Nordstrom Anniversary Picks: Coats & Jackets

As a personal stylist in Seattle, my goal is to help my clients elevate their looks so that each feels confident that her look is authentic to her personal style and flattering for her body type. One common theme over the last year has been to encourage women to swap out the cardigan for a jacket that's appropriate for the occassion and reflective of who they are.

Beyond that, here's one essential tip for the Northwesterner: We make a large percentage of our first impressions with our coats on. Yup. That's when we walk into interviews, we meet someone for coffee at a coffee shop, and so on. Let's face it, we are wearing some sort of coat or jacket the majority of the year. And the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is the ideal time to pick up fall pieces at lower prices. With that in mind, I'm focusing on my favorite coats and jackets from the Anniversary Sale line up. Interested in more of my Anniversary picks? Check out this blog post and more to come this week.

Enough talk. Let's get to it!

Top 25 Coats & Jackets from Anniversary 2016

UncategorizedmelliciaJuly 17, 2016Comment

Some of my Favs from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

We wait all year for it, and now it's finally here. In a word, Anniversary. If you have a Nordstrom card, you can pre-shop the sale until July 21st. Why would you do this? Because you can shop fall pieces now. And, I know from experience that sizes go fast. On July 21st, sale prices are available to the masses. When Anniversary ends, pieces go from their sale prices up to full price. It's wacky. It's fun. It's Anniversary.

The benefit of having your very own personal stylist, Dear Reader, is that I've gone through every piece on sale to call out my very favorites.

One more thing. If you don't have a Nordstrom card (credit or debit), you might think about signing up for one. There's a wide range of benefits that include $20 Nordstrom notes (same as cash at Nordstrom or the Rack) showing up in the mail. If you are a serious Nordstrom shopper, you might also consider a credit card that earns you more Nordstrom notes anytime you use it (not just at Nordstrom).

No, the company didn't pay me to say this. But, it's my job as a personal stylist to make my clients aware of ways to maximize every dollar.

So there you have it. And now onto some of my very favorite pieces on sale. The selection is pretty great this year, so you'll see a series of posts with more of my favs. Keep checking back.

Round ONE: Edgy, Urban, Sexy

Offer Up: Because Craigslist is so Undesirable You Rarely Bother

There was a time when renting an apartment in New York meant that you needed to pay an extra (significant) fee to a broker. Then came Craigslist. When I moved to Brooklyn (nearly a thousand years ago), Craigslist made finding an apartment a breeze. Well, at least I didn't have to pay for a broker. I did, however, encounter potential roommates who, "like to watch Sex & the City, but don't live it. You know what we mean?"

Um, yeah. I know what you mean.

I digress.

Local Brand Kinwolfe Takes Maternity to Another Level

If you've ever been pregnant, you undoubtedly remember the struggle to find pieces that make you look your best, while still being functional for the days when you feel your worst.

Nearly six years ago, I recall that experience like it was yesterday. Knowing I'd likely only be pregnant once, I really wanted to make the most of it. I was having the time of my life. But maternity wear was not cooperating. Everything seemed dowdy, proper — in a word: boring. My favorite "dress" turned out to be a $9 tube skirt from Forever 21 that I wore as a strapless body con option.

Since then, much has changed.

A Fresh Approach to the Closet Edit.

The first step in any style transformation is the Closet Edit. You need to know what you have, what you need and what you don't before you can move forward successfully. Otherwise, things just become overwhelming. I know I shouldn't be, but I'm always amazed at how transformational a Closet Edit can be for a client. Despite having fewer pieces (and sometimes, significantly fewer pieces), she should feel like she actually has more outfits.

I recently learned that Amazon declared the second most popular book in 2015 as Marie Kondo's, "The Art of Tidying Up." No surprise there. I can't tell you how many women have hired me after reading the book and attempting to tackle their closets on their own. The book is motivating, to be sure. It focuses on simplifying your life rather than ensuring you are authentic to your personal style. Two different goals mean two different approaches.

The Poplin approach focuses on your authentic personal style. This approach uses a client's body type, personal style and goals to determine what should and should not be in her collection. We also organize her closet by type, then by color to make creating outfits easier. I often tell clients that your closet should feel like a boutique curated just for you. Everything should fit, it should make you look and feel beautiful and communicate your personal style. I also organize my closet in this way.

However, I'm experimenting with my own closet and I'm confident that my new approach will be a helpful next step for some readers who are at the edit 2.0 level. Therefore, as we head into a long holiday weekend. This post is all about sharing.

Re-engaging with Your Closet. You've Already Done the Edit, Now It's Time to Organize.

