Just in time for the Weekend!

Kairos handbags of the faux suede persuasion! Delicious colours!
Check out their website for colours, sizes, etc...

Wasn't that a party?!?

The Bodacious Team!

Thanks to all of you who came out and supported our Bodacious Roks event last week!
It really did rock - thanks to the fantastic live band - The Lucky Devils - playing in our window. We also raised over $400 for the "Welcome to My Life" YWCA program!!! Congratulations to all who won the beautiful IceRok jewelry pieces and to the lucky grand prize winner of the pink sapphire angel wing necklace ($1000 retail value!). We'll try to get a pic for you all...

If you haven't checked it out yet, come on in! New 'be design' handbags also just arrived about 5 minutes ago!

Check out these links!!!

vervegirl
moderngirltv

Thanks ladies for spreading the word!

Yummy PJ's - Irresistible Softness now available at Bodacious!

Bodacious welcomes...PJ Harlow Dreamwear line! In sherbet-y colours - mint, blush and silver.

Boxer style shorts in satin with 2 x 1 rib waistband, drawcord waist with an attached elastic, for a fabulous fit. Made of whisper soft satin faille blend.
Sleep... spa... lounge or play.

The perfect robe in unbelievably soft cotton/lycra 2x1 rib with satin faille blend trim and tie. A great layering piece to add to the satin pant or shorts.

A chance to win the book and possibly a spa...

Well, we had a great time today receiving our book and meeting all the other women featured. It's truly an inspiration to see all of these successful women - all sharing their stories. For a chance to receive a free copy and be entered to win a $300 spa, check out this link.

New Pioneers - We're honoured to be included!

Today we are being honoured by The Women's Enterprise Centre at a luncheon and book release. We are part of 100 women in the province that have been chosen as pioneers in business. It is quite an honour.
New Pioneers: Stories of 100 BC Women Entrepreneurs
This book, New Pioneers: Stories of 100 BC Women Entrepreneurs is a celebration of the pioneering spirit of 100 contemporary women entrepreneurs from around the province. At Women’s Enterprise Centre, we feel it is not only important to recognize and celebrate our entrepreneurial roots, but also essential to record those accomplishments for the generations to come.It is our hope that this book will build that awareness and encourage, influence, inspire, provide role models and motivate women and girls to consider entrepreneurship. The stories in this book showcase the successes and challenges which BC women entrepreneurs have faced. The book also highlights the support these women have received from friends, family members, women’s business networks and business service providers such as ourselves.

This Weekend Only!

If you're on our newsletter list, you're already in the loop...

THIS WEEKEND ONLY...
buy one Barefoot Venus product and get the second product (of equal or lesser value) at 1/2 price. This rain is definitely a good excuse to pamper yourself.

Happy Friday to you!

New Items in TODAY!!!

This has certainly been a full week for deliveries!

Just in...

- Winter Coats, Jackets and Capelets
- New Angel Knit Wrap Dresses (same dress/softer fabric!)
- IceRok Jewelry line - (I'm loving the 'peace' ring on the silver chain)

- Toca rubber jewelry line from Brazil
- Togs jackets
- Schaart blouses and dresses
- SHOES, SHOES, SHOES - oh, did we forget to tell you that we were getting some phenomenal shoes in? Anne Klein, Werner, Enzo Angiolini and more! Up to size 11.

8 Years and Still Growing!

This past week marked our 8th anniversary (which we'll be celebrating in the store with you all on November 6th) and it's amazing to look back through the years at how much we've changed and grown.
From our little shop on Broadway selling pre-owned treasures to a boutique filled today with not only our own label but those of established and much-loved local designers'. I can't even tell you how thrilling it still is to see women come into this space that we created with such love and care to find clothing that they love that fits and flatters, twirling in front of the mirror with pride and celebration.
Creating a beautiful safe space for women to try new styles, push their comfort zone (maybe show a little more leg or bare their arms!) and support each other in their uniqueness - that is definitely a dream fulfilled!
Thank you to all of you who continue to support the concept and the dream.

Make sure to get your name on the list for the soon-to-be-arriving "Incredibra!" by SHAPEEZ. We can't wait!

Come Check Out The Drift this weekend!

