beginning to look a lot like....

Plum has a great sale for the next 4 days. No need to brave the border lineups! I've noted a few of the great deals below but I had to preface it all by noting that Plum's exquisitely constructed Tobias coats (select styles) are on sale. (an exceptional deal at $ 100 off the regular price)...Along with scarf and jewelry specials, jackets and more.

Ok who here has already started shopping for Christmas, put up Christmas lights,  sent out Christmas cards or snuck an eggnog latte? Raise your hand if you're already listening to Christmas music. The season is fast approaching.  I'm noticing that I'll ponder purchasing something for a few days, when I return to purchase it (online or not) it's gone, surprisingly, although it's just November. Getting in front of the seasonal 'to do' list, will save you in the long run.

However, and whenever you like to prepare for the season, Plum has some ideas for you. So, enjoy the sale and pick up a few great things for friends or relatives. Lets have a look:

ImageImage

Who does not love PJ's for Christmas...Sshhhh, don't tell anyone, but I don't bother to buy them because I know I'll get them....(from Santa)...aren't these adorable? Clearly great for the cat lover or coffee addict. Already nicely presented, wrapped in a ribbon, makes gifting easy.  Can't you see these on your Gramma?

DKR&CO. PJ's. 100% cotton (multiple patterns available)

regularly $ 40 per set (For these 4 days only purchase 2 sets for $ 50)

Image

These pieces are so divine, it would be hard to part with one of them, however, that's also an option (a piece for you, a piece for your best friend?). Such a beautiful, elegantly bold, bohemian look with the multiple colours. I'll leave that conundrum of which to keep and which to give away, to you!

For 4 days only Plum is offering jewelry buy 1, get the second one at 50% off.

ImageImage

And it's really not too early to start thinking about the office parties, or even New Years...this glitzy little bag or the magazine print clutch for the fashion lover (no I'm not dropping hints!). Both excellent options for all black, a hint of red or hot pink shoe and a dazzling necklace. Or go all out with a monochromatic look of another colour. The black and white of the clutch is a great companion for any other colour.

For 4 days only all purses are 25% off.

Image

Enough about other people and what to get them. How about a scarf to pump up your wardrobe. Clearly an easy pick because, needless to say, one size fits all.

4 days only at Plum SCARVES are 25% off. (so, you can think of others, if need be ;)

Try to enjoy the varied, seasonal activities in December, by starting early, beating the usual crowds, gift choices are also at their optimum. All in all, just go and enjoy the sale (passport not needed!). If you're prepared to start searching for the right gifts now, here's a great opportunity. Or find something for yourself and make something with those old, previously loved jeans as hand made gifts are always cherished. So many great suggestions came in on the survey. I've included a few great ones below for you to steal.

Yours in fashion passion

Suzanne M.

 So much creativity...enjoy:

The question posed on the survey was "What do you do with your old denim?"

The results showed: 

  • 60% donate to charity
  • 15% make them into shorts
  • 10% kept them indefinitely
  • 8% give to sister, Mother, roommate (etc)
  • balance are varied responses

 

And below are some of the notable submissions (you are definitely a generous, creative group):

 

“cut  into strips , use them in my smoker for my beehive. Cotton burns nice and slow” Anonymous

 

“cut off the pant legs into 12 inch sections fill them with barly/wheat and sew them together to make heating/ cooling bags, works great...makes great gifts” Caroline

 

“I used my son's old jeans as part of his home made Halloween costume. I cut off the legs and put these on his arms with old runners on his hands. His arms stuck out if the shark's costume I had made. It looked like the shark had eaten someone!”  Nicola

 

“I make gift bags out of them, lined with a previously loved t-shirt” Dee

 

“I have ripped them into strips and use them for tying my garden plants.” Laurel

 

“I have made (sewed) a closet organizer with old jeans, sewed pockets on parts of jeans and then attached to a hanger”   Anita

And this one we liked because it just sounded like so much fun!

