A Message of Love: Get Ready for Poplin 2.0

Happy New Year, Dear Reader. We are big on New Year's Resolutions around here. Each year we pick a theme and make a plan to embrace it. In years past we've had the year of the car, the year of health and the year of the house. This year we are launching into the year of Self Discipline and Self Care and I can't tell you how happy I am about it. What does this mean? Well, we're each stating 5 reasons we are grateful at dinner each night. Also, we've decided to have TV take a less prominent role in our lives, so we moved it out of the main room and got a fish tank instead. In the words of our seven year old, "it's like the fish tank is the new TV." Yes, my dear, that's exactly what it's like. We moved more of our books into the living room and made cozy spots equipped with magazines for adults and books for kids. I'm especially excited about this because I subscribe to a zillion fashion and culture magazines and this gives me even more time to dive into them.

Where am I going with this?

What Clothes do I Pack for my Trip?

The countdown is on. If you are heading out of town for the holidays, this is the time when packing anxiety hits you full force. Is it too dressy? Will I be comfortable? What about the weather? As a personal stylist for women, I talk a lot about individual style and body types. Yes, there are essentials, capsule collections, uniforms, call them what you like but many women are looking for a straightforward list of what to own and what to skip. Or, in this case, what do I pack and what do I leave at home.

UncategorizedmelliciaDecember 20, 2017Comment

What Handbag do I Wear to the Holiday Party?

It's full on holiday party season. Whether you are off to a nice dinner with your team, a formal event hosted by your company, a themed party or a friend get together, determining what to wear is often a source of anxiety. As a personal stylist for women, I've seen it all. Determining the right outfit is a challenge. Have I worn it before with this crowd? Will it photograph well? Will I be comfortable? These are all good questions.

How do I Hold my Cocktail and a Clutch at the Same Time?

Recently, my husband and I were at a party for his team at work. One of our friends arrived looking glamorous, as usual, and carrying a Coach clutch which perfectly completed her outfit. Clearly, the bag was not an afterthought. However, when she arrived, she needed to find just the right place to set it down so that should could eat, drink and enjoy the party.

Tragic. The clutch completed the outfit. But, in order to enjoy herself, she had to put it somewhere else.

Eclectic Chic: Made, Found, Purchased, Loved. The Story of Aga.

Thursday's client photo shoot was another showstopper. In this case, my client, Aga, was the star. As we navigated our way from spot to spot through Volunteer Park, Aga was on the lookout for her young daughter who coincidentally was on a field trip nearby. What a moment- to have your daughter see you modeling in a photo shoot. #mindblowing.

Aga has lived in several countries and

5 Ways to Ensure You Feel as Good as You Look at the Holiday Party

Welcome to yet another holiday party season. A good friend recently said to me, "finding a dress for a holiday party is one of the most stressful things you can do." Oh, my. As it turns out, this is a pretty common feeling.

So, last weekend when I was loaning another friend some of my favorite party pieces for her work holiday gathering, I realized that there are some tried and true ways to ensure that you look incredible at the party, in the photos afterward and most importantly, in your own mind.

5 Ways to Feel as Good as you Look at the Holiday Party

What I'm Wearing Now.

I have conversations all day, everyday about clothes. Seriously. Frequently, I'm just chatting with someone on the street or at the coffee shop before a client consultation and I find myself writing down details of a particular item that I'm wearing so they can go grab one for themselves. No more! I'm all about efficiency, my friend.

So, we now have a section of the website devoted to What I'm Wearing Now.

Giving Tuesday- Helpful Tips About Giving Including What to Wear.

I trust these last few days have been a whirlwind of making lists, buying things, getting geared up to give them and the realization that there's much to do in these next few weeks. A treasured holiday season tradition is to donate to your favorite nonprofit organizations. Whether you do it on Giving Tuesday or some other time this year, I thought you might enjoy some guidance on giving from your very own personal stylist for women (who happens to have also had a career in giving, does philanthropic consulting and serves on a nonprofit Board.) Please enjoy and hey, let me know what you think.

What You Need to Know About

Giving Back

Black Friday Deals

Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaNovember 24, 2017Black Friday deals 2017, Personal Stylist for Women, Seattle fashion blog, Seattle StylistComment

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,

Finally! Sustainable Hosiery that YOU Can Buy in Seattle or Online.

This is big, really big.

During World War II, the country banded together to fight a common enemy. Not only did they do this through taking on unexpected jobs; but they also conserved resources. Women were an essential part of this endeavor. Locally, women worked in various capacities including at Boeing.

As an aside, here's a super interesting tidbit.

Where Can I Find a Hip Raincoat?

What are we on now- day 3 of stormy weather? I really have no concept of time. But, I can tell you that as a personal stylist for women, every weather event is an opportunity to think about what to wear and how to offer tips to my clients and you, Dear Reader. So, naturally, this insanity has brought me to a solid, comprehensive coats on raincoats.

Before we begin, let me say that when you are wearing something incredible that makes you look and feel good, we want to avoid tossing your North Face jacket over top simply because, "it's comfortable and keeps me dry." That is true. But does it communicate your personal style? Is it at the level that you are or the level that you are headed to? Does it say, "director" or "leader" or whatever you want the world to see? I'd argue that it doesn't. So, when perusing these guys, keep your personal style in mind as not every jacket is right for every woman AND not every jacket is right for everyday. This list is predominantly cool kid coats that work well with casual ensembles. I'll call out the choices for dressier options. Good? Okay, let's go!

