, my stomach, my butt and my legs. I still can’t get those arms to shrink though (PS- my nickname in high school was “Pipes”… how feminine). With my busted shoulder it’s hard to get in a decent upper body workout. I just really want to fix it already so I can play volleyball again.

That being said, at 17 lbs lost and down two sizes, my clothes obviously don’t fit properly anymore. I know “that’s a great problem to have!”… except when you have amazing clothes that you have been curating over the years through consignment shopping, online sales and souvenirs brought back from multiple vacations. There was a point in my life, about 1.5 years ago, where I decided to accept the size I was (XL to 1X) and embrace the fashion behind this new shape I had to work with. I discovered great online stores like ASOS (Curve & Plus Size), who offered gorgeous plus size clothing made in the UK. Small fortune to have shipped, but worth looking fab.

Last week, I made the executive decision to get some key clothing items tailored and hemmed according to my new body’s measurements. I brought in 2 black slacks, a black pencil skirt and my favourite white skirt. I picked them up today, and “wow” is all I can say! It cost me over $100, but was worth the investment to be able to keep my expensive and high quality office staples. Not only have the clothes been taken in, they are now adjusted to my body shape and never fit better. They look and feel amazing! I recommend doing this, whether you have lost weight or just looking to have your garments fit better.

This is me sneaking a quick pic inside the tiny change room in my tailor’s workshop. I go to Hillary’s on Bank Street (Old Ottawa South). The ladies there are very talented and work out of a small room next to the dry cleaners. The clothes also get dry cleaned which is a nice touch.

This journey has been a real eye opener for me. It’s amazing how much time, effort, energy and money i spent distracting myself from the real issue. “Just lose some weight, and you can wear pretty much all the clothes that you want!” this is what I wish I could have told myself, rather than finding creative and expensive ways to look fashionable.

I am looking forward to my new Proutfits that I will be putting together with these clothes. I hope I can snap up some pics and share them soon.

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Proutfit: Casual Jean Friday

You know that go-to outfit you always gravitate towards? Well, on Casual Fridays at work, when I can wear my jeans, I always seem to wear the same old (awesome!) outfit. I feel professional, warm and comfortable. I can also transition this outfit for an after work rendez-vous. Which is precisely what I will be doing tonight! I have a gal-date at North and Navy!Chantal Sarkisian Casual Friday mode Xlusive ottawa plus size fashion bloggerIn essence, I can’t live without my:

  • Gap skinny blue jeans
  • Army green Banana Republic top (that I bought on sale-on sale)
  • Black structured wool cardigan from Bailey 44, I bought at Vincent (my favourite boutique on Preston)
  • And of course, my gold wishbone necklace from Katye Landry Designs (best Xmas gift ever!!!)

It’s actually not like me to recycle my outfits, I feel like I can’t be seen wearing the same thing twice. But this morning, I had no time (insert mom excuse here), so I just grabbed the first thing I could think of!

What I really need to do is work on reorganizing my closet like Cher from Clueless, so I can easily pick out my clothes in no time at all!

What do you do to save time getting dressed in the morning?

Happy Friday lovelies!

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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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Proutfit: Noir & Blanc

Oui, oui! Je suis une Parisienne today! All I am missing is a bike, a baguette and a beret!

Today’s casual-Friday proutfit is black and white with a little sparkle! It is the holiday of course and sparkle is not only in season, it’s a prerequisite to looking festively glam!

I am wearing my new Nine West flats that I got for 50% off… 1 of 3 pairs that I bought recently. You already saw my electric blue swede pumps yesterday. So far they are soft and comfortable! I love the preppy look too. Stay tuned for number 3.

Here is a complete list of today’s proutfit:

  1. Darling & Dapper Capella earrings (Ottawa brand!)
  2. Joe Fresh Black and white stripe sequence tee
  3. Black Jeans from GAP outlet
  4. Nine West Lavalu black leather flats

Chantal Sarkisian Mode XLusive Plus size fashion Proutfit

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