With so much global turmoil, any small,  joy producing moment is something to embrace! Enter the season of glad tidings. Although life does not suddenly become a Normal Rockwell painting just because the calendar changed, there is still a glimmer of hope found in all of the decorations, get-togethers and all the adverts that erupt into festive wear (my favourite part). The bubble over my head usually says 'um, I'd wear that year round!' BUT that's just me. Maybe you'd like something fresh and fun but also chic and refined. Plenty of options at Plum from...to-heck-with-the-Christmas-tree-let's-just-decorate-me style...to... the sleek diva look and everything in between! Let's find a little something to light up your heart!

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While mauve or purple is not a colour I tend to be drawn to, this top just stopped me in my tracks. It checks all the boxes, sexy, refined, edgy and unique. And worn with this exquisitely embroidered kimono you can't go wrong. And it's wonderful when you find pieces that don't end up deeply stored in your closet until next year.  Very transferrable into multiple other seasons!

Talori embroidered kimono (black or burgundy) $98

Naked Zebra button front cami $55

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I picked out four tops that I think are worth exploring. At this time of year, when the events and parties begin, what's required is not so much black tie, but more elevated but that can work with accessories. The top left sweater is all about texture and creates a feel (pun intended) all on it's own or would play against a vibrant statement necklace. The top right speaks for itself with it's bright jewel tone and bow tie front, a very festive, vibrant colour. Lace is always a go to, yet for the fun of it, one can button it up, add a necklace, mix it with a jean jacket, pencil skirt and flats for an easy going look. And the Audrey Hepburn look mock neck, while a basic, makes a wonderful item for supporting a fabulous necklace or accessories or even pulled back hair with outstanding, eye catching earrings.

Cream cowl neck fuzzy sweater (peach) $99

Soya Concept tie neck lyocell knit top (black or blue) $55

Soya Concept lace blouse (off white) $65

Soya Concept mock neck sweater (black) $59

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And this top is a nice diversion from the usual of the season with a seeming angelic wingspan; looks fantastic paired with the crop pants. And I must say this stunning little top is rather hard to describe but I'll try. The top part is an overlay and the sleeves (the wingspan), are half with a half stretch cuff. Absolutely heavenly created blouse with a smouldering, autumn colour pallet.

Soya Concept double layer print blouse $69

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One of my absolute favourites this year, the molten lava coloured pants and lightly dusted with sequins, sweater. Super stretchy pants with back zip and slight side slits. All that glitters isn't gold....sometimes it's just you that glitters!!

Cream double layer knit top $99

Cream gold pants (gold) $119

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For many, while co-ordinates provide great options, it's all about the dress. The above blue velvet just sets the season so perfectly. Either glam it up with a fabulous necklace, maybe a long drop, crystal necklace or simply a pair of dangling earrings.

Kaffe lace insert dress (blue) $119

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I'm including a display from one of the stores, as they have very well shown how easy it is to pull together a party look with the right components, which combines your personal style with the type of event. Play it up or play it down. I love how pink has emerged and rivals black as a possible colour option for the season.

"You can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle three things, a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights!" ~ Maya Angelou. To which I say...pour me a big glass of red and let's get to work on those lights!

Yours in Fashion passion...

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

 
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Grab this great deal, while quantities last - Until November 12 - $49

  • 9 colours
  • can be worn 3 different ways
  • non sized
  • seasonless

Let's all grab a handful of $ 20 bills and set fire to them. You're thinking I've taken leave of my senses, I'm sure. Probably I have, but really, sometimes when we buy three garments, when one will do, it seems like we are throwing away cash! This fantastic vest, not only is fashionable, but also functional. (I'm all over that one!) In addition to that, a major retailer is selling the same one for over double the price. So throw something else into that mini bonfire instead, get out the marshmallows and have a look at this great convertible.

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To begin with, these are the different ways to wear your new 3 in 1 garment. Strikes me that it's a great garment for travel as clearly we want to carry less.

Look by M shawl/vest 9 colours $69 until Nov. 12 $49

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There are really so many ways to fashion this garment. Top diagram shows the different ways it can be converted but what to wear it with? I can't think of anything it shouldn't be worn with. Also adds an extra layer for warmth and layering at this time of year is key.

