kimono

Some Like it Hot!

ONE DAY LEFT for Plum's matching BIG SISTERS WITH LITTLE SISTERS May campaign.
 
Girls in gangs is definitely a thing of concern. While their numbers are lower than their male counter parts, and research and stats are sparse it's clear, they are there, they do exist. They often age out of the gangs...by getting pregnant at a very young age. Hardly an ideal solution for a young girl, however. But what can be done? A possibly daunting challenge to make a dent in this problem but, we can do a little something! While a big sister cannot solve every problem for a little sister, there's one thing they can solve. The alone feeling a girl can feel if she has little or no support or direction from home.
 

(until May 31) Help Plum with their annual campaign to match a big sister with a little sister details here...Plum matches donations up to $ 25 AND you get a chance to win a $350 gift card! Win win win!

 
The unrelenting heat of summer is upon us...and what can we do for relief? Take more trips to the grocery store and hover around the freezer section, or insist you need more books from the library....Right! Likely you do-also a good plan! But really, if stripping down to tank tops or bra tops is not your thing, it's time to invest in some Kimono's. They're fresh, light, abundant with romantic vibeology and just so easy to coordinate with other things. A way to stay within your clothing comfort zone and look really really cool doing so!
KIMONO'S  ---- 20% OFF UNTIL Sunday June 2
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Same Kimono, two slightly different looks...the difference? Essentially a slightly more fluid pant on the left and shoes. Shoes again, can really create a different presentation. The white is just so fresh and cool is it not?
 
 
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How is this for a 'one and done' look!? The bright, effusive pattern plays well against the mellow onsie hue. If you're looking to add some definition, by all means add a belt. The beauty of the kimono, is they are so light, they can easily be packed up and tucked away in a bag if not needed.
 
 
 
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The look on the right is clearly pulled together and works nicely. But perhaps you are in need of a dress combination. Again, an easy look, two pieces, add a pendant or earrings if you want to add more interest. Otherwise, it's a really bright, lively, polished look!
 
 
 
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And by all means, add some levity to an otherwise serene looking garment by co-ordinating with your happy t or any graphic t, for that matter. The kimono adds just the right touch of refinement to most any garment to create a light hearted, yet elegant touch!
 
 
 
 
 
Some people do love that blistering, searing, scorching heat of this time of year. I guess I like the security blanket of my jackets and blazers. Thus kimono's provide that little extra coverage, with a dash of elegance. I'm not anti-sunshine, I just prefer that I don't need to store my wedding rings in the freezer so the diamonds in my wedding ring, don't melt away. Ok maybe that's an exaggeration, the cubic zirconia's!
 
Yours in Fashion passion...
 
Suzanne M.
 
SO many kimonos in stock right now, this is an ideal time to stock up on them. There is no sign of this fashion trend abating any time soon!
 
"If you think the summer sun is too hot, just remember, at least you don't have to shovel it" ~ Bob Dylan
 
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You can't wear that!

 

THURSDAY AND FRIDAY EVENING HOURS ARE BACK!

(but you can browse online 24/7)

And don't forget, free shipping on orders over $100* until May 12 (*before tax)

Age and fashion are a touchy subject but... I'm 'going there'! I recently read an online article about a supermodel being knocked off of her pedestal by a fashion editor proclaiming, 'you're too old to wear that!', in reference to the over 50 super model WEARING A BUSTIER (FAKE-GASP!!)'.  I asked myself, (after examining the photo multiple times) is this a photo of her at 30 because she is by no means a typical 50 year old neither in appearance nor profession.  It looked perfectly acceptable to me, after all she was going to a bash, not presenting a dissertation! Regardless...I never looked this way at 40, 30 OR 20! And needless to say, It's unlikely to be work attire for any of us, unless, well...you ARE a model!  My personal opinion...if you're buying it, wear it wherever you see fit! But let's have a look at some ageless fashion. At least my over 50 year old eyes, think so:

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Fear not, the fashion police will not show up at your door. After all, is there an age expiry on sexy? This is a bold, fashion forward, statement! You don't need permission to show up and show off! Yes, you will get noticed! But that's the idea.

Spencer+Shaw zebra dress (zebra print) was $149 NOW $95 in store only

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When the weather gets melting hot, and you feel so inclined, just do it, why hide if you're not shy. Although if you are a bit, note how the look on the right, still keeps it cool, but adds a dimension of demurity! (no, I did not make that word up!).

Spencer+Shaw asymmetrical stripe dress (white/navy) $132

Do Everything In Love asymmetrical knit shawl (5 colours) $45

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Red is for everyone! As smashing on the dark haired model as would be on a red head, as would be on someone with snow white hair! By all means add accessories of choice OR simply just red lipstick and make your entrance! Made of rayon, which is such a great flowey fabric in a slip dress design, likely a staple in everyone's wardrobe.

