Sunbathe in style this Summer

I was just cruising around the Bloomingdale's website (as I'm wont to do) and came across their new Beach towel collection - one of which features the illustration of Plum's very own Meg Hess.

Naturally, I snapped a couple up tout suite and am already dreaming of laying on the beach this summer in style.

For a little beach chic of your own, click here to get one while they last.

Coloring outside the lines – how illustration can make you stand out from the crowd

I love beautiful photography as much as the next gal – those sumptuous, glossy pictures make me want to dive right into them – but I’ve always had a special place in my heart for fashion illustration. There’s just something about how they make me feel.

When I see a gorgeous picture of Giselle - or some other heavenly being - I can appreciate it, but I don’t necessarily see myself in her (that’s called delusion and it’s a slippery slope). But when I see a fashion illustration the glamour feels within reach, as something I could possibly possess. Illustration allows us to draw our own narrative and to connect in a way that’s unique to us.

Could illustration be right for your brand? Here are a few things you might want to consider:

Illustration makes an emotional connection
Let’s face it – connection is the name of the game, so if your brand image resonates with your customer on a personal level, you’re on the right track.

Illustration helps you stand out from the crowd
By aligning yourself with a distinctive illustration style, your customer starts to connect your brand with that style.

Illustration allows you to get really creative particularly if you don’t have a ‘Giselle’ budget

Illustration easily lends itself to other applications e.g. product

Illustration is charming and makes people feel good

In the spirit of feeling good, please enjoy this lovely Spring-like illustration by Meg Hess.

Meg Hess' Christmas collaboration with Bloomingdale's

Now I don’t need much of an excuse to go to the Bloomingdale’s flagship store on 59th street, but this Holiday season I have a bona fide reason to pay a visit. Plum’s very own Meg Hess has collaborated with the department store to create some seriously gorgeous Christmas ornaments.

Not only do her heavenly creatures adorn baubles, snow globes and gift cards (they’re pop up!), you’ll also encounter life-size installations of her illustrated characters throughout the store.

So head on over to Bloomingdale’s (go early!) and stock up while they last.

Photos by Walling McGarity www.wallingmcgarity.com

Meet Henri Bendel's new girls

I LOVE Henri Bendel. A visit to their beautiful Fifth avenue store always puts me in a festive mood and makes me feel like a tourist in my own (adopted) town.

The brand has historically used illustration (no skinny, sulky models here), so we were delighted when they asked Meg Hess to create her version of the 'Bendel Girl'.

These lovelies are undeniably Meg's, but fresh and new, just for Bendel's.

Go to the store between November 11-14 and earn 'Splurge cards'. The more you spend, the more you earn, so go wild!

Musings on "Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn?" by author Pamela Keogh

Doesn't every girl want to be a little bit of both?

"Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn?" Culture: vanityfair.com

Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Culture: vanityfair.com

We're very proud of our illustrator, Meg Hess. Her gorgeous illustrations of Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Onassis bring to life Pamela Keogh's fabulous book, "Are you a Jackie or a Marilyn". Check out Vanity Fair's piece in September's 'Spotlight Style'.

So, which one are you?

Meg Hess' illustrated ad for Toyota

I'm the first to admit that it'll take more than a pretty ad to fix Toyota's woes, but this gorgeous ad (illustrated by Meg Hess) certainly helps divert your attention from faulty gas pedals to nicer things (such as shoe shopping)