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👗 Essential Style Tip of the Month

Practical advice for everyday Style Confidence!

✈️🌍🧳☀️37 Days, 6 Cities,

One Amazing Adventure!

We just returned from an unforgettable 5-week adventure across Portugal, Spain, and France—and I couldn’t wait to share some highlights (photos below!).

We started in hilly Lisbon and Porto, where daily marathon walks kept us energized (and sore!). Then on to Málaga, where we wandered the maze-like Old Town and soaked up sun and seaside charm. Barcelona was buzzing and hot—but the Sagrada Familia was pure magic.

From there, we crossed into France, beginning with Bordeaux’s wine-and-culture vibe, followed by a stunning 4-day road trip through the Périgord region—full of medieval villages, mountaintop castles, and jaw-dropping sights like Rocamadour and the Gouffre de Padirac.

Next stop: Avignon, where we spent 5 days immersed in history, lavender-scented markets, and Provençal café life. We wrapped up in Paris with art, fashion, a river cruise, and a surprise gem—a historical exhibit of haute couture gowns that left me swooning.

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✈️💼 Capsule Wardrobe Update

With 7 flights, 9 hotels, and lots of transit in between, packing light was key. I followed (and slightly expanded) the 5-4-3-2-1 capsule method from JenBosen.com (her website is down right now). This clever system includes 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 shoes, 2 layering pieces, and 1 dress.

Because my trip was longer—and ranged from cool, jacket-weather days to mid-30s heat—I gave myself permission to expand to 6 tops, 5 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 3 layering pieces, and 3 dresses (I love summer dresses!).

I’m happy to report that it kept my suitcase manageable and with the help of a scarf and a few versatile pieces of jewelry I always felt stylish and comfortable. 

✨ This Season’s Style Notes

Summer style is all about easy polish with a playful twist. You’ll spot East-West bags (those wider, shorter handbags) everywhere—chic, modern, and surprisingly roomy. Boat shoes are making a return, giving casual looks a classic, coastal vibe, while colourful sneakers keep things fun and fresh. Denim is having a major moment—from jackets to skirts to full-on denim-on-denim combos. Look out for pintuck details and statement buttons too—those subtle accents are showing up on everything from blouses to dresses and add just the right touch of interest. Which one will you try first?

If you often feel unsure about which trends to try (and which to skip!), it might be time for a Signature Style Profile. In this session, we analyze your silhouette, proportions, and style personality to discover the most flattering styles for your unique figure—so you can shop and dress with confidence.

 📅 Book your Signature Style Profile here

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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