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!
Read MoreOur house is filled with fashion enthusiasts. Our daily conversations are often dominated by current events, work updates, food and fashion. And we love it.
As a personal stylist for men, women and kids, I'm often asked about my favorite boutiques for each. With Father's Day right around the corner, it seems only right that today's Seattle Sunday post highlight a men's boutique for the hip man, Ian. Plus, when you mention Poplin you save 15%.
Read MoreI love the outdoors. But, I don't love outdoor gear.... well, on me anyway.
I worked at an outdoor gear store when I was in high school, selling, designing the displays and learning information about functionality and design that I still use on a regular basis. As the recipient of a healthy discount, I bought Gortex jackets, fleece anoraks, Thorlo socks and everything in between for nearly everyone I knew. Years later, when it's time to hike in the rain, I reach for the same Gortex shell.
Until now.
Our good friends at Freeman have finally given into our demands. They've created a waterproof jacket any woman can love.
I like my Seattle Sunday posts to focus on a local brand, boutique or stylish Seattle-ite. After all, our city has much to offer. So, when I was invited to an exclusive event for local chocolatier Seattle Chocolate's new brand JCOCO, I was doubtful it would fit into my vision for Seattle Sunday posts. But, I certainly couldn't pass up chocolate and wine pairings, now could I?
So, I invited my good friend and very first client, Lauren, to join me for an evening of indulgence. Little did I know that JCOCO would introduce me to "couture chocolate" (that's what they call it!) and the inner workings of a chocolatier while tapping into the love of fashion that so many of us share.
This post has been in the works for months and I am THRILLED to finally be able to share with you, Dear Reader, what I've been telling every person I come in contact with: my love of Winslow.
I initially heard about Winslow from our good friends at Freeman Seattle (check out the recent post featuring Freeman or the site with new jackets for women). Shortly afterward, I saw one of the ties at Velouria and I was hooked. The brainchild of two bright, energetic and thoughtful women, Winslow makes one-of-a-kind handmade neckties, bow ties and pocket squares from reclaimed fabrics. Each one is unique and impeccably made.
They are inspirational. More than a tie or a pocket square, Winslow offers transformation.
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Seattle, of course, loves the outdoors. It's not hard to see why — drive a couple hours in any direction and you'll find one incredible natural landscape after another. We take our outdoor recreation seriously, and it's one of the great defining characteristics of our city.
We dress for it, too. It's no coincidence that our very own REI has become one of the biggest names in expedition outfitting. Ask a typical Seattlite the relative merits of wool, synthetic, or silk baselayers and chances are you'll find yourself in a longer conversation than you intended. And this is important stuff — if you're heading out to the backcountry, having the right technical gear can literally save your life.
But sometimes it's hard for us to leave the mountains, well, in the mountains. We come back to the city after a weekend exploring the wild places, and we just don't want to put away our fleece vests and softshell jackets and hiking boots. It's almost as if by wearing our technical gear into the city, we're bringing a bit of that elusive outdoor magic into our daily grind.
Read MoreIt's finally here, the public grand opening for Seattle's own Bluemercury! I must admit that prior to the arrival in U Village, I had never heard of the brand, despite it being the fastest growing makeup, skincare and spa destination in the country. After all, the closest option for a store is Corte Madera, California (although a Portland store is in the works.) But, almost instantaneously, I was hooked.
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For those of you who have been reading the blog for some time or follow Poplin on social media, (Facebook, Instagram & Twitter) you've undoubtedly witnessed my enthusiasm for Ballard's own- Velouria. As a personal stylist, I've had much success with clients in the shop. Stocked with items made in America and Canada with special love given to makers from the Northwest, the shop is authentic, endearing and fashionable, just like the Velouria team. I'm THRILLED to give you a peek into the world of Velouria. Want to hear more? Make sure you are signed up for the Poplin e-newsletter. The complete interview will be included in an upcoming email.
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!
