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September 7th, 2007
We spent our college savings at Casey Moore's. We lived the glamorous life in other cities. And now we've returned, calling Phoenix "home" once again. We're not sure what it is about this town that keeps us loyal. Our first inclinations suggest it has something to do with the little treasures we've stumbled across—things that don't involve pay parking, cover fees, or VIP lists. And Phoenix Picks was born to share all these wonderful gems with you. We're kind of nervous, actually, since this is our first issue of Phoenix Picks. We've been publishing in other cities for more than three years (check out www.PortlandPicks.com, which is our flagship city, as well as www.SeattlePicks.com , and www.MinneapolisPicks.com), but this is our very first PHX foray. Our goal is to bring you the latest and greatest the Valley has to offer. Need a rockin outfit for your blind date? Want to impress your new lady or guy friend with a charming hole-in-the-wall restaurant? Looking for something to do on a Thursday evening? Our local secrets are now yours. We do hope you like us enough to tell all your friends, family, coworkers, frenemies and exes to sign up right away for this refreshingly new, witty and awesome website/e-newsletter called Phoenix Picks. (Keep reading to find out what you can win for getting five people to sign up!) We're starting up as a monthly but as word spreads, we could be popping in your inbox more frequently. So drop us a line and let us know what you think (we'll even take the constructive criticism)! Email us at picks@phoenixpicks.com. And enjoy! |
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| Phoenix Picks: | |||
| 1 | Thus Spoke Zarathustra “Aye, if you were gods, you might then be ashamed of clothing!” We know we’re far from godlike. But with a pair of gladiator sandals, some Romanesque gold detailing embellished on our tunic top and the new Bat for Lashes playing on repeat in our i-Pod, we can most certainly feel like one. At the Rowdy Boutique, pretty Grecian-cut dresses in shades of royal blue and purple plus metallic and sequined pieces call us by our goddess names. And we can’t forget the wall of chunky, gold- and bronze-toned jewels by Phoenix and independent designers that beckon us to buy every time. Melissa Owen and Kristin Dus, owners of the Rowdy Boutique, have done a wonderful job of giving their clients the royal treatment despite the arse-kickin name. The store is spacious and stocked with the latest trends and labels such as Susana Monoco, Yumi Kim, Salvage and Diane Medak. And lest we forget—we must mention the fabulous price points (even a ramen-eating fashionista can shop here!) The Rowdy Boutique |
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| 2 | This Seat’s Taken Don’t you hate it when the one item you’re secretly obsessed about can’t be found or purchased anywhere? (You know the one … it’s rabbit-eared in the latest issue of Vogue.) Or how about when you find the perfect window seat for your “I’m power-lunching on my own today” only to find the spot already taken? You’re not a wallflower—why should you feel like one? Enter: Spoken Boutique. This slice of “little Soho in Downtown” offers a mix of celebrity-craved fashion and runway-inspired looks (such as Eva Franco, Nu Collective and Vanitas) and tons of denim for men and women from brands such as Parasuco, William Rast, 191 Limited and Taverniti. Though tiny (they’re expanding soon), they’re jam-packed with everything from classic and tailored pieces to trendy items perfect for cocktails and getting your dance on. Why else do we love Spoken? A) They won’t look at you funny when you say you’re dying for a pair of high-waisted jeans. B) When you’re rocking that beautiful mod blazer you picked up there, the last thing you want to do is hide shyly in the corner like a wallflower. Spoken Boutique |
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| 3 | It’s Time for a Switch If you’re anything like us, you sometimes equate being “in the know” with being smart in a think-tank type way. There is a dignity in this; a superficial dignity, but dignity nonetheless. So, be among the first to speak about this new hotspot born from the brainpower of the folks who created Ticoz and FEZ. This urban delight is called Switch, and it’s a solid reason to brave the light-rail construction on Central Avenue. Switch is fresh, attractive, and delicious. And it promises to give you a long-lasting commitment, due to its charming disposition (which includes an unbelievable patio and a BFF-friendly staff.) As for the menu (theme: country fresh), imagine what would happen if a Napa Valley chef went to Paris and made romance with a Frenchman who really knew how to puff a gallette. We’re talking duck confit, crepes, baked fish, a farm-veggie wrap, lobster, rustic beef stew and fancy pb&j. Switch also serves breakfast and dessert, smoothies and coffee, including lattes and frappes. Trust us, you will welcome the insomnia. Switch |
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| 4 | Out of the Labyrinth We’re about to make a shameful confession here. Our first crush was David Bowie in “Labyrinth.” That hair! Those tights paired with knee-high boots! A ruffled pirate shirt and a bolero jacket! Amazingly, this crush had a profound impact on our fashion choices. We’ve seen some gawd-awful trends come and go: hammer pants, acid-washed overalls, fringe vests, gold lamé bicycle shorts … and perhaps we’ve even worn some of them (we won’t tell which ones). Thank goodness we’re older now and less daring—it saves a lot of explaining bad photos! That doesn’t mean, however, that we’re not game to take fashion risks. So when we stepped into Frances Boutique we found our happy place. Beautiful embellished tops and girly dresses, painter jackets with puff sleeves and oversize bows, wide-leg slacks, and scores of vintage embroidered treasures. (If only man-tights were back in fashion!) p.s.: It's like an oven outside, but new fall clothes are rolling in at Frances. To make room for the woolens, all summer clothes are up to 75% off through Sept. 20! Frances Boutique |