4th Annual Drift
Art on Main Street Vancouver BC
The Drift is an annual weekend local arts & culture festival taking place along Vancouver's trendy Main Street in artists' open studios and participating local shops, cafes and restaurants.
Drift along Main Street and see an eclectic variety of fine art and original handcrafts from established and emerging local artists including ceramics, painting, sculpture, photography, woodcarvings, collage, mixed media, glass works, jewelry, film, clothing design, textiles & multi-media compositions.

We are so excited to be featuring this talented local artist during The Drift event this year! If you get a chance, "do" Main Street this weekend and support all of these wonderfully talented artists. Come on in to Bodacious and see more fantastic pieces of Bernadine's work. (We've also got a store full of new clothing items that you'll want to check out:)

Bernadine Fox
Mixed Media Painting
...at Bodacious, 4393 Main St. (604) 874-2811.

A BFA graduate of ECIAD, I worked as an animator/filmmaker before turning my focus to survivors of trauma as a consultant, educator and support worker. It was this work that has inspired me as an artist to create images that speak to the reality of the contemporary woman’s life. As an emerging artist, the fundamental root behind all of my work is the experience of being female and addressing the role of woman as ‘Other’ within a broad social context.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VANCOUVER, BC - Bodacious ROKS while Raising Funds and Awareness!

Join the Bodacious ladies Thursday, November 6th, 6-9 pm as they launch the HOT, HOT, HOT new ICEROK jewelry line out of Toronto. IceRok crew will be on hand to show off the latest designs recently spotted on Lindsay Lohan, Julianne Hough, and 90210’s Shenae Grimes!

The concept of IceRok Jewelry originated in the summer of 2006. After several months of traveling around the world and experiencing a variety of cultures, three friends, Michael Wainstock, Russell Gozlan, and Michael Kimel, identified the need for a company focused on stylish, progressive, and affordable jewelry. Based in Toronto, Canada, IceRok aims to create unique products with a slick aesthetic and an accessible, customer-based approach.

Fantastic goodie bags for the first 50 people in the door, prize draws, live entertainment by The Lucky Devils and more.

A percentage of all sales during this event will be donated to the YWCA’s “Welcome to My Life” program which is an after-school program offered at selected schools throughout Metro Vancouver to help Grade 7 girls with their transition to high school.

With every donation to this program on the evening of the event or a purchase of IceRok jewelry, guests will be entered to win a signature IceRok design valued at $1000 retail!
For more information, please contact Lorna Ketler @ 604-970-4393 or info@bodacious.ca

Those are "Not Your Daughter's Jeans"!

We finally have the new fall line of these well-loved, slimming and Oprah-endorsed jeans. Come soon - these babies are hard to keep in stock (for good reason)!

Not Your Daughter's Jeans

Fall Skirts and Pants...

If you're looking to update your fall wardrobe, check out these new wool items from Diane Kennedy. Can't wait to try the shapely bell skirt with those new knee-high boots!

Coming Soon to Bodacious...

IceRok Jewelry - keep posted for deets on how to win an IceRok design valued at $1000 retail!!!

As seen in...

http://fashionmagazine.com/fashion-file/regulararticle/550/

Just In...

Check out these oh-so-cute AND functional water bottles from Principessa.
Support a good cause and save the environment. We so love them!
Refresh yourself...
Now available at Bodacious...

Wide Width Boots - an update

We just received our regular DUO newsletter and just thought we'd share a couple of our faves for the fall season. What do you think?

A concern from a loyal customer...and our response. Your thoughts?

"Hey Ladies....

Let me start off by saying that I always enjoy your newsletter.
However, this time I was dismayed at the photos of the tiny tiny skinny skinny model displaying your new clothes. Very un-bodacious!
Its hard enough having to "imagine" what my curvy body would look like in clothes that are modeled when I read other magazines etc, but when it comes from you guyz its particularily perplexing."

name withheld

Hi name withheld,

We certainly meant no disrespect to our Bodacious customers by showing a slimmer model in our newsletter. The fact of the matter is that this independant local designer took the time and expense to have professional photos taken of her designs so it made sense to show them to you. She does offer much of her clothing in a whole range of sizes from size 2 up to a 22/24. We would have loved to be able to re-shoot these fashions but we don't even have all of the designs in store yet. What we are offering is a preview. Once we have the pieces in stock we will try to send out a better image of the clothing so you can see how it looks in larger sizes.
This is by no means a trend for us but from time to time we have no choice but to show you the only photos that are available. Our sizing starts at size 10 and goes to 24 so we will always try our best to show a true representation of these sizes. Thanks for your feedback and rest assured that slimmer models are not the new reality for Bodacious.

bodaciously,


Lorna & Barb

Just Arrived from Italy - Fall Fashion for Your Legs!

