I think we've danced long enough with winter. Winter sit down, it's time for Spring. I find myself so fed up with winter, I'd like to box it up and send it to the east coast of Canada where they know exactly what to do with it. Baltic and Slavic countries have the right idea; every year on the first day of spring, an effigy of winter is burned and thrown in the river as a way to welcome Spring....I say why wait, let's do that now.  Let's have a look at some spring looks:

Did you hear the one about the cats who went on vacation from their tough lives? No me neither because that's impossible...Bear Dance makes some seriously silly t shirts. Plum has an extensive collection to choose from.

Bear Dance 'cats in Volkswagen van' (ivory) $35

Trench coats are synonymous with spring. Signifying that it's time to pack away the heavy coats, and now warm enough to put on a lighter one! A great, timeless take on a men's classic.

Soya Concept trench belted coat (sand) $149

Here are a couple of fresh spring options. The Tobias on the left with it's small polka dot print, brings to mind snow drops, one of the first floral emergence.  A beautifully tailored jacket.  And the tan drape front Tobias jacket presents a neutral alternative to black.

Tobias shawl collar jacket (black or navy) $198

Tobias open front jacket with rolled sleeves (concrete, nougat or olive) $149

Maybe as an homage to the suffragettes' of a 150 years ago, (white having been a significant colour), you'd like to implement some white into your wardrobe, or to support a cause ;)...the collarless Point Zero jacket is a fantastic choice to lighten up the season.

Point Zero collarless jean jacket (lt indigo denim or white) $90

Mavi Adrianna glam white rinse (white) $118

Grey is a wonderful transitional colour to springs brights. Not too dark, not too light (as Goldilocks once said). An uncomplicated garment, great for a casual work environment or weekend/off hours. Simple and comfortable, but easy to accessorize.

Ellison slouchy knit tunic (grey or navy) $65

I aim to create a life that I don't need a vacation from (I like that quote)...however a girl can dream...Bear Dance make some of the most light hearted, amusing and nicely fitting t shirts I've found and I'm a bit obsessed with t shirts.

Bear Dance 'I need a vacation' T (black) $35

Great things happen during transition times. We sometimes notice things we'd not normally notice and thus take a different direction, pause to appreciate what we have or get excited by what is to come ...Spring brings with it so much hope (and some great wardrobe pieces) ;)

"Honor the space between no longer and not yet"~Nancy Levin

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.  ... read the full post and reader comments

As we say good bye to a potentially abominable year (no I'm not just talking about the snow), we think back. Some of us would rather not, after all, a veritable playlist of musicians left us, questionable leadership voted in, earthquakes in Italy, Haiti getting hit again and newsworthy closer to home, Fort Mac fires happening.  Seemed to be more forgettable news than memorable. Either you 'Let it Go' or....get away and forget it all! If you belong to the 'LET'S GO' camp....here's a bit of packing inspiration.

Looking like angel wings preparing for winged flight, this beautiful, light cover is just what is needed to ward off a little chill.

Kerisma Eden sheer poncho (6 colours) $59

Look on the bright side....seriously! Look at this lovely, bright top. If this lively pattern doesn't brighten your mood, your destination surely will. A buffet of colours and patterns which will be simple to co-ordinate.

Wink Wink cap sleeve t shirt (3 colour patterns) $39

Another bright, lively piece that mimics 2 pieces and looks like a field of flowers. The less you have to pack the better.

Wink Wink tank dress draped top (blue or white/blue) $110

No question about it, when you think of warmer climates and just hanging out....linen comes to mind. Inevitably, if you're a 'pant' person, this is the best fabrication. Loose, light and casual.

M drawstring linen pants (navy and stripe) $90

Plum ribbed tank top (13 yummy colours) $18

Bear Dance pugs doing yoga $35

Wink Wink tank top with curved hem (blue or light blue)$55

And then there's a fantastic assortment of tank tops, graphic t's and tops. The possibilities are endless especially if you pack just right, with only a few key pieces.

Pretending 2016 did not happen is no more possible than cake being used as a weight loss method. Since neither is bound to happen any time soon, and you have a great escape planned to plot a successful 2017, make a trip to Plum first and get some good packing karma!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

We must look forward to the future, as that is where most of us will be spending the rest of our lives! ~Charles Kettering~  ... read the full post and reader comments

What do you think dressing for success looks like? From what I can see it looks individual, personal and polished. Today I had the great honor of attending the Dress for Success luncheon. A room full of mostly women, gathered to support, celebrate, encourage and inspire. Women who have come a long way, and women who mentor others. Listening to the Inspiration Award winner Fiona Hogg speak of her life's journey and how Dress for Success played a key role in helping turn around a very long challenging path, was both eye opening and inspiring.

Dressing for Success means putting your best foot forward often on a new venture, new career, new path. Let's have a look at a few of Plum's career pieces:

The pencil skirt always has a place in the career closet. The above skirt has an outspoken hounds tooth print, a comfortable length and a hidden elastic for easy wear.

Plum pencil skirt with hidden elastic (purple or red) $69 now $55

Shirts are to your office wardrobe what the calculator is to the accountant...although they need not be so stark as white. Without much effort your career pieces can have a spark of fun as well.  In this case a light, fresh, bird print puts the fun in function.

acapella long sleeve button front blouse (White with grey bird print) $82

It's important that what you wear to work be comfortable and functional. This is a dress that has as much comfort and fit as it does style. Features cap sleeves and princess seams that help accentuate and flatter.

Simone princess seam v neck dress (black or merlot) $139

And finally in honor of the purse drive, perhaps you're looking for a new addition. Looks like real leather but nothing of the bovine variety died for this. Love the cross hatch body and large button fastener. Inside internal zip pocket as well as 2 zip pockets and assorted other small pockets.

Catwalk woven cross body bag (pewter) $69

Dress for Success was founded in 1997 and since it's inception has helped countless women, when all else felt hopeless, get back on their feet and find direction. Plum is Vancouver's founding sponsor and has been a proud sponsor for 15 years. Congratulations to this years very deserving 'Inspiration Award Recipient' Fiona Hogg. Find out more about Dress for Success, how to support, volunteer or donate here

Yours in Fashion Passion...

Suzanne M.

Success consists of getting up just one more time than you fall!  ... read the full post and reader comments