Basic hot weather tank top for $11.90

I’m a big fan of these Caslon ribbed tank tops from Nordstrom priced at $11.90. The tank is light enough for layering year-round, yet thick enough to not leave one overexposed. The straps are nice and wide, so they cover most bra straps well. The tank also runs a little long, but can be folded up under itself at the hem for those of us who aren’t particularly long-waisted.

There are a lot of colors in the stores in the Point of View department (online only has a few choices left). At this price, I’d recommend picking up a couple of white and a color or two.

Great Deal on Men's Bedford pant from Martin & Osa

I recently ordered these pants from Martin & Osa for my husband and was pleasantly surprised. They are listed as cords, but are a very thin wale and made from a lightweight 100% cotton. Basically, they are a cool, textured replacement to a chino.

Right now, the pants are on sale for $28.00. Enter Promotion Code 96297719 at checkout to get the extra 30% off. Shipping is free with purchases over $100. Return shipping is free or you can return them to the Bellevue Square store.

Nouveau Image is now available on Twitter and Facebook

If you would like more up-to-date information from Nouveau Image, check out some of my new outlets.

Here’s the break down:

1) Twitter: nouveauimage

Here I will be posting quick (and succinct) notes about things happening around town, deals and steals I run into, and small comments about life as a personal image consultant.

2) Facebook: Nouveau Image

Here will be blog postings, quick product and store reviews, and, per requests, perhaps a revived “What She’s Wearing.”

3) Blog: nouveauimage.com/blog

This will be updated more regularly in its current format.

4) Linked In: Meredeth McMahon

Will be expanding reviews and referrals.

5) Liveperson.com: Budget Style Maven

I can be reached for online consultations via Facebook and Blog pages. I also have a $5 Quick-pic feature for those of you questioning an outfit or accessories. You can just take a quick picture of the outfit (with or without you in it) and I’ll let you know what I think can be added or subtracted to pull it all together. Or if you are in a dressing room and would like a thumbs up or down, just shoot me a picture from your cell phone and get some quick expert advice.

I’m not sure I can manage too many more outlets, but would love some feedback on what you are enjoying and finding interesting and useful.

Thanks for reading!

I also want to give a huge shout out to Jennifer Atkins Doherty. From web site, to blog, to Facebook — it’s all her. She has dragged me kicking and screaming into the 21st century in the most friendly and gracious way.

Happy Summer-

Meredeth

Recession-proof Shopping: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Heads up: The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale begins July 17th and brings all new fall/winter merchandise in and marks it down before the season starts. After the sale, the merchandise is all raised to regular prices. The reason this sale is my favorite, is because there are full size runs and colors available in each item at the sale price. I also know that for those of us in the northwest, we get the most use out of our fall/winter wardrobe, so the price per wear ratio is awesome!

There is men and women’s merchandise brought in for this sale (even shoes and boots), but really women have the best selection of new merchandise. Guys–it is a good time to buy Smartcare no-iron shirts.

My favorites to buy during the sale: trousers, sweaters, nice brand comfy shoes and boots, interesting tops, and jackets.

I shop for clients during the sale, so I’ll be downtown by 6:30AM to be one of the first in line when the doors open at 7:00AM. Say “hi” if you see me in the crowds (or look for me on the news being interviewed as one of the crazies waiting outside a store at the crack of dawn).

Tip: Keep your tags on the merchandise. That way you can return anything you bought while in a sale frenzy. Things have a way of looking less “necessary” at home.

Recession proof shopping: cocktail dresses for $10

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.

Alhambra Outlet Sale – Seattle

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/

The perfect (healthy) tan for fair skin folk

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.

Recession-proof spring trend: Ruffles for under $45

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.

Recession-proof shopping: Kicky spring skirt from H&M — under $20

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.

 

Home at last.

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