Remember slouch socks??? - Well, they're back! As are argyle tights, leg warmers and woolly footless hosiery in chocolate brown, charcoal black and winter cream. Check out Bodacious for the best selection!

Bodacious Angel Knit Dresses Are In The House!

For all of you who have been waiting patiently for the new order of Angel Knit dresses - they have now arrived in 4 delicious colours. Slate Grey, Black, Cranberry and Chocolate! These dresses are flying off the racks so...you know the drill! See ya soon.

Style Watch

I just picked up the most recent copy of the People "Style Watch" magazine. It's the "Play Up Your Shape" issue and it actually has some great fashion. Unfortunately, a lot of the fashion shown is not available in a good range of sizes but it does give some great ideas of how to put an outfit together for each body type. Queen Latifah represents the curvy girls very nicely!
Great to see our always favourite and very popular Not Your Daughter's Jeans featured as a recommended jean for a curvy figure.
Way to go - http://www.lolaandgigi.com/ for the mention of their site as well.

Some Fun Curvy Sites

We thought we'd share some of our favourite "curvy" blogs and websites. Feel free to add your own in the comments section...
http://kathyscurvycorner.blogspot.com/
http://fightingfatigue.org/bigbeautifulu/
http://www.hipsandcurves.com/
http://www.love-your-body.org/index.html

Hope you're all enjoying your summer and "celebrating those curves"!

What are you wearing?

As the weather warms up, it's so exciting to pull out all of my summer dresses, skirts, capris, tees, flip-flops and sandals. Today, since I really didn't know what it was doing out there, I put on my turquoise cotton knee-length tunic (a recent Paris purchase) and rolled up denim capris and flats. I love the idea of a tunic that's light enough to wear even when the sun peeps out but keeps things covered if there's still that chill in the air.

I'm really excited to add this new dress to my wardrobe as soon as it comes through the doors (early next week?)...We have the red and white polka-dot version (which we're also getting more sizes in) and it's lovely. We're also getting more of this sexy number which is red hot for those summer weddings (I know you don't want to outshine the bride but why not give her a run for her money?)...

What are you wearing these days? What makes you feel sexy? Does this weather inspire you to bare your arms, jump in the pool or ???
Send us a pic or a story and we'll enter your name in our draw for a Bodacious gift basket.

Enjoy the sun!

bodaciously,
Lorna

Happy June!

Wow! I can't believe it's June already. Have you got your summer wardrobe all picked out?

Here are some essentials...
- the wear anywear, dress-up-or-down, throw it in a suitcase summer dress. If you choose sleeveless, you can layer over tees or tanks or under cardys or jean jackets. Solids are fun to accessorize, while prints take care of the guess-work!

- capris. God's answer to shorts! Pair some solid colour capri pants with a tunic top and you're set to go to those warm summer bbq's or Barb (oops, I mean Bard:) on the Beach. Check out these Not Your Daughter's Jeans capris with button detail (available at Bodacious in a darker denim).

- basic tees. For you curvy gals, choose a tee that has some built-in shape so it doesn't hang on you like a square box. Accentuate that lovely body. Check out our local line of bamboo/cotton/spandex "Evolution" tees with princess seams. Made to fit a bit longer and SUPER soft - you'll never want to take it off! Available in a variety of sizes and colours.

- big summer hat! We all like to have the look of a tan but getting too much sun is never a good idea. Get the best of both worlds - fake the colour and cover up. We just got some amazing floppy hats in from California Connections.

- accessorize. I'm loving all of the new summer accessories from wicker beach bags to bead cuff bracelets to rubber necklaces and earrings. Check out this new line called Toca from Brazil!

- long scarves. This is new for me but I'm loving the lightweight printed scarves that we just got in. They dress up any outfit (and provide some extra arm coverage if you're not feeling super brave!)

