Baby On Board Apparel is a Canadian Made maternity fashion company. Their mission is to create fashionable basics that fit, flatter and feel as great as your favorite t-shirt. The brand was conceived when founder Ali McEwen’s sister was pregnant with her first child. After seeing that the maternity market lacked apparel that celebrated pregnancy, Ali soon sent on her mission to create something that mommies to be would be proud to wear. BOBA is by far the best maternity clothing I’ve come across because her pieces are extremely versitle and can be personalized to fit your unique style. I had the pleasure of asking Ali a few style questions.

S: Why do you think Style is important?
 
A: I think style is important because it is an expression of who you are. Style doesn’t mean that you are wearing the top brands and the “it” items. I don’t own any luxury brand items because that isn’t who I am. I still think that they are stunning, but I would rather go on a great vacation and wear Joe Fresh then splurge on a Gucci handbag. This is the great thing about the direction that style/fashion is going in; it’s becoming more about personal preference than looking like a particular celebrity. 
 
S: What are your secrets to Authentic Style? 
 
A: I love to mix the old with the new. My Grandma has passed down some amazing jewelry to me. She had amazing style and most of all fabulous jewelry. I love the Grandma Chic look. My favorite look to rock right now is a fitted t-shirt, a broach and a pretty skirt. Just like the clothes I design I love pairing basics with everything. Nothing feels better on than something made in jersey.
 
S: What are the items in your life that you absolutely couldn’t live without? 
 
A: My Blackberry although I have a love hate relationship with it. My camera and all the photo’s I have taken. I love taking pictures but even more so I love looking at them over and over again. My favorite new models – my niece and nephew!
 
S: What are your newest obsessions?
 
A: Using Olive oil for everything and I am not talking about cooking. A while ago I was watching Dr. Oz and the segment was about using olive oil for beauty treatments. Now I use olive oil instead of shaving cream which is amazing and also as a moisturizing facemask along with some white sugar to exfoliate my skin.
 
 S: Do you have any exciting news you’d like to share with us? Or can you share what your inspired to do next?
 
A: This summer has been amazing. I have loads of exciting things going on. On August 9th I went to Haiti for 6 days with the Colline Foundation to work at a summer camp in an orphanage,then on August 28 I will be attending the Boom Boom Room Emmy gifting suite in Los Angeles with Baby On Board Apparel and then in October I will attend my first business to business tradeshow in Las Vegas. I am also working on a new website which is going to be fabulous and so innovative.

Ali is such a giving spirit and her line of fashionable basics for blossoming bellies gives expecting mamas beautiful clothes that are comfortable, practical and stylish. I encourage you to browse the line and learn more about this amazing designer especially if you have a small one on the way!

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting the lovely Carrie McCarthy in 2007 and was completely intrigued by her business Style Statement. What is Style Statement?

Your Style Statement defines your authentic self. It’s a two-word compass for creating a life that reflects what’s true to you. From your wisdom to your wardrobe, from your longings to your living room – your  Style Statement  is where your essence meets your expression.

It begins with a unique series of questions about what you long for, what motivates you, and what you love.

It results in two profoundly magical words that guide your personal style – from clothes and interior design to relationships and inspirations.

It becomes a lifelong mantra that allows you to make choices that make you feel authentic, creative, and happy.

What we know to be true is that authenticity is magnetic, efficient and effective. When you are consistently being your truth—from your wardrobe to your wellness plan, you quite literally become a force of nature. True style is holistic.

Not just a style guide for your wardrobe or home decor, this statement “fully expresses your soul,” as Carrie puts it.

Does this sound like you?

You care about style. You care about spirituality.

You know that true beauty is much more profound than the way it’s marketed in most advertising and by most companies.

You want change and meaning, and you want to improve yourself and, by extension, the world around you.

Then Style Statement is for you.

How Is Style Statement Relevant?

Our days brim with choices, including the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the way we express ourselves, and the work we do. This can be exciting, but it has a downside: we can become overwhelmed or lost when faced with so many choices and lose sight of what we truly want and what sets us apart and makes us uniquely beautiful and interesting.

Style Statement is about simplifying our lives. It’s about looking at our true longings and desires, reassessing our direction, and making choices based only on what we need to be our whole selves. Clothing choices, creativity expressions, communities of friends, relationships, inspirations, and ways of living and working that bring out the best in us and push us to higher levels of fulfillment and presence in the world.

