Not your average holiday plus size looks with Addition Elle

You may already know that I love working with Addition Elle. They offer fashionable and trendy plus size women’s clothing, and are really breaking fashion barriers for women. Not only are they a Canadian brand, but they have international recognition for the role they play in body positivity. Just recently, they announced on their blog, that they have extended their sizes to 26 for everything in store! You’re welcome!

Last week, I presented yet another fashion segment on CTV Ottawa Morning Live, where we talked about Holiday looks and plus size party dresses. I had a blast styling for this segment, because as you will see, the outfits are fierce!!!

Also, I want to give a shoutout to my gorgeous models, for once again supporting my work and looking fab while doing it!

AdditionElle.com

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Look 1- Gold Jumpsuit 

I love this luxurious leather jacket and wearing it as a blazer with this gold jumpsuit makes the look super edgy. The jumpsuit is very comfortable and cinches at the waist for a better fit. The details on the ankles are also to die for!

plus-size-holiday-party-looks-featuring-addition-elle-ottawa-fashion-blog-mode-xlusive-blogger-jumpsuit-leather-jacketGet the look
Sly&Co Leather Jacket
L&L Sparkling Jumpsuit
Necklace

Look 2- Sequin Dress

Sequin is a fabulous way to look glam at any holiday party. This jewel tone in fuchsia will also look great on any skin tone. You can pair this dress with booties, pumps or tall boots to control how dressy you want to go. I particularly love the lines that give extra dimension to this dress, and long sleeves for added comfort!
plus-size-holiday-party-looks-featuring-addition-elle-ottawa-fashion-blog-mode-xlusive-pink-sequin-dress Get the look
Sequin Mini Dress (pink/black)

Look 3- Little black mesh dress

Everyone needs a little black dress, but this Nadia Aboulhosn Long Sleeve Mesh Dress is the perfect amount of edgy for the holidays! I love this look with booties and a fun pair of tights to cover the gams!
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Get the look

Nadia Aboulhosn Long Sleeve Mesh Dress for L&L
Leah studded booties

Look 4- Black mini skirt and cold shoulder sweater

The sweater and skirt combo is my uniform this season, and I am so glad to reproduce it here! It’s a mix of comfort and style, while staying on top of trends- the cold shoulder and leather skirt are here to stay! Pair it with a red pump for a pop of colour and to soften the look.
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Get the look

L&L Miniskirt with Zipper Detail
Necklace
Green cold shoulder sweater

Look 5- Black & White

With this crips black and white combo, you can do no wrong! I love the length of the cardigan and the sheer material helps to dress up the look. Go bold in leather leggings and use your long white tank to stay under cover. The long necklace pulls in the gold details of the cardigan and adds a gorgeous focal point to the look.

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Get the look

L&L Long Sleeve Long Cardigan
Faux Leather leggings
White racer back tank top
Gold tassel necklace

Look 6- Pink puff coat and black lace dress

I got to wear this show-stopping cropped fur jacket which is the perfect ammunition for a killer holiday look! I wore it over a gorgeous lace detailed black dress, which will be super versatile for the holidays!
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Get the look

L&L Cropped Fur Jacket
Lace slip dress

Watch the segment here!

In case you missed it, you can see the girls in action and catch the whole segment here!

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Chantsy’s Gift Guide: That’s Stunning

What’s the most cost effective way to add a bit of edge to your look and declare your personal style? Jewelry of course! It’s amazing how a little bling and chain can go a long way. Today’s holiday gift guide is all about supporting local and finding unique Ottawa gift ideas for yourself or your gal pals this Christmas.

What if I told you there is a sweet little eye-candy shop nestled on York street in the Byward market, just around the corner to Sussex. You’ve seen it, it’s by the parking lot, you just haven’t satisfied your curiosity enough to enter the white gates. The store is called Stunning, and if you haven’t been inside, you’re missing out!

I discovered Stunning last year, when I finally took the plunge and went in the shop, where I met the lovely store owner Mandy Gosewich and her dog Pearl. Now, I’m a seasonal regular. I wait for Mandy to post some bait on her Instagram feed, and then pop in when I am tempted to see the treasures in real life. That’s what happened when I spotted these little puff earrings!

Mandy has an exceptionally edgy style, and sources her goodies from all around the world. She has great stories about her buying trips to New York, and can tell you where each piece comes from. What I love about shopping there, is the reward for your individuality. Because there is so much to chose from, it’s up to you to find something that calls you, that suits your personal style. You know you will be the only one with the awesome necklace, or killer earrings, and that you were the one to find them! A challenge we easily forget when we go shopping at big retailers.

Mandy helped me pick out a few awesome pieces to showcase in this gift guide. I hope you love them as much as I do!

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I have a soft spot for long chains. This one in particular has a perfect blend of edge to it.

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Yup! Removal pompom on this tuque!
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I call this the puff cuff! You can get one or a pair! Can we also take a minute to stare at the ring!! It’s amazing!
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I loved these simplistic geometric earrings.
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This little candy shaped clutch stole my heart!
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Hoops are back, and this is a very cool way to warm up to them! Love the geometric design here too.
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These earrings to me are Kate Spade on a motorcycle… right?
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This bib was out of this world! Just wear all black and wear the rhinestone bib to the party!

