Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 12/19/2018 - 15:51
The beginning of December begins, Christmas shopping, parties and Christmas song season. Christian or not, season celebrator or not, most of us love to belt out the old favourites, performing our own Car-eoke! One tune recently brought to the court of social media was (blog title) ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’. Don’t know what I’m referring to? Google the lyrics and think #metoo! This had a bigger social backwash publicly recently than an all you can eat buffet. But you know, if you want something to keep you warm but that steps away from any controversy…just go with everyone’s old favourite…a sweater!
I love this pulled together ensemble. The fuzzy sweater look is a huge favourite in recent years, and probably needs no explanation from me! Together with this great knee length dress, anyone's 'maiden aunts' will not disapprove (see the song lyrics). And needless to say when the 'weather outside is frightful', simply add a pair of tights and the look is complete and functional.
Kayla fuzzy yarn open cardigan (5 colours) was $75 sale price $59
Spencer + Shaw dolman sleeve knit dress (rose or charcoal) was $110 sale price $55
This sweater/tunic is a great seasonal option for so many activities. Everything we do in December is not an upscale party, thus the need for something functional as well. I love the side slits because you don't feel engulfed in fabric. Worn above with skinny pants or perhaps textured leggings or even knee high boots. The grey shade produces an opportunity for creativity either keeping things subdued or a splash of color (as in lipstick, nail polish or a bold necklace or scarf). I can even envision it belted.
B Young side slit tunic sweater (black or medium grey) regular price $69 sale price $52
In recent years the move to resuscitate the 'ugly sweater' trend has certainly worked. Centered around sweaters with sometimes garish and quirky patterns, they appeared to have started at least four decades ago, often made by Grandma. Nowadays they're the center of get-togethers (ugly sweater parties etc). Above, while it sports a design on the front, in my mind would be classified as the anti-ugly sweater. Perhaps we can start another trend. One that's less of a fashion comedy and that brings together warmth and style!
B Young flower sweater regular price $99 sale price $59
The crop sweater not to be outdone by the tunic sweater. The crop top, t shirt and sweater trend I remember it well from the 80's when it was in its hay day. While it wasn't really something I could easily wear then or now, if you are so inclined to try it out, there are some creative ways to wear it comfortably, if you're not into over sharing! Such as a complimentary t shirt beneath, that perhaps has a contrasting colour, texture or lace. Or wear it with a blouse! Looks great also with skirts of various different lengths.
RD cropped pullover (grey/brick or multi) regular price $82 sale price $59
Apricity:
Definition
: the warmth of the sun in winter
Such a pretty word that was invented in 1623 but not commonly used today, perhaps its use could be re-ignited. ‘Baby it’s Cold Outside’ which was written and first released in 1949 (and multiple times since), from a vastly different era, until now has stood the test of time. But some things, like actual candles on a Christmas tree, as was the case historically, is likely better left in the past, for possibly obvious reasons!
Yours in Fashion passion…
Suzanne M.
"The cold never bothered me anyway" ~ from the movie Frozen
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Submitted by Suzanne on Tue, 12/11/2018 - 18:06
PTCHA!!! I can hear you say! You've just spent weeks trolling around shops to find the perfect hairbrush, sweater, garden tool, tire pump with coffee holder (seriously!) and I tritely say this? Yes, I realize this is the ultimate gift giving season, however, think back to the last get-to-gether...do you recall someone NOT bringing a gift? Probably more recall the fun time spent together! After all, more and more we're realizing our planet has enough 'stuff'...we could build another planet with the discards. However, sometimes it's just about finding THE right thing for that one person that was your everything all year, or even just in that moment when you were sure you'd fall apart! Or.....maybe that person is you! I love 'me-gifting'! I'm always appreciative! And it's always perfect!
   
One pair of show stopping pants, four different takes. Yes, they're bold, yes they're bright...but maybe that reflects you, OR they can also be toned down slightly. Note how the pink just adds a bit of softness! Great contrast. These would be a fantastic option for New Years eve!
Cream snowflake sweater (mocha/cream) $99
Cream sheer 2 pc blouse (light peach) $129
Cream fuzzy cardigan (pale peach) $119
Cream print top (black/blue or blush prints) $59
Cream gold pants (black/gold) $119
Ok there are several reasons why scarves are the #1 gift given to women...Ok I made that up, but if it were true, I'd say scarves would be near the top. They don't go out of style, one size fits all...and in a pinch can be converted to a shawl or even a table runner! (I've actually done that). Head into a Plum location and see the selection.
Cream mixed print scarf $49
worn with
Soya Concept lace blouse (off white) $65
 
Ok back to dressing you....note how this is one dress, but the jewellery just changes the tone! I happen to be a huge fan of arm candy! Love piling on the bracelets so when I gesticulate, EVERYONE notices (just kidding). Add some stunning pieces that catch the light; Plum always has a great array of accessories to compliment any outfit.
Jewellery sold in store only and varies by store
This I saw on a few staff at the Christmas party this year and noted that it's far more interesting in person than the image presents. Here they've paired it with a frill neck blouse which is just such a perfect compliment. The black on pink really produces a lot of drama!
Cream poncho with lace (black/peach) $49
Cream sheer 2 pc blouse (light peach) $129
 
