cardigan

I think it’s no accident that green is a predominant colour this season. We are being pulled to conserve, reuse, rework, fix, share or trade. And while I personally have never been a fan of the colour green myself for the better part of four decades,yet to others, it frequently can represent something rare and important…like eyes, emeralds or...money!   

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There is almost never a time that cardigans don't work. With layering they are almost a key component and the Kersh cardigan is one of Plum's staples. The lower button start makes it conducive to displaying some of our much loved accessories...like necklaces and scarves!!

Kersh ribbed waist cardigan (5 colours) now $49

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The Dreamers sweater from last promotion comes in a refreshing, apple green shade. People who wear green, they say, are more grounded...you know, close to Mother earth, hmm...which explains a lot about me! Regardless, it also suggests luck and balance. Try it with other sophisticated shades such as burgundy, navy or black!

Dreamers v neck sweater (9 colours) $75

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The button down is in everyone's closet and will likely never go out of favour. Mainly because it's a go to and a go under...things like cardigans, pullovers and jackets. The one above adds a bit of whimsy with it's frayed edges. Either tuck it in, wear it out with a wide belt or for a a fun look, tie it up, or button it up all the way and add a statement necklace!

Millibon fringed rayon blouse (limited quantities remaining-in store only) (lavender or lime) sale price $45

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The latest 'one and done' favourite is the jumpsuit. And it's definitely not too late to invest in one. The one above is fantastic for layering, either a tank top and jacket, add a wide leather belt and leg hugging boots, or ballet flats and wear it with the cardigan and a kerchief.

Millibon vneck jumpsuit (in stores only) Green - sale price $55

I have to say, it's a tiny challenge to write about a colour that represents my high school days....note... that's not a good thing! However, perhaps, I should re-evaluate my avoidance of green…after all, the essential to our planet – tree – is green, four leaf clovers, where all our luck grows from and the ever important, green grapes make wine! I might have to rethink this!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

~Stop destroying our planet, it's where I keep all my stuff~ Lawrence Pernica

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KERSH CARDIGANS 2 STYLES + 6 LUSCIOUS COLOURS FOR 4 DAYS ONLY (ends May 13) $ 45

Support BIG SISTERS and enter to win gift card worth $350...details here

What could be better than a Mother's hug? Most would agree....there is very little that's better. BUT that would depend on the relationship you have with your Mother. Maybe you butt heads like a couple of rams trying to establish territory. If that's the case, a new pair of shoes 75% off, or winning a free flight somewhere is likely better. BUT if you and Mom go together like copy and paste, then here's your chance. Why not buy her a hug? That's right...buy a cardigan, put a card inside and say 'imagine my arms in this cardigan! LOVE YOU MOM!' And remember, every day is Mother's day to a Mother! ;)

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There is very little that does not go with a cardigan. My current favourite item is this dress...I'm in LOVE with this dress. It's the right fabric, length, colour combo and cut and super easy to pack for travel, that make it so perfect. Belt it, don't belt it, wear it to the beach with flip flops or add a cardigan for a casual office or dinner setting or a blazer. It and the cardigan go anywhere with anything.

ICHI dress 3 rayon print (2 prints - polka dot and pink print) $49

Kersh sleeveless 3/4 sleeve cardigan (6 colours) $45

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Here's another sweet, fun little frock that makes a nice friendship with a cardigan. Easy fabric, bright, bold random pattern, that again will take this from easy going activities to more serious events. Often a change of shoes and accessories is all that's needed.

Pure bold print a-line dress $110

Kersh ribbed waist cardigan (6 colours) $45

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And sleeveless is not only great but necessary as we approach some brain melting temperatures in the months to come. HOWEVER, like it or not, weather (and AC) happens and it's nice to have a cardi handy for various climates and environments. Plus they always look great with jeans as well.

Motion sleeveless tie front shell (blue plaid) $67

Bear Dance cat at fish counter (white) $35

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And remember, in fashion, there are no 'real' rules, just a variety of guidelines to access if needed. Thus, it's not necessary that your cardigan be flush with the length of your top. Sort of goes along with that bohemian, unintentional/I-meant-to-do-that, casual, constructed look (if you know what I mean)!

