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Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 07/25/2018 - 17:10
Indulge me while I talk about Kimonos....again. Some things are just worth repeating. Like a great vacation spot, a fabulous selfie (ask Kim K), a great kiss or another piece of cake! Kimonos...they're simply one of the best garments of the moment and the buyer seems to have her finger on the fashion pulse (Plum just received some new styles)! Speaking of pulses...some days, I can barely find mine with four cups of coffee and a shower...therefore, the simpler the better. And Kimonos give you a chance to just grab and go, like the breakfast bar of your wardrobe...and still look like two millions bucks (inflation).
Time to explore your inner Hippie-boho-festival-gaia...or cool chick..whichever emerges! I love this one for it's sheer simplicity, yet at the same time, enough pattern to amuse and create interest and facilitates coordination without much challenge.
Kimono (border print in beige or grey) $59
If I haven't mentioned this already, one great reason to adore the Kimono is, most are one-sized, therefore making it, all about finding a pattern/colour you like, as apposed to fit...easy peasy, go ahead and eat those cheesies. SO the opposite issue to buying a bathing suit *big sigh*. I'd previously stated many times, how great black and white is for the sake of co-ordination, and the above offers the same. And if you're inclined to like a more complex look, why not belt it!
Kimono with front panel (black multi) $49
 
This blue kimono is just a breath of fresh air. So light, so exquisitely embroidered with tiny embellishments to catch the light. Fabulous as above with shorts or in keeping with the blue, vintage fringe edge jeans. Convert your look from a weekend, errand-running put together... to a casual dinner/drinks with friends occasion, with a simple change into heels, hair pulled up and some vintage look earrings.
Kimono - flower embroidered (blue) $79
Can you picture yourself wearing this, strolling through your vineyard, leisurely harvesting luscious grapes? (It's ok to have fantasies that don't include chocolate)...The minute I see someone wearing yellow, it immediately evokes unrecognizable feelings of calm(lol). The bright yellow print is a great colour to explore as it has so many hue's it will perform well with.
Kimono - floral (mustard print) $49
 
This gorgeous kimono is awash with blossoms. To try... tie it in the front for something different. Pair with these light mustard linen pants, which also comes in a few more seasonal pigments. Maybe take the self belt, wear it as a hair band and put a chain belt through the loops instead. Don't have one? Use a long, strong link necklace. Fun to experiment!
Kimono - long floral (yellow or black) $79
Catwalk gathered waist with tie pant (beige, mustard or pink) $92
Note the shorter length. Great for pairing with shorts, or a wide leg palazzo pant. Also, I could see this moving into early fall, stretching your wardrobe a bit into multiple seasons.
Kimono - floral (black) $59
If something is repeated, does it make a more profound impression, become more meaningful or important? Certainly not to my children! That being said, sometimes we need to say things to ourselves repeatedly for them to sink in...so repeat after me...'I deserve a new kimono....and that second piece of cake'!
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
"Do what you do so well, that they will want to see it again, and bring their friends"~ Walt Disney
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Submitted by Suzanne on Mon, 07/16/2018 - 14:00
Referring to the swagger type cool...as in...'me', finding my cool factor has been like discovering a great tune on an 8 track tape! Just so unlikely...so I stopped trying, like four decades ago! It has now become cool to be uncool (jackpot!). Yet somehow, around the 9th century the word was taken as a gauge of temperature to it's transformed meaning now, can mean, a type of vibe; but how did it make that leap? Firstly, I believe it's been established that pronouncing one's self as cool is as necessary as stating what a stable genius one is, sort of unnecessary proclamation if clearly evident! In any case, I don't think there's a concrete answer, but there's a way to join the two...as in, wearing something that feels cool and also looks pretty stylin!!
Linen...as cool in the 9th century as is now. Basically a summer texture and weight that rises above all the conjecture. You have to see the weave on this. There is little wonder why Plum repeatedly sells out of its collection of linen styles. Just absolutely breezy and flowing with brilliant earthy tones to go with any type of accessory.
