Blog — Poplin Style Direction | Seattle Personal Stylist for Women Everywhere

Now THIS is a Barbie Collab You Should See

Now THIS is a Barbie Collab You Should See

As a personal stylist for women, I’m always on the lookout for new collabs between brands, designers, bands and more. Some are big hits and some fall flat, to be sure. I was delighted to see that one of my favorite retailers, The Frankie Shop, just launched a collaboration with Barbie. If you know the Frankie Shop, you are likely a little surprised, too. Expect pieces that align with Frankie’s sensibility and celebrate Barbie. The collection will undoubtedly sell out fast to check it out!

One Client's Story: I can say without a doubt that choosing to work with Poplin changed my life.

One Client's Story: I can say without a doubt that choosing to work with Poplin changed my life.

As a personal stylist for women, few things are more thrilling than seeing the entire styling process come together for a client. After all, we spend well more than a dozen hours collaborating to ensure that her authentic personal style comes through everyday and that she understands how to maintain her style once her package is complete.

Fortunately for me, I get to have this feeling regularly. Even better, sometimes we have a photo shoot and video to share some of that magic with you, the Poplin Community. I’m so grateful for each of you who read this blog (and the newsletter!) and for Gloria, a recent Poplin client, who generously shared her story. I hope you find it as inspiring as I do. Enjoy!

body image, fashion help, Pick Me Ups, Style Tips, Values Based Fashion, Women's fashionMellicia MarxSeptember 27, 2024Personal stylist women, real women style, Personal Stylist Clients, Seattle Personal Stylist Women, Poplin Style Client Reviews, Poplin Style Testimonials, elegant style, feminine style, nature goddess style, Authentic personal styleComment

Is it cold? Is it hot? 5 Ways to Master Getting Dressed for the Shoulder Seasons

Is it cold? Is it hot? 5 Ways to Master Getting Dressed for the Shoulder Seasons

As a personal stylist for women, it’s evident how much folks struggle with getting dressed as the seasons change. After all, it may feel chilly when you walk out the door only to discover the sun blazing through your window halfway through the day. If you find yourself taking your coat off and on twenty times a day this time of year, you aren’t alone. But mastering getting dressed in the fall (or spring) doesn’t need to be overwhelming. In fact, there are five easy ways to make looking good and feeling great easy in the fall. I’ve got you.

16 Fall Dress Trends that will Leave You Yearning for Colder Weather

16 Fall Dress Trends that will Leave You Yearning for Colder Weather

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I know a thing or two about getting dressed for cooler weather. One benefit of living it the Pacific Northwest is our weather variation. We’ve had weeks of sunshine followed by a few days of cooler temperatures and rain then back to sun. This means that we never really put away our rain gear and that we have a love/hate relationship with the fall.

It’s beautiful and we love it. AND it means our sunshine is coming to a close. Fortunately, the 2024 fall dress trends are so magnificent that fall is getting more appealing everyday. Let’s get you started, shall we?

It's Official! The Poplin Membership Launched!

It's Official! The Poplin Membership Launched!

Today we launched the private membership community that has been inside my head for years. Working behind the scenes to make it real has been a crazy fun and complex adventure. And truly, the technical aspects are only possible thanks to the deep research and commitment of my husband.

Live Event: Giving Back, Fashion Leadership with Poplin and the Washington Women's Foundation

Live Event: Giving Back, Fashion Leadership with Poplin and the Washington Women's Foundation

As a personal stylist for women, I am fortunate to be surrounded by an always evolving collection of inspiring, complex and fascinating women. Yes! My clients are a really incredible, diverse array of women with different style goals and lifestyles. And that’s only the beginning of the female energy I have around me.

In the past two years, the Washington Women’s Foundation has become an increasingly important part of my life. As you may know, my past life was in philanthropy and since day one, Poplin has been giving back to the community beyond our work with individual clients. As someone who worked in nonprofits both as an employee and volunteer as well as public service and more, the foundation’s approach to philanthropy is fresh, thoughtful and gives me so much hope for the future of philanthropy.

Overwhelmed by the Thousands of Items on Sale for Anniversary? Check out Our 273 Favs from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Organized by Personal Style

Happy Anniversary from your very own personal stylist for women. Sure, Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is a special occasion for a huge number of people. But in the Seattle area, we think of this as a hometown holiday. That means that every year I put together a collection of blog posts featuring my favorite products from Anniversary. With thousands of items on sale, it’s helpful to have a cheat sheet. And I have the time of my life digging into the year’s deals.

