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Meredeth McMahon

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Boutique shopping guide

Our style expert says there are great fashion finds to be found in Upper Queen Anne. Here's a women's guide to a range of fun choices, and you only have to move the car once.

What she's wearing: a wrap dress

I have to say, I have been tickled to see the return of the flattering wrap dress. Diane von Furstenberg popularized the wrap dress in the 1970s with her jersey knits and exciting patterns. It's a quick way to look feminine and chic.

What she's wearing: crisp, white trousers

This outfit is an example of picking the trends that work for me. Babydoll tops? Negative. Leggings? Negative. Wedge heel? Depends. White trousers. Definitely.

What she's wearing: bold jewelry

Now that we are finally seeing the sun on a regular basis in Seattle, I try to find fun outfits to stay cool. I do default to tank top and shorts on occasion, but I get bored with that quickly, so I tend to add hats and accessories.

What she's wearing: a 'shrug' sweater

Lightweight knits are one of my favorite staples for Northwest wardrobes. Ideally, they are washable, don't need to be ironed, and can be layered for year-round wear. This particular day was overcast and warm but breezy, so I needed just a little extra coverage for an outdoor birthday party and then dinner at a friend's house.

Who hosed pantyhose?

Michelle Obama's appearance on The View last month — sans pantyhose — has women debating whether to don them or diss them. Pantyhose had already become a topic of conversation on the show when Barbara Walters reluctantly stopped wearing them on the air after her co-hosts convinced her it is no longer necessary. On the day of the Michelle Obama appearance, Walters decided she had better wear them, and then, lo and behold, Obama herself showed up bare-legged. So they asked Obama to weigh in on the debate. She said she does not wear pantyhose because they are uncomfortable, and since she's tall, hard to find in her size. She later clarified that she wore them on cold days and for special occasions.

What she's wearing: a kimono-inspired top

I bought this top a couple of years ago when kimono-inspired tops were all the rage. I liked the idea of that particular trend because kimono tops are fairly classic and wouldn't look too dated, too soon.

What she's wearing: surprisingly spiffy black

On this casual day, I started out wearing a blue polo shirt with this white cami, black pants, and flip flops. Unfortunately, when I looked in the mirror, I saw some unexpected stains down the front of the polo. Grrr.

What she's wearing: easy, breezy crinkle skirt

What to wear to an evening gathering that isn't super casual or particularly dressy is a common dilemma (especially in Seattle). We were hosting a late evening gathering (OK, a poker tournament) at our house. It was a recent balmy Seattle evening, so I needed something comfy and breezy.

Gift shops aren't just for gifts anymore

When looking for the next great addition to your wardrobe, try a museum store.

What she's wearing: the little black dress

I wore this dress for a lovely Father's Day celebration. In the morning, we went to the International District and had yummy dim sum at Sun Ya. My daughter and I also attended her friend's dance performance that evening (Spectrum Dance Theater's All School Demonstration at the MOHAI)

What she's wearing: Rock 'n roll, baby!

OK, so my personal version of a rock 'n' roll outfit is lame, I know. I woke up feeling like raging against the machine (which for me is summer mommy life — it takes a few days to adjust to kids 24/7). Of course the best I could muster with this outfit is being a "tad bit uncomplimentary" against the machine.

What she's wearing: a super hero T

Super casual day for me called for a super hero T-shirt. The weather was decent, and I wanted to help with "field day" at my daughter's school. I also frantically picked up my house so I could host an impromptu "hurray for summer" cake treat after school with seven of my daughter's buds and parents.

What she's wearing: a designer's own knock-off

Today was a crazy day full of school performance, playdates, kid fun, and book group. I just wanted to grab something easy and casual to wear. I also needed something that would be warm enough for the cool morning and cool enough for a lovely afternoon.

A Boeing field trip

I made the decision last month to pull my seven-year-old daughter from school for field trips of our own. For one day every two weeks, for the remainder of the school year, we are exploring the Northwest's offerings, history, and culture.

What she's wearing: A cowboy hat? In Seattle?

