linen

Looking cool is hot

BIG SISTERS TIME AGAIN

Let me tell you 'bout the birds and the bees and flowers and the trees and the moon up above and a thing called Love! ~ lyrics from Jewel Akens 1964

A sweet song but truthfully young girls need someone to ask questions of, someone to provide guidance...needless to say, it's usually Mom and Dad...but if they're not available, not around or just not capable, here's where the big sister comes in...

(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!

Wanting to look more sexy? I don't think you need to wear clothes so tight that your blood flow is restricted to be sexy! It's being comfortable with yourself,  in your clothes, in your own skin. If sexy to you is how plunging your neckline is, well, that's ok too...but it doesn't have to be. What's sexiest is confidence and an overall self assuredness! Linen provides this general, sophisticated cool appearance, that few other fabrics can...and ultimately makes you look like you could rule the world. I know you know this already....just reminding you! You're already pretty hot!

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So...why is this sexy? Well, it's not the classic, 'bending-over-to-pour-a-glass-of-wine' for someone while the girls are in plain view' kind of way....more of a cool, fresh, classic, confident kind of way. Like you just strutted off your Italian villa, on your way to buy fresh groceries for your evening dinner party...an ease within yourself-way (really you're just going to pick up the kids). Linen is very often sought after in warmer climates for it's incredible breathability, durability which soften's with wash and wear over time.

Mio Meli double layer blouse (beige, denim, navy or pink) $105

Mio Meli stripe linen pant (denim, pink, taupe or white) $115

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The above is a far more provocative presentation. Although, the off the shoulder look is a perfect look for, well...getting looks, it's also great for very warm climates. This particular top combines cotton with linen, bringing forth the more malleable quality of cotton combined with the strength of linen. Great with a long flowey skirt, a denim skirt and heels or wide leg pants. Some great possibilities.

Ganji stripe linen/cotton blouse (blue/pink) $55

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Linen is made from the fibers that grow inside the flax plant. So...it's a grain? So...it's also good for you!? Just don't eat it! But it is a very eco friendly fiber, nonetheless! The beauty of a linen jacket is, no one would accuse you of being overdressed on a sunny day. This is definitely a casual cool look, accentuated with the slides, BUT again, footwear can convert any look.

M hooded short jacket (blue, olive or white) $95

Liverpool embroidered hem jean (denim) $109


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Note that you are not limited to the usual oatmeal and sage...with the trousers on the left presenting with a blossoming print, it would be easy to be a bit more bold with complimentary colours and accessories. OR on the right the pale pink stripe, to go with more muted softer compliments.

M printed linen pant (olive) $65

Mio Meli stripe linen pant (denim, pink, taupe or white) $115

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Again...in a not so obvious way, this look is everything you want for warm weather! A very airy, unstructured linen top, which affords you the ability to go more showy and alluring on the bottom...a shorter skirt, skinny jeans and heels perhaps. All the while, linen providing some chic balance.

Mio Meli back button linen tunic (olive, taupe or white) $109

Perhaps we could expand the view of what's sexy to include men baking bread, people plogging (the new trend of picking up random garbage while jogging), or wait for it....actually talking to people and not burying ourselves in our phones. We also generally don't associate, HOT with 'old' or something thousands of years old! However, linen can certainly invade that category, after all...the way it wards off sweat, that alone has to count for something, or, those 'meant to be' wrinkles...on fabric ('or skin' she said hopefully!) :)

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"I'm not trying to be sexy. It's just my way of expressing myself when I move around" ~ Elvis Presley (sounds like linen)!

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REALLY you need to DROP what you're doing and go to Plum! (and online)

TWENTY SEVEN DIFFERENT STYLES of pants to choose from

How could you not find a favourite or two?

Until March 24...20% off a Spring pant with a purchase of any top

(Jeans not included)

online PROMO CODE: SP2019

Theoretically, the smartest people are the ones that effortlessly memorize long passages, clean everyone's clocks at trivial pursuit or earn math degrees. BUT there are infinitely more types of smart! Think...artistic, poetic, fashion, grammatical (that's not likely my category) or emotional intelligence! I'm not sure I associate someone specifically who wears 'pants' as the most intelligent...That being said, if you spend your day chasing toddlers, riding a bike or cleaning the top shelf of a cupboard, pants might be the more clever and sensible choice...but also a great fashion option. Especially this week! And it's the buyers choice! (I let her pick the photos-lol). And I think she did a great job! Have a look:
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Needless to say, pants, provide freedom of movement but they also offer style options in that they give more ways to change the mood for varied outings! Such as a quick weekend escape. I love printed pants. They provide diversity and distraction from solids. While I greatly appreciate the freshness of the white top, I can also envision this with a print (such as above) and kitten heels! Kate says she likes to up her game with scarves. Another effortless way to add some flair!

