My Favorite Piece- Plus Size Coats Edition

Hello Dear Reader,

It has been a while but I come to you with an essential element of changing weather dressing. The magnificent coat. Now for many of us it may just be a way to stay warm and dry during these volatile months; however once again a utilitarian object can become a distinct and personality driven piece of your wardrobe.

Truth be told this time of year is like candy to me. Sweaters come out, coats become a staple and boots are plentiful. To be honest however some of the excitement for me is tempered by the fact that I rarely get cold until it is true winter. So layering sweaters with coats is difficult. I tend to stick with light layering when donning a heavier winter coat. Regardless, I love coats. The different styles, textures, colors, weather-proof, and accessories just sends me into a tizzy of thrills. As follows are some the newest coats available from lighter layers for that too warm bus commute, to heavier anoraks ready for fall morning treks with the dog.

Coats

Body Types, plus size fashion, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaNovember 12, 2014Coats, fall, fall trends, jackets, Plus size, plus size coats, winter, Winter jacketsComment

How Do I Style Ankle Boots Part 2 of 2.

Ankle boots are all the rage. But, trying to master how to rock the current trend can be perplexing, too. As your personal stylist, I'm here to help. Now, if you missed it, take a look at part 1 of this 2 part blog post.

And, now, even more ways to style your ankle boots.

How Do I Style Ankle Boots? Part 1 of 2.

If you caught my recent post about what to wear with ankle boots, you might have a follow up question: How do I actually style ankle boots? Well, Dear Reader, as a personal stylist, I've heard this question repeatedly from clients in recent weeks. So, here's a breakdown to help you get dressed each day.

The Ankle Boot Conundrum: How Exactly Does this Whole Thing Work?

(Part 1 of 2... because there is a whole lot to learn.)

Simple (and Inexpensive) Steps to Up Your Game.

Few things are as inspiring and pleasing as seeing a really put together person on the street. It's like a little surprise. You're walking along and unexpectedly you see something (or someone) dashing, perhaps even a bit glamorous, that freezes the moment. When this happens, I often want to take a photo to document such a glorious display of fashion sense and personal style. Usually, I keep it to simply complimenting the person, which I'd encourage. Everyone leaves happy. After all, we all benefit from seeing something beautiful. And to me, fashion is a form of artistic expression. Anyway, enough of my musings. Let's get to the practical portion of this post, shall we?

In stark contrast to this euphoria, is that moment when you notice that the sophisticated fella who looks like he just walked out of an issue of Esquire is carrying a floral reusable grocery bag. Recycling- sexy. Carrying a super feminine woman's reusable grocery bag- not so much. (Unless, of course, he's carrying it for the woman he is walking with, which is pretty much the most attractive thing ever.)

As your personal stylist, I want to help prevent you, Dear Reader, from making these mistakes that keep you from realizing your true, very stylish and authentic, potential. Don't worry, they don't cost much.

Ways to Up Your Game Right Now.

Tall & Beautiful? Here's Where You Should Be Shopping.

We spend a lot of time talking about petite and plus size ladies. But, there's less information out there for the vertically inclined. Until now. Please enjoy a list of some of my favorite retailers that cater to the taller women in the world. If not you, please share with the ones you love. You could get a warm hug from a tall lady.

9 Retailers for Tall Women

(in no particular order)

It's Like Your Very Own Wishlist

Body Types, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaOctober 12, 2014Comment

Yes! YOU Can Wear a Jumpsuit.

Poplin: "I've been meaning to write a blog post about how to wear jumpsuits for months. Personally, I'm obsessed with them."

Blog reader Carly via Facebook: "Indeed. The people are clamoring for it. We need to know how to wear them, Mellicia."

Give the people what they want... especially if what they want is what you are dying to tell them. And, I AM dying to tell you how to wear a jumpsuit. After all, they aren't just for the uber cool woman you aspire to be. They are for you. You are that uber cool woman.

How to Find the Perfect Jumpsuit for You.

Summer Staple: LWD

Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. This time, she teamed up with Poplin Style Direction Intern, Ellie Emoto to bring you up to speed on this summer's Must Have. This week's Poplin newsletter includes Ellie's take on the LWD for straight sizes and Jordan's perspective for plus size women is below. If you aren't receiving the newsletter, make sure to sign up!

Also, did you know that Jordan's research on Sizeism was recently featured in an article in the Everett Herald? Check it out! Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Dear Readers,

As we hit the warmest time of the year, with long sunsets and backyard parties, you may find your social schedule filling up. It's easy and necessary to have a piece that can go from cocktail mixers to bridal showers and then to visit in-laws. In the colder months an easy piece to pull on and go is the LBD: The Little Black Dress. A seemingly universal dress that is easily changed with accessories or layers, this staple is given a summer update in white.

