Seattle Sunday: JCOCO's Couture Chocolate, Do Tell.

I like my Seattle Sunday posts to focus on a local brand, boutique or stylish Seattle-ite. After all, our city has much to offer. So, when I was invited to an exclusive event for local chocolatier Seattle Chocolate's new brand JCOCO, I was doubtful it would fit into my vision for Seattle Sunday posts. But, I certainly couldn't pass up chocolate and wine pairings, now could I?

So, I invited my good friend and very first client, Lauren, to join me for an evening of indulgence. Little did I know that JCOCO would introduce me to "couture chocolate" (that's what they call it!) and the inner workings of a chocolatier while tapping into the love of fashion that so many of us share.

5 Reasons Why JCOCO is Even Cooler Than I Thought.

I'd Hate for You to Miss Out.

The beauty of technology is that I can see that you, Dear Reader, come back to read the blog over and over again. Thank YOU. Sometimes you come from Facebook. Sometimes you come straight to the blog via your RSS Feed or a bookmark. Boy, do I appreciate it.

What I can also see is that a very small portion of you are receiving Poplin emails. Why? Don't want emails cluttering your inbox? Concerned that the email is simply a recap of blog posts gone by? Oh, no. Having just emailed a newsletter this morning, it seems evident that I should offer up support for the email list from your local personal stylist.

One more thing, in honor of Memorial Day, I'm including photos of some of my favorite red, white and blue pieces because, why not?

I digress. Here we go.

5 Reasons YOU Need Emails from Poplin

Looking for Hip Plus Size Swimwear? Look No Further.

Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. I requested her take on plus size swimwear and I couldn't be happier with her post. Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Dear Reader,

It’s finally getting to that point in the year here in the Pacific Northwest where we can begin to find swimming a feasible past time. Whether you are jet setting off on vacation to a truly warm beach climate, or staying at home and enjoying a pool or lake, getting outfitted can be intimidating. For those of us looking for cute yet supportive swimwear shopping can be a daunting task, especially since most places do not sell plus size swimwear in store.

Let's begin with a note of encouragement.

Seattle Sunday: Winslow Handmade Ties & Pocket Squares

This post has been in the works for months and I am THRILLED to finally be able to share with you, Dear Reader, what I've been telling every person I come in contact with: my love of Winslow.

I initially heard about Winslow from our good friends at Freeman Seattle (check out the recent post featuring Freeman or the site with new jackets for women). Shortly afterward, I saw one of the ties at Velouria and I was hooked. The brainchild of two bright, energetic and thoughtful women, Winslow makes one-of-a-kind handmade neckties, bow ties and pocket squares from reclaimed fabrics. Each one is unique and impeccably made.

They are inspirational. More than a tie or a pocket square, Winslow offers transformation.

5 Ways that a Piece from Winslow Can Be Used to Alter the Course of Your Life

Happy Bike To Work Day. Time to Get Dressed.

Hello Dear Reader. Happy Bike To Work Day! I recently learned that Davis, CA has one of the highest percentage of cyclists per capita in the country at 19%. I must admit, I'm strangely proud of Davis as I'm originally from Vacaville, only 20 minutes from bicycle central. In fact, one of my sisters lives there and bikes everywhere with her daughter right behind. As you can imagine, I've always associated Davis with biking, (now defunct) Recycled Records and a strange law they used to have that stated you could only smoke on the street if you were moving. While I'm not a smoker nor much of a biker, I took note.

In honor of this special day and the thousands of people who bike to work each day in our city (Hello Dexter!), I thought you might enjoy some fashionable options for cyclists from your very own personal stylist.

Tips for the Stylish Cyclist

I Can't Stop Talking About....

I'm often asked, "what are you into right now?"

My current list of obsessions is especially lengthy. Usually, I like to spread them out over various blog posts. But, when I'm excited about so many things, I find it challenging to hold off on sharing. So, here you go. Hopefully, you'll find some inspiration here, too!

My Favorite Things Right Now.

Try it on!

Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Today’s topic is one that really shook my world.

