Part THREE of our three part series on Returns.

There are so many points in the return process that can be a blocker. You may be thinking that the whole thing is a problem for you, but it’s likely that one or two steps are especially difficult. Not to worry. There’s always a way. A key component of having intentional style is making each part of the process as effortless as possible. And let’s face it, if you buy, you also return.

Let’s dive into each step and how to ensure it doesn’t stop you from actually returning those unwanted items.

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.

The First Step to a Wardrobe That Works: Understanding What Doesn’t

Part ONE of our three part series on Returns.

As a personal stylist for women, understanding what prevents a woman from harnessing her authentic personal style is a big component of my job. If you’ve been a member of the Poplin Community for a while, you likely know that the Poplin System relies on filters to help each woman have a curated wardrobe that simplifies her life without sacrificing her unique personal style or functionality. Those filters are: personal style key words (words you’d like people to use to describe your style), body type and color palette. Taking it to the next level? You can also throw in budget, values and lifestyle.

Creating a wardrobe that feels like a boutique curated just for you is absolutely possible. You’ll find it saves you time, money, heartache AND is a more sustainable choice.

Sustainable Luxury: Cactus Leather Never Looked So Good

As a personal stylist for women, I work with clients both in person and virtually to ensure that each one is wearing clothes that communicate her authentic personal style, flatter her frame and are in her ideal color palette. I don’t dress everyone the same and I don’t dress everyone like me. My clients are so different from one another and their styles vary widely. My job is to translate her style into actual pieces and give her a strategy to maintain this elevated and streamlined approach moving forward.

A big part of this endeavor is discovering the perfect item or brand that jumps off the screen at her. In my experience, women tend to appreciate pieces that feel unique to them and as the number of retailers decrease, that feels more challenging for folks. Introducing clients and my community to new makers is one of my very favorite things.

Missed the Newsletter Lately? It's Probably in your Junk Folder

The technology gods have made some changes and they have quickly resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of our newsletter emails going directly to junk mail.

As it turns out, several clients and subscribers have mentioned, “ not seeing the newsletter in a while,” only to find it in their spam folders when looking further. Individual emails I send are also ending up in the promotions tab or the spam folder.

Client Reveal: Laurie

Nothing brings me joy like watching a client’s style reveal itself to us. As a personal stylist for women, I get lots of ideas when I meet someone and hear her story. Then, it’s all about listening and revising as we develop a clear roadmap for her authentic personal style. I always love sharing these stories with you, Dear Reader. Have a great time reading about Laurie and her style evolution.

How to Elevate Your Look Using What You Already Own

As a personal stylist for women, I’m all about intentional shopping. Only purchasing items that flatter your frame, communicate your authentic personal style, are in your color palette and reflect your values when needed feels good. It saves you money, time and heartache. It’s also a more sustainable choice.

With the tariffs in full swing, it definitely feels like the time is right to just take a break from all shopping. I’m with you.

Yes! Clothes can be rented or borrowed. But there are a few things you’ll want to grab before the opportunity is gone. Based on all the information I’m taking in, things will either not be available or they will be available but at much steeper prices. Don’t get yourself in a bind. I’ve got you.

2025 Spring Color Trend: Rose

What’s more fun than scoping out fresh colors as the seasons change? As a personal stylist for women who specializes in intentional online shopping lists (aka Uber Wishlists) for clients, I’m SO excited for this collection of shades. Here’s our third post in the series.

Whether you opt for true rose or pale pink, this can absolutely act as a neutral in your closet, depending on your color palette. Remember to draw the eye to the areas of your body you’d like to celebrate using bright or light colors (like rose or pink!), prints, texture and skin. The eye always goes to skin. Now, have fun with rose. Pull out something you already own and learn to love it again by giving it a new pairing or pick up something new. As always, here’s some inspiration just for you. Enjoy!

2025 Spring Color Trend: Gold

Our spring color trends continue. As a personal stylist for women, I’m deep into color trends. Metallics have always made life easier and more fun. Instead of a black or nude pair of shoes, try silver, gold or bronze, for example.

You’ll be seeing all sorts of gold throughout 2025. Whether you are up for shiny metallic gold or a more matte gold fabric, this is color that transitions nicely throughout the season. As always, do your best to stick with colors in your color palette to ensure a streamlined wardrobe that is anything but boring.

Tariffs got you down? First, remember that the tariff is on the cost of the garment, not the retail price. So, that’s something.

Consider local makers or independent folks on Etsy to mix things up and give you a one of a kind feel.

Gold: Your Favorite Color in 2025

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.

What Style Leather Jacket Should I Wear in Spring?

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I know that there is a whole lot of layering going on throughout the year. Our summer doesn’t come until mid-July, but delightfully, it lasts through the end of September. This means that much of our year requires a top layer. After working with hundreds of women over the years, a common question is always about that tricky final layer. How do I make sure that my jacket elevates my outfit, communicates my authentic personal style, AND is functional for the weather? A blog post from the archives about what to wear besides a fleece jacket is a great place to start.

Client Reveal: Danae

I’m SO excited to share another real client style transformation. It’s so important to us that every client learns to buy clothes and style herself to communicate her authentic personal style in clothes that flatter her frame and communicate her values, when relevant. Sharing a few client stories in a row gives us a wonderful chance to show off the distinctive style of each of these women and highlight the importance of being true to yourself. I hope you find each of these women, and their styles, as inspiring as we do.

Client Reveal: Kristin

As a personal stylist for women, few things bring me as much joy as watching the entire process come together with client photos. I hear from readers that you like it, too! Today’s pick me up: Poplin Client, Kristin. Enjoy!

As a petite woman, Kristin felt restricted to choose from the limited options available. Frustrated, she tried clothing memberships only to discover that she still felt uninspired by clothing that didn’t resonate with her. Our first job was to let her think big about what truly appeals to her, rather than choosing from the available options.

Why Seasonal Color Analysis is Important and Why it Isn't

As a personal stylist for women, identifying a seasonal color analysis for each client is an integral part of my process, but probably not for the reasons you might think.

Reading this article while eating breakfast this morning, I was reminded that my approach to the importance of seasonal color analysis is not common. I do think it matters. But, I also think it doesn’t. The phrase I often use with clients is, “don’t let the colors run your life. Choose a season that speaks to you, commit to it, and move on.”

Switzerland Finds: Pairing Cream and Silver

As a personal stylist for women, I’m always on the lookout for pieces and pairings that are relevant to my clients. Sure! I love clothes and style. But when I travel, both domestically and internationally, I feel an obligation to hunt for pieces and pairings that will inform my clients and my community. And when I find them, I get VERY excited.

Paris Finds: Polette Glasses

We recently returned from a trip to Paris and Zurich. As a personal stylist, I was in heaven. Since COVID, brick and mortar shopping has really taken a hit in Seattle, as in so many other cities. Yes, we still have some great boutiques and of course, our hometown heroes, Nordstrom and REI. But, nothing compares to a week wandering the streets of Paris exploring department stores, designer brands, small boutiques and of course, soaking up the energy and inspiration of the people and the culture.