#bikiniespy FAQ 2013

With #bikiniespy only a few weeks away, we figured it’s time to release the official #bikiniespy FAQ. All the answers to your questions about our Stampede fundraiser in support of Special Olympics Calgary are right here:

1.What is #bikiniespy?

#bikiniespy is a Stampede-themed fundraiser for Special Olympics Calgary (SOC) happening on Saturday, July 6, 2013. espy raises money for SOC by asking women to line up outside the store in their bikinis and cowboy boots for a free Stampede outfit with a donation to SOC. Those who wish to participate must be registered online as there are no open spots this year. Participants who have registered online will be completely styled in a western outfit, valued at $500, by one of espy’s professional fashion stylists for braving the #bikiniespy lineup.  #bikiniespy is also a Stampede Breakfast, open to the community and free with a donation to SOC.

2. When is #bikiniespy?

Saturday, July 6, 2013

• 7:30am = check in for lineup participants
• 8:00am = Stampede Breakfast is served and lineup activities begin
• 9:00am = participants get styled

3. Do I have to register to participate?

In order to be a part of the #bikiniespy lineup and receive the western outfit valued at $500, you must be registered online by June 20, 2013. There are only 100 spots available in the lineup!

4. How do I register?

Registration is all done online this year. Click here to register.

5. When and where do I register?

To register, click here. You must be registered by June 20, 2013 in order to participate in the lineup. There are no open spots available. Only those who have registered online prior to or on June 20, 2013 will be eligible to participate in the lineup.

6. Why do I have to choose a cowgirl look when I register?

espy is asking you to choose what kind of cowgirl you are so we can style you specifically to what your inner Stampede Queen desires! The espy stylists are hand-picking styles just for you to ensure you leave feeling fabulously fashionable in your western get-up.

7. What do I receive for participating in the lineup?

You will receive a Stampede outfit valued at $500 that is styled for you by the espy stylists or one of our special, celebrity guest fashion stylists – Kim Flanagan, BR Pirri, Domingo – based upon the cowgirl look you chose during your registration process.

8. Do I have to wear a bikini?

Yes! This event is about celebrating our bodies to support Special Olympics Calgary. Get in your bikini, throw on your boots – and be ready for a morning of unforgettable fun.

9. When does the breakfast start?

The #bikiniespy Stampede Breakfast begins at 8:00am on Saturday, July 6, 2013.

10. How can I attend the breakfast?

The #bikiniespy Stampede Breakfast is open to the community and free with a donation to SOC. Bring the whole family down!

11. Where is the #bikiniespy Stampede Fashion Show?

The breakfast happens in the cul-de-sac of the Art Block building on 9th Street and 9th Avenue S.E. (right next to espy!)

12. What is the Stampede Fashion Show and Fundraiser at Cowboys?

In order to put on #bikiniespy, we are raising money for the event by partnering with Cowboys for a Stampede Fashion Show and Silent Auction, Poker Tournament and Ladies Night fun on June 19, 2013. Click here for more information and click here to purchase your tickets. Tickets are also available in store! All proceeds from ticket sales will fund #bikiniespy 2013.

If you have any further questions about #bikiniespy, please click here. You can also email specific questions to Tianna (tianna@espyexperience.com).

xoxox

the espy stylists

Denim Looks for Summer!

Here are some of our LATEST and CUTEST ladies looks filled with fun denim you can use your Groupon for:

Alex looks ready for summer in her Fidelity Ace skinnies and acid yellow tank.

We’re loving the Mavi Alexa in this medium wash with lots of strategic whiskering.

This season is all about high-waisted, throw back denim like these Neux Marilyn jeans!

Here’s a twist on the classic boyfriend cut: a minty green color!

Spring is meant for floral prints! Hurry in for these Mavi’s before they’re gone!

Spring blouses look perfect when tucked into these high-rise skinnies by Mavi.

Did we mention florals for spring??

Try the dip-dyed trend on your skinnies (not just your hair!)

90′s grunge is in! Try the trend out in a great pair of acid wash denim.

xoxox

the espy stylists

Conscious Groove Fashion Show

espy was happy to participate in Conscious Groove – a fundraiser for the Alberta Children’s Hospital – on Thursday, April 18. espy teamed up with our favorite local designer, Aleem Arif of Bano eeMee, to put on a super cute spring fashion show featuring Aleem’s leathers and espy’s clothes. It was a great night to support the Alberta Children’s Hospital through fashion and art. And also a fun opportunity to show how espy likes to style Bano eeMee.

All of our models dressed and runway ready!

espy stylist and visual merchandiser Amelia and Aleem pose with 2 of the models backstage.

