As you may know, Dear Reader, I'm obsessed with culottes. Some clients are very enthusiastic about trying out the trend. Others, not so much. Like jumpsuits, culottes are a departure from the styles that have become second nature and it's natural to feel self conscious about rocking the look. As a personal stylist for women in Seattle, I'm discovering that taking them into colder weather is especially concerning for a number folks. With that in mind, here are a few tips and tricks for pulling off the culotte trend.
I recently had a client tell me that she thinks I hate cardigans. On the contrary, I adore cardigans. Always have. Always will. The problem is that I've been adoring cardigans for going on 25 years now and let's face it, the thrill is gone.
Here's the thing: when a woman puts together a stunning and thoughtful outfit that communicates her personal style, she is on the verge of achieving pure bliss. She feels confident. She get's more accomplished. She is more willing to take risks in other areas. She is strong.
Then, she adds the final piece for, "warmth." Her tried and true cardigan. And much of what has just been achieved is lost. Often this cardigan stays at the office, draped over her chair for, dare I say it again, "warmth." As it turns out, it's a bit chilly here. So, inevitably, that (most likely black) cardigan is used on the daily. Elegance. Intention. It's all lost.
But fear not, a cardigan does not always have this effect. So, if you are sure you are rocking your cardis and keeping things elevated, more power to you. (Successful options are likely hip length or longer and absent of pilling.) If you worry that you maybe possibly could-be someone who needs a little help finding cardigan alternatives, your very own personal stylist for women is stepping in.
3 Alternatives to Cardigans.
Read MoreEditor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson.
Hello Dear Reader,
Lately I have been in the mood for change, for re-inventing parts of my life and getting used to the new direction I am on. I am in a space where I am looking to find things that inspire me on a daily basis and keeping me looking forward. I've pulled together a few things that are making me smile, think and enjoy this transition a little more each day.
A Bit of Change
Read MoreAs a personal stylist for women in Seattle, I am regularly asked for recommendations for hair, skin, tailors. interior designers, you name it- someone has asked me about it. You know how I feel about clothes, Dear Reader. Recognizing your authentic personal style means that when you are rocking the pieces that you KNOW are just right for you and your body, you will be filled with confidence. Even better, you'll spend your time thinking about how you plan to change the world, rather than why your skirt keeps riding up.
Undoubtedly, your hair and your wardrobe are pieces of the same puzzle. With that in mind, I reached out to my our long time (as in he's spent years doing my hair as well as cutting my husband's) meticulous stylist, Scott Tomlinson at Vain Ballard. If you haven't already seen him in the window at Vain, you surely will now. Scott's attention to detail is unmatched and he's built a hefty following around the world with his expertise in short haircuts. Hairbrained reposted a photo of one of his cuts on Instagram as a favorite from the HBShoot Out. Translation: Hair professionals and hair junkies agree, he's got talent. Time for tips!
3 Things You Wish Someone Had Told You About Hair
Read MoreSure, the weather changes daily. But there's no need to hold off on your cold weather accessory purchases until it's too late. This fall we're seeing three accessories that have been out of rotation for some time. What does that mean to you? It means you are going to need to start keeping your eyes open for these babies as they slowly hit retailers. Then, bam! You are officially a trend setter.
And hey, if I haven't said it lately, just a quick note that I REALLY appreciate you reading the blog, the newsletter and just supporting Poplin in general. You are a nice person. Thank you. As your very own personal stylist for women, I thought it might be a nice reminder on this rainy day.
3 Essential Accessories for Cold Weather
Read More"Wow! That's gorgeous. Can I try it on?"
And that's how it all began. I recently spent an afternoon filled with information, insight, laughs and some breathtaking jewelry thanks to local jewelry designer, Adrienne Krieger, owner of Everling and life coach, Lena D. Meyer of Gratitude6. Adrienne generously hosted Lena and me for a tour of her studio and a discussion about her tireless work to change the way jewelry is made. Naturally, a couple of hours of this can fill more than one blog post. So, below you'll find the top 5 things you simply MUST know about Everling. Like Bluemercury CEO, Marla Malcolm Beck and Dermaspace Owner, Jody Leon, Adrienne's brain is filled with riveting information that I'm dying to share. So, expect to see more fun facts from Adrienne in future blog posts and newsletters.
5 Super Cool Things About Everling Jewelry
Read MoreEditor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson.
Hello Dear Reader,
I recently moved to a new building in the heart of the shopping district in Downtown Seattle, and I have been hit with a wave of serious street style envy the last month or so. I am starting to see people wearing more transitional pieces and some of the layering is blowing my mind. It's been a real source of inspiration just looking around as I wait for the bus home. Since imitation is the highest form of flattery, I thought I would share some sketches of outfits I've been loving! And with a bit of research I have been able to pull together some like pieces so that you too can rock some of these great street styles! I love being inspired by the city and people around me!
Read More
We don't need rain to tell us that it's time to start shopping for fall. As your very own personal stylist for women, it's time we start talking about fall trends.
2015 Fall Trends You Can Wear.
Read MoreFew things are as satisfying as feeling confident in what you are wearing. That moment when you look in the mirror and you know that you look exactly as you should. You look like YOU. As a personal stylist for women, I spend my time helping clients achieve that goal. Of course, men should also have that opportunity. And, when I come across something too good to pass up, I have to share.
