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

How to Wear Spring’s Most DIFFICULT Trends:

This spring we’ve all heard trendsetters talking about 6 trends that either scare you completely, intimidate your newly found style, or have you bouncing off the wall with sartorial excitement at these new shapes (like the espy stylists)! These six trends are: Cropped, Midriff Baring Tops (yikes!), Asymmetrical Hems, Colored Denim, Color Blocking, Peplums, and Maxis.

So although we are thrilled about anything new in the fashion world – we know that there is definitely a right way to try these trends without having a total clothing disaster on your hands! But espy is here to save Calgary from wearing it wrong. You  don’t want to be caught on the losing end of “Who Wore it Best,” do you???

1. Cropped, Midriff Baring Tops

Jinan wearing a cropped sweater (Noblita), high-waisted black pants (Fidelity Belvedere), and a denim jacket (Mavi)

Okay – this is THE most difficult trend to pull off if you aren’t supermodel size. And even if you are, no one really wants to see that much skin. But that doesn’t mean you can’t try a modified version. Opt for crop tops that fall past your belly button, pair them with high-waisted pants, and finish the look off with a skinny belt. Try layering the top with a contrasting color tank underneath.

Basically the idea is to wear the trend – but cover that tummy strategically!

2. Asymmetrical Hems/Hi-Low Skirts

Charlotte wearing a hi-low skirt (Double Zero), pink lace top (Double Zero), and a cropped black jacket (GSUS)

Also known as the “mullet!” But it’s much more flattering than the 1980′s hairstyle! Like the hair cut, these hi-low dresses and skirts are short in the front and long in back. Asymmetrical skirts really emphasize or create a waist, much like an A-line or high-waisted skirt would. For petite girls, this is a great way to get that maxi dress style without looking teeeennny tiny!

Pair asymmetrical hems with a tucked in top and belt around the waist. Add a wedge for height.

3. Colored Denim

Jinan wearing cropped coral skinnies (Mavi Serena), bird printed top (Noblita), blazer (Mavi), and yellow bag (Flying Tomato)

Probably the BIGGEST trend of the year is colored denim. Now that it is spring, the muted colors of fall have been put away and rainbow brights and pretty pastels have come out to play.

Pair your colored denim with a printed top. If you are wearing bright denim, go for a top in a neutral, pastel tone that accentuates the brightness of your pants. If you are wearing pastel bottoms, wear something neon on top to offset the pants.

If you are doing colored denim – keeping it simple on top is key. It’s your jeans that are doing the talking!

4. Color Blocking

Alex wears a turquoise collared dress (GSUS), coral layering dress (Covet), skinny purple belt, and a yellow bag (Flying Tomato)

All the celebs (and their stylists) seem to have color blocking down to a science – but it can be a bit tricky to pull off without looking like a box of crayons.

The key is to pick colors that compliment each other. Two colors that always work together are turquoise and coral. Once you have complimentary colors picked out, make those the focal point of your outfit. Add accessories in primary or super bright/neon colors to complete the look.

5. Peplums

Charlotte wears a pink peplum tee (Double Zero) and slim black harem pants (RD), and blue cork wedges (BC Footwear)

Okay – so what exactly is a “peplum?” It’s a mini overskirt that emphasizes waist to hip ratio. Basically – it’s little flaps under your waist on jackets, tops, and skirts. It’s an overly feminine look that gives the illusion of the tiniest waist with those sought after hourglass curves we would all give our left foot for.

Try wearing peplums dressed down – it’s a cute way to wear a trend without looking like you are trying too hard. Wear a t-shirt peplum with a slim pant. Or pair a peplum jacket with your sexiest jeans and sky-high heels.

6. Maxis

Tianna wears a blue maxi (Mia Melon) and pink scarf vest (Noblita)

Alright – they don’t seem to be going away – so you might as well jump on the band wagon and try a maxi! You will be surprised at how cute you will look in one!

The key with maxi dresses is that you don’t want to lose your shape in all the fabric. Use a belt around your smallest part (waist or under the bust) to show your curve. Or look for maxis that have seaming at the waist.

