FNO With Me

Tomorrow marks the start of New York Fashion Week and of course Fashion Month... Join me and my fellow Phoenix Fashionistas for Fashion's Night Out! This is where I will be... Hope to see you there!!!! {seriously say hi if you see me}

Biltmore Fashion Park 2502 E. Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ

Scottsdale Fashion Square 7014 E. Camelback Road Scottsdale, AZ

The Saguaro 4000 N. Drink Water Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ

Shop Garment District - PHXFW Emerging Designers

I want to start off by thanking Phoenix Fashion Week for another great event. Seriously, these ladies and gents know how to put together a fun show, never a dull moment. 

The Phoenix Fashion Week Shop Garment District event is a chance for buyers, bloggers, photogs, and the community to get a taste of what is to come in October (3-6) at  Phoenix Fashion Week 2012.

It was fun getting to meet the emerging designers at their tables and to see their clothing up close and personal. 

OfraStyle

Though all the designers were friendly, I really connected with Ofra Aricha of OfraStyle--she is truly endearing! Ofra, who is orginially from Israel, specializes in convertible clothing for women (dresses, jumpsuits, and activewear) that can be worn at least 2-3 different ways.

Soon to be America's Next Top Model

For me the highlight of the night was the fashion show (...and the people watching) in which each emerging designer previewed 4 pieces. I was pleasantly surprised to see that many of the designers had stepped it up since their first showing at the Emerging Designer Announcement. Here are a few of my favorite looks.

ENVY by Khanh

JHaus

Suzanne Lay

And of course we can't end a blog post without a picture of my lovely blogger friends Joanne of Fabulously  Average and Angela of Forward Fashion Diary.

And before I forget,  Thank You Lauren Pfingstag for the AMAZING VIP Swag bag filled to the brim with a little somethin' somethin' from each designer! :)

PSC's Tastemakers

Thursday night I got to see some of my favorite fashionable faces (Fabulously Average, Sunshine Cupcakes, A Bit of Spakrlefarkle, Phoenix is Haute, and RxQnAesthetics) and meet new ones (Adrian Loves Owls) at the Phoenix Style Collective's Tastmakers event at Hanny's in downtown Phoenix.

It was my first time visiting Hanny's and the location was perfectly low key and the intimate atmosphere of the restaurant allowed for everyone to get to know each other better and to chat about all of their favorite style topics.  All of the oddities that Hanny's provides (just take a peek at my little collage) also provide great icebreakers! I mean where else can you walk up stairways that lead to nowhere with someone you don't know?

Me and Joanne via Fabulously Average

 All in all I love this fashionable crowd and I can't wait until the next meet up... and hopefully I'll see you there!


P.S. You ladies will be happy to know I finally ordered my business cards!!! ;)

Comment dit-on Skincare?

There are a myriad of things that I believe must be present in a girl's life...You know, the type of things that are worth saving for (a designer handbag) and making time for (brunch with the girls). Among my list of must-haves is the spa experience. When life gets hectic (work, school, the dog gets sick, the washing machine explodes etc.) there is nothing like entering a space solely devoted to you and your relaxation. In my personal opinion the spa experience should be a part of every woman's health regimen (seriously, right up there with cardio & water).

FYI the title of this blog is in french and literally reads: How do you say skincare? 

With that said, there was no way I was going to pass up the opportunity presented to me by the Saks Fifth Avenue Phoenix Cosmetic Department to come in and enjoy a complimentary facial this past Monday. 

Let's start with a facial recap:

After I met with Yvette my (Saks') Sisley Specialist at the Sisley counter she guided me to a fully equipped Spa Room. Yep that's right, there are little relaxation sanctuaries hidden in a hallway just steps away from the Cosmetic Department: spa music and all.

Before starting the facial, Yvette gave me a little history on Sisley Paris Cosmetics: A French company specializing in botanical skincare products. 

The facial itself was one of the best I've ever had (I give permission to Yvette to say "I told you so."). Unlike facials I've had in the past where I'm supposed to come up with my questions and concerns, Yvette offered up her knowledge giving me tips specific to my skin. Even more, she gives an excellent neck, shoulder, and hand massage... I was fighting sleep. 

On the top of my list of favorite parts of the facial was the smell of the products. I am a huge fan of aromatherapy (I spritz calming spray like nobody's business) and I can't tell you how wonderful the Sisley products smell. It was like heaven for any aromatherapy junkie. 

Tied for first, is the feel of these products. I was so relaxed that I didn't  even think about the fact that at no time did my skin feel itchy, irritated, or some other weird sensation until Yvette brought it up. Not only that but these products feel great too--rich, creamy, and yet light and not greasy. 

When my hour of luxury was over Yvette was kind of enough to send me home with a baggy full of samples! And honestly every time I use them it's like reliving the experience (<<This is not an exaggeration ask my lovely blogger friend at Heroine Chic). 

The products range in price from $150 to $700, but like I said there are some things worth saving for... and to have great skin NOW and when I'm older (sorry ladies it's going to happen) is worth it... and believe me I'll be saving and/or begging the people who love me to gift me skincare! 

