Your Voice Matters: How the Average American Can Do Something to Stand Up

If you’ve been reading this blog for some time, you know that values are an important part of our business. You should also know that my values don’t need to be your values for me to respect them and help you leverage your voice to live those values.

When it comes to style, that means introducing my community to brands that identify with their values: Some are owned by members of communities that are underfunded and underrepresented in fashion, for example. Or the opportunity that tailoring provides to decrease your carbon footprint and fight climate change, rather than buying something new.

People have been speaking without words through their clothes for generations and it’s important on both an individual and a collective level that we continue to do so. After all, the self-confidence a woman (or any person) feels when wearing clothes that truly feel like they communicate her authentic personal style propels her to speak in the meeting, to take risks in her life, to stand her ground when necessary.

Wherever you stand on the political spectrum, the last few weeks have been chaotic. It’s a time of heightened emotions and frankly, a lot of fear. I’ve had countless conversations with women who care very deeply about what’s happening but truly have no idea what or how to do anything to stop it.

A friend recently said to me, “Didn’t we elect leaders to deal with this? I’m overwhelmed with my own life. Now, I need to do their jobs?”

I hear you. Yes, electeds absolutely need to stand up and do their jobs. And, we need to do ours. But how? Here are a few ideas.

Poplin on a Live Podcast: Lessons Learned Leaving Meta

As a personal stylist for women, sharing not only client stories but also client images is essential. This was one of the many reasons that the prospect of leaving Instagram (and, to a lesser extent, Facebook) was a very big deal. But, as the owner of a values-based business, it was a no brainer. As part of the styling process, I help each client identify her body type, budget, personal style key words, colors and values. They don’t need to be my values. What I care most about is giving women agency over their own lives. It’s important to understand that we are not victims, but are instead powerful drivers of our paths. Understanding what you value and then reflecting those values in your life choices, when possible, is important.

Because of this perspective, it felt essential that I leave Meta. So, in December, 2021, that’s what I did. After all, I knew that I was opposed to several of the company’s practices and by being a part of the platform, specifically helping to generate ad revenue for the company, I was not living my values.

Client Reveal: Danae

I’m SO excited to share another real client style transformation. It’s so important to us that every client learns to buy clothes and style herself to communicate her authentic personal style in clothes that flatter her frame and communicate her values, when relevant. Sharing a few client stories in a row gives us a wonderful chance to show off the distinctive style of each of these women and highlight the importance of being true to yourself. I hope you find each of these women, and their styles, as inspiring as we do.

Resist: 7 Resources to Stay Engaged in Local Issues in WA State

I’m not sure how to even begin this blog post. In a word, things are crazy right now. You certainly don’t need me to tell you this.

As you know, values are a big part of my business. I often tell clients that my values don’t need to be their values. I just want to be sure that I understand what is important to each client and that I’m able to help her live her values through her clothing, whenever possible.

This is a time when we are all reflecting on our values. Life can be exhausting and now, even more so. That’s why it feels especially important to write this post. Yes, it’s important to take care of yourself and the ones you love. But, it’s also important not to opt out. Do what you can, when you can, and be kind to yourself when you can’t do it all. Above all, be kind to others because just that is an act of resistance.

So many people around me feel overwhelmed and like they don’t know where or how to push back on what feels like an avalanche of injustice and chaos. I do not pretend to have the answers. I can say that engaging in what you can impact really does make a difference. And doing something, even if it may not yield results anytime soon, if at all, can also make a big difference. When we think of the 60’s and 70’s, we often think of the protests against the Vietnam War. They didn’t singularly and immediately end the war. But, they certainly helped keep it top of mind and shift cultural thinking over time. Individuals taking a stand against workplace injustices large and small also helped change workplace culture over the decades. So, whatever your act of resistance, it’s important.

Last summer, we hosted a fundraiser for then gubernatorial candidate, now governor, Bob Ferguson. Later this month, our family will attend Lobby Day in Olympia to meet with state legislators to advocate for funding education. It feels especially important to model these behaviors for our son in the middle of this chaos. Truthfully, I don’t love Lobby Days, but I nudged my family into it because it’s a great lesson for our son. As the national news has become so stressful, I’m grateful for this targeted way to take meaningful action.