Hippy the trend out with a long vest and beachy waves. Or try channeling Rachel Zoe and wear a floppy hat with your maxi!

And of course – never forget – your espy stylists are here to help! Be daring next time you come in and ask one of us to show you how to wear one of Spring’s Most Difficult Trends!

xoxoxoxox

Tianna

SPRING 2012 IS HERE!

It’s been so chilly out there – but SO warm inside espy! Spring 2012 is starting to arrive – so here are some style tips on how to blend the newest trends into your winter wardrobe when you’re a petite!

Charlotte – espy’s petite-sized stylist and assistant buyer – is modeling looks from espy’s Spring 2012 collections. You wouldn’t know it from these photos, but Char is only 5’2!!!!

When you are petite – your number one goal should be to LENGTHEN! There is a theme in all the looks the espy stylists have put together and that is SEPARATING the body into SECTIONS. You do not want to look like a tiny (but we’re sure very cute) blob. You need to tuck tops in, utilize belts with your jeans and skirts, and try something other than a skinny jean! Skinnies are everyone’s go – to, especially during the winter because it is so easy to throw your boots on over top. But why not try a trouser jean? You can still wear your boots underneath! The wide leg, with a pair of heels or a pair of boots with a heel, lengthens the leg like you wouldn’t believe. Trousers are so much more versatile than you think. They look equally as cute with a graphic tee as they do with a blousy top tucked in.

One trend a petite might be afraid of is…..the maxi dress and the maxi skirt. It isn’t the easiest look to pull off, but it is so in style this season. What we did with Char is put her in a bright red maxi skirt, a tight white tank, and a little black blazer. What makes this look work is how we accessorized it. By tying a black scarf around the smallest park of her waist and putting a long necklace with a bright, chunky pendent we’ve added length so the fabric of the skirt isn’t drowning her little body.

Okay – let’s talk about a little petite trick the espy stylists use. We’ve all seen A LOT of crop-tops over the last few seasons. Crop-tops are great for petites because…well…they actually aren’t that short on you! Crop-tops will skim just above the top of your jeans – and that allows you to break up your body into sections. A crop top with a mid or low rise jean helps to create proportion – and when we have good proportions (natural or not) we look longer.

One of the biggest trends for this spring is light, blousy, button down tops. If you are petite, you won’t want to wear one of these tops loose over jeans or leggings because your entire shape will be completely lost – and we lose the body sections and therefore lose the proportions. What we did with Char was take a loose button down top in a pastel pinky peach (huge color this spring!)  and tie it just below her waist.

What to take away? – Emphasize the smallest part of your  body (either your waist or just below your bust) with a belt or a scarf to create proportions. TUCK YOUR TOPS IN and wear a great chunky belt – your legs will look longer. Be adventurous and try a long skirt – look how chic Char is in the bright red! Accessorize with long, pendant necklaces, bright colors, belts, and headbands.

Look out for Charlotte’s “How to Dress a Petite Figure” lesson next week on our website during #spreadloveyyc. Click here for the full schedule of events. You definitely won’t want to miss meeting NYC artists Pepe and Eva of Studio Marmalade, our #yycnyc Art Party, or kids and adult art classes with local artist Adrian! 

xoxoxoxoxox

the espy stylists

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

#spreadloveyyc schedule is up!

#spreadloveyyc schedule is up! Click here to see what the espy stylists will be up to with Pepe and Eva from NYC and Adrian from Calgary!

Meet Pepe and Eva:

They are SO excited to meet all of you and share their love with you!

Meet Adrian, a local Calgary artist who will be sharing in #spreadloveyyc and teaching drop in art classes:

xoxoxox

the espy stylists

#espyunveils

#espyunveils is espy’s FUTURISTIC skincare event with the lovely Irene from Dr. Spiller Biocosmetics, tarot readers (hmmm…ever wondered about having your future read?), and of course your espy stylists who will be on hand to launch the arrival of espy’s spring collections! Happening on Tuesday, January 24 from 10:30am to 7pm.

