jacket

I.C.Y.M.I.

 UNTIL SUNDAY DECEMBER 2 - SALE ITEMS ARE AN EXTRA 25% OFF...

NEED I SAY MORE?

 

 

 

I.C.Y.M.I. (in case you missed it), acronyms are the new pencil! Our time so limited, we can't write full sentences. Imagine trying to explain this (and Twitter) to a distant ancestor, plowing a field, dawn to dusk. So, what was once secretarial shorthand, is now common language. Be right back is condensed like an accordion to BRB, IDK means I don't know; other favourites include LOL, OMG or TBH (to be honest); And did you know, everyone's old favourite...O.K. said to originate from a tongue in cheek piece in an early 19th century Boston Morning Post article on grammar, referring to 'oll korrect'?  So, in my mind jumpsuits are like the acronym of the wardrobe. Why bother with a top and pants or skirt when one garment will do. However, perish the thought they should be relegated to casual times or don't represent fashion. S.F.Y. (see for yourself-I made that up)!

ImageImage

I tend not to be the sort that goes for one garment, rather prefer to construct a look. However, one can certainly create a look with jumpsuits. On the left a more casual, layering with the turtleneck, a scarf worn as a sash, and a pendant. On the right a more upscale chic, paired down look, with a simple necklace, understated earrings, a clutch and dynamite, sexy shoes.

Lani capsleeve jumpsuit (black, teal or mocha) was $75 now on sale at $52 (with an additional 25% off - it will be $39 until Sunday-IN STORE ONLY AT THIS PRICE)

Image

ImageImageImageImage

If you prefer a bit of coverage, here are some ideas. For a somewhat more exotic look, try adding a kimono. If you bought one of the above shawl/vests or a jacket during one of the recent promotions, try the jumpsuit with one of them. With the shawl/vest an idea is to close it up and belt it. And the open front jacket adds a slight bit of definition to balance the bottom of the jumpsuit.

Wasabi + Mint criss cross back, cropped jumpsuit (black) $75

KW floral print kimono (black) $59

KW oriental floral kimono (black) $69

Look by M basic shawl vest (8 colours) $69

Soya Concept drape front jacket (ruby) $95

 

Image

This is such a super soft, cuddly version, perfect for hanging out, running errands or....cuddling!! Perfectly layered with the turtleneck and if heading out, add a jean jacket and scarf. Yes I realize that it means practically disrobing for bathroom trips, but it's a worthwhile payoff for the ease of movement. And let's face it...it's just super cool and easy looking.

Double Zero fuzzy jumpsuit (black or heather grey) $69

ImageImage

Another layering option if seen recently is adding a top or sweater thus resulting in a look of top and bottom; your jumpsuit has now just converted to pants.

Wasabi + Mint cross front jumpsuit (black or burgundy) $69

B.Young flower sweater (purple/orange) $99


It feels as though we're moving in a direction as a society of 'less do, more think and talk'. I envision a time in the future, we'll have devices that can scratch our noses for us, because, you know, our hands are just too busy typing. As you might have guessed, I'm rather a big fan of words; written out in full on paper, on a screen, in a book or even on a clothing label...ETC!!

TTFN

Suzanne M.

"I may have grown up in the age of Aquarius, but I'm growing old in the age of the acronym" ~ Roy Peter Clark

   ... read the full post and reader comments

 
Suzanne's picture

IT'S FRIDAY FOR 4 DAYS--BLACK Friday that is....head into a nearby Plum location and check out the deals...such as 20% off all jewellery and 40% off regular priced suit jackets! (NOV.22 TO 25)

Why do we need a new black? After all, it's the happiest colour I KNOW! In fact, I couldn't love it more if it was blackerBut why do we need something more new than black? Lets go back a few decades when black was the go to colour for those considered 'in' and 'chic'! Designers, however, felt it was time for another colour that would grab our attention. The phrase was then stolen from, '40 is the new 30' and so on. So what is the new black!? YOU! Yes, whatever YOU choose. Put 'it' on, 'YOU-IFY' it and THAT my beautiful friends, is the new black! Now go and find your new black! (I'll be happy to help! :)

Image

Listen Beyoncé, one way to step up the game on your outfit, is put a blazer on it!  Regardless of what it's worn 'with', the jacket gives the look a more stylish appearance. So, if you're looking to help your jeans look a bit more fashion than function, this is a good option. And all regular priced suit jackets are 40% off from Nov.22-25.

Soya Concept drape front jacket (ruby)

Image

While this is not part of the sale, I couldn't help but show it. Gem colours bounce in and out of popularity but now is an excellent time to go for something very much not black. And in the form of a turtleneck, you cannot go wrong with this investment. Dress it up, dress it down or simply layer it for warmth. This is such a rich, regal hue that works so well with opulent jewellery!

