As a personal stylist for women, I’m getting questions about cropped pants all the time. Yes! You can actually wear ankle length pants all year and be comfortable. Believe it. Here’s how.
Let me start by saying that Heidi would have hated that I’m posting these photos. But, they are the only ones I’ve got and they remind me of a really lovely evening with some of my very first clients. Each one went from an acquaintance to a good friend. So I’m posting them. It’s also a reminder that we are our own worst critics.
Six years ago this month, I started Poplin Style. Jumping into an entirely new career based entirely on my feeling that I’d be good at it and it would make me happy, I announced to the world that I was now a Personal Stylist.
I never could have done this without the intricate, vast, surprising support system all around me. Yes, my husband is incredible. And, yes, I have great friends, too. Yet, surprisingly, it was the friendly acquaintances who took a chance on me that were integral to building this business.
When I decided to reinvent my career, I happened to meet my husband’s boss, Heidi. She insisted on using my services. In fact, my first client was a good friend, Lauren, and Heidi was my next. But, Heidi was different. She saw what I had to offer, the early incarnation of the Style 360. But, it wasn’t for her.
“I know what I like. I just hate to shop. I don’t want to go to the store together. Can’t you do something else?”
And the Uber Wishlist was born.
I poured over her Uber Wishlist for hours next to the pool on a family vacation. When I finally completed it, she was elated. And that kicked off wishlist subscriptions. Heidi subscribed to a monthly list for a year.
The rest is history.
We lost Heidi a couple of weeks ago, now. I’ve been thinking all about this post since that day. But, it’s taken me some time to sit down and write it.
Here’s what I’m taking away.
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As a personal stylist for women, I spend a whole lot of time in closets. That means I see an extraordinary number of sweaters- and most of them aren’t holding up.
It’s vital that each piece in your collection communicates your personal style, is flattering for your shape and is functional for your lifestyle. Equally important: the pieces in your wardrobe should all show the world that you are successful. When you are wearing a sweater that has pills (little balls of sweater-ness all over), your clothing is not consistent with who YOU really are. You are a successful professional. You are on your way to the top or already there. You are someone who doesn’t feel her best in a pilled sweater.
You are also savvy and don’t like to waste your cash. So, how about we avoid buying sweaters that pill in the first place? Yes, you can do that. It’s not 100%, but this will take you far. Off we go!
(If you have some sweaters that you love and have already started pilling, try my favorite fabric shaver included in the Style Essentials.)
How to Buy a Sweater that Won’t Pill
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As a personal stylist for women, I’m all about respecting each client’s values and helping her communicate those through her clothing. I got so deep into this values discussion that I did a workshop at Amazon last year to help employees learn to live their values when it comes to clothing. As it turns out, it’s not as difficult as it sounds. And, like everything, it doesn’t need to be perfect. Really, who needs more things to feel guilty about? No one, that’s who.
So, I’m kicking off a new series of posts on Sustainability. This will also be woven more intentionally into posts in the future. This does not mean that I’ll only focus on pieces that are made from sustainable fabrics or recycled water bottles, etc. Although, I’ll certainly share those with you, too! What is means is that it’s important to be of service to the Poplin community where YOU are. So, if you’d like to pre-cycle (buy less, buy previously worn pieces or maximize what you have), recycle (find new homes for your unwanted pieces in a way that makes the world a better place, or at least doesn’t make it worse) or make intentional purchases (fabric choice, makers, number of pieces, and so on), this series is for you.
We’re going to kick things off with some essential info for just about everyone: How to care for your jeans. Off we go!
How to Care for Your Jeans
Extending the life of your jeans saves you money and heartache.
Read MoreAs a personal stylist for women, I spend a great deal of time discussing budgets with my clients. We talk about when to invest, when to cut back, when to buy new and when/if to buy used. A lot goes into balancing your money and your style.
What’s more fun than getting a crash course about how to elevate your style while respecting your financial goals? How about an entire evening filled with engaging, fascinating and friendly women who are there to learn the same thing? Register now for an evening of Money + Style with Poplin Style Direction hosted by the Koa Club. Here’s what you need to know.
Money + Style
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As a personal stylist for women, I can’t tell you how many people I have introduced to Portland’s own, Salty and Sweet Design. I ADORE this maker. The jewelry is lightweight, laser cut to perfection and crazy cool. Plus, it’s affordable. (You can also shop hanging mobiles, knives and more on the site.)
After all these years, it seems only right that we start offering a discount to Poplin clients. So, here you go!
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When I was in high school, I lived for vintage shopping. My favorite place was Wasteland (either in Berkeley or San Francisco depending on the day). I took great pride in wearing things that no one else was wearing and wearing them in a way that was distinctly my own. As I got older, and made more money, I moved further and further from second hand shopping. Until one day, I didn’t do it at all.
