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I admit, it is a macabre introduction into spring and it's efflorescent happiness! Leave it to me, somehow to find this to be somehow a pleasing image, despite it's dark meaning. It's earliest utterance appeared in a letter from a Lieutenant to his regiment in 1915 while he was in hospital. Yet, to me, the meaning of this idiom doesn't fully match the visual. Clearly, when you think that some of the boldest blooms erupt in spring....beautiful things, can come from impurities, malevolence or sadness and pain if bright blossoming lushness can burst forth from...you know...dirt (and manure)! Hope somehow springs eternal. Anyway let's look at some perennial lovely prints to push us forth into Spring and Summer.

This delightful print skirt can totally be paired with a cheeky graphic t shirt, for an even more lighthearted tone. The simple little black and white print, can nearly pass as a neutral, thus allowing it to go with any colour (if you prefer a solid) and other types of prints, like the graphic t or a larger print. Perhaps tuck in the shirt, add a belt, a jean jacket and boots or shoes to suit your mood as well. Just experiment!

B Young button front skirt (black/white print) $89

Bear Dance 'I work hard' t shirt (black) $35

 

This is a really great casual look. The blush coloured tunic/blouse helps balance the bursting florals. Although if you wanted to go for more drama, perhaps throw on a pair of Doc's and a long cardigan. Pluck out one of the colours from the many on the bottoms. Add a scarf if you need a bit more layering.

Leggings in store only

Ichi long tunic shirt (rose dust or white) $69

Soya Concept duster sweater (rapture rose) $95

Think about it. Don't you just love the easy, fresh cut of a bohemian style dress for summer? Midi length, luminous, botanical print...put together with a straw hat and bag...Such a sweet, easy weekend...heading to the beach or brunch look.

Final Touch spaghetti strap dress (yellow or blue prints) $89

Other accessories found in store and may vary by quantity and by store

Another example of things I've recently seen successfully joined together is stripes and florals. Yes I realize the above left top is not floral, more foliage or jungle than floral. Nonetheless it shows how the sleek lines of the stripe bring out the best in each other. Like Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise....ok that didn't work out, never mind. Stick with the stripes and florals!

Cream border print shell top (black) $89

All In Favor stripe palazzo pant (black) $65 now $52

Let's return to uncomplicated florals. Just a bouquet of colour and really, that's all that's needed. The above chosen pants are excellent neutrals. The tops are great picks for professional or where more structured settings require a less creative look. Accessories can be as simple as a pair of earrings. Easy grab and go style.

Bolide floral blouse (white print) $85

Cream twill jean (major brown) $129

Cream blouse (cobalt) $89

Yoga high rise skinny ankle jean (white) $138

Don't these fabulous earrings look like flowers? Delicately bursting elegance and an essence of antiquity! Midnight Cactus earrings are only sold at Plum here on the west coast. Hand made in Dartmouth Nova Scotia! I've bought so many of these, I should have them shipped directly to my home!! Follow our new Instagrammer Rebecca for more fabulous images like this! Thanks Rebecca for this amazing image of my favourite earring line!

In store only

It's such an interesting phenomenon that something with such magnificently wonderful colour can push forth from the ground from a mere seed, dirt, and of course the oh so colourfully pungent fertilizer! Makes me wonder why the desperate fear of death, when we can come back blooming and making people more happy than we did in life...hmm!!!

Yours in Fashion passion...

'And the day came that the risk to remain tight in a bud, was more painful than the risk it took to blossom' ~ Anais Nin  ... read the full post and reader comments

Don't forget...until Mar.24, get 20% off a pair of spring pants with the purchase of a top! Web promo code: SP2019 27 STYLES TO CHOOSE FROM

I've attended enough Plum staff events whereby the same dress was worn by multiple staff. Perhaps because it's fashion, no one batted an eye. In fact, I think we all looked with fascination at how each had put their mark on it. Hair done differently, various footwear, worn with leggings or of course, the different accessories to punctuate it. I looked forward to them for the lessons in style they provided. It's Iris Apfel who said 'Fashion you can buy, but style you must posses' (I'd alter that by changing the word posses to create). And I don't think we all need to look like Iris with her bold, traffic stopping looks! If you like that style, go crazy! But really, creating your own personal look, is really about finding your own formula!

I adore this dress, despite it's lack of black dominance.  What does dominate here is it's playful pattern and easy fit. In fact, part of my own personal formula is, I love a handful of colours, black being one, and rainbow stripes. I realize how odd that seems, however, with a dress like this, it's really quite simple. On any given day, a change in accessories is easy, add a scarf or hat for that matter. The colour won't matter, because everything will match.  What's your formula? Do you swear by earrings? Cannot leave the house without a hat or scarf?

 

Cream front tie dress (multi) $139

I've been musing lately on how very old ladies (not Iris), or children (ok my children), seem to like to randomly throw on multiple patterns (if only unmanageable hair was also a 'thing'). My lovely (albeit now deceased) Aunts, in their day were fashion plates. Ultimately as very old ladies, I recall, they would, however wear two contrasting plaids together. I think wearing differing patterns, is a skillfully, curated fashion talent. One that I love, but have yet to fully master. Above, is an example of 2 patterns that can work. One an eastern influenced print and the other a very rigid stripe. Unlike the Kardashian sisters, they do not compete! Perhaps wear an obi belt and heels, hair up and shoulder grazing earrings.