Irene will be available for skincare consultations with her skin scanner between 10:30am and 6:30pm. Consultations will be 30 minutes long and available by appointment only. To book your appointment with Irene, please email espy’s beauty manager, Meagan, at meagan.fitz@espyexperience.com. (The scanner works best with a fresh, makeup free face. But don’t worry, Meagan can touch you up after your appointment).

The tarot readers will be in the store and available for drop in sessions! After you’ve unveiled the future or your skin with Irene, visit the tarot readers to unveil what your future holds for 2012.  Now is your chance to have a professional tarot reading done at espy for free! To put it simply, tarot is all about mapping out your mental and spiritual pathways with the help of a reader. The tarot cards are how your reader can communicate your path to you.

#espyunveils is a night of wisdom,guidance and a little bit of mysticism meant to start your new year, your new life plan, and your new skincare plan off with strength and clarity.

2012 at espy is all about SPREADING THE LOVE! Loving yourself, loving your body, and being comfortable and confident in the skin you are in will be espy’s ongoing theme. #espyunveils is the 2012 Spread the Love kick off! Stay tuned for what espy has planned to make 2012 the most inspiring, positive, and successful year yet!

Remember to email your appointment request to Meagan and drop in to have your future read, get styled up by the espy girls and Clark, and relish in the plans for a new you on Tuesday, January 24!

xoxoxoxox

the espy stylists

Skincare for MEN! Yes – men!

A note to the men-

You have approx 20,000 skin cells per inch. Our skin is our largest organ- so it needs the same love and attention we give to our other organs. Skin is amazing because it not only serves as a protective layer against the elements, but also breathes and perspires to provide overall temperature control for your body. More importantly, however, your skin often reveals a great deal about your general health and diet.

In order to have your skin look it’s best,  a personal skincare regime involves more than just splashing water on your face!  It requires an investment in your health and longevity. This involves the use of cleansers to wash away dead skin , dirt and dust, as well as the appropriate moisturizers and sunscreens to protect your skin against UV radiation and dryness.

Men’s Skincare

Although men traditionally spend less time caring for their skin than women do, they spend more time damaging their skin through outdoor activities and hazardous work conditions. Living in Alberta takes its toll on all of our skin. It’s so important to have a skincare routine that will work for you in your life.

Washing in the Am

No matter the skin type, you should wash your face at least once a day. By choosing a face wash that will be compatible with your skin type, it starts the process of cleansing and removing the micro film of grime that is sitting on the surface of the skin. First start by splashing warm water on your face. Apply a dime-sized amount of face wash in your hands and rub into the face using gentle circular motions- let it sit for a few seconds and then wash away with warm water.

Next, depending on if you can spare 3 seconds in the morning, spray on a toner. This is a step that most women skip, only because they do not understand the importance of using a toner. Toner is preferably a non-alcohol light spray that follows the cleanser. Its function is to carry all the wonderful active ingredients of the moisturizer deeper into the skin and helps balance the pH in the skin’s surface. The optimum pH for skin is 5.5.  pH simply means the level of acidity.

Your skin needs a certain amount of oil to stay waterproof and resistant to infection.  Too little oil and you have dry skin- which will speed up aging and wrinkles, too much oil and you’ve got an oil slick and probably acne.
You want your skin to be resistant to harmful bacteria, right?..Of course!

Final step in your regime is a moisturizer.

What should men look for in a moisturizer?

With all the options out there, it’s easy to just grab something and walk away as quickly as possible. What difference does it make anyway? Actually, it makes more of a difference than most men think. A man’s skin is thicker than a woman’s, and his pores are larger, so his needs are very different than hers.

Moisturizers should be packed with a multitude of  ingredients intended to maximize the benefits for your skin.

You can choose a moisturizer for the most immediate condition- for treatment of dry skin, acne, oily skin, and sensitive or aging and damaged skin. Again, add a small dime-size amount of product and apply to the face.

Done!

See….it wasn’t that hard now that you understand it’s importance, right?

xoxoxoxox

Meagan

Red lips. What are they saying?

Throughout history, women have been painting their lips red. In the last fifty years, new shades of pinks, purples and corals have surfaced, but red lips are the ones that get that second glance, the interested raised eyebrow or the slight, flirtatious smile. Perfectly applied red lips can hold a man’s gaze longer than he first intended. Your red lips WILL attract attention.

