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One size fits all!!

Whomever created that phrase must have been in a different industry, like tent making because one size 'rarely' fits 'all'. Even tents come in different sizes. On that note, shopping online can be an exercise in utter frustration from one retailer to the next when it comes to finding the right size. However,  Plum remains consistent with sizing with it's own labels and other labels it carries. In part, to strict quality control and a beautiful fit model consistent for over three years (an actual person). Let's have a look at a few sweaters for fall and some other options where size matters.
 
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Sweaters are fairly easy to get the size right online based on fabrication. This one is particularly easy to wear, no buttons to fuss with (open front) and a really nice line...as in, long, not super fitted nor boxy and an Aztec inspired pattern. Great start to the fall season!

Shopping online tip: When buying online always check the size chart and compare with your current measurements

CM open front jacquard sweater (Plum) $79
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Time to get in the game and this is the place to start. Bomber jackets...the big in thing this season. This one is a must...so easy to wear because of it's knit composition. Offset the masculine vibe by wearing it with a full or a pencil skirt with heels.
 
Shopping online tip: Visit the store in person, try on a few labels and make note of how they fit. Next time, if you choose to shop online, you'll have a clear sense of fit
 
Kerisma gamine baseball jacket (black/olive/heather) $85
 
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Sneaking away from the sweater topic a bit, let's look at dresses because Plum does dresses really well! You can't beat the wrap dress for fit as it accommodates various body types and is just so darn comfortable and sexy at the same time. (the two qualities don't often go hand in hand).
 
Shopping online tip: Do some research on fabrics. Better quality knits (for instance) generally have less give and a slightly more structured look while at the same time providing more comfort and ease of movement
 
Simone 3/4 sleeve wrap dress (blue, denim/olive, grey/red/black) $125
 
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Here is yet another thing Plum does very well! Suits and jackets. And another thing where fit is essential. Have a long look at this fabulous head turning jacket. This may be the closest you'll come to custom made. Just a divine work of art in fabric!
 
Shopping online tip: When you know the retailer and their label, it's a pretty good bet season to season, the fits are the same
 
Tobias double breasted jacket with flared hem (black, pewter) $230
 
Shopping on line is like a gift from heaven for those of us with zero time to shop in the flesh. No lineups, you can leave things in the cart for extended periods of time, you can wear your pj's or nothing at all without getting arrested and you don't have to talk to anyone. No wait, that's not usually a positive. Remember Plum has brick and mortar stores as well so check out both.
 
Yours in Fashion passion...
 
Suzanne M.
 
Remember Pieces now has a POP UP STORE at UBC which includes Men's wear!
 
 
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Chromophobia party!

GREAT NEWS: Plum is excited to announce it's new 'POP UP 'PIECES' STORE' at UBC...just in time for back to school, for a limited time only, check it out at the UBC BOOKSTORE!
 
A stark departure from the wonderful Pride events (colours and all), a newly emerged trend is Le Dîner en Blanc. Pride is an 'anything goes' and 'all welcome' type public social party! Dîner (began in France thirty years ago) is a refined, distinguished, elegant affair, by invitation only. Both are wonderful, however, one is a bit more of a stain magnet, as the requirement is 'white only' (everything)! This lovely, community building affair, affords you the opportunity to dress elegantly, bring a guest, and meet new people as you sit and converse, surrounded by a stunning white decor. Sounds great (I mean divine!)...So... let's get dressed!
 
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Go ahead and flirt. You know you can't help it in this dress. It's fresh, stunning and sexy! White eyelet is perfect for such an event and so form fitting.
 
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Another excellent choice is anything with lace or embroidery. This gorgeous top matches well with white pants or a maxi skirt.
 
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Show a little shoulder. Very much an 'in' trend this season. Great length if you wish to add a belt or use as a scarf instead. Perhaps add pearls and a white clutch!Image
 
A must have for the evening. Worn above as a scarf, doubles as a shawl...because the venue's are unknown ahead of time, you could be near the water. Don't let the evening breezes catch you off guard. Be prepared.
 
 
I love white...some of my favourite things are white...wine, sugar, Betty, liquid paper (throw back Thursday)....and of course a dress!! Nice to know one need not be a stressed out bride to wear one! If you're fortunate enough to be attending or invited, have a wonderful time, (and just in case, don't forget your umbrella...the white one!).
 
