Posts in My Favorite Things
Forget Panic Shopping: Get the Perfect Last-Minute Gift Now

An essential component of being a personal stylist is listening. It’s vital that I really see my client then we create a strategy to harness her authentic personal style using that information. Buying the perfect gift takes the same skill. It can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t need to. Really, it’s about paying attention to the recipient AND having a list of potential gifts so that you can match his/her/ their desires with something you can deliver.

As someone who takes a lot of pride in my gifting abilities, I can assure you that giving the right gift feels SO good for the both the recipient AND the giver. So, let’s give you some ideas, shall we?

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Shop Black Friday Sales for Your Hourglass Body Type

We’re finally here! This is the last installment of Black Friday Sales organized by body type. Our annual “Shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale by Personal Style Key Words” is so wildly popular, we decided to try something different this Black Friday.

We’re organizing Black Friday Deals by Body Type to simplify your life, streamline your shopping and bring a spark of joy to your week. Here’s what you need to know.

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My Favorite Things Right Now

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I spend a very high percentage of my time with women. One of the benefits of this lifestyle is the constant trading of resources. We’re always sharing books, shows, products and more with one another. Regularly referred to as, “Idea Girl” in my family, offering resources and solutions is one of my very favorite things to do. I also LOVE learning about new options. This personality trait brings us to one of my periodic blog post themes: My Favorite Things Right Now. Here we go!

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10 Brands, Retailers and Causes: Shop Your Values & Maximize the Impact Now

As a personal stylist for women and evangelist for all things that excite me, making the periodic lists of My Favorite Things is one of my great joys. This one, in particular, is focused on brands and retailers that are not only exciting for their visual design but also because of the values that each brand and/or retailer supports. Ideally, all of our purchases are aligned with our values. For some, those are a willingness to spend more in order to support up and coming designers or those who pay people a living wage. Others prefer sustainable brands that limit materials to biodegradable items, those that take up fewer resources or choices that reuse existing items. And for others, brands that align with her values may mean finding the best deal which leaves more of the budget for other items. My role is not to impart my values on anyone else.

Above all, I teach each of my personal styling clients to shop using clear filters: body type, personal style key words, color palette, lifestyle and when possible, values. So, keep those in mind when you dive into this list of my very favorite brands and retailers right now. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

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The 31 Best Boho Pieces at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2023

As a personal stylist for women, few events are as impactful as Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale. Yes! Seattle is the home to Nordstrom HQ and that alone makes us love this sale. But, what truly sets anniversary apart from the others is that the sale consists of items for fall that are on sale first. When the sale is over, the prices increase. So, we have the opportunity to stock up on items that we’ll be wearing as the weather changes, rather than items that are from last season.

As a member of the Poplin community, you know that seeing something you like that is within your budget and available in your size is not reason enough to purchase it. The most important factor to determine whether or not you make a purchase is confirming that this piece communicates your authentic personal style and is available in a color that works for you. This color can bring you joy or be in your color palette. Ideally, it will do both.

Every woman has a unique authentic personal style and our goal is to help her harness that style and have the confidence to wear pieces that make her feel like the best version of herself. Anniversary is a great place to start that journey. The Poplin Pinterest Boards are another resource to get you there.

So this week, we’re combining the two. Each day we’ll share a blog post featuring my favorite items from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2023 organized by style key words. You’ll see incredible finds in a range of price points and sizes for your Effortless, Minimalist, Edgy, Boho and Classic Style. So, get ready to shop and as always, let me know how it goes! Welcome to Day 5- Boho Style.

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How to Shop for the Best 46 #EdgyPieces at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2023

Few events are as impactful as Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, at least when you are a personal stylist for women:) Yes! Seattle is the home to Nordstrom HQ and that alone makes us love this sale. But, what truly sets anniversary apart from the others is that the sale consists of items for fall that are on sale first. When the sale is over, the prices increase. So, we have the opportunity to stock up on items that we’ll be wearing as the weather changes, rather than items that are from last season.

As a member of the Poplin community, you know that seeing something you like that is within your budget and available in your size is not reason enough to purchase it. The most important factor to determine whether or not you make a purchase is confirming that this piece communicates your authentic personal style and is available in a color that works for you. This color can bring you joy or be in your color palette. Ideally, it will do both.

Every woman has a unique authentic personal style and our goal is to help her harness that style and have the confidence to wear pieces that make her feel like the best version of herself. Anniversary is a great place to start that journey. The Poplin Pinterest Boards are another resource to get you there.

