10 Places to Find Petite Plus Size Clothing

If you've been reading this blog for any period of time, you're probably very familiar with the emphasis on celebrating the body you have and learning how to dress it to ensure you feel like the best version of yourself each day. As a personal stylist for women, it's clear to me that a big challenge to this approach is the limitations that retailers and brands create when it comes to sizing. The typical store carries up to size 12 or 14. I spend a great deal of time with women in the 12-14-16 space. It's hard. As if finding the right clothes isn't already hard enough, when you size out of the stores and brands you know so well, things can quickly devolve.

body image, Body Types, plus size fashion, Style Tips, Women's fashionGuest UserMay 9, 2018

Repurpose. Repackage. Making an Old Coat New Again.

Upping your style game does not have to mean running out and purchasing a ton of new clothes. Whatever your budget might be, there are creative ways to help you embrace your style and be mindful of your money. On of my very favorite things to do is to find new life in existing pieces. If this speaks to you, you'll should certainly check out the post about updating your "they work for work" pants. There are lots of ways to stretch those Banana Republic/ Ann Taylor/ Express pants.

Win $300 at Universal Standard and Shop Sizes 6-32!

If you loved the styles I've featured over the past year or so at Universal Standard but didn't happen to fit into the clothes, this post is for you. If you love US as much as I do and DO fit into their pieces, this post is for you. And, if you have never heard of this groundbreaking brand out of Seattle and NYC, this post is for you, too.

Tights + Hosiery: What to Buy and What to Wear With Them

This is going to be a keeper, for sure. Many years ago the decision between a bare leg and nylons would determine whether or not I sat next to Johnny Cochran on an airplane. It sounds creepy, but it wasn't. In fact, it was all about airline dress codes and I was forced to choose between putting on my nylons and potentially missing a flight but also having a chance to sit next to Johnny Cochran OR not putting them on, most likely getting on the flight and certainly not sitting near the legal giant. Why am I telling you this? Well, in real life, it's pretty hilarious. But mostly it's because leg-wear matters, people.

Shop Small Seattle: Pick a Neighborhood. There's Something Just for You.

Well hello there, Dear Reader!

I trust you are gearing up for the holiday weekend. If you are on the Poplin email list, you received word earlier this morning about some hot spots for Small Business Saturday. If not,

6 Places to Get the Best Retail Customer Service in the Seattle Area.

As a personal stylist for women, I spend a LOT of time in stores, on websites, talking with folks about clothes and so much more. It's a whole lot of fun and it also makes me feel like I'm bursting with information to share on any given day. My work goes in waves. Sometimes more clients will choose Uber Wishlists and I'll be online quite a bit. Other times, shopping is the preferred way to go and I'll be in retailers all over the area for hours on end. After all, I pre-shop before the client arrives so the pieces are waiting for her to try on with me there to offer guidance and feedback.

In recent months, I've had several questions about my favorite places to shop. Really, that question is complicated. Am I shopping for myself, for a client, just for inspiration? I can find great pieces at some locations but less than desirable service. So, while I'd go there to support a client's goals, I wouldn't send her there on her own knowing that she won't get the best service to help her meet her needs. This brings me to today's blog post. It's hard to find great service. And, while many of us may enjoy online shopping, there are always times when we just want to run out and pick something up for an upcoming occasion. As a client, I can be there to help. If you are a member of the Poplin community, I'd like to offer my assistance, as well. So, here, my Dear Reader, is the list of my very favorite places in the area for stellar service. And if you want it to be even better, tell them I sent you. Wondering if this is paid for by someone or secret product placement? Nope. These are 100% my favorites with no outside influence or payment. I hope you enjoy them!

6 Best Places for

Great Customer Service in the Seattle Area.

The Poplin Style Community Hits the Universal Standard Showroom First.

This has been a jam packed month with not one, but two Poplin events in one month. First, the Poplin Client Party and then a very special gathering for anyone in the Poplin Style community who's interested in pieces starting at size 10.

