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

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

#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

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