IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH
LISA NEEL

Plum Diore Is As Delectable As Its Name

Plum Diore, the new fashion boutique in Pleasant Ridge, offers eclectic apparel that is as delicious and enticing as its name. Its mission: to fuse individuality with class and style with comfort.

The ladies who love Plum Diore are, first and foremost, ladies. Their uniqueness is subtle yet effortless. They look beautiful without the help of low-cut or tight lines. They are classy, confident and comfortable.

I had the privilege of speaking with the proud lady of Plum Diore, Ivy Pitzer.

LN: I heard you just had your grand opening in September. Congratulations!

IP: Thank you! We’ve only been established for about a month, but I’m overwhelmed by how we’ll we’ve been received by the community.

LN: Tell me about your inspiration and vision behind Plum Diore.

IP: I’ve always wanted to own my own store. I was the Apparel Manager at Anthropologie for 5 years; I wanted to make my store as fun as Anthropologie, but with an edgy sense of polish and class.

I want the women of Cincinnati to be able to dress and feel like ladies again. The focus here is not in flashy colors or bold strokes, but attention to detail. I also highly value versatility, so all of our clothes can be worn in an everyday situation, whether you’re at work, at home, or out on the town. Our clothes are comfortable, yet flattering. No need for low-cut lines or flesh-exposing clothes to look beautiful.

LN: What types of clothing and accessories do you offer?

IP: Our apparel includes pencil skirts, capes, wide leg jeans, knickers, oversized sweaters, bright leather belts with fun buckles, and trousers. In the pant category, Cincinnati boutiques often focus on denim, so I try to focus on trousers of all kinds, such as tweed or plaid.

In regards to accessories, we offer jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets), scarves, purses, and shoes. Our walls are adorned with unique art by a local DAAP student; her pieces are also for sale.

LN: Any big brand names?

IP: I often purchase from small, unknown vendors. However, that doesn’t mean their popularity isn’t on the rise. For example, our gorgeous jewelry is made by Letter G, which we carry exclusively in Cincinnati. It was recently picked up by the flagship Bloomingdale’s in San Francisco.

I also carry Mon Petit Oiseau, a sweet, demure line that celebrities like Mischa Barton wear. Other lines include Ben Sherman for women, Jenny Han, and Birdie. Birdie was designed by a woman who wanted to create golf apparel that could also be worn on a daily basis. The pants, which were named by Real Simple Magazine as best pants of the year, have pockets for golf scorecards and tees.

Our fitted, stylish down coats are made by TOGS Soho. Our shoes are by Katy Kiro; this is her first debut into the U.S.

LN: What is the most important aspect of Plum Diore?

IP: Our customer service. I make it a point to introduce myself to everyone that walks through the door. Remembering a name, especially for the next time he or she comes in, goes an incredibly long way!

I also pay close attention to what a person wants. This is, after all, all about the customer. If you come to me and say, ‘Ivy, I must have that shirt, but you’re out of my size!’ then I’ll do whatever I can to get it for you.

LN: I know as the owner you probably have a heart for all of your pieces, but I bet you have a favorite, yes?

IP: The cape by Mona & Holly is my absolute favorite! It is by far the must-have in this store. It’s so sweet, so cute, and can go with almost anything. When you sway your arms back and forth in it, you can catch a glimpse of the patterned lining. Purchase it and I can guarantee no one else will be wearing it; I only bought one in each size!

LN: Wow, so you must have to reorder all the time!

IP: Order, yes. Reorder, no. When I say that our pieces are unique, I mean that once a woman purchases a piece from us, that piece is near or completely unique to her. No one else will have the same one. That’s why I always order a very limited quantity of each piece. Once it’s gone, it’s time to buy a new piece.

LN: That must really keep you on your toes!

IP: Oh you have no idea. The popularity of our pieces is so high that turnaround time is very short.

LN: Short like…a month?

IP: Try one week. I’ve had pieces fly off the racks within 24 hours!

LN: So each time I walk into your store, it’s like walking into a new store each time?

IP: Pretty close, yes. We have a huge shipment coming in next week, so everything you see here will change.

LN: Like any great store, Plum Diore is more than just clothing. It’s an experience. How did you design the place to make it truly unique?

IP: The first thing people notice when they walk into Plum Diore is the vast open space and breathability factor. Lots of people stroll in with their morning coffee by themselves, with their significant other, or with their children. We also have couches and magazines in the middle, so it’s extremely comfortable and laid-back.

However, like our clothing, our comfort is polished off with a sense of fun and class. Our fitting room walls, which our customers absolutely adore, are made out of doors with drapes around the entryway. Each room has different antique mirrors, framed art, tables, and lamps.

Plum Diore used to be the lobby of a hotel, hence the grand, winding staircase in the back. It currently gives the store its regal bearing, but will soon lead to the second floor once we finish remodeling it.

LN: Anything else you’d like to tell our readers?

IP: Yes! If they like to dress up and party, we’ve got the perfect opportunity. On Friday, November 17th, we’re hosting an Old Hollywood theme party to kick off the season. Call us for more details, or better yet, come see us beforehand!

LN: Thank you, Ivy. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get going before someone steals the last Mona & Holly cape!

Plum Diore ‘In Review’:

Address: 6099 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45213
Free 2-hour parking across the street at Mullaney's
Phone: (513) 351-PLUM

M-W, F-S 10:00 – 6:00 Th 10:00 – 8:00 Hours: Mon. – Wed., Fri. &ndashl Sat. 10am – 6pm, Thu. 10am – 8pm

Website: PlumDiore.com