Hello lovelies! I just returned from an amazing vacation in Greece where I was so lucky and excited to swim in the sea every day. I wore a bikini and I jumped off of a boat (several times!) into the sea. I’m probably at my heaviest I’ve ever been and really trying to come to terms with this new and bigger body of mine. I made a very conscious decision to not let this ruin my holiday and I’m so glad! The healing powers of sun, sand & salty sea were immense! Please, please, please don’t wait for a different body to do the things you desire. Believe me, I did it for years and missed out on so many opportunities. Bare your arms (if you want to), wear that dress, jump in the lake, go for the bike ride…If you desire it now, you deserve it now! Inspiration… I know Bodacious is about selling clothes but it’s even more about being kind – to ourselves and to each other. I think we all need a bit more kindness in our world so I thought I’d share this with you. The world is definitely better, richer and more beautiful because YOU are in it!

fashion! we have that too 😉 Both of our stores are filled with some of the most beautiful fashions ever! Introducing some new lines including elemente clemente from Germany & April Cornell. Re-stocked on Joseph Ribkoff, Fenini linens, Grizas linens & silks, Parsley & Sage, Blue Sky Kimonos… The Victoria store is open every day and Jill and Cathryn are happy to give you a hand with any of your fashion needs. Nanaimo is now open Tuesday thru Saturday from 11-6 and I’m so pleased to have Carol there to help you put an awesome outfit together! *have you checked out our sunhats with fun sayings on them? We just restocked on those too! Stay tuned for event announcements including our Grand Opening of the Nanaimo store. I’m looking at coming over to Vancouver within the next month or so to do another pop-in. Stay tuned for that announcement as well! We really appreciate you and your support of our small business! Hope to see you soon in store. Big big Bodacious love and hugs to you all! xo Lorna, Jill, Cathryn & Carol

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“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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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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	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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Phew! Hope to see you soon!

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Well, I’m feeling all refreshed and ready for a new season of fun!

Here’s a pic of me braving my new 2-piece on my recent trip to Mexico. I always dreamed of having a swimsuit top that fit like a bra and I finally found one online at Forever Yours lingerie.  LOVED it!  Wearing the suit felt awesome and I wasn’t too nervous to be seen in a 2 piece on the beaches (and anonymity) of Mexico, but posting the photo was a step outside of my comfort zone but I feel it’s important to promote body-love and challenge you all to take a step in that direction.  How are you celebrating you?  Have you stepped out of your comfort zone lately?  I’d love to hear about it!

As time is moving along very quickly, I wanted to give you a quick heads up on some events coming up at Bodacious and also show you some pix of the awesome new fashions that are currently filling our racks.

Wednesday, November 26, 3-6pm  @ Bodacious
Are you a Joseph Ribkoff fan and do you wear between a size 8 to size 20?  Sara, their lovely rep will be bringing the  season’s HOTS into the store next Wednesday between 3-6pm for you to peruse.  All items can be ordered in the Ribkoff range of sizes and you’ll get the preview scoop of what’s coming up!  Their designs just keep getting better and better.  I’m still working on getting them to increase their size range;)

Thursday, December 4, 5-8pm @ Bodacious
Customer Appreciation evening!  Let’s celebrate the season together, sip some sparkling, and support a good cause.  We will be featuring the Lotusland Imports jewelry line (more styles and colours!) and donating a percentage of these sales to their charity in Africa which empowers Maasai communities.

What’s NEW!?!
So, so much…including Joseph Ribkoff and the new to Bodacious X-Two and JunaRose lines!  Younger styling and affordable fun fashion!  Plus-size and sassy hosiery is also in-store.
 
Gift Certificates!
We revamped our gift certificates and I love how Cynthia (Green Couch Designs) made them so pretty.  Let your significant other know that you’re craving something new from Bodacious this holiday season and we’d be happy to put a little package together for them.Gift suggestions?  We’ve got you covered!
Cahoia rings, Marigold Collective scarves, SewDonna handbags, PolarFeet socks and boot liners, Lotusland Imports jewelry, and so much more!