Bottom line -
have fun and celebrate what you got! Get outside and swish those hips, sip a cool drink on the patio or go down to the beach and feel the warm sand between your toes. Your body is a gift and is unique only to you.
Feel it, love it, celebrate it!

SALES at Bodacious this weekend!

Our sale continues throughout this weekend (friday-sunday). Here are the deets...
- All Bodacious items - buy one, get the second at 1/2 price
- All Schaart (in store items only) - 15% off
- All Mitzylaneous - 15% off
- All Togs - 20% off

- Diane Kennedy - 20% off
- All jewelry - 20% off
- All cards and stationary - 20% off

And LOTS more!

Don't miss out. This is our biggest sale this year!

Hooray for Sunshine Customer Appreciation Day!

Summer is around the corner and spirits are UP. We can't think of a better way to celebrate than to have a

"Hooray for Sunshine Customer Appreciation Day".
Please join us on Thursday, May 29 from 11 - 7 pm for

fantastic in-store specials including...

30% off ALL Bodacious

30% off ALL Mitzylaneous
30% off ALL Schaart Clothing

30% off ALL Togs
30% off ALL Hosiery
AND - yummy treats - door prizes - fun music

This is our opportunity to show you our appreciation.
THANKS for supporting us and shopping LOCAL.
Let's have some FUN !

If you can't make it to this fantastic event, we'll continue to have great deals through the week. Check back here Friday morning for the deets.

"Cultivate your curves - they may be dangerous but they won't be avoided."
Mae West

Bodacious Retail Sales Assistant Needed

Do you... - have retail experience (plus-size fashion gets bonus points)?

- have a good sense of style and humour?

- love working with people?

- have strong organizational skills?

- want to work in one of the prettiest stores on Main Street?

Then…we want you!

It's a great job with lots of perks! 10-20 hours per week.

If you're interested in the fashion/retail industry, we are a growing concern!

Please email us or come into the store for a copy of the application form. Check out our website at http://www.bodacious.ca/

MUST BE AVAILABLE ON WEEKENDS!

Closing date for this position is May 23, 2008

3rd Place Runner Up -Mother's Day Contest

Adrienne had a LOT to say about her wonderful mother. We have edited it down from 3 pages to a few paragraphs.

Thanks Adrienne!!


My mom… The kind of mother I want to be!

My mom was a work at home mother for the first 13 year of my life. She once said to me, “The decision on whether or not to work at home was very easy for me. I couldn't imagine someone else raising my kids."

...She was the first person I would ask to come shopping with me and the first person to whom my friends would ask opinions of. In high school, while other girls were shopping with their friends I was shopping with my mom. She knew all of the great stores and she really knew how to pull items off a shelf and put them together to make a statement outfit! I always looked nice when she was helping me… plus she’d pay for some of them if I invited her!~ ...

...My mom still influences my clothing decisions. She is in her 50’s now I am in my mid 20’s. There are still many times when she finds me visiting the house, pulling something out of her closet to wear or she hears messages on her voicemail from my fiancé and me asking her to come shopping with us on Sunday because we need new clothes! ...

...My mom is most deserving of this recognition. She has influenced and taught me and my sister style, confidence, and fashion from head to toe! I love you mom. Happy Mother’s Day,

Love from your biggest fan,
Adrienne.

Second Runner Up - Mother's Day Contest

We loved this story of Hannah and her wonderful father celebrating his loving "mothering"...

I was raised by my father. Back when men raising kids alone was just not done...especially since my father was a fresh immigrant to canada, we over came a lot together. and in my early pre teen's I started to notice how unique our situation was, He made me giggle when i was sad and had great fashion advice, he often taxied my fellow girl guides to and from meet's and there was a 4*4 trail on the route we would tighten our belts and hang on tight laughing cause non of the other girl guide mom's did this. All my friends were making their mom's little flowers and making breakfast in bed, and talking about how wonderful, they were because they wiped there tiers and washed their wounds. and on fathers day we celebrate our strong and hard working dad's and gave them old spice after shave... so I wanted my father to know how much i recognized his maternal side, and decided that mothers day was not just for the female parent it was for the mother figure in your life. and to this day i say happy mothering day to my father... Thank you for great shopping experience's and your concideration...
Hannah

Mother's Day Contest - We have a WINNER!!!

We want to thank all of you who sent us your special stories about your mothers. It was difficult to pick just one. I think we can all relate to this email sent in by Carolyn.


