In It Together #4: How to Work From Home in the Time of Pandemic

The next several weeks are devoted to making your days better. We’ll be solving problems, decreasing anxiety, making you look and feel better. It’s all happening here. And, it’s all happening thanks to the genius of local small businesses in the Poplin community. Welcome to another installment of, “In it Together.”

Happy Monday, Dear Reader. Whether you just wrapped up spring break for the kids, are kicking it off today or are in a land where spring break for the kids is meaningless to you, the In It Together Series is here to give you some momentum every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I’m elated to offer tips from my good friend, Poplin client, Executive Coach and founder of the Essential Group, Kore Koubourlis. She’s an insightful resource who primarily works remotely with her clients and offers online trainings. In a word, this is her wheelhouse. Dive in and let me know what you think.

And when you wrap up your reading, go outside (if you can) and listen to this. See you Wednesday!

-Mellicia

We need strategies to take care of ourselves and our mindset; especially so during times of rapid change and uncertainty. In case you are interested, here is my personal top ten list (well, it's a list of 12 actually). These are things I am including in my life right now to stay sane amidst all this "family togetherness time". I hope you find it useful.

12 Strategies to Stay Sane While Working at Home Right Now

Must Know Now: In It Together #3

I’m deep into the, “In It Together” Series. I hope you are finding it useful and that it makes you feel better. Despite operating as if I’m in a remote cabin with my family, I find there are all sorts of things I want to make sure you know. So, here’s a post just for that. Enjoy and thanks VERY much for all the emails, messages, etc. They are delightful and are inspiring content for the blog. Mwah!

All The Things

In It Together #2: Do Your Mani Like a Pro with this DIY Tutorial

The next several weeks are devoted to making your days better. We’ll be solving problems, decreasing anxiety, making you look and feel better. It’s all happening here. And, it’s all happening thanks to the genius of local small businesses in the Poplin community. Welcome to another installment of, “In it Together.”

While I have lots of great qualities, doing an attractive mani or pedi is certainly not one of them. A few years ago, i discovered how much better I feel when someone else makes my nails look amazing. This is not because I enjoy the process so much. In fact, I often find myself anxious about my schedule when I’m getting my nails done. Nope, it’s because I can’t seem to make them look as beautiful as I’d like.

And, apparently, I’m not alone.

So, today’s IIT post is courtesy of my good friend who is also an incredible resource, Courean Napolitano, owner of Vixen Day Spa and Boutique in Magnolia. It’s a magical land where you can get spa services and pick up a hip and affordable vegan leather jacket before you leave. I’m a big fan.

Enjoy Courean’s tutorial on doing the perfect mani at home.

Friday’s post is all about how to dress for yourself (and your Zoom calls) from yours truly. On deck, how to rearrange your place from Amy May, set yourself up for professional success on your Zoom calls from Kore Kobourlis and much more. Thanks for being here and take very good care.

How to do a Mani Like a Pro

In It Together Post #1: Stress Eating Survival Tips

In it Together

Welcome to the inaugural post for our April blog series: In it Together. The entire month of April is going to be devoted to making your days better. We’ll be solving problems, decreasing anxiety, making you look and feel better. It’s all happening here. And, it’s all happening thanks to the genius of local small businesses in the Poplin community.

First up, Nutrition Coach and Personal Trainer, Natalie Joffe, dives right into one of the questions so many of us are struggling with right now, how to avoid stress eating during this crisis. Natalie Joffe is a long time friend, client, coach and all around inspiration. Our work to help every woman embrace her authentic inner voice and express herself has obvious cross over. Despite that, I learn something new from her every time we are together. Natalie is the friend you wish you had who knows all about food and having a healthy lifestyle, but who listens and advises with compassion and an understanding of what is actually realistic for your day to day. I’m a big fan.

