As a personal stylist for women, I can’t get enough of new, interesting brands. And as a human doing my best to live my values and help my clients do the same, few things are as exciting to me as discovering new brands that are making the world better with beautiful pieces AND a commitment to their values.

It’s true, I often have clients ask for more brands founded by women, people of color or other folks that don’t often have the same funding opportunities. If you are looking for new black owned brands making innovative pieces, this blog post is for you. Fortunately, we are also seeing an increased presence of creative brands with Asian American female founders. Let’s make sure they are on your radar, too. And rest assured, there are more coming everyday.

Before you dive in, you might be asking why it matters that a brand has women of color as founders, and that’s a fair question. Historically, women-led startups receive just 2.3% of Venture Capital funding. Every purchase you make from a brand with a female founder or a founder of color communicates to funders that there is a market for these ideas and that these founders should receive investment. Brands that are size inclusive are also sending a message to investors. We can’t do everything and it’s pointless to try, but when you are able, shopping your values (whatever they are) really does make a difference.

One more thing, you’ll also find brands embracing size inclusivity, sustainability, designed in the US and more on this list. It’s important to shop YOUR values, when the opportunity strikes, whatever those are. I find that including this information helps folks realize that they do care where or how something is made and may have not considered this before. We’re all evolving on so many issues. Ideally, these posts give you more information to marinate on and some super fun eye candy.

Featured Client: Bridget

As a personal stylist for women, sharing client stories with the entire Poplin community is one of my very favorite things to do. Personal styling is an intimate business and I have been extraordinarily fortunate to work with hundreds of truly inspiring, kind, brave women who are beautiful on the inside and out. They say that things will happen when you need them to and Bridget was the perfect client for me at exactly the right time. A Creative who exudes generosity and strength, Bridget lives with intention soaking up every day. She went all in with the Amplified 360 Package. It includes the traditional services: Closet Edit, Uber Wishlist, Tailoring, Virtual Styling and Outfit Creation PLUS an Intimates Wishlist and a Photo Shoot. This is my attempt at making you feel like you were with us along the way. If you find half as much joy as I did, it will be a success.

Finally! Pinterest Decoded

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I’m all about teaching my clients how to dress themselves and leveraging technology to make getting ready as easy as possible. It’s true, technology can be a blessing and a curse sometimes. But, it’s all about how (and how much) we use it. Is it making our lives better? My goal is to ensure that when it comes to harnessing your authentic personal style and getting ready every day, the answer is a resounding, “yes!”

Each Poplin client has a password protected webpage just for her. It tells her instantly what pieces flatter her frame, what colors make her look her best and more. Her profile defines her authentic personal style, shows photos of outfits made from her new and existing pieces and is a vast resource for her moving forward. It includes a list of brands a retailers that are ideal for her and a collection of Pinterest boards that can inspire her when she’s ready to dream or to shop. Sure, the online profile is only available to Poplin clients, but if becoming a client isn’t in the cards for you right now, you still have access to those magical Pinterest Boards. They are organized by body type, personal style key words, values and a few bonuses just because. (I’m looking at you undergarments and loungewear boards.)

If you check out the Poplin Pinterest Boards regularly, you may think you’ve seen it all. But, with 45 boards, it’s easy to have missed some. So, here’s your chance to find some inspiration, outfit ideas, product options and just all around eye candy. And remember to pin from the blog to help drive more traffic to Poplin. Every action makes a difference, my friend. Thanks very much for being here and have a great time.

How do I Know What Brands I Should Buy?

As a personal stylist for women, I get lots of questions about style from clients, readers, friends and members of the Poplin community. Recently, someone shared with me her struggles about brands. Here’s her question:

For people like me who have never really paid attention to brands but are now starting to get pricier/nicer clothes, I'm super curious about brand ethos and what it says if I wear that brand.
For example, I was out shopping for a winter coat to replace my beloved Michael Kors one that I got at Costco before I knew anything about the MK brand. Now I'm trying to replace it and wondering what an "Eddie Bauer" logo says about me vs... I don't know, a Kate Spade or a Eileen Fisher or a Canada Goose logo.
I'm starting to learn some brand ethos (Kate Spade is young but classic but colorful! Eddie Bauer is for people who actually go outside, Mark says!) but I have no idea about so many of them, and I'm hesitant to buy anything with any brand identifier in case I accidentally wear something that is not the vibe I want to convey! I envision myself going to a business meeting with the equivalent of JUICY on my butt and not realizing it ha! But so many clothes, especially outerwear, have some kind of identifier.

