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!

Must Know Now: Spring Trends that are Right for You Right Now.

While I am well aware that this uncharacteristically warm weather is not good for the world, it has been magical for the wardrobe. On my visit to the the Finerie Colab last week (I hope you've been- apparel including lots of local designers, housewares, design, oh my!), team member Jeannie said to me, "you look like the perfect balance of spring and winter."

Thank you very much, Jeannie.

Upon reflection, I realize that's not an easy tightrope to walk. As your very own personal stylist, I thought I'd share some of spring's trends with you, Dear Reader. And, of course, how to rock them right now. Enjoy!

Spring Fashion Trends You Can Wear Today.

Let's do this.

The Patriotic Shopper (as in crazy deals for President's Day Weekend)

Oh my! There's nothing like a little retail therapy to make up for not having President's Day off. Wait? You have it off? Well, live the dream, sister. Whether or not you'll be clocking in on Monday, you can start shopping now with CRAZY discounts.

If you'd be so kind, please remember to click through from the list below as Poplin may receive a commission on your order with absolutely no extra cost to you. Thanks very much for reading the blog and happy shopping!

Date Night for the Authentic You.

As a personal stylist, I identify each client's body type and help her learn how to dress to flatter her figure. Equally important, I ask her a zillion questions to get to know who she is and how she sees herself in the world. The apex of this process is the identification of style key words. I ask each client to identify key words that she'd like people to use to describe her personal style. Then, we use those words as filters when determining what works best in her closet. You can see examples of these three words on the client page.

These next few weeks are all about romance. Whether or not you are planning an outing on February 14th, the holiday's existence has likely inspired you to up your game for a night out. With that in mind, you, dear Reader, inspired me. Below you'll find ten pieces I adore that convey specific key words. Perhaps integrating them into your current collection will help you find your personal style. Need a little more guidance? That's what I'm here for.

The Authentic You on Date Night

The Dapper Man and Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is designed to take some time to enjoy the ones we love, or at least that's what they tell us. I like to think of it as a nice opportunity to put in a little extra effort to look and feel smashing and ensure that if there is a fella in your life, he has the opportunity, rather than the obligation, to do the same.

Sometimes, that can be effortless. Frequently, it is not. So, if you or the gentleman in your life is struggling with February 14th, let me offer some guidance.

The Dapper Man and Valentine's Day: From the Perfect Gift to Creating the Ideal Look

The Plus Size Pulse- Collaboration

Hello Reader,

Seems like forever since I got on the horn to ya'll and I am happy to be back with some fabulous updates of happenings in the plus size world. This month we has some pretty great revealings made by two players in the fashion world.

One:

body image, Body Types, Style TipsmelliciaFebruary 2, 2015Personal Stylist Seattle, plus size fashion, Women's fashionComment

Winterizing Part 2: Chantelle Riley Saves Your Hair

You've heard from the Queen of Brows, now you get to hear from the Hair Queen, Chantelle Riley.

Who is this Chantelle Riley, you ask? She's been Katrina's hair stylist for years (good things come in twos) and I've quickly become a huge fan.

Oh, Dear Reader, you know I'm always looking out for you. And, the best way to illustrate Chantelle's infinite knowledge of haircare and her generous demeanor is to share a few of her tips. I've asked her to give us the 411 on how to care for your hair in the winter. With any luck we'll be hearing more tips and tricks from her throughout the year.

Chantelle's Essentials for Winter Hair

Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaJanuary 22, 2015Chantelle Riley, Personal stylist, Seattle, Stylus, Winter Hair Care, womenComment

Winterizing Part 1: First Up- Your Skin Courtesy of Katrina Rising

For those of you who read this blog with any regularity, thank you! And, you are likely familiar with my immense adoration for Cake Skincare Owner, Katrina Rising. Not only is she the brown queen (mine are more glorious everyday thanks to her magic), she's also a scientific genius when it comes to skincare.

