Lauren

Americana, Feminine, Relaxed Simplicity

More than 7 years ago, Lauren reached out after quickly gaining weight with a new medication. In her words, “the department store I usually shop at offers personal stylists without a fee but I was really looking for someone who could come into my home, see the way I live, see what I already own and work with me to formulate a plan based on all that info.”

Lauren had mastered the jeans and t-shirt look and she had an innate sense of what worked for her. What she lacked was the confidence to go for it. With a job in technology, we wanted to be sure she could opt for more casual looks when appropriate and then amp things up for going out. My goal was to push her to embrace her curvy figure and her authentic style that could be both comfortable and feminine

Long Term Approach:

Our initial package was all about teaching Lauren how to confidently choose pieces, pair them to flatter her frame and develop the skills to feel confident knowing her looks highlighted her best features and communicated her authentic personal style. Over the years, we’ve collaborated periodically when she needed a boost. Typically, that included a few hours together at her place going over what she had purchased, where she was struggling and how to refresh her collection without buying a ton of new pieces. Sustainability has always been important to Lauren. The key was balancing that value with her love of shopping and style. She’s been in two Poplin photo shoots (7 years apart from one another) and is a member of Continuum.

From the client: 

“What started as a search for someone to help me feel more positive about my clothes has turned into an entirely new perspective on how I think about personal style and confidence in general. The foundations we landed on in my initial work with her have remained constants in my daily dressing and shopping, even as my body and lifestyle have changed over the years. I still find myself coming back to the core style words we originally identified, which continue to steer my shopping decisions and closet clean-outs.

Mellicia really takes the time to understand you: how you live, what you're drawn to, what makes you feel confident, and where you might need a little push. All of that perspective allows her to help you develop a personal style that feels authentic to you rather than simply telling you what to wear. But what has made working with Mellicia especially meaningful goes far beyond clothes and style…….She genuinely wants the people she works with to feel good about themselves and to thrive, and she understands that this goes beyond the beautiful clothes she helps us find…”

Read more on Google.

Photography: Andrea Prudente
Hair and Makeup: Jessica Rockwell

ISA

Bold, Powerful, Sexy

Isa arrived in Seattle during the pandemic. Within a couple of years, she discovered that the Seattle “uniform” of dark colors had taken over and she didn’t feel like herself anymore. She was ready for her clothes to reflect her bold, sexy style. Upon meeting her it was obvious that this was true and I was dying to have the opportunity to go full force into her style. She had very clear ideas of what she was going for and shared Pinterest Boards to communicate her vision. We had a mission.

Approach: 

Isa is a woman who knows what she wants. Her challenge was finding those pieces, understanding how to put them together and helping her support brands that align with her values. With a curvy petite hourglass figure, tailoring was a must and having access to a stylist with a tailor was essential for her. Creating comprehensive wishlists for her (Uber Wishlist, loungewear list and a follow up vacation wishlist) was the ideal way to illustrate our destination and share details about the brands we recommended.

From the client: 

TL;DR - if you have the funds, Just F%@&*ng Do It

This is gonna be long. Strap in…..

After a full hour (seriously, a full hour) tearing my room apart and manically laugh-crying at the absurdity of how weirdly emotional I was getting, I came to the realization that I’d become one of those people with a closet full of clothes and “nothing to wear”. And after drinking some wine about it, I recognized that what was *actually* making me feel some type of way was the fact that in the nearly two years that I’d been up here, I’d completely lost my identity.

I went from a wardrobe of fitted pieces in canary yellows, emerald greens, hot pinks, royal-blues—the type that would make even a bird of paradise or a mantis shrimp go “damn, bitch, you are *extra*”—to one of the bruise palette, with everything in baggy fits of desaturated, purples, blacks, and blues. So it was at 11:45pm on a School Night, almost a bottle of red deep, that I went on the lookout for a stylist and Mellicia’s name popped (or Poplin’d, as it were…sorry) up, and I requested a consultation….

Ya’ll. Most worthwhile 90 minutes of my life….

Read Isa’s Full Review
Watch Isa’s Video.

kate

Urban-Boho, Polished, Funky

More than 12 years ago, Kate reached out because her clothes had been a major form of self expression in her college days. Prior to becoming a Poplin client, she found herself struggling to find pieces that were both age appropriate and still very hip. Working in technology for a fashion retailer, she had the freedom to express herself at the office, but had lost sight of how to do that. Our initial approach was to make sure that Kate's style distinguished her from the mainstream, but remained polished and functional for her life as a mom of a young daughter. We also worked with her body type to highlight her assets and show her ways to mix patterns and prints for a more fun wardrobe that was and is authentic to her naturally hip style.