I realize this post is getting long so let's get straight to Yvette's expert advice:

Why should we invest in such an intensive skincare regimen in our twenties?

Prevention! Keeping your skin in great condition. (Note: Yvette has zero wrinkles and now I'm a believer).

Sisley Must-Haves:

Cleanser

Toner

Eye Cream

Face Cream

All Day All Year

And drink WATER! Ok that was really her advice to me, but I think we all need to heed her warning!

If you would like to set up an introduction to the Sisley line and for more great skincare advice you can schedule an appointment at the Saks Fifth Avenue in Phoenix at 602.955.8000 or visit a Saks near you.

A Very Fashionable Week

Last week, I got a little behind on blog posts and my reading plan, but I did get the laundry done (that counts for something right?). Beside washing piles of dirty clothes, I actually had a lot of fun this past week, here is a little recap.

On Wednesday night I hit up Scottsdale Fashion Square with one of my fave gal pals Hannah {of Heroine Chic}. We had fun mingling with the fashion crowd at Madewell and Ted Baker for a couple of private shopping parties. 

At Madewell Celine and Casey from ACI Nouveau gave us some summer styling tips...and the fact is that they both love denim and so do I!

Over at Ted Baker, Hannah and I had a good time with Ms. Scottsdale Fashionista herself scoping out handbags, dresses, cute boys... oh and Hannah met this absolutely adorable nude pink mini bowler bag. Happy Birthday again Hannah! 

Thursday I spent some much needed time with my bestie Vail, and while I was there we did a little hair makeover. So I present to you my copper balayage highlights. I'm in love! I wish I could get better pics for you but I'm sure you'll see more in the future. 

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Just wanted to wish you all a late Happy's Mother's Day... I hope all of you moms had a wonderful day full of love. 

Though I am not a mom (except to my pups Mingo & Moose), I had an amazing Mother's Day:

After church the family headed to Mother's Day brunch and I had myself some bubbles yummmm... 

Mom loved her Kate Spade wallet!!! It matches the Kate Spade crossbody I bought her last year :)

Again, not a mother, but I figured I deserved a gift too... I'm so guilty of buying myself a gift when I'm supposed to be buying them for others (justification = why can't we all be happy?)

Anyway I just couldn't say no to these Kate Spade 'mrs' earrings... and surely the husband can't complain... Now I'm doubly his. I also got my mother-in-law the matching 'mrs' necklace (also a big hit). So Thank you Kate Spade for making it the best Mother's Day and thank you again Hannah for helping!

What did you get for Mother's Day?

#ABC12 AKA Arizona Blogger Conference

On Saturday night I made my very first visit to The Saguaro hotel in Scottsdale. Let me just say that this place is amazing--the bright colored walls, the amazing cucumber water in the lobby (I'm a genuine hotel water connoisseur), the super nice and cute bartender who broke a $20 for Angela and I (errr should have taken a pic, so unlike me), and of course the cool atmosphere and contemporary furnishings.

This visit was set up by the Phoenix Style Collective for the 1st Arizona Blogger Conference (#ABC12). 

Photo: Brenda Eden

The evening started with a picture in front of the Madewell backdrop (after receiving an adorable denim polka dot Madewell tote). My blogger friend Angela was kind of enough to take a picture with moi. 

The Phoenix Style Collective team made sure that there was never a dull moment: friendship bracelet making (I gave up after row 1), a yummy spread of....spread and pickled beets, tomatoes, cauliflower and more, latte art via the Coffee Chop, and stylish vendors. 

As the evening continued bloggers got a special lesson from Agency Arizona model Aqua... as usual she worked it! And I have a few more poses to add to my repertoire.

Aqua

Finally we got to hear from some local business owners, entrepreneurs, and expert bloggers. They shared tips on how to better blog content, pictures, creating a niche, and staying true to yourself:

Sarah Rhodes, Arrow & Apple
Katie Leavitt, Running on Happiness
Chelsea Brown, Tea Talk
Georgeanne Bryant, Owner of Frances Vintage and Smeeks
Margaree Bigler, Local First AZ


It was a wonderful night and I can't wait for the next event so I can meet everyone I didn't get to this time around!

Amazing Phoenix Style Collective Team! Photo: Brenda Eden

AZ Blogger Conference... Join me!

The lovely people of the Phoenix Style Collective (and I mean lovely)

have invited you to join them and ME at the 2012 Arizona Bloggers Conference 

Here are the Deets: 

Saturday April 28, 2012 from 5pm to 10pm

AT: The way rad Saguaro hotel in Scottsdale

Not only will there be exquisitely dressed bloggers there (oh what to wear!?!?!?) 

BUT friendship bracelet making (embrace your inner awesome child), a Madewell styling station (and your inner Rachel Zoe) PLUS goody bags..... 

So please please please click this here link and join me and all of the fab AZ bloggers:

Click here... and see you there!! :)

Or this picture for their website....

Blogger Style

Once again I have fallen off the blogging wagon, but those of you who are students will understand when I say, "It is the last month of the semester."

