holiday
Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 11/14/2018 - 14:36
With so much global turmoil, any small, joy producing moment is something to embrace! Enter the season of glad tidings. Although life does not suddenly become a Normal Rockwell painting just because the calendar changed, there is still a glimmer of hope found in all of the decorations, get-togethers and all the adverts that erupt into festive wear (my favourite part). The bubble over my head usually says 'um, I'd wear that year round!' BUT that's just me. Maybe you'd like something fresh and fun but also chic and refined. Plenty of options at Plum from...to-heck-with-the-Christmas-tree-let's-just-decorate-me style...to... the sleek diva look and everything in between! Let's find a little something to light up your heart!
  
While mauve or purple is not a colour I tend to be drawn to, this top just stopped me in my tracks. It checks all the boxes, sexy, refined, edgy and unique. And worn with this exquisitely embroidered kimono you can't go wrong. And it's wonderful when you find pieces that don't end up deeply stored in your closet until next year. Very transferrable into multiple other seasons!
Talori embroidered kimono (black or burgundy) $98
Naked Zebra button front cami $55
 
 
I picked out four tops that I think are worth exploring. At this time of year, when the events and parties begin, what's required is not so much black tie, but more elevated but that can work with accessories. The top left sweater is all about texture and creates a feel (pun intended) all on it's own or would play against a vibrant statement necklace. The top right speaks for itself with it's bright jewel tone and bow tie front, a very festive, vibrant colour. Lace is always a go to, yet for the fun of it, one can button it up, add a necklace, mix it with a jean jacket, pencil skirt and flats for an easy going look. And the Audrey Hepburn look mock neck, while a basic, makes a wonderful item for supporting a fabulous necklace or accessories or even pulled back hair with outstanding, eye catching earrings.
Cream cowl neck fuzzy sweater (peach) $99
Soya Concept tie neck lyocell knit top (black or blue) $55
Soya Concept lace blouse (off white) $65
Soya Concept mock neck sweater (black) $59
And this top is a nice diversion from the usual of the season with a seeming angelic wingspan; looks fantastic paired with the crop pants. And I must say this stunning little top is rather hard to describe but I'll try. The top part is an overlay and the sleeves (the wingspan), are half with a half stretch cuff. Absolutely heavenly created blouse with a smouldering, autumn colour pallet.
Soya Concept double layer print blouse $69
One of my absolute favourites this year, the molten lava coloured pants and lightly dusted with sequins, sweater. Super stretchy pants with back zip and slight side slits. All that glitters isn't gold....sometimes it's just you that glitters!!
Cream double layer knit top $99
Cream gold pants (gold) $119
 