Made in Italy open weave tunic (6 colours) $89
Cool...like a summer breeze, blowing past you as you sit in your Adirondack chair, holding a martini, with Bryan Ferry standing next to you singing his live version of Jealous Guy...oops, I drifted off there! The tank dress will never leave us, when it comes to suave, elegant style. It really is just you and the dress...what else do you need?
Double Zero long tank dress (black or deep purple) $69
Keeping well hydrated and staving off the heat itself in the summer months is always top of mind when buying clothing for this long, hot season. The above top, does a fabulous job of that and making your task of co-ordinating it effortless.
Be Cool small print shell top (navy print or red print) now $39
My undying, endless love for the kimono lives on. A garment that can be viewed as an after thought in regard to your outfit. Depending on the fabrication, can be folded up and put into your bag to put on and take off. With a change of footwear, in most cases, breezes in from one very casual environment to a more sophisticated one, or even doubles as your morning robe. Thus, why I think the kimono is the new 'must have' (or in my case-must have 5).
Kimono with tie waist (pink print) $79
Do you know what I think is cool? I'll tell you anyway. The 82-year-old Grampa who volunteers to cuddle babies in the ICU, that's pretty cool...Ballerina Aesha Ash who wanders around Rochester in her tutu in the hopes of inspiring little girls of colour that they can become dancers...that's cool...and anything still sought after thousands of years later, linen, that's pretty cool!
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
~kindness...it's like glitter only cooler....sprinkle it everywhere!~
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Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 07/11/2018 - 16:37
WHITE BOTTOMS...NOW at 20% off for 4 days ONLY....TIME TO BRIGHTEN UP!
Clearly worn out has multiple meanings. Extremely tired...the feeling you get when you have children; which doesn't leave you for 18+ years. The other meaning is tangible goods, aged and often rendered useless. THANKFULLY we have a clothing industry that simply creates a style out of that. I once wore a God-awful pair of shoes (I hang my head in shame, I still wear them) with embellished heels, missing a stone. I sheepishly pointed out the flaw to a co-worker, whereby she said 'Meh, that just adds character!'. I thus strutted those fashion-ugly shoes proudly! That's great, to a point. However, if you're looking for a way to brighten your mood or some of your life weary wardrobe or both, look no further than white! Truly a colour of revival!
 
If you want to go all the way with the white and bright...this top is an excellent choice. Because it provides texture, a feminine, surreal rose-look pattern and the very now twist front, while still keeping things simple, minimalistic and monochromatic.
Lazy Sundays mesh tonal knit (white) $49
Yoga high rise ankle skinny jean (white) (4 days only 20% off)
 
Another idea, that is a well loved look these days, the long flowey Kimono. Perhaps you'd rather something that is not too much of a contrast from the white pants or shorts. With it's varied patchwork look, it provides some variance but still in keeping with the lightness. Add your colour in another way...possibly a nice manicure/pedicure and/or flaming red lipstick! OR maybe you do favor a contrast, bold as black with a dash of humor!
En Creme long kimono (black/white) $79
Bear Dance 'work hard' t shirt (black) $35
I cannot say I've ever seen a boho style skirt with pockets. What a unique fresh design feature. Try this with a denim vest and maybe a wide belt to add some edge. Great for the festival season and lots of free flow dancing!
M skirt long skirt (white) now $72
The men's shirt style, is a mainstay! Pretty appropriate weight for the season, also, will work well into other seasons.
Sneak Peak stripe tunic (grey/white) $69 (nearly sold out)
I myself am a bit worn out from sorting my highly neglected sewing room, filled with projects to keep me busy well into my 80's! So much fun to go shopping in the archives of my neglected, repair hungry and historic purchases! Although some went into the 'what was I thinking' pile and others, a very skilled surgeon could not possibly resuscitate them and then there was the 'far too many decades have passed' garments. Some of the white things I decided to keep were the white hairs on my head! Because bald is not a look I'm going for this season!
Suzanne M.