Ellison stripe tencel cuff t shirt (4 colours)sale price $32 (not available online)

Mom repeats things over and over again, for DECADES until you get it, teaches you about fashion, manners and how to cook. After decades the award for this 24/7, unguided, on the job training, trial and error university of parenting has got to be a sense of humor.  Because what course teaches you to have endless patience while teaching another human to use the potty!

Happy Mothers Day Moms - THANK YOU!heart

Suzanne M.

SWEATER.: n: A garment worn by a child when it's mother is chilly ~ Ambrose Bierce

 

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DREAMERS V-NECK PULLOVER - FOR 4 DAYS ONLY (to March 4) $55 (regularly $69).

The actual saying is 'less is more' clearly....however, downsizing, purging or parting with things, I don't excel at. Though, I do regularly look for creative ways to reuse, remake or surgically change a garment because of a favoured pattern or fabric. Trends now change faster than Usain Bolt, but we can still find ways of making things fresh and interesting or maximizing a garment. For instance, I discovered I can turn a dress into a skirt by adding a top and a belt or, for that matter, a maxi skirt into a strapless dress. And when traveling, the more you can be creative or squeeze out of one garment, the less you have to carry.

 

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One of the most creative ways I've seen a garment transformed unexpectedly was a sweater, such as above, worn as a skirt. Let's just say, you're on a trip, you need to wear something a bit more one tier up from jeans or casual pants. Pull the sweater down to your waist, tie the sleeves around the back in a bow. Voila, you now have a skirt. Otherwise, a sweater such as the one above transforms to different types of events based on what it's worn with, just as is. A bit more upscale? Add a blingy necklace, pencil skirt and heels and maybe a belt. Slow easy weekend? Just throw on your favourite jeans. 

Dreamers v neck sweater (5 colours) for 4 days $55

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This adorably, sexy, sweet tunic/dress needs no changes or embellishments, let's face it. All it needs is you and your own take on what should go with it, footwear, shawl, sweater, tights, boots...beaded headband or maybe a flower fascinator...where you take this I'm sure will be great. So pretty, so fresh, so spring!

En Creme tunic dress (white multi) $69

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One of my favourite, ultra convertible garments. Can serve as an over piece, like a jacket, can be worn as a dress as noted above, or worn as a long tunic with tights, accessorize as you please, but the bonus, is the elegance of tencel.

Tea and Rose tencel dress (mid wash blue denim) $89

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I've seen button up cardigans transformed everywhere from a cowl neck scarf to a skirt and back up again as a sleeveless top. Very creative indeed. However, for me, it's a cardigan...you know, where you put your cold arms!! (lol). However, if you're on a tight budget, by all means, there is no rule that says you can't wear it some other way.

Kersh ribbed waist cardigan (6 colours) $55

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A frequent, recent choice of mine is a basic dress.  Mainly because if I want to break up the look, I throw a top on and maybe a belt. Or, if the top is a bit too sheer for my liking, the dress beneath serves two purposes, coverage and layers. Saving me from having to purchase a skirt. And at this time of year, another layer never hurts.

Plum tank dress (grey melange) $69

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I adore this look! The bright heels, with the matching clutch, the trench looking coat and a scarf...like, she just stepped off of the plane from France! Depending on the coat, the fabrication, length and of course weight, I sometimes throw them on as an inner wear jacket, as part of the ensemble.

ICHI double breasted trench coat (indigo blue) $139

Our relationship with garments starts pretty early. From our favourite blanket, to a dress a toddler insists on wearing daily, teenagers jeans that have to be 'just so' to those my age, who find ourselves attached to something reminiscent of our youth! And for me, aside from Plum, one of my favourite places to shop is the very back, deep crevice of my own closet. You know...where the questionable purchases were stored!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

Remember, less is more...but then, if less is more, just think how much more...more would be! ~ Quote from Pinterest!

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20% OFF SWEATERS - in store only - head into a Plum store near you and get into something WARM and pretty!
 
