Wearing Works of Art: The Watercolor Print

Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor, plus size fashion guru and resident watercolorist, Jordan Richardson. Read on!

Ever since I was a little girl I have loved art. The creativity, freedom and challenge of expression have always drawn me in. I got to taste even more of the art world when I entered college and took art history classes. I was enchanted by the work painted along the gilded halls of Versailles, spooked yet intrigued by the ever darkening works of Goya, and palpitated at the supreme artistry of Bernini's sculptures. So it would make sense that I would gravitate towards clothing that had some art influence woven in.

Watercolor is my medium of choice when doing fashion illustration. The fluidity and dynamism of the suspended color in water is, to me, sort of magical. So when I noticed that more and more watercolor-printed pieces were showing up on the market I knew I wanted to share them with you, Dear Reader. These colorful and fluid pieces are easy to incorporate into a wardrobe since they are usually great patterned pieces that can draw the eye to wherever you please, and disguise other bits. So I've pulled together a few pieces that I felt worked nicely with some style keywords. Enjoy!

Style TipsmelliciaAugust 29, 2014plus size fashion, Plus size retailers, Seattle Personal Stylist, Women's fashionComment

Seattle Sunday: Swopboard Lets You Sell Your Stuff & Help A School

Remember when Craigslist wasn't creepy?

Yeah, those were the days.

If only there was a way to sell things to people in your very own neighborhood AND help out a local school, perhaps even YOUR kid's school. I am excited to share with you, Dear Reader, that such a place does exist. Thanks to the interweb and a small crew of dedicated folks right here in Seattle.

I'm appreciative of my good friends at the Recology Store in Issaquah who first clued me in on Swopboard. As it turns out, boutiques like Veouria are on board, too. More on that to come.

It's especially fun to share Seattle Sunday posts that highlight local brands or people that have managed to make an impact on the rest of the country. Swopboard is in the process of becoming one of those companies. Although, I get the feeling if YOU embraced them, they'd go even further.

In the words of the team: SwopBoard is an online marketplace to buy, sell and give back to local schools. Transactions involve users who share similar lifestyles - people in your school and neighborhood communities - which increases the chances of finding the right buyer and purchasing what you really need.

Here's What YOU Need to Know About Swopboard.

My Top 10 Favorite Things Right Now

As you can imagine, I spend an extraordinary amount of time shopping. Shopping for me, for clients, for friends, for imaginary people (see the Poplin Pinterest boards for evidence). When it comes time to write blog posts, I struggle with narrowing it down. After all, there is so much to share!

Therefore, every once in a while I decide that the only just thing to do, the only course of action that ensures that I'm giving you the level of service you desire, is to give you a laundry list of all my favorite things right now. Perhaps some of them are your favorites, too? My hope is that you'll find something new and exciting. Enjoy!

My 10 Favorite Things Right Now

Seattle Sunday Winner: Handmade Earrings from Jill Griffin Jewelry

Missed the recent post about jewelry handmade right here in Seattle by Jill Griffin? Not to worry. You can check it out here.

Plus, a few other key pieces of information for you:

1. You were entered to win!

Baby Steps: The Evolution of my White Clogs and What this Means to YOU

You might remember last month's post featuring some of my early summer obsessions. At the top of the list: my white patent leather platform clogs from Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony.

They were bold. They were free. I wanted them. I got them. I had to figure out how to wear them. Then I did.

My Wackadoodle Clogs Over Time & Applying this Strategy to Your Purchase

Having Fashion Envy? Time to Add Some Color to Your Life

When you look in your closet today what do you see? My guess is that you’re going to find that there is absolutely no variation when it comes to color. I have definitely been guilty of this, finding myself always drawn to blue pieces when I shop because I’ve found it to be my most flattering color. First of all — how boring. Face it, the people whose fashion sense you envy are the ones that aren’t afraid to be bold or try something new with their wardrobe.

Let me be the one to tell you that you need a little spice in your life. When you start to venture outside your comfort zone, you’ll find that there are multiple colors and different styles of prints that actually will look fabulous on you — but first, you just need to give them a try.

Finding the Right Colors for YOU

Style TipsmelliciaAugust 12, 2014Am I warm or cool?, Colors for your skin tone, Personal stylist, Seattle, Women's fashionComment

Seattle Sunday: The Hip Modernist Quilter: Jonathan Armstrong

As you can imagine, I get pretty excited when I make a new discovery. Whether it's a new retailer, a great deal or an unusual pairing, I can't wait to shout it from the rooftops.

Ever since I met Jonathan Armstrong, a local web developer, very stylish man, deep thinker and skilled maker, I've been sharing his story. And people love it. So, it's only fair that I share it with you, Dear Reader.

Jonathan sews quilts by hand. And they are unbelievable. Fortunately for me, he has one on display at Ludlow in Phinney Ridge. (That place is so incredible, it warrants an additional post of its own. Keep your eyes peeled in the coming weeks.)

