Festive Fashion: Black and Red Holiday Looks

screen-shot-2015-12-08-at-10-14-54-pm In my post last week, I mentioned that I was featured in Ottawa Family Living magazine. As you know, print is always limited to space, unlike a blog, so my fashion outfits didn’t quite make the cut. I guess they wanted to keep the smart answers over the pretty pictures. That’s a win for any blonde girl! haha.

Just as I said in my article, my go-to this season, is Leather! Here are three easy looks that offer comfort, style and versatility!

Each look offers a different way to play up on leather:

  1. Leggings  (similar in size L/XL)
  2. Moto Jacket (similar in size L/XL)
  3. Skirt (similar in size L/XL)
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Pleather leggings, oversized red sweater (H&M), black ankle booties (Nine West), black tassel purse (Aritzia). Easy, comfortable and very accessible.
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Red dress (H&M), black leather moto jacket (Danier), black bag (Danier) and closed pumps (Calvin Klein). You can add black tights to this look to warm it up a bit. This is good for any casual Holiday party or night out.
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Pretty in plaid! I love mixing odd combinations together! Plaid shirt (Old Navy), Skirt (Bailey 44), blue suede pumps (Nine West), clutch (Rudsak)

These are, once again, brought to you by the ever-talented Kristy Chapman Photography.

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Dressing up for the Holidays with Addition Elle

Well, I did it again! Today, I presented 4 Holiday looks from Addition Elle. We did a double header on CTV Morning Live as well as Daytime Ottawa on Rogers Channel 22.

I did my first segment on TV a month ago on Fall Fashion Trends for 2015 with Addition Elle. It’s always so much fun, but it goes by so fast. So much prep work, but it’s all worth it!

Now back to what is really important… the clothes! I know… there is a lot of black. But what I can I say, I love black! It’s so flattering, timeless and versatile. I tried to add a lot of metallic notes to lift the outfits. From the metallic dress, to rhinestones, sequin and jewelry, it all adds to the sparkle and glam that is Holiday dressing. As you can see, I also love layering with a cardigan or jacket. It adds a layer of warmth and helps to hide the problem areas, like your arms or your backside. If dresses aren’t your thing, you can opt to wear long and loose trouser. The flowy material gives off the illusion of a long dress and lifts the entire look.

Dressing up for the Holidays with Addition Elle CTV Morning Live Ottawa Daytime Rogers Chantal Sarkisian Ottawa Fashion Blogger
Nadia Aboulhosn Trench Dress $140 Woven Cuff Bracelet $25 Nude BCBG pumps (n/a)
Dressing up for the Holidays with Addition Elle CTV Morning Live Ottawa Daytime Rogers Chantal Sarkisian Ottawa Fashion Blogger
Michel Studio Wide Leg Pant $79 Michel Studio Chiffon Back Cardigan $80 L&L Sleeveless Lace Beaded Top $60 BCBG Heeled Bootie $150
Dressing up for the Holidays with Addition Elle CTV Morning Live Ottawa Daytime Rogers Chantal Sarkisian Ottawa Fashion Blogger
Michel Studio Mesh & Metallic Sleeveless Dress $130 L&L Cropped PDR Jacket $98 Fergalicious Rhinestone High Heel Shoe $95
Dressing up for the Holidays with Addition Elle CTV Morning Live Ottawa Daytime Rogers Chantal Sarkisian Ottawa Fashion Blogger
New Noir Long Sleeve Dress $95 BCBG Wedge Pump Shoe $140 Stone and Tassel Zipper Necklace $13.99

If you missed it, you can watch the CTV segment here.

CTV Morning Live Mode Elusive Plus Size Fashion Holiday Dresses for Curvy Women Addition Elle

You can also check out the Rogers Daytime segment here. Note that you must be a Rogers customer to view.img_0180

A million thank-yous to my gorgeous models who are always so professional and reliable! You always do a fantastic job XOX

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The irony of self-acceptance

ironic-self-acceptance-timeline-chantal-sarkisian-low-sel-esteem-self-absorbed-confident

Dear girlfriends,

The struggle is real and we are all partly to blame. Why oh why do we put these pressures on ourselves? Why are we preoccupied or envious of how others live in their own skin?

I’m talking about self-acceptance and the delecate balance between having enough self-esteem and being confident without coming across as self-absorbed. As the chart above demonstrates… It’s a fine line.

I experience this quite often and wonder to myself if my confidence can sometimes comes accross as narcissism. The key is… Stop caring about what others think so much!

I just want to encourage my readers to find ways to feel and be more confident in their look and start accepting themselves for who they are. Life is too short to hide in this darkness. Let’s be honest, it’s so much more fun when we let our hair down and let go!

Have you ever noticed that people with low self esteem are such downers? They are preoccupied with things that you couldn’t even bother to care about. “Does my butt look big in these jeans?” I could care less about your butt, I’m not your friend because of it. Just put your pants on already so we can go out!

On the other side of the spectrum, you might have that friend, you know her, the one that doesn’t give a crap. She’s well spoken, witty as hell and exudes gorgeousness even though she’s a little heavy. Let’s agree to stop judging her and other confident women like her, and learn to emulate their energy. You’ll be happy you did!

When it comes down to it, Demi Lovato said it best “What’s wrong with being confident?” I’ll just leave her sexy video right here…

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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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