#bikiniespy is a Special Olympics Calgary fundraiser. espy is outfitting the first 100 girls lined up outside espy in their BIKINIS and COWBOY BOOTS in $500 of clothing from our SPONSORS for FREE with a minimum suggested donation of $100 to SOC.

BUT! That’s not all that’s happening! espy is also throwing a GOURMET STAMPEDE BREAKFAST with the help of Craft Beer Market and Executive Chef Paul McGreevy. He has created a delicious menu for our fancy Stampede fundraiser! Think stuffed French toast, breakfast wraps, smoothies…to die for!

When is #bikiniespy?

Saturday, July 7th – the VERY FIRST SATURDAY OF THE 100TH YEAR OF THE CALGARY STAMPEDE!

What time do I need to be there if I want to stand in line for the sponsored clothing?

EARLY!!! 50 spots have already been RESERVED in the line up. Which means, there are ONLY 50 spots up for grabs! You won’t want to miss out on the fabulous sponsored clothing! Styling will commence at 8:30am.

Reserved Spots??

There are NO RESERVED SPOTS AVAILABLE! In order to have a RESERVED SPOT in the #bikiniespy line-up, you had to send a photo to espy of yourself in a bikini early in May. Those who did send in a photo will be notified on May 29th if they made the cut! There will only be 50 open spots available on the morning of July 7th – so you’re gonna have to get up early!

What do I get for standing in line in my bikini????

JEANS from Fidelity, DENIM JACKET and STAMPEDE TOP from Mavi, TANK TOP from RD Style, AND a white COWBOY HAT from Calgary’s Stampede Institution – Smithbilt Hats.

You will ALSO receive a complimentary ticket to our Stampede Breakfast, including a one-time use, one per person 20% off coupon to espy to be used anytime after the breakfast is over.

Can I wear a cover-up?

You can … but if it’s OVER 12 inches long … it will be tossed by espy’s very own stylist Clark Whetstone!

This event is about feeling great about your body no matter what shape or size or diet you are or aren’t on. If there is one thing espy can do, it’s send you out the doors looking and feeling fabulous – so come to us in your bikini and we will send 100 girls out the door looking insanely hot for a morning of Stampeding at the espy breakfast!

When does the breakfast start?

The breakfast runs from 8am to 12pm.

What is happening at the breakfast?

The Coachmen will be playing all morning for your entertainment! ILLFX Entertainment will be dancing between sets and teaching everyone at the breakfast the SUNFEST SECRET! You will also be able to snap some photos with rodeo contestants and local celebrities! (Rumor has it W. Brett Wilson, the Premier, a couple hockey players, and tv personalities will be in attendance!) You can also compete against a Special Olympic Athlete at our game center, ALL while enjoying your stuffed French toast!

How much is a ticket to the #bikiniespy Stampede Breakfast?

Tickets are $45 with proceeds going directly to Special Olympics Calgary. When you purchase a ticket for $45, you will also receive a one-time use, one per person 20% off coupon to espy. This coupon can be used at anytime after the breakfast has finished (ie. after 12pm on Saturday, July 7th).

How can I get my hands on a ticket to the breakfast?

Tickets are available in store.

GREEN OPTION:

Patrons of the breakfast are encouraged to bring their own dishes and cutlery to the breakfast and have them washed for a $2 donation by a Special Olympic athlete and volunteers.

What is the Dress Code for this event?

It’s Stampede! So please come in your Western Wear!

Big, GIANT, HUGE thank-you to all of our incredible sponsors for allowing us to pull of this fundraiser! Fidelity, Mavi, RD Style, Smithbilt Hats, Rangeland, ABCRC, Craft Beer Market, and our neighbours Little Rock!

xoxoxox

the espy stylists

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_NBNBxA8uY

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 

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY18iPQGTJU

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!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUUrFX-h1VM

xoxoxox

the espy stylists

Sweet deals and lots of fun to be had at espy for Inglewood Ladies Night  !!!

*** 60 % off Sale Room ***

*** 10 % off Entire Store*** (This means EVERYTHING ladies- skincare, spring accessories, denim)

*** $29 Lips & False Lashes Application ***

Also…

$200 or more spent on skincare and make-up, Inglewood Ladies get a FREE lip & lash application

$500 or more spent on clothing, Inglewood Ladies get a FREE lip & lash application

Can’t wait to see you all here !! Stop by and relax with some snacks & refreshments and find yourself a cute spring outfit !!

So…how do you become one of the 50 girls to be GUARANTEED our fabulous sponsored items?

• You have to be one of the FIRST 50 women to SEND A PHOTO OF YOURSELF IN A BIKINI or YOUR FAVORITE STAMPEDE OUTFIT to jaclyn@espyexperience.com on May 9th. Sending your photo means you have given us PERMISSION to post the photo on our espy Facebook page. (If we cannot post your photo, then we cannot reserve a spot for you.)
• You must ALSO be at espy on the morning of the event (Saturday, July 7th) at 7:00am, or you will lose your spot to some very eager earlier risers!
• If you send your photo BEFORE 12am on May 9th – it will not count! We’re looking for photos sent after 12:01am on Wednesday, May 9th!

You will be notified on Tuesday, May 29th if you are one of the lucky 50!

Ladies…don’t be intimidated by this! Miss bikiniespy 2012 is NOT a bikini body babe – she is the woman who raises the MOST money for Special Olympics Calgary. This event is about LOVE and is for a great cause! We love your body and so should you – don’t be shy … the boys line up in their undies, at least you don’t have to do that!

Can’t WAIT to see all your PHOTOS ladies!

xoxoxox

the espy stylists

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFHc36nN_0w

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!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu6QupchdNQ

• 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!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSzmPiXkLwg

• 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

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

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!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJbv7mrjE60

• 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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRZos0clntI

•  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!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUUrFX-h1VM

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

Spring is all about COLOR! Color on you lips, color on you lids, color on your clothes! Be bold this season with prints, color blocking, and let’s just say it – teal and coral are just as hot on as they are this season.

Guys – it’s really about mixing prints with basics for a fresher look. Wear some color too! It’s Spring – we’re all happy to enjoy warmer weather and our clothes should reflect our good moods as we pull ourselves out of the dreary winter.

xoxoxoxoxoxox

the espy stylists

MUA: Meagan Fitzpatrick

Stylist: Ashley Barber and Alexandra Gabris

Photography: Madi O’Reilly, Of’Storms Creative Studio

-Good Friday REGULAR espy hours – 10:30am to 9pm

-On Monday, April 9th (Easter Monday) espy will have shortened hours, we will be open from 10:30am to 5:00pm.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend.

xoxoxoxox

the espy stylists

Check out the awesome spread on 10 of Calgary’s BEST boutiques and their inspiring owners. Get your fashion fix straight from the mouths of our city’s fashion elite.

Big thanks to everyone at Avenue Magazine, and especially to Rita Sirignano for the great article and photographer Jared Sych for Megan’s fabulous photos!

xoxoxoxox

the espy stylists