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!

Yes, You Can Wear Butter Yellow: A Stylist’s Guide to Making It Work

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a personal stylist and an editorial stylist? An editorial stylist is styling photo shoots and is focused on how this image will look in an ad campaign or in a magazine. The focus is on what is communicating the vibe that the brand or company is going for. A personal stylist is concentrating on how a person lives and what she is trying to communicate. We’re looking for pieces that are functional for her lifestyle, flatter her frame and at the same time, it’s essential that those pieces communicate her authentic personal style, rather than just highlighting the latest trends.

2025 Spring Color Trend: Icy Blue

It’s time for spring trends! As a personal stylist for women, I feel you when it comes to the push pull of your pocketbook and the desire for fun pieces for sunny weather. This series of spring color trends is designed to bring some light to your days and inspire new outfits.

Pick up something new or wear a piece you already have. It’s up to you! The most important part is that you feel the thrill of getting dressed for spring.

We’ve got you.

Inclusive Sizing: These 15 Female Founded Brands Make Memorable Pieces for Women up to 3X

As a personal stylist for women, I’m THRILLED that more and more mainstream brands are providing inclusive sizes for women size 3X and in some cases, beyond. But, the options aren’t limitless. And often, the result is that women who wear extended sizes (aka plus size) clothing, end up with boring pieces because they can’t find unique options. No more!

I’m a super fan of these brands that are expressive and size inclusive. If you or someone in your life struggles to find clothes that communicate her authentic personal style in any size, I’m so glad you’re here.

How do I Keep My Layered Necklaces from Getting Tangled?

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I’m constantly experimenting with new combinations to keep things feeling fresh and curated for my clients. Personally, I’ve been deep into layering necklaces for the past year or so. A champion of mixing metals, I’ve been addicted to layering two to three necklaces at a time- one in silver the others in gold, or visa versa.

If you, like me, love layering jewelry but don’t love the incessant tangling, I’ve got great news for you. There are easy solutions to prevent tangling necklaces.

Finally! Cool Hokas! It's a Marni x Hoka Collab!

As a personal stylist for women, the most common request from clients is “comfortable shoes.” That means something different to every woman. For some, a four inch heel is comfortable and for others, they feel like the only option is an orthopedic shoe.

Typically, the answer is somewhere in between. I struggled with foot pain on the ball of my foot for years. It seemed to come and go and it wasn’t clear if specific shoes made it worse. Several doctors seemed to think the answer was to start wearing Hokas. After all, as a stylist, I think they just assumed that I wear very high heels everyday… which I do not. Assumptions are called that for a reason.

What's Bringing Me Joy Right Now

I don't know about you, but finding joy right now isn't super easy. Fortunately, there's always a silver lining. Here are a few of mine.

Poplin on a Live Podcast: Lessons Learned Leaving Meta

As a personal stylist for women, sharing not only client stories but also client images is essential. This was one of the many reasons that the prospect of leaving Instagram (and, to a lesser extent, Facebook) was a very big deal. But, as the owner of a values-based business, it was a no brainer. As part of the styling process, I help each client identify her body type, budget, personal style key words, colors and values. They don’t need to be my values. What I care most about is giving women agency over their own lives. It’s important to understand that we are not victims, but are instead powerful drivers of our paths. Understanding what you value and then reflecting those values in your life choices, when possible, is important.

Because of this perspective, it felt essential that I leave Meta. So, in December, 2021, that’s what I did. After all, I knew that I was opposed to several of the company’s practices and by being a part of the platform, specifically helping to generate ad revenue for the company, I was not living my values.

A Setback Soulsaver

Giving Back, In It Together, My Favorite Things, Pick Me Ups, Poplin around the web, Women's fashion, Values Based FashionMellicia MarxJuly 8, 2024WomanCake Magazine Mellicia Marx, WomanCake Magazine Poplin Style, WomanCake Magazine, Inspirational stories from women, Inspirational songs, Personal Style Blog, Personal Stylist, Personal Stylist SeattleComment

How do I Know What Brands I Should Buy?

As a personal stylist for women, I get lots of questions about style from clients, readers, friends and members of the Poplin community. Recently, someone shared with me her struggles about brands. Here’s her question:

For people like me who have never really paid attention to brands but are now starting to get pricier/nicer clothes, I'm super curious about brand ethos and what it says if I wear that brand.
For example, I was out shopping for a winter coat to replace my beloved Michael Kors one that I got at Costco before I knew anything about the MK brand. Now I'm trying to replace it and wondering what an "Eddie Bauer" logo says about me vs... I don't know, a Kate Spade or a Eileen Fisher or a Canada Goose logo.
I'm starting to learn some brand ethos (Kate Spade is young but classic but colorful! Eddie Bauer is for people who actually go outside, Mark says!) but I have no idea about so many of them, and I'm hesitant to buy anything with any brand identifier in case I accidentally wear something that is not the vibe I want to convey! I envision myself going to a business meeting with the equivalent of JUICY on my butt and not realizing it ha! But so many clothes, especially outerwear, have some kind of identifier.

Excellent question! Fortunately, there are answers. Off we go!

11 Fall 2022 Fashion Trends

As a personal stylist for women, it’s my job to stay on top of trends, but also to guide each client to stay true to her authentic personal style and choose pieces that flatter her frame. This can be a major challenge for a woman as the new shiny objects are so alluring, but can also end in disappointment. If you have tags on clothes still in your closet, I’m talking to you:)

Not to worry! The key is to choose pieces that communicate your authentic personal style while also staying current. One way to do that is to see what’s out there right now, then narrow down your choices to see what’s right for YOU.

