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Scene stealer

Do you dress for attention or intention and what's the difference? ATTENTION is anything that turns heads, INTENTION is a message you 'intend' to convey (professional, creative, functional, tasteful)! For me, as a teen I was drawn to the most inconspicuous possible...fast forward 30 years (ok 40), I counsel myself with 'no need to wear all the bold things at once'! Here's a great tip that someone once shared... If you're dressed and ready to go and unsure of all the components...face away from the mirror, turn around quickly and the first thing that catches your eye...take it off. (I personally take all else off-lol). OR turn to someone who knows what works...like Plum.

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I'm not sure which camp this dress falls into, nor if it matters. It's so pretty, yet bold and easy to wear. Features an easy shape, pockets, tie back and comes in 3 great patterns. Go summer!!

Simone sleeveless flared sundress (aqua, blue/pink, red) $129

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This definitely makes for a dramatic look. Love the black/white contrast, however, keeping in mind the detailed pattern of the lace, one could certainly pair it with many other things, skinny jeans, crop pants, shorts, with footwear being one of the key focus changers.

Wander maxi embroidered mesh vest (black) $85

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Perhaps your intention is towards looking casual, comfortable, yet still trendy. This has it all in the bag. Cold shoulder and pink have made a big splash this year. The loose fit and tie dye create a casual comfortable vibe! (also makes a great cover-up for the beach).

Wander tie dye cold shoulder dress (pink) $55

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For professional reasons, you might need to keep things somewhat simple. The above top is indeed simple, however, with a different twist, vertical variegated stripes.

Soya concept t style vertical stripe top (off white) $59

If your intention and attention don't come together, that's ok...just get dressed, be yourself and wear what you love don't let it wear you!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

Plum's online store is open around the clock. But for personal service..head into a location near you. Staff will gladly help you find your focus!

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Make a trend...fake a trend

Who doesn't love matchy matchy? Plum's annual campaign to support BIG SISTERS is now in full swing and when you donate $3.50 to Big Sisters Plum will match every donation (up to $35)...Because matching is important! The goal is to help BIG SISTERS match two big and little sisters! Plus....be entered to win a $1000 wardrobe from Plum...yes A $1000 wardrobe! In honour of Plum's 35th year...Happy Birthday Plum! What a great way to celebrate! Note: only donations made in one of our Plum locations will be entered into the draw.

A recent fashion news story stated the day of 'trends' is all but gone, that we create our own individual trends, thus no longer requiring fashion hierarchy dictating what we must wear. However I then discovered yet another story about an ecommerce retailer who's latest trend set the web on fire by stating they are now selling 'puppies' alongside accessories. After I picked my jaw up off the keyboard, the article later stated it was a fake ploy to draw attention to animal welfare issues. I love puppies, but prefer mine on the end of a leash, not delivered in a Fedex box! So,if you're of the 'trend' camp and like to see new, exciting, fresh ideas on the fashion front OR you see things more in a classic way...linen is a great seasonal choice, It exudes class without being pretentious but provides a great canvas for your trendy additions. Here's what some of Plum's very own staff (the experts) have to say about it:

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Graciela said: "It's elegant, sexy and versatile". I agree Graciela, this jacket is all these things. Hard to abandon the blazer for the summer but the breathable nature of this fabric makes it possible to extend the wear into the warmer months.

Tobias linen jacket with welt pocket (caramel, khaki or natural) $185

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Allison said: "I tried on the top and pants together to get an idea of the fit, without the intent to wear them together, but they actually made a great outfit. I added a long necklace and it was fantastic!"

The function of these summer neutral colours are indeed wonderful together and yet the benefit of blending them with your existing wardrobe pieces, also makes them a must for the season. The washed fabrication of many of the co-ordinates, makes them softer to the touch. Worn simply or adding (as noted) some bold trendy jewelry punctuates your look!

Plum relaxed washed linen pant (black,grey or oatmeal) $82

Plum washed linen tank top (black, grey, oatmeal or white) $59

 

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Kayo said: "it's a 'chic' hippy look" 

Of course we soon head into the nearly unbearably hot season where shorts are almost the only option. What's great about linen shorts is they offer a bit more of a 'grown up' style. Great for festival season, however, a trendy way to wear them is with heels or strappy sandals and a long, light weight vest or kimono.

Plum washed linen shorts (black,grey or oatmeal) $65

worn with:

CM shell top, button back, lace bottom (cupcake) $55 (100% rayon)

 

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Naomi said: "it wrinkles but, like me, they earned it by living and loving life". Linen is definitely livable, breathable, loveable!