Allegedly attributed to Oscar Wilde. Nonetheless, it's a humorously valid point. That being said, there is certainly room to 'try on' another persona from time to time and fashion is a great tool.  At times, I sometimes tire of my own 'dark-princess-boho-new-age-hippy-artist' look! You know? Maybe for instance, you've always wanted to be a prima ballerina but a feeling of awkwardness stood in your way, or a plumber, and your Mother said, 'you're too delicate to be a plumber dear'? Time to challenge your old stereotypes and unwrap another part of you! Go buy something pink or get yourself a pair of overalls and get yourself under that sink and explore those pipes! After all, it's still you, it's just an add on ;)
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Spotted this on the boss yesterday and it looked so good I almost paid her a compliment! This sumptuous, substantially textured open front sweater is such an eye catcher, as well so comfortable to wear.
 
 
 
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And speaking of sweaters...(because, they're 20% off right now and it's cold)...two things that go very well together. if I was to venture into the more feminine look, this is one I'd pick...an ice cream pink hue, cable knit, open front with lots of length.
 
 
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This billowy variegated mohair knit sweater compels me to curl up near a fireplace with a thick hard cover (or popcorn and Youtube)! Or I envision an artist bringing a large canvas to life! Regardless of who this adorns, it shows a lot of flair.
 
 
 
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A bit of a departure from sweaters, thought I'd present something quite bright for the season. And red is huge this year. Shutter the thought that it ever went out. Despite it being holiday season, we're seeing a bit more than usual. Just a gorgeous, bold, flowey silk blend top that would work quite well for all other seasons and climates.
 
 
Life is just too short so, GO there, eat that, read that, watch that and go buy that thing that gives you a candy coated, cup cake frosting covered with sprinkles feeling. After all, who ARE YOU? Meghan Markle said when, as a child, she was required to fill out a form stating she was white or black...she turned to her father who said 'draw your own box'!
 
Yours in Fashion passion...
 
Suzanne M.
 
Be yourself, no one can ever tell you, you're doing it wrong ~ James Leo Herlihy
 
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Quality 'matters' in every aspect of life...cars, people, education, garbage bags (ever have one spontaneously break?)...Garments are clearly no exception. The construction and fabrication being the key points. I spoke with Katie O'Brien, Plum's buyer and co-owner, about what she looks for when buying.  I figured who would know better, she's been buying for over 30 years. Here are a few tips from someone who has probably purchased 30,000 shirts in her lifetime. (She must have a very big closet).

  • look for no loose threads
  • more stitching per inch and even stitching
  • sometimes 'spare' buttons are included
  • don't be fooled by natural fibers, some very fine quality fabrics are synthetics that keep their newness much longer
  • check zippers, make sure they work, stitched straight and no puckers
  • how a fabric actually 'feels' (or 'hand') against your skin
  • not off grain (otherwise garment seams can twist).

None are hard and fast rules, merely things to think about and check. And don't forget to look at the inside of the garment (how it's finished, if there's lining), even though no one but you may see it.

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This is an absolutely divine shirt. Who doesn't love anything Italian (shoes, cars, men). Most of these shirts that mimic men's style are very straight cut, however this one has some shape.  Long (tunic length),features a sleeve tab, irregular stripes and one breast pocket...a gorgeous flowy feel. Wonderful with leggings, a belt, a scarf and ankle boots. A fantastic cut and really nice weight. Many reasons why it's been so popular.

M striped tunic shirt (navy) $69

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Another construction feature to look for is extra top and reinforcement stitching. There is no shortage of both with Point Zero's cropped twill pant. Plenty of extra details, such as pockets and an extra button should one come loose.

Point Zero cropped twill pant (4 colours) $59

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A regular in Plum's inventory is the Kersh cardigan. Variety of colours, universally appealing cuts and fabrications, quality and price make this a popular choice. Kersh regularly includes not only a spare button but also extra threads for mending.

Kersh crew neck long sleeve cardigan (6 colours) $55

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This is a beautifully constructed little dress. Another clue about construction is details; not so much 'multiple' details but key or unique features, such as the contrasting collar, front placket covering buttons and pleats as well, beautifully fluid fabric; all make for a knock out little dress.

Sleeveless dress with collar (black or navy) $139

Sometimes we don't think about quality and good construction until something goes wrong. Good to know what to look for in advance otherwise adopting the ability to restore and repair things becomes very important. Although sewing a button back on is far easier than rebuilding a relationship.

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

'The bitterness of poor quality is remembered long after the sweetness of low price has faded from memory' ~Gucci  ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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