Barb's Wedding Blog

Chaos rules at the moment. I've decided to start a cleanse. It's one I've used before and it's gentle and predictable. I'm glad some things are still predictable. The details are starting to take me over with 15 days to the "Big Day" and I am both obsessed and overwhelmed, at least that's how I feel right now. My fiance and I have started scheduling "meetings" to discuss the financial part because you want to be prepared for those type of conversations, don't you think?

I am lucky to have friends and relatives with various skills and straight thinking, orderly heads because my head is full up. I'll be making some phone calls in the next week to ask for help with certain things that simply escape me. Things like the schedule of the wedding day, in detail, heck, I'm not even sure who walks down the isle first. I'm pretty sure it's not me. The thing is, when it's all said and done, I'll be able to help someone else plan their wedding because I'm learning so much. For now, I will rely on my friends and family who have done this before.

Right now I am finding much inspiration at this site http://greenweddingshoes.blogspot.com/ .

I am a lucky girl to have so many talented folks in my life. Hope I can repay the debt one day. Right now I'm not afraid to ask for help. Lord knows I need it.

Feel free to impart your words of wisdom. I'm all ears...

SALE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Big sale at Bodacious this week - weekend! Follow us on Twitter or Facebook for early discounts!

Wedding Shoes

I am 5'4" and my intended is 6'2" so I knew I wanted a bit of a heel but something I can walk on grass with. Finding the perfect wedding shoes was turning out to be a bit of a challenge. Lucky for me there are a LOT of shoe sales on right now so accompanied by my soon to be Mother-in-law and a few hours to kill we hit the big sale at Freedman's. The first pair I tried were fabulous and the exact colours in my dress but alas, they were far to high to walk in. I had to let them go. I finally settled on the pair above by BCBG and I am happy with my choice. The snake skin look is much more subtle than the photo and they have a slightly metallic sheen to them. Best of all these shoes are comfortable!
That little heal is going to make it that much easier for my man and I to seal the deal with a kiss. I'm all about making things easier and feeling beautiful means no sore feet.
Oh yes, they where on sale too!
Wedding shoes-check.

Barb's Bodacious Wedding Bash!

Hello Bodacious Babes, it's Barb here!


Yes it's true, wedding madness is upon us, especially since we hit the one month mark yesterday. Everything is speeding up and the excitment is high. I am lucky to have the Best Bridesmaid Ever and she is doing her best to keep me on track (yes, there is a shower in the works). Today I am picking up his suit and the rings having a decorating meeting and a meet up with my photographer/garden fluffer!


Our wedding will be taking place in the back yard of our home. Lorna and I will be hooking up with a close friend/amazing artist and one of the most creative people I know, to figure out the decorations this afternoon. The decorating theme is paper. Paper garland and lanterns, balls and whatever else we can think of. The Mexican art form of Papel Picado is the inspiration and the latest edition of Martha Stewart weddings has some fantastic paper projects too. Once again it is my friends who are giving me the most inspiration by being so enthusiastic and excited to help out. It's a bit overwhelming actually. All of the help, the gifts, the skills, the time that people are being so generous with is something that I need to accept with grace. I sometimes feel like I'm not worthy. The truth is, we are all worthy and learning to just say Thank You from the heart is often enough. God, I hope it's enough. lol


Check back here daily, I will be letting you know how my custom made wedding dress is coming along, we'll talk about shoes, we have a special feature relating to flowers too! I will be using The Flower Factory for my flowers and owner Gloria is set to be our next Bold and Audacious Woman interview. Stay tuned for that right here!


If it sounds like I'm all over the map it's because I am. Bear with me and let's see if we can make some sense of all of this wedding stuff.


We would love to hear from you too.

Getting Ready for Fall...

Well...it's been a crazy time around here. Life is great in my new hometown. I'm trying to figure out how to best utilize my time with the new commuting lifestyle which means setting up all Bodacious appointments to fit in to 2 days a week, working my shifts at the Gibson store while excitedly preparing for our big Bodacious move into the larger location in Molly's Lane. Oh, and Barb is getting married in 1 month today. AND we're *this* close to having our new website up and running with actual designs for sale to the world! Barb will fill you in on wedding events and I'll try to fill in the gaps as far as what else is new and exciting!
One of the great benefits of having the store and knowing some fabulous designers is that we are each having our dresses made for us. Mine by the lovely and talented Cheryl Densky of Schaart Clothing and Barb by our very own and also lovely and talented Brandy McQueen! Unfortunately I missed my fitting yesterday but can't wait to go tomorrow for my first try on.
We've almost completed our 9th year here at Bodacious and I'm glad to be able to say that I still feel blessed every day to have such a great space filled with talented designers and staff who get our concept and move it forward!
How's your summer going?
xoxo
Lorna

Hot Weather Public Service Announcement!

Wilting?

Melting?

Not sleeping at night?

Feeling totally pooped?

