Twelve Years Later: What Real, Sustained Style Actually Looks Like

Poplin began in 2013 when I left my career in philanthropy to dive into what had, until then, just been a hobby. Now, more than a decade later, I’m having the time of my life with an assortment of new and ongoing clients. Between styling services and Continuum, our exclusive membership for clients, I spend my days getting to know an extraordinary group of women and help each one communicate her authentic personal style.

At Poplin, our goal is to teach her to fish. That is, I want her to understand how to harness her own unique style, choose pieces that flatter her frame while making her look and feel her best everyday. Gone is the stress and overwhelm associated with getting dressed. Few things are as gratifying as seeing your vision realized.

Read More
Wild and Wonderful: Paris Taught me to Adore Camperlab

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I’ve always had an affinity for Camper. The shoes are comfortable, reasonably priced and have a range of quirky, to referential to avant garde. They are a dream for some clients and not right for others. One of the reasons I love this job so much is the wide variety of personal styles of Poplin clients. Camper is just one of a zillion resources that have been useful over the past dozen plus years.

But Camperlab! THAT is an entirely different animal.

Read More
Wrapping Up My Top 100 Favorite Coats and Jackets from Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale

As a personal stylist for women, I’ve been curating shopping lists from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale since day one- over 13 Anniversary Sales ago. I’m excited to report that this year’s collection is better than we’ve seen in several years. Of course, there’s a wide array of basics, a jam packed selection of denim and then, as per usual, some major themes. When it comes to tops, you’ll find a balance of classic choices, super feminine looks and a smaller portion of edgy and boho items.

Each year I organize my picks in different ways, with a goal to make the sale as shoppable as possible for you, Dear Reader. After all, the women’s portion of Anniversary has over 18,000 items. This year, rather than organize by style or body type, I’m listing my favorite pieces by item type. I’ll highlight my top three or so on each post and then give you my overall favs- typically you can expect about 50 items per post. Have a great time and remember that things go quickly, so if you love it, snap it up.

Read More
The Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Outerwear: My Top 5 Favorites & The First 50 Styles

As a personal stylist for women, I’ve been curating shopping lists from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale since day one- over 13 Anniversary Sales ago. I’m excited to report that this year’s collection is better than we’ve seen in several years. Of course, there’s a wide array of basics, a jam packed selection of denim and then, as per usual, some major themes. When it comes to tops, you’ll find a balance of classic choices, super feminine looks and a smaller portion of edgy and boho items.

Each year I organize my picks in different ways, with a goal to make the sale as shoppable as possible for you, Dear Reader. After all, the women’s portion of Anniversary has over 18,000 items. This year, rather than organize by style or body type, I’m listing my favorite pieces by item type. I’ll highlight my top three or so on each post and then give you my overall favs- typically you can expect about 50 items per post. Have a great time and remember that things go quickly, so if you love it, snap it up.

Read More
Wrapping up My Favorite Bottoms from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

As a personal stylist for women, I’ve been curating shopping lists from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale since day one- over 13 Anniversary Sales ago. I’m excited to report that this year’s collection is better than we’ve seen in several years. Of course, there’s a wide array of basics, a jam packed selection of denim and then, as per usual, some major themes. When it comes to tops, you’ll find a balance of classic choices, super feminine looks and a smaller portion of edgy and boho items.

Each year I organize my picks in different ways, with a goal to make the sale as shoppable as possible for you, Dear Reader. After all, the women’s portion of Anniversary has over 18,000 items. This year, rather than organize by style or body type, I’m listing my favorite pieces by item type. I’ll highlight my top three or so on each post and then give you my overall favs- typically you can expect about 50 items per post. Have a great time and remember that things go quickly, so if you love it, snap it up.

Read More
The Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Bottoms: My Top 5 Favorites & The First 50 Styles

As a personal stylist for women, I’ve been curating shopping lists from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale since day one- over 13 Anniversary Sales ago. I’m excited to report that this year’s collection is better than we’ve seen in several years. Of course, there’s a wide array of basics, a jam packed selection of denim and then, as per usual, some major themes. When it comes to tops, you’ll find a balance of classic choices, super feminine looks and a smaller portion of edgy and boho items.

