Capital Catwalk: Her Campus uOttawa

Finally, I am proud to call myself a uOttawa alumni! hahaha

Capital Catwalk featuring Chantal Sarkisian Mode XLusive Ottawa Fashion Blog and Ottawa Lifestyle blogger

Please join me and Her Campus uOttawa for an elegant evening of fashion and entertainment in honour of The Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. Her Campus uOttawa is hosting their 4th annual charity fashion show, Capital Catwalk, at the EY Centre on January 30th. In keeping with their tradition, there will be a silent auction, marketplace, entertainment and of course, fashion!

I am honoured to be MC’ing the event alongside Rayhan Pitigala, uOttawa student and health writer for Her Campus uOttawa.

Some of my favourite local designers will be part of the Fashion Show and I can’t wait to present them!

Buy your tickets now, because this event will sell out quick! There are still opportunities for sponsors and vendors in the marketplace, just send your inquiries to Monica. Rates are super affordable and 100% of the proceeds go towards the ORCF.

I’m a little anxious for my debut, I have to admit. I feel quite old amongst the student crowd! Please come out and support the event, if not to encourage me! Hope to see you there.

!!!GIVEAWAY TIME- I have 2 tickets to the event with your name on it!!!
Leave a comment below with an outfit idea for me.
I will select a random name on Monday January 25 2016.

Her Campus uOttawa is an online chapter magazine at the university of Ottawa. The magazine is written and run entirely by students. In the past, HCuOttawa has raised money for The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, The Canadian Lupus Society, and The Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. In addition to hosting an annual charity fashion show, the magazine also hosted their first ever student leadership conference last year, and will continue to host the conference each year because of its success. Due to HCuOttawa’s viral and unique articles and large-scale and extravagent events, they have been crowned a Pink Level Chapter by Her Campus National and continue to uphold the title for a second year in a row.

 

 

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#CallforChange: Celebrating WE Day with Francesco Yates and Telus

We are powerful. We are a movement. We will change the world.” Craig Kielburger, founder of We Day, chanted with the crowd on November 10, 2015 to get 16,000 students from over 500 schools, hyped up for the incredible day he had lined up for them.

WE Day Ottawa November 10 2015 Francesco Yates Telus Justin Trudeau Craig Kielburger

I have never seen such a site. An enormous room, filled with smart, passionate and driven kids ready to take on the world. These students worked extremely hard to be invited, yes invited, to take part in WE Day. You cannot buy a ticket. There are over 2 million students that apply, but only 200,000 make the cut. The 1-day lineup is jam packed with performers, singers, television hosts, inspiring people, movers and shakers. Yes, even Justin Trudeau graced us with his presence and passion! It’s only fitting, since Justin is the minister of youth and has already participated in three WE Days.

“WE Day is not about being leaders of tomorrow, it’s about being a leader TODAY”- Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister

The crowd goes wild for Sophie and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The crowd goes wild for Sophie and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

I was extremely touched and impressed by not only the adults who inspired the crowd, but more so hearing the stories of how these children have raised upwards of 62 million dollars worth of social value for their community or for an international cause. That’s incredible. Just when you thought all was lost for the future generation. In fact, these students, who participate in Social activities, end up becoming more responsible and involved members of our society. Future leaders were in that room. That’s the message Craig was ultimately trying to convey to us, at our one-on-one session.

“The change happens in the young Canadians themselves, it’s not just about the fundraising. That’s a bonus. Youth vote more, are more aware and give back more to their community. The REAL heroes are the students in the audience (not the special guests invited to speak).” – Craig K

Craig Kielburger, founder of We Day, Free the Children and Me to We.
Craig Kielburger, founder of We Day, Free the Children and Me to We.

So where do I fit in, in all this?
You all know that I am an ambassador for young women entrepreneurs and I want to make a difference in this world. I wish they had WE Day when I was in school, I know I would have been right up there in that crowd. I was so fortunate and happy to participate in this event, even as an adult! I learnt a lot myself and will apply the passion and motivation that was shared in the room. As a mother, I was encouraged to make a difference in my son’s life, now that I have the tools to do it. It was an honour to support TELUS‘s initiatives at WE Day and help spread the love. For the fourth consecutive year, TELUS has helped inspire young leaders and support positive social change as the national co-title partner of We Day.

