dress

Boho vibes

NOTE: some items that are featured here are part of the sale, and some are new arrivals. Prices are noted or check in store for details.

One more month of official summer remains, then back to it...school, work or, as in my case...back to…um, what I’m doing now (lol).  In any case BOHO, technically speaking is short for bohemian homeless originating in the 19th century, meant to describe the unconventional lifestyle of journalists, writers and artists. The style is characterized by large floppy hats, long flowey skirts and Joni Mitchell songs. A look typically representing, free thinking, creativeness and long, lazy days of summer. In 30 days, fall will abruptly attempt to put an end to all the free thinking fun...but for now, we have a reason to look like we haven’t a care in the world.

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I think lace, in particular, can be viewed as a central part of bohemian style. Presenting an image of light, easy, fresh and vintage. The above dress can be just as comfortable at an evening out, as at the beach. As I often note, the footwear and accessories most often punctuates the look.

En Creme sundress with tassel straps (red/white) was $89 is now $69

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One of my favourite features of this dress, aside from the open weave linen and pockets, is the shoulder ties, which offers the ability to slightly adjust the length. Aside from the every day, wear-for-tasking/lack-of-conformity style, I can see this worn with a shawl, and a long pendant.

Catwalk linen jumper dress (black, denim blue, pink or white) $110

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Aside from the sweet, floral pattern, what’s lovely about this dress is the length, not too long... not too short...just right Goldilocks! If the neckline looks slightly too plunging for where you’re going, easily add a lace tank and if your air conditioned office is where you’re headed, add a jacket.

Hem & Thread spaghetti strap dress (navy/orange) was $85 is now $65

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And of course embroidery is yet another common theme. The kimono featured here is bound to be another seasonal favourite for its very light texture.

Embroidered kimono (white) $79

There is definitely a way to add elements of the boho style to your outfit without being head to toe 70’s. A little bit of lace, a hat, or an embroidered jacket.  I once went all out on Halloween as a hippy. I could very easily see from the passersby on the street, it was rather unclear if this was my usual style.  Lesson I learned? You can take the girl out of the 70’s but it’s best to leave that entire 10 years where it was, maybe grab a piece or two, but it’s in the past for a reason!

Peace...

Suzanne M

"Rows and flows of angel hair, and ice cream castles in the air, and feather canyons everywhere, I've looked at clouds that way" ~ Joni Mitchell  ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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You got the look!

I grew up in a small city where, if you wore anything too long, too short, too bright, too clothes-Y??!!...you got...'THE LOOK'! You know...where the eyeballs turn but the head does not? Lord, you'd think I was wearing a meat sandwich, when in fact it was...wait for it...RED!! Thankfully, now, living in a metropolis such as Vancouver or Calgary, almost anything goes...Although while at a play the other night, I got the look, which jolted me back to my teen years! I'm not sure if that was good or bad...but thankfully I was ok with the 8th thing I changed into before leaving the house. Anyway...maybe you would actually like to turn heads! Well, let's find you a look!

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Something undeniably sweet about this dress in lovely lavender. At the same time, it's easy to wear with the shirred bodice, and just a hint of sexy. It's all about the shoulders! Which, until recent years, got very little attention. If it's too much for you, a shrug would work really well for dialing down the attention (but why!!).

Angela shirred bodice dress (lilac or mustard) $95

 

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Drawing attention to yourself is not all about how short, low cut or daring you can be. sometimes, it's just a hint of something different, something new, something that makes you glow! This kimono looks like it was hand painted by spring itself!

Kimono with waist tie (blue/pink) $69

 

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Oh ya! Show 'em what ya got! You worked hard for those guns! I know I would. Although mine look more like bread doe waiting to go in the oven. And that's ok, I love bread! Enough about me, this is a fantastic two piece. No more tugging at the undershirt...as the inside layer is lightly sewn to the outer.

Cherish stripe 2-piece tank (black or slate blue) $42

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This shows off your creative side. As above, pull it up and wear it as a dress...add a belt, add a kimono...OR wear it as a skirt. A great two-in-one garment. Add to it, this gorgeous, exaggerated, playful, adjustable heart pendant. I am simply IN LOVE with them. Wear with bright red lipstick...and MWA!...just gorgeous! A real show stopper! (in a variety of sizes and colours).