Ancient Egyptians painted their lips red and lined their eyes with khol. As long as there’s been mankind, there has been vanity and makeup in some form. In ancient Japan, the geisha’s painted their faces white and their lips red. Red lips are a universal symbol of beauty.

Screen sirens have rocked the red lip for decades! Clara Bow, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Gwen Stefani, and Taylor Swift –  just to name a few.

Can anyone other than these legendary beauties wear red?

The answer is: of course!

Keep in mind that red is a “look at me color.” It is universal, classic, and has yet to go out of style. Red lips are here to stay. Yet many women assume they can’t wear it. THEY’RE WRONG! I’ll show you how to do it.

Wear it with confidence! Add LIT glitter on top for the BAM effect. Everyone will be wanting to know your beauty secrets.

My RED LIP tips:

Tip No. 1: The secret lies in your skin

The paler the skin, the bigger the pop. Go light on the eyes and the blush, otherwise you’ll risk looking like a hot mess in a hot dress. Skip the “pinup” big black winged liner and go only for mascara. Apply to bottom lashes -it opens up your eyes. Dust face with a soft blush to complete.

Tip No. 2: Line inside of lips

Red lipstick tends to bleed and end up everywhere, so fill in lips with lip liner first, so the lip color will wear evenly. No one likes looking in the mirror at a great party and seeing the reminance of what used to be their lips.

Tip No. 3: Picking your color

We can help you choose the perfect red that goes with your skin tone and you can’t go wrong.

For example, if browns and earth tones suit you, go for a brick red or one that is a little brownish in color. If you look great in bright colors, then a true red will be fabulous. If blues suit you, take a cool red with slight bluish undertones. If you’ve got a golden tan, wear a red lipstick with a touch of gold.

Tip No. 4: Don’t let nails clash

We prefer non-red nail polish when you’re going red on the lips. A clear polish or light color is cool, and dark polish is a trend that shows no sign of going away anytime soon. If you want to go red on the nails, make sure the color matches your lips.

Tip No. 5: Blending is in

Blend shades of red together depending on seasons. Deeper shades look better in the Fall and Winter, and bright WOWZA reds tend to be best in Spring and Summer when the sun is shining. As a makeup artist, I like to try certain shades throughout the year and fine tune my look for the upcoming season. Rarely will I ever wear just one color of lipstick/liner/gloss. Makeup is too fun not to play around a little!

Tip No. 6: Choose lighter shades if you are older

Our lips thin out and start to wrinkle as we age and adding a dark color or reds will accentuate them. To keep lips from looking too severe, try a rosy red or avoid red lips altogether and opt for a neutral shade, playing up your eyes instead.

Tip No. 7: Go Bling or go home

Craving the step up from a red lip? There is only one answer. LIT them! LIT is a glitter cosmetic that comes in 100+ shades and 3 styles or cuts. Transform any red lip into a glittering pair of Ruby Red Slippers in seconds!

xoxoxoxoxox

Meagan

espy CHRISTMAS party photos!

So if you read my last blog previewing what the espy stylists were going to wear to our staff Christmas party, then you might be waiting to see some photos of the super fun night we all had at Sugo Cafe!

The girls and Clark all looked SUPER fabulous and did not disappoint. Thanks to Meagan Fitzpatrick, hair and makeup was PERFECT through all the bottles of wine and the shots we may have done….

Everyone looked awesome and as stylists we hope some of our Holiday Looks inspire you for your upcoming events this season!

Remember – only 17 shopping days left until Christmas! Luckily, espy is on TEAMBUY for denim RIGHT NOW!!!! $39 for $100 worth of denim. Deal available until December 14! You can buy up to 4 as gifts!

Wanna look like Ashley Style at the Christmas party?? Get your TEAMBUY coupon and come in for Fidelity’s BLACK BELVEDERE jeans! Super skinny, high rise, dress up, dress down –  you need ‘em!

HAPPY HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVERYONE!!!

xoxoxox

the espy stylists