bold and audacious Archives - Bodacious

Fabulous Fall at Bodacious!

Lorna — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 17:37:15 +0000

Happy September, lovelies!

I can’t believe it’s already the 26th!
I hope you had a spectacular summer and are enjoying these cooler days and nights. George and I filled pretty much every weekend exploring our new home city of Victoria and all of the wonderful places on the island. I also managed to get back over to Vancouver several times and have to say I still love that ferry trip. What an amazing place we all live in!
These days, I’m loving seeing the leaves changing colour right outside my window. And as much as we love the tourists, it’s always a bit of a breather when things quiet down in the cities and we see more of you coming back in for your new fall pieces.
We are loaded up with awesomeness at both stores! Warm cozy sweaters, beautiful fall colours and prints. Party dresses for every occasion. Scarves, jewelry and handbags…
I’ve heard feedback that it’s not always clear what product is available in which store so I’ll try to be more specific for you. Having said that, it is never a problem to send from one store to the other – just let us know you’d like to see it in person. Seriously, we’re happy to accommodate 😉

So…what’s new, you ask?
So much!

Vancouver store…

Parsley & Sage Polka-dotty jacket / Elk tunic

Chalet fleece sweater – doesn’t Lana look cozy?
Joseph Ribkoff gorgeous “lady in red” dress

Elk cover – love this!!! Zsiska bold and awesome necklace
New Sympli styles / Zsiska necklace
Rain jacket? Yes please!!! Always fun to dress anything up with gorgeous Marigold silk scarves.

Victoria store…
Parsley & Sage – up to size 3x! (will also be in Vancouver by this weekend! – shipment was delayed)

This is the nicest Parsley & Sage I’ve seen in years!

Parsley & Sage jacket / Marigold scarf
Grizas linen tunic / Elk wooden necklaces
and a fantastic year selection of Matt & Nat will be in store by the end of this week. We’ve had lots of requests for backpacks and we’ve got you covered there!

Both stores…
We are loving this new Canadian line called Buttercream! Fun and funky basics made from Bamboo! More in store…

And, as always, this really is only the tip of the iceberg! Our facebook pages for both stores are loaded with pix as stock arrives.

We’re happy to ship or hold an item for you so just give us a quick call – Vancouver 607-688-8169 Victoria 250-385-8169

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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Just eat the flippin’ cookie!

Lorna — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 19:29:54 +0000

It’s time we had a chat! I recently spent a weekend retreat with a group of amazing, talented, beautiful, grounded women. There was so much positivity and love and sharing and acceptance in this group that I felt all warm and fuzzy for weeks afterwards.

Imagine my surprise, tho, when each time we sat down to share a meal together, these confident and beautiful women joined the chorus of guilt eating.
“Oh, maybe I’ll have half a cookie, I didn’t have much lunch and I’ll go for a walk this afternoon”
“I never have desserts but I’m on holidays so it doesn’t count”
“This is a no calorie zone, right?!?”
Can you hear yourself saying these words?
These conversations are so normalized that I doubt these women even realized what they were doing or that they were supporting each other in doing it. And it made me a bit sad. The interesting thing is that the comment or apology never ever stopped them from eating the “sinful” cookie. They ate it with just that little bit of bitter guilt mixed in.

So to that I say, what if you just ate the flippin’ cookie/cake/donut?!? Let your body enjoy this beautiful and delicious indulgence rather than stirring up feelings of guilt and suffering. Celebrate the ingredients and love that were put into creating this decadent dessert or meal just for you. Change the mindset of “good” and “bad” that doesn’t’ actually change what you eat but puts judgement and negativity on your body just for good measure.

You are allowed to eat and ENJOY whatever you choose to put in your mouth! No apologies! No guilt!

And you are BEAUTIFUL – today and every day!

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Bodacious Celebrates 15 Years!

Lorna — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 00:06:09 +0000

Well, it’s official. Bodacious is now 15 years old! How the heck did that happen?

We’ve had a lot of fun celebrating so far and here are some pix to prove it! I want to thank everyone who came out to party with us at the False Creek Yacht Club last week. Our gorgeous models (Jihan, Jan, Jennifer, me, Emily, Karen and Benita) rocked the “runway” and all the friends/family/volunteers/customers made my night so special!I’m very pleased and excited to add a new local designer, Kjaer, into the mix who’s line K.O.ME (worn below by Jan and Emily) is so beautiful and fun. You can find a great selection of these silks and other luscious pieces now at Bodacious:)

And there were speeches and cake and beautiful flowers…

and so, so, so much love, appreciation and smiling faces.

Thank you all so much for being along for a part or all of this 15 year journey! I’m so happy to be here and hold this space for women to feel beautiful and know that they are!

If you missed the party, we still have some treats for you…

For every purchase over $100 between now and the 15th of November, receive a FREE Bodacious Cherry-licous body cream.

Also, all Citron and Chalet is now 20% OFF for your shopping pleasure!

