Posts in Shoes
My Favorite U Village Shops Including Joie!

Let's face it, Nordstrom plays a key role in Seattle style. As a personal stylist, I find that the vast majority of my new clients use the retailer as an easy way to learn about new brands. As a result, Vince & Joie are two of the most popular brands that come up in conversation. 

So when I discovered the new JOIE store at U Village, I had to share! The ladies are lovely and the selection is much larger than you'll find at a larger retailer. This got me thinking, there's some pretty stellar shopping at U Village. Let's make sure you know some of my favorite places to go.

15+ Shops Worth (re)Visiting at University Village (in no particular order)

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Must Have Now: Metallic Ankle Boots

I've been searching for the perfect pair of metallic ankle boots for over a year. If that seems excessive, I think so, too. But, first, I imagined metallic ankle boots without having actually seen a pair. This is a common approach of mine. Dream it. Then find it. As a personal stylist for women, I do this for my clients, too. That's part of the fun of the job. 

My theory was that metallic ankle boots would be an amazing neutral. After all, you've likely heard me champion mixed metals for a couple of years now. Metallic ankle boots seemed like the ideal completion of an outfit with metal accessories. To be true to my personal style, I have been looking for a pair that are show stoppers, but not too over the top, reasonably priced (because this is an experiment) AND had a heel height lower than 3 1/2 inches. That's a tall order.

I finally found a pair

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I Heart (Band of) Horses.

Last night my husband surprised me with tickets to the Band of Horses show at the Paramount. Our musical tastes are like a venn diagram and Band of Horses is one of the artists in the section that represents our overlap. I had no idea they were in town and was recently disappointed by our inability to pick up Chance the Rapper tickets. (Also in the overlap section.) We saw them together over 8 years ago, so we were past due for another show.

It was extraordinary. Seriously. Maybe one of the best shows I've been to, certainly in Seattle. Still playing the record repeatedly on our turntable while I work, I have opted to postpone today's scheduled post in favor of something a little unconventional. (Yes, they sold records at the show.) Today, Dear Reader, I'll bring you a personal stylist's interpretation of Band of Horses. Translation: Here are some cool pieces related to horses. Go! 

 

5 Ways to Integrate Horses into Your Look

(Thank you, Band of Horses.)

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The Modern Sexy Librarian.

As a personal stylist, I've discovered that there are several archetypes that come up over and over. Clients reference a look they've always loved, whether or not they channel that when getting dressed. Sometimes, the goal is to get there. That's what I'm here for. Other times, they just like elements of the aesthetic and wonder how to integrate those in small parts into their daily looks. Well, Dear Reader. I live for this stuff. 

So, today, it's all about the sexy librarian. Yes, this can go so many ways. But today, I'm heading toward a feminine woman who isn't afraid to be feminine. She's confident. She knows her stuff. And, she's a little bit unconventional. Enjoy!

 

Channeling the Sexy Librarian in Your Look

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Some of my Favs from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

We wait all year for it, and now it's finally here. In a word, Anniversary. If you have a Nordstrom card, you can pre-shop the sale until July 21st. Why would you do this? Because you can shop fall pieces now. And, I know from experience that sizes go fast. On July 21st, sale prices are available to the masses. When Anniversary ends, pieces go from their sale prices up to full price. It's wacky. It's fun. It's Anniversary. 

The benefit of having your very own personal stylist, Dear Reader, is that I've gone through every piece on sale to call out my very favorites.

One more thing. If you don't have a Nordstrom card (credit or debit), you might think about signing up for one. There's a wide range of benefits that include $20 Nordstrom notes (same as cash at Nordstrom or the Rack) showing up in the mail. If you are a serious Nordstrom shopper, you might also consider a credit card that earns you more Nordstrom notes anytime you use it (not just at Nordstrom).

No, the company didn't pay me to say this. But, it's my job as a personal stylist to make my clients aware of ways to maximize every dollar. 

So there you have it. And now onto some of my very favorite pieces on sale. The selection is pretty great this year, so you'll see a series of posts with more of my favs. Keep checking back. 

 

Round ONE: Edgy, Urban, Sexy

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A Fresh Approach to the Closet Edit.

The first step in any style transformation is the Closet Edit. You need to know what you have, what you need and what you don't before you can move forward successfully. Otherwise, things just become overwhelming. I know I shouldn't be, but I'm always amazed at how transformational a Closet Edit can be for a client. Despite having fewer pieces (and sometimes, significantly fewer pieces), she should feel like she actually has more outfits. 

I recently learned that Amazon declared the second most popular book in 2015 as Marie Kondo's, "The Art of Tidying Up." No surprise there. I can't tell you how many women have hired me after reading the book and attempting to tackle their closets on their own. The book is motivating, to be sure. It focuses on simplifying your life rather than ensuring you are authentic to your personal style. Two different goals mean two different approaches. 

The Poplin approach focuses on your authentic personal style. This approach uses a client's body type, personal style and goals to determine what should and should not be in her collection. We also organize her closet by type, then by color to make creating outfits easier. I often tell clients that your closet should feel like a boutique curated just for you. Everything should fit, it should make you look and feel beautiful and communicate your personal style. I also organize my closet in this way.

However, I'm experimenting with my own closet and I'm confident that my new approach will be a helpful next step for some readers who are at the edit 2.0 level. Therefore, as we head into a long holiday weekend. This post is all about sharing. 

Re-engaging with Your Closet. You've Already Done the Edit, Now It's Time to Organize.

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My 10 Favorite Things Right Now

It's been a while since I've sent out a list of my very favorite things. Let's be clear. I am absolutely addicted to a laundry list of items. As a personal stylist for women, my goal is to write blog posts that help you maintain a personal style that is authentic to you. Your look should communicate who you are and be functional for your life. My favorite things are a collection of items that encompass who I am. Ideally, you'll find that some of them speak to you, as well. As always, I love to know what you think and hear about some of your favorite things. Off we go!

 

My 10 Favorite Things Right Now

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Celebrate Earth Day with Sustainable Shopping and Sales!

What to do? It's Earth Day AND the day after we lost Prince. I'm wearing purple as I write this and will be following up this post with a Prince inspired piece to go live this weekend. So, for now, I'll focus on Earth Day. Why? Well, a sale at Coclico is a good reason. 

I love the idea of slow shopping: Creating more meaningful experiences and buying fewer pieces, shopping that is better for the world. This is why shops like Velouria hold a special place in my heart. That being said, it's a real commitment. And for me, and most of my clients, sustainable pieces are a, "nice to have" versus a "must have." When price, size and style come into play, sustainability often comes in last.

So, for today's Earth Day post, I wanted to offer up some realistic options to integrate some slow shopping into our lives. Off we go!

 

Baby Steps for Slow Shopping

Including Some of My Favorite Brands

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It's All About the Block Heel.

There's nothing like a great spring trend. As a personal stylist, I am always on the lookout for what is current and how that translates for each of my clients. As a fashion enthusiast, I'm pretty much obsessed with this sort of thing. This is one of those situations where I just sit and count the minutes, waiting for the weather to change so that I can finally rock those open toed shoes with reckless abandon. This year, those shoes simply must either have laces or have a block heel. If you missed Poplin contributor Jordan Richardson's post on the Case for Laces, take a look. For now, let's focus on the uber functional and stylish block heel. 

20 Glorious Block Heels.

Find the One that is Right for YOU.

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My Favorite Things Right Now

I could make these lists all day. The life of a personal stylist:) As we head into spring, here's a list of my favorite things right now. 

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Styling Your New Wearable Accessory.

The winner of the Poplin Style Direction Funktional Wearables Giveaway will be announced on Sunday. That's right, friends. THIS Sunday. So, if you've already liked Poplin on Facebook, thank you. If you share a blog post (including this one) about the giveaway, you get ten, count them, ten entries! You could be walking away with a stylish accessory that secretly contains your fitbit or other fitness tracking device. Fit and stylish. I love it.

Let's say you've done all that. It's time to start thinking about which accessory to choose. Here are some suggestions. Final step, how exactly do you style one of these bad boys. As your very own personal stylist, that's what I'm here to hep you with. Off we go!

 

5 Ways to Style A Wearable Accessory

from Funktional Wearables

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The Perfect Northwest Slipper.

As a personal stylist for women, I spend a great deal of time in other people's homes. I get to see each client's personal style expressed in her home decor. As I prepare for each visit, I also plan to take off my shoes as soon as I walk in the door. Sure, there are plenty of folks who allow shoes indoors. But, there are plenty who don't. Better to be safe than sorry.

Our simultaneous adoration for a shoeless house and the ability to walk outside effortlessly is in constant conflict. Want to run something to the trash? You need to go from slippers to shoes. No more! 

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How do I Wear Culottes in Cold Weather?

As you may know, Dear Reader, I'm obsessed with culottes. Some clients are very enthusiastic about trying out the trend. Others, not so much. Like jumpsuits, culottes are a departure from the styles that have become second nature and it's natural to feel self conscious about rocking the look. As a personal stylist for women in Seattle, I'm discovering that taking them into colder weather is especially concerning for a number folks. With that in mind, here are a few tips and tricks for pulling off the culotte trend. 

7 Ways to Wear Culottes in Cold Weather

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Must Have Now: Fall Trends

We don't need rain to tell us that it's time to start shopping for fall. As your very own personal stylist for women, it's time we start talking about fall trends. 

 

2015 Fall Trends You Can Wear.

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The Modernized 70's- Plus Size Edition

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

Hello Dear Reader,

As fall encroaches on our summer I am sure you are noticing the magazines and stores beginning to bear a striking resemblance to store fronts, fabrics and prints of the 1970's. Now dear reader, whether you have already lived through the 70's and its fashion extravaganza, or you missed it, this fall seems to be bringing the whole tidal wave back again. So how do you survive it!? Whether you are a fan of suede and fringe, or not, there is ways to inch around the biggest trend of the cooler months, or dive right in.

Personally, my favorite parts of the revival are layered flapper fringed dresses, the color orange, and long flare jean with platforms. Other highlights are long duster coats in various fabric textures and weights, suede for days, itsy ditsy floral print, shift dresses, acid colors with neutrals, and mock turtlenecks. So what may work best for you? I've cultivated some of the highlights of the next season and matched them to some tricky styling points to ease you back into shag carpeting.

 

 

Athletic Thighs + Long Flares + Platforms = Legs for Days

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My Favorite Things Right Now.

Hello again, Dear Reader!

 

I've missed you. As a personal stylist, I work with clients to ensure a level of personal care. It's vital that we all take a step back, take some time to regroup and invest in ourselves. I couldn't face you if I didn't do the same. So thank YOU for your patience and support as I took a little break. I'm officially back full force and just in time for fall fashion. Let's begin with some of my favorite things right now.

 

My Favorite Things Right Now.

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Because French Kids are Just as Glamorous as French Women.

We had the pleasure of spending the evening surrounded by French people... in Seattle. It was lovely. In fact, the entire experience felt like a vacation. It began with local beer at Standard Brewing on South Jackson. The beer is brewed on site and the ambiance is reminiscent of my neighborhood bar in Brooklyn. (Rest assured, they have growlers to go when you are short on time.) Then, off to a spectacular dinner on the patio at Marjorie in Capitol Hill. (Any restaurant with a turntable in the restroom and a shaded outdoor patio is the place for me.) Really, it was the perfect evening to celebrate our very good friend who happens to also be French. 

The entire event reminded me of our country's obsession with French women. We celebrate our impression that they take great pride in how they look and insist on continuing to find time for themselves after they have children. It's not easy, as we all know. So, it's certainly logical that we'd be big fans of this behavior. 

They also seem to manage dressing their children in clothing that most adults would be thrilled to own. As your very own personal stylist for women and kids, I had to ask: where does it all come from? Thanks to my good friend and birthday girl, Helen, here are some suggestions if you'd like your child's fashion to be a little more French-inspired.

Even better? They are both having massive sales right now.

 

Helen's Favorite French Retailers for Kids

(and the Rest of Your Family, too)

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Get Your Shopping On.

Things are crazy in Poplin-land right now. Why? You ask. It is full blown summer. That means that when a new client is ready to transform her look, she's also ready to do it quickly before her upcoming vacation. It's all adrenaline all the time. And, what type of adrenaline could be more satisfying than that associated with shopping? For me, none.

But there are additional factors that make this a special time to pay attention. As your very own personal stylist, it is only right that I share this news with you, Dear Reader, just in case you missed it. 

 

Reasons to Shop Right NOW.

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Summer Sandals- Narrow and Wide Widths

Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. It's more common than you would think to struggle to find the right width of shoe. Lucky for us, Jordan is on the case!

 

Hello Dear Reader,

I come to you today with just a quick little post about SHOES! As we approach the summer months, school letting out and vacations being planned; we find ourselves in need of the ubiquitous sandal. Like finding an amazing boot for fall and winter a perfect summer sandal is an elusive but worthwhile endeavor. Just like clothing, finding a great fit can be a challenge especially for those of us with narrow or wide width feet. So while I myself was on the search for a great summer sandal, I thought I would share my finds!

Date Night Heel

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