Happy Black Friday!
Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, most people have one thing on the brain: shopping. So, without delay, please enjoy a few quick strategies for you, Dear Reader, from your very own personal stylist.
We've just wrapped up a year of styling homeless youth at YouthCare. With my previous life in philanthropy, I know how much energy it takes for an organization to invest in volunteers and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.
For the past year, various members of the Poplin team and I have held styling sessions for graduates of YouthCare's Barista Training Program. Lisa Angeles Guise from the One Eighty Foundation has been volunteering with us every step of the way. The graduates are homeless or formerly homeless youth (generally teens to early twenties). We hold 2-3 hour sessions that start with a powerpoint explaining what is appropriate clothing in the work place. It includes activities to help youth find their personal professional style and to reinforce that you don't have to spend a great deal of money to look amazing. Working with the YouthCare team, our goal was to give grads a glimpse of Corporate America and assist with YouthCare's work to empower youth to succeed.
So, after a year of volunteering, we've learned quite a bit. Here are a few of my take-aways.
What I've Learned From Styling Homeless Youth
Read MoreIt's just as cool outside as it is inside. Man, you are going to love it.
One of my very favorite gifts for men is a subscription to Esquire magazine. Trust me. It's never a mistake.
But as we head into prime gift giving season, I thought I'd help you, Dear Reader, find the most perfect gifts — besides a magazine subscription — for the man in your life. No matter his age or income, the American man has a plethora of tools at his disposal to look impeccable. Of course, a great coat and a high quality pair of shoes are paramount. But what's next? As a personal stylist, I hear this question all the time.
I'll tell you what's next: accessories. And you can find every one you need, for every man you know, at Madrona's Hammer + Awl.
Three Phases to Accessorizing the American Man at Hammer + Awl
Read MoreA friend and client recently said the most extraordinary thing to me, "Wow. You have the most symmetrical eyebrows I've ever seen." First, I should point out that this client actually DOES have incredibly symmetrical eyebrows. You know the ones, with the beautiful arch. Yes, those. And, thanks to mother nature, I actually don't have them.
Until now.
If you read this blog with any regularity you've heard my seemingly endless praise of Katrina and the Cake Skincare team. I've been dying to write this blog post so that you, Dear Reader will have a glimpse of the transformation I've been experiencing since my first visit with owner, Katrina Rising.
Cake: If You Can Get In, Get In Now.
Read MoreHello Dear Reader,
It has been a while but I come to you with an essential element of changing weather dressing. The magnificent coat. Now for many of us it may just be a way to stay warm and dry during these volatile months; however once again a utilitarian object can become a distinct and personality driven piece of your wardrobe.
Truth be told this time of year is like candy to me. Sweaters come out, coats become a staple and boots are plentiful. To be honest however some of the excitement for me is tempered by the fact that I rarely get cold until it is true winter. So layering sweaters with coats is difficult. I tend to stick with light layering when donning a heavier winter coat. Regardless, I love coats. The different styles, textures, colors, weather-proof, and accessories just sends me into a tizzy of thrills. As follows are some the newest coats available from lighter layers for that too warm bus commute, to heavier anoraks ready for fall morning treks with the dog.
Coats
Read MoreIf you caught my recent post about what to wear with ankle boots, you might have a follow up question: How do I actually style ankle boots? Well, Dear Reader, as a personal stylist, I've heard this question repeatedly from clients in recent weeks. So, here's a breakdown to help you get dressed each day.
The Ankle Boot Conundrum: How Exactly Does this Whole Thing Work?
(Part 1 of 2... because there is a whole lot to learn.)
Read MoreBoutiques, makers, designers, they are inspiring, for sure. But, without a good dry cleaner, it all falls short.
As a personal stylist, clients, readers and friends often ask me for recommendations for skincare, haircare, tailors and of course, dry cleaners. This one, is by far my favorite. So, I thought, why not share the love with you, Dear Reader?
My Favorite Dry Cleaner: Bon Ton Cleaners in Ballard
Read MoreFew things are as inspiring and pleasing as seeing a really put together person on the street. It's like a little surprise. You're walking along and unexpectedly you see something (or someone) dashing, perhaps even a bit glamorous, that freezes the moment. When this happens, I often want to take a photo to document such a glorious display of fashion sense and personal style. Usually, I keep it to simply complimenting the person, which I'd encourage. Everyone leaves happy. After all, we all benefit from seeing something beautiful. And to me, fashion is a form of artistic expression. Anyway, enough of my musings. Let's get to the practical portion of this post, shall we?
In stark contrast to this euphoria, is that moment when you notice that the sophisticated fella who looks like he just walked out of an issue of Esquire is carrying a floral reusable grocery bag. Recycling- sexy. Carrying a super feminine woman's reusable grocery bag- not so much. (Unless, of course, he's carrying it for the woman he is walking with, which is pretty much the most attractive thing ever.)
As your personal stylist, I want to help prevent you, Dear Reader, from making these mistakes that keep you from realizing your true, very stylish and authentic, potential. Don't worry, they don't cost much.
Ways to Up Your Game Right Now.
Read MoreHow many times have you visited Pike Place Market and noticed the breathtaking storefront that is Alhambra? I'm guessing quite a few as owners Serpil and Shakir Kaymaz opened this Seattle Boutique 25 years ago.
Inspired by the Alhambra Castle in Spain, the interior is even more gorgeous than you'd expect. Serpil, Shakir and their team clearly put a whole lot of love and attention into selecting the pieces they carry.