One of our sweetest looks from the runway…the ever popular polka dot peplum dress with a cognac leather jacket by Bano eeMee.

We love this lace dress paired with an over-sized tuxedo jacket by Bano eeMee and a bold, statement necklace.

Hands down our fav look of the whole show! This boyfriend leather jacket by Bano eeMee and a simple, black t-shirt dress gets styled up with a fedora and chunky necklace.

Tianna, Aleem, and Amelia pose in front of the banner

espy stylists backstage – dressed to kill of course

 xoxoxox

the espy stylists

How to Wear PATTERN!

What is the most difficult trend to wear this season?

PATTERN! Even more challenging is mixing those patterns.

Wearing a print on it’s own can be a tad scary for some – so moving into the territory of prints on prints is verging on a style panic attack. So how do you try this daring spring trend without causing anxiety or looking like a total mess?

espy is so happy to share these looks with CTV’s Aisling Tomei on CTV Morning Live. Follow @espyexperience on Instagram and Twitter to see some behind the scenes shots of the espy stylists and their modeling adventure in spring patterns!

Here’s a list of espy’s tips for how to wear PATTERN:

1. When doing pattern on pattern, keep each separate piece in the same color palette. For example, in this outfit, we’ve paired a navy and white striped Yumi dress with a white and ice blue damask Desigual coat. The finishing touch is a polka dot scarf in a deep blue. The patterns are clearly different in each piece, but because the color story is so nicely matched, the prints actually compliment each other.

Desigual jacket: $189, Yumi dress: $139, Deluxe Accessories scarf: $29.

 2. Pick one bold pattern and keep the other patterns more neutral. For example, the pattern on the scarf in the outfit below is extremely vibrant thanks to it’s white background. So we paired the scarf with a printed, Desigual bomber in a light fabric. The bomber jacket is perfect because the print is obvious but it doesn’t overshadow the scarf. We finished this look with a cute, cut-out summer dress from BB Dakota and a sparkly, gold collar necklace.

Desigual bomber jacket: $229, BB Dakota dress: $109, Deluxe Accessories scarf: $29, Necklace: $23.

 You can also tone down your pattern on pattern by keeping the rest of your outfit super simple. A white tee and distressed denim are the perfect blank canvas for a couple splashes of print.

RD tee: $27, GSUS jeans: $189.

 3. Graphic tees are really easy pieces for an added layer of pattern with printed pants. We also love the idea of anchoring a pattern on pattern outfit, like the one below, with a black leather jacket. A black jacket helps to balance out the patterns and actually becomes the focal point. This keeps your patterns from competing with each other.

Bano eeMee jacket: $359, Desigual tee: $109, Mavi jeans: $119, Necklace: $19.

 4. Sometimes patterns are just not meant to be mixed! If you’ve got a really bold, outrageous print, it is most likely better left to speak for itself. If you’re desperate to pair a pattern with it, do it on the shoe. We love to pair bold patterns with plain tanks and fun accessories like the skinny red and gold embellished belt below.

Desigual skirt: $133, RD tank: $19, Belgo Lux belt: $29.

5. Go with your instincts. You can do pattern on pattern on pattern if you absolutely love it! Style is all about confidence. If you feel great in it, more often than not, you look great too. Be your fabulous self in all your fav patterns!

Desigual jacket: $293, Mavi jeans: $119, Striped tank: espy vintage!

xoxoxox

the espy stylists

New Spring Styles

Although Spring has only peaked out a couple times – it has fully sprung inside espy! Check out some of our newest favs in store as of this week:

You might find a couple of the espy staff members sporting this new, very sexy, slinky black dress! We all love the length because it gives a bit of the maxi feel, but shows off enough leg that it steers away from boho. Here it’s been styled with a great collar necklace and chunky waist belt. Dress: RD Style, $43. Necklace: $23, Belt: $28.

One huge trend for S/S ’13 is the bomber jacket. This new Desigual bomber is a perfect layering piece in a great color with a cool print. There are so many ways to style a bomber, but we love pairing this feminine print with a bold, graphic tee and super distressed skinnies. Bomber: Desigual, $229, Tee: Oxmo, $39, Jeans: GSUS, $189.

There is something about this Desigual top that reminds me of the Salsa! Tucked into high-waisted pants and a bright skinny belt – this is exactly what I want to wear to the patios this summer. Top: Desigual, $127, Jeans: Fidelity Belvedere, $219, Belt: $29.

With quite a few shorties on staff, the espy girls love to wear maxi skirts instead of full maxi dresses. Tucking in a pretty tank and defining your waist will add some length to your body and won’t drown you in too much of one color or one print. Maxi skirt: Kersh, $59, Tank: Mia Melon, $69, Belt: $29.

