Seattle Sunday: Handmade Faux Fur Necessities by Foxglove

Need a faux fur shrug? If you are getting married or planning for a formal night out, the answer is absolutely, "yes!"

Need a faux fur infinity scarf? It may not seem like you do. Although, If you are a living, breathing woman this winter, it's quite possible your answer is, "absolutely!" Let me explain.

The Must Have Faux-Fur Infinity Scarf

This month my Seattle Sunday posts focus on bringing indulgence and glamour to your everyday life. No need for a special occasion or a life changing event. Invest in yourself with the help of local designers and retailers. Embrace Fancy February.

Zara Seattle: The Flagship that Exceeds your Expectations

Every once in a while, I like to try to see things as if I'm seeing them for the first time. It's fun to remember the wonder and excitement that accompanied my first meal in Seattle, for instance. We ate at the Triangle in Fremont. Built to Spill was playing and I had just seen the sign in Fremont claiming the neighborhood as the "Center of the Universe". Built to Spill on the speakers, reference to one of their songs on the sign, it was meant to be. So every once in a while when I drive through Fremont, I try to imagine that this is my very first time seeing the sign and the bridge once again. I can almost hear the music.

Where am I going with this? Zara, Dear Reader. I am going to Zara. Tomorrow, you'll be able to go on your own. But today, I'll do my best to take you with me and we can both experience Seattle's very first Zara — a flagship store, in fact — for the first time.

What Exactly Do I Wear With the Orange Leather Bag That I KNOW I'm Going to Win?

I'm especially enthusiastic about all of the people signing up on the Poplin email list in the hopes that they might win this orange leather tote bag- and receive some useful information from me in the future, of course. If you want to see me get REALLY excited, you'll see me creating an outfit inspired by said handbag. Not sure what you'd wear with this baby? Here are a few suggestions, depending on your personal style.

For the woman who is:

Feel like winning? You've got until Tuesday!

I do. An old friend of mine always says, "don't take away the joy of giving." Translation: Just say thank you and allow someone to do something nice for you. After all, giving feels good.

In the spirit of the season of giving, I'm going to do a little extra giving of my own.

One glorious reader (that means you!) will win one closet edit just by sharing this post on Facebook. Not on Facebook? Not to worry. Just shoot me an email and I'll enter you in the drawing.

What's a closet edit, you say?

Women's fashionmelliciaDecember 14, 2013Closet edit, Complimentary, contest, drawing, Enter to win, fashion, Free service, hip, Kids, Menswear, Personal stylist, Seattle, urban, womenComment

American Made: Feral Childe.

I'm lucky to work with all different types of clients and I've learned that each of us has our "thing." We may not realize it until we are talking about it. Sometimes it's a certain type of clothing, for example tailored or boho. But, more often than not, it's something a little bit more unexpected: Does the retailer have a fair return policy? I really like fabrics with birds on them. Or, I prefer if the retailer has a generous charitable giving program. It's pretty incredible, as each client's desires offer a new challenge as we embark on updating his or her style.

Be strategic about your style & your money

For those of you who have been around me, you undoubtedly know that one of my very favorite things is telling random people how to find something I'm wearing that they like. Yup. Conversations commonly go as follows, "I love your (let's go with dress)."

"Thank you so much. I got it at (let's go with Target). You should go get one. They have several colors and it was only $28."

Menswear Essential: The structured over shirt

There are few things as satisfying as a beautifully coordinated look on a man. The right shirt, the perfect tie, a pair of high quality shoes. In Seattle, layers are essential. And, taking pride in your clothes is a big trend for men that will undoubtedly continue to grow.

Personally, I'm currently obsessed with coordinating the following pieces: undershirt, button up collared shirt, tie and a slim fitting over shirt made from a heavier fabric. You can see several examples from a recent client of mine in his gallery. Here's one for now. The grey jersey over shirt pictured is from Relwen.

MenswearmelliciaOctober 20, 2013fall trends, hip, layering menswear, Personal stylist, Relwen, Seattle, slim fitting shirt, structured over shirt, Styling, tie, urbanComment

Must Haves for Her: Leather or Vegan Leather

If you've been in a store in the last several months, you've undoubtedly seen leather, vegan leather and vinyl everywhere. Maybe at first you thought, leather pants, no way! But, now, the pants, the jacket, a shirt perhaps are all starting to seem possible.... make that essential, if only you knew how to make it all work. Here's a tip to get you started:

Find a unique signature piece that can also be a staple.

Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaSeptember 23, 2013edgy, fashion, fashion approach, hip, leather, Personal stylist, Seattle, SkunkFunk, urban, vegan leather, womenComment

An alternative to Danskos: Tsubos

One magical day last year, I discovered Tsubo. Fashion forward with a focus on comfort and craftsmanship, the brand won my heart. I found a pair in the incorrect box at the Rack, clearly hidden away from other shoppers. I won.

I've had that pair of Tsubos for over a year and they are a clear go to when I know I'll be on my feet for a substantial amount of time AND I want something edgy that attracts attention.

Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaSeptember 1, 2013comfortable, Dansko alternative, fashion, fashion approach, hip, Personal stylist, Seattle, Shoes, Tsubos, urban, womenComment