What is a CMY5K Race? It stands for cyan, magenta, yellow and black – the primary printing colors. Primary colors – color running… Love it!!! As you run each kilometer, spectators douse you with brightly-hued colorful powders, so by the end of the race, you look like “a kindergarten art project.” Start the race wearing white, end it like a rainbow! Is it a race, or a party? Either way, I wouldn’t miss it for anything. (Oh, and there’s an actual after-party, and we’re all invited – wahoo!)
Come join Team StyleSpyGirl (joining my team saves you $5, and it’ll be FUN!!!) DRESS CODE: wear a white t-shirt or tank top, a white tutu (or other color, if white is hard to find!), and any other fun white accessories you can pile on!!! The colors do MOSTLY wash out after, but be prepared for a mess. More info on cleanup HERE.
So, who wants to join the team, and have a little fun? Join my Facebook event to see how you can WIN a FREE registration, and how to register for the race online. It’s being held this first year at Eagle Island State Park. See you there! 😀
Here’s the details, straight from Boise Town Square (don’t miss the Shopping Spree giveaway part!) 😀
Teen Vogue Back-To-School Saturday
8/11/2012
Time: 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Location: Center Court
Sponsored by: Boise Towne Square
Teen Vogue is declaring August 11, 2012 a new national shopping holiday for Back-To-School. TEEN VOGUE Back-To-School Saturday is a galvanizing moment designed to motivate and inspire consumers to get out and shop for the best of back-to-school fashion, beauty, and more. BTSS is a multi-platform initiative involving all of Teen Vogue’s assets in print, digital, social, mobile and event marketing. For more information, visit www.teenvogue.com/btss
Join us to celebrate Teen Vogue Back-to-School Saturday in Center Court on Saturday, August 11 from 1-5p.m.
Can you spot me on the billboard? 😉
Live music, Fashion Spotlights with StyleSpyGirl, specials offers, and a chance to win a $250 Shopping Spree and personal stylist session!
Get ready, get set and GO Shopping. Aeropostale, American Eagle, Express, PacSun, Vans, Clinique and others coming soon will host a variety of special in store offers just for you. Stay tuned.
Enjoy Fall Fashion Spotlights, makeup demonstrations, and great retailer offers 1-5 pm in Center Court. The 1st 100 to arrive and show a receipt of any purchases on 8/11/2012 receive a signature Boise Towne Square Shopping Tote* and….
Enter for a chance to win a $250 shopping spree and a styling session with local stylists StyleSpyGirl (www.stylespygirl.com). Entry forms are available at the event.
Event Schedule:
1:00 pm Dylan Hyde performs live on the Stage at Center Court ( near Sears – lower level)
“Clothes with a soul are rare but I know for a fact that all Asuyeta pieces have one. “
Boise’s newest clothing designer, Erika Bates, believes in the power of beautiful clothes, and the feminine elegance and fierce style she infuses into every piece of her collection!
I had the privilege of meeting Erika – a prolific and very talented young designer, who recently moved from Germany to Boise! – at June’s RAWartists event, Solstice.
Erika & I at RAW:Solstice
(If you haven’t heard of the RAW shows yet, check out my review!) 😀 That night, she debuted her instantly-memorable line Asuyeta, which is Cherokee for “Chosen,” in a delightful, house-rocking fashion show.
Erika grew up in Germany, where she launched her first clothing line in 2008, opened a boutique in 2009, developed an online store, and amassed a passionate following of adoring fans! In 2012 she moved with her family to Boise, and the much-deserved adoration of her clothing designs and unique style continues.
Erika’s collection for the RAW: Solstice show was unmistakeably 50’s-inspired, with high-waisted skirts and shorts, halter necklines, and fitted-at-the-waist silhouettes. But where some pin-up-reminiscent styles tend to favor bright colors, cherry motifs, and retro-print fabrics, Erika draped her models in soft, airy hues and muted florals. This unexpected combination of a neutral color palette and era-distinctive styling made for a truly unique combination; feminine, casual-chic styles that women of any body type can wear and actually feel comfortable in, breezily floating down the streets of any town!
