A special tribute to the beautiful, smart, funny, loving women in my life – especially my mother! – who inspired me and shaped my life.

Love you SO MUCH, Mom, Grandma, Auntie Pam, Randie, and Nana!!!

XOXOXOXOXO,

Tanya

Poem by Nicholas Gordon

Before I was myself you made me, me

With love and patience, discipline and tears,

Then bit by bit stepped back to set me free,

My Mother & Aunt

My Beautiful Mom

My Dad & Mom, early 80's

Allowing me to sail upon my sea,

Though well within the headlands of your fears.

Before I was myself you made me, me

Mom, Me, Dad

My Grandma & Aunt

With dreams enough of what I was to be

And hopes that would be sculpted by the years,

Then bit by bit stepped back to set me free,

Grandma, Mom, Me (Ha!), Brother

My wonderful, gorgeous Grandma, Mom, and Aunt!

Grandma

 Relinquishing your powers gradually

To let me shape myself among my peers.

Before I was myself you made me, me,

Mother-in-law Randie, surrounded by family

So brave & fun!

Special times with the grandkids

 And being good and wise, you gracefully

As dancers when the last sweet cadence nears

Bit by bit stepped back to set me free.

My Nana - miss her so much!!!

Me, Mom, Nana, & my daughter - 4 generations!

A Beautiful Mother's Day with my Angels!

 For love inspires learning naturally, 

The mind assents to what the heart reveres. 

And so it was through love you made me, me 

By slowly stepping back to set me free.

All photos by ammophotog

A very special store just opened in Boise Town Square, called Apricot Lane.  Ammo from ammophotog, my fellow fashion sleuth and brilliant photographer friend, joined me recently at the Grand Opening festivities. Other bloggers were there too, like Stiletto Siren and Fashion Kellie, shopping the racks and tweeting pics of their favorite finds. Across the board, we were all pretty impressed with the gorgeous fashions Apricot Lane has to offer! But there’s more to this story than just great clothes…
Most of the brands at Apricot Lane are new to this town, but even the familiar ones (like Miss Me & Big Star) come in different styles than what you’ll find in department stores. The clothes are adorable, the staff is fabulous (I mean really fabulous – super sweet & helpful!!!), and the prices are quite reasonable.

But what makes this little store stand out as a truly special shop? Its great big, beautiful heart! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Apricot Lane first formed in Vacaville, California in 2007, as a franchise that provides high-quality clothing and gifts that were manufactured with integrity and human compassion. Boise’s new Apricot Lane is co-owned by Scott & Teri Lybbert, and Bill & Jen Ackerman. Both couples work hard to stock their boutique with beautiful things that were humanitarianly made!

From bracelets made for surfers in Costa Rica (each colored thread represents a charity that receives a percentage of the sale!), to local craftswomen plucked from Etsy (Flipped Bird purses & gifts!) , to handmade luxury leather bags from seamstresses in Utah (WILL Leather Goods), Apricot Lane provides a truly unique  - and humanitarian – shopping experience!

One brand, the IOWEYOU Project, strives to connect consumers with the people behind the clothes. Do you love knowing where your produce came from at the Farmer’s Market? It’s a similar concept! Scan a special barcode on an IOWEYOU product, and your smartphone will show you a picture of the person who handmade that item… AND give you the option of friending them on Facebook!

handmade items from the IOWEYOU Project

Another amazing brand is the “good hYOUman”  line, founded in 2007 by Brett Novek. From Wikipedia: “After his father died from Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2008, Brett started the clothing company Good HYouman in an attempt to save others from the heartache he felt, of which a portion of its profits goes to help people with leukemia and lymphoma.”

Brett’s shirts are American-made, on 12 sewing machines in downtown LA. Every soft, cozy t-shirt and tank top has an encouraging or empowering message on the front. Then, typed inside the shirt is a unique tale of an individual who has overcome disease, abuse, addictions, or other challenges, and lived to share their story with us! As Brett says on his website, “Everyone Has a Story, YOUniting hYOUmanity by sharing the stories that make us hYOUman.”