Enter J.Hilburn, a men's bespoke clothing company that maximizes the fun and creativity of custom clothing, while minimizing the back-and-forth between the client and the clothier. We recently had a custom shirt made for my husband, and we were thrilled with the results.
How it works.
The process starts with a J. Hilburn representative coming to your fella's office and taking his measurements. The client then chooses fabric and details for his custom shirt. We worked with Ashley and I'd recommend her, for sure. Lucky for me, that also meant I got to help mastermind the shirt. After all of this is done (it takes less than an hour depending on how indecisive you are), she sends off the order. The shirt is made by hand to the client's specifications. Ashley also gave background on the factory, etc. so that we were assured of the working conditions of the tailors.
Then, you wait as in you sit and fantasize about the shirt (or pants, or blazer, or suit) of dreams that is about to come your way. It's not long, about 2-4 weeks, depending on your specifications. When Ashley returns (that's right, the stylist personally delivers the order) she's carrying the one shirt (or pants, or blazer or suit) to rule them all. (More on that later.) She meticulously checks the fit and if anything is slightly off, back to the tailors it goes. Then, ultimately, back to you.
Why I'm Loving J.Hilburn
Read MoreFinding jeans can be especially challenging. Once you find a brand you love, it's common to want to stick with that and just call it a day. But then, after a while, we all want something new, the style is discontinued or it suddenly doesn't fit like it used to. Regardless of the reasons, it can feel like we are on the perpetual hunt for denim. With that in mind, as your very own personal stylist, I thought I'd offer up some suggestions for the right pair of jeans for you right now. After all, fall is just around the corner. Off we go!
Flattering (and current) Jeans for Every Body
Read MoreEditor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson.
Hello Dear Reader,
As fall encroaches on our summer I am sure you are noticing the magazines and stores beginning to bear a striking resemblance to store fronts, fabrics and prints of the 1970's. Now dear reader, whether you have already lived through the 70's and its fashion extravaganza, or you missed it, this fall seems to be bringing the whole tidal wave back again. So how do you survive it!? Whether you are a fan of suede and fringe, or not, there is ways to inch around the biggest trend of the cooler months, or dive right in.
Personally, my favorite parts of the revival are layered flapper fringed dresses, the color orange, and long flare jean with platforms. Other highlights are long duster coats in various fabric textures and weights, suede for days, itsy ditsy floral print, shift dresses, acid colors with neutrals, and mock turtlenecks. So what may work best for you? I've cultivated some of the highlights of the next season and matched them to some tricky styling points to ease you back into shag carpeting.
Athletic Thighs + Long Flares + Platforms = Legs for Days
Read MoreHello again, Dear Reader!
I've missed you. As a personal stylist, I work with clients to ensure a level of personal care. It's vital that we all take a step back, take some time to regroup and invest in ourselves. I couldn't face you if I didn't do the same. So thank YOU for your patience and support as I took a little break. I'm officially back full force and just in time for fall fashion. Let's begin with some of my favorite things right now.
My Favorite Things Right Now.
Read MoreLet's talk about how successful you are.
Read MoreFACT: I adore clogs.
Interestingly, clogs are defined as, "shoes that are made completely or in part from wood." That means shoes like my recent find from Ballard boutique re-souL are clogs, despite having an ankle strap. So, there's that.
Since the moment I posted photos of my visit to re-souL, those clogs have been front and center in nearly every conversation. My friend in Colorado even called to ask where she could find a pair (re-souL, naturally). But, despite the enthusiasm over these timeless wonders, it's evident that people often struggle with styling clogs. No more, Dear Reader. No more.
5 Ways to Rock a Clog
Read MoreWe've seen a lot of changes at J.Crew in the last few years. It is true. But, if you have or have ever had an affinity toward the brand, take another look. There's likely something just for you. As your very own personal stylist for women and kids, it's vital that I keep you, Dear Reader, in the know.
J.Crew and You.
Read MoreWe had the pleasure of spending the evening surrounded by French people... in Seattle. It was lovely. In fact, the entire experience felt like a vacation. It began with local beer at Standard Brewing on South Jackson. The beer is brewed on site and the ambiance is reminiscent of my neighborhood bar in Brooklyn. (Rest assured, they have growlers to go when you are short on time.) Then, off to a spectacular dinner on the patio at Marjorie in Capitol Hill. (Any restaurant with a turntable in the restroom and a shaded outdoor patio is the place for me.) Really, it was the perfect evening to celebrate our very good friend who happens to also be French.
The entire event reminded me of our country's obsession with French women. We celebrate our impression that they take great pride in how they look and insist on continuing to find time for themselves after they have children. It's not easy, as we all know. So, it's certainly logical that we'd be big fans of this behavior.
They also seem to manage dressing their children in clothing that most adults would be thrilled to own. As your very own personal stylist for women and kids, I had to ask: where does it all come from? Thanks to my good friend and birthday girl, Helen, here are some suggestions if you'd like your child's fashion to be a little more French-inspired.
Even better? They are both having massive sales right now.
Helen's Favorite French Retailers for Kids
(and the Rest of Your Family, too)
Read MoreThings are crazy in Poplin-land right now. Why? You ask. It is full blown summer. That means that when a new client is ready to transform her look, she's also ready to do it quickly before her upcoming vacation. It's all adrenaline all the time. And, what type of adrenaline could be more satisfying than that associated with shopping? For me, none.
But there are additional factors that make this a special time to pay attention. As your very own personal stylist, it is only right that I share this news with you, Dear Reader, just in case you missed it.