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The lines we choose in our clothes affect our appearance--we can either harmonize them with our features or contrast them to emphasize or detract from our natural shape. Unless you want to cancel your curves, the key to line is to know that curved lines emphasize the curves you naturally possess.

Because they create a soft drape, curved lines emphasize the roundedness of the body. For this reason, you can create curves where you might be lacking with the garments you choose. If you have narrow hips, for instance, go for a skirt with a curvy pattern and a flowing fabric to create the illusion that you’ve got shape there. Or, if you want to create harmony, choose a curvilinear blouse with a rounded neckline (as shown above) to mimic the arc of your facial features. The eye will be drawn towards your face. 

Clothes look sleeker when they are made up of straight lines as they don’t hold the gaze as long. Straight lines cut the visual space in the direction that the lines are positioned. That’s why a top with bold horizontal lines creates width at the bust, and vertical-lined jeans create length in the leg, so place these straight lines with care on the body. Because rectilinear patterns can hold attention longer than stripes, a geometric print blouse (as shown above) can create harmony with your straight-lined facial features while still maintaining the attention on you.  

Read more about the Rules of Line and How to Wardrobe at plum.ca

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As past curator of the Vancouver Museum, and current curator for the Society of the Museum of Original Costume, Ivan has always been a collector.

As a child, he purchased antiques from thrift shops, catalogued them in his garage, then spent hours at the library to determine the exact age of the items. When he was just a teenager, he bought his first item of clothing: a black lace dress from the thirties. Now, he jokes that he sleeps in the dining room because the boxes have overtaken every room in his East Van house. He has amassed one of the largest private collections in all of Canada.

Fashion lovers flock to his events--not just to see a rare glimpse of his collection, but also hear the unique insights only he can provide. When Ivan is speaking, anecdotes about how and where he acquired each item are peppered in with his expert knowledge on the evolution of women’s fashion from 1650. His fashion shows are filled with stories from the original women who wore the garments that he could only hear at the original transaction. All told without shortage of humour and passion.

Ivan Sayers is hosting, after all.

Buy your tickets to Radical Rags at any Plum lower mainland store

or purchase them online here.

When: February 22 from 2 to 4 pm

Where: Vancouver's St. Andrew's-Wesley Church

All proceeds go to support the Civil Rights Now!

Corset photo credit: Cindy Goodman/North Shore News.  ... read the full post and reader comments

Exciting News!

We are giving away one pair of tickets to "Radical Rags: The Fashion of Activism," a historic fashion show with Ivan Sayers.

During this time of 'Fast Fashion' when "more and cheaper" is the main message, it is good remember a time when fashion was something more important.  Ivan is showing part of his vast collection from an era that was important to all of us.  Don't miss a seldom seen live display of fashion from our past! 

If you'd like to buy tickets, please visit any lower mainland Plum store or purchase your tickets on-line.

This fundraising event takes place on February 22nd at Vancouver's St. Andrew's Wesley United Church. All proceeds go to support The Civil Rights Now! Society.

To enter, click this link and fill out your contact information. 

To read more about this event and see what Kate O'Brien said about Ivan Sayers click here.

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