Long sleeve turtleneck (6 colours) $36

 

Image

This very in Spencer + Shaw dress is part of the sale that starts on Thursday (oooh AND select Spencer+Shaw dresses are 50% off).  The beauty of this dress is that, it's edgy, fresh and unique and it really doesn't cry out for accessories. BUT if you feel compelled try some really equally bold earrings! All jewellery is 20% off from Nov.22-25

Spencer + Shaw tie front dress (black)

ImageImage

OH, and let us not forget accessories. Sometimes a scarf can go a long way taking a great outfit to the next level of style and giving your look a unique flavor! This lovely little compact faux leather bag will keep you organized, AND it comes in 4 other colours. Scarves, purses and jewellery are 20% off Nov.22-25! Which means you can take a simple LBD and make it into something very you!

KW rose print scarf

Faux leather handbag (6 colours)

I have heard 'giving back is the new black' - 'kindness is the new black' - 'grey is the new black' - 'love is the new black' or my personal favourite 'old is the new black'.  I don't know, I just don't think black ever gets old. Not in my life!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

If 40 is the new 30 and 50 is the new 40, why can't Thursday be the new Friday? ~ Pinterest (I think it is this week at Plum :)

   ... read the full post and reader comments

 
Suzanne's picture

Reaching for 95

NOVEMBER 1ST to NOVEMBER 18 - $20 OFF MIN PURCHASE OF $95 - restrictions apply - in store and online - follow this link
 
Do you look to the future and think...I won't be able to wear that any more? Is age in fashion, an inspiration, drawback or irrelevant? It's a total inspiration for me. How will I rock the grey hair, what to wear with trends and which more advanced ladies inspire me?  We can choose to be frustrated but realistically we can't go back in time. But, we can stand where we are and observe those who are not fully aged and those who are at prime (lol) and garner inspiration from both. My favourite inspirations are my 30 year old niece and two women who have poll vaulted over 40 (ahem 50). Lyn Slater and Iris Apfel. While neither are my specific style, I cherry pick ideas, gain inspiration and freedom from the 'no-you-can't-wear-that' to 'TRY-TO-STOP-ME-AND-I'LL-DO-IT-TWICE-AND-TAKE-PICTURES'. And on that note, feel inspired my ageless beauties....purchase min. $95 and get $20 off your purchase. Ooh, maybe you can turn it back (the calculator at least).
 
Image
Say yes to the selfie. This is a perfect fall look mimicking the colours of the leaves. Love the cozy sweater and the olive skinnies. Notice how the shoes change the look from a casual ensemble to a dinner out look. Easily transform it by adding a blazer and knee high boots or oxfords for work or plimsolls for casual.
 
 
 
 
Image
 
Get the edge on everyone else. This dress is unique and creative with it's free flowing circular, primitive pattern and button down front. Wear it with some equally bold shoes or sky high boots.
 
 
Image
 
I LOVE this look. Yellow right now is a bold, bright and happy diversion from the usual fall mellow shades.  And if it's too much of a challenge to wear it next to your complexion, try adding a scarf, maybe turquoise or red or a print. The window pane skirt pattern is a growing favourite.
 
 
 
Image
And, insofar as your basic black is a good all around coat for this season, it's nice to have an alternate with a bit more kick. And a universally appealing pattern such as this one, will work into your wardrobe and most other colours with great ease.
 
 
Who are your fashion inspirations? Your Mother or Grandmother. A crazy aunt who always lived a bit on the edge? Maybe a popular musician or celebrity? I've mentioned mine above. But from my childhood, all I can think of would be Wilma Flintstone. She really knew how to carry off that one shoulder dress! ;)
 
Yours in Fashion passion...
 
Suzanne M.
 
some fierce women still kickin' it who are nonagenarians and older:
  • Ida Keeling
  • Tao Porchon-Lynch
  • Doris Day
  • Queen Elizabeth
  • Iris Apfel
  • Johanna Quaas

"Granny your face looks beautiful with wrinkles, just like the lake looks beautiful with ripples" ~ Vinita Kinra

   ... read the full post and reader comments

 
Suzanne's picture

"If I were a boy!"

Theoretically, it was thought, I'd be a boy, named Tom...and no offense to my deceased uncle but, I'm grateful I came out as is. I have to say, I wrote this while listening to Beyoncé which made me think, just how would I dress if I were a man? Unnecessary, because for decades, I've been drawn to men's jeans, t shirts, hats and jackets. Why? Perhaps because, at least with men's jackets, they provided a better fit, thus were my ideal option (and it was the 80's). Happily now I can draw together the structure of menswear with the fun and flair of women’s wear; and be grateful women’s jackets have transformed to better accommodate our actual shapes.