You may have also heard me go on and on about how difficult it is to get in to see Katrina. Not to worry, if you are on a wait list, I have some comfort for you. I've asked a few of my local favorite gurus to offer their best advice on taking care of yourself during the winter. While we know we need to amp things up, it's only a few dedicated souls who do. Over the next week, you'll hear from them as well as some tips from me on taking care of your clothes this time of year.

Fortunately, we're kicking things off with Katrina's advice on keeping your skin beautiful. And, my skin is proof that she knows what she's talking about. Enjoy!

3 Winterizing Essentials Courtesy of Local Favorite Cake Skincare

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!

Expert POV: The Perfect Gift Card for the Teen or Tween in your Life.

Christmas is getting closer. If you still haven't wrapped up your holiday shopping, it might time to go for gift cards. With this in mind, I asked Zoya, a local Seattleite, to weigh in on her favorite sources for stylish gifts for teens and tweens. After all, she's in 8th grade and is VERY interested in fashion.

Zoya's take on buying the perfect piece for the girl in your life is not to buy her a gift at all, but rather a gift certificate. And of course, regardless of your age, everybody has a personal style. So Zoya generously put together for you, Dear Reader, a visual guide to buying gift certificates. Just find your teen/tween's personal style keyword and you're off. And if a description isn't enough, don't worry: Zoya enlisted more local stylish teens to model the looks, making your shopping even easier. Enjoy!

Four Steps to Tween Style Gifting (from a Knowledgeable Source)

Kids fashion, Style TipsmelliciaDecember 23, 2014gift certificate kids, Seattle Personal Stylist, Teen fashion, Tween fashionComment

Seattle Sunday: Essensuals London Comes to Town and Man, Am I Happy.

Let's talk about my hair.

I'd like to pretend that I have as much knowledge and passion for hair as I do for clothing. But, I do not. That's why I surround myself with people who do. Or, at least I try to. The challenge is that I'd LOVE someone to guide me about all things hair. As in, all things pertaining to MY hair.

In short, I'm looking for the Poplin Style Direction of hair. And I think I've come close to finding it. If you are a hair aficionado, you've likely heard of TONI & GUY, the highly acclaimed London hair brand known for "setting the fashion agenda" in the UK and beyond. Identical twin brothers Jason and Robert Townsend are part of the brand and have just opened up Essensuals London in Capitol Hill. They made me prettier, smarter and happier. And I'm confident, Dear Reader, that they can do the same for you.

Why a Visit to Essensuals London Will Change the Way You Think About Your Hair Forever

Seattle Sunday, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaDecember 21, 2014Essensuals Seattle, Women's hairComment

Gonna Have a Good Day.

I am all about the music. If you put on just the right track, it inspires just the right outfit and inevitably just the right day.

So, today, my Dear Reader, I am going to give you a little window into the life of this personal stylist. When I'm styling someone, I try to get into her head, to figure out what she REALLY wants to look like. Then, match that up with her body type and get her there. When I'm creating wish lists, I find it especially helpful to put on music that reminds me of that client. When I'm getting ready in the morning, if I can tear myself away from NPR, I gravitate toward something that is going to set me up for a successful day.

So, let us begin.

body image, Body Types, Style TipsmelliciaDecember 19, 2014Music and fashion, Seattle Personal Stylist, Women's fashionComment

Of the Moment Party Looks that Are Hiding In Your Closet

Tis the season to hit multiple holiday parties. That means, you need more than one LRD (little red dress) to get you through. And, of course, if you are feeling especially generous this year, that also likely means that you don’t have a lot of extra cash to spend on a little something for yourself. Not to worry! Here are a few of the moment trends that you can rock that you might just have hiding in the back of your closet.