5 Summer Trends You Can Rock with Confidence

Do you ever just stand in front of your closet thinking, "I have nothing to wear?" If so, you certainly aren't alone. Part of that problem can be solved with a good Closet Edit and some guidance on what's in there in the first place and, of course, how to style it. But, even in the best of times, we can hit a rut. That's when a little inspiration can make all the difference. As a personal stylist, it's all about balancing current styles with functionality for every woman. We're all different and therefore we shouldn't all be rocking the same outfit. Below is a list of some of the current trends. Take one that appeals to you and integrate it into your authentic personal style. Not sure how? I can help. Right now, let's get to those trends!

5 Summer Trends Just For You.

The Ruby Room: Because You've Had the Power All Along.

You’ve always had the power, my dear. You’ve had it all along. – Glinda, the Good Witch, Wizard of Oz

If you read this blog with any regularity, you are well aware of my love for helping out. As a personal stylist, I have the incredible opportunity to help individual women seize control of their personal style, the way the world perceives them, the way they see themselves.

I love this feeling and am very fortunate to have a job that allows me to experience it on a regular basis. Equally gratifying is empowering other people to give back in a way that is meaningful to them. A little inspiration goes a long way. So, today's post is all about celebrating local treasure, The Ruby Room. It's much more than you can imagine. Off we go!

The Ruby Room: It's More Than Just a Dress.

What's the Most Flattering Bathing Suit for my Bust Size?

Things have changed. It used to be especially challenging to find a swimsuit if your top half was a different size or proportion than your bottom. No longer. Now, a wide range of retailers and brands offer mix and match suits. As a personal stylist, I'm often asked for advice on finding just the right swimsuit and the top of that equation can make or break success. Wonder no more, Dear Reader. Here's what you need to know.

At Last, The Perfect Bathing Suit for Your Body.

You just can't deny it anymore. It's time to pull out your swimsuit. If it's been a while, why not invest in something new that makes you feel fabulous? After all, if it's not working for you- it's not you, it's the suit. As a personal stylist in Seattle, I'm well aware of the mysteries involved in finding the right swimsuit for your figure. So, this week we'll be diving into finding the right suit for you. Our first post in this series is all about the ideal suit to flatter your figure right now. Here we go!

Know Your Body, Know Your Swimsuit.

So Many Outfits, So Little Time

I'm often reminding clients that they can skip cleaning their houses when I'm coming over. Why? Because working with Poplin should make your life easier. It should make feeling great about how you look an achievable goal everyday. If there's a barrier to that, I want to know about it. That's why we are sharing a user survey (designed by an expert in the field who also happens to be a Poplin client). I want to know how Poplin can serve you better. What's working? What isn't?

One client completed the survey and shared that she wanted viewing her outfits to be easier. Great idea. Now they are.

UncategorizedmelliciaMay 31, 2016Comment

20+ Crazy Deals for Memorial Day Weekend. Let the Shopping Begin.

Regardless of the weather forecast, you can always count on a three day weekend to get us jonesing to shop. Retailers know this. And they REALLY want us to follow through so we are the lucky recipients of some major incentives this weekend. I've compiled a list below of some stellar deals (some of which are already live). Take a look at some old favorites (like Rebecca Minkoff) and experiment with some unfamiliar brands. Just remember to keep your personal style in mind when shopping. And, as always, let me know how it goes!

Memorial Day Shopping for Your Inner Fashionista

UncategorizedmelliciaMay 26, 2016Comment

If You Like Poplin on Facebook or Subscribe to the Newsletter You May Have Won a Free Cut & Color!

Enormous congratulations to (drumroll please)

How You Should REALLY be Shampooing Your Hair.

There's nothing more exciting than discovering a new hair trick in a magazine. Not surprisingly, there's nothing more disappointing than discovering that the new miracle trick doesn't actually apply to you. We've all been there. It's not you, it's the technique or the product. This is why I'm thrilled to share some of local hair stylist Karen Reichert's tips on shampooing. If you have yet to hear about Karen, you and I have been out of touch too long.

We're giving away a free cut and color from Karen and the winner will be announced tomorrow! (Friday, May 19, 2016 on this blog.) Sign up to receive the Poplin email for one entry and like Poplin on Facebook for another. Learn more here. For now, let's jump right to what you really need to know about shampooing your hair. Go!

My 10 Favorite Things Right Now

It's been a while since I've sent out a list of my very favorite things. Let's be clear. I am absolutely addicted to a laundry list of items. As a personal stylist for women, my goal is to write blog posts that help you maintain a personal style that is authentic to you. Your look should communicate who you are and be functional for your life. My favorite things are a collection of items that encompass who I am. Ideally, you'll find that some of them speak to you, as well. As always, I love to know what you think and hear about some of your favorite things. Off we go!