We recently caught up with Jonathan at Ludlow to hear his thoughts on style, quilting and the power of making things by hand. Enjoy!

Menswear, Seattle SundaymelliciaAugust 10, 2014 Comments

The Plus size Coordinating Set- Not just sweaters anymore

Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. This time, she teamed up with Poplin Style Direction Intern, Ellie Emoto to bring you up to speed on this summer's Must Have. This week's Poplin newsletter includes Ellie's take on the LWD for straight sizes and Jordan's perspective for plus size women is below. If you aren't receiving the newsletter, make sure to sign up!

Also, did you know that Jordan's research on Sizeism was recently featured in an article in the Everett Herald? Check it out! Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Dear Reader,

Although I usually try and stay away from flash trends, opting instead for more classic pieces, sometimes I get roped in. I struggled against the coordinating set but then finally gave in to the matchy matchy patterned sets that felt fun and funky. Well, my jumping into this trend was my best fashion decision of the past six months. After acquiring a matching monochrome patterned sweater and skirt set I found a dozen ways to wear each piece separately, and another dozen ways to wear them together with various accessories and shoes. Even better, I felt powerful, stunning and oh so cool every time I put them on together.

So I want to share that feeling with you. I've found some coordinating sets or co-ords that align with some keywords; making this trend accessible no matter what you are seeking to communicate.

Co-ords

The Secret to Beautiful Hair: Connect with your Hairdresser on LinkedIn

Apparently, life goes on whether I'm there or not. And, I expect I'm not the only one.

Last weekend, my son and I ran into Brenda, the lovely woman who flawlessly colored my hair for years. She was also Kim Jong Il for Halloween one year, which is amazing. Needless to say, I'm very fond of her.

When I became pregnant, I took a hiatus from coloring my hair. It was intended to be temporary. But, when I learned of the cost of child care, I discovered that brown hair was just fine. Well, fine for at least 6 months, anyway.

The last time I had spoken to Brenda, she and her husband were hoping to have a baby. When I was ready to start coloring my hair again, she was gone.

And it happens to so many of us. For whatever reason, we aren't in the know when our favorite esthetician, massage therapist, hair dresser, tailor, insert essential life supporting service here, person moves on. Even worse, we can never find them again. Therefore, I propose this:

Connect with Your Life Changing (Insert Occupation Here) via LinkedIn

Menswear, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaJuly 31, 2014Comment

The One Piece that Saves You Money & Heartache

How many times have you put the final touches on your outfit only to discover that your shoes don't match your jewelry? Or, the buttons on your coat are gold while the buckle on your shoes is silver? Perhaps your wedding ring is white gold but you really want to wear your new yellow gold bracelet?

I would venture to say more than once.

A client sent me a text the other day asking about this issue and how to solve it.

Is it a Fashion Faux Paux to Wear Gold with Silver?

Seattle Sunday comes early: I went KitchenSurfing and so Should YOU

In all of our lives, there is a pivotal moment when we officially move up in the world. Well, officially to ourselves, anyway. When we graduate from generic ice cream to Dryers and then to Ben and Jerry's and beyond. Or when we buy our first items at full price from a boutique or perhaps our very first designer purchase (even if it is at the Rack).

Once you've crossed the threshold, everything changes. Suddenly, you wouldn't consider glancing at generic anymore. And shopping at a boutique becomes a regular occurrence. If you have yet to make any of these leaps (hello college), don't worry. You will. But, if you have moved beyond level one and even level two in the game of life, I have something for you: Kitchensurfing.

Just over a week ago, Kitchensurfing launched in Seattle. It's already established in larger cities and thank goodness it finally arrived at our foodie mecca. The concept is simple: a chef prepares a meal for you and your guests at your house AND cleans up afterward. Yes, that's what I said.

A few weeks ago, we hosted a Kitchensurfing dinner party. Our very generous friends, Steve and Lauren, offered to share their home with a group of friends to try it out. Our conclusion? Kitchensurfing: It's a must have.

Four Reasons Your Next Adventure MUST Include Kitchensurfing

Summer Staple: LWD

Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. This time, she teamed up with Poplin Style Direction Intern, Ellie Emoto to bring you up to speed on this summer's Must Have. This week's Poplin newsletter includes Ellie's take on the LWD for straight sizes and Jordan's perspective for plus size women is below. If you aren't receiving the newsletter, make sure to sign up!

Also, did you know that Jordan's research on Sizeism was recently featured in an article in the Everett Herald? Check it out! Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Dear Readers,

As we hit the warmest time of the year, with long sunsets and backyard parties, you may find your social schedule filling up. It's easy and necessary to have a piece that can go from cocktail mixers to bridal showers and then to visit in-laws. In the colder months an easy piece to pull on and go is the LBD: The Little Black Dress. A seemingly universal dress that is easily changed with accessories or layers, this staple is given a summer update in white.

As follows are some great choices to flatter different figures, and make your summer dressing easy as 1,2,3.

