IT'S TIME for a coupon! Mar.28 to April 14 get it here $20 off a $95 minimum regular priced clothing or accessories purchase at Plum. excludes: jewellery sale merchandise previously purchased items see coupon for full details on exclusions that apply instore and online

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some exciting news!

Coming next week...look out for Plum's new INSTAGRAMMER Rebecca! (follow her on Instagram)

Rebecca will be posting from Calgary and

I'm sure there will be some great things to come!

Welcome Rebecca!!

I'm excited to see what you have for us!!

Of course we all let our minds drift off to fantasy land; thoughts of months on the Riviera where we can linger in water front condos. Imagine enjoying the most delectable feast prepared by your own personal chef or garments by world renowned designers. Did I adequately distract you for a moment from vacuuming? Well, how often do we get lost on Pinterest or Instagram for hours on end, musing over these dreamy images.  If you live a life described above, wonderful...it's a life we all wish for. But for the rest of us, wishes don't work in the credit card machine. Here's a look at some high end pieces I found. And some, let's say, more palatable alternatives that Plum has to offer.

 

I found this sweet retro look dress (Prada) on the left on a major retailers website. It has some unique design features, such as a front zipper, a belt and a near $2500 price tag...oops that's Canadian (if it makes a difference). It's gorgeous, but I prefer to eat some time in the next six months. The Plum option on the right is a nice viscose and nylon combo, which means it has a beautiful drape. And it's own very sweet design feature is the slight exposed back and tie.

Spencer + Shaw dress tie back (Tuscan sun) $128

The dress on the left looks event ready! Including intricate mesh inserts, strategically placed and the outstanding one shoulder design...did I mention it's Stella McCartney and a roughly two grand price tag (I wonder if it comes with a serenade by Paul). While I believe both dresses are suited for upscale events, potentially the one on the right (by Cream) could be worn at a casual daytime affair as well.

Cream shoulder dress (cobalt) $149

I love the t shirt on the left. Nice elongated, yet shapely cut and graceful round neckline. But I could buy 14 of the one on the right...or a return trip to Toronto, a book and maybe a new cell phone for the cost of the St. John t shirt...I'm not sure yet, I'm still thinking (I mean dreaming). And let's not get caught up on the 'stripes make me look wide' theory. It's all in how and what it's paired with. If that's a concern, a long cardigan or Kimono brings the eye downwards.

B. Young t shirt 3/4 sleeve (4 colours) $39

Enough of the comparisons. I decided to end off the blog with 3 of Spencer + Shaw's. Their designer has just a way with taking the retro and giving it modern gusto. She just has a special talent for dress designs and their fit.

Spencer + Shaw button front dress (amber/ivory dot) $121

Spencer + Shaw smocked waist dress (peach print) $110

Spencer + Shaw drape front dress (black zebra) $149

I'm surprised that escaping into fantasy by way of a book, a movie or just inside ones own head, is not a health requirement. Because it often helps us survive our realities...immediate or worldly. Fashion can certainly provide some of this, and we could call it Vitamin F....someone needs to contact our Minister of Health and have it added to daily requirements!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Even the most expensive clock still shows sixty minutes in every hour ~ Jewish Proverb

SO MANY more dresses to choose from...have a look  ... read the full post and reader comments

REALLY you need to DROP what you're doing and go to Plum! (and online) TWENTY SEVEN DIFFERENT STYLES of pants to choose from How could you not find a favourite or two? Until March 24...20% off a Spring pant with a purchase of any top (Jeans not included) online PROMO CODE: SP2019

Theoretically, the smartest people are the ones that effortlessly memorize long passages, clean everyone's clocks at trivial pursuit or earn math degrees. BUT there are infinitely more types of smart! Think...artistic, poetic, fashion, grammatical (that's not likely my category) or emotional intelligence! I'm not sure I associate someone specifically who wears 'pants' as the most intelligent...That being said, if you spend your day chasing toddlers, riding a bike or cleaning the top shelf of a cupboard, pants might be the more clever and sensible choice...but also a great fashion option. Especially this week! And it's the buyers choice! (I let her pick the photos-lol). And I think she did a great job! Have a look:

Needless to say, pants, provide freedom of movement but they also offer style options in that they give more ways to change the mood for varied outings! Such as a quick weekend escape. I love printed pants. They provide diversity and distraction from solids. While I greatly appreciate the freshness of the white top, I can also envision this with a print (such as above) and kitten heels! Kate says she likes to up her game with scarves. Another effortless way to add some flair!

