115 all week long. And to top it off, it’s kinda humid too.

I have to carry my dog out just to get to the grass so she doesn’t burn her paws. People around me are cranky and hiding out in a/c to hide from the convection oven the heat outside.

Yeah, it sucks. Do you ever get used to it? No. But there are some takeaways in the form of at least 10 fashion lessons I’ve learned from living in the desert.

Come on now, no one dresses like this in real life!

1. July sales are your best friend. Seriously.

Come end of July, stores across the country start clearing out their summer merch to make room for fall. Luckily for us, this means we can stock up on summer styles for 75% off or more and we’ve got THREE more months of hot weather for us to wear it!

Before you think about splurging on a new maxi dress or those white pants, consider waiting just one more month where you’re likely to find it at least half off.

2. Uggs, cardis and scarves come out at 70 degrees

It's 75? Bust out the boots!

Our four seasons tend to be as follows: Hot, hot, less hot, and kind of cool. So it’s no surprise that as soon as it hits the 70s, scarves, light sweaters and the dreaded Ugg boots come out to play. Every year, without fail. You’ve been warned.

3. Boutiques have the lifespan of a DWTS celeb

Not all fashion lessons have a happy ending. And that’s exactly the case for the lifespan of Scottsdale boutiques. They’ve come and gone quicker than most reality show celebs. Hopefully, the next batch will be here to stay.

4. Bling will never die

Seriously, why won't this just go away??

At my birthday dinner the other night, my boyfriend and I could not help dying laughing at this poor man sporting an otherwise normal button down with…two giant diamond WINGS on the back. Oh yes, that’s Scottsdale style for you. Bling is especially a hit among cougars, divorced doctors and sorority girls transplanted from the midwest.

5. Forget about summer whites

If you don’t sweat, go for it. White is awesome at keeping you cool since it reflects light and it’s pretty too. If you do sweat, just forget about it and instead, read this post.

6. Less is more. Or so they think.

Men are not the only fashion offenders around here, women around here seem to love anything short, tight and sheer. While I also love short, tight and sheer, I tend to not wear it ALL together. Remember, it’s about balance. If you’re going to wear something short, don’t also have a plunging neckline. You can be sexy and tasteful without looking like a streetwalker.

7. Tank tops are your best friend

Stock up on tanks! You'll need plenty

If you find something you love, go ahead and buy it in another color. This rule definitely rings true for good tanks; if you find some you love by all means, stock up! They are a summer desert lifestyle essential. Just be careful not to get caught in the tank top style rut.

8. Stash a cardi in your car

Movie theaters, malls and workplaces all tend to stick somewhere around sub-zero temps in the summer. It’s no wonder people catch colds in the middle of July!

Always, always stash a cardigan in your purse (if it fits) or your car for those triple-digit to sub-zero temp transitions.

9. Sweat happens

You’re going to sweat. The sooner you can accept and adjust accordingly, the better. Try shopping for breathable summer styles or other sweat-free summer fashions. You’ll also want to be prepared with beauty products to help stop the sweat.

10. You really don’t need a coat

Forget coats. A light sweater will do just fine.

This one is hard for me to accept because I absolutely love coats. I buy them like I live in the North Pole when the reality is, I could survive winter just fine with a cute leather jacket or layered winter styles.

Did I miss any? What are your fashion lessons learned from desert living?

For constant style and beauty chatter, follow me on Twitter.

So, there’s a birthday looming.

Yum.

Presents=yay. Older=boo.

I tend to reward myself each year by indulging in a birthday party dress. I need to look and feel fabulous after all, right?

This year, I’m not so sure I’m up for celebrating. I keep getting older. Not sure I’m getting any wiser. But as I wondered if I’ll be treating myself  to something pretty again, I realized even if I’m not getting much wiser, my style has remained true.

For me, the birthday party dress plays out like an epic fashion quest. I’m searching for something seemingly mythical with just the right dose of: Totally amazing. Romantic. Fashion-forward and some awesome flair. It has to be magical. And preferably not a million dollars. (Tall order right? A girl can dream…)

But, thus far, I’ve been able to get exactly that. And looking back over the years, I feel I’ve made some classic picks. These dresses are still in my closet and years later, I’d pick them out to wear now. I know because I can still remember each and every one…

In 2007, the winner was a Bailey 44 white sequin tank dress. For Vegas, naturally. It was right before sequins and sparkle became a huge thing. And we all know how I love white for special occasions.

