Is it wrong? Ever since I heard Lena Dunham and Claire Danes gushing about Scandal on the red carpet of the Golden Globes, I decided it was time to check it out.
Whatever your feelings on Scandal, one thing is true, the clothes are worth the viewing. As your very own personal stylist, I feel compelled to make sure you are in the know on this one.
Read MoreIf you, Dear Reader, embrace the TomboyX lifestyle, the brand sells itself. Quality pieces with an edge.
But, if you love it, and aren't sure how to wear it- that's where your very own personal stylist comes in. And, now is certainly the perfect time.
TomboyX and Poplin Style Direction are joining forces to help YOU win up to $250 worth of clothing from the brand, a styling session with me at the showroom AND lunch with the team. Make sure you are entered to win by liking TomboyX and Poplin on Facebook as well as signing up for our newsletters. See more details here.
Now, where were we? Oh, yes, styling.
Last night I attended Fashion First Seattle- a fashion show to benefit Inspire Youth Project. It was an evening to remember, for sure. Flying solo at the event, I was reminded of all the lessons I've learned from Fashion Shows and I have a feeling that you, Dear Reader, will find them useful. Here we go!
The good people at Ludlow were kind enough to host a photo shoot for the recent blog post featuring modernist quilter Jonathan Armstrong. I'd walked by the shop in Phinney Ridge a number of times, but it wasn't until that photo shoot that I discovered the wide variety of finds that are hidden inside. Ever since, I've known that I MUST share a taste of Ludlow with you, Dear Reader.
TomboyX and Poplin Style Direction present
For years, I was a fan of a large bag. I like compartments. As a frequent user of public transportation, I REALLY liked having the daily essentials accessible to me at a moments notice. I was not alone.
Several months ago, I had the good fortune to be invited to the Zara opening downtown. The press preview included a lovely giveaway- a light blue and white leather mid-size clutch. As someone who LOVES both white and light blue (if you add in lavender you've pretty much covered all my favorite spring colors), I started using it the same day. To my surprise, it is still my everyday bag.
I've made it to the mountain. And, may I suggest that it's time for you to join me? You're back will thank you.
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Ah, University Village- the place you go shopping when you are entertaining out of towers.
It's relaxing, can technically be counted as time "outdoors" and has an array of destination retailers without fighting for parking downtown.
September offers up thirty plus excuses to get to U Village fast.
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!
Read MoreRemember 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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
Read MoreBelow 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.
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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:
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.
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.
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.
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