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January 4th, 2008
As the snow glitters elsewhere in the country like Richard Simmons in bedazzled tights, we’re in AZ enjoying sunny, albeit chilly, days. Today, we’re wearing our striped legwarmers and reviewing our new year’s resolutions. What's on our list? 1.Stop equating footless tights with pants, 2.Get back on a Pilates kick, and 3. Give more compliments. We asked around the office to see what the other gals had on their plates. Here’s what they shared: "Try on that dress I was too afraid to try on," "Screw dieting; indulge once in a while," "Pamper myself more," and "Stop spending money on things I don’t need." Aha! A woman after our own heart! For years, we’ve tried to curb our shopping habit and failed miserably. Shopping, after all, is our inner self tapping into that primitive instinct of gathering berries and such. So, how did we overcome that post-shopping spree guilt and just accept that we were shopaholics? By putting our money toward a good cause and shopping independent, of course! Stay tuned and count on Phoenix Picks in 2008 to spill the beans on the best places to indulge and score those must-have indie bargains! |
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| Phoenix Picks: | |||
| 1 | Just Dee-Lovely and Delicious In the early 90s, we frequented an underground club in downtown Phoenix called Jumbo. Since much of our youth was spent raving and combing through West Valley and Sun City thrift stores looking for duds that were reminiscent of Lady Miss Kier from Deee-lite, we have a strong attachment to vintage things. These days, our old thrift store haunts have been stripped bare, but the love of a good vintage hunt has never left us. When we came across Mint boutique inside Red Modern Furniture, we stumbled upon our happy place. We combed through racks of silver and gold lamé, chiffon dresses, and bohemian hippie heaven. Owner Nicky Hedayat-Zadeh stocks Mint with new pieces every Saturday. She’s also a sharp-dressed fashionista in the know, so you can bet she’s delivering the hottest finds. Partner Jonathan Wayne doesn’t skip a beat with his selection of modern goods, either. We spent the afternoon ogling all the treasures showcased in this two-story goldmine. We’re sure any vintage collector (or ex-raver) will appreciate the couple’s stylish tastes and the trip down memory lane. Red Modern Furniture and Mint Vintage Clothing |
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| 2 | Romancin’ the Bean Because our first date with hubby-to-be was at Steve's Espresso, it holds a warm place in our crusty little heart. A far cry from your run-of-the-mill, mass-produced coffee cattle call, Steve's is über-chill without any of that highfalutin’ snobbery. With their sky-blue ceiling, kitschy Western wall art and comfy chairs, you can sit and relax for as long as you want, without ever feeling rushed or unwelcome (not to mention the masseuse they had in the corner, who was offering massages for a mere 10 bucks!). Their drink service is something to behold: an old-school French press makes rich, smooth coffee, without any burned, acidic undertones. The flavorings they add enhance and complement the coffee's flavor so it's never cloying or overly sweet. For those who prefer tea, rejoice: they have an extensive collection of loose-leaf teas that you can order iced or in a bottomless, cast-iron teapot. Steve's also offers up frozen drinks and baked goods, including dense but flaky scones and decadent muffins. And did we mention that Steve's has free Wi-Fi? So it’s the perfect nook for curling up with a warm laptop or a good book. Steve's Espresso |
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| 3 | Smile, It’s Free Therapy We love ourselves some retail therapy, especially after playing merry hostess and making way too many “ants on a log” for those impromptu holiday parties. So when our favorite little bird told us to check out a new Scottsdale boutique called Therapy, we were all over it. Therapy reminds us of the days we spent lounging at Malibu’s El Matador beach and then dashing into a nearby boutique for a quick wardrobe change. Owners Katy Baker and Ron Moore deliver a West Coast casual-chic sensibility without carrying over the Sunset Boulevard bling. The boutique itself boasts pristine white walls, cascading water mirrors and an area for hubby and baby to relax while you shop. And the clothes are along the lines of what Kate Hudson and Jennifer Aniston would wear (as opposed to the gaudy fabulousness of Rachel Zoe’s clonies). We’re stoked that we can finally get our hands on our old LA standbys such as Dittos, Young Fabulous and Broke, Alice & Trixie, Fighting Eel and Black Halo. Now if only we could find desert waterfront property with a sandy white beach! Therapy |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | French Kissin' in the USA We have an infatuation with French things—Edith Piaf, an ex-boyfriend from Paris, Carine Roitfeld's style, and Carla Bruni and Sarkozy's love affair. J.Mundo's French Kiss necklace is the perfect accessory for days when we feel like rocking the black turtleneck and beret. These pretty handmade necklaces are made from odds and ends collected from antique shops and flea markets. Since no two are alike, you'll be the only gal rockin these jewels; and supporting a local artist too! |
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| 2 | The Nose Knows We remember the cologne the skater boy who stole our first kiss wore; and the smell of garlic breath from the fella we dumped. We rely on our sense of smell when picking our mates. If we can bury our nose in his armpit without being totally grossed out, it's a sign of true love. This is why we love CB I Hate Perfume. Imagine the scent of being at the beach in 1966 or what the memory of kindness smells like. Our newest man-crush, perfumer Christopher Brosius, creates amazing scents inspired by real life experiences and even makes customized perfume. Can you imagine what your own perfume would smell like? |
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| 3 | Get Your Goth On When it comes to accessories, we’re the kind of gals who prefer the ugly and unique to the overly cutesy. (This probably stems back to how we looked in grades four through eight...) Therefore it’s no wonder we have been longtime fans of Bittersweets NY. Their unique jewelry appeals to your macabre side—tiny replicas of gold-plated teeth, monkey paw cufflinks, dagger and earthworm charms—but done in classic sterling silver or 14K gold. A perfect marriage of quality, kitsch and ick! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Come Rain or Shine Downtown Phoenix is finally coming around. Signs of the light rail completion are appearing, great little boutiques and eateries keep popping up, and the Downtown Phoenix Public Market is now open two times a week. For those who sleep in on Saturday mornings and have missed this great little hotspot, you can cruise on over after work on Wednesdays to stock up on some delicious homegrown goodies! What: Downtown Phoenix Public Market |
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| 2 | Strike a Pose Count on SMoCA to make yoga hip, fun and a reason to buy new yoga gear. Yin Fridays at the museum include yoga, sumptuous organic teas and healthy treats, "celebrity" yoginis and yogis from the art community. Better start practicing your downward dog now! What: Yin Fridays at SMoCA |
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| 3 | Simply Flawless Kathy Krakora, a Hollywood makeup artist, is bringing her trade secrets to Phoenix! Scosh School offers afternoon education sessions on how to look flawless, teaching everything from daily makeup application methods, how to glam it up, Just Eyes, how to be a Bridal Beauty, and how to make sense of makeup, from department stores and mineral makeup. What: Makeup 101 class |
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| 4 | Heart of the Matter The Icehouse brings a night of interesting performances by Jen Urso and Billy Berry. Kicking off the show, Urso will break apart a 350 lb. illustrated rock; and Berry (aka Bopbag Bill) will present a mixed media installation with video, photos and stories documenting Hurricane Katrina, from the perspective of a native. Don't miss this event! What: Evidence of Intention and Katrina Project |
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Thanks for helping us get off the ground in 2007. Want some good karma in 2008? Tell your friends to sign up for Phoenix Picks! |
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