An observation (and appreciation) of friendship (and shopping:)

This past few years I’ve learned a lot about friendship.  I’ve had to let some go (we just weren’t our best together) and I’ve gained many true, deep friends as well.  I’ve had to call on my friends quite a lot during certain times and I’m still always surprised at how quickly and with ease they “show up” in my life.  I’m trying to be that person too.
I’ve had the pleasure of watching some amazing moments between friends at Bodacious .  Shopping together isn’t always a good shared experience.  I’ve seen some horrible exchanges between mothers and daughters, husbands and wives and also between friends.  But the tenderness and magic that can happen is so lovely to witness.  I’ve seen several two or threesomes come through in the past couple of weeks who are so tender, complimentary and loving – excited to be together, happy to share an opinion, but with gentle words and so much love!
That’s what I recommend.  If you’re shopping with your friend (or spouse or mother/daughter), pay attention to how she lights up (or doesn’t) when she comes out of the dressing room.  It doesn’t matter how amazing you think she looks if she’s not feeling it.
We are our worst enemies. Trying on clothes can be very daunting and traumatic for many women.  So be gentle with each other.  You could say, “Are you sure you’re going to wear that?” (it’s definitely helpful if you know she already has 3 in her closet that she’s not wearing and gentle honesty is always appreciated!), but also, focus on the positive and say, “How does it feel? You are so beautiful!”
Shopping shouldn’t be hard and unpleasant. I see it as an opportunity to play, experiment with new things and have fun!
If someone comes out of the dressing room dancing, twirling or swishing, it’s time for everyone to celebrate!

April News!

Bodacious is Bursting at the Seams with Fabulous-ness!

Happy April!  Just a few more rainy days before the sun makes a comeback and we’re so READY!

I’ve been busy this past week celebrating my birthday.  48!  How the heck did that happen?  I’m very happy to be my age and be where I am – surrounded by friends, family and Bodacious-ness!
If you’re celebrating an April birthday, we have a free gift with purchase for you until the end of the month!
Bodacious has been receiving stock every day for the past few weeks including (and introducing) -
  Sympli Grand!
Sympli Tunic
Design Today

Design Today JacketDesign Today Vest
Sealed With A Kiss

SWAK Courtney Maxi SWAK Joan Maxi
Chloe Angus
Chloe Angus
and… you asked for it…
da da da da (that’s my drumroll)…
SILVER JEANS!!! (up to size 24)
Silver Jeans - McKenzie Flap Silver Jeans
Firma Energy Wear
Firma leggings

If you haven’t heard of Firma, you need to check this line out!  Great for sore legs, varicose veins, comfort! (tanks, leggings, bra tops…)

OH!!! Brand NEW earrings and iphone 4 or 5 cases just walked in the door from Ebi Emporium!
ebi emporium iphone cases ebi emporium earrings

and, and, and…you should come in and see all the rest!

Int’l Women’s Day 2013

I was just reflecting on all the amazing, talented and inspirational women I’ve met over the years.

From my grandma at 94 years old who inspires me every day with her love of life, appreciating each moment and in these later years, knowing it’s ok to ask for what she wants!
…to the creators of art and beauty – so many creative souls that I’ve been privileged to cross paths with.
…to the leaders who share their stories and guide others with heart, humour and strength.
…to the solopreneurs who work their asses off and give back and show up!
…to all my beautiful and wise friends and family who have held my hand along this path (especially through the challenges of the past couple of years!) and letting me hold yours when necessary.
…to all the beautiful women who walk through the doors of Bodacious every day and remind me why I love doing what I do!
…to my mom for being my mom
I honour you all and celebrate this day and every day with you!

Happy International Women’s Day!

 

I’m back…..