Long Term Approach:

Kate is a true collaborator. Since day one, we brainstormed ideas together, every year, pushing the envelope a little further with her style. Nothing makes us happier than a few hours diving into her closet, utilizing her items and the pieces she’s currently renting mixed with excitement about fresh ideas for pairing. Kate pops back in for fresh outfits, new wishlists and more when the time is right. In recent years, she’s started sharing her AI research and we leverage that insight to create new wishlists and outfits that channel her latest ideas and perspectives from AI, websites and Pinterest. She’s also a regular consumer of the newsletter and is a member of Continuum.

From the client: 

“…Because Mellicia knows me, my style, and what I like, we don't have to start over each time I reach out. She's helped me over the years refine what we started together back in 2014 - sometimes my priorities or budget is different, sometimes my size and situation is different, but she gets it - she knows that that's how life is - and is always helpful AND supportive as she gives me these bursts of inspiration and guidance….

What I think I appreciate most - is that working with Poplin has never felt like just a one-time styling service, which is what I've experienced before with other stylists. Working with Mellicia feels like a genuine relationship - honestly, I can go a couple of years without checking in, and then come back for a little refresh, and we just pick up where we left off - like an old friend that gets you! Mellicia always meets me in the moment I'm in with zero judgment - and I'm so grateful….”

Read more on Yelp.

Photography: Sasha Reiko
Makeup: Jenna Hatcher

danae

Put together, Clean lines, Urban, Edgy & Effortless

Danae has a demanding career in tech that includes frequent travel to connect with other creative people in LA, New York and Tokyo, to name a few. It was evident that she needed clothes that made packing for travel easy without sacrificing style. She’s also a life long learner and was eager to master dressing her body in clothes that communicate her authentic personal style.

Approach:

We focused on quality items that fit nicely with her peer group of successful creatives in film and tech living in major metropolitan cities. Importantly, while these pieces were appropriate for this subculture, our goal was to dress Danae like herself in distinctive pieces that are ideal for her, rather than trying to please others. Danae has an incredible eye for shoes and we built her wardrobe off of her delightful array of shoes, only adding a few pairs to the mix. Tailoring finished off her looks ensuring that her one of a kind pieces were luxurious and functional.

From the client: 

I've always disliked shopping for clothes for myself. Others, fine. But for myself it always felt overwhelming...except shoes. Always loved shopping for shoes, but I digress. I wanted to up my fashion game so I decided to look for a stylist. But I didn't want someone to just shop for me. I wanted to learn how to shop for myself. I needed an education more than a shopping assistant. Poplin delivered that and much more. Through my journey with Mellicia, I honed in on my personal style, learned what works for my body type and why, discovered new stores and brands, and shed my shopping anxiety. There's nothing in my closet I don't love and feel comfortable, cool, and confident in. If you're ready to own your personal style, make the call to Poplin.

Read more on Google.
Watch Danae’s Video.

Photography: Andrea Prudente
Hair and Makeup: Jessica Rockwell

bridget

Luminous, Polished, Effortless, Happy, Creative

Bridget has boundless energy and is always on the go. Living in a more casual environment, far from the city, she was looking for opportunities to amp up her style. Her life is very full as she balances her career with parenting three high school and college age kids in partnership with her husband. The two of them are artists at heart and that is evident in their home. Additionally, she help raise money for causes that are important to her doing stand up comedy and gives back to the community on a regular basis. Bridget has made self care a priority recently. When she purchased her styling package she said, “I’ve spent more on landscaping in one season. I realized that I should be able to spend that investing in myself.” And so she did.

Approach: 

Preparing Bridget’s Uber Wishlist was a dream. She was ready to experiment and celebrate her figure. Committed to exercise and healthy living, she was excited to celebrate her shape in mid life. She is also deeply committed to ethical sourcing of materials and fair labor standards. The intimates wishlist was a continuation of our pledge to honor her values, celebrate her life AND encourage her to continue making self care and beauty a priority.