When AmmoPhotog and I walked through the doors of Apricot Lane, we felt an instant connection to the fashions, and the heart & soul that behind this unique boutique. We love this place, and we’ll be back every chance we get (and maybe every paycheck, ha ha ha!)

Stop by Apricot Lane, on the upper level, near the east end of Boise Towne Square mall. The sales staff are super-friendly and helpful, the clothes are beautiful, and if you pay close attention, something special just might touch your heart.

XOXO,

StyleSpyGirl & AmmoPhotog

Jayme (left), the world's coolest & most fabulous store manager!!!

WILL handmade handbag

Hair bands and cute clutch by Flipped Bird

Cell phone accessories~

The sales staff rocks!!! They are all SO nice!

The beautiful Delila, of Faces by Delila.

“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, 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.

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!

BOISE TOWNE SQUARE OFFERS SHOPPERS GIFT CARDS

AND GIFT IDEAS GALORE THIS MOTHER’S DAY

BOISE, IDAHO (May 01, 2012) – Wondering what to give mom that shows just how much she’s appreciated? This Mother’s Day, Boise Towne Square shares fabulous finds and ideas from Steve Kemble, America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru, to help put those worries to rest.  In addition, as a special bonus, shoppers who qualify can receive a valuable gift card reward.

Gift with Purchase

During this Mother’s Day promotion, customers can bring mall receipts totaling $75 or more to the redemption area located lower level Sears Court for a $10 Shop Etc. Mall Gift Card.  Our special promotion will be held on May 4-5, 2012 between Noon-6pm. Shoppers also will receive a Mother’s Day gift guide, full of great ideas for mom.

So what’s “hot” this season that’s sure to impress the special lady in your life?  Steve Kemble, offers the following suggestions to help take the anxiety out of shopping for the perfect gift.

Pampering Products

Items for the bath like salts, scrubs, soaks and facial masks – anything that mom can use to relax, rejuvenate and take time out for herself. Give her a spa day without the hefty price tag.

Kitchen Gadgets

There are lots of fun cooking and baking tools out right now – mini pie makers, donut pans and more. Plus a really nice pot or pan is always appreciated. What puts this gift over the edge is baking or making mom a treat to go with it.

Jewelry

No need to shell out for a diamond.  Fashion jewelry is one of the hottest accessories these days. Colorful cocktail rings, matte rhinestone necklaces and bracelets are all hot for spring and at a reasonable price.

Books

In an era of Kindles and Nooks, sometimes an old-school gesture gets the biggest response.  A gorgeous coffee table book on one of mom’s favorite subjects or people would surely be appreciated.

Gadgets and Accessories

The new iPad3 will be out in time for Mother’s Day, but if that’s out of your price range, how about a fashionable iPad or iPhone case? There are also other accessories like headphones, etc. to be found.

Shoes, Shoes and More Shoes

Nothing gets a woman’s heart pumping like a fabulous pair of shoes! Spring brings fabulous sandals and designer flip flops in an array of fun colors. What better way to start off the season?

Give Her the Mall

When you give a mall gift card you give mom the option to decide what she really wants most.  She can buy that hot new handbag she’s been eyeing or treat herself to a nice dinner out.  Regardless of what she buys, she’ll love getting to splurge.   Visit either of the two self-serve gift card units in the mall.  One outside of Dillards on the upper level and the second on the lower level near the children’s play area.

“Mom’s Best Recipe” Sweepstakes

Between April 30 – May 13, visit us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/boisetownesquare ) and share your mom’s best recipe to be entered for a chance to win the ultimate New Orleans experience for two.   The Grand prize includes a 4 night-stay at Hotel Mazarin in the heart of the French Quarter, airfare, cuise and entertainment.  For details – visit our facebook.

Become a fan of Boise Towne Square on Facebook. Boise Towne Square is located in Boise at 350 North Milwaukee. For information, call (208) 378-4400 or visit http://www.boisetownesquare.com/.