As follows are some great choices to flatter different figures, and make your summer dressing easy as 1,2,3.

LWD for the Plus Sized Woman

Summer Wedding Breakdown

Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. This time, I've added in options from Rent the Runway so you can rent a dress to save you a little cash. We've included straight size and plus size examples. The strategies are the same. And, Rent the Runway now includes plus size options. Huzzah!

Did you know that Jordan's research on Sizeism was recently featured in an article in the Everett Herald? Check it out! Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Dear Reader,

As a warm summer approaches so does the up-swing in summer wedding invitations. It can be a bit of a struggle to find the right thing to wear for each type of wedding, so I have created a breakdown of different types of wedding attire requirements and my suggestions for each. As you know, it's important to be appropriately dressed for the occasion without becoming overheated in the warm weather. Don't worry! I'm on it.

The Stunning Plus Size Summer Bride

Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. Jordan's research on Sizeism was just featured in an article in the Everett Herald. Check it out!Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Dear Reader,

This month one of my dear friends got engaged, and it got me thinking about bridal gowns and weddings. She is a magnificent woman and I caught a bit of the wedding bug! So, curled up with a morning cup of tea I lazily scrolled through the wedding tag on Pinterest and Tumblr and got little butterflies of happiness for her. Though talking with a good friend later the same day I reflected that I hadn't seen any plus size brides on the main tag of Pinterest, and very few on Tumblr. I know these brides are out there, so I was confused and sort of hurt. I reached out to one of my friends who is a fierce plus size woman who was married two years ago and asked her about her gown search.

Can loungewear be chic? Yes!

Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. Jordan's research on Sizeism was just featured in an article in the Everett Herald. Check it out! Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Dear Reader,

Few things are more gratifying than shedding your work clothes after a long day and putting on something comfortable. While pulling on my trusty old college sweats and a tank I wondered what others wore to hang about...So I went on a quest. I questioned family, friends, and co-workers looking to find what people preferred. I found that most like loose fitting pants that stretched yet still held a shape, and a jersey tank or tee. One gal mentioned that she called this look "lounge-chic." She described it as the balance between comfortable shoes that are easy to move in while maintaining the ability to open the door or run to the grocery store without embarrassment.

So I wanted to see how I could elevate my own lounge wear to "lounge-chic" and naturally, I wanted to share my findings with you. Because Poplin Style Direction focuses on knowing what works best for your body shape (as well as your personal style) I wanted to utilize the body types to help pinpoint some great choices for various body shapes.

Lounge Chic

How Can I Wear Summer Dresses When My Legs are Still Winter White?

It's almost summer. I wish someone would just tell my legs. This transitional time of year is a tricky one. It's warm enough to wear shorts or skirts without tights. But, our legs may not be quite there yet. Fear not, Dear Reader, there are a few helpful tips and tricks from your very own personal stylist to make you look and feel beautiful right now. Of course, step 1 is always sunscreen. So, make sure to integrate sun protection into your daily routine regardless of the time of year.

Solutions for winter legs in summer weather.

What's the Perfect Bathing Suit Top for my Bust Size?

Oh, young grasshopper. Do I have helpful information for you? As a personal stylist, I'm always chatting with female clients about what is flattering for their body types. As a woman, I'm always chatting with, well plenty of other women, about what is flattering for their body types. With bathing suit season upon us, the eternal questions surrounding flattering swimsuits are back in the mix.

So, today, Dear Reader, we're going to go beyond my general swimsuit guidance by body type into a very specific need- the need for the perfect swim top. Here we go!

What You Need to Know when you shop for a Bathing Suit Top.

Looking for Hip Plus Size Swimwear? Look No Further.

Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. I requested her take on plus size swimwear and I couldn't be happier with her post. Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Dear Reader,

It’s finally getting to that point in the year here in the Pacific Northwest where we can begin to find swimming a feasible past time. Whether you are jet setting off on vacation to a truly warm beach climate, or staying at home and enjoying a pool or lake, getting outfitted can be intimidating. For those of us looking for cute yet supportive swimwear shopping can be a daunting task, especially since most places do not sell plus size swimwear in store.

Let's begin with a note of encouragement.

Try it on!

Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Today’s topic is one that really shook my world.