And that’s how it has been for the last several years. Where once I would have loved to hit a thrift store, now I have a similar experience with new clothes at the Rack. But Gen Z is reminding us all of the impact our consumption has on the planet. That means that thrifting has become cool. But you may or may not be up for that. I rediscovered the gems you can find while thrifting earlier this summer at Buffalo Exchange in Ballard. In fact, 60-70% of the dresses and jumpsuits I wore on my travels all summer were from that excursion. And, they were free. After all, I could sell pieces and have some credit to work with.
One challenge with thrift shopping is the need to dig through the racks. If you aren’t someone who enjoys the hunt, this is a major time suck with very little reward. Often, there’s the struggle to find the proper size or a current piece. For most of my clients, the idea of having a few hours to kill while perusing a thrift store just seems insane.
Enter the rental market.
Before we begin, let me clarify. Rental subscription services give you the freedom to curate your own collection and pay a regular monthly fee to do so. I see these as very different from Stitch Fix and Trunk Club. Those are subscription services that have employees selecting pieces for you based on a quick survey to identify your style archetype.
Back to clothing rental.
The Best Ways to Rent Clothing and Rock Your Authentic Personal Style
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As a personal stylist, I know how much my clients adore the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Our hometown store holds a special place in the hearts of many and of course, we all simply refer to it as, “Anniversary,” well aware that THIS is the time to pick up all your favorites for fall. I know. It’s weird, shopping for fall in early stages of summer. But Anniversary allows you to pay the sale price on fall pieces and watch the price rise when the sale is over. Items go FAST and right now we are enjoying Early Access. If you have a Nordstrom card, you can shop now, too.
Whether or not we’ve got time scheduled together shouldn’t prevent you from seeing some of my favorite deals. Here’s an assortment of the women’s shoes I’m swooning over. Enjoy!
Before we begin, please remember that Poplin is an affiliate so when you are ready to purchase, click through from the images on this post. if you do, Poplin may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions are small but mighty. Let me assure you, they add up and help keep the lights on. Or more accurately, they help make it possible to spend time writing blog posts that are 100% my views without tinkering or influence from anyone else. Thanks for being here. Enjoy!
The Best Women’s Shoes at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
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As I wrap up my sunny beach vacation in Panama, I’m reminded exactly how important it is to stop chlorine from damaging your hair. Local hairstylist Karen Reichert of Structure Salon offers these essential tips. And if you need some ideas for your sunny vacation, check out the Poplin Style Pinterest Board for lots of inspiration. New pins go live everyday. Enjoy!
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As a personal stylist, Northgate Mall is just one of the places I consider my stomping ground. The mall opened in 1950 as the first suburban shopping mall in the country. You know it well. That’s mostly because you can drive, park for free and shop efficiently. That’s also why the chain stores at that location get a whole lot of returns. It’s true, things are changing at Northgate. And they are changing fast. Here’s what you need to know. (Wondering what’s going on? This Seattle Times article gives you the details. )
Your Favorites are Closing at Northgate Mall
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As a personal stylist, I get to do a whole lot of listening. I learn so much from my clients. From their favorite brands to new apps and even summer camps for the kids. I’ve been listening for six years now and I’ve had a few requests repeatedly over time. Lately, they’ve been coming up regularly, so we’re adding two new packages to meet the unique needs of Poplin clients. We’re very excited to kick these off. Remember that Poplin services are the same price per hour regardless of service. So, if you decide to mix things up halfway through, that’s just fine. It’s all about what makes your life easier and helps you look and feel your best. Enjoy!
Introducing Two New Style Packages
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As a personal stylist for women, one of the great joys of my job is the supply of stellar tips I get from my clients and readers. Sometimes, I’ll get a text about a new store or a great sale or a favorite on Instagram. Other times it a message with photos of her wearing something I recommended. Whatever it is, it reminds me that we are all part of the Poplin community. Thanks for being here.
One recent Instagram message was an introduction to CHUNKS jewelry and accessories. I already followed the founder, Tiffany Ju, as she is also the genius behind BZR tights, of which I am a long time fan and supporter. Tiffany is a Parsons graduate, a mom, an entrepreneur and one delightful human being. Her creations have gained press from BUST Magazine, Refinery29, Design Sponge, Glamour Magazine, Anthology Magazine, The Martha Stewart Show, Brit + Co and many others.
Anyway, CHUNKS, I was not surprised to learn, are often carried in museum stores. They are playful, joyful and practical. What more could you need? I spent a recent morning modeling some glorious CHUNKS pieces and walked away with a stash of awesomeness that I couldn’t leave behind. Here are a few of my favs!
CHUNKS for your hair and eyes.
The perfect gift for you or someone you adore.