Boise Towne Square is owned and managed by General Growth Properties, a fully integrated, self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust focused on owning, managing, leasing, and redeveloping regional malls throughout the United States. GGP currently owns, or has an interest in, 135 regional shopping malls comprising approximately 140 million square feet of gross leasable area. GGP is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol GGP.

Unless you live in a cave – or avoid any form of news media, in or out of that cave - you’ve probably heard something about the latest addition to this town’s shopping landscape.

A Nordstrom Rack opened last week near Boise Towne Square Mall. There were news crews, long lines, screaming stampedes of giddy shoppers, crowded aisles, “controversy” over secret pre-parties (yup, we were at one of those – it totally rocked!!!), and basic new-store shopping mayhem.

But amidst all the hoopla, an important element of this store’s grand arrival seems to have been forgotten; the main thing that had fashion bloggers, big-city transplants, style hunters, and bargain shoppers salivating from the time the Nordstrom Rack sign went up on that building…

It’s ALL about the CLOTHES!!!!!

Nordstrom Rack brings something NEW to Boise; brands that haven’t had a presence in this town until now will finally be accessible to those who love the style & quality of high-end names like Burberry, Tory Burch, Allen Edmonds, Diesel, Armani, Kate Spade, & Marc Jacobs. The Rack also offers extensive fashion pieces from lines like Betsey Johnson, Juicy Couture, and Joe’s; brands that currently have a limited presence in other stores. And everything is sold at a discount, anywhere from 20-90% off of retail!

But why are these names so imortant? Because new brands give Boise access to new styles, and new perspectives on fashion! Now, those fashion-forward styles we see in the magazines are one step closer to being worn in Boise. The question is: are Boiseans brave enough to wear them?

Only time will tell, but if the thrilled & satisfied shoppers from Thursday’s Rack opening were any indication, Boise’s fashion landscape is about to have the brightest and boldest Spring it’s ever seen.

Here are some of the happy faces we saw, with their great fashion finds…

(Me & Ammo Photog, covering the Grand Opening for Fusion Magazine)

I grew up (mostly) in the Pacific Northwest, where Nordstrom was founded. This wonderful family-run store has always been one of my favorites, its name synonymous with high quality, high fashion, and top-notch customer service. I still have my mother’s Dexter boots, bought at Nordstrom in the late 1970′s – despite being decades old, they’re strong, solid, & fashionable as ever! (Thanks, Mom!)

When the newly-opening Nordstrom Rack comes up in casual conversation, I usually hear one of two reactions. Many folks are thrilled, and can’t wait for the grand opening. Others look at me puzzled, and say: “What’s a Rack???” For those of you who fall into the first category, you’ll be happy to know the rumors are true: Boise is, indeed, opening it’s first Nordstrom Rack on April 12th, 2012. (Info on the Grand Opening Celebration is HERE!)

For those of you who fall into the second category, here’s the scoop on why everyone’s so excited: if you love high-quality, fashion-forward clothing, shoe, & accessories for less than department store prices, Nordstrom Rack is a little slice of shopping Heaven. Actually, I take that back; it’s a BIG slice!!!

But wait, you may say, what makes Nordstrom Rack different from other “fashion for less” stores? Because the items & brands they carry are different! Racks receive shipments of high-end clothing, directly from their mainline Nordstrom stores in Seattle, Portland, LA, and other parts of the country. Things that are still current, but maybe have only a few size options left, get sent to the Rack where they are deeply discounted. In fact, once or twice I’ve come across a clothing item in the Rack, that is STILL in the mainline stores, but at half the price!