So this week, we’re combining the two. Each day we’ll share a blog post featuring my favorite items from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2023 organized by style key words. You’ll see incredible finds in a range of price points and sizes for your Effortless, Minimalist, Boho and Classic Style. So, get ready to shop and as always, let me know how it goes! Welcome to Day 4- Edgy Style.

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My 27 Favorite Minimalist Pieces from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2023

As a personal stylist for women, few events are as impactful as Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale. Yes! Seattle is the home to Nordstrom HQ and that alone makes us love this sale. But, what truly sets anniversary apart from the others is that the sale consists of items for fall that are on sale first. When the sale is over, the prices increase. So, we have the opportunity to stock up on items that we’ll be wearing as the weather changes, rather than items that are from last season.

As a member of the Poplin community, you know that seeing something you like that is within your budget and available in your size is not reason enough to purchase it. The most important factor to determine whether or not you make a purchase is confirming that this piece communicates your authentic personal style and is available in a color that works for you. This color can bring you joy or be in your color palette. Ideally, it will do both.

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Discover How to Communicate Your Classic Style with 75 Essential Pieces from the 2023 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

As a personal stylist for women, few events are as impactful as Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale. Yes! Seattle is the home to Nordstrom HQ and that alone makes us love this sale. But, what truly sets anniversary apart from the others is that the sale consists of items for fall that are on sale first. When the sale is over, the prices increase. So, we have the opportunity to stock up on items that we’ll be wearing as the weather changes, rather than items that are from last season.

As a member of the Poplin community, you know that seeing something you like that is within your budget and available in your size is not reason enough to purchase it. The most important factor to determine whether or not you make a purchase is confirming that this piece communicates your authentic personal style and is available in a color that works for you. This color can bring you joy or be in your color palette. Ideally, it will do both.

Every woman has a unique authentic personal style and our goal is to help her harness that style and have the confidence to wear pieces that make her feel like the best version of herself. Anniversary is a great place to start that journey. The Poplin Pinterest Boards are another resource to get you there.

So this week, we’re combining the two. Each day we’ll share a blog post featuring my favorite items from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2023 organized by style key words. You’ll see incredible finds in a range of price points and sizes for your Effortless, Minimalist, Edgy, Boho and Classic Style. So, get ready to shop and as always, let me know how it goes! Welcome to Day 2- Classic Style.

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The 30 Best Pieces to Communicate Your Effortless Style from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2023

As a personal stylist for women, few events are as impactful as Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale. Yes! Seattle is the home to Nordstrom HQ and that alone makes us love this sale. But, what truly sets anniversary apart from the others is that the sale consists of items for fall that are on sale first. When the sale is over, the prices increase. So, we have the opportunity to stock up on items that we’ll be wearing as the weather changes, rather than items that are from last season.

As a member of the Poplin community, you know that seeing something you like that is within your budget and available in your size is not reason enough to purchase it. The most important factor to determine whether or not you make a purchase is confirming that this piece communicates your authentic personal style and is available in a color that works for you. This color can bring you joy or be in your color palette. Ideally, it will do both.

Every woman has a unique authentic personal style and our goal is to help her harness that style and have the confidence to wear pieces that make her feel like the best version of herself. Anniversary is a great place to start that journey. The Poplin Pinterest Boards are another resource to get you there.

So this week, we’re combining the two. Each day we’ll share a blog post featuring my favorite items from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2023 organized by style key words. You’ll see incredible finds in a range of price points and sizes for your Effortless, Minimalist, Edgy, Boho and Classic Style. So, get ready to shop and as always, let me know how it goes!

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My Fashion Inspirations and More Secret Stuff in the Poplin Interview in WomanCake Magazine

As a personal stylist for women, I spend my time highlighting my clients and empowering each one to dress like her authentic self effortlessly everyday. It’s not often that I talk about myself. So, when the powerhouse creator of WomanCake Magazine, an online magazine highlighting women over 40, I was delighted to share my insights on all sorts of things.

Have you seen WomanCake yet?

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What is Adaptive Clothing and Where Can I Buy Cool Adaptive Clothing?

As a personal stylist for women, my role is to really see someone. I’m here to listen to observe and then to create a helpful strategy for her to harness her authentic personal style and simplify her life. This highly personalized process includes a deep dive into her values (would she prefer to support BIPOC makers, female founders, sustainable brands?), her mindset (is she struggling to accept her body as it is now or does she lack confidence in her stylistic choices?) and her lifestyle (what actually works for her day to day?).

I spend a great deal of time listening, researching and sharing my knowledge with individual clients and the Poplin community. Sometimes, information is directly applicable to you, the reader. Other times, it makes more sense for a friend or family member and is worth sharing. And then there are times when the information may not feel applicable, but knowing it changes you in some small way. I’m curious which of these camps you fall into.

