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!

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.

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.

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

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

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

When are glittery clothes appropriate? …Always!

Once upon a time, my dear friend Roshan Roghani told me her fashion philosophy: “I only buy things that make me happy.”  She went on to explain that if something in her closet didn’t bring her joy when she looked at it, she would pass it on to someone else who might like it better! It was her way of decluttering her life and her wardrobe, while also sharing happiness with the world around her. How cool is that?

We all know that things don’t make you happy. But having things in your wardrobe or house that remind you of sadness or bring up bad memories can definitely affect you. I’ve adopted Roshan’s philosophy, choosing to build a wardrobe that may not always be on-trend, but will consistently represent my heart, my style, and the happiness I want to share with the world.

Sparkles bring me joy.

I have always gravitated towards sparkly clothes, jewelry, and even shoes that reflect light and color, and I have memories of my father teasing me, “Will you ever have enough glitter?” Apparently, the answer to that is NO, because when I spotted these amazing trousers on sale at Zara.com, I couldn’t pass them up!

I also couldn’t wait for an “appropriate occasion” to wear them, because why should we limit sequins & sparkle to holidays and special events? Fortunately for my fragile patience, the gorgeous Chateau des Fleurs was throwing a special Bloggers & Influencers event last weekend, so I threw two outfits together – one casual/comfort, and the other drama/dressy – and headed over.

Huge, adoring, grateful thanks to my amazing photographer @ammophotog for all these fabulous pics, and to the generous Chateau des Fleurs team for letting us play in your beautiful paradise!

Outfit One: Comfy Sparkle

I like to balance drama pieces with sedate classics. I dressed down this look with always-in-fashion Adidas, and a very cozy brushed cotton top I found at a local boutique. The result felt cool, casual, and comfortable! I could wear this almost anywhere.

Top: I Beni Boutique / Sparkly Palazzo Pants: Zara / Freshwater Pearl Necklace & Earrings: Roma Designer Jewelry

My new favorite necklace!
Use special discount code GIFT134 at Roma Designer Jewelry to get 20% off any purchase!!!

Outfit Two: Sassy Sparkle

For this look, I matched drama to drama with a rock & roll top and fluffy faux fur jacket. It felt purrrrrfectly fun and full of attitude! I didn’t have time on this day to change my shoes, but next time I wear this look it will be with my favorite red boots!

Coat & Shirt: I Beni Boutique / Sparkly Palazzo Pants: Zara / Sunglasses: INVU Eyewear

LET’S CHAT!

Which look do you like best? Would you wear sparkle pants for daytime? And what fashion items in your closet make you the happiest??

Texture, favorite color, shine, functionality… I would LOVE to hear about the things that inspire joy when you shop!

Or, are there things in your closet that make you sad or depressed, but you’re not sure how to let go of them? Chat with me below, I’d love to help!

XOXOXO,
Tanya

Quick, look at your calendar – Christmas is just days away!

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

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!!!

Let’s be honest: When it comes to fashion shows and red carpet events, Bellevue Collection’s Fashion Week is truly head & shoulders above the rest. And this year was no exception!  From designer meet & greets, to platters of fresh macaroons wafting through the crowd, to a famous artist giving out personalized caricatures, everything about Bellevue Collection Fashion Week 2018 was done to perfection.

Our crew of adventurers consisted of 15 fashion-loving Boise women, all ready to explore, wine, dine, and shop till we dropped! On day one, we hit the ground running with a VIP party at Nordstrom.

But first things first: lunch at the new Bento Grill, where chef Tom Douglas crafted a unique dining experience that melds gourmet Asian cuisine with take-out-buffet efficiency.

Debbie Evy, a brilliant stylist from Nordstrom’s Collections department, showed us how to select our dish, then customize each step to create the perfect bento box experience. Top off lunch with a blended mango sake shake, and you’re in for a fabulous afternoon!

While models displayed how to style this season’s scrumptious Chloe sweater dresses and vibrant Tory Burch jackets, makeup artists from Trish McEvoy primped and pampered our travel-weary faces.

On the lower level, hair stylists had style-&-go stations ready to plump, smooth, curl, and tame our tresses!   With our Nordstrom treasures and beauty swag-bags in hand, we dashed back to our rooms at the Westin Bellevue for a quick clothing change…

And then off to the show!

The Independent Designer Runway Show is one of my all-time favorite events! In the past, designers from around the Pacific Northwest have competed for a coveted top spot, cash prize, editorial coverage in Seattle Met Magazine, and the opportunity to display their looks in Bellevue Square.

This year, instead of fledgling designers, the Collection graced us with a special show that brought back past winners to compete in a best-of-the-best runway throw-down!

