There’s something so magical about Spring emerging, isn’t there? Winter winds settle down into warmer breezes, Nature begins unfolding her first blush of flowers and baby tree buds… And of course, America’s clothing boutiques fling open their doors & illuminate their shelves with giddy prints and brighter colors. It’s SPRING FASHION, baby!
Regardless of color palettes, this year, more than ever, the fashion world seems to be in revolution mode. All the old rules are out, and what’s most popular right now is simply what’s most rebellious, from political statements to mind-bending fashion runways. Is it any wonder that pink is an emerging power color in this climate, and that it’s being done in such edgy ways? Pink is like a smile, and right now it’s a smile we’re determined to put on our faces, whether we feel like it or not! 😉
But this ain’t your mama’s Barbie pink or posh pastel, ladies. Nope; this pink is PUNK!
From handbags to jackets, to tattoo-style roses on jeans, pink these days feels less girly, and more of a dare. And that’s what makes it a fashion statement!
When I spotted this pinkPage Crossbody bag in COACH, I died. It’s the perfect sherbet color, which tends a little toward the sweet side, but the metal studs and precious rocks infuse it with a mega-dose of sassy!
Need more convincing that Pink is the New Black? Scroll down for more fashion inspiration below. And tell me in the comments if YOU’re going punk with pink this season!
XOXO,
Tanya
Special thanks to Toni Osmundson of Sydney Studios & Co. for the fun photo shoot, and to Boise’s JUMP for showing us around!
Photo by @aikaslovecloset – click pic to jump to Instagram
Pink dress via @swankgirl – Click pic to jump to Instagram
COACH Dinkier bag – click pic for details!
Pink details at Brass Ranch, Sun Valley – click pic to jump to Instagram
Photo by @aikaslovecloset – click pic to jump to Instagram
Pink details at Piece Unique, Boise – click pic to jump to Instagram
Pink wrap via @swankgirl – Click pic to jump to Instagram
Photo by @kenzieparkertatum – click pic to jump to Instagram
Coachella has come and gone this spring, but music festival fashions are here to stay! There’s just something so feminine-yet-rebellious about this season’s floaty floral dresses, sheer blouses, and shredded shorts that scream “bring on summer time!” More music festivals are on the horizon in my neck of the woods, like the Boise Music Festival, Huckleberry Jam, and the Mountain Home Country Music Fest, so there are still plenty of opportunities to get mega-mileage out of your fest-inspired fashions.
Whether you have actual festivals to rock out at, or just love the easy-breezy fashions they inspire, here are some of the major trends you can incorporate into your wardrobe this season… Some of which you might already have in your closet!
Hands-down the easiest and most versatile piece to rock in your wardrobe this summer has to be the floral dress! Whether short & sweet, like my Free People dress from Macy’s, or floor-sweeping maxi length, flowers are everywhere this season. Flowers are undeniably feminine, and the variety of colors involved in each bouquet gives you tons of versatility.
Floral prints are so very 70’s, so very 90’s, so very NOW!
2. Fringe of course!
There’s nothing that screams “I’m here to dance to the music!” louder than fringe. It’s showing up everywhere this season, from jackets and dresses, to shoes and handbags. It’s a timeless look that was strong last season, and will continue to rock, roll, and wave in the summer breezes for years to come.
Here’s a cute fringe look from Macy’s, that you could wear just about anywhere this summer!
Bring on the lacy looks and sheer fabrics this season. They’re fun, flirty, and easy so lightweight, if you catch the slightest breeze while walking you pretty much feel like you’re in a Beyonce video. Rock it! Lace is hotter than ever, and so is its distant cousin crochet print! Feel free to DIY these looks, or steal them from your auntie’s closet.
Take a look on Instagram, or grab any fashion magazine, and you’re bound to see this season’s Body Part of Choice: the shoulder. From strategic cut-outs to flirty full shoulders, the fashion world is infatuated with this boldly bare look right now. Get it, rock it, flaunt it!
White off-shoulder blouses and dresses have been a particularly hot trend this summer. The one below is on clearance right now at Macy’s for under $25!
