linen
Submitted by Suzanne on Tue, 07/18/2017 - 13:26
CONGRATULATIONS to the winner of Plum's CANADA 150 DRAW...KRISTY from Vancouver!
NO, I am not dying or quitting, simply referring to literally packing for a trip. Having been on an epic vacation of a lifetime recently (think: planes, trains and automobiles), literally! The only thing not included in my extraordinarily memorable trip across Canada was horseback! This made me think two things 1) note to self: Never travel again (at least not with children) and 2) when I break that rule, be better prepared with proper luggage and clothing. What and how to pack for a trip? One would think I'd have learned from this monumental adventure and have a concrete answer. Well, I have at least a few thoughts and shopping suggestions.
Dresses are a really great travel garment, they're one item and they're usually comfortable. The one above, however, can also easily be worn either as a dress or a tunic. Add tights for more ease of movement. The elbow sleeves are such that if you're in a fickle climate, you don't need to worry about extra cover.
Wink wink ribbed dress (4 colours) now $39
TOPS...Keep them basic. The solid colour offers the ability to mix and match with more bottoms, which means less to lug around...for a bit more interest, pack a small bag with accessories (favourite necklaces, earrings) to change things up a bit. The asymmetric hem, means you don't need to leave your style at home! TRAVEL TIP: If you're unable to find a laundromat, hand washing is always an option. Hang to dry, wring the garment out well and use the hair dryer to quick dry. For me, this worked surprisingly well for small garments.
Double asymmetric hem tank top (4 colours) $39
Here's a wonderful option for warm climates. It's light, it's airy, it's also pretty and can be paired with (as seen above) jeans, shorts, skirts or even a tank dress. How to pack it without arriving with more wrinkles than grandpa? TRAVEL TIP: Best method? Using tissue and a plastic bag
Catwalk embroidered blouse (light pink) now $55
And who can resist the sweet little tiered skirt for beach vacations, or even staycations! Like olives are to a martini, the flirty short skirt goes well with sandals, or even Keds for walking. All they need is a little tank top and that's the outfit for the day. TRAVEL TIP: bring an extra canvas or reusable bag for either purchasing souvenirs or storing dirty laundry.
Soya Concept lined tiered skirt (dark earth) $65
 
And if you're not much into dresses or skirts, these are the best bottoms of choice. The just-below-the-knee tights are made of bamboo, which is typically softer than cotton and has better absorbency...and linen pants have proven to be a very easy, light fiber; and because wrinkles are a natural presentation of the fabric itself, it's perfect for the job of travel.
Orange capri legging (5 colours) $34
Plum drawstring linen pant (concrete, natural or olive) now $65
Give yourself a break when you're preparing to travel, think...comfort and less complicated. I wish I'd taken my own advice, I'd have brought less footwear and used better luggage. After all, it's really all about the journey, not the wrinkles.
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
"Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations" ~ Oliver Goldsmith
Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 05/17/2017 - 13:40
Plum and Big Sisters...you could win a $350 gift certificate...details here
The blog title is taken from a book loaned to me. One that is not unlike the old children's 'board books' but for adults, consisting of only two pages per chapter, including some inspiring quotes, yet hardly requiring a large time investment to complete. The premise?...relax! Chill out, find YOU in the chaos of life. Find ways to relax yourself, mind body and soul. That might mean breaking out of your regular patterns from time to time if you feel stuck or bored. Maybe you're not into yoga though, heck maybe you don't even like yoga pants. Plum presents fashions that help dial down the crazy that is your life by providing many relaxed styles that don't mimic pajamas.
With this look, yet another way to look cool, be cool...feel cool! Hardly anything complex about her look. Hair up, one simple necklace and a comfortable, embroidered lace sleeves, cotton knit top with an easy, 100% linen skirt. Linen being the very definition of cool! Footwear? Try some cut out, open toe wedges or espadrilles. (more linen coordinates can be found online and instore).
French Connection lace and knit top (white) $68
Plum skirt with curved hem (concrete, natural or olive) $72
So pretty and light like a kiss into the air! If you're not really a red person, that's ok. It's more of a natural, clay like shade! If you're into muted colours or basics, this just gives your outfit a bit of punch without a lot of effort.
Cream Vicky print kimono (Marsala red) $59
 
