23 Clothing Styles that Minimize Your Stomach.

As a personal stylist for women, I create strategies to help ensure that a woman's clothing communicates her personal style. But, as we all know, looking great is more than whether you prefer boho or tailored. It's about knowing what shows off your best features and how to minimize those aspects that don't bring you as much joy. Let's be clear, I'm not suggesting that you NEED to minimize your stomach. But, it is vital that you feel empowered each and every day as you check out your look in the mirror and head out the door.

If you are tugging at a waistband that cuts into your stomach creating a muffin top, your self talk quickly devolves into criticism about weight gain and the like. Instead, choose a piece that minimizes your stomach while still feeling comfortable. Then, you can focus on what really matters.

23 Ways to Minimize Your Stomach

UncategorizedmelliciaJanuary 6, 2016Comment

My 10 Favorite Things Right Now

The holiday season is both inspiring and overwhelming. The time between Christmas and New Year's can be especially strange. After all, we have new pieces (thanks, friends and family!) and others to exchange or return. Visiting a retailer can feel a little lackluster as stores are jam packed with left overs. But, if you have gift cards burning holes in your pockets, here are a few suggestions that have totally consumed my mind as of late. Enjoy!

My 10 Favorite Things Right Now.

UncategorizedmelliciaDecember 31, 2015Comment

Holiday Dress Up and Down - Plus Size Edition

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

Hello Dear Readers,

As we are now in the full swing of December calendars filling up its that time when we start looking for party and holiday festivity wear. Instead of endless sequins, I want to offer both at-home down time and out and about styles in a high and low price point.

As follows are pieces that can take a myriad of events and non-events and make them easy and memorable.

Holiday Dress Up and Down- Plus Size Edition

The Stylish Star Wars Fan.

I'm not sure about you, Dear Reader, but our world is totally consumed with Star Wars. After all, I have a son. In fact, we threw him a Padawan Park Crawl Birthday Party last fall. (It's like a pub crawl but with parks.) I think you get the idea.

With that in mind, it seems only right that I share with you some of my favorite Star Wars swag for the fan who wants to show support while maintaining her style. As a personal stylist, this conundrum comes up a lot. And, hey, if you run into this same prediciment around supporting your favorite sports team, you might find the blog post on that topic helpful.

Back to the the force.....

Star Wars Gear for the Stylish Fan

5 Ways to Wear a Ball Skirt. Yes! You Can.

The holiday party season is in full swing and I have exactly one thing on my mind: ball skirts. Believe it. My go-to for parties last year was a DVF jumpsuit. If you are just getting on that train, good for you. Stick with it. Jumpsuits show confidence without being over the top.

If you, like me, are always searching for the next best thing, if you seek a new way to dress for a party that isn't the same outfit recycled, might I introduce you to the ball skirt? It may seem crazy, but trust me, this one piece can add magic and functionality to your social life. Think holiday parties, weddings, and for the very bold, an evening out. As your very own personal stylist for women in the Seattle area, I will prove to you, Dear Reader, it can be done.

Let's begin with a definition of ball skirts. They are exactly what you think they are: a ball gown cut in half. My favorites include pockets. The most efficient way to find the right one for you is to hit the Nordstrom website or visit a store. I very rarely send folks to just one retailer, but I'm obsessed with this up and coming style and Nordstrom is really the place to find it locally. Here are a few of my favs.

My Favorite Raingear.

It's not easy to look stylish and stay dry. As a personal stylist for women in the Seattle area, I receive LOTS of questions about this one. So, I thought I'd share some of my very favorite weatherproof pieces right now. Enjoy!

1. For the Urban Fashionista.

A Mix Up

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

Hello dear reader,

We all know that there are those of us that fall within multiple loose framework of body shapes. Being conjunctions of inverted triangle and rectangle or a diamond that is also busty with broad shoulders. Like styles, none of us fit perfectly into a box or one category. I've garnered up a few tips and tricks for some mixed variety of shapes within the plus size realm, since not all of us lush ladies come with an hourglass shape. Below are a few lovely clothing choices and ideas on what else might work well for you. If you have a shape request, let us know in the comments below!

