Note from the Editor:

Two things: 1. Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. Like what you read? Jordan's research on Sizeism was recently featured in an article in the Everett Herald? Check it out! Love her and you will, too. 2. I had a vintage inspired lavender coat with a lavender faux fur collar that I rocked with pride for years. Although, it happened to be the only coat I had with me on my initial move to NYC several years ago. I would not recommend opting for that when riding in a sea of black on the subway for the first time in the middle of February. Luckily, a personal stylist always has solution. On that day, mine was H&M.

This will mean something to you, Dear Reader once you reach the end of the post..... Enjoy!

plus size fashion, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaSeptember 18, 2014fur coats, how to wear---, over the knee boots, Plus size retailersComment

Introducing the Scandal Collection for the Limited. For Real.

Is it wrong? Ever since I heard Lena Dunham and Claire Danes gushing about Scandal on the red carpet of the Golden Globes, I decided it was time to check it out.

Whatever your feelings on Scandal, one thing is true, the clothes are worth the viewing. As your very own personal stylist, I feel compelled to make sure you are in the know on this one.

Women's fashionmelliciaSeptember 16, 2014Dress like Kerri Washington, Personal Stylist Seattle, Scandal collection, the LimitedComment

Seattle Sunday: Embrace Your Inner Tomboy (and win!) with TomboyX

If you, Dear Reader, embrace the TomboyX lifestyle, the brand sells itself. Quality pieces with an edge.

But, if you love it, and aren't sure how to wear it- that's where your very own personal stylist comes in. And, now is certainly the perfect time.

TomboyX and Poplin Style Direction are joining forces to help YOU win up to $250 worth of clothing from the brand, a styling session with me at the showroom AND lunch with the team. Make sure you are entered to win by liking TomboyX and Poplin on Facebook as well as signing up for our newsletters. See more details here.

Now, where were we? Oh, yes, styling.

Ways to Wear My 3 Favorite Pieces from TomboyX

Win $250 Worth of TomboyX Apparel, a Free Styling Session & So Much More

For those of you who are all social media, all the time, you've likely seen my recent posts about visiting the TomboyX showroom in Seattle's SoDo neighborhood. I'm addicted.

Just a few reasons why I heart TomboyX and You Will, Too

See You Tomorrow at the TomboyX Showroom!

TomboyX and Poplin Style Direction present

TomboyX Open House

with special guest stylist Mellicia Marx, Poplin Style Direction

Baby Steps: The Evolution of my White Clogs and What this Means to YOU

You might remember last month's post featuring some of my early summer obsessions. At the top of the list: my white patent leather platform clogs from Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony.

They were bold. They were free. I wanted them. I got them. I had to figure out how to wear them. Then I did.

My Wackadoodle Clogs Over Time & Applying this Strategy to Your Purchase

The Plus size Coordinating Set- Not just sweaters anymore

Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. This time, she teamed up with Poplin Style Direction Intern, Ellie Emoto to bring you up to speed on this summer's Must Have. This week's Poplin newsletter includes Ellie's take on the LWD for straight sizes and Jordan's perspective for plus size women is below. If you aren't receiving the newsletter, make sure to sign up!

Also, did you know that Jordan's research on Sizeism was recently featured in an article in the Everett Herald? Check it out! Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Dear Reader,

Although I usually try and stay away from flash trends, opting instead for more classic pieces, sometimes I get roped in. I struggled against the coordinating set but then finally gave in to the matchy matchy patterned sets that felt fun and funky. Well, my jumping into this trend was my best fashion decision of the past six months. After acquiring a matching monochrome patterned sweater and skirt set I found a dozen ways to wear each piece separately, and another dozen ways to wear them together with various accessories and shoes. Even better, I felt powerful, stunning and oh so cool every time I put them on together.

So I want to share that feeling with you. I've found some coordinating sets or co-ords that align with some keywords; making this trend accessible no matter what you are seeking to communicate.

Co-ords

The Secret to Beautiful Hair: Connect with your Hairdresser on LinkedIn

Apparently, life goes on whether I'm there or not. And, I expect I'm not the only one.

Last weekend, my son and I ran into Brenda, the lovely woman who flawlessly colored my hair for years. She was also Kim Jong Il for Halloween one year, which is amazing. Needless to say, I'm very fond of her.

When I became pregnant, I took a hiatus from coloring my hair. It was intended to be temporary. But, when I learned of the cost of child care, I discovered that brown hair was just fine. Well, fine for at least 6 months, anyway.