Flip through the slideshow to be inspired by looks from:  
DEVONATION by Devon Yan
LOURDES é EVA by Nore Suárez
Cute Like Mad by Jeanette Svensk Li
Poppyseed by Rebekah Adams
Valentina & Valenti’s by Milena Natanov
Deyonte’ Weather Collection by Deyonte’ Weather
Chany Venturini by Maria Venturini

Runway photos thanks to Denise Vasecka,
jewelry designer at Unigon Specialties 

At the end of the show, audience members casted their votes, and the winner was…  

Cute Like Mad by Jeanette Svensk Li!

Congratulations Ms. Svensk Li!!!   And congratulations to the Bellevue Collection for another superb and inspiring independent designer runway show! Can’t wait for the next one!!!

XOXO,
Tanya

Hello, loves! Did everyone have a gorgeous & eventful summer? Mine flew by, and I can’t believe it’s almost Autumn!!!

Well, get ready, because this month I had the special honor of doing a Fall Fashion report for our dear local Boise Lifestyle Magazine. I’m reprinting that feature here, just for you, with a little extra dose of love: links and info for where to purchase these darling outfits & accessories!!!

Enjoy the fashion inspiration, and as always, I adore your feedback so please comment away below & tell me what you think! XOXOXO, Tanya

FALL FASHION FEATURE: Gemstone Hues

Whether it’s a bold red lip, flash of accent green on a handbag, or stripes of yellow and purple across a shoe, this season’s trends showcase every color of the rainbow.

As the soft pastels of previous seasons fade with the summer sun, expect Fall to come in strong with a dazzling array of gemstone colors, vivid stripes, and a plethora of edgy prints from around the world.

The 90’s are back, too, with chunky footwear, colorful overalls, whimsical sunglasses, and a wide  variety of denim styles. From ruby red to sapphire blue, choose your favorite haute hues and embrace the crisp coolness of autumn.

Fall fashion’s overall message for 2018 is: Be bold!!!

I had a blast shopping for the hottest trends at three wonderful boutiques in Boise: Ibeni, Shift, and Swank! Check out my fashion inspiration looks below, and tell me in the comments: Which ones are your faves?

RUBY RED

Jack Floral blouse: Shift Boutique // We The Free black jeans: Shift Boutique

Leather jacket: BCBG // Striped dress & bralette: Swank Boutique // Cross layered necklace: Swank Boutique // Boots: Doc Martens

AMBER

Dress: Ibeni Boutique // Mermaid Bag & Bracelet: Swank // Necklace: Vintage Chanel // Ankle Booties: Shift Boutique

BCBG Jacket: Shift Boutique // Blouse: Ibeni Boutique // Striped Trousers: Swank Boutique // Shoes: Shift Boutique

EMERALD

Faux fur wrap: Ibeni Boutique // Dress: Ibeni Boutique // Shoes: Lyrique Boutique

Boots: Doc Martens // Jeans: Shift Boutique // Blouse: Shift Boutique // Shearling vest: Ibeni Boutique // Necklaces: Swank Boutique

SAPPHIRE

Blue Dresses: Both from Ibeni Boutique // Necklaces: Swank Boutique

BOLD ACCESSORIES

Earrings: leather and feathers from Ibeni Boutique

A brand new Albertsons grocery market just opened in Boise, boasting an extended International Foods section. As a travel blogger and lover of global cuisine, I just had to check it out!

I just have to say: this new store is HUGE! Besides the aforementioned global foods, there’s an extra-large beauty section, complete with expanded natural and local options, an incredible meat department, cheeses from everywhere you can imagine, and floral choices that are out of this world. Basically, it’s your new favorite one-stop-shop!

Spanish, Indian, German, French, British, Dutch, Asian… ALL the foods!!! With so many great culinary choices, I was inspired to put together a very special picnic, to commemorate one of my favorite travel memories.

Once upon a time (jk; last summer!) I took a group of Boise women to Paris for a girls’ getaway. Of course, we had to visit the Eiffel Tower, but we did so in way that was markedly different than the average tourist…

Instead of standing in long lines & paying big chunks of change to ascend to the top, we stopped by a neighborhood market, loaded up on local food & drinks, and spread out a picnic dinner at the base of Paris’ most famous landmark!

Did you know that the Eiffel Tower has a massive public park at its feet? Called the Champs de Mars, this green space is extensive and lush, with soft grass, shady trees, playgrounds, and unparalleled views of the historic structure that rises over it!