This cardigan is everything of the season all rolled into one....glittery, cozy and eye catching! Perfectly co-ordinated above with a simple black background; a real Audrey Hepburn feel. Although if you prefer to infuse a bit of silver jewellery, head into a local Plum location and see the selection for yourself.
Soya Concept lurex cardigan (storm grey melange) $125
Jewellery sold in store and varies by store
If I could buy one more thing for myself, I'd buy myself some time...as there barely seems to be enough time to check the clock! But I have children that believe in the magic of Christmas (and Santa), and so I do purchase gifts. However, I do my best to buy or create long lasting and really wanted gifts. And what warmed my heart this year was the final wish item on my youngest child's list to Santa...'PEACE ON EARTH'. Truly a gift that we would all joyfully receive!
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
"Guilt: the gift that keeps on giving!" ~ Erma Bombeck
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Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 12/05/2018 - 15:41
Arguably, December hosts the most parties and festivities of all the months. So many that it feels like sleeping in my festive attire is the most efficient, time saving option. But my 20's are long gone so not only do I change, I also go home! I've come so far! There are so many types of events, daytime, work/party, family, charity, church...it means that we might struggle to find 'one' garment to suit all. Although, with a few tweaks (not twerks), it might be possible. The voice in my head says 'One sparkly, festive outfit? Really?' Sounds like something I say to my children... 'you may only have one'! But perhaps because we're grown ups, we 'can' have more than one!
 
Most often associated with wealth and luxury, velvet is an often chosen textile for garments at this magical time of year. Thought to have been first produced thousands of years ago, this unmistakably, richly woven pile is thankfully within reach of all of us now, unlike hundreds of years ago when it would have been most likely produced for only nobility. I think we do feel somewhat like aristocracy when we wear it. Either of these great dresses are proving to be quite popular because of the marriage between, texture, design and fit.
Another often chosen fabric choice at this time is lace. It's specific origins appear to be disputable, but it did have some of it's beginnings with the church, clergy and then hundreds of years later, Queen Victoria was married in lace, thus instituting an unstoppable trend. Hundreds of years ago, the delicate ornamental web-like patterns were made using silk, linen and even gold threads. Needless to say it represents a certain elevation of style. This dress is simply a classic!
Accessories, of course, at this time play a huge part in assembling an outfit. Kimonos can count as an accessory or, worn in spring as outerwear. No matter how you look at it, Kimonos have evolved into a staple. Add to this the refreshing, yet elegant look of silver and you've created an image that's stylish, but also can be easily changed to daytime casual with one simple coordinate change.
All jewellery is sold in store! Head into a Plum location near you to find the drool worthy selection!
This little top, offers a lot of pizzazz and fashion forwardness! (is that a word? It is now). The Wall Street Journal stated that 9 out of 10 companies hosted a holiday party in 2012. Over 25% were held in the office. Which means, you may not have time to change...a lot. Thus, wearing something that can easily convert from work to wow, is probably as easy as pulling up your hair and adding some more engaging accessories.
Jewellery is sold in store only and there vast selection to suit every jewellery obsessed fan!
Another option, above this very soft, comfortable knit top, when worn off the shoulder, paired with these, edgy, coated, leather look pants, clearly provides a more sexy, downtown look. OR, wear it with a wide belt and a skirt or palazzo pants and a necklace. And for daytime or any time, covering the shoulders and pair with jeans and a blazer.
Untangling strings of lights that no longer work, getting a drive home from your boss from the office party, and visits from crazy relatives that you haven't seen all year......yes, that's the Christmas season....oh and eggnog...let's not forget the twelve days of eggnog!!!
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
The office Christmas party...when you get to hang out with the inebriated equivelent of Wikileaks! (just don't let that be you)!
Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 11/28/2018 - 13:07
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UNTIL SUNDAY DECEMBER 2 - SALE ITEMS ARE AN EXTRA 25% OFF...
NEED I SAY MORE?
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I.C.Y.M.I. (in case you missed it), acronyms are the new pencil! Our time so limited, we can't write full sentences. Imagine trying to explain this (and Twitter) to a distant ancestor, plowing a field, dawn to dusk. So, what was once secretarial shorthand, is now common language. Be right back is condensed like an accordion to BRB, IDK means I don't know; other favourites include LOL, OMG or TBH (to be honest); And did you know, everyone's old favourite...O.K. said to originate from a tongue in cheek piece in an early 19th century Boston Morning Post article on grammar, referring to 'oll korrect'? So, in my mind jumpsuits are like the acronym of the wardrobe. Why bother with a top and pants or skirt when one garment will do. However, perish the thought they should be relegated to casual times or don't represent fashion. S.F.Y. (see for yourself-I made that up)!
 
