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Style tips, fashion advice, wardrobe troubleshooting, designers, boutiques and great finds from Seattle and around the world.

Goodbye to the Limited.

If you have yet to hear, the Limited is gone. Well, the brick and mortar stores are gone. Right now, you can still score crazy deals online. It's unclear whether the brand is officially closing up shop or just going to online only. What is clear, is that we'll have one less place to go for affordable office basics. Alas.

To pay homage to the Southcenter Store and the team that I adored, here are a few images from the past three years. Special thanks to all the clients who have been texting me about this. Have thoughts on the big news? That's what comment sections are for.

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New Year's Resolution 2017: Celebrate the Body You Have by Knowing How to Dress Your Body Type

Happy New Year, Dear Reader! It's nice to be back with you again. As we head into the New Year, it's all about resolutions. Seeing so much messaging about self improvement can either be motivating or oppressive. Sometimes, it's a little bit of both....

Because of this, I am diving full force into the celebration phase of the season. Learning how to love the body you have and dress it accordingly is a powerful tool in this world and my hope is that this is just one of the tools in your arsenal to take over the world this year.

As a personal stylist, I spend a great deal of my time having really intimate conversations with women about how they see themselves and how they think others see them. Not surprisingly, those two images aren't always aligned. After all, we are often our own worst critics. Lucky for me, I am an independent observer with the opportunity to release women from a sizable portion of this self defeating baggage.

One of the big wins right now is the ever growing selection of apparel for women of all sizes. We're also finally seeing celebrities of various body types flaunting the bodies they have, rather than the bodies they want. Sure, there's still much further to go. But, for now, it's something to embrace. I'm also loving that more of my favorite brands and retailers are expanding their sizes. From Boden to the Limited and more, we're seeing pieces up to size 16 and 18, rather than the cap at 14 of years past.

Beyond sizing, celebrating the body you have is really about dressing for your frame. Now seems like a great time for a refresher course on how to do that. Have more questions? That's what I'm here for!

How to Dress Your Body Type

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Getting Organized in Style for the New Year.

I'm a freak for office supplies and as it turns out, I'm not alone. Beyond the graphic prints and sleek design, I look for tools that will actually help make my life easier. This time of year I get especially excited about all the opportunities for a fresh start. Here are a few of my favorite products to get you there. Have some of your own? Please share!

Organizing the Stylish Woman's Life for 2017

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Your Coat & You: Staying Warm Does Not Mean Sacrificing Style.

As a personal stylist for women, I talk a lot about your developing strategies to ensure you rock your authentic personal style everyday. Of course, most people love the sound of this. But, when life throws them a curveball, like late nights up with a child or an especially cold day, that style is thrown to the wind.

I'm here to assure you, Dear Reader, you can look smashing and be comfortable. Shoes can be functional and hip. Dresses can be flattering and fitted. The mysteries of fashion are many and the goal on this blog is to decode them for you.

As of late, the weather has been crazy cold. Perfect for kids, less perfect for those of us with an especially stylish (read: lightweight) coat collection. No need to revert to your down parka everyday (unless that's your style, of course). There's a solution.

WANT: Warm, Stylish Coat that Isn't too Expensive.

Now, Please.

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Ask These Ladies What to Wear to the Holiday Party.

If anyone can answer the eternal question of what to wear to a holiday party, it's a Poplin client. After all, she can turn to her trusty password protected online personal profile for guidance. It lays out what pieces are flattering for her frame, and what aren't. It also includes a list of recommended retailers based on her personal style and budget.

Plus, Poplin clients get new pieces either on a shopping trip together or via an Uber Wishlist. And, of course, a Poplin client can view outfits on her mobile phone to help her choose the perfect ensemble for the big night.

Sound appealing? Poplin Gift Certificates are available online and are just the perfect size for your stocking. Here are some lovely ladies to motivate you. And make sure to check out the recent blog post highlighting pieces that are just right for the holiday party but can actually be worn on the daily afterward. I'm obsessed with local maker Foxglove and owner Selena Kearney has taken the brand to an entirely new level. Enjoy!

P.S. You'll receive an additional hour of styling absolutely FREE with any package purchase before 12/24/16.

Some of the Beautiful Ladies of Poplin.

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Pieces that Slay at the Holiday Party & the Day After & the Day After That....