Hummingbird pull on wrap skirt (black or heather grey) $59

Zsiska heart pendant (sold only in store in a variety of colours and sizes-large $45, smaller $32)

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And yet another great way to show the shoulders (I'm starting to sound like the children's song 'head & shoulders, knees and toes'). This is a lovely, light weight cotton Swiss, pin dot...a nice alternative to tank tops; a great Friday night, out to dinner, look. Wear it with a long skirt, a peasant skirt, shorts or experiment and go creative with a tank dress underneath, thus not bearing your shoulders. Lots of things to try.

Allie Rose Swiss dot cotton blouse (blue or coral) $55

When you worry too much about what others are thinking, you waste precious time, not thinking about what you yourself are thinking...and the truth really is, we are a mere blip on the radar of someone elses life...might as well make it interesting for them ;)

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"When you don't dress like everybody else, you don't have to think like everybody else"~Iris Apfel

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Flirt-anxious

FOR LOTS of flirt worthy great finds, be sure to attend Plum's annual, in store, 4 day sidewalk sale!

Are you an anxious flirt? You know, you go to a party, with a couple of friends and want to start up a conversation with someone who looks attractive...BUT...it's hard to know where to start, hard to know what to do with your hands, hard not to dribble food while trying not to talk too much...very nerve wracking. It's like emotional multitasking!  Flirting is a very fine art, some are good at it and some are just good at being flirted with. I say, find a super cute dress, and let the dances and glances begin!

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According to psychology today, flirting is not a simple, light hearted activity, as it encompasses many skills such as body language, empathy and creativity. Part of that creativity, however premeditated, is how we dress. The above dress is just a sweet, lively, dancing dress. Not so overly revealing so as to raise your Grandma's eyebrows, just a little bit of somethin' to catch someone's eye!

Lani off shoulder dress was $89 now $59 (in store only)

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Off the shoulder is not the only option, when it comes to a 'ya-I'm-interested', type garb, but it's a very sought after style for good reason (and the season). And this one, also has a lovely peek a boo slit for showing off that strut...(and dance moves)!

Angela shirred bodice (lilac or mustard) $95

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The researchers at the University of Kansas, having completed a study on verbal and non verbal behaviors, established 5 basic types of flirting styles - physical, traditional, sincere, polite and playful.  I say, why put pressure on yourself...find something pretty and playful that makes people inclined to flirt with you! And just what type of flirt do you think you are?

Peppermint gathered neck knit top (black print or off white print) $45

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And who says that dresses are the only 'flirt-worthy' garment? Ptcha!!! I say! These fabulous linen pants just dance when you walk. They come in 5 alluring colours and have such a glorious drape, in a very 'now' crop, wide leg trend that is the best for the season. (non-flat stomach rationalizations: I was too busy eating to have a stomach this flat...and I'm totally ok with my 'mommy tummy').

Catwalk gathered waist, tie pant (beige, black, charcoal, mustard or pink) $92

Don't let the very idea of mingling and flirting cause unnecessary stress...it's meant to be fun...be yourself, most of all...That being said, I can honestly say it's been at least a 12 year old ago, that I remember purposely flirting; unless gazing longingly into my morning coffee counts...then yes, I'm a total flirt expert!!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

We try to hide our feelings but we forget that our eyes speak~Unknown

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Momma doesn't approve

Weddings...they don't all entail a castle, a prince and a horse drawn carriage ride through the city with millions around the world watching. Maybe your BFF's invite states, 'wear flip flops and meet us at Sunset Beach' or maybe a wedding in the park. These days, people are investing more in their homes and futures than a venue with a colossal chandelier bigger than your back yard. Which, is great as well, however, if the former is the case, you get to forego the taffeta and lace and choose something you can dress up but that you can wear the very next day, and no one would know...you never went home! ;)

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A refreshing design pattern that has the look of a valuable, abstract painting. BUT it's not, it's a dress and you get to accessorize it to suit your event. By all means footwear will be a pivotal factor that can turn this from a suitable dress for a daytime job, to a festive event where you find yourself dancing for hours. And it has that comfort factor which accommodates such lively activities. As well as a varied and bright colour palette to make choosing accessories effortless.

Pure bold print a-line dress (multi) $110

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Most wedding events inspire, the female guests, to also don feminine attire...florals and lively prints. The above dress is a sweet, fresh bouquet pattern which,  brings out the girly girl in all of us. Designed with a midi length, yet with a slit, which makes diving for that bouquet (do they still do that at weddings?) a breeze!

