espy Flash Mob FAQ

…Wondering what the Sunfest Secret is??? Well if you haven’t already figured it out, espy is doing a FLASH MOB during Inglewood’s Sunfest Festival with the help if the ILLFX dance crew and the Sunfest Festival! Wondering out to get involved? Check out www.espyflashmob.com for all the info you need.

However, here are some answers to your burning questions:

1. When is the flash mob taking place?

• the espy flash mob is happening on SATURDAY, AUGUST 4th at 4pm during Inglewood’s Sunfest Festival.

2. Where is the flash mob happening?

• on 9th Ave SE in Inglewood!
• Dancers from ILLFX will be positioned on mini stages along 9th Ave to lead the flash mob dance!

3. How can I learn the dance?

• There are 3 ways to learn the espy flash mob choreography:

1. The instructional video 
2. Attend a community dance class
3. Is your dance studio, gym, school, etc holding a flash mob class? Attend the class!

4. I’ve learned the choreography – but I need a refresher!

• Good news! espy will hosting CHOREOGRAPHY REFRESHER classes the last week of July. Check www.espyflashmob.com for dates.
• You can always watch the espy flash mob instructional video, lead by Edgar Gilbert-Reyes! He’s a great teacher…even on video!

5. What if I am a TERRIBLE dancer?

• You have absolutely nothing to worry about! Even the espy stylists were able to pick it up in under an hour. The choreography is simple and fun – and even if you can’t get it down – interpretive dancing is always acceptable!

6. Where can I share photos and videos of me learning the flash mob dance?

• We really want to ENCOURAGE all those participating to share with the espy flash mob team! We want to see you WORKING those moves! Upload your videos and photos to our Facebook event. Tweet your YouTube fun to us! Shake that booty and show us what you’ve got!
• Need a little EXTRA incentive to SHARE? There will be a CONTEST for the BEST videos with some AMAZING prizes – including a FREE master dance class with So You Think You Can Dance Canada alums Edgar Gilbert-Reyes and Miles Faber!

7. If I have more questions, who can I contact?

• Please EMAIL all questions or requests for additional information to tianna@espyexperience.com. Tianna will respond to you within a couple days!

8. Are you a dance studio? Teacher? Fitness instructor? and interested in having your class learn the choreography and participate in the flash mob?

• Email Tianna (tianna@espyexperience.com) or Jaclyn (jaclyn@espyexperience.com) to schedule your FREE choreography lesson with one of the ILLFX dance crew members!

xoxoxox

the espy stylists

CONSTRUCTION SALE! SURPRISE!

SURPRISE! Our landlord has decided we need BRAND NEW, BIGGER WINDOWS! So we’re having a CONSTRUCTION SALE! The sale lasts ONLY 6 days – April 29th to May 4th. HOWEVER – if you know the PASSWORD: SURPRISE, you can get ALL THESE DEALS one day early on Saturday, April 28th.

MEN:

• 25% OFF ALL MENSWEAR! No, we aren’t kidding!
• Look for the 50% off rack too! This is the perfect week to do some spring closet cleaning and get some great new items at discount!
• 50% off Levi’s denim!
• 25% off Bjorn Borg underwear too!
• 2 for $29 on Naked Underwear (…that is less than half of other retailers selling Naked Underwear in Calgary!)
• Mavi and Fidelity denim are excluded from this sale – HOWEVER – we have some very good denim news! The Fidelity Slim Jim (ie. the greatest men’s jean ever) is FINALLY arriving in a 36 inch inseam. They will be here for the weekend!

LADIES:

• 25% OFF ALL ACCESSORIES! We have some AMAZING accessories in the store – beautiful spring scarves, cheap and cheerful necklaces from China, Italian jewelry, and designer items from the Montreal line, Rachel F and a new American line, Heidi Roland. Check out espy stylist and buyer Ashley talking about how to accessorize for spring – best 8 min accessories video you’ll ever watch!