After a nearly 2 year break from Vancouver, I’m so happy to be settling into my beautiful new space in Granville Island! The Sunshine Coast gave me the time, space and support to regroup, breathe and reconnect with why I do what I do and I’m so incredibly grateful for that time.  I now feel that I am recharged and ready to take on the world (or at least the Bodacious world:)!
It’s fantastic to reconnect with all of you and see the happy expressions of welcome!
I believe everyone deserves to have beautiful clothing options that feel amazing and fit well.  I believe that life is too short to wait until you’re a certain size before you put lovely clothes on your body.  Every day that we are alive is worth celebrating and honoring.
My intention is to carry a large selection of styles and sizes, focusing on fit, flattering cuts and fun!  I’m always happy to hear your feedback of what you might be missing from your closet. (I will do my best to find it for you)

Bodacious is full of SPRING at Granville Island!!!

Greetings!
The awning with the pretty Bodacious sign went up this morning so I’m feeling ready to officially invite you over to the brand new Bodacious Granville Island! (right beside Roger’s Chocolates:)

SWAK - Maggie Crinoline  SWAK - Maggie Crinoline dress

It’s such a pretty space filled with lovely Bodacious-ness – including all new Chalet, Sealed With a Kiss, IGIGI, Chloe Angus, lilikoi, Blue Sky!!!

Stay tuned for party announcements.
In the meantime, come on down and say hello, meet the Bodacious team, and get first dibs on all the lovely fashions!
I can’t wait to see you all in my lovely new space.

Bodacious Lifestyles Inc.
Celebrate Your Body…Celebrate YOU!

NOW at
~109-1535 Johnson Street, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC 604-688-8169

Bodacious is Coming to Granville Island!!!

You heard it here first…
On February 1st, 2013, Bodacious will re-open in Vancouver at it’s new dream-come-true location on Granville Island (right beside Rogers Chocolates:)!!! It’s really true – we’re not just “popping up”, we’re settling in!

Bodacious is now featuring a great selection of designers including IGIGI, Sealed With a Kiss (SWAK), lilikoi, Chalet, Chloe Angus, Blue Sky and so much more – all up to size 3x!

Spring/Summer at Bodacious will be all about fun, flirty, flattering!  The Chalet spring/summer line is packed with flowy linens and crinkle fabrics – think tunics, wide leg pants.
We will also be introducing the latest Sealed With a Kiss Vintage Inspired collection with flirty cherry dresses and polka-dotty poplin blouses!
enrica wrap dress
IGIGI continues to flatter the curvy ladies with it’s gorgeous printed faux wrap dress! (just in!)
The Chloe Angus ladies have done their homework with their perfectly fitting (Vancouver designer) bamboo, linen and organic cotton tees, dresses, skirts, shawls!
And so much more!!!
I can’t wait to see you all in my lovely new space.

Bodacious Lifestyles Inc.
Celebrate Your Body…Celebrate YOU!

NOW 2 locations to serve you
~109-1535 Johnson Street, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC 604-970-4393
~453 Marine Drive, Gibsons, BC 604-886-4119

My New Favourite just arrived!

Favourite item this week!!! NEW from Chloe Angus – this deliciously soft and cozy sweater made from Rayon from Bamboo/Cotton/Spandex. Dual zip, high neck, curvy fit and nice and long to cover your bum:) You really have to try this one on! Limited quantities available.

I can’t seem to load a pic on here right now, so click here for my facebook link!

New Jeans and stuff…

I have so much to tell you!  So go grab a coffee or a glass of wine and have a read…

Well, first things first.  Happy fall!  That seemed to have happened overnight and I’m actually thrilled to see the snow (on the mountains where it belongs!) and be able to finally put on my new comfy sweaters, leggings, boots, scarves…You get the picture.

