There was a time when renting an apartment in New York meant that you needed to pay an extra (significant) fee to a broker. Then came Craigslist. When I moved to Brooklyn (nearly a thousand years ago), Craigslist made finding an apartment a breeze. Well, at least I didn't have to pay for a broker. I did, however, encounter potential roommates who, "like to watch Sex & the City, but don't live it. You know what we mean?"
Um, yeah. I know what you mean.
I digress.
Read MoreI'm often reminding clients that they can skip cleaning their houses when I'm coming over. Why? Because working with Poplin should make your life easier. It should make feeling great about how you look an achievable goal everyday. If there's a barrier to that, I want to know about it. That's why we are sharing a user survey (designed by an expert in the field who also happens to be a Poplin client). I want to know how Poplin can serve you better. What's working? What isn't?
One client completed the survey and shared that she wanted viewing her outfits to be easier. Great idea. Now they are.
Read MoreRegardless of the weather forecast, you can always count on a three day weekend to get us jonesing to shop. Retailers know this. And they REALLY want us to follow through so we are the lucky recipients of some major incentives this weekend. I've compiled a list below of some stellar deals (some of which are already live). Take a look at some old favorites (like Rebecca Minkoff) and experiment with some unfamiliar brands. Just remember to keep your personal style in mind when shopping. And, as always, let me know how it goes!
As a personal stylist for women, I spend a great deal of time chatting it up with folks about clothes, accessories, skincare and of course, hair. So, you can imagine how dedicated I am to finding the perfect people to help my clients achieve their style goals. A few years ago, I met Karen Reichert through a friend and client. She's lovely, generous and honest — all qualities I very much appreciate. Equally important, she knows hair. When my client told me that she's naturally grey, I was shocked! Karen has her on a clearly defined plan to contain her grey and keep her long hair looking lush, gorgeous and brunette. Naturally, I made an appointment. Now that I'm both a fan and a client, it seems only right that I share Karen's genius with you, Dear Reader.
Read MoreWoah. Welcome to a spectacular time in Poplin-land. I've been lucky enough to see SO many clients, friends, email subscribers and just all around inspiring people in the last five, count them, five days. If you follow Poplin on Facebook and Instagram, you've likely seen what I've been up to. If not, here's a fun recap. See if you recognize any of these folks. If not, start looking for them out in the world. They are a few of the generous and stylish people making the world look and feel better. Enjoy!
As a personal stylist for women in Seattle, you can imagine the amount of time I spend in various closets. I must admit, it's really inspiring. While I like to focus on the possibilities welling out of each thanks to the clothes inside, I recognize that a chaotic closet is no place to create extraordinary outfits. So, when I met Professional Organizer, Andrea Shirley, it was obvious that her tips and tricks for taking control of your closet would be helpful to all of us. After all, it's about time for a good spring clean.
As a personal stylist for women, I create strategies to help ensure that a woman's clothing communicates her personal style. But, as we all know, looking great is more than whether you prefer boho or tailored. It's about knowing what shows off your best features and how to minimize those aspects that don't bring you as much joy. Let's be clear, I'm not suggesting that you NEED to minimize your stomach. But, it is vital that you feel empowered each and every day as you check out your look in the mirror and head out the door.
If you are tugging at a waistband that cuts into your stomach creating a muffin top, your self talk quickly devolves into criticism about weight gain and the like. Instead, choose a piece that minimizes your stomach while still feeling comfortable. Then, you can focus on what really matters.
The holiday season is both inspiring and overwhelming. The time between Christmas and New Year's can be especially strange. After all, we have new pieces (thanks, friends and family!) and others to exchange or return. Visiting a retailer can feel a little lackluster as stores are jam packed with left overs. But, if you have gift cards burning holes in your pockets, here are a few suggestions that have totally consumed my mind as of late. Enjoy!
Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson.
Hello dear reader,
We all know that there are those of us that fall within multiple loose framework of body shapes. Being conjunctions of inverted triangle and rectangle or a diamond that is also busty with broad shoulders. Like styles, none of us fit perfectly into a box or one category. I've garnered up a few tips and tricks for some mixed variety of shapes within the plus size realm, since not all of us lush ladies come with an hourglass shape. Below are a few lovely clothing choices and ideas on what else might work well for you. If you have a shape request, let us know in the comments below!
Read More'Tis the season for thanking and shopping. Let's get that adrenaline going with some spectacular Black Friday Deals. These are some of my favorites. Enjoy!
