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👗 Essential Style Tip of the Month

Practical advice for everyday Style Confidence!

“There’s nowhere left to shop!”

It can certainly feel that way with so many retailers disappearing. I'm still sad about The Bay😟. But great shopping is far from over. Beautiful, age-appropriate fashion still exists, and the key is knowing where to look and when to return. Store inventory changes constantly, and a shop that once disappointed may surprise you this season.

For polished, age-appropriate pieces that work for real life, I still rely on Melanie Lyne, Laura, and Simons— all excellent for stylish wardrobe staples, workwear, elevated casual pieces, and special-occasion outfits.

And of course, there’s always Winners and Marshalls — reliable go-to’s for designer finds, trend-forward pieces, and fantastic deals if you love the thrill of a great fashion hunt.

Fewer stores simply means shopping smarter, not giving up on style. Here are a few of my go-to stores where I consistently find stylish, flattering pieces for clients who want to look current, confident, and polished:

For boutique shopping with personality and exceptional service, Calgary and Canmore are full of hidden gems.

Aldila Boutique (two Calgary locations and online) is known for beautifully made European and Canadian collections and elevated everyday pieces.

Blue Moon Boutique in Calgary and Canmore offers stylish, feminine clothing with a relaxed, wearable feel.

Studio Blue in Willow Park Village is a go-to for modern, flattering fashion with a polished edge.

Eileen Fisher, easy to wear, easy to care for and responsibly made clothes.

Charisma, with locations in Canmore and now open in Calgary at Dalhousie Station, is loved for its contemporary styles and curated brands.

Aveena Fashions is a Calgary-based online boutique offering chic, on-trend pieces at great price points.

Stillwater Designs, located in both Calgary Farmers Market locations, is perfect for unique, locally curated fashion and accessories.

For quality Canadian-made staples, Northern Reflections is a longtime favourite, offering reliable fit, comfort, and timeless wardrobe essentials for every stage of life.

Talbots offers modern classic style that focuses on timeless, well-tailored apparel rather than fleeting trends. They have two Calgary locations and cater to regular, petite and plus sizes too.

And don’t overlook Marks (Work Wearhouse) — it’s incredibly dependable for casual wear, layering pieces, footwear, and outerwear that combine comfort, durability, and great fit.

Plus Size Options

Fashion Addition 14+ in Willow Park Village is an excellent local boutique with beautifully curated collections and personalized service.

Pennington’s, with three Calgary locations, is a trusted destination for fashion-forward plus-size clothing, workwear, and everyday essentials.

Torrid at Chinook Centre (sizes 10–30) is a favourite for trend-driven styles, denim, and statement pieces.

Caposhie with three Calgary locations. They have no traditional size labels and create small-batch, comfort forward, sustainable fashion.

 Don’t let shopping stress stand between you and feeling beautiful!

I’d love to help you build a wardrobe you love with a custom-tailored shopping session designed around your needs and your budget. Book your personal shopping experience today.

Book Your Shopping Session Here

Spring Style Is Blooming: A Sneak Peek!👀

I’m already seeing 2026 spring trends in stores and I couldn’t be more excited! Think bold, happy colours, gorgeous touches of lace and softness, and silhouettes that are all about comfort and ease. It’s the kind of fashion that makes getting dressed fun again — expressive, flattering, and effortless.

I’m absolutely loving the fresh new arrivals from one of my favourite Canadian designers — Tribal Fashion! They perfectly echo the spring spirit with bold stripes, vibrant colours, bold prints, top-stitch details and delicate lace details that add a touch of feminine charm. 

I found a lovely selection of Polka Dot items at one of my go-to Canadian stores — Laura Canada. These are just a few pieces that bring this playful yet elegant print into everyday wear. These charming dots feel fresh, feminine, and utterly joyful — perfect for spring styling! 🌸

What’s your biggest style challenge right now?

I’d love to hear from you. Hit reply or email me anytime at mona@essentialstyleconsulting.ca with your questions or tell me what style topics you’d love for me to cover in future newsletters. This newsletter is for you, and your ideas help shape it.

Have a Fabulous Fashion Day!

Mona Rioux CAOPIS, CSFC

Essential Style Consulting

Cell 403-826-9910

Mona@essentialstyleconsulting.ca

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