When it comes to Vegas (or bdays) there's no such thing as too much sparkle

In 2008, the winner was a BCBG Runway Collection dress that made my heart go pitter-patter. It’s a lavender corseted bodice with delicate cream lace peeking out from underneath. Black tulle covers it all lending a bit of edge. It was the perfect mix of runway chic, glamour and (I’m just going to say it) total sex bomb.

Love the way the fabrics are layered and peek out underneath

It’s one of those dresses that I find so interesting and I still just like to look at, hanging in my closet.

Interesting and pretty!

In 2009, I departed from the norm. I didn’t splurge on a dress and instead, splurged on shoes. I treated myself to a pair of cream and brown multi-strap gladiator platforms. They are oh-so-sexy.

Oh, hello

Ever the master at pairing high and low, I paired them with my Louis Vuitton bag and a $19 Forever 21 dress.

Last year, it was the black satin strapless dress with blue poofy skirt from the Zac Posen for Target collection that won me over. It apparently won over celebrities too. As seen here on Selma Blair.

Selma Blair rockin my Zac Posen for Target birthday dress

I accessorized mine with a BCBG gold-and-silver studded belt, a blush-tone Michael Kors python clutch and blush-tone suede platform pumps.

Fun, flirty and a studded belt for some sass

Michael Kors clutch. A TJ Maxx score and still retailing at Nordis. Be jealous.

This year, I’m not sure I’m shopping. I could easily change my mind by tomorrow but the month has come and gone and I haven’t done any scouting. (Also because there’s a beautiful black Lanvin for H&M huge skirt hanging in my closet with tags still intact that may just do the trick.)

Tags still attached. Maybe this is it?

What about you? Do you treat yourself to birthday dresses, or shoes or bags each year?

For constant style and beauty chatter, follow me on Twitter.

{Photo via Flicker user Beercha.}

How to Prevent Boob Sweat. There’s a headline I wasn’t sure I’d write. Swoobs. The swits. Boob sweat. Yeah, I said it.

Everybody sweats. Maybe even in places we don’t want to admit. It’s hard enough to try and dress stylish when the weather feels more like an oven than earth. Now we have to worry about being fresh, clean and sexy too.

If you’ve ever swiped deodorant under your breasts, stuffed your bra with tissues or made a total mess with baby powder, you know what I’m talking about. Because, let’s face it, boob sweat happens. And it does not go with your outfit.

Even celebs like Katherine Heigl experience boob sweat

Maybe you live someplace with sweltering heat like AZ where it’s suppossed to be a lovely 113 today (joy.)  Or  maybe you’re traveling someplace tropical this summer. Whatever the case, toss the tissues and baby powder away; these four products will help prevent breast sweat so you can step out confident, in style and sweat-free.

Girlease ultimate bra liner

Forget stuffing your bra with tissues to help soak up the sweat from running down your stomach. Instead, try Girlease’s genius Ultimate Bra Liner. The disposable bra liner is thin, breathable and 100% natural and biodegradable. It won’t add any bulk to your bra and absorbs five times its weight in moisture. Since the pattern is curved to fit the curvage of your girls, one size fits most. And, the product is reversible so you can get more mileage out of them. You can get Girlease Ultimate Bra Liners for just $10.95 a package at preventboobsweat.com.

Update: Girlease is offering 10% off to all StyleSizzle readers! Just use code NF17 at checkout

BraMates bra liner

Kind of resemble bra pads, don’t you think?

BraMates bra liners are a similar concept to GirLease’s product. BraMates are individual pads whereas Girlease functions more as an insert. They are all-natural, chemical-free and you can order them by the cup size for $10.99 a pair. You can get them at http://www.bramates.com.

Fresh Breasts

Clever name, yes?

I suppose if you’re going to market a product like this, might as well embrace the humor right? So Fresh, So Dry makes this Fresh Breasts product which promises to keep your area fresh and dry, preventing perspiration. It’s all-natural, scent-free, aluminum-,talc- and paraben-free too. The lotion dries quickly, so it won’t leave behind a white clumpy mess like baby powder does and it’s just $14.99 a bottle.

But wait, there’s more.

So Fresh, So Dry also makes…..

For the men

Fresh Balls.