Spencer+Shaw midi length slip dress (red hot) $99

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This super artistic, split, pieced pattern kimono in a very neutral, nearly nude shade is just so chill looking. Add a sun hat and your favourite walking shoes and you have a grab and go look for most warm weather days!

Do Everything In Love side stripe kimono (beige) $49

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Crop pants, especially wider leg pants, are everywhere this season. While they compel us to wear with flat shoes, they look just as great with heels, and wedges. It's entirely up to the destination and, of course, your mood.

Kaffe cropped rayon pant (olive or black) $79

Chris+Carol tank top (5 colours) $32

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On the left a very casual sporty dress. Too short you might say? If the thought of something above the knee, makes you dive under the covers... don't stress. Try wearing it with bicycle shorts and a crop cardigan, kimono or even long cardigan for evenings or waterfront walks! The look on the right...too mature? Consider that at any age, we might need a professional look be it for an office, interview, school or medical facilities type professions.

Ichi sleeveless dress (navy, bisque or black) $59

Cream side gathered dress (bottle green or cobalt) $89

Age is really just a number on our drivers license. It doesn't really dictate whether we choose cotton candy over carrots or crossword puzzles over crayons! Tasteful is in the eyes of status quo, it seems...or...maybe your boss, and your Mother in Law! Ok just try not to scare your grandmother or children! However, do have some fun with your style!! Creativity and fun have no age limits!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"Don't look for society to give you permission to be yourself" ~ Dr. Steve Maraboli


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Currently, unless your dress standards are set by the royal family, tasteless seems to have a far wider set of brackets than in the days of 'long haired freaky people...need not apply' (Five Man Electric Band). What about wearing overalls to a wedding?...erm, wait what if the venue is a pasture OR Goth wear to a funeral...black is still fairly standard at funerals and I doubt the dearly departed will care! Seems it's not so much a math equation as an emotional or social one. Just be grateful to not be Kanye West who, while attending a wedding recently, had his slides ridiculed by the www for being too small. 'It's the Japanese way' said Yeezy. Sure Kanye, I guess my leggings are worn the 'gymnastics' way then! So, on that note, jeans, we now can find in every possible venue, event and scenario, accepted almost everywhere. Dress them up, down or just get in them! Let's have a look at some new jeans and some possible ways to give them your tasteful touch!

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Thinking I was sufficiently stocked with my jeans, ready for fall, I put them on...or rather tried to. -REASON # 7 FOR BUYING NEW JEANS...'my old ones shrank' (right!)...I had to do a try on of these! They are simply divine!  So, comfortable they feel like a hug! Jeans should do that and keep the jiggle at bay!  I adore this sweet jacket with its shawl collar, below pocket pleats and the feminine back tie. Also comes in black, my favourite funeral colour! (bloggers favourite pairing this season so far)!

Yoga Dominique straight leg jeans $130

Cream blazer (black or brick red) $149

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Something about these sky high heels and the worn, washed black...just so sexy looking. Add to it, a long cardigan or this fabulous lace kimono maybe some fabulous jewelry, perhaps do your hair in a messy bun and voila! A stunning look!

Mavi high rise skinny jeans (dark grey vintage) $118

Kaffe lace kimono (vintage blue) $99

 

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Long gone are the days where high rise meant, something worn by your Mom. Now, they are well constructed, perfectly fitting and always with comfort an important factor. A perfect pairing with this luscious open front sweater. Add a fabulous scarf to the coupling and you have a comfortable, yet outstanding look.

Yoga high rise super skinny stretch $130

B Young colour blocked cardigan (burgundy multi) $119

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What do you not need a boyfriend for? Boyfriend jeans! Looking relaxed and feeling ultra comfortable and easy! However, to shake things up a bit if you're doing a Friday night cocktail party or cozy local concert, add a sophisticated top, a jacket, eye catching earrings and some bold cut out booties. A funky look is born.

Mavi Ada boyfriend jeans (smoke vintage) $118

Cream shell top (smoke rose) $79

So, really...have we seen the death of tasteless? Probably not any time soon, but I also don't believe we can easily bullet list it because, needless to say, what's tasteless to one person is wedding apparel to the next;) So what really is considered tasteless? WATER!! Water is tasteless...zero taste!

Yours in fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"Always have a unique character like salt, it's presence is not felt, but it's absence makes all things tasteless"

Plum has an extensive selection of Yoga and Mavi jeans. The best fitting jeans, without style compromise! Head into a location near you and find your fit!  ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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repeat after me

Indulge me while I talk about Kimonos....again. Some things are just worth repeating. Like a great vacation spot, a fabulous selfie (ask Kim K), a great kiss or another piece of cake! Kimonos...they're simply one of the best garments of the moment and the buyer seems to have her finger on the fashion pulse (Plum just received some new styles)! Speaking of pulses...some days, I can barely find mine with four cups of coffee and a shower...therefore, the simpler the better. And Kimonos give you a chance to just grab and go, like the breakfast bar of your wardrobe...and still look like two millions bucks (inflation).

