dress

Fashion Flunkie!

In my house, my beautiful black lab is often referred to as a ‘flunkie’, because we obtained my favourite-coloured-fur-coated friend from the BC GUIDE Dogs Association (he failed the program—SHHH!!) So what do I have in common with him other than loving the colour black?  My dog is laser focused on balls, food and cats; for me, the colour black, jackets and accessories (shoes are accessories-right?). BUT he and I are not in bad company…Let’s not forget Maya Angelou, who dropped out of school as a teen or Steven Spielberg who was reportedly rejected from the University of Southern California School of Theatre, Film and TV three times…We just have to remember that in life, even rejection or failure, will leads to something brighter, someplace else! Ok maybe I'm not so much a flunkie, but certainly not a GURU, maybe more of a fashion companion/guide…So, Let’s continue to explore the Plum fashion landscape together.

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I think every one of us needs to have a grab and go summer dress. This is so fresh and light...does it not remind you of marguerites' on a patio or a beach BBQ?

Millibon rushed back sundress (mustard) now $75

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While photography is not one of my best talents, I was too excited not to share my rainbow cuff bracelet. Maybe not an exact match with the kimono to the left, but not everything has to match perfectly... imperfection adds interest. Both the kimono and bracelet are found in stores only. Kimono in select stores only.

 

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I never thought paperbag waist pants would see the light of day again....but here we have them, and oddly enough, I think they look better than before. And while these pants are not black, I think it's a great transeasonal autumnal shade.

Cream culotte pants (bronze) $119

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So, perhaps somewhat predictably, I purchased this dress. AND,I was so not disappointed. I love tank dresses for their ability to position themselves so comfortably in anyone's wardrobe. Above they've adorned the model with Converse...but I wore mine with a skinny gold belt, a denim vest and vintage gold shoes. I was surprised how well it worked with gold accents. Note that this dress comes in other colours as well.

Bazzollo sheath dress (black, olive, grey, red or wine) $49

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I realize, with the summer heat, that most of us would rather wear nothing but a smile, but unless you're hanging out on Wreck beach, it's unlikely to go over well. This kaftan is so fresh and light; I love how it's been matched with white pants, but try it also with my fabulous tank dress (I mean...you get one!) or Bermuda shorts.

In store only - varies by location

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These are perfect for weekend parties, drinks with the girls or date night! Keeping you cool, while looking super hot!

Sage bustier style dress (black) now $79

Mio Meli gathered neck dress (red or navy) $119

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Our absolutely fabulous Manager at our Granville store, showed this to me, on my last 5 minute speed shopping trip. If only I had 5 more minutes or was more adventurous...Don't you just love the pockets, throw in your credit card and cell phone and you're totally hands free for errands! Brilliant when design meets function!

Mio Meli mesh 2 pocket top (6 colours) $95

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Every time I spot this shirt dress I think LEONTODON TAXACUM....you know dandelions...the dandelion puffs...that you blow and make wishes on? I can think of worse things than to wear something that looks like one giant wish! Regardless of what it resembles to you, again, another very trans-seasonal item. Wear it with tights or of course, belt it.

Mio Meli button front dress (olive, taupe or white) $110

Really not necessary to excel or be the top of any specific thing, just do it (as Nike has been hammering home to us for an eternity). I love fashion, the varied looks of how one can pull together a feeling, even wearing the same thing as someone else. It's not about being the best it's about manifesting a YOU-NESS that no one else can do!

Yours in Fashion passion...

"When I was 7 years old, I wanted to be a jockey. My father told me women weren't allowed. I couldn't believe it, I was perfectly willing to fail on my own merits, but to be flunked at birth?" ~ Mavis Leno  ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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Dress Rehearsal

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Pssss!!! Plum has new linens in store...head into a location near you to check them out...pictures to come.

I’ve never been in a play, acted or given a performance (unless you count, being out in ones PJ's after dark, yelling for ones dog that wandered off...that sure felt like a very bad one...that I hope to not have a repeat performance of), then no, I’ve never done one. So, to me, every day is ‘go time’. We can plan our day, map out where and when we go, and then boom…life happens. You know, other people’s plans collide with ours! There really is no ‘run-through’. So, we should just dress like we mean it! Like we’re the main act! Because, we are!

And because Spencer+Shaw dresses are 50% off the regular price, of course, you'll want to buy 2! All dresses noted in this blog are in store only...styles and selection vary by store.

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Wherever you go, there you are! I know that was pretty far away from deep! In any case, if you're feeling like it's a dress day for you, go for it. On occasion I've had people say to me, 'oh you're dressed up!'....no, not really, I just dress to amuse myself! Because, why not! You know the quote, life is short, buy the dress! (or wear the dress)! What are we saving the good china (earrings, shoes...wine) for?