Cream Kimono $119

Yoga high rise ankle skinny jeans (white) $138

Motion stripe palazzo pant (blue) $86

Yellow is one of 'the' biggest fashion colours this season. Not merely because it's spring and bright, but because it gets noticed. And if you do not like to be noticed, I would advise against wearing this, light, lovely, warm, smile coaxing colour. Why would you want people smiling at you! Seriously, if your colouring is right for this, yellow can be a wonderful addition to your wardrobe. And frankly, at times, we need to change our formula....or, simply add to it!

Cream ruffle sleeve print blouse (corn yellow) $69

Liverpool knit trouser (black) $99

If you happen to be a dress loving girl, why change that, I think this one is SPOT ON for summer.  Features a a shirred back and pockets.  If you prefer a bit of layering, such as a tank underneath, just experiment. If you need a bit of coverage, try a crop jean jacket or perhaps an open front cardigan, such as above.

Dreamers gathered back dress (stripe) $79

RD open front cardigan (black or white beach) $69

A personal style doesn't means, you must wear earrings, you must wear a scarf or any accessories at all....throw away the 'musts'. In fact a minimalist look is such a classic. Either go for a simple, basic cut such as the one on the right, or find a top with a unique design. The frill, while it currently clearly has a female association, centuries ago was worn by soldiers and thus carries with it a certain, dignified and powerful image.

Cream shell top (cobalt) $89

Point Zero tank top (floral print) $42

Jag Carter girlfriend pant (black, khaki or rose) $99

Side note: SHOUT OUT to Plum's Granville staff! I recently went into Plum's Granville store. I bought a simple t shirt, and what I left with was some excellent advice on how to style my simple graphic t that I had not thought of! (happy customer here)! :)

I'm a huge fan of Iris Apfel. She's 97 years old, which inspires me to believe that there is no park your style here at 40, 50, 60, 70 and so on...there is just no reason..I love that she continues to have a passion for all things fashion and if she could eat accessories, I'm sure she would! It's also extremely humorous that Iris does not view herself as nutsy nor does it seem she would care if anyone else did. So many style icons of every age; who is your style inspiration? A model, a designer, a major performer/singer, or maybe someone close to you.

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"You've got to make your own kind of music, sing your own special song, make your own kind of music, even if nobody else sings along" ~ Cass Elliot ~ 1969

   ... read the full post and reader comments

Well, I guess the popularity of 'air' is based more on it's essential nature, not it's likeability, or maybe both. But I digress, do you remember those who were popular in high school or maybe that was you? We are currently in an era of hashtags and selfie’s, where there’s nothing more popular than popularity. And not much has changed over the decades in the recipe for it…What are the ingredients? A certain universal likeability, coolness and perhaps a sense of fitting in anywhere, with any group. I would have wanted this shawl to be my best friend in high school. How popular was I in high school? I think my former statement says it all.

Some things are just too good not to bring back, like 80's music, Polaroid cameras, reading from actual books...ok maybe that never left! This convertible shawl was a huge hit. And you can clearly see why. Plum brought it back because, it's packed with style, easy to wear and goes with so many things (and popular)!

How to wear it:

Look by M convertible shawl (6 colours) was $69 - FOR 4 DAYS $55 (UNTIL Mar.10)

 

 

....and fear not, very soon you'll be able to adorn your feet with the fabulous sandals you snuck into the house...(oops that was me). I think the above combo would look sensational with the convertible shawl. This season, it's here in 6 very spring/Easter-like colours.

Point Zero printed tank top (multi) $42

Cream twill pants (white) $119

AND yes, I might need my best quality Spanx for this lovely, albeit simple body-con dress (and a shoehorn). I just think this dress and the convertible could be very best friends. The shawl adding a tiny bit of flair and coverage at the same time. Great looks and style don't have to be complicated.

Final Touch v-neck lined dress (black or brick) $89

 

I simply love this botanical print flower top...like wearable art! And if you're not ready for bare legs just yet, consider equestrian style boots until the temperatures boost themselves into double digits! Otherwise it's super cute with the kicks!

Soya Concept flower print burnout t shirt (off white) $49

Cream knee length twill skirt (dark brown, blue or taupe) $89

I really think this makes a fabulous date night combination, add the shawl (various of the shawl colours would work with this) add some bold earrings, hair pulled up and you'll look smashing. It's also completely comfortable...except the heels, you'll need to be dropped off at curbside!

Cream border print shell top (black print) $89

Mavi Tess highrise skinny jeans (dark grey vintage) $118

Let's face it, fashion is all about what's trendy, what's new and yes popular. Those of us who have a love for the unique and OOAK...sometimes even we need to take a second look at where everyone is going, doing or buying. But if a feeling of popularity is what you yearn for...head into a dog pound with a handful of treats, trust me, you'll be the most popular human! Too bad a covering of dog fur on clothing wasn't more popular! (pretty sure that will never be a trend).

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else." ~Margaret Mead  ... read the full post and reader comments