M Striped linen tie front pants (navy/white stripe or white/navy stripe) $80

Point Zero slub cotton print t shirt (navy) $45

B Young tank top (6 colours) $29

Made In Italy jacket/shirt (black, pale pink or white) $98

 

 

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Perhaps these are the proverbial 'happy pants'! Sunny, bright and joy inducing. Like dandelions! The contrast with the black creates a feeling of courage and boldness. Like...I'm sweet but don't mess with me (or spill anything on my pants!). And the addition of the style tweak, the front slits. Trend note: crops are the ultimate garment elect this season. And a great choice they are! Worn with with slides (as above) or cut out booties or runners, easy peasy...And yellow is brilliant (no pun intended) for matching...serving as a basic and thus plays well with any colour.

Cream front seam slit pants (corn yellow or white) $109

B Young tank top (6 colours) $29

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The two images above display how (on the left), the same pants can go from a more professional setting to play (on the right) with a few easy change ups. If a cardigan is too informal for your workplace, toss it aside and add a blazer and if need be, uncuff the pants. And what a warm colour invitation to spring.

Jag Carter girlfriend pants (black, khaki or rosehip) $99

Point Zero tank top (pink floral print) $42

Cream long open cardigan (melon sorbet) $119

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Maybe I'm a bit of a broken record with the print bottoms, but I couldn't resist. They remind me so much of the 70's....you know, when I was 3! (oh the lies we tell ourselves-lol). And pull on...they could not be easier if they went to work for you (actually, you can see they will work hard for you this season)! I digress, these are fabulous pants creating a combination of sophistication, with the combo of the linen and rayon and fun...meaning they dance when you move!

Point Zero striped linen pull-on pant (blue/white) $89

Grade + Gather crinkle cotton classic blouse (black or off white) $69

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In keeping with the same posh/coolness...we have tencel. A unique fabric that acts like silk but with more attitude and durability. The denim look provides a casual vibe; however, adding accessories can create a more uptown look! And does she not look like John Travolta's dance partner in Saturday Night Fever with those intimidating wedges? I think my head is stuck in the 70's this week!

M tencel pants (blue) $75

M stripe printed blouse $90

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And if comfort is your thing....well, wasn't that a dumb question! In any case, these are the pants for you. Just where have these pants been all our working lives!? Gone are the days where we were stuck with stiff pants with no give! And I'm in love with how they paired the defined lines of the pants with an unexpected, romantic print top. Great contrasting pattern play!

Liverpool knit trouser (grey or black grid) $99

Soya Concept scarf print blouse (multi) $75

The saying 'Smarty Pants'....smarty references back over 150 years and pants...well...as long as there have been pants. The words together, go back roughly 80 years to a newspaper article, where a coach is offering advice to one of his players! OR there's the British version 'Smarty Boots'...but, well...Plum doesn't sell boots!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"A man who correctly guesses a woman's age may be smart, but he's not very bright" ~ Lucille Ball

10 days 27 styles, get into it!! Who's the smarty pants now?  ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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I'm so excited! The figures are in for Plum's WHITE NIGHTS SCARF campaign from 2018. Almost Five thousand dollars from the purchase of the white scarves will go to Dress for Success. What an incredible win/win/win. You bought a bright scarf for yourself, you lit up the streets with your beautiful selves, some of you bought multiples for many people and in doing so, donated to Dress for Success. This organization, for over 20 years, has made global efforts to empower women to make safer and better futures for themselves. And Plum has been a proud sponsor since it's inception. How great does it feel to be part of this! Now let's look at another bright side...of fashion...for going away somewhere sunny, or for our soon to be spring. Or just because!

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A carefree, breezy combination of very cool pieces that are sure to contribute to your relaxation. 100% linen skirt, with a very simple, pull on, knit band; sure to create the effortless, function and style we need on vacation. The shirt is perfect for a bit of coverage and flows well with any wardrobe.

