Frequently Asked Questions
Have some questions you'd like answered? Who better to answer those than clients who have worked with Poplin Style Direction?
From start to finish, Mellicia made the whole experience completely stress-free and so empowering. My confidence in how I present myself is greater than it's ever been, and I couldn't recommend her highly enough.
-Gwen
Poplin Style Direction founder Mellicia Marx with clients and friends at the Poplin 1st Anniversary Party in 2014 at Freeman Seattle.
Q: I like the idea of having a personal stylist but I'm afraid that she'll try to put me into a box and not see the real me.
This experience is about ensuring that you feel confident that your clothes communicate your personal style. You'll understand what is flattering for your figure and have a handle on current trends. I will listen to you and make recommendations based on who you are and what you'd like to convey.
One thing I was nervous about, when thinking about working with a stylist, was whether I would feel awkward, or like I was dressed as someone else. It was clear from the first meeting, though, that that was absolutely not going to be the case. Mellicia asked me so many questions, and I could tell she was digging down trying to really understand my sense of style, and what felt good to me. And holy cow she completely nailed it.
I cannot begin to tell you what a lovely experience it was to have Mellicia style me.
"She doesn't force trends or another person's style." -Brittany
"I was concerned that a stylist would project her own style onto me. You didn't do that." -Erika M.
Q: I'm waiting to hire a personal stylist until after I lose weight.
There's no time like the present. Perhaps this blog post will encourage you.
…I've been working with Mellicia through weight gain and loss and she's there for you every step. She helps you feel good and look cool. And not just style, her recommendations for LIFE are above and beyond!…
"Before this, I wasn't feeling good about my body so I didn't feel worthy of wearing cute clothes like I did before the kids. During the closet edit I took out everything that didn't fit. Now, I get to choose from all the clothes in my closet because they fit instead of only choosing one item from lots of things." -Reenie
Q: This is a real investment. Is it worth the price?
I often say that money is real. And yes, working with Poplin Style is an investment. It’s also an investment in yourself. Poplin is a “teach you to fish” model. We give you the tools to curate your wardrobe to communicate your authentic personal style, align with your values and always make you look and feel your best. The online tools give you the ongoing support you need to flex your new muscle and go from frustration and disappointment to confidence, joy and dare I say it, enthusiasm about getting dressed each day.
Mellicia was amazing to work with. She changed my life, and helped me find my style. I'm finally confident to wear colors, to standout and be me She was responsive, size inclusive, helpful and overall amazing. My Poplin experience was worth every penny.
…The other thing I was nervous about was whether it would be super expensive. Mellicia did an awesome job working within my budget, though. Also, I don't feel like I'll need to buy anything for a while, and everything I have I'm using. Also, I don't have to shop anymore. Before, whenever I would walk through Target or past another store, I would be thinking things like, 'oh, maybe I should get that, maybe that would be cute.' I wasted so much money buying things on Amazon that looked horrible. The mental freedom of knowing that my wardrobe is just... done? Complete and working and awesome? Amazing….
Buying her "Style 360 Package" is some of the best money I have spent on myself. Mellicia was not only helpful and encouraging of my new ventures but tremendous in looking forward to what I would need stylistically.
-Jess
Any interaction with Mellicia always brightens my day and is well worth the investment in her style services. The full package is full of value and transformed my life, and my wardrobe... making it more in line with who I am, and easy to use. She taught me how to move forward on my own, or I can reach out as needed for major milestones in my life (pregnancy, post-partum, new job, etc).
- Tolle
…That's probably the best thing I can say about my experience--I'm sure there's places that can pick out coordinated outfits and call it a day, but by working with Mellicia I've managed to overcome something that's stressed me out for a really long time, and was a major sticking point in achieving my transition goals, and it was entirely a fun and enjoyable time. Well worth it!
Q: My values are really important to me. I’m afraid a personal stylist will push me into purchases that don’t align with my beliefs?
I was a little apprehensive at first because I wasn't sure if she would impress upon me a style that wasn't consistent with my values and personal style. From the first time we talked, she was just so warm and open and made me feel comfortable talking to her about my likes and dislikes. I cannot begin to tell you what a lovely experience it was to have Mellicia style me.
