Do you have an expecting mother on your list this year?  Perhaps a new ‘babe’ in the family?

Well, we have the PERFECT gift for both new mama and new baby- swaddling essentials from Aden + Anais.

Generation after generation, muslin cotton wraps have been the preferred choice of mothers looking to swaddle and comfort their newborn baby.  It is widely believed that swaddling helps to mimic the cozy feeling babies experience in the womb and, thus, helps babies settle faster and sleep longer.  Here at Meringue, we always keep an eye out for new products to help our customers, many of whom are mommies or mommies-to-be.  When we discovered the ‘Swaddle Packs’ from Aden + Anais, we knew this was a product we wanted to get in our customers hands right away (a product that is designed to help new babes sleep will also help the mamas get their much-needed rest too)!  Available in a variety of ‘boy’, ‘girl’ and unisex prints, these 100% cotton muslin wraps are totally breathable (to prevent overheating) and oversized to make swaddling easy (they even give you instructions as to how to properly swaddle).  They are also multi-functional and can double as a stroller, nursing or changing table cover.

In addition to their original Swaddle 4-Pack, Aden + Anais’ founder, Raegan Moya-Jones also authored a book, Swaddle Love, that highlights the numerous benefits and techniques of swaddling.  We also stock their various other products- the bamboo swaddle packs, the dream blanket, the slumber sleep sack, the comfort security blankets, the dribble burp cloths and the double-layer cozy swaddle.  Not all are featured on our website, but will be soon (*however, they are fully stocked in both locations right now!).  In the meantime, click here to browse the entire Aden + Anais online selection and here to read the story of Aden + Anais.

I know I’ve said it before, but, of course I’ll remind you again– free holiday gift wrap with your in-store purchases + for every $100 you spend in-store, we’ll give you a $25 off coupon to use in January!

Happy shopping!

Yes, people, it is officially December 1st!  Time to rev-up that holiday shopping! 

Take a peek at some of our favorite stocking stuffers sure to please everyone on your list (well, the ‘good’ ones anyway ;)):

1.  Bliss Body Products:  Need I say more?  They are the BEST.  P.S. My guy loves their products too!

2.  Hanky Panky Undies:  The most comfortable thong underwear out there and a favorite indulgence of just about every gal I know. 

3.  Voluspa Candles:  These make a great hostess gift too.  Grab a few to have on hand and then you don’t have to scramble at the last minute to find something to bring to the holiday party!

4.  Jewelry from King Baby/ Queen Baby, Vita Fede, Gorjana, House of Harlow 1960, Juicy Couture,  Jacqie Aiche and Tarina Tarantino.

5.  Nippies:  Ok these aren’t necessarily for everyone, but I am sure you know at least one person who would appreciate them ;).

6.  GalPal Deodorant Removers:  I keep one in my bathroom and one in my car– you never know when deodorant marks will strike, and it is best to always be prepared.  These are good for men too- just because the sponge is pink, doesn’t mean he doesn’t need to use it every once in a while too!

7.  Trumpette Socks:  One of our best-selling baby gifts.  Fashionable, functional and super-stinkin’ cute!

8.  Mogo Charmbands and Charms:  Very popular for young girls and ‘tweens’.  Available in-store and coming online soon!

9.  FEED Bags + Bears:  A nice gift, plus you will be helping FEED Project feed the people of the world.

10.  LaNatura Lip Balm:  Shea-Butter based lip balm- so smooth and so many yummy flavors.

Plus, in-store we have lots of fun treats, including cookies, candy canes and lollipops from Hannah’s Delights (yum yum!)

Don’t forget, we’re doing complimentary gift wrapping too!  Come shop with us @ Meringue!

Happy Black Friday shoppers!  Hope you all had a fun, fabulous Thanksgiving with family + friends.  Come by Meringue Boutique in Lake Oswego + Salem to take advantage of our awesome ‘Black Friday Weekend’ Sale!

Friday: 10% off the entire store!

