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

The post Fabulous Fall at Bodacious! appeared first on Bodacious.

“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!”

The post How do you shop? “Creating Change in the Changing Room” appeared first on Bodacious.

The post New Spring Arrivals! appeared first on Bodacious.

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.”

The post Thank you, Tim Gunn! appeared first on Bodacious.

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!

The post Celebrating Spring at Bodacious! appeared first on Bodacious.

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!

The post Just eat the flippin’ cookie! appeared first on Bodacious.

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.

I can’t believe it’s been almost a month since my amazing bootcamp week on the warm sandy beaches of Tulum.  For those of you who’ve been following by Epic 50th year, my November epic event was 7 days of bootcamp with 14 other awesome women at Hemingway Beach Resort in Tulum, Mexico.
The week included 7 mornings of bootcamp (strength exercises, handball games, push-ups, jumping jacks and BOXING!) Did I mention I LOVED the boxing?!? I never would’ve guessed:)
It also included yoga, salsa classes, massages and delicious food. Louise from Body Exchange takes a group every year so I’d recommend you have a look for next year if you’re interested. You are so worth it!
I learned that I am a lot stronger than I thought I was and I got out a lot of frustrations on my friend Kim’s punching pads!
Here’s me in my power stance;)

As always, we’re full of amazing fashions for all of your holiday party needs.

Joseph Ribkoff continues to inspire with all of the pretty dresses and separates up to size 22. Here’s our gorgeous Jihan showing off a few of the latest arrivals.



I’m also loving this new horizontal striped skirt seen here 3 different ways.

New Chalet crinkle arrived yesterday! We’re still unpacking these so no pix yet but I can tell you that there are lots of turquoise, blue print and white styles for those of you who are checking out for some fun in the sun.

We want you to stay dry and stylin’!  Chloe Angus rain jackets are NOW ON SALE for 30% OFF!

And here’s something new to tickle your fancy…

First off, Elk Accessories and Clothing from Australia
I’m absolutely loving the flow and simplicity of this new line. It’s not a curve hugging fit but more flowy and loose. The fabrics are super soft and the line just looks elegant and fresh.  Here are some pix…I already own the dress below and am loving it!



Our other new line, K-O.ME has just re-stocked us with some gorgeous new prints and styles.

Tonight and next Thursday, Bodacious and our lovely neighbours at Delish General Store will be staying open until 8pm for your shopping convenience.  Delish has awesome and local gifts for the whole family!

Bodacious can also assist you with the hard-to-buy-for on your list.

Easiest and most appreciated gift ever?  These super gorgeous jewel-toned Marigold Collective silk scarves from a women’s co-operative in Vietnam.
or choose from our awesome selection of pretty and petite earrings from local designer, BuenoStyle

or? or? or?

I’ll be there tonight (with bells on) so come on out and see me! Hot chocolate is on me!

Still stuck for ideas? We are so here for you!

Today until December 24, if you purchase a Bodacious $100 Gift Certificate, you will receive an extra $30 certificate at no cost. This can be given as a separate certificate or all in one. Or “one for you, one for me”? Can’t beat that!

Thank you to all who donated to our clothing and care items drive for the WISH Drop In Centre Society.  We were able to collect an amazing amount of warm clothing and necessities with your help. So very appreciated!

We want to wish you all the most loving blessings of this season.  May you love and be loved.  Enjoy this season of giving and know that the most important part is to be kind and care for each other.

We will be closed at 3 on Christmas Eve
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day

The post Holiday Shopping at Bodacious! appeared first on Bodacious.

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!

The post Bodacious Celebrates 15 Years! appeared first on Bodacious.

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

The post Celebrating FALL in a BIG way at Bodacious! appeared first on Bodacious.