Look by M shawl/vest 9 colours $69 until Nov. 12 $49

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Check out some bold ways one of Plum's local stores have put together some looks using contrast, bright colours and accessories. Dip into one of the locations and you'll find far more ideas and expert assistance.

Look by M shawl/vest 9 colours $69 until Nov. 12 $49

When we say 'convertible' does the image of 'Thelma and Louise' blasting down the free open highway with wild abandon in a 1966 Ford Thunderbird come to mind? Of course it does. Saving money on your favourite fashion is the same feeling, however, with this convertible...Brad Pitt is not included...sorry!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it" ~ Henry Ford

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#nightscarf

THE NIGHT SCARF!  Improves safety AND helps support Dress for Success! Win-Win-Win (also looks good). From every $15 night scarf purchased Plum donates $10 to Dress for Success!

Feel good-look good-stay safe! Purchase in a Plum store or here online

Lighten up! Seriously. I know what you're thinking my Plum lovelies. Why am I hearing from her again this week! Because this is an important topic, as the time changes, inevitably it gets darker earlier. And according to an annual road safety report between the years of 2010 and 2016 worldwide road fatalities decreased slightly. Great! However, sadly Canada is included in a less impressive statistic. One of seven countries where pedestrian deaths increased. And what can a clothing company do? Help you lighten up! Yes, brighten up. And what to wear with your white scarf? A PULSE!!! We cannot control the drivers but we can control how they see us. So get yourself and others you care about into a white scarf! Be bright, be safe, be seen!
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I am not an umbrella person, I tend to leave them everywhere, however I usually tuck away a hat in my bag. On the occasion when I've neglected to include one, at this time of year I most often don a scarf. Enter the second use for the scarf. If the murky sky above starts to erupt, your scarf now becomes a hood as well.
 
 
 
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This cozy lovely checkered coat is another great pick. Needless to say a perfect compliment to the white scarf. Yet another example of what can help you be more visible. Also a great length for most skirts or dresses.
 
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Aren't we lucky on the west coast. Not always cold enough for a coat, but a sweater will do, this is super cozy and plush, with plenty of autumnal stripe colours.
 
 
The use of white in textiles in history usually carryies with it a meaning of lightness, new starts as in the colour most often worn by a bride or the Khata ceremonial scarf symbolizing purity and compassion. Plum has more fundamental reasons. Be safe in the dark and be seen!
 
Yours in Fashion passion...
 
Suzanne M.
 
"Safety doesn't happen by accident" ~ author unknown
 
 
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Reaching for 95

NOVEMBER 1ST to NOVEMBER 18 - $20 OFF MIN PURCHASE OF $95 - restrictions apply - in store and online - follow this link
 
Do you look to the future and think...I won't be able to wear that any more? Is age in fashion, an inspiration, drawback or irrelevant? It's a total inspiration for me. How will I rock the grey hair, what to wear with trends and which more advanced ladies inspire me?  We can choose to be frustrated but realistically we can't go back in time. But, we can stand where we are and observe those who are not fully aged and those who are at prime (lol) and garner inspiration from both. My favourite inspirations are my 30 year old niece and two women who have poll vaulted over 40 (ahem 50). Lyn Slater and Iris Apfel. While neither are my specific style, I cherry pick ideas, gain inspiration and freedom from the 'no-you-can't-wear-that' to 'TRY-TO-STOP-ME-AND-I'LL-DO-IT-TWICE-AND-TAKE-PICTURES'. And on that note, feel inspired my ageless beauties....purchase min. $95 and get $20 off your purchase. Ooh, maybe you can turn it back (the calculator at least).
 
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Say yes to the selfie. This is a perfect fall look mimicking the colours of the leaves. Love the cozy sweater and the olive skinnies. Notice how the shoes change the look from a casual ensemble to a dinner out look. Easily transform it by adding a blazer and knee high boots or oxfords for work or plimsolls for casual.
 
 
 
 
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Get the edge on everyone else. This dress is unique and creative with it's free flowing circular, primitive pattern and button down front. Wear it with some equally bold shoes or sky high boots.
 