Spencer+Shaw wrap style flutter sleeve dress - NOW $55

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I think this would be perfect for the Vancouver Folk fest upcoming. An easy, unstructured cut, suited to dancing the day and night away!

Spencer+Shaw novelty trim dress NOW $68

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Consider this a dress, consider it a wrap, or a Kimono or a kimo-wrap-dress......Regardless, it's super convertible and a big time multi tasker, like you! Worn above with tights, but could be worn without the tights, a belt and some spiked heels or platform wedges are big now.

Spencer+Shaw Asian print Kimono dress NOW $53

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Go ahead, strike a pose Madonna, you are totally all that and a bag o' chips! Suddenly I have a craving for chips! Another great, all occasion type dress...to the beach, to a performance, to a dinner party or just to your back deck for coffee, with your dog! The great ubiquity of the tank style, with some added style (ruching) on the side, spandex and the sexy deep plunging back for some added drama!

Spencer+Shaw tank dress ruched side NOW $55

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Another wrap dress, this time a faux wrap. In other words, it looks like you could whip it off in a dramatic fit of passion or it could blow open with a gust of wind......but no! It just looks that way. It consists of a very feminine, semi-retro styling with side tie and a bit of elastic at the back for ease of movement!

Spencer+Shaw midi length faux wrap dress NOW $59

Life is pretty much a 'live' performance...our very own reality show, if you will! However, it's our own script, no matter how you look at it, we each have our own. While there may not be a rehearsal for most of our life events....there can be part 2...3...etc. Make sure you remember to include intermission...you know, to grab some popcorn!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"I don't dress up for boys. I dress up to stare at my reflection in store windows as I walk by." ~ Someecards

   ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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Second to none

PLUM'S ANNUAL SIDEWALK SALE

June 20 to 23

All Plum stores

don't miss it!!

I have a big passion for thrifted items. Perpetually looking at garments with a head tilt ~ what could I refashion that into ~ a split second decision is needed, or...it's gone...GONE!!!  With a lugubrious face, I then trudge around the store (yes I'm trying out a new word), knowing nothing else will do, because yes, someone else did grab it! Another sad occurrence is the gleeful feeling of finding the item at a good price and then getting it home to find out 'oh, this is why it was there'...an odd whatever that I did not notice when trying it on!  And, one of my favourite stores....their prices are climbing faster than a spider up the wall....(neither of those is a great image).  While, you can't take the girl out of the thrift store, more and more you can find me at sales, where, the clothing has not been road tested by someone else! So, here we have some of Plum's annual best deals! DON'T miss out! Find something fabulous for less than it costs to make it...then, RE-make it!

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I adore this little dress...it's got all the boxes checked for the perfect summer dress...light weight, pleasing pattern, retro look AND pockets! Perfect for a multitude of summer festivities.

Lush button front dress currently $79

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I love dresses because, if for some reason the fit is not exact, I can edit, shorten, restructure...use my imagination and voila, new... nearly custom garment. Non-profits like Frameworq regularly host events where they provide the tools (ie: sewing machine), you bring your inspiration, they then provide tips and instruction on how to fix or refurbish your cherished find! 

(pssst-Plum purses, wallets and phone holders are 30% off during the sidewalk sale-check out the in store selection)

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Perhaps grab a pair of plaid pants...a trend unlikely to ease up and find yourself ready for fall...only $20 during these 4 days. Buy 2 and turn one pair into Bermuda's for the summer!

Motion elastic waist pant (navy) for 4 days only until June 23 $ 20

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A weekend boat trip, may find you need a bit more than a tank top. This pullover is the perfect nautical look. Great of course with jeans, a pencil skirt or the very 'in' Bermuda shorts. During the sidewalk sale only $15. Of course while quantities last - in store only!

Second hand or sale items are definitely not 'less than' because you didn't pay $ 800...on the contrary, they've now helped create a braggadocios worthy moment (trying that one out too!) because not only are you a world class fashionista, you're also great with money and math!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

Because I bought it on sale, I actually made money ~ Author unknown  ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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WE DID IT!!!! YOU DID IT!!!

In our annual drive to match a big sister with a little sister...

YOU AND PLUM have reached the goal of matching

TWO BIG SISTERS with TWO LITTLE SISTERS!!!!

How fantastic does this feel!

Find Plum in at a store near you, INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, and the www.plum.ca

Dressing for 'IT'!! Clearly this depends on where you're headed...My two children regularly look like they're attending an 'art through stains' convention. One is a self professed Tom-boy while the other would wear dresses to bed if allowed (yaay night gowns). So, I get my girly fix with at least one. However, hard as I try, they collect stains like a rain barrel collects rain. Therefore, investing in fine clothing for them would be simply idiotic. BUT, I realize, they are kids. For lots of us adults, we also love our dresses, for a wide variety of occasions. And Plum has an excellent feed-the-need collection that you must see. Better yet, grab some friends and go do a try on party! There's something for everyone. Here are just a few to wet your appetite (don't drool on yourself)!

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This is just the sweetest summer dress. I wanted to present a couple of different images, to show off the back as well as the different footwear they used, and how versatile it can be. You need to think 'outside the beach'.

Spencer + Shaw ruffle trip/button front dress (blue dot) $143 until June 9 $115

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Well, hello sunshine! Truly this dress presents a bright, unintimidating image. Comfortable in so many different places such as work, concert, dinner party, wedding! I think it's smashing with the kitten heels and looks perfectly fine with no accessories. Although, it's clean lines invite all kinds of imaginative accessories, and made from rayon, a man made, yet natural fibre, it's so ideal for the summer months.

Spencer + Shaw double shift dress (yellow) $105 until June 9 $84

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Another super romantic looking dress.  In a sweet, always in style, paisley print adorned with flutter sleeves and an almost idyllic, wrap style conducive to almost all our body types.

Spencer + Shaw wrap/flutter sleeve dress (red/gold) $110 until June 9 $88

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Something very Greek Goddess about this dress, or...maybe boho-festival girl....regardless of how you're feeling, it's definitely got all of the important points of a summer dress. And there's something about shirring on a summer dress, it's a pretty feature, yet it also allows for some comfort and movement (or...a couple of extra trips to the buffet).

Spencer + Shaw smocked bodice/cross back dress (red print) $121 until June 9 $97

Every year around March, I start to crave a dress...and thus begins the hunt. It feels like a search for the last good meal on earth. It's an insatiable, unreasonable, unrelenting at times an irresponsible urge with no known cause. And the cure? The perfect pair of shoes for my capture...of course!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"Good humor is one of the best articles of dress one can wear in society" ~ William Makepeace Thackeray

There are so so many gorgeous dresses right now at Plum. Spencer + Shaw are on sale until June 9, however, it's really worthwhile to check out the entire collection...it's so disappointing when our sizes are gone. Check them out here or head into a location near you.

   ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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Some Like it Hot!

ONE DAY LEFT for Plum's matching BIG SISTERS WITH LITTLE SISTERS May campaign.
 
Girls in gangs is definitely a thing of concern. While their numbers are lower than their male counter parts, and research and stats are sparse it's clear, they are there, they do exist. They often age out of the gangs...by getting pregnant at a very young age. Hardly an ideal solution for a young girl, however. But what can be done? A possibly daunting challenge to make a dent in this problem but, we can do a little something! While a big sister cannot solve every problem for a little sister, there's one thing they can solve. The alone feeling a girl can feel if she has little or no support or direction from home.
 

(until May 31) Help Plum with their annual campaign to match a big sister with a little sister details here...Plum matches donations up to $ 25 AND you get a chance to win a $350 gift card! Win win win!

 
The unrelenting heat of summer is upon us...and what can we do for relief? Take more trips to the grocery store and hover around the freezer section, or insist you need more books from the library....Right! Likely you do-also a good plan! But really, if stripping down to tank tops or bra tops is not your thing, it's time to invest in some Kimono's. They're fresh, light, abundant with romantic vibeology and just so easy to coordinate with other things. A way to stay within your clothing comfort zone and look really really cool doing so!
KIMONO'S  ---- 20% OFF UNTIL Sunday June 2
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Same Kimono, two slightly different looks...the difference? Essentially a slightly more fluid pant on the left and shoes. Shoes again, can really create a different presentation. The white is just so fresh and cool is it not?
 
 
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How is this for a 'one and done' look!? The bright, effusive pattern plays well against the mellow onsie hue. If you're looking to add some definition, by all means add a belt. The beauty of the kimono, is they are so light, they can easily be packed up and tucked away in a bag if not needed.
 
 
 
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The look on the right is clearly pulled together and works nicely. But perhaps you are in need of a dress combination. Again, an easy look, two pieces, add a pendant or earrings if you want to add more interest. Otherwise, it's a really bright, lively, polished look!
 
 
 
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And by all means, add some levity to an otherwise serene looking garment by co-ordinating with your happy t or any graphic t, for that matter. The kimono adds just the right touch of refinement to most any garment to create a light hearted, yet elegant touch!
 
 
 
 
 
Some people do love that blistering, searing, scorching heat of this time of year. I guess I like the security blanket of my jackets and blazers. Thus kimono's provide that little extra coverage, with a dash of elegance. I'm not anti-sunshine, I just prefer that I don't need to store my wedding rings in the freezer so the diamonds in my wedding ring, don't melt away. Ok maybe that's an exaggeration, the cubic zirconia's!
 
Yours in Fashion passion...
 
Suzanne M.
 
SO many kimonos in stock right now, this is an ideal time to stock up on them. There is no sign of this fashion trend abating any time soon!
 
"If you think the summer sun is too hot, just remember, at least you don't have to shovel it" ~ Bob Dylan
 
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