Well, you`re either in love - or you`re having a heatwave!

creampuff by gg sends you some hot tips for staying cool:

1. Choose water over sugary or alcoholic drinks

2. Put your fan on the floor – it will blow cool air in & hot air out (cool air falls, hot air rises)

3. Have a cool bath before bedtime – it will help lower your core temperature & you’ll sleep better

4. Drink a small amount of Gatorade, Powerade or unflavoured baby Pedialyte (if sugars or salts are a concern check with your doctor)

5. Take it easy – don’t rush around – shorten your “to-do” list

6. Visit an air-conditioned place during the day – like a theatre or a mall

7. Put a freezer ice-pack in a pillowcase & take it to bed with you

8. Wear creampuffs by gg – girlie boxer shorts!

Staying cool in ‘blue camoflower’ creampuffs!

I LOVE a Parade!!!

Much fun was had by all - at the Sea Cavalcade Parade this past weekend. Doesn't Big Momma look cute all dressed up?

Check This Out!

The lovely ladies at Principessa have brought us another fun and functional new product!

The bag is perfect for toting lunches, books, wine, workout gear etc. and is recyclable as well. The Borsetta is multi purpose with multi benefits as $1 from the sale of the bag will be donated to Breast Cancer Research (just like the water bottle) and helps consumers to reduce, reuse and recycle all in a chic and stylish way!

Delta's Big Attendants Unable to Wear New Uniform...

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/item.aspx?type=blog&ak=68494210.blog
Check out this article. What do you think?

Gibsons Store - keeps growing!

Why stores are cutting back on plus-size clothes

Why stores are cutting back on plus-size clothes
Here's a story I found today on financialpost.com
This one brings up so many issues for me as a retailer and manufacturer of "plus size" (their term, not ours) clothing. I can't help but find it annoying that it's the same old arguments being dragged out of the closet over and over. I especially find this paragraph ridiculous...

Cost is also a factor. Because they require more fabric, larger sizes are more expensive to manufacture. "The cost of clothing is disproportionately in the materials and not the labour, due to the shift in production to low-wage countries, which means that it is going to be more expensive to produce clothing for large-sized women, and more resources will be tied up in garments on the racks," notes Susan Ashdown, a professor in the Department of Fiber Science & Apparel Design at Cornell and a leading researcher on improving apparel fit. Imagine the fury that would greet prices that went up with dress size.
First of all, what's the difference between a size 0 and a size 12 in fabric usage? Quite a lot actually. To suggest that we can only "Imagine the fury..." if prices went up with dress sizes is so insulting. The cost of clothing being manufactured does go up slightly as the amount of fabric increases in larger sizes AND in smaller sizes. Don't you think that the average price is decided upon in small sizes and a size 0 is cheaper to make than a size 12? And furthermore, let's be clear, larger women DO pay more for their clothes already. Imagine the fury!!
We are all paying the "fat tax" when we shop, being told that we have to pay more and then receive less styling so the sizing fits more people makes me feel less than special, how about you?
There's a lot of food for thought there but I still can't help wondering why, if they are trying to be respectful, the photograph accompanying the article is of a larger woman, obviously working out in work out clothes including under boob sweat stains and tight clothing and yet they cut off her head so you can't see her face.Why not show her face and give some dignity to the larger woman's image?? I think her body looks fit and strong but what is the photo trying to illustrate?
I am so sick of these type of photos that are used with every single "news" story concerning larger sized women.
Read the article for yourself and let us know what you think.
Use the comments section below.

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Spare Soles Now at Bodacious!

Spare Soles are compact, rollable, foldable, take-anywhere flats that fit in the smallest of purses or pockets. Perfect for those moments when your feet have had enough but you haven't. Spare Soles have a stretchy fashionable upper that accommodates tired and swollen feet. The sole is a skid resistant water-proof bottom. Spare Soles are available in four sizes and assorted colors. So go ahead and kick off those heels!

Bonnie Recommends...

Hi there Bodacious women!
I am sure that many of you are familiar with Sarah Haskins on current.com, but in case you aren't, check her out. Sarah is the star of "Target: Women," a hilarious and savvy commentary on how the media portrays women. She challenges those stereotypes that really get under our skin. The topics of "Target: Women" vary from women's supposed love of yogurt to the depiction of women on women's television networks. There are times that watching her makes my laugh so hard that I cry. I've put the link to her latest creation below. Enjoy!
http://current.com/items/90157350_sarah-haskins-in-target-women-story-time.htm

Bodacious Bonnie!

Let me introduce you...

Bold and Audacious Women Interview - take 3!

We've had the pleasure of working with Danielle several times in the last couple of years and this woman kicks ass! A very direct, wise, powerful and refreshing inspiration. Enjoy her interview and check out her website when you have a chance...

name / biz info/website, etc...
I'm Danielle LaPorte. Tho' my birth name is Veronica Danielle (long story about how it came down to Danielle). I created http://www.whitehottruth.com/ because self-realization rocks (and because I'm writing a book with the same title. BTW, my first book is Style Statement; Live By Your Own Design.) On a weekly basis I do "Fire Starter sessions" with entrepreneurs -- a bit of tough love, some intuition and a big dose of start-up and social media acumen.
favourite part of your body?
My eyes. Especially with some black liner and Voluminous Mascara.

what was the last thing that made you laugh uncontrollably?
My incredible farting child has impeccable comedic timing.