Q: How satisfied are Poplin clients with the experience?
Client satisfaction is essential. We have 100% 5 star reviews over a decade. Check them out on Yelp and Google. Keep in mind that Yelp also has reviews that are “not recommended.” Right now, there are about 25 of those in addition to Poplin’s other reviews. We surveyed the Poplin community which includes anyone on the Poplin email list and folks who follow us on social. Poplin has a Net Promoter Score or NPS of 84 with Promoters 15 % Passives and 0% Detractors. To put that into context, Nordstrom has a NPS of 27. You can see the top NPS scores here.
I’ve worked with Mellicia of Poplin Style Direction since July of 2014 and I wouldn’t work with anyone else.
From the beginning, her process is tactical, yet kind and super fun, to get to the bottom of what makes more sense for the client. The process itself is well explained, and she is dedicated to make sure it runs smoothly and budget conscious….I will be forever grateful to Mellicia and this super fun and educating experience!
-MB
Q: If I use a personal stylist, people will think I'm shallow or vain.
You care about how you look; but that is not all you care about. Rest assured, that is not all I care about either.
"This process is about feeling good in the clothes you wear, doesn't matter what your budget is. It's huge!" -Reenie
Q: I've always thought that only people with unlimited resources can use a personal stylist. Is Poplin really an option for me?
Whether we are shopping at a thrift store (yes, I do that!) or Barney's, your needs are front and center. My goal is not to encourage you to spend money, but rather to spend money strategically on items that are right for you and leverage the items you already own by styling them differently or tailoring.
She kept my budget in mind and helped me figure out the style that works with my life and makes me feel effortlessly pulled together. This was such a great use of my limited time and energy.
"My dear husband gifted me Mellicia's services after I had my first child and was preparing for my return to work.When he told me about the gift I thought- wow, that's pretty indulgent...a personal stylist for, ME? But honestly, it totally exceeded my expectations. It was always about what worked for me, my life, and MY style. Oh, and she worked within the confines of my budget, too." -Rose
She expanded my knowledge of brands and retailers that would suit me - physically and stylistically. I purchased things I wouldn't normally consider (and have no regrets)! Mellicia helped me see beyond the online photos of a tall, slender model to how I could rock the same look. We probably tailored 90% of what I purchased, which was totally necessary for me: petite, but curvy, and somehow still considered a rectangle!! We also modified a ton of pieces I already owned. It was like having more new pieces just for the cost of the tailoring.
Q: I just had a baby and am at a loss for what to wear. Can Poplin help?
Oh, can I?! After the birth of my son, I experienced changes in my figure, in my needs, my moods and my clothing budget. Are you headed back to work, still pumping, experiencing weight fluctuation? We'll address all of this and more when determining the best route for you and your style. I also style pregnant women whether we go with new pieces, rentals or a combination of the two.
"That's the change. Before this, I never took the 20 minutes to take care of me. I just went into taking care of the kids. Now, I feel so much better and it takes the same amount of time." -Reenie
I was very conscious of my body after having had a baby two years ago and never getting back to my pre-pregnancy size. So I was stuck in a rut of mostly jeans and baggy tops. That's when my husband gifted me a styling package with Poplin which got me both excited and intrigued…. Her insights on what styles and looks complement my body type were invaluable. I continue to reference them when dressing up or shopping for new outfits. The results definitely exceeded my expectations and a nice bonus was the numerous compliments I received from family, friends and colleagues!
It was an absolute treat to get a maternity wish list from Mellicia when I was expecting again - comfortable yet stylish and effortless! I'm so thankful to my husband for helping me discover Poplin and the lifelong access to Mellicia. Hooray!
Q: I'm plus size and need a stylist who understands my needs and my body. Can Poplin help?
I’ve spent nearly a decade working with women of all shapes and sizes and have a real soft spot for working with women who wear extended sizes. Often, a woman who has had very limited choices due to the lack of choices in her size, may not even know what she wants her style to be. Whether that’s you or you know what you want but can’t figure out how to find it, Poplin is here to help.