 
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I LOVE this look. Yellow right now is a bold, bright and happy diversion from the usual fall mellow shades.  And if it's too much of a challenge to wear it next to your complexion, try adding a scarf, maybe turquoise or red or a print. The window pane skirt pattern is a growing favourite.
 
 
 
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And, insofar as your basic black is a good all around coat for this season, it's nice to have an alternate with a bit more kick. And a universally appealing pattern such as this one, will work into your wardrobe and most other colours with great ease.
 
 
Who are your fashion inspirations? Your Mother or Grandmother. A crazy aunt who always lived a bit on the edge? Maybe a popular musician or celebrity? I've mentioned mine above. But from my childhood, all I can think of would be Wilma Flintstone. She really knew how to carry off that one shoulder dress! ;)
 
Yours in Fashion passion...
 
Suzanne M.
 
some fierce women still kickin' it who are nonagenarians and older:
  • Ida Keeling
  • Tao Porchon-Lynch
  • Doris Day
  • Queen Elizabeth
  • Iris Apfel
  • Johanna Quaas

"Granny your face looks beautiful with wrinkles, just like the lake looks beautiful with ripples" ~ Vinita Kinra

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"If I were a boy!"

Theoretically, it was thought, I'd be a boy, named Tom...and no offense to my deceased uncle but, I'm grateful I came out as is. I have to say, I wrote this while listening to Beyoncé which made me think, just how would I dress if I were a man? Unnecessary, because for decades, I've been drawn to men's jeans, t shirts, hats and jackets. Why? Perhaps because, at least with men's jackets, they provided a better fit, thus were my ideal option (and it was the 80's). Happily now I can draw together the structure of menswear with the fun and flair of women’s wear; and be grateful women’s jackets have transformed to better accommodate our actual shapes.

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So it is said, we have a gentleman named Beau Brummell, dating back to the 18th century to thank for at least the men's version of the blazer. For us women, the Suffragettes were responsible for giving it meaning to our actual wardrobe; Yves St Laurent and Chanel punctuating it with style! Whoever it was, I'm grateful. Blazers are my go to garment from Sept to May. Instinctively they are paired with pants but they really wear stunningly well with anything imagined! If you love shirts, this all over print with stripe background makes for a fun coordinate.

Kaffe pinstripe jacket (grey stripe) $149

Kaffe pinstripe pants (grey stripe) $119

B.Young printed button down blouse (off white/mustard) $65

 

 

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I love bringing together my old love of jackets with my new kimono obsession. I find kimono's and poncho's create a nice layering look while simultaneously assisting with fluctuating temperatures and environments. And pattern mixing gives your wardrobe a bit more latitude AND attitude.

Kaffe relaxed check blazer (grey plaid) $139

Kaffe front zip skirt (grey plaid) $79

KW multi plaid print kimono (black) $59

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This jacket has the most genius design features with the pleats and back tie! JUST SAY YES TO THE CURVES! I feel like I've waited 3 decades for someone to incorporate this into a design; along with the shawl collar...MWA!!! love it! Looks just smashing with the plaid pants but also would be fun with destroyed jeans OR a fabulous dress. And may I suggest either this sexy wrap or jumpsuit above as options.

Cream blazer (black or brick red) $149

Kaffe checked pant (black/grey/red) $99

Spencer+Shaw ruffle trim wrap dress (black combo) $149

Wasabi+Mint crisscross cropped jumpsuit (black) $75

 

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Welcome back to the 80's with this slightly retro, boyfriend/relaxed fit jacket. Another one of my favourite jackets this season; the one above as it fits in with the most welcome trend of plaid. This also adds a bit of interest from the otherwise somber presence of (albeit my beloved) black. I've paired it above with this body hugging dress as a nice contrast.

Kaffe checked blazer (black/grey/red) $139

Kaffe checked pant (black/grey/red) $99

Spencer+Shaw v neck 3/4 sleeve knit dress (black or merlot) $129

If I was a boy? I haven't seriously thought of this until I recently was listening to that song. Hm...would I want short hair, to always be stoic, graciously open doors, take out garbage or rake leaves?....ok wait...I already do!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition" ~ Timothy Leary

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