"Here is the life lesson that I want to share with you regarding Mother's Day.My earliest recollections of my mother are that of her being a very stylish happen' dresser. From the early 70's I have great pictures of her showing her legs in very groovy mini skirts and she always encouraged me to wear whatever I wanted.For this I am grateful cause it taught me to let go and let my little girl dress to express rather than to impress.My story of my Mom is this.. since I was very little my Mom has been on a perpetual diet. She has lost and gained the same 40 lbs for all of my 42 years.I don't think I was really aware of that until two years ago when my Mom came out to BC to celebrate my 40th birthday with me. A few nights before my party my mom and I sat around lookingat old pictures that we were putting up. Everyone of her.. she would look longingly at and say... look how thin I was there.... and sigh... on the verge of tears I realized that this was my legacy...how many times had I looked at a picture of myself and not felt good enough... and so that was that...from then on ....I decided that I was good enough just as I am...My then 6 year old daughter did not need to hear my self talk about not ever being good enough.. and she did not need me continually telling her how big I was in photos...and she did not needa role model that hated her own photo...Now I proudly stand for photos with my spouse and children and even my mother....who cares about the size of my thighs... what really matters is the size of my heart...Thanks Mom... for one of the most valuable lessons you ever taught me...Regards Carolyn"

New IGIGI Dresses are IN THE HOUSE!

Check out this beautiful jewel - just arrived today! Sizes 12, 14/16, 18/20 or...

this fun and frolicky polka-dotty...

Mother's Day Contest

Tell us your story!

In honour of moms day, this year we'd like to hear your stories about how your mom (or mom substitute) influenced your fashion sense - good or bad, serious or funny. Tell us your crazy shopping stories, send us a pic of you and your mom in your home-made matching outfits (or was that just us???) or just let us know how she made a difference to you and your style. We will put your stories before our panel of judges and choose our favourites. The top 3 will be posted on our blog and the number 1 story submission will win a $150 Bodacious gift certificate! Deadline for submission is Friday, May 9th at 6 pm. Please send all entries to info@bodacious.ca. We look forward to hearing from you!
(Lorna and Barb-Christmas 1970)
And if you're looking for a special gift for your mom, daughter, friend, special someone - we have a beautiful selection of jewelry, handbags, notecards, etc.HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
from the ladies at Bodacious!

Bodacious "Angel" knit Summer Dress

The new Bodacious Summer Dress is in the house! Made from "angel knit" fabric that feels like butter on your skin, this easy breezy flowy dress will be your lifesaver throughout the coming months. Sexy crossover front flatters the "girls" while the flowy skirt encourages a few twirls across the floor! Yes, it's sleeveless. Yes, you can bare your arms. Yes, you can layer it over a tank or tee or under a cardy. 4 delicious colours.
Black, Grey, Green and Blue! What are you waiting for?

What's Possible!

We're in this amazing book!
And needless to say we feel truly honoured and overwhelmed that our story was chosen by Daryn Kagan as on of 50 True stories of People Who Dared To Dream They Could Make a Difference.

A couple of short quotes from the book...
...I love how Barb and Lorna throw the dictionary out the window! They don't let someone else's definitions of beauty, fashion, and size define them or their customers.
...I wish I could put their infectious laughs in this book. They are laughing at the critics and laughing with the joy they create for themselves and their customers.

What's Possible!
Like the inspirational website that inspired it, “What's Possible” shares stories about real people overcoming obstacles to achieve greatness. Its appeal reaches beyond the thousands of daily visitors to DarynKagan.com and includes anyone who has a dream. Daryn uses her skills from more than 20 years in TV news to tell stories that touch the heart. She also adds her voice throughout the book with “Daryn's Takeaways,” encouraging readers to apply the lessons of the stories to their own lives.

As the creator and host of DarynKagan.com , Kagan leads an inspirational online community. She produces a daily webcast of stories that “Show the World What is Possible.” Based on the radical idea that the world is a good place, DarynKagan.com has become a daily destination for hundreds of thousands of Internet users who seek news stories that inspire. Prior to heading into cyberspace, Kagan anchored both news and sports for CNN. Described by the Los Angeles Times as a “CNN mainstay,” She traveled the world during her 12-year tenure at CNN, and reported live on-site during numerous global events, including the war in Iraq from Kuwait. She also reported from Africa during a 10-day tour with rock band U2's Bono and U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill, and provided CNN in-depth reports on AIDS and famine. Additionally, she has reported from across the U.S. covering numerous presidential elections, the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy, and the hunt for the Washington, D.C. sniper.