Touted to prevent “uncomfortable feelings of sweaty, sticky or itchy groin area, which all men suffer from.”

Sexy, right?

Get Fresh Breasts here.

Lush silky underwear dusting powder

I have not had a chance to try this out yet but I’ve heard amazing things about Lush’s silky underwear dusting powder. Yes, by the name it’s suppossed to be used, well, use your imagination. But reviewers use it just about everywhere, including for breast sweat too. It’s $11.95 for a canister that lasts quite a long time and the jasmine scent is said to be a hit among the gents. Cocoa butter that’s in the powder will leave your skin silky smooth too. Get it at Lush Cosmetics.

Ladies, do you have any tips or items you use to prevent boob sweat??

For constant style and beauty chatter, follow me on Twitter.

Like this post? Please vote for me in the Battle of the Blogs! 

This post really should have been called, “How to stay stylish when it’s hot as balls out.” But really, that’s the theme of this blog and just one post won’t cover it.

Despite what fashion magazines may be saying is on trend this season, it’s hard to shop for stylish outfits when it’s crazy hot out. Layering is a no. Light “spring” jackets are only realistic indoors. And it’s so easy to fall into the jeans-and-a-tank top style rut.

For starters, hopefully, you’re already armed with your desert lifestyle basics and now want to spruce up your wardrobe with some of this summer’s hottest fashion trends. So how do you shop for fun summer styles that won’t make you sweat? Something cute, chic and that won’t make you melt? Keep these three tips in mind when shopping summer fashions.

1. Fabric

{Image}

Just say no to silk and satin. It may look nice and cool, but it sure is awesome at showing off sweat stains. Go ahead and skip on fabrics like satin,  silk  and polyester which will leave very visible sweat stains and don’t breathe very well. Instead, opt for something more lightweight and natural fabrics like cotton, rayon or linen.

2. Fit

{Dress: Bebe}

Clingy styles will make you sweat. It’s as simple as that. So no matter how much bodycon looks may be in vogue, they’re the last thing I’m thinking about if I’m going to be out in the sun all day. All that fabric sticking to your body is enough to make me sweat just thinking about it.

{Hot pink tunic: Charlie Jade. Blush maxi: Alice + Olivia. Sleeveless blouse: Equipement. Seafoam/Sand maxi: Charlie Jade.}

Instead, opt for something easy, breezy and flowy. I’m always on the lookout for loose tops, dresses and anything “breathable” that won’t stick to my skin and make me sweat.

Tip –> If you can’t avoid wearing something clingy, try some underarm apparel shields to protect your tops and dresses from sweat stains.

3. Color

{White tee: LNA.  Pleated caftan: Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent.}

White is one of summer’s hottest colors. But this is AZ. White+sweat=no bueno. If you’re worried you may very well melt when outside, try something in a print, bright or dark color instead.

However, the caveat to this is white does reflect light while dark colors absorb light and heat. If you are less of a sweater and want to risk the light colors to stay cool, try layering a tank underneath to absorb any sweat.

What are your tips for shopping for sweat-free fashions?

For constant style and beauty chatter, connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, too.

Fashion may be a serious business but it’s fun to be blunt and poke fun when you can.

Like when I make fun of The Jersey Shore Scottsdale and every man’s keen ability on knowing how to dress like a douchebag.

Or maybe it’s every girl’s ability to emulate that and dress as tacky as ever.

And let’s not forget one of my most popular posts (though I’m not sure why, or that I want to know why) on how to make your butt look bigger. Yes, there’s definitely lots to make fun of when it comes to fashion.

Today, I’m wondering what the heck is a “Fashionista?” Because it somewhat cracks me up how fast and loose everyone is about using this term.

I log on to Twitter and see “Fashionista” in people’s bios.  On Facebook girls proclaim, “I’m a fashionista!”

So what the heck makes you a fashionista? Just saying you are? Am I a fairy because I call myself one?

Maybe I need to break it down and investigate…

I’m a fashionista because I LOVE fashion.

Sure. But so do the women over on PeopleofWalmart.com and they think they are stylish as ever. Why else would there be so many women with thongs and bellys hanging out of their shirts?

I bet she thinks this skirt is oh-so-stylish

Nope. Loving fashion can’t be the only criteria.

I’m a fashionista because I take fashion risks.

Fashion is an art and artists are definitely risk-takers. This make sense. But what about when risks become giant mistakes?