Oh, it's happening! Seattle-ites finally have the opportunity to pull out all the stops. Well, sort of. As a personal stylist in Seattle, I am well aware of the struggle to look fab while not overdressing. I'd argue that being the best dressed person in a room is never a bad thing. Although, it's true. You want to be within the realm of the rest of the group. A formal at a football game is not ideal.

So, with that, here are some options for holiday dressing that you can wear after the party's over. You, my Dear Reader, are going to kill it!

Own the Room in these Pieces at the Holiday Party and Everyday After

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Get One Hour of Styling FREE.

Poplin gift certificates are a dreamy gift for you or someone you love. If you purchase any package or gift certificate by December 24th, 2016, you'll receive an additional hour of styling for FREE. That's a $150 value for you, my Dear. Just shop for services or gift certificates and we'll send over the confirmation of a free hour of styling via the interwebs.

Questions? Just ask!

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Cocktail Dresses, Your Prom and How a Dress Can Change Your Life.

I would never allow someone to talk to me the way I talk to myself.

-Anonymous/ A large number of people on the planet

Feeling beautiful on the outside has an indisputable impact on the dialogue happening on the inside.

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Stop. It's Shoulder Time.

Our shoulders are continuing to have a moment. If your body is triangle shaped, meaning your hips are noticeably larger than your shoulders, this is a dream. Really, the shoulder trend works for nearly every body type, you just make different choices to find what flatters. The most challenging situation is rocking bold shoulders when you already have broad shoulders. In this case, you'll need to REALLY bring the eye to your lower half, balancing out your shape. Try a super wide leg pant or culottes (tailored at the top, of course), or an a-line skirt made from stiff material. If the skirt or trousers is in an eye catching color, made from an attention getting texture like brocade or is a fun print, even better.

Regardless of your body type, if you love the bold shoulder movement, here are some ideas to get you in the mood. Let me know what you think. Enjoy!

Shoulders, Oh My!

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The re-souL Collection Giveaway. A Winner is Announced!

The list of reasons to sign up for the Poplin email list is a long one. For instance:

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Crazy Deals for Black Friday. Go!

Hello Dear Reader!

If you are on the Poplin email list, you are receiving a Poplin on Point email every other Friday. That email is a cherry picked list of limited time only offers from my favorite retailers and brands. Today's email is jam packed with offers thanks to Black Friday!

It's so good, I'm sharing with blog readers, too. If you like it, make sure to sign up for the Poplin newsletter so that you'll receive this type of info on the regular. Plus, this Monday we're announcing the winner of a FREE pair of shoes from the re-souL Collection! In order to enter, you must be a subscriber to the Poplin email list.

Three more things

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Your New Favorite Way to Take Action: The Friend Review

Every year, I write a Thanksgiving post. It tends to focus on my experience volunteering with homeless youth through our styling sessions at YouthCare. This year, I thought I'd mix things up a bit. This is a crazy time. There's this persistent feeling that we need to take action, now, always. Yes, this can (and should) be political action. But, action comes in many forms. So, today, I propose a little something special that will make you feel and remind the people in your life how much you appreciate them.

Say, "Hello", to the Friend Review.

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Day 3: The re-souL Collection Giveaway.

Here we are on Day 3 already! If you are on the Poplin email list, you could be the lucky winner of a pair of shoes from the re-souL collection. Every pair is designed in Ballard and made in Italy with high quality materials. And, rest assured, they are crazy comfortable. Don't believe me? Swing by the shop on Ballard Ave. before dinner and check them out. So far, we've styled up the Tilda, the Willow and now we're on to the Andie.

What Will I Wear With My re-souL Andies When I WIN the Poplin re-souL Giveaway?

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Day 2: The re-souL Collection Giveaway.

I want YOU to win as much as you want to! After all, how often does someone hand you a pair of high quality, stylish shoes made in Italy and designed in Ballard for FREE? That's right, Dear Reader. One lucky Poplin email subscriber will win a pair of shoes from the re-souL collection simply for being on the email list. Make sure you are signed up.

And if you are worried about ending up with a pair of shoes that aren't true to your authentic style, don't be. You can choose the pair that works best for you from the re-souL collection. Ned some ideas? We've got 4 days of styling. Welcome to Day 2: The Willow.