M Striped linen tie front pants (navy/white stripe or white/navy stripe) $80

Point Zero slub cotton print t shirt (navy) $45

B Young tank top (6 colours) $29

Made In Italy jacket/shirt (black, pale pink or white) $98

 

 

Perhaps these are the proverbial 'happy pants'! Sunny, bright and joy inducing. Like dandelions! The contrast with the black creates a feeling of courage and boldness. Like...I'm sweet but don't mess with me (or spill anything on my pants!). And the addition of the style tweak, the front slits. Trend note: crops are the ultimate garment elect this season. And a great choice they are! Worn with with slides (as above) or cut out booties or runners, easy peasy...And yellow is brilliant (no pun intended) for matching...serving as a basic and thus plays well with any colour.

Cream front seam slit pants (corn yellow or white) $109

B Young tank top (6 colours) $29

                     

The two images above display how (on the left), the same pants can go from a more professional setting to play (on the right) with a few easy change ups. If a cardigan is too informal for your workplace, toss it aside and add a blazer and if need be, uncuff the pants. And what a warm colour invitation to spring.

Jag Carter girlfriend pants (black, khaki or rosehip) $99

Point Zero tank top (pink floral print) $42

Cream long open cardigan (melon sorbet) $119

Maybe I'm a bit of a broken record with the print bottoms, but I couldn't resist. They remind me so much of the 70's....you know, when I was 3! (oh the lies we tell ourselves-lol). And pull on...they could not be easier if they went to work for you (actually, you can see they will work hard for you this season)! I digress, these are fabulous pants creating a combination of sophistication, with the combo of the linen and rayon and fun...meaning they dance when you move!

Point Zero striped linen pull-on pant (blue/white) $89

Grade + Gather crinkle cotton classic blouse (black or off white) $69

 

In keeping with the same posh/coolness...we have tencel. A unique fabric that acts like silk but with more attitude and durability. The denim look provides a casual vibe; however, adding accessories can create a more uptown look! And does she not look like John Travolta's dance partner in Saturday Night Fever with those intimidating wedges? I think my head is stuck in the 70's this week!

M tencel pants (blue) $75

M stripe printed blouse $90

And if comfort is your thing....well, wasn't that a dumb question! In any case, these are the pants for you. Just where have these pants been all our working lives!? Gone are the days where we were stuck with stiff pants with no give! And I'm in love with how they paired the defined lines of the pants with an unexpected, romantic print top. Great contrasting pattern play!

Liverpool knit trouser (grey or black grid) $99

Soya Concept scarf print blouse (multi) $75

The saying 'Smarty Pants'....smarty references back over 150 years and pants...well...as long as there have been pants. The words together, go back roughly 80 years to a newspaper article, where a coach is offering advice to one of his players! OR there's the British version 'Smarty Boots'...but, well...Plum doesn't sell boots!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"A man who correctly guesses a woman's age may be smart, but he's not very bright" ~ Lucille Ball

10 days 27 styles, get into it!! Who's the smarty pants now?  ... read the full post and reader comments

Don't forget...Plum can also be found on INSTAGRAM!

There are multiple versions of where Valentine came about or the need to celebrate it. One possible version has it's roots in religion (Catholic). Stating, during the time of Emperor Claudius II, Valentine was a priest. Claudius felt that single men were better as soldiers, thus he forbade marriage for young men. Valentine saw this as a travesty and bravely defied the rule and secretly performed marriages for young lovers. Only to meet his fate and was put to death. Thus it's thought we celebrate his death or burial. Hm, how cheery! But where did the red come from? Or Chocolates? I'm not honestly sure I even care! But we do benefit from both. Let's look at some possible date night possibilities:

How much do you love this!! Let me count the ways! I think this outfit is just as cute as a candy apple! The heart has texture, don't you think? Put together with the plaid pants, a great date outfit, for hanging out with your girl gang or....a date with you! 'Me' time is super important as well.

Mak crew neck heart sweater (black/pink or Navy/oatmeal) $69

Motion elastic waist pant (navy) $89

Move over Beyoncé....we just put a bow on it instead! A sweet tongue in cheek version of a men's shirt with a twist! I love the fresh way this is being expressed in this picture...keeping it simple with black pumps. And who needs a date...dress up for you (or your Mom, or your sister!)

FIND THIS instore only!

This is absolutely adorable and bold as your feelings! Take the casual away from this by adding a long coat or blazer and some cut out ankle boots, knee high boots or riding boots. These resin hearts have been hugely popular. Find them in other colours as well in store.

Be Cool hooded sweater (black or lavender) $69

Leggings and resin heart found in store in various prints and colours

Also what I found attributed to Claudius II, 'heart on your sleeve' reference; speculation in regards to his prohibiting marriage, yet he did allow temporary coupling, during a festival. Men would draw names to establish who their lady friend would be for the year (Interesting concept!).  He would then wear her name on his sleeve for the duration of the festival. A sweet concept but how would that work today with privacy laws! That's not a very romantic thought, sorry!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"But I will wear my heart on my sleeve, for daws to peck at!" ~ Shakespeare's - Othello, Act 1, Scene 1, 56–65

   ... read the full post and reader comments