Posts in Women's fashion
The Stylish Star Wars Fan.

I'm not sure about you, Dear Reader, but our world is totally consumed with Star Wars. After all, I have a son. In fact, we threw him a Padawan Park Crawl Birthday Party last fall. (It's like a pub crawl but with parks.) I think you get the idea.

With that in mind, it seems only right that I share with you some of my favorite Star Wars swag for the fan who wants to show support while maintaining her style. As a personal stylist, this conundrum comes up a lot. And, hey, if you run into this same prediciment around supporting your favorite sports team, you might find the blog post on that topic helpful. 

Back to the the force.....

 

Star Wars Gear for the Stylish Fan

Read More
5 Ways to Wear a Ball Skirt. Yes! You Can.

The holiday party season is in full swing and I have exactly one thing on my mind: ball skirts. Believe it. My go-to for parties last year was a DVF jumpsuit. If you are just getting on that train, good for you. Stick with it. Jumpsuits show confidence without being over the top. 

If you, like me, are always searching for the next best thing, if you seek a new way to dress for a party that isn't the same outfit recycled, might I introduce you to the ball skirt? It may seem crazy, but trust me, this one piece can add magic and functionality to your social life. Think holiday parties, weddings, and for the very bold, an evening out. As your very own personal stylist for women in the Seattle area, I will prove to you, Dear Reader, it can be done. 

Let's begin with a definition of ball skirts. They are exactly what you think they are: a ball gown cut in half. My favorites include pockets. The most efficient way to find the right one for you is to hit the Nordstrom website or visit a store. I very rarely send folks to just one retailer, but I'm obsessed with this up and coming style and Nordstrom is really the place to find it locally. Here are a few of my favs. 

Read More
My Favorite Raingear.

It's not easy to look stylish and stay dry. As a personal stylist for women in the Seattle area, I receive LOTS of questions about this one. So, I thought I'd share some of my very favorite weatherproof pieces right now. Enjoy!

1. For the Urban Fashionista.

Read More
Winter Accessorizing

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

Hello Dear Reader,

As the frigid weather approaches I have been asked about how to layer up and stay warm but still feel stylish and shapely. With a lot of winter wear being bulky it can be hard to feel sleek under so many layers. But with a bit of accessorizing know how, and warm layers underneath like a cashmere sweater and fleece lined leggings you will be all set to brazen the winter chills while still feeling fabulous.

Oversized Scarf

Read More
Pack These 3 Multi-taskers for Your Holiday Travel.

Let's face it, we're always trying to pack less. But, during the holiday season, that mission becomes even more critical. After all, the more room in your suitcase, the more of your holiday stash you can carry rather than ship. With that in mind, as a personal stylist for women in Seattle, here are my three essentials for holiday travel. Off we go!

 

3 Pieces That Will Save Room in Your Suitcase

Read More
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! 

Read More
10 Ways to Look Fashionable When You are Supporting the Seahawks

As a personal stylist for women, I spend a significant amount of time in women's closets. A woman's closet should feel like a boutique curated just for her. Every piece should make her feel like her authentic self. If it doesn't, it's out. Closet Edits are guided by each client's personal style and body type, with one exception: the sports jersey. The Seahawks/Sounders (and every so often, Mariners) section is the third rail of closet edits, never to be touched. However, it does spark lots of questions. "How do I look stylish at the games? What do I wear this with?" And so on. This has come up so frequently that a blog post is clearly in order. For all my clients and readers who support a team, any team, and want to do it looking your best, this one's for you. 

 

10 Ways to Look Fashionable as the 12th (Wo)man

Read More
What Your Clothes are saying to YOU.

It's no secret that people make judgments about us based on what we are wearing and how we look. It's also no secret that nonverbal communication (aka body language) is one way that we send messages to those around us. Something that is often overlooked is what we are saying to OURSELVES through our body language and the way we adorn ourselves. 