We had a glorious meal, and as the sun began to set, the Tower lit up, illuminating the park with over 20,000 dancing, sparkling lights. Music played, people danced, everyone oohed and ah-ed…

I’ll never forget it that night!

While walking through the Global Foods section in the new Albertsons back home, I was inspired to recreate that fun Parisian moment right here in Boise, with a whimsical picnic from around the world.

Everything I needed was right at my fingertips!

1: SAVORY MEATS

Choose a classic, like Genoa Salami, and pair it with something more exotic, like Mortadella from Italy. If you like meats with a little more kick, be sure to check out Albertson’s Basque section of delicious choices, back in the dairy department!

2: CHEESY GOODNESS

I like combining a trio of different, yet simple flavors: a mild family favorite (ours is Gouda), a soft spread (Brie from France), and something flavorful and intense, like an aged asiago or savory Manchego.

3: FRESH & FRUITY

Balance out salty proteins with some fresh fruit, which Albertson’s makes easy in pre-cut disposable bowls. A jar of lemon-flavored Oui  French-style yoghurt by Yoplait makes an excellent fruit dip, and the little glass jar washes out easily to become a petite flower- or candle-holder for later!

4: SUMPTUOUS SIPS

I love a light, refreshing rosé with a glass or screw-off top for easy opening in the park, because who ever remembers a corkscrew, really?!? For a kid-friendly picnic, it’s good to include something indulgent and unique, but also non-alcoholic, like this delicious Sparkling Limonade from France!

5: DON’T FORGET DESSERT

Perhaps the most important part of your Parisian picnic, the pièce de résistance, so to speak, is a decadent dessert. Just like on our Eiffel Tower day, nothing compares to fresh chocolate eclairs, made daily with love in the Albertsons bakery!

So, there you have it – c’est délicieux, as they say in France. Lay out your blanket on the grass, pluck a small bouquet for atmosphere, and picnic away! It’s simple, easy, and mouthwateringly scrumptious. 

Enjoy your summer, #EatLifeUp to the max, and be sure to stop by the new Albertsons in downtown Boise for an unparalleled market and cuisine experience!

XOXO,
Tanya

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Albertsons on Broadway. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Bellevue Fashion Week 2018

September 20-23, 2018
Fashion shows, dining, exploring, shopping, and more!

Stay: Bellevue Westin Hotel

Explore: Bellevue, Downtown Seattle, Kirkland Waterfront

Trip Cost: Approximately $705 plus meals and shopping

Up Front Cost: $375 to secure your spot

Itinerary:

Thursday, Sept 20^th:

Arrival day

Free time to explore & shop Bellevue Square and The Shops at Bravern

Private Designer Fashion Show at Nordstrom

Bellevue Collection Fashion Show: Independent Designer Runway Show

Group Dinner: Din Tai Fung 

Cocktails: Ascend, 36th Floor elevated views

Friday, Sept 21^st

Downtown Seattle Exploration

Options include: Pike Place Market, the waterfront Great Wheel, Underground Tour, shopping

Sailboat tour of the Puget Sound

Dinner: The Pink Door

Cocktails: The Nest rooftop bar

Saturday, Sept. 22^nd

Kirkland Waterfont Exploration

Options include: Couture & vintage resale shopping, beachfront sightseeing

Lunch Volterra Italian restaurant

Bellevue Collection Fashion Show: The Collective

Fashion Week After-Party & Girls’ Night Out!

Sunday, Sept. 23^rd

Brunch together – Eques in the Hyatt Hotel

Free time to explore and shop

Pack up and depart for home

*Some details are subject to change, like restaurant choices, if in the moment a different option becomes necessary. 

Cost Breakdown and Additions:

Westin Hotel – Special reduced rate, room w/ two queen beds is $220/night ($660 + tax.)
If two want to share a room, that’s $110 per person, per night ($330 each plus tax.)
If four ladies want to share a room, that’s $55 per night per person ($165 each plus tax.)

Bellevue Collection Fashion Week – $250 for seats, two shows. Drink tickets, front-row reserved seats and VIP when available.

Admin fee – $125, for my planning time, fashion week coordination, and on-trip responsibilities, incl. driving.

Shuttle Service – Limo and group shuttle Friday and Saturday, approx $80/person

Meals – Not included. Reservations will be made for scheduled group events, but how much you eat/spend is up to you!

Up-Front Payment required to secure your spot: $375 due Aug. 1st.
Additional costs like meals, hotel, etc. will be pay-as-you-go. 
Airfare and airport transportation are not included.

ARE YOU IN????
Message me on Instagram or Facebook for the direct payment link,
and/or if you have any questions!

