If you read this blog with any regularity, thank you. AND, you must know how much I adore Ballard's own re-souL. My first big post focusing on the brand went live in November, 2013. Wow. How time flies. Now, I'm a dedicated re-souL enthusiast. The extremely well made shoes are designed in Ballard and made with supple Italian leather. Plus, each pair is equal parts fashion and function with special care given to ensure every pair is crazy comfortable.

Since that initial post, I've been fortunate to become friends with the brains behind the brand (Legh and Maggie) and partner up with Maggie on the YouthCare Styling Sessions. In short, I couldn't be happier to introduce the shop and this crew to the world. If you are already a re-souL fan, you'll be especially excited about our giveaway. 

Here's how it works. Simply sign up for the Poplin newsletter to be entered. If you are already on the Poplin email list, yes, you are entered. But, wouldn't you like to increase your chances? Simply enter again and be given all sorts of options to increase your likelihood of winning. Tweet, share, post. Whatever you do. It will get you closer to a pair of shoes of YOUR CHOICE from the re-souL collection. 

The winner will be announced this Friday. So, don't delay. Enter now! Until then, how about some suggestions for styling these gorgeous shoes?! 

Off we go!

The Perfect Mule is a Part Timer

Keep your eyes peeled this week for more posts on styling up the re-souL collection. Today it's all about the mule. If you are wondering exactly what a mule is, our good friends at Wikipedia are here to help. 

Mule, a French word, is a style of shoe that is backless and often closed-toed. Mules can be any heel height - from flat to high. The style is predominantly (but not exclusively) worn by women. In the early 1950s, Marilyn Monroe popularized the shoe. Mules experienced some popularity in the 1950s and early 1960s, and were seen in the 1970s and early 1980s almost exclusively in the form of open-back Scandinavian clogs, but then re-emerged in the late 1990s, especially in its open-toed form (the "slide"), and began to dominate the shoe market for women.

And now you can impress your friends with your mad knowledge of mules. In order to take things to the next level, you'll need to rock a pair. I'm truly over the moon for the re-souL pair as they are convertibles. Yup. You can wear them as mules when you like or close up the heel when you'd prefer your shoe to cover your heel. In short, these are the dream Northwest shoe. If you leave the house and it is sunny outside, go for the mule. When the 3 PM rain appears, it's time to lift those heels. Now, what to wear with them?

There's really so much you can do with this shoe. Here are a few approaches to styling.

1. Effortless, shapeless, fashion forward.

Keep your shapeless pieces on point with a high end shoe. A high quality, modern pair communicates that you on trend, as opposed to waking up late. 

2. Tailored, Classic, Sophisticated.

If you struggle to find the proper shoe to work with a cigarette pant, this is your shoe. More modern than a standard flat and yet more comfortable than a traditional heel, this look goes from the office to the farmer's market. 

3. Sporty, Polished, Fashionable.

Over the past few years, I've noticed clients coming around to the athleisure trend. Sure, everyone loves the idea of running around in yoga pants, but how do you make sure you look cool and not sloppy? Well, sneakers are one way. Another is to choose athletic inspired pieces and pair them with high quality polished options, like the Gia. I love them with a pair of joggers.  

This, my friends, is just the beginning. Check out more of the re-souL collection here. And make sure you enter to win a free pair for yourself or someone you love.