NashVogue

Sale time is here! If you are not into stocking up for next year, go ahead and get a few more goodies for you this year. Here are a few of my favorite stores having some fantastic summer clearance sales.

New York and Company

New York and Company is having a great sale. There are over 200 items at $15 or under including some gorgeous maxi skirts for only $11.99. There is just about something for every category from jewelry to tops to shoes.

Carter’s

Carter’s is having a fantastic clearance sale for the smallest ones in your family. The clearance prices are only good in a Carter’s store, but they are well worth it if you have to travel just a bit. Plus, get a coupon for 20% off of a $50 purchase through July 1.

Technorati Tags: Carter's Coupon, New York and Company, Summer Clearance

Eyeliner seems like such a simple tool. But when you go to the store to shop for it, there are so many different types and colors. It can be overwhelming. However, eyeliner is a great way to help your eyes stand out and make a statement of their own.

Since I am no make-up expert, I’ve found a great YouTube video by MakeupGeek that answers all of your questions about eyeliner, including what the different types are and how to apply each type. It’s about 9 minutes long, but very well worth it. If you want, she also has the video here, along with a written, detailed description of everything she covers in the video. I learned a lot! Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: different types of eyeliner, how to apply eyeliner

Summer is a magnet for family reunions. All the kids are out of school and, since you might be planning a vacation anyway, why not come see more extended relatives than you can count? Most family reunions are picnics. Plenty of things to keep the kids busy, a large open space, and cheap, easy to make food.

So, what would one wear to a family reunion? Well, think comfort first. If it’s an outside picnic in the summer, it will probably be hot. Make sure the clothing is lightweight and comfortable. You could opt for a sundress or skirt, but just keep in mind that you will be outside and might get a little dirty.

Second, if you are like me, your family is so widespread that the family reunions are the only time you get to see many of them. I want to make a good impression and show them that I am doing well with my clothing. Don’t wear clothes with holes or overly worn. You don’t have to go out and buy a new, expensive outfit, but make sure what you are wearing is nice and put together.

Finally, make sure your shoes are fitting for being outside. Don’t wear any stiletto heels that might sink into the ground outside. If you want to wear heels, go for some platforms or wedges with wide heels. Ideally, you would want to wear tennis shoes or flats, but the choice is up to you.

Most of all, have fun! You will probably hear, “I haven’t seen you since you were this big” more times than you can count, or simply “I can’t believe how much you’ve changed”. Just grin and enjoy this time you have with family.

Technorati Tags: family reunion, picnic, what to wear

With Summer activities in full swing, getting wet is almost inevitable. Whether you have a pool in the backyard or neighborhood or you have a beach getaway planned, it’s necessary to have something to tote your towel, sunscreen, and maybe a book or iPod.

There are a few key things to look for when trying to find the perfect beach bag. Size, shape, color, and price are all vital to finding that perfect bag. Size is probably the most important of these. Making sure the bag is big enough to tote around everything you need is very important or you will be highly disappointed with your purchase. I personally need a larger bag because I have all of my things plus my sons things. If it’s just you, a smaller bag will do.

Shape and color are all a matter of personal preference. Do you want a tall, thin bag or a long, wide bag? Do you want the bag to match your suit, your towel, or neither? It’s all up to you.

Finally, price is second only to size. You have to make sure that the bag is within your budget, and there are plenty of options available ranging from the very inexpensive (I saw a nice on at Publix for $5.99!) to the expensive, designer bags. How much you spend is up to you.

Most of all, have fun! It’s summer, and while most of us still have to work every day, there’s no reason not to make the most of it every chance you get.

Technorati Tags: Bag, Beach, Pool, Tote

Wow! What a few weeks this has been! I’ve had to order a replacement part for my computer (and it’s next to impossible to borrow my hubby’s - he’s so busy!). That being said, all things going the way they should, I’ll have some new content up for you by Friday! I’m excited! I’ve missed being able to write for you, my wonderful readers.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, just shoot me a line through the contact form. Are you looking for what to wear to a specific event? Or simply questions about how to wear a specific style? Let me know! Your questions may even be answered as part of the blog. See you soon!

Hello, Lovely Readers! I am having some major issues with my computer and finally got it working well enough to get this up. I wanted to let you know that I haven’t forgotten about all of you! I’m going to be doing a system restart over the next day or two and *hopefully* will be back up and running then. I have some great article ideas for you and an interview with Suzanne Sevier from Sevier Skirts. See you soon!

How many of you have prom dresses, evening dresses, or old bridesmaid dresses in your closet right now? I’ll venture a guess that the number is high, especially with the 2009 prom season drawing to a close. If you are like me, you have no where you can even think of that you would wear the dress a second time too. Even if an event did come up, I’d probably use it as an excuse to have a bit of fun and get a new one.

So, what do you do with the old one? Well, I have a found a great organization to help. Not only do you get to clear out some closet space, but you get to help a young girl who is not as well off as you. DonateMyDress.org is a great resource to help you find a place to donate your special occasion dresses to girls who otherwise wouldn’t be able to get them. You can find out where to donate, browse photos of dress events, and read stories on how the project has made a difference.

