“Creating Change in the Changing Room by Lorna Ketler
Owner and Lead Bodacious Enthusiast at Bodacious Lifestyles Inc.

Are you someone who shops twice a year whether you need it or not?
Or are you the person who shops regularly for a little pick me up?
Incentive shopping? “I’ll buy that dress that’s a bit too small to encourage myself to be “good”.”
Do you only buy on sale? “I’m not sure if I like it, but it’s such a great deal. I’ll make it work!”.
Do you always shop with a friend or prefer a long leisurely alone shopping experience?
Do you like lots of input from store staff or are you someone who really likes to spend time perusing without a lot of chat?
We all shop for different reasons. I also know that my reasons change with the occasion, my mood or who I’m with. Spouses, family and friends can be helpful but that’s certainly not always the case! I’ve seen lot of body-image damage done through “helpful” feedback. Choose your shopping support wisely.

Maybe you haven’t really put a lot of thought into it, and that’s fine too.

What I really want to know, though, is what are you paying attention to when you shop?
We all know the rules of fashion, body types, colours! We’ve heard and read them so many times we can recite them in our sleep. We’re bombarded every day with magazine covers telling us what’s good/bad and right/wrong in fashion and with our bodies. And we’re also now happily seeing most of those rules debunked.

I’m here to plant a different seed for you…
The most important thing when it comes to fashion is how you feel when you put on the clothes. You create your style. You make it your own.
Do you know how you feel? Do you know what you desire on your body? Do you know what lights you up on the outside?

You may be a “dark winter” and have been told by a colour expert to only wear clothing in the “royal” family but you absolutely LOVE soft pastel pink. In fact, every time you put something pink on, it makes you twirl around the room and feel like a kid again. Should you wear pink? Absolutely YES, PLEASE! Are people going to worry about you breaking your “colour” rules? I’m pretty sure they’re more likely to see a joy-filled person celebrating life.

So many times we’ve had women go into the dressing room with two dress options. The first looks great, is the “right” colour and fits all the requirements on their list but their response is really only mediocre. Then they try on something they may not have thought would work but something attracted them. They hop out of the dressing room and do a little twirl. Eyes are lit up and the energy is completely shifted to a YES! Maybe the first dress will be chosen for this particular occasion (it’s nice and looks good) but we always point out the difference in response so that the customer can see it for themselves. We’re so brainwashed by the rules and told that we don’t know what’s right for us, sometimes we forget to see, feel and experience.

I can tell you what I think you should buy (and we are certainly here to help) but what I love is when you see and feel the difference. What lights you up??? Is it the feel of the fabric? Is it the way the skirt swishes when you walk? Is it that blue that makes your eyes twinkle?

Many women, especially if you wear a size 14 or above, have had at least one poor or negative shopping experience. Lack of options is brutal to finding your own style. I’ve also heard heart-breaking stories about unwelcoming, unhelpful or downright rude staff who can shut down your experience before it even starts.

One thing I’d recommend to anyone who wants to feel the difference is, find a beautiful store that feels welcoming, take some time and play. Be clear with the staff what your needs are. I love it when someone tells me that they’re happy to just look around and then asks questions when ready. I am also thrilled when someone is open to stepping out of their perceived rules and comfort zone to try something new!

“I can’t wear dresses!”. Hmmm…I know you can and you may love how they feel if you tried one on. Ditch the pantyhose and wear a comfy bamboo legging.
“I can’t show my arms!” Again, yep! It’s allowed and encouraged. The only one who is really looking and judging your arms is you.
“I really love it but I’m retired now so I don’t really need nice clothes.” I’m always challenged with this one. I get that you don’t need a suit for the office anymore but isn’t this the time that you get to really explore what your style and wants are?

You deserve to feel beautiful because you are! Find at least one special thing that lights you up and makes you feel it. Whether you’re a thrift store, consignment, big box or boutique shopper. Shopping isn’t a serious business. It should be fun and celebratory! I celebrate you!”

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“Maria Curcic has more than 25 years’ experience as a milliner.  Each unique and eye-pleasing headpiece is designed using the finest materials and fabricated by Maria with a lasting attention to detail.  Having provided product to fashion boutiques across Canada for many years, Maria’s quality is recognized and respected.”

Have a graduation, wedding or garden party in your near future? Come check out these gorgeous designs! And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, she’ll happily custom create based on your needs.

