16 Fall Color Trends You’ll Actually Want to Wear (Modeled by Real Poplin Clients)

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, but serving clients everywhere, Fall is a high energy time. There’s the typical whirlwind of back to school energy (whether or not you have kids, this one is in us all.) And of course, the flurry of new clients ready for the seasonal change.

Right now, we’re also kicking into fall on Continuum, the private community exclusively for Poplin Clients. Each month’s challenge sets the tone and gives achievable, low pressure goals to help members engage with their closets and walk out the door looking and feeling like their authentic selves. This month, members were torn between two of five options for the September Challenge. Option 1: All Color All The Time: Monochromatic and Colorblocking and Option 2: Back to School Energy- Rekindling the Joy of Getting Dressed.

Wild and Wonderful: Paris Taught me to Adore Camperlab

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I’ve always had an affinity for Camper. The shoes are comfortable, reasonably priced and have a range of quirky, to referential to avant garde. They are a dream for some clients and not right for others. One of the reasons I love this job so much is the wide variety of personal styles of Poplin clients. Camper is just one of a zillion resources that have been useful over the past dozen plus years.

But Camperlab! THAT is an entirely different animal.

Wrapping Up My Top 100 Favorite Coats and Jackets from Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale

As a personal stylist for women, I’ve been curating shopping lists from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale since day one- over 13 Anniversary Sales ago. I’m excited to report that this year’s collection is better than we’ve seen in several years. Of course, there’s a wide array of basics, a jam packed selection of denim and then, as per usual, some major themes. When it comes to tops, you’ll find a balance of classic choices, super feminine looks and a smaller portion of edgy and boho items.

Each year I organize my picks in different ways, with a goal to make the sale as shoppable as possible for you, Dear Reader. After all, the women’s portion of Anniversary has over 18,000 items. This year, rather than organize by style or body type, I’m listing my favorite pieces by item type. I’ll highlight my top three or so on each post and then give you my overall favs- typically you can expect about 50 items per post. Have a great time and remember that things go quickly, so if you love it, snap it up.

The Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Outerwear: My Top 5 Favorites & The First 50 Styles

As a personal stylist for women, I’ve been curating shopping lists from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale since day one- over 13 Anniversary Sales ago. I’m excited to report that this year’s collection is better than we’ve seen in several years. Of course, there’s a wide array of basics, a jam packed selection of denim and then, as per usual, some major themes. When it comes to tops, you’ll find a balance of classic choices, super feminine looks and a smaller portion of edgy and boho items.

Each year I organize my picks in different ways, with a goal to make the sale as shoppable as possible for you, Dear Reader. After all, the women’s portion of Anniversary has over 18,000 items. This year, rather than organize by style or body type, I’m listing my favorite pieces by item type. I’ll highlight my top three or so on each post and then give you my overall favs- typically you can expect about 50 items per post. Have a great time and remember that things go quickly, so if you love it, snap it up.

Wrapping up My Favorite Bottoms from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

As a personal stylist for women, I’ve been curating shopping lists from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale since day one- over 13 Anniversary Sales ago. I’m excited to report that this year’s collection is better than we’ve seen in several years. Of course, there’s a wide array of basics, a jam packed selection of denim and then, as per usual, some major themes. When it comes to tops, you’ll find a balance of classic choices, super feminine looks and a smaller portion of edgy and boho items.

Each year I organize my picks in different ways, with a goal to make the sale as shoppable as possible for you, Dear Reader. After all, the women’s portion of Anniversary has over 18,000 items. This year, rather than organize by style or body type, I’m listing my favorite pieces by item type. I’ll highlight my top three or so on each post and then give you my overall favs- typically you can expect about 50 items per post. Have a great time and remember that things go quickly, so if you love it, snap it up.

The Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Bottoms: My Top 5 Favorites & The First 50 Styles

As a personal stylist for women, I’ve been curating shopping lists from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale since day one- over 13 Anniversary Sales ago. I’m excited to report that this year’s collection is better than we’ve seen in several years. Of course, there’s a wide array of basics, a jam packed selection of denim and then, as per usual, some major themes. When it comes to tops, you’ll find a balance of classic choices, super feminine looks and a smaller portion of edgy and boho items.