Style Statement is relevant because we have one life … and the choices we make about how we show up in it can make the difference between a so-so life and an extraordinary one.

I asked this proud mama her thoughts on style and how it affects our lives and businesses as we bustle through life.

S: Why do you think Style is important?
C: Style matters because every aesthetic and material choice we make sends a message to the world about who you are, and the world responds accordingly. The definition of Style is “the way in which something is said, done or expressed.” It’s everything, it’s about being authentic. And authenticity is simply what feels right. I know when I feel great – wearing a vintage dress having a deep conversation, life is graceful and full of possibilities.

S: What are your secrets to Authentic Style? How do you stay true to yourself, while running a household, business and raising children?
C: I stay true to myself by becoming more aware of what I love to do; Style Statement sessions, speaking, creating ideas. And what I need to delegate – cleaning the house (best thing I did for my family),  bookkeeping and social media. A big learning for me when I became a mom was to neglect things – the dishes, the laundry, making the bed and instead focus on business.
Neat & Tidy waits for the evenings!!!

S: What are the items in your life that you absolutely couldn’t live without?
C: If I lost everything I would be ok, not too attached, that said I love the following Refined Treasure things,
• Ray-ban sunglasses
• St. James striped long sleeve tshirt, the Parisian real deal
• googles for swimming
• pencils
• peonies, my favorite flower
• Christian Dior  jacket I bought at a thrift store for $10, OMG!!
• Oil of Olay face cream – my skin feels fabulous & what a great price

S: What are your newest obsessions?
C: My newest obsession is my well-being. As a new mom at 51 of a one year old my well-being is a priority. I want to be agile, stylish and open hearted to enjoy motherhood for years. Taking care of myself is part vigorous exercise,- swimming & cycling combined with mindful living, reading Pema Chodron daily for buddhist teachings, connecting with my husband (weekly date night prescribed by our therapist) and creating a Style Statement team.

S: Do you have any exciting news you’d like to share with us? Or can you share what your inspired to do next?
C: I’m on conversation with a wonderful TV production Company about a Style Statement show in Canada, US & Britain. I’ve began speaking gigs, which I love and intend to continue spreading the message of living authentically.

Aurea Crotty, founder of Savoir Faire Professionals Inc. and owner of Pretty Savvy, is a communication professional with over 10 years of management experience in: marketing, advertising, customer service, and coaching. And she’s a mama!

Her goal is to help women accelerate in their professional development, establish personal confidence, and provide women with the tools they need to achieve their potential. Aurea understands what it takes to be successful in both the professional and personal world, not to mention she is a beautiful soul with a lot of heart. I asked this mama of two her thoughts on Style.

S: Why do you think Style is important?

A: Style is important because it is our message to the world about who we are. We are seen before we are heard; our image is our strongest form of non-verbal communication. Our style is also a creative outlet for us to express ourselves as individuals and be unique.

S: What are your secrets to Authentic Style? How do you stay true to yourself, while running a household, business and raising children?

A: It can be a challenge to feel and look great when you’re a mom on the run…but there are a few tips that have helped me manage my style and hectic schedule:
• Invest in good quality clothes – not every item in your wardrobe has to be top notch but if you mix and match your good quality classics with thrifty trends, you’ll always look great!
• Shop and organize your closet in outfits, even for casual wear
• My favorite accessories to have on hand to spice up any outfit:
• A great jacket, hat, scarf, jewelry (only one at a time –don’t overdo it)

S: What are the items in your life that you absolutely couldn’t live without?

A: A great pair of jeans and jacket! (I love jackets)

S: Do you have any exciting news you’d like to share with us? Or can you share what your inspired to do next?

A: I’m working on great new Fall / Winter programming that is going to inspire and help women with their lives and careers. I’m inspired to create more events that bring likeminded women together.

Want to meet Aurea and other fabulous women, join us for The Art of Mix & Mingle next Wednesday July 7th!

When not bookstore browsing, you’ll find her sipping heaps of tea, crafting new designs for TranquiliT, or leading retreats. Her work has been featured on Martha Stewart Living Radio, in Daily Candy, Fit Yoga, US News and various books. With a passion for do-gooding, Kimberly launched Tranquil Space Foundation to bring yoga, creativity, and leadership to women and girls and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work.