M adjustable side linen skirt (sand or navy) $65

Always and Forever stripe viscose shirt (3 colour combinations) $59

 

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I LOVE this look. Firstly, it's chic...it's light hearted and fresh (the stripe pants are a nice move away from solid bottoms), easy and comfortable, perfect for the warmer climates. BUT there is no reason you can't wear this now. Throw on some boots and for a casual look, a jean jacket... but for work, a blazer or long cardigan! Terrific transitional combination.

Final Touch stripe palazzo pant (black stripe) $85

Final Touch knit textured tie front top (mustard or rust) $59

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HOT...HOT..HOT...but in a tasteful way! ;) Another perfect for now dress; all that's needed are layers. Add a cardigan or blazer and knee high or equestrian style boots. The neckline cries out for an eye catching necklace, pendant or even lively scarf. But if it's a southern bound trip you're taking, it provides a soft stretchy fabrication and rich, compelling, neutral colour to coordinate with multiple other shades. Terrific worn with a flowing kimono.

Final Touch high neck lined knit dress (black or olive) $89

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Just an excellent, go-to dress for an all inclusive to Mexico. Lots of shirring on the bodice to accommodate whatever size your 'girls' are, a flowing skirt and side slits...for...dancing...dashing or chasing...you know, children! ;)

Spencer + Shaw off shoulder dress (navy/sunset orange print) $106

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These pants are EVERYTHING! A perfect marriage of style and comfort. Linen with a knit top band and an excellent, easy leg width. OR a pair of Bermuda shorts, and if you prefer them shorter, simply cuff them up. Just enough stretch to make the pull on factor effortless. Both come in a variety of neutral shades.

M linen knit waist pant (black, navy or taupe) $75

Jag Gracie bermuda short (black, stone or white) $74

Bear Dance 'cat with glasses' t shirt (black) $35

Michelle Melrose v neck t shirt (5 colours) $39

Great when you can take part in something where, you gain something for yourself, it lights a fire in your soul and helps someone else! Like playing the slots and winning. But life isn't all about our clothing or how expensive they are. BUT what's wrong with looking good? My husband tells me my kids are dressed too nicely. Really? I purchase most of them from thrift stores but, I need not buy the fully pilled and holey garments, after all, that will be something they will easily accomplish!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

Dress like you're going to blog about it.....(honestly I was unable to locate the source of this but couldn't help myself when I came across it)!

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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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Ageless wrinkles

Wrinkles don't matter...at least not in pants! Plum's best selling pants this season, made in Italy, for 4 days only $79

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

Ageless wrinkles...a bit of an oxymoron! But what causes them? Water (not heat) is the culprit behind wrinkles in cellulose based fabrics...a life lived is the cause of them on our face. Somewhat unavoidable on pants, as we sit, bend, stretch and recline! And with linen it's an expected quality which somehow adds to the divine character of this fabrication. If only we could view them the same way on our faces. This week one of Plum's favourite's has been brought back by popular demand. Made in Italy. Yes Italy! The birthplace of the Renaissance, pizza, the statue of David...all things exquisitely made!

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If you're a pant lover, be it the casual, fancy or smarty ;), these are the ideal choice for summer.  The perfect length, regardless of the chosen footwear. Easy, while somehow still retaining a level of sophistication because of the linen composition.

M stripe drawstring linen pant (navy or white stripe) FOR 4 DAYS $79

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And a great companion to these fluid pants is this shirt, which is comprised of cotton and makes for a very natural, uncomplicated look.

Be Young shirt with stripe details (off white/blue) $65

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To try possibly, a trend I'm really liking these days is mixing patterns. At least one common component with the two diverse patterns, is what makes this work. Such as picking out one of the colours. In this case one is an extremely feminine blue floral and the linen pants, a solid stripe. Neither competes with the other. OR... keep it simple, with a  pretty, lace edge, off the shoulder top. With option one, you can get quite creative.

M shell top (white/blue) $80

Cream blouse (chalk) $89

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Maybe what's needed is just a mere bit of outer coverage. You know, just a little something so throw on for those evening, patio, dine out dates. Light enough to ward off the sweat, but coverage enough to make you feel secure ;) This open front jacket, is a great option, also comprised of cotton and linen.

Meo Meli open weave jacket (denim or white) $89

There are eating pants...(you know the ones); yoga pants, because jeans apparently are just too stressful; and sassy pants, because apparently we can't 'say it like it is' unless we're wearing them! But HANDS DOWN, linen pants are the best. Because people notice the wrinkles on them more than our faces, and thus we look younger! (just a theory)!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

'Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been' ~ Mark Twain

 

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