From the client: 

If you had asked me a year ago if I felt confident choosing clothing for myself, I would have answered, “Yes”. I move boldly through my life, and I thought I knew what looked good on me.... Something I read led me to Mellicia’s website for Poplin Style Direction. Hours went by as I scrolled through her clients’ photo shoots, style sheets, style profiles, and testimonials. I was captivated. Several women expressed that they had spent so many years focused outward, on work, family, etc., that they could no longer see themselves. That resonated with me.

Working with Mellicia has been an enlightening and transformative experience.... By embracing the process, I had more fun than I could ever have imagined. I now have a colorful, stylish, unique wardrobe that reflects my creative spirit and my desire to support sustainable brands made by diverse designers. I learned so much about what looks good on me and why. I now know specific brands, colors and styles that flatter my particular body type. I am asked daily about what I’m wearing, and I get to say things like, “This jacket is made of cactus leather” or “This bag supports craftswomen in Ethiopia”.

Mellicia brings her big heart, keen insight, and years of experience in fashion to every aspect of the process. Whether I’m meeting with clients, going to a party, performing on stage, or walking my dog, my clothes are a reflection of my newfound joy and pride in my appearance."

Read more on Yelp.

Photography: Felicia Schumacher
Makeup: Kurumi Schulz

deborah

Feminine, Classic, Luxurious

Deborah found Poplin through a fellow consultant who happened to be a Poplin client. When we first spoke, she already had a solid understanding of the process and was confident that it was a fit for her. Deborah’s life is jam packed with outings, travel, work and more. As a consultant, she works with new clients every few months or more and it’s vital that her look communicates confidence, competence, and authenticity. Plus, she needs to be able to dress up or down depending on the situation. As a constant international traveler, simplicity was key. And as a woman raised in Nigeria, she was well versed in the magic of tailoring.

Approach:

The first step was helping Deborah understand how to dress her frame. Despite her best efforts, she wasn’t able to figure out how to minimize and maximize the areas she wanted. Seeing her body in flattering pieces changed the way she saw herself and empowered her to dive into shopping now that she had the tools for success.

From the client: 

Best decision of my life! Working with Melicia was the best thing I have done for myself as a single, professional woman living in the city. Creating a unique style approach for my body type and lifestyle has made getting dressed so much more peaceful and inspiring. Now I look put together as I've always hoped to look. Shopping is SO easy for me now, because I find and style pieces that work for my lifestyle. Forever will work with Mellicia!

Read more on Yelp.
Watch Deborah’s Video.

Photography: Sasha Reiko
Makeup: Jenna Hatcher

Kristin

Feminine, Unique with a bit of an Edge

As a petite woman, Kristin felt restricted to choose from the limited options available. Frustrated, she tried clothing memberships only to discover that she still felt uninspired by clothing that didn’t resonate with her. Our first job was to let her think big about what truly appeals to her, rather than choosing from the available options.

Approach:

We dove deep into Kristin’s existing pieces to help identify her style key words. Then, through the collaborative process, we pushed to see what pieces were both appealing and a little bit intimidating. We focused on finding an array of items that were functional while still being very exciting to her. Her Wishlists were not limited to petite items and instead relied on expert tailoring to transform each piece into a unique garment that would last for years.

From the client: 

From the first Zoom introduction, what comes through is someone who cares that clients feel confident in what they’re wearing and in themselves….The work with Mellicia is a longer-term process. It is a process of building and investing in a thoughtfully designed wardrobe. It is also a process of learning how to add to, maintain, and edit a thoughtfully designed wardrobe. If I had to choose between getting clothes immediately that I’m “just ok with” or spending more time to build and invest in clothes I love, I choose the latter! Working with Mellicia was a great investment. I usually don’t spend money on myself like this, but her guidance is well worth the investment of time and funds.

Read more on Google.
Watch Kristin’s Video.

Photography: Andrea Prudente
Hair and Makeup: Jessica Rockwell

aileen

Classic, Mix of Masculine + Feminine, Edgy

Aileen and I met prior to the pandemic and had to cancel our sessions before we started. When it was time to offer services once again, Aileen was ready to go. She had lost her sense of style over the years and it was evident that she had a very cool, edgy side that wasn’t coming out.

