The Summer Essential Plus Size Edition: Shorts

Editor's Note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

When it comes time for bare legs there can be a lot of anxiety involved. I myself have long struggled with finding the right short for the spring and summer months. I want them to be attractive and youthful, but still be practical and hit the top of my knee for comfort. It’s a daunting task, and yet one that becomes necessary as the days grow warmer, or if you’re lucky you escape somewhere tropical for a slice of paradise.

There are a plethora of options available, but trying to sift through to find the perfect one for each of us takes some effort.

I’ve compiled some of hottest hits of this year’s styles to make summer shopping a little easier.

Did YOU Win the $50 Gift Card to Bluemercury?

If you follow Poplin on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, you know how excited I am about the new Bluemercury store opening at U Village. Tomorrow is the public event with giveaways, makeovers and so much more. Wouldn't it be fun to go with a $50 gift card in your hot little hands?

After all, they carry a wide array of quality skin care lines including all your favorite natural options and perhaps some new lines for you to discover. They have make-up, a line for new moms, skincare for men and let's not forget the on-site aesthetician. Oh my.

The Winning Closet Edit Revealed.

As you may know, Dear Reader, every person who is on the Poplin Style Direction email list is entered into every drawing for Poplin prizes. That's right. Every time. So far, partners have given away a wide variety of items including handbags, children's clothing, and so much more. Naturally, I, too, joined the fun and offered up one complimentary Closet Edit.

The winner was Ritee Sponsler. As a brand new mom of an exceptionally adorable little girl, Ritee opted to share her winnings with another friend, Kim Rooney. Kim is also a mom who was transitioning into a new position for a different company. Kim enthusiastically accepted and opted to upgrade to the Style Update Package. Lucky for us, Ritee offered to document the entire Closet Edit so that you, Dear Reader, would have a better picture of what a Closet Edit really means.

Going Back to Work Post-Baby? Here's What to Wear.

My last three clients are all mothers with kids under 3. In fact, I've spent a great deal of time with new moms discussing the transition from yoga pants and t-shirts to work appropriate clothes that function on less than 5 hours of sleep. After spending the afternoon helping a new mom edit her closet, it seems clear that other women in the same position can benefit from some tricks to get you through this unusual time. Dads- I'm all about equal opportunity. But, I think you are good on this one.

Here are a few tips that helped me after the birth of my son along with others I've learned through my work as a personal stylist.

What to Wear When You Return to Work After Having a Baby

Body Types, Pick Me Ups, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaApril 8, 2014 Comment

Pregnant and Beautiful. There's More to Your Style Than Target.

Pregnancy. Every woman who has ever been pregnant shares one common experience: the constant hunt for clothes. Personally, I LOVED being pregnant. I felt happy, relaxed and excited. In the early months, before I could tell anyone in the office that I was actually pregnant, I found myself struggling to find clothes to wear. A lover of dresses, I was relegated to one pair of pants that I found at Anthroplogie for $150. They were cute. They were stretchy. They were black. And, they were $150 for a pair of pants that I knew would only be useful for a few months. That's a true sign of desperation.

As I grew, I actually found it easier to find clothes than in the early months when you just feel bigger. And for women who struggle with morning sickness, bloating, weight gain and some of the other less stellar aspects of pregnancy, feeling awful about looking at your clothing is not the path to a happy 9 months. Now, as a personal stylist, I've found a number or fun options for pregnant clients. My goal is to offer some assistance to anyone in this situation. Yes, Dear Reader, I know you may not be pregnant. If not, please share with someone you love who will find this helpful.

Retailers for the hip and pregnant.

Everybody Loves a Winner: Ritzy & the Faux Fur Circle Scarf

Thanks 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.

Need a Free Pick Me Up?

Sometimes, we are fortunate enough to have some disposable cash to buy something pretty. This is especially gratifying when we've had a challenging day or are not loving our options when we get dressed each morning.

Unfortunately, extra cash is not always on hand. What to do?

Here are a few tips for FREE solutions to style-related questions.