For many, while co-ordinates provide great options, it's all about the dress. The above blue velvet just sets the season so perfectly. Either glam it up with a fabulous necklace, maybe a long drop, crystal necklace or simply a pair of dangling earrings.
Kaffe lace insert dress (blue) $119
I'm including a display from one of the stores, as they have very well shown how easy it is to pull together a party look with the right components, which combines your personal style with the type of event. Play it up or play it down. I love how pink has emerged and rivals black as a possible colour option for the season.
"You can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle three things, a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights!" ~ Maya Angelou. To which I say...pour me a big glass of red and let's get to work on those lights!
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M. ... read the full post and reader comments
Submitted by Suzanne on Thu, 11/16/2017 - 15:02
There's still time...HEAD INTO a Plum location, try on a pair of YOGA JEANS (until November 19) and be entered to win a pair!
Bah Humbug: There are many fascinating possible origins of this utterance...BUH, is just an expletive, Humbug means 'fraud' or 'imposter'. However, put together they are typically associated with Charles Dickens 'A Christmas Carol'. Personally it means, 'meh', Christmas...too much fuss! Which makes me a true 'Humbug' as, contrary to my usual ways, I've already purchased some Christmas gifts, bought Christmas cards (yes I'm that old, I still do that), and am planning my outfits. After all, the season provides an excuse to be bright, look festive and have fun. Sort of like an open bar at a wedding, it's there, why not enjoy it. So, whether you celebrate this season or not, take in some of the joy, let it rub off on you, let your sparkle show (unless it's undies-no one needs to see those).
Sometimes, to up the fun of the season, it just means add something different...bolder. And by bold, I don't mean, red or glitter. This gorgeous sweater stands out, merely because of it's beguiling texture! Soft as a kittens arm pits! And hats add a lot of punctuating style to an outfit.
My ongoing love affair with the kimono trend continues. It adds a touch of interest to the outfit while also adding a bit of coverage and in this case, with this burnout velvet, the feel of elegance.
The 'Roaring 20's, in fashion, ushered in a tremendous amount of change; hair styles, clothing and attitudes. This dress really brings a 'Great Gatsby' feel. A sort of subtle glamour, with it's beautiful, detailed sequin design and v neck back, with just a bit of stretch. Worn above with the ICHI open jacket, brings it up to the current upcoming 20's.
The season which is upon is, isn't all about sparkle....well, not entirely. It's the smell of pine trees, scented candles and many textures. Velvet is the official seasonal fabric, once and forever. Crushed velvet, it's close cousin, is also in high demand. As a separate, this works as well with jeans, as it does with a skirt or tailored pants and provides a great backdrop for accessories. Also a must for the season.
Sometimes, the best gifts are...a phone call, a hand written card or shovelling someone's driveway. And it's never unseasonal to be good and kind to others, we don't need to reserve that to the last two months of the year.
Yours in sparkle passion...
Suzanne M.
'Christmas isn't a season, it's a feeling!' ~ Edna Ferber
Head into a Plum location nearest you; where you'll find a much larger selection of seasonal pieces, and gift ideas, as well as a truly tantalizing choice of accessories and jewellery.
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Submitted by Suzanne on Thu, 11/09/2017 - 16:10
DON'T FORGET...drop into a Plum store, try on a pair of Yoga's and be entered to win a pair (until November 19).
According to an online article, a leopard's spots (coat pattern) appear to be genetic (I hope that wasn't an extensively funded study). Also, the report went on...serves the purpose of the very large feline blending into it's surroundings, thus having the advantage over it's prey...on the contrary for us females, when sporting this divine coat. We prefer to stand out and we CAN change our spots! Heck, we can change our minds, our attitudes, our sheets, apparently even our sex!? So many more advantages (and a bit less dangerous) to being a female than a large predatory cat! Here are a few more!
If you're on the hunt for a print coat this year, this should be the one! It's a perfect length to go with the midi, maxi and as well the mini length dresses or skirts. Great layered with a jean jacket or try them with your favourite jeans and combat boots.
ICHI coat with lightweight pile (leopard print) $149
As soon as November hits, the events begin. This is a dress that will be a seasonal forever dress for so many reasons. Comprised of stretch velvet, easy knee length, side slit, black and a 'suits all' cut. Think about wearing it with a destroyed jean jacket and OTK boots for more casual parties, or invest in a pair of embellished pumps or the hot ankle boot trend and (as above) a velvet burnout kimono for more formal events.
B. Young velvet spaghetti strap dress (black or teal) $59
KW velvet burnout kimono (blue or purple) $59
Looking for a little bit of attention? OF COURSE you are! Well, this is the time of year where it's not only ok but you can expect all heads turning your way. Lots of beautiful stretch lace and slight gathers at the side, an interesting design feature.
Kaffe Claudia lace dress (graphite) $ 109
Maybe you like co-ordinates instead...you know, they give you more bang for your buck...one day wear with jeans, another day wear with a pencil skirt or wide leg pants. Above are four fun, interesting and versatile tops that very easily go from festive season to functional daytime wear to Friday night out!
Noble Paris London New York beaded t shirt (black or white) $65
Jane Plus 1 guazy mockneck blouse (ivory or teal) $69
Noble pearls knit top (black, white or pink) $59
Cream Selena print blouse (cream/blue) was $99 now $75
This is a perfect season to 'change your spots', so to speak. A style you've been aching to try but just feel like it's, well...too much, too frivolous or not the 'usual' you? Well, who cares! Life is too short to not wear the mini, funky, tight, plush or wild. After all, no one must like what you wear, more important that they like who you are!
Yours in fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
You can change your socks, change your direction or change a diaper, but if you change your attitude everything looks prettier! ... read the full post and reader comments
Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 12/09/2015 - 12:45
It's that magical time of year for communications with loved ones from afar, gift buying, Christmas music and many festive events. We would love to enjoy all of it, but sometimes feel run ragged. Therefore, the last thing we want to do is fuss over the outfits. I take that back, I'd LOVE to spend time creating a fun, interesting ensemble that wow's all, however, more often than not, it's a scramble. Plum can't help with things like, deciding who's inlaws to spend Christmas day with, but can help with the outfit.
This is one of THE most divine pieces of fabric made into a dress that I've ever had. Despite it's rather unstructured form it's very appealing for probably 'all' shapes. I find it's not only great for this season, it's great for many occasions, suits different footwear and is so easy to care for because it seems to need little or none! Dress it up, dress it down, accessorize or not! Any combination will work.
Simone raglan sleeve with back elastic (silver rosette or gold floral) now $98
 