Each year I organize my picks in different ways, with a goal to make the sale as shoppable as possible for you, Dear Reader. After all, the women’s portion of Anniversary has over 18,000 items. This year, rather than organize by style or body type, I’m listing my favorite pieces by item type. I’ll highlight my top three or so on each post and then give you my overall favs- typically you can expect about 50 items per post. Have a great time and remember that things go quickly, so if you love it, snap it up.

Wrapping up my top 100 favorite dresses from Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale

Each year I organize my picks in different ways, with a goal to make the sale as shoppable as possible for you, Dear Reader. After all, the women’s portion of Anniversary has over 18,000 items. This year, rather than organize by style or body type, I’m listing my favorite pieces by item type. I’ll highlight my top three or so on each post and then give you my overall favs- typically you can expect about 50 items per post. Have a great time and remember that things go quickly, so if you love it, snap it up.

Curious about my finds from my recent trip to Paris and Berlin? I’m dying to share. You’ll see all of that and more after Anniversary. Expect a sea of blog posts over the next week or so. Enjoy!

The Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Dresses: My Top 5 Favorites & The First 50 Styles

As a personal stylist for women, I’ve been curating shopping lists from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale since day one- over 13 Anniversary Sales ago. I’m excited to report that this year’s collection is better than we’ve seen in several years. Of course, there’s a wide array of basics, a jam packed selection of denim and then, as per usual, some major themes. When it comes to tops, you’ll find a balance of classic choices, super feminine looks and a smaller portion of edgy and boho items.

The Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Tops: My Top 5 Favorites & More than 50 Editor-Approved Picks

As a personal stylist for women, I’ve been curating shopping lists from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale since day one- over 13 Anniversary Sales ago. I’m excited to report that this year’s collection is better than we’ve seen in several years. Of course, there’s a wide array of basics, a jam packed selection of denim and then, as per usual, some major themes. When it comes to tops, you’ll find a balance of classic choices, super feminine looks and a smaller portion of edgy and boho items.

Each year I organize my picks in different ways, with a goal to make the sale as shoppable as possible for you, Dear Reader. After all, the women’s portion of Anniversary has over 18,000 items. This year, rather than organize by style or body type, I’m listing my favorite pieces by item type. I’ll highlight my top three or so on each post and then give you my overall favs- typically you can expect about 50 items per post. Have a great time and remember that things go quickly, so if you love it, snap it up.

Bring on the Sunshine: 20+ Ways to Embrace Yellow (Even if You Swore You Never Would)

As a personal stylist for women, I am not only required to follow color trends- but I obsessively love it. So, let’s call that a major win. I’ve always been a big fan of yellow- mostly because it brings me joy, but also because it’s an unappreciated color. When I ask potential clients about colors that they want to avoid, most mention yellow. Although, while some genuinely dislike it, most just mention that it doesn’t flatter their skin tone. While this may or may not actually be true, that’s no reason to skip integrating a color (or a shade of that color into your collection). Opt for pieces that are away from your face: pants, skirts, handbags and shoes, for starters. Or, layer flattering colors over top. Navy blue is gorgeous with every shade of yellow and is flattering on so many skin tones.

The Non-Conformist’s Guide: 60+ Brands for the Artistic Individualist

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, one of my very favorite parts of the job is helping each client channel her authentic personal style. I don’t dress her like everyone else. I don’t dress her like me.

We create a curated collection of pieces that flatter her frame, are in her color palette, are functional for her lifestyle and fit into her budget. And every one is authentic to HER style.

Since we kicked off this business in 2013, we’ve included online shopping lists (AKA Wishlists and Uber Wishlists) as an integral part of the shopping process. As we emerged from COVID, it was clear that those would become the bread and butter of the shopping experience as local shopping options became more limited and online choices continued to expand.

SPECIAL SERIES: The Secret to the "Cool Girl" Silhouette: Mastering Barrel, Balloon, and Architectural Pants- Part 2- How to Style Voluminous Pants to Flatter Your Frame

As a personal stylist for women, I’ve heard an endless stream of questions about styling these pants. Women are intrigued by the silhouettes, completely intimidated by them or somewhere in between. No need! The key with all personal style, is to know your filters so that you can make intentional choices that help you execute your authentic personal style with ease and simplicity.