You can see photos from the Client event in a previous post. Now, you can also see just a sample of the women at Sunday's Universal Standard gathering. Each attendee received a personalized tour of the showroom and selected her desired pieces from the samples available. Then, she tried them on in the comfort of a showroom filled with supportive, enthusiastic Poplin subscribers and clients. As it turns out, it was a sea of women making a huge impact on the world. I heard from several attendees that it turned out to be an incredible networking event, too!

Please enjoy some

A Wishlist for the Reader

accessories, Body Types, Designer Label, My Favorite Things, plus size fashion, Poplin Events, Shoes, shop local, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaAugust 12, 2017Personal Stylist Seattle, Personal stylist women, Seattle Wardrobe ConsultantComment

Styling Up Your FREE Geneva Dress from Universal Standard

Let's begin with the reason I'm such an evangelist for Universal Standard . (In case you are wondering, these aren't sponsored posts. Poplin just gets a dress to give away.) I really just love this brand. As you likely know, we're giving away one Geneva dress to a lucky Poplin email list subscriber. You can increase your chances of winning by sharing the giveaway and can have an even greater shot by entering multiple times. So, why are we doing this?

Well, US starts at size 10 and let me tell you, as a personal stylist for women, that space between size 10 and 16 is a tricky area. It's pretty common for our weight to fluctuate (mine certainly does) and when your fluctuation causes you to go from "straight sizes" to plus sizes, that often adds a layer of judgement, defeat and frankly, fewer fashionable choices. I'm not a trainer or a nutritionist, etc. Therefore, my general feeling is you don't need to change your body, you just need to change your clothes. Should you choose to tackle weight loss, you are more likely to succeed when you feel beautiful everyday in your clothes. Should you choose not to go down that path, you'll still be happier looking beautiful everyday. In short, it's a win win.

Universal Standard allows women to stick with the same great brand they love even if/when their weight fluctuates past 14. Even better? If your size changes within a year of purchase, you can exchange your piece for your current size. Seriously. Yes, US is everything.

We're looking forward to the brick and mortar store opening in the coming months. At that point, keep your eyes peeled for a Poplin event at the shop. For now, it's all about winning this Geneva dress! So take a look below at my suggestions for styling, just to get you started. Have thoughts, feelings, or questions? Please share! And remember to enter and/or share with a woman in your life who'd love to win!

How to Style the Geneva Dress from Universal Standard

Win the Geneva Dress From Universal Standard!

If you read the blog with any regularity, you know what a big fan I am of Universal Standard. The fashion forward brand makes high quality pieces that are functional and fashionable beginning at size 10. They are amazing.

In the next few months, US is setting up shop in

Conquering Chafing, Sweat and Other Undesirable Issues that Come with Hot Weather

Finally, sunshine. As a personal stylist for women, I'm keenly aware that warm weather is both a blessing and a curse for many among us. If you find that your thighs rubbing together is not only undesirable, but actually hurts, you are not alone. How about sweat from the girls up top? These are especially common issues that up until now have been "solved" with baby powder or simply toughing it out.

Enter Megababe Beauty Products. Designed by the woman behind the 12-ish style, these all natural products are aimed at solving these ever present issues. I heard about it and had to share.

Megababe Products that Address Your

Summertime Challenges

Win a FREE Pair of Shoes from the re-souL Collection!

If you read this blog with any regularity, thank you. AND, you must know how much I adore Ballard's own re-souL. My first big post focusing on the brand went live in November, 2013. Wow. How time flies. Now, I'm a dedicated re-souL enthusiast. The extremely well made shoes are designed in Ballard and made with supple Italian leather. Plus, each pair is equal parts fashion and function with special care given to ensure every pair is crazy comfortable.

Since that initial post, I've been fortunate to become friends with the brains behind the brand (Legh and Maggie) and partner up with Maggie on the YouthCare Styling Sessions. In short, I couldn't be happier to introduce the shop and this crew to the world. If you are already a re-souL fan, you'll be especially excited about our giveaway.