So, what do you think? What caught your eye? I am in love with my little puff earnings and can’t wait to wear them for my Christmas party! I really want that long necklace too…

So will you satisfy your curiosity next time you’re in the market? If you head over to see Mandy, please tell her Chantsy sent you! Happy shopping and don’t forget to support local when you can this Christmas!

If you’re looking for more gift ideas, check out these WHITE & ROSE GOLD WIRELESS SUDIO EARPHONES or my new obsession with AMORE PACIFIC skincare routine.

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Nailing your Paris Fashion Week street style look with local Ottawa boutiques

Paris Fashion Week just wrapped up and has left me reminiscing on my one-and-only Euro trip. Almost 8 years ago, my husband and I spent one week in Paris over New Years and had a wonderful time freezing our buns off touring the streets and indulging to our hearts content! He even proposed to me on New Years eve in a dingy bar with a mock ring, where I immediately told him to get off the dirty floor and was revolted by the ring he picked out… hahaha. One thing I will never forget is accidentally going to noted fashion photographer, Patrick Demarchelier’s photography exhibit in the Petit Palais. Oh yes, I also remember being super flattered when folks assumed I was a local (nailed it! all black everything is always a safe look in Paris!)

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This post is not so much about visiting Paris or how to be Parisian, but mostly about how to nail your Paris Fashion Week street style look, while supporting local businesses in Ottawa!

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This pic tho… my sis nailed it with her iphone 6!

Outfit details

Is anyone else super confused about this warm fall weather we’ve been having? I bought this Flippa K dress at Viens Avec Moi this summer and ironically it hasn’t been cool enough for me to wear it! My purse is a consignment treasure from AMH Style. My necklace is from Canadian designer Biko, purchased at  Vincent. My Dior glasses are borrowed from Merivale Optometric. My bracelet is from Ottawa designer Jenny Bird from Magpie Jewellery, and new symphony booties were gifted from Geox Rideau Centre! If you do the math, that’s 5 out of 6 local item ratio, or 83% local.

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My new Geox booties are life!
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Modeling my Dior sunglasses from Merivale Optometric – I wish these were mine! If you’re looking for new shades, join me at their upcoming shopping event “Les Parisiens Ladies Night” on Oct 27 from 4-8. Merivale Optometric is offering major discounts on Dior and Caroline Abrams eyewear and will be making a donation with every purchase to the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind .

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Casually sitting on the steps and owning my rbf … hahaha

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I bought this Flippa K dress at Vienz Avec Moi this summer. I love it! I know I will get lots of wear out of it.

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Back to Basics: How to pack a big punch in a small bag

Last week I talked about going “Back to basics“, not that getting a new Marc Jacobs purse (from Valamode!)  is going basic, but the trouble here is that I am a pack rat. Even when it comes to my purse. I carry everything with me at all times. Bandaid? Makeup? Hair clip? Purell? Yes, yes, yes! The question is, do I need it all?

My son Victor is 3.5 years old, which is why I am now embracing the SMALL PURSE MOVEMENT! Only those who have carried a diaper bag for 2.5 years will understand that a mommy can not in her right mind get away with carrying a small bag, if you’re going out for more than 1 hour with your kid. Victor and I are used to going out on full-day trips, so, being paranoid about forgetting anything, my diaper bag has always been overpacked and ready for any situation! It’s time to let go of the past and learn to pack a lean purse!

Last night, I used my small purse for the first time and packed:

  • cash, debit card, M/C and ID
  • compact mirror and lipstick
  • phone
  • gum
  • business cards

It’s truly all I needed for a night out! Not sure I could use this for a day trip with Victor though, but it’s a start!

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Now for the juicy part. I bet you’re asking what the heck is Valamode? Well my friends, Valamode is Ottawa’s top authentic luxury online consignment shop! My friend Dia is the powerhouse behind this amazing local business. She scours the closets of fashionistas all over Canada and the US and makes your designer wishes come true! She is known as the luxury matchmaker. If you are on the hunt for a specific designer bag, watch, bangle, belt or shoes, she will find it for you! I always say, everyone needs a Dia in their life. On that note, if you’re looking to sell your designer goods, she can help you there too!

Dia runs her store online and in person, and typically hosts pop-ups around the city throughout the year. I always keep an eye out on her website or send her a note if I am looking for something in particular (a.k.a the small purse!) But here’s the thing, her stuff sells quickly, and she can barely keep up with postings on her site. So, my suggestion is if you like something, don’t sit on it, because it will sell.

Burberry purse Valamode

I was dragging my feet on a tiny Burberry bag, and it sold in less than a week. But its okay, because something else will come around, and it did!

I got so many compliments on this little baby last night, and I can’t wait to welcome it into my closet!

#redcarpet look for International Humanitarian Fashion Week with Unesco @unesco @ihfashionweek

A photo posted by Ottawa • Canadian Blogger (@chantsy) on


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