plaid

Reaching for 95

Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 10/31/2018 - 14:39
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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).
 
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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.
 
 
 
 
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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.
 
 
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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.
 
 
 
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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

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"If I were a boy!"

Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 10/24/2018 - 16:36
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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.

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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

 

 

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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

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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

 

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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

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Reality Check

Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 10/10/2018 - 15:34
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Time for some self Plaidification....Pearl Jam lovers unite!

Just kidding...not kidding about the 4 days of plaid shirt specials - Thursday to Sunday Oct.11 to 14 $15 dollars off. 7 styles, multiple patterns, while quantities last.

If your biggest fashion risk is plaid, I'd say you're not doing so badly. Largely because plaid is a huge trend this season, not just limited to shirts or scarves, but jackets, hats and even boots. Guaranteed to make you stand out, but not so much in a 70's Bay City Rollers or Catholic school girl kind of way! More in a 'follow me, I'm on trend' kind of way! Plaid has been important for hundreds of years, in Scotland, and will continue to be a fashion pattern favourite everywhere.

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While plaid definitely provides an image of casual, laid back and well....camping and hunting?(lol)...it really can be made edgier. Feeling creative or adventurous? Try tucking it in, buttoning it up, adding a wide belt and wear it with these funky, wide leg crop pants and your favourite heels, a contrasting bold statement necklace (maybe add a hat) and you have an 'I'm-taking-my-weekend-wear-out-for-dinner' look.

Be Cool plaid shirt (olive or rose pattern) $59 - for 4 days Oct. 11 to 14 $44

worn with

Final touch rayon palazzo pants (black or olive) $65

Canadian Hat menswear fedora (coffee mix or charcoal) $49

 

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You can certainly mix your plaid and check patterns. Simply add Moto boots and scarf. It's a really simple look but with a bit of punch! As a diversion throw on a bold scarf and bold matt lipstick.

Be Cool hooded plaid button front shirt (black) $65 - for 4 days Oct. 11 to  14 $50

Motion long grey check coat/sweater (grey) $90

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A very ubiquitous look is the above. A worn edge tunic length shirt together with this utilitarian type coat/jacket creates a frequently chosen casual look.

Sneak Peak plaid stone washed tunic (blue/red) $89 - for 4 days Oct. 11 to 14 $74

Daisy long zip front coat (olive or black) $110

Dr. Van Wedeen of Massachusetts' General Hospital, has established through research that our brains are a combination of complex, transverse interwoven pathways, much like a plaid pattern...discovered though a very detailed MRI. So, really, we are hard wired to enjoy the visuals plaid presents. Ok that might be a stretch but I must say, I enjoy the image of my brain as a very attractive plaid pattern rather than the big ball of spongy yarn that it often feels like!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"Once you can accept the universe as matter expanding into nothing that is something, wearing stripes with plaid comes easy" ~ Albert Einstein  ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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ENJOY the human experience of shopping in one of Plum's locations. However, if you just can't make it in, IT'S FREE shipping time:

FREE SHIPPING

  • UNTIL OCTOBER 31
  • MIN. PURCHASE $95

Our current times are such that fashion has provided us with a multitude of trend choices which are more undulating than stagnant and fixed. Seasonally though, there are a few that rise to the top of our must have lists. You know your body, know it's strengths so let that knowledge lead the way. There are so many trends that if something doesn't grab you, there will be many other options. After all, feeling good in what you wear means you feel more powerful and strong and able to tackle your daily routine, seamlessly without agonizing about your fashion choice. Here are a few to get excited about:

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These are fabulous and THEY ARE HERE, in store and online! You have got to try these. They truly look like real, fine leather but they're vegan as they say. Grab a girlfriend, go into a Plum store and try these on...they are so sexy looking!

Cream Carla coated jeans (black) $149

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Two trends in one...the floral/botanical print and the bomber jacket turns a boys style into something pretty! The fact that it's floral, creates more opportunity for occasions and places to wear. Not just for the weekend with jeans. Try it with a colour coordinated poncho, great with a dress, or wide leg pants.