If Anniversary is new to you, it’s essential to understand the approach. It is unique, to be sure. Rather than kicking off fall in September, then marking down items late in the season, Nordstrom puts a collection of fall items on sale in July. Then, the prices GO UP when Anniversary is over. Nordstrom card holders get “early access,” meaning we can shop before non-card holders. And the sizes go FAST. So, if something is speaking to you, dive in before it’s gone.

Here in Poplin-land, we like to help you shop according to your authentic personal style. While each woman has her own unique style, typically at least one of five archetypes resonate with her. That’s why we have Pinterest Boards for those archetypes and many, many Pinterest boards organized by personal style keywords, body types and more.

So back to the archetypes. They are: Classic, Edgy, Creative, Boho and Effortless. As is our custom every year, I’ve created a blog post filled with my favorite items from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale organized by personal style. You can access each blog post below. Sizes are selling out quickly, so don’t delay. I was just in two Nordstrom stores yesterday only to discover sizes and items disappearing before my eyes.

Fun Fact: Pieces can be categorized in multiple styles. Rather than repeat a product in multiple posts, we give you the most bang for your buck. So, even if Classic, for example, isn’t exactly your thing, you’ll likely find pieces on the list that resonate with you. Okay! That’s it. Now, have a great time shopping and once again, Happy Anniversary!

Boho Style: Our 44 Favorite Picks from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale 2024

Boho Style: Our 44 Favorite Picks from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale 2024

Happy Anniversary from your very own personal stylist for women. Sure, Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is a special occasion for a huge number of people. But in the Seattle area, we think of this as a hometown holiday. That means that every year I put together a collection of blog posts featuring my favorite products from Anniversary. With thousands of items on sale, it’s helpful to have a cheat sheet. And I have the time of my life digging into the year’s deals.

Creative Style: Our 70 Favorite Picks from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale 2024

Creative Style: Our 70 Favorite Picks from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale 2024

Happy Anniversary from your very own personal stylist for women. Sure, Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is a special occasion for a huge number of people. But in the Seattle area, we think of this as a hometown holiday. That means that every year I put together a collection of blog posts featuring my favorite products from Anniversary. With thousands of items on sale, it’s helpful to have a cheat sheet. And I have the time of my life digging into the year’s deals.

If Anniversary is new to you, it’s essential to understand the approach. It is unique, to be sure. Rather than kicking off fall in September, then marking down items late in the season, Nordstrom puts a collection of fall items on sale in July. Then, the prices GO UP when Anniversary is over. Nordstrom card holders get “early access,” meaning we can shop before non-card holders. And the sizes go FAST. So, if something is speaking to you, dive in before it’s gone.

Here in Poplin-land, we like to help you shop according to your authentic personal style. While each woman has her own unique style, typically at least one of five archetypes resonate with her. That’s why we have Pinterest Boards for those archetypes and many, many Pinterest boards organized by personal style keywords, body types and more.

So back to the archetypes. They are: Classic, Edgy, Creative, Boho and Effortless. As is our custom every year, I’ve created a blog post filled with my favorite pieces and give you ideas for pairing each. Now, it’s time for pieces that communicate your Creative Style.

What is Creative Style? Well, in my mind, these pieces are unique, expressive, unconventional, just unexpected. Creative pieces are often pushing the envelope and pairing multiples together can take things even further. So, opt for one creative piece in an otherwise classic outfit, go full force with all creative options or find your happy place in the middle. Either way, I’m a superfan of Creative style and I can’t wait for you to find some favs in this list.

Fun Fact: Pieces can be categorized in multiple styles. Rather than repeat a product in multiple posts, we give you the most bang for your buck. So, even if Creative isn’t exactly your thing, you’ll likely find pieces on the list that resonate with you. Okay! That’s it. Now, have a great time shopping and once again, Happy Anniversary!

Effortless Style: Our 46 Favorite Picks from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale 2024

Effortless Style: Our 46 Favorite Picks from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale 2024

Happy Anniversary from your very own personal stylist for women. Sure, Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is a special occasion for a huge number of people. But in the Seattle area, we think of this as a hometown holiday. That means that every year I put together a collection of blog posts featuring my favorite products from Anniversary. With thousands of items on sale, it’s helpful to have a cheat sheet. And I have the time of my life digging into the year’s deals.