Gladiator sandals are still going strong, but let’s face it, the tan lines can get weird. I adore my Dolce Vita “Louise” sandals from Nordstrom, below, (they’re sooooo comfortable for long days of walking!), but many of the fashionistas at Coachella this year have also adopted a love for sneakers and ankle boots.
The key to good music fest footwear is comfort, above all. You’re going to be on your feet all day in dirt, heat, and possibly water hoses, right? Be practical, babes.
Bar III Gladiator Sandals / Material Girl Hi-Tops, both Macy’s
A final note:
One of the most practical wardrobe pieces you can own right now is the denim jacket. I scored this frayed & studded one years ago from Urban Outfitters’s clearance rack, and bust it out every spring. It goes with everything, and I’ve worn it with a ton of outfits on this blog. Remember, no matter how hot it gets at music fest, once the sun goes down you’re going to need a little extra layering. Nothing pairs better than a classic denim jacket. Just saying…
Have fun this summer! And if it’s your style, rock the music festival look all you want, even if you never get near a stage. It’s all about the heart, baby!
“So I’m back to the Velvet Underground
Back to the floor that I love
To a room with some lace and paper flowers
Back to the gypsy that I was, to the gypsy that I was”
If you’ve waited until the last moment, or are struggling to find the perfect unique gift for someone in your life, here’s my TOP 10 LIST for items you canrun out quickly and snag around the Treasure Valley area.
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10. BEEF WHIP CANDLES
Beef Whip Candle Co. was recently started by a Boise husband & wife team, and these cleverly-titled candles have the most divine scents! If Fall Farted is our current family fave, and it makes a GREAT gift for that hard-to-buy-for person in your life. My little brother is getting one of these for his new apartment – shhhh it’s a secret! 😉 Beef Whip candles can be found at Mixed Greens on 9th, or Press & Pony on Idaho St..
9. SILK TOUCH MED SPA
I love Silk Touch Med Spaon Eagle Rd.! Right now they’re running a special for Christmas: Buy $200 in Gift Cards, and get a $50 Gift Card free! Also check out their 12 Days of Christmas specials on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/silktouchmedspa/. This is a great gift for the person in your life who’s been hinting they’d like a little pampering, or is wanting to nip & tuck a thing or two. 😉
8. COACH
COACH at Boise Towne Sqaure mall is having an unprecedented winter sale! A huge selection of their items are 40% off right now, from luxury handbags to jewelry, gloves, scarves, and travel accessories. They can also place orders for you from their amazing clothing & shoe selection online, and get it shipped to your house asap!
7. FOR THE GENTS: ROBERT COMSTOCK MEN’S STORE
Robert Comstock is the newest menswear store in the Treasure Valley. Loaded with luxury clothes, coats, leather goods, accessories, and even facial hair products, this posh shop in the Village at Meridian carries exclusive items found nowhere else in Idaho! Treat your guy to a soft-like-buttah leather jacket, or sign him up for a FREE styling session from some of the most skilled menswear personal stylists in the Treasure Valley. ~ This just in: The Robert Comstock store is having a STOREWIDE HALF-PRICE SALE until Dec. 24th! Mention code COMSTOCKHOLIDAY for 50% off your entire purchase in the store!!!
Downtown Boise is bursting at the seams with amazing locally-owned clothing & jewelry boutiques! Here’s my shortlist of where to get the lady in your life something beautiful, or a gift card so she can go fashion hunting herself…
How darling are these little cuddle blankets? Though they are probably meant for wee ones, my 11-year old who likes soft & cute things said “Ooh, mommy, those are SO sweet! I want one!” They come as a set of two; big and small together like your precious baby and his/her favorite big person to hug! Spotted at Mixed Greens, a sweet little shop packed to the brim with unique & precious gifting treasures!