All we can say is WOW.
Barb & Lorna

Celebrate the Rain with Trendy, Fashionable Raincoats

Well...we can't change the weather but we can certainly make you look and feel great in it! Check out our new "Schaart Clothing Co." and "Adorable Junior" coats and rainjackets. They'll make it just a little bit easier to go out into the great outdoors. Long and short versions available. My personal favorite is the black trench with the tied ruffle cuff. Happy Monday to you all. Be patient...spring'll be here any moment!

My Visit to Bodacious (a warm, fuzzy note from a customer)

"Greetings!

A great deal of time has passed since our visit to Vancouver ended (January 14); however I have GOT to let you know how much I enjoyed visiting your store.

My sister-in-law’s friend (Leslie) and I were in your store in early January. I bought a dress (super cute) to wear to my Mother-In-Law’s 80th Birthday party, a black spring coat (by Schaart) and a Robin’s Egg blue faux leather jacket. When I wore/wear these items, I feel so fantastic!

It is so refreshing to see a store whose staff is passionate about the product and genuinely enjoys helping customers. I hope to visit the store again in the summer. Being a size 18 does not mean that you shouldn’t be able to find cute and sexy things to wear and I’m so glad your store has the clothes for cute and sexy size 18s like me!


Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Kathleen
(Diva Kat)"

Mexico Bound!

Last week, I (Lorna) had the privilege of being an invited guest of the Mexican Trade Commission for 2 days in Puebla, Mexico. 5 of us Canadians were sent down to meet with local Mexican business women and handcraft vendors to encourage trade between the two countries. All of the people I met were so gracious and lovely and the city of Puebla (2 hours outside of Mexico City) is absolutely beautiful.
The day after I returned, Barb and her girlfriend left for a different kind of Mexican trip - the kind that involves sandy beaches, cold drinks by the pool and sunshine.
We hope that March is treating you all well and involves great connections with other women, some relaxation time for yourself and some time to honour who you are and how far you've come. Happy International Women's Day/Week/Month!!!

More IGIGI just arrived - dresses and belts!

These are fantastic dresses for the wedding, prom, event season coming up. Don't miss out!

It's not your grandmother's polyester!

As I'm sure most of you know, if you compare today's polyesters to those of yesteryear, you'll see a huge difference in quality and feel. Poly's come a long way and we're glad of it! I have to say I still love some of those vintage pieces with the wild prints from the 60s and 70s but the difference on your skin and breathability is very exciting. We like to have a variety of fabrics and choices here at Bodacious including bamboo, soy, cotton, silk and poly. When looking at fabrics tho', in our short design history, the poly-blends are always the most interesting and wearable. Anything these days that has a bit of stretch can fit so many more body types and flatter every figure.

But...like in life, mix it up a bit!

If you're looking for...

casual comfort and style - consider the Diane Kennedy bamboo pants and tops.

seriously sexy - try one of the new Donna Ricco cotton blend halter dresses.

a stylish statement piece that feels like butter on your skin - a Bodacious Wrap Dress is the way to go. (you can also throw it in your suitcase and pull it out at the last minute - wrinkle free!)

Happy Shopping!

Another Positive Blog...

I'm on a bit of a "be kind to yourself kick" so...here you go...

http://harrietbrown.com/Spread-the-love.pdf

I Am Beautiful!

"She wins who calls herself beautiful and challenges the world to change to truly see her."