Be Young Desta floral bomber jacket (black/red) $109

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Ruffles and frills.  While they are super cute and feminine, they may not be for everyone, OR you merely have to find a way to wear it that it works for your body type. Head into a Plum location and Plum staff will help turn your obsession with a current trend into something you will want to wear, not just this season.

Wasabi bell sleeve mini dress (black or hunter green) $79

Cream ruffle shell top (cream) $89

Soya concept Swiss dot blouse (off white) $69

 

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My favourite thing about colour block is, not having to worry about matching patterns; you can wear various colours either together or monochrome beneath. Again, in store staff can help you find other great coordinates.

Point Zero colour block open cardigan (wine) $86

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Plaid is a really fun pattern to play with. Try it with plain white stripes, polka dots, above worn with jeans or wrap a bright red scarf at the neck. Tuck it into a skirt or jeans, or button it up and add a funky necklace.

Sneak Peak blue plaid shirt (blue/white) $79

A lot of trends seem to be set by the elite who are chauffeured around and thus can wear 5 inch heels and discard what they wore yesterday....however, we live in the real world so.... some basic advice? Teeth and good posture are always in style so remember to brush and stand up straight!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

Trends, how to pick them, how to wear them and how to integrate them with your current lifestyle, can be as daunting and confusing as an annual financial report, so, don't waste your brain power. Head into a Plum location near you, and enjoy the human experience! Because online customer service reps are in a pop up window!

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what's in a name

Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 10/08/2014 - 12:48
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PLUM CONTEST:

Help Plum choose a label name for it's line of blouses and you could win $ 150 Plum Gift Certificate.

Follow this link for details on how to win.

http://plum.ca/i.cfm/p/survey/sid/100

What a great contest! Like naming a baby only without the 20+ years of worry! So much simpler. Too late for me, I've already signed up for the tot parade. However, yet another thing Plum does exceptionally well is blouses. Much like the Simone dress line, Plum has decided to put a name on it! (not a ring, that's Beyoncé). However, just as impactful. When receiving a compliment, you can proudly say 'well it's a.......' (fill in the blank)! (Like, everyone should know of this label-wink wink!).

Here are some examples of Plum's blouse designs to get your creative juices flowing:

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This is so sweet. Lovely, lightweight, with reverse print collar, pocket, cuff and button front. Wear it opened with a tank or cami or buttoned up (as shown) and add a necklace of a contrasting alternate color (red perhaps), or to that end, perhaps, just a really bright red lip color. Yours to play with as black and white typically can tend to go with any other color of choice. Be still my heart!

Plum Hearts blouse $ 79 (comes also in black with white hearts).

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If uncomplicated is your thing, this is for you. Something undeniably appealing about a basic white shirt. Lovely and long so, if you 'do' wish to add an accessory (such as a belt), it really lends itself to taking this on. Pretty much everyone can pull off this look (basic shirt and jeans as above). Also comes in a stunning red shade.

Plum long white rayon shirt $ 79 (white or red)

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Plaid has come charging back in style! No longer just for your old Uncle Angus. This delightful blue sheer plaid has so much personality, you need not really say a word. It's just so much fun. A bright necklace at the collar can add some funk; or knot it at the waist and wear it with a maxi skirt and a jean jacket and (my fav) Doc marten's to balance out the playfulness of the plaid. So many ways to be creative with this. (Note that this print also comes in a wonderful, wrap front style).

Plum plaid blouse $ 79 (also in red plaid)

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Perhaps a feminine mood? Above, allover primitive, flower print blouse with keyhole, features 3/4 sleeves. This pretty, lightweight fabric, provides for a multitude of ways to layer for the season (or other seasons).

Plum simple flower print blouse $ 75 (also in mocha with black flowers)

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I realize this is not a blouse. Just included it to see if you're still paying attention. Thought so!! Wouldn't this great little handbag be a wonderful companion to the hearts blouse?

Patent lips clutch $ 39

Head into a Plum near you to check out more styles.  And remember, all of the blouses noted above, are Plum designed and made in Vancouver.

Yours in Fashion Passion..

Suzanne M.

PS, Don't forget to submit your entry for the contest

http://plum.ca/i.cfm/p/survey/sid/100

 

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