Can loungewear be chic? Yes!

Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. Jordan's research on Sizeism was just featured in an article in the Everett Herald. Check it out! Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Dear Reader,

Few things are more gratifying than shedding your work clothes after a long day and putting on something comfortable. While pulling on my trusty old college sweats and a tank I wondered what others wore to hang about...So I went on a quest. I questioned family, friends, and co-workers looking to find what people preferred. I found that most like loose fitting pants that stretched yet still held a shape, and a jersey tank or tee. One gal mentioned that she called this look "lounge-chic." She described it as the balance between comfortable shoes that are easy to move in while maintaining the ability to open the door or run to the grocery store without embarrassment.

So I wanted to see how I could elevate my own lounge wear to "lounge-chic" and naturally, I wanted to share my findings with you. Because Poplin Style Direction focuses on knowing what works best for your body shape (as well as your personal style) I wanted to utilize the body types to help pinpoint some great choices for various body shapes.

Lounge Chic

Seattle Sunday: Vintage & Pre-Loved Finds from Citizen Rosebud

I don't know about you, Dear Reader, but my teen years were spent in thrift stores. On the eternal quest to find something that communicated who I was through my clothing and managing to stay within my teenage budget was no easy task. Parenthood has made every minute more valuable and my love of shopping has shifted to brick and mortar stores and online. But, my love of vintage coats will never die. And that is where the Citizen got me.

Citizen Rosebud AKA Bella is a die hard lover of all things vintage. With special love for American-made items, she knows her history through clothes. Each dress, each coat, every pair of shoes has a story and Bella is dying to tell it to you.

3 Experts Take You to the Beach Pt. 1

Part 1 of 2

As you may know, I spend a great deal of time near the water. In our city, it's so easy to do. With the Summer Solstice right around the corner, I thought I'd share some of my favorite tips for hitting the beach. Even better? How about I ask two other very knowledgeable women to do the same. Please enjoy some helpful tips directly from professional organizer, Annie Traurig and hair and make-up artist, Hanna Mazur.

Beach Essentials

Annie Traurig, Owner, Live Simply by Annie

COS. The Basics You've Been Searching For Come to America.

I remember fantasizing about the day H&M would finally come to Seattle. Then, it did- with three stores opening almost simultaneously. Suddenly, I didn't need to buy 10 pairs of tights every time I visited New York or Chicago. Life was good.

This month, life just got a whole lot better. Enter COS (Collection of Style). The H&M owned brand is all about effortless, paired back basics. Timeless minimalism for men, women and kids. While we don't have a brick and mortar COS in Seattle, we are FINALLY able to shop the brand here in the states thanks to the magic of the inter web.

5 Reasons you MUST Visit Cosstores.com Now

1. You get a discount.

Your Weekend Starts Now.

Man, have I got the weekend of dreams planned for you. (And, it starts today!)

Summer is here (despite today's rain) and that means longer days and the relentless desire to get out and do things, meet people, look pretty. It's possible our entire city has some level of seasonal affective disorder. We pay the price in the dark and gloomy months; but this time of year is when we shine. So, as you are putting the final touches on your weekend plans, why not indulge in something for yourself?

Is That What You Meant To Say? What Your Clothes are Communicating for You.

Have you ever noticed that you have certain stock answers to often asked questions? Maybe the first time someone asked you a particular question, you answered quickly. You were being funny or you were nervous, maybe disinterested or perhaps you really didn't feel like revealing too much about yourself.

Who knows?

As the question has come up again and again over the years, you've developed this auto response.

How Can I Wear Summer Dresses When My Legs are Still Winter White?

It's almost summer. I wish someone would just tell my legs. This transitional time of year is a tricky one. It's warm enough to wear shorts or skirts without tights. But, our legs may not be quite there yet. Fear not, Dear Reader, there are a few helpful tips and tricks from your very own personal stylist to make you look and feel beautiful right now. Of course, step 1 is always sunscreen. So, make sure to integrate sun protection into your daily routine regardless of the time of year.

Solutions for winter legs in summer weather.

What's the Perfect Bathing Suit Top for my Bust Size?