An enthusiastic and thoughtful client of mine sent over this video of a TED Talk by Amy Cuddy. (You may or may not know that I am obsessed with TED Talks. I digress.) If you haven't seen it already, you certainly should. It's about how powerful we become when we use power poses — when our nonverbal language communicates that we are powerful. It got my client thinking about how this relates to what we wear and how we feel in those pieces. 

This is something I think about quite a bit. 

 

What Your Clothes are Saying to YOU and How That Affects Your Behavior.

Read More
Lace It Up

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

 

Hello Dear Reader,

Lately I have noticed a certain uptick in the amount of robin hood style English lacing. You know what I mean, that back and forth lacing on the wide neck shirts that men and women wore ala Kevin Costner Robin Hood. Well it is back big time on the heels of the 70's trend and can be seen on clothing, shoes and even bags. Recently I was asked by a co-worker how in the world to incorporate this 90's and 70's style throwback into a day to day routine.

Lacing

Read More
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

Read More
What Can I Wear BESIDES a Cardigan?

I recently had a client tell me that she thinks I hate cardigans. On the contrary, I adore cardigans. Always have. Always will. The problem is that I've been adoring cardigans for going on 25 years now and let's face it, the thrill is gone. 

Here's the thing: when a woman puts together a stunning and thoughtful outfit that communicates her personal style, she is on the verge of achieving pure bliss. She feels confident. She get's more accomplished. She is more willing to take risks in other areas. She is strong. 

Then, she adds the final piece for, "warmth." Her tried and true cardigan. And much of what has just been achieved is lost. Often this cardigan stays at the office, draped over her chair for, dare I say it again, "warmth." As it turns out, it's a bit chilly here. So, inevitably, that (most likely black) cardigan is used on the daily. Elegance. Intention. It's all lost. 

But fear not, a cardigan does not always have this effect. So, if you are sure you are rocking your cardis and keeping things elevated, more power to you. (Successful options are likely hip length or longer and absent of pilling.) If you worry that you maybe possibly could-be someone who needs a little help finding cardigan alternatives, your very own personal stylist for women is stepping in. 

 

3 Alternatives to Cardigans.

Read More
Please Tell Me You Have at Least One of These 3 Must Have Cold Weather Accessories

Sure, the weather changes daily. But there's no need to hold off on your cold weather accessory purchases until it's too late. This fall we're seeing three accessories that have been out of rotation for some time. What does that mean to you? It means you are going to need to start keeping your eyes open for these babies as they slowly hit retailers. Then, bam! You are officially a trend setter. 

And hey, if I haven't said it lately, just a quick note that I REALLY appreciate you reading the blog, the newsletter and just supporting Poplin in general. You are a nice person. Thank you. As your very own personal stylist for women, I thought it might be a nice reminder on this rainy day.

 

3 Essential Accessories for Cold Weather 

Read More
Highest Form of Flattery

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

Hello Dear Reader,

I recently moved to a new building in the heart of the shopping district in Downtown Seattle, and I have been hit with a wave of serious street style envy the last month or so. I am starting to see people wearing more transitional pieces and some of the layering is blowing my mind. It's been a real source of inspiration just looking around as I wait for the bus home. Since imitation is the highest form of flattery, I thought I would share some sketches of outfits I've been loving! And with a bit of research I have been able to pull together some like pieces so that you too can rock some of these great street styles! I love being inspired by the city and people around me!

 

Read More
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.

Read More
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

Read More
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.

Read More
How do I Style Clogs?

FACT: I adore clogs. 

Interestingly, clogs are defined as, "shoes that are made completely or in part from wood." That means shoes like my recent find from Ballard boutique re-souL are clogs, despite having an ankle strap. So, there's that. 

Since the moment I posted photos of my visit to re-souL, those clogs have been front and center in nearly every conversation. My friend in Colorado even called to ask where she could find a pair (re-souL, naturally). But, despite the enthusiasm over these timeless wonders, it's evident that people often struggle with styling clogs. No more, Dear Reader. No more.

 

 

5 Ways to Rock a Clog

Read More