Lessons from Canada: Fabulous Footwear That You Can Walk In

I recently spent a week in Victoria B.C. As you can imagine, it was incredible. Our room had a spectacular view and a jacuzzi on the the deck. Between these luxurious amenities and the on again off again rain, I'll admit it took me a couple of days to venture into the heart of the city.

On my first excursion away from pizza delivery and wrapping up the Good Wife on Netflix, I wore my Hunter rain boots. It was only a 15 minute walk to nearby restaurants and pubs over flat ground. Hours later I discovered how uncomfortable a shoe can be, even when it is flat. It was a nice excuse for an additional glass of wine before the walk back, but I became fixated on the perfect walking shoe for such an occasion.

After scanning the city for the elusive shoe store of dreams, I found it:

Confessions of a business-person

My name is Mellicia Marx and I'm an affiliate.

I recently spent the morning with a good friend of mine. When I stepped into her car, a glorious dark green Kate Spade handbag was sitting on her seat. I commented on how incredible it was and hours later she informed me that I had suggested it on the Poplin blog. Well, that explains why I liked it so much.

I get so excited to share new and exciting finds with you, Dear Reader. I quickly move to the next thing and often have little insight into whether or not these finds are working for you. In contrast to the face to face interaction I have with clients, blog posts don't result in the immediate feedback that a dressing room exchange provides. Although, writing these posts is one of my favorite activities, nonetheless.

Women's fashionmelliciaFebruary 20, 2014Affiliate, Clients, Personal stylist, SeattleComment

Seattle Sunday: Make-up & Hair By Hanna Mazur

Fancy 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?

Commemorate the Holiday With Your Very Own Valentino.

For those of you who've been following Poplin on Facebook, you've certainly noticed my recent obsession with Citizen Rosebud, reseller of vintage and pre-loved clothing. I have her to thank for three coats in the last month. So, you can imagine my excitement when she told me that she had two, not one, but TWO Valentino dresses that she had yet to list for sale.

Zara Seattle: The Flagship that Exceeds your Expectations

Every once in a while, I like to try to see things as if I'm seeing them for the first time. It's fun to remember the wonder and excitement that accompanied my first meal in Seattle, for instance. We ate at the Triangle in Fremont. Built to Spill was playing and I had just seen the sign in Fremont claiming the neighborhood as the "Center of the Universe". Built to Spill on the speakers, reference to one of their songs on the sign, it was meant to be. So every once in a while when I drive through Fremont, I try to imagine that this is my very first time seeing the sign and the bridge once again. I can almost hear the music.

Where am I going with this? Zara, Dear Reader. I am going to Zara. Tomorrow, you'll be able to go on your own. But today, I'll do my best to take you with me and we can both experience Seattle's very first Zara — a flagship store, in fact — for the first time.

Seattle Sunday: Olive & Boone

I'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.

Let's start with hats from Olive & Boone.

Special Request: The Perfect Necklace

My very stylish friend, Kelly, sent me a special request:

"I'm looking for a short statement necklace that I can wear with everything. Not too elaborate, please. Ideally with a little color. Everything I have is long and metal."

I love a good challenge.

Here are a few of my favorites:

My Current Fashion Obsessions

I love this day already. I was driving through Phinney Ridge when I saw a mom and her toddler in full Seahawks gear waiting for the bus. The bus stops have been jam packed all morning and it was pretty clear they weren't going to make the parade. So, I thought, why not take them there? As it turns out, Annie and her son, Abe, were up for it and off we went. After all, I had a carseat, which is some sort of universal sign that I'm not a serial killer and that I can also safely transport your toddler.

In the end, they are happy, I am happy and our city overall is bursting with joy, which is unusual and incredible. Plus, later today I get to try on a couple of Valentino dresses from the Citizen Rosebud. I'm living the dream.

Because I have so many things I'm excited to tell you about, I thought today's post could focus on my current obsessions. There are many. Here we go!

Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaFebruary 5, 2014fashion approach, flats, midi, neoprene, Personal stylist, polka dots, Seattle, Shoes, tapered pants, womenComment

An Easy Fix to a Complex Problem

Yesterday was a thinking day. I spent the morning listening to a few dark stories on NPR. Then, I devoted some time to friendly acquaintances who've recently experienced tragedy. Yes, thinking for sure.

