Your Bra Can Change a Life. Free the Girls!

I originally wrote this post over a year ago. During this week's Styling Session for homeless and formerly homeless youth at YouthCare, we had a wave of young women asking questions about bras. We measured a few of them, helped several find bras and discussed fit throughout the process. These are things your mom or another significant woman in your life usually helps you with. It was really an honor to have these young women feel open to having us help with such a sensitive topic. I wish I could show you, Dear Reader, the look on one of the women's faces when she realized that SHE would be leaving with three NEW bras. I liken it to Christmas morning.

Because of all of this, I'm opting to share this info again. After all, every woman deserves a bra that fits. And, if you have some lying around at home that are ready to be donated, you'll be glad to know where to send them. Enjoy!

For Those About to Shop.

Happy Friday, Dear Reader. If the sunshine makes you want to get out and shop, this is your lucky day. As your very own personal stylist, I had to offer up a quick breakdown of some special shopping opportunities you won't want to miss. Enjoy!

My Favorite Things Right Now.

Hello!

It's been too long. As you may have noticed, I took a bit of a break from the blog to focus on clients and family. But now I'm back full force. As it is Sunday, I'd normally kick things off with a Seattle Sunday post featuring a local brand, boutique or stylish person. However, I feel a bit of separation anxiety from you, Dear Reader, so instead I'm going to share all the things I've been obsessing over for the past few weeks.

Before I begin, let me say that I'm also in the throes of planning for the year. So, if you have a special love for a type of blog post (Seattle Sunday, plus size, kids fashion, menswear, style tips, pick me ups, etc.) please feel free to reach out. I'd love to incorporate your feedback into my planning. With that, off we go!

What I've Learned From Styling Homeless Youth

We've just wrapped up a year of styling homeless youth at YouthCare. With my previous life in philanthropy, I know how much energy it takes for an organization to invest in volunteers and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.

For the past year, various members of the Poplin team and I have held styling sessions for graduates of YouthCare's Barista Training Program. Lisa Angeles Guise from the One Eighty Foundation has been volunteering with us every step of the way. The graduates are homeless or formerly homeless youth (generally teens to early twenties). We hold 2-3 hour sessions that start with a powerpoint explaining what is appropriate clothing in the work place. It includes activities to help youth find their personal professional style and to reinforce that you don't have to spend a great deal of money to look amazing. Working with the YouthCare team, our goal was to give grads a glimpse of Corporate America and assist with YouthCare's work to empower youth to succeed.

So, after a year of volunteering, we've learned quite a bit. Here are a few of my take-aways.

What I've Learned From Styling Homeless Youth

Giving BackmelliciaNovember 26, 2014Personal Stylist Seattle, Styling Homeless Youth, YouthCare Barista Training ProgramComment

What I've Learned From Fashion Shows

Last night I attended Fashion First Seattle- a fashion show to benefit Inspire Youth Project. It was an evening to remember, for sure. Flying solo at the event, I was reminded of all the lessons I've learned from Fashion Shows and I have a feeling that you, Dear Reader, will find them useful. Here we go!

What I've Learned From Fashion Shows

Win $250 Worth of TomboyX Apparel, a Free Styling Session & So Much More

For those of you who are all social media, all the time, you've likely seen my recent posts about visiting the TomboyX showroom in Seattle's SoDo neighborhood. I'm addicted.

Just a few reasons why I heart TomboyX and You Will, Too

Seattle Sunday: Swopboard Lets You Sell Your Stuff & Help A School

Remember when Craigslist wasn't creepy?

Yeah, those were the days.

If only there was a way to sell things to people in your very own neighborhood AND help out a local school, perhaps even YOUR kid's school. I am excited to share with you, Dear Reader, that such a place does exist. Thanks to the interweb and a small crew of dedicated folks right here in Seattle.

I'm appreciative of my good friends at the Recology Store in Issaquah who first clued me in on Swopboard. As it turns out, boutiques like Veouria are on board, too. More on that to come.

It's especially fun to share Seattle Sunday posts that highlight local brands or people that have managed to make an impact on the rest of the country. Swopboard is in the process of becoming one of those companies. Although, I get the feeling if YOU embraced them, they'd go even further.

In the words of the team: SwopBoard is an online marketplace to buy, sell and give back to local schools. Transactions involve users who share similar lifestyles - people in your school and neighborhood communities - which increases the chances of finding the right buyer and purchasing what you really need.

Here's What YOU Need to Know About Swopboard.

Seattle Sunday Winner: Handmade Earrings from Jill Griffin Jewelry

Missed the recent post about jewelry handmade right here in Seattle by Jill Griffin? Not to worry. You can check it out here.

Plus, a few other key pieces of information for you:

1. You were entered to win!

Seattle Sunday: Live Simply By Annie Takes Organizing to Another Level

There are two extremes for the fashionista:

The stylish individual who has clothes strewn about her bedroom with extras shoved into her closet.
The stylish individual who has everything methodically organized by size and color with off season items stored away in the appropriate containers.

Most of us fall somewhere in between. And, like having your very own personal stylist, many of us have always secretly yearned for a professional organizer in our lives.

Enter Annie.

Winner: Did YOU win the Uber Wishlist or the print from Justin Marx Photography?

