Posts in My Favorite Things
Sustainability: Get Ready to Fall in Love With Renting Instead of Buying Your Clothes

When I was in high school, I lived for vintage shopping. My favorite place was Wasteland (either in Berkeley or San Francisco depending on the day). I took great pride in wearing things that no one else was wearing and wearing them in a way that was distinctly my own. As I got older, and made more money, I moved further and further from second hand shopping. Until one day, I didn’t do it at all.

And that’s how it has been for the last several years. Where once I would have loved to hit a thrift store, now I have a similar experience with new clothes at the Rack. But Gen Z is reminding us all of the impact our consumption has on the planet. That means that thrifting has become cool. But you may or may not be up for that. I rediscovered the gems you can find while thrifting earlier this summer at Buffalo Exchange in Ballard. In fact, 60-70% of the dresses and jumpsuits I wore on my travels all summer were from that excursion. And, they were free. After all, I could sell pieces and have some credit to work with.

One challenge with thrift shopping is the need to dig through the racks. If you aren’t someone who enjoys the hunt, this is a major time suck with very little reward. Often, there’s the struggle to find the proper size or a current piece. For most of my clients, the idea of having a few hours to kill while perusing a thrift store just seems insane.

Enter the rental market.

Before we begin, let me clarify. Rental subscription services give you the freedom to curate your own collection and pay a regular monthly fee to do so. I see these as very different from Stitch Fix and Trunk Club. Those are subscription services that have employees selecting pieces for you based on a quick survey to identify your style archetype.

Back to clothing rental.

The Best Ways to Rent Clothing and Rock Your Authentic Personal Style

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The VERY Best Shoes from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

As a personal stylist, I know how much my clients adore the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Our hometown store holds a special place in the hearts of many and of course, we all simply refer to it as, “Anniversary,” well aware that THIS is the time to pick up all your favorites for fall. I know. It’s weird, shopping for fall in early stages of summer. But Anniversary allows you to pay the sale price on fall pieces and watch the price rise when the sale is over. Items go FAST and right now we are enjoying Early Access. If you have a Nordstrom card, you can shop now, too.

Whether or not we’ve got time scheduled together shouldn’t prevent you from seeing some of my favorite deals. Here’s an assortment of the women’s shoes I’m swooning over. Enjoy!

Before we begin, please remember that Poplin is an affiliate so when you are ready to purchase, click through from the images on this post. if you do, Poplin may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions are small but mighty. Let me assure you, they add up and help keep the lights on. Or more accurately, they help make it possible to spend time writing blog posts that are 100% my views without tinkering or influence from anyone else. Thanks for being here. Enjoy!

The Best Women’s Shoes at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

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FREE Beckett Simonon Shoes that are Beautiful + Good for the World? Yes, Please!

Yes, yes, you’ll hear all about my recent trip to Panama — hats, resort wear, swimsuits, all the things. And, get ready for my upcoming trip to Amsterdam, too. It’s all about research from your very own personal stylist.

I HAD to hold off on those updates because of the stellar giveaway that one of my favorite partners is holding right now. You know when I like something enough to share, I really like it. And I really like shoes made by Beckett Simonon.

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Must Have: Cross Body Phone Case

A few years ago, we went to Helsinki and Oslo. Of course, I was all about visiting the birthplace of my beloved Marimekko. But, we also really enjoyed scouring the boutiques and art museums. My favorite purchase was a cross body white leather phone case. It holds my phone, my ID and sometimes a stick of lipstick. It’s so beautiful, classy, minimalist. It’s all the things.

Except, when I want to take a photo, I still have to take my phone out. Not anymore, the Bandolier Cross Body Phone Case allows you to access your phone and cards easily so text, take photos and the like without pulling your phone out of your bag. Here’s how it works.

Your Hands Free Cross Body Phone Case

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Finally! Shop Your Personal Style Key Words Easily

At Poplin Style Direction, it’s all about balancing a client’s personal style, budget, body type and lifestyle in a cohesive strategy that helps her keep her style elevated, authentic and EASY. After all, who has the time to figure all this stuff out? We’re on our sixth year of providing personalized attention to hundreds of women. Throughout this journey, it has been very important to me to empower each woman to own her personal style. I don’t want her to be depending on Poplin to make decisions or to question how she ended up with various pieces or what to do with them. Therefore the process is structured to ensure that result. (You can see what clients think here).

Get Inspiration From Real Poplin Clients

Yes! We’ve always had an array of magnificent Poplin clients on the website. Now, you can click through the image of any client on the home page and be taken directly to her story. Of course, there are new clients added regularly. It’s addictive.

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5 Must Have Shoe Brands That Will Bring an Edge to Your Style

As a personal stylist for women, my goal is to ensure that every woman looks and feels like her authentic self. This ensures she has confidence and power when she’s out in the world. If you’ve been a part of the Poplin community for some time, thank YOU. We hope you are enjoying the new Poplin website which includes pages to shop by body type. Each page links to Pinterest boards that are constantly updated with new pieces just right for your figure.

