I've been searching for the perfect pair of metallic ankle boots for over a year. If that seems excessive, I think so, too. But, first, I imagined metallic ankle boots without having actually seen a pair. This is a common approach of mine. Dream it. Then find it. As a personal stylist for women, I do this for my clients, too. That's part of the fun of the job.

My theory was that metallic ankle boots would be an amazing neutral. After all, you've likely heard me champion mixed metals for a couple of years now. Metallic ankle boots seemed like the ideal completion of an outfit with metal accessories. To be true to my personal style, I have been looking for a pair that are show stoppers, but not too over the top, reasonably priced (because this is an experiment) AND had a heel height lower than 3 1/2 inches. That's a tall order.

I finally found a pair

Seattle Boutique: Foundation Fits Your Style & Your Budget

I had a client tell me that she loves the idea of boutiques, but she doesn't love the price tags. There's a common misconception that shopping at local shops translates to high prices. I'm always excited to share boutiques that fit every budget without sacrificing style. Queen Anne's newest shop, Foundation, does just that.

I went to the grand opening, hoping to get ideas for clients and walked out with a bag of pieces for myself. Naturally, I raced home to update you, Dear Reader on Seattle's newest option for the stylish woman on a budget.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is Almost Over: Last Chance to Pick Up My Favs!

accessories, Body Types, Designer Label, My Favorite Things, plus size fashion, Poplin Events, Shoes, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaAugust 7, 2016Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2016Comment

The Modern Sexy Librarian.

As a personal stylist, I've discovered that there are several archetypes that come up over and over. Clients reference a look they've always loved, whether or not they channel that when getting dressed. Sometimes, the goal is to get there. That's what I'm here for. Other times, they just like elements of the aesthetic and wonder how to integrate those in small parts into their daily looks. Well, Dear Reader. I live for this stuff.

So, today, it's all about the sexy librarian. Yes, this can go so many ways. But today, I'm heading toward a feminine woman who isn't afraid to be feminine. She's confident. She knows her stuff. And, she's a little bit unconventional. Enjoy!

Channeling the Sexy Librarian in Your Look

Enough About Brexit. The UK's Oliver Bonas is What I Really Want to Talk About.

As a woman with a triangle body type, I got into the bold necklace thing about ten years ago or more. I couldn't get enough of them. At that point, they were especially hard to find which meant that the emotional thrill of finding just the right one was significant, to be sure.

But, over the course of time, I lost enthusiasm for the trend. It felt like the pieces were all starting to look the same and even the most unusual options weren't as exciting to me. Now, I'm all about earrings and watches, bracelets or rings.

Until Oliver Bonas.

Some of my Favs from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

We wait all year for it, and now it's finally here. In a word, Anniversary. If you have a Nordstrom card, you can pre-shop the sale until July 21st. Why would you do this? Because you can shop fall pieces now. And, I know from experience that sizes go fast. On July 21st, sale prices are available to the masses. When Anniversary ends, pieces go from their sale prices up to full price. It's wacky. It's fun. It's Anniversary.

The benefit of having your very own personal stylist, Dear Reader, is that I've gone through every piece on sale to call out my very favorites.

One more thing. If you don't have a Nordstrom card (credit or debit), you might think about signing up for one. There's a wide range of benefits that include $20 Nordstrom notes (same as cash at Nordstrom or the Rack) showing up in the mail. If you are a serious Nordstrom shopper, you might also consider a credit card that earns you more Nordstrom notes anytime you use it (not just at Nordstrom).

No, the company didn't pay me to say this. But, it's my job as a personal stylist to make my clients aware of ways to maximize every dollar.

So there you have it. And now onto some of my very favorite pieces on sale. The selection is pretty great this year, so you'll see a series of posts with more of my favs. Keep checking back.

Round ONE: Edgy, Urban, Sexy

My 10 Favorite Things Right Now

It's been a while since I've sent out a list of my very favorite things. Let's be clear. I am absolutely addicted to a laundry list of items. As a personal stylist for women, my goal is to write blog posts that help you maintain a personal style that is authentic to you. Your look should communicate who you are and be functional for your life. My favorite things are a collection of items that encompass who I am. Ideally, you'll find that some of them speak to you, as well. As always, I love to know what you think and hear about some of your favorite things. Off we go!