Approach: 

It was time to do a major overhaul. Years of struggling to understand what pieces would flatter her frame and communicate her style, Aileen’s collection was an array of pieces that didn’t feel like her at all. She wanted easy options that helped her feel great in her body, aligned with her values and her authentic style. The top priority was listening to her and ensuring that she felt comfortable taking a big risk. She was nervous, but when her Uber Wishlist arrived, it was clear that we were on the right track. Over three years later, we continue to collaborate on additional lists (loungewear, accessories and clothing) and new outfit ideas. Initially, she was lost, overwhelmed and confused. Now, she shares brands with me and is a style icon.

From the client: 

Working with Mellicia has provided me with a clear understanding of what clothes work for me and why taking into account my body shape and my unique style.  I now have a closet full, but not overfull, of clothes that I feel great in and am confident in combining in fun ways to meet the occasion - dressed up or down or somewhere in between.  And if I'm ever uninspired I have outfit photos Mellicia curated for me to get ideas. …I wasn’t much of an internet shopper at the time but Mellicia led me through how to determine what size to order, making sure items were returnable, and reading reviews to find out if an item ran big or small.  It seems obvious now but wasn’t for me at the time and I appreciated her guiding hand…. It has been such a positive experience for me and I will benefit for years to come. 

Read more on Google.
Watch Aileen’s Video.

Photography: Suzanne Rothmeyer
Makeup: Jenna Hatcher

Jaysea

Touches of rock & roll, Elegant, Sexy, Powerful

I was fortunate to work with Jaysea at a pivotal time in her career and her life. After building significant momentum in her career on a social media platform, she broke through with her first full length Romantasy novel just before her thirtieth birthday. We started collaborating as a precursor to the release of her book, the book tour and countless public appearances. Her lifestyle was shifting from working from home and playing characters online to embracing her newfound success with real life demands and opportunities. It was time her wardrobe reflected her level of success and sophistication.

Approach:

Having lived on a sailboat for years, Jaysea’s default was to dress for functionality. But her wildly creative side meant a wardrobe that included bustiers, referential fantasy tees and four inch platform heels. Her existing wardrobe offered so much insight into her preferences and her open communication and newfound success meant that she was ready to level up. It was important to keep pieces that felt authentic to her with bold referential choices, but also to give her the confidence to embrace a more elegant and sexy style in a color palette that kept getting dressed as easy as it had been on the boat.

From the client: 

Working with Poplin has not only elevated my wardrobe, but my confidence. I’ve always liked clothes and appreciated fashion on other people, but always felt that any style outside of “functional and comfortable” was beyond my ability….I was a little spooked by the price tag, as I’m notoriously frugal, but I have zero regrets about investing in Poplin and myself….Working with Poplin and Mellicia has undoubtedly changed my life. Clothing is no longer a mystery, my body is no longer the enemy, and I have a whole new vocabulary (and wardrobe) to help me express myself. I thought I was signing up for just a closet reset, but I got a mindset reset too, and both things are precious.

Read more on Google.

Photography: Sasha Reiko
Makeup: Jenna Hatcher

jenny

Current, Fun, Pulled Together, Classic & Feminine

From the moment we met, it was clear that Jenny loves clothes and fashion. She had a closet filled with beautiful clothes and continued to buy more because she wasn’t sure how to create magic with her existing pieces so to keep things fresh, she would add to her collection. She’s a bold risk taker and loves getting dressed up. She and her husband have created a lifestyle that gives her lots of opportunities to express herself with style. Upon seeing her home, I promptly re-named her style words as “Art Gallery Owner.” When I said it, she exclaimed, “yes!” We found her style.

Approach:

All styling is collaboration between the client and the personal stylist. In this case, Jenny was an enthusiastic participant who found that our sessions were a great way to relax from her stressful job as a physician. Her analytical and creative sides meant that the Poplin System’s clear guidelines would help her buy with intention and revamp her outfits regularly with or without new pieces.

From the client: 

I have always loved clothing, fashion and shopping, but I struggled with how to put things together and how to decide what to buy. Shopping and getting dressed felt hit or miss. I had had a disappointing experience with another stylist in the past. I felt like she didn’t try to understand my preferences, she encouraged me get rid of pieces I loved and ended up putting together expected and uninteresting outfits. I couldn’t really articulate my style but I knew this wasn’t it.

She also has given me so many tools and approaches to help me shop and put together outfits myself. I'm now wearing more of the clothes I already own, mixed with new pieces that either Mellicia or I found.

Read more on Google.