I’m always loving ways you spread the fashion love around. I personally have cleaned my closet of prom and special occasion dresses by donating them to an organization in West Kentucky while I was in college. It’s a great feeling and I hope everyone out there will participate.

Technorati Tags: donate, donatemydress.org, evening dresses, prom dress, special occasion dress

I’ve never been able to tan. I’m one of those pasty white girls of North European heritage that burns, freckles, and still remains pasty white once the blisters heal. I’ve tried a lot of sunless tanners and have finally found one I like.

Olay’s Touch of Sun is the best of all the sunless tanning products I have tried, and, without naming names, some have been just plain bad! Olay’s product leaves a soft, natural looking tan over the course of about a week when you apply it diligently everyday. Touch of Sun is also a lotion and helps to keep skin soft and hydrated during a season when you spend a lot of time in the sun.

One of the major things I look for in a sunless tanner is whether I will be orange in the morning. Touch of Sun does a great job of not turning you orange as long as you make sure to rub it in completely and evenly. If you are a bit sloppy in the application, you might see some orange streaks. Also, be sure to wash your hands after you apply the lotion. Failure to do so will leave your hands a bit on the orange side, but a little soap and water to wash off any excess will go along way to leave your hands their normal color.

Another aspect I love about Touch of Sun is the shades it comes in. There is a lotion for light, medium, and dark skin tones. Basically, there is something for everyone.

No girl likes to have blindingly bright skin for the summer. If you, like me, don’t tan or simply don’t want to take on the risk of natural tanning, I highly recommend Olay Touch of Sun.

Images from http://www.olay.com/boutique/touchofsun

Technorati Tags: Olay Touch of Sun, sunless tanner

It’s hard to believe that summer is just around the corner. Memorial Day, the unofficial kick-off to summer, is less than two weeks away. My personal style in the summer tends to go more towards the sporty side. I like to be comfortable and the best way in my opinion is a sporty skirt and flip flops.

Sporty tops tend to be very simple and clean. Polos, cotton blouses, and tanks are the most popular. Layering is also very common in sporty looks. Layering two coordinating tanks creates an all new look than just wearing the tanks themselves. I also like to layer a coordinating tank under my polo or t-shirt. This gives the otherwise plain top some interest.

Sporty bottoms are easy and casual. Cotton skirts, bermudas, and capris are staples in the sporty wardrobe. Give your outfit some interest by choosing skirts with fun, colorful patterns or bermudas in this seasons plaid frenzy.

When trying to find shoes, think of comfort then style. I love flipflops, especially the new FitFlops that have come out. They combine fashion and comfort ina unique way. Tennis shoes are also very common in the sporty look. For a bit of a dressier look, go with some athletic looking wedges. Keds have come out with a great wedge that look just like traditional keds with a detailed wedge. Gives a whole new meaning to “high-heeled sneakers”.

Your best accessory will be your sunglasses. Stay simple with any other accessories you choose, but go all out with your sunglasses. I love the retro-looking shades out this summer.

Whatever your personal style is, I think everyone displays a little bit of the sporty look in their wardrobe. I know very few girls who don’t absolutely live in their flip flops all summer long. What is your favorite look this summer?

Technorati Tags: Fashion Trends, sporty, summer

This week’s “In The Spotlight” article features an interview with Natasha Allison, owner and creator of Badd Baby. Badd Baby is a line of hip, trendy, artistic fashion for babies age 0-18 months. All of the designs are showcased on onesies and will add flair to any little one’s wardrobe.

Question 1: How did you come up with the idea for Badd Baby?

It’s funny that you ask that! When my son Jackson - the inspiration for the line was smaller he used to bouts of colic and the only thing that would make him laugh was when I used to tickle him and say “Are you a “bad baby, bad baby!”

It always lightened the mood and made us both laugh! My mom actually suggested that I put the two d’s in Badd. I instantly liked it because it takes bad from having a negative connotation to representing the trendier/edgier side of kids.

Question 2: What is your favorite piece?

Wow! That is tough! Hmm…I would say the Koi Fish because there is so much detail and it is funky, it is colorful and just looks so cool!

Question 3: How would you describe your store?

Trendy, funky and hip - but in pint size!

Question 4: Would you ever consider branching out of onesies and expanding the line for toddlers and children?

That is in the works as we speak! I am looking for suggestions from moms and dads regarding what THEY want to see their kids wearing as well. We will always stay on the hip side of the fashion fence but moms and dads taste is SO important to our company. Please make suggestions so we can better serve you!!

Question 5: What is your most popular item for boys? for girls?

I have to be honest I am so fortunate that all of them are flying off the shelves. I never dreamed that the response would be so positive! The most popular has been the Koi Fish and the Rebel Rocker in both girls and boys.

Question 6: If there is one thing about your line that you want people to know, what would it be?

This line represents a fun, relaxed and super carefree attitude that I try to embody as an individual but more so as a parent. I just want people to have fun with it and enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed creating them!

Thank you, Natasha! I hope you all enjoy the fun, eclectic fashions over at Badd Baby. My little guy will probably be getting the Cassette Tape Grunge onesie very soon.

Technorati Tags: baby fashions, mybaddbaby.com