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Nothing says holiday weekend like a great sale. And this weekend is full of them. Below is a list of some of my favs. Remember to click through the links when you are ready to shop as Poplin is an affiliate. That means that Poplin may receive a commission on your purchase at no additional cost to you. Thanks very much! Enjoy yourself and hey, have a great weekend, will you?
My Favorite Memorial Day Sales
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A few years ago, we went to Helsinki and Oslo. Of course, I was all about visiting the birthplace of my beloved Marimekko. But, we also really enjoyed scouring the boutiques and art museums. My favorite purchase was a cross body white leather phone case. It holds my phone, my ID and sometimes a stick of lipstick. It’s so beautiful, classy, minimalist. It’s all the things.
Except, when I want to take a photo, I still have to take my phone out. Not anymore, the Bandolier Cross Body Phone Case allows you to access your phone and cards easily so text, take photos and the like without pulling your phone out of your bag. Here’s how it works.
Your Hands Free Cross Body Phone Case
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As a personal stylist for women, there is SO much variety in my daily life. One day I’m running around Bellevue Square on the hunt for the perfect pieces for my client’s shopping trip, another I’m climbing all over her bedroom to take outfit photos and still another I’m in my office scouring the interwebs to create the Uber Wishlist of dreams. Just because I’m doing another Closet Edit doesn’t mean that the experience is the same. After all, every one of my clients is her own person. She has a picture in her mind of her ideal, stylish self. She faces unique struggles and a lifetime of self talk around clothing and her body.
There is one thing that all (if not nearly all) of my clients have in common: they know Poplin. Thanks to the generous clients who have come before, there are endless online reviews about the experience. In fact, right now on Yelp, there are 47 “recommended reviews” with another 15 “not recommended.” I know. Right? So many feelings about those not recommended reviews. I digress…..
Whether she has delved into the Client Stories Page, checked out Google, Facebook, Yelp or been a part of the Poplin community via the newsletter, this blog and/or Instagram, she knows what she is getting into. Very often, she identifies with one or more story.
Read More"I was sick of taking 30 minutes every morning to find something to wear and still ending up feeling frumpy.”
The moment that we get a bit of sunshine, I am READY for spring. As a personal stylist who was born and bred in sunny California, I can’t help but have lots of love for warm weather fashion. It’s easy. It’s feminine. It’s functional. Having been in Seattle nearly 15 years, I find myself struggling with late winter/ early spring. You know it, that time of year when you desperately want to wear spring colors and pieces, but it’s still cold and often rainy.
Lucky for us all, there are ways to introduce spring early this year. Below are some of my favorites. I’ve also included some outfit photos from real Poplin clients. Every item on an image works with every other item to create multiple outfits. These aren’t perfectly lighted or displayed because the focus is on creating the maximum number of outfits, rather than having each image look perfect. I hope they are useful for you as you integrate these trends into your wardrobe. After all, you don’t need all new pieces. Leverage what you have and you’ll find that old pieces will also feel new again. Enjoy!
5 Spring Trends That You Can Wear Multiple Ways
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As a person who is either working at home or out in the world, I’m very familiar with the pros and cons. As a personal stylist for women, I’ve worked with countless women who struggle with balancing comfort and style while working from home.
I recently wrote a guest post on Telecommuters Talk, a blog for parents who work at home. It’s got 5 strategies to help you succeed complete with photos of Poplin clients. Take a look!
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As a personal stylist for women, I spend a great deal of time with women helping each one determine what cuts are most flattering, what pieces are authentic to her personal style and what’s ideal for her lifestyle and budget.
Jeans, as you can imagine, are a big topic of conversation. While there are quite a few women who are not loving this high rise trend (I see you!) because it doesn’t work for their body types, there is also a sea of women who are loving it. For those who are fans, they are often filled with other questions. One key struggle: should I be wearing high rise or super high rise jeans? Here’s the skinny.
What’s More Flattering for my Body? High Rise Jeans
or Super High Rise Jeans
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The average size for an American woman is between size 12 and 16, depending on the source. It’s common for brands to cap out at 12 or 14. As a personal stylist for women, I see how hard this is for real women. Who wants to discover that changes in her body mean that she can no longer shop at her favorite retailers or from her favorite brands? And when she’s an Anthro fan, it’s even more challenging because, let’s face it, there are very few, if any, retailers that really compete with Anthropologie.
So, I was ELATED when I discovered Anthro’s new plus size collection. Size 16-26 is available RIGHT NOW. So get on over and check it out. Here are a few of my favs based on your body type. Remember, defining your personal style is essential to feeling great about how you look. If you already know that Anthro’s vibe speaks to you, this post is for you! And hey, if you are looking for sizes below 16, not to worry. These pieces are inclusive and some also are available in petite!
How to Dress Your Body With Anthropologie’s New Plus Size Line
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