The Ruby Room: Because You've Had the Power All Along.

You’ve always had the power, my dear. You’ve had it all along. – Glinda, the Good Witch, Wizard of Oz

If you read this blog with any regularity, you are well aware of my love for helping out. As a personal stylist, I have the incredible opportunity to help individual women seize control of their personal style, the way the world perceives them, the way they see themselves.

I love this feeling and am very fortunate to have a job that allows me to experience it on a regular basis. Equally gratifying is empowering other people to give back in a way that is meaningful to them. A little inspiration goes a long way. So, today's post is all about celebrating local treasure, The Ruby Room. It's much more than you can imagine. Off we go!

The Ruby Room: It's More Than Just a Dress.

How to Host a Clothing Swap for Charity.

Long before I was a personal stylist for women, I was hosting clothing swaps. Now that I volunteer to run styling workshops for homeless youth each month to benefit YouthCare, a Seattle-based nonprofit that supports young adults experiencing homelessness, I am especially dependent on clothing swaps. Why? Because my generous clients host swaps and any pieces that don't head home with an attendee are donated to YouthCare to be used in our styling workshops.

Over time, I've had an array of folks ask me how to organize a successful swap that is delightful for attendees and also benefits the community. Luckily, I live for these types of questions. So below you'll find my 10 steps to organizing your very own clothing swap for charity. It's long, but it has a level of detail that ensures you will throw the swap of a lifetime. And, hey, before we started, thanks for even considering doing this. It will be fun and have an incredible impact on people in our community. I already like you.

10 Steps to Hosting a Clothing Swap for Charity

Lessons From Trans Youth.

I'm very lucky to have the opportunity to hold monthly styling sessions for youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The Poplin styling sessions are limited to the youth in the Barista Training Program, who are in this eight week program to learn everything you need to know to be a Barista including customer service, job skills and life skills. You can learn more about the program here.

Over the last few years, I've noticed the population changing. And, I'm doing my best to change with them. Last year we saw more young women who were pregnant. So, we offered assistance with clothes that are appropriate for job interviews but also practical as your body changes. This year, I've been really amazed at how the younger generation sees gender in such a fluid way. I've tweaked the sessions to included an opportunity for attendees to identify their pronouns (she/her, he/him or they/them). I've learned a lot.

I've also had the extraordinary experience of repeatedly helping trans youth transitioning from male to female. This one has really had an impact on me. Nationally, LGBTQ youth are estimated to be about 40% of the homeless population. I'm especially proud of ISIS House, a transitional living house designed to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ youth and their straight allies. It's the only one in Washington state and one of the few programs like it in the nation. YouthCare never disappoints.

During these sessions, I'm struck by the lessons that trans youth have to teach the rest of us. So, as your very own personal stylist, I'm passing these learnings along.

Valuable Reminders From Trans Youth.

body image, Giving Back, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaFebruary 23, 2016Personal Stylist Seattle Women, YouthCareComment

Let's Talk About Your Bra

One of the easiest ways to look better is to find a better fitting bra. True story. Any woman who has had a baby or major weight loss/weight gain is especially aware of this fact.

I feel like many women have heard this before, but that doesn't necessarily drive us to run to the closest department store for a bra fitting. After all, we are adults, right? Well, I'm here to encourage you to do just that and have the chance to help women in Africa. That always feels good.

First things first.

You might be wearing the wrong bra size if:

What do I do with Clothes that are Not Nice Enough to Donate or Re-Sell?

Caring for your pieces, Giving Back, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaSeptember 29, 2015Donating clothing, H&M sustainability, Personal Stylist Seattle, Personal stylist women, Recycling clothing Comment

My Favorite Things Right Now.

Hello again, Dear Reader!

I've missed you. As a personal stylist, I work with clients to ensure a level of personal care. It's vital that we all take a step back, take some time to regroup and invest in ourselves. I couldn't face you if I didn't do the same. So thank YOU for your patience and support as I took a little break. I'm officially back full force and just in time for fall fashion. Let's begin with some of my favorite things right now.

My Favorite Things Right Now.

This post will change your life.

Let's talk about how successful you are.