Photography: Sasha Reiko
Makeup: Kurumi Schulz

Gloria

Elegant, Feminine, Touches of Nature Goddess

It was time to take Gloria’s style to the next level by investing in high quality pieces that communicated her natural, elegant vibe. An avid climber, Gloria struggled to find items that flattered her petite, short-waisted muscular frame. It was clear from our first conversation that introducing her to great tailoring would have an extraordinary impact on her style now and into the future. And it did. We focused on choices that were ideal for working from home as well as her heavy work travel schedule. Importantly, we wanted to highlight her tattoo and celebrate her figure while teaching her the tailoring fixes that will transform how she gets dressed.

Approach:

Because Gloria is petite, short-waisted and muscular, teaching her how to choose pieces that flatter her frame was essential. Importantly, she talked about her eternal struggle to find jeans and focusing on purchasing the right jeans and understanding how to tailor them for her was sure to be a game changer. Gloria is an accomplished woman who works in a conservative industry both virtually and across the country for in person conferences. Her wardrobe needed to include items that could be layered up for conferences and layered down for happy hour afterward. She needed choices that were comfortable for Zoom calls and also made it easy to run to the gym and the grocery store in a look that was elevated and authentic to her personal style.

From the client: 

…I was struck, when I saw the Poplin website, by how thoughtful Mellicia’s process seemed to be and how different all of her clients looked. While I initially balked at the price tag—I’ve never spent so much money on something “frivolous”—at the end of the process, I can say with certainty that, well, you get what you pay for…..I can say without a doubt that choosing to work with Poplin changed my life. The process was challenging, expanding, and deeply rewarding. I now know and love my personal style; I have a wardrobe I enjoy; and I have the skills to find clothing I like, as well as to adjust that clothing to my body via tailoring. But it goes beyond clothes: Mellicia helped me think deeply about how I wanted to express myself in the world. I never expected that working with a personal stylist would have profound ripple effects beyond my wardrobe… but it did…..

Read more on Google.
Watch Gloria’s Video.

Photography: Sasha Reiko
Makeup: Jenna Hatcher

laurie

Schoolgirl Punk Rock, Vintage Inspired, Twee

With a successful career including cyber security and a YouTube channel, Laurie is a multifaceted, driven and sincere person. She’s also particularly petite. Wearing pieces that communicate her authentic style is essential as she regularly presents at industry conferences and hosts her channel. A lifetime of limited clothing choices meant that she tried to be flexible but was endlessly frustrated. As her career progressed, it was time for her to invest in her style and gain tools that will serve her for a lifetime.

Approach:

Working with Laurie was fun and productive from the first conversation. Because she hadn’t had access to clothes that appealed to her and fit properly, initially she wasn’t exactly sure what she was searching for. But the more she shared, the clearer the picture. Inspired by Zooey Deschanel and a pull toward more punk rock energy, we nailed down her style and opted for the ideal pieces even though they’d likely be too large. Then, we committed to expert tailoring and a cohesive collection to bring the vision to life.

From the client: 

Working with Mellicia has been an amazing experience. I'm convinced there are no parameters she can't work with and turn into something positive….Previously, I've always had to compromise either style or fit, but no more…. One large unexpected positive was finding that I was given items I didn't even know fit my style. It's been an awesome growth experience for me realizing that there is an entire genre of clothes I now have that I love, but would never have thought to buy myself.

Read more on Google.
Watch Laurie’s Video.

Photography: Chamonix Browne
Hair and Makeup: Jessica Rockwell

 Hana

Girly, Joyful, Effortless

Hana’s first Uber Wishlist focused on fall and winter and a year and a half later, we added a double wishlist featuring warm weather items. Her photo shoot incorporated pieces from both lists as the Poplin approach is always about maximizing flexibility and functionality. When we met, she adored designer pieces but often found herself returning items because she couldn’t figure out how to make her overall look represent what she was going for. She was ready to experiment and wanted clear guidance on how to find pieces herself and what would flatter her frame.

Approach: As a software engineer who also loved leaning into her creativity, it was evident that the clear guidance on her personal profile would be essential to her achieving self sufficiency when it came to her personal style. Showing off her shape with crop tops and belts, but still keeping her look fresh and relaxed in luxurious designer pieces would ensure that her vision met reality.