Here’s a super cute way to wear black differently! This new black blouse has adorable details like a sparkly neckline and layers of light grey and pastel yellow chiffon. Top: RD Style, $39, Pants: RD Style, $59.

Who needs accessories in a dress like this?! So many great patterns in classic colors! Dress: Desigual, $137, Shoes: Desigual, $83.

xoxoxox

the espy stylists

The Ultimate Spring Denim Guide

With yet another Denim Groupon expiring on Monday, April 15, 2013, we thought it was about time to share with you some of espy’s NEWEST spring styles and brands in our denim department.

But first…let us remind you about the Denim Groupon Procedures:

Expiry Date:

If you purchased a denim Groupon in October of 2012, then your Groupon is expiring on Monday, April 15, 2013. Please review your expiry date so you know how long you have left to use your denim Groupon.

How does the math work?

• You paid $39 to purchase a denim Groupon to use at espy. The Groupon gets you $100 worth of denim. Which means – when you come to espy to redeem your Groupon, $100 will be taken off your purchase of denim. The $39 you have already paid, and the remaining $61 to bring your total discount to $100.

Any rules??

• the Groupon can only be used on JEANS!
• no other sale or discount can be applied to the jeans you are purchasing if you are using your Groupon.
• there are NO RETURNS, EXCHANGES, or REFUNDS on jeans purchased with a Groupon. All Groupon sales are FINAL.
• the Groupon expiry date is also FINAL.
• denim is not to be put in the dryer…EVER!
• Sizes for women range from 23 to 40.
• Sizes for men range from 28 to 40.

New to our Fidelity Collection:

We’re really excited to introduce a Spring color – baby pink! This color definitely isn’t for everyone – but if you’ve got slim legs and love PINK, then these Fidelity Stevie Pastiques ($219) are for you.

The Fidelity Stevie is one of espy’s most popular styles of denim for the Ladies! It features a mid-rise, skinny leg, and just the right amount of pocket detailing. Stevie’s can be dressed up or dressed down and look great on just about everyone.

We are also excited to have our newest crop jean from Fidelity! Also in the Stevie style, these jeans rest just above the ankle (depending on height). This is a great style for petites – no hemming required!

The Fidelity Stevie Capri in Super Vintage ($219) is a great alternative to a boyfriend jean. You can still cuff the leg for that casual feel, but you get the slim fit to elongate your gams!

New to our Mavi Collection:

Brand spanking new from Mavi, espy is introducing the Ashley. A mid-rise, slim boot cut. A perfect everyday jean! This is the Mavi Ashley Indigo Kensington ($129) and we LOVE it.

It’s not too often the espy stylists get excited over a mid-rise boot cut…but when it looks this good, we can’t help but gush!

One of our favorite low rise styles, this Mavi Lindy is adorable in a sagey, mint green ($119).

We love that this Mavi Lindy is a thicker fabric when the color is on the paler side. No need to worry about your thighs when you’re nicely and neatly held in by a skinny colored jean like this.

An espy stylist fav already – we are so excited about the latest Mavi Alexa. The distressing is exactly what we’re looking for in a summer jean. The mid rise and super skinny leg make the jean super versatile for boots, flats, wedges or heels.

The Mavi Alexa Blue Rustic ($129) fits so great in the bum! We love to style these with spring sweaters and graphic tees.

Another trend all the espy stylists are coveting this season are printed skinnies. These Mavi Serena Indigo Tribal jeans ($119) are great because the print is subtle, which means they’re easier to style and legs look slim.

The Mavi Serena is a low-rise, super skinny style.

Ooooo we are so happy to introduce this NEW Mavi style we are DYING for you to try. If you’ve shopped at espy before, then you know how the stylists feel about super high-rise denim. The new Mavi Alissa Mid Nolita ($119) is just a lovely addition to our Mavi denim collection.

If you’ve got a small waist and a bit of a booty – these Mavi Alissa’s are a great way to solve any waist gaping issues you may have.

New Denim Brands we’ve added:

Everyone needs a great pair of casual denim! And so we can’t wait to tell you about a new denim brand, Taverniti. The Taverniti Fatigue ($199) is a relaxed skinny with a mid-rise.

Flat bums rejoice! The Taverniti has amazing back pocket detailing for a little extra lift. Taverniti are only available for a limited time! So make sure you get here before they are gone…

Dear John is another new denim brand to espy. The fit is relaxed and comfortable. They come up slightly higher in the back than in the front (‘cuz no one needs their undies hanging out). Dear John are also super affordable – starting at $119.