4. UNIGON SPECIALTIES JEWELRY
Personally, I’m super obsessed with huge, statement crystals & pendants right now! Local jewelry designer Denise Vasecka of Unigon Specialties has many of her beautiful handmade pieces for sale at Wholistic Beauty Boutique on State St., & 16th. While you’re there shopping, why not add a luxurious facial or massage to the gift? This beauty boutique is the only one of its kind in Boise; all products & services there are organic, or naturopathic, and completely natural! I love the naturopathic makeup & primer so much, I wrote a review about it not long ago – click here to check it out.
3. ROONEY MAE COUTURE GOWNS
The newest addition to Boise’s designer scene is Rooney Mae Couture, created and handmade by Meagan Jones. Her new shop in BODO is a one-stop gown-shopping paradise, as well as her design studio! Stop in and select your favorite color, design, and concept, and Meagan will create it for you in her signature luxurious fabrics & materials… But don’t let the posh appearance fool you; her gowns are so comfy, you almost feel like you’re in your favorite jammies! Check out the Rooney Mae Couture Facebook page for updates on her current schedule and awesome holiday GIFT CARD deals!!!
2. CAMILLE BECKMAN & CHATEAU LES FLEURS
This one is my favorite spot to bring out-of-town guests and family visiting for the holidays! TheCamille Beckman gift shop in Eagle is HUGE and beautiful, stocked floor to rafters with gifts, jewelry, accessories, and of course the company’s world-famous luxury body products. After shopping, step next door to the incredible new Chateau des Fleurs, the Treasure Valley’s newest event center, only French chateau/castle, and home to the exquisite Le Coq d’Or gourmet French restaurant! It’s a one-of-a-kind dining experience you won’t soon forget. ❤
And now, drum roll… NUMBER 1. IT’S VEGAS, BABY!!!
If you’re looking for the biggest, baddest, BEST present this Christmas, give her the gift of ADVENTURE! The StyleSpyGirl team is taking a select group of women from the Boise area to LAS VEGAS FASHION WEEK February 17-21. This all-expenses-paid fashion getaway includes airfare, hotel accommodations, transportation, guided shopping tours, Vegas shows, exclusive runway fashion shows, and a dedicated photographer to catch every exciting moment for her to remember forever!
O Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling From glen to glen and down the mountainside The summer’s gone and all the roses falling ‘Tis you, ’tis you must go and I must bide.
There’s something about Fall that brings the Irish girl out in me, even moreso than other seasons. It’s as though the sound of falling leaves and smell of damp earth on cool, misty mornings transports me to another time, another place…
For Fall 2015 fashion, Tartan plaids are coming out as strong as they usually do, but this time around they’re showing their proud colors in unexpected ways. From backpacks to wedding gowns, this classic pattern still marches strong, and connects my heart to something timeless. Listen closely… Can you hear the bagpipes wailing in the distance?
I love finding pieces that transition between seasons well, and stand the test of time. This outfit is such a perfect combo for me, personally! I am a HUGE a fan of dresses, because I find them so easy to style around. Start with a great day dress, and you can change everything about it, by what you add to it! Picture this dress with a black moto jacket and Doc Marten-style boots. Totally different, right? Or with a denim jacket and sneakers. See where I’m going with this? A long, cozy sweater and shearling-trimmed wedge boots… I could go on and on!
My friend Retro Hunny made this dress for me, custom-fit for every curve. She’s amazing! She also made my Tanya top for summer, which you can view here (along with the cutest baby lamb pics!) She can make just about anything – email her if YOU want a dress like mine that’s fit just for YOU, check out her Facebook page for ordering info!
HERE IS A STRAIGHT-FORWARD GIRL’S GUIDE TO WEARING ANIMAL PRINTS
1.) Think of any animal print you put on your body as a Statement Piece. Everything else you wear should be subdued, letting the wildcat aspect of your outfit make the loudest statement. Leopard jeans rolled up with heels, a tank top, and a black blazer can look incredibly chic for the workplace, for example. A cheetah skirt with a cheetah jacket and cheetah heels is… TOO MUCH! Don’t go there.
