NouveauImage Blog

The Ruby Room is a Seattle nonprofit organization that collects donated prom dresses and invites high school girls who are unable to buy their own prom dresses to come “shop” for free at their boutique.   The Ruby Room is offering two opportunities for the general public to buy some of their donated dresses that were a little too sophisticated for young girls going to the prom:

THURSDAY, JUNE 4
Pioneer Square First Thursday Art Walk
Studio Q at 619 Western Ave (at Yesler)
4th Floor North
Join Studio Q in welcoming fashion photographers from the Pacific Northwest and shop gorgeous cocktail dresses for $10. All proceeds from the cocktail gowns sale will go to the Ruby Room.

SUNDAY, JUNE 7
Fremont Sunday Market
Check out The Ruby Room booth filled with a selection of $10 vintage and cocktail dresses just waiting to find a home in your closet. You have nothing to wear so come find something new!

For information check out The Ruby Room website.

The Alhambra outlet behind U. Village is having a sale this weekend.

Basic tees and tanks for women are 3 for $35.  I especially like the v-neck tees and scoop tank tops. I find these well fitted without being too clingy.  They also have a good selection of simple cotton summer dresses for under $35.

Alhambra Outlet
4600 N.E. Union Bay Place #C
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 522-4570

http://www.nwsource.com/ae/scr/edb_vd.cfm?c=s&s=nws&ven=8465

http://alhambranet.com/

During a recent week in Hawaii, I found the recipe for the perfect healthy tan.   I should tell you that, despite having spent the better part of my frivolous youth pursuing the Bain de Soleil version of a savage tan, I don’t tan (savagely burn, yes — tan, no).  So keep in mind that my idea of “tan” is a few shades darker than my normal pasty pallor.

Here’s the trick:  Neutrogena Ultra Sheer sunblock with spf 70 during the day and Clarins After Sun Moisturizer with self tanning at night.  I buy the Neutrogena sunblock at Costco for approximately $15 (2-pack) the Clarins at Nordstrom for $30.

Sunscreen Application tips:

• Sunscreen needs to be applied a good 20 minutes before heading outside (this allows time for it to soak in and not rub off easily which will a) help you avoid sunburn and b) not get on clothes).  Apply and then drink coffee and read the newspaper.
• Cover all exposed areas (don’t forget ears and back of knees - fast growing areas of skin cancer occurrence).
• Reapply to specific areas after you have come in contact with something that may have inadvertently rubbed off the sunscreen (ex. towel, boogie board, chair, snorkeling mask, backpack).
• Allow yourself 15-20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure in the early morning or evening to naturally boost your vitamin D levels.
• Be vigilant.  Like I tell my kids, the sun is trying to burn you all the time.

The Clarins After Sun Moisturizer Self Tanning is an extremely light formula perfect for fair skinned people.  I have tried many self-tanning formulas (all price ranges) and really this is the most natural color I have found.  It is actually a moisturizing lotion with a hint of tanning agent, which is great because it is much more forgiving than a regular tanner.  There are rarely streaky lines and you don’t have to wash your hands but once after you have finished applying.  Also, it is a very gradual tan so you can apply once for a “glow” or daily for deeper color.  You will never get a unnaturally dark tan with this formula (which also means you avoid the orange-ish hue common with self tanners).

Clarins Self tanner application tips:

• Allow 20 minutes to let this soak in.  Apply and drink a glass of wine and read the New Yorker.
• Exfoliate at least every couple of days while you are using the lotion.
• Make sure you are thoroughly covering all areas you want some color.  Don’t forget tops of feet.
• Apply to smooth areas first and use whatever is left over on my hands for neck, ears, knees and elbows.  This helps avoid a build up of color in drier areas.
• Wash hands at the end of the application process.  Wash hands thoroughly and then put a tiny amount direct from the tube on the back of one hand and then rub the backs of your hands together.

The stores are loading up with spring trends right now.  I have seen quite a few ruffles hitting the racks.  Ruffles can be difficult for a lot of women because they can often overstep feminine and just jump straight into frilly.  I was in Macy’s yesterday and have to say that ruffles can go so wrong so quickly;  there were hundreds of blouses that had ruffles on the front and ruffles on the sleeves and, to add insult to frilly injury, puffy sleeves.  I kept thinking if the designers had just stopped at the first ruffle, the blouse would be pretty and quite wearable (for something besides raiding another pirate ship).

