autumn

The origins of the word cool…stated in Wikipedia as "aesthetic of attitude", somewhat predictably evolved in the 30’s during the jazz era. Sometimes, it’s a quality easy to describe, but sometimes verbally it’s too hard to define! In dress or fashion, it's perhaps the look of ‘meh’ I don’t care , but secretly I do, but it needs to look like I don’t…confused yet? BUT... there is the other meaning…temperature…so, whether you’re going back to cool, school or even Liverpool, perhaps it’s good to look at something for the plummeting temperatures AND raising of suave!

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On the cheat sheet for looking cool, this would be at the top of the list, aged looking jeans, easy fresh shirt and a white jean jacket, oh...and don't forget the Converse. If the kicks are too casual, these jeans are excellent for either working in the garden or a casual weekend look, a change of footwear is all it takes! OR what could be cooler than one of the new Frida tops

Mavi Ada boyfriend jean - for 4 days until August 25 $ 82.60

Runway Frida Kahlo blouse $ 59

 

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While there are other denim cuts trending, there's still room for the skinny jeans. And if you haven't taken the plunge yet...give them a go. There's definitely a way to wear them that's not provocative. Just casual and uncomplicated, as above...you know, like you'd like your life to be!

Yoga Rachel hirise skinny (dark indigo) for 4 days until Aug 25 $91

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I actually don't care if this is cool or not, I think it's gorgeous. I love the flow and drape of the kimono; casual, exotic/boho. Yet another co-ordinate that flows from extremely casual, like breakfast on your patio to an evening on a restaurant patio. And it comes in two patterns, a lighter print that's perfect for now or the one above which is great well into fall!

Mahila Arabella kimono (floral or grey print) $95

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This look definitely has that overt look of 'what you think of me, is none of my business'. Regardless, these cargos are so comfortable and very easy to match with other colours.

Mavi Juliette smoke camouflage (smoke grey camo) for 4 days until Aug 25 $82.60

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There's something very 'I Dream of Jeanie' about this, perhaps the ethereal nature of the silk fabric. It's really good to think ahead, be prepared for upcoming affairs...I mean...events!

Meo Meli silk over jersey slip dress (black, denim, blue or red) $119

I'm pretty sure I don't need to explain what cool is, either in attitude, dress or verbal skills. When you got it, you got it, when you don't... walk tall and pretend whatever it is you're wearing 'IS' the new trend. Because, frankly confidence is always cool!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"I'm so cool, even ice cubes are jealous" ~ unknown  ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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NEWSFLASH: It's still dress season

For 4 days Oct. 18 to 21...destination is Plum. 8 select Spencer + Shaw dress styles to choose from - 30% off. While quantities last

While the habit of being late is not typically viewed positively...show of hands, who thinks the delay of autumn weather is 'A-OKAY? We mostly look forward to the richness of fall colours, but truly, it will get dark, cold and kind of dreary! Rarely, are there times, where lateness is seen as a glorious thing... although recently when Prince Harry heard his wife utter... 'I'm late', that would be considered an exception! BUT, mostly, those who are chronically, punctually challenged leave us all scratching our heads (or banging them) and wondering why. Does it help to know, studies have shown that the feeling of time passing, just feels different to those who tend to be 'delayed'? Why don't we try to look on the bright side of tardiness...summer extends her stay with us...and thus dress season can continue!

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I love this dress. Yes it sports a very spring like print, however, as long as flowers are still blooming, why can't we wear them on our dresses (or yes, in your hair oh bohemian one)! Above the look shows sophistication worn with classic heels (by all means add a long strand of beads). Alternately, create a funky look with knee high boots, an infinity scarf* and for the night time chill, wear with this pin stripe jacket (not matching exactly gives it a bit more edge). However, if mixing patterns is not your thing, try a basic cardigan, or solid jacket or even a jean jacket and balance out the femininity of the dress with a fedora!