• 25% OFF OUR BRIGHTEST COLORS AT THE BEAUTY COUNTER! Visit our beauty manager Meagan at the counter to learn how tobrighten up your face for the spring season! Check out her video on how to wear one of spring’s hottest shades – PINK!

• Levi’s denim will be 50% off!
• Everything in the sale room will be 70% off!
• Selected merchandise will be 50% off!

SALE EXCLUDES:

• Denim! (except Levi’s and specially marked items!)
• Skincare
• Hanky Panky
• Pepe and Eva art

Don’t forget to tell your espy stylist the password on Saturday, April 28 to get the deals a day early! Remember to say SURPRISE!

xoxoxoxox

the espy stylists

Making Changes Fashion Show

Last week, espy stylist Amelia and I were lucky enough to attend and participate in the Making Changes Association Volunteer Appreciation Night. We worked with the wonderful volunteer coordinator, Amanda, and supplied a couple outfits for their fashion show – for the entertainment of the very hard working and dedicated volunteers who do amazing work at Making Changes each and every day.

If you haven’t heard of the Making Changes Association, let me tell you a little bit about them! The goal of this organization is to “Create futures for women.” They do this through their Walk-in Closet program – which provides new and gently used clothing for women with financial difficulties. Making Changes also provides the Employment and Life Skills Programs for immigrant women, which helps give these women the information they need for educational programs, foreign qualifications, and entering into the work force.

Their program is very focused and effective and the volunteers are truly committed to their organization’s goal. Their new offices are beautiful (pink!) and well deserved by this amazing team. As part of their appreciation night, volunteers were awarded for their years of service. When we heard 12 years – we thought … ya, she definitely deserves a night off!

espy was invited to be a part of the fashion show, which featured other retailers from Calgary and the surrounding area. Amelia styled the lovely volunteer models Sarah and Michelle. Amelia’s theme for the show was “Must Have Looks,” which incorporated the must have items we’ve probably put you in when you’ve come in to the store – or that you’ve read about in our blog! Amelia mixed colored denim, a pastel colored floral spring scarf, and the ol’ espy staple – a fitted denim jacket – on Michelle. Michelle wore a pair of Amelia’s super cute cork wedges to complete the look. Sarah wore a royal blue pleated hi-low skirt with a cropped crocheted top and white straw fedora. This look also incorporated texture mixing – with the pleats on the skirt and the crocheted top.

Amelia and I definitely left feeling inspired – and we know how important volunteers are to organizations such as Making Changes. To learn more about how you can become involved with the Making Changes Association, click here.

Huge thanks to Amanda, our models Michelle and Sarah, and everyone at Making Changes for letting us be a part of their special night!

xoxoxoxox

Tianna

April at espy!

We hope everyone had a great Easter long weekend! Let’s hope the snowy rain stays away so we can all get into our wedges and hi-low skirts (…don’t know what a “hi-low” skirt is?? Click here to learn how to wear spring’s most difficult trends!).

Here’s what we have new for you in the store:

• Marcella! Our brand new espy stylist!
• Lots of dresses from Bionic, our fav Toronto line, are on their way. These are the perfect little dresses for weddings, summer-time, and travelling!
• We have TONS more brand new Desigual in the store! Even FABULOUS shoes that weren’t supposed to be shipped to Canada!!!
• Our newest Torontonian line, Girl Friday, will also be here this month. These dresses have a classic, clean feel that are simple without looking boring!
• Hello SkinnyJeans is espy’s latest denim find! Click here to check out their incredible press page. We’ve got them in some super fun colors and a great rise in a classic bootcut.
• Alright trendsetters – espy will be carrying J Brand! Some great, super high-rise skinnies coming your way! And some cool new styles for men too!
• Accessories from China to Italy to LA to Montreal – accessories rule this month at espy! Check out Ashley explaining what we’ve got in the store and how to wear them! (*Warning – it’s 8 minutes long but totally worth it!

• New shipments of Hanky Panky and Bjorn Borg will be arriving soon!
• Guys we have some awesome new 7 Diamonds and witty graphic tees coming too!

