Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 05/01/2019 - 14:04
Age and fashion are a touchy subject but... I'm 'going there'! I recently read an online article about a supermodel being knocked off of her pedestal by a fashion editor proclaiming, 'you're too old to wear that!', in reference to the over 50 super model WEARING A BUSTIER (FAKE-GASP!!)'. I asked myself, (after examining the photo multiple times) is this a photo of her at 30 because she is by no means a typical 50 year old neither in appearance nor profession. It looked perfectly acceptable to me, after all she was going to a bash, not presenting a dissertation! Regardless...I never looked this way at 40, 30 OR 20! And needless to say, It's unlikely to be work attire for any of us, unless, well...you ARE a model! My personal opinion...if you're buying it, wear it wherever you see fit! But let's have a look at some ageless fashion. At least my over 50 year old eyes, think so:
Fear not, the fashion police will not show up at your door. After all, is there an age expiry on sexy? This is a bold, fashion forward, statement! You don't need permission to show up and show off! Yes, you will get noticed! But that's the idea.
Spencer+Shaw zebra dress (zebra print) was $149 NOW $95 in store only
 
When the weather gets melting hot, and you feel so inclined, just do it, why hide if you're not shy. Although if you are a bit, note how the look on the right, still keeps it cool, but adds a dimension of demurity! (no, I did not make that word up!).
Spencer+Shaw asymmetrical stripe dress (white/navy) $132
Do Everything In Love asymmetrical knit shawl (5 colours) $45
Red is for everyone! As smashing on the dark haired model as would be on a red head, as would be on someone with snow white hair! By all means add accessories of choice OR simply just red lipstick and make your entrance! Made of rayon, which is such a great flowey fabric in a slip dress design, likely a staple in everyone's wardrobe.
Spencer+Shaw midi length slip dress (red hot) $99
 
This super artistic, split, pieced pattern kimono in a very neutral, nearly nude shade is just so chill looking. Add a sun hat and your favourite walking shoes and you have a grab and go look for most warm weather days!
Do Everything In Love side stripe kimono (beige) $49
Crop pants, especially wider leg pants, are everywhere this season. While they compel us to wear with flat shoes, they look just as great with heels, and wedges. It's entirely up to the destination and, of course, your mood.
Kaffe cropped rayon pant (olive or black) $79
Chris+Carol tank top (5 colours) $32
 
On the left a very casual sporty dress. Too short you might say? If the thought of something above the knee, makes you dive under the covers... don't stress. Try wearing it with bicycle shorts and a crop cardigan, kimono or even long cardigan for evenings or waterfront walks! The look on the right...too mature? Consider that at any age, we might need a professional look be it for an office, interview, school or medical facilities type professions.
Ichi sleeveless dress (navy, bisque or black) $59
Cream side gathered dress (bottle green or cobalt) $89
Age is really just a number on our drivers license. It doesn't really dictate whether we choose cotton candy over carrots or crossword puzzles over crayons! Tasteful is in the eyes of status quo, it seems...or...maybe your boss, and your Mother in Law! Ok just try not to scare your grandmother or children! However, do have some fun with your style!! Creativity and fun have no age limits!
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
"Don't look for society to give you permission to be yourself" ~ Dr. Steve Maraboli
... read the full post and reader comments
Submitted by Suzanne on Tue, 04/23/2019 - 18:35
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*FREE SHIPPING*
(to me, this is like saying free donuts)
The usual $10 shipping fee will be waived
when your purchase exceeds $100 before
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(not applicable on non-domestic orders and some remote destinations)
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$20 off
all regular priced jeans
(need I say more)? Ok I will
April 25 to 28
<-----(online and instore)
See the selection here
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There was a time when baby boys and girls were not gender identified by the little blue onesie, or frilly pink dress, rather, they were largely, simply attired in white as it was easy to bleach. Then in 1927,Time Magazine published a colour guide for what should be worn on the wee one. Until then, believe it or not, pink was felt to be the stronger colour thus, thought better for boys. Recently I heard some pre-teens correcting each other...'there's no such thing as boys and girls colours!' So, perhaps, gender distinguishing colours...could they be a thing of the past? Thankfully blue jeans, are not and never will be just for boys! Let's have a look at some blues and some possible pairings!
 
