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November 2nd, 2007
We are pack rats. Our definition of cleaning out the closet consists of swapping out the summer dresses with the sweaters tucked under the bed. The baby-doll dress we wore in junior high? Still have it. The knee-high boots two sizes too small? Still in the original box, worn only two times. We have a difficult time parting with our sacred duds. So we hold onto them—knowing that 1970s disco will be fashionable once again. But our poor hubby—we’ve stolen his closet to store our vintage winter coats. P.S. Here’s some exciting news: We’re bringing Phoenix Picks to you every other Friday from now on! Please help us grow by forwarding this issue (or another that tickled your fancy) to someone you know, love or maybe even hate, asap. |
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| Phoenix Picks: | |||
| 1 | Our Haus, in the Middle of the Street We appreciate men who have great taste in furniture and design; it pairs well with our collection of overpriced platform heels. We used to date this handsome fella, who smelled and dressed better than we did—and what a house he had! It was a gallery of everything we wanted to stuff in our purse. We try not to encourage thievery or superficial behavior but we were a little bummed when it didn’t work out with Mr. Beefcake (he said we weren’t his type). We knew that we had nothing in common, but we totally could’ve seen ourselves shacked up in his post-mod pad making Pad Thai in that gorgeous kitchen of his! We were reminded of bo-hunk on a visit to Haus. Owners Lew Gallo, Gregory Gordon and Brad Plumley serve up bold home essentials and distinctive modern furniture from Blu Dot, Fatboy, Knoll, Kartell, Vitra and Jonathan Adler. We think every house should have a knick knack or three and a couch from Haus. If your home is suffering from shabby chic syndrome, get thee over to Haus for some immediate rescue therapy. Haus |
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| 2 | A Desert Copacabana Don't deny it, your heart holds a special place for Barry Manilow, and when you hear the name Lola you're singing "Her name was Lola/She was a showgirl” for days. Don’t be shy. We know you do it. So when the mood to meringue strikes, head over to Lola Tapas, where Spanish flair is embodied in every dish, drink and smile they serve. |
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| 3 | We Found the Motherlode Dating in Central Phoenix? Impossible. That’s what our best gal pals say when they talk about finding a down-to-earth, just-geeky-enough guy who’s single. So when we came across Red Hot Robot, we had to smack our heads for not putting it together sooner. An independent record store next to a toy gallery featuring designer goodies from Frank Kozik, Gary Baseman, Tim Biskup, Joe Ledbetter and Shepard Fairey? Duh! This corner off Camelback Road is the male equivalent to Forever 21 on a Saturday! Our experience at Red Hot Robot was one of the best ever. After all, how often do we get to see our male counterparts “girl out”? One shopper experienced complete ecstasy after finding a reversible hoodie. Another guy geeked out in boyish glee as he perused the display cases, challenging his friend’s knowledge of who was the toy artist and what was what. It was like watching a John Cusack movie—only thing missing was Jack Black. Ladies on the prowl, take note: stop into the Red Hot Robot—we’re confident you won’t leave empty handed. Red Hot Robot |
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| 4 | Drink About It Not too long ago, no one gave much thought to Central Phoenix's Roosevelt Arts District—it was gritty and rundown, and only the brave would open a business there, much less buy a house and move in! But now this tiny neighborhood is known for not-to-be-missed bars and restaurants, among them, the year-old Roosevelt Tavern. Don't be fooled by the quiet and unsuspecting appearance of this early 1900s house-turned-modern-tavern. The word is out on this gem and you'll have to arrive early if you want prime seating on the weekends, when it's usually standing-room only. The casual-cool atmosphere draws a diverse crowd; you'll find yourself sharing a couch with tattooed artist types one minute, then ordering drinks at the bar alongside downtown professionals the next. If a relaxing post-work nip is more your speed, stop in at happy hour for great specials on wine, or choose a hand-selected beer (try local favorite Four Peaks 8th Street Ale). Tip: During happy hour, seating abounds! Central Phoenix is lucky to have a treasure like this—and if you eagle-eye it, you’ll see us here, often. Roosevelt Tavern |
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| 5 | Come on You Disco Lady Trying to get a group of gal pals out on the same night is like mastering the moonwalk. But when we found “Juicy” at Martini Ranch’s Shaker Room—a true ladies-only night out—the girls started biting. Imagine a safe haven where you and your girls can dance drama-free with no boys allowed from 9 to 11 pm. And the best part? There’s always a line full of single, strapping young men waiting to get first pickins when the Shaker Room doors open. But before they get there, you can sip on $3 Three Olive Cocktails and prepare for the caravan of men with a touch-up from makeup artist Nikki Lawson. On the night we were there, free tickets to Fashion Week were given out, courtesy of Chambord, and a manicurist was also brought in! Girl heaven! Juicy happens every Friday night, and every third month there’s a special event with fashion shows and giveaways. There’s free cover when you RSVP (hello extra round of drinks!), so make your reservation at juicy@martiniranchusa.com or 602.513.2195, and tell them Phoenix Picks sent you! “Juicy” at Martini Ranch Shaker Room |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Flavor Flav and the Funky Bunch Breath Palatte’s flavored toothpastes make brushing fun in a grown-up sort of way. We want to try every single flavor, especially “l'espresso,” so we can say, "Don't mind the coffee breath...we just got done brushing our teeth." |