Oh, young grasshopper. Do I have helpful information for you? As a personal stylist, I'm always chatting with female clients about what is flattering for their body types. As a woman, I'm always chatting with, well plenty of other women, about what is flattering for their body types. With bathing suit season upon us, the eternal questions surrounding flattering swimsuits are back in the mix.

So, today, Dear Reader, we're going to go beyond my general swimsuit guidance by body type into a very specific need- the need for the perfect swim top. Here we go!

What You Need to Know when you shop for a Bathing Suit Top.

Seattle Sunday: Stylish Outdoor Gear for Women by Freeman

I love the outdoors. But, I don't love outdoor gear.... well, on me anyway.

I worked at an outdoor gear store when I was in high school, selling, designing the displays and learning information about functionality and design that I still use on a regular basis. As the recipient of a healthy discount, I bought Gortex jackets, fleece anoraks, Thorlo socks and everything in between for nearly everyone I knew. Years later, when it's time to hike in the rain, I reach for the same Gortex shell.

Until now.

Our good friends at Freeman have finally given into our demands. They've created a waterproof jacket any woman can love.

Four Reasons to Love the Lady Freeman On YOU.

How Do I Wear Birkenstocks and Look Fashionable?

I thought we'd start today's post with the most popular topic of conversations at my recent happy hours, Birkenstocks.

Apparently, it's a very big deal that I purchased a pair. Let me be clear. Happy feet make for a happy life. But, ugly shoes don't make for a happy life. So the key is to find shoes that are both comfortable and fashionable. That, Dear Reader, is totally possible. And, not just with Birkenstocks.

Three years ago I would not have suggested your run out and get yourself the mother of all comfort brands. But, Birks have jumped straight from the feet of hippies to runways on their journey to your local Nordstrom. If you aren't already, you'll likely be jumping on this trend soon.

How Do I Wear the new hip Birkenstocks?

Looking for Hip Plus Size Swimwear? Look No Further.

Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. I requested her take on plus size swimwear and I couldn't be happier with her post. Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Dear Reader,

It’s finally getting to that point in the year here in the Pacific Northwest where we can begin to find swimming a feasible past time. Whether you are jet setting off on vacation to a truly warm beach climate, or staying at home and enjoying a pool or lake, getting outfitted can be intimidating. For those of us looking for cute yet supportive swimwear shopping can be a daunting task, especially since most places do not sell plus size swimwear in store.

Let's begin with a note of encouragement.

Seattle Sunday: Winslow Handmade Ties & Pocket Squares

This post has been in the works for months and I am THRILLED to finally be able to share with you, Dear Reader, what I've been telling every person I come in contact with: my love of Winslow.

I initially heard about Winslow from our good friends at Freeman Seattle (check out the recent post featuring Freeman or the site with new jackets for women). Shortly afterward, I saw one of the ties at Velouria and I was hooked. The brainchild of two bright, energetic and thoughtful women, Winslow makes one-of-a-kind handmade neckties, bow ties and pocket squares from reclaimed fabrics. Each one is unique and impeccably made.

They are inspirational. More than a tie or a pocket square, Winslow offers transformation.

5 Ways that a Piece from Winslow Can Be Used to Alter the Course of Your Life

Happy Bike To Work Day. Time to Get Dressed.

Hello Dear Reader. Happy Bike To Work Day! I recently learned that Davis, CA has one of the highest percentage of cyclists per capita in the country at 19%. I must admit, I'm strangely proud of Davis as I'm originally from Vacaville, only 20 minutes from bicycle central. In fact, one of my sisters lives there and bikes everywhere with her daughter right behind. As you can imagine, I've always associated Davis with biking, (now defunct) Recycled Records and a strange law they used to have that stated you could only smoke on the street if you were moving. While I'm not a smoker nor much of a biker, I took note.

In honor of this special day and the thousands of people who bike to work each day in our city (Hello Dexter!), I thought you might enjoy some fashionable options for cyclists from your very own personal stylist.

Tips for the Stylish Cyclist

I Can't Stop Talking About....

I'm often asked, "what are you into right now?"

My current list of obsessions is especially lengthy. Usually, I like to spread them out over various blog posts. But, when I'm excited about so many things, I find it challenging to hold off on sharing. So, here you go. Hopefully, you'll find some inspiration here, too!

My Favorite Things Right Now.

Try it on!

Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Today’s topic is one that really shook my world.

When I first encountered this information on Gabifresh.com, I was stunned. This gorgeous plus size woman who was probably a size 18-20 was wearing a size L shirt from H&M. I couldn’t believe it. The top fit her perfectly and her post talked about how she had stopped looking at sizes and started looking at what she liked, and what would fit. Mind Blown!

Put Your Back Into It.

I'm always surprised at the number of people who read this blog. It's certainly not in the millions. But, does it need to be? I like to imagine that everyone who reads this is sitting in one room together. As time goes on, that's transitioned from a small room, to an apartment all the way to a building. That's pretty awesome. So, thanks, Dear Reader, for taking the time.

I also like to think that you, Dear Reader, are on your own journey to find your personal style. Perhaps you are at the beginning stages or much further down the path. Either way, you are not only aware that what you wear influences how you feel, it influences how other people feel about you. It's a powerful thing. With that in mind, it occurs to me that we all face challenges to harnessing our style. So, today, let's tackle a few of the biggest.

3 Very Real Obstacles to Embracing Your Personal Style (and how to overcome them)

Seattle Sunday: Freeman Brings the Mountains to the City — in all the Right Ways

Seattle, of course, loves the outdoors. It's not hard to see why — drive a couple hours in any direction and you'll find one incredible natural landscape after another. We take our outdoor recreation seriously, and it's one of the great defining characteristics of our city.

We dress for it, too. It's no coincidence that our very own REI has become one of the biggest names in expedition outfitting. Ask a typical Seattlite the relative merits of wool, synthetic, or silk baselayers and chances are you'll find yourself in a longer conversation than you intended. And this is important stuff — if you're heading out to the backcountry, having the right technical gear can literally save your life.

But sometimes it's hard for us to leave the mountains, well, in the mountains. We come back to the city after a weekend exploring the wild places, and we just don't want to put away our fleece vests and softshell jackets and hiking boots. It's almost as if by wearing our technical gear into the city, we're bringing a bit of that elusive outdoor magic into our daily grind.

You Have the Power to Take Control of Your Style.

Clothes are emotional. They can make you feel invisible, powerful, beautiful, confident. They can make you feel like your mother or your sister or someone you don't recognize. Then can make you feel heavy or thin. Or, they can make you feel like you.

It's a funny thing about clothes. Sometimes we can feel self conscious about caring so much about them or about how much money we spend on them. It can feel shallow or vain. But, it's not. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Like music, your clothes can empower you or they can beat you down. They can give you the confidence to do something incredibly intimidating or they can make you feel like the couch is our only safe haven. The thing I love about being a personal stylist is helping people acknowledge their relationship with clothes and make it work for them.

The Summer Essential Plus Size Edition: Shorts

Editor's Note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

When it comes time for bare legs there can be a lot of anxiety involved. I myself have long struggled with finding the right short for the spring and summer months. I want them to be attractive and youthful, but still be practical and hit the top of my knee for comfort. It’s a daunting task, and yet one that becomes necessary as the days grow warmer, or if you’re lucky you escape somewhere tropical for a slice of paradise.

There are a plethora of options available, but trying to sift through to find the perfect one for each of us takes some effort.

I’ve compiled some of hottest hits of this year’s styles to make summer shopping a little easier.

What's Wrong with 80%? Looking Your Best, Within Reason.

I once had a conversation with a supervisor who said to me, "you can't always do A work. Sometimes, you need to do B or even C work to get it all done." Recently, my husband received similar advice about setting the bar at 80% instead of 100% or, "you'll kill yourself trying." Well, there you have it.

It's a funny thing about being a personal stylist, it means that people dress differently when they are going to see me. And, I'm pretty confident they expect that I'm going to be up to their standards, as well. I think I am, most of the time. With this new wave of advice, I'm going for 80%.

Let's be honest. Life is busy, things come up and sometimes we wonder: is it really worth all the effort to put lipstick on before going to the store?

I think it is.