Hi ,

👗 Essential Style Tip of the Month

Practical advice for everyday Style Confidence!

Celebrate Canada Day in Style:

Shop Canadian! 🍁

As we enjoy the sunshine, fireworks, and red-and-white pride, it’s the perfect time to celebrate something else close to my heart—Canadian fashion.

Now more than ever, it's crucial to support local businesses.

Choosing Canadian-made clothing isn't just a style choice—it's a vote for quality, sustainability, and the incredible creativity we have right here at home.​

This Canada Day, let’s wear our pride and our values—literally. Whether you’re shopping for something special or building a wardrobe that works for you, consider choosing Canadian-made.

👗 Canadian Fashion Brands to Love:

Many of these are sold in local Calgary boutique stores.

• Joseph Ribkoff– Sophisticated and versatile pieces.
• Frank Lyman– Effortlessly stylish and proudly made in Montreal.
• Pure Essence Urbanology – Comfortable, breathable fashion with a relaxed, Canadian vibe.
• SophieGrace – Calgary-based brand offering elegant, comfortable mix-and-match basics designed for modern professional women.
• Jennifer Glasgow Design – Ethically made clothing with bold color and personality.
• Encircled – Minimalist, travel-friendly wardrobe staples, sustainably made in Toronto.
• Miik – Buttery-soft bamboo pieces made in Canada with love.
• Mélow par Mélissa Bolduc – Modern silhouettes with a touch of drama.
• Pony Back Hats Great adjustable hats made for pony tails!
• Ca Va de Soi – Luxe knitwear crafted with natural fibres.​

Need help discovering the best local brands for your shape, style, and lifestyle? Let’s shop together! An assisted and stress-free shopping session will save you time and fill your closet with clothes that fit and make you feel fabulous.

My client Deb said:

“Mona took my colour analysis to the next level with a personalized shopping experience that helped me build a spring wardrobe in shades that truly make me glow. She pre-selected items based on my needs—many from Canadian shops—which made the whole process feel effortless and fun. It was like shopping with a stylish best friend who gives honest, expert advice”

📅 Click here to get started:

Book Your Shopping Session Today!

👖 Local Boutique Feature - Leela Fashions

I was heartbroken when Bellissima closed last year—but I’m excited to share that two former employees have launched Leela Fashions, a stylish new boutique that opened this March in Calgary. Their passion and commitment to great service live on in this fresh new venture! I asked the lovely team at Leela Fashions to share their story—here’s a peek into their journey and what makes their new boutique so special:

"As former Bellissima team members, we always remembered one thing: clothing should be a joy—not a frustration. That belief inspired us to create Leela Fashions, a boutique designed for women who want comfort and style, clothes that fit real bodies and real lives, and a wardrobe that feels like self-care, not a daily struggle.

At Leela, we carefully select every piece for its premium materials, flattering fit, and versatility. We proudly feature brands like Joseph Ribkoff, known for elegant, day-to-evening designs, and Picadilly Canada, with over 90% of their styles made in Toronto. Our collection also includes pieces from Garcia, Esqualo, Carre Noir, Compli K, and Claire Desjardins—each chosen for their thoughtful design and wearability.

We’ve launched as an online boutique for now, but our long-term vision includes creating welcoming physical spaces where women can connect and rediscover the joy of fashion.

As a small, women-founded Canadian business, your support truly means the world to us. We’re learning and growing every day, and the moments we connect with customers remind us why we started.

We’d love for you to experience Leela Fashions at www.shopatleela.ca, and we welcome your thoughts, feedback, and friendly hellos anytime at team@shopatleela.ca."

Nikki & Karyn

✨ More Good News!

Two beloved Canadian women’s clothing stores—Cleo and Rickis—are BACK! After recently closing their doors, both have been revived under new Canadian ownership by Putman Investments. With over 130 years of combined history, this marks an exciting fresh start for two iconic brands that have long been part of our fashion story. We’re proud. We’re resilient. We’re Canadian—and we’re thrilled to see these brands back where they belong! Follow them for future local location openings. Cleo  Rickis

What is your biggest Style Challenge? Feel free to ask questions by e-mailing me at mona@essentialstyleconsulting.ca

Have a Fabulous Fashion Day!

Mona Rioux CAOPIS, CSFC

Essential Style Consulting

Cell 403-826-9910

Mona@essentialstyleconsulting.ca

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