#ShopYourShape with Smithery’s Spring Lookbook

Spring is finally in the air and it has me all gaga over new trends and old styles that are making a comeback. It’s ok, I am a hoarder, and this is when it comes in handy. I kept all my old accessories and now I just need to build up the courage to wear them! My black leather cuff bracelet comes to mind and my collection of leather strap chokers!

A few weeks ago, I drove all the way to Toronto to take part in the Smithery‘s Spring lookbook. It was an all day photoshoot, where I played the “O” shape model. Gorgeous clothes were waiting for me on a rack along with a collections of shoes that somehow were all my size. #dream

The Smithery is an online fashion boutique based out of Toronto, that specializes in helping women shop their shape. They have categories like X, V, H, A, and O (that’s me!) all representing a different body type. What I love is that they are helping women select clothes that are flattering to their shape, while still offering stylish and on trend selections at a fair price.

I was in love with all the looks, even though I swore that I would never wear my bell bottom jeans again!!

Check out some of my outfits that are now on their website:

The entire day was such a thrilling experience. I got to meet real lovely women, and basically hang out with them and take pictures in pretty clothes. Although I was zonked by the end of the day, and did a fair bit of damage to the bank account after nearly buying my entire rack of clothing, I have a bank of wonderful memories of this super fun day!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

Since you stuck around this long to hear about my magical day, I am giving you a reward! I am thrilled to announce that Smithery is giving away a $50 gift card to one of my lucky readers. All you have to do signup to my blog and leave a comment bellow telling me what you would buy with the gift card! I’ll pick a name at random on Friday April 1 2016 at 5:00 p.m.

Good luck, and may the winner win!

 

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Big Words- Plus-Size, Curvy, Full, Voluptuous and Ample

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but names can never hurt me” … the fat girl credo.

Words are just words. But yes, they can hurt. Trust me, I can talk about this, because I was always “big-boned” as a kid. You know, I had a lot of “baby fat”. It seems I was always reminded of this particularly when it was time to try on dresses for my Armenian folk dance group. It didn’t matter if I was taller than all the kids (no, this was a good thing!) as soon as that dress wouldn’t fit my arms or zip up my back… I was labelled as a fat kid. And trust me, I could see the look of disappointment on the teachers’ faces, because I was a “good dancer”. At an early age, I learned the best way to deal with being made fun of, is to develop a witty sense of humour and attack yourself before anyone else has the chance. When others do the same, don’t think they have low self esteem… it’s a defense mechanism to actually make you feel good about yourself. I know this sounds backwards, but just trust me on this one. After the summer of grade 8, the good lord blessed me with more growth spurts and sporty skills which helped me shed some of that “baby fat” everyone hated about me. But still today, I struggle with weight.

But I digress. The real reason I am writing this post is to address some talk about labels. Words that are supposed to help women shop for clothing that fit them. The fashion industry has chosen to segregate “regular” people” from “larger” ones by stopping at size Large. That’s when the official “Plus-Size or 14+” market was born! It’s still however, a touchy subject. After having conversations with other women, some more “plus-size” than others (yes, there is a prejudice for people of my size that are not deemed fat enough to represent larger women) I realize that we cannot change the words. We must focus on behaviours.

synonym-for-large
The word large has a more negative connotation.

I started this blog to help inspire women of any size to look good and feel good about their image. Maybe you hate your legs, maybe you want to show off your tiny waist, but at the end of the day, all women have their insecurities and assets. I want to help women get over their insecurities, by sharing what I do with mine, and teach them to flaunt what they love about themselves. When you are truly happy with your image, these words won’t mean much to you.

Even though I am not about the words, I was challenged to find a better word to replace “plus-size”, so my word is “Voluptuous”. Now it’s your turn! Share your word in the comments below.

synonym-for-voluptuous
I like how the word voluptuous is filled with positive vibes!
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Famous Plus Size Fashion Models in the Media

Georgina Burke Torrid 2016 Plus Size fashion model Rebel Wilson
Georgina Burke for Torrid 2016 Rebel Wilson Collection

Georgina Burke Torrid 2016 Plus Size fashion model Swimwear bathingsuit model
Georgina Burke for Torrid 2016 Swimwear line




After the convoluted debacle of Calvin Klein’s new plus size model, I decided to curate some of the most talked about and famous Plus Size Model photos in the media.

Who are my favourite plus size fashion models?

My favourite plus size models include Georgina Burke, Ashley Graham, Barbie Ferreira, Tara Lynn, Tess Holliday, Nadia Aboulhosn and Tanesha Awasthi.

Who are my favourite plus size bloggers?

That’s easy! Lately, it’s getting harder and harder to distinguish models from influencers and bloggers. Many of plus size models started their careers as plus size bloggers, like Nadia Aboulhosn and Tanesha Awasthi. I love seeing them work as influencers and models for major retail brands, it makes the clothing more accessible. Some of my favourite plus-size bloggers include Nicolette Mason, GabiFresh, Candice Huffine, and Katia from Lapiz of Luxury.

Let’s start with Barbie Ferreira who is taking over the curvy fashion scene and proving to be an inspirational role model to young girls.


calvin-klein-underwear-plus-size
Calvin Klein’s new “Plus Size” model. She is a size 10.
Tara Lynn PLus size model
Tara Lynn is a very famous Plus Size Model known for confidently showing skin in a very elegant way.
Victoria secret and Dove campaign
A classic comparison of Victoria Secret Angels vs Real Women
perfect+body+ victoria secret
Another classic comparasson of Victoria Secret Angels vs Real Women
Elle Magazien Justine Legault
Justine Legault Plus Size Model
ashleygraham_plussize
Ashley Graham Plus Size Model
tess-holliday Famous Plus size model in the media
Tess Holliday (Munster)- First size 22 model to be signed.
popular plus size model lulu bonfils
Lulu Bonfils

I don’t like to think too much into these things. I am just focused on working with my body type and finding outfits that look good on me. Good luck on your plus size fashion journey and do make sure you share your secrets!

xox Chantsy


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