Atomic Habits and Style: Lessons from our Recent Poplin Style & Women in Finance Workshop
Kicking off the session. I picked up that glorious ring at a boutique in Montreal. I’ve been obsessed with this dress for over a year since it first appeared full price. I recommended it to Jaysea after I found it on sale at the Rack. My size has been out of stock for several months all across the internet- both new and used (I stick with New with Tags). After seeing Jaysea’s photos in the dress, I couldn’t take it anymore. I bought it two sizes too big on super sale and had our incredible tailor alter it to fit. Life. Changed. It was also a great representation of the Poplin System and how to dress my figure.
As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, my days are varied. On any given day, you may find me styling a client at her home, designing her Wishlist in my office or creating knockout outfits at either location. I might also be finding inspiration at retailers at home or out of the area. (In the last year, I’ve shopped Paris, Zurich, Copenhagen, Montreal, San Francisco, LA and of course, Seattle- all in person.)
I certainly spend a lot of time researching trends, retailers and more online and finding ideas direct from the fashion world, watching women I see IRL or just playing around with my own OOTD.
I’m guessing that you expected all of these activities. As it turns out, we’ve also got a few surprises. I spend a great deal of time in Continuum, the online membership exclusively for Poplin clients or on our group coaching program. I also devote time giving back to the community, especially with the Washington Women’s Foundation.
And did you know that Poplin conducts workshops on style, intentional living and philanthropy?
As the world has turned more virtual, I’m so grateful for these meaningful in person experiences that give me the opportunity to both teach and learn with an engaged group of women. Our most recent workshop was with Women in Finance, an organization with chapters in multiple cities whose focus is bringing together female CFOs. While style is likely not the first topic that comes to mind when you think about a meeting of female CFOs, it is relevant subject matter. After all, regardless of your career choice, lifestyle, size or income, understanding how to show up in the world in a way that aligns your authentic self and your outward presentation is an ongoing adventure for every woman.
If you are a CFO, I encourage you to investigate to the group. It’s a fun crowd. I designed the content specifically for the unique challenges of the role, but there were certainly some words of wisdom that apply to you, Dear Reader. So because I want you to be included and because I’m having such a good time remembering this session, I’m honing in the specific learnings around Atomic Habits and Style. I hope they’re as useful to you as they have been for me and many of my clients.
In case you were wondering- here were our goals for the afternoon.
Before we dive into Atomic Habits- What’s more fun than seeing a collection of inspired women learning, problem-solving and connecting with one another? I’m not sure. But a close second is looking at photos of that magic!
CREATING YOUR ACTION PLAN
Atomic Habits and Style
Habit Stacking
Habit stacking means attaching a new habit to one that’s already automatic. For example, if you make coffee every morning, you could stack reviewing your to-do list right after.
HABIT STACKING
Calendar Review
Accessory Swap
End of Day Outfit Change
Donation Decision
Teeth Brushing
Outfit Selection
For style, this might look like:
Scanning your calendar for the week and swapping out new accessories to use including a fresh handbag or jewelry
After taking off your work clothes, place anything that doesn’t feel right directly into your donation bag.
After brushing your teeth at night, set out tomorrow’s outfit.
Environment Design
Another Atomic Habits idea: your environment shapes your behavior.
Make the right choice easy and the wrong one hard.
Make Your Closet a Boutique
Hang a Full-Length Mirror by the Front Door
Keep a Donation Bin Near Your Laundry
For style, that could mean:
Merchandise your closet like a boutique made just for you. Make it a place of relaxation and inspiration, not stress.
Hang a mirror by the front door for a last look at your outfit.
Store a donation bag in your closet to let go of items that don’t serve you.
This is how we reduce decision fatigue and increase confidence. We’re not adding more work — we’re making it easier to live the style you want every day.
The stylish choice becomes the easy choice.
Create your action plan
Workshop attendees then dove into creating an action plan. You can do this, too! Think about one way you could habit stack to make style easier and choose one shift you can make in your environment to set yourself up for style success.
Of course you can enjoy a complete style evolution starting with a Poplin Style Package. But, if this isn’t the right time, making small intentional changes can have a profound impact on how you show up in the world. Starting with developing easy and fruitful habits around elevating your authentic personal style will make you feel like your best self, even on the hardest of days.
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