Spencer+Shaw shirred bodice and sleeve (black combo, blue combo or blush combo) $100

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Yet another blooming botanical garden of lushness! Note the front vertical frill and easy structure. A flowing shawl would make a great companion for this dress, perhaps a string of pearls and don't forget to do your toes!

M floral drapey hem dress (green/pink) $98

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A bit of a departure from florals, there are the solid options. This provides the opportunity to expand with your look in other ways. If you prefer to keep it uncomplicated, add an eye catching pair of earrings. Or go in the other direction and choose a vintage embroidered shawl and strappy sandals with a similar design. The dress on the right, provides yet another dramatic option for a possible afternoon into evening event.

Dreamers shirred back/button front dress (black) $89

Spencer+Shaw capsleeve tie front dress (black or mulberry) $100

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While dresses are the usual garment of choice for a wedding or garden party, choosing co-ordinates is of course an option, especially for a low key party. Off the shoulder is not only a seasonal design of choice but appears to be a popular trend in the last few years. And the flowing kimono sleeved top on the right is yet another fabulous, breathtakingly pretty design that helps make your appearance memorable.

Be Young off shoulder knit top (black, multi or verdant green) $45

M Floral tunic blouse (green/pink) $89

When you're BFF asks you to be her maid of honor, you'll gushingly say yes, when she needs your help making the individually wrapped, green tea, almond cookie scented candles (??), you willingly assist, and when she says "Mom didn't approve of my choice" just smile and say, it's ok, most people throw them out after, anyway! :)

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"I'm still at the age where I'm constantly seeking approval of people I have respect for" ~Eliot Paulina Sumner  ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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TRESICS OPEN KNIT CARDIGAN AND TANK TOP A winning combination...together - 25% Thursday to Monday May 21

For more information on Plum's annual Big Sisters campaign (Win a $350 gift card from Plum and support Big Sisters) follow this link for details

Lots of things go hand in hand. Like X'S and O's, Virtue and Moir, quotation marks, socks and Birkenstock, arrogance and ignorance...ok with the exception of the last pair, it's nice when things do go together or match. My children like ketchup on their pancakes.... I will totally pass on that combo, but that's like anything. You are welcome to put together any combination, not everyone will get it. And that's ok, it's not Noah's ark!

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A fabulous combination for the season (above). The open front cardigan and tank are just the right weight. Very light texture and the aqua colour is fresh, like a crisp salad! ;)

Featured special

Tresics open kit cardigan (5 colours)

Tresics tank top (5 colours)

Worn above with BE YOUNG raw edge slim fit ankle jean (white) $89

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You know the best thing to go with this maxi? (or midi, depends on your height)...YOU! You and sunglasses and straw hat and espadrilles...quintessential summer dress! Features a shirred bodice, and you know what that means?...it means it very nicely accommodates the 'girls', a great length and a little bit 'o' sass with the slit!

Spencer + Shaw shirred bodice dress (black combo, blue combo, blush combo prints) $100

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Looking for something beyond the 'matchy matchy' nature of the tank top and open front cardigan to go with the cardigan....this lightweight horizontal/vertical stripe top is a good pick. Try to possibly avoid long wide leg pants as you run the risk of looking like a walking drapery dept. 'BUT I LIKE THE DRAPERY look' you say...then by all means, go forth, maybe add some heels for a more elegant flowey look!

Soya stripe dolman sleeve blouse (off white) $79

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My mind immediately ran off to some foreign exotic location with a handsome stranger when I saw this sweet, romantic top. I could think of many many things it would go with... a long, flowey skirt with a belt, crop pants with flat sandals, shorts and espadrilles. Quite a fantastic travel item as well.

Be Young off shoulder knit top (black, multi or green) $45

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The kimono... I simply cannot get enough of it in the summer.  Just the airy coverage I need to keep my upper arms from flapping in the breeze! They've now made a permanent space in the closet next to the maxi dress, shorts, jeans...they co-ordinate with just about anything.

Very J kimono (black print) $69

Some things are better apart than together like....6 am and leaf blowers or Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Then there are things that are good together but apart can be odd, like singing and dancing....(try dancing without the music). But true magic are things that can be great apart or together, like pros and cons, Ross and Rachel or wine and cheese (hold the ketchup please!)

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"We always hold hands, if I let go, she shops" ~ Henny Youngman (Comedian)

 

 

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