Erika is determined to create clothes that help women look and feel beautiful, regardless of their age or body type. Each piece is handmade. (Yes, seriously! Even sales on her website are individually crafted and hand sewn by Erika!) Have you ever pulled on a dress or pair of pants that felt like it was made perfectly, just for you? Asuyeta clothes are made to your measurements, so they truly slide on -“like butter!”- and fit your every curve.
Check out Asuyeta’s website; her line is amazingly extensive for one hard-working woman, with more pieces added as the inspiration hits her! Sweaters, tops, leggins, skirts, dresses, jackets, scarves, and even swimwear are available, custom-sewn to fit YOU!
Which outfits are YOU craving? 🙂 VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE, and one lucky comment will be chosen to win a $35 gift certificate to Asuyeta’s website!!!
XOXO,
Style Spy Girl
(Special thanks to brilliant & talented Alysha Kautz, for the gorgeous photos!)
Have you heard about the latest arts & entertainment event to hit this town? If you haven’t been to a RAWartists show yet, you definitely have to check it out! If you HAVE been to one, then you know how unforgettably entertaining they are, and have already bought your tickets for the next one! 😉
It’s only $10 per ticket, for an amazing night of art, music, fashion, and fun, and you get to specify which artist your dollars support!
What is RAW? According to their website, RAWartists’ mission is “to provide independent artists within the first 10 years of their career with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity.”
This is happening all over the country, with live, incredible shows every month! It’s a dream come true for new & emerging artists of all genres; it gives them the opportunity to showcase their talent in a fun, party atmosphere, surrounded by their friends, the artistic community, and hundreds of appreciative fans!
Oh, and did I mention how FUN it is??? A night of inspiration, artistic expression, and partying with tons of cool people, all for less than the cost of a movie ticket – AMAZING!!!
In Boise, RAWartists’ local coordinator, the brilliant & savvy Amy Johnson, has packed each months’ show with an incredible variety of local talent. Photographers, musicians, artists, jewelry designers, hair & makeup artists, fashion shows, flame throwers, dancers, short films… From beginning to end, each RAW show is nonstop entertainment. It’s also an opportunity to support & encourage this town’s thriving artistic community, meet these talented folks one-on-one, and rub shoulders with some of Boise’s most fun & creative people!
I had the privilege of attending June’s RAWartist Boise Solstice show, and it completely surpassed my expectations! The Powerhouse is a perfect venue; artists’ displays were showcased on both floors, while live performances rocked the stage. It was so much fun to peruse the amazing photography (one of my faves, Aubrey Brower was there!), enjoy awesome tunes by Skyward Down and The Riled, shop the edgy steampunk jewelry by Amber Conger (Refinerii), and try NOT to wiggle my hips when the Starbelly dancers hit the stage, ‘cuz I would have spilled my drink! 😉
Trying on Refierii bracelets, with creator Amber CongerNecklace by Refinerii
By the time the show’s grand finale began – the fashion shows! – the crowd was abuzz with barely-bridled anticipation. New-to-Boise clothing designer Erika Bates debuted her Asuyeta clothing line, a 50’s inspired ultra-flirty ensemble of flowing fabrics & frill that I can’t wait to feature in my next article!!! (Coming soon, I promise!)
The models, styled by Deco: Hair & Makeup Design, sashayed down the catwalk to a retro-inspired music mash-up that completely captured Asuyeta’s essence of punk, spunk, & girly fun. You could tell they were having a blast in their pin-up looks and gorgeous outfits. Asuyeta’s clothes seem to have a life of their own, with airy fabrics that swirl & twirl like dandelions caught in a spring breeze.