I love this t shirt for when I'm happy, unhappy, annoyed, irritated, frustrated...and pretty much any emotion we humans are equipped with as, I always figure it might help me espouse the feeling. That or a donut! These classic jeans are an unbelievable fit. A totally wearable length for, boots, booties, high heels, espadrilles or flip flops. Such is the beauty of jeans... they go with everything from pearls to Plimsolls!
B Young happy T shirt (white) $29
Mavi Tess highrise skinny (dark grey vintage) $118 until April 28 $98
 
I love these botanical prints. At first glance I thought maybe they looked a bit like Grandmother's old throw cushions. But, hey, what's old is new again. And if you tend to be a huge pink fan, it's all about the pretty!
Bolide floral blouse (pink or white) $60
Kaffe print cotton t shirt (blue/white) $49
Yoga skinny highrise ankle jean (white) $138 until Apr.28 $118 (made in Canada)
 
And because we now know Kimono's are everywhere, they of course look amazing with jeans. Soon we'll be looking for things that add to the look, but with an appropriate lightness to match the weather.
Cream Kimono (blue/green) $119
Mavi Tess highrise skinny (deep supersoft) $128 until April 28 $108
Yoga skinny highrise ankle jean (white) $138 until Apr.28 $118 made in Canada
 
Another thing to try is a fabulous scarf such as the one above left. Wrap it around your neck in a whimsical fashion or open it up, and use it as a shawl. Plum has some fabulous Jewellery and I'm sure you'll be able to find something that draws out the metallic. As well the blue ties into the denim so perfectly.
Cream broad stripe scarf (blue/brown/metallic) $39
Mavi Alissa highrise super skinny (mid indigo Tribecca) $118 until Apr. 28 $98
 
Above left is a light breezy blouse that compliments the jeans on the right with such perfection. Add a few pendants and a wide brim hat, and it's a great look for a dinner date!
Grade+Gather long sleeve blouse (cream or rose) $69
Kaffe gather waist short (midnight marine) $69
Yoga Rachel classic rise skinny jean (Prague) $130 until Apr.28 $110 made in Canada
 
Perhaps you have some upcoming fun events planned, like the Calgary Beerfest or the Stampede. This is a really sexy look without being too over the top. The jeans on the right, try wearing with a pair of killer black boots or open toed booties.
Maronie twist front speckled knit top (grey or taupe) $59
Yoga Dominique straight leg jean (dark indigo or medium indigo) $130 until Apr.28 $110 made in Canada
Thankfully, by the time little ones can talk, they are able to express... 'I DON'T LIKE PINK!' (well, that would have been me). I really prefer to find my pink on the inside of a steak, a tall lemonade, cotton candy or cherry blossoms! And despite the fact that it's known to produce feelings of hopefulness, comfort and calmness, it's still not for me. Perhaps it could be a worthwhile uniform for military!
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
"Sunset is still my favourite colour, and rainbow is second" ~ Mattie Stepanek (Poet) ... read the full post and reader comments
Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 04/17/2019 - 11:54
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CAN'T SUGAR COAT IT, IT'S STILL COLD...SO
PLUM HAS FASHION THAT'S PRACTICAL as well...at
$30 OFF UNTIL Sunday April 21
3 coat styles, 4 days only
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IT'S MY 5 YEAR BLOG-VERSARY WRITING FOR PLUM. Considering I'm imposing my opinions on you, weekly, I realized a big miss was never introducing myself. Well, no time like the present. A little about me...I'm obsessed with t shirts, I love bold colour (and non colour). I have a black belt...literally a black belt to wear, with clothes...well...more than one, if I'm honest. I have a PHD in new arrivals! And my pastimes are sewing, reading books half way through and abandoning them and sarcasm (in no particular order). In any case, I truly hope you've enjoyed my guided tours through Plum fashions. And feel free to tell me about you. But right now, let's look at things I like, because, you know, I'm making it all about me, this week!
 
A tiny snowflake of a lie. Not really all about me...but that's ok. I love outerwear. The feature this week is coats, and the weather dictates that we're not totally done with them. The one on the left is fully rainproof with sealed seams, drawstring, for more definition and cold protection and features a detachable hood; to provide for less of a function and more fashion look. The one on the right has a soft interior for a bit of warmth. These will be good for years to come, and my picks for layering at this time of year.
Soya Concept polka dot coat (navy) $159 until Apr 21 $129
Soya Concept softshell jacket (black or sand) $ 155 until Apr 21 $125
   