Here are some examples I found online of ruffles that look feminine and fun for spring without the cloying little girl look of so many tops these days.  Just click on the photos to be taken to the links at the stores.

1)  Ruffle front cardigan at Ann Taylor Loft, $44.50

This comes in some super cute colors!  This versatile cardigan would look great with a dress, jeans, trousers, or skirt.

2)  Saucy bikini at Newport News, $25.00

Okay, I know this is a little cutesy, but swimwear is an area to play a bit more.

3)  Sophisticated blouse at Banana Republic, $39.99

This blouse would look great with the pencil skirt from JC Penney pictured below.

4)  Feminine pencil skirt at JC Penney, $21.99

5)  Elegant day dress at Sears, $34.99

This dress would be adorable with heels, flats, or sandals.

6)  Pretty print tunic at Macy’s, $19.98

This tunic also comes in Black and white.  Either color would look sharp for spring/summer.

I found this flirty skirt at H&M yesterday.

It sells for $19.90 and comes in a lovely floral pattern in three different colors:  Black & white, berry & white (shown), and yellow & white.  It is a soft stretch-jersey fabric with a lovely drape and a universally flattering style.

I can see this worn a few different ways for spring/summer.  Below are some examples of tops and shoe combinations for different looks that can be worn with the skirt, all items are priced under $51 — most under $20.  Click on photos to see more info.

Note:  I already bought this skirt for anyone who has scheduled a spring/summer shopping excursion within the next four weeks to try.

1)  Very Casual with a tank top and sandals.  Total outfit costs less than $60.

2)  Chic casual with a summer top and flats.  Total outfit costs less than $60.

3)  Work ready with a feminine jacket and pumps.  Total outfit costs less than $120.

I have had a busy travel month which has inspired me to write some blogs about travel.  This will include airplane apparel, packing tips, shopping for sunglasses and swimsuits, and (especially for those of us in the NW) fake tans.

I have been to some good consignment shops recently and will spill the beans on those.  I will also be writing about spring and summer trends and how to find the looks at reasonable prices.

Any other topics you would like to read about sooner rather than later?  Leave a comment and let me know.

Keep an eye on your inbox!

Regards,

Meredeth

For those of you who are fans of Boden, there is another trunk show coming up.  A trunk show is set up like a showroom that allows you to touch and try on the merchandise; it is a Boden boutique in my living room.

Boden is a British company that has stores in England, but only has a mail order business in the U.S.  It reminds me of a very cool, European Gap/Banana Republic. Boden carries apparel for men, women, and children. This trunk show is special because it is a chance to see the clothes and try on the wacky British sizes before you buy. At the trunk show, you will get a 15% discount off all purchases (men, women, and children’s merchandise) with free shipping and returns on all purchases.  There will be beverages and snacks and there is no obligation to buy.

I think this is a great clothing line and most likely would take clients shopping there if there were stores in Seattle. You can check out their merchandise at www.bodenusa.com.

This show at my house, so I will be there to answer questions and offer advice.   Any questions now?  Can’t make the show and want to place an order?  Feel free to contact me, Meredeth McMahon, at nouveauimage@comcast.net.

Date:  Wednesday, February 18th

Times:  9:30AM to 12:00PM & 5:00PM to 8:00PM

Location: My home in the Montlake neighborhood @ 2228 E. Calhoun, Seattle, WA 98112

Sole Food in University Village has beautiful and fun shoes for men, women, and children at 70% off  (ends Monday, February 1st).  This store specializes in stylish and comfy European brands.

J Crew is offering an extra 30% off final markdowns for men, women, and children (ends Friday, January 30th).  Enter promo code EXTRA30 at checkout.

Old Navy is offering an extra 50% off all clearance items for men, women, and children online only (ends Tuesday, February 2nd).  This makes most of their sale items practically free.  Enter promo code HALFOFF at checkout.