Naomi Wolf, The Beauty Myth

Check out this website for some inspiration! http://iambeautiful.com/

Finding your own style

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."
Coco Chanel (1883 - 1970)

Taking fashion too literally or seriously creates fashion victims. We've all seen those people strutting their stuff in their new jacket emblazoned with huge Gucci or Chanel logos all over it! Ok, we get that you're wearing a "designer" item but what about how it looks - on you and in the world??? Creating your own sense of style can only happen when you feel like you have choices. Like you're not just buying something because it fits. I think if you're over a size 16, you can all relate to that experience. I don't think I've ever spoken to a curvy women who hasn't done the desperation purchase - it's my size and it's on sale! Next time you go shopping, take a moment to ponder these questions...
does the garment speak to you?
How does the fabric feel on your skin?
Does that colour make your skin glow.
When you walk out of the changing room, do all of the other women in the store ooh and ahh. (I love it when that happens!)
Do you stand a little taller when you wear this dress/top/skirt?
Take some risks. Maybe a little shorter hemline to show off those gorgeous gams or a slightly more fitted waistline to show off that hourglass! You're not hiding anything by wearing ill-fitting clothes other than your most beautiful, curvy self. Trust yourself and what feels right. Seek the advice of others' around you but in the end, really look in the mirror and experience how you feel inside and out in that new fabulous outfit - and CELEBRATE WHAT YOU'VE GOT!

I heart Makeup!

Hello Ladies,

Oz here with a few makeup tips to WOW your friends and family this holiday season!
Christmas is all about lighter shades of shadows with bolder lips. RED is a favorite color for the season. Too hesitant to try it? Dont be!! There are many ways to incorporate red into your makeup wardrobe. Start out with lip tints such as BENEFIT benetint, MAC tinted lip conditioners or KIEHL's tinted lip glosses. A little bit goes a long way and they will all give a subtle touch of red color to your lips; Benetint you can even use on your cheeks! Wanna go bolder?! Stop by your favorite makeup counter and ask the makeup artist to help you pick out the right shade of red lipstick. Remember lip liner is a MUST with red lipstick-it prevents the lipstick from bleeding and keeps in on longer! MAC, CHANEL, LANCOME and GUERLAIN KISS KISS lipsticks are fantastic and come in multiple shades of red so you can find the right one. For the budget-conscious, L'OREAL and COVER GIRL have great shades as well. Make sure that you try the lipsticks on your lips and step out into natural light to ensure the color works well for you.
With your red sultry, sexy lips, keep the rest of your makeup softer with subtle bits of drama. Nice light, almost transluscent colors work best but a little bit of bone colored shimmers work beautifully as well. MAC's Mylar, Vanilla, Naked Lunch and Shroom are great, LANCOME's Vue and Nutmeg are fantastic as well, STILA's Kitten is one of my favorites!
Pair your light shadows with some liquid liner for evening sexiness! Fear not! Liquid liner, while it takes precision, can be mastered with a bit of patience and a bit of practice. Still unsure? Try using and angle brush dipped very lightly in water and then stroke the corner (that way you dont ruin your shadow) of your black shadow (or brown or any color really! but brown/black/grey work best with red lips) and then apply the 'cake' liner as close to your lash line as possible. Allow a few seconds for it to dry ( with your eye closed of course!) and then open and observe your natural talents!! L'OREAL liquid liner comes in a brush tip and felt tip-brush tips have a more controlled line but felt tips are sometimes easier to use. RED EARTH, MAC and MAKEUP FOREVER carry great liquid liners as well as waterproof pencil liners.
Now that your eyes and lips are dressed to impress, all that's left are your cheeks. With a soft but dramatic eye and bold red lips, the best idea is to keep your cheeks soft. Shades of pink, plums and light rose's work beautifully. SMASHBOX and NARS are personal favorites for blush. Remember, a lighter hand is always better with blush. Your body temperature heats up as the day goes on making your cheeks naturally rosy therefore less is always more!

Come New Year's Eve, go ALL out and show your friends your sexy, bodacious self! Shimmer and Sparkle- repeat after me, Shimmer and Sparkle, Shimmer and Sparkle!!!!!!
If you've ever bought shimmer shadows, blush, lipglosses or anything sparkly at all, New Year's Eve is DEFINETLY the time to use them! You can't go wrong with highlights on your cheek bones ( BENEFIT Highbeam, NAPOLEON PERDIS Highlight Wheel, or STILA All over Shimmers), Eyes (ALL LINES CARRY SHIMMERS!!!) or Lips (my favorites are from MAC Lip Laquers and Lancome Color Fever Glosses).
Best tip for New Year's Eve-FALSE LASHES! Trust me, once you try some you'll be hooked. You will for sure be the Belle of the Ball with false lashes and lots of mascara! Unsure about how to apply, purchase a pair from MAC and they'll apply it for you and the best part is you can re-use them!!
So think BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY on New Year's Eve and you'll be the hottest girl there!