Few things are as inspiring to me as watching a woman with power use her voice to make the world better. Sure, you can negotiate world peace in your efforts to improve the planet. But, for many of us, day to day choices have a significant impact on the people around us and the future direction of society. The women who have put their energy into offering truly inclusive clothing are making big changes in the industry and changing the conversation around inclusivity.

In the past few years, inclusivity sparks thinking about brands who offer sizes for every body type. Universal Standard was a front runner in this journey and our culture is forever changed thanks to that brand and other like it. No longer do “straight sizes” end at 14. Many retailers offer pieces up to size 18 or well beyond. That’s real progress.

Amplifying brands with female founders and/or founders of color is another big part of our journey to true inclusivity. Venture Capitalists who fund these brands have propelled them forward. We can also thank shows like Shark Tank that give opportunities to folks who may not otherwise have them and retailers like Nordstrom who started selling lesser known brands and introduced them to a huge consumer base.

Now, it’s time to take our conversation about inclusivity in fashion to another level. Let’s talk about Adaptive Clothing.

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A Deep Dive into Vulnerability, Courage and Making New Memories

As a personal stylist for women, I’ve spent years working with individual clients, writing newsletters and blogs spending time with truly extraordinary women. If you’ve been following the blog for some time, you may have never even heard my voice. If that’s the case, now’s the time to hear me on the most recent episode of the Courage Effect.

If you’ve heard me on various platforms, you might be thinking that you’re in the know already. Not this time.

My recent conversation with Suzanne Weller, host of the Courage Effect, is unlike any public conversation I’ve had before. It’s intimate, with me sharing about some very difficult aspects of my upbringing and simultaneously, full of hope, joy and actionable tips for rewiring your brain.

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Get Out of a Style Rut: 25 White Shoes to Step Into Spring

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I get VERY enthusiastic about spring. After all, the sun is out and it’s time to dive back into joyful clothes that reflect our collective lightening. This time of year is can also bring anxiety about what to wear. Rest assured, you can count on bright white shoes for another year. If you have a pair that you adore but aren’t so bright anymore, try using a magic eraser. My husband and I used to have a routine during which I painted my nails and he cleaned up our shoes.

If your white shoes are beyond repair or you are just jonesing for some new styles, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at my favorite 25 for spring and summer. Have fun!

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Poplin's Once-in-a-Decade Flash Sale

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I work with women all over the country to help each one up her style game. It’s essential that you feel like YOU when you interact with the world. After all, when you feel confident in what you are wearing, when it’s comfortable and not distracting, that’s when you show up differently. That’s also when you are empowered to make big bold moves.

I made a big bold move ten years ago when I left my career in philanthropy and started this business. A decade later, we’ve worked with hundreds of women to help each one look and feel her best. Yes! We pretty consistently have a waistlist for services and yes! My clients really are the most wonderful, kind, brave, delightful women. And that’s why I’m so crazy excited to kick off our once in a decade flash sale. That’s right. Once in a decade.

Only twice in ten years has there been an opportunity to get bonus time when you purchase a Poplin package. And there has NEVER been an array of deals like the ones we’re offering to new and existing Poplin clients until Friday, April 14th, 2023.

I’ve saying for some time that 2023 is going to be a big year for Poplin and it’s true. Last year, we were in Forbes and Huff Post. This year, we launched our Endless Outfits, empowering each client to add or subtract from her Poplin wardrobe over time making adding new outfits effortless for years to come. This means that, with the exception of tailoring, Poplin clients now have access to the full array of personal styling services from every location.

2023 has more to come.

The next item in our 10th Anniversary Year of Celebration is this insane Flash Sale. If you’re ready for Poplin love, THIS is the time for you. We won’t be doing this again, at least not in this decade, so make your move. This sale exists as a personal thank you to each of you who has made the business possible. I love what I do. I love who I do it with. And I’m grateful for the opportunity. I look forward to seeing you very soon.

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AAPI Brands You Need to Know Now

As a personal stylist for women, I can’t get enough of new, interesting brands. And as a human doing my best to live my values and help my clients do the same, few things are as exciting to me as discovering new brands that are making the world better with beautiful pieces AND a commitment to their values.

It’s true, I often have clients ask for more brands founded by women, people of color or other folks that don’t often have the same funding opportunities. If you are looking for new black owned brands making innovative pieces, this blog post is for you. Fortunately, we are also seeing an increased presence of creative brands with Asian American female founders. Let’s make sure they are on your radar, too. And rest assured, there are more coming everyday.