Excellent question! Fortunately, there are answers. Off we go!

Know You've Got Style? Here's How to Take it to the Next Level

As a personal stylist for women, my job is to help each client ensure that what is on the outside aligns with what is on the inside. At Poplin, we’re all about helping you communicate your authentic personal style, understand what flatters your frame and find makers that align with your values, whenever possible. And we do all this while walking the walk. It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress. And, it’s about making every day just a little bit better than the one before, whenever we can. Because when you wear clothes that feel like YOU, you’ll have more self confidence and show up in the world differently. You’ll know who you are and unequivocally understand that what you have to say matters. You’ll know what it likes to feel seen. Feeling good about how you look isn’t an indulgence, it’s a must have.

But what if you already feel great about how you present yourself to the world? What then? Well, I’ve got news for you. It’s time to take your style to the next level.

Earlier this week, I spoke at the Ellevate Network’s Evening of Style at the Armoire Headquarters. It got me thinking about some things I’d love to remind you of, Dear Reader. So, off we go!

Simplify Your Wardrobe with these Cozy Pieces that Align with Your Values

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, few things come up in conversation as often as comfort. Feeling good about how you look does not have to mean being uncomfortable. The key is finding pieces that communicate your authentic personal style, flatter your shape, align with your values AND work with your lifestyle. Sound like a tall order? That’s what Poplin is for. We’re here to create a strategy for you to get dressed with ease everyday.

A client recently reached out to me about packing for an international trip. She wanted to look as amazing as she does each day, but be comfortable enough to fall asleep on the plane. She also likes to support brands and retailers who care about equity and inclusion. So, we like to opt for brands that have female women of color founders, give back to applicable causes and/or include models of color and all body types.

I was ELATED to share my latest obsession, LEZÉ THE LABEL.

Founded by two women of Asian decent, this brand has a limited number of silhouettes that are flattering on most body types and feel fresh. All the while, they are insanely comfortable as they are made from super soft fabrics. Pieces are sustainable, size inclusive and even Oprah recognized the brand by crowing a handful of items amongst her “Favorite Things.” If Oprah’s on board, it’s time to take notice.

Below is a collection of my go-to’s. While you are on the site, enjoy the gender neutral options and travel sets.

Before you dive in, you might be asking why it matters that a brand has women of color as founders, and that’s a fair question. Historically, women-led startups receive just 2.3% of Venture Capital funding. Every purchase you make from a brand with a female founder or a founder of color communicates to funders that there is a market for these ideas and that these founders should receive investment. Brands that are size inclusive are also sending a message to investors. We can’t do everything and it’s pointless to try, but when you are able, shopping your values (whatever they are) really does make a difference. Okay, to the clothes!

The Universally Flattering Cut that Minimizes Your Stomach and Celebrates Your Curves

As a personal stylist for women, I’m all about giving each client concrete tools to help her look and feel her best every day. Her clothes should communicate her authentic personal style and give her confidence. Each piece should flatter her frame and whenever possible, align with her values.

My client, Jane, was ready for a change. It was time to elevate her look and embrace her feminine side in a sophisticated way. After going through a divorce, she was ready to wear clothes that made her feel confident, sexy, edgy and still functional for life with her little one. As a woman in her early 40’s, she opted for pieces that felt appropriate and pretty, but often ended up feeling forgettable. Her closet edit revealed 50’s inspired fit and flare dresses with some bohemian pieces thrown in.

Giving her both the permission and the tools to embrace her feminine side and celebrate her figure transformed the way she showed up at work and in life. In her words,

“Working with you has given me so much confidence. I wore one of the All Saints dresses yesterday to work. OMG. I could have hugged you, I felt so great.”

In the case of this All Saints dress, the secret is ruching.