Bellevue shoe store Posh on Main has marked down women’s fall shoes and handbags up to 75% off.  You can shop in-store or online (ends Saturday, January 31st).  Brands such as YSL, Valentino, Chloe, Giuseppe Zanotti, and Bally are now available under $100.

Banana Repbulic is offering an extra 30% off recent markdowns in-store and online for women’s apparel and accessories (ends Monday, February 1st).  Enter promo code SAVE30 at checkout.

Happy shopping. . .

With the rotten economy, it can be daunting to face the late-season “I can’t wear that sweater one more time; I must find something new immediately” urge.  There are a few simple habits that can be incorporated into your daily routine that will help extend the life of the wardrobe you already own.  These will also keep clothing items in circulation better so that they are “ready to wear.”

Find time to fix your fabulous footwear.

Fantastic footwear takes maintenance.  Get those shoes and boots polished and shined.  For the ambitious, buy a shoe shine kit like this one from KIWI at Amazon.com.  For the less likely to ever do this at home, visit a shoe shine stand at Nordstrom.  After a good polish, most shoes will last you at least one more season.  Check out this article at Crosscut.com, Love those $4 shoes.

Stop the stubborn stains. 

Wearing clothing with stains, definitely has an air of ragamuffin.  For spot removal on the go, I am a big fan of Shout wipes.  They come individually packaged and I always keep one handy.  These will usually get out coffee drips right after they occur.  They also help keep the stain from setting.  I’ve heard good things about the Tide To Go pen, but haven’t tried it myself.

Here’s another trick:  keep a bottle of spot remover near the laundry hamper.  When I owned a maternity and children’s consignment store, I had a client that would bring in piles of beautiful white baby clothes that had been worn but were spotless.  I asked her how she managed and she said that she kept a bottle of spot remover near each hamper and made sure to treat the spots the day they occurred.  I tend to buy the remover and put it near the washing machine.  I’m moving a bottle upstairs today.

Letting laundry linger is a liability.

On the subject of laundry hampers, let’s use them.  Chairs, sports equipment, and corners often end up covered with piles of unsorted worn clothes.  Try to make an effort to sort at least the morning after you wear something.  You will be much more likely to wear an item if it hasn’t been wadded up in a pile.  Make a daily effort to hang up, refold or toss in the hamper.  If you do this on a regular basis, you’ll be amazed at how many more clothes are in your closet, wrinkle-free and ready to wear.

If you do wear “dry clean only” clothes, make an effort to get to the cleaners weekly.  I have found the best way to make sure this happens on a regular basis is to find a cleaners you like that is as close to your home or work as possible.  I know people will shop for less expensive cleaners off their beaten track, but then they don’t go often enough; the clothes then spend more time on the closet floor waiting to be taken to the cleaners or at the cleaners waiting to be taken home than they do hanging in the closet or on bodies.

Liseanne Frankfurt shares her resolution to bargain hunt for clothes, but continue to wear nice jewelry in this month’s O Magazine.

I find that buying better accessories allows me to buy less expensive clothes and still look pulled together and stylish.  I am also at a point in my life when fake stones just don’t reflect the authentic, adult me.  I’m not talking diamonds and precious jewels, that’s not me either; I mean just organic stones, gold and silver.  Most of us in our thirties and up, have long passed the days of Top Ramen in the dorm room microwave and have the means to spend a little more on nicer pieces.  By now, we also have a better idea of which pieces we will wear consistently throughout the years which maximizes our price-per-wear.

Accessories don’t have to cost a fortune to look like a million bucks.  If you want to dabble in more sophisticated accessories and not lay out a bunch of cash right away, try the accessories at Banana Republic.  They tend to look really rich (are often gold plated and use real stones) and most pieces are under $100.  I especially like foraging in their sale basket where accessories are usually marked down to under $40.

When you are ready to spend a little more, try a neighborhood boutique.  They often carry local designers and offer unique pieces with a lot of character and real stones.  My personal fave is Hitchcock in Madrona.  I’m always impressed at the quality of her products and grateful she often has great pieces under $75 in the shop.  Most of the jewelry is made with  genuine colorful stones (but not fancy beveled jewels).

Which shops should we visit in your neighborhood for better quality accessories?