dresses

Simone...it's only a name!

As buyer and an owner of Plum I can say that we have loved designing clothes … especially Simone dresses! So when we had to stop designing and making clothing in Canada it was tough.  But we are delighted to tell you that we get to relive our relationship with our previous designer Claudia Agusti by carrying dresses designed by her for another company. Plum now carries a full range of dresses (some of the patterns and the fits come directly from our original designs) with a new name “Spencer & Shaw”. You are going to fall in love with them the way you fell in love with our Simone dresses!

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I was besotted with this bold, blossoming print at first sight. Reminiscent of garden parties, weddings but also fitting for the office, school and a wide variety of other events. Again, with Claudia's great design features, such as the mid waist stretch, and a fully lined skirt.

Spencer+Shaw sleeveless dress - elastic waist (black/pink or black/yellow prints) $110

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A dress which will find itself the center of attention at many gatherings and Friday night date nights. A vision of what is needed for adequate movement and comfort includes a faux wrap, designed to not offer exposure to the world, such is the case with many wrap skirts and dresses. Accompanied by a gentle frill and matching sleeve frill and lining.  The perfect party dress!

Spencer + Shaw ruffle trim wrap dress (black combo print) $149

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Claudia has always been able to design with fun, function and fashion! Don't let the simple cut of this dress fool you into thinking it's merely casual. Try wearing it with leggings and your favourite knee high boots, a puff sleeve blouse and a long necklace, for a more upscale look. Comprised of a substantial stretch fabric, it's sure to be a go to for weekends and days off as well!

Spencer + Shaw sleeveless mini star dress (black/heather grey) $106

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The front of this dress presents as a simple cut. However, Claudia has always been able to design with all angles in mind. The back, showing a sweet ribbon tie and slight peek a boo back. We've brought this back for many seasons as it's continued to be a Plum favourite!

Spencer + Shaw trapeze ribbon tie dress (plum) $110

Names represent many things when it comes to branding and labels. And yet, over the years, there have been many companies which have morphed and changed. And while Plum has moved on from having our own design dept and no longer has Simone, we are grateful to continue our relationship with Simone's designer who continues to provide us with her magical vision! 

Katie O'Brien

Be sure to visit a Plum location near you as we have many more 'Spencer and Shaw' dresses to suit all!

And don't forget about denim promotion...Purchase a pair of regular priced black or blue jeans until Sept. 23 and receive a $25 Plum certificate to use on a regular priced item between Sept. 29 and Oct.31.  (instore and web).

   ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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CONGRATULATIONS to the winner of Plum's CANADA 150 DRAW...KRISTY from Vancouver!

NO, I am not dying or quitting, simply referring to literally packing for a trip. Having been on an epic vacation of a lifetime recently (think: planes, trains and automobiles), literally! The only thing not included in my extraordinarily memorable trip across Canada was horseback! This made me think two things 1) note to self: Never travel again (at least not with children) and 2) when I break that rule, be better prepared with proper luggage and clothing. What and how to pack for a trip? One would think I'd have learned from this monumental adventure and have a concrete answer. Well, I have at least a few thoughts and shopping suggestions.

 

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Dresses are a really great travel garment, they're one item and they're usually comfortable. The one above, however, can also easily be worn either as a dress or a tunic. Add tights for more ease of movement. The elbow sleeves are such that if you're in a fickle climate, you don't need to worry about extra cover.

Wink wink ribbed dress (4 colours) now $39

 

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TOPS...Keep them basic. The solid colour offers the ability to mix and match with more bottoms, which means less to lug around...for a bit more interest, pack a small bag with accessories (favourite necklaces, earrings) to change things up a bit. The asymmetric hem, means you don't need to leave your style at home! TRAVEL TIP: If you're unable to find a laundromat, hand washing is always an option. Hang to dry, wring the garment out well and use the hair dryer to quick dry. For me, this worked surprisingly well for small garments.