She lives in a cozy raspberry-colored flat in Washington, D.C. with two fancy felines named after French impressionists, a supportive beau, and a sassy black pug. Indulge in musings on tranquilology through her blog and podcast,tranquility du jour. Learn more at kimberlywilson.com.

Her most recent accomplishment is tranquilista. What is a tranquilista? according to Kimberly “a tranquilista is a woman who embraces her many sides: spiritual (she’s a tranquility-seeker), creative (loves style), and entrepreneurial (calls her own shots). She hearts fashion and philanthropy…entertaining and enlightenment….She is full of aspirations and always seeking inspiration. Oh, and she sparkles. Literally.” I found this book particularly inspiring because I always thought spirituality meant living a life dedicated to a particular religion (as most of us are taught). I had envisioned that a spiritual soul was simple, no material possessions and especially no sparkle. But over the years I’ve come to learn that is so far from the truth. You can be a spiritual soul and wear stilettos, you can do-good and have a successful career/business and you most certainly should embrace your sparkle. Kimberly is one of those women who fill the room with love and her spirit is contagious.  I had the pleasure of asking this super chic female a few questions on style, see why I just adore this fabulous lady.

S: Why do you think Style is important?
K: Style reflects how one feels and thinks. It’s an amazing way to practice creativity and self-expression in everyday.

s: What are your secrets to Authentic Style?
K: I dress in a way that reflects my passion for chic comfort. I’m always donning noir, live in layers, and enjoy adding a touch of flair through accessories. Red lipstick and noir eyeliner are musts and accessorize my new bob. I enjoy tying scarves around my wrist, handbag, head, and neck.

S: What are the items in your life that you absolutely couldn’t live without?
K: Lipgloss, laptop, my TranquiliT wardrobe, ballet flats, long necklaces, big cocktail ring.

S: What are your newest obsessions?
K: The 2-in1 TranquiliT ballet top over lounge shorts. It looks like a super short dress but I can teach in it, practice yoga in it, and have done TV interviews in it (while also donning tights and tall boots). I haven’t worn shorts in years so it feels liberating. Also, loving feathers in my hair and a headband worn across my forehead.

S: Do you have any exciting news you’d like to share with us? Or can you share what your inspired to do next?
K: My new book, Tranquilista, will be printed in Russian and maybe Dutch, too. I’m honored that the message of spirituality, creativity, and entrepreneurship is going global. Also, I’m heading to LA, Portland, Denver, Massachusetts, and Texas this summer – would love to connect. Currently, I’m focusing on my Master’s in Social Work studies, building out a new studio in Arlington, Virginia, and contemplating my third book.

Working with talented international designers, Sha has created designs such as the Mon Chic Clutch collection exclusively her own. Chic by Sha is also an Australian pettiskirt label whose signature designs are the Vintage Lace, Chic prints, Vintage Tattoo Wear and Mini pettiskirts celebrated by soon to be brides, flower girls and fashionistas worldwide.

1. Why do you think Style is important?
A: Style is important because how you represent yourself to the society is how you’re perceived.  It shows that you take care of yourself and creates confidence.

2. What are your secrets to Authentic Style? How do you stay true to yourself, while running a household, business and raising children?
A: My secrets to Authentic Style is the classic looks.  I’ve always liked classic looks instead of seasonal fashion as it is always in style, easy and because it is a look that suits me and my body.  Dressing what suits you is key as it is part of who you are.  I try to stay true to myself while having many tasks on my plate by keeping myself healthy, as it is truly how you feel that determines how you’re running the day.  I am very careful with my meals, exercise regularly and having a positive circle of friends and family who keeps me happy and positive which I think is such a gift.  All these help me stay focused on my life and running a business.

3. What are the items in your life that you absolutely couldn’t live without?
A: I absolutely cannot live without Vaseline.  Now that it is very close to winter in Australia, Vaseline helps avoid dry hands and lips better than other brands.  I also can’t live without my skinny jeans, jacket, camera (I love taking photos!) and my handphone for checking emails while on the go.