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Vancouver BC Addition

~ Optional for anyone who would like to add 1 day and 1 location to your adventure!
~ Fly Boise to Vancouver BC on Wednesday, Sept. 19th, early morning.

Goal: Explore Downtown Vancouver’s Gastown and Pacific Center! At the edge of fashion in the heart of downtown, CF Pacific Centre is Vancouver’s premier shopping destination featuring Holt Renfrew, Nordstrom, Harry Rosen, AllSaints, kate spade new york, Ted Baker London, Michael Kors, Hollister, Sephora, Apple, Browns Shoes, the Four Seasons Hotel and so much more. Gastown is Vancouver’s emerging hipster neighborhood, packed with cafes, shops, and artsy curiosities. 

Dine: Reflections Rooftop Garden Terrace. Combining downtown Vancouver’s vibrant energy with the tranquility of the outdoors, Reflections: The Garden Terrace offers a variety of light tapas-inspired dishes in a sophisticated outdoor bar and lounge setting.

Stay: Overnight in hotel or AirBnB, to be determined.

Cost: Approx $50-100 for transportation and train ticket, plus additional costs for hotel stay and meals.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are choosing this option, please let me know as soon as possible, so I can secure hotel and train reservations and get group prices put together!

THIS TRIP ADDITION REQUIRES A VALID US PASSPORT!

So you’re going to Paris? Bien por vous! The City of Light is a fashion mecca, and has some of the best shopping in the world, especially for those hunting vintage and couture fashions. Chanel and Louis Vuitton, for example, originated here and still call Paris home, so if you know where to look, you might just stumble upon something priceless!

In recent years I’ve had the opportunity to scout out the shopping scene here, and take a few friends with me on girl-time getaway trips as well. The guide below is by no means exhaustive, but rather a journal of my personal finds and favorites, that I hope you’ll find helpful!

Pro tip: While some of us may dream of dressing up like Audrey Hepburn and perusing Parisian avenues in style, truly successful treasure hunting favors the practical shopper. Trust me; your best friends will be a lightweight totebag, a water bottle, and your most comfortable shoes. Save your haute couture look (and your feet!) for a night on the town later.

~   ~   ~

Open Air Markets

Paris has a number of amazing flea markets, the largest of which are Marché aux Puces de Montreuil and Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen.  (For the smaller neighborhood and seasonal markets, click this handy guide by David Lebovitz to get all the info you need on everything from local rummage sales, to roving brocantes!)

I haven’t had the opportunity to explore the Montreuil market, so my focus here will be on  Les Puces de Saint-Ouen Market, known to locals as Les Puces (The Fleas). This is a massive maze of thirteen markets combined, with over 2,500 shops and stalls, dating back to the 1800’s. The outer edges are comprised mostly of knock-off clothing, shoes, and accessories imported from overseas, but once you dive a little deeper – into the Dauphine, Serpette, and Paul Bert markets, for example – you’ll find everything from vintage corsets to Valentino handbags!

One of my favorite shops is Les merveilles de Babellou (photos below) in the Paul Bert market. I bought my first real Chanel brooch here for a fraction of the price new, and everything in the shop is certified authentic. From vintage Gucci to Prada runway samples, you never know what you’re going to find in this treasure trove, all on consignment from local fashion lovers and couture collectors!

Pro tips: Check days and hours before you go to any flea or outdoor market in Paris, as hours are variable and sometimes seasonal. Bring cash, because although nearly every vendor will take credit cards, you can haggle prices better with paper money. Also, keep safety in mind, and leave your valuables at home or wear them someplace secret and secure on your person. Cell phones and handbags are a pickpocket’s favorite targets, here!

For more vintage and couture treasure shopping in the Paris Flea Markets, visit this handy guide.

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Thrift and Consignment

Paris is also home to many amazing resale shops, where you can find everything from 70’s concert t-shirts, to authentic studded Louboutin pumps. KILO shops were a big hit with our crew, and have multiple locations across Europe. They are much like Buffalo Exchange or Plato’s Closet in the USA, but instead of individually-priced items, your purchased are weighed and you pay by the kilo. We found some amazing leather jackets and vintage denim, as well as funky retro sunglasses and unique leather handbags.

I have two favorite luxury resale shops in Paris: Reciproque and Depot-Vente.

Reciproque is a huge, two-story couture consignment and resale shop, and it has E V E R Y T H I N G. It’s also the largest luxury consignment shop in Paris, and can be a little overwhelming if you’re in a hurry. It’s a good idea to pack a water bottle, some snacks, and give yourself plenty of time to devote to your treasure hunt here! The upper floor is upscale designer clothing and handbags. Shoes are downstairs, along with a massive secondary room filled with racks of dresses, jackets, sweaters, and more.