I tend not to be the sort that goes for one garment, rather prefer to construct a look. However, one can certainly create a look with jumpsuits. On the left a more casual, layering with the turtleneck, a scarf worn as a sash, and a pendant. On the right a more upscale chic, paired down look, with a simple necklace, understated earrings, a clutch and dynamite, sexy shoes.
Lani capsleeve jumpsuit (black, teal or mocha) was $75 now on sale at $52 (with an additional 25% off - it will be $39 until Sunday-IN STORE ONLY AT THIS PRICE)
   
If you prefer a bit of coverage, here are some ideas. For a somewhat more exotic look, try adding a kimono. If you bought one of the above shawl/vests or a jacket during one of the recent promotions, try the jumpsuit with one of them. With the shawl/vest an idea is to close it up and belt it. And the open front jacket adds a slight bit of definition to balance the bottom of the jumpsuit.
Wasabi + Mint criss cross back, cropped jumpsuit (black) $75
KW floral print kimono (black) $59
KW oriental floral kimono (black) $69
Look by M basic shawl vest (8 colours) $69
Soya Concept drape front jacket (ruby) $95
This is such a super soft, cuddly version, perfect for hanging out, running errands or....cuddling!! Perfectly layered with the turtleneck and if heading out, add a jean jacket and scarf. Yes I realize that it means practically disrobing for bathroom trips, but it's a worthwhile payoff for the ease of movement. And let's face it...it's just super cool and easy looking.
Double Zero fuzzy jumpsuit (black or heather grey) $69
 
Another layering option if seen recently is adding a top or sweater thus resulting in a look of top and bottom; your jumpsuit has now just converted to pants.
Wasabi + Mint cross front jumpsuit (black or burgundy) $69
B.Young flower sweater (purple/orange) $99
It feels as though we're moving in a direction as a society of 'less do, more think and talk'. I envision a time in the future, we'll have devices that can scratch our noses for us, because, you know, our hands are just too busy typing. As you might have guessed, I'm rather a big fan of words; written out in full on paper, on a screen, in a book or even on a clothing label...ETC!!
TTFN
Suzanne M.
"I may have grown up in the age of Aquarius, but I'm growing old in the age of the acronym" ~ Roy Peter Clark
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Submitted by Suzanne on Tue, 11/20/2018 - 17:12
IT'S FRIDAY FOR 4 DAYS--BLACK Friday that is....head into a nearby Plum location and check out the deals...such as 20% off all jewellery and 40% off regular priced suit jackets! (NOV.22 TO 25)
Why do we need a new black? After all, it's the happiest colour I KNOW! In fact, I couldn't love it more if it was blacker! But why do we need something more new than black? Lets go back a few decades when black was the go to colour for those considered 'in' and 'chic'! Designers, however, felt it was time for another colour that would grab our attention. The phrase was then stolen from, '40 is the new 30' and so on. So what is the new black!? YOU! Yes, whatever YOU choose. Put 'it' on, 'YOU-IFY' it and THAT my beautiful friends, is the new black! Now go and find your new black! (I'll be happy to help! :)
Listen Beyoncé, one way to step up the game on your outfit, is put a blazer on it! Regardless of what it's worn 'with', the jacket gives the look a more stylish appearance. So, if you're looking to help your jeans look a bit more fashion than function, this is a good option. And all regular priced suit jackets are 40% off from Nov.22-25.
Soya Concept drape front jacket (ruby)
While this is not part of the sale, I couldn't help but show it. Gem colours bounce in and out of popularity but now is an excellent time to go for something very much not black. And in the form of a turtleneck, you cannot go wrong with this investment. Dress it up, dress it down or simply layer it for warmth. This is such a rich, regal hue that works so well with opulent jewellery!
Long sleeve turtleneck (6 colours) $36
This very in Spencer + Shaw dress is part of the sale that starts on Thursday (oooh AND select Spencer+Shaw dresses are 50% off). The beauty of this dress is that, it's edgy, fresh and unique and it really doesn't cry out for accessories. BUT if you feel compelled try some really equally bold earrings! All jewellery is 20% off from Nov.22-25
Spencer + Shaw tie front dress (black)
 
OH, and let us not forget accessories. Sometimes a scarf can go a long way taking a great outfit to the next level of style and giving your look a unique flavor! This lovely little compact faux leather bag will keep you organized, AND it comes in 4 other colours. Scarves, purses and jewellery are 20% off Nov.22-25! Which means you can take a simple LBD and make it into something very you!
KW rose print scarf
Faux leather handbag (6 colours)
I have heard 'giving back is the new black' - 'kindness is the new black' - 'grey is the new black' - 'love is the new black' or my personal favourite 'old is the new black'. I don't know, I just don't think black ever gets old. Not in my life!
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
If 40 is the new 30 and 50 is the new 40, why can't Thursday be the new Friday? ~ Pinterest (I think it is this week at Plum :)
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