Alembika helps me look my best.
I never have to question how I look when walking out the door.
Susan McEwen, Alembika Woman

World-traveler and Alembika Woman, Susan McEwen of our “Cruisin’ with Susan” blog is back. This time we took a deep dive into what inspires our friendly friend from our Private Facebook Group and she did not disappoint!

Cruisin’ with Susan

My mother and aunt were Italian and they were raised in Italy during WW11. Their fashion sense inspired me from the time I was a very young girl.

I came of age in the 1970’s and my fashion and sense of style evolved as I went through my teen years. In high school , I would describe my style as having been trendy…preppy… lots of denim and sweaters and then moving through “ gaucho pants, hot pants and Daisy Duke shorts.”

As I moved into University, in the late 70’s, my style changed to reflect a more “avante gaard”me, with a touch of elegance. Money was tight while I was in school, so I explored consignment stores and charity shoppes, where I was able to outfit myself in better quality clothing and put my own spin on my outfits. I added accessories to make things pop. I was not afraid to stand out in a crowd.

My motto in clothing and life has always been, “dare to be different!”

Susan is modeling styles from Polished & Preppy (left) and After Dark Spring (Right).

Now in my 60’s, I would describe my style as artistically elegant. I push the envelope in a big way and do not follow trends. I know what suits my body now and stay away from anything that clings.

Alembika captures my style completely! I adore the luxe fabrics and beautiful prints, as well as how the clothes fall away from the body and enhance one’s look.

I adore the Punto pants, which are a staple in my wardrobe. They are super comfortable and work with everything. I have them in solids and prints and add new ones each season.

I have always loved color, color, color. I search that out in each season’s collections, while still adding basic black pieces. I first discovered Alembika at Thirty-Seven Style — a boutique in my neighbourhood. It all began with the purchase of a multi shade green velvet dress.

I am known there as “ Ms. Alembika!”

Many people don’t understand what it means to dress with intent.
To me, it is Alembika. Everything works together so wonderfully.
Susan McEwen, Alembika Woman

I have always loved clothes and I’m not afraid to express myself through fashion. I feel well dressed, polished and at ease in Alembika.

I am retired now, having built a career in both research, speech writing and fashion … like with my style, my career evolved over time. I called myself a “ skilled generalist” and liked having the autonomy to work at my own pace and succeed on my own terms.

I now enjoy traveling, spending time with friends and pets, as well as power walking and getting involved with worthy causes and events in the community.

I am very grateful to have travelled extensively over the years. I have seen and explored much of Europe, the UK, Canary Islands, Morocco and Hawaii, as well as my own country of Canada, where I’m blessed to live. Everywhere I travel, my suitcase is packed with my Alembika pieces!

I would love to revisit many places in Europe but Scotland holds a special place in my heart. It’s my ancestry on my Dad’s side and I would love to go back there.

My Dad gave me the best piece of advice, as a young child. He told me that everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time and that I was no better, and no worse than the next person. This has always kept me both humble and tolerant of others. So much good can be done in this world by simply being kind to one another!

I wanted to tell you a couple of things, which also inspired my decision to purchase my first pieces of Alembika. I have many Jewish friends and though I am not Jewish, I am very pro Israel! My Mom, having grown up in war torn Italy, knew and experienced the suffering and relayed the stories to my brother and I and they made their mark on us.

I love that Alembika is made in Israel and I wear it proudly to show support for Israel and my many Jewish friends.