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Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 06/13/2018 - 15:58
First of all...a big congratulations to our BIG SISTERS DRAW winner Mary S. from Vancouver. Have fun shopping!
Fashion by far, is the biggest recycler. Recycling designs that is. After all, designers continue to resuscitate and reconfigure creations from the past, from mere decades ago to ancient history. As is the case with the Kimono: the coordinate for all seasons, is one of my reimagined favourites. The light, open, garment (or Ki:wear + mono:object) that so seamlessly transcends all age groups. Wearing one, I feel fierce, like...Queen Himiko! Only a tiny bit younger!
The history of this garment is utterly fascinating. For one thing, traditional Kimonos were made from a single bolt of fabric and were disassembled and then resewn when washing was required. I'm so grateful that this is not required of the modern versions! ;)
En Creme Kimono print shawl (white/blue) now on sale $49
Maybe you've been itching to wear shorter shorts. The kimono is a great option for not so much hiding the perceived flaws as creating a more balanced look. This modern take is so much fun, with the stripe border, side slit with ties and a bit of a drawn in cinched back. The younger set (did I just say that out loud?) like to rock this look...just ignore me, we can all pull this off!!!
En Creme kimono (peach multi) $79
At the complete other end of the spectrum, for a somewhat more grown up Mommy-and-Daddy-date-night look, wear it with a dress, or top and skirt and the highest heels. This bold silver pendant adds a touch of sophisticated interest! But if you'd prefer something a bit more edgy or a shorter skirt, by all means that works too. Kimonos are so versatile! (like money-lol)!
In stores now...this is coming soon to the webstore!
White pants....the garment we think is just for painters. Well, think again! The floral diversion of the kimono creates a nice balance for the white, paired above with the clay coloured top and a simple yet eclectic mixed pendant. A pulled together look for so many activities, it's hard to imagine, on a busy weekend, that you'd need to change even once!
In stores now...this is coming soon to the webstore!
Back in the old days (and by old days, in regards to the Kimono, I mean 1200 years ago, give or take a few hundred), the kimono's pattern, would determine the season it should be worn. For instance, cherry blossoms would be worn in spring, leaf of the Japanese maple for fall and Plum blossoms for winter!
KW Kimono (available in Navy only) $49
Looking back, can be a great, if you can extract from it some good. My least favourite question is one regularly posed to me by my 11 year old....'what age would you be, and what would you tell yourself, if you could go back in time?' 'OH, God, mini philosopher of mine...it would probably be yesterday when I was 30 (cough cough) and don't eat cake for dinner or when I was 19 and should have named you Confucius'...she usually goes away frowning!
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
"Fall down seven times, get up eight" ~ Japanese proverb (or maybe avoid uneven pavement)!
Be sure to check out the varied selection available in Plum stores.
Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 06/06/2018 - 15:56
Weddings...they don't all entail a castle, a prince and a horse drawn carriage ride through the city with millions around the world watching. Maybe your BFF's invite states, 'wear flip flops and meet us at Sunset Beach' or maybe a wedding in the park. These days, people are investing more in their homes and futures than a venue with a colossal chandelier bigger than your back yard. Which, is great as well, however, if the former is the case, you get to forego the taffeta and lace and choose something you can dress up but that you can wear the very next day, and no one would know...you never went home! ;)
A refreshing design pattern that has the look of a valuable, abstract painting. BUT it's not, it's a dress and you get to accessorize it to suit your event. By all means footwear will be a pivotal factor that can turn this from a suitable dress for a daytime job, to a festive event where you find yourself dancing for hours. And it has that comfort factor which accommodates such lively activities. As well as a varied and bright colour palette to make choosing accessories effortless.
Pure bold print a-line dress (multi) $110
Most wedding events inspire, the female guests, to also don feminine attire...florals and lively prints. The above dress is a sweet, fresh bouquet pattern which, brings out the girly girl in all of us. Designed with a midi length, yet with a slit, which makes diving for that bouquet (do they still do that at weddings?) a breeze!
Spencer+Shaw shirred bodice and sleeve (black combo, blue combo or blush combo) $100
Yet another blooming botanical garden of lushness! Note the front vertical frill and easy structure. A flowing shawl would make a great companion for this dress, perhaps a string of pearls and don't forget to do your toes!
M floral drapey hem dress (green/pink) $98
 