Blazer, Dolce & Gabbana / Top & Skirt, Nordstrom Rack
2.) Remember, you only need ONE. One item, in One print. Don’t wear zebra and cheetah together, or the fashion police will hunt you down, tackle you, and haul you off to the zoo. Just… Don’t! (But if you do, we promise to come visit and smuggle you bananas.)
Personally, I adore the Wild Beast line from COACH that’s out right now for Fall 2015; any of these pieces would be a stand-out conversation-starter, when worn as a singular part of your outfit. For example, the watch would look stellar with a white t-shirt, jeans, and heels. The shawl would rock over a sleeveless black jumpsuit, with a messy hair bun. And the bag… Oh my, I’d wear that in a heartbeat, with overalls, a black off-the-shoulder fitted top, and sunglasses. The key is balance!
3.) Animal prints draw attention, so CHOOSE your focus. A cool online boutique Shop Trendyrecently sent me these adorable leopard-print wedges. They’re sky-high, but with a padded insole that’s super comfy! They’re great for a late-summer dinner party, with a simple black tank and cropped pants, and a cool necklace from COACH. So purrrrfect!
(Outfit details below)
4.) Be careful with color. Leopard prints can look fantastic with shades of red: burgundy, coral, and bright red are fantastic accents. Be sure to keep everything else neutral, and don’t go crazy on the accessories. A simple handbag and shoes in tan or black will keep your look chic and grounded. Navy blue also looks amazing with leopard or cheetah. If you’re wearing a black & white zebra print, opt for a pop of color like yellow or hot pink to cheer up the neutral-ness!
Blazer, Prestige / Tank, White House | Black Market / Jeans, Paige from Nordstrom
5.) When in doubt, try denim. Denim infuses any outfit with a laid-back vibe, so it’s the perfect balance to wild-child animal prints. Pair a fitted cheetah skirt with a white blouse and denim jacket, for example. Or a leopard print tank top with jeans, black ankle boots, and simple gold jewelry.
However you choose to embrace animal prints this Fall, be sure to have fun, and embrace your wild side!
XOXO,
Tanya
I was recently in Phoenix, Arizona, and briefly had the chance to visit the Nordstrom Rack’s famous “Last Chance” store. Oh my gosh, that place is epic! I was sad I only had an hour to look around, as the shoe shelves were piled high with everything from Jeffrey Campbells to Louboutins, all deeply discounted for minor-to-imperceptible flaws.
One lovely little thing I managed to snag before my time was up, was this floral maxi dress. It was $12! Seriously! Great score, right? I love the tiered skirt and jewel-tone flowers. Such a girly, girl, I know, but I also really love bold colors. I paired it with a simple-yet-stunning “Prince Street” metallic tote from COACH that I’m absolutely obsessed with (this little beauty goes with everything!!!), and ankle-strap sandals from new local shoe shop ShoeHound.
Will you rock the floral trend this Spring & Summer? Scroll down to shop the look! I found maxi floral dresses online in a variety of prices – none are $12 like mine, sorry, but all carry the essence of the trend: ladylike, classy, easy-breezy floral elegance. Tell me about your favorite florals, in the comments below!
XOXO,
Tanya
Trixxi Print Maxi Dress, on sale now for $38.90ASTR High Neck Maxi Dress, on sale now for $46.804SI3NNA High Neck Maxi Dress, $68London Times Floral Print Shirred Waist Maxi, extended sizes, $78Leith Deep V-Neck Maxi Dress, $78Free People Print Slipdress, $128Eliza J Print Pleat Chiffon Maxi Dress, $158Free People Cherry Blossom Maxi Dress, $350
No matter what the season, yellow has always been one of my favorite statement colors. From Cher’s iconic outfits in Clueless, to the classic happy face sticker, there’s something about yellow that catches the eye, and demands attention. Personally, much of my wardrobe consists of black & white go-to pieces, and I’ve found that bright yellow is a fantastic accent that adds cheerfulness and whimsy to many of my favorite outfits.
In early Spring, my favorite handbag line COACH launched their brightest bag of the season, the neon Taxi Tote, pictured above. (You can view more photos of this rad bag, in my previous article about why I’ve become such a huge COACH fan, here.)