Depot-Vente is much smaller, but it’s my go-to place, where I always find something I can’t leave Paris without! This shop doesn’t look very fancy from the outside, but on multiple trips I’ve found treasures like a gorgeous full-length Chloe wool coat for $200, a Valentino jacket for $80, and Chanel sunglasses for $50.

The shop is run by a mother/daughter team, and if you’re searching for something specific, just ask! They know every single item that’s in their shop, and will dig through stacks & racks to find exactly what you want. Depot-Vente doesn’t have its own address, but sits between 21 Rue de la Pompe and 19 Rue de la Pompe, Paris, France 75116.

Pro tip: Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but when it comes to consignment and resale shops, cash will almost always get you a better deal!

~   ~   ~

That’s it for now! If you’re heading to Paris in the near future and would like to connect for tips and recommendations, please comment below! Or send a message on my Facebook page – I’m always happy to help out a fellow globetrotting fashion lover.

For more awesome shopping tips and locations, I also recommend checking out this awesome local touring & guidance website:  www.parisperfect.com!

And stay tuned for more tips in my upcoming article series on Paris, London, and Amsterdam, too!

XOXO!
Tanya

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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!!!

Bought Beautifully

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.

Speak Your Silence

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

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.

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

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in, what’s out, and how can you pull it all together for Fall? Read on for my quick & easy cheat sheet of everything you need to know to be in style this season!

This week, I was honored to be a guest stylist on KBOI Channel 2 News’ Idaho Living show. We brought in some great models to show us hot styles from the Village at Meridian, but for the short length of the TV segment we only got through about HALF of what I wanted to convey to the audience. (It’s so hard for me to STOP talking about fashion, ha ha ha!)

The fashion world in general is having a major revolution right now, and the rules are all up in the air. Skinny jeans? Wide-leg cropped trousers? Overalls? Backwards button-up shirts? White after Labor Day? Yeah sure… Whatever you want to wear, wear it!!! Style it, rock it; just be YOURSELF.

On the show, and here on my blog, we’re talking about some of the hot things I’ve seen start trending over the summer, and continue into our fall fashion season. Below is my full list of Fall Fashion Trends, with pictures & examples, that YOU can take to the mall or your favorite local boutique for shopping reference. And be sure to watch the full episode right HERE to see how we styled each trend on our fabulous local models! ENJOY!!! 

MAD FOR PLAIDPlaid is always classic! From jackets to shoes, all types of plaid are in style this season. Find your fave & rock it!

COLD SHOULDERS

On the show, we talked about how shoulders are the big trend thing right now. Off-shoulder, one-shoulder, cut-outs, and cold-shoulder. Anything goes! For my daughter, her school dress code requires a three-finger width on her shoulders, so this cut-out top from Francesca’s was perfect for her!

SASSY SHOES

I spotted the sneakers above in Amsterdam, where E V E R Y O N E wears tennis shoes, flats & boots. Get wild, get creative, and have fun with your sneaks this season!

Also hot: ankle boots, motorcycle boots, high-top sneakers, white shoes for men & women, metallic and velvet footwear of any kind.

PUMP UP THE VOLUME

From sleeves to pants & skirts, get comfortable with comfort! Culottes, wide-leg trousers, accordion skirts, and mega-sleeves are all the rage.

WHAT’S UP YOUR SLEEVE?

Like this picture above from Who, What, Wear shows us, this is the season to wear your attitude on your sleeves! The bigger the better, but ruffles, laces, and more demure takes on this trend are fine as well. Whatever works for YOU!

HAUTE HUES

It’s red, red, red everywhere right now! But also pink, lol. Seriously, all sweetheart shades from traffic-stop ruby red to Millennial pink (like the Coach bag below!) are totally acceptable.

SHIMMER & SHINE

Velvet and patent leathers are back, along with metallics, holograms, glitter, and shine!

FLOWER POWER

Lauren showing us her triple-threat fall fashion look from Anthropoligie; fluted sleeves, velvet accordion skirt, WITH florals. (Oh, and stripes too! Those are big this season, yay!)

ALL DENIM EVERYTHING

Skinny, cropped, long, patched, bedazzled, wide-legged, black, floral, or whatever! All denim is in. Enjoy!

Thank you Idaho Living for the fun opportunity to share my love of fashion with your audience! Special THANKS to all the awesome models who helped out with this segment – Tyson, Lauren, Ellia, Will, and Blake! 

And extra-special thanks to Tina Tatum of Tatum Productions for the awesome on-set pictures!!! XOXO,
Tanya