March 2011 archive
There’s always a fashion trend that you kind of just hate. Sometimes it’s something that grows on you (don’t even pretend you loved leggings initially, everyone took awhile to get used to that). And sometimes, no matter how hard you try you just can’t embrace it. While the verdict is still out on whether I’ll embrace some spring 2011 fashion trends (like white shoes), I’m 99% sure where my opinion lies on this “hot” trend: Flatforms.
What are Flatforms? Exactly what they sound like. Not quite a platform, not quite a wedge. But do these not remind anyone else of those shoes from Payless and Bakers everyone was sporting circa 1990?
Maybe this is a fashion trend that was best left in the past.
What do you think? Will you be buying a flatforms?
Are you ready for swimsuit season? I most certainly am not. And if, like me, you’re suddenly starting to develop a panic-induced aversion to carbs (read:food) you’re in luck! You can sweat it out on the stairmaster or read on for these five tips on how to fake your way to that perfect spring break body.
1. Forget the size tag. Seriously.
I don’t care if you’re normally an extra small or a large, when it comes to swimsuit shopping, forgot about the size label and go with what fits best. No one wants to see muffin top hanging over bikini bottoms because you needed to know you could squeeze into a medium. That’s one of the reasons I love shopping at stores like Everything But Water; the sales girls are super discreet and simply ask about your measurements and swimsuit preferences and will bring a variety of suits to try on your way. Remember, sizing can vary a lot from designer to designer, which isn’t something you should let affect your ego. If you really can’t deal, tear the tag out. No one has to know.
2. Know your body type.
If your jugs look like that of a Playboy model more than a school teacher (let’s face it, this is Scottsdale so they probably do) by all means get a bra top that actually fits! If you’re having trouble finding mix and match bottoms, try {intimacy} or Victoria’s Secret; both swimsuit stores offer bikini tops made to your actual bra size. Shopping for a swimsuit in Arizona? Check out one of these top 7 Arizona Swimsuit stores.
3. Reconsider Stripes and Patterns
I love a good pattern but sometimes, it can be visually distracting. If you’re trying to minimize your bust, for example, an attention-grabbing polka dot bikini top or zigzag print is not the way to go. Instead, look for something in a more solid color. Want to slim the hips? Bid those horizontal-striped bikini bottoms goodbye and instead, reach for a solid-color string bottom that’s adjustable to your size.
4. Think:Tall
Why do women love heels so much? Because they elongate the legs, making us all look slimmer and trimmer. Think tall and if you’re off to a pool party this season, strap on a pair of sky-high wedges. And before you head out, check out these 5 essentials for poolside glamour.
5. Tan.
Darker skin makes you look thinner, it’s just a fact of life. While I highly suggest loading up on SPF (and forsaking the tanning beds altogether, your skin and I beg you!) if you must, lather up with some self-tanner or bronzers.
Did I miss any? What are your secrets for faking that spring break body?
Come back for part two next week, featuring some slimming swimsuit style secrets!
For constant style and beauty chatter, connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, too.
Clothing? Yes. Makeup? Yes. Hair? No, not so much. I’m always a fail in that department.
Even though I’ve blogged about great hair products in the past, there’s still no magic product that will help me achieve an at-home salon blowout. That, and holding a blowdryer aimed at my head for 30+ minutes every other day seems like a grandiose waste of time.
Which is why I’m loving that the blow-dry-only salon trend is finally coming to Phoenix! Now open in Arcadia is Park Avenue Blow Dry and Beauty Bar where for just $35, you can get a professional salon blowout, anytime.
This pretty place also offers other mini services priced at $35 like mini-facials, makeup applications and spray tans too.
Someone taming my tresses for the cost of a manicure? Um, yes please!
Have you been to Park Avenue Blow Dry and Beauty Bar? What do you think?
Park Avenue Blow Dry and Beauty Bar
4801 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
*Moving in next to Arcadia Tavern and V’s Barber Shop
(480)321-7780
This time of year, it’s absolutely loving to be living in AZ. With beautiful spring weather and plenty of things to do on the weekends, it’s time to head outdoors and be entertained! FabulousArizona brings us the rundown on where to see and be seen this weekend.
The Fashion-A-Ball event at W Scottsdale will take place poolside at WET on Friday, March 25 at 8 p.m.
