This is easily one of my favorite posts of the year. What should you wear, and not be wearing, to the Waste Management Phoenix Open?

If it’s your first time going, or you need a bit of a refresher, you’ll definitely notice that the Phoenix Open is one of those events that’s a fashion catastrophe. Some people go in shorts and tennis shoes, some bust out their golf gear and some think it’s The Mint at midnight and go all out in stilletos and little black dresses. No, I’m not kidding.  To be honest, it’s one of those events where fashion watching for disasters becomes a total spectator sport.

The Open is a daytime drinkfest golf event so it should be no surprise that daytime appropriate clothing is the way to go. And, more than likely, you’re going to be outside. So please by all means, plan accordingly.

Skirts

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Stylish skirts (note, there aren’t any miniskirts pictured) are a comfy, casual pick for the open. You can rock them with some flats or a pair of wedge booties; you’ll be thankful as the day wears on and it gets hotter and hotter.

Pants

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Long loose pants are totally appropriate and stylish too. They’re great because they breathe much better than jeans and if you’re going to be outside all day, it’s going to get hot. Trust.

Wedges

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When running around all day, especially in the daytime, stilletos are an absolute don’t. You do not by any means want to be that girl whose heels are sinking in the grass. For some height, especially with shorts and long pants, try some wedges instead.

Shorts

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It may be February, but this weekend it’s going to be  in the 70s. That’s definitely cool, breezy weather but when you’re out in the sun all day, it feels much hotter than you’d think. So if you aren’t as afraid of wearing shorts as I am, they’re definitely a good way to go for the Open.

Dresses

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Personally, I love to go in sundresses. They translate well from day to night and won’t stick to your legs like jeans. I’ve made the mistake of wearing leggings in the past and trust me when I say, you’ll be the only one in them!

Are you going to the Waste Management Phoenix Open this year? If so, what are you wearing?

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Ready to brace the crowds for Black Friday?

I suppose it’s kind of like an Arizona summer. No matter how many times you’ve experienced it, when it finally arrives it somehow shocks the hell out of you.

While I’m not personally one to stand outside in the freezing cold for hours just to save a few bucks, I can totally understand the need to score some big-ticket items. Or at least snag some savings on some holidays gifts you have your eye on.

So other than shopping the ads in advance and preparing a shopping strategy, what else can make you prepared? Dressing the part of course! Here’s some helpful do’s and don’ts.

• Don’t wear sneakers. Not that you would. I trust you better than that. But just in case, you’ll want to keep in mind that when you’re trying on clothes, having to stop and tie your laces all the time is a total pain in the …
• Do bring a sweater. It’s cold. Yes, even in AZ. A light cardigan that can be easily layered vs. something you have to pull on and off over your head would be ideal.
• Don’t carry a clutch. Or a satchel or any other bag that doesn’t handles you can sling over shoulder. Think: Cross-body bag. They are your shopping best friend!
• Do wear flats. Or riding boots or whatever comfortable shoe you prefer. Sandals, Chucks, this season’s loafer or boat shoes are also comfy and stylish picks. (Except sneakers of course, see above.)
• Don’t wear a dress. Besides the fact that it’s cold, it’s totally inconvenient to not have pants on when you’re trying on tops. No one wants to see you in a Lady Gaga sweater+panties outfit.
• Mind your undergarments. This is shopping rule No. 1 gals! You should always be in nude-tone undergarments, strapless bra preferred. Why? It goes with any outfit you’re trying on.

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  Images: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7

  What’s your go-to outfit for a day of crazy shopping? Do you hit the shops on Black Friday?

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

I got a fun summer manicure. It’s cheeky, don’t ya think?

I also discovered the cutest little Scottsdale boutique, Kellie’s, which recently opened next door to Wildflower Bread Co. over at the Scottsdale Seville shops.

There was a little early birthday celebration for my fiance. I’m thinking we need a wine cellar like this in our future house, don’t you agree?

We also started shooting for a Big Surprise I have in store for you later this week! So stay tuned everyone! I’m super excited to share the big news.

What were you up to this weekend??