It seems only right that you, Dear Reader, have a little incentive to visit Seattle's best kept secret — which has been right in front of you all this time.
3 Reasons to Escape to Alhambra
Read MoreAs a personal stylist, sometimes I have clients who want to save their "good stuff" for special occasions. Think of this as your good china staying in the cupboard until Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
That approach works for family heirlooms such as china, but how likely is it that you're going to save several of your work appropriate pieces for your daughter 20 years from now? I'm guessing not super likely.
However, it is, of course, important to take care of your nicer pieces and running around in the mud and rain is probably not your first choice for when to pull them out. And, when playing with the kids at the pumpkin patch or out trick-or-treating, it's vital that you are ready to run, jump or ride in the car. Translation: Comfort trumps all.
But, I assure you that you can still look stylish when celebrating autumn outdoors. Here's how.
Your Outfit for Autumn Outings. Go!
Read MoreWe spend a lot of time talking about petite and plus size ladies. But, there's less information out there for the vertically inclined. Until now. Please enjoy a list of some of my favorite retailers that cater to the taller women in the world. If not you, please share with the ones you love. You could get a warm hug from a tall lady.
9 Retailers for Tall Women
(in no particular order)
Read MoreLike the rest of the world, I'm obsessed with ankle boots. (Don't worry. You can still keep your knee high boots, just move them further back in your closet for this brief hiatus.) Your ankle boots are quickly going to become your go-to shoe.
Researching an upcoming Seattle Sunday post, I visited re-soul in Ballard earlier today. One of my very favorite shoe stores, owners Maggie and Lee also launched their own line last spring. The fall collection is to die for. Expect more of that in the post. Until then, my visit with Maggie and Lee got me thinking a lot about the challenges that clients face with ankle boots.
As a personal stylist, I witness client after client getting simultaneously excited and apprehensive about the trend. After all, they are a departure from knee high boots and can feel a little more challenging to pair. Not to worry, Dear Reader. Here are five ways to pair the re-soul Brenda Chelsea boot to get you started. Enjoy!
Five Easy Ways to Wear an Ankle Boot
Read MoreYour weekend starts now.
You know how much I love Bluemercury and last week I was lucky enough to get my fix. The U-Village store frequently hosts makeup events.
Translation: Experts from specific makeup or skincare lines visit for a few days to give private appointments and help you learn directly from the gurus. The best part, if you buy at least three items from the store (that includes your skincare products, post shaving gel for the fella in your life or anything else) your session is FREE. Yeah, that's real.
So, back to your weekend...
This weekend is the Trish McEvoy event and I wanted to give you a heads up so you can set your appointments. I sat down with Regional Artist Jason McCarty last week and he shared a seemingly endless stream of tips and tricks directly from "Trish", as the team affectionately refers to McEvoy.
As your very own personal stylist, I HAD to share. Here we go!
5 Things I Learned from Trish McEvoy Artist, Jason McCarty
Read MoreIt's true. I do spend a good amount of time trying to motivate my fellow Seattle-ites to up their games. I also have this conversation with myself on those especially wet Winter mornings. But, let's be clear, EVERY stylish person has two elements: a smile and a look that say's, "I'm comfortable in what I'm wearing."
Missing a coat when it is freezing outside? Not fashionable. Wearing crazy high heels when you need to walk across the city? Not attractive. You get the idea. The struggle is that when we try to find that happy medium, we often discover that crazy comfortable clothes are, well, crazy comfortable. And, it's hard to break free.
Might I suggest a few key directives before you get dressed:
Read MoreOur son recently turned four and I'm continuously amazed at the evolution of maternity clothes over the last five years. Lucky for me, I have the opportunity to work with pregnant women and women who've recently gone back to work.
Both of those life stages can be especially challenging for a number of reasons. But, clothes, should not be one of them. So, I thought you (or someone you know), Dear Reader, might enjoy hearing about some new developments for new parents. FYI- That means moms AND dads.
Essentials for the New Parent
Read MoreIt's a funny thing, living in Seattle. If you live or work near Pike Place Market — a plethora of tasty fresh food, flowers and unexpected finds — you may frequent it regularly. If not, you likely only visit when entertaining out-of-towners. We're so neighborhood-centric, we can easily forget that there are very good reasons to venture outside the ten-minute radius around our houses.
So, on this beautiful Sunday, my goal is to inspire you to go beyond your neighborhood, and Pirkko is a worthy destination.
Read MoreI used to feel guilty every time I purchased a new piece of clothing or pair of shoes. Until, one day my husband said the most amazing words to me. He said, "you shouldn't feel guilty. That's your art form."
Magic.
Some people paint, others sculpt, I create outfits in my mind. That is my art form.
As a personal stylist, having the opportunity to create while helping to teach someone else is incredibly gratifying. Why am I bringing this up?
In casual conversations people often share with me their admiration for a style guru in their lives. Perhaps it's someone at the office who always looks incredible, a friend or family member. Looking fashionable seems effortless to this guru. She (or he) is always put together, stunning, current. I love hearing about this style guru because that person can be a helpful inspiration during the style transformation process. Seeing someone else's success can inspire us to work toward our own goals.
The danger is when you start playing the comparison game. When looking at that style guru again and again makes you doubt your own look, feel insecure about attempting a riskier approach to style, or give up all together, we have a problem. That's when I need to step in. So, here I am, stepping in.