And let's not forget the skirt because while summer suddenly descends upon us, we are still on the job. A great co-ordinate for the office, school or the weekend wardrobe. Yes it wrinkles but, this is part of it's easy going, aesthetic.

Plum washed linen drawstring skirt (black, grey or oatmeal) $69

The earth inspired colours of the 'exclusive to Plum' linen collection, blends so seamlessly into the season at hand. Whether you decide to dial up the daring and add bold accessories or choose the minimal route, linen is an essential for the season.

Remember; being yourself is a trend that never goes out of style!

Yours in Fashion passion....

Suzanne M.

ps, don't forget Plum online is open 24 hours a day...

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PLUM HAS TURNED 35. In honour of this great milestone and Plum's annual fundraiser to support BIG SISTERS; from May 12 to 31...with each $3.50 donation you make, you will be entered in a draw to win $1000 PLUM wardrobe PLUS Plum matches every donation. How great is that? Contribute to matching 2 big and little sisters & be eligible to win a $1000 wardrobe. What a great way to celebrate!

Whether a wedding invite, a garden party or a fundraiser, there are ample events that will occur out of the blue this season. Why be caught off guard. Inevitably something crops up and we're scrambling to find 'the' right outfit. Be grateful you're not the bride having to organize, flowers, music, food and the dress..OH the dress...well, Plum has exquisite choices for every level of affair and attendee; these are a few of my favourite things:

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Pristine white eyelet, this is such a wonderful garden party dress. OR perhaps this is not your first trip down the aisle and you'd rather something less 'princess bride' and more understated. The fit on this dress is just so perfect! Classic shift dress but with a modern twist with the exposed back zip. And it's also breathtaking in black!

Simone eyelet sheath dress (black or white) $159

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This is yet another dress choice that is destined to be favourite for years to come. The blossoming botanical print is the perfect option for afternoon events. Sprinting to catch the bouquet will not be a problem with this dress, as there is ample stretch.

Simone printed knit dress (black multi or mint) $125

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Another sweet, fresh summertime dress saturated in colour and lovely scalloped bottom edge. Very easy to work this into a casual dress for your every day life, as well as one for an event. Very versatile.

Simone eyelet button front dress (teal or white) $159 $119

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At first glance perhaps this dress looks like it lacks...well, inspiration. However, it's quite the opposite. I'd compare it to a fresh canvas...yours to create! Add a statement necklace or simple yet stunning earrings, pull your hair up and add classic nude pumps, maybe a shawl and you're good to go. And yet another dress that can translate into a day to day easy work option.

Simone crew neck dress with pockets (black, blush or chai) $129

If you're attending a wedding here's some advice:

  • If you're bringing children make sure you tell them not to put their fingers in the wedding cake
  • An open bar does not mean your wine glass should 'never' be empty
  • giving a gift certificate to a cleaning service; might be too bold of a hint but lastly and most importantly
  • have fun!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

For more information on Big Sister and the great work they do...follow this link.  ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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If you won ten million...what would you do? In a two year old survey taken of US residents a surprising 2/3 of those polled would continue to work. What about your car or what you wear? Would you continue to wear the same style, make a major style change or would you merely invest in more cat print, hand painted, silk scarves with Himalayan beaded fringe? (we all have our weird fashion obsessions) Waiting for an unlikely windfall to wear what you love, is living for tomorrow. Buy smart and you'll look like a million dollars!

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Plunge right into spring with this lovely, fresh, owl print, vintage style dress. Put together in the photo with lemon yellow converse shows how it can be lightened up for casual wear. For leisure, we tend to gravitate to jeans, but why not a dress? Easy on, wrap style, securely fastens at the waist with 2 sweet buttons and back gathers. Style tip: worried about the front flying open at inopportune times? Wear bicycle shorts with a lace border or a vintage slip underneath. And footwear just changes the mood. Mary Janes or ankle wrap flats are different options.

Simone cap sleeve wrap dress (black or royal) $139

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I feel compelled to take someone down to the river and feed them tea and oranges when I look at this dress (thank you Leonard Cohen). Call me half crazy but this, bold exotic print reminds me so much of long days at festivals or (again) with different footwear and a shawl, makes a great brunch outfit.

Simone sleeveless dress with front keyhole (blue or orange) $149

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Off the shoulder, cold shoulder and open shoulder looks are big this season. This ethnic print, embroidered top will look great with shorts, midi skirts, maxi skirts and as you can see a great offset for crisp white pants (on your yacht). Here's a tip for keeping the off the shoulder...off your shoulders (view).