Each year I organize my picks in different ways, with a goal to make the sale as shoppable as possible for you, Dear Reader. After all, the women’s portion of Anniversary has over 18,000 items. This year, rather than organize by style or body type, I’m listing my favorite pieces by item type. I’ll highlight my top three or so on each post and then give you my overall favs- typically you can expect about 50 items per post. Have a great time and remember that things go quickly, so if you love it, snap it up.

Read More
Wrapping up my top 100 favorite dresses from Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale

Each year I organize my picks in different ways, with a goal to make the sale as shoppable as possible for you, Dear Reader. After all, the women’s portion of Anniversary has over 18,000 items. This year, rather than organize by style or body type, I’m listing my favorite pieces by item type. I’ll highlight my top three or so on each post and then give you my overall favs- typically you can expect about 50 items per post. Have a great time and remember that things go quickly, so if you love it, snap it up.

Curious about my finds from my recent trip to Paris and Berlin? I’m dying to share. You’ll see all of that and more after Anniversary. Expect a sea of blog posts over the next week or so. Enjoy!

Read More
The Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Dresses: My Top 5 Favorites & The First 50 Styles

As a personal stylist for women, I’ve been curating shopping lists from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale since day one- over 13 Anniversary Sales ago. I’m excited to report that this year’s collection is better than we’ve seen in several years. Of course, there’s a wide array of basics, a jam packed selection of denim and then, as per usual, some major themes. When it comes to tops, you’ll find a balance of classic choices, super feminine looks and a smaller portion of edgy and boho items.

Read More
The Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Tops: My Top 5 Favorites & More than 50 Editor-Approved Picks

As a personal stylist for women, I’ve been curating shopping lists from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale since day one- over 13 Anniversary Sales ago. I’m excited to report that this year’s collection is better than we’ve seen in several years. Of course, there’s a wide array of basics, a jam packed selection of denim and then, as per usual, some major themes. When it comes to tops, you’ll find a balance of classic choices, super feminine looks and a smaller portion of edgy and boho items.

Each year I organize my picks in different ways, with a goal to make the sale as shoppable as possible for you, Dear Reader. After all, the women’s portion of Anniversary has over 18,000 items. This year, rather than organize by style or body type, I’m listing my favorite pieces by item type. I’ll highlight my top three or so on each post and then give you my overall favs- typically you can expect about 50 items per post. Have a great time and remember that things go quickly, so if you love it, snap it up.

Read More
Bring on the Sunshine: 20+ Ways to Embrace Yellow (Even if You Swore You Never Would)

As a personal stylist for women, I am not only required to follow color trends- but I obsessively love it. So, let’s call that a major win. I’ve always been a big fan of yellow- mostly because it brings me joy, but also because it’s an unappreciated color. When I ask potential clients about colors that they want to avoid, most mention yellow. Although, while some genuinely dislike it, most just mention that it doesn’t flatter their skin tone. While this may or may not actually be true, that’s no reason to skip integrating a color (or a shade of that color into your collection). Opt for pieces that are away from your face: pants, skirts, handbags and shoes, for starters. Or, layer flattering colors over top. Navy blue is gorgeous with every shade of yellow and is flattering on so many skin tones.

Read More
Tailored with Intention: The Ultimate Classic Style Guide to 35+ Brands

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, one of my very favorite parts of the job is helping each client channel her authentic personal style. I don’t dress her like everyone else. I don’t dress her like me.

We create a curated collection of pieces that flatter her frame, are in her color palette, are functional for her lifestyle and fit into her budget. And every one is authentic to HER style.

Since we kicked off this business in 2013, we’ve included online shopping lists (AKA Wishlists and Uber Wishlists) as an integral part of the shopping process. As we emerged from COVID, it was clear that those would become the bread and butter of the shopping experience as local shopping options became more limited and online choices continued to expand.

Read More
How to Curate a Non-Conformist Wardrobe: A Stylist’s Strategy for the Artistic Individualist

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I’ve been creating Uber Wishlists for more than a decade. An Uber Wishlist is comprehensive shopping list designed specifically for one client. I take into account her Poplin Filters: body type, color palette, personal style key words, budget, size and values when designing each list. Importantly, I also am thoughtful about the pieces that she already owns. After all, there’s no need to buy new jeans when you already have several that are winners. (That was the case with this client.)