3 words/phrases your friends would use to describe you/your style?
A friend emailed me last week and described my style as: "rockstar goddess with a swanky exotic backbone." Hell yeah!

fashion/personal inspiration?
Georgia O'Keefe...her austerity is divine. I also happen to like Geishas, monks and a lot of what Donna Karan does that is NOT black.

favourite tv show/movie?
The Piano. All time fav. Close runner up is Baz Lurhman's Romeo & Juliet.

sexy jeans or a flirty dress?
How about...flirty Kimono.

heels or flats?
Shit-kicking boots. Well heeled and as pointy as possible.

gotta ask - top 5 people you'd invite to dinner (alive or dead)?
Leonard Cohen, Jesus Christ, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Women Who Run With The Wolves, Oprah, John O'Donahue, late amazing theologian and poet

favourite colour combination?
I adore the desert turquoise with espresso-brown flecks - but I'd never actually wear that colour combo. In terms of clothing, my favourite combo is mocha with...more mocha.

phrase/quote that inspires you/makes your heart soar?
"Mama!" Only when my five year old is saying it, running to me for a hug -- doesn't have the same effect from construction workers.

piece of clothing that makes you feel sexy?
my shawl from India.

most recent clothing purchase?
brown flouncy tee from H&M.

what's on the 'i need to have it' list for spring/summer?
cork platforms and RayBan aviators.

upcoming projects?
I'm doing Fire Starter gigs in fourteen cities between now and the fall. I am crazy. Also, launching a stationery line.

final words?
Talk is cheap. Love is a verb. Authenticity is magnetic. And while I have your attention, check out: http://www.whitehottruth.com/

Ps...I love you Bodacious ladies. Thanks for a great interview.
Aww, thanks!

-- Danielle LaPorte
http://www.whitehottruth.com/
follow: http://twitter.com/WhiteHotTruth
cell: 604.418.8811
ENTREPRENEURS ARE HOT: "My Fire Starter Session with Danielle is the best investment I have ever made. Ever."- Sarah Bray, Web developer, Virginia Beach

creampuff by gg @ Bodacious!

For a saucier way to protect from chub rub, you've gotta try these new bloomers from local fashionista, gg! creampuff by gg - now available at Bodacious!

MORE Stop Staring Dresses at Bodacious!

Pretty sexy!

Ticket Giveaway!!

Our good friend Lousie Green & Body Exchange present

Comedy For The Cure

Raising funds for Team Diabetes

Thursday May 28th 2009

6:30 pm

Heritage Hall (3102 Main Street, Vancouver BC)

This evening includes comedians, nibbles, a cash bar and a silent auction!

The tickets are a $30 value each and we have tickets (2 each) to give away to the first two people to email us bodaciouslifestyles@gmail.com

Tickets can be picked up at our shop.

Make sure to check out all the great programs available through Body Exchange and check out their blog too.

A Tribute to Treice...

Yesterday, Barb's very dear friend, Treice Backs lost her battle with cancer. As you can see by reading her blog, she was a bright light, a wonderful mother and friend and also a fearless fighter for the truth, for fairness and for healing. She leaves behind her loving husband, Kelly and a young son, Max who will miss her deeply. On Mother's Day (this Sunday) we at Bodacious will be donating a portion of our sales to help support the family through this sad time. If you care to make a donation directly, you can do so through her blog. Any financial support will assist Kelly in taking the time to do what's best for him and Max during this next phase of their lives. Thanks for listening and caring. We wish you all a love-filled day! http://treicebacks.blogspot.com/

No - You Stop Staring!

Yay! They're finally here. We've been admiring the Stop Staring dresses online for years and we've finally found a local source to bring them into our shop. Come in soon for the best selection. More items arriving every month.
Please note - their 1x, 2x, 3x means 14/16, 16/18, 18/20

Can you help?

Department of History

University of Waterloo

PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR HISTORICAL RESEARCH ON BEING OVERWEIGHT

We are looking for people to interview who may have considered themselves overweight at any point in their lives before 1980.
As a participant in this study, you would be asked to participate in a tape-recorded interview. Your participation would involve one session of about two hours at a location of mutual convenience.

Participation is completely voluntary.

For more information about this study, or to volunteer for this study, please contact:

Alyshia BestardResearch Assistant

(519) 888-4567 ext. 33342

aostrom@uwaterloo.ca

-or-
Dr.Wendy MitchinsonHistory Department

(519) 888-4567 ext. 33342

wlmitchi@uwaterloo.ca

This study has been reviewed by, and received ethics clearance through, the Office of Research Ethics, University of Waterloo.