Designer Label, Giving Back, Pick Me Ups, Seattle Sunday, Women's fashionmelliciaAugust 9, 2015 Comments

Last Minute Father's Day Gifts. It's Not Too Late.

Happy Father's Day, Dear Reader.

Holidays are a nice time to reflect on life with the ones we love. Personally, I'm a huge advocate of surprises, so there is much planning that goes into these seemingly innocuous holidays. Although, I must admit that I'm not above the last minute gift. So, before you make that call home, let me just make a few quick suggestions in case you are just realizing you neglected to send something over to dear old dad.

Last Minute Father's Day Gifts that are Still Right on Target

JCOCO's Pop Up Means Couture Chocolate at Your Fingertips

As your very own personal stylist, I think a lot about what works for your individual style. That means your body type, your budget and how you want to express yourself with your clothing. This also includes how you like to spend your time. If you live in Seattle, it's highly probable that you spend some portion of your time savoring high quality food that is responsibly sourced, drinking coffee and entertaining out-of-towners. And, of course, let's not forget shopping.

All worlds collide at JCOCO's new pop up store in Bellevue Square. So, today, it's all about JCOCO and you'll soon see why.

Local chocolatier Seattle Chocolate launched its couture brand, JCOCO, over a year ago. You may have seen my post when things kicked off. As you can imagine, this is chocolate at its finest.

5 Reasons Why You Need JCOCO in Your Life

Giving Back, Seattle SundaymelliciaJune 16, 2015JCOCO, JCOCO Bellevue Square, JCOCO Pop Up StoreComment

Must Know Now: Zara, Uniqlo and Nordstrom.

One of my favorite parts of living in the Northwest is the ramp up in spring and summer. Let's face it, we all have Seasonal Affective Disorder. Need proof? Check out your social calendar. I expect it is jam packed. The challenge during this time of year is choosing what to share with you, Dear Reader.

As your very own personal stylist for women and kids, I'm so overcome with joy about a long list of developments. I'm opting to focus on big news with three large retailers that I love: Zara, Uniqlo and Nordstrom. I hope you are on the Poplin email list as there will be more good stuff to come in this week's email. Off we go!

The Biggest News (for us, anyway) from Zara, Uniqlo and Nordstrom.

Are You Missing Something?

Happy Thursday, Dear Reader!

I'm enthusiastically working on the upcoming Poplin Style Direction newsletter and something occurred to me: maybe you aren't going to see it.

Oh, Dear. How's that possible? It could be anything. Maybe you don't want emails cluttering up your inbox or you didn't realize there was a newsletter. Perhaps you thought you were on the list, but now that you think about it, you've never received anything. The options are seemingly endless. In the event that you need a little nudging, here are some reasons to get on board. Go!

5 Reasons to Receive Emails From Poplin

My Favorite Things Right Now

Who knows why I own a gorgeous three piece suit? I don't. And, by three pieces I mean a skirt, trousers and jacket that all coordinate. After all, I'm a personal stylist. I don't have any conservative corporate events to attend. I'm not representing another entity. I'm representing myself. And, so began my extreme closet edit. That and a few more of my very favorite things right now. Off we go!

My Very Favorite Things Right Now

Hey, What Ever Happened at that Poplin Event at The Limited?

What ever happened? Let me tell you!

All Poplin Style Direction clients and individuals on the Poplin email list were invited to the recent Spring Forward event at The Limited SouthCenter. It was glorious.

Here's what they got:

Seattle Sunday: Combat Flip Flops, Bad for Running, Worse for Fighting

Something I love about being a personal stylist is the opportunity to learn from others. Every client is different. She has different preferences, different aspirations and always teaches me something new. Sure, my goal is to teach her how to ensure that her clothes project her authentic personal style. But, that's only the beginning. The process should be transformative, enlightening and above all, enjoyable.

Something I especially love about being a personal stylist in Seattle is the commitment to community and giving back that I see again and again with each new client. Whether it is a preference to purchase clothing made in America, or with companies who take corporate social responsibility seriously, or quality over quantity, it's not uncommon for new clients to inform me that their clothes are much more than adornment. It is true. Our clothes have the power to communicate our values.

Which brings us to Combat Flip Flops.