What Will I Wear With My re-souL Willows When I WIN the Poplin re-souL Giveaway?

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Get Your Black Friday Deals Early

If you aren't on the Poplin email list, you are missing out, my friend. Here's why.

3 Reasons You Should Be on the Poplin Email List

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Day 1: The re-souL Collection Giveaway

One commonality between my clients is the desire for comfortable shoes. Believe it. We do a lot of walking in this city. But there's no need to sacrifice your style for comfort when local boutique re-souL is just a click away. I've been championing the Ballard boutique for years and of course, I wear my re-souL shoes on the regular. These are just a few of the reasons why I'm THRILLED that one lucky Poplin newsletter subscriber will win a pair of shoes from the re-souL collection. And, true to your style, the winner can choose from any of the 14 options based on what looks and feels right for you.

So, for the next several days I'll be highlighting a few of my favorite options from the collection. Every one of them is made in Italy using high quality materials and designed right here in Ballard. Want to win? Just make sure you are on the Poplin email list and you are good to go! First up, the Tilda!

What Will I Wear With My re-souL Tildas When I WIN the Poplin re-souL Giveaway?

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Brooches. It's a Thing.

Brooches always make me think of Madeline Albright or someone's grandmother. Either way, it's likely you have one or two sitting in your jewelry box that haven't seen daylight in years. if you've been waiting to feel like brooches are cool again, get ready. As a personal stylist for women, I've noticed that clients often feel like brooches are intriguing and intimidating at the same time. So, I thought I'd help give you a little inspiration with some unconventional options. After all, the purpose of a brooch is to to communicate your personal style in an individualized way. Ms. Albright often used her brooches to communicate her feelings about an event or situation. You can choose to be that specific or just tell the world that you like sculls, for example. The options are all yours. Now, off you go!

Brooches for Cool Kids- That Means You.

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Let's Kick Things Off With the Peacemaker- Stunning Pieces Made by Vets & Their Families

Sometimes Veteran's Day can feel like a random day to get last minute childcare for the kids or discover the bank is closed. But, it only takes a minute or two to be reminded of how fortunate we are for the men, women and their families who put our country before themselves. Really. Sure, we thank individuals for their service and are generally referring to their willingness to put themselves in harm's way. But, it goes well beyond that incredible gift they give to our country. The spouses who forgo career advancement because of necessary moves or scheduling to accommodate a spouse who is deployed are only a few of the really impressive choices these folks make. So, in the wake of our recent election and on this national holiday, I thought I'd focus on some fashionable pieces that support our military families. If you have some other suggestions, please send them my way!

Enjoy the day. I hope you get to spend it with someone you love.

Very Hip Products

Made By Vets and Their Families

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This Election is Killing Me: 8 Ways to Detox

This year has been unlike any other year. As a personal stylist for women, I've noticed that this fall has been like unlike any other fall. Why? People are stressed. It's tough to fight for equality and feminism and simultaneously be shopping for the perfect metallic ankle boot. Tough, but not impossible, Dear Reader. Let's face it, when we feel good about what we are wearing, we have more momentum to do great things. And, right now, we clearly need a lot of momentum. But, if like me, you feel like this election has gone on just a little too long, it's time to take some time out to give yourself a little love. Here are some suggestions to get you going. Inertia kills.

8 Ways to Give Yourself Some Love

in the Face of this Election

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4 Ways to Style Your Legs When Rocking a Skirt or Dress. Go!

Lately, it's been all outfits all the time for me. What do I mean? Well, for one of my clients, I create outfits using anything she owns, take photos and then she can scroll those pictures every morning to ensure that getting dressed takes less than 5 minutes. My husband often refers to this as, "the secret sauce."

This time of year, the inevitable question comes up when I'm chatting with clients about their outfits: "and so, with what? Tights?" Whether you are rocking ankle boots, mid calf, heels, over the knee boots, you name it; you're going to face this question. Here's the thing, your hosiery serves a purpose and communicates your style. So, let's break that down to help you look like the very best version of you everyday. Start by imagining wearing one dress and one pair of shoes. Now that you have that image, picture wearing these different hosiery options with that outfit as I describe the pros and cons. This should help you get a clear view of the effect of various options. Also, these photos are from a site I adore: Celebrity Hosiery Daily. It's a dream. Make sense? Off we go!

Your Legs, Your Style

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