Mellicia is the best!… I went to Poplin as I was sick of trying to find clothing as a plus-size short gal who didn't want to look like a secretary. I was in a rothys-skinnyjeans-top rut. I hated shopping and did it as a matter of necessity. She taught me SO MUCH…. She did exactly what I wanted, worked with where I'm comfortable, and pushed me into newer, hipper territory.
I am a tall, preppy, plus-sized person who keeps gaining and losing the same 10-15 pounds, so my closet used to be a mishmash of dresses that didn't quite fit, pants that were too casual for work and tops that didn't have a style goal beyond "goes with black."… Ladies, if you are looking to make an investment in yourself but don't know where to begin, this is it. We started by defining goals, budgets and criteria for success, which Mellicia approached with empathy and a great sense of humor; within minutes she felt like an old friend. Try-on sessions and tailoring appointments were in my home, so I felt free to experiment without judgment or pressure to keep something if I didn't love it.
Q: I hate shopping. If I use a personal stylist, will she force me to go shopping?
Actually, one of the great benefits of working with Poplin is that you don’t need to go shopping at the mall. Instead, we create highly personalized Uber Wishlists so that the client can order everything online. Some clients don't purchase any new clothes. It's all about identifying what you need and how best to achieve it. So easy!
Editing my closet was an amazing experience, Mellicia helped me erase decades of body shaming in one fell swoop. I see myself completely differently and that is a true gift! I've continued to work with Poplin with seasonal wish lists, a dream of perfect pieces picked just for me. Seriously, who doesn't need this?
The Wishlists were loaded with links to items personally selected for me by her each quarter, along with notes about why she selected each item, as well as suggestions for what to pair the item with (either from the current list or from her knowledge of my existing wardrobe). The lists were amazing, and I have referenced them often as I make new purchases on my own. There was just the right balance of items that challenged me to dress outside my comfort zone with items that were classically "me".
…She sent me a list of clothing items to replenish my now very small closet and everything was to die for (and in my budget!)…
I hate going shopping for clothing, I hate ordering clothing online and I hate getting up and not knowing what to wear in the morning. I was recommended to M from a trusted source and let me tell you - She is AMAZING!…
-Toni
Q: I’m transitioning to female and am looking for a stylist that can give me the tools I need to dress myself in my new body. Does Poplin work with Trans clients?
Do we?! LGBTQ+ rights have been very important to me since my teen years. My graduate school thesis focused on California’s domestic partnership bill and my community has included Trans women for decades. In 2014, I started styling Trans youth as part of my volunteer work with YouthCare. Back then, I wrote, “What I Learned from Styling Trans Youth” on the blog and that led to my first Trans client in 2014. Whether you transitioned years ago and are at a loss for the next stage of your style evolution or have just started hormones and are overwhelmed by navigating women’s clothing, Poplin is just right for you.
…To add injury to insult, when I decided to transition in my 30s, and the resulting need to overhaul my wardrobe, I was faced with a mostly alien world. Walking into a big clothing/department store, with a seeming infinite of choices, and intimidating salespeople, and weird sizing (and my weird sizes!), and not having any idea of a style or objective in buying things... well, it was frankly terrifying. So I decided to call in an expert, in Mellicia, and I'm so glad I did!
First off, she made me go on shopping trips, into some of these places that were out of my comfort zone, but instead turned them into something of a 'guided tour' experience, and helped break down a big scary thing into pieces I could manage and understand. Plus, walking into a place and finding out there's already a bunch of stuff waiting for you to try on in the back feels like a total 'rock star' experience. Total 180 from my past fears.
Secondly, while she did pick a variety of things to try out on our first trip, based on a few ideas I had in our discussions, I never felt like I was being steered or railroaded into one particular fashion. In fact, much to my surprise, I found out I did actually have opinions about these things, and Mellicia was super attentive in picking up on what I liked. Iterating on that feedback, she helped me find a style that legitimately feels like me, and now I have a mental model of what's probably going to work for me when I go out shopping now….
Q: I want a personal stylist that understands what is appropriate for my industry. How will Mellicia know what is work-appropriate and communicates my personal style?
While I've been styling friends, family and total strangers for as long as I can remember, my career spans the public, private and nonprofit sectors. From dating services to fundraising, finance and everything in between, I can assure you that I'm comfortable with a variety of industries. If you'd like, I'm also available to meet you at your office to get the lay of the land.
