$40 to Spend at Nordstrom & I Get to Give Back?

I love this day! A friend recently asked me if I'd heard about Nordstrom's new partnership with Fashion Project. I hadn't. She proceeded to fill me in and between the two of us there were several repetitions of "it's so awesome," to follow.

Only a few days later, Nordstrom shared it with employees and I received several emails spreading the news. It's SO good that you, Dear Reader, need to know all about it. They say when you give, you get. Well, in this case, what you get is a shiny new $40 gift card from Nordstrom. Here's how.

Join me for an Exclusive Poplin Event at the Limited

Many years ago, I worked at the Limited. I didn't just work there. I spent my paycheck there and I was consistently the top salesperson in Washington state. It should have been obvious to me then that I'd end up as a personal stylist. But, of course, things that are obvious to others are not always so clear to us.

Regardless, my love affair with the Limited continues and I've had great success with clients who need just the right mix of professional clothes with great fit that are easy to care for. Therefore, I'm THRILLED to announce that I'll be hosting my very first Poplin event at the Limited in Southcenter in mid April. (There are no Limited stores in Seattle, by the way.)

It will be worth the short drive. Attendees will receive a complimentary gift from the Limited and an additional discount while shopping. Plus, I'll be there suggesting, commenting and helping the 20 guests who will be attending. One of them could be you!

Here's what you need to do to be in the running to be invited to the Poplin Limited VIP Event:

Seattle Sunday: Coffee & Creativity at Drygoods Design

I love to sew. Am I good at it? Not so much. But, I love it. I love the prints on fabrics and the endless possibilities. A great fabric store is an incredibly inspirational place.

For those of you who sew or just like to make things, there's a magical land in Ballard just for you, Drygoods Design. What if you don't sew, you don't make things and you just love clothes? Not to worry. This magical land will also bring you much joy. Let me explain.

Do Me a Solid, Be Kind to Yourself.

Someone recently told me that Dr. Deepak Chopra once quoted a study that found that the average person thinks approximately 65,000 thoughts per day. And 95% of those thoughts are the same thoughts that person had the day prior. I have no idea how much of this is true, but it got me thinking about the way we talk to ourselves about our bodies and our sense of style.

For whatever reason, things are especially busy right now. And, like most women I know, when things get hectic, our bodies change, our weight increases and we start to feel less than stellar about how we look each morning. Earlier this week, as I struggled to ensure that my ensemble wasn't showing off things I'd like to keep secret (hello extra 5 pounds!) my husband pulled me aside and told me that he didn't like hearing me criticize my body. Well, Dr. Chopra, if I'm repeating this sort of self criticism every day, I'm in trouble over the long haul.

Thankfully, I have an incredible husband, a closet full of options and the wisdom to know how to dress my best and be kind to myself. Sometimes, we just need a reminder from someone else. With that in mind, I'm your someone else.

So, here are a few tips to feel beautiful, even when you really don't feel like getting out of bed (or out of your yoga pants.)

Body Types, Pick Me Ups, Style TipsmelliciaMarch 14, 2014Personal stylist, Seattle, Self talk, wardrobe stylist, white skirt, Women's fashionComment

I Can't Wear the New Crop Tops.... Or Can I?

Welcome, Dear Reader, to Spring 2014, home of abbreviated tops. You may be more familiar with the term, "crop tops". I recently met with a new client and they came up in conversation. A beautiful woman in her mid-30s with a great figure, she quickly dismissed those as tops she could no longer wear after having two babies. I disagreed. And a blog post was born.

Let me start by saying, a woman past a certain age really shouldn't be wearing especially short tops. But, that age is not 21, friends. And, wearing a short sweater or top doesn't necessarily mean you are putting a spotlight on your stomach. It's really all about the styling.

So, can I or can't I wear abbreviate tops after 30? Here's a helpful guide to help you figure it out.

Seattle Sunday: Rachel Ermitano is a Stylish Local with Depth

Initially, my vision for Seattle Sundays was to draw attention to local brands, boutiques and people who make up Seattle's style. I'm especially enthusiastic about introducing you to one of my very favorite local style inspirations, Ms. Rachel Ermitano. Artist, businesswoman, musician, teacher, wedding planner, hula dancer, style enthusiast and all around inspiration, Rachel is on the verge of launching her very own clothing line while simultaneously planning her own wedding.

Need a Free Pick Me Up?

Sometimes, we are fortunate enough to have some disposable cash to buy something pretty. This is especially gratifying when we've had a challenging day or are not loving our options when we get dressed each morning.

Unfortunately, extra cash is not always on hand. What to do?

Here are a few tips for FREE solutions to style-related questions.

Lessons from Canada: Fabulous Footwear That You Can Walk In

I recently spent a week in Victoria B.C. As you can imagine, it was incredible. Our room had a spectacular view and a jacuzzi on the the deck. Between these luxurious amenities and the on again off again rain, I'll admit it took me a couple of days to venture into the heart of the city.

On my first excursion away from pizza delivery and wrapping up the Good Wife on Netflix, I wore my Hunter rain boots. It was only a 15 minute walk to nearby restaurants and pubs over flat ground. Hours later I discovered how uncomfortable a shoe can be, even when it is flat. It was a nice excuse for an additional glass of wine before the walk back, but I became fixated on the perfect walking shoe for such an occasion.

After scanning the city for the elusive shoe store of dreams, I found it:

Seattle Sunday: The Rookery Kids. Turns Out Kids Clothes Can be Hip & Affordable

Here's something awesome. I style kids.

Wait. What?