Let's talk about the wide leg pants trend. Not only are they super comfortable, and offer an air of sophistication, but they're everywhere! I'm seeing lots of crops, worn very street style. As in, with very masculine boots, or loafers, as above, with slides, or for a more night out vibe, pumps or cut out booties! What else to wear with them? Feeling like you want something more edgy? Try a graphic t, knot it in the front and casual white kicks. OR, as noted in the above bottom right, they look great with a kimono. Or maybe go a different route - a la Katherine Hepburn and other great women of the 30's and 40's. Hair up, and a string of pearls or a big hat to balance out the pants. Best advice I can give...poker straight posture gives off the air of 'I'm a trend setter'!
B Young cropped pant (black) $89
Motion stripe Palazzo pant (blue) $86
Final Touch pull on palazzo pant (black or mustard) $69
Final Touch palazzo pant with waist tie (sage) $74
As I've previously mentioned, I love multiple or stripe colours and patterns. They're bright and lively, and on a practical note, grab any colour and it's easy as pie to match with accessories and shoes. (Is it funny only to me, that they picked white?)!
Cream front tie blouse (multi) $89
Another trend I'm super happy about, shorts are getting longer, yay!! I personally don't need to flash everyone the blinding, untanned 13 inches above my knees. And I don't think an explanation is required for how to wear them, but maybe a reminder, that they're not just for gardening and walking the dog. One can certainly upscale them a bit. A long cardigan or Kimono, slingbacks and a hat.
Cream Bermuda shorts (black) $79
I'm also a huge fan of skirts. In part because dresses pose a specific challenge for my proportions and skirts offer the same feminine flair, but with a few more options for changing up the style, with different tops. This one above is so pretty with it's floaty, light weight fabric and dotted pattern.
Ichi mid length skirt (navy dot) $69
Ok really...about me...I'm from New Brunswick (the other edge of Canada), married and over 20...ok, ok...40...no, really 50...8 (but who's' counting); I have 2 beautiful girls and a black (of course) lab! I've gone from being a 70's girl, where being bold for me was wearing beige and green together to...ok let's just say, I no longer wear beige! Fast forward to now, and I love how the internet has provided us with the ability to virtually find those who blaze trails for us and I continue to be inspired by women of all ages and sages. And fashion expression to me is like what words are to communicating...sometimes they're colourful, sometimes they're strong but sometimes they're barely a whisper and minimalism is best.
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
"I myself am entirely made of flaws, stitched together with good intentions" ~ Augusten Burroughs ... read the full post and reader comments
Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 04/10/2019 - 11:49
We thought we'd crawled out from under the doldrums of the darkness and 'burr' of winter with the time change, longer days, sunshine and temperatures that pushed past 1 digit! YES!!!! Suddenly to be unceremoniously, pulled back to reality...like that peaceful, deep 10 minute snooze that carries you away to a barren beach with crystal clear waters and then the BUS jolts to a stop...BACK to reality! Mother Nature, like most mothers, is very sternly telling us 'PUT THAT SWEATER BACK ON!' That's o-kay! It's spring people. We love sweaters! Let's have a look at a few.
A more exaggerated feminine take on a long cardigan...note the shade, the bell sleeves and the ribbing. The open front trend, lends itself to the ease of wear....no more buttons to sew back on...just grab and go. A creative way to wear it, wrap it up tight, overlapping the front, then add a rustic looking belt..for a more random, unstructured look.
Cream open front rib top cardigan (melon sorbet) $119
I think she must be looking for summer!! It's a ways off....but in the mean time, she looks fantastic. They've paired the varied textured sweater with the ruggedness of the khaki denim, adding the sleek gold accessories...make the threesome a great ensemble!
Cream high textured cardigan (multi) $149 now $119
It's nice to have just a classic vneck sweater; a style that we often reach for. Great as above with the floral tights, however, worn with cropped pants and the ballet flats, and possibly a string of pearls... evokes an image of Audrey Hepburn. Sweet, easy and yet still very stylish in it's simplicity!
Ichi long vneck sweater (canyon clay or pale blue) $69 now $59
Once again I'm putting forth my vote for stripes!! So many people think that if you're any wider than Celine Dion, you should be 3 blocks away from ANY stripes.....really? I just feel like that advise is not worth the time it takes to count the stripes! BUT that's just my opinion. I love the structure and how they can play against multiple other prints OR simply add just a dash of variation without a lot of visual busy-ness!
B Young stripe pullover (blue combo, orange combo or violet combo) IN STORE ONLY $59 now $29
Again, basic/solid bottoms take a back seat to the usual print-less style that we've become accustomed to. The above are fully knit and very comfortable, but since they mimic intricate lace, they can be easily styled up, with a variety of means...with the use of footwear changes and/or accessories. Again, sometimes, as in this case, all that is needed is a change in the outerwear...casual choice of cardigan. But note they've added a few splashes of colour with the bold red heart and bandana!
Be Cool hooded sweater (black or lavender) $69
 