From the client: 

Mellicia really helped me find me. I always had an idea of the kind of vibe that I want to give out to the world through clothing, but I could never get it quite right. I struggled with expressing myself in a that way and often looking and the mirror and thought, “this isn’t the real me.”… After Mellicia helped me, I not only started to wear clothes that I truly enjoy, but I am also starting to get better at finding the exact kind of clothes that I want from the sea of different kinds of stores online.”

Read more on Yelp.

Photography: Sasha Reiko
Makeup: Jenna Hatcher

Eli

Punk Rock, Luxurious, Bad Ass

A marketing guru in tech, a heavy metal drummer, a world traveler, a gamer, a woman with an active social life and standing tall at 5’2 and less than 100 pounds- from the moment I met Eli, I was dying to ensure that her clothes reflected her authentic self. Having lived in multiple countries with a taste for luxury fashion, she had an assortment of beautiful pieces in her closet. But because of her petite frame, very few items fit her well. Our plan was to embrace her luxury punk rock vibe and nail the tailoring to ensure that every item in her closet felt like it was custom made just for her.

Approach:

Embrace the closet edit to weed out items that were at the level we were going for AND identify the large number of pieces that would be dramatically improved with tailoring including concert t-shirts and techie sweatshirts. Then, go full force into adding designer pieces that were ideal for her. These would need to be tailored, so focusing on discount websites for designer deals was essential. During the tailoring session, we experimented with a few existing t-shirts and sweatshirts so she could see what was possible. After the reveal, she brought back her entire collection to be altered to perfection. Lastly, embrace her love of black and give her pieces that make her small frame feel curvier in items that celebrate her shape.

From the client: 

Working with Mellicia has been a total game-changer for me.

From the very first session, she absolutely nailed my style. It's like she saw the version of me I'd always been trying to express, but hadn't quite figured out how to bring to life. Not only did she educate me on the types of clothes that truly fit and flatter my petite frame, but she also introduced me to colors, patterns, and shapes I never would've picked up on my own. Now, I get compliments on my outfits all the time, and I genuinely feel more like myself when I get dressed.

And don't even get me started on the tailor sessions, pure magic! For the first time in my life, my clothes actually fit me. Everything is custom-fitted to my proportions, and the difference it makes is unreal.

The whole process with Mellicia was fun and empowering. She didn't just upgrade my closet, she also helped me step into a version of myself that feels polished, confident, and aligned with who I am.

If you're on the fence, don't be. Mellicia is a style genius, and working with her has been incredible!!

Read more on Yelp.

Photography: Chamonix Browne
Hair and Makeup: Kat St. John

 SARAH

Creative, Sophisticated, Approachable

Sarah will always have a special place in my heart because just after our initial consultation, everything shut down for the pandemic. I refunded her money and we just waited. 15 months later, when Poplin came out of hibernation, Sarah was one of the first clients I saw. She was so flexible and seemed to understand even more the value the service would have for her. We were both ready to dive in. As an author and a math and science tutor, Sarah’s pre-pandemic life included lots of in person travel to clients plus interaction with high school students and their parents. Her new reality includes a professional life that is almost totally working from home. At home, she had been living in leggings. At work, she wore more traditional collared shirts that didn’t quite feel like her. Her pieces needed to command authority with parents while feeling approachable to her students. And now, they all needed to be comfortable for working from home or heading out into the world. Equally important, Sarah is committed to sustainability and ethical fashion, so her new wardrobe would need to be ethically sourced.

Approach: The added year made Sarah even more willing to experiment. With a closet that consisted of old t-shirts, leggings and fleece, she opted to do something drastic- start from scratch. She wanted a, “polished yoga retreat,” vibe and had lots of quirky interests that we wanted to include in her collection. These created deep cuts with the kids and references that made her feel powerful in items that were authentic representations of her. We also limited pieces to sustainable options in soft fabrics that felt comfortable without looking sloppy and reflected her values. As a petite person, this would inevitably include tailoring so that she would shine in every outfit.

From the client: 

One thing I was nervous about, when thinking about working with a stylist, was whether I would feel awkward, or like I was dressed as someone else. It was clear from the first meeting, though, that that was absolutely not going to be the case. Mellicia asked me so many questions, and I could tell she was digging down trying to really understand my sense of style, and what felt good to me. And holy cow she completely nailed it.

Read more on Yelp.