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

Toe Cleavage.

It’s not like camel toe. But it isn’t like breast cleavage either. In fact, there are usually people who are either totally for toe cleavage and call it “sexy”(that’s why, my friends, Louboutins are so narrow in the toe) and those that think it’s just so totally gross.

What got me thinking about all this? The visible side-toe cleavage on Alicia Keys at the 2012 Grammys last night.

Alicia Keys at the 2012 Grammys

I’m O.K. with a bit of toe cleavage, it’s like a sexy “peek-a-boo” in a nice pair of pumps. Here’s some Blake Lively toe cleavage I can handle.

Blake Lively toe cleavage

What I can’t handle, however, is all out my-poor-toes-are-stuffed-into-these-shoes-like-sausages toe cleavage. Poor things look like they are crying out for help.

Thinking, just a little too much toe cleavage...

What say you? Are you into toe cleavage or does it totally freak you out?

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I’ve never been huge on wearing red for Valentine’s Day. Sometimes I do it, sometimes I pass. Other times I wake up feeling like, “who the heck decided I should wear red or pink today like everyone else anyway?!”

But whether you choose to do just a small accessory or keep it hidden (with some lingerie, of course) one thing is true: Men Love Red. Love.

Classic red dresses and lingerie are always a win

For a fancy night out, keep things classic with a plunging red dress or this sassy lace one. Don’t forget about flirty undergarments–that’s more than half the fun!

Pretty in pink

For something a bit more demure yet romantic, I like to keep things pretty in pink. And for those that can never see themselves in allover pink, an accessory works great. I love the nude look above with the pretty pink clutch as an accent. And as far as gift ideas go guys, that pink leather card holder or Marc by Marc Jacobs pink bracelet are two can’t-go-wrong options.

Bold, tough accessories in red are always fun

Red can be tough too, like in these gold-accented accessories or paired with a slick leather jacket. It’s a different way to wear the color that’s funky and powerful.

What do you think? Will you be wearing a bit of red or pink this Valentine’s Day?

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

I hate that people hate Mondays. (Not saying I’m not included on occasion.)

Thing is, Monday is like a clean slate, every week! Or if you really wanna go far, like another New Year’s day. It’s the perfect time to plan the week, reasses your goals and make it your Best Week Ever.

This weekend was a bit mellow over here. We spent some time with the family on Saturday night and did not even pretend to watch the Super Bowl. We did, however, get to watch Madonna’s half time show, wasn’t it amazing??

Yes, let's Vogue.

I also finally got around to getting into a little Martha Stewart DIY project I stumbled upon online. You all know that I have about zero skills when it comes to anything DIY. But this looked easy enough to take at least baby steps.

We have been growing a bunch of herbs on our balcony and I wanted to spruce up our planters a bit. Here’s a few pics of what the finished project should look like:

Cute, right?

Super cute, right? It’s literally just chalkboard spray paint, which you can pick up at just about any hardware store. If I can do this DIY project, that means anyone can. And by me, I of course mean washing the pots, taking them downstairs and handing the fiancé a can of spray paint.

Work in progress!

Friday nights have also turned into new recipe nights around here. And when it comes to cooking, that’s not something we take baby steps about. This Friday, we dove right in by making a paella with no recipe. We literally just drank some wine, threw some ingredients together and watched the thing cook for what seemed like forever. Did I mention we drank some wine while we did this? (Paella’s take about a million years to cook.)

I’m not going to lie, especially for our first time and considering we didn’t use a recipe, the paella was pretty good. With some refinements and a little more practice, I’ll be sure to share some Paella highlights on a future Foodie Friday!

Anyway, here are some good must-reads for your Monday reading pleasure:

Mashable: 3 Shoe Brands Kicking Butt with Social Media

Refinery 29: How to Dress for a 6-Figure Job on a Normal Person’s Budget

Hubspot: How to Effectively Use Pinterst for your Business Marketing

Did you do anything fun this weekend? What’s on your agenda for the week??

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

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. 

Bottega Veneta strappy sandals,$790. Wayne colbat blue dress, $485.