The second fashion show was by Nena Earl’s Bourgeois Chic line, and showcased a completely different energy! Warrior-clad male models marched down the runway first, to set the scene for the fantastical display that would follow. Styled by M2 Artistry Hair & Makeup Design, the fierce & fabulous models hit the catwalk like something out of a Mad Max-meets-Walking Dead post-apocalyptic dream.
With accessories by Aubrey Brower and Amber Conger, these warrior brides were anything but blushing! The Bourgeois Chic line was a fitting finale, equal parts drama, fashion, and entertainment!
The next RAWartist Boise show ~ Mixology on July 19th ~ is shaping up to be equally amazing, with artists like Whale and Ryan Bayne, levitation photography by Ammophotog (LOVE her!!), and the FINAL BOISE FASHION SHOW from the much-loved and immensely talented stylist & designer Tod Alan. Tod has been a brilliant creative light on this town’s fashion scene for many years; count on this fashion show to be his MOST amazing one yet!!!
Get your tickets NOW, because I have no doubt the Mixology show will sell out! I’ll be there – wouldn’t miss it for the world!!! 😉
See you soon!
XOXO,
StyleSpyGirl
To purchase tickets to a RAW show in Boise, go here: http://www.rawartists.org/boise . Click on your favorite artist, and purchase tickets through their link to support their work!
Have you ever dyed your hair, loved it for a day, and then cried as all the brightness washed down your shower drain? Or pumped up your limp locks with so much product, even gale force winds couldn’t knock it down?
Do you ever wish your hair was thicker? Or longer? Or just plain… MORE??? Admit it: you want BABE Hair!
Thanks to BABE, the newest thing in professional extensions, any woman can have fabulous hair! These lovely locks are not the frizzy, crunchy, slightly-annoying extensions of years gone by. They don’t pull or pinch, nor do they break off chunks of your own hair when your friend’s new baby grabs your ponytail and YANKS!
“Babes” are comfortable, top-quality, non-damaging, and when done properly, completely inconspicuous! (Unless of course, you go for some wild, bright color… like me, ha ha ha!)
A few years ago, I had a dark “bob” cut, with magenta color in the back (see pic, left). Getting & keeping this color was SO hard on my hair, I had to take a break from bleaching & coloring and stick with something more natural. I had almost given up hope that I could ever have bright colors in my hair again, when a friend told me about BABE extensions! I just HAD to give it a try. 🙂
I went to Rumors Salon, and met with their pro extension stylist, Dani Redfern.
To apply these fabulous extensions, Dani separates sections of your hair, applies a weft of BABE hair under a section with special adhesive, then sandwiches another weft onto the top. Because so much of your own hair is attached in the middle, there’s no pulling or pain, unlike what you can experience with clip-ins or beaded extensions.
The best part is: you can wear them, sleep in them, style them, and treat them pretty much like your own hair! No crunch, muss, or annoying discomfort.
The original application lasts a couple months. Later, when the grow-out gets annoying, Dani can dissolve the glue with a special solvent, and re-use the same wefts of hair; simply move them up, and re-glue! Each weft can be re-used 2-3 times before you need to purchase a new weft, making these extensions truly the best bang for your buck.
Sound too good to be true? I tried it, and was SO impressed by the results!
If you could have soft, healthy, colorful hair, what brilliant shade would YOU choose? Stop by & see Dani Redfern at Rumors Salon on Fairview ~(208) 949-4121 ~ and get the BABE hair you’ve always wanted! 🙂
xoxoxo,
Style Spy Girl
Before
After
Special thanks to Alysha Kautz, for the fabulous photos!!!
Off the beaten path in downtown Eagle sits a peaceful, pretty cottage, packed with great shopping finds! It’s down Aikens Ave., just past the Blue Moose Cafe, and it houses a trio of treasures: Bridal by Marie, Villa Decor & Design, and the newly-renovated CLUB!
