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July 17th, 2009
The big question of the moment: what’s the difference between 115 and 122 degrees? It’s not like a measly seven more degrees is going to change the “damn it’s hot” factor or suddenly compel us to act any differently than the current routine of hibernating in our air conditioned home… even the cats are foregoing their feast of cicadas and moths to shack up with us. We’ve also discovered we have a major case of Valley Dementia (i.e. the delusional act of seeing a somewhat gray cloud in the sky and believing wholeheartedly there will be rain). One of the only reasons for enduring Arizona summers are those lovely monsoon nights—so far, we’ve only counted two really good rainfalls (not like we’re keeping score). In all seriousness, gang, we might be getting gypped here! |
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| Phoenix Picks: | |||
| 1 | Come on, Eileen As grown-up fashionistas, we’re faced with an eternal conundrum—boutique tastes on a big-box budget. Back in a long-past era called our 20s, when an “it” bag was more important than, say, insurance, we’d routinely blow our disposable paychecks at our favorite boutiques. Now that we’re responsible adults with mortgages, day care payments, and, count ‘em, four different kinds of insurance, we leave the latest shops heaving wistful sighs instead of glossy bags. There’s always the big superstore, right? But then Eileen came to town. In this chic central-Phoenix boutique, aside from denim, nothing is more than $100. Come again? You read that right. No $300 dresses or $100 t-shirts here. Adorable, quality clothing and accessories at prices that even the most shrewd recessionista can justify. Stylish maxi-dresses that hover around $40? Signature tees for $19? Beaded necklaces for $15? Yes, please! The owner, Eileen Burke, moved her namesake boutique from North Carolina so she could enjoy a drier, warmer climate. How apropos, considering that the hotness of this store signals the end of our boutique dry spell. Eileen |
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| 2 | Story Time Sometimes it feels like we’re defending why we live in Phoenix. We suppose it’s a good question when our summers are similar to a plague from the Book of Revelations and there is nothing here but tumbleweeds, cowboys… and strip malls. But we love Phoenix. We love the symbolism the mythological bird lends (who doesn’t need a rebirth every now and then?) and we also love its history. We’re not talking the O.K. Corral or Tombstone; we’re talking about Casino-style mobsters. Recently, we were lucky enough to wine and dine at Backstreet Wine Salon. This place not only has one of the most wine-savvy individuals we’ve encountered in the Valley, but a chef who knows how to please any palate, and a mobster back-story that parallels “Casino” and ends in murder. Want to know the story? Then go to Backstreet, have Jock pair your wines (and we’re not talking about Ripple—the drink with a ring-a-ding flavor), have Patrice prepare you a meal, and let story time begin. Backstreet Wine Salon |
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| 3 | Come on Pretty Baby, Kiss Me Deadly In an attempt to avoid happy hour with our bestest frenenemies, we imagine ourselves being anywhere but here—like cruising on a yacht in the Riviera. The wind blowing through our hair, wearing a metallic one-shoulder top with sailor blue jeans. We are effortlessly chic and not stuck in rush-hour traffic. Back to reality, we’re decked out in our favorite summer dress and already we’re a drenched mess with sweat stains in places we never knew could sweat. Seriously? Like always, the frenemies will be effortlessly perfect and they’ll make their sweet passive agressive remarks… But not this time! We’re making a quick stop to Kiss Me Kate! Carrying more than 200 designers isn’t easy, that’s why you’ll find different styles at the two locations, including awesome handbags like Ranson & Scout’s character embellished leather, Aroyho’s western-inspired looks, one of a kind Bootie Bagz made of out recycled cowboy boots, and Julie Feldman’s jeweled evening purses and colorful day satchels. Stop by during July and get 40% off all white clothing, plus, buy two items, get one half off! Kiss Me Kate |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Preppy Perfection As teenagers, we fantasized about going to a private boarding school. Cute plaid skirts and old-money heirs! Oh, how prestigious and glam! (…or maybe just a silly “Facts of Life” façade…) But we've found pieces from Tomtom Jewelry that make the perfect prepster accessories nevertheless. Unique and edgy with a preppy twist, we are in love with the Swallowed By The Sea necklace, handcrafted with navy ribbon and bronze, silver, enamel and brushed gold chains. It's so sea-faring rocker chic! |
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| 2 | Boogie Nights We can’t help but notice the onset of the “natural hair” look everywhere, evocative of a 70’s, California-cool, sun goddess-like vibe. Frankly, we can’t appropriate it—our dishwater blonde is not anywhere near vintage Farrah Fawcett. But we can go the groovy route in terms of silky, interesting garments from Snoozer Loser. It’s a strange and oddly beautiful online shop, with natural and comfortable-looking fashion. We may artificially enhance our ’do, but miss this sultry 70’s trend? Dream on! |
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| 3 | Kitschy Cool Our high-school bestie was effortlessly cool. Not only did she rock an eclectic sensibility that was enviable, but she had a knack for gifting with the outrageously original. We, however, thought the chambray shirt was the height of style and often gave socks as gifts. Luckily we found Fred Flare to up our cool quotient. From flirty sundresses that scream summer lovin’ to funky clocks, peek-a-boo pumps, and Holga cameras, this hip site puts the cool in kitsch. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Roller-Girl Strut “Throughout history women have shattered stereotypes and surpassed what society, and even they, themselves, thought they were capable of… It’s your turn.” That’s right! It’s time for women all over the Valley to see if they’ve got what it takes to become a rollergirl. Are you tough enough? What: Arizona Derby Dames RollerGirl Tryouts |
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| 2 | What Happens When… You were the original drummer of Sonic Youth and also had a role in “Ferris Beuller’s Day Off”? Naturally you become an avante garde photographer. Check out actor/musician Richard Edson’s color photographs of toys and figurines. It kinda makes suburban life with 5-year old boys seem pretty hipster cool. When: Until July 31 |
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| 3 | Tofu Fruity One of the biggest misconceptions about vegans, veg heads and raw-foodies is that all the stuff they eat is bland like a white cube of tofu. Join the Vegetarian Society of Phoenix, a faction of the Singles Meetup organization, at the annual Super Spectacular Vegan Summer Party for some hippie-dippie eats and a chance to hug a tree-hugger! What: Super Spectacular Vegan Summer Party |
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