My 10 Favorite Things Right Now

Win a Free Haircut & Color From One of My Favorite Hair Stylists

When the time comes to upgrade your look and ensure you are rocking your authentic personal style everyday, it's often also time to update your hair and makeup. For this reason, I'm always on the lookout for the very best hair and skin gurus to recommend. As a personal stylist, my clients are asking and it's important to me that I have the answers. When I find someone I love, I want to shout it from the rooftops. In the virtual world, that means writing a post. And, when I'm especially enthusiastic, I'll ask for a giveaway for my readers. After all, you make it all happen.

So, here's your chance to enter to win a free cut and color with one of my very favorite hair stylists, Karen Reichert at the Collage Salon in Belltown.

From Us to You on Mother's Day

UncategorizedmelliciaMay 8, 2016Comment

How Do I Save My Hair from Chlorine? Hair Stylist Karen Reichert Answers the Eternal Question.

As a personal stylist for women, I spend a great deal of time chatting it up with folks about clothes, accessories, skincare and of course, hair. So, you can imagine how dedicated I am to finding the perfect people to help my clients achieve their style goals. A few years ago, I met Karen Reichert through a friend and client. She's lovely, generous and honest — all qualities I very much appreciate. Equally important, she knows hair. When my client told me that she's naturally grey, I was shocked! Karen has her on a clearly defined plan to contain her grey and keep her long hair looking lush, gorgeous and brunette. Naturally, I made an appointment. Now that I'm both a fan and a client, it seems only right that I share Karen's genius with you, Dear Reader.

UncategorizedmelliciaMay 6, 2016 Comments

The End of Labeling Women's Bodies.

I met with a new client yesterday. As she was talking about her style challenges, she mentioned weight gain. She said, "I used to look like you. Thin. Able to fit into anything at the store. Now, it's much more difficult."

Like me? Let's be clear, I'm on the heavier side of my weight continuum. Thin like me is not what I expect someone to say. But, it was the reminder I needed exactly when I needed it. Really, we are our own worst critics when it comes to weight. And, this battle over plus size, medium size, extended sizes and the like has me thinking a lot about this. So, I ask you:

Why Do We Need Body Labels at All?

Prince-Inspired Pieces that are Authentic to Your Personal Style

Many years ago a friend hooked me up with $10 tickets to see Prince at Key Arena the same night. I bought them at 3 in the afternoon, just hours before the show. It was the Musicology Tour. I was working in an office filled with really wonderful people who had families and lived in the suburbs. Naturally, while they seemed to share my enthusiasm, none of them had any intention of going to the show. After much frustration, I interrupted a meeting and made a big speech about how missing Prince would look to their children. "Do you want your children to look at you the way you look at your parents who missed the Beatles? If you want your kids to think you are moderately cool years from now, you need to see this show tonight." Three of them gave into my pressures and off we went.

Needless to say, it was amazing.

So as we blast Prince from our speakers, let's let him, the fashion icon and musical genius influence us yet again. Here's a collection of pieces* that remind me of him and still remind me of you, Dear Reader. Heading to work or running around with the family while looking hip, wearing clothes that are functional and owning your style words. In the words of the man himself, "Your always walking your way."

Prince in Your Closet

Celebrate Earth Day with Sustainable Shopping and Sales!

What to do? It's Earth Day AND the day after we lost Prince. I'm wearing purple as I write this and will be following up this post with a Prince inspired piece to go live this weekend. So, for now, I'll focus on Earth Day. Why? Well, a sale at Coclico is a good reason.

I love the idea of slow shopping: Creating more meaningful experiences and buying fewer pieces, shopping that is better for the world. This is why shops like Velouria hold a special place in my heart. That being said, it's a real commitment. And for me, and most of my clients, sustainable pieces are a, "nice to have" versus a "must have." When price, size and style come into play, sustainability often comes in last.

So, for today's Earth Day post, I wanted to offer up some realistic options to integrate some slow shopping into our lives. Off we go!

Top 25 Coats & Jackets from Anniversary 2016

Round ONE: Edgy, Urban, Sexy

Re-engaging with Your Closet. You've Already Done the Edit, Now It's Time to Organize.

5 Summer Trends Just For You.

The Ruby Room: It's More Than Just a Dress.

Know Your Body, Know Your Swimsuit.

Memorial Day Shopping for Your Inner Fashionista

My 10 Favorite Things Right Now

Why Do We Need Body Labels at All?

Prince in Your Closet

Baby Steps for Slow Shopping

Including Some of My Favorite Brands