Fashion, music and art go together like, well, everything fabulous you’ve ever had. So you won’t want to miss the Project Ethos Fashion Show at W Scottsdale this Saturday night, featuring emerging fashion designers, artists and musicians on the W’s sexy rooftop patio. You’ll be able to watch artists at work, peruse their works and watch the fashion shows, too. You can get tickets at WScottsdaleTickets.com.

Featured Designers:

• Traver Rains (T. Rains)
• June Paek Farahan (AVA)
• Michael Costello (Michael Costello Couture)
• Kristen Dorsey (Kristen Dorsey Designs Jewelry) with Enwrapture Vintage
• Alma Primero (Almaprimero Collection)
• Brianne Bridge (Bri Bridge)
• Boys + Arrows Swimwear

Featured Artists:

• Tanina Jackson
• Andrea
• Jayme Blue
• Alexander Arshansky
• Lily Ralston
• AztecSmurf

Hope to see you there!

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{Lauren Kleck: Mercury’s Lost Slipper}

Stilletos, art and an auction to benefit Artlink Phoenix. There is nothing to not love about the Inspired Soles Art Show and Auction taking place this Friday, April 5 at the 6th Avenue Gallery. The First Friday event includes a live and silent auction on gorgeous high heel stilletos that have been transformed and re-imagined by local artists, celebrities and designers. Live music, refreshments and a meet and greet with the artists behind the stylish soles are also on the agenda for the evening.

A portion of proceeds from the event benefits Artlink Phoenix, a nonprofit organization dedicated to linking artists, business and the public to better understand, appreciate and promote a thriving arts community in central Phoenix. And in case you aren’t able to make it to Friday’s exciting auction, the stilletos will be on display throughout the month of April. Here is a sneak peek at what some of the artists have come up with!

{Jessenia Lopez: La Sirena}

{Stormy Olsen:Foot Candy}

{Vice Mayor Bill Gates & Family: The Sole of Phoenix}

{Casey D. Smith: With a Cherry on Top}

These works of art don’t come in pairs but if you’re really jonesing to wear one of these original works out, a special request can be made.

6th Avenue Gallery, 650 N. 6th Avenue (basement level) in downtown Phoenix

• First Friday Debut, April 5, 2013
  • Public Showing – 6 to 10 p.m.
  • Silent Auction – ends at 8:30 p.m.
  • Live Auction begins at 8:30 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.6thAvenueGallery.com

One of my favorite things about being a writer is getting the chance to meet so many talented, fascinating people. Last month, I was invited to a quick preview of the new Kendra Scott jewelry store at Scottsdale Quarter which is just dripping in gorgeousness. I also had a chance to chat with Kendra herself, who started the line in 2002 with just $500. You’ve likely seen her pieces on the red carpet or at stores like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and boutiques where the line is carried. Lucky for us, a new boutique has opened up right in our backyard.

Kendra Scott jewelry has been a longtime favorite of mine for its fashion forward style and decent price point. I love the bold pieces, colorful stones and how modern and wearable all of the pieces are. The earrings, especially, are a must-see.

At Kendra Scott, you can customize your jewelry pieces at their color bar. It’s a fun, interactive station full of iPads where you pick the stones of your choice, chosen metal (gold or silver) and customize whatever piece you please.

While checking out the store, I had a chance to chat with Kendra about her inspiration for her collections, how she balances it all and the real reason why she chose to open up a store in sunny Scottsdale. Read on for the interview, below!

{Hangin’ with Kendra Scott. Please excuse the horrible hair day!} 

Q. Where do you get your inspiration from? 

Everywhere! I was just recently in Bali so our summer collection has lots of Balinese influence to it. We use a lot of beautiful shapes that I saw in different temples and things like that. I think the thing that influences me most is our customers. Meeting these women, they’re so amazing they have such great energy and their own personal style and a lot of times I’m inspired by them and what I want to design.

Q. What’s your typical Kendra Scott customer? 

We don’t have a “demographic” we have a “pyshcographic”. She’s 14 to 80 years old. We have a broad range of ages but she has a personality type that’s similar. She’s fun, outgoing, not afraid to express herself through fashion and she loves color! Our girls that wear Kendra Scott have a personality: they’re not afraid to get noticed, they’re not wallflowers, they like attention. I look at ladies that are 14 and those that are in their 60s and it’s the same woman, she’s just evolved over the years.

Q. What’s your best selling piece?

Our “Danielle” earring is the most recognizable Kendra Scott piece. You’ll see it in our line every single year; it will never go away.

