Use Your Voice and Your Wallet- Resist and Unsubscribe February
Action absorbs anxiety.
As a personal stylist for women, you know I love shopping.
But I love my country even more.
If you’re feeling helpless and overwhelmed with the current administration’s use of masked, armed ICE agents to intimidate- there are ways to push back against this behavior.
Of course, protest is a visible way to communicate to the administration, the public and the rest of the world that we do not endorse this behavior. Protesting is not the only solution. You can also support organizations doing the work and your friends, neighbors and community members who can use your energy and resources.
The strongest way to send the most effective message to the administration is a targeted boycott of corporations who are empowering this behavior. This only works if it’s a collective action. It’s time to stand up and to encourage those around you to stand up, too.
Scott Galloway says it best,
Resist and Unsubscribe
This targeted boycott for the month of February includes key tech companies and other corporations who are specifically supporting ICE. Take a look at the list and why each company is included on the list. Then, find what action(s) work best for you and align with your values. Of course, none of us can do it all and we certainly can’t do it alone. Unsubscribe to as many services as you can and stop funding these companies for the entire month of February and illustrate to the administration and the world the power of the American people. Instead, support smaller businesses.
Full disclosure: We have Amazon and Google stock and yes, we’re still boycotting. Think long term, friends.
We’re Not Minneapolis, but ICE is Here, Too
My readers and clients span the globe, but a large percentage of the Poplin community is in and around Seattle. For those of you who live here or are familiar with the area, you’ll recognize the location and likely find this as chilling as I do. This is from today’s Seattle Times.
Federal agents arrest man in front of 2-year-old son in Shoreline
There are stories like this across the country. Wherever you are, if ICE isn’t there now, it will be soon. And if you feel insulated because you are a citizen or expect that ICE won’t profile you, think again. This is a gradual eroding of our rights and once we lose them, it’s difficult to get them back.
Protect Yourself and Those Around You.
I can appreciate that this may sound alarmist so let me reframe it in a way that may be more comfortable. Think of this in the same way that you prepare for a natural disaster. We don’t plan for a disaster to take place, but should it happen, we are grateful that we have an emergency kit and plan in place. I’m encouraging you to take the same steps in preparation for any challenges that you might face. Here are a few resources:
Ensure that your phone can alert your emergency contact that you’ve been pulled over and that your phone is disabled
Emergency Protocol iPhone Shortcut Setup Guide + Critical Limitations
Know Your Rights
Family Preparedness Plan for Immigrants
it’s true, I can’t give you a giant hug during this craziness. But I can offer up this magnificent heart coat to bring joy to your winter.
Yikes. This is Dark. Any lighter news for me?
Sure thing, friend.
This month the Continuum Membership is focusing on creating an intentional list of items to strategically supplement each member’s wardrobe. Leveraging your existing wardrobe with key addition can expand your collection and bring fun and fresh outfits into the mix. And let’s face, while a great outfit can’t solve all the stressors referenced above, it certainly will help you feel more ready to face the day. AND, style helps initiate connection with strangers, friends and colleagues. Don’t underestimate the goodness that comes from a quick chat about your handbag or shoes. Truly.
Try the challenge with us! Create your own Pinterest Board and find inspiration to shop when the time is right and aligns with your values. (The boycott above is focused on large tech companies and other companies who are coordinating with ICE. While there aren’t clothing retailers on the list, UPS FedEx and Amazon ARE on the list. So if you are ordering something that will be shipped, consider using USPS, picking it up or holding off on your purchase until March.)
Here are some resources to get you started.
Sources for Fresh Finds to Add to Your Collection
Reference the Poplin top 100 retailers by personal style (every Poplin newsletter subscriber received this). Don’t have it. Just ask!
Follow the Poplin Pinterest Boards, Pinterest for retailers or other folks whose style you admire.
Ask Gemini or ChatGPT for other retailers or brands based on your current or past favs. (Ideally you have downgraded to the free version of ChatGPT for the month of February as part of the boycott.)
Remember Pinterest is a search engine. So use it to search for ideas that you have, products you love, style trends or OOTDs.
After your pin something, follow the Pinterest product suggestions for other product ideas and keep pinning!
Use Google Lens to find products you like or similar items so that you can add them to your board.
As we close out, I’d like to remind you how much I appreciate you being a member of the Poplin Community. I’m glad you’re here. The word, “community” gets tossed around liberally, so here, I hope you feel like you belong. It matters that you come back, time and time again. I make my living from client services, memberships and affiliate income on the blog. We don’t have ads and I don’t obsess over the number of readers or subscribers. We do our best to provide the highest level of authentic content and trust that you’ll stick with us. And, the majority of you do.
So thanks for being here. It’s very powerful and humbling to see how many of you have been with me for years. Thank you. Big hug.
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Holy crow there are a lot of benefits to being a member of the Poplin community. You’ll receive my Top 100 Favorite Retailers Organized by Personal Style AND the Wildly Popular Six Weeks of Style Tips. Poplin email subscribers also get the newsletter directly to their inboxes every other Friday PLUS all sorts of bonus content that is not published on the blog. Sign up! We won’t spam you or share your info with anyone else. Already on the list? Share Poplin with a friend who’d love this content, too!