Before you dive in, you might be asking why it matters that a brand has women of color as founders, and that’s a fair question. Historically, women-led startups receive just 2.3% of Venture Capital funding. Every purchase you make from a brand with a female founder or a founder of color communicates to funders that there is a market for these ideas and that these founders should receive investment. Brands that are size inclusive are also sending a message to investors. We can’t do everything and it’s pointless to try, but when you are able, shopping your values (whatever they are) really does make a difference.

One more thing, you’ll also find brands embracing size inclusivity, sustainability, designed in the US and more on this list. It’s important to shop YOUR values, when the opportunity strikes, whatever those are. I find that including this information helps folks realize that they do care where or how something is made and may have not considered this before. We’re all evolving on so many issues. Ideally, these posts give you more information to marinate on and some super fun eye candy.

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Must Have: Negative Underwear

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I spend a great deal of my time creating online shopping lists for clients. We call them Uber Wishlists. If you haven’t already seen them, check out some samples from real Poplin clients.

Yes! We create lists that supplement her existing collection and create a cohesive, user friendly and inspiring wardrobe. Fun Fact: We also create Intimates and Loungewear lists. When the weather is cold, those are some of my favorites. The past few months I’ve become completely OBSESSED with Negative Underwear. The pieces are luxurious, super soft and equally sexy. Most of them are sheer! Yes, you can. The colors are spectacular and I’m personally VERY enthusiastic about the Whipped Collection, especially the base layers.

I recently recommended them to my client Isa. At first she was apprehensive because they are an investment. Then her order of a handful of items came and she sent me this text.

OH MY GOD THE NEGATIVE UNDERWEAR…. OMGGGGGGG OBSESSED.

And then she ordered lots more from the company. I had Negative Underwear on my Christmas list and was ELATED when my husband got me a loungewear set. So, it’s only right that I share this magic with you, Dear Reader with a discount code of course. Enjoy!

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Connecting with other Women in the New Year

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I spend the vast majority of my time with women. It’s rare. I know. Until I started this business nearly a decade ago, the majority of my friends have always been men. My female friends were typically women who weren’t into clothes or style and predominantly didn’t wear makeup. So, my interest in style often stood out.

Things are very different now. It is a true gift to have met a diverse collection of extraordinary women who continue to be supportive, inspiring and authentic. And while I am grateful for my existing community, I know there are even more like minded women out there. Women that I can learn from, that make my life better just by knowing them AND that also want to make the world a better place.

I’ve had lots of questions about how I find these women. And that, my Dear Reader, is what this post is for. Full disclosure- so many of them are Poplin clients! It’s true. I absolutely adore my clients. Here are some other ways that might help you if you are on the hunt for a similar collection of incredible women. As always, let me know how it goes!

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15 Holiday Gifts You've Never Thought Of

I like the idea that COVID won’t permeate every aspect of our lives, especially when it comes to the holiday season. Based on conversations with clients and friends, it’s clear that trying to find the ideal gift often also means considering how that relates to our current very strange state of being. As a personal stylist for women, I often tell people that my job is to “see” people. When I meet a new client, I listen to her and try to see what she sees as her aspirational style. Then, using her budget, body type, lifestyle and personal style, I translate that into a strategy to help her embrace her authentic personal style. Uber Wishlists are a solid representation of how I translate her words into actual items. This, my Dear Reader, is essentially spending 8 years of my professional life gifting.

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My Favorite Things Right Now

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I spend a great deal of time helping women to ensure that they feel like their authentic selves. I also chime in with tips and tricks pretty much constantly. Every once in a while, that means that it’s time for a, “my favorite things,” blog post. Honestly, I have so much I want to share, that putting everything in one post is the most efficient way to give you maximum impact. The goal here is to improve your style AND your life. Enjoy!

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What Can I Wear Besides a Traditional Puffer Jacket?

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I see fleece jackets and puffer jackets in nearly every client closet. Most of the time, we have a hilarious conversation about why she needs one or several of these and in many cases, I agree. But, this isn’t without caveats.

First, you dress for yourself above all else and you are the same person whether you are at work or at play. This means, that it’s as important that you feel good about how you look when you run into the neighbors while walking your dog as when you step into the office. Of course, the attire is not the same, although here in the Pacific Northwest, it often is. The goal for each situation is to feel comfortable, powerful and like your authentic self in all situations. Your clothes are just the leverage you need to achieve that.

In general, I’m an advocate for your main coat not being a puffer or fleece. Ideally, it’s a wool blend, leather or some other option that makes you feel elevated without sacrificing functionality, and communicates to the world that you are here to be seen.

But let’s face it, puffers are useful. So, if you are ready to pick up a new one, let’s make it cool, shall we?

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