Giving Back, Seattle Sunday, Women's fashionmelliciaMarch 26, 2015Combat Flip Flops, Nonprofit, Personal stylist, ShoesComment

Your Bra Can Change a Life. Free the Girls!

I originally wrote this post over a year ago. During this week's Styling Session for homeless and formerly homeless youth at YouthCare, we had a wave of young women asking questions about bras. We measured a few of them, helped several find bras and discussed fit throughout the process. These are things your mom or another significant woman in your life usually helps you with. It was really an honor to have these young women feel open to having us help with such a sensitive topic. I wish I could show you, Dear Reader, the look on one of the women's faces when she realized that SHE would be leaving with three NEW bras. I liken it to Christmas morning.

Because of all of this, I'm opting to share this info again. After all, every woman deserves a bra that fits. And, if you have some lying around at home that are ready to be donated, you'll be glad to know where to send them. Enjoy!

For Those About to Shop.

Happy Friday, Dear Reader. If the sunshine makes you want to get out and shop, this is your lucky day. As your very own personal stylist, I had to offer up a quick breakdown of some special shopping opportunities you won't want to miss. Enjoy!

My Favorite Things Right Now.

Hello!

It's been too long. As you may have noticed, I took a bit of a break from the blog to focus on clients and family. But now I'm back full force. As it is Sunday, I'd normally kick things off with a Seattle Sunday post featuring a local brand, boutique or stylish person. However, I feel a bit of separation anxiety from you, Dear Reader, so instead I'm going to share all the things I've been obsessing over for the past few weeks.

Before I begin, let me say that I'm also in the throes of planning for the year. So, if you have a special love for a type of blog post (Seattle Sunday, plus size, kids fashion, menswear, style tips, pick me ups, etc.) please feel free to reach out. I'd love to incorporate your feedback into my planning. With that, off we go!

What I've Learned From Styling Homeless Youth

We've just wrapped up a year of styling homeless youth at YouthCare. With my previous life in philanthropy, I know how much energy it takes for an organization to invest in volunteers and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.

For the past year, various members of the Poplin team and I have held styling sessions for graduates of YouthCare's Barista Training Program. Lisa Angeles Guise from the One Eighty Foundation has been volunteering with us every step of the way. The graduates are homeless or formerly homeless youth (generally teens to early twenties). We hold 2-3 hour sessions that start with a powerpoint explaining what is appropriate clothing in the work place. It includes activities to help youth find their personal professional style and to reinforce that you don't have to spend a great deal of money to look amazing. Working with the YouthCare team, our goal was to give grads a glimpse of Corporate America and assist with YouthCare's work to empower youth to succeed.

So, after a year of volunteering, we've learned quite a bit. Here are a few of my take-aways.

What I've Learned From Styling Homeless Youth

Giving BackmelliciaNovember 26, 2014Personal Stylist Seattle, Styling Homeless Youth, YouthCare Barista Training ProgramComment

What I've Learned From Fashion Shows

Last night I attended Fashion First Seattle- a fashion show to benefit Inspire Youth Project. It was an evening to remember, for sure. Flying solo at the event, I was reminded of all the lessons I've learned from Fashion Shows and I have a feeling that you, Dear Reader, will find them useful. Here we go!

What I've Learned From Fashion Shows

Win $250 Worth of TomboyX Apparel, a Free Styling Session & So Much More

For those of you who are all social media, all the time, you've likely seen my recent posts about visiting the TomboyX showroom in Seattle's SoDo neighborhood. I'm addicted.

The Ruby Room: It's More Than Just a Dress.

10 Steps to Hosting a Clothing Swap for Charity

Valuable Reminders From Trans Youth.

First things first.

You might be wearing the wrong bra size if:

My Favorite Things Right Now.

Last Minute Father's Day Gifts that are Still Right on Target

5 Reasons Why You Need JCOCO in Your Life

The Biggest News (for us, anyway) from Zara, Uniqlo and Nordstrom.

5 Reasons to Receive Emails From Poplin

My Very Favorite Things Right Now

Here's what they got:

What I've Learned From Styling Homeless Youth

What I've Learned From Fashion Shows

Just a few reasons why I heart TomboyX and You Will, Too