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She and so many others are fighting the fight that should never have to be fought.  The fight for it to be ok to love our bodies TODAY – whatever size or shape, colour or orientation.  The fight that I started personally when I was 33 years old and decided that, screw the waiting!, I was going to get my belly button pierced and buy a bikini! 

I’m 48 now!  There is a new wave of beautiful, radical warriors leading this battle and it’s awesome to watch.  The speakers at this event included The World Famous Bob, Sonya Renee Taylor – the founder of The Body is Not an Apology, Tess Munster , the founder of #effyourbeautystandards and a stunningly beautiful plus-size model and our very own Louise Green of the Body Exchange!

These ladies, and so many more, opened their hearts to share their very raw and personal stories to an audience of over 400 women (and a few men) who laughed, cried and gave standing ovations of support and acknowledged sisterhood!  It was a place of connection and healing for me.  It was my overwhelming a-ha of why I do what I do.

What do you see when you look in the mirror?  Try to look for your story – in your eyes. in the lines of your face. in your expression.  in the stretch marks that helped bring a baby into this world. in your gorgeous curves.  in the strength of your hands.  It’s so beautiful!
You are so beautiful!
Every single thing that has happened in your life has shaped you into the beautiful being that you are today! When I look at the laugh lines around my eyes, I’m so glad that I’ve had a life filled with joyful moments.  When I see the delicious wrinkles on my grandma’s 95 year old face – all I see is BEAUTY!

Hearing Jade Beall speak so passionately and share her photos in A Beautiful Body Project turned my world upside down!  She only sees beauty in all these bodies and in that, helps others to see it too!

Sharing who you are with the world – sharing all of our  stories unites us.
That’s what resonates and connects us all.

When Tess shared her amazing story of pain and then her spectacular triumph, I’m pretty sure there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.  I know my tears were freely flowing.

Every day I meet women who can’t see their own beauty.  Who are so quick to tell me about all their flaws.  All the rules of why they can’t wear certain things.

I tell them they are beautiful – because that’s what I see.

If you get a chance to attend next year’s Body Love conference, I highly recommend you GO!!!  Join in the celebration of YOU!

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Working in the Gibsons store lately has re-opened my eyes to the challenges faced by so many women (including myself many days) in loving our bodies – unconditionally.

I’ve been in this business 11 years this year and have had hundreds of conversations with women about ‘celebrating your curves’, walking tall, focusing on the best parts of …yourself.

BUT I’ve been feeling lately that women need more support, more reminders, more challenges to stop wasting time looking and focusing on the negative.

Our bodies carry us through this world – they create and nurture babies, work at important and life-changing jobs, hold hands with friends and lovers, dance, play, strut.

Let’s acknowlege and love the differences (lumps, bumps and curves) of our bodies.

They tell our stories. They are roadmaps to how we got here and who we are today.

I’ve wasted years of my life waiting to be the perfect size before I would take a risk at looking stupid or fat in an activity. (there was that perfect moonlit night on a glassy lake when I wouldn’t get into the double kayak with my boyfriend because I thought I was too fat.

I wasn’t! In fact I’m much bigger now and have been kayaking many times and have never got my butt stuck. I missed out on a magical opportunity while watching my boyfriend paddle off into the moonlight!)

NOT doing those activities/living life/trying new things only led me to feel stupid and fat.

(Oh, and the other thing that is interesting is that you can be ANY size and still hate your body!

This isn’t an exclusive club – anybody can join.)

It’s not easy when society/media still regularly sends out messages that thin with boobs is the only normal but there are things you can do to challenge that.

Help yourself feel good by wearing a colour that makes you sing or a fabric (have you tried bamboo?) that feels like butter on your skin. Get fitted and wear the right size bra. Stand up tall and look people in the eye! Own your space. Swish those hips!

Speak clearly and demand to be heard!

And here’s one more thing you can do…

When your daughter, mom, girlfriend, bestie complains to you about their body – don’t engage!!!

Instead, tell them they’re beautiful. Tell them you don’t see them as unlovable parts but as a whole, strong and beautiful person. And maybe the next time you look in the mirror, remember those words and repeat them loudly to yourself.

You are beautiful!

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