A bit of a departure from florals, there are the solid options. This provides the opportunity to expand with your look in other ways. If you prefer to keep it uncomplicated, add an eye catching pair of earrings. Or go in the other direction and choose a vintage embroidered shawl and strappy sandals with a similar design. The dress on the right, provides yet another dramatic option for a possible afternoon into evening event.
Dreamers shirred back/button front dress (black) $89
Spencer+Shaw capsleeve tie front dress (black or mulberry) $100
 
While dresses are the usual garment of choice for a wedding or garden party, choosing co-ordinates is of course an option, especially for a low key party. Off the shoulder is not only a seasonal design of choice but appears to be a popular trend in the last few years. And the flowing kimono sleeved top on the right is yet another fabulous, breathtakingly pretty design that helps make your appearance memorable.
Be Young off shoulder knit top (black, multi or verdant green) $45
M Floral tunic blouse (green/pink) $89
When you're BFF asks you to be her maid of honor, you'll gushingly say yes, when she needs your help making the individually wrapped, green tea, almond cookie scented candles (??), you willingly assist, and when she says "Mom didn't approve of my choice" just smile and say, it's ok, most people throw them out after, anyway! :)
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
"I'm still at the age where I'm constantly seeking approval of people I have respect for" ~Eliot Paulina Sumner ... read the full post and reader comments
Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 05/30/2018 - 14:25
What to wear when we get to the 'other' side (you know, the afterlife!)? White of course. Because it's the prevailing colour worn by all the best ex-people, ghosts, angels, Gandhi, albeit passed on, however, still great! It's the tone that provokes feelings of lightness, optimism and freshness! And to state the late, old English meaning 'a highly luminous colour devoid of chroma'... But why wait for the hereafter! Let's look at some of what Plum has for your spirited personality and what goes well with it!
 
Wearing white WITH white is definitely not necessary, unless you're Sonny Crocket from Miami Vice. After all, when you're presented with a colour...(erm,or...non colour), your choices are absolutely endless. Where black, arguably has some limitations, the doors are wide open for choices with white! And never to disappoint, Second's Yoga jeans have retained their commitment to fit and comfort, colour or not!
Yoga highrise skinny ankle jeans (white) $138
Plaid is an excellent choice, when your aim is to create somewhat of a casual look. Wear it open with a plain t, or even add a graphic t for a mixed pattern look. Or, button it up and add a funky, boho, statement necklace. Plum, as always, has a wonderful selection of accessories.
Sneak Peak plaid shirt (red plaid) $69
I've expressed my adoration for kimono's on multiple occasions, and this one is another bulls eye. Unlike a lot of others, this one has a less voluminous cut, however, with side slits for easy movement.
En Creme long kimono (white/black) $79
Maybe you're not that interested in showing the 'junk' in your 'trunk' area (bum!) I completely understand. Then give this tunic a try. With a decidedly relaxed, somewhat exotic look, creating a very easy look.
En Creme tunic with hoody (blue/white) $65
Oh, move over Barry White, this is just as sexy as it gets...a knit top with ruffle along the neckline, and an artistic, water colour looking front.
Cream bird print knit top (white/pink/grey) $69
White pants in summer turns up the notch on the sophistication dial. While they are a denim cut, white adds a certain 'I'm too cool for colour' factor! It creates a bold, yet at the same time, simple, refined presentation. Don't let stains worry you...there is always white wine!
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
“The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything but be yourself.”
― Lao Tzu
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Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 05/23/2018 - 14:27
Wrinkles don't matter...at least not in pants! Plum's best selling pants this season, made in Italy, for 4 days only $79
For more information on Plum's annual Big Sisters campaign (Win a $350 gift card from Plum and support Big Sisters) follow this link for details
Ageless wrinkles...a bit of an oxymoron! But what causes them? Water (not heat) is the culprit behind wrinkles in cellulose based fabrics...a life lived is the cause of them on our face. Somewhat unavoidable on pants, as we sit, bend, stretch and recline! And with linen it's an expected quality which somehow adds to the divine character of this fabrication. If only we could view them the same way on our faces. This week one of Plum's favourite's has been brought back by popular demand. Made in Italy. Yes Italy! The birthplace of the Renaissance, pizza, the statue of David...all things exquisitely made!
If you're a pant lover, be it the casual, fancy or smarty ;), these are the ideal choice for summer. The perfect length, regardless of the chosen footwear. Easy, while somehow still retaining a level of sophistication because of the linen composition.
M stripe drawstring linen pant (navy or white stripe) FOR 4 DAYS $79
And a great companion to these fluid pants is this shirt, which is comprised of cotton and makes for a very natural, uncomplicated look.
Be Young shirt with stripe details (off white/blue) $65
 