#bikiniespy is creeping up ladies! Only 82 days to get BIKINI BODY READY!  Megan telling you all about this very special STAMPEDE event.

•  Need a little incentive to get in shape? Well – Clark is only allowing a 12 inch sarong. Any longer and he will be taking it away! So why not join a boot camp? Follow espy stylist Jaclyn as she whips herself into shape with Cara Fullerton and the Fit and Fierce Boot Camp at Define Fitness! Jaclyn will be sharing her progress, tips, photos and videos of her experience from now until #bikiniespy. Share with espy what you are up to this summer to get in shape on our Facebook event, #bikiniespy.
• Need more incentive to share?? We will be RESERVING 50 spots in line for the FIRST 50 women who EMAIL a photo of themselves in a BIKINI or their favourite STAMPEDE outfit AND let us post it on our Facebook event page! This reservation means you will be GUARANTEED a pair of Fidelity jeans, a Mavi denim jacket and Stampede shirt, a RD Style tank top, and a white Smithbilt cowboy hat for FREE with your donation to Special Olympics Calgary. Send your photo to jaclyn@espyexperience.com starting on Wednesday, May 9th. Any photos sent before 12am on May 9th will not be counted! So set your alarms ladies! (*note: you must BE at the event by 7:00am on July 7th or you will lose your spot to some very eager earlier risers!).
• For more info on #bikiniespy, click here!

espy EVENTS are freakin’ AWESOME this summer! Here’s what we’ve got happening:

• April 19th – espy is participating in the Making Changes Fashion Show! Tune in to our website for footage from the show!
• April 26th – espy girls Meagan and Tianna will be working the espy Lash and Lip Bar at the Springbank Ladies Dinner! Come say hi if you are attending!
• May 10th – it’s Inglewood Ladies Night! Get your girlfriends together for a night out in Inglewood. espy will be offering 60% off the infamous sale room from 5pm to 9pm only…and of course we will have lots of goodies and bevvies!
• June 8th – espy has a very EURO surprise – SAMPLE SALE anyone?? More details next month!

The coolest style app around is looking for more volunteers for their PREMIUM experience! This includes: getting your closet virtually catalogued while you have full hair and makeup done and take part in a photo shoot! You also get to sit down with a fashion stylist and discuss your style concerns and pick up some trendy tips. And the best part?? You get the Style You app for FREE for use on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod. Please email Kelly at kelly@styleyou.com if you are interested in being a volunteer this weekend – Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22.

Stay tuned for …

 THE SUNFEST SECRET!

A “SURPRISE” email later this month…

Don’t forget to follow us on twitter: @espyexperience @ashleystyle @TPinkYYC @immakingyouup @Alexandra_Adele @hunter_stylings @stellaimage @fashionaintfake @jinan_j @Hillybot @AAilemAA @JaclynCerciello and @ClarkWhetstone. Like espy on Facebook and Friend Megan Espy for even more espy fun!

xoxoxoxox

the espy stylists

#bikiniespy sponsorship request

Click here to download our #bikiniespy sponsorship request

Motionball Gala 2012

On Friday, Feb. 24 the espy stylists and our gorgeous friends went out on the town in support of Motionball – a not-for-profit organization that raises money and builds awareness for the Special Olympics Canada Foundation.

Getting ready at espy!

Tianna and Meike posing!

Finally arrived at the 2012 Motionball Gala!

This year, the 3rd Annual Calgary Motionball Gala was held at Flames Central! The theme of the night was 1940s, Hollywood Glam. The evening was a SOLD OUT affair! The event raised $50, 000 for Special Olympics and the organizers threw one hell of a party to celebrate. All the guests were decked out in their 1940s inspired garb while they enjoyed the complimentary bar, purchased raffle tickets for amazing prizes, and a performance by Canada’s very own Jully Black.

Jully Black performing!

