SECONDHANDFIRST: Mellicia Marx, Poplin Style

In 5^th grade all I wanted was a pair of Guess jeans. I saved and saved and after months of saving I finally had enough money to bike to Macy’s and buy a pair. When I arrived, I realized that I couldn’t bring myself to use all of my money on just that one pair of jeans and a love of great value in shopping was born. In early high school I discovered vintage stores in San Francisco and Berkeley, as you can imagine, everything changed.

Personal style is not about how much you spend or wearing the latest trends, it’s about feeling like your clothes represent who you are. I often ask clients to name three words they’d like a stranger to use when describing the client’s personal style. Body shape, three key words: those are the filters that drive every style decision from that point on.

I do, however, work hard to help clients understand what is current and in the words of the Citizen, “wearing vintage clothes doesn’t mean you need to be in a time warp.” Pairing current with vintage is the way to go. 

What do I mean?

I’ve included photos of a few pieces to help tell the story. The first piece is a favorite of mine, a dark green vintage coat that I purchased used over 20 years ago and still wear often. Classic, bold, flattering and functional. It truly is timeless- playing nicely with a wide array of trends.

I'm also wearing my go-to vintage dress in that photo. A find from Red Light in Capital Hill about 10 years ago, I've worn it to dozens of events. Any friend of mine knows it and that's saying something. 

The cut is great for my body shape and it has crazy functional pockets. Yes! As trends change I style it differently and it never lets me down. The beauty of a great vintage find is that it is memorable and communicates that you are more interested in the right dress than the right label.

Mellicia wears her Citizen Rosebud Fresh Picked Vintage plaid cape from the 1960s. (Photos: Selena Kearney)

"The beauty of a great vintage find is that it is memorable and communicates that you are more interested in the right dress than the right label."

The second photo is a recent acquisition from Citizen Rosebud that I am completely obsessed with, the long wool plaid cape. Sophisticated, bold and still classic, it looks like something you could find at Nordstrom right now. When I bought it I said to my husband, “I may only wear it once a year, but I’ll wear it for at least the next 20.”

Vintage inspired, used, new, it doesn’t really matter. When you know who you are, you simply mix, match and go. 

Mellicia Marx is founder and creative director of Poplin, provider of personal styling for men, women and kids. With a focus on the individual, Poplin assists clients in crafting a wardrobe that truly reflects of their own, personal style. 

Join us for the #SECONDHANDFIRST monthly link-up. Come back and share your #SECONDHANDFIRST scores with us, Friday, March 28th.