10 Raincoats When You Want to Look Cool and Stay Dry

Get on the List! Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday & Give Big Tuesday Shopping Guides

My Favorite Things, shop local, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaNovember 15, 2017Black Friday 2017, Black Friday deals 2017, Black Friday Fashion 2017, Personal Stylist Seattle, Seattle fashion blog, Seattle Fashion Blogger, Seattle Style Blog, Seattle Stylist, Wardrobe consultant SeattleComment

What are Some Super Cool Products Made by Veterans and Their Families?

Veteran's Day is a thing at our house. Our 7 year old is a big fan of patriotic songs and sings them often. Veteran's Day is his, "favorite singing holiday." We also try to call up vets that we know, including my Dad, to just check in because we're thankful they are home.

On the fashion front, it's a good reminder to check out the wealth of businesses owned by vets and their spouses. Moving every year or even more often can be brutal on a spouse's career, so I'm a HUGE fan of the innovative businesses that allow spouses to work from home wherever they happen to live. This ensures that they won't miss out on income or job stability from a move. And, if you are a long time reader, you are familiar with my adoration for the folks at Combat Flip Flops- a local company started by two former Army Rangers who had served a number of tours in Afghanistan started with a mission to, "To create peaceful, forward-thinking opportunities for self-determined entrepreneurs affected by conflict." It's incredible and produces equally inspiring results:

Every product Combat Flip Flops sells puts an Afghan girl into secondary school for a day.
Each Peacemaker Bangle or coinwrap sold clears 3 square meters of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) from a region rocked by long-term war (those are landmines, folks) - saving lives and providing economic opportunity.

You can hear all about it from one of the founders and friend of Poplin in his TedX talk. SO good.

Flip Flops are only the beginning. Check out the high quality products (we have several including a necktie my husband wears regularly) and pick some up as early holiday gifts for the ones you love and, naturally, a little something for you.

Combat Flip Flops, affectionately known as CFF, is just the beginning.

Very Cool Products Made by Veterans & Their Families.

Random Acts of Empathy

Hello Dear Reader!

As a personal stylist for women, I have all sorts of conversations with folks. Topics range from skincare to hair and makeup referrals, of course. But, we also talk a lot about our kids, the schools they attend, giving back to the community and so much more. Recently, I was honored to share my thoughts on empathy with the Simple Intentions audience. If you haven't checked out Simple Intentions, now is the time. The force behind the company is Jae Ellard. Not only is she a friend and client, she's also a successful author and teacher focusing on mindfulness and balance.

Here's the post. I hope you enjoy it and have an opportunity to check out Simple Intentions. Happy Monday.

Practice Random Acts of Empathy

Ilse Jacobsen for Rain, For Life.

I fell in love with Ilse Jacobsen sometime in 2013/2014 when I finally realized she was the woman behind an unexpected rain boot. They were a mashup between a pair of traditional rubber boots and a pair of Docs. At least, that's how I viewed them. Naturally, she's Scandinavian because that's always been a sweet spot of mine. When I discovered her stylish rain gear. I was hooked. Soon after, Nordstrom started offering a raincoat or two of hers online only. To try one on, I went to Scandinavian fashion central in Seattle: Pirrko. If you haven't heard of this shop, here's my post from then all about it.

If I haven't mentioned it on the blog already,

5 Days: 5 Fall Trends: Military Influence.

Holy crow, Dear Reader. We're at Day 5. So soon? Check back on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and Day 4 and get ready to dive into our final installment of the Fall Trends breakdown: Military pieces. As a personal stylist for women, I've seen this trend continue to gain momentum year after year. So, it's likely you already have a few military- inspired pieces in your closet. Here are some tips to ensure you are maximizing their awesomeness for YOU.

Making Military- Inspired Pieces

Work for You.

UncategorizedmelliciaOctober 29, 2017Comment

5 Days: 5 Fall Trends. Day 4: Grow into a Fan of Florals.

Welcome to day 4 of our 5 days of fall trends. If you missed them, be sure to read up on criss cross, sleeves, velvet and tomorrow's final installation. A few years ago I found a long sleeve floral dress on Amazon for $20. I questioned the quality, sure. But I REALLY wanted a long sleeve floral dress that was reminiscent of the designer trends of the time and I found this print with giant flowers and woodland animals. It was weird but wonderful. I took the risk and ordered it, despite the shipping fee that rivaled the price of the dress.

Sadly, it was a bit of a mess. I engaged the tailor to try to save the day, but when something is that wrong, it's hard to make it right.

Luck for all of us, the bold floral trend is happening. I mean it is happening, people. So, there's no need to make such crazy orders anymore. Even if you weren't a fan of florals in years past, you might surprise yourself with the new prints available. Here are some ideas to get you there.

How to Wear Florals Now.

UncategorizedmelliciaOctober 27, 2017Comment

5 Days: 5 Fall Trends. Day 3: Velvet Town.

Welcome to Day 3 of our 5 Days 5 Fall Trends Series. Check out Day 1 and Day 2 if you haven't already.

When you are out and about doing some retail therapy, you are likely well aware of the velvet trend. And this is the ideal time of year for it. As a personal stylist, I'm seeing a whole lot of velvet and I must say, I like it. The fabric works for varying personal styles and keeps you nice and cozy. Plus, who doesn't love an opportunity to touch soft fabrics in the middle of a challenging day? For you, my Dear Reader, here are some tips for embracing fall's velvet trend.

Do Velvet.

5 Days: 5 Fall Trends. Day 2: Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Sleeves.

Make sure to take a look at the first post of this series, if you haven't already. Fall is an especially fun time to experiment with new trends. Try mixing things up by adding some unexpected sleeves into the mix. Whether you opt for giant 80's shoulders or sheer sleeves, drawing attention to your arms has lots of benefits.

How to Do Sleeves

Right Now.