Lady Gaga is definitely a fashion risk-taker and some call her a fashionista. But what do you think? Isn’t it sometimes just too much?

Lady Gaga takes fashion risks, does this make her a fashionista?

I’m a fashionista because I’m adept at fashion.

Loving it, and being good at it. This makes sense.

But then, who is to decide if you’re good at it?

SJP is adept at fashion. But does she always get it right?

Sarah Jessica Parker is adept at fashion. And many call her a fashonista. But I think we all remember some definite fashion mistakes she’s made.

Then again, who is to judge? Some people may love this look while others bash and loathe the black Christmas tree that seems to have died on her head. It’s hard not to argue that fashion and style can be super subjective. Just like beauty, it’s all in the eye of the beholder.

I’m a fashionista because I blog about fashion.

So, if I blog about loving burgers does this make me a cow? A foodie? A culinary expert? No, still not convinced.

I’m a fashionista because everything I own is by a designer.

Ahhh logo love. It’s like Real Housewives gone wild. This can’t be it. Because a true fashionista can spot great style, even when it doesn’t cost thousands.

Just because it's Gucci doesn't mean it's hot

I’m a fashionista because I’m in the industry. I love fashion, I’m adept at fashion and I know all about designers, textiles, fabrics and fashion history.

I think this is getting warmer. A food expert I would consider to be good at not only judging what tastes good, but be well-educated on different types of food, the history of food, what goes into making a complex dish. Much like a fashionista would know what goes into making a labor-intense garment, how fabric can make a difference in quality, how different designers have different styles while, of course, loving fashion.

So, is a fashionista just someone who dubs themselves, a fashionista?? What do you guys think? What qualifies someone as a fashionista?? Discuss!

For constant style and beauty chatter, follow me on Twitter.

I’m off to Vegas for the weekend (yay!) so Sin City party dresses are on the brain. And those are some party dresses I just love love love to shop for.

Vegas is such a fantasy land. I can be over-the-top, dramatic, fashionable, sexier and channel a totally different vibe than I would at home. It’s Vegas, after all. The freaks come out to play and there are actual high-rollers who know not only how to pronounce Hermes but are actually wearing it too.

Here’s a few picks for Vegas-worthy party dresses:

Images: Net-a-Porter

Where do you shop for Vegas party dresses?

For constant style and beauty chatter, follow me on Twitter.

For more events visit FabulousArizona.com and follow Fab AZ on Twitter.

One of the reasons I started this blog and my quest to find glamour in the desert, wherever it may be, is because with months and months of 100+ degree temps, it’s so easy to fall into a fashion funk.

Today it’s supposed to reach 110. And even though this year we’ve been lucky that it’s taken so long to get there, I already want to hide out some place air conditioned and just give up,  forget about fashion and step right into my jeans-and-a-tank-top funk.

When you don’t live in a big city like LA or NY, there isn’t street style all around to inspire you.  So if you’re already feeling like nothing will go except a summer dress and shorts for the next few months, here’s  5 ways to find some style inspiration and help beat that wardrobe funk.

1. Read style blogs

Sassy summer style from Jessica of What I Wore

There’s nothing like cruising your favorite style blogs to get an instant fashion-inspiration fix. Unlike fashion magazines, you’ll see real people and how they style outfits, which is kind of refreshing! Not to mention, you’ll find just about every kind of outfit blogger niche to relate to from budget outfit bloggers and plus-size outfit bloggers to bloggers that live across the world and everything in between!

Jessica totally rocks the red

Perhaps what I like most about outfit bloggers is so often, the clothes are actually wearable. As much as magazine spreads are often inspiring, they’re also styled in a way I just can’t wear in real life.

Jessica from What I Wore (above) looks darling in her summer outfits and they’re totally approachable too.

2. Make a mood board

Try a mood board with looks that inspire you

In my office, I have a cork board that I use as a “mood board.” I tear out fashion spreads and ads that I totally covet  and anything else that may be inspiring. Even if I don’t have the budget to be dressed in the head-to-toe Gucci fashion spread, it doesn’t mean I can’t put together my own, similar look.

Ads, fashion spreads, colors and anything else you find pretty is perfect!

As a bonus, my mood board so happens to be in front of my second closet so I can just reach in and start digging!