I spent the day as hausfrau/mommy/working from home. Waited around with bated breath for the dishwasher to be installed and attended two different kid performances (culture at its finest). Was just going to wear the T-shirt, but it was too dang cold, so added the sweater mid-morning. I'm tired of being cold. Did we skip spring/summer altogether?

What she's wearing: color

I really needed to wear color on this day just to thumb my nose at the gray skies. I was heading out and about the International District for the afternoon, so I needed to be warm and have shoes that were comfortable and wouldn't be ruined by the pouring rain. The necklace has a really large beveled ebony stone. Since I am not petite in stature, I like to wear jewelry that has a little more heft to it; I feel like it balances my size better. When I found this necklace, the mega-stone kind of cracked me up.

What she's wearing: not sweatpants

As I looked out the window at yet another day of pouring rain, I really wanted to put on some warm, cozy sweats and hunker down. But, not wanting to send the message that I have "given up" (although many more of these stormy days, I just might), I opted for real clothes.

What she's wearing: pin-striped trousers

I had to give a corporate presentation today. I talked to administrative staff at a local hospital about how to dress appropriately for the office on a limited budget. We came up with some adjectives that everyone thought would be great to consider when dressing for their office: professional, competent, and accessible.

What she's wearing: yellow duck boots

Northwest fashion doesn't have to mean polar fleece and hiking boots. In "What she's wearing," our fashion expert offers regular commentary to women who aren't teens, hipsters, or obsessed with the rather unattainable standards set by "Sex and the City" but contrary to their Gore-Tex-clad compatriots, are looking for a little more pizzazz in their wardrobes.

What she's wearing: snazzy red heels

Northwest fashion doesn't have to mean polar fleece and hiking boots. In "What she's wearing," our fashion expert will offer regular commentary to women who aren't teens, hipsters, or obsessed with the rather unattainable standards set by "Sex and the City" but contrary to their Gore-Tex-clad compatriots, are looking for a little more pizzazz in their wardrobes.

Seattle boutiques are weathering the economy (and the weather)

Having owned a local retail store before becoming a fashion consultant, I know how frustrating it is not to be able to predict revenue. Retailers shouldn't have to consult The Old Farmer's Almanac, but in Seattle, the weather is a selling factor. If spring weather is drippy and cold, customers aren't willing to buy summer clothes. If it's too sunny, Seattleites take to the hills and the beaches to enjoy the heat while they can. Once the city has a full week of nice weather, Seattleites will finally commit to the idea of a warmer weather wardrobe, and spring and summer merchandise will start to move.

A Lake Union field trip

I made the decision last month to pull my seven-year-old daughter from school for field trips of our own. For one day every two weeks, for the remainder of the school year, we are exploring the Northwest's offerings, history, and culture.

Phraseology after a fashion

Our maven examines terminology from the runway and wonders: Is "banana heel" such a good combination of words?

10 gifts for kids, under $15

Our shopping maven has quick solutions that are fun for kids and parents.

Ten trends in fall fashion

Crosscut's maven helps you dress for crisper weather.

A no-sweat, forward-looking clearance sale strategy

Our fashion maven says there's plenty of summer clothing marked down that can be adapted for other seasons, especially in the Northwest.

How to maneuver the legendary Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Among our fashion maven's tips: Make a list of things you want, then grab and buy and worry about size later.

Summer fashions for men who don't want to think too much

Our fashion maven is so helpful she practically buys the clothes for you. Pay particular attention to her tip about sandals, Northwest guys.

Father's Day shopping emergency!

It's late, but not too late, to do right by Dad.

An adult goes to prom

The dresses, the dances — it's all pretty shocking. But they are still teenagers, and in the fancy restaurants they can't drink!

Our Mother's Day gift guide

10 ideas for Northwest moms.

Where have the budget boutiques gone?

Our fashion maven's search begins in Fremont but winds up elsewhere.

Meredeth McMahon is a Seattle-based personal-image consultant who writes a regular blog about health, fashion, and attitude. She can be reached at nouveauimage@comcast.net.
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