The back pockets have subtle detailing that are great for the less voluptuous bottoms out there. Dear John also has really cute marketing with a little love letter attached to each pair sold <3

The Neuw Denim line has been doing so well at espy! We love the high-rise and vintage feel to these. The Neuw Marilyn ($169) has amazing stretch that makes them oh so comfy.

To avoid the “mum bum” look – Neuw denim has slightly over-sized pockets that have a great slimming effect. The Marilyn style is so nice for all us curvy girls. And who doesn’t love a good throw-back denim style?

 Our Favourite Men’s Spring Styles:

Washed out colors like grey and rust are the espy stylists top picks for men’s denim this season.

This is the Mavi Zach Rust ($119). Rust is the perfect color to introduce yourself to colored jeans because it’s not too wild and it goes great with all shades of blue.

You will love the Mavi Jake Ash ($119) if you’re into super skinny jeans.  The color is great for Spring and can be easily dressed up or down. These are screaming Casual Friday!

This is the newest men’s style from Fidelity. The Fidelity Torino Lennon Dark ($219) is on the skinny side and comes in the Lennon Dark wash, which has just the right amount of grit to it.

The Fidelity Slim Jim Voodoo Ghost ($229) is our absolute FAVORITE new wash for Spring from Fidelity. You will love the light weight feel!

Every guy needs a pair of spring chinos! These are the brand new 34 Heritage chinos for $159.

What we really like about these chinos is the slim fit and simple pockets for a clean look.

This is a new men’s jean from GSUS. The GSUS Newton ($189) is a great wash with a relaxed, but slim fit.

The lower pocket placement is a good alternative if you’re looking for a trendier fit.

Check out another great pair of grey skinnies! These are the GSUS Divinchy – brand new for $187.

And our last bum shot of the post! Thanks for reading!

Happy Groupon Days! Don’t forget to redeem your Groupon for denim at espy. Once again, it expires on April 15

xoxox

the espy stylists

Cute New Merch at espy!

Here’s a couple great ladies looks to try out:

Alex is wearing mint green Mavi’s in the Lindy style with a black and white Supreme Being tank and grey leather jacket from RD. There is lots of fresh spring inspiration in this outfit, but it’s still warm enough for our current chilly temps!

Our latest inspiration wall at espy! One of Spring 2013′s biggest trends is Black and White. And we LOVE our very visual representation of this trend thanks to espy’s visual merchandiser Amelia!

Every season we seem to see nautical themes! Try pairing a great navy and white sweater (like this one from Supreme Being) with distressed jeans (Amelia wears our brand new Mavi’s!) and a pair of classic cognac boots!

Weekends should be about relaxation – but of course, we still wanna look super adorable, right? Alex wears a cute color blocked knit from GSUS with a printed tee, dark skinnies from a new denim brand to espy, Dear John, and super comfy Desigual flats.

We desperately want to bust out our spring dresses – so we say, just do it! All you need is a great blazer and maybe a spray tan. Mix up some prints for even more trendy spring fun! Dress by Desigual and blazer by Yumi

Floral prints are always trendy in spring. We suggest a great floral printed pant like these Neuw ones! Pair with a neutral sheer blouse and knit sweater for LOTS of interesting texture mixing.

If you’ve ever shopped at espy, you know your stylists are BIG fans of high-rise denim! Check out these brand new high rise Mavi’s paired with a freshly printed top and neon pink skinny belt.

Happy Shopping and Happy Spring!

xoxox

the espy stylists

What happens in Vegas…

What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas – but in espy’s case, that’s always a good thing!

Each year, twice a year, a few of us here at espy head to Las Vegas for one of the biggest retailer tradeshows in the world to accomplish some very serious work – BUYING for the store. This year it took 3 of us to man the major tradeshow floors to find the latest upcoming styles to hit espy over the next few months.

So…what did we find? Here’s a little recap of the trends we saw, we loved, we bought, and we were inspired by:

Spring 2013 styles for the Ladies (coming to the store soon!)

We’ve got our How to Wear Spring 2013 Trends blog on it’s way, but here is a sneak peak at what we’re digging for all our espy fans as the weather warms up, the parkas are put away, and our toes are squirming out of our socks for flip flops and wedges.

Most fashionistas die for Fall – but personally – Spring is my ultimate fav season. So I can’t help but list some of the best trends you will see over the next few months at espy:

• Dots and Checks:

• GREEN

• Festival Influence

• Florals

• Peplums (they are here FOREVER and we’re excited about that – thank you Kate Middleton)

Fall 2013 styles for Men (hitting the store just in time for “Back to School”)

Fall 2013 for men at espy is all about gorgeous color stories, amazing fits and twists on the classics to add some excitement and interest into your wardrobe.