(*creating an infinity scarf out of long scarf is as simple as tying a knot in the ends and wrapping it around your neck several times...voila-new scarf)

Spencer+Shaw sleeveless elastic waist dress (black and pink or black and yellow prints) $110 Oct 18 to 21 30% off

Kaffe pin stripe jacket (grey stripe) $149

 

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Oh...I had legs like this once.....on my Barbie....just kidding, I preferred building blocks....but I digress, this is such a gorgeous 'going out/date night/party' dress. I also think it calls for equally stunning heels or ankle boots. Or perhaps downplay the footwear and turn up the notch on the accessories (the neckline yearns for an eye catching necklace or several).

Spencer+Shaw ruffle trim wrap dress (black combo) $149 Oct.18 to 21 30% off

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This very unstructured dress is all about the pattern. It's mod, it's bold and yet the colours are still subdued. And with such a dress... to accessorize or not! Two choices, let the pattern do the talking because it's really enough, OR get creative with the circular pattern find earrings with a similar or contrasting shape.
 
 
 
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Yet another easy, relaxed fit dress. Pair it with this long sweater, which plays one length against the other nicely. If you're not good with bare legs add leggings and ankle boots. Just a simple pulled together look that jostles jeans for a simple yet comfortable, pulled together look.
 
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I don't know about you, but I seem to excel at all things delayed. I got married late, I had children late and each of them was born 10 days over due. I seem to be invested in running late....well, maybe not running!
 
Yours in Fashion passion...
 
 “I think we consider too much the good luck of the early bird and not enough the bad luck of the early worm.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
 
 
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secrets and lies

Speaking of 'inside sources'...do you have your own? Or rather, do you have beauty secrets you share with NO ONE, not even your cat? Personally speaking, I'm not one to keep things to myself, however, some things I do not care to share. To my great discomfort, someone once watched me while I applied my makeup. I'm quite sure no one would accuse me of being a 'natural' beauty; my eyeliner looks like it was applied with a magic marker most days. Yet, that process is something I don't care to share...However, Plum is happy to seek out and share with you some great and sumptuous sweater styles. Sometimes sharing is good! ;)

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The secret to a great sweater is it's texture or colour or design... maybe all 3! This one has such a delicious simplicity, like vanilla ice cream! A great 'go to' pattern, cut and design suited for most body types...of course height dependant, a nice bum skimming length.

Point Zero cable knit turtleneck sweater (cream) $75

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Something about the same old sweater that is so inviting....but if not...here's a refreshing take on the usual, with the oversized, off center pocket (big enough for an ipad or very large wallet), and a fabulous hood! The colours are so fall enticing!

Kerisma tera hoodie (brown, olive or grey blend) $89

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Who doesn't love a great twin set. Sold separately this is such a sleek, sexy pairing. Turtlenecks are very 'in' this season.  Beautiful worn open or add a wide belt for a bit of added style.

Backdrop sweater open duster (brown or green) $105

Backdrop sleeveless knit mock neck (brown or green) $68

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If you're a bit of a virgin to the poncho craze, here's one that might be your first. It's a poncho sweater with lovely ribbed sleeves, a really unique, curved hem and very flattering v shape pattern.

Kaffe kikki poncho (black/white) $79

Is your best kept beauty secret a body shaper, an opaque concealer or photoshop app on your smart phone? Probably your best kept beauty secret is your smile...and you should share that with everyone!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

Things uttered in a whisper tone, are usually the most interesting!

Plum has so many more sweater styles than could fit in here (or my closet)...check out more online or in one of our 7 locations.

 

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Learn To Love The Sweater Again

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Officially, autumn has begun, and with the change in weather, there's nothing more appealing than knitwear, and this season, the sweater makes the outfit. 

This season's prints and textures range from the quirky and non-traditional, to new varieties of age-old favorites such as fair isle or stripes.   We are loving loose or gauzy knits over camisoles, or thick, chunky, knit tape sweaters over a maxi dress. Dropped stitch sweaters and cut-out shoulders are edgier options your mother would never have worn, but you could always go with the classic ribbed waist or turned cuff cardigans for lady-like ensembles for those times when she comes to visit.

Interesting details like fringe, pockets and buttons give this season's sweaters a fashionable edge over previous season basics, so you'll want to get varieties in all different of this season's rich hues.  Don't think black; I'm appealed to the palette of rusts, browns, charcoals, blush pinks, burgundies, teals, greens, reds and navy blues.  

Fall is here, so you can learn to love the sweater again. 

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