Guest Post: What's it REALLY Like to Work with Poplin. One Client's Perspective

As a personal stylist for women, there is SO much variety in my daily life. One day I’m running around Bellevue Square on the hunt for the perfect pieces for my client’s shopping trip, another I’m climbing all over her bedroom to take outfit photos and still another I’m in my office scouring the interwebs to create the Uber Wishlist of dreams. Just because I’m doing another Closet Edit doesn’t mean that the experience is the same. After all, every one of my clients is her own person. She has a picture in her mind of her ideal, stylish self. She faces unique struggles and a lifetime of self talk around clothing and her body.

There is one thing that all (if not nearly all) of my clients have in common: they know Poplin. Thanks to the generous clients who have come before, there are endless online reviews about the experience. In fact, right now on Yelp, there are 47 “recommended reviews” with another 15 “not recommended.” I know. Right? So many feelings about those not recommended reviews. I digress…..

Whether she has delved into the Client Stories Page, checked out Google, Facebook, Yelp or been a part of the Poplin community via the newsletter, this blog and/or Instagram, she knows what she is getting into. Very often, she identifies with one or more story.

"I was sick of taking 30 minutes every morning to find something to wear and still ending up feeling frumpy.”

-Ashley

Must Have: Crochet, Macrame or Anything Woven

For one of my husband’s stocking stuffers this year, I found myself I buying him a black macrame plant hanger. It seemed insane and awesome, simultaneously. As a personal stylist for women, I’m always watching trends and yet I also need to be sure that these trends fit into my clients’s lives. Are they practical? Are they authentic to her personal style? Are they a smart way to spend her money? So, when I was reminded of my love of macrame, crochet and really all things woven, I started thinking about which of my clients would respond to this trend, too. I also, naturally, started to channeling my deep adoration of Carole King and played Tapestry on repeat. (If you haven’t done it, I highly recommend that you do.)

While I do adore a vintage inspired plant hanger, there are countless other ways to integrate this trend into your life.

5 Ways to Wear Macrame, Crochet

or Something Woven

Saks Off 5th in Seattle!

If you love the Nordstrom Rack, you're also going to be a big fan of Saks Off 5th. The discount arm of Saks 5th Avenue will soon, and I mean very soon, be located in Westlake Center, mere steps from the Rack. You've likely seen me feature items from the website. It's a good one, so remember that you can purchase online or in store.

Here are details for the grand opening NEXT week.

Last Minute Father's Day Gifts/ Glorious Gifts for the Fellas. Go!

As you know, Dear Reader, I'm a personal stylist for women primarily in the Seattle area. But, that certainly doesn't keep me from diving into all sorts of super cool menswear options. I'm always keeping a list of noteworthy options for the men and at some point is just gets too long to keep to myself any longer. Lucky for us, Father's Day is a nice excuse to share a sea of awesomeness that will be helpful to you now and in the future. Let me know what you think!

10 Places to Shop and Things to Buy for

the Fella in Your Life.

Win the Geneva Dress From Universal Standard!

If you read the blog with any regularity, you know what a big fan I am of Universal Standard. The fashion forward brand makes high quality pieces that are functional and fashionable beginning at size 10. They are amazing.

In the next few months, US is setting up shop in

Win a FREE Pair of Shoes from the re-souL Collection!

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

So What's the Deal with Amazon's Echo Look?

If you haven't already heard, Amazon just launched Echo Look. The goal is for Alexa to act as your fashion assistant. I've had all sorts of questions about the product and what it means both for Poplin and for clients. As a personal stylist in Seattle, the home of Amazon, it's clear I'll have an opinion. So here it is.

First up, what is it exactly? Here's a video to explain.

Echo Look and Current and Future Poplin Clients.

If Alexa is already a big part of your life, you may see the Echo Look as a natural fit. My goal is

Club Monaco is Moving & Marimekko is Closer Than You Think.

Two of my favorite brands are even easier to try on in person!

First, Pacific Place is host to the only Club Monaco in Washington state. Looking for another? You'll need to go to San Francisco or Vancouver, B.C. The local is store is truly one of my very favorites to bring clients. The clothes are gorgeous, high quality, staples and the service is top of the line. The brand

Poplin at Large: Live Your Values Through Your Work

An unexpected byproduct of this work is discovering a sea of people doing extraordinary things out in the world. Every new client is an opportunity to meet someone who inspires me. It really makes stressful days become so much less stressful. Because of my work as a personal stylist for women, I'm fortunate to connect with all sorts of inspiring people beyond my client base and as often as I can, I like to share about these new relationships with you, Dear Reader.

Some time ago, I introduced you to

Do I Need to Buy Something New to Work with Poplin?

I get this question a lot, so I thought I'd address it directly in the blog. After all, what better way to communicate with you, Dear Reader? Often times, when looking at our budgets, prospective clients may wonder how to cover the cost of services plus new clothes. "Should I wait until I have a sizable budget for clothing," one woman asked.

Well, it all depends. Here's the breakdown.

Planning Your Clothing Budget for

Working with Poplin

How Do I Wear a Fanny Pack (aka Belt Bag)?

This whole 80's resurgence can be tough to swallow. If you remember Regan, you also remember fanny packs. And, more importantly, you remember your horrified expression viewing photos of fanny packs out in the world on tourists and the like. Fanny packs became decidedly uncool.

As your very own personal stylist, I'm here to tell you when times change, when trends emerge and which of those trends YOU can rock with confidence.

On that note, I'm here to reintroduce you to the fanny pack.

5 Ways to Wear Macrame, Crochet

or Something Woven

10 Places to Shop and Things to Buy for

the Fella in Your Life.

The Perfect Mule is a Part Timer

Echo Look and Current and Future Poplin Clients.

Planning Your Clothing Budget for

Working with Poplin

Fanny Packs 101: How and Why You Wear a Fanny Pack, also Known as a Belt Bag.