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Time to explore your inner Hippie-boho-festival-gaia...or cool chick..whichever emerges! I love this one for it's sheer simplicity, yet at the same time, enough pattern to amuse and create interest and facilitates coordination without much challenge.

Kimono (border print in beige or grey) $59

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If I haven't mentioned this already, one great reason to adore the Kimono is, most are one-sized, therefore making it, all about finding a pattern/colour you like, as apposed to fit...easy peasy, go ahead and eat those cheesies. SO the opposite issue to buying a bathing suit *big sigh*. I'd previously stated many times, how great black and white is for the sake of co-ordination, and the above offers the same.  And if you're inclined to like a more complex look, why not belt it!

Kimono with front panel (black multi) $49

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This blue kimono is just a breath of fresh air. So light, so exquisitely embroidered with tiny embellishments to catch the light. Fabulous as above with shorts or in keeping with the blue, vintage fringe edge jeans. Convert your look from a weekend, errand-running put together... to a casual dinner/drinks with friends occasion, with a simple change into heels, hair pulled up and some vintage look earrings.

Kimono - flower embroidered (blue) $79

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Can you picture yourself wearing this, strolling through your vineyard, leisurely harvesting luscious grapes? (It's ok to have fantasies that don't include chocolate)...The minute I see someone wearing yellow, it immediately evokes unrecognizable feelings of calm(lol). The bright yellow print is a great colour to explore as it has so many hue's it will perform well with.

Kimono -  floral (mustard print) $49

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This gorgeous kimono is awash with blossoms. To try... tie it in the front for something different. Pair with these light mustard linen pants, which also comes in a few more seasonal pigments. Maybe take the self belt, wear it as a hair band and put a chain belt through the loops instead. Don't have one? Use a long, strong link necklace. Fun to experiment!

Kimono - long floral (yellow or black) $79

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

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Note the shorter length. Great for pairing with shorts, or a wide leg palazzo pant. Also, I could see this moving into early fall, stretching your wardrobe a bit into multiple seasons.

Kimono - floral (black) $59

If something is repeated, does it make a more profound impression, become more meaningful or important? Certainly not to my children! That being said, sometimes we need to say things to ourselves repeatedly for them to sink in...so repeat after me...'I deserve a new kimono....and that second piece of cake'!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"Do what you do so well, that they will want to see it again, and bring their friends"~ Walt Disney

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Finding your cool

Referring to the swagger type cool...as in...'me', finding my cool factor has been like discovering a great tune on an 8 track tape! Just so unlikely...so I stopped trying, like four decades ago! It has now become cool to be uncool (jackpot!). Yet somehow, around the 9th century the word was taken as a gauge of temperature to it's transformed meaning now, can mean, a type of vibe; but how did it make that leap? Firstly, I believe it's been established that pronouncing one's self as cool is as necessary as stating what a stable genius one is, sort of unnecessary proclamation if clearly evident! In any case, I don't think there's a concrete answer, but there's a way to join the two...as in, wearing something that feels cool and also looks pretty stylin!!

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Linen...as cool in the 9th century as is now. Basically a summer texture and weight that rises above all the conjecture. You have to see the weave on this. There is little wonder why Plum repeatedly sells out of its collection of linen styles. Just absolutely breezy and flowing with brilliant earthy tones to go with any type of accessory.

Made in Italy open weave tunic (6 colours) $89

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Cool...like a summer breeze, blowing past you as you sit in your Adirondack chair, holding a martini, with Bryan Ferry standing next to you singing his live version of Jealous Guy...oops, I drifted off there! The tank dress will never leave us, when it comes to suave, elegant style. It really is just you and the dress...what else do you need?

Double Zero long tank dress (black or deep purple) $69

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Keeping well hydrated and staving off the heat itself in the summer months is always top of mind when buying clothing for this long, hot season. The above top, does a fabulous job of that and making your task of co-ordinating it effortless.

Be Cool small print shell top (navy print or red print) now $39

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My undying, endless love for the kimono lives on. A garment that can be viewed as an after thought in regard to your outfit. Depending on the fabrication, can be folded up and put into your bag to put on and take off. With a change of footwear, in most cases, breezes in from one very casual environment to a more sophisticated one, or even doubles as your morning robe. Thus, why I think the kimono is the new 'must have' (or in my case-must have 5).

Kimono with tie waist (pink print) $79

Do you know what I think is cool? I'll tell you anyway. The 82-year-old Grampa who volunteers to cuddle babies in the ICU, that's pretty cool...Ballerina Aesha Ash who wanders around Rochester in her tutu in the hopes of inspiring little girls of colour that they can become dancers...that's cool...and anything still sought after thousands of years later, linen, that's pretty cool!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

~kindness...it's like glitter only cooler....sprinkle it everywhere!~

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