"Instead of thinking of herself as worn down by life, she preferred to think of herself as polished. Her experiences made her gleam inside and out." ~ Quote by Queenisms ... read the full post and reader comments
Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 07/04/2018 - 13:37
I grew up in a small city where, if you wore anything too long, too short, too bright, too clothes-Y??!!...you got...'THE LOOK'! You know...where the eyeballs turn but the head does not? Lord, you'd think I was wearing a meat sandwich, when in fact it was...wait for it...RED!! Thankfully, now, living in a metropolis such as Vancouver or Calgary, almost anything goes...Although while at a play the other night, I got the look, which jolted me back to my teen years! I'm not sure if that was good or bad...but thankfully I was ok with the 8th thing I changed into before leaving the house. Anyway...maybe you would actually like to turn heads! Well, let's find you a look!
Something undeniably sweet about this dress in lovely lavender. At the same time, it's easy to wear with the shirred bodice, and just a hint of sexy. It's all about the shoulders! Which, until recent years, got very little attention. If it's too much for you, a shrug would work really well for dialing down the attention (but why!!).
Angela shirred bodice dress (lilac or mustard) $95
 
Drawing attention to yourself is not all about how short, low cut or daring you can be. sometimes, it's just a hint of something different, something new, something that makes you glow! This kimono looks like it was hand painted by spring itself!
Kimono with waist tie (blue/pink) $69
Oh ya! Show 'em what ya got! You worked hard for those guns! I know I would. Although mine look more like bread doe waiting to go in the oven. And that's ok, I love bread! Enough about me, this is a fantastic two piece. No more tugging at the undershirt...as the inside layer is lightly sewn to the outer.
Cherish stripe 2-piece tank (black or slate blue) $42
 
 
This shows off your creative side. As above, pull it up and wear it as a dress...add a belt, add a kimono...OR wear it as a skirt. A great two-in-one garment. Add to it, this gorgeous, exaggerated, playful, adjustable heart pendant. I am simply IN LOVE with them. Wear with bright red lipstick...and MWA!...just gorgeous! A real show stopper! (in a variety of sizes and colours).
Hummingbird pull on wrap skirt (black or heather grey) $59
Zsiska heart pendant (sold only in store in a variety of colours and sizes-large $45, smaller $32)
And yet another great way to show the shoulders (I'm starting to sound like the children's song 'head & shoulders, knees and toes'). This is a lovely, light weight cotton Swiss, pin dot...a nice alternative to tank tops; a great Friday night, out to dinner, look. Wear it with a long skirt, a peasant skirt, shorts or experiment and go creative with a tank dress underneath, thus not bearing your shoulders. Lots of things to try.
Allie Rose Swiss dot cotton blouse (blue or coral) $55
When you worry too much about what others are thinking, you waste precious time, not thinking about what you yourself are thinking...and the truth really is, we are a mere blip on the radar of someone elses life...might as well make it interesting for them ;)
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
"When you don't dress like everybody else, you don't have to think like everybody else"~Iris Apfel
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Submitted by Suzanne on Wed, 06/27/2018 - 15:38
SSHHH!!!!! AN additional 20% off sale prices...until July 2nd...try not to tell anyone! (JUST KIDDING...tell everyone)...in store only!
If you're like me and have unconventional proportions, improvising and being creative, learning to sew and alter are just something you're used to. If you're still struggling with this fact, just know, It's far easier than you think to accommodate your specific proportions. And maybe you're looking for a way to diversify your style! One great, new find this season is the jumpsuit...the garment often viewed as kitschy (Elvis) or merely coveralls for auto mechanics, has made a big comeback. And we couldn't be more grateful...thank you...thank you very much!
Often viewed as, well...boring, with few options for expanding on the look, the jumpsuit is really anything but. I've seen it worn under a great top, various types of belts to break up the colour, and worn alone (as above) or with a tank top or button down blouse. This one is comprised of rayon and linen, which thus gives it a bit of a lush, more elegant drape. If you have somewhat of a longer torso, note the adjustable straps, back elastic (and of course, pockets!). While it's presented above with very casual footwear, change the tone of the look entirely by introducing a pump, or strappy sandal. Really, much more can be done with this garment than just putting it on!
