NOTE: some items that are featured here are part of the sale, and some are new arrivals. Prices are noted or check in store for details.
One more month of official summer remains, then back to it...school, work or, as in my case...back to…um, what I’m doing now (lol). In any case BOHO, technically speaking is short for bohemian homeless originating in the 19th century, meant to describe the unconventional lifestyle of journalists, writers and artists. The style is characterized by large floppy hats, long flowey skirts and Joni Mitchell songs. A look typically representing, free thinking, creativeness and long, lazy days of summer. In 30 days, fall will abruptly attempt to put an end to all the free thinking fun...but for now, we have a reason to look like we haven’t a care in the world.
I think lace, in particular, can be viewed as a central part of bohemian style. Presenting an image of light, easy, fresh and vintage. The above dress can be just as comfortable at an evening out, as at the beach. As I often note, the footwear and accessories most often punctuates the look.
One of my favourite features of this dress, aside from the open weave linen and pockets, is the shoulder ties, which offers the ability to slightly adjust the length. Aside from the every day, wear-for-tasking/lack-of-conformity style, I can see this worn with a shawl, and a long pendant.
Aside from the sweet, floral pattern, what’s lovely about this dress is the length, not too long... not too short...just right Goldilocks! If the neckline looks slightly too plunging for where you’re going, easily add a lace tank and if your air conditioned office is where you’re headed, add a jacket.
There is definitely a way to add elements of the boho style to your outfit without being head to toe 70’s. A little bit of lace, a hat, or an embroidered jacket. I once went all out on Halloween as a hippy. I could very easily see from the passersby on the street, it was rather unclear if this was my usual style. Lesson I learned? You can take the girl out of the 70’s but it’s best to leave that entire 10 years where it was, maybe grab a piece or two, but it’s in the past for a reason!
Peace...
Suzanne M
"Rows and flows of angel hair, and ice cream castles in the air, and feather canyons everywhere, I've looked at clouds that way" ~ Joni Mitchell ... read the full post and reader comments
50% OFF of Simone and wink wink dresses for 4 days only May 3 to 6!
Ever utter those words? While contemplating a purchase recently I made that proclamation out loud... to myself ...in public. I'm sure those who know me are thinking... 'you have a style/age limit?' I hate that we believe we can't just dress how we like, however. So, I instantly reframed it in my head to 'that's just not for me'. Because I suddenly realized that, more to the point, it just does not fit my current lifestyle. Recently I had 18 inches of hair surgically removed....(a hair cut) and I don't miss one inch of it. Sometimes, it's just time for that change. Dresses are something that suit nearly all of us wherever we are on life's map. Like a mate, it's more about finding the 'right' one!
Much like the label name, the dress on the left may just evoke a wink or in the very least, a smile, in your direction. It's bright, lively, all inclusive, doodle looking colour pattern is perfect for the sunny days ahead and would look fabulous with the new crushable hat. And a jean jacket makes a nice companion for the patchwork-look dress on the right. Very comfortable, easy style for every type of occasion. But now on sale!
Note the back styling of this dress. Because why shouldn't you look as good walking away, as you do walking to! Really easy unstructured fit, but if you feel like upstyling it, why not. Add a belt, to create a bit of definition.
This has been an all around favourite fit for many seasons...comprised of a beautiful stretch fabric, back shirring and mid section slight gathering, makes the fit a breeze for most body types.
And for a slightly more modern take on the summer dress, yet still accommodating comfort, above, the horizontal brush strokes pattern and bottom knot in this dress creates a slightly less predictable look.
Dresses noted below are not part of the 4 day special! However, I could not resist sharing them now, because, when summer decides to visit for a few months, let's be ready! And these ultra romantic styles just produce such a feminine, easy summer look. With saving on a Simone or wink wink dress, why not invest in another breezy look before your size is gone.
The word juvenile comes from the Latin: iuvenilis"of or belonging to youth," 1620s. While the 1620's is slightly before my time, I do remember my youth. Carefree, worry free and more often than not, care-LESS! Oh the stories we could all tell. One thing we should hang on to from our iuvenilis, is the happy, light hearted feeling. If a piece of cloth does that, why should anyone really care!
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
When you decide to revisit your youth, don't forget to bring a road map back to the present, where some of the grown ups are ;)!
NEWS FLASH: I found summer... hidden inside a box in my attic! Some hats, a few pairs of flip flops and some expired suntan lotion. However, no need to climb up to the attic or go into storage; step out of your door and be blasted by oven temperature heat! Being someone who loves jackets, scarves and boots, it's taken this long for me to realize...layering has to wait. But those autumnal lovers of us, can still find some fun with, hats and colourful summer shoes (and a few frosty summer drinks). And of course, at this point, lots of sales are in full swing. Thus a time to venture into a possibly new colour or style that is usually just too far over our fashion comfort zone:
I find life generally so complicated, some days combing my hair is a luxury. Thankfully we have hats and hair bands!! Summer to the rescue... simple blouse, easy sandals or flats and in this case a great hat...easy peasy light and breezy!
If this doesn't resemble a whisper in the wind....In any case, this summer, I was coerced into purchasing something in 'turquoise'. Which is as far away as Ontario is, outside my colour comfort zone (pink being like Newfoundland). While I can't say I want to visit Ontario (turquoise) every weekend, I don't mind going there at all. So, learning to venture into other, complimentary colours.