"My friend has a "clothing swap" twice a year. About 30 women get together with bags of clothes they no longer wear(and often bring bags from other friends) The host holds up each item (this takes all afternoon) while we sit and enjoy all of the yummy food and wine that we also bring. She holds up the item, says the size and the brand. you put out a call if you want the item. If no one shouts out, then they get tossed to her beautiful assistant to rebag. All of the re-bagged items go directly to women's shelters in downtown Vancouver and schools (yes, we bring our kids clothes too) When more than one person shouts out for an item, they each have to try on and model and the group decides who it looks best on. A fun day, and at the end bags and bags of lots of jeans, jackets, shirts, dresses for women needed help at that time . There are always LOTS of jeans!"   Lyanne

 

Thanks to everyone for your contributions.

   ... read the full post and reader comments

 
Suzanne's picture

PLUM'S MAVI DENIM SALE: 7 STYLES OF MAVI JEANS, NOW ON SALE for $ 79

Also, Plum has a fun draw for you, follow the link for details, and put on your creative cap.  You could win a $ 150 PLUM GIFT CERTIFICATE AND a gift card ($25) for a friend.

What to do with your old jeans? (of course, 'old' is a relative term, as, we seem to like wearing our new jeans...'very old and lived in' looking now (I'm shaking my head in disbelief of this trend, which I secretly (ok no longer a secret) love). Pinterest and craftgawker are loaded with images and links to blogs of how to repurpose your old denim. Just fantastic. You can, of course pass them on to someone else, make cut offs or give them to a charity. Either way, you no longer have to feel guilty about their sad neglect, folded in the back of your closet for many, many (many) seasons, not seeing the light of day for trend on end.

On that note, lets look at some newer (old?) styles that Plum has so generously put on sale. With 7 styles to choose from, I'm sure you'll find something to refill the void. Take a look at a few of them below:

Image

Once you slip into these babies, you'll feel like Marilyn Monroe in 'The Misfits'. Except they won't 'misfit' you. Mavi is one of the leaders in denim innovation. Thus why Plum has chosen to carry this brand.  Their design, fit, construction and content they take very seriously. The above pair have just the right amount of wiskering and fade along the leg front; people might not know you've only 'just' bought them. But ultimately, who cares, you'll love them. Straight leg, standard 5 pocket style, roll them up (as above) or straight. The leg is not skinny but slim. Comprised of just enough stretch; so they'll fit far better than Marilyn's did! ;)

Mavi Emma slim (deep brushed vintage)

Image

You can certainly take pride in your jeans when you purchase Mavi. They a take great amount of care and are extremely environmentally sensative in their production and washes of the denim, made in Turkey. Check out the video below if you're interested in seeing the facts and processes.

Mavi's take on the skinny, mid rise is quite superior. Such a sexy fit using the highest quality denim. Comprised of 87% cotton 1% elastane and their very own EME, their 'unique to Mavi, innovative fabrication. Resulting in a great looking bum (which is, of course, the bottom line) ;)

Mavi Alexa mid-rise skinny (deep napoli)

Image

If you're looking for something slightly more faded and aged looking, the above is great contrasted with black (imagine it next to a velvet jacket), or looks smashing next to red (be it a top, red pumps or simply lipgloss). Also great with an embellished t or equally as good with a plain white shirt. Or easily tuck them into tall boots. So many options!

Mavi Alexa mid-rise skinny (indigo napoli)

Denim today has become such a staple in our wardrobes, that it's not unusual to have several pairs of the same, in different leg lengths or washes, to accomodate various footwear and activities. When quality is a factor, Mavi should be a top choice. They offer a substantial variety of styles, washes and fits as well as being at the forefront of eco friendly denim processes.

So, dig out your old dusty denim and give them to your little sister, your cousin or make them into a bag, an apron, or a cover for your ipad. Go ahead take the scizzors to them, you'll come up with something fun.

Yours in denim passion

Suzanne M.