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I’ve personally been busy finding a new home in Victoria and going back and forth on the scenic BC Ferries on a regular basis. My George and I are currently care-taking a floating home in Fisherman’s Wharf while we look for our next more permanent residence. It’s been quite lovely rediscovering the sights and sounds of our new city.

I’m realizing, after packing several loads of my clothes over that January will have to include some closet clearing, sorting and donating. A good goal for these short rainy days;)

As always, I’m so very thankful for my kind, caring and generous staff who so competently keep all the balls in the air at all times!

Enough about me…I hope you’re settling in to 2017 nicely. I also hope you’re remembering that YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY PERFECT AS YOU ARE, RIGHT NOW! Whether you’ve made resolutions for this new year or not, you don’t need to change one tiny bit to be the perfect you.

We are continuing to clear out our fall/winter stock to make room for the Spring fashions that are starting to arrive so we have some FANTASTIC deals for you.

– 50% OFF of ALL remaining CHALET
– 50% OFF of FALL/WINTER FENINI
– a FULL $20!!! rack

and SO MUCH MORE!

New Fenini and Joseph Ribkoff resort wear has also arrived for those heading off to warmer climes.

It seems like a good time to treat yourself to an accessory or two to brighten up these short days. We’ve just re-stocked on the Follow Me handbags (new styles) and a new line of David Jones on-trend bags and wallets have just come in the door!

Of course, we love to support women’s projects and we continue to carry the beautiful Marigold silk/cotton/linen scarves from the Vietnamese Women’s Cooperative and the gorgeous beaded jewelry from Lotusland as well as many local lines.

Gift Certificates…
So pretty! If you’ve got a birthday or other celebration coming up, you might want to drop some hints to your loved ones! wink wink nudge nudge

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The 63-year-old added, “It’s a puzzling conundrum. The average American woman now wears between a size 16 and a size 18, according to new research from Washington State University. … There is money to be made here ($20.4 billion, up 17 percent from 2013). But many designers — dripping with disdain, lacking imagination or simply too cowardly to take a risk — still refuse to make clothes for them.”

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Wow! What a difference 1 month makes. It’s so nice to see the sun shining and the cherry and plum trees blooming away. This pic is from my walk to work along the seawall. That blue sky!!!

We’ve been very busy over here at Bodacious. The Victoria pop-up was a huge success!  In fact it was so great that we’re opening a second store over there on May 1!!!
Yes, Bodacious 2 will be opening at 2-1113 Langley Street, Victoria (the back side of the Murchies building). This is the same building that we had the pop-up in so if you were there, you know where to come back to. If you missed it, now is your chance to see more of us! Tell your island friends.
I will be hiring for the new location, so if you or anyone you know has a fabulous and fun personality and a strong retail background, please send a “why I’d like to work at Bodacious” letter along with your resume to bodaciouslifestyles@gmail.com
See you very soon, Victoria!

Spring is my favourite time of year for fashion and accessories! Just take a look at all the colour and fun items that are currently at Bodacious. As always, we’re getting topped up with new deliveries almost daily, so come on in and see what’s new.


Chloe Angus bamboo/cotton comfy styles!

Jeans! We’ve finally found the jean you’ve been looking for!
Higher rise, nice stretch, dark denim Carelli full length and capri jeans.
Under $100! up to size 24

Matt & Nat Spring is AWESOME! (all of our bags are listed on our online shopping page)
Check out these colourful beauties to brighten up any outfit…


add some Cahoia bling…


and a pretty Marigold scarf…

and you are set!

AND…to make room for all of this fabulous-ness, starting today, we have a

$20 SALE RACK

full of last season’s fashions! Chalet, Joseph Ribkoff, Chloe Angus and so much more! We need to make room, lovelies! We are seriously slashing prices so come and check out the deals of the season.

And, as always, so much more!

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Happy February to you, my lovelies!  My cold and I are just back from a wonderful two week holiday to California and Mexico with my honey. I was so thrilled to see humpback whales breaching, manta rays jumping, sandy white beaches and star-filled skies! Re-connecting with friends and some beach time were just what the doctor ordered.  Not sure why the doctor included this damn cold in the prescription tho’;)

The best part of going away is coming back to all the new fashions in the store! It is so exciting to see so much colour and fabulous styles. We’ve introduced TWO new lines in the past week.
Blaest raincoats – Oh My Goodness! These are beautiful, colourful and run the full range of sizes! You might just be happy that it’s raining.
LOVE!