Camilla Di Giuseppe from CTV Calgary and Rick Campanelli from Entertainment Tonight Canada hosted the event in style! Camilla looked amazing in her tuxedo pants and ultra-sexy red top – bringing it to the 40s with her era themed hat. Rick played up his classic blue suit by layering a grey cardigan over a plaid shirt and pairing the whole ensemble with a bow tie!

Camilla Di Giuseppe, Brett Wilson, and Rick Campanelli

espy’s fav Calgary celeb Brett Wilson was there to present the $50, 000 cheque to some very special athletes who danced up a storm with Miss Jully Black!

Brett Wilson presenting the cheque to the Special Olympics athletes!

the espy crew with ET Canada Host Rick Campanelli

The espy stylists stayed true to the theme with their carefully chosen outfits and the amazing hair and makeup done by none other than espy’s very own Meagan Fitzpatrick. Megan went full 1940s in her military dress by Betty Page, hat, and her leather gloves! Tianna wore a polka dot printed Stop Staring dress and nude pumps. Clark went clean and classic with a navy  blue fitted suit and 40′d it up with some thick rimmed glasses. espy’s friends Meike and Jenny rocked some true 1940s pin curls and rolls with red lips and fabulous shoes.

espy shoppers with Megan and Camilla Di Giuseppe

This was definitely a night to remember! Congratulations to the Calgary Motionball team on an incredible night and a successful fundraiser!

Clark and T - practicing their model poses!

Camilla interviewing Megan about true 1940s style

Clark, T, and our new friend Rick Campanelli!

Paul Horton, the Director of the Calgary Motionball Gala, graces the stage with Camilla and Rick. Great event Paul!

Megan, Jenny, and Tianna - showing off our makeup and hair done by espy's beauty manager Meagan Fitzpatrick!

xoxoxoxox

the espy stylists

Goodbye PEPE and EVA

#spreadloveyyc was a FANTASTIC week at espy! BIG thanks to Pepe and Eva for coming all the way to Calgary to paint the store, share their art with the espy staff and espy customers, and make art with you and your kids. Messages of love, positivity, and lightness are literally painted on the walls of espy as a constant reminder to love yourself and love your body.

Another HUGE thanks to Adrian Huysman for all his hard work during #spreadloveyyc. And of course for all the mochas for the espy staff!

Thank you to all those who joined in our art festivities this week – and all those who watched us on the CTV Calgary morning news. It was an exciting Friday to have Cynthia Roebuck reporting live from espy!

To follow and keep up to date on Pepe and Eva please like them on Facebook under the name “Studio Marmalade.”

Click to check out our gallery of photos from #spreadloveyyc Art Week at espy with visiting NYC artists Pepe and Eva!

We wish Pepe and Eva the best of luck at their exhibition in New York on the 9th and continued success with their art and music! We are going to miss you guys SOOOO MUCH!

Check out Pepe and Eva’s video of their time in Calgary:

xoxoxoxoxox

the espy stylists

FAQs about #spreadloveyyc

1. What does #spreadloveyyc mean?

This year, espy is committed to spreading and sharing love the best way we can. In our new home in the Art Block, we are proud to become a bigger part of the art community in Calgary. We are so lucky to be hosting 2 very talented and up and coming artists from New York City this week. Pepe and Eva have flown all the way from New York to work on art for the store, for you, and to teach art! espy really wants to continue our vision for loving yourself and loving your body. Pepe and Eva’s art is an extension of that vision and will now be painted on the walls and the changerooms as a constant reminder of LOVE.

2. What and when are our events?

February 2 to February 5:

Feb. 2 – #yycnyc Art Party (6pm-11pm)

Feb. 3 – Drop in Art Classes (10:30am-5pm)

Feb. 3 – Couples Shopping Night (5pm-9pm)

Feb. 4 – Kids Art Classes (11am-3pm)

Feb. 5 – Kids Art Classes (11am-1pm)

3. Kids art classes? What’s going on?

We are offering FREE kids art classes on Saturday, Feb. 4 and Sunday, Feb. 5. Sign your kids up online by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom of the page. Fill out the info it asks and show up! Your kids will be able to create some art with Pepe and Eva and take it home with them!