Thanks VERY much to the Velouria team for hosting last night's Art Walk event. The husband and I were there chatting it up and helping raise funds for YouthCare. 10% of every sale last night will support the organization's work to end youth homelessness.

AND, every person who purchased something online or in the store yesterday was entered into the drawing to win either a free Uber Wishlist (that's a $575 value!) or a Justin Marx Photography print.

Enough talking, let's see who won!

Giving Back, Seattle SundaymelliciaJune 15, 2014Comment

Happy Bike To Work Day. Time to Get Dressed.

Hello Dear Reader. Happy Bike To Work Day! I recently learned that Davis, CA has one of the highest percentage of cyclists per capita in the country at 19%. I must admit, I'm strangely proud of Davis as I'm originally from Vacaville, only 20 minutes from bicycle central. In fact, one of my sisters lives there and bikes everywhere with her daughter right behind. As you can imagine, I've always associated Davis with biking, (now defunct) Recycled Records and a strange law they used to have that stated you could only smoke on the street if you were moving. While I'm not a smoker nor much of a biker, I took note.

In honor of this special day and the thousands of people who bike to work each day in our city (Hello Dexter!), I thought you might enjoy some fashionable options for cyclists from your very own personal stylist.

Tips for the Stylish Cyclist

Brenda DeVore: Simple Ways for the Stylish Set to Be Green

I'm not going to lie. I'm a consumer. Sometimes, buying something pretty can feel like a guilty pleasure in large part due to the environmental impact of shopping and consumption. But, it doesn't have to be.

In recent months I've had the chance to learn much more about sustainability in the Northwest including local brands devoted to upcycling, recycling and so much more from Recology Store Manager, Brenda DeVore. To celebrate Earth Day, Dear Reader, I asked Brenda to share some of her favorite tips with Poplin. Here's are a few of her favorite tips. I hope you are receiving the Poplin Style Direction e-newsletter. You'll see more of Brenda's eco-wisdom there. She's got a lot of worthy tips!

Conserve Water: Buy Clothes.

I am a major political junkie. Plus, I'm originally from Northern California, and lived through a drought in my childhood. The result of these factors is that I'm hyper aware of our water usage. Lately, the news has been filled with talk about water- whether it's a story about contaminated water or a lack of rain, it's pretty clear that using a little less water would be helpful to the planet, but also ease my guilt, which is always helpful.

It occurred to me that you, Dear Reader, may be having similar issues (although I hope for your sake they are less intense.) I'm confident that we don't need to find more things to feel guilty about. So, I thought I'd make a few suggestions about how we can feel good about conserving water and still buy new clothes.

Giving Back, Style TipsmelliciaFebruary 10, 2014Bamboo, benefits of bamboo, Eco-fashion, fashion approach, men, Personal stylist, sustainable fashion, womenComment

Seattle Sunday: Sustainability Meets Anthropologie at Cleanscapes

Two caveats before we begin:

Yes, I know Issaquah is not Seattle. But, it is in the Seattle metropolitan area and this is worth the drive. Trust me.
If you are someone who loves the idea of sustainable fashion, but isn't too keen on wearing hemp or sandals made from bike tires, you will still love this store. So, please, read on.

Before our son learned to speak, he had already developed a love of the recycling truck. He can hear it coming and races to the window to watch the entire process unfold. So, when a client offered to give us a tour of the truck yard and visit the Cleanscapes store filled with recycled items, I jumped on the opportunity. Little did I know that the store was not just another boutique that stocked reusable shopping bags. Instead it is a well-curated showroom with a goal of Zero Waste products (meaning products and packaging are made from recycled goods that can be recycled or composted again) that are predominantly sourced in the Northwest. Equally important, they are stylish. Yup. Stylish and good for the planet. Love.

For you, Dear Reader, I'm offering up four reasons to visit Cleanscapes in February.

Don't be afraid to be pretty.

You may have seen my Tweet about starting to style for the young adults at YouthCare who have recently graduated from the Barista Training Program. I'm crazy excited about this opportunity to help homeless and formerly homeless teens look their best as they enter into their careers.

As I discussed the logistics with the staff, I was reminded that there may be individuals who feel self conscious about their bodies because they are survivors of abuse. Understood. In fact, 1 out of 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys in the US are sexually abused and youth on the street report an even higher rate. I realize this is dark for a style blog, but I'm going somewhere, I swear.

Body Types, Giving Back, Pick Me UpsmelliciaJanuary 10, 2014fashion approach, Personal stylist, Seattle, women, YouthCareComment

Black Friday in Ballard.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and that means the official crazy town of Black Friday is merely days away. Excited to start shopping for friends and family, but not so enthusiastic about shopping at 6 AM and the general beat down that has become part of this ritual?

Well, I have good news for you. Actually, great news!

Ballard retailers are doing something a little different. They are starting the season of giving with -- giving! Participating businesses will be donating a portion of their Black Friday revenue to local nonprofit organizations. That means when you shop locally, you help local nonprofits. And, you are sure to find some of your very favorite gifts, too.

Giving BackmelliciaNovember 25, 2013Ballard, boutiques, charity, deals, discounts, fashion, local, men, Personal stylist, retail, Seattle, Shoes, womenComment