Must Have: Negative Underwear

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I spend a great deal of my time creating online shopping lists for clients. We call them Uber Wishlists. If you haven’t already seen them, check out some samples from real Poplin clients.

Yes! We create lists that supplement her existing collection and create a cohesive, user friendly and inspiring wardrobe. Fun Fact: We also create Intimates and Loungewear lists. When the weather is cold, those are some of my favorites. The past few months I’ve become completely OBSESSED with Negative Underwear. The pieces are luxurious, super soft and equally sexy. Most of them are sheer! Yes, you can. The colors are spectacular and I’m personally VERY enthusiastic about the Whipped Collection, especially the base layers.

I recently recommended them to my client Isa. At first she was apprehensive because they are an investment. Then her order of a handful of items came and she sent me this text.

OH MY GOD THE NEGATIVE UNDERWEAR…. OMGGGGGGG OBSESSED.

And then she ordered lots more from the company. I had Negative Underwear on my Christmas list and was ELATED when my husband got me a loungewear set. So, it’s only right that I share this magic with you, Dear Reader with a discount code of course. Enjoy!

5 Ways to Ensure You Feel as Good as You Look at the Holiday Party

Being a part of a community of driven, kind and philanthropic women is a true gift to me. One of my favorite members of that community is realtor, connector and all around community bad ass, Cassie Walker Johnson. The content below was shared with Cassie’s community first as part of her amazing monthly newsletter. I read it every time, not just because she’s a friend, but because I love the content ranging from trends in the housing market to giving back and tips for the family. Sign up now and be entered to win a gift basket filled with items from her favorite local businesses including a $50 gift card to my ideal retailers for sustainable hosiery, Swedish Stockings. And hey, have fun at that holiday party!

As a personal stylist for women, I spend a great deal of timing helping each client ensure that her overall look not only communicates her authentic personal style, flatters her shape and reflects her values; but also that her pieces are functional for her life. Here in Seattle, it’s easy to sacrifice style for comfort, but that’s really not necessary.

If it’s time to shop for your upcoming holiday party, be sure to opt for pieces that flatter your frame and communicate your style. Now, let’s dive into how we’ll make sure you are comfortable, too.

The Most Flattering Jeans for Your Body Type

As a personal stylist for women, I know what struggle it can be to find a great pair of jeans. They should make you look and feel your best, celebrate your shape and communicate your authentic personal style. The ideal denim is comfortable, flattering and makes you feel like you.

Balancing all of that can be tricky and with evolving trends, it may feel daunting. Not to worry! We’ve got you covered. Here are the most flattering jeans for every figure. Start with your body type then choose a pair that aligns with your styles and values. Enjoy!

15 Holiday Gifts You've Never Thought Of

I like the idea that COVID won’t permeate every aspect of our lives, especially when it comes to the holiday season. Based on conversations with clients and friends, it’s clear that trying to find the ideal gift often also means considering how that relates to our current very strange state of being. As a personal stylist for women, I often tell people that my job is to “see” people. When I meet a new client, I listen to her and try to see what she sees as her aspirational style. Then, using her budget, body type, lifestyle and personal style, I translate that into a strategy to help her embrace her authentic personal style. Uber Wishlists are a solid representation of how I translate her words into actual items. This, my Dear Reader, is essentially spending 8 years of my professional life gifting.

The Top 20 Obstacles to Great Style and How to Overcome Each One

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I’ve spent nearly a decade listening to women talk about their struggles with style. These are among the most common challenges I hear from women. What resonates with you?

Identifying your problem is only the first step. Rest assured, there are solutions. As a Poplin client, we take a deep dive into creating a strategy and providing tools to solve your problem on an ongoing basis. For now, here are some approaches you can take right now. Looking for even more perspective? Most also have a client testimonial that is applicable. Enjoy the resources available and as always, let me know how it goes. I always love to hear from you.

The Top 20 Obstacles to Great Style and How to Solve Each One

My Favorite Things Right Now

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I spend a great deal of time helping women to ensure that they feel like their authentic selves. I also chime in with tips and tricks pretty much constantly. Every once in a while, that means that it’s time for a, “my favorite things,” blog post. Honestly, I have so much I want to share, that putting everything in one post is the most efficient way to give you maximum impact. The goal here is to improve your style AND your life. Enjoy!

