Shoe talk: Build your wide shoe collection this Spring

I know. If the shoe fits, buy them in all the colours, right? I hear you loud and clear and I am guilty as charged!

I suffer from a little shoe obsession, and having wide feet does not stop me from buying shoes. What’s my secret to shopping for wide shoes and taking good care of my shoes?

  • Invest in leather shoes, they are more stretchy, durable, comfortable and breathable
  • Avoid thin straps that go across  the foot or mule type shoes that cover the foot and are not stretchy enough
  • Only wear comfortable shoes, don’t sacrifice your feet for cheap shoes. It’s not worth the pain or residual health problems they can cause
  • Take care of your shoes! Use leather and shoe protectors, wear the right seasonal footwear, brush your suede and clean the inside (yes, the goop) and outside (rinse off salt stains right away).
  • Stick to the brand that is right for you. Personally, I love Michael Kors shoes, Nine West and Louise et Cie. They are made for my feet and sell at a fair price point.
  • Buy the right size and fit, and buy multiples or different colours if you have too
  • Find a cobbler. I go to Moneysworth and Best at Billings Bridge (Ottawa). They do fantastic work!
  • Pimp your shoes with leather insoles and gel padding when needed

Although buying your shoes in one size up is not always the solution, I am happy to report that there are brands like Jessica Simpson and  Louise et Cie who pay close to attention to this very common issue “the wide shoe and wide calf boot“. We already know that heels are bad for our spine and feet, why must we feel the need to squeeze our feet in them too!

Worry not. I found a few wide style shoes, mules, booties, espadrilles, flats and heels to slowly help you build your shoe collection this Spring.

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Holiday Gifts for the Girl who has Everything 

 

On Friday I presented “Holiday  Gifts for the Girl who has Everything” on CTV Morning Live (Ottawa).
Basically, I put together my entire Christmas wish list and shared it on national television (Ha!). 

Themes included:

  1. Luxury traveling
  2. Apres Ski
  3. Mademoiselle
  4. Edgy

I pulled everything from Fashion United, Ottawa’s premier fashion boutique! I love going there! They have an amazing selection of shoes, bags, clothes and accessories. They carry high-end brands like Marc Jacobs, Rebecca Minkoff, Kate Spade, Longchamp, Marccain and Michael Kors. This is quite rare in Ottawa, which is why this boutique really excites me.

Check out the segment and let me know what you think! I’m happy to give you any ideas. Don’t be shy and ask me your questions in the comments below!

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Head to toe in Fashion United! I need all of this!
 

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DSW- Designer Shoe Warehouse coming to Ottawa in 2016!

Photo taken from DSW Facebook event page- Etobicoke Grand Opening Celebration on October 5th 2016.
Photo taken from DSW’s Facebook Event page- Etobicoke Grand Opening Celebration on October 5th 2016.

Slow clap… Canada is getting DSW. Correction, Ottawa is getting a Designer Shoe Warehouse! And, I can’t believe it. The store is set to open in the Spring of 2016at the Train Yards mall.

About DSW

Town Shoes Limited opened the first 2 Canadian DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse locations in 2014. DSW is the destination for
shoe shoppers looking for fabulous brands at a great value every single day. With thousands of shoes for women and men, DSW is
all about the thrill of finding the perfect shoe at the perfect price. A huge assortment of handbags and accessories adds to the
breathtaking assortment DSW is known for.

DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse. Designer Shoes. Warehouse Prices.

I discovered DSW on my first trip to New York City almost 6 years ago. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I bought 3 pairs of boots (one of which I am still wearing til this day) and my Michael Kors pumps seen in this picture. A lot of damage has been made!

Chantal Sarkisian Mode XLusive

Modern Vintage Tall balck leather boots DSW
Here I am lost in Central Park… but wearing my boots (photo from 2008).

I am looking forward to monitoring the progress of the opening and will be sure to report any news to you!

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Ottawa Street Style: Casual Fridays with black and blue

It’s casual Friday here at Mode Xlusive! What are you wearing?

Don’t you just love that denim jackets are in right now! I love how they are a cross between a tailored blazer and a cozy sweater. They can make gorgeous dresses casual or amp up a lazy sweater and tank top. Denim is also great for temperature control (I’m always hot, so this is important for me). The cotton is breathable and warm at the same time. A short jacket that hits you at your waist can do wonders for your figure and help accentuate the most narrow part of your body. A good stretchy denim will be comfortable and offer a more structured look.

Black and blue shall never been seen, except in the washing machine!

Have you ever heard of this non-sense? I love mixing blue and black… and breaking fashion rules! I love the black accessories in this outfit too, especially this black patent leather Gucci purse with a tassel! You know I have a weakness for tassels. My black Michael Kors strappy sandals are oh-so gorgeous and oh-so comfortable! They are a mix of edgy and dressy, sort of like the denim jacket.

This was part of a series of photos that I did with Kristy Chapman Photography. Enjoy!

In these pictures, I am wearing:


  
  
  
  

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