"I needed help pulling myself together to begin a new career, and Mellicia did just that, and then some."- Kim M.
…Working with Poplin Style has been a wonderful experience to aid in my confidence, acceptance of my body now that I have clothes to match my body shape, and establishing my brand for my small business. I began to understand how my confidence, mood, and attitude are affected by how I feel in my clothes which directly affects my business and my brand….
-Amy
Q: I have always been very fashionable, but I just don't have the time to shop. I want a personal stylist who values and respects my opinions about my look, but also helps me elevate my clothing. Can Poplin help?
Absolutely! I love talking shop with clients and everyone benefits from a fresh perspective. Once you determine your style key words and body type, we'll both have a more intentional handle on your wardrobe.
Q: This is new territory for me. My biggest concern is that a personal stylist will help me buy all new clothes, but I won't understand how to shop for myself moving forward. And, it will take me forever to get ready in the morning.
Educate, empower, transform. These are our goals. Once you are client, you are always a client and move to packages designed specifically for existing clients to ensure your individual needs are met. Huzzah! You'll also be the happy owner of an online personal profile the outlines in detail the pieces that are most (and least) flattering for you. Access this effortlessly using your computer or mobile device. We'll make sure you understand how to move forward. Plus, you'll get ready in minutes using your new outfit gallery featuring ensembles from your closet including new and existing pieces.
"The OUTFITS! Mellicia actually holes herself up in your closet and puts together outfits from your wardrobe in new and amazing ways. She takes photos and uploads them to your page. I cannot tell you how much my sleep-deprived mommy brain has benefited from this. No kidding, this whole last week I've decided what to wear using these photos, rushed to get ready in 10-15 mins, and still get compliments from my office peeps! Love love love." -Rose
Q: I've had too many "yes" people around me. Will Mellicia tell me when something isn't flattering?
Yes. I'll be direct, kind and constructive.
"It's like What Not to Wear, but she's really, really kind." -RP
Q: Have you heard any feedback from spouses or partners on this experience? Do they see the value in the financial investment?
Yes!
"We have a tight budget and everything you've done totally outweighs the cost. There's a huge change in her. She's so much more confident and has more energy. Now, instead of telling me that she has nothing to wear, she gets to choose between almost 50 outfits from her gallery." -Kadin, Reenie's husband.
"After purchasing the faux leather pants Mellicia recommended. I went down the stairs to ask my husband's opinion: "Wow...that's one hell of a service! Worth every penny!" He REALLY liked the pants. And this is coming from a guy who never really says anything about what I'm wearing. I also noticed in the following weeks that he would randomly compliment me on whatever I was wearing and tell me I look nice. Such an unexpected, but welcome effect on my marriage!" -Tarah
Q: I have a very hard time dressing my body. I feel like I need guidance on how to do it but I’m worried that as trends change, I’ll need advice all over again.
Picking out clothes has never been what I would call "fun". I'm your quintessential tomboy who is short but I have huge boobs so finding things that fit my shape and make me feel put together without looking frilly has always been hard, if not impossible. After so many years of fighting with my wardrobe only to feel frumpy all the time, I finally decided to seek "professional help"….Mellicia was exactly the help I needed. She showed me how to play to my strengths, dress for the body I have, and elevate my look without going too far outside of my comfort zone.
Q: What if I hire a personal stylist and no one can see a difference?
The lovely text messages and emails I get from clients confirm that they certainly see a difference.
Haven’t felt this sexy in 18 years. #truestory
-Bridget
Working with you has given me so much confidence. I wore one of the all saints dresses yesterday to work. OMG. I could have hugged you, I felt so great.
-Claire
"Had another Mellicia moment yesterday. Wore the cowl neck leather jacket with a tunic. Super comfy, felt fabulous and got a number of compliments. Best of which was, "Love your outfit and you look tiny!" -Heidi
"My life consists of motherly duties. Now, instead of yoga pants I put on a maxi dress, a scarf and a jean jacket. The other morning a mom at my son's preschool asked me if I was going on a date! I said, 'Yeah, a date with Target.' It feels good." -Reenie