The last time I had spoken to Brenda, she and her husband were hoping to have a baby. When I was ready to start coloring my hair again, she was gone.

And it happens to so many of us. For whatever reason, we aren't in the know when our favorite esthetician, massage therapist, hair dresser, tailor, insert essential life supporting service here, person moves on. Even worse, we can never find them again. Therefore, I propose this:

Connect with Your Life Changing (Insert Occupation Here) via LinkedIn

Menswear, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaJuly 31, 2014Comment

The One Piece that Saves You Money & Heartache

How many times have you put the final touches on your outfit only to discover that your shoes don't match your jewelry? Or, the buttons on your coat are gold while the buckle on your shoes is silver? Perhaps your wedding ring is white gold but you really want to wear your new yellow gold bracelet?

I would venture to say more than once.

A client sent me a text the other day asking about this issue and how to solve it.

Is it a Fashion Faux Paux to Wear Gold with Silver?

Summer Staple: LWD

Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. This time, she teamed up with Poplin Style Direction Intern, Ellie Emoto to bring you up to speed on this summer's Must Have. This week's Poplin newsletter includes Ellie's take on the LWD for straight sizes and Jordan's perspective for plus size women is below. If you aren't receiving the newsletter, make sure to sign up!

Also, did you know that Jordan's research on Sizeism was recently featured in an article in the Everett Herald? Check it out! Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Dear Readers,

As we hit the warmest time of the year, with long sunsets and backyard parties, you may find your social schedule filling up. It's easy and necessary to have a piece that can go from cocktail mixers to bridal showers and then to visit in-laws. In the colder months an easy piece to pull on and go is the LBD: The Little Black Dress. A seemingly universal dress that is easily changed with accessories or layers, this staple is given a summer update in white.

As follows are some great choices to flatter different figures, and make your summer dressing easy as 1,2,3.

LWD for the Plus Sized Woman

Feeling Overwhelmed? Life Just Got a Little Easier

I've said it before, we all have a little Seasonal Affective Disorder in us. If for no other reason, but because our calendars are on hyper drive this time of year. Every day has a zillion commitments and even though the days are technically longer, we still can't do it all. So, if this time of year has brought you a feeling of overwhelm, you are not alone. I thought you might enjoy some streamlining from your very own personal stylist.

Here we go!

5 Ways to Take Control of Your Style

body image, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaJuly 23, 2014Comment

Seattle Sunday: Jill Griffin Handmade Jewelry

Over the last few weeks, I've had a number of clients use words like, "earthy," and "natural" when describing their personal styles. You, Dear Reader, know how essential style keywords can be. Along with the do's and don'ts for your body type, style keywords can help you ensure that your clothes are communicating exactly what you want them to.

Lucky for me, the lovely and talented Jill Griffin was just a click away to empower me to offer up locally hand made jewelry for the earthier set of my client base. I met Jill last year when one of my clients hosted a trunk show for her. (I went home with a black leather cuff.)

And, because I think of you, Dear Reader, as my virtual client, I wanted to make sure I share her pieces (and the client discount) with you.

What You Need to Know Now About Jill Griffin Jewelry

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is Here. Do You Know the Fall Runway Trends?

Who doesn't love the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? For the unindoctrinated, Anniversary (as the groupies call it) gives Nordstrom cardholders the chance to shop the fall trends now. Even better, they are on sale.

Yes! They go on sale now, then up to full price after the sale. And few things are as painful as watching something you saw on sale go up to full price... unless, of course, YOU bought it for the lower price.

Nordstrom card holders get early access to the sale July 10th- 17th. That's today! Don't have a card, you can still get one:)

I find that the most challenging thing about Anniversary is facing the concept that summer will eventually end. That makes it tough to shop for cold weather clothes. Plus, you've got to start thinking about fall trends to buy those pieces that you will undoubtedly yearn for come October. With that in mind, here's a guide to fall runway trends that you can shop for now and ensure you are comfortable and cool in the Northwest Winter weather.

If you aren't a card holder, you can see (and buy!) the Anniversary deals after July 18th.

Fall Trends, Nordstrom Anniversary Sale & YOU.

Summer Wedding Breakdown

Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. This time, I've added in options from Rent the Runway so you can rent a dress to save you a little cash. We've included straight size and plus size examples. The strategies are the same. And, Rent the Runway now includes plus size options. Huzzah!