Here's how it works. Simply sign up for the Poplin newsletter to be entered. If you are already on the Poplin email list, yes, you are entered. But, wouldn't you like to increase your chances? Simply enter again and be given all sorts of options to increase your likelihood of winning. Tweet, share, post. Whatever you do. It will get you closer to a pair of shoes of YOUR CHOICE from the re-souL collection.

The winner will be announced this Friday. So, don't delay. Enter now! Until then, how about some suggestions for styling these gorgeous shoes?!

Off we go!

The Perfect Mule is a Part Timer

3 Brands Reinventing the Way We Shop

Things are getting crazy in fashion land. Just when you think you know how to shop- in person or online- brands continue to innovate. That means lots of fun for me. Here are three fresh approaches to shopping that you just might love.

Three Innovative Approaches to Shopping. Go!

Everything You Need to Get You Into the Pool in the Perfect Swimwear for YOUR Body

I recently had some readers mention to me how much they love insight about finding the ideal swimwear. We started chatting and it occurred to me that I've written quite a bit on this topic over the years. As a resourceful personal stylist for women in Seattle, I decided to Google PoplinStyle and Bathing Suit. Remember- if you have questions, Poplin probably has answers. And three years in, there's a whole lot of content on the interweb. So, here are some tips I thought you'd enjoy. Feel free to Google PoplinStyle and any topic and let me know how it goes. If you still can't find what you need, please reach out. Perhaps a blog post is in order!

Enjoy the sunshine!

4 Helpful Resources to Help You Find the Perfect Swimsuit

7 Designer Collaborations You Won't Want to Miss.

Are you sensing a trend? Designers and celebrities have discovered that they can monetize their style by collaborating with brands. This development is especially fun for the rest of us as these bring fresh energy to existing brands. Collabs inspire us to try new labels, revisit some favorites or just put together our existing pieces in new ways. All hail the collab!

Here are a few of my favorites and of course, there are more coming everyday. Keep in mind, many of these are for a limited time as brands and collaborators expiriment. So, if you see something you like, don't wait.

7 Designer Collabs to Check Out Now.

5 Comfy Trends that Could be Sloppy or Chic, Depending on Your Pairing.

It's true. Sometimes you just want to wear something soft and cozy. The danger is that once you know the bliss of old sweat pants, you'll have a hard time convincing yourself to change out of them to head to the market. Thanks to fashion trends, there's some great news for those of us who would like to be comfortable and still fashionable.

5 Comfortable Trends that you can Elevate.

Your Coat & You: Staying Warm Does Not Mean Sacrificing Style.

As a personal stylist for women, I talk a lot about your developing strategies to ensure you rock your authentic personal style everyday. Of course, most people love the sound of this. But, when life throws them a curveball, like late nights up with a child or an especially cold day, that style is thrown to the wind.

I'm here to assure you, Dear Reader, you can look smashing and be comfortable. Shoes can be functional and hip. Dresses can be flattering and fitted. The mysteries of fashion are many and the goal on this blog is to decode them for you.

As of late, the weather has been crazy cold. Perfect for kids, less perfect for those of us with an especially stylish (read: lightweight) coat collection. No need to revert to your down parka everyday (unless that's your style, of course). There's a solution.

WANT: Warm, Stylish Coat that Isn't too Expensive.

Now, Please.

How to Wear a Long Vest.

As we welcome fall, we also say, "hello," to some new styling challenges. As a personal stylist for women, I'm hearing a lot of questions about vests. Should I wear them? Can I wear a vest indoors? What's the point? After all, there are no sleeves.

And the list goes on. I fell in love with vests a few years ago with my first leather vest. I picked it up on sale at Nordstrom and wasn't sure if it was for me. Quickly, I discovered the magic of vests and have been rocking them on the regular ever since. Here are a few tips if you think you are ready to try out this trend. (If you think you might be, that means you actually are, by the way.) FYI- Vests of all lengths are pretty spectacular, depending on styling. I'm focusing on long vests in this post and will offer up suggestions on shorter options in future posts.

6 Ways to Wear a Long Vest

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

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