From Nutritionist and Personal Trainer, Natalie Joffe:

COVID-19 Stress Eating Survival Tips

Launching: In It Together

While we all might be physically separate, we are very much in it together. Over the past month or so, I’ve had all sorts of delightful interactions with my clients and the Poplin community. Of course, this is certainly not a delightful time to be home. And, if you can, please support local food banks and other organizations working tirelessly to help folks affected in an endless number of ways right now. Really. Anything you can give does matter. (For that matter, supporting your favorite candidates for office matters quite a bit, too. )

The thing is, it’s all very abstract. We’re not interacting with one another IRL, which means we are missing the nuances of in person communication. We aren’t taking in nonverbal cues from one another. We can’t comfort with a hug or an impromptu get together. While we all may be finding the silver lining in this (and yes, there are many), it can also be lonely, frustrating, and unpredictable.

Add to that, we have the daily annoyances of real life. Likely, we feel guilty about caring about our roots growing out or lacking a pedicure. But, trust me, Dear Reader, those things matter because they are reminders to us everyday that life is not the same. It can be depressing to feel like there’s no reason to put yourself together each day. But, My Dear, there absolutely is. You are the reason.

If you get that, but you still don’t know exactly how to execute, that’s where this series comes in. Get ready. It’s awesome.

Over the next few weeks (maybe more?) you’ll be the lucky recipient of blog posts that aim to solve your daily challenges. And, I won’t be the only one solving them. I’ve turned to my very favorite local experts to answer those nagging questions with detailed, helpful guidance made just for you. Here are some examples:

A Sample: In It Together Blog Post Topics

Buy 2nd Hand Pieces at Nordstrom. That's Right. Nordstrom.

As a personal stylist for women, it’s important that my recommendations align with my client’s values. Whether she is going for affordable options to keep her budget in check or she’s more interested in sustainability or Fair Trade, it’s all about honoring those values as best we can.

Over the past year or so, the requests for second hand pieces have sky rocketed. While we always catered to our the values of each client, now things are more explicit with sustainability modifications on every package. But things just got a whole lot easier.

Seattle Fav Nordstrom Offers Curated Second Hand Pieces

Give the Gift of CHUNKS

As a personal stylist for women, one of the great joys of my job is the supply of stellar tips I get from my clients and readers. Sometimes, I’ll get a text about a new store or a great sale or a favorite on Instagram. Other times it a message with photos of her wearing something I recommended. Whatever it is, it reminds me that we are all part of the Poplin community. Thanks for being here.

One recent Instagram message was an introduction to CHUNKS jewelry and accessories. I already followed the founder, Tiffany Ju, as she is also the genius behind BZR tights, of which I am a long time fan and supporter. Tiffany is a Parsons graduate, a mom, an entrepreneur and one delightful human being. Her creations have gained press from BUST Magazine, Refinery29, Design Sponge, Glamour Magazine, Anthology Magazine, The Martha Stewart Show, Brit + Co and many others.

Anyway, CHUNKS, I was not surprised to learn, are often carried in museum stores. They are playful, joyful and practical. What more could you need? I spent a recent morning modeling some glorious CHUNKS pieces and walked away with a stash of awesomeness that I couldn’t leave behind. Here are a few of my favs!

CHUNKS for your hair and eyes.

The perfect gift for you or someone you adore.

Guest Post: Natalie Joffe on Giving Up vs. Letting Go. Tips to Feel More Confident in a Thin-Privileged World

As a nutrition coach, I often hear things like:

· “I just can’t accept my body at this size.”

· “I need to lose weight so that I can feel more confident.”

· “I will [start dating, apply for that new job, try that new class, etc.] after I reach my goal weight.”

The trouble with these statements and the fantasy of how amazing life will be at a smaller size is that they require us to put our life on hold, they perpetuate the weight bias in our culture, and they support the belief that we can shame our bodies into changing.

Sadly, we live in a thin-privileged society. This means that living in a smaller body one gains privileges and access to things that those in a larger body don’t. However, it doesn’t matter how small you are if you still struggle with critical self-talk, comparisons, and inner judgment.

Five strategies to help you feel more confident and empowered in the body you have now

We Have a Winner!

accessories, Poplin Giveaways, Seattle makers, Seattle Sunday, shop local, Women's fashionGuest UserMarch 13, 2019George Jennings Tote Bags, George Jennings Clutch, Personal stylist women, Style blog, Poplin Style Giveaway, Seattle Artist, Shop Local Seattle, Shop Small Seattle

Win an Environmentally Conscious Tote Bag made by Local Artist George Jennings (Reusable, Artistic, Diverse AND Versatile)

George and Nakeesa have been friends of mine for years. You may recognize some of the images below from cards I’ve mailed out over the years. Or, you might have seen me carrying around my favorite George Jennings totes. (I have two!) I’m especially excited to share Sophia’s take on George’s work and to give you an opportunity to win one of your own! Enjoy.

Your Downtown Retail Shopping Options Just Got Smaller…. sort of

Just because we have more cranes than any other major city in the country doesn’t mean that more amazing retail chains are moving in. All those cranes help facilitate a constantly changing city, which is a fun adventure until you drag yourself to a destination and discover it isn’t there anymore. As your very own personal stylist, I want to be sure your time is used efficiently. Here’s what you need to know.

Two Downtown Seattle Staples That Have Moved On

We Have a Winner!

Enormous thanks to everyone who participated in the Poplin Style + re-souL giveaway! Anyone who followed Poplin Style and re-souL on Instagram and tagged three friends was entered. If you tagged three friends everyday, you were entered EVERY time. Bam! Thanks for that.

Win a FREE Pair of Shoes from the re-souL Collection!

As a personal stylist in Seattle, I've been very fortunate to develop relationships with lots of local businesses, makers and all around incredible people. As if time with great people isn't enough, I also get to share all sorts of beautiful pieces with you, Dear Reader. I've been a long time friend and fan of re-souL in Ballard. In fact, one of the owners, Maggie, also volunteers doing styling sessions with me at YouthCare each month.

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."

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?

Repurpose. Repackage. Making an Old Coat New Again.

Upping your style game does not have to mean running out and purchasing a ton of new clothes. Whatever your budget might be, there are creative ways to help you embrace your style and be mindful of your money. On of my very favorite things to do is to find new life in existing pieces. If this speaks to you, you'll should certainly check out the post about updating your "they work for work" pants. There are lots of ways to stretch those Banana Republic/ Ann Taylor/ Express pants.

32 Minutes With Poplin Style- From Dressing Your Age to Communicating your Style and More

When the good people at Genneve reached out to me about becoming a guest on the brand podcast, I was intrigued. The company focuses on providing tools for women in mid life. And, I'm all for more resources to face daily hurdles. As a personal stylist for women, my job is an attention getter, for sure. And, it's pretty common for folks to have questions about my work and more likely, to pick my brain about their style challenges.

Let's Hear it for Love & Simply Matchmaking

One advantage of my job as a personal stylist is that I often have the pleasure of being the go-to person for my clients on a wide range of topics. Whether they are looking for an aesthetician, a hair stylist or an interior decorator, I’m often asked for referrals. This has become especially fun as so many new people are moving to our city. Because so many folks arrive telecommuting at the job they had before they moved or happen to be following a partner, it’s common for me to the be one of the first people they meet.

Shop Small Seattle: Pick a Neighborhood. There's Something Just for You.

Well hello there, Dear Reader!

I trust you are gearing up for the holiday weekend. If you are on the Poplin email list, you received word earlier this morning about some hot spots for Small Business Saturday. If not,

Where Can I Find a Hip Raincoat?

What are we on now- day 3 of stormy weather? I really have no concept of time. But, I can tell you that as a personal stylist for women, every weather event is an opportunity to think about what to wear and how to offer tips to my clients and you, Dear Reader. So, naturally, this insanity has brought me to a solid, comprehensive coats on raincoats.

Before we begin, let me say that when you are wearing something incredible that makes you look and feel good, we want to avoid tossing your North Face jacket over top simply because, "it's comfortable and keeps me dry." That is true. But does it communicate your personal style? Is it at the level that you are or the level that you are headed to? Does it say, "director" or "leader" or whatever you want the world to see? I'd argue that it doesn't. So, when perusing these guys, keep your personal style in mind as not every jacket is right for every woman AND not every jacket is right for everyday. This list is predominantly cool kid coats that work well with casual ensembles. I'll call out the choices for dressier options. Good? Okay, let's go!

10 Raincoats When You Want to Look Cool and Stay Dry