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

Guest Post: What's it REALLY Like to Work with Poplin. One Client's Perspective

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.

"I was sick of taking 30 minutes every morning to find something to wear and still ending up feeling frumpy.”

-Ashley

5 Spring Trends That You Can Wear Multiple Ways

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

5 Easy Ways to Step Up Your Style Game When You Work From Home

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!

Should I Be Wearing High Rise Jeans or Super High Rise Jeans?

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

The Perfect Pieces for Your Body Type from Anthropologie's New Plus Size Line

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

The Modern Twin Set. Put Away Your Cardigan.

What’s more classic than a twin set? (A twin set is a cardigan with a coordinating sweater or top underneath.) Sure, a twin set is polished and simple. But, if you are looking for something that feels elevated, polished, current and easy, there’s a new duo in town.

As a personal stylist for women, I’m all about helping each woman feel like her authentic self in clothes that work for her real life. My favorite twist on the twin set right now is a blazer with a top of the same color. Here we go!

The Fine Print: Poplin is an affiliate. That means that when you click through the images below, Poplin may receive a commission without any additional cost to you. Those commissions add up for us small business owners, so please click through when items appeal to you. Thanks very much and happy shopping!

The Modern Twin Set: A Baker’s Dozen of the Best

Blazer + Top Combos

Must Have: Crochet, Macrame or Anything Woven

For one of my husband’s stocking stuffers this year, I found myself I buying him a black macrame plant hanger. It seemed insane and awesome, simultaneously. As a personal stylist for women, I’m always watching trends and yet I also need to be sure that these trends fit into my clients’s lives. Are they practical? Are they authentic to her personal style? Are they a smart way to spend her money? So, when I was reminded of my love of macrame, crochet and really all things woven, I started thinking about which of my clients would respond to this trend, too. I also, naturally, started to channeling my deep adoration of Carole King and played Tapestry on repeat. (If you haven’t done it, I highly recommend that you do.)

While I do adore a vintage inspired plant hanger, there are countless other ways to integrate this trend into your life.

5 Ways to Wear Macrame, Crochet

or Something Woven

In Honor of Black History Month: Five Remarkable Fashion Designers

ditor’s note: As a member of the Poplin community, by now you know how much importance I place on creating opportunities for people to be seen and heard. I’m ELATED to introduce a new Poplin contributor, Sophia Rahimi. Sophia has a deep love of fashion that is contagious. When I met her, I knew that helping amplify her voice would be as valuable to you, Dear Reader, as it would be to her. It’s pretty great to hear from the next generation, and as such, you’ll be hearing from her from time over the next few months. Enjoy!

5 Must Have Shoe Brands That Will Bring an Edge to Your Style

As a personal stylist for women, my goal is to ensure that every woman looks and feels like her authentic self. This ensures she has confidence and power when she’s out in the world. If you’ve been a part of the Poplin community for some time, thank YOU. We hope you are enjoying the new Poplin website which includes pages to shop by body type. Each page links to Pinterest boards that are constantly updated with new pieces just right for your figure.

Soon, you’ll also see pages focused on shopping for your personal style! If you don’t feel like waiting, just jump onto the Poplin Pinterest boards and see what speaks to you.

One of the most common client requests is to bring an edge to her style. Of course, each woman wants that edge to be appropriate for work, home, going out and to feel just right for her age. The obvious gateway to edge is a leather jacket. But, after that, then what? I vote for shoes. And this post will get you started. Jump onto the Edgy style board for more ideas. I’m ELATED that my recent client photo shoot featured Ashley, who’s style is Preppy Punk. She’ll be our model for a few of these. Off we go!

5 Edgy Shoe Brands That You Won’t See on Everyone Else

The Best Way to Spend Your Clothing Budget Right Now

As a personal stylist for women, I’m well aware of the post-holiday retail slump. These are the months when we run around and use our gift cards but often feel uninspired. After all, spring isn’t quite here yet, but it’s too cold to shop for the season change anyway.

Not wot worry, Dear Reader, have I got some good news for you. Shopping this time of year has some major benefits.

The Best Way to Spend Your Clothing Budget Right Now

10 Absolute Game Changers

irst of all, I sure hope you received the Poplin newsletter in your inbox this morning. I heard from three people within 20 minutes of sending it. This tells me that I should share it with everyone. So, here you go. And, please remember to subscribe so that you’ll see all the good stuff every time.

The Western- Inspired Trend is real. I Promise

In my recent post listing 10 2018 Fall Fashion Trends, Western-Inspired fashion made the list. It also gave me a chance to plug one of my favorite bands, the Old 97's and remind me of my deep Alt Country phase. I digress.

10 Fall 2018 Trends. Go!

How Do I Style White Shoes?

Poplin Style Direction is an affiliate. That means that when you click on items on this site, Poplin may receive a commission on your purchase with no additional cost to you. So, please consider clicking when you are ready to purchase.

In the very early stages of Poplin, I won a pair of shoes (of my choice!) from one of my very favorite retailers, the now defunct SoleStruck. I really wanted a pair of giant platform clogs. They were the result of a collaboration between Opening Ceremony and Chloe Sevigny. What could be better. There were two options: black leather or white patent leather. I was on the fence, but kept coming back to the white and since they were free, I decided to take the plunge. At the time, white shoes seemed like insanity. Naturally, there were few places to look for style inspiration and I found myself experimenting with them with much success. In fact, this blog post details that journey.

That experience was just the beginning of my white shoe phase. Next up, platform white Birkenstocks, white sneakers and so many others. My latest love is my white pair of Vince slides. As a personal stylist who works with real women using pieces in their existing collection or purchased using their actual budgets, it's vital that I know how to maximize pieces for my clients. White shoes and the challenges of styling them have come up often. That brings us to white shoes. They are ubiquitous, so if you don't already have a pair, you soon will. Now, let's make sure you know how to wear them so you get the most out of this hot trend. Off we go!

5 Ways to Style White Shoes

Florals: Which Ones Are Right For You?

If you aren't on the Poplin email list, you are missing out. This week's edition was all about florals. Here's a sneak peak. Like it? Make sure you sign up! Plus you get 6 weeks of style tips right to your inbox. Enjoy!

PS. Items listed on the blog and the newsletter may be affiliate links. That means that if you click on something and decide to purchase, Poplin may receive a commission on your purchase with no additional cost to you. These all add up. So, if you are shopping, please consider clicking through. Thanks!

Florals: Bold Impact or Soft and Feminine? You Choose.

Must Have: Pant Suits

I know. It's hard to hear the words, "pant suit," and not think of Hillary Clinton. But, that's not why we're here. We're here to talk about the resurgence of the matching jacket and pants, AKA pant suit, that's about to take over. As a personal stylist for women, I know that this seems well outside of what Seattle-ites are wearing to work. And, this can sound awfully stuffy and conservative. Not to worry, we can look to Cate Blanchett to show why the pant suit is something worth investing in. I was pining over which suit to show you when I discovered this article that chronicles all of the suits she wore on her Oceans 8 press tour. Magic.