{Photo: Flickr user o5com}

Are you ready for another sweatastic summer? I never am, but at least I’m getting a jumpstart by getting some much-needed laser hair removal. If you’re thinking about giving it a go too, here’s what you need to know.

1. Yes, it works. A lot of women (and men, too) don’t want to take the plunge because of a fear it won’t work. Here’s what to keep in mind: it is hair reduction. Not complete removal. Because of the growth cycle of hair, a simple hormone fluctuation (like, let’s say, pregnancy) can easily bring in a new wave of hair follicles that weren’t targeted by the laser. I’ve had my legs done and shave maybe once a week at most and am currently going in for underarm treatments. Thus far, I’ve only had two treatments and am already noticing a difference in how often my hair grows back.

2. Sure, it hurts. A little. It’s like a pinch, or a sting. But no, it’s not any worse than waxing or nicking your knee with your razor blade every time you shave.

3. Research, research, research! Please ladies, do not fall prey to just any laser hair removal Groupon; did you know that in the state of Arizona laser technicians can be certified in just two weeks?! That’s scary stuff! That’s one of the reasons I was so impressed with Dr. Tattoff Laser & Skin when they invited me in for some treatments; their technicians are all Registered Nurses, it’s not just anyone wielding a laser at my skin.

4. Stay out of the sun! You shouldn’t be soaking up the sun anyway, it’s horrible for your skin. But if you’re planning on lasering your legs right before you set off to Miami for a bikini-clad beach vacation, just don’t do it. Do another area of the body that won’t be exposed to the sun or wait until fall/winter instead.

By the way, the nice people at Dr. Tattoff are offering an exclusive deal for StyleSizzle readers! Just mention you heard about them on StyleSizzle and with any laser hair removal package, you can buy one and get one FREE. It’s a fabulous deal!

Have you tried laser hair removal? Were you happy with the results?

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As much as I love a new fashion trend sometimes, they’re just downright silly. And this spring’s fashion trends include more than a few that you should just say “no” to. Unflattering, hard to pull off and just plain ugly are a few of the reasons these three spring fashion trends made my list.

Midriffs

I can’t help thinking of  The Fresh Prince of Bell Air and the Saved by the Bell gals running around their high schools in middriff tops. They were cute then. Sort of. But, here’s the thing: it’s a trend most of us can’t pull off and I’m being nice when I say “most.” If you’re 18-25 and under 110 lbs, give it a shot. Otherwise, the rest of us really should just pass…

Overalls

I cannot believe how much fashion websites are pushing overalls this season! From Fashionista to Refinery 29 I keep seeing posts on “how to wear overalls” how to style them and how they are the new cute thing. They are not. Overalls must be one of the singular most unflattering pieces of clothing ever made. They do nothing for your butt, your waist, your, well, anything! Except to make you look boxy, dumpy and like your butt is sagging. Did you know, overalls were actually invented as work clothing for miners in the late 1800s? Let’s keep that garment of clothing in the past. Really guys, please, please pass.

Lucite Heels

This is just a personal pet peeve: every so often, lucite heels come back into fashion. Clear heels, friends. Ya know, like the ones strippers exotic dancers wear? Yeah, exactly. Let’s leave these for the bedroom, Halloween and pole dancing affairs.

What do you think? Do you love or hate these trends? What spring fashion trend are you currently hating?

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This past weekend, we celebrated one of my best friend’s birthday with a couple’s dinner at Distrito at The Saguaro. (Don’t mind me being the only one looking at the other camera!)

That isn’t to say the past few weekends have been uneventful; I realize all has been quiet on the blogging front for a bit. Besides the fact that I’ve been busy sending the magazine I manage to print and updating my website (shameless plug to mozy on over and stay tuned for more!) I must confess that sometimes, I just feel over it. I find myself not wanting to share things if the photos aren’t good enough. I find myself a little less “there” at events or out with friends if I’m busy Instagramming. And I find myself drained at the end of the day to write…more than I’m already doing so on a daily basis. Especially when it comes to sharing something fresh, new. It’s a constant battle really; pour hours into a post that may get zero response. Pour not enough effort in and you hate yourself for it.

So where is this coming from? I was questioned by a reader for the last Giveaway I hosted…and it really got to me. To be fair, she was totally upfront and nice about it. But the questioning made me wonder why I would bother to do it again? I did not get compensated for this particular giveaway, so the time I put into writing the post, promoting it, choosing a winner, etc. is all…just because. I don’t really get anything out of it. So to be made feel like I owed someone something, really just made me not want to do it again.

I welcome criticism on my blog. In fact, I get a little thrill when someone disagrees and we can share our opinions in a healthy way. My blog post on Trash the Dress photoshoots has gotten a ton of comments about people agreeing or disagreeing about the trend and it’s great! But I didn’t start a blog to feel like….a slave to it. And sometimes, that’s how it feels. Guilt if I don’t post, guilt if I didn’t photoshop enough, and now guilt about a misinterpretation? It’s just more than I need.

I am not a photographer, a graphic designer, a YouTube video star or a model. That’s not even why I started this blog. I’m just a writer. Sometimes, I do fun things that are neat to share. Sometimes, I get free stuff that’s neat to share. And sometimes, I meet some fascinating people who are totally inspiring and whose interviews are also neat to share. That’s it. It’s also great to shine the spotlight on those that are doing cool things in the community.

So, if that’s cool with you…maybe I’ll be seeing you around for more….

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Guest Post by Very.co

The catwalk season was highly eventful this year, with New York, London, Milan, and Paris all showcasing some truly eye-catching pieces from top designers, as well as some offerings from emerging labels.