Kathy Dawson is The Club’s new owner, and she’s done a fabulous job filling her sweet boutique with great styles, all at affordable prices! LA Idol jeans, Miss Kelly tops, Aryen dresses, Nicole Lee & MMS handbags… All of her choices are feminine, lovely, and right on trend (and not one of them crosses the $100 line!)
Kathy is an Idaho native; a friendly, savvy businesswoman who listens to her customers needs & wants, and works hard to keep a steady supply of fashion finds flowing through the store. If you see something you love, but your size is sold out, there’s a good chance she can order exactly what you need!
The CLUB is bright & cheery, the clothes are beautiful & affordable, and the staff is friendly & helpful. Easily put, the CLUB is truly a delightful place to shop, well worth a short walk off the beaten path of Old State Street! 🙂
Go check it out! And as always, Happy Shopping!
The CLUB in Eagle
123 Aikens Rd # 105
Eagle, ID 83616
(208) 938-2582
GIVEAWAY ALERT!!! Keep reading… 😉
Want to win a $20 gift certificate to check out the CLUB? It’s easy! Pictured below are three of my “top picks” outfits from the CLUB – which one do YOU love the most? Comment on your favorite, and your name will be entered to win my drawing for a $20 gift certificate!
Voting starts NOW, and ends in a week!!! Have fun, and good luck. 🙂
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very special store just opened in Boise Town Square, calledApricot Lane. Ammo from ammophotog, my fellow fashion sleuth and brilliant photographer friend, joined me recently at the Grand Opening festivities. Other bloggers were there too, like Stiletto Siren and Fashion Kellie, shopping the racks and tweeting pics of their favorite finds. Across the board, we were all pretty impressed with the gorgeous fashions Apricot Lane has to offer! But there’s more to this story than just great clothes… 😉 Most of the brands at Apricot Lane are new to this town, but even the familiar ones (like Miss Me & Big Star) come in different styles than what you’ll find in department stores. The clothes are adorable, the staff is fabulous (I mean really fabulous – super sweet & helpful!!!), and the prices are quite reasonable.
But what makes this little store stand out as a truly special shop? Its great big, beautiful heart! ? ? ? ? ?
Apricot Lane first formed in Vacaville, California in 2007, as a franchise that provides high-quality clothing and gifts that were manufactured with integrity and human compassion. Boise’s new Apricot Lane is co-owned by Scott & Teri Lybbert, and Bill & Jen Ackerman. Both couples work hard to stock their boutique with beautiful things that were humanitarianly made!
From bracelets made for surfers in Costa Rica (each colored thread represents a charity that receives a percentage of the sale!), to local craftswomen plucked from Etsy (Flipped Bird purses & gifts!) , to handmade luxury leather bags from seamstresses in Utah (WILL Leather Goods), Apricot Lane provides a truly unique – and humanitarian – shopping experience!
One brand, the IOWEYOU Project, strives to connect consumers with the people behind the clothes. Do you love knowing where your produce came from at the Farmer’s Market? It’s a similar concept! Scan a special barcode on an IOWEYOU product, and your smartphone will show you a picture of the person who handmade that item… AND give you the option of friending them on Facebook!
handmade items from the IOWEYOU Project
Another amazing brand is the “good hYOUman” line, founded in 2007 by Brett Novek. From Wikipedia: “After his father died from Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2008, Brett started the clothing company Good HYouman in an attempt to save others from the heartache he felt, of which a portion of its profits goes to help people with leukemia and lymphoma.”
Brett’s shirts are American-made, on 12 sewing machines in downtown LA. Every soft, cozy t-shirt and tank top has an encouraging or empowering message on the front. Then, typed inside the shirt is a unique tale of an individual who has overcome disease, abuse, addictions, or other challenges, and lived to share their story with us! As Brett says on his website, “Everyone Has a Story, YOUniting hYOUmanity by sharing the stories that make us hYOUman.”
When AmmoPhotog and I walked through the doors of Apricot Lane, we felt an instant connection to the fashions, and the heart & soul that behind this unique boutique. We love this place, and we’ll be back every chance we get (and maybe every paycheck, ha ha ha!)