Yes! I do this for parents who feel like they'd like to spend time with their kids after work and on the weekends instead of time shopping for them. Or, parents who would love their child to be as well dressed as they are without spending an unreasonable amount. I style those kids. I create an entire seasonal wardrobe that mixes and matches easily, is functional and indicative of your child's personal style. Then, I create outfits that can be accessed via your personal webpage so that mom, dad, the nanny or anyone else can see how to easily style an outfit. And it's fun!

The Rookery Kids

You can imagine how excited I was when I learned about The Rookery Kids.

Announcing the Winner of the Foxglove Faux Fur Scarf. Go!

If you signed up for Poplin Style Direction emails, newsletters and event invitations YOU could be the winner of a faux fur infinity scarf handmade in Seattle by Foxglove Bridal. Not signed up yet? Do it now so you won't miss out on next month's drawing. This is also a nice opportunity to meet one of our cats, Colbert.

Last Day to Enter to Win!

I'm heading out of the house in my very own handmade faux fur infinity scarf from Foxglove. Care to do the same? Simply sign up for the Poplin Style Direction e-newsletter and you will be entered into February's drawing which takes place on Friday, February 28th.

UncategorizedmelliciaFebruary 27, 2014Cleanscapes, contest, fashion, Hook&Stem Designs, NeuYear, Personal stylist, Seattle, Seattle Sunday winners, winners, womenComment

Your Bra is Everything: Look Better & Help Women

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.

Matching 101

There was a time when everything needed to match. Actually, there were quite a few times. But for the last several years, we've all been conditioned to make sure our ensemble isn't too "matchy-matchy," as they say. If you are skimming fashion magazines, websites or blogs you'll see that coordinating is once again cool. As a personal stylist, clients frequently wonder how to look put-together without being too in sync. It may seem overwhelming, so I thought I'd share with you, Dear Reader:

3 Ways to Match without being too Matchy-Matchy.

Seattle Sunday: Handmade Faux Fur Necessities by Foxglove

Need a faux fur shrug? If you are getting married or planning for a formal night out, the answer is absolutely, "yes!"

Need a faux fur infinity scarf? It may not seem like you do. Although, If you are a living, breathing woman this winter, it's quite possible your answer is, "absolutely!" Let me explain.

The Must Have Faux-Fur Infinity Scarf

This month my Seattle Sunday posts focus on bringing indulgence and glamour to your everyday life. No need for a special occasion or a life changing event. Invest in yourself with the help of local designers and retailers. Embrace Fancy February.

"Zero Thought Required"

I'm the kind of person who dreams about outfits. Meaning: I actually think up clothing combinations while I sleep.

This is how it works:

Something or someone inspires me and I'm reminded of a piece of clothing or a pair of shoes that I have and have been neglecting. Suddenly, as if shopping at one of my favorite stores, I fall in love with it all over and am determined to wear it in a new way. (For those of you who have heard me profess the magic of shopping your own closet, you are getting a sense of the evolution of that concept.)

So, Dear Reader, you can imagine how excited I get when I am asked to create outfits for clients using the client's clothing, shoes & accessories. Few things make me happier.

Style TipsmelliciaFebruary 21, 2014online look book, online outfit gallery, Personal stylist, Seattle, virtual look book, Women's fashionComment

Confessions of a business-person

My name is Mellicia Marx and I'm an affiliate.

I recently spent the morning with a good friend of mine. When I stepped into her car, a glorious dark green Kate Spade handbag was sitting on her seat. I commented on how incredible it was and hours later she informed me that I had suggested it on the Poplin blog. Well, that explains why I liked it so much.

I get so excited to share new and exciting finds with you, Dear Reader. I quickly move to the next thing and often have little insight into whether or not these finds are working for you. In contrast to the face to face interaction I have with clients, blog posts don't result in the immediate feedback that a dressing room exchange provides. Although, writing these posts is one of my favorite activities, nonetheless.

Women's fashionmelliciaFebruary 20, 2014Affiliate, Clients, Personal stylist, SeattleComment

Finally, a Swimsuit that Flatters your Figure

Seriously, a swimsuit? It's February.

It certainly is. For many of us, that means an escape to warmer weather. For others, it could mean visiting a local indoor pool or an opportunity to sit in a hot tub despite the cold weather. Strangely, I've had occasion to wear a swimsuit several times in the last week or so and I'm definitely hyper aware of what flatters and what doesn't.

Current and flattering swimsuits for your body. Go!

Wait a minute. The blog looks different or is that differently?

Dear Reader, you are so perceptive. It's no wonder we get along so well.

It's true. The blog has, in fact, changed. As it turns out there are an abundance of posts and more to come! So, in an effort to make it easier for you to see previous posts that interest you, we've truncated the posts so that more posts will fit on one page.

Missed some earlier topics? Some of the most popular include: Don't be afraid to be pretty, Weight fluctuation got you down? & Menswear Essential: The structured overskirt.

UncategorizedmelliciaFebruary 17, 2014Kids fashion, Menswear, Personal stylist, Seattle, Updates to blog, Women's fashionComment

Seattle Sunday: Make-up & Hair By Hanna Mazur

Fancy February continues. When the weather is cold and dark, the most appealing thing to do is crawl up in a ball, covered in fleece, holding a cup of coffee and wait it out. Sadly, we aren't actually able to do that. So, if you can't avoid leaving the house, why not embrace it?

Commemorate the Holiday With Your Very Own Valentino.

For those of you who've been following Poplin on Facebook, you've certainly noticed my recent obsession with Citizen Rosebud, reseller of vintage and pre-loved clothing. I have her to thank for three coats in the last month. So, you can imagine my excitement when she told me that she had two, not one, but TWO Valentino dresses that she had yet to list for sale.