To try possibly, a trend I'm really liking these days is mixing patterns. At least one common component with the two diverse patterns, is what makes this work. Such as picking out one of the colours. In this case one is an extremely feminine blue floral and the linen pants, a solid stripe. Neither competes with the other. OR... keep it simple, with a pretty, lace edge, off the shoulder top. With option one, you can get quite creative.
M shell top (white/blue) $80
Cream blouse (chalk) $89
Maybe what's needed is just a mere bit of outer coverage. You know, just a little something so throw on for those evening, patio, dine out dates. Light enough to ward off the sweat, but coverage enough to make you feel secure ;) This open front jacket, is a great option, also comprised of cotton and linen.
Meo Meli open weave jacket (denim or white) $89
There are eating pants...(you know the ones); yoga pants, because jeans apparently are just too stressful; and sassy pants, because apparently we can't 'say it like it is' unless we're wearing them! But HANDS DOWN, linen pants are the best. Because people notice the wrinkles on them more than our faces, and thus we look younger! (just a theory)!
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
'Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been' ~ Mark Twain
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Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 05/16/2018 - 14:26
TRESICS OPEN KNIT CARDIGAN AND TANK TOP A winning combination...together - 25% Thursday to Monday May 21
For more information on Plum's annual Big Sisters campaign (Win a $350 gift card from Plum and support Big Sisters) follow this link for details
Lots of things go hand in hand. Like X'S and O's, Virtue and Moir, quotation marks, socks and Birkenstock, arrogance and ignorance...ok with the exception of the last pair, it's nice when things do go together or match. My children like ketchup on their pancakes.... I will totally pass on that combo, but that's like anything. You are welcome to put together any combination, not everyone will get it. And that's ok, it's not Noah's ark!
 