We also just received our first run of Colour Me Cotton linens and cottons. Many of you have requested this line and I think you’ll be pleased! Stay posted on Facebook for pix as these literally just came in the door.

And then there’s Mr. Joseph Ribkoff who never disappoints…many of the new styles are coming in up to size 22 so please spread the word to your plus-size peeps. All beautifully made in Montreal, Canada.

And, as always, so much more!

Of course, we love to support women’s projects with the beaded bracelets from Marigold Collective, perfectly pretty scarves and beautiful Lotusland bead jewelry!

Gift Certificates…
So pretty! If you’ve got a birthday or other celebration coming up, you might want to drop some hints to your loved ones! wink wink nudge nudge

The post February full of Bodacious-ness! appeared first on Bodacious.

	Unbelievable! Matt & Nat handbags 25% OFF!!! Shopping for a friend or just a little treat for yourself?We have a fabulous selection of Matt & Nat vegan leather handbags at Bodacious.
	What!?! Joseph Ribkoff 25% OFF!!! It’s time for holiday parties and we’ve got what you need to make you feel extra special!I know! This is a VERY BIG DEAL!All Joseph Ribkoff dresses and separates 25% off until Sunday!
	This never happens!!! Sympli Grand 25% OFF!!! Authenticity is essential to positive self image. All women deserve to feel confident in their own skin and Sympli is designed to reflect the diversity of personality and the female figure.Sizes 0G to 3G! *discounts not valid with other offers

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First and foremost, from everyone at Bodacious to you and yours, we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving Weekend.  I am so thankful for each and every one of you who love and support this dream of mine! You make it all worthwhile.  I’m also very thankful for my amazing Bodacious team who join in my enthusiasm of body love and celebrating every being who walks in the door!

We are so excited to celebrate all things FALL at Bodacious. Cardi’s, ponchos, raincoats, beautiful scarves and shawls…
We are as full as ever of yummy and warm fall items to keep you fashionably cosy throughout the season.


We also have the best selection EVER of Matt & Nat fall handbags! This month also marks our 15 YEAR Anniversary and it’s time to CELEBRATE! Stay tuned for in-store events and giveaways. Have you got your ticket yet for our fashion show and party at the False Creek Yacht Club? Previews of Spring 2016 Fashions!
Tickets available now at Bodacious.           Happy Weekend everyone.  Hope to see you in-store soon.
xo L

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First off, I’d like to welcome Allison to the Bodacious team.  She will be working full time and comes with years of retail experience and a passion for fashion and style.  Please do stop by and say hello.  Also, welcome back to Mary who took some time off to do an amazing bike tour in Germany with her sister.  Loved catching up and hearing her stories today.

Next, I want to let you know that we will be celebrating our 15!!! year Bodacious Birthday with a Fashion Show/Party on Tuesday, October 27 at the False Creek Yacht Club from 7-9pm.
Tickets will be sold in advance at Bodacious for $20 which gets you sips and nibblies at the event and a $20 gift voucher to use at a later date at the store (no brainer, right?).  Mark your calendars!  This is going to be fun!

Now, on to the fashions…
We’re so ready for the cooler weather with a tremendous collection of sweaters, shawls and shrugs! From cashmere to cotton to bamboo – there’s something for everyone.
Gorgeous orangy-red Alembika JacketNew Chalet just arrived today!
and then there’s always new and fabulous Joseph Ribkoff…
We’ve certainly got you covered for fall! I hope you had a spectacular summer and are enjoying this transition time into a new season. We’re ready to help you plan your fall wardrobe.

Can’t get in to the store as often as you’d like? I’m super excited to share with you that we’ve been specially selected by Shoptiques to join their online boutique shopping site!  Check out our website and go to the shopping page www.bodacious.ca.  We are live and good to go and I’m adding product daily.  So far I’ve been using stock photos so the models don’t reflect the curvier sizes but it’s a work in progress and I will add more pix as we go.  I just wanted to get this up and offered to you all asap.

Also, Bodacious has been chosen as a host site for the upcoming International Day of The Dead art event/exhibit at Granville Island! More info here – http://www.dayofthedeadexhibit.com/

And that’s a wrap! Can’t wait to see you all soon!

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