If Anniversary is new to you, it’s essential to understand the approach. It is unique, to be sure. Rather than kicking off fall in September, then marking down items late in the season, Nordstrom puts a collection of fall items on sale in July. Then, the prices GO UP when Anniversary is over. Nordstrom card holders get “early access,” meaning we can shop before non-card holders. And the sizes go FAST. So, if something is speaking to you, dive in before it’s gone.

Here in Poplin-land, we like to help you shop according to your authentic personal style. While each woman has her own unique style, typically at least one of five archetypes resonate with her. That’s why we have Pinterest Boards for those archetypes and many, many Pinterest boards organized by personal style keywords, body types and more.

So back to the archetypes. They are: Classic, Edgy, Creative, Boho and Effortless. As is our custom every year, I’ve created a blog post filled with my favorite items from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale organized by personal style. We kicked things off with my Classic picks to get you started. Then, we moved on to Edgy pieces. And now, it’s time for your Effortless style.

Fun Fact: Pieces can be categorized in multiple styles. Rather than repeat a product in multiple posts, we give you the most bang for your buck. So, even if Effortless isn’t exactly your thing, you’ll likely find pieces on the list that resonate with you. Okay! That’s it. Now, have a great time shopping and once again, Happy Anniversary!

Edgy Style: Our 61 Favorite Picks from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale 2024

Edgy Style: Our 61 Favorite Picks from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale 2024

Happy Anniversary from your very own personal stylist for women. Sure, Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is a special occasion for a huge number of people. But in the Seattle area, we think of this as a hometown holiday. That means that every year I put together a collection of blog posts featuring my favorite products from Anniversary. With thousands of items on sale, it’s helpful to have a cheat sheet. And I have the time of my life digging into the year’s deals.

Classic Style: 62 of Our Favorite Picks from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale 2024

Classic Style: 62 of Our Favorite Picks from Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale 2024

Happy Anniversary from your very own personal stylist for women. Sure, Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is a special occasion for a huge number of people. But in the Seattle area, we think of this as a hometown holiday. That means that every year I put together a collection of blog posts featuring my favorite products from Anniversary. With thousands of items on sale, it’s helpful to have a cheat sheet. And I have the time of my life digging into the year’s deals.

A Setback Soulsaver

A Setback Soulsaver

Giving Back, In It Together, My Favorite Things, Pick Me Ups, Poplin around the web, Women's fashion, Values Based FashionMellicia MarxJuly 8, 2024WomanCake Magazine Mellicia Marx, WomanCake Magazine Poplin Style, WomanCake Magazine, Inspirational stories from women, Inspirational songs, Personal Style Blog, Personal Stylist, Personal Stylist SeattleComment

Is it Time to Get a Pickleball Bag?

Is it Time to Get a Pickleball Bag?

As a personal stylist based in Seattle, talking about Pickleball does bring an extra beat to my heart. After all, the sport was invented on nearby Bainbridge Island and is the official sport of Washington State. While I must admit that I haven’t taken the plunge into the game, I am VERY enthusiastic about the wave of Pickleball Bags out there. And, if you are someone who is hitting the court on the regular, I vote you pick one up for yourself. Here are some of my favs! Enjoy!

Featured Poplin Client: Emmy

Featured Poplin Client: Emmy

As a personal stylist for over a decade, meeting with a new client never gets old. Despite working with hundreds of women, creating a style strategy for each one is a new adventure. After all, each client has a unique authentic personal style to drive our decision making. But she also has a different body type, color palette, lifestyle, budget and values. So even if we are supporting two women with the same style key words, their wardrobes will be different. This intentional approach means that she’ll feel confident that her pieces represent her, not someone else, and that they will simplify her life.

Emmy and I first met after her husband found Poplin online. With a very demanding job in tech, it was clear that getting dressed each morning was adding unwanted stress to her life. Her doting husband went on the hunt for a personal stylist and landed on Poplin. As a petite woman, finding items that excited her was tough and finding time or energy to shop was even tougher.

I can’t wait for you to hear Emmy’s transformation including her own words on the journey. Whether or not becoming a client is in your future, seeing images of women who have taken the leap and come out the other side is always inspiring. Let’s hear it for your morning pick me up.

Body Types, Women's fashionMellicia MarxJuly 3, 2024shop by body type, shop clothes by body shape, shop for your body type, shopping by body shape, shopping for body type, style by body type, style for my body type, stylist seattle, Virtual Personal Stylist Seattle, virtual personal stylist seattle washington, wardrobe consultant seattle, Wardrobe Consultant Seattle, what clothes for my body type, women's personal styling service, women's personal styling servicesComment

Your Favorite TV Show on Your New Favorite Sweatshirt

Your Favorite TV Show on Your New Favorite Sweatshirt

As a personal stylist for women, I’m all about staying on top of trends. As a Superfan of the Bear, I’m all about, well, the Bear.

