Helene Oseen

WHO IS HELENE OSEEN?

Most of the time I love being fifty-something and I intend to live my midlife fearlessly with enthusiasm, energy and elegance. The best thing about getting older is you begin to truly know yourself. Through my writing, speaking and events I inspire women to love who they are, own their power and let their best self shine. Today my programs are for women who want to reclaim that special je ne sais quoi. Women just like me.

Considered a genuine fashion and style expert I have helped women make friends with fashion and develop their personal power, confidence and charisma for over 20 years.

Author of the best-selling book Fashion 911 - Your Runway to Reality, I also wrote weekly Fashion 911 newspaper columns for various newspapers across the country for many years. As an expert I was regularly quoted in newspaper and magazines including Canadian Living and FLARE. WTN did a feature profile on me in Bella Style. A highlight of my career was being honoured by Global Television and the YWCA as a Woman of Vision.

One thing I know for sure is that there is a deeply powerful connection between what we wear and how we feel. Putting on clothes is as much for the spirit and psyche as it is for the body.

When I was in my forties I realized I was losing my passion for fashion as I was having more fun at Home Depot than at Holt Renfrew. Embarking on the second half of my life I was ready for a change of pace and some new challenges. So, I became a Realtor and also created The Pajama Party. Both of these life choices are still a perfect fit for me today.

I have been planning and hosting Pajama Parties for grown-up girls for the past 15 years and it has been an amazing experience. I share this labour of love with my daughter Lisa. Each event attracts hundreds of women and over the years have been held at many luxurious Fairmont Resorts and Hotels in Canada, as well as exotic destinations such as Bermuda and even on a Caribbean Cruise. Our signature event is held at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge every Spring.

I've met many amazing women along the way. They are strong, caring, independent, creative, kind, unique and truly inspirational. These women come to The Pajama Party to enjoy friendship, sisterhood and share wisdom, stories, secrets, support and laughter with each other - as only women can.

Over the next few years fashion started to become my enemy, my hair started turning grey and my body started to betray me. Things that used to work, didn't anymore. I felt frumpy. In an AHA moment I realized it was time for my own midlife makeover.

I wasn't born stylish, I achieved it, then misplaced it and now in my midlife have found my authentic style and voice. I'm still young enough to enjoy fashion, old enough to have seen the trends before, real enough to embrace my stage in life and friendly enough to keep it fun.

I am an entrepreneur, fashion therapist, girlfriend, mother, grandmother and a passionate gardener. I live with my husband (who understands my need for girl time) near Calgary, Alberta.