A fabulous combination for the season (above). The open front cardigan and tank are just the right weight. Very light texture and the aqua colour is fresh, like a crisp salad! ;)
Featured special
Tresics open kit cardigan (5 colours)
Tresics tank top (5 colours)
Worn above with BE YOUNG raw edge slim fit ankle jean (white) $89
You know the best thing to go with this maxi? (or midi, depends on your height)...YOU! You and sunglasses and straw hat and espadrilles...quintessential summer dress! Features a shirred bodice, and you know what that means?...it means it very nicely accommodates the 'girls', a great length and a little bit 'o' sass with the slit!
Spencer + Shaw shirred bodice dress (black combo, blue combo, blush combo prints) $100
Looking for something beyond the 'matchy matchy' nature of the tank top and open front cardigan to go with the cardigan....this lightweight horizontal/vertical stripe top is a good pick. Try to possibly avoid long wide leg pants as you run the risk of looking like a walking drapery dept. 'BUT I LIKE THE DRAPERY look' you say...then by all means, go forth, maybe add some heels for a more elegant flowey look!
Soya stripe dolman sleeve blouse (off white) $79
My mind immediately ran off to some foreign exotic location with a handsome stranger when I saw this sweet, romantic top. I could think of many many things it would go with... a long, flowey skirt with a belt, crop pants with flat sandals, shorts and espadrilles. Quite a fantastic travel item as well.
Be Young off shoulder knit top (black, multi or green) $45
The kimono... I simply cannot get enough of it in the summer. Just the airy coverage I need to keep my upper arms from flapping in the breeze! They've now made a permanent space in the closet next to the maxi dress, shorts, jeans...they co-ordinate with just about anything.
Very J kimono (black print) $69
Some things are better apart than together like....6 am and leaf blowers or Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Then there are things that are good together but apart can be odd, like singing and dancing....(try dancing without the music). But true magic are things that can be great apart or together, like pros and cons, Ross and Rachel or wine and cheese (hold the ketchup please!)
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
"We always hold hands, if I let go, she shops" ~ Henny Youngman (Comedian)
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Submitted by Suzanne on Mon, 05/07/2018 - 11:23
KERSH CARDIGANS 2 STYLES + 6 LUSCIOUS COLOURS FOR 4 DAYS ONLY (ends May 13) $ 45
Support BIG SISTERS and enter to win gift card worth $350...details here
What could be better than a Mother's hug? Most would agree....there is very little that's better. BUT that would depend on the relationship you have with your Mother. Maybe you butt heads like a couple of rams trying to establish territory. If that's the case, a new pair of shoes 75% off, or winning a free flight somewhere is likely better. BUT if you and Mom go together like copy and paste, then here's your chance. Why not buy her a hug? That's right...buy a cardigan, put a card inside and say 'imagine my arms in this cardigan! LOVE YOU MOM!' And remember, every day is Mother's day to a Mother! ;)
 
There is very little that does not go with a cardigan. My current favourite item is this dress...I'm in LOVE with this dress. It's the right fabric, length, colour combo and cut and super easy to pack for travel, that make it so perfect. Belt it, don't belt it, wear it to the beach with flip flops or add a cardigan for a casual office or dinner setting or a blazer. It and the cardigan go anywhere with anything.
ICHI dress 3 rayon print (2 prints - polka dot and pink print) $49
Kersh sleeveless 3/4 sleeve cardigan (6 colours) $45
 
Here's another sweet, fun little frock that makes a nice friendship with a cardigan. Easy fabric, bright, bold random pattern, that again will take this from easy going activities to more serious events. Often a change of shoes and accessories is all that's needed.
Pure bold print a-line dress $110
Kersh ribbed waist cardigan (6 colours) $45
 
And sleeveless is not only great but necessary as we approach some brain melting temperatures in the months to come. HOWEVER, like it or not, weather (and AC) happens and it's nice to have a cardi handy for various climates and environments. Plus they always look great with jeans as well.
Motion sleeveless tie front shell (blue plaid) $67
Bear Dance cat at fish counter (white) $35
And remember, in fashion, there are no 'real' rules, just a variety of guidelines to access if needed. Thus, it's not necessary that your cardigan be flush with the length of your top. Sort of goes along with that bohemian, unintentional/I-meant-to-do-that, casual, constructed look (if you know what I mean)!
Ellison stripe tencel cuff t shirt (4 colours)sale price $32 (not available online)
Mom repeats things over and over again, for DECADES until you get it, teaches you about fashion, manners and how to cook. After decades the award for this 24/7, unguided, on the job training, trial and error university of parenting has got to be a sense of humor. Because what course teaches you to have endless patience while teaching another human to use the potty!
Happy Mothers Day Moms - THANK YOU!
Suzanne M.
SWEATER.: n: A garment worn by a child when it's mother is chilly ~ Ambrose Bierce
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