Double asymmetric hem tank top (4 colours) $39

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Here's a wonderful option for warm climates. It's light, it's airy, it's also pretty and can be paired with (as seen above) jeans, shorts, skirts or even a tank dress. How to pack it without arriving with more wrinkles than grandpa? TRAVEL TIP: Best method? Using tissue and a plastic bag

Catwalk embroidered blouse (light pink) now $55

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And who can resist the sweet little tiered skirt for beach vacations, or even staycations! Like olives are to a martini, the flirty short skirt goes well with sandals, or even Keds for walking. All they need is a little tank top and that's the outfit for the day. TRAVEL TIP: bring an extra canvas or reusable bag for either purchasing souvenirs or storing dirty laundry.

Soya Concept lined tiered skirt (dark earth) $65

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And if you're not much into dresses or skirts, these are the best bottoms of choice. The just-below-the-knee tights are made of bamboo, which is typically softer than cotton and has better absorbency...and linen pants have proven to be a very easy, light fiber; and because wrinkles are a natural presentation of the fabric itself, it's perfect for the job of travel.

Orange capri legging (5 colours) $34

Plum drawstring linen pant (concrete, natural or olive) now $65

Give yourself a break when you're preparing to travel, think...comfort and less complicated. I wish I'd taken my own advice, I'd have brought less footwear and used better luggage. After all, it's really all about the journey, not the wrinkles.

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

"Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations" ~ Oliver Goldsmith

 
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If you won ten million...what would you do? In a two year old survey taken of US residents a surprising 2/3 of those polled would continue to work. What about your car or what you wear? Would you continue to wear the same style, make a major style change or would you merely invest in more cat print, hand painted, silk scarves with Himalayan beaded fringe? (we all have our weird fashion obsessions) Waiting for an unlikely windfall to wear what you love, is living for tomorrow. Buy smart and you'll look like a million dollars!

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Plunge right into spring with this lovely, fresh, owl print, vintage style dress. Put together in the photo with lemon yellow converse shows how it can be lightened up for casual wear. For leisure, we tend to gravitate to jeans, but why not a dress? Easy on, wrap style, securely fastens at the waist with 2 sweet buttons and back gathers. Style tip: worried about the front flying open at inopportune times? Wear bicycle shorts with a lace border or a vintage slip underneath. And footwear just changes the mood. Mary Janes or ankle wrap flats are different options.

Simone cap sleeve wrap dress (black or royal) $139

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I feel compelled to take someone down to the river and feed them tea and oranges when I look at this dress (thank you Leonard Cohen). Call me half crazy but this, bold exotic print reminds me so much of long days at festivals or (again) with different footwear and a shawl, makes a great brunch outfit.

Simone sleeveless dress with front keyhole (blue or orange) $149

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Off the shoulder, cold shoulder and open shoulder looks are big this season. This ethnic print, embroidered top will look great with shorts, midi skirts, maxi skirts and as you can see a great offset for crisp white pants (on your yacht). Here's a tip for keeping the off the shoulder...off your shoulders (view).

Flying Tomato embroidered peasant blouse (black) $59

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Speaking of crisp white...won't you look fabulous stepping out of your stretch limousine in this sleek looking Simone dress ;) A beautifully cut and designed dress with a decidedly futuristic edge.

Simone sheath dress with metal zipper (white) $129

Given that the chances of being the top winner of such a lottery are as slim as Paris Hilton's skinny jeans....why wait for tomorrow or 'maybe'...live for now (but we can still dream and plan)!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

ps...DREAM BIG..but enjoy the little things  ... read the full post and reader comments

 
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A coupon to kick start your spring shopping. Get your coupon here!

$20 off a regular priced clothing or accessories purchase of $95 (jewellry excluded).

Unless you're new to the planet, you can already tell spring is right around the corner, at least in Vancouver. With it brings a compulsion to clean out the garage, start gardening or resuscitate one's wardrobe. If procrastination is one of your favourite pass times, the latter is probably the preferable choice. Plum is fully ready with some gorgeous and reliable, yet distinct design features, you won't find anywhere else.

