Local boutique shares message that all bodies are beautiful

“I believe everybody is authentically beautiful,” says Cities and Oceans CEO Connie Carello, who is hosting a gala fashion show on Apr. 22 at The Water Tower Inn.

Carello's beachwear and apparel boutique prides itself on promoting positive body image for customers of all sizes.

“The show will allow people to see the pieces on a variety of different people and to show that all bodies are beautiful,” she said.

“My message is to love yourself along the journey at any size at any age during any season. Live life to the fullest and don’t let any external influence or your inner-negativity criticize you. If you want to wear something that you love, you should. Life’s too short not to.”

Carello is one of 12 models who will participate in the fashion show portion of the evening where they’ll show off a variety of swimsuits, dresses, cozy outfits, and other unique pieces.

“Some of the models have never done a fashion show before, so to have this opportunity for them is great,” she says. “Anyone can be a model.”

The event also raises money for a worthy cause.

At one of their fashion shows last year, Cities and Oceans raised $875 for spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

This year, a portion of their ticket sales will go towards MS Canada as chosen by the models.

“Several models have family and friends affected by MS,” Carello says. “Since the announcement of the show, many people have reached out saying they’re grateful because MS doesn’t get a lot of recognition in the city. I’m hoping we can raise more this year.”

The event organizer says the tropicana theme of the evening ties in nicely with the current state of travel and independence.

“I think a lot of people are excited to travel again with the lifting of COVID restrictions,” she says. “But if you can’t go away or you’re not ready yet, this is an opportunity to escape the winter and come with Cities and Oceans to a tropicana gala.”

“The show plans to be very high energy with a tropical flair.”

A social media marketer by day, Carello first launched her company in March of 2020 just days before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic.

She sensed there was a serious demand for a store that offered more options for plus-sized locals.

“I launched the shop because I myself am a curvier girl, and I was frustrated when I would go swimsuit shopping,” she says. “I just wanted comfort and style, and I didn’t want to be limited to what was available just based on my size, so I found it pretty disappointing when I would go swimsuit shopping locally and there wasn’t a lot of options.”

Cities and Oceans Tropicana Gala will take place on Apr. 22 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $65 and can be purchased online, by email at info@citiesandoceans.com, or by calling Carello at 705-255-6605.

Physical tickets will be required and can be picked up from Carello. Those who purchase online will receive a call.