This is so sweet I've made a dental appointment! Actually I truly adore the lace edging and insert detailing. Reminds me of picnics in the park. And while it looks great with the rolled up cut offs, I would also pair this with a basic pencil skirt and a long antique locket.
This is one of the best representations of summer...a simple dress, in a floral print. Comprised mostly of cotton save the small amount of very welcome spandex...just as great for the office with a cardigan or blazer as with Keds and a jean jacket for the weekends.
Summer is full of cold cocktails, suntans, vacations and coffee on the balcony...I might sound like I'm full of baloney when I say that's great. I'm not a grown up version of Wednesday from the Addams Family, but I do like my blacks and whites although I do still realize, summer is a time to venture into some lighter, more happy shades. I just don't need to move to Ontario to prove it!
Yours in Fashion passion....
Suzanne M.
"There's nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it's sent away" ~ Sarah Kay ... read the full post and reader comments
4 days only! $20 off* jeans, jean jackets; $10 off* denim shorts, denim skirts and vests. Great time to get a second pair of your favourites! (*off regular price)
Now that summer is here, we're enjoying the weather, back yard barbeque's, road trips, picnics and flip flops...but HOLD IT RIGHT THERE Suntan Barbie...it's not all sunshine and popsicles! Let's be real, woman to woman! What's your biggest challenge in getting dressed this time of year? For me, probably the bare arms. The fact is, I don't shovel gravel for a living so, my arms are...well....there to hold my hands, which are great for typing (and a few other things)and not really very well defined!! So, the way I see it, another chance to get creative with dressing!
I'd say this is the official blouse sponsor of summer 2016. Yellow..it just doesn't get more 'summer' than yellow. Light and airy enough and if coverage is important, wear a tank beneath. Also panders to my arm-phobic issues.
Acapella dolman sleeve blouse
Here's another extremely popular go to summer garment. Reason? It's pretty, it's flowey, it's very comfortable. AND if perhaps showing your legs is outside your comfort zone, no one would ever know.
Wander maxi skirt
And let's not abandon our scarves merely because of the temperature. They can easily double as cover ups, vests or even belts. For a large, square scarf, grab the ends and tie them to each other. What you then have is a lovely, free flowing, light kimono-like cover. Then in the fall is goes back to it's usual function.
see instore for scarf selection
Speaking of scarves, this wonderful scarf print blouse, has a lovely, light breezy feel. A great neckline for showing off an ethnic inspired necklace or pendant.
KW cropped tribal poncho
Note this is about what your comfort zone is, not other people's! So if modesty is very important to you in your life or livelihood OR the other end of the spectrum, you live to be looked at....it's all ok...Be guided by your own compass! And according to the almighty internet, if your thighs touch, you're one step closer to being a mermaid! ;)
Yours in Fashion passion....
Suzanne M.
Sale time is in full swing, therefore, check instore for availability of all items noted above. And new arrivals are already in and arriving weekly!
As you know, all spring and summer stock is up to 60% off...head into a location near you to check out the great deals already in progress.
Do you stare longingly out of your office window (if you have one) at the beaming summer heat and those that wander by in flip flops? No, me neither, I really enjoy the air conditioning...But I must say, I envy the casual wardrobe. This morning sadly, I rode off on my bike so quickly I forgot my work shoes. Thus I must hide my feet all day like they were infectious! In most workplaces, it's just not that cool to wear flip flops to work. However, there are ways to bring the summer into the workplace without creating two distinct wardrobes.
Blouses are often thought of as something best kept for the office, school or an interview. However, the one above is so pretty, light and offers a wingspan that makes movement (maybe some fun dance moves?)...pretty enticing.
Pencil skirts are such a consistently great option for an office setting. They're easy to pair up and this one specifically fits divinely with abundant stretch. The botanical print is so fresh and summery! And no reason this cannot be part of your weekend wardrobe worn with espadrilles and wide brim hat. (Also has a wonderful matching top)
Graphic t's have become mainstream enough that they appear more and more often in the office. However, choose wisely... the 'NAP QUEEN' or 'FREE HUGS' won't help promote your credibility. Or, maybe date night; change into distressed jeans and heels and (as above) a funky clutch. Still chic but with a sprinkle of fun.
Wanting to keep things simple, comfortable, yet stylish, feminine and professional...this dress crosses over the boundary from workplace to weekend so seamlessly (super stretchy fabrication, shirred back and comfortable length). Seen above with sandals; worn with sling backs or Mary Janes and a lightweight blazer or short cardigan, this will get lots of time outside of the closet!
Summer is here, maybe time off is limited. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the levity of the seasonal wardrobe... light, pretty and often colourful. If in doubt about what is appropriate in your office place, observe what your Supervisor wears...unless he's male, in which case, speak to HR!
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
NEW ARRIVALS: Some insider info...no photos available yet but I was able to peruse some of the 'new' stock already in the stores and very soon to come...
Tencel shirt dresses (one of my fav. fabrics, excellent for this time of year as well)
Bomber jackets are hot right now...to come, a wonderful knit fabrication...which looks great with...
gorgeous pencil skirts (not the usual plaid print)...print! ;)
and a recut of one of the seasons best selling front pleat dresses..new prints!