TELUS and Free The Children have a shared vision – together, they want to help engage and empower youth to harness their innovative ideas, make positive change and become community leaders, both locally and globally.

So, Francesco Yates teamed up with TELUS, MTV and EVERYONE to remix his hit song ‘Call’ to create the social anthem of our generation. Together, TELUS wanted to inspire young people to accept the call to change the world and start making a difference in their local communities.

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Francesco Yates performing Call for the WE Day crowd

We had the opportunity to talk to Canadian singer/song writer, Francesco Yates, and ask him a few questions. First, I have to say that his live performance is always on point. I saw him at RBC Bluesfest this summer and he was fantastic. He’s a great dancer, musician and that voice! Second, he’s from Toronto and so I am … so… #softspot. Third, he was super chill. I asked him about his passion to support a cause like WE Day and asked if he ever attended one, when he was in school. He told us that his school always applied to go, but never made the cut and that it was pretty special to be a part of WE Day, under a different capacity this time. Yates wants to support youth and help them figure out the future, something he admits he is still doing every day. When TELUS approached him to remix his song “Call“, it all was a perfect fit.

How can you help?
It’s easy to give back. Watch the remix music video at http://ow.ly/SNpQi and share it with your friends using hashtag #CallForChange. For every video shared, TELUS will donate $10 to Free The Children, one of the many initiatives under the “WE.org” family of social good. I have made it even easier to give back: hop on Twitter and retweet my post below!

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Today’s technology gives young leaders the power to change the world like never before. It gives people a voice, an audience and helps to amplify messages of positive social change. As a blogger, I can attest to this 100% and strive every day to inspire and motivate my readers. Sometimes it’s with beautiful clothes, helpful tips or funny stories, but today it’s about a #CallforChange.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8vIdgVz1uk?rel=0]

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Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show 2015 Recap

I just got back from the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show! Feeling broke, but in a good way. It’s always a great show. I’ve been attending it for about 4 years now. The set up was much better this year, with an impressive amount of high quality vendors. Lots of space to look around, shop and try things on.

I snapped a few pics of things I bought and things I bought in my mind.

Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show Mode Elusive Ottawa Blogger Curvy Fashion Style Blog Chantal Sarkisian
Always nice running into fellow bloggers in the city. Check out CountryMeetCity.wordpress.com and whimsicalsoles.com
Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show Mode Elusive Ottawa Blogger Curvy Fashion Style Blog Chantal Sarkisian
I bought this Ram Brooch at the Vintage Soul Geek booth. I had to have it!
Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show Mode Elusive Ottawa Blogger Curvy Fashion Style Blog Chantal Sarkisian
Fur for days!
Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show Mode Elusive Ottawa Blogger Curvy Fashion Style Blog Chantal Sarkisian
I fell in love with this cape from Allegro Retro, an Ottawa vintage clothing shop.
Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show Mode Elusive Ottawa Blogger Curvy Fashion Style Blog Chantal Sarkisian
Classic Hudson’s Bay print is so Canadiana.
Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show Mode Elusive Ottawa Blogger Curvy Fashion Style Blog Chantal Sarkisian
On the right person, this jacket would kill.
Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show Mode Elusive Ottawa Blogger Curvy Fashion Style Blog Chantal Sarkisian
Not vintage, but so cool.
Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show Mode Elusive Ottawa Blogger Curvy Fashion Style Blog Chantal Sarkisian
I love the gold details in this pattern.
Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show Mode Elusive Ottawa Blogger Curvy Fashion Style Blog Chantal Sarkisian
All the Chanel your heart ever desired. This booth is called Luxe Touch, they are based in Hamilton but ship worldwide!
Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show Mode Elusive Ottawa Blogger Curvy Fashion Style Blog Chantal Sarkisian
More vintage Chanel bags from Luxe Touch.
Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show Mode Elusive Ottawa Blogger Curvy Fashion Style Blog Chantal Sarkisian
I just like this lady.
Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show Mode Elusive Ottawa Blogger Curvy Fashion Style Blog Chantal Sarkisian
Great hat by Outback. Just trying it on and having fun!

Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show Mode Elusive Ottawa Blogger Curvy Fashion Style Blog Chantal Sarkisian

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Calling All Fashion Aliens: Spaceman to the #Boobyball Rescue!

You all know that I am an advocate for women’s empowerment, whether it’s physical health, mental health or entrepreneurship. My passion is to help and support women, in all facets of their lives. This is why I am so happy to share in this incredible celebration with you: BoobyBall’s Planet Booby. I hope to see you there!

BoobyBall Planetbooby Ottawa Fashion Ides Blog Mode Xlusive Chantal Sarkisian Curvy Style Blogger

PLANET BOOBY crashes into Ottawa for the first time on Friday, November 13, 2015 to raise funds for Rethink Breast Cancer; an out-of-this-world event to wake the inner-alien in all.

The Cause
Rethink Breast Cancer’s mission is to empower young people worldwide who are concerned about and affected by breast cancer. Rethink is the first ever Canadian charity to bring bold, relevant awareness to the 40s and under crowd; foster a new generation of young and influential breast cancer supporters; infuse sass and style into the cause; and, most importantly, respond to the unique needs of young women going through it.  By taking a breakthrough approach to all aspects of breast cancer – education, resources, advocacy, community building, and fundraising – Rethink is thinking differently about breast cancer.

This year’s goal is to raise $50,000, with proceeds going to support the expansion of Rethink’s innovative programs for young women who are living with and affected by breast cancer.

I love the breath of fresh air that Rethink Cancer brings to the table. It’s not about pink pots and pans, it’s about staying creative and engaging a new generation of women and men to take a stance in their health.

The Event
Boobyball was launched in 2002 by a group of dedicated young women in support of their friend Sarah O’Regan who, at just 23 years old, was diagnosed with aggressive, advanced breast cancer. Fast forward 14 years, and Boobyball is now one of the most coveted and high profile fundraising events for young philanthropists in Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa and Winnipeg, and Sarah is a thriving mother of three.

“Over the past decade, Boobyball has raised over $3.4 million dollars for our work for young women with breast cancer. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of all the people who come out every year,” says MJ DeCoteau, Executive Director, Rethink Breast Cancer. “A lot of Boobyball’s success is due to the fun and creative themes that we come up with every year. Planet Booby will be no exception – it will be out of this world!”

A glimpse of the galactic happenings at Planet Booby:

  • Cosmic music by DJ PAQ
  • Central Command VIP suites
  • Intergalactic mini manis from The Ten Spot
  • Helmet hair touch ups by Rinaldo’s
  • Celestial sips of [yellow tail] wine
  • Spacey souvenir shop by Boss Promotions
  • Boobyball’s out of this world gift bags
  • Planetary Photobooth by MDRN Photobooth co.
  • Oxygen Booth courtesy of Molly Maid

Tickets for PLANET BOOBY in Ottawa are on sale now at www.boobyball.com. You can also follow their events page on Facebook.

The Fashion

Okay, so you have your ticket, and now… what do you wear? When I think Aliens/Spaceman/Gallaxy takeover, my mind gravitates to mod and retro glam. Here are some of my favourite 60’s inspired sci-fi fashion looks.

Martian Girl from Mars Attacks!
Martian Girl from Mars Attacks!
Fembots from Austin Powers.
Fembots from Austin Powers.
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Retro 60’s Sci-fi line by Lazy Oaf

When it comes to textures, think of leather, pleather, patent leather, sequin, metallic and even vinyl. Most importantly, make sure you have fun and remember that it’s all going towards a great cause!

And now, a good old fashion tune to conclude this message. Ironically, Bif Naked is a Breast Cancer survivor, so this pretty much closes the loop quite nicely.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hai0zxSC9-M?rel=0]

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