ImageImage

So it is said, we have a gentleman named Beau Brummell, dating back to the 18th century to thank for at least the men's version of the blazer. For us women, the Suffragettes were responsible for giving it meaning to our actual wardrobe; Yves St Laurent and Chanel punctuating it with style! Whoever it was, I'm grateful. Blazers are my go to garment from Sept to May. Instinctively they are paired with pants but they really wear stunningly well with anything imagined! If you love shirts, this all over print with stripe background makes for a fun coordinate.

Kaffe pinstripe jacket (grey stripe) $149

Kaffe pinstripe pants (grey stripe) $119

B.Young printed button down blouse (off white/mustard) $65

 

 

ImageImage

I love bringing together my old love of jackets with my new kimono obsession. I find kimono's and poncho's create a nice layering look while simultaneously assisting with fluctuating temperatures and environments. And pattern mixing gives your wardrobe a bit more latitude AND attitude.

Kaffe relaxed check blazer (grey plaid) $139

Kaffe front zip skirt (grey plaid) $79

KW multi plaid print kimono (black) $59

ImageImage

ImageImage

This jacket has the most genius design features with the pleats and back tie! JUST SAY YES TO THE CURVES! I feel like I've waited 3 decades for someone to incorporate this into a design; along with the shawl collar...MWA!!! love it! Looks just smashing with the plaid pants but also would be fun with destroyed jeans OR a fabulous dress. And may I suggest either this sexy wrap or jumpsuit above as options.

Cream blazer (black or brick red) $149

Kaffe checked pant (black/grey/red) $99

Spencer+Shaw ruffle trim wrap dress (black combo) $149

Wasabi+Mint crisscross cropped jumpsuit (black) $75

 

ImageImage

Welcome back to the 80's with this slightly retro, boyfriend/relaxed fit jacket. Another one of my favourite jackets this season; the one above as it fits in with the most welcome trend of plaid. This also adds a bit of interest from the otherwise somber presence of (albeit my beloved) black. I've paired it above with this body hugging dress as a nice contrast.

Kaffe checked blazer (black/grey/red) $139

Kaffe checked pant (black/grey/red) $99

Spencer+Shaw v neck 3/4 sleeve knit dress (black or merlot) $129

If I was a boy? I haven't seriously thought of this until I recently was listening to that song. Hm...would I want short hair, to always be stoic, graciously open doors, take out garbage or rake leaves?....ok wait...I already do!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition" ~ Timothy Leary

   ... read the full post and reader comments

 
Suzanne's picture

Did someone just flip a switch?  As much as I love the spring, and try to embrace the wardrobe change, I cling to my blacks and darks. As soon as the weather brightens, I feel a bit like an evil spirit coming surreptitiously out during the daylight hours.  Suddenly I feel compelled to bury my blacks in the back yard, however, still clinging to them like a lifeline! It is possible to liven up your wardrobe (I tell myself), while still being ones self! Here are a few ideas.

 

 

Image

This supremely beautiful jacket is simple, comprised of clean lines, with pucker pleated sleeves and 100% linen. You know...the fabric that wrinkles when you look at it, but that just adds to it's character (that's what I tell myself about my wrinkles)! Great for those who like to dive right into the season!

Tobias linen jacket with pleated sleeves (grey, natural or rose) $179

Mavi Adrianna glam white rinse (white) $118

Plum ribbed tank top (12 colours) $18

Image

If you're like me, you're not ready to drown yourself in a vat of happy colours. Not ready for the white, or even light...well what about bright? This jewel shade top is just the thing to pump up the colour in your wardrobe. Stick with the dark or denim bottoms but light next to the face...people will think you started a new relationship! Just a wonderful marriage of eyelet in a knit fabrication.

Wink wink cap sleeve eyelet t shirt (jade, pink or white) $49

Image

And another idea...a throw/shawl. So many fresh, lively colours, yet still merging nicely from the dark season. A great ethnic feel, with wonderful ribbons of bold colours woven through the edges. Complete with tassels.

KW stripe yarn die Ruana shawl $49

ImageImage

Another true sign of spring is flowers. Whether it be planting them or wearing them. This is such a delightful botanical print with an undeniably feminine shape and adorable back bow tie.

Creme Rosemary tie back t shirt $69

Image

Maybe it's just as simple as adding a cheerful scarf. The one above is nicely paired with a stripe shirt, which acts as a neutral against the complexities of the faux patchwork scarf.

KW multi print scarf (blue or mustard) $35

So if you're like me and drench yourself in dark, somber shades through most of the year, maybe you feel slightly compelled to climb out of the darkness for a few months....sometimes, begrudgingly!  There are subtle ways though, without turning into the wardrobe equivalent of a sheet of unlined paper.

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

Give light and the darkness will disappear of itself~ Desiderius Erasmus  ... read the full post and reader comments

 
Suzanne's picture
Syndicate content