This fall, it’s all about the 1970’s or the 1990’s. If you lived through one of both of these, you’ll likely have feelings about both. But just remember, inspired by doesn’t have to mean pieces that are literal copies of items from the past. Avoid costume-like looks by including vintage inspired pieces with more modern touches. To get you started, here’s what’s happening right now in Fall Fashion. As always, I’d love to hear what’s resonating with you.

The 50 Best Labor Day 2022 Deals Including Choices with Inclusive Sizing and Sustainable Options. It’s Time to get your Retail On!

As a personal stylist for women, I’m not sure what’s more exciting- a 3 day weekend or the stellar sales that Labor Day brings. This is the ideal time to stock up on pieces you’ve been waiting for or find something new that catches your eye. I’ve included several sustainable, fair trade and plus size options. There are also maternity and petite finds. Just keep your personal style key words, color palette and body type in mind and get your intentional shopping on! Here’s a list of some of my favs. Expect some familiar faces and some fun new ideas to explore. As always, let me know how it goes.

6 of the Best Pants for Working From Home or the Office AND the Shoes that go with ALL of them

As a personal stylist for women, I’m hearing lots of questions about how to navigate your wardrobe when it’s unclear whether you’ll be working from home or the office. I hear you.

Many of the large tech firms in Seattle were planning to head back to the office in September and now that date has been pushed back to the first of the year. And for folks who are in the office right now, many of them are only there a few days a week with the rest of their schedule taking place from the comfort of home. That can be a blessing and a curse.

Whether you are working in the Pacific Northwest or somewhere else in the country, COVID-19 is undoubtedly affecting your daily wardrobe decisions. A number of new clients are wondering if they need two wardrobes: one for the office and one for home. That, my Dear Reader, is not how we roll.

Here at Poplin, we’re all about functionality. You dress for yourself first and foremost. When you feel like your authentic self, you will conduct. your work with more self confidence, less brain power spent on body shaming or worrying about your look and more time spent kicking ass all day long.

So, how do we do this? It’s all about intentional dressing. One aspect of this approach is ensuring that your pieces are functional for your life and with minor tweaks, can work in various scenarios. For example, swapping your house shoes or sneakers or flats, heels or boots. The same pair of pants has an entirely different vibe when its paired with a different shoe.

Need proof? Every pair of pants on this list will work with all of the shoes listed below. Believe it.

Here’s your go-to for styles that are comfortable at home, but don’t make you feel like a slob AND can work just as well when you head off to the office. Have fun and let me know how it goes!

P.S. One key aspect of the Poplin approach is ensuring that all your pieces will work with one another now and into the future. How do we do that? One way is to limit your new pieces to your color palette. Everything in that palette will work with everything else, some bolder and some less so. You can see that in action below.

Comfortable and Stylish Pants for Work AND Home

IIT #12: Twelve Must Have Accessories to Make Your Walks Feel Like a Stroll in the Park

The In It Together Series is designed to help you solve your D List Daily Crises in Quarantine. From how to do your own mani/pedi to cooking with limited ingredients and wearing clothes that make you feel good everyday, this collection of expert advice aims to improve your life one day at a time.

If there’s one thing we are all striving to do, it’s take walks outside. If you have safe access to the outdoors, even a few minutes a day will improve your mood. Fortunately, the weather has been gorgeous and there will be more of that as we get closer to summer. As a personal stylist based in Seattle, my clients are always looking for pieces that help them embrace their authentic personal style AND are functional for real life. It’s time to make sure you are stocked up on the proper must haves for a successful series of walks in warm weather. Here are my favorite dozen must haves- find each one at a Seattle based retailer. Whether you are off to Nordstrom or Clementine’s, shopping local makes an impact and most boutiques offer some version of pick up, drop off or free shipping. Off we go!

12 Must Haves for Your Pandemic Inspired Walks

In it Together #8: How to Embrace Your Inner European

Man, everyday life in quarantine is filled with an array of unexpected daily challenges that seem small, but add up quickly. The In It Together Series will make your day to day easier thanks to expert advice from female business owners in Seattle. As a personal stylist for women in Seattle, I’m fortunate to be a part of a community of bright, generous, resourceful women who have the power to improve our situations. Today’s post is from an old friend of mine and the force behind Bold Spirit Travel, Regina Winkle- Bryan. She’s been all over the word and now focuses her energy empowering women through travel. I loved this post so much that I’m posting it earlier than I’d planned. It’s just that good. I hope it inspires you the way it did me.

We do many things well in the United States, but relaxation is not one of them. Short vacays, working weekends, crammed social calendars, and never-ending to-do lists are commonplace. Now, forced to stay home and social-distance, you may not be run-ragged by long commutes and packed workdays, but new stressors have sprung up to replace them.

I lived in Barcelona for a decade next to the warm sands of the Mediterranean Sea. I was often scolded by my Spanish family for working too much and not knowing when to disconnect. It took a while, but I realized that they were right. When it comes to enjoying life, Europeans—especially Southern Europeans—know what they are doing. They’ve been perfecting the lifestyle for millennia.

In this season of uncertainty and anxiety, let’s look to the Spaniards for some schooling on how to calm the hell down.

Your Beginner’s Guide to Relaxing Like a Spaniard