In Love midi length jump suit (black, brick or mustard) $89
Sometimes, we just tire of the same old same old...such as black or beige pants, or heaven forbid in this heat, long pants...a nice departure from the long or the super short. Providing a bit of give and take is a bit of elastic in the waist and some very easy to coordinate colours. And tuck in your shirt or don't...I'm not your mother so, I won't be dictating your style options! ;)
M woven crop stripe pant (stripe) $89
Apparently v necks are an excellent neckline for those of us with a lot 'up stairs' (aka:.boobs)! I love this top and I think the lace is great for everyone. The pretty floral pattern with a black background proves you can still wear black and look summery!
Allie Rose tank lace edge (black floral or ivory floral) $32
And perhaps what you feel most awkward about is your mid section. With this mid frill, no one would have a clue about this but you (and maybe your therapist). A great pairing for this sweet, feminine top is crop pants, shorts or even a pencil skirt.
Peppermint floral print knit top (black or off white print) $45
I can see this dress as one that one constantly reaches for, because of it's bright, summery pattern and comfortable construction. Perhaps an excellent choice for those concise in height. Ignore me, it clearly works for everyone, as we can see from the model who is, how do I put this...unabridged!
Very J mesh strap print dress (black print) $95
The ubiquitous white shirt...classic, fresh and timeless. A wardrobe essential that goes with so many things. Worn alone just creates a lighthearted feeling, or use it as a display for your favourite accessories! And yes, you might need to iron it, but it's worth it for a nice crisp look.
Catwalk button front linen blouse (taupe or white) $89
Saudi Arabia went overboard in the 'creative' department recently at a fashion show, using drones instead of flesh and blood human beings to display some new creations. I think I'd rather sit on a sun deck and watch the laundry blow in the breeze or pay a visit to my local dry cleaners and retrieve some of my favourite things all fresh and clean. No drivers license required!
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
"You can be the best role model by being yourself"~Kelly Clarkson ... read the full post and reader comments
Submitted by Suzanne on Tue, 06/19/2018 - 18:18
FOR LOTS of flirt worthy great finds, be sure to attend Plum's annual, in store, 4 day sidewalk sale!
Are you an anxious flirt? You know, you go to a party, with a couple of friends and want to start up a conversation with someone who looks attractive...BUT...it's hard to know where to start, hard to know what to do with your hands, hard not to dribble food while trying not to talk too much...very nerve wracking. It's like emotional multitasking! Flirting is a very fine art, some are good at it and some are just good at being flirted with. I say, find a super cute dress, and let the dances and glances begin!
According to psychology today, flirting is not a simple, light hearted activity, as it encompasses many skills such as body language, empathy and creativity. Part of that creativity, however premeditated, is how we dress. The above dress is just a sweet, lively, dancing dress. Not so overly revealing so as to raise your Grandma's eyebrows, just a little bit of somethin' to catch someone's eye!
Lani off shoulder dress was $89 now $59 (in store only)
Off the shoulder is not the only option, when it comes to a 'ya-I'm-interested', type garb, but it's a very sought after style for good reason (and the season). And this one, also has a lovely peek a boo slit for showing off that strut...(and dance moves)!
Angela shirred bodice (lilac or mustard) $95
The researchers at the University of Kansas, having completed a study on verbal and non verbal behaviors, established 5 basic types of flirting styles - physical, traditional, sincere, polite and playful. I say, why put pressure on yourself...find something pretty and playful that makes people inclined to flirt with you! And just what type of flirt do you think you are?
Peppermint gathered neck knit top (black print or off white print) $45
And who says that dresses are the only 'flirt-worthy' garment? Ptcha!!! I say! These fabulous linen pants just dance when you walk. They come in 5 alluring colours and have such a glorious drape, in a very 'now' crop, wide leg trend that is the best for the season. (non-flat stomach rationalizations: I was too busy eating to have a stomach this flat...and I'm totally ok with my 'mommy tummy').
Catwalk gathered waist, tie pant (beige, black, charcoal, mustard or pink) $92
Don't let the very idea of mingling and flirting cause unnecessary stress...it's meant to be fun...be yourself, most of all...That being said, I can honestly say it's been at least a 12 year old ago, that I remember purposely flirting; unless gazing longingly into my morning coffee counts...then yes, I'm a total flirt expert!!
Yours in Fashion passion...
Suzanne M.
We try to hide our feelings but we forget that our eyes speak~Unknown
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