What's Bringing Me Joy Right Now
I don't know about you, but finding joy right now isn't super easy. Fortunately, there's always a silver lining. Here are a few of mine.
Poplin client Jenny is wearing one of SIX outfits in her recent photo shoot.
1. More outfits in each client photo shoot.
I don't know if you've noticed, but we expanded our client photo shoots to 4-6 outfits, depending on the client. We've been doing three outfits per shoot for years so this is a big shift and I'm LOVING it. It's a great way for you to see a wider range of each client's individual style. Remember, everything she's wearing is hers. Depending on the client, there are pieces from her new and existing collections. There's no need to buy pieces to replace great items she already has. It's simply about putting things together differently. And the new items from her Wishlists are intended to take her style to the next level. If it's been a while since you visited the client stories, check them out again. And, if you haven't perused sample client wishlists, you are in for a treat.
One of my true obsessions also includes sizing for women up to size 3X. Yes! Yes! Yes!
2. Finally! More variety for women who wear 1X-3X.
A few years back, we had a glorious movement of extended sizes across a wide variety of retailers. I remember, for instance, discovering that Anthropologie added extended sizes. While the selection was small, we were making progress. Then, suddenly, we weren't. The number of retailers who carry a useful variety of pieces in that size range has continued to decrease and it's been a major disappointment. Honestly, I don't love the term "plus size" but I can appreciate that it's a useful tool to help find retailers that actually carry items in size 14 and above. In fact, nearly a decade ago, I offered up my own system that provides a way to find clothes in your size without labeling everyone's bodies. Anyway, what's the good news, you ask?! I'm VERY excited to report that there is finally a more substantial variety of styles and colors for women who wear size 1X-3X (including a MUCH larger selection at Anthro). Whether you are in that size range or not, more inclusive sizing that celebrates all sizes and shapes is good for all of us. Society benefits when getting dressed becomes a fun past time rather than a stressor. This leaves valuable brain space for changing the world.
I was more focused on fun and impact than clear images at the recent POP UP for Girls event for the Washington Women’s Foundation.
3. The Washington Women's Foundation gets that money out the door to assist nonprofits in WA state.
This is a big one for me. If you read this blog on a regular basis, you probably know that I'm an enthusiastic board member of the Washington Women's Foundation. As someone who has worked in nonprofits and volunteered in various capacities the majority of my life, I've seen the impact of a sudden lack of funding. I'm LOVING that the foundation made a quick pivot to speed up the standard grant process to get necessary funds out the door ASAP as local organizations were devastated by the impact of unexpected federal funding cuts from DOGE. These aren't theoretical administrative cuts. Cuts can close shelters, keep food from families, stop access to reproductive health care and more. Seeing the foundation act quickly and decisively has given me hope and I know it's not the only grant making organization doing so.
4. This Car.
You’re going to have to Zoom in for this one. A few weeks ago, we were in LA and saw this incredible car. Make sure you Zoom in for both bumper stickers. I don’t know what this symbolizes exactly- a hopeful future? Reasonable people finding common ground? Just something retro cool? All I know is that it made me feel better.
5. The Momentum Membership IRL.
I can’t tell you how delightful it has been to experience Poplin’s very first monthly membership, Momentum. Over the past six months we’ve gone deep into six topics under the umbrellas of personal style, self care and home design as the climate changes. I’ve learned so much from each of the women in the membership and have really loved watching connections form. This weekend we’ll enjoy a brunch and gift exchange at my place and I’m very excited about it. Sure, the house could be cleaner. The food could be fancier. But when I say, progress not perfection to clients and you, Dear Reader, I mean it. So, while I’m racing around to prep, I’m also finding a nice balance.
While you likely don’t have your own membership, you do have a community. And, I bet they’d like to see more of you- with or without a clean house or the perfect meal prep. Just get together with folks in the way that works for you. This is an important time to lean on one another. And, seeing friends can also be a fun excuse to wear something you love…. like tomorrow’s leopard print pants!
I know times are rough. Find what brings you joy and recharges you. Then, be intentional with your choices. Progress not perfection. We are more powerful together.
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