3. Travel

Chic and pretty in a spring skirt

One of my favorite places to people watch (and totally judge people’s outfits) is the airport. Everyone is coming and going from different places so you never know what you’re going to get. That and everyone’s idea of “airport style” can be hilarious (but that’s a later post entirely.)

Loose and comfy pants are still oh-so-stylish

But traveling always leaves me fashion inspired. Every city has its own vibe, its own “style” and getting to see something that I don’t every day makes me want to run home, rummage through my closet and see what I can invent.

Shorts that are cute and not at all like the girls in AZ wear

When I can’t travel, I’ll live vicariously through street style shots like these from The Sartorialist.

Effortless style

4. Play dress up with a friend

Find new options right under your nose!

I love to play dress up (who doesn’t?!) but inviting a friend into the mix is oh-so-fun. An outside source getting into your closet will pair things in ways you just didn’t think of before. And just like that, you have tons of outfit options you didn’t see before, and they were all hiding right under your nose!

5. Hit the bookstore

Quality time with your fave fashion mags is a total must!

Sure, there’s fashion magazines everywhere, even at the gas station, but do you ever pick up their other-country counterparts? Whether it’s British Vogue, Milan or Glamour en Espanol, I love going to the bookstore and sifting through fashion magazines from all over the world. It’s an awesome source of inspiration and fun to see how style around the world is just a little bit different.

What are your favorite tips for beating a fashion funk?

For constant style and beauty chatter, follow me on Twitter.

Whether you’re sweating it out in the desert like me or just want a change of scenery, there’s nothing like a good summer getaway. Lately, the question I’ve been getting is  ”what to pack for XYZ”?  And while I love doing posts to cover specific events, places and occasions, I figure no matter where you go there’s some fundamental basics involved in how to pack for a vacation.

Let's go!

My way of packing (like most any girl’s I presume) is total somewhat madness. Traveling makes me feel the need to suddenly put together the most amazing and unbelievably stylish outfits ever since, after all, I’m only going to be wherever I’m at for just a few days. Shouldn’t I be showing off my best, most fashionable self? That sure can be a lot of pressure to live up to. So no matter where I’m off to, I tend to follow these 5 simple rules to help keep the packing madness in order.

1. Pick a color scheme

Sometimes, less is more

Whether I’m wearing outfits that match with black bags or outfits that match with brown, picking a color scheme is the first place I start with packing. My purses are pretty big; I don’t want to pack three different bags, two different clutches, and a travel bag for a short trip. Some good planning and coordinating your outfits around the one daytime bag you’ll be carrying will prevent your bag and shoe situation from getting out of control.

2. Plan for the unexpected

Crazy LA wind+summer dress=Bad news bears

Weather is unpredictable, so pack for the “just in case”. Maybe that means rain in the desert or maybe it’s insane LA winds that surprise you.  Just trust me when I say, it’s not fun trying to hold down your flyaway dress in efforts to not flash all of Los Angeles.

Whether it’s the middle of summer and you’re packing a sweater or the middle of the desert and you take an umbrella, just be prepared and plan for the unexpected. No matter what the weatherman actually says.

3. Sort your beauty products

Try not to take EVERYTHING you own

I’m a beauty junkie so it’s super easy for me to go overboard, really fast. Do I really need to pack every possible eye shadow combination I may be in the mood to wear for a two-day trip? No, not really. Plan ahead, sort your beauty products and figure out what colors go with your already planned outfits. It’s less of a mess in your hotel room and your boyfriend won’t think you’ve gone off the deep end.

4. Try it on

Scope your whole outfit out from top to bottom!

I’m a super visual person. Laying clothes out on the bed just doesn’t do it for me; I have to try on the whole outfit, accessories and all, and parade around my house until I decide it’s good enough. You may not have to go to such ridiculous lengths as me (it does make packing a totally time consuming event) but I can’t tell you how many times it’s saved me from forgetting the perfect earrings, the right clutch, or a certain pair of shoes I would have died without.

5. If it’s fall, wear your boots

Wear your boots and save that packing space!

Some of you may totally disagree (especially since taking boots off in an airport is a total PIA), but to me, packing your boots is precious space gone to waste. Especially over-the-knee boots. And to me, losing that space is far worse than the extra 30 seconds it takes to take them off.

What are your best tips for packing for a vacation? Share your tips below!

For constant style and beauty chatter, follow me on Twitter.