Opposites attract they say. Well, yes, sometimes we like oversized and sometimes we like fitted. We don't have to be committed to one or the other always. The unstructured open front with large pockets on the left is great with leggings or skinny jeans and so easy. The fitted v neck not only is a cardigan but looks great also under a structured jacket. Needless to say if it's inappropriate as is, add a cami or t shirt under!
Ichi oversized open cardigan (navy or light blue) $69 now $55
Soya Concept button down cardigan (navy, blue sky or shell coral) $69 now $59
From Audrey Hepburn pictured in a turtleneck sweater, to Marilyn in the unforgettable images in 'Let's Make Love' where she sports merely an Irish Aran knit and stockings, to Jeff Bridges in the 'Big Lebowski'; sweaters are forever etched in our memories for the iconic fashion they help create. But 'I just want to keep warm' you say? Well, as they say, 'a sweater is just a blanket you can wear to work'. Just remember though, your pillow is not a hat!
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
'To think, a sweater is made entirely of knots. My stomach could clothe a village.' ~ Andrea Gibson (poet) ... read the full post and reader comments
Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 04/03/2019 - 15:42
I admit, it is a macabre introduction into spring and it's efflorescent happiness! Leave it to me, somehow to find this to be somehow a pleasing image, despite it's dark meaning. It's earliest utterance appeared in a letter from a Lieutenant to his regiment in 1915 while he was in hospital. Yet, to me, the meaning of this idiom doesn't fully match the visual. Clearly, when you think that some of the boldest blooms erupt in spring....beautiful things, can come from impurities, malevolence or sadness and pain if bright blossoming lushness can burst forth from...you know...dirt (and manure)! Hope somehow springs eternal. Anyway let's look at some perennial lovely prints to push us forth into Spring and Summer.
 
This delightful print skirt can totally be paired with a cheeky graphic t shirt, for an even more lighthearted tone. The simple little black and white print, can nearly pass as a neutral, thus allowing it to go with any colour (if you prefer a solid) and other types of prints, like the graphic t or a larger print. Perhaps tuck in the shirt, add a belt, a jean jacket and boots or shoes to suit your mood as well. Just experiment!
B Young button front skirt (black/white print) $89
Bear Dance 'I work hard' t shirt (black) $35
 
This is a really great casual look. The blush coloured tunic/blouse helps balance the bursting florals. Although if you wanted to go for more drama, perhaps throw on a pair of Doc's and a long cardigan. Pluck out one of the colours from the many on the bottoms. Add a scarf if you need a bit more layering.
Leggings in store only
Ichi long tunic shirt (rose dust or white) $69
Soya Concept duster sweater (rapture rose) $95
Think about it. Don't you just love the easy, fresh cut of a bohemian style dress for summer? Midi length, luminous, botanical print...put together with a straw hat and bag...Such a sweet, easy weekend...heading to the beach or brunch look.
Final Touch spaghetti strap dress (yellow or blue prints) $89
Other accessories found in store and may vary by quantity and by store
 
Another example of things I've recently seen successfully joined together is stripes and florals. Yes I realize the above left top is not floral, more foliage or jungle than floral. Nonetheless it shows how the sleek lines of the stripe bring out the best in each other. Like Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise....ok that didn't work out, never mind. Stick with the stripes and florals!
Cream border print shell top (black) $89
All In Favor stripe palazzo pant (black) $65 now $52
 
Let's return to uncomplicated florals. Just a bouquet of colour and really, that's all that's needed. The above chosen pants are excellent neutrals. The tops are great picks for professional or where more structured settings require a less creative look. Accessories can be as simple as a pair of earrings. Easy grab and go style.
Bolide floral blouse (white print) $85
Cream twill jean (major brown) $129
Cream blouse (cobalt) $89
Yoga high rise skinny ankle jean (white) $138
Don't these fabulous earrings look like flowers? Delicately bursting elegance and an essence of antiquity! Midnight Cactus earrings are only sold at Plum here on the west coast. Hand made in Dartmouth Nova Scotia! I've bought so many of these, I should have them shipped directly to my home!! Follow our new Instagrammer Rebecca for more fabulous images like this! Thanks Rebecca for this amazing image of my favourite earring line!
In store only
It's such an interesting phenomenon that something with such magnificently wonderful colour can push forth from the ground from a mere seed, dirt, and of course the oh so colourfully pungent fertilizer! Makes me wonder why the desperate fear of death, when we can come back blooming and making people more happy than we did in life...hmm!!!
Yours in Fashion passion...
'And the day came that the risk to remain tight in a bud, was more painful than the risk it took to blossom' ~ Anais Nin ... read the full post and reader comments
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