When I first encountered this information on Gabifresh.com, I was stunned. This gorgeous plus size woman who was probably a size 18-20 was wearing a size L shirt from H&M. I couldn’t believe it. The top fit her perfectly and her post talked about how she had stopped looking at sizes and started looking at what she liked, and what would fit. Mind Blown!

Seattle Sunday: Mother's Day Hiatus

Seattle SundaymelliciaMay 12, 2014Comment

Put Your Back Into It.

I'm always surprised at the number of people who read this blog. It's certainly not in the millions. But, does it need to be? I like to imagine that everyone who reads this is sitting in one room together. As time goes on, that's transitioned from a small room, to an apartment all the way to a building. That's pretty awesome. So, thanks, Dear Reader, for taking the time.

I also like to think that you, Dear Reader, are on your own journey to find your personal style. Perhaps you are at the beginning stages or much further down the path. Either way, you are not only aware that what you wear influences how you feel, it influences how other people feel about you. It's a powerful thing. With that in mind, it occurs to me that we all face challenges to harnessing our style. So, today, let's tackle a few of the biggest.

3 Very Real Obstacles to Embracing Your Personal Style (and how to overcome them)

Seattle Sunday: Freeman Brings the Mountains to the City — in all the Right Ways

Seattle, of course, loves the outdoors. It's not hard to see why — drive a couple hours in any direction and you'll find one incredible natural landscape after another. We take our outdoor recreation seriously, and it's one of the great defining characteristics of our city.

We dress for it, too. It's no coincidence that our very own REI has become one of the biggest names in expedition outfitting. Ask a typical Seattlite the relative merits of wool, synthetic, or silk baselayers and chances are you'll find yourself in a longer conversation than you intended. And this is important stuff — if you're heading out to the backcountry, having the right technical gear can literally save your life.

But sometimes it's hard for us to leave the mountains, well, in the mountains. We come back to the city after a weekend exploring the wild places, and we just don't want to put away our fleece vests and softshell jackets and hiking boots. It's almost as if by wearing our technical gear into the city, we're bringing a bit of that elusive outdoor magic into our daily grind.

You Have the Power to Take Control of Your Style.

Clothes are emotional. They can make you feel invisible, powerful, beautiful, confident. They can make you feel like your mother or your sister or someone you don't recognize. Then can make you feel heavy or thin. Or, they can make you feel like you.

It's a funny thing about clothes. Sometimes we can feel self conscious about caring so much about them or about how much money we spend on them. It can feel shallow or vain. But, it's not. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Like music, your clothes can empower you or they can beat you down. They can give you the confidence to do something incredibly intimidating or they can make you feel like the couch is our only safe haven. The thing I love about being a personal stylist is helping people acknowledge their relationship with clothes and make it work for them.

The Summer Essential Plus Size Edition: Shorts

Editor's Note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

When it comes time for bare legs there can be a lot of anxiety involved. I myself have long struggled with finding the right short for the spring and summer months. I want them to be attractive and youthful, but still be practical and hit the top of my knee for comfort. It’s a daunting task, and yet one that becomes necessary as the days grow warmer, or if you’re lucky you escape somewhere tropical for a slice of paradise.

There are a plethora of options available, but trying to sift through to find the perfect one for each of us takes some effort.

I’ve compiled some of hottest hits of this year’s styles to make summer shopping a little easier.

Seattle Sunday: Bluemercury Arrives

It's finally here, the public grand opening for Seattle's own Bluemercury! I must admit that prior to the arrival in U Village, I had never heard of the brand, despite it being the fastest growing makeup, skincare and spa destination in the country. After all, the closest option for a store is Corte Madera, California (although a Portland store is in the works.) But, almost instantaneously, I was hooked.

Did YOU Win the $50 Gift Card to Bluemercury?

If you follow Poplin on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, you know how excited I am about the new Bluemercury store opening at U Village. Tomorrow is the public event with giveaways, makeovers and so much more. Wouldn't it be fun to go with a $50 gift card in your hot little hands?

After all, they carry a wide array of quality skin care lines including all your favorite natural options and perhaps some new lines for you to discover. They have make-up, a line for new moms, skincare for men and let's not forget the on-site aesthetician. Oh my.