• Polka Dots (not just for the ladies!)

• Textures

• Unexpected Patterns

• Green and Purple (move aside blue!)

Fall 2013 styles for Ladies

Fall 2013 for the ladies is looking so fresh with strong influences from the spring trends, lots of beautiful messaging that suits espy’s Spread Love mantra, and…what we’re really excited for…the sexiness of leather and subtle rock ‘n roll elements.

• LOVE and HEARTS

• Leathers and “Leathers”

• Black and White

• Stripes

• Sweaters, sweaters, sweaters to go with Boots, boots, boots (I mean, we do still live in Calgary)

• Peplums and critters – the Cutesy Stuff

Until next time Vegas…

xoxoxox

Tianna, Charlotte and Stella

The Spread Love Party!

Love is certainly in the air at espy.

Last weekend, espy kicked off Spread Love Month with a little Saturday evening soiree to celebrate….well….LOVE. We threw a SURPRISE engagement party for two very inspirational couples – thanks to the help of their family, friends and our co-conspirators, Gerri and Mellisha. Here at espy, we have been lucky enough to see these two couples grow in love and as a result, be inspired by them as a couple and as individuals in what they have so kindly shared with us.

Jeff and Dianne – newly engaged! Congratulations one more time you two! xoxo
Photo courtesy Shannon Irvine

Michaelle and Matt – also engaged! Love you guys <3
Photo courtesy Shannon Irvine

And celebrate we did! It was a fancy affair thanks to Notable, who created a menu specifically for this event. DJ Jon Spade brought his classic touch of cool to the atmosphere with his signature beats. And the Notable girls made sure everyone’s glasses were full!

The beautiful and talented Notable staff, helping espy Spread Love.
Photo courtesy Shannon Irvine

espy’s FAV DJ <3 DJ Jon Spade
Photo courtesy of Shannon Irvine

We also officially unveiled the quotes of love that have been shared with espy as part of our project to Spread Love throughout the month of February. Big thanks to all of our Calgary contributors! It’s an honor to get to share your personal articulations of what love is to you with all of our followers, fans, clients, friends, and the community. And an even greater honor to have those words posted all over the store as constant reminders of love.

Our gorgeous window display from our Spread Love quote contributors!
Photo courtesy Shannon Irvine

Spread Love Month is truly about reflection. The time we can spend reflecting on love is what gives us the opportunity to show, share, and spread it. Whether its taking an evening to reflect on your upcoming nuptials with your family and friends, taking the time to reflect on what love is to you and translating that into a quote, sharing something you find inspirational on Facebook, writing a love note on a heart shaped post-it, tweeting out a little love to your followers, or a simple reminder that a random act of kindness might be just the thing the recipient needs – spreading love is the thing that we are all inspired by. With Valentine’s Day upon us, February seems like the perfect month to reflect on love and turn that reflection into something tangible. You just never know who you may inspire! And for that matter, you just never know who may be planning to surprise you to celebrate that inspiration!

The fashion kids…looking fabulous as ever!
Photo courtesy Shannon Irvine

Did I say FABULOUS earlier?! Mr. Fabulous himself shows Ms. Megan a thing or two about posing!
Photo courtesy Shannon Irvine

Happy Spread Love Everyone! Please continue to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook to check out more words of love, little doses of inspiration, and of course – the latest fashions we LOVE! Click here for more photos of the Spread Love event.

The espy staff – #spreadloveyyc <3
xoxox
Photo courtesy Shannon Irvine

xoxox

the espy stylists

Spread Love Month

How do you SPREAD LOVE?

espy is so excited to launch the second annual #spreadloveyyc with Spread Love Month all February long! We are celebrating LOVE by sharing words and stories that have inspired us.

Spread Love Month at espy will include a transformation of the store, thanks to the help of some very prominent Calgarians and their personal articulations of love. espy’s front windows will be covered from top to bottom with quotes of love from local celebrities.

February is a month for espy to reiterate how, as a local business, we have been able to spread the love that is at the root of our vision. And through this initiative, inspire and be inspired by a movement to spread love individually and communally.

Pepe, whom some of you met at last year’s #spreadloveyyc, is holding up 2 very special art pieces, made in honor of this year’s Spread Love Month.

Make sure to follow @espyexperience on Twitter and like espy on Facebook to see all the contributions of love we will be posting this month.

Share, spread, and inspire LOVE with espy this month!

xoxoxox

the espy stylists