4. What are your newest obsessions?
A: Shoulder jackets and epaulettes.  They’re chic and lift your look instantly.

5. Do you have any exciting news you’d like to share with us? Or can you share what your inspired to do next?
A: I am so excited on my upcoming photoshoot session with Shannon McDonald Photography for my winter collection.  It will be shot in one of Melbourne’s charming Victorian building and the look book for the collection will be very chic and simple.  Chic by Sha will also be participating in a fashion market event in June which includes local designers and more.  I’ve had photography in my list of to do list for some time as I love taking photos.  But I guess that might take the right time to fully establish to a professional level.  I am pleased to share on my next inspired thing to do though which is to expand my business in another exciting category hopefully by the end of the year.  Can’t wait!

Erica Ehm is the Founder and Editor-in-chief of YummyMummyClub.ca – the online destination for modern moms looking for adult stimulation

Erica is one of Canada’s most recognized personalities, having started her career in the mid-80’s as the voice of her generation on MuchMusic. Her multimedia resume includes acting, award winning songwriter, playwright, author, journalist and most importantly, The Yummy Mummy Club.

What is a Yummy Mummy?

Yummy is a state of mind.

A true Yummy Mummy struggles to find the impossible balance between the single sexpot she used to be, the woman she’s become, the professional she works hard to be, the wife she aspires to be and the mother she has to be. Basically, she’s confused and exhausted.

So, what’s this club thing all about?  It’s a place where you can celebrate and commiserate the rollercoaster ride of modern mummydom, win great prizes, find books to stimulate your brain and read eclectic and cheeky articles written for and by other yummy mummies…because mummy needs to play too.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Erica for the premier article of the Stylish Mama’s series. Erica shares her thoughts on Style, Fashion and being true to YOU.

S: Why do you think Style is important?

E: Style is important because it’s a way of communicating how you feel about yourself. It also is a visual representation of who you are.

S: What are your secrets to Authentic Style? How do you stay true to yourself, while running a household, business and raising children?

E: I always dress for myself. I don’t try and copy anyone else’s style – however I do incorporate aspects of someone’s look into my look. As far as being busy and having style – ok – you caught me, I’m often still in my pajamas, hair unbrushed, working away on my computer. When I have to go out for work, I can pull a look together quickly because I tend to re wear the same outfits over and over. I’ve been told I “clean up real good and real fast”.

S: What are the items in your life that you absolutely couldn’t live without?

E: I love stretchy jeans, high black boots and black blazers of all different lengths and a minimizer bra. That’s my staple wardrobe.

S: What are your newest obsessions?

E: I love jeans – Not Your Daughters Jeans, I love my H&M highwaisted skinny jeans. I am obsessed with finding jeans that are comfortable, very stylish but don’t enhance my muffin top.

S: Do you have any exciting news you’d like to share with us? Or can you share what you’re inspired to do next?

E: I’m excited that I get to work with amazing women from coast to coast to create YummyMummyClub.ca – most of us working in our Pajamas during the day as we all work from our home offices. In terms of new programs, I’m excited to be launching a really fashionable promotion with Dell computers to connect style with technology in a really fun way for moms. Stay tuned for that really soon!!

Are you in need of a Style Makeover? If you spend more time shopping for diapers than shoes and your idea of high fashion is a t-shirt with no stains, you need to enter this contest. The Yummy Mummy Club and Faith Style are teaming up and giving away a package of Signature Style Sessions valued at $500! I will work with you to help develop your personal Yummy Mummy Style, identify your body type, teach you how to camouflage your challenge areas, and discover your individual colour palette.

Also, ‘cuz shopping with a friend is way more fun, your favourite gal pal will get to share in the experience and have a Wardrobe Detox of her own – an additional $250 in value!

It’s a prize that’ll have you looking stylishly chic instead of a school-run-mum.  ‘Cuz somewhere underneath the sweatpants and spit up is the woman you used to be.

This yummy prize consists of 4 one-on-one sessions with me, I will:

Help develop your personal Yummy Mummy Style
Identify your body type
Teach you how to camouflage your challenge areas
Discover your individual colour palette
Go through your closet for a Wardrobe Detox
Teach you how to shop strategically
Put together outfits that suit your style, budget and body

To enter the contest, visit www.yummymummyclub.ca, upload a photo of yourself, and tell us why you need a makeover! Mummy most desperately in need of a makeover will be chosen by a combination of our style panel and votes from your yummy peers.