A Nordstrom Rack in town gives us access to fashion styles and high-end names that are new to Boise! (Can you just hear the fashion bloggers salivating? Lol, I’m doing cartwheels!) Shopping in the Rack is like digging for buried treasure on a tropical beach; every day the tide washes out, and brings a whole new selection of amazing discoveries! We’re talking about fashion gems like Kate Spade totes, Chanel wallets, Gucci shoes, Diane von Furstenberg blouses, Givenchy jewelry, Nanette Lepore dresses, Armani jackets… I could go on and on, but you get my point. These are brands and styles that are HARD TO FIND in Boise – up until now! (Or rather, up until April 12th!)

So rejoice, Boise! And get ready for something new. Nordstrom Rack is coming, and I for one will be first in line! See you at the Grand Opening!!

~StyleSpyGirl

P.S. Seriously, I hope you can all join me for the amazing Opening Day party! There will be entertainment, refreshments, and giveaways, including 20 Gold Hangers hidden throughout the store – each worth $100!!!

Winter is waning, and a hint of change is in the air. But something more than just Spring is blossoming here in the City of Trees; Boise is blooming – can you feel it?

The fashion landscape here has been somewhat limited in previous years, but the truly stylish have found ways to shop online, treasure hunt in the Treasure Valley’s fantastic consignment stores, and employ their creative talents in making the best of what they have. Soon, however, power shoppers and casual mall walkers alike will have even more reasons to rejoice!

NEW stores have arrived this last year; DSW Shoes, J. Crew, Francesca’s Collections, Green Chutes, and Bohme Boutique, to name a few!

And 2012 holds even more exiting arrivals, like Whole Foods, Soma Intimates, and Nordstrom Rack. Oh, and there’s also a HUGE outdoor shopping plaza, movie theater, ice skating rink, and park going in on the corner of Eagle & Fairview, which will change the retail shape of this city in a very BIG way!!! Check out the plans for it here:  http://www.centercal.com/meridian.html

The Fashion Landscape of our beautiful city is evolving, and Boise’s trend-setters are standing out more and more. But the big question is, WHO inspires YOU?? When it comes to fashion and style, who stands out in this town?

I’m teaming up with Fusion Magazine this Spring, to produce the biggest and hottest fashion featurette Boise has ever seen in a local magazine, and we need YOUR help! Please comment here, telling us who YOU think is a Fashion Icon in this town! Clothing designers, store owners, entrepreneurs, downtown celebrities… Cast your vote!!!

Stare is a lush, beautiful album, that showcases not only Naomi’s talent, but that of her new band The Blue Cinema as well. With musical veterans Rob Hill (bass), Mike Tetro (drums) and Dan Costello (guitar) backing her up, the true range of Naomi’s voice is given energy and space to soar to new heights, tapping into a potential that seems deeper and more emotionally raw than on her previous three albums.

From lashing barbs to soul-wrenching sighs, Naomi’s voice can stab your heart in one second, and soothe it better the next. One fan on Facebook recently described her style as “More Alanis Morissette than Sheryl Crow,” and I agree with that assessment! Naomi invites you into her world, equal parts strength and softness.  The first single, Already Hit Send, about fateful words you can never take back, is easily the album’s catchiest tune. Haven’t we all been there? “What did you mean, what did you hear? I can’t backpedal; I already hit send.”

But my favorite song has to be Listen, where Naomi urges someone she’s desperate to connect with to “surrender your pride; tear down the walls!”  Listen is so simple, but it echoes the heart’s desire of any woman who’s ever wished her strong, stoic man would let himself be vulnerable, just for a moment, and so that she can truly connect with his heart. Naomi pleads, “Would you take a glimpse of my heart, before you have to leave?” knowing that moment, if it ever comes, may indeed be brief.

If you have a chance to see Naomi Psalm & The Blue Cinema perform live, I recommend you take it! Their dynamic is such a dichotomy of energy and introspection; it’s something you just have to experience in person. To sample or purchase Naomi’s music online, head to www.thebluecinema.com, or www.itunes.com/bluecinema. Follow Naomi on Facebook , for updates on live shows and future music releases!

Photos by O2 Photography

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!!!

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

Watch out, world, this is going to be HUGE!!!

Go to www.Facebook.com/EveryWomanProject for more info!