Did you know that Jordan's research on Sizeism was recently featured in an article in the Everett Herald? Check it out! Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Dear Reader,

As a warm summer approaches so does the up-swing in summer wedding invitations. It can be a bit of a struggle to find the right thing to wear for each type of wedding, so I have created a breakdown of different types of wedding attire requirements and my suggestions for each. As you know, it's important to be appropriately dressed for the occasion without becoming overheated in the warm weather. Don't worry! I'm on it.

My Love Affair with SoleStruck. Because Ugly Shoes ARE a Global Issue

Dear Reader,

I have a confession to make: I am unabashedly SoleStruck.

Months ago, the good people at DIGS Showroom in Ballard held an event featuring Portland brand SoleStruck. Not only did I have a lovely time, leave with an incredible swag bag that just keeps on giving (thank you, DIGS!); but I also bought a pair of edgy and functional heels. Thrilled, we went home. By the next day I was a proud winner of a free pair of shoes from SoleStruck. Woot!

And so it began.

My Love Affair with SoleStruck.

Can loungewear be chic? Yes!

Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. Jordan's research on Sizeism was just featured in an article in the Everett Herald. Check it out! Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Dear Reader,

Few things are more gratifying than shedding your work clothes after a long day and putting on something comfortable. While pulling on my trusty old college sweats and a tank I wondered what others wore to hang about...So I went on a quest. I questioned family, friends, and co-workers looking to find what people preferred. I found that most like loose fitting pants that stretched yet still held a shape, and a jersey tank or tee. One gal mentioned that she called this look "lounge-chic." She described it as the balance between comfortable shoes that are easy to move in while maintaining the ability to open the door or run to the grocery store without embarrassment.

So I wanted to see how I could elevate my own lounge wear to "lounge-chic" and naturally, I wanted to share my findings with you. Because Poplin Style Direction focuses on knowing what works best for your body shape (as well as your personal style) I wanted to utilize the body types to help pinpoint some great choices for various body shapes.

Lounge Chic

3 Experts Take You to the Beach Pt. 1

Part 1 of 2

As you may know, I spend a great deal of time near the water. In our city, it's so easy to do. With the Summer Solstice right around the corner, I thought I'd share some of my favorite tips for hitting the beach. Even better? How about I ask two other very knowledgeable women to do the same. Please enjoy some helpful tips directly from professional organizer, Annie Traurig and hair and make-up artist, Hanna Mazur.

Beach Essentials

Annie Traurig, Owner, Live Simply by Annie

COS. The Basics You've Been Searching For Come to America.

I remember fantasizing about the day H&M would finally come to Seattle. Then, it did- with three stores opening almost simultaneously. Suddenly, I didn't need to buy 10 pairs of tights every time I visited New York or Chicago. Life was good.

This month, life just got a whole lot better. Enter COS (Collection of Style). The H&M owned brand is all about effortless, paired back basics. Timeless minimalism for men, women and kids. While we don't have a brick and mortar COS in Seattle, we are FINALLY able to shop the brand here in the states thanks to the magic of the inter web.

5 Reasons you MUST Visit Cosstores.com Now

1. You get a discount.

I'd Hate for You to Miss Out.

The beauty of technology is that I can see that you, Dear Reader, come back to read the blog over and over again. Thank YOU. Sometimes you come from Facebook. Sometimes you come straight to the blog via your RSS Feed or a bookmark. Boy, do I appreciate it.

What I can also see is that a very small portion of you are receiving Poplin emails. Why? Don't want emails cluttering your inbox? Concerned that the email is simply a recap of blog posts gone by? Oh, no. Having just emailed a newsletter this morning, it seems evident that I should offer up support for the email list from your local personal stylist.

One more thing, in honor of Memorial Day, I'm including photos of some of my favorite red, white and blue pieces because, why not?

I digress. Here we go.

5 Reasons YOU Need Emails from Poplin

Looking for Hip Plus Size Swimwear? Look No Further.

Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. I requested her take on plus size swimwear and I couldn't be happier with her post. Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Dear Reader,

It’s finally getting to that point in the year here in the Pacific Northwest where we can begin to find swimming a feasible past time. Whether you are jet setting off on vacation to a truly warm beach climate, or staying at home and enjoying a pool or lake, getting outfitted can be intimidating. For those of us looking for cute yet supportive swimwear shopping can be a daunting task, especially since most places do not sell plus size swimwear in store.

Let's begin with a note of encouragement.