Saturday: 20% off the entire store!

Sunday: 30% off the entire store!

*sale items ARE included

If you can’t make it in, use these codes to shop on MeringueBoutique.com (enter the code at checkout):

Fri: BLACKFRI10

Sat: BLACKFRI20

Sun: BLACKFRI30

Time to get all those who have been ‘good’ this year crossed off your list!  Happy Shopping!

‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend’, right?  Well, maybe not diamonds exclusively, but jewels,  gems, chains and baubles of all sorts are definitely some of my best friends.  There is no better way to refresh a look- heck even an entire wardrobe, then with a few key pieces of jewelry.  I love it all: necklaces (long or short, simple or bold), rings, watches, earrings (big hoops to small studs and everything in between).  This year, it seems as though it is all about the bracelet.  Beads, leather, bangles and cuffs are all the rage.  Wear one alone as a ’statement piece’ or pile them all on like the chic city girls do. Below are some of our favorite and best selling bracelets:

Also, click here to check out our extensive selection of Jewelry from House of Harlow, Vita Fede, Tarina Tarantino + more!

I am back from NYC and, as much as I know I could’ve stayed longer, it always feels good to be home.  The trip was a blast- saw so many good friends and shared many, many good times.  I was so busy catching up and exploring the city (MoMA was a-maz-ing!) that I hate to admit it, but I didn’t do too much shopping. (What?!)  I did, however, spend some time in the West Village and checked some cool boutiques like: Rag and Bone, Intermix, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Alexis Bittar (my fave), and the 7 For All Mankind store.  All had great stuff- I had to restrain myself just a little though…

Another fun part of the trip was scopin’ what the ‘average’ (like you can really call them that) nyc girls on the streets were wearing.  I saw lots and lots of denim- everything from the super-skinny jegging to the wide-leg trousers- lots of black and printed, funky leggings, and boots of all sorts- chunky, industrial all they way to delicate heeled ankle booties.  Scarves and military-inspired jackets were everywhere and everyone was wearing more bangles and bracelets ont their wrists than I could count.  Makeup and hair was definitely au-natural (wavy, lots of roots/ beachy highlights, etc.) although I did see quite a few girls with bright red lips (love).  All in all, it was a GREAT trip and very inspiring n terms of fashion, style and lifestyle.  The fast pace of the city felt good, but coming home to lovely Portland feels nice too.  Can’t wait to go back though!

The Invisibelt- all belt, no bulk.

Every so often we get new items in the store that make me pause and exclaim, ‘why didn’t I think of that?!’.  The Invisibelt is totally one of those items.  Something so simple, something every woman needs and something that hadn’t existed until very recently.  Plus, with the way they’ve been selling, if I had invented them, I could have retired by now (lol, j/k).  Seriously though, this is an item we all need in our fashion-fix-it arsenal.  To sum it up- it’s a thin, plastic belt that can be adjusted to any size and is designed to cinch in your pants and eliminate the oh-so-annoying back gap in the waist of your pants.  Ok, so that’s the belt part, but how is it invisi- ?  Well,  the belt closes with just a snap rather than a bulky buckle so that your shirt falls easily over the top without the bulge of the  belt buckle at your midsection. Totally cool, right?  They come in clear and black- grab one for yourself and one for your mom, sister and bestie  before they’re gone!  

We are very pleased to announce that we now carry King Baby Studio (and its sister line, Queen Baby) here @ Meringue.  The Santa-Monica based line, founded and designed by Michael Binder, consists of chunky pieces that unite sterling silver with precious gemstones and leather.  The jewelry is very, very rocker-chic– King and Queen Baby are very popular with everyone from celebrities to rockstars to bikers to stylists and have a huge following.  Celebrity fans include: Rhianna, Usher, Jeremy Piven, LL Cool J, Tommy Lee, Nikki Sixx, Paris Hilton, Jenna Jameson, Adrien Brody and Adam Lambert (and the list goes on and on).  Two rings from Queen Baby were featured in the Maroon 5 “Misery” video and more pieces were worn in Buckcherry’s “All Night Long” video.  Recently, Mr. Justin Timberlake was spotted a out and about sporting a King Baby bracelet.  All pieces are handcrafted and made in the USA.  They also make great gifts- make that special someone feel like a King or Queen! Available in both our Salem and Lake Oswego locations RIGHT NOW and coming online very very soon!