Dont forget to stop by Bodacious and pick up your party dresses that'll help you be DROP DEAD GORGEOUS!

Wishing you all a wonderful christmas!

Any questions, come see me at Bodacious!

Bodaciously Yours,
Oz

Sexy Boots That Fit our Calves!

It's definitely the time of year when you want to have a good, sexy and comfy pair of boots to spice up jeans or your favourite dress. The challenge that most women seem to have is finding a boot that will fit her calf. We've had success through a few different sources.
1. http://www.silhouettes.com/ - I've purchased a couple pair of boots from this American online company. They have several pairs of boots with larger calf options and the prices are pretty good.
2. http://canada.zappos.com/ - now available to us North of the border, this website has an awesome selection of shoes and boots in all types of specialty sizing.
3. http://www.sterlingshoes.com/ - Barb and I each bought a pair of boots here last week (at Oakridge Mall in Vancouver) and they have a good selection of Franco Sarto and others that have the stretchy material to fit over a larger calf. (the secret told to me by a Sterling staffer is to fold the boot down like a sock, put it on your foot and then pull the boot up your leg. It seems to work pretty well!)
Happy shopping!

xoxo

Lorna

Champagne, Shopping, Party! Wednesday, Dec. 12, 6:30-9:30pm

Bring some friends and come on over to Bodacious for some festive cheer and shopping specials! Our designers have given their blessings on offering you discounts on many of our in-store items. We also have tons of gift-y items for that 'hard to buy for' friend or family member. Hope to see you!
Lorna, Barb, Brandy, Oz, Audrey, and Alix

Thoughts on Body Image

The following is an exclusive excerpt from the "Body Image" chapter of Our Bodies, Ourselves for the New Century

Learning to accept and love our bodies and ourselves is an important and difficult ongoing struggle. But to change the societal values underlying body image, we need to do more than love ourselves. We need to focus our attention on the forces that drive wedges between us as women: racism, sexism, ableism, ageism, and our national obsession with size and shape. To truly create change, to create a world in which all women can make choices about our appearances for ourselves and not others, we must incorporate all women into the heart of how we see ourselves. From this expanded horizon of sisterhood, we may begin to value the lives of women who previously meant nothing to us. We may begin to realize that understanding their lives is essential to understanding our own lives and realizing our full potential as women. If we can begin to eliminate the hatred and ridicule levied against women who don't fit the ``state-of-the-art'' ideal, we can lessen the stress of ``not fitting in.'' We also open the possibility of building a social-change movement that links all women who seek a world where each of us can celebrate and delight in our physical bodies. Working together to change the attitudes and conditions that restrict us, we feel proud and more able to take control of our lives. We need each others' help to change the deeply entrenched attitudes that make us dislike our own bodies and that interfere with our relationships with other women.
Shifting to a body perspective in which every woman matters in a public sense takes a major shift in consciousness. Breaking the silent hold of state-of-the- art body image on female self-esteem, relationships, and social and economic opportunities requires us to adopt a conception of womanhood that is informed by physical, emotional, and spiritual diversity. Valuing this diversity is critical to dismantling the insidious and toxic effect of discrimination based on how we look. Finding ways to change the societal forces that make accepting ourselves so difficult is a process that can begin at any point in our lives and can continue as long as we live. This mission, if taken on, will lead us toward a future in which every woman can experience the joy of being valued completely for who she is.

Bodacious Ladies + Champagne = Shopping Fun!!!

Thanks to all of you who partied and shopped with us last night! So much fun. We will be doing this again soon so stay tuned!

Lorna, Brandy, Barb, Oz, and Audrey

200 lbs. = Beautiful

Today I was in line at the supermarket and noticed these two "magazine"covers almost side by side. This is actually a shot of a different Oprah story from June but almost the identical headline and picture. So interesting how the same thing can be looked at 2 different ways. There is no doubt about one thing, 200lbs can look pretty hot. Work it ladies!

Nikki Blonsky Wearing IGIGI

Check out the beautiful Nikki Blonsky wearing the fabulous IGIGI dress at the 2007 Hollywood Awards! It's so great to have someone so beautiful and talented 'representing' the curvy gals. Hopefully we can get her into some Bodacious pieces soon.
*dress available at Bodacious*