Photography: Chamonix Browne
Hair and Makeup: Jessica Rockwell and Kat St. John

 Caitlyn

Intentional, Hip, Polished

As a leader in tech, Caitlyn was struggling with her desire to look polished, but not be overdressed in a very casual work environment. When we met, it was clear that she was frustrated with the lack of options that fit her body and communicated anything close to the style she desired.

Approach: 

We started with defining her style and introducing her to brands and retailers that would inspire her. Then, we embraced luxurious quality pieces (often on sale!) that could be tailored so she could look and feel her best. And, of course, it was all about illustrating how she can make something feel more casual for work, then dress it up to go out.

From the client: 

Mellicia is the best!… I went to Poplin as I was sick of trying to find clothing as a plus-size short gal who didn't want to look like a secretary. I was in a rothys-skinnyjeans-top rut. I hated shopping and did it as a matter of necessity. She taught me SO MUCH…. She did exactly what I wanted, worked with where I'm comfortable, and pushed me into newer, hipper territory.

Read more on Yelp.
Watch Caitlyn’s Video.

Photography: Andrea Prudente
Makeup: Kurumi Schulz

Emmy

Competent, Vintage Inspired, Effortless

Emmy has a full life. Between her demanding leadership role in tech and her personal and professional travel, her schedule is full of complex decisions. From our initial conversation, it was evident that determining what to wear everyday took up unnecessary energy and it was time to simplify. Additionally, Emmy enjoyed expressive pieces (especially her trademark necklaces) but shopping for clothing for her petite frame was frustrating and rarely yielded items that were aligned with her authentic personal style.

Approach:

We opted to expand her retailers to makers that didn’t offer petite clothing in addition to brands with petite sizes that were new to her. Because we knew we’d be tailoring most items, this approach gave us the freedom to rework pieces well beyond traditional tailoring like hemming pants. Instead we took a more hands on approach with intentional fixes like altering top lengths to flatter her shape while simplifying her routine by ensuring she’d look beautiful with untucked tops, for example. Now, she understands the tailoring fixes that are most flattering for her shape and can employ those whether she’s working with the Poplin tailor or another resource. It was also clear that individual outfit photos would make getting dressed as easy as possible and would be a vital part of her package.

From the client: 

I was struggling to put myself together every day after COVID, and a promotion that required more than business casual was creating even more stress….Every step of the way, Mellicia listened, encouraged, and found solutions. The fact that she comes with a trusted tailor is truly what sold me …. Now I can flip through my outfit photos to, see what's clean, and simply get dressed and out the door… Before working with Mellicia… I just ended up frustrated and down after trying to shop. Now I'm successfully finding pieces that fit with the wardrobe she created for me. I can't say enough about how awesome this experience has been!

Read more on Google.
Watch Emmy’s Video.

Photography: Chamonix Browne
Hair and Makeup: Jessica Rockwell and Kat St. John

 Laura

Whimsical, Vintage Inspired, Edgy

Laura uses her eye for design in her work and when decorating her home, but she was struggling to integrate that sensibility when getting dressed. She had a fun collection of vintage and vintage inspired pieces but was struggling with making cohesive looks that felt authentic to her and functional for her life. Laura wants to support individual makers and embrace brands that reflect her values, whenever possible. When we met, she was ready to take bold steps with her style, but wasn’t sure how to move forward.

Approach: 

Because Laura is petite and appreciates pieces that are off the traditional path, finding items that fit has always been a struggle. We decided to find pieces that were new and of high quality, but inspired by fashion in the 50’s and 60’s. Shopping online empowered us to find makers from the US, Canada and even Seattle boutiques who have a unique style and commit to ethical practices. We did a major tailoring overhaul, updating existing pieces in her wardrobe and altering new items to flatter her frame and make sense for her urban lifestyle. Her two piece coordinated set shown in the photo, was originally a dress from a designer in Canada, for example.

From the client: 

Once upon a time, I enjoyed shopping and creating outfits. Fast forward decades later... changing body due to motherhood and age, limited time / energy / interest in shopping, and a few years of pandemic doldrums and I needed to hit the fashion reset button…I work in a creative field, so I almost felt embarrassed that I had to ask for help dressing myself! But it was more than that. I had lost touch with where to find clothes that fit my lifestyle, age, shape, and mindset… Mellicia helped me see beyond the online photos of a tall, slender model to how I could rock the same look. I would wholeheartedly recommend Mellicia to someone interested in a clothing overhaul. You'll feel better on the inside as well….