Welcome back spring! We missed you.

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The front email dress is destined to be a huge hit this season. I think it captures the freshness of the season perfectly. Very flowey, drapey fabric and a delicate print. But it's also what cannot be seen that's also so great.  Very well structured, fully lined and barely visible pockets. A great, unexpected feature.

Simone sleeveless dress with front pockets (navy or pink) $129

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When spring starts to peak out at us, one of the first things we notice is, the days are starting to get longer...brighter. Plum's Acapella has a uniquely special way of interpreting the spring blouse. This is such a delightful pattern set against an easy fitting, yet sheer fabric. Way to bring back the brightness Acapella!

Acapella dolman sleeve blouse (lemon, white and black) $89

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Tank tops are a great wardrobe staple. They work so well with suits, or as above with jeans etc. And yet, this Acapella blouse has been re-inspired featuring a retro neckline and another touch of the feminine with the small back button fastening...Some small, yet special design features puts this just a step ahead of a basic.

Acapella sleeveless cowl neck blouse (navy, pink) $69

 

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The cut of this dress was such a hit last season, it's been redone with a very fresh, seasonal pattern. Just the right length, cap sleeve and a great mid section design feature that looks just like that, like a design feature but can cleverly disguise the middle (if need be)!

Simone cross over dress (royal, jade, orange or blue/red prints) $125

So you can put away your boots, heavy coats and unpack the sling backs...Spring has sprung and with it comes the great, much anticipated spring wardrobe options. THIS is just the tip of the iceberg...sorry icebergs are so last season....I meant to say 'blossom'!

Yours in Fashion passion...

Suzanne M.

Don't forget your coupon here!

$20 off a regular priced clothing or accessories purchase of $95

(jewellry excluded).

.

 
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pack smart, look great!

Remember: Until Jan.31, 2016 you could win your online purchase. Just think, your travel wardrobe could be totally covered if you win. View the resort wear collection and details here.

While the rest of us are scrambling for that last minute 'special' gift or packing for family visits...you will be secretly laughing to yourself...sidestepping all the chaos by heading for warmer climates... an all-inclusive perhaps? (I'll try not to hate you). But why put yourself though torture you've avoided so far by unearthing clothing from four months ago. Do you even know where they are? No worries. Plum has an extensive resort wear collection to help you prepare. Here is a small sample...

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Of course, shorts and t shirts might well be your uniform...at least a staple. Plum has a great, fun collection of Bear Dance tank tops. Cute, silly and make a great conversation start up! Or, if you're still needing to do a gift exchange they're a great option.

Bear Dance t shirts (just a sample of what's in store, above)

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And of course you need bottoms. Crop pants, shorter or these-are-my-gorgeous-legs length. So many options, you'd think it was actually summer now!

Point Zero capri (curry, diamond, lichen or white) $65

Point Zero bermuda cotton/twill/spandex (curry, diamond, lichen or white) $55

Mavi pixie short denim (ultra blue vintage) $78

 

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Love the pattern of this paisley dress...so eye catching. With a short sleeve, draw string waist and an easy waterfall hem, you can't go wrong with this as one of your dress options (and believe me Plum has many).

Simone V-neck dress (blue multi or red multi) $140

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Don't forget, on occasion, you'll need a cardigan or coverup...Choose from many options, I've included just a few above. A crop cardigan or breezy, gauzy kimono. So light it will take up little or no space.

Kersh rib waist cardigan (7 colours) now $35

Cecico kimono blouse (brown or sea green) $59

When packing for a trip out of season this usually presents a unique, lack of selection challenge. However, Plum's large resort collection, removes that stress.  Choose from gorgeous print dresses, light weight pants/bottoms and coverups. When you board the plane 'your troubles will be miles away' (as they say in the song). 

Wishing you a fun and safe trip!

Yours in Fashion passion...

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

 
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