Stop by Apricot Lane, on the upper level, near the east end of Boise Towne Square mall. The sales staff are super-friendly and helpful, the clothes are beautiful, and if you pay close attention, something special just might touch your heart.
XOXO,
StyleSpyGirl & AmmoPhotog
Jayme (left), the world's coolest & most fabulous store manager!!!
WILL handmade handbag
Hair bands and cute clutch by Flipped BirdCell phone accessories~
The sales staff rocks!!! They are all SO nice!The beautiful Delila, of Faces by Delila.
Thank you to Geneva, who posted this question on my Facebook page:
“I have a question for you. I’m a plus size woman who is bigger on bottom than on top. I’m needing long skirts/dresses for a mission trip to Kenya with IC World. But can’t seem to find anything that looks good. I am 5’8″ and live in Nampa.”
Many mission & volunteer programs do, however, have a dress code, depending on the culture you are working with. How to be respectful, comfortable, and appropriately-dressed for the requirements of your trip, AND your personal style & body type? It can be challenging, but not impossible! 😀
Some tips…
1. I recently found the maxi-skirt-of-my-dreams (that’s me on the left!) in the newly-opened Nordstrom Rack.
It’s from a brand called Bobeau, who makes comfortable, stretchy, stylish clothing (affordable, too!) in misses and plus sizes! It’s a lightweight breathable rayon material, and most importantly, it’s super-duper-DUPER stretchy! The waist can be worn folded up or down, depending on what top you wear with it. Either way, it’s so comfy, it kind of blows your mind! The Rack carries them in a variety of colors, and right now they carry womens’ sizes XS-XL. Some of their other Bobeau items DO come specifically plus sizes, but these skirts are so generously sized, it might definitely be worth trying them on!
2. Watch out for pleats on your maxi skirt! If you are a lady with curvier hips, pleats around the waistline will make those curves look even curvier! 😉 The Bobeau skirt I mentioned (left) has barely any pleating around the waist; when worn, they pretty much disappear! If you hold up a maxi skirt and the hips puff out on the hanger, it is NOT going to be a slenderizing skirt on an actual woman. (Only exception: if you put a big, chunky statement belt over the waist & pleats!)
3. Another tip: Look for maxi dresses! These are everywhere right now, from Ross to Macy’s to Target – there’s a style for every budget! Steer clear of low-cut styles that would be inappropriate for the work you are doing. Empire-waist styles can emphasize your bust, so if you are a lady with a pear-shaped body type, these can be very figure-balancing & flattering! If you have a larger bust size, look for lower-waisted styles, or maxi’s that don’t have a defined waist, but instead flow gently (not too tight, or too baggy!) over your curves. Ask your mission coordinators what the rules are regarding bare arms & shoulders, too; these guidelines will also affect your shopping choices!
4. Many of my overseas-traveling girl friends concur on this point: a local re-sale store will be your best resource! Long skirts come and go in fashion, year after year. Your local Saver’s, Goodwill, etc. should have a good selection of long skirts, at really decent prices. And be SURE to check your local consignment stores, for skirts that are more current, and often in better condition. 😉
A quick internet search pulled up some great options in Nampa, Geneva! I found 1. Catwalk Consignment Boutique – 1310 2nd St S, (208) 466-4832. 2. 11th Ave. Consignments – 1509 Caldwell Blvd # 1178, (208) 466-7700. 3. A to Z Resale Inc. – 1407 2nd St S, (208) 442-7900. 4. Magic Again – 819 12th Ave S, (208) 991-2341.
Hopefully some of these ideas will be helpful to you! Good luck, and please post pictures of your trip!
XOXO,
StyleSpyGirl
P.S. Fashion friends, do you have ideas & shopping tips for Geneva? Feel free to add your helpful comments! 😀
BOISE, IDAHO (May 01, 2012) – Wondering what to give mom that shows just how much she’s appreciated? This Mother’s Day, Boise Towne Square shares fabulous finds and ideas from Steve Kemble, America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru, to help put those worries to rest. In addition, as a special bonus, shoppers who qualify can receive a valuable gift card reward.