My 10 Favorite Things Right Now

Prince-Inspired Pieces that are Authentic to Your Personal Style

Many years ago a friend hooked me up with $10 tickets to see Prince at Key Arena the same night. I bought them at 3 in the afternoon, just hours before the show. It was the Musicology Tour. I was working in an office filled with really wonderful people who had families and lived in the suburbs. Naturally, while they seemed to share my enthusiasm, none of them had any intention of going to the show. After much frustration, I interrupted a meeting and made a big speech about how missing Prince would look to their children. "Do you want your children to look at you the way you look at your parents who missed the Beatles? If you want your kids to think you are moderately cool years from now, you need to see this show tonight." Three of them gave into my pressures and off we went.

Needless to say, it was amazing.

So as we blast Prince from our speakers, let's let him, the fashion icon and musical genius influence us yet again. Here's a collection of pieces* that remind me of him and still remind me of you, Dear Reader. Heading to work or running around with the family while looking hip, wearing clothes that are functional and owning your style words. In the words of the man himself, "Your always walking your way."

Prince in Your Closet

It's All About the Block Heel.

There's nothing like a great spring trend. As a personal stylist, I am always on the lookout for what is current and how that translates for each of my clients. As a fashion enthusiast, I'm pretty much obsessed with this sort of thing. This is one of those situations where I just sit and count the minutes, waiting for the weather to change so that I can finally rock those open toed shoes with reckless abandon. This year, those shoes simply must either have laces or have a block heel. If you missed Poplin contributor Jordan Richardson's post on the Case for Laces, take a look. For now, let's focus on the uber functional and stylish block heel.

20 Glorious Block Heels.

Find the One that is Right for YOU.

Styling Your New Wearable Accessory.

The winner of the Poplin Style Direction Funktional Wearables Giveaway will be announced on Sunday. That's right, friends. THIS Sunday. So, if you've already liked Poplin on Facebook, thank you. If you share a blog post (including this one) about the giveaway, you get ten, count them, ten entries! You could be walking away with a stylish accessory that secretly contains your fitbit or other fitness tracking device. Fit and stylish. I love it.

Let's say you've done all that. It's time to start thinking about which accessory to choose. Here are some suggestions. Final step, how exactly do you style one of these bad boys. As your very own personal stylist, that's what I'm here to hep you with. Off we go!

5 Ways to Style A Wearable Accessory

from Funktional Wearables

Let's Talk About Your Bra

One of the easiest ways to look better is to find a better fitting bra. True story. Any woman who has had a baby or major weight loss/weight gain is especially aware of this fact.

I feel like many women have heard this before, but that doesn't necessarily drive us to run to the closest department store for a bra fitting. After all, we are adults, right? Well, I'm here to encourage you to do just that and have the chance to help women in Africa. That always feels good.

First things first.

You might be wearing the wrong bra size if:

When I Win my Wearable Accessory, Which One Will I Choose?

If you haven't already heard, Poplin Style Direction is giving away a free wearable accessory of your choice from Funktional Wearables. All you have to do is like Poplin on Facebook to be entered to win. So easy! (Share this giveaway and be entered 10 times!)

Now, the hard part. How does a girl choose the perfect wearable accessory? I'm rocking mine everyday and now considering getting a couple more because they are so hip. Who would ever know there's a fitbit hiding in there?! I digress. Let me show you a few of my favs. Have some of your own? Do tell.

My Favorite Wearables from Funktional Wearables

Win a Wearable Accessory!

Yes! I had a fitbit just like everyone else. It was so addictive, so motivating, so obviously a fitbit. When I got paint on the black case, I was forced to switch to the green one. Sure, it was fun. But it was even more obviously a fitbit. Eventually, I just stopped wearing it altogether.

Well, lucky for all of us, times have changed. Now you can race toward your fitness goals without looking like you are rocking your gym gear. Even better? You can do this while looking great and if you are a Poplin fan on Facebook, potentially for free.

Stay Fit Without Compromising Your Style

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.

Channeling the Sexy Librarian in Your Look

Round ONE: Edgy, Urban, Sexy

My 10 Favorite Things Right Now

Prince in Your Closet

20 Glorious Block Heels.

Find the One that is Right for YOU.

5 Ways to Style A Wearable Accessory

from Funktional Wearables

First things first.

You might be wearing the wrong bra size if:

My Favorite Wearables from Funktional Wearables

Stay Fit Without Compromising Your Style

Oversized Scarf