UncategorizedmelliciaDecember 7, 2015Comment

Winter Accessorizing

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

Hello Dear Reader,

As the frigid weather approaches I have been asked about how to layer up and stay warm but still feel stylish and shapely. With a lot of winter wear being bulky it can be hard to feel sleek under so many layers. But with a bit of accessorizing know how, and warm layers underneath like a cashmere sweater and fleece lined leggings you will be all set to brazen the winter chills while still feeling fabulous.

Oversized Scarf

Black Friday Deals

'Tis the season for thanking and shopping. Let's get that adrenaline going with some spectacular Black Friday Deals. These are some of my favorites. Enjoy!

UncategorizedmelliciaNovember 27, 2015 Comments

Six Things I Learned from Styling Homeless Youth

We've just wrapped up two years of styling homeless youth who are in the Barista Training Program. Local nonprofits YouthCare and FareStart have partnered to run this program, giving youth aged 16-24 life skills, professional skills and additional support. I volunteer each month running styling workshops to teach youth what to wear for job interviews and at work, followed by a "shopping spree" in the YouthCare Basement Boutique. I am also fortunate enough to attend graduation ceremonies for each cohort weeks after their styling sessions.

In 2014 I wrote a post about what I've learned from styling homeless youth. As I reflect on the last two years of sessions, I'm struck by what I've learned from my clients, the youth, my support team at YouthCare and especially, my five year old son. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'd like to share some of these lessons with you, Dear Reader.

What I've Learned From Styling Homeless Youth 2.0

UncategorizedmelliciaNovember 26, 2015Comment

2 of My VERY Favorite Places Come Together

Happy day before Thanksgiving, Dear Reader!

Vacation is almost here. It's time to give thanks and very soon, it will be time to shop. And, here's what you need to know about both:

Thanking.

UncategorizedmelliciaNovember 25, 2015Comment

Pack These 3 Multi-taskers for Your Holiday Travel.

Let's face it, we're always trying to pack less. But, during the holiday season, that mission becomes even more critical. After all, the more room in your suitcase, the more of your holiday stash you can carry rather than ship. With that in mind, as a personal stylist for women in Seattle, here are my three essentials for holiday travel. Off we go!

3 Pieces That Will Save Room in Your Suitcase

The Perfect Northwest Slipper.

As a personal stylist for women, I spend a great deal of time in other people's homes. I get to see each client's personal style expressed in her home decor. As I prepare for each visit, I also plan to take off my shoes as soon as I walk in the door. Sure, there are plenty of folks who allow shoes indoors. But, there are plenty who don't. Better to be safe than sorry.

Our simultaneous adoration for a shoeless house and the ability to walk outside effortlessly is in constant conflict. Want to run something to the trash? You need to go from slippers to shoes. No more!

10 Ways to Look Fashionable When You are Supporting the Seahawks

As a personal stylist for women, I spend a significant amount of time in women's closets. A woman's closet should feel like a boutique curated just for her. Every piece should make her feel like her authentic self. If it doesn't, it's out. Closet Edits are guided by each client's personal style and body type, with one exception: the sports jersey. The Seahawks/Sounders (and every so often, Mariners) section is the third rail of closet edits, never to be touched. However, it does spark lots of questions. "How do I look stylish at the games? What do I wear this with?" And so on. This has come up so frequently that a blog post is clearly in order. For all my clients and readers who support a team, any team, and want to do it looking your best, this one's for you.

10 Ways to Look Fashionable as the 12th (Wo)man

A Cut Above the Rest- Plus Size Edition

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

Hello Dear Reader,

We are seeing a fantastic increase in amazing pieces being offered in an extended size range, especially after this latest fashion week. Instead of the usual day to day we are seeing some truly stunning pieces that are edgy, softer, ground breaking and just plain cool popping up around the internet. I've cultivated just a few that I have run across that I just had to share with you.