Now that I have your sympathy, lets talk style--blogger style. At one of the most recent fashion events where I met up with my fellow Phoenix Fashion Bloggers, after gushing about how cute we all looked, we started talking about what we all look like when we don't see each other... You know like now, when I'm in my old PJs laying in my bed (and the hair oh the hair) or later when I'm alternating between writing and washing the clothes. 

As if that weren't enough real talk for you, let's get really real, we all say (okay more like Tim Gunn says) that PJs are a no-no, getting ready is a must, track suits are so Jenny From The Block, but when you spend most of your time in front of the computer (in your own home) then I don't expect you (me) to wear sky-high heels, a pleated maxi skirt, and your favorite Vince blouse. 

If you are not already, it is time to get comfortable, grab some cereal and your laptop, hop into to bed and check out my  blogger/student/writer wardrobe wish list!

At Karen Kane $90

Don't get me wrong being comfy does not mean that we can't look ah-mazing. I mean you never know when the the door bell will ring and the UPS man is standing at  the door... With this Karen Kane Lace Back Striped Dolman you won't have to pretend you aren't home anymore. I love the comfort the silhouette offers while the lace back takes your look from comfy to casual chic. 

At Vince Camuto $49-$120

A pair of ankle-length black leggings should be a staple in everyone's closet and these Vince Camuto classic leggings are great with a tunic, oversized sweater, or even that Karen Kane Dolman!

Bling Yoga Tank $32.50

Campus Crop Pant $44.50

If you're going to go the route of sweat pants and a tank then there is no better way to do it than with PINK!

littlemissmatched $13

If you're at home with no intention of seeing the light of day, tucked away in your cozy office with all of your favorite electronics... then do yourself a favor and get a pair of adorable, fun, and crazy knee high socks... because you can!

Neiman Marcus $158

Some of you may not be convinced by my stay-at-home wardrobe suggestions... in which case I say, fine, then if you must, do a maxi dress--a Splendid max dress. You'll be comfortable, and only a pair of sandals away from walking out the door.

Mesa Blues - Karen Kane Spring Show

 

Last Saturday I had the chance to attend a Karen Kane fashion show at Dillard's at Scottsdale Fashion Square. Though the show itself was exciting (more on this later) what made this an extra special occasion was the beautiful lady waving at the crowd-- yep Miss Karen Kane herself! Even better she didn't just show up, but the designer, known for her California Coast aesthetic, even shopped with her customers (aka fans) and obliged the over excited bloggers (we are fans too). 

Guests and bloggers were the lucky recipients of the very first preview of Karen Kane's newest Spring Collection, "Mesa Blues."

 From the first look to hit the runway, this Aqua tie-dyed print, open shoulder blouse & super hot Riviera ruffle skirt, there was not doubt that the rest of the show was going to be fun, fresh, and of course all about Spring on the California Coast. 

This open knit sweater made me want to hop in my car and drive west until I saw waves (of course only after I had seen the rest of the show). 

A beautiful blue tie-blouse perfect for a breezy spring day and I'm loving the white denim too.

The striped dress and the very similar outfit below were my two favorite looks of the show. Not only because I have a huge love for stripes, but also because these aren't just any stripes, the way the black and white alternates give it an almost ombre effect. 

Karen Kane and I :)

She's wearing the Scarf top from her Mesa Blues Collection.

To purchase pieces from Karen Kane's Spring 2012 Collection visit: www.karenkane.com 

P.S. Mesa Blues is available starting today! Lucky you...

Thank you again Karen, Lonnie, Michael and the Dillard's team for a fantastic show and a great day!

B Brian Atwood Launch Party

On Thursday night I was invited to attend the B Brian Atwood Launch at Saks Fifth Avenue- Phoenix. I was joined by two of my favorite local bloggers Forward Fashion Diary and Fabulously Average. Our evening included  champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, and of course shoes.

Fall '12 Fortosa $450

The B Brian Atwood collection is an affordable array of fringe, glitter, suede, snakeskin, crystals, and more. As I browsed I easily found 5 to 6 pairs to put on my wish list. Not only did we get a chance to see the most recent Spring collection but we also got a preview of both pre-fall and fall collections coming in May and July/August. 

Pre-Fall '12 Baccina $395

These were no doubt among the favorites last night, the hand-placed crystals combined with a classic suede pump is the perfect edgy-classy combo... and the berry color is Brian's personal favorite {and mine too}. 

Fall '12

Atwood certainly knows how to do a purple heel. 

Spring '12 Luciana $350

Snakeskin and fringe plus a laquer heel...I don't think a shoe can be more exciting and fun. This pair is part of the Spring collection available in stores now and on Saksfifthavenue.com

Guests and bloggers enjoyed drooling over shoes while listening to Brian Atwood's playlist and of course we can't forget our new favorite model Alex from The Agency Arizona! I am most certainly looking forward to future events.

Thank you Amy Videan and the Saks Fifth Avenue- Phoenix team for a wonderful evening!

Be sure to visit Saks Fifth Avenue at Biltmore Fashion Park 

2446 East Camelback Road

Phoenix, AZ 85016

For more about Briant Atwood Shoes visit: brianatwood.com