The first step in any style transformation is the Closet Edit. You need to know what you have, what you need and what you don't before you can move forward successfully. Otherwise, things just become overwhelming. I know I shouldn't be, but I'm always amazed at how transformational a Closet Edit can be for a client. Despite having fewer pieces (and sometimes, significantly fewer pieces), she should feel like she actually has more outfits.

I recently learned that Amazon declared the second most popular book in 2015 as Marie Kondo's, "The Art of Tidying Up." No surprise there. I can't tell you how many women have hired me after reading the book and attempting to tackle their closets on their own. The book is motivating, to be sure. It focuses on simplifying your life rather than ensuring you are authentic to your personal style. Two different goals mean two different approaches.

The Poplin approach focuses on your authentic personal style. This approach uses a client's body type, personal style and goals to determine what should and should not be in her collection. We also organize her closet by type, then by color to make creating outfits easier. I often tell clients that your closet should feel like a boutique curated just for you. Everything should fit, it should make you look and feel beautiful and communicate your personal style. I also organize my closet in this way.

However, I'm experimenting with my own closet and I'm confident that my new approach will be a helpful next step for some readers who are at the edit 2.0 level. Therefore, as we head into a long holiday weekend. This post is all about sharing.

Re-engaging with Your Closet. You've Already Done the Edit, Now It's Time to Organize.

One Client's Story From A-Z

First off, thanks for reading the blog, Dear Reader. As a reader, you know that I style women, primarily in the Seattle area. What you may or may not know, is exactly how it all works. I'm not the sort of stylist who selects pieces for someone and heads out the door. I don't swing by for an hour, size someone up and make recommendations.

Instead, my goal is to empower each client to understand her individual personal style as well as what pieces are ideal for her body type and her budget. Most importantly, I want her to enjoy getting dressed and feel confident in her look everyday. I want clothes to be a form of self expression that gives her the momentum to take over the world. All of this takes an investment from me and the client. And that investment pays off.

I thought you might like to see how it all works by focusing on one client. So, here we go!

Seattle Sunday: Live Simply By Annie Takes Organizing to Another Level

There are two extremes for the fashionista:

The stylish individual who has clothes strewn about her bedroom with extras shoved into her closet.
The stylish individual who has everything methodically organized by size and color with off season items stored away in the appropriate containers.

Most of us fall somewhere in between. And, like having your very own personal stylist, many of us have always secretly yearned for a professional organizer in our lives.

Enter Annie.

The Winning Closet Edit Revealed.

As you may know, Dear Reader, every person who is on the Poplin Style Direction email list is entered into every drawing for Poplin prizes. That's right. Every time. So far, partners have given away a wide variety of items including handbags, children's clothing, and so much more. Naturally, I, too, joined the fun and offered up one complimentary Closet Edit.

The winner was Ritee Sponsler. As a brand new mom of an exceptionally adorable little girl, Ritee opted to share her winnings with another friend, Kim Rooney. Kim is also a mom who was transitioning into a new position for a different company. Kim enthusiastically accepted and opted to upgrade to the Style Update Package. Lucky for us, Ritee offered to document the entire Closet Edit so that you, Dear Reader, would have a better picture of what a Closet Edit really means.

And the winner is…..

Thanks to everyone who shared the post about our contest on Facebook! The winner will receive one free closet edit. This includes: an online personalized style plan that that can be viewed via a computer or mobile device. we edit your current closet to feature items that flatter and decide together what pieces are still needed. Knowing that your closet should feel like a boutique, we merchandise so that you can shop your closet with a smile each morning.

Value: $325 value (up to 2.5 hours).

And, and all services include one complimentary wish list.

So, who is it, already?

Women's fashionmelliciaDecember 18, 2013Closet edit, drawing, Personal stylist, Seattle, shop your closetComment

Feel like winning? You've got until Tuesday!

I do. An old friend of mine always says, "don't take away the joy of giving." Translation: Just say thank you and allow someone to do something nice for you. After all, giving feels good.

In the spirit of the season of giving, I'm going to do a little extra giving of my own.

One glorious reader (that means you!) will win one closet edit just by sharing this post on Facebook. Not on Facebook? Not to worry. Just shoot me an email and I'll enter you in the drawing.

What's a closet edit, you say?

Women's fashionmelliciaDecember 14, 2013Closet edit, Complimentary, contest, drawing, Enter to win, fashion, Free service, hip, Kids, Menswear, Personal stylist, Seattle, urban, womenComment

I just want something new. But my budget said, "no!"

Who hasn't been there? You roll over in the morning, look inside your closet and feel utterly uninspired. Worse. You feel overwhelmed. Whether you are overwhelmed or underwhelmed, sometimes we all just want something new. And, sadly, our bank account is not hearing why we MUST have that new pair of boots.

What to do?