Read MoreWe've just wrapped up two years of styling homeless youth who are in the Barista Training Program. Local nonprofits YouthCare and FareStart have partnered to run this program, giving youth aged 16-24 life skills, professional skills and additional support. I volunteer each month running styling workshops to teach youth what to wear for job interviews and at work, followed by a "shopping spree" in the YouthCare Basement Boutique. I am also fortunate enough to attend graduation ceremonies for each cohort weeks after their styling sessions.
In 2014 I wrote a post about what I've learned from styling homeless youth. As I reflect on the last two years of sessions, I'm struck by what I've learned from my clients, the youth, my support team at YouthCare and especially, my five year old son. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'd like to share some of these lessons with you, Dear Reader.
Happy day before Thanksgiving, Dear Reader!
Vacation is almost here. It's time to give thanks and very soon, it will be time to shop. And, here's what you need to know about both:
Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson.
Hello Dear Reader,
We are seeing a fantastic increase in amazing pieces being offered in an extended size range, especially after this latest fashion week. Instead of the usual day to day we are seeing some truly stunning pieces that are edgy, softer, ground breaking and just plain cool popping up around the internet. I've cultivated just a few that I have run across that I just had to share with you.
Editor's note: I can't tell you how long I've been looking forward to this post.
We're very fortunate to have a collection of really remarkable nephews and nieces. (Well, technically there's just one nephew; but he's pretty incredible.) I digress. There's a long list of reasons why we adore them all and of course, each one brings different interests to the table.
Our niece, Isabel, lives in Chicago and one of her many interests is fashion. She has a real gift for it. I've known her since she was three and she was already way ahead of the game at that point. As a personal stylist, when I learned that Isabel and two friends, Ava & Sisley, started a fashion blog, The Official US Lifestyle, I was all over it.
Lucky for me, the team accepted my invitation to do a guest post for Poplin. The girls (who are between 12 and 13) have created a jam-packed list of warm weather essentials for teens and tweens. If there's a young lady in your household, please feel free to share their wisdom. Alternatively, you can simply show off how hip you are by purchasing one of the items as a gift. Because, let's face it: you are that cool.
Spring is just starting to roll in, at least here in Chicago. We have gathered a list of our top five essentials for the rapidly arriving season, and have written about how to use them. So, without further ado, let’s get into it!
Read MoreI love Seattle Sundays. My initial idea was to focus a blog post on a different maker, boutique or fashionable person in Seattle every Sunday. It's been a wonderful opportunity for me to learn more about all the incredible people and places in Seattle. After more than a decade here, it turns out there is still much, much more to discover.
At the moment, I'm finding that the sheer volume of awesomeness is just too great. I hate to keep all this information to myself as I wait for the next Sunday to share another find. So, you'll be seeing Seattle "Sundays" nearly every day for a few posts. I just can't wait. The stuff is THAT good.
Let us begin.
Man, there is a whole lot going on right now, Dear Reader. And, it's all good. So good I feel compelled to share.
Here we go!
Read MoreDear Reader,
I come to you with a game changing announcement, as well as a different kind of post from me. A few weeks ago Milk Model management announced their newest addition: Tess Holliday. This is exceptional news since Tess is the first size 22, five foot five model signed to any mainstream modeling agency...EVER!
Now, this is some seriously great news on several levels. First of all is that Tess, who started the #effyourbeautystandards campaign will get some further recognition on some of the great body positivity work she has been doing. Also with hopefully more modeling jobs coming her way this compelling, strong and beautiful woman will be able to carve even more paths to diversifying fashion media.
Read MoreHappy Super Bowl Sunday, Dear Reader. Whether you are a hard core fan or just excited to celebrate the day with friends, you are likely going to be seeing the Super Bowl in some way, shape or form today. If you've got a jersey, you'll certainly be rocking it. Try it with white skinnies or a navy striped maxi skirt as alternatives to a pair of jeans.
If you don't have a jersey, don't worry. You likely have a collection of green and blue in your closet somewhere. Be bold. Now's the time! Mix and match prints (hello polka dots and stripes). Wear that crazy Seahawks green (after all it will be useful for Sounders season, too). Above all, feel good about your look and you will absolutely bring good luck to the team.
Here's a small sample of a few of my favorite pieces right now to inspire you. And for the items in local brick and mortar stores, here's something to pick up before kick off.
Enjoy!
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