When I first encountered this information on Gabifresh.com, I was stunned. This gorgeous plus size woman who was probably a size 18-20 was wearing a size L shirt from H&M. I couldn’t believe it. The top fit her perfectly and her post talked about how she had stopped looking at sizes and started looking at what she liked, and what would fit. Mind Blown!

The Summer Essential Plus Size Edition: Shorts

Editor's Note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

When it comes time for bare legs there can be a lot of anxiety involved. I myself have long struggled with finding the right short for the spring and summer months. I want them to be attractive and youthful, but still be practical and hit the top of my knee for comfort. It’s a daunting task, and yet one that becomes necessary as the days grow warmer, or if you’re lucky you escape somewhere tropical for a slice of paradise.

There are a plethora of options available, but trying to sift through to find the perfect one for each of us takes some effort.

I’ve compiled some of hottest hits of this year’s styles to make summer shopping a little easier.

Seattle Sunday: Introducing Jordan & Plus Size Retailers 101

I spend a fair amount of time with clients who are navigating plus size fashion for the first time. Whether it is following the birth of a new baby, other life changes or just growing older, it's common for a woman's weight to fluctuate. And, finding clothes in a new retail sphere can be daunting, to be sure. For this of you who have always been curvy, finding current, beautiful and affordable clothes has likely always been a challenge. And, there are so many retailers finally catering to your body and budget.

Recently, I met a lovely and incredibly knowledgable fashionista, Jordan. So, this Seattle Sunday, we're doing things a little differently.

It's my pleasure to introduce Jordan Richardson to you. She'll be contributing to the Poplin blog periodically with her vast knowledge on rocking your personal style regardless of your size. Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Going Back to Work Post-Baby? Here's What to Wear.

My last three clients are all mothers with kids under 3. In fact, I've spent a great deal of time with new moms discussing the transition from yoga pants and t-shirts to work appropriate clothes that function on less than 5 hours of sleep. After spending the afternoon helping a new mom edit her closet, it seems clear that other women in the same position can benefit from some tricks to get you through this unusual time. Dads- I'm all about equal opportunity. But, I think you are good on this one.

Here are a few tips that helped me after the birth of my son along with others I've learned through my work as a personal stylist.

What to Wear When You Return to Work After Having a Baby

Body Types, Pick Me Ups, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaApril 8, 2014 Comment

Pregnant and Beautiful. There's More to Your Style Than Target.

Pregnancy. Every woman who has ever been pregnant shares one common experience: the constant hunt for clothes. Personally, I LOVED being pregnant. I felt happy, relaxed and excited. In the early months, before I could tell anyone in the office that I was actually pregnant, I found myself struggling to find clothes to wear. A lover of dresses, I was relegated to one pair of pants that I found at Anthroplogie for $150. They were cute. They were stretchy. They were black. And, they were $150 for a pair of pants that I knew would only be useful for a few months. That's a true sign of desperation.

As I grew, I actually found it easier to find clothes than in the early months when you just feel bigger. And for women who struggle with morning sickness, bloating, weight gain and some of the other less stellar aspects of pregnancy, feeling awful about looking at your clothing is not the path to a happy 9 months. Now, as a personal stylist, I've found a number or fun options for pregnant clients. My goal is to offer some assistance to anyone in this situation. Yes, Dear Reader, I know you may not be pregnant. If not, please share with someone you love who will find this helpful.

Retailers for the hip and pregnant.

Do Me a Solid, Be Kind to Yourself.

Someone recently told me that Dr. Deepak Chopra once quoted a study that found that the average person thinks approximately 65,000 thoughts per day. And 95% of those thoughts are the same thoughts that person had the day prior. I have no idea how much of this is true, but it got me thinking about the way we talk to ourselves about our bodies and our sense of style.

For whatever reason, things are especially busy right now. And, like most women I know, when things get hectic, our bodies change, our weight increases and we start to feel less than stellar about how we look each morning. Earlier this week, as I struggled to ensure that my ensemble wasn't showing off things I'd like to keep secret (hello extra 5 pounds!) my husband pulled me aside and told me that he didn't like hearing me criticize my body. Well, Dr. Chopra, if I'm repeating this sort of self criticism every day, I'm in trouble over the long haul.

Thankfully, I have an incredible husband, a closet full of options and the wisdom to know how to dress my best and be kind to myself. Sometimes, we just need a reminder from someone else. With that in mind, I'm your someone else.

So, here are a few tips to feel beautiful, even when you really don't feel like getting out of bed (or out of your yoga pants.)

Body Types, Pick Me Ups, Style TipsmelliciaMarch 14, 2014Personal stylist, Seattle, Self talk, wardrobe stylist, white skirt, Women's fashionComment