A store with a view...
Things are just getting better and better over here in Bodacious-land.  We had a fantastic pop-up shop at Les Amis du Fromage in Vancouver a few weeks ago and hope to be returning to do that again very soon! (if you like cheese…you should really visit this amazing deli and restaurant!)
At that event, I was so very happy to re-connect with Chloe Angus and see her beautiful, made-in-Vancouver designs. In fact we all loved her line so much that we are now happily stocking it here at Bodacious (including her world famous bamboo or wool wraps) – check out their video!
My favourites so far?  The skirt/dress and the v-neck long-sleeved top! You really have to try these pieces on to appreciate the comfort and perfect fit!
Chloe Angus is one Western Canada’s hottest designers.  Her designs exemplify the balance between work and play, style and comfort, luxury and simple lines.”
Also just in…
SWAK (Sealed with a Kiss!) dresses and jeans!!!
Dresses are in sizes 1x, 2x, 3x
Jeans are xl, 1x, 2x, 3x
SWAK-Shelby DressSWAK-Georgia Maxi dress SWAK-Evan dress
SWAK-Jessie bootcut jean SWAK-Cierra Skinny jeans
Seraglio jewelry from Turkey
Seraglio earrings Seraglio necklace Seraglio earrings 2
AND AND AND …
~ funky leather handbags

~ New Chalet crinkle in sizes small to 3x!!!
Chalet - cowl tunic
~ beautiful Blue Sky print rayon jackets
Blue Sky jacket - love and gratitude
if you look closely, the letters on this jacket spell “love and gratitude”

and so much more!

~ New lilikoi coming soon
~ LucieLu coming soon

Hooked on a feeling!

When a I posted this picture on facebook the other day, I received a comment about how it was too boxy and shapeless and didn’t flatter my shape. (I should’ve pushed up the sleeves:)  My hasty reaction was to delete, delete, delete.  Not because I couldn’t handle the criticism, but because it made me doubt myself and question what others see.  What I’ve since realized (in thinking about it all weekend!), is that it provided me with the opportunity to review why I wear what I wear.  Sometimes I choose to wear a very specific outfit to flatter my shape, sometimes I need to wear my high-heeled, knee-high power boots to give me strength, and other times, I’m really going after a feel or a vibe.  I’m not under any illusions.  I know what I look like.  I know what my shape and size is.  But…AND I don’t always feel like I have to make myself look smaller or thinner or even accentuate my curves.  Sometimes I want to wear a chunky sweater with rolled up jeans and my new funky boots.  Do I think I look like these ladies?  Absolutely not!  Am I feeling the vibe that these photos elicit for me?  Casual, fall, comfy, stylin’?  You betcha. 

There are too many rules in this world that tell us to “be” or “look” a certain way.  I don’t necessarily abide by them.  Why can’t we just be creative and play with our clothes?  A camera captures a one dimensional image of a moment in time.  It doesn’t capture how I feel when I’m walking down the street, chatting with a friend or holding my head up high and greeting a happy customer. 
Often, I’m disappointed in the fact that the camera so doesn’t “get” me.  That’s not how I look in my head:)  And really, how I feel in my clothes (without rules or photos), is the most important piece.  I hope you choose to break the rules with your fall fashion pieces.  Hold your head high, own it, work it and HAVE FUN!!!

Bodacious Pop-Up Shop Coming to Vancouver!

Mark your calendars, Bodacious lovelies…  Chalet Fall 2012
I am so pleased and excited to be bringing a Bodacious Pop-Up Shop to Vancouver!

The lovely ladies at les amis du fromage have offered to host Bodacious at their beautiful East Vancouver location at 843 East Hastings!  If you haven’t sampled their cheeses or other amazing deli items, you’re in for a real treat!

If you’ve been missing Bodacious in Vancouver and are needing your fix, please join us on

Thursday, October 4th from 4-9pm or
Friday, October 5th from 11am-5pm

- drinks and nibblies will be served
- bring a friend (you might even want to reserve a spot for dinner next door at their awesome restaurant Au Petit Chavignol – I was there for lunch on Saturday and it was delicious!)

I look forward to reconnecting with my Vancouver peeps!

I’d love it if you could let me know if you will be attending and if you want me to bring anything specific (sizes, etc).  You can just send me a quick note at bodaciouslifestyles@gmail.com.

See you soon.

bodaciously,
Lorna