Hi ,

My apologies for re-sending this as some photos did not send properly the first time!

Swimwear Upate: A few readers highly recommend Shapes 'N Figures, another great Calgary based swimwear store. They're known for incredible selection, lower prices and very personalized service. Check them out!

✨ New Year. Fresh Perspective. Same Beautiful You.

January often brings pressure to “fix” ourselves — lose weight, look different, be better. But what if this year, instead of focusing on changing your body, you focused on changing how you feel in it?

A fresh start doesn’t require a new body. It requires a new perspective.

As we step into a new year, my wish for you is confidence — the kind that allows you to show up fully, enjoy experiences, and stop waiting for someday. Whether it’s wearing the bathing suit, refreshing your wardrobe, or simply feeling more like yourself again, you deserve to feel good right now.

Do you have Style questions? 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.

👗 Essential Style Tip of the Month

Practical advice for everyday Style Confidence!

Does Bathing Suit shopping have you in a panic?

As many of us plan and pack for a hot winter getaway, it’s time to address the bathing suit dilemma. For many women, bathing suit shopping is emotional. Body image, aging, weight changes, and outdated “rules” about what we’re allowed to wear can make it feel overwhelming.

I learned this firsthand during perimenopause. I gained about 30 pounds in a short period of time going from size 6 to 14! Needless to say, my confidence took a big hit. I was obsessing about the weight gain.

As I was packing for my upcoming trip to Southeast Asia, I was terrified of being seen in a bathing suit. Like many women, I tried to hide—buying a plain black one-piece with so much coverage it could’ve come straight out of the 1940s.

Everything changed on my first beach day. Beside me was a European woman, likely twice my size, confidently wearing a thong bikini. In that moment, I had to laugh. 😄 Europeans are famously more comfortable with exposed skin, and watching her enjoy herself without apology became a turning point.

Over time, I stopped obsessing about my weight, embraced my body, and rejected unrealistic expectations. Today, I wear cute bathing suits—and even bikini styles sometimes—not because my body magically changed, but because my mindset did.

Life is too short to postpone loving yourself as you are today—lumps, bumps, and all.

Here are my basic Bathing Suit shopping tips:

·      Focus on fit and comfort, not the number on the label

·      Choose styles that support: the girls😉, your lifestyle and confidence

·      Remember that most people are far too busy worrying about themselves to judge you

✨ Don’t wait to look and feel beautiful.

If you’d love guidance finding styles and colours that make you feel confident at the beach (and beyond), I’m here to help.

Start your Style transformation today here.

You deserve to feel confident at the beach, the pool,

and on vacation — exactly as you are today.

Swimco Highlight

Did you know Swimco is a local, female-led Calgary company? Yay, Swimco!

Finding the perfect swimsuit can feel daunting, but Swimco truly has you covered. From one-pieces, bikinis, and tankinis to plus sizes, aquatic fitness, and competition-level suits, they offer an impressive range. You’ll also find cover-ups, sun hats, and beach accessories—all in one place.

A New Source for Canadian Women Who Love Smart Shopping

I’m always on the lookout for brands that deliver quality, value, and timeless style—and I’m excited to share that Quince is now shipping to Canada from a Canadian warehouse making delivery fast and returns refreshingly easy.

Quince has built a strong reputation for offering luxury-quality wardrobe essentials without luxury pricing. They’re especially well known for their cashmere sweaters, washable silk blouses and dresses, merino wool knits, and beautifully made basics that work seamlessly in a modern, grown-up wardrobe. These are the kinds of pieces that mix, layer, and elevate your closet without chasing trends.

What really sealed it for me was my personal experience. I recently ordered their 100% organic cotton fisherman sweater for only CAD $55. When the size I ordered turned out to be too big, Quince covered the return shipping and promptly re-sent the correct size—completely hassle-free!

The sweater itself? Absolutely gorgeous! A thick, substantial knit, rich colour, and beautiful construction that looks far more expensive than the price tag suggests. It’s a perfect example of how shopping smarter—not spending more—can elevate your style confidence.

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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Website: https://essentialstyleconsulting.ca/  

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