A Cut Above the Rest

UncategorizedmelliciaNovember 4, 2015Comment

What Your Clothes are saying to YOU.

It's no secret that people make judgments about us based on what we are wearing and how we look. It's also no secret that nonverbal communication (aka body language) is one way that we send messages to those around us. Something that is often overlooked is what we are saying to OURSELVES through our body language and the way we adorn ourselves.

An enthusiastic and thoughtful client of mine sent over this video of a TED Talk by Amy Cuddy. (You may or may not know that I am obsessed with TED Talks. I digress.) If you haven't seen it already, you certainly should. It's about how powerful we become when we use power poses — when our nonverbal language communicates that we are powerful. It got my client thinking about how this relates to what we wear and how we feel in those pieces.

This is something I think about quite a bit.

What Your Clothes are Saying to YOU and How That Affects Your Behavior.

Lace It Up

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

Hello Dear Reader,

Lately I have noticed a certain uptick in the amount of robin hood style English lacing. You know what I mean, that back and forth lacing on the wide neck shirts that men and women wore ala Kevin Costner Robin Hood. Well it is back big time on the heels of the 70's trend and can be seen on clothing, shoes and even bags. Recently I was asked by a co-worker how in the world to incorporate this 90's and 70's style throwback into a day to day routine.

Lacing

How do I Wear Culottes in Cold Weather?

As you may know, Dear Reader, I'm obsessed with culottes. Some clients are very enthusiastic about trying out the trend. Others, not so much. Like jumpsuits, culottes are a departure from the styles that have become second nature and it's natural to feel self conscious about rocking the look. As a personal stylist for women in Seattle, I'm discovering that taking them into colder weather is especially concerning for a number folks. With that in mind, here are a few tips and tricks for pulling off the culotte trend.

7 Ways to Wear Culottes in Cold Weather

What Can I Wear BESIDES a Cardigan?

I recently had a client tell me that she thinks I hate cardigans. On the contrary, I adore cardigans. Always have. Always will. The problem is that I've been adoring cardigans for going on 25 years now and let's face it, the thrill is gone.

Here's the thing: when a woman puts together a stunning and thoughtful outfit that communicates her personal style, she is on the verge of achieving pure bliss. She feels confident. She get's more accomplished. She is more willing to take risks in other areas. She is strong.

Then, she adds the final piece for, "warmth." Her tried and true cardigan. And much of what has just been achieved is lost. Often this cardigan stays at the office, draped over her chair for, dare I say it again, "warmth." As it turns out, it's a bit chilly here. So, inevitably, that (most likely black) cardigan is used on the daily. Elegance. Intention. It's all lost.

But fear not, a cardigan does not always have this effect. So, if you are sure you are rocking your cardis and keeping things elevated, more power to you. (Successful options are likely hip length or longer and absent of pilling.) If you worry that you maybe possibly could-be someone who needs a little help finding cardigan alternatives, your very own personal stylist for women is stepping in.

3 Alternatives to Cardigans.

A Time of Change

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

Hello Dear Reader,

Lately I have been in the mood for change, for re-inventing parts of my life and getting used to the new direction I am on. I am in a space where I am looking to find things that inspire me on a daily basis and keeping me looking forward. I've pulled together a few things that are making me smile, think and enjoy this transition a little more each day.

23 Ways to Minimize Your Stomach

My 10 Favorite Things Right Now.

Holiday Dress Up and Down- Plus Size Edition

Star Wars Gear for the Stylish Fan

1. For the Urban Fashionista.

Oversized Scarf

What I've Learned From Styling Homeless Youth 2.0

Thanking.

3 Pieces That Will Save Room in Your Suitcase

10 Ways to Look Fashionable as the 12th (Wo)man

A Cut Above the Rest

What Your Clothes are Saying to YOU and How That Affects Your Behavior.

Lacing

7 Ways to Wear Culottes in Cold Weather

3 Alternatives to Cardigans.

A Bit of Change