  • For more information on how Mavi processes their denim, check out this video.
  • Don't miss the smashing PLUM MAVI DENIM SALE (select styles $ 79)
  • Have a look at Plum's denim selection here
  • Find fun ideas on how to reinvent your old denim on Pinterest or create your own. 
  • Enter the draw here
 
Suzanne's picture
At Plum we like to combine the fun and artistic side of fashion to build a practical intelligent wardrobe. The basic elements are colour, shape, scale, proportion, line and texture.  This post is about texture, proportion and shape. The idea is to match your clothing with your natural features. If you have curves, curly hair and a soft matte finish on your skin, then find clothing that has similar features (curved lines, textured fabric, matte finish) so that your look is coherent. You’ll find others will notice *you* instead of the items of clothing you’re wearing. 
 
Texture: the roughness or smoothness of fabric. Texture can be a feeling, as in nubby or rough fabric, or visual, as in pattern. People who have a bit more texture (curly hair, freckles, etc.) generally match well with textured fabrics like knits that are bulkier and soft. People that have less texture (straighter hair, no freckles, etc.) generally match better with smoother fabrics like lambs wool or silks. 
 
Proportion: is the relative amount of space given to different features in a garment or the relative size of different parts of the body. For example, a body can be long in the torso and smaller in the leg or evenly proportioned between the torso and legs. Certain shapes and balance points will work better for different proportions and using different proportions of clothing can change the visual line of the body, if desired. 
 
Shape: the outline of your torso from the shoulder to the hip is commonly considered your body shape. Some bodies have straighter angular shapes and some have curvier shapes with softer angles. Choosing the right garment to fit your shape is important to your overall look.  It is best to get an honest and knowledgeable opinion from sales people who are well trained and who have experience with many body shapes.
 
Everyone chooses clothing for different reasons. Clothing can be used to cover or reveal different parts of our bodies, can be used to create different proportions, or to draw attention to one area or another. So it is critical that you know and understand your own body without judgement.  What you choose depends largely on the function you want the clothing to serve, as well as on your personality. We can help you look at clothing from a design perspective if you’re interested in learning more about why certain items work better than others; if you already know what works, we can help you find things that go well with what you choose or what you have in your closet. 
 
 
Katherine Lazaruk's picture

What is texture?

What is texture? A feeling, a visual sense? A tactile sense? Never before have I seen a season which offered such inviting textures and patterns for all.  Including the picky person. You know...the 'no zippers,  no pockets here or has to be a certain length' person.. (I guess I just described myself). And yet I have so many this season, they now have their own room (maybe I should start charging them rent)!

Lets have a look at some of the great patterns and textures available at Plum.

 

 

Image

 

The front featured, email sweater has it all; I can see why it sold out the first time.  Great colour combination; lovely and neutral, yet not so much that you'll dissapear within. Very light weight which helps with layering. Length is supreme hitting at the knee, which is wonderful with dresses (or jeans); hooded with drape open front.

Cecico hooded sweater $ 79 (grey/charcoal or Indigo/Burgundy)

Image

 

If a sweater could imitate a cloud...this one can. The photo really can't convey this but it's so incredibly soft, it feels like a baby duckling...the texture is just divine! The black and white combo is just fantastic because it can be married with any other colour. (Perhaps you can see the lovely, irregular texture and fuzzy nature of this beauty complimenting your curls?). A black rib border runs along the front and around the neck, which gives great definition. It's just so sophisticated and polished, yet relaxed and easy.

LeShop open cardigan $ 89 (black/ivory)

 

 

 

Image

Fall and winter can be so blah and dull. Perhaps you'd like to invest in something that is sure to brighten things up. With it's striped, varigated, interspersed stripes of vibrant colours this pullover, vneck design creates many style options. And once again, very easy to layer. If your body type is such that you feel the need for a bit more definition, perhaps add a wide belt under the back, yet over the front. Or add a Jean jacket, sweater or even a puffer vest underneath, depending on the weather. I love that it can be worn inside or as outterwear, or both. Peel off the layers as you wish.