Gift with Purchase
During this Mother’s Day promotion, customers can bring mall receipts totaling $75 or more to the redemption area located lower level Sears Court for a $10 Shop Etc. Mall Gift Card. Our special promotion will be held on May 4-5, 2012 between Noon-6pm. Shoppers also will receive a Mother’s Day gift guide, full of great ideas for mom.
So what’s “hot” this season that’s sure to impress the special lady in your life? Steve Kemble, offers the following suggestions to help take the anxiety out of shopping for the perfect gift.
Pampering Products
Items for the bath like salts, scrubs, soaks and facial masks – anything that mom can use to relax, rejuvenate and take time out for herself. Give her a spa day without the hefty price tag.
Kitchen Gadgets
There are lots of fun cooking and baking tools out right now – mini pie makers, donut pans and more. Plus a really nice pot or pan is always appreciated. What puts this gift over the edge is baking or making mom a treat to go with it.
Jewelry
No need to shell out for a diamond. Fashion jewelry is one of the hottest accessories these days. Colorful cocktail rings, matte rhinestone necklaces and bracelets are all hot for spring and at a reasonable price.
Books
In an era of Kindles and Nooks, sometimes an old-school gesture gets the biggest response. A gorgeous coffee table book on one of mom’s favorite subjects or people would surely be appreciated.
Gadgets and Accessories
The new iPad3 will be out in time for Mother’s Day, but if that’s out of your price range, how about a fashionable iPad or iPhone case? There are also other accessories like headphones, etc. to be found.
Shoes, Shoes and More Shoes
Nothing gets a woman’s heart pumping like a fabulous pair of shoes! Spring brings fabulous sandals and designer flip flops in an array of fun colors. What better way to start off the season?
Give Her the Mall
When you give a mall gift card you give mom the option to decide what she really wants most. She can buy that hot new handbag she’s been eyeing or treat herself to a nice dinner out. Regardless of what she buys, she’ll love getting to splurge. Visit either of the two self-serve gift card units in the mall. One outside of Dillards on the upper level and the second on the lower level near the children’s play area.
“Mom’s Best Recipe” Sweepstakes
Between April 30 – May 13, visit us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boisetownesquare ) and share your mom’s best recipe to be entered for a chance to win the ultimate New Orleans experience for two. The Grand prize includes a 4 night-stay at Hotel Mazarin in the heart of the French Quarter, airfare, cuise and entertainment. For details – visit our facebook.
Become a fan of Boise Towne Square on Facebook. Boise Towne Square is located in Boise at 350 North Milwaukee. For information, call (208) 378-4400 or visit http://www.boisetownesquare.com/.
Boise Towne Square is owned and managed by General Growth Properties, a fully integrated, self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust focused on owning, managing, leasing, and redeveloping regional malls throughout the United States. GGP currently owns, or has an interest in, 135 regional shopping malls comprising approximately 140 million square feet of gross leasable area. GGP is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol GGP.
What is a CMY5K Race? It stands for cyan, magenta, yellow and black – the primary printing colors. Primary colors – color running… Love it!!! As you run each kilometer, spectators douse you with brightly-hued colorful powders, so by the end of the race, you look like “a kindergarten art project.” Start the race wearing white, end it like a rainbow! Is it a race, or a party? Either way, I wouldn’t miss it for anything. (Oh, and there’s an actual after-party, and we’re all invited – wahoo!)
Most of the brands at Apricot Lane are new to this town, but even the familiar ones (like Miss Me & Big Star) come in different styles than what you’ll find in department stores. The clothes are adorable, the staff is fabulous (I mean really fabulous – super sweet & helpful!!!), and the prices are quite reasonable.
Style Spy Girl 