Mastering the voluminous pant trend is totally do-able.

SPECIAL SERIES: The Secret to the "Cool Girl" Silhouette: Mastering Barrel, Balloon, and Architectural Pants- Part 1

As a personal stylist for women, I’m getting lots of questions about all the new voluminous pant styles. What’s the difference? How can I wear them? Do I look cool or is this just ridiculous? What style should I buy and where do I find the right pair?

Enter our three part series on architectural pants. If you’re ready to try this voluminous style but your major reference point is baggies plus a tight top, I’ve got you.

The One Styling Shift That Makes Barrel Jeans Work (On Real Bodies)

As a personal stylist for women, I have the advantage of listening to women as they face their style conundrums. Some are overarching challenges, like creating new outfits from existing pieces or understanding how to liven up your existing wardrobe.

Others are more specifically focused on the friction between wanting to wear a new trend and actually being able to make it happen.

Few trends have been as perplexing to women as barrel pants.

2025: The Year to Rise Up — Poplin-Land Edition

I’m famous for not remembering the big things. I remember the small things—interactions with people, kind gestures, meaningful moments. But I often forget the very big things. Like being quoted multiple times in CNN Underscored, for example. 😉 That sort of thing.

So when it came time to look back at Poplin’s 2025, I was genuinely surprised by just how many important milestones we reached this year. Huge thanks to my camera roll and calendar for jogging my memory.

Whether you’re new to Poplin or have been here for years, I’m curious how much of this will feel familiar to you. (My marketing brain wants it all to feel recognizable. The part of me that wants you to feel joy right now hopes some of it feels fresh and exciting. A mix of the two feels just right.)

Enough talk—let’s take a look at Poplin in 2025.

Poplin Wrapped! Our Most Popular Blog Posts of 2025

I love counting down our most popular content at the end of the year. As a personal stylist for women, I have plenty of opinions and favorite things—and I clearly can’t stop sharing. I also get to work with truly incredible women, and being able to share even a portion of our clients’ journeys with the broader Poplin community is always such a thrill.

We had a very big year over here, so we’re highlighting 2025 across three blog posts. Below, you’ll find our most-read blog posts from the year. Let’s see how many of these you remember reading.

The New Standard for Loungewear

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, loungewear is a big topic of conversation. Yes, we’ve all become more casual over the past several years. But, if you live in a wet or cold place, you really know something about the significance of the right loungewear.

While we all want to be comfortable, it’s important to remember the very real and positive impact of wearing clothes that make you feel good. That can easily be confused with what’s comfortable or functional, because those pieces give you the freedom to move freely for whatever opportunity arises. But functionality can only take you so far. Wearing something that is super cozy, but makes you cringe when you look in the mirror does not set you up for success. This is an integral part of choosing the right loungewear.

Atomic Habits and Style: Lessons from our Recent Poplin Style & Women in Finance Workshop

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.

Reclaim Your Style Story: A Postpartum Guide to Dressing for Work

It’s been 15 years since I went back to work after the birth of my son, but as a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I see many of my clients struggle with the same challenges. In fact, this post was inspired by a request from our recent Women in Finance Workshop.

It’s hard enough navigating the complexities of life with a newborn, whether or not you have other children. Heading back to the office can be both exhilarating and exhausting. But when you factor in not only what to wear, but how to feel good in your ever-changing body, things get even more complicated.

Should I Return These Shoes?

Part TWO of our three part series on Returns.

As a personal stylist for women, a big part of my job is creating wishlists of various sizes. Each client receives an Uber Wishlist of 35-45 items handpicked for her. The list is designed to communicate her authentic personal style, flatter her frame and be in a cohesive color palette that ensures every pieces plays nicely with the others.

I’ve been creating these wishlists for over a decade thanks to my second client, Heidi. Heidi, then a User Experience Designer at Nordstrom, didn’t want to go shopping in person and asked for another option. In an effort to come up with a solution that would meet the high standards of a UX Designer at one of our most beloved retailers, the Uber Wishlist was born. Prior to COVID, clients chose between in person shopping, Uber Wishlists and a hybrid approach. Since COVID, we focus on wishlists and skip in person shopping altogether.