4. Who are Pepe , Eva, and Adrian?

Pepe and Eva are Dutch artists living in New York city. They are also musicians of the band EVENi. They will be performing in the store on Friday, Feb. 3 for our Couples Shopping Night!

Adrian is a local artist and teacher for the CBE. He is collaborating with Pepe and Eva on a mural for our store as well as teaching art!

5. Do the events cost anything?

NO! Every event is FREE FREE FREE!!!!

6. What’s happening at the #yycnyc art party?

Pepe, Eva, and Adrian will be REVEALING their collaborative mural! They will also be showcasing and selling some of their most recent, affordable works. It’s a great night to shop, browse, and take in some culture from both Calgary and New York. Sushi and wine on espy!

7. Not a kid but still want to take an art class?

No problem! All day on Friday, Feb. 3 espy is offering free, drop in adult art classes. The artists will be teaching you how to make a water color painting out of a compliment you have received in your life! Its FREE and you get to take your work home with you!

8. Art supplies?

Everything you and your kids need to create will be provided at espy!

9. If I see some art I would like to purchase, can I?

Of course! Valentine’s Day is coming up and Pepe and Eva’s one-of-a-kind works of art are the perfect gift for him or her. Original, thoughtful, and full of love!

10.  Where can I find more info?

Follow the espy stylists on twitter, Facebook, and our website. Click here for the full schedule of events.

xoxoxoxoxox

the espy stylists

Adrian Huysman at espy

Adrian Huysman is a born and raised Calgarian artist! He is a loyal espy customer and is thrilled to be teaming up with the espy staff and Pepe and Eva of Studio Marmalade for the in-store mural as well as to teach and share art with you during #spreadloveyyc Art Week at espy!

Adrian has been a teacher for the Calgary Board of Education for 4 years and has been teaching adult and childrens art classes at the North Mount Pleasant Art Center for 6 years. He will be offering Drop in Adult Art Classes from 10:30am to 5pm on Friday, February 3 at espy. He graduated from the Alberta College of Art and Design in 2002 and he has a Bachelors of Education and Bachelors of Fine Arts. He is currently working on his Masters.

Adrian grew up in an artistic family, which allowed him to grow creatively and pursue his love of art from a young age. Adrian describes his work as fast-paced, thoughtful, and full of color. He has a wonderful knack for communicating and showing the accessibility of art. He finds his inspiration from artists such as David Hockney and Picasso.

He is so excited to be a part of an espy event because he feels the positive vibe and incredible energy of the espy team.

“Calgary is getting more and more excited about both art and fashion, it’s completely natural to hold an event where they are side-by-side.”

Adrian has a wonderful art project to teach this week using water color and compliments! Check out this video where he shows espy assistant buyer Charlotte and espy beauty manager Meagan how to paint and create something beautiful through the power of words:

Check out Adrian’s blog and some of his work by clicking here.

Click here for the full schedule of #spreadloveyyc events!

GOING TO THE BEACH SALE!

We’re celebrating WINTER GETAWAYS with our GOING TO THE BEACH SALE from January 26 to the 29. Megan is bringing TONS of super cute, colorful, and summery beachwear from Montreal for our sale.

You want to look super fab on the beaches this winter, right? And where else are you going to find tops, dresses, skirts, shorts, bikinis, Bjorn Borg swimwear, and sunnies for espy prices in time for your vacay?? No where but espy of course!

Look out for your EXCLUSIVE invite to espy’s Going to the Beach Party on Jan. 26 – bikini clad bartender, espy stylists in fashion forward beachwear, DJ Jon Spade, Lit Cosmetics Glitter Bar with Jodi, sunscreen tips from beauty manager Meagan…..espy is bringing some fun, warmth, and fashion to your January!

Can’t wait to see you all there !

xoxoxoxox

the espy stylists