Flying Tomato embroidered peasant blouse (black) $59

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Speaking of crisp white...won't you look fabulous stepping out of your stretch limousine in this sleek looking Simone dress ;) A beautifully cut and designed dress with a decidedly futuristic edge.

Simone sheath dress with metal zipper (white) $129

Given that the chances of being the top winner of such a lottery are as slim as Paris Hilton's skinny jeans....why wait for tomorrow or 'maybe'...live for now (but we can still dream and plan)!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

ps...DREAM BIG..but enjoy the little things  ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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What's in a name....

'What's in a name' said William Shakespeare...is this a coat or a jacket...'that is the question'! (ok maybe not the coat/jacket part). Upon feasting my eyes on this, my first thought...'it's a jacket'. However after deliberating, and a quick poll..I discovered...it really depends. Is the deciding factor the fabric content, the length or something else entirely? What you call it and how you wear it are they related? If you call this a coat, you'll wear it over your outfit, if you call it a jacket it's potentially 'part' of the outfit. Looking for ways to expand your wardrobe...consider using your outerwear as part of the ensemble. Think outside the box (or outside the coat).

 

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The drape front collar is such a chic trend. Lending a great air of elegance and creativity to a garment. This coat was a huge hit in the office when everyone spotted the first cut! Generous pockets, crepe texture and a wonderful little gathering in the back for definition. And then of course, there's the yummy, warm, neutral colour, easy to infuse into any outfit. This is a must have piece; perfect for many different seasons.

Tobias draped front trench coat Rayon/nylon blend (caramel or black) $210

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Blazers are a staple of our wardrobes now. They've gone from the office to the weekend so seamlessly...worn with jeans, skirts, dresses...no limits...and great for layering. If it's needed as outerwear, underneath add a lightweight cardigan and a scarf if the temperature drops.

Tobias linen jacket (caramel, khaki or natural) $185

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Perhaps you prefer the classic Inspector Clouseau style trench (with a bit more sex appeal of course)! Button down, tie front, cotton/spandex blend. Worn as outerwear, over a cardigan, a jean jacket or a blazer...a great lightweight layer to peel off when the sun beams down.

Press trench style coat (khaki wash, lilac grey wash) $125

You're dying to know what the poll results were aren't you? Well I'm going to tell you anyway...it was a landslide, the majority of the voters in my miniscule poll voted for COAT. Call it what you will, but the main thing is...wear it your way!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

ps...worn by you, it becomes a style!

 

 

 

 

 

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No more Yoga pants...PLEASE!

The origins of Yoga arguably can be traced back more than 5000 years. Which is how old I feel if I attempt any Yoga poses! Decades have gone by since my Mother did her 'bicycle' (if anyone remembers that move) and pants were confining and uncomfortable. Clothing styles have now progressed to the point where there are infinite cuts, styles and fabrications. So ask yourself this; have your yoga pants ever really gone to yoga? If you're wearing them on the street, you should probably be on your way to yoga class! Otherwise, here are a few alternatives:

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The variegated knit of this cover look is so retro. The 70's comes bolting back but in a much better way with this top. Cotton/poly blend, really soft and light weight. And the capri cargo's are such a go to weekend look.

Plum vneck long sleeve knit top (mustard, orange or white) $69

Point Zero capri herringbone cotton/twill (curry, diamond, lichen or white) $65

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While this look doesn't necessarily make one think of the 'snuggling on the couch' type comfort, I have to say, these are amazingly comfortable jeans. They look so sexy with the blazer and while they are very long and require either a bit of a hemming or heels, they move so well with your body. Bending and stretching in these is not a problem.

Mavi Ashley Mini Flair (34" inseam) $118

Tobias 1 button jacket (brown or denim blue) $ 195

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These fresh, white jeans are (co-incidentally) Yoga jeans, therefore, if veering away from your 'comfort zone' is too much...slip into these and you will not notice the difference...oh but others will!! And as for the thigh skimming, rayon blend, tunic dress...add a belt, a print scarf... Or if you need to dress it up, switch to sling backs, add a shawl, a necklace and pull your hair up. You cannot tell me this does not exude comfort (and style)!

Kersh tunic dress (charcoal mix, lilac) $95

Yoga Jeans, high rise skinny ankle (white) $120

Who's kidding who...maybe watching 'The Voice', with a glass of wine in one hand and chocolate Easter eggs in the other is your Yoga! (wait, that's me)...anyway, whatever calms the mind!

Namaste!!

Yoga pants...what Yoga was invented for....let's keep it that way! ;)

Yours in Fashion passion...

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

 
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