Vera Wang’s show was packed full of sculptural silhouettes and fabrics that gave a nod towards the 80s. Tailoring is set to remain big news in the Autumn/Winter 2013-14 season and there was plenty of choice when it came to sharply tailored and ‘ankle-anchored’ trousers.

The floral trend that has been a firm favourite on the catwalks for the past few seasons was back again, but this time in block neon colours such as orange and purple. Wang’s tailored pieces can easily be recreated with an oversized blazer and then dressed down with a pair of skinny jeans to create a look that’s casual and yet still on-trend.

Marissa Webb is a new name in terms of designers, but she’s no stranger to the fashion world. She’s held several positions at J Crew and last season saw the debut of her own collection. This season there was a big emphasis on black and white and, although she also paid attention to the tailored trend, she dedicated a large chunk of her show to leather, which is sticking around for the time being. To wear Webb’s looks for less, opt for shorts, low heels and a leather jacket – all in black – and then contrast with a white blouse with lace detail.

Oscar De La Renta’s show was one that everyone was anticipating with excitement and he didn’t disappoint. With a strong focus on the cinched waist and cape trends, it seemed like every outfit was a showstopper. Like Webb, De La Renta placed a strong emphasis on leather pieces and included a bright colour in many of his outfits. To create a De La Renta outfit for a fraction of the price, pair a black leather skirt with a bright top and pull in the waist with a thin belt.

With such a diverse range of colours and styles, the Autumn/Winter 2013-14 catwalks had something for everyone – so it’ll be interesting to see how these trends are interpreted by the high street later this year. Watch this space!

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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• 1 1⁄4 ounce of tequila
• 1 1⁄4 cup of fresh squeezed orange juice
• 3⁄4 ounce of grenadine
• Ice and soda water
• Orange slice and cherry for garnish

Preparation:

1. Add ice to a Collins glass.
2. Pour tequila and orange juice over ice.
3. Pour in grenadine, it will settle at the bottom.
4. Top with soda water
5. Add orange slice and cherry for garnish.
6. Enjoy your refreshing cocktail!

Recipe by The Westin Phoenix Downtown Hotel 

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There is so much to say about my recent trip to Moscow, Russia, that a weekend update just won’t cover it. (I suppose that’s why I tend to write magazine articles about these things since short just isn’t my forté!)

It was funny to both my hubby and I the impression everyone had of this city before we went: “Is it safe to travel there?” “What is there to see?” and “Why don’t you just go to Mexico?” were seriously some of the questions we got. Well, let me just say this: the city is beautiful, rich in history, style and culture. And although there is a time and place for a nice beach vacay, nothing (in my opinion) beats an exotic trip to a far-off locale.

And now, the fashion…

{Xinhua/Jiang Kehong}

I took it as a big sign that I so happened to be in Russia during Moscow Fashion Week and experienced a ridiculous amount of F’Envy. That’s Fur-Envy, the term we made up for my constant head-turning and gawking at the unfairly stylish and attractive women traipsing through the city in high-heeled boots and gorgeous leather bags in tow. They were sophisticated, elegant and damnit I’d kill for a fur coat now.

{Photos: GUM}

The sites to see were spectacular; I could spend an entire afternoon just staring at St. Basil’s. But aside from the touristy things, there’s quite the scene in Moscow. And to give you fair warning, it’s quite an expensive one at that. GUM at the Red Square was built at the turn of the 19th century and during the Soviet Union, the top floor was home to Section 100, a secret clothing store only open to the highest echelons of the party. Now, it houses more than 200 luxury brands like Christian Dior,  Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss and more. (Still the upper echelons of society, you might say.)

Just across the street is TSUM, another ultra-luxurious shopping center. If you’ve ever shopped at Printemps in Paris, you’ll know exactly what to expect at TSUM, which is essentially a luxury department store on steroids housing all of your favorite high-end brands. Don’t like stocking up on Burberry Baby clothes? Kick up your heels and hang out in their Veuve Clicquot lounge. You could easily go broke here, so might as well bring in your pooch and just drink some Champagne. (Yes, there was a couple doing just that. It was quite cliché)

{View from the top: Ritz-Carlton, Moscow}

Now that you’ve shopped for the very best, wind down at O2 Lounge, the rooftop bar at the Ritz-Carlton, Moscow with gorgeous views of Red Square. You should stop by, even if it’s just for a cocktail. And if you’re itching for clothes you can actually shop for don’t worry, there’s a Zara on every corner.

How such a glamorous, and luxury travel destination could have a reputation as anything but is beyond me. We’ll be going back someday. Definitely love.

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

The Scottsdale Culinary Festival is one of my favorite Arizona events and Friday night’s Eat, Drink & Be Pretty party is always a highlight! This “see and be scene” event is always flowing with food, fashion and plenty of drinks. You’ll be able to sample gourmet bites from more than 20 of the Valley’s best restaurants, enjoy some wine tasting and, as always, watch a spring fashion show. Be prepared to dress to the nines for this one ladies; this cocktail party is one you’ll want to look your best for.

I’m so convinced you’ll love Eat, Drink & Be Pretty, I’ve partnered with the lovely people at Scottsdale Culinary Festival to give away a pair of tickets to one lucky reader! Just leave a comment below and tell me: what would you wear to this event? You can win even more entries daily by entering the Rafflecopter giveaway below and be sure to share with your friends! Good luck, and I hope to see you there!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{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

Easter Sunday is right around the corner! And although I won’t be in town to celebrate with my family, these gorgeous Easter tablescapes are definitely inspiring. Especially if you are sans-children like us and wanting to put together a lovely, elegant Easter brunch or dinner. Just take a peek at these beautiful, Easter tablescape ideas!

{Photos:1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10}

What are your Easter plans? Are you thinking of hosting a Sunday Brunch?

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