One of the places that you absolutely can make an impact is in your local community. It’s easy to find that I’ve consumed national news while local issues pass me by. So, I’ve resolved to increase the percentage of my news consumption that comes from and is devoted to local sources. Here’s a list of some of my favorites right now. I don’t agree with everything I hear or read from these sources, but I do respect their reporting and appreciate the perspectives. I welcome your recommendations as this is by no means a complete list. The important message here is to remember that we are a community and together we can accomplish more.

So, take good care of yourself and the ones you love. And while you’re doing that, take some sort of meaningful action to stand up for what’s right and live your values, whatever they may be.

Client Reveal: Kristin

As a personal stylist for women, few things bring me as much joy as watching the entire process come together with client photos. I hear from readers that you like it, too! Today’s pick me up: Poplin Client, Kristin. Enjoy!

As a petite woman, Kristin felt restricted to choose from the limited options available. Frustrated, she tried clothing memberships only to discover that she still felt uninspired by clothing that didn’t resonate with her. Our first job was to let her think big about what truly appeals to her, rather than choosing from the available options.

Why Seasonal Color Analysis is Important and Why it Isn't

As a personal stylist for women, identifying a seasonal color analysis for each client is an integral part of my process, but probably not for the reasons you might think.

Reading this article while eating breakfast this morning, I was reminded that my approach to the importance of seasonal color analysis is not common. I do think it matters. But, I also think it doesn’t. The phrase I often use with clients is, “don’t let the colors run your life. Choose a season that speaks to you, commit to it, and move on.”

Switzerland Finds: Pairing Cream and Silver

As a personal stylist for women, I’m always on the lookout for pieces and pairings that are relevant to my clients. Sure! I love clothes and style. But when I travel, both domestically and internationally, I feel an obligation to hunt for pieces and pairings that will inform my clients and my community. And when I find them, I get VERY excited.

Join the #LAFireReliefEfforts: Easy Ways to Support and Give Back to Those Affected

There’s so much information out there about what’s happening right now in Southern California. So, I’m not your source for those details. What I can tell you is that people and the LA County Fire Department need help right now and into the future. So, if you can, please give. Here are three options and of course there are many more. Just be sure to do your research to ensure your donations are going where they are intended.

Giving BackMellicia MarxJanuary 11, 2025Give Back, LA Fire Relief, Where to give to support LA Fire ReliefComment

Paris Finds: Polette Glasses

We recently returned from a trip to Paris and Zurich. As a personal stylist, I was in heaven. Since COVID, brick and mortar shopping has really taken a hit in Seattle, as in so many other cities. Yes, we still have some great boutiques and of course, our hometown heroes, Nordstrom and REI. But, nothing compares to a week wandering the streets of Paris exploring department stores, designer brands, small boutiques and of course, soaking up the energy and inspiration of the people and the culture.

Poplin Wrapped: Our 15 Most Popular Blog Posts in 2024

As a personal stylist for women who’s been blogging for over a decade, we have a sea of quality content tucked away in the Poplin blog. Sometimes, the products aren’t current, but the style tips absolutely are. If you read this blog with any regularity, you might think you’ve seen it all. But, I bet you haven’t. The following Poplin blog posts saw the most web traffic in 2024. Think you know what’s in them? We’ll see…..

Poplin's Biggest Sale of the Decade is Here!

If you’ve been dreaming of diving into a personal styling package with Poplin, this is absolutely the best time and it won’t be here for long.

Sales are VERY rare in Poplin-land and they won’t get more frequent. We’ve had a handful of sales over more than ten years of business. Why now? First, Shop Small Saturday is a great opportunity to support small businesses. And let’s be honest, folks could use a great pick me up to kick off 2025. Yes, Dear Reader, 2025 can be a glorious year filled with intentional shopping habits that save you time and money, increased self confidence and a great time.

We’ve got TWO great deals for our biggest sale of the decade. One is for new clients and one is for existing clients.

What Body Types Look Good in Barrel Pants aka Barrel Leg Pants or Balloon Pants?