What Can I Wear Besides a Traditional Puffer Jacket?

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I see fleece jackets and puffer jackets in nearly every client closet. Most of the time, we have a hilarious conversation about why she needs one or several of these and in many cases, I agree. But, this isn’t without caveats.

First, you dress for yourself above all else and you are the same person whether you are at work or at play. This means, that it’s as important that you feel good about how you look when you run into the neighbors while walking your dog as when you step into the office. Of course, the attire is not the same, although here in the Pacific Northwest, it often is. The goal for each situation is to feel comfortable, powerful and like your authentic self in all situations. Your clothes are just the leverage you need to achieve that.

In general, I’m an advocate for your main coat not being a puffer or fleece. Ideally, it’s a wool blend, leather or some other option that makes you feel elevated without sacrificing functionality, and communicates to the world that you are here to be seen.

But let’s face it, puffers are useful. So, if you are ready to pick up a new one, let’s make it cool, shall we?

25 of My Favorite Midi Skirts for Your Unique Style and Values

As a personal stylist for women, I’m all about style that is values based and embraces inclusive sizing, whenever possible. From my perspective, choosing pieces that communicate your authentic personal style, flatter your frame and are functional for your lifestyle are essential. Pieces that reflect your values are ideal, but not always possible. When I find those options that are all the things, I’m ready to shout it from the rooftops.

One of my favorite things about my job is my commitment to the individual. Her values may or may not be my values. Her style may not be my style. But, working together we create a wardrobe that is authentic to her and one that we both see as beautiful. Personal values can range from preferring companies run by woman, those that offer sustainable pieces, perhaps a company that only uses ethical practices with workers and is committed to avoiding slavery. Other folks prefer companies with commitments to LGBTQ+ rights, empowering women in developing countries and so on. It’s all about what feels important to her and how we can integrate her values into her purchasing decisions.

With that, I also love to stay on top of trends and see what current trends align with her style. And the trend of the moment is midi skirts. Skirts that hit mid calf are midis. I love them because they are modest enough to be super functional for life and also look lovely with boots or (often) with sneakers. In the Pacific Northwest, a midi skirt is a dream because it doesn’t get wet from touching the ground in the rain, yet provides more warmth than a shorter skirt as the weather cools.

Yes, they can be unflattering as a midi skirt does have a tendency to cut off her legs and make them appear shorter. First, two essential style tips when rocking a midi skirt. If it appears that her legs aren’t looking their best, keep two things in mind.

Opt for hosiery or boots of the same or similar color to elongate her legs.
If she’s short waisted, embracing the midi can actually balance her vertical shape, giving the impression that her torso is longer in proportion to her legs.

Feel ready? Let’s dive into 25 of my favorite midi skirts including some with inclusive sizing, others made from BIPOC designers, some sustainable choices, others committed to fair labor practices and some made in the US or sold at local boutiques. Congrats on using your power for good. Remember look good. Feel good. Do good. Let’s go!

11 Fall 2022 Fashion Trends

As a personal stylist for women, it’s my job to stay on top of trends, but also to guide each client to stay true to her authentic personal style and choose pieces that flatter her frame. This can be a major challenge for a woman as the new shiny objects are so alluring, but can also end in disappointment. If you have tags on clothes still in your closet, I’m talking to you:)

Not to worry! The key is to choose pieces that communicate your authentic personal style while also staying current. One way to do that is to see what’s out there right now, then narrow down your choices to see what’s right for YOU.

This fall, it’s all about the 1970’s or the 1990’s. If you lived through one of both of these, you’ll likely have feelings about both. But just remember, inspired by doesn’t have to mean pieces that are literal copies of items from the past. Avoid costume-like looks by including vintage inspired pieces with more modern touches. To get you started, here’s what’s happening right now in Fall Fashion. As always, I’d love to hear what’s resonating with you.

Hack Her Style: Client #7, Ranya

Hack Her Style: Client #6, Beth

Hack Her Style: Client #5, Ella

Hack Her Style: Client #4: Taylor