We just loaded up our online shopping site at Shoptiques.
Can’t get in to the store as often as you’d like? Check out our website and go to the shopping page www.bodacious.ca. 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.

And, as always, so much more!

Of course, we love to support women’s projects at Bodacious. We’ve just re-stocked on new silk scarves from Marigold Collective as well as the uniquely beautiful Lotusland Imports bead jewelry!

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Celebrating FALL in a BIG way at Bodacious!

Lorna — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 19:26:38 +0000

hello lovelies!

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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Yay May!

Lorna — Tue, 26 May 2015 22:11:18 +0000

Whew! Sometimes it feels like the months just slip right through my fingers and it’s time to catch you all up again. May is always a fun and busy month for us at Bodacious. All the new spring/summer items are pouring in, the cruise ships have started so we get to welcome the tourists who are always so in awe of our beautiful city and the weather is fresh and full of everything blooming.

As always, we are full, full, full of awesomeness for you!

Here are some teasers…
Our beautiful and Bodacious Jihan is celebrating her curves in Joseph Ribkoff – size 16 in the following pix taken by my lovely friend and uber talented photographer Linsey Hulls. These styles available up to a size 20. Did I mention that Joseph Ribkoff has recently expanded its size range to 22. These new sizes are just starting to come in and we do have several items on the floor so do ask next time you’re in!

Chalet linens in delicious colours! Generous sizing up to a large 2x

And new Chalet crinkle colours!

And this is the Aller Simplement line that I mentioned in the last email. Super fun prints in light cotton at great price points!

Also, Citron silks arrived today. New Sympli is in the house including pretty colours in the tank tops. And you know the drill, fresh new items arriving daily so check in soon…!

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

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Springtime at Bodacious!

Lorna — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 20:27:50 +0000

Happy April! I got that in on the very last day:)
As you may have heard, I turned 50 this month and I challenged myself to do a 100 kilometre Camino walk in Spain. I did it!!! I reached Santiago de Compostela on the day after my birthday! What a feeling that was as you can see from the happy/teary look on my face. Thankfully I had my best friend and supporter, George, by my side. We had several days after arriving in Santiago to relax and enjoy the sights and partake in the delicious food and wine;)
My plan for the rest of the year and hopefully the rest of my life, is to do something fun/unique/challenging every month (at the very least). For me this will include jewelry classes, days with friends, dancing!, and challenging myself to new adventures. I wasn’t afraid of 50 as I believe that every year is worth celebrating but the physical challenge definitely scared me. I’m so happy and proud to tick this off my list.
What I also learned in my travels is how much I love coming home to Vancouver and how much I love Bodacious and what we do. I saw many beautiful boutiques in Santiago and in Madrid but none that catered to the curvy ladies. I’m happy to come home to shop in my own store again! If you’re interested in seeing more about my trip, you can always check out my personal facebook page (Lorna Ketler) for more pix. The day before I left, we did an awesome photo shoot with the beautiful Jihan, right here at Granville Island. There will be many pix coming out of that day but thought I’d give you a sneak peak of some behind the scenes. In each pic, Jihan is rocking size 16 Joseph Ribkoff pieces. Photographer is my talented and lovely friend from the Sunshine Coast, Linsey Hulls www.linseyhulls.com
The linens are in! The linens are in! For those of you who’ve been patiently waiting for the Chalet linens, they’re HERE! Best so far! (all styles also featuring Lotusland Jewelry)
There is also a rayon blend from Chalet this season which is equally awesome. Super light and flow-y. Great for travel! And there’s this new handbag line… and some more Ribkoff…and new Sympli and a new line called Aller Simplement that we haven’t even got out of the box yet!!! Oh my, this season is going to ROCK!

Phew! Hope to see you soon!

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

Lorna — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 23:11:33 +0000

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!

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Int’l Women’s Day 2013

Lorna — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:01:11 +0000

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!

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Hooked on a feeling!

Lorna — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 21:12:51 +0000

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!!!

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Crisp Chalet Linens at Bodacious! and…a whole lot MORE!

Lorna — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 19:40:36 +0000

Welcome to June!
Luckily I fit some gardening in on the past couple of weekends so now the rain can take care of the watering.
These past few months have personally been filled with some sad losses and some happy surprises. The biggest lesson is that we can only be sure of this moment. A good reminder to appreciate the blessings and people who fill our lives!

What are your plans for the summer? George and I just bought ourselves a couple of beautiful kayaks so our travels will be local this year. I can’t really think of a better place to spend the summer! If you don’t already live here, I hope you’re planning a trip to the coast sometime soon.
The racks of my little Bodacious boutique are filled with lovely right now.

New arrivals of summer dresses, leggings, handbags, sunglasses, summer hats…

and Chalet linens! (loving the new crisp white and pewter grey!)

Thank you all for taking the time to read my newsletter and for your ongoing support! Please feel free to share with a friend.

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