Stripes & Florals

A few weeks ago, Erica Wark shared a post on 7 Surprising Ways to Build a Better Outfit using a Wild Card clothing item. I was particularly fond of the floral print and striped shirt combination.

Floral print and striped shirt mode XLusive Canada PLus Size Fashion Blog Ottawa Toronto Montreal Chantsy Chantal Sarkisian

Here is me pulling this look off with a custom size Rachel Sin Dolce Rose Skirt. I discovered Rachel Sin at the 2015 Velo Vogue fashion show hosted by XO Velo and had to have this skirt! I paired it with a stripe H&M top and black suede BCBG pumps to complete my look.

Floral print and striped shirt mode XLusive Canada PLus Size Fashion Blog Ottawa Toronto Montreal Chantsy Chantal Sarkisian
Floral print and striped shirt mode XLusive Canada PLus Size Fashion Blog Ottawa Toronto Montreal Chantsy Chantal Sarkisian Getting lots of compliments at work today. What do you think of pairing two bold patterns? I say… “DO IT!”

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Plus-Size Summer Style Guide in BHBB Magazine

I am so excited to finally share this with you!

A few months ago, I worked like a crazy person to get ready for my first official article on summer styling tips for plus-size women. Be Healthy Be Beautiful is a free local quarterly magazine in Ottawa that covers beauty and fashion in the area.
bhbb-summer-2015-cover BHBB Summer 2015 Plus Size fashion Style Guide Ottawa Chantal Sarkisian Mode XLusive ChantsyBecause space was limited, my article was cut back a bit. So, here is the complete version.

There is no real secret to being a plus-size fashionista. Often times, the same rules apply. Most women love their summer clothes, but the reality for plus-size women is that summer can bring on major fashion challenges. The constant sticky and sweaty mess is one thing, but not being able to hide behind clothes is another. Common struggles include showing more skin and the fear of baring legs and arms. Feeling comfortable in your skin is part of any fashionista’s journey to self-acceptance. It’s all about finding tricks that work for you. If you are looking for inspiration, these 10 plus-size fashion tips should help guide you in creating flawless style this summer.

  1. Know your body type. Don’t focus on size. Women come in all shapes, length and weight, from plus-size to petite.
  2. Invest in classic, quality and versatile pieces. A good pair of jeans or a well fitted blazer will go a long way.
  3. Get your clothes tailored. When clothes fit well, they look more expensive and make you feel amazing.
  4. Don’t splurge on trends. Stay stylish with brands that offer temporary and trendy at a bargain price.
  5. Accessorize to the max with quality jewelry, shoes and hand bags.
  6. Find inspiration online and in magazines and keep track of your favourite outfits.
  7. Stick to natural materials, like cotton and linen, to help keep you dry and breezy.
  8. Put some effort in your hair and makeup. It’s amazing how it can boost your confidence.
  9. Clean out your closet seasonally and rediscover some old favourites.
  10. Supportive undergarments are key to looking sleek and supported.

The most important thing women should remember is to know your body shape, know what flatters you most, have your own style, exude confidence at all times and most importantly…have fun playing in your closet!

Camouflage tips
Women who chose not to show their legs in the summer should opt to wear lose trousers made of thin cotton or linen. Maxi skirts and dresses are also a great way to stay breezy and covered.
For women who want to cover their arms, a light cotton cape or lose cardigan does the trick.

Old Navy Plus Size Fashion Ottawa Fashion blog mode XLusive Chantsy Chantal Sarkisian
Old Navy- Head to toe!
Addition Elle Plus Size Fashion Ottawa Fashion blog mode XLusive Chantsy Chantal Sarkisian
Addition Elle (excluding shoes and purse)
H&M Bayshore Plus Size Fashion Ottawa Fashion blog mode XLusive Chantsy Chantal Sarkisian
H&M head to toe! (excluding shoes)
Desigual Bayshore Plus Size Fashion Ottawa Fashion blog mode XLusive Chantsy Chantal Sarkisian
Desigual head to toe!
GAP Bayshore Plus Size Fashion Ottawa Fashion blog mode XLusive Chantsy Chantal Sarkisian
Gap head to toe!

A big thank you to Bayshore Shopping Centre for providing all the fashion and to Karie Hession of Yow City Style who took the photos.

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RBC Bluesfest- Spotted Festival Fashion 

I had the privilege of being on the Style Squad for RBC Bluesfest and capturing some of my favourite looks. Although only the first image (see below) was the only published photo on the RBC Bluesfest Instagram page and Ottawa Citizen I decide to share all my pics with you! Here is who I spotted!

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#rbcbluesfestfashion captured by @chantsy

A post shared by RBC Bluesfest (@ottawabluesfest) on

  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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#RBCBluesfestFashion- Dress for the Fest!

Chantal Sarkisian Street Style RBCOttawaBluesfestFashion Ottawa Fashion Blog
Swooning over those tassels, that lace and tie die tops!
I am happy to announce that I will be representing on the #StyleSquad at RBC Ottawa Bluesfest this year! We will be covering festival fashion for 6 days. If you see one of us, pose for the iphone and let them capture the moment. We will be sharing the best of the best on social media and Ottawa Newspapers.

Here is what you have to worry about:

  1. Get your RBC Bluesfest tickets early!
  2. Look up some Festival Fashion favourites and find your look! I discovered an awesome booth in the Byward market in front of the Keg with an excellent selection (see pic above)! Remember #supportlocal when you can.
  3. Follow the Ottawa RBC Bluesfest Insta, Twitter and Facebook accounts and watch for details.
  4. Get spotted by the Style Squad at RBC Bluesfest.
  5. Enter all the contests for a chance to win cool prizes.
  6. Take lots of pics at Bluesfest and use hashtags #RBCBluesfest2015, #RBCBluesfestFashion and #FollowMeBackstage.
  7. Visit the merch tent, buy a Bluesfest t’ and support local designer Kania who is behind all this magical clothes!
  8. TELL YOUR FRIENDS… obvi! Whether through Social Media channels or in person, don’t leave your friends behind!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XNdSvEQOKI?rel=0]

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