Q. What’s your favorite piece? 

That’s like asking which child is your favorite! I always love what’s new because I’m excited about the new collections. Right now, I’m loving holiday, I’m wearing it like crazy! It has that art deco influence but also that rocker-chic with our studs and mixed with our new gray stone. I’m wearing this grey slate like every day, I absolutely love it.

Q. If you could only wear one type of accessory, what would you pick? Earrings? Necklace? Rings? 

Definitely earrings. I’ll never leave the house without earrings on even if I’m going to the gym, I’ll wear my studs. I have to wear earrings, I feel like I’m naked without them! That’s my one staple piece.

Q. Why did you decide to open up a boutique in Scottsdale?

It’s one of my favorite places to come and visit! My pre-fall collection was inspired by a trip here, it’s this Navajo-chic collection we did. I was spending time here and looking around and seeing the women in Scottsdale/Phoenix and they are our customer; they are beautiful, fashion-forward, they get dressed when they go out, they care about what they look like. It’s a very fashionable group of women here.

Q. Can we expect to see other accessory items in the future? 

I think we’ve just begun with jewelry. I’m excited to hopefully launch a few more collections in 2014. I can’t tell you yet, but it will be in the world of accessories. I think our style, our look can be translated into other looks very easily.

If you haven’t had a chance to stop by the store yet, you can pop by the Spring Preview Party and Grand Opening celebration tonight from 6pm to 9pm! But be forewarned gals, there are loads of beautiful baubles to behold. That and some bubbles and bites are in store, too.

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

You’re invited! This Thursday, January 17 is the official Grand Re-opening of Rolfs Salon at Gainey Village in Scottsdale, and I hope to see you all there!

As many of you know, Rolfs Salon is responsible for the ultra-glamorous looks seen on myself and my bridal party on my wedding day. (You can watch the Behind the Veil wedding video series here.) The salon recently underwent quite the luxurious makeover which should absolutely be celebrated! If you haven’t had a chance to stop by the salon, here’s a sneak peek at their gorgeous interior.

Gorgeous, don’t ya think?

That last photo is of their new bridal suite, the ultimate luxury suite for brides and their bridal party. Plush purple seats, beautiful lighting and (most importantly) a private space for you to relax and enjoy the day with your bridesmaids on your wedding day is all a gal really needs. That and the hands of the super-talented team at Rolfs Salon!

Will you be going to the Rolfs Salon Grand Re-Opening Party?

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

{via Glitter Guide}

This Saturday afternoon, I’ll be hosting the Spring Color “Face Off” competition at Neiman Marcus, Scottsdale Fashion Square! There are loads of fun events planned for the weekend, including plenty of opportunities for makeovers and to meet and greet some special guests. I’ll be judging the “Face Off” event, where select makeup counters will be giving a new spring makeover look to participants; I’ll be there at 1pm to judge the best spring “face” and host the festivities! It should be a pretty fun day and I hope you can all stop by and say hi!

Friday will be another great day of beauty-filled events, including a visit by Neiman Marcus Fashion Director or Women’s Accessories, Ana Maria Pimentel. She’ll be hosting a fashion presentation at 11 a.m. and chatting all about spring shoe trends, handbags and jewelry. To RSVP, email RSVPScottsdale@neimanmarcus.com.

Hope to see you both Friday and Saturday at Neiman Marcus Scottsdale!

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

Are you ready for Fashion’s Night Out? With the temps sitting around 100 degrees this week, I’m not sure I can wrap my head around sweaters just yet, but I can indulge in some FNO parties both locally and online! And yes, there’s a lot going on. But don’t fret, I’ve rounded up the best of the best for you. Enjoy!

6pm: Head to Neiman Marcus for the “Project Ruff-Way” Fashion Show. Why? It’s a doggie fashion show. Enough said.

6:15 pm: Head next door to Dillard’s for their scavenger hunt game. It sounds a bit complicated but basically you’ll get a FNO passport to get stamped at 12 locations and receive a bead at each locale. Collect them all for a chance to win fab prizes including a $1,000 shopping spree.

6:30 pm: Stop into shops like {Intimacy}, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade and Tory Burch for bubbles, bites and to scope out the fall collections.

7 pm: Check out the Neiman Marcus Fall Fashion Show at Scottsdale Fashion Square. Don’t miss this one!