The Motown Spectacular Show Live, hosted by comedian Jimmie “J. J.” Walker, will take place Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. in the Piper Repertory Theater at Mesa Arts Center.
InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley is launching a new event series, Sunset Cinema, kicking off Sunday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. with a showing of Roman Holiday.
The 2011 Tempe Spring Festival of the Arts will take place Friday, March 25 through Sunday, March 27, 10 a.m. to dusk at Mill Avenue District in downtown Tempe.
Arizona Spring Training
Spring Training is coming to an end. Don’t miss the last weekend of the Cactus League Spring Training games!
For more events visit FabulousArizona.com.
Japan needs help. And whether you make your donations directly to the Red Cross or Japanese charities, there are tons of ways to get involved and help out with the Tsunami relief efforts.
Fashion designers around the world have banded together in support of the Japanese tsunami relief. Here’s a list of just a few:
- Alexis Bittar is donating proceeds from all website sales through March 25 to the Catholic Relief Fund.
- Rebecca Minkoff is donating $100 for every red handbag purchased on her site to the Red Cross.
- Polo Ralph Lauren has created a special polo shirt and is donating 100% of proceeds going to the Central Community Chest of Japan, a branch of the United Way network.
- Lady Gaga Japan Earthquake Relief Wristband can be purchased for $5. One hundred percent of proceeds from the sale goes toward Japan relief.
- H&M is donating 100,000 garments to the Japanese Red Cross.
- Coach is donating $5 million to the Red Cross.
You can also see this list from The New York Times on where to make direct donations, here.
You’re invited!
This Thursday, get ready for some treats and to be treated at Agave spa at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Agave has teamed up with Banana Republic for an exclusive fashion show of the latest spring fashions.
You’ll get pampered with mini spa treatments, cocktails, appetizers and a free organic spray tan for the first 20 people who arrive!
Tickets are just $20 per person and benefit Fresh Start Women’s Foundation. You can purchase your tickets here.
Sometimes, you just need to freshen things up. Which is exactly what this blog needed! After giving StyleSizzle a much-needed mini makeover this weekend I got to thinking, what are you most likely to do when you’re in need of a makeover?
Personally, I’m not much of a risk-taker when it comes to change. I’ve had “mild” variations of the same hairstyle for the past 10 or so years. (After all, there’s nothing wrong with classic, right?) So when I’m craving a change, it might be something as simple as a new bold polish for my nails or a crazy outfit.
What about you? What do you do when you’re in need of a makeover?
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P.S. Liking the new look? Leave a comment below! (Yes, it’s still a work in progress)
“Dining with the Stars” Spring Equinox Dinner, featuring Long Meadow Ranch wines and spiritual readings by noted astrologer Tom McMullan, will take place at the Organic Garden at the Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa in Carefree on Saturday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m.
The fifth annual St. Patrick’s Evening Run/Walk in Old Town Scottsdale will start at Anderson’s 5th Estate on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.
The Spring Wine and Jazz Festival continues Sunday, March 20, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., featuring a live outdoor concert by Tommy Holloway at the el Pedregal Shops and Dining at the Boulders in Scottsdale.
Vintage Vic’s Dinner at Trader Vic’s at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale will take place on Sunday, March 20 at 6:00 p.m.
Spring Training continues with all Cactus League teams playing this weekend. The weather will be great for a day at the ballpark!
For more events visit FabulousArizona.com.
Ready for another designer collaboration? Of course you are! This one is Julian Louie for Aldo shoes; the designer has created 4 sky-high platform wedges for the spring 2011 season that debuted yesterday in stores and online.The wedges retail for $125 a pop.
What do you think? Will you be snagging a pair of Julian Louie for Aldo wedges? I’m kind of feeling that last khaki pair.
Want to get some cleavage currency? Of course you do!
The new {intimacy} at Scottsdale Fashion Square is offering $20 off for both you and a friend you refer!
If you haven’t checked out the new lingerie haven which recently opened, this would be the time. Click here to refer a friend (who hasn’t visited {intimacy} before) and you’ll both get a $20 gift card free.
Trust, there are so many gorgeous selections to choose from you’ll be so glad you scored an extra discount. And if you haven’t been fitted before, it’s totally life changing. (You can read about my fitting with The Bra Whisperer here.)
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