Read MoreOne of my very favorite things is to stumble upon a well dressed man on the streets of Seattle. I like it even more if that man is rocking a well fitted suit. Thoughtful dressers make me happy and I think they bring a little something to every person they engage with. It's especially gratifying when they are able to balance class with an effortless style and a nonjudgmental approach to the world.
At a recent show in Capitol Hill a guy in his mid 20's commented to him, "Man, you look like James Bond." Enough said.
Read MoreThanks to our good friends at Foxglove Bridal, Poplin Style Direction email subscribers were entered to win a handmade faux fur circle scarf from Foxglove. Happily, a Poplin client and contributor won.
Congrats to Ritzy Ryacik and her dog, Gillie, also pictured.
Read MoreLet's start with some basic arithmetic:
Dear Reader, I am THRILLED to finally be able to share Holt & Lulu with you. Owner Angie Anderson and I met a few years ago through mutual friends and I've been a fan of Angie and the brand ever since. The company makes high quality fashion-forward kids' clothes that you won't find anywhere else. She plays with gender roles, uses a variety of high quality fabrics ranging from faux leather to fleece, and as a parent herself, Angie understands what should be the ultimate goal of all children's fashion — for their clothes to be fashionable AND functional.
Happy Sunday, Dear Reader. The weather is incredible, so I hope you are enjoying a leisurely day out in the elements. You may have seen on Instagram that I've recently become an ambassador for Rivet & Sway, an online eyeglass company for women located in the heart of Pioneer Square. For those of you who have been reading the blog for a while, thank you, and you may have seen my November post highlighting the company. For those of you who are more recent readers, welcome and thank you! And, you might enjoy checking out the previous post as it includes very helpful tips for choosing the right frames.
Now, to the nitty gritty.
Read MoreI love to sew. Am I good at it? Not so much. But, I love it. I love the prints on fabrics and the endless possibilities. A great fabric store is an incredibly inspirational place.
For those of you who sew or just like to make things, there's a magical land in Ballard just for you, Drygoods Design. What if you don't sew, you don't make things and you just love clothes? Not to worry. This magical land will also bring you much joy. Let me explain.
Read MoreInitially, my vision for Seattle Sundays was to draw attention to local brands, boutiques and people who make up Seattle's style. I'm especially enthusiastic about introducing you to one of my very favorite local style inspirations, Ms. Rachel Ermitano. Artist, businesswoman, musician, teacher, wedding planner, hula dancer, style enthusiast and all around inspiration, Rachel is on the verge of launching her very own clothing line while simultaneously planning her own wedding.
Read MoreHere's something awesome. I style kids.
Wait. What?
Yes! I do this for parents who feel like they'd like to spend time with their kids after work and on the weekends instead of time shopping for them. Or, parents who would love their child to be as well dressed as they are without spending an unreasonable amount. I style those kids. I create an entire seasonal wardrobe that mixes and matches easily, is functional and indicative of your child's personal style. Then, I create outfits that can be accessed via your personal webpage so that mom, dad, the nanny or anyone else can see how to easily style an outfit. And it's fun!
You can imagine how excited I was when I learned about The Rookery Kids.
Read MoreNeed 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.
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.
Read MoreFancy February continues. When the weather is cold and dark, the most appealing thing to do is crawl up in a ball, covered in fleece, holding a cup of coffee and wait it out. Sadly, we aren't actually able to do that. So, if you can't avoid leaving the house, why not embrace it?
Read MoreI'm going to try something a little different for Seattle Sundays this February. I call it Fancy February. Oh, yeah, Valentine's Day, right? Date night. Love, etc. Right?
Nope. Actually, I've been thinking more about how we give ourselves permission to indulge on special occasions, like our wedding day, for instance. I'd like to challenge you to think of the last time you totally indulged in something that made you feel unquestionably beautiful. Please tell me it wasn't your wedding day. If it was, that's a good indication that Fancy February is for you. (Apologies, I started calling it that and couldn't bring myself to choose something wittier.)
The goal of Fancy February is to highlight local sources that will enable YOU to indulge today, because you can.