If you, like me, have been elated for the return of Carmy and crew, then you’ll likely also be very enthusiastic about this new collaboration.

Never Miss a Return Window Again Thanks to this Hack

Never Miss a Return Window Again Thanks to this Hack

As a personal stylist for women, tracking return policies and deadlines is an important part of my job. As a human existing in society, the same is true.

After all, what’s worse than buying something and once you discover it isn’t for you, realizing that you won’t be able to get your money back because you missed the return window. Is infuriating too strong of a word? I don’t think so.

If you’ve been there, this post is for you.

Poplin around the webMellicia MarxMay 24, 2024shop by body type, shop clothes by body shape, shop for your body type, shopping by body shape, shopping for body type, style by body type, style for my body type, stylist seattle, Virtual Personal Stylist Seattle, virtual personal stylist seattle washington, wardrobe consultant seattle, Wardrobe Consultant Seattle, what clothes for my body type, women's personal styling service, women's personal styling servicesComment

15 Statement Making Super Useful Stadium Handbags for Concerts and More

15 Statement Making Super Useful Stadium Handbags for Concerts and More

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, we’ve already stocked up on concert tickets for the summer season. Often, clients ask about the best outfits for live music. Whether you are headed to an outdoor festival, a large indoor stadium or even a small indoor venue, it’s possible you’ll be limited to a clear bag no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches. Don’t let this requirement steal the joy of your outing. It’s time to make sure you’ve got a go-to bag to take you to your favorite music or sport event that is stadium compliant. Here are some of my favs.

Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend: Velouria is Closing.

Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend: Velouria is Closing.

I launched my personal styling career and Poplin in the fall of 2013 after a career in philanthropy. Knowing almost no one associated with fashion or style was an obstacle and my solution was to throw myself into the mix by committing to featuring a local Seattle boutique or maker every week on the blog. (Here’s my post on Velouria from back then.) This meant that I needed to both discover these gems, introduce myself to them and create valuable content for my new community.

I spent those first few years in a wide range of situations and environments as I searched both for clients and resources for those clients. All the while, I was also pursuing my people. Where were they? As it turned out, my people weren’t those in the fashion industry, but rather my clients. And over the years, I’ve been very fortunate to watch those relationships flourish, giving me a sense of home and community, despite working mostly alone.

Mellicia MarxMay 5, 2024Comment

Is Sustainable Fashion Just Another Thing for Women to Feel Guilty About? It Doesn’t Have to Be.

Is Sustainable Fashion Just Another Thing for Women to Feel Guilty About? It Doesn’t Have to Be.

As a values-based personal stylist for women in Seattle, sustainability is a very popular topic. When people discover that values are one of the filters that each Poplin client uses to determine what pieces are right for her, they often think those values mean sustainability. And, of course, they can. Importantly, my focus is on identifying each client’s personal values and encouraging her to use her values as a lens as part of the overall picture when developing her authentic personal style. For example, those values can range from encouraging connection (OMG. I love that bracelet. Where’d you find it?) to supporting BIPOC makers or focusing on the best return on investment for her purchases.

Values can also mean any number of topics under the sustainability umbrella.

The purpose of this conversation is not to force her to make sure that every purchase she makes aligns with her values. Instead, it’s an encouragement to lead with intention and remind her of the power that she has as an individual and the power we all have as a collective. On an individual level, purchasing items that align with her values empowers her and gives her self confidence that carries over to other aspects of her life. On a larger level, working as part of the collective, she has the potential to see her values reflected in the choices companies make. It was, after all, the body positive movement that led to more inclusive sizing from retailers and more models that resemble “real women” rather than the Plutonian ideal.

I love this part of my role and over the years, I’ve seen the impact that this realization has on my community. When it comes to sustainability, the more we see articles about the perils of climate change in the zeitgeist, the more clients want sustainability to be an important part of their personal style strategies. While it’s important to me that the values she identifies are hers and not mine, as someone who is concerned about the changing climate, I’m grateful for the opportunity to help women understand how to make choices that benefit the planet and the individual.

However, as part of this evolution, I’ve started to see the dark side of women’s efforts to make sustainable choices.