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| 2 | Shine on You Crazy Diamond We hear there's a rotating door of artists coming in and out of the Shiny Squirrel, so be sure to check in often! |
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| 3 | Easy Breezy Beautiful... Our secret wish has been for a pair of lush, long eyelashes (think 1960s Twiggy). But we're awful with mascara, even worse with falsies and forget about working an eyelash curler. We can't even apply liquid eyeliner without making a mess—so much for being a cover girl. We have a feeling that Stephanie Simek had a similar longing; hence her line of eyelash necklaces. Yes, they’re actually made with from real human hair! It's so goth-like wonderful we had to share! |
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| 4 | Beyond the Brady Bunch There was a time when we loved vintage polyester shirts. Sure, they were hot and sticky, but we were known for being able to spot the ones that edged across the line from ugly toward cool. Now that we’re no longer down with man-made fabrics, we apply our natural instincts to a new material—wallpaper. And there’s no better source for eye-catching patterns than this aptly named site. But just like the fashion, it’s better in small doses, so think twice before papering the entire basement. |
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| 5 | You Smell So Cool We were perusing Fred Segal online and came across this fab find: Juliette has a Gun fragrance. It’s some French brand (we initially thought it was by Juliette Lewis, who not only acts, but sings and rocks a turban this season). Anyhoo, it’s described as “the perfume of a virgin witch, docile and provocative, elegant and sensual.” Just like you, right? Oh, what the heck—no matter what it smells like, it will look totally epic on your nightstand. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Meet the Jet Set Need an escape from the holiday mayhem inching up? The glamorous Hotel Monaco Seattle gives you a reason to ditch turkey with the in-laws. The Holiday Escape package includes deluxe accommodations for two, a $50 gift certificate at Seattle’s downtown shopping mecca Pacific Place, $25 room service credit for post-shopping re-fueling and cider and cookies at turndown. What: Hotel Monaco Seattle’s Holiday Escape |
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| 2 | Certified Locals We love this time of the year when the weather is great, and fall festivals are plenty. The Third Annual Certified Local Fall Festival brings together our favorite indie shops and restaurants and gives us a chance to scope out new local businesses. Add free food, live music, fun stuff for kids and hobnobbing with Valley scenesters, and it’s a Saturday well spent. What: The Third Annual Certified Local Fall Festival |
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| 3 | Weird Science We have a soft spot for Spock ears and Star Trek conventions. If you do too, then you’re going to love this: Join physicist Lawrence Krauss and Star Trek actor Armin Shimerman (Quark)’s free warp-speed journey through the fantasies of science fiction via the Star Trek universe … and possibilities of the real universe. What: Sci-Fi meets Sci-Fact: Inaugural Lecture |
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| 4 | Market Fresh A European-style, open-air farmer’s market set on a desert landscape kinda reminds us of our vacation home in Tuscany. Oh wait, that was last week’s daydream! We’re excited that Market Street brought back The Market, where over 35 vendors sell fresh produce, specialty foods, flowers, art, musical instruments, clothing and art. A great place to find unique gifts! What: The Market at Market Street |
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| 5 | A Charitable Cause Sometimes we’re embarrassed by the amount of time we spend thinking about fashion. So we’re happy when we come across an event that combines our favorite pastime with a charitable cause. Stars of Hope benefits the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and will feature a fashion show from the Mix boutiques, and tons of celeb sightings, too! What: Stars of Hope—Miracles at the Mix |
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| 6 | A Bum Reality We’ve been on the constant pilgrimage to find the perfect pair of derrière-friendly jeans. Then we discovered a virtually flawless method, created by Hub Clothing, aptly named the Butt Cam. No more asking your gal pal how your denim-clad butt looks in a pair of high-waisted jeans. Stop in to Hub to see for yourself! What: The Butt Cam at Hub |
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Get acquainted with our favorite Dotcomrade—Claire from www.Hauteaz.com . She’s savvy, cheeky and just as obsessed with fashion as we are! Check out her website for everything fashion-related in the Valley. |
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