This little cutie is a great, simple stripe tank dress that can be worn back to front or front to back. V-neck or scoop neck. Very easy to pair with leggings or on it's own, to just chill or, throw on a kimono or jean jacket when there is a chill!
Orb reversible tie waist dress (black stripe) $77
So, 'I want to try something different...new' you say....The above sweater might be far enough out of your comfort zone with some key features, making it stand out from the ordinary. Beautiful sweeping variegated hem, fringe, crochet and fresh white interspersed with a touch of natural beige. Quite an interesting design. Nice with your favourite distressed jeans.
Cream Albertina cardigan (84% cotton) (off white) $99
According to this book, relaxing, being happier and getting closer to the you, that is you does not mean you must drive like 'Starsky and Hutch' across town to get to your yoga class...what it does mean is...stop, look around you, take a breath, buy yourself some flowers or pick some, excavate an old artistic talent or try a new one...or simply park the devices for a few hours...after all, there's no GPS that's going help you find you!
Yours in fashion passion....
Suzanne M.
Listen to the wind...it talks
Listen to the silence...it speaks
Listen to your heart...it knows ~Native American proverb
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Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 04/05/2017 - 14:39
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.
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
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
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
 
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
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
Submitted by Suzanne on Thu, 12/29/2016 - 16:37
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
Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 05/18/2016 - 11:42
Who doesn't love matchy matchy? Plum's annual campaign to support BIG SISTERS is now in full swing and when you donate $3.50 to Big Sisters Plum will match every donation (up to $35)...Because matching is important! The goal is to help BIG SISTERS match two big and little sisters! Plus....be entered to win a $1000 wardrobe from Plum...yes A $1000 wardrobe! In honour of Plum's 35th year...Happy Birthday Plum! What a great way to celebrate! Note: only donations made in one of our Plum locations will be entered into the draw.
A recent fashion news story stated the day of 'trends' is all but gone, that we create our own individual trends, thus no longer requiring fashion hierarchy dictating what we must wear. However I then discovered yet another story about an ecommerce retailer who's latest trend set the web on fire by stating they are now selling 'puppies' alongside accessories. After I picked my jaw up off the keyboard, the article later stated it was a fake ploy to draw attention to animal welfare issues. I love puppies, but prefer mine on the end of a leash, not delivered in a Fedex box! So,if you're of the 'trend' camp and like to see new, exciting, fresh ideas on the fashion front OR you see things more in a classic way...linen is a great seasonal choice, It exudes class without being pretentious but provides a great canvas for your trendy additions. Here's what some of Plum's very own staff (the experts) have to say about it:
Graciela said: "It's elegant, sexy and versatile". I agree Graciela, this jacket is all these things. Hard to abandon the blazer for the summer but the breathable nature of this fabric makes it possible to extend the wear into the warmer months.
Tobias linen jacket with welt pocket (caramel, khaki or natural) $185
 
Allison said: "I tried on the top and pants together to get an idea of the fit, without the intent to wear them together, but they actually made a great outfit. I added a long necklace and it was fantastic!"
The function of these summer neutral colours are indeed wonderful together and yet the benefit of blending them with your existing wardrobe pieces, also makes them a must for the season. The washed fabrication of many of the co-ordinates, makes them softer to the touch. Worn simply or adding (as noted) some bold trendy jewelry punctuates your look!
Plum relaxed washed linen pant (black,grey or oatmeal) $82
Plum washed linen tank top (black, grey, oatmeal or white) $59
Kayo said: "it's a 'chic' hippy look"
Of course we soon head into the nearly unbearably hot season where shorts are almost the only option. What's great about linen shorts is they offer a bit more of a 'grown up' style. Great for festival season, however, a trendy way to wear them is with heels or strappy sandals and a long, light weight vest or kimono.
Plum washed linen shorts (black,grey or oatmeal) $65
worn with:
CM shell top, button back, lace bottom (cupcake) $55 (100% rayon)
Naomi said: "it wrinkles but, like me, they earned it by living and loving life". Linen is definitely livable, breathable, loveable!
And let's not forget the skirt because while summer suddenly descends upon us, we are still on the job. A great co-ordinate for the office, school or the weekend wardrobe. Yes it wrinkles but, this is part of it's easy going, aesthetic.
Plum washed linen drawstring skirt (black, grey or oatmeal) $69
The earth inspired colours of the 'exclusive to Plum' linen collection, blends so seamlessly into the season at hand. Whether you decide to dial up the daring and add bold accessories or choose the minimal route, linen is an essential for the season.
Remember; being yourself is a trend that never goes out of style!
Yours in Fashion passion....
Suzanne M.
ps, don't forget Plum online is open 24 hours a day...
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