I’ve always appreciated the flexibility and wonder that online shopping lists provide. Rather than being restricted to the items at a handful of nearby stores, wishlists offer up the entire internet filled with an array of unique choice and combinations.

Read More
The Non-Conformist’s Guide: 60+ Brands for the Artistic Individualist

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, one of my very favorite parts of the job is helping each client channel her authentic personal style. I don’t dress her like everyone else. I don’t dress her like me.

We create a curated collection of pieces that flatter her frame, are in her color palette, are functional for her lifestyle and fit into her budget. And every one is authentic to HER style.

Since we kicked off this business in 2013, we’ve included online shopping lists (AKA Wishlists and Uber Wishlists) as an integral part of the shopping process. As we emerged from COVID, it was clear that those would become the bread and butter of the shopping experience as local shopping options became more limited and online choices continued to expand.

Read More
How to Dress Your Body Type: A Personal Stylist’s Guide to Visual Balance

It's about balance, not about size. As a personal stylist for women, I find this concept comes up pretty regularly. The loudest voice we hear is our inner voice and more often than we'd like, that inner voice can actually be the voice of the inner critic. 

We're all familiar with the inner critic. She has all sorts of opinions on career, parenting, keeping the house clean and so on. She also, has some very strong feelings when it comes to our bodies. 

Read More
Must Have: The Perfect Product to Look Cool While Staying Warm this Spring

As a personal stylist for women, I hear so many questions about how to dress for the shoulder seasons. As we transition from colder temperatures to sunnier days, there is this instinctive pull to wear more warm weather clothes. Seattle-ites (like me), constantly make jokes about having Seasonal Affective Disorder, affectionately known as SAD. But, the manic wave of enthusiasm we all feel as the sun comes out highlights that there must be some element of truth to it all.

While I technically became a Pacific Northwesterner more than two decades ago, my inner Californian pines for spring dresses and open toed shoes long before our local weather endorses them.

Read More
SPECIAL SERIES: The Secret to the "Cool Girl" Silhouette: Mastering Barrel, Balloon, and Architectural Pants- Part 2- How to Style Voluminous Pants to Flatter Your Frame

As a personal stylist for women, I’ve heard an endless stream of questions about styling these pants. Women are intrigued by the silhouettes, completely intimidated by them or somewhere in between. No need! The key with all personal style, is to know your filters so that you can make intentional choices that help you execute your authentic personal style with ease and simplicity.

Mastering the voluminous pant trend is totally do-able.

Read More
SPECIAL SERIES: The Secret to the "Cool Girl" Silhouette: Mastering Barrel, Balloon, and Architectural Pants- Part 1

As a personal stylist for women, I’m getting lots of questions about all the new voluminous pant styles. What’s the difference? How can I wear them? Do I look cool or is this just ridiculous? What style should I buy and where do I find the right pair?

Enter our three part series on architectural pants. If you’re ready to try this voluminous style but your major reference point is baggies plus a tight top, I’ve got you.

Read More
One Piercing, Infinite Possibilities: Master the Illusion Earring Trend

As a personal stylist for women, I am constantly trend-watching. I have always been ahead of the curve (style-wise and otherwise), so I often get an idea and then spend weeks, months, or even years on the hunt. I get it. I love it. And after a while, everyone else loves it, too ;)

If you, like me, get ideas and then need to find the actual item that has been "paying rent in your mind," I’ve got you. Alternatively, if you are happy to see inspiration and jump on board, I’m here for that, too.

Read More
The One Styling Shift That Makes Barrel Jeans Work (On Real Bodies)

As a personal stylist for women, I have the advantage of listening to women as they face their style conundrums. Some are overarching challenges, like creating new outfits from existing pieces or understanding how to liven up your existing wardrobe.

Others are more specifically focused on the friction between wanting to wear a new trend and actually being able to make it happen.

Few trends have been as perplexing to women as barrel pants.

Read More