By now we’ve all seen Sex and the City II and ogled all of the beautiful moroccan-inspired clothing and accessories compiled by the ingenious Ms. Patricia Field.  And PerezHilton.com reports that Angelina Jolie has signed on to portray Cleopatra in an upcoming movie based on the life of the Egyptian Queen.  Are we seeing a trend here?

The answer is YES.  Moroccan/ Bohemian- chic is all the rage right now.  From embellished tops, to gold jewelry, to gladiator sandals and beyond- this summer is all about hippie-chic with a sophisticated twist.  We love this trend for many reasons, especially the fact that it can be embraced by women of any age.  While some trends (i.e. neon, shredded leggings, etc.) seem to be reserved for the young (and young @ heart of course)- this one is timeless and age appropriate whether you are 20 or 70.

This trend was discussed recently on one of our new favorite websites: pdxneatsheet.com and Meringue Boutique was featured in the article Sex and the Rose City Inspired Fashion Finds.  Click here to read the article and see all of the Moroccan-chic pieces Meringue Boutique has for your summer wardrobe!

Oh, the memories!  Unlike some, I look back at my prom adventures (and mishaps) fondly.  The hair, the makeup, the date, the limo, the dinner reservations, the after-parties and most importantly- the dress!  We have so many beautiful dresses in right now- I wish I could go back and go to prom again.  Ok, maybe not, but seriously, the dresses are worth the drama.  Check out the flirty and fabulous ‘Cascade Dress’ from Fifteen Twenty (btw this dress & Meringue Boutique are featured in the newest edition of People Magazine’s StyleWatch available on newsstands now!).  If you are going a for something a little more traditional and glam, take a peek at this luxurious Nicole Miller Gown, on sale too!    Click here to check out our entire selection of dresses from labels like Nicole Miller, Black Halo, Alice & Trixie, Bailey 44, Ella Moss, Fifteen Twenty and more!  Take and extra twirl across the floor for me girls, have fun!

So, we’ve all totally been there: you love the look of what you’re wearing, but you are having some issues with the fit.  Whether it be pants that are a little too tight in the waist (or ones that keep sliding down your booty),  pants that are too long for even our tallest of stilettos, bra straps that won’t hide, a tag that is buggin’- whatever!  It’s annoying and can throw you off fast.  When going out we all want to feel and look our best, so here are some little secrets and tricks we use to get everything just right. 

Hollywood Fashion Tape:  We’ve all been using the tape forever, but did you know they make Clear Bra Straps, Tag Tamers, Evening Bag Essentials and more?  Click here to shop their extensive selection.

Bristols 6:  Two of our newest ‘fix’ items @ Meringue are quickly becoming bestsellers.  The Adjust-a-Button is an ingenious removeable button (comes 2 per pack) that allows you to cinch-in or let-out the waistband of your pants and the Hem Tape for Denim will let you hem your pants without any cutting or sewing.  Why didn’t I think of that?!

Pure Style Girlfriends:  These girls have got your ‘girls’ covered!  If you aren’t quite filling out that top, try Bump-a-Cup- a non-surgical approach to killer curves.  If your girls need a little lift, try the Pick-Me-Up Breast Tape (a fave of our post-nursing mamas out there).  And you know that shirt/ dress that just seems like no matter what, you just can’t wear a bra- try Gather the Girls, a no-bra bra that I wear all the time under racerback and tube tops.

Also, we are happy to demo any of these amazing products for you in our stores, so stop by soon and we’ll get ya ‘fixed’ up!