What's Wrong with 80%? Looking Your Best, Within Reason.

I once had a conversation with a supervisor who said to me, "you can't always do A work. Sometimes, you need to do B or even C work to get it all done." Recently, my husband received similar advice about setting the bar at 80% instead of 100% or, "you'll kill yourself trying." Well, there you have it.

It's a funny thing about being a personal stylist, it means that people dress differently when they are going to see me. And, I'm pretty confident they expect that I'm going to be up to their standards, as well. I think I am, most of the time. With this new wave of advice, I'm going for 80%.

Let's be honest. Life is busy, things come up and sometimes we wonder: is it really worth all the effort to put lipstick on before going to the store?

I think it is.

Brenda DeVore: Simple Ways for the Stylish Set to Be Green

I'm not going to lie. I'm a consumer. Sometimes, buying something pretty can feel like a guilty pleasure in large part due to the environmental impact of shopping and consumption. But, it doesn't have to be.

In recent months I've had the chance to learn much more about sustainability in the Northwest including local brands devoted to upcycling, recycling and so much more from Recology Store Manager, Brenda DeVore. To celebrate Earth Day, Dear Reader, I asked Brenda to share some of her favorite tips with Poplin. Here's are a few of her favorite tips. I hope you are receiving the Poplin Style Direction e-newsletter. You'll see more of Brenda's eco-wisdom there. She's got a lot of worthy tips!

Seattle Sunday: Velouria. I Can't Get Enough.

For those of you who have been reading the blog for some time or follow Poplin on social media, (Facebook, Instagram & Twitter) you've undoubtedly witnessed my enthusiasm for Ballard's own- Velouria. As a personal stylist, I've had much success with clients in the shop. Stocked with items made in America and Canada with special love given to makers from the Northwest, the shop is authentic, endearing and fashionable, just like the Velouria team. I'm THRILLED to give you a peek into the world of Velouria. Want to hear more? Make sure you are signed up for the Poplin e-newsletter. The complete interview will be included in an upcoming email.

Just a Few Reasons I Adore Velouria, and You Will, Too.

Fashion & Function: Spring Outerwear

Many thanks to a reader who recently sent a special request via the Poplin website:

"The weather is so changeable these days. Do you have some suggestions for outerwear that is both stylish and practical for the Seattle spring?"

Another reader asked via Facebook,

"Can you share some ideas for transitioning from winter to spring?"

Ah, how I love questions. And, I'm especially excited about these as I've been on an Uber Wishlist roll lately for several women with very different body types, personal styles and budgets.

I Ordered From ASOS and You Can, Too.

Clients and regular readers have likely noticed that I'm a fan of UK company, ASOS. Affordable and fashion forward, ASOS offers an array of styles, colors, prices and current trends for the man or woman who loves clothes. After weeks of ruminating on whether or not I should order a red skirt from the company as my inaugural ASOS purchase, I was swayed by these words coming from my husband. "Red, a-line, midi, neoprene with pockets. You still haven't bought that? It's everything you love."

He was right. Naturally, that night I ordered the red skirt.... and the same thing in yellow.... plus a vinyl shirt. Um, yeah.

As a personal stylist locally, I've discovered that very few people I've interacted with have ordered from ASOS. With that in mind, I thought you might find it useful to hear how it went.

I ordered from ASOS and why YOU should, too.

Seattle Sunday: Introducing Jordan & Plus Size Retailers 101

I spend a fair amount of time with clients who are navigating plus size fashion for the first time. Whether it is following the birth of a new baby, other life changes or just growing older, it's common for a woman's weight to fluctuate. And, finding clothes in a new retail sphere can be daunting, to be sure. For this of you who have always been curvy, finding current, beautiful and affordable clothes has likely always been a challenge. And, there are so many retailers finally catering to your body and budget.

Recently, I met a lovely and incredibly knowledgable fashionista, Jordan. So, this Seattle Sunday, we're doing things a little differently.

It's my pleasure to introduce Jordan Richardson to you. She'll be contributing to the Poplin blog periodically with her vast knowledge on rocking your personal style regardless of your size. Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!