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Unless you're employed at a workout studio, you can probably leave the hoodie, yoga pants and performance apparel at home for the weekend. There are ample ways to look stylish while still accommodating comfortable travels to work. Consider this; you'll be providing some much needed interesting visuals for the other bored bus riders or the grocery store cashier! Back in the day (nearly a hundred years ago) men and women wore formal wear and suits nearly all the time; choices were quite limited. We've evolved now to a place where we have far more options. We may not always be commuting by car, however, must we park our style at home?

This is such a polished, fresh and uncomplicated look. Note the cute kicks for a nice comfortable walk. Layer it with the Soya concept trench coat if the weather is less than fabulous! All in all, this is how many European's tend to dress, simple yet with a bit of flair!

Orb Milea ribbed long sleeve cropped knit top (black or heather grey) $49

Orb pencil skirt side slit (black or heather grey) $55

Perhaps you have a day of errands and appointments planned. This does not mean you need to bury yourself in sweatshirt material. This is a great little dress, with some simple added features. Easy to pair with a long cardigan or open front sweater or poncho, and tights. Keep the self belt or try it with a wide one.

Cream gathered neck stripe dress (black) $119

There is simply no reason we must always resort to wearing jean jackets or blazers. This really lovely, water colour inspired print jacket can easily be worn with jeans OR a pencil skirt, simple flats and you're set for the day.

Cream Evallan watercolour print bomber jacket (blue mix) $149

Speaking of Europe. This certainly has that vibe...easy yet stylish, fresh yet sexy! See how the simple addition of a scarf adds a little something without going over the top? And there is no reason not to try this with a lace cami....after all, when it belongs to you, you can experiment!

Orb Maja stripe off shoulder fitted t shirt (Navy) $55

Look paisley cotton scarf (navy) $39

Well, sometimes, you just can't do without a sweatshirt...however, there are sweatshirts and then there are sweatshirts with style! Given the choice, I'd go for the one with a bit of a unique design feature.

Ellison crew neck open back knit top (burgundy or cement) $59

A complicated life doesn't mean we need to leave part of our personalities at home, in a closet, saved for a weekend date night, or party (like the good china). Style is merely an extension of your personality, not the entire contents of it.

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

ps: life is short, style it with your personality! ;)

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Needless to say Mom's job does not end at 5:00pm....try 5:00am, or 3:00am...whenever needed. A seemingly endless job with no salary (preschoolers make more with their weekly allowance). However then of course, there is the 'outside' job that pays the bills, where an entirely different wardrobe is usually required. The workplace of today is far more transverse than in days past and what was once not appropriate (ie: wearing jeans) has all but changed with sometimes unspoken or unwritten requirements. Then to complicate things, along comes summer and we feel compelled to wear our sandals and tank tops....what are the options? What is acceptable, comfortable...YOU!

Lets have a view at some of Plum's great suggestions for the 'out of the home office' choices:

Wanted: A dress that can be put to work, or taken out for drinks later....position filled. This dress easily works for multiple occasions and presents a very polished look.  Perhaps the office air conditioner is unpredictable or you're on the road at different locations, easily add a jacket or a cardigan to accommodate various environments.

Simone v-neck flared with pockets (white/grey or white/navy) $129

Many work environments now accommodate jeans (or jean day).  However, keeping them on the 'neat' side is usually an unspoken rule or offsetting their worn look with a very sleek contrasting jacket and heels. can make it work.  Accessories possibly should be kept to a minimum unless you're working in a creative field. Don't we all wish our office was out in the sunshine! The scarf adds a bit of individuality without being too distracting. And the linen jacket is such a go to piece for this time of year.

Tobias buttonless linen jacket (black, mustard, white) $179

Perhaps your work place is of the traditional nature. In which case, you feel the need to invest in the ubiquitous trouser. Perfect with a blouse or simple button top and flats or possibly slingbacks.

Tobias slash pocket pant (beige, black or grey) $95

Here is yet another work appropriate dress featuring a lovely, abstract light print. Also great for the Mother's day brunch...you are taking Mom out, aren't you? No pressure! ;)

Numph garland zigzag dress (lavender fog) $145

Not to be outdone by the ubiquitous pant, is the knee length, peg skirt. The skirt is yoga (which is synonymous with comfort). However Plum has other skirt options, pull-on is another great option for ease and comfort, helping retain the feminine feel if this is your goal, along with providing for a day of movement. Paired with this lovely lace blouse, keeps things light and in keeping with the season.

Yoga pegged skirt (rinse indigo) $84

H&D Lace blouse (black or white) $75

Whatever your workplace (home, office or even your car)...finding the right combination of appropriate work wear is important for being able to put your best foot forward and feel comfortable with who you are and where you are. But lets not forget to call Mom to thank her for helping you get where you are, because no doubt she played an important part.

"Being a full time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs...since the payment is pure love." Mildred B. Vermont

Yours in Fashion passion....

Suzanne M.  ... read the full post and reader comments

"All books are judged by their covers, until they are read" Maryrose Wood. Being judged 'is' a fact of life. However, when I feel fully pulled together, I feel as though people see me, my clothing is no longer the focus, because there is no 'one thing' to distract.  For the most part, do you not find that a jacket pulls together the outfit giving a finished look? A key piece. Maybe it's just me but I adore fall and love my jackets.  My collection is growing and I'd sleep in them if I could.

The fabrication and cut of this jacket is simply exquisite. Most often I find the sleeves of jackets rather large and bulky; these are just perfectly tailored. Don't be fooled by the slightly longer length, falling below thigh level. I've worn mine with jeans and doc's and have seen it worn with a knee length skirt and funky ankle boots. So deceptively versatile, creating a multitude of outfits from one piece, taking you from work, to weekend brunch. It's really a 'try on' must!

Tobias equestrian long jacket (comes in black or grey) $ 220

Isn't this a fun outfit? Yet so doable for a work environment; of course depending on the nature of the business. I love the skinny pants paired with the dangerous heels.

This classic notched collar blazer is so transferrable and convertable. My favorite weekend outfit is (as above) jeans, t shirt and 'the blazer.'  Just so simple and pulled together looking (but comfortable as well).  Just add whatever bit of your own personality you like (scarf, hat) your mood gets to choose.

Tobias notch collar jacket with patch pockets $ 179

The length of the jacket, however, often dictates the balance of co-ordinating pieces. Such as how long the skirt, pants or top would best be to look balanced head to toe. When in doubt, Plum staff are only too happy to help with deciphering the possible perplexities of proportions (say that 3 times). This is a mere whiff of the jackets Plum has in store. There is one for everyone (or 3, if you're me). And so beautifully made and designed; will remain your favorites for years to come (as long as you don't sleep in them).

Plum's Tobias jackets are designed and constructed right here in Vancouver and many have co-ordinating pants and skirts. Take a look at some of Plum's other jackets.

Yours in jacket passion

Suzanne M

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