Now, for summer, they’ve come out with another line of sunshiny cuteness! I just spotted the Swagger Wristlet(with convertible long strap, to make it a crossbody bag!) at our local COACH store at Boise Towne Square…
Coach Swagger Wristlet with long strap
Seriously, how adorable is this?? Light and sweet, with just the right touch of metal accents. It’s the perfect little summer mini, if you’re looking for that Pop-of-color to add to your everyday wardrobe! In honor of the sweet Swagger’s bright cuteness, here are the Top 5 Reasons You Need a Yellow Bag.
Swagger Wristlet, Coach. $275
1. Yellow is NOT Trending. And it possibly never will! You know what’s great about that? It will never go out of style. It’s a classic, bold color that will always stand out as a fashion piece!
Mini Satchel, Topshop, $48
2. Yellow is Iconic. French Fries. Bart Simpson. Smiley Faces. Lemonheads. The Submarine the Beatles all lived in… Enough said! Yellow makes a statement that people remember.
Prince Street Mini Satchel, Coach, $295
3. Yellow is good for you, like drinking lemon water! Hear me out… I would never claim that carrying a yellow bag provides detoxifying health benefits, because that would be irresponsible. But I would recommend trying one on, just to see how you feel. Lighter? Airier? Smilier? See!
Moschino Camera iPhone case, Nordstrom, $85
4. Yellow is Cheerful. Look at the dotted bag below. Come on, isn’t it CUTE? When you scrolled down did you smile, and suddenly want to touch those little candy dots, hoping you could peel one off and pop it in your mouth? Then I’ve made my point. Next!
Luna Crossbody Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $398
5. Because, Cher. Like seriously, as if you even needed the last four points! This is the only one that really matters.
XOXO,
Tanya
Ah, can you feel it? Spring is here! And all across the fashion runways and grocery store magazines, you’re seeing it: the 70’s are back, baby! Bell-bottoms, lace-up tops, clogs, nature-inspired jewelry, paisley prints, patchwork, suede detailing, and fringe – they’re everywhere, and it feels so good! It’s all music festival vibe and Boho chic; even Coachella is getting in on the act, with their new collaboration line with H&M. I know, I gasped when I heard of it, too. Can’t wait to see what they come up with!
My favorite part about this trend, is that you don’t necessarily have to rush out and buy a ton of new fashion pieces to rock it; chances are, you already own some of these things, buried deep in your closet. Or your mom does… Or ask your grandma, ha! How ever you get ahold of them, wide-legged jeans and trousers are a must-have this season. All styles are acceptable (the more creative, the better – get crafty with them), and for summer we’ll see the trend transition into loose Bermuda shorts, culottes, and one-piece rompers.
Remember, high-waisted jeans are more authentic and less 2001, so don’t get all Britney-Spearsy and tummy-baring… That can wait until Summer! It’s still chilly outside, at least in my neck of the woods. Which brings me to my top tip for transitioning your Winter wardrobe into Spring: a statement jacket. I scored this dusty pink faux fur coat on clearance at Forever 21, on their end-of-season sale. It pairs perfectly with my Paige bell-bottom jeans from Piece Unique, and these Hailey Bob and Ecru blouses that were also on clearance, at Ruby Lou Boutique! The necklaces are from Urban Outfitters, the long one is here , and the short collar one is now on CLEARANCE in the store!)
In my Coach article last week, I used a transparent jacket to add pop to a basic spring outfit. In next week’s article, I’ll show how a classic jumpsuit can be styled multiple ways, just by changing what you put over it, all with inexpensive items you might already have in your closet! So stay tuned, stay warm, and stay HAPPY!
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 Swaggerbag, 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
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.
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
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Follow me on Instagram for daily sale alerts & fab fashion finds!
When I spotted this pink Page Crossbody bag in COACH, I died. It’s the perfect sherbet color, which tends a little toward the sweet side, but the metal studs and precious rocks infuse it with a mega-dose of sassy!
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Dress: 
Style Spy Girl 