Do Everything In Love Poncho $ 59

 

Image

 

If you're afraid to get too involved in bold colour or pattern, this one has such warm, delicious, comfortable tones.  All of these sweater/shawl/ponchos are designed with uncomplicated wear in mind. The inclusion of armholes is a functional, subtle, design feature. And the combination of tones, which carry on into the fringe, provide for an easy to co-ordinate staple.  Matched with a great pair of the latest trend of knee high boots. Or be bold and go for the over the knee look. Just such a great boho, 70's look.

Fringe poncho $ 75 (camel)

Texture (and pattern) are such big parts of fall, as the leaves change colour and everyone lights up their fireplaces...we feel the need to be part of the texture of fall, so let texture and pattern breath life into your fall and accent your already beguiling personality! And find a texture or pattern to suit your senses.

Yours in fall fashion passion

Suzanne M.

 

   ... read the full post and reader comments

 
Suzanne's picture

black is the new black

This week Plum has an irresistable in store only special. The Military jacket or colored Yoga jeans until Nov 11th only $ 99 each.

Lets talk about colour...or lack thereof...depending on your viewpoint. Black. The often frowned upon, viewed as morose, not even recognised as a colour...colour! How is it possible to not like something that does not exist....anyway far too philisophical! I say, black is great!  Black goes well with just about every other colour, has a reputation for being slimming,  plays off accessories so well,  brings up the casual nature of denim and is often viewed as a 'go to'colour for 'formal attire' affairs. Let's take a look at some 'black' variations that Plum has to offer.

 Image

So, to kick off the 'blacktivities'....this a-mazing ponte jacket. Granted it is a slender cut and provides a very fitted look, yet still it's a great siloutte for most. One of Plum's most beloved jacket designs, it's been brought back multiple times because of it's great fit. Lined, stand up collar, 7 button, 2 front pockets and made of a delicious ponte fabric, that make it just so easy to wear!

Tobias military jacket (black, khaki) until Nov. 11 in store special only ($ 99)

Image

Undeniably, totally wearable stripes for all. The sleek cut of this cardigan-come-dress (?), simply sends an invitation for a belt, or a 'can't take my eyes off you', necklace. I love how it's lovely and long, yet provides lots of visibility with the sheer interspersed stripes.  

Lumiere long cardigan $ 65 (black, burgundy)

Image

Butterfly take flight. Yes I'm aware there are no such things as black butterflies...well now there are. There's you. Again, delightful details on this top. And really, this is now what it's all about. Black can have personality merely with a bit of a print, a texture or added lace detail. Yet still offering the ability to create your own style, using the black as the contrasting background. Everything seems to show up better against a black background!

Soyaconcept knit dotted top $ 75

Image

Once again, it's really all in the detail. The lace in this has just divine, exquisite detail. And with it's very slim, fitted nature, you'll feel more feminine than would a bouquet of roses from your boyfriend (almost). Today with a blazer and boyfriend jeans and pumps, tomorrow with a pencil skirt and knee high boots? Plus every woman loves a bit of lace (or roses).

Fate lace top $ 79 (black)

Image

Top it off with something edgy, Something Joan Jetson would wear (throwback Thursday)? This one has a decidedly futuristic feel. Mesh carries over to the back yoke. And the collar showcases a quite intricate, unique detailed edge. Compliment the black with another colour tank beneath, red flashy bra or nothing at all. I dare you! ;) 

Fate mesh top $ 82

No longer just for somber occasions, funerals or formal affairs, black just helps creates a new outfit each time. And really, what colour does not go with this supposed non colour? And on that note, to go with your 'blacktastic' piece...do not forget about the in store special.

Don't pass up an oportunity to get this great Military jacket now until Nov. 11 $ 99. And at this price, match them with the coloured Yoga denim. Also on special for $ 99.

Yours in fashion passion

Suzanne M.

 

 

   ... read the full post and reader comments

 
Suzanne's picture
Syndicate content