This is no plain Jane dress. Have a look at that naughty, tempting, full length zipper at the back. Totally easy to wear, gorgeous form fit but easy to add a statement necklace, pendant or shawl to.
Simone cowl neck dress (black or teal) now $ 95
Just call this a just-show-up dress. This dress does it all for you except drive you there! Honestly, as you can see from the above shot, the black pumps are fantastic with this. Gorgeous brocade pattern and wonderful fit and flare cut create an extremely tasteful look. And never ever fear what to do with your hands you fidgety ones...there are pockets!
Simone low vneck aline dress (grey/black or royal/black) $149
 
And for those of you who just 'cannot do' a dress, you've not been forgotten. There is always a place for lace in this season. Picture it with something like this amazing silver dangly heart, paired with a matching bracelet. Visit a Plum store for accessories to suit your outfit needs.
Loveriche blouse with lace edge (black, burgundy, ivory) $79
Amid the hustle and bustle, carve out some space for some fun, join some Christmas carolers, go ice skating, kiss someone under the mistletoe or make snow angels (or air angels)...but don't forget to head into a Plum store and let the experienced staff help you find your sparkle.
Happy Holiday Season to all...
Yours in Fashion Passion...
Suzanne M.
ps...if you're one of those lucky ones escaping to warmer climates...do not forget Plum has a large selection of resort wear!
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Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 11/18/2015 - 12:20
"I don't want to wear a dress to the party"...sounds like something my 8 year old says! However, whether it's the 8 year old voice in your head or last nights heavy dinner still speaking to you...if you don't want to wear a dress...DON'T! Dresses are great...but...there are many other alternatives! Maybe dresses just don't cut it with those ferocious shoes you've been dying to wear, you want to go the super funky route or you want to dance and move. The many options we have as women are just one aspect of what separates us from the boys! Here are just a few options.
 
I adore this ensemble. I think it's smart, elegant and functional. Above very cleanly put together, however nothing better than black to showcase a great necklace and/or earrings. Wear it buttoned up, with a statement necklace or a long one.
Tobias relaxed trouser (black or charcoal) now $65
Plum long sleeve shirt (black, off white or royal) $82
  
Here's a look that can work at a daytime affair, house party or funky town ...A bit of boho top, destroyed jeans, glitzy necklace and a red hot pair of pumps. Red pumps and necklace make it seasonal, however the other components work so well with many other of your usual activities. Pull your hair up into a messy bun or pony tail add a shawl or one of Plum's great Tobias jackets.
En Creme hilow blouse (cream) $79
We cannot pass by the season of parties without sequins. Wanting to add a bit of something special but don't want to pile on the glitz, this is a great option. Wear with a simple black turtleneck and add a jacket and a statement necklace (or skip the necklace) and just add a pair of dangly earrings. A standard that works every year!
Press sequin skirt (asphalt mix) $81
 
Lace is not just for weddings, however, this can be very 'church choir/meet the inlaws' (a la Audrey Hepburn), worn over a basic shift dress. Or really amp it up with a motorcycle jacket, skinny black jeans and high heels. A very worthwhile investment that won't see much time in your closet.
Acapella blouse with pleated sleeve (black or ivory) $85
Tobias slim pants with side zipper (black or taupe) now $79
Maybe you don't 'do' dresses or today you just feel like a Play-doh explosion on legs that no amount of Spanx can fix (ok that's me)! Whatever your reason, if a dress won't do, there are still ample other options. Head into a Plum near you and ask for some ideas or finishing touches.
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M. ... read the full post and reader comments
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