Yours in Fashion passion...
 
Suzanne M.
 
For more information on Le Dîner en Blanc...follow this link.  check availability in a Plum store near you. As well, new fall arrivals in store now!
 
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Girls in white dresses

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Wedding season is in full swing...outdoor, under the gazebo, beach, and even bungee jumping off a cliff...'type' weddings...(GULP)...Often, as a guest, a dress is the go-to choice. However, how do you choose the right one for you? Here are some thoughts. Venue might give you a clue (such as 'beach' location, perhaps a pretty sundress with a shawl). If you're unclear on colour choice, and you're part of the family, possibly consult with the maid of honor about colour theme. If unsure if the dress is too short...it probably is! But most of all, if you have hopes of catching the bouquet, don't upstage the bride!

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This is a wonderful option. Features a  lovely, light pink hue, textured fabric and it passes the 'finger tip' test for length. A great opportunity to play up the neckline with a fabulous necklace. Edit the shoes to suit the location, possibly black pumps if the venue is more formal, and perhaps a hat or an updo.

Simone crew neck dress with pockets

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This is one of my favourites from this season. Floral's are often the pattern of choice at a wedding for obvious reasons. This dress is extremely comfortable as well as stunning (don't forget, you might be asked to dance).

Simone printed knit dress with back detail

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Perhaps something slightly more fashion forward and the black and white pattern make it an easy background for bright red lipstick, shoes or a clutch.

Numph Itsuki dress

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What could be better than a fresh, minty eyelet dress. So sweet with it's graceful v-neckline, a-line skirt and yes, pockets. We love our pockets!

Simone v-neck eyelet dress with pockets

So when things don't seem to be going your way...when the dog bites, the bee stings, and you're feeling sad, you can simply remember your dress is on sale and then you don't feel...so bad! ;)

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

  • Note availability of above noted dresses, sizes and colours varies currently from store to store. Please visit a Plum store near you.
  • CONGRATULATIONS to Plum's Big Sisters May campaign draw winner 'Carmen' ..sounds like she's enjoying her prize.
  • New arrivals are already arriving!
 
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No sleeves...pet peeves!!

4 days only! $20 off* jeans, jean jackets; $10 off* denim shorts, denim skirts and vests. Great time to get a second pair of your favourites! (*off regular price)

Now that summer is here, we're enjoying the weather, back yard barbeque's, road trips, picnics and flip flops...but HOLD IT RIGHT THERE Suntan Barbie...it's not all sunshine and popsicles! Let's be real, woman to woman! What's your biggest challenge in getting dressed this time of year? For me, probably the bare arms. The fact is, I don't shovel gravel for a living so, my arms are...well....there to hold my hands, which are great for typing (and a few other things)and not really very well defined!! So, the way I see it, another chance to get creative with dressing!

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I'd say this is the official blouse sponsor of summer 2016. Yellow..it just doesn't get more 'summer' than yellow. Light and airy enough and if coverage is important, wear a tank beneath. Also panders to my arm-phobic issues.

Acapella dolman sleeve blouse

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Here's another extremely popular go to summer garment. Reason? It's pretty, it's flowey, it's very comfortable. AND if perhaps showing your legs is outside your comfort zone, no one would ever know.

Wander maxi skirt

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And let's not abandon our scarves merely because of the temperature. They can easily double as cover ups, vests or even belts. For a large, square scarf, grab the ends and tie them to each other. What you then have is a lovely, free flowing, light kimono-like cover. Then in the fall is goes back to it's usual function.

see instore for scarf selection

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Speaking of scarves, this wonderful scarf print blouse, has a lovely, light breezy feel. A great neckline for showing off an ethnic inspired necklace or pendant.

KW cropped tribal poncho

Note this is about what your comfort zone is, not other people's! So if modesty is very important to you in your life or livelihood OR the other end of the spectrum, you live to be looked at....it's all ok...Be guided by your own compass! And according to the almighty internet, if your thighs touch, you're one step closer to being a mermaid! ;)

Yours in Fashion passion....

Suzanne M.

Sale time is in full swing, therefore, check instore for availability of all items noted above. And new arrivals are already in and arriving weekly!

   ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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As you know, all spring and summer stock is up to 60% off...head into a location near you to check out the great deals already in progress.

Do you stare longingly out of your office window (if you have one) at the beaming summer heat and those that wander by in flip flops? No, me neither, I really enjoy the air conditioning...But I must say, I envy the casual wardrobe. This morning sadly, I rode off on my bike so quickly I forgot my work shoes. Thus I must hide my feet all day like they were infectious! In most workplaces, it's just not that cool to wear flip flops to work.  However, there are ways to bring the summer into the workplace without creating two distinct wardrobes.

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Blouses are often thought of as something best kept for the office, school or an interview. However, the one above is so pretty, light and offers a wingspan that makes movement (maybe some fun dance moves?)...pretty enticing.

 

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Pencil skirts are such a consistently great option for an office setting. They're easy to pair up and this one specifically fits divinely with abundant stretch. The botanical print is so fresh and summery! And no reason this cannot be part of your weekend wardrobe worn with espadrilles and wide brim hat. (Also has a wonderful matching top)

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Graphic t's have become mainstream enough that they appear more and more often in the office. However, choose wisely... the 'NAP QUEEN' or 'FREE HUGS' won't help promote your credibility. Or, maybe date night; change into distressed jeans and heels and (as above) a funky clutch. Still chic but with a sprinkle of fun.

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Wanting to keep things simple, comfortable, yet stylish, feminine and professional...this dress crosses over the boundary from workplace to weekend so seamlessly (super stretchy fabrication, shirred back and comfortable length). Seen above with sandals; worn with sling backs or Mary Janes and a lightweight blazer or short cardigan, this will get lots of time outside of the closet!

Summer is here, maybe time off is limited. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the levity of the seasonal wardrobe... light, pretty and often colourful. If in doubt about what is appropriate in your office place, observe what your Supervisor wears...unless he's male, in which case, speak to HR!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

NEW ARRIVALS: Some insider info...no photos available yet but I was able to peruse some of the 'new' stock already in the stores and very soon to come...

  • Tencel shirt dresses (one of my fav. fabrics, excellent for this time of year as well)
  • Bomber jackets are hot right now...to come, a wonderful knit fabrication...which looks great with...
  • gorgeous pencil skirts (not the usual plaid print)...print! ;)
  • and a recut of one of the seasons best selling front pleat dresses..new prints!                                                

Just to name a few...  ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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Age is a feeling not a number

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Plum just turned 35....what's in a number?  Many decades of great styles, great trends, great staff and customers! Great article in the Vancouver Sun in honor of the 35th anniversary.

I do not plan to save my best shoes, best scarves and best dresses, until I'm 64, or more importantly, abandon them at that point. It's a small thing, that brings many of us small bits of joy...fashion! Why cast aside the things you love so much because you've hit 30, 40, or (gasp) 50 and beyond. Our bodies change but our love of certain things and styles, tend to move with us through the decades. We merely have to find alternate ways of accommodating our shifting curves (sometimes they move south a bit). Lets take a peek at some of Plum's ageless beauties.

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This jacket is truly without age boundaries. Easy to co-ordinate with other colours and styles. And graphic t's are not just for the young. They add a bit of levity to the possible conformity of a suit jacket. It's a conversation piece thus may not require many other accessories.

Tobias 2 button jacket (soy black or white sand) was $195 now $160

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Here is a dress that Plum staff unanimously fell in love with. It's fun, it's flowey, it's bright, and pretty. The fabric is extremely stretchy and comfortable. I can see this also transcending various seasons. And it's on sale! What else could you want!

Wink Wink short sleeve a-line dress (3 patterns) $89 now $79

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This is a great trend. Often tunics give the feeling of being buried in fabric. Tunics with side slits create a great style feature and removes this over-coverage issue. Add a hip or chain belt to break it up. Wear with crop pants or as above with jeans.

Very J side slit tunic (off white or black/grey) was $75 now $59

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One of my favourites from the last few years, this trend lives on because it brings together fun and function.  Heaped in style and works as a simple but light cover in the very warm days of summer.

KW ethnic print kimono with tassels (navy) $59

Dress to look GREAT...because great is not an age, it's a feeling! And remember that adding a year to our age only means the world has had more time to enjoy us!!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

   ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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