7:15 pm: If you’ve followed my agenda thus far, you’ve likely had several cocktails by now. Take a walk to the other end of the mall where you’ll find live entertainment outside of Barneys and Nordstrom. Want more Champagne and deals? Try Z Gallerie, Ted Baker, Francesca’s, Rebecca Taylor and MaxMara.

9 pm: Pop by W Scottsdale for the Official Fashion’s Night Out After Party.

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

It’s time. Scottsdale Culinary Festival week is here! If you haven’t gone to any of the events thus far (shame on you) this weekend promises all the food and fun of year’s past. And I’m excited. Check out the lineup on all of the events, starting tonight, and your what to wear style guide.

If you are in a relationship, tonight may be a battle of where to go. The gents most certainly will want to catch the Burger Battle at Scottsdale Stadium where yes, 15 chefs will battle it out to see who grills the tastiest burger. I have my sights set on the Bubbles & Bliss soiree at The Saguaro, an “effervescent champagne experience” of bubbly-infused food and cocktails.

What to Wear: Why not channel the bubbly vibe with a Champagne-colored cocktail dress? It’s Thursday evening, after all, and a chic soiree such as this demands chic attire.

Friday evening is my favorite event of the Scottsdale Culinary Festival: Eat, Drink & Be Pretty. Why? Because this is not for the fashion faint of heart and there’s plenty of fabulous food and drinks to be had, too. This year, there’s more than 20 Valley restaurants to sample plus a spring fashion show with hair styled by none other than local Valley favorite, Rolf’s Salon. This is one event not to be missed!

What to Wear: A fabulous cocktail dress to go with your fabulous cocktail. Bring it.

Scottsdale Culinary Festival is probably known best for the weekend events, The Great Arizona Picnic. This year, Food TV buffs won’t want to miss special appearances by Adam Richman of Man vs. Food and Andrew Zimmerman of Bizzare Foods.

What to Wear: Ladies, please pay attention—this is not W Scottsdale on a Saturday night! Think: Picnic Pretty and all that that includes. Cute shorts, skirts and sundresses with pretty sandals or sky-high wedges are fair game. It’s going to be 100 degrees this weekend so show up in jeans at your own risk. The event is outside so please, by all means, leave the stilletos and cocktail dresses at home. If you’re craving style, bring your big shades and a glamorous hat!

Tibi ruffled silk-crepe top, Michael Kors stretch cotton shorts, Marcus Lupfer striped cotton shorts, Lanvin wide brim hat, Valentino studded leather wedge cage sandals   

Are you going to any of the Scottsdale Culinary events this weekend??

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

Like it or not, swimsuit season is here.

That means doing whatever you need to do for that perfect spring break body and stocking up on some swim essentials for poolside glamour! Last year, I rounded up some of Arizona’s top swimsuit stores. This year, I’m excited to hear Everything But Water is opening up a location at Kierland Commons. Of course, this means a fabulous fête is involved with cool giveaways.

It’s a fun way to spend some of your Saturday afternoon, don’t ya think? Will you be stopping by?

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

Why a Phoenix fashion blog?

Oh, let me count the ways.

It’s stylish here, I promise. There’s potential here, I promise. There are plenty of men and women who are enthusiastic about fashion and can see past the rhinestones and skulls and Ed Hardy, I promise.

But mostly, it’s because there’s plenty of us trying not to melt in this forsaken desert while simultaneously proving we can look cute too. And we’re writing about it. And though the waters may have been somewhat murky in the past as far as finding any of local fashion influencers, it’s changing. Even if it is slowly.

This morning I met with Courtney of The Phoenix Style Collective (who also runs Phoenix is Haute), an idea I also actually had clipped away in Evernote, and never really got around to actually implementing. In short, it’s a way to link the local tastemakers in the community. And tomorrow night is the launch party. 

Stop by for food, fashion, drinks and to mingle with your favorite local bloggers. It should be a pretty fun event so don’t miss out!

Will you be there?

For constant style and beauty chatter, connect with me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter. 

Bust out your very best YSLs ladies, Simon Doonan is coming to Scottsdale Fashion Square’s Barney’s to sign his new book, Gay Men Don’t Get Fat.

With Simon Doonan @Arizona Biltmore

I had the pleasure of meeting Simon a few year’s back when he was in town promoting his last book, Eccentric Glamour. He is really such a character; if you have a chance be sure to stop in and say hi! You can RSVP for the event at 602.337.6000.

Barney’s New York, Scottsdale Fashion Square

January 14, 2pm-4pm

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