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.
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.
Read MoreToday I discovered a really lovely review on Yelp.
I view my role as a personal stylist to listen to the client and translate his or her words into a strategic plan for the client's personal style. I never want clients to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about their closet, their size or their budget. I certainly don't want clients to feel like I'm regurgitating the same information from client to client. Basics, layering pieces, etc. It's much more than that.
It's about a journey to feel great in everything you wear. To feel like yourself. Above all else, to know what looks good on you and how to achieve the most stylish version of you after our few weeks together have ended.
That's why, I'm giving away an Uber Wishlist.
That's right, a $575 value,
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreI 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?
Read MoreI like my Seattle Sunday posts to focus on a local brand, boutique or stylish Seattle-ite. After all, our city has much to offer. So, when I was invited to an exclusive event for local chocolatier Seattle Chocolate's new brand JCOCO, I was doubtful it would fit into my vision for Seattle Sunday posts. But, I certainly couldn't pass up chocolate and wine pairings, now could I?
So, I invited my good friend and very first client, Lauren, to join me for an evening of indulgence. Little did I know that JCOCO would introduce me to "couture chocolate" (that's what they call it!) and the inner workings of a chocolatier while tapping into the love of fashion that so many of us share.
5 Reasons Why JCOCO is Even Cooler Than I Thought.
Read MoreThe beauty of technology is that I can see that you, Dear Reader, come back to read the blog over and over again. Thank YOU. Sometimes you come from Facebook. Sometimes you come straight to the blog via your RSS Feed or a bookmark. Boy, do I appreciate it.
What I can also see is that a very small portion of you are receiving Poplin emails. Why? Don't want emails cluttering your inbox? Concerned that the email is simply a recap of blog posts gone by? Oh, no. Having just emailed a newsletter this morning, it seems evident that I should offer up support for the email list from your local personal stylist.
One more thing, in honor of Memorial Day, I'm including photos of some of my favorite red, white and blue pieces because, why not?
I digress. Here we go.
5 Reasons YOU Need Emails from Poplin
Read MoreEditor'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.
Read MoreThis 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
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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
Read MoreI'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.
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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!
Read MoreI'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)
Read MoreSeattle, 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.
Read MoreClothes 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.
Read MoreEditor'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.
Read MoreIt's finally here, the public grand opening for Seattle's own Bluemercury! I must admit that prior to the arrival in U Village, I had never heard of the brand, despite it being the fastest growing makeup, skincare and spa destination in the country. After all, the closest option for a store is Corte Madera, California (although a Portland store is in the works.) But, almost instantaneously, I was hooked.
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If you follow Poplin on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, you know how excited I am about the new Bluemercury store opening at U Village. Tomorrow is the public event with giveaways, makeovers and so much more. Wouldn't it be fun to go with a $50 gift card in your hot little hands?
After all, they carry a wide array of quality skin care lines including all your favorite natural options and perhaps some new lines for you to discover. They have make-up, a line for new moms, skincare for men and let's not forget the on-site aesthetician. Oh my.
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