Read more on Yelp.
Watch Laura’s Video.

Photography: Chamonix Browne
Hair and Makeup: Hanna Mazur

 Angela

Fierce, Sophisticated, Feminine

Approach:  Working as a nurse during COVID, Angela hadn’t had much time or energy to invest in herself. Her good friend, a Poplin client, suggested she work with Poplin. Angela’s virtual closet edit was quick because her wardrobe consisted of just a few basic pieces. She was ready for a total overhaul and a fresh start. We opted to go for pieces that made getting dressed fun and tailored several items to help her look and feel her best.

From the client: 

I love working with Mellicia! I'm super busy with work and family and COVID quarantine really highlighted how sad my closet was looking. Mellicia shared her expertise, kept the process on track and now I've got gorgeous things to wear and am not in hoodies and leggings 24/7. She kept my budget in mind and helped me figure out the style that works with my life and makes me feel effortlessly pulled together.  This was such a great use of my limited time and energy. I completely trust Mellicia to help me look and feel good about my new wardrobe. I'll definitely continue to work with her.

Read more on Yelp.
Watch Angela’s Video.

Photography: Chamonix Browne
Hair and Makeup: Hanna Mazur

 Vibha

Elegant, Playful, Approachable

Approach: 

Vibha’s previous life included a much more polished, elegant approach to clothing. But, when she started working in the tech industry in Seattle, she found her style getting increasingly casual. After having her daughter and then working from home during the pandemic, she realized she had lost touch with her sophisticated side and wasn’t sure how to bring it back. Offering her clear filters of what flatters her frame plus new inspiration and resources with an array of fresh retailers for her petite frame will take her to the next level. Vibha worked with tailors in other countries, but had yet to experience the full range of services from a high end tailor domestically. Connecting her with that resource will empower her for years to come.

From the client: 

When I reached out to Mellicia early this year, the pandemic fatigue had finally gotten to me. I knew I needed a transformation and it was long overdue but I had been putting it off. I was a bit unsure about how the styling service would work in this new pandemic world that we now live in and was still on the fence on whether I should go forward with it. It took just one meeting with Mellicia and I knew I could trust her to go on this journey with me. Mellicia has been so AMAZING to work with - she really listened and took the time to understand my needs, aspirations and created a customized styling profile. We did a closet edit - online! - guess what, having Mellicia in my closet virtually worked out pretty well. The uber wishlist was great and so was the fitting session - I now own clothes that are tailored and suited for my style and body type. Mellicia then paired all my clothes and accessories to put together an awesome Outfit catalog that I can refer to anytime, and that really takes the stress off of dressing for a busy mom such as me! The photoshoot was so much fun, and because it was all outdoors, I felt super safe to participate. Overall, I feel a renewed sense of confidence after going through this process. Mellicia has really helped me get my swagger back!

Read more on Yelp.
Watch Vibha’s Video.

Photography: Chamonix Browne
Hair and Makeup: Hanna Mazur

 Lisabet

Edgy, Chic, Powerful

Lisabet has mastered the art having a personal stylist. From day one, she identified her stumbling blocks and we made a plan to alleviate her pain points. In addition to her initial Mobile 360 Package, we’ve collaborated on an array of unexpected an interesting projects. From finding hip uniforms for her employees to helping her find and transform her dream wedding dress, and then through a career change, Lisabet is filled with ideas and the confidence in Poplin to make them happen.

Approach: My favorite thing about working with Lisabet is the amount of trust we place in one another. This comes from several years of listening, experimenting, and risk taking. When it was time to do a photo shoot for her residential realty business, it was obvious that we’d want an unorthodox approach to the photos. Staging the shoot at a home she sold, we could communicate so much about her with her look and her surroundings.

From the client: 

I've been working with Mellicia and Poplin Style since 2013. She helped me develop my signature style when I was a new business owner to uniforms for my spa employees. She even helped me pick out my wedding dress! The gal is multitalented. After Covid and months of living in loungewear, I was ready for something new, and since I had shifted to real estate, rebranding was at the top of my list…. The actual photoshoot felt like one big party. I changed outfits, chatted with everyone, and the best part was we all laughed a lot. I never felt awkward or that I had to smile in a forced way. As someone who has always felt dorky with a capital D in front of the camera, I finally relaxed and enjoyed the whole experience.

Read more on Yelp.