Yummy Rules and Regs:
You must be a Yummy Mummy Club member to win.
Click here to join the club! It’s free and filled with perks. Contest open to Southern Ontario residents only.
Members can enter once a day! Entries accepted until June 3rd, 2010.
Uploaded photo must be in JPG or GIF format!

Shibang Designs, a Canadian company owned and operated by textile artist Robyn Stephens.  Shibang Designs are accessories as beautiful to admire as objects and functional enough to use everyday. Bold colours and textures that are seamlessly embellished and integrated into timeless styles of purses that make a statement. Take a closer look at the details and layers of each piece and discover that each one is truly unique.

Robyn has a great selection of cosmetics bags, purses, clutches, change purses, pencil cases and laptop cases in a variety of designs and colours to connect with anyone’s personal style. Opt for something different, beautiful and sensual and every time you see a Shibang piece I guarantee you’ll smile.

1.What inspired you to start 365 Fashion Rehab?

We have known each other for so long and have spent probably hundreds of thousands of hours shopping together. One night over dinner (and many glasses of Sauv Blanc) in San Francisco, we started talking about how we don’t feel as grown-up as we thought we would by this time in our lives. We thought we would have owned a house by now or at least have had a nice chunk of savings for future retirement.  We quickly put two and two together and discovered that most of our hard earned dollars could be found hanging in our closets. We discussed the possibility of giving up shopping for a year, one thing led to another, and here we are!

2.  What are your secrets to Authentic Style?

The thing about authentic style is that if it’s not truly you, everyone can tell. When you are completely relaxed in your clothes, it brings you that much closer to being completely relaxed in your skin. Ali tends to wear neutrals (she’s obsessed with black!) but also accents with oversized vintage jewelry and occasional bursts of color, creating her own unique style. Perdy is commitment phobic when it comes to one particular style! She changes it up every day and has always thought of herself as a style chameleon – one day it’s burnt sienna seventies style cords with a chunky necklace and a braid in her hair, the next it’s black cigarette pants with ballet flats a la Audrey!

3.What is the one thing you’re planning on purchasing the day Rehab ends?

Perdy is hoping for her first pair of Louboutins, fingers crossed! And Ali is lusting after cross-body chain link bag (hopefully Marc Jacobs on sale!)

4.  What are the items in your life that you absolutely couldn’t live without?

Besides each other? Perdy cannot live without her knee-highs, her white Coach oversized bucket bag, her Sorel’s, Havianas, her green & white VS bikini and her backless black mini-dress. Ali would be nothing without her Banana Republic black motorcycle boots, her DVF print wrap dress and her Anya Hindmarch for Target patent clutch.

5.    What have you learned from this process thus far?

We have learned so much! That all pain is not created equal. That we have wasted a lot of money because (pre-Fashion Rehab) we never met a sale we didn’t like. We have also rekindled strong relationships with items found hanging in the back of our closets. We have learned the value of classic pieces and how easily we can swept away by trends. Finally, blogging together has been an unforgettable experience! We have re-lived so many memories, it has been awesome!

Oh, and that we really hate not shopping.

6.  What do you have planned next? After 365 Fashion Rehab comes to an end?

We have a sequel in the works, but it’s still in the development stage (we have to make it through this first!). But, at the very least, we hope to come out of this as more conscious shoppers.  We hope to spend (and save) our hard earned dollars very, very wisely, whether that means throwing down for a long-term investment or recognizing when an inexpensive pick-me-up is in order!

Keep following 365 Fashion Rehab to see how it all turns out in the end!

Dogeared’s best selling products are inspired by the hip, casual and unique California lifestyle. Everything is handcrafted with great care, from inception to design to packaging, in their Southern California studio. Create good energy with a beautiful reminder around your neck.

My next find was Rubaiyat, a store that looked more like an outdoor garden decor store than a treasure trove of quality handcrafts from the windows I’m so happy that my curiosity forced me to take a peak because I spent close to 3 hours in the store gawking at all the beautiful things. This distinctive 17 Ave gallery and retailer carries imported artifacts and crafts from Africa and Asia, as well as ornate jewelery, art glass and home accessories by local, regional and international designers. Some of my favourite lines that they carry are Aurora Lopez, Me & Ro, Jeanine Payer and Satya Jewelry. It’s like I always say step into stores that may not be all that appealing or isn’t quite your taste because you’d be surprised what you can find. If your visiting Calgary and love to discover new and beautiful things these two shops are a must-see.