BUY ONE GET ONE! BUY a second piece of jewellery of equal or lesser value for 50% off (in store only).

You know that look your cat gives you? The totally unimpressed, 'you've barely shown up on their radar' look when you walk out of the shower totally unclothed?....While, I do not have a cat, it's an expression I'd not like to see when I'm dressed for a party. Yes I'd like to be noticed, but tastefully so. I aim for festive, yet not competing with the Christmas tree, festive! By the time I put on my glasses, a pair of earrings and a necklace, a hat may well be out of the question. Accessorizing is a fine art that I continue to struggle with, but I enjoy the process of learning. Plum has such an exciting array of accessories, perfect for gift giving...or my favourite...self giving!!

This delicate lace beauty has it all. It's feminine, light and detailed. So perfect for the season. Taking into account the lovely bow tie at the neck, it clearly doesn't need a necklace. The bling, in my opinion, can be better concentrated on the wrists. The high sparkle of the large rhinestone bracelet or the wonderful filigree of the cuffs tie in nicely with the elaborate lace.

Renamed tie neck dot mesh blouse (black) $79 now $59

For a simple, understated black dress such as the above, almost anything goes. If silver is to your style, these fabulous big hearts and potentially the sleek look of the brushed cuff..keeps it polished and, matching.

Simone V-neck princess seam dress with sleeves (black or merlot) $139 now $89 (purchase in store only)

To match the free flowing spirit of the bohemian look of the above dress, try an eclectic mix of strands to create an effortless look. This dress could easily work with a statement necklace or large earrings. Lots of options to work with.

M Jersey dress with silk overlay (black) $115

It's really all about option and with so many, it's really about how they make you feel. Perhaps you're in the mood for something colourful and a bit more edgy in style. With the knotted front this dress creates a bit more of a departure from the usual look. Top jewellery options show a bit more whimsy with a colour tie in, or the middle option inviting in the circular print of the dress. Or simply beaded bracelets.

Simone 3/4 sleeve twist front dress (navy or teal) $125 now $62 (available for in store purchase only)

Accessories can make or break an outfit, add a focus or take away from an already stunning look even with many fabulous components. However, if you need some ideas or guidance check out Plum's vast selection of accessories as well as employ the expertise of Plum's fabulous staff in store...whatever you do, don't turn to your cat for advice.

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

Note the jewellry shown in this blog is merely an example of what can be found in store. Variety and choices vary by store.

   ... read the full post and reader comments

What's blacker than black? Please let me know if you find something as I'm a big 'void of colour' fan. At the risk of looking like I'm attending a funeral daily, I attempt to infuse other elements as I find it's a sensationally easy way to integrate separates. That being said, they say ones colour preference is a key to our personality. White, for instance, frequently implies calm, innocence and simplicity.  I love white but I don't possess any of those qualities. They (whoever they is) say we often feel colours more than see them. Let's get touchy feely then:

With all the elegance of a white swan, this beautiful top will make you flow with grace, or...make you feel like one. Why this is such a sought after style? White literally will go with every other colour; makes for a fresh style when paired with jeans but easily can go from fun to function when paired with a pencil skirt and very trans-seasonal.

Kersh cap sleeve lace top (cream) $65

By contrast red has a feel of power, strength, impulsiveness and boldness. And perhaps you're looking to inject energy or positivity into your life.  In many eastern cultures it's the symbol for good luck. This would be the ideal colour of choice in which case. Not many other colours turn heads in the way red does. 

Very J curved hem t shirt (charcoal, off white or wine) $59 now $42

Gazing up at a clear blue sky, often creates a sense of calm and relaxation. This is one of blue's main qualities, along with reliability, inner security and sense of confidence. This dress steps out of these qualities a bit into a more forward thinking, creative place with it's flowey, gathered front.

Simone scoop neck tunic dress (black, burgundy or teal) $110 now $79

Grey, an often overlooked and viewed as dull, colour has more than meets the eye with qualities it brings. Grey is dependable, and practical but also elegant and refined. And how to look like a super hero in this fabulous poncho? Add this great belt for definition and don't shy away from a pendant or even an infinity scarf.

Soya Concept Polonia poncho (charcoal) $89

Last but not least my favourite pick; I laughingly say implies seriousness, authority and responsibility (one out of three isn't bad). Conversely, can also display a more 'I'm with the band' look. The above dress is a very fitting seasonal piece with the burnout velvet texture and swing shape, which helps downplay the severity of black.

Kersh velvet burnout swing mini dress (black) $79

Charcoal is beautiful to an artist because it's his tool to creating artwork, green is beautiful to a gardener because it's his passion, yellow to the bus driver as she drives her children to school....but when we all look up at a rainbow, we all smile....

Yours in Fashion Passion...

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

What do you think dressing for success looks like? From what I can see it looks individual, personal and polished. Today I had the great honor of attending the Dress for Success luncheon. A room full of mostly women, gathered to support, celebrate, encourage and inspire. Women who have come a long way, and women who mentor others. Listening to the Inspiration Award winner Fiona Hogg speak of her life's journey and how Dress for Success played a key role in helping turn around a very long challenging path, was both eye opening and inspiring.

Dressing for Success means putting your best foot forward often on a new venture, new career, new path. Let's have a look at a few of Plum's career pieces:

The pencil skirt always has a place in the career closet. The above skirt has an outspoken hounds tooth print, a comfortable length and a hidden elastic for easy wear.

Plum pencil skirt with hidden elastic (purple or red) $69 now $55

Shirts are to your office wardrobe what the calculator is to the accountant...although they need not be so stark as white. Without much effort your career pieces can have a spark of fun as well.  In this case a light, fresh, bird print puts the fun in function.

acapella long sleeve button front blouse (White with grey bird print) $82

It's important that what you wear to work be comfortable and functional. This is a dress that has as much comfort and fit as it does style. Features cap sleeves and princess seams that help accentuate and flatter.

Simone princess seam v neck dress (black or merlot) $139

And finally in honor of the purse drive, perhaps you're looking for a new addition. Looks like real leather but nothing of the bovine variety died for this. Love the cross hatch body and large button fastener. Inside internal zip pocket as well as 2 zip pockets and assorted other small pockets.

Catwalk woven cross body bag (pewter) $69

Dress for Success was founded in 1997 and since it's inception has helped countless women, when all else felt hopeless, get back on their feet and find direction. Plum is Vancouver's founding sponsor and has been a proud sponsor for 15 years. Congratulations to this years very deserving 'Inspiration Award Recipient' Fiona Hogg. Find out more about Dress for Success, how to support, volunteer or donate here

Yours in Fashion Passion...

Suzanne M.

Success consists of getting up just one more time than you fall!  ... read the full post and reader comments