It's a funny thing, being a personal stylist. At first glance it can seem shallow and unnecessary. But, it truly is a quest to help people take the time to value themselves. I get to help them feel confident that they are expressing who they really are, so that they can unleash their power to do great things. It is, in fact, pretty darn rewarding.

This thinking day evolved into two questions: Do you value yourself? And can anybody else tell whether or not you do?

Pick Me Ups, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaJanuary 30, 2014fashion, fashion approach, flattering, functional, hip, nightgowns, pajamas, Personal stylist, stylish, womenComment

What Exactly Do I Wear With the Orange Leather Bag That I KNOW I'm Going to Win?

I'm especially enthusiastic about all of the people signing up on the Poplin email list in the hopes that they might win this orange leather tote bag- and receive some useful information from me in the future, of course. If you want to see me get REALLY excited, you'll see me creating an outfit inspired by said handbag. Not sure what you'd wear with this baby? Here are a few suggestions, depending on your personal style.

For the woman who is:

3 Ways to Wear Your Holiday Dress... Again.

I had a conversation with one of my favorite people yesterday and it, like so many conversations we've had before, it centered around her holiday cocktail dress. My friend purchased this dress for a wedding late last fall and had trouble styling it to her satisfaction. Last night, she mentioned that she was planning to wear it again for a nonprofit fundraiser, but still didn't feel like she had the proper accessories... or something.

We've all been there. We buy a dress we love with the hopes that the styling will come together. Sadly, we discover we aren't sure what shoes to wear or jewelry. And, forget about staying warm at the party.

So, as a tribute to all of us who've stared at the dress we love, but never wear, in our closet, here are three ways to rock that holiday cocktail dress before next Christmas.

Fabulous Fashion on a Budget

When I was 12, I desperately wanted a pair of Guess jeans. So, I started saving up until I reached the $50 needed for the pair I wanted- black pegged Guess jeans. Everyone else had blue so I was especially keen on the black. Anyway, because I didn't receive allowance it seemed like it took a lifetime to earn the money, although it was likely a few months.

In the end, I rode my bike the long way to Macy's (sadly fashion sense does not give you a sense of direction) with my stash of cash to buy just the right pair. When I arrived, I discovered that I couldn't bring myself to spend my entire savings on one pair of jeans. That was the day I discovered that you can express yourself without spending your life savings- which led to years of vintage clothing stores, colored tights and my first "major" fashion purchase, green three hole Dr. Martens.

Last week I met with a new client who took me back to my roots- fabulous fashion on a budget. Everybody loves a deal, here are a few tips to get you there:

Make an impact with a bold neutral

Here's something I've noticed- a large percentage of women (and lots of men, too!) truly love the experience of a mani/pedi. The relaxation, the final result. You name it, they love it. What is especially interesting to me is that nail care can be a very effective and low barrier way for someone to communicate his/her personal style. You might notice someone rocking fleece and a pair of jeans with manicured nails, for instance.

The real battle is finding the time (I'm talking to you parents and/or workaholics!) and choosing the right color. As a redhead (thank you hairdresser and the joys of color), my bold nail color is orange-red. But, when that isn't calling to me, I am a big fan of neutrals. Wah wah. Right? Nope! Not, "I don't notice your color because it is so neutral." Instead, "holy cow. That nail color is awesome," despite being a neutral.

And, as a special treat, I'm going to show you the brands I used… which are not at all fancy. It looks like a trip to the drugstore is in order.

I’ve compiled some of hottest hits of this year’s styles to make summer shopping a little easier.

What to Wear When You Return to Work After Having a Baby

Retailers for the hip and pregnant.

My name is Mellicia Marx and I'm an affiliate.

Let's start with hats from Olive & Boone.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Because I have so many things I'm excited to tell you about, I thought today's post could focus on my current obsessions. There are many. Here we go!

This thinking day evolved into two questions: Do you value yourself? And can anybody else tell whether or not you do?

For the woman who is:

Last week I met with a new client who took me back to my roots- fabulous fashion on a budget. Everybody loves a deal, here are a few tips to get you there:

As we are in the month of financial cutbacks, here's an inexpensive way to up your game: Make an impact with neutrals.