Soon, you’ll also see pages focused on shopping for your personal style! If you don’t feel like waiting, just jump onto the Poplin Pinterest boards and see what speaks to you.

One of the most common client requests is to bring an edge to her style. Of course, each woman wants that edge to be appropriate for work, home, going out and to feel just right for her age. The obvious gateway to edge is a leather jacket. But, after that, then what? I vote for shoes. And this post will get you started. Jump onto the Edgy style board for more ideas. I’m ELATED that my recent client photo shoot featured Ashley, who’s style is Preppy Punk. She’ll be our model for a few of these. Off we go!

5 Edgy Shoe Brands That You Won’t See on Everyone Else

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Shop By Body Type and More on the New Poplin Style Website

Welcome to the big time, Dear Reader. The Poplin Style website is up and I’m dying to show you around.
The old website was all about explaining the brand for first timers + of course, the blog, as an ongoing resource. Now, you can look to the site for information on determining your body type, how to dress it AND pieces that I adore that also happen to be just right for your figure. 

If that isn't enough, the Poplin Pinterest boards are organized by body type or by style key words. For example, if you want a few edgy pieces in your collection, be sure to follow the, "edgy" board. 

It's been another record breaking year for Poplin. I can't thank you enough for being here as we dive into the 6th year of helping every woman find her authentic personal style. Huzzah!

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How to Look and Feel Great at the Pumpkin Patch

As a personal stylist for women, sometimes I have clients who want to save their "good stuff" for special occasions. Think of this as your good china staying in the cupboard until Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

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Florals: Which Ones Are Right For You?

If you aren't on the Poplin email list, you are missing out. This week's edition was all about florals. Here's a sneak peak. Like it? Make sure you sign up! Plus you get 6 weeks of style tips right to your inbox. Enjoy!

 

PS. Items listed on the blog and the newsletter may be affiliate links. That means that if you click on something and decide to purchase, Poplin may receive a commission on your purchase with no additional cost to you. These all add up. So, if you are shopping, please consider clicking through. Thanks!

Florals: Bold Impact or Soft and Feminine? You Choose. 

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Style Essentials: My Favorite Steamers (Handheld and Upright)

As a personal stylist, it's clear to me that a great steamer is everything. I know, it can seem so fancy to have a steamer. Trust me. Once you have one, you'll never look back. Here's everything you need to know about owning your very own steamer.

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Why Lashes are a WIN + Announcing our Winner: FREE Lash Extensions from the Lash Factory

Earlier this week, I was in a women in leadership session listening to an incredible executive coach talk about the word, "busy." I think about this a lot, because as a personal stylist who is on the interweb, lots of people can see what I'm up to. So, when we run into one another, I often here, "how's it going? It looks like you are super busy." 

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Win a FREE Set of Lash Extensions ($250 Value!) From the Lash Factory

As a personal stylist for women, I spend my days offering tips and tricks to make lives easier. Who doesn't want the mornings to run more smoothly? Who isn't looking for easy ways to keep her style game elevated without having to try too hard? 

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Featured Bad Ass: Mindi Steiner

Are you seeing this? I sure am. As a personal stylist and solo-preneur in Seattle, I'm fortunate to spend my days with incredible, inspiring women. I must admit, over the years, I've become very fond of my adopted  hometown. But, every once in a while, the interweb reminds me of my previous life, decades ago, in Northern California. That also happens to be the home of a strong, creative woman, Mindi Steiner

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Marimekko + Uniqlo!

What could be a better gift for our 10th wedding anniversary than the release of a new collection of pieces created thanks to a partnership between Uniqlo and Marimekko? As it turns out, we'll all be celebrating on March 29th, 2018 when super fans of both companies can shop the new pieces online or in stores. (Remember: There's a Uniqlo in Bellevue Square).

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What I'm Wearing Now.

I have conversations all day, everyday about clothes. Seriously. Frequently, I'm just chatting with someone on the street or at the coffee shop before a client consultation and I find myself writing down details of a particular item that I'm wearing so they can go grab one for themselves. No more! I'm all about efficiency, my friend. 

So, we now have a section of the website devoted to What I'm Wearing Now.

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What Boots to Own + What to Wear Them With.

Like something on this post? If you click through, Poplin may receive a commission on your purchase with no additional cost to you. Selections are made whether or not a commission is available. Thanks very much for supporting Poplin!

Finally! Rain! I always feel like I'd like the sunshine to last all year long; but when the first signs of boot season really kick in, I can't help but be elated. This is also the time of year that I hear a sea of questions from clients and readers about what boots to wear and how to pair them. Wonder no more. Here's a jam packed post with the answers you need for Fall 2017 thanks to your very own personal stylist for women. Go!

11 Options for Your Fall 2017 Boot Collection

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