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| 5 | Riddle Me This A good enigma makes us feel deep. So, after a recent experience at Fuego Bistro, our inner pop psychologist and food critic took to their mental couches to contemplate the following Proust-worthy puzzle: Which is better? A decadently rich-tasting pernil asado or well-timed flattery? It’s one of life’s big questions—right up there with the meaning of life and whether a woman in her 30s can wear footless tights. Fuego Bistro (formerly Café Del Sol) is tucked away inside Fountain Court, and imparts a relaxed, cozy ambiance that complements its Cuban, Puerto Rican and Latin American fare. We go loco for their signature mojito, the gorgeous Tropical Shrimp Martini, Caldo Gallego, and the Camerones de Patron. Plus, they sound fantastic when you say them. Upon further consideration, we’ve decided that flattery trumps food only when one is in line for an early a.m. coffee wearing a scowl, a squint and last night’s mascara—and still gets asked out by the cute barista. If this happens, by all means, take the bloke/babe to Fuego Bistro! Fuego Bistro |
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| Cocktail of the Week: | |||
3 oz. light rum In a glass, muddle mint, lime, and a couple of ice cubes for about 15 seconds, then add rum, lime juice, syrup, and soda, and fill with ice. Shake, and then serve in a sugar-rimmed glass. (Modify with different flavored rums or your favorite fresh fruit.) |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Woodn’t It Be Nice? We are fanatics when it comes to wood jewelry. So it’s no surprise that when we found Fallen Wood Turnings by Robert Lievens at the Downtown Phoenix Public Market, we immediately put him to work on our custom requests. But the joy of having our own jewelry maker doesn’t end here. Robert’s materials are amazing. He uses wood that’s recycled, found, given or “saved from going to the dump” wood from palo verde, mesquite, oak, eucalyptus and pistachio—found right here in Phoenix! www.fallenwoodturnings.com |
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| 2 | Avante Garb Every girl needs something extraordinary in her closet. One essential piece so unique that when she comes across it seven years later it screams, “Yes, you actually wore me…twice.” When we stumbled across independent designer Naik Fur, we fell in love instantly. Think Victorian spider-woman with a pair of knitting needles the size of salad tongs tucked away in a San Fran loft space. She’s so good we predict she’ll be all the rage in fashion circles by this fall. Get yours now! |
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| 3 | Waxing Poetics Our eyebrows are old pros when it comes to being tweezed, pulled, threaded and waxed. So when we stopped into Sofia Facials and Waxing, we were armed with our Jackie O’s and prepared for the pain. Little did we know that owner Kerry Berman has a particular Midas touch when it comes to these things. When she got hold of our wildebeests, we actually felt—well, nothing! No pain, no sting. Just perfectly manicured arches. We can’t wait to see what her magic hands can do to our sun-damaged skin! |
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| 4 | Channeling Kate Moss’s Rib Remember that rumor about Kate Moss removing her ribs for a smaller waist? Somehow we were reminded of this urban celeb-legend when we came across Paraphernalia’s Anatomica collection, specifically the Ribcage necklace. While the collection of body parts is too goth for our tastes, we did heart designer Vanda Noronha’s Fauna collection of goldfish, snails, frogs, bird’s nests and magpie necklaces. These necklaces are definite attention-getters so be prepared—you’ll be stopped by total strangers and little tots wanting a bedtime story. www.paraphernalia.nu |
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| 5 | Dear Diary… Today, Chris wore the same thing he wears every Tuesday: a Vision Street Wear T-shirt with jams and his red and white checkered Vans. In science class, he told me I better move my paper away from the bunsen burners, or I might set fire to our school. Sigh. If only he knew how much I love him. I would let him skateboard every day if he asked me to be his girlfriend. Don’t make the same mistakes you made in junior-high. Keep all your secrets safe and fashionable in these awesome handmade journals by Ex Libris Anonymous, made from recycled textbooks and old library books. www.bookjournals.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Rocking Out with the Jazz Hands It’s here. A photography exhibit that shows what American Apparel ads could be if the models were old enough to show us how spangly ball gowns and flouncy bloomers are to be worn. While Depression-era underwear with shot-out elastic waistbands may not be on everyone’s hips (for now), trust us, this exhibit is off the charts! What: Troy Aossey’s Sun City Jazzy Poms and VFW |
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| 2 | New Kid on the Block We can’t wait until Bunky Boutique opens its doors. Owners Rachel Richards and Jim Malloy have been working overtime, researching and combing through the Valley and the Northeast for the most unique, one-of-a-kind offerings from independent designers. This new boutique is sure to be a hot stop, especially during First Fridays. What: Bunky Boutique’s Grand Opening |
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| 3 | Word of the Day: Workhot Workhot: A person who may or may not be hot, but is the most attractive person in the set of people you work with so you lust after him/her. What better way to get to know Mr. or Ms. Workhot than by setting up a group happy hour at Market Street at DC Ranch for First Thursday? What: First Thursday Happy Hour |
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| 4 | A Twilight Tour Imagine all the secrets to be uncovered by touring architecture-giant Frank Lloyd Wright’s home Taliesin West. Though it’s unlikely they’ll let you snoop through his bathroom cabinets, you can experience first-hand the feeling of being a guest in Wright’s home. Photo by Terrance Reimer. What: Night Lights on the Desert Tour at Taliesin West |
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So what did you think? Are we cool enough that you’d sign our yearbook with more than a “stay cool and see you next summer”? If you like what you see here, please forward this email to your friends and tell them to sign up at www.PhoenixPicks.com – it’s free! Forward Phoenix Picks to 5 friends and cc picks@PhoenixPicks.com, and you could win a gift certificate to Bunky Boutique! |
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