dress

"I don't want to wear a dress to the party"...sounds like something my 8 year old says! However, whether it's the 8 year old voice in your head or last nights heavy dinner still speaking to you...if you don't want to wear a dress...DON'T! Dresses are great...but...there are many other alternatives! Maybe dresses just don't cut it with those ferocious shoes you've been dying to wear, you want to go the super funky route or you want to dance and move. The many options we have as women are just one aspect of what separates us from the boys! Here are just a few options.

I adore this ensemble. I think it's smart, elegant and functional. Above very cleanly put together, however nothing better than black to showcase a great necklace and/or earrings. Wear it buttoned up, with a statement necklace or a long one.

Tobias relaxed trouser (black or charcoal) now $65

Plum long sleeve shirt (black, off white or royal) $82

Here's a look that can work at a daytime affair, house party or funky town ...A bit of boho top, destroyed jeans, glitzy necklace and a red hot pair of pumps. Red pumps and necklace make it seasonal, however the other components work so well with many other of your usual activities. Pull your hair up into a messy bun or pony tail add a shawl or one of Plum's great Tobias jackets.

En Creme hilow blouse (cream) $79

We cannot pass by the season of parties without sequins. Wanting to add a bit of something special but don't want to pile on the glitz, this is a great option. Wear with a simple black turtleneck and add a jacket and a statement necklace (or skip the necklace) and just add a pair of dangly earrings. A standard that works every year!

Press sequin skirt (asphalt mix) $81

Lace is not just for weddings, however, this can be very 'church choir/meet the inlaws' (a la Audrey Hepburn), worn over a basic shift dress. Or really amp it up with a motorcycle jacket, skinny black jeans and high heels. A very worthwhile investment that won't see much time in your closet. 

Acapella blouse with pleated sleeve (black or ivory) $85

Tobias slim pants with side zipper (black or taupe) now $79

Maybe you don't 'do' dresses or today you just feel like a Play-doh explosion on legs that no amount of Spanx can fix (ok that's me)! Whatever your reason, if a dress won't do, there are still ample other options.  Head into a Plum near you and ask for some ideas or finishing touches.

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.  ... read the full post and reader comments

Don't forget to use the $20 off min purchase coupon (September 17 - 27) NOTE our coupon can also be used online!

When you sift through a rack at your favourite store, are you drawn particularly to colour, pattern or are you drawn to how it feels next to your skin? Why one might choose texture first seems fairly obvious, (as an example) eliciting possibly comfort when the touch is soft; colour may provide a clue to your personality, but what about pattern? What first draws you in? The twisted teardrop shape of the paisley, bold colour, cozy bulky knits or the flow of rayon? Let's see what's suits your fancy right now.

The beauty of this paisley print is surpassed only by the fabulous fit. It's wonderful to have a beguiling colour or pattern but if the fit is not there, you're left looking rather awkward. This dress provides a wonderful fit, with well cut sleeves, rushed waist and just the right length. This could easily be the go to dress of the season.

Simone v-neck dress with draped waist (burgundy or navy) $119

Here is a fresh pattern that is just so playful. Very significant this season, showing up in jackets, shawls, poncho's and even skirts. Love how these have been matched with oxfords, but I could easily see them paired with ballet flats or knee high boots with boot cuffs, turtleneck sweater and skirt...lots of room to be creative with these as the starting point.

Guilty poly/spandex legging (various patterns/colours)$25

Incorporating both texture and pattern...the variegated, irregularity of this knitted pattern creates a very handmade, eclectic look, while the interspersed open knit provides an opportunity to show a bit of you...or not. Possibly wear a bold tank beneath. Lots of ways to play with this and easily can go from office to weekend.

Kerisma wool blend v-neck sweater (grey multi) $95 (coming soon)

What better way to edit your work wardrobe but to add a shell top. Clearly a constant paired with a suit, or cardigan, the shell top is best friends with a pencil skirt or crop cigarette leg pants. But this is far from basic. Note the unexpected mesh texture at the yoke. Pull your hair in a pony tail, add bright red lipstick for some punch and you're good to go.

Kaffee Melissa cap sleeve shell top (black/white) $59

When choosing try to draw in what enhances your natural features, along with what suits your personality. Whether you're attracted to particular patterns, colours or textures, keep in mind what may suit your already beautiful features...big voluminous hair, freckles or very dark locks.  Plum staff can help create some looks that work for you. Because the texture and colour of your personality is what you ultimately want to shine through!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

Don't forget to use the $20 off min purchase coupon (September 17 - 27).

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Suddenly a good friend has tickets to a music festival. They're wonderful but they can be long days outdoors. Be it Cavendish Music Festival in beautiful P.E.I. or Edmonton or Vancouver's Jazz Festival's, you could encounter wall to wall sunshine....or possibly a buffet of unexpected weather. Let's assume it will be fabulous weather. Why not! However, what should or could you wear?

Let's see what Plum has to suggest:

Dresses are as synonymous with festivals as Neil Young. Be it a festival or beach BBQ you'll be attending, think bright and comfortable, this dress has both these qualities. Vibrant, feather print, long back dip hem and braided skinny straps, keep it simple yet fun and bright to match your personality. Be prepared with appropriate footwear, festival grounds can be rather unpredictable.

Simone mid length dress with braided strap detail (royal or purple print) $110

Maybe dresses are not your thing....not a problem, shorts are another 'go to' co-ordinate for the summer months. Pair them (of course) with t shirts or sleeveless blouses, whatever they're married with, they are sure to be a good wardrobe investment (don't forget the bug spray).

Dish chino short (evergreen) $79

This has summer written all over it. (Yes I realize they're flowers). Light weight, skinny straps and free flowing create a really wonderful seasonal feeling. Shawls or large scarves (tied in different ways) are great for a bit of extra coverage. As you can see, looks great with jeans, but can easily look great with a pencil skirt and cardigan.

Plum tank with shirring detail (navy, orange or turquoise prints) $49

And on that note, if converting a scarf does not suit you, how about a lovely, light, ethereal piece that looks like it was dreamt up by angels. So incredibly flowey and light, won't add bulk to your wardrobe, just a light bit of coverage and funk! A very pretty and versatile trend.

Cecico kimono georgette top (blush or mint) $69

So, where ever you're headed this summer...Jazz Festival, Folk Festival or just your folk's place for a BBQ, be ready with a wardrobe that reflects the summer we expect. Fun and beautiful.

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

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REMINDER:

Raise your hand if you have a big sister. I don't have enough hands, because I'm blessed with 3 big sisters. Yes you can count your best friend who you feel is like a big sister. But maybe you don't have a big sister and always wished you had one. Someone to always confide in, bounce things off of and look up to. Someone who will support but not criticize you, no matter how silly you feel your ideas might be.

Some young girls are less fortunate, their parents (or parent), are stretched to the limit. Not enough time or resources to provide all of this. Here's your opportunity to help a little sister get her big sister. During the month of May Plum collects donations by asking our customers to contribute $2 to help match 2 little Sisters with their big sisters. From now until May 31, 2015, Plum will be matching donations up to $25, and, you get a chance to win a $350 Plum Gift Certificate! 

These big sisters play such an important role in the lives of these growing young girls. By providing much needed support and encouragement, which in turn can boost a young girls growing self esteem. With healthy self esteem, we know so much can be accomplished. 

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