LWD for the Plus Sized Woman

Feeling Overwhelmed? Life Just Got a Little Easier

I've said it before, we all have a little Seasonal Affective Disorder in us. If for no other reason, but because our calendars are on hyper drive this time of year. Every day has a zillion commitments and even though the days are technically longer, we still can't do it all. So, if this time of year has brought you a feeling of overwhelm, you are not alone. I thought you might enjoy some streamlining from your very own personal stylist.

Here we go!

5 Ways to Take Control of Your Style

body image, Style Tips, Women's fashionmelliciaJuly 23, 2014Comment

Seattle Sunday: Jill Griffin Handmade Jewelry

Over the last few weeks, I've had a number of clients use words like, "earthy," and "natural" when describing their personal styles. You, Dear Reader, know how essential style keywords can be. Along with the do's and don'ts for your body type, style keywords can help you ensure that your clothes are communicating exactly what you want them to.

Lucky for me, the lovely and talented Jill Griffin was just a click away to empower me to offer up locally hand made jewelry for the earthier set of my client base. I met Jill last year when one of my clients hosted a trunk show for her. (I went home with a black leather cuff.)

And, because I think of you, Dear Reader, as my virtual client, I wanted to make sure I share her pieces (and the client discount) with you.

What You Need to Know Now About Jill Griffin Jewelry

Normcore. I've been Trying to Avoid it, but.....

A number of months ago I started hearing about Normcore. Chatter on the inter web turned into real media attention and an official trend. We can thank the good people at New York Magazine (one of my VERY favorite mags, by the way) for updating the rest of us earlier this year. Opening up the newest issue of Lucky today, I see that Normcore is now a topic for Main Stream America.

With that in mind, I feel obligated to give this trend some attention, though, truthfully, I'd prefer to give it as little attention as possible. However, my first obligation is to you, Dear Reader, so it's important that you can discuss Normcore at a dinner party or the office and sound like you know what you are talking about.

Seattle Sunday Winner: The Chambray Bowtie from Winslow

Sure, the bow tie takes a certain type of person to pull off. But, I'd venture to say that when you (or your fella) take the plunge, all parties involved will be glad you did. The key is styling. Before we get to that, let's make sure you know who won. Was it you?

What to Wear with a Bowtie. Go!

Menswear, Style TipsmelliciaJuly 14, 2014Comment

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is Here. Do You Know the Fall Runway Trends?

Who doesn't love the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? For the unindoctrinated, Anniversary (as the groupies call it) gives Nordstrom cardholders the chance to shop the fall trends now. Even better, they are on sale.

Yes! They go on sale now, then up to full price after the sale. And few things are as painful as watching something you saw on sale go up to full price... unless, of course, YOU bought it for the lower price.

Nordstrom card holders get early access to the sale July 10th- 17th. That's today! Don't have a card, you can still get one:)

I find that the most challenging thing about Anniversary is facing the concept that summer will eventually end. That makes it tough to shop for cold weather clothes. Plus, you've got to start thinking about fall trends to buy those pieces that you will undoubtedly yearn for come October. With that in mind, here's a guide to fall runway trends that you can shop for now and ensure you are comfortable and cool in the Northwest Winter weather.

If you aren't a card holder, you can see (and buy!) the Anniversary deals after July 18th.

Fall Trends, Nordstrom Anniversary Sale & YOU.

Summer Wedding Breakdown

Editor's note: Below you'll find another blog post from Poplin contributor and plus size fashion guru, Jordan Richardson. This time, I've added in options from Rent the Runway so you can rent a dress to save you a little cash. We've included straight size and plus size examples. The strategies are the same. And, Rent the Runway now includes plus size options. Huzzah!

Did you know that Jordan's research on Sizeism was recently featured in an article in the Everett Herald? Check it out! Love her and you will, too. Enjoy!

Dear Reader,

As a warm summer approaches so does the up-swing in summer wedding invitations. It can be a bit of a struggle to find the right thing to wear for each type of wedding, so I have created a breakdown of different types of wedding attire requirements and my suggestions for each. As you know, it's important to be appropriately dressed for the occasion without becoming overheated in the warm weather. Don't worry! I'm on it.

Hemptastic: More than Just Legal Marijuana

Whether you read local or national news, you're undoubtedly hearing about today's milestone: Washington's first legal marijuana shops opened this morning. Clearly, the only way, well, one way, to celebrate this momentous occasion is to dress the part. After all, we are the Evergreen State.

With that in mind, here are some fun facts about Hemp and Fashion.

My Love Affair with SoleStruck. Because Ugly Shoes ARE a Global Issue

Dear Reader,

I have a confession to make: I am unabashedly SoleStruck.

Months ago, the good people at DIGS Showroom in Ballard held an event featuring Portland brand SoleStruck. Not only did I have a lovely time, leave with an incredible swag bag that just keeps on giving (thank you, DIGS!); but I also bought a pair of edgy and functional heels. Thrilled, we went home. By the next day I was a proud winner of a free pair of shoes from SoleStruck. Woot!

And so it began.