As a personal stylist for women, I see lots of trends come and go. Some clients prefer a classic look and if that’s your vibe, this silhouette is likely not your jam. But, if you are into options that feel current (as opposed to timeless) and are pushing the envelope, this may just be a style for you. I got my first pair in Montreal last spring. At the time, they seemed insane and yet I loved them. Mine have a crinkled black fabric. This coupled with the unexpected silhouette makes them feel pretty fashion forward. I’ve been surprised to discover that I wear them all the time. After all, they are super comfortable and once you understand how to pair them, you’ll find they are a go-to.

This Appointment Could Save Your Life

As a personal stylist for women, a very high percentage of my time is spent in conversation with women about a wide range of topics. I’m always interested in opportunities to increase the quality of my self care without actually increasing the number of items on my to-do list or feeling guilty for my “imperfect” time management. Being intentional with my choices without striving for perfection is a delicate balance. Few things are as thrilling as discovering or rediscovering opportunities to check something off the list AND know that I’m getting the most bang for my buck.

My Favorite Products Right Now: BODY

As a personal stylist for women, I do love my products. And as an enthusiastic recommender of things, I love sharing my products even more. Welcome to our series on my favorite products right now. This three part series will focus on my absolute obsessions for 1. hair 2. face and 3. body. Love one? Love them all? Have your own to share? Please do!

My Favorite Products Right Now: FACE

As a personal stylist for women, I do love my products. And as an enthusiastic recommender of things, I love sharing my products even more. It’s time for part 2 of our 3 part series on my favorite products right now. This series highlights my absolute obsessions for 1. hair 2. face and 3. body. Love one? Love them all? Have your own to share? Please do!

My Favorite Products Right Now: HAIR

As a personal stylist for women, I do love my products. And as an enthusiastic recommender of things, I love sharing my products even more. Welcome to our series on my favorite products right now. This three part series will focus on my absolute obsessions for 1. hair 2. face and 3. body. Love one? Love them all? Have your own to share? Please do!

Connect, Learn + Make an Impact for Women & Girls in Washington State at the Washington Women's Foundation PopUp Event

As a personal stylist for women I’m fortunate to spend a great deal of my time both personally and professionally with women. Prior to starting Poplin in 2013, my career was in philanthropy. Giving back has been an integral part of the business since Day 1. Thanks to my prior career, I’ve been fortunate to have a a unique perspective and thanks to the platform that Poplin provides, I’ve also been able to be a bridge between women seeking to have an impact and nonprofit organizations doing important work in the community.

Yes! You Can Actually Stretch Those Shoes for $10 Thanks to This Product!

As a personal stylist for women, an important part of every client’s Closet Edit is determining which of her shoes go, which stay and which just need some extra love. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a client struggling to part with a pair of shoes she adores because she knows they simply aren’t comfortable.

After all, your shoes MUST be functional for your life. Otherwise, they are simply taking up space where stylish and comfortable shoes could go. Of course, I’ve experienced this exact scenario and only now have I finally discovered a product that truly does easily and effectively stretch my shoes.

Now THIS is a Barbie Collab You Should See

As a personal stylist for women, I’m always on the lookout for new collabs between brands, designers, bands and more. Some are big hits and some fall flat, to be sure. I was delighted to see that one of my favorite retailers, The Frankie Shop, just launched a collaboration with Barbie. If you know the Frankie Shop, you are likely a little surprised, too. Expect pieces that align with Frankie’s sensibility and celebrate Barbie. The collection will undoubtedly sell out fast to check it out!

One Client's Story: I can say without a doubt that choosing to work with Poplin changed my life.

As a personal stylist for women, few things are more thrilling than seeing the entire styling process come together for a client. After all, we spend well more than a dozen hours collaborating to ensure that her authentic personal style comes through everyday and that she understands how to maintain her style once her package is complete.

Fortunately for me, I get to have this feeling regularly. Even better, sometimes we have a photo shoot and video to share some of that magic with you, the Poplin Community. I’m so grateful for each of you who read this blog (and the newsletter!) and for Gloria, a recent Poplin client, who generously shared her story. I hope you find it as inspiring as I do. Enjoy!