The best part about shopping your closet? It's always open and it's free. Here's what you are looking for:

Body Types, Style TipsmelliciaDecember 16, 2014Personal Stylist Seattle, shop your closet, Women's fashionComment

What to Wear Wednesday with re-souL

Seattle Sunday, Style TipsmelliciaDecember 12, 2014blue boots, How to pair mid calf boots, Personal stylist, re-soul Seattle, Seattle, Women's fashionComment

Seattle Sunday: Ooo La La Lashes from the Lash Factory

Remember that day, so long ago, when you discovered what having your eyebrows waxed could do for your face? Or how about when you tried a shaper for the very first time? Or a push up bra? How much do you wish someone had told you years ago about the importance of sunscreen on your face?

It's these unspoken truths that transform how we look and feel. And let me tell you, Dear Reader: lash extensions are your next addiction.

What lash extensions from the Lash Factory did for me and what they can do for YOU.

Good Stuff For YOU Now.

Let's face it, the season of giving can get a little stressful. I've been thinking about this quite a bit. As your very own personal stylist, in preparation for this month of excitement and exhaustion, I've prepared a few special somethings for you, Dear Reader. After all, you've been good to me so I'm going to be very good to you.

Strategies for Success on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Beyond

Happy Black Friday!

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, most people have one thing on the brain: shopping. So, without delay, please enjoy a few quick strategies for you, Dear Reader, from your very own personal stylist.

Strategic Shopping Right Now

Seattle Sunday: The Guide to Accessorizing the American Man at Hammer + Awl

It's just as cool outside as it is inside. Man, you are going to love it.

One of my very favorite gifts for men is a subscription to Esquire magazine. Trust me. It's never a mistake.

But as we head into prime gift giving season, I thought I'd help you, Dear Reader, find the most perfect gifts — besides a magazine subscription — for the man in your life. No matter his age or income, the American man has a plethora of tools at his disposal to look impeccable. Of course, a great coat and a high quality pair of shoes are paramount. But what's next? As a personal stylist, I hear this question all the time.

I'll tell you what's next: accessories. And you can find every one you need, for every man you know, at Madrona's Hammer + Awl.

Three Phases to Accessorizing the American Man at Hammer + Awl

Menswear, Seattle Sunday, Style TipsmelliciaNovember 23, 2014Hammer + Awl, Seattle Personal StylistComment

Seattle Sunday: Cake Skincare Just Upped My Game Substantially

A friend and client recently said the most extraordinary thing to me, "Wow. You have the most symmetrical eyebrows I've ever seen." First, I should point out that this client actually DOES have incredibly symmetrical eyebrows. You know the ones, with the beautiful arch. Yes, those. And, thanks to mother nature, I actually don't have them.

Until now.

If you read this blog with any regularity you've heard my seemingly endless praise of Katrina and the Cake Skincare team. I've been dying to write this blog post so that you, Dear Reader will have a glimpse of the transformation I've been experiencing since my first visit with owner, Katrina Rising.

Cake: If You Can Get In, Get In Now.

My Favorite Piece- Plus Size Coats Edition

Hello Dear Reader,

It has been a while but I come to you with an essential element of changing weather dressing. The magnificent coat. Now for many of us it may just be a way to stay warm and dry during these volatile months; however once again a utilitarian object can become a distinct and personality driven piece of your wardrobe.

Truth be told this time of year is like candy to me. Sweaters come out, coats become a staple and boots are plentiful. To be honest however some of the excitement for me is tempered by the fact that I rarely get cold until it is true winter. So layering sweaters with coats is difficult. I tend to stick with light layering when donning a heavier winter coat. Regardless, I love coats. The different styles, textures, colors, weather-proof, and accessories just sends me into a tizzy of thrills. As follows are some the newest coats available from lighter layers for that too warm bus commute, to heavier anoraks ready for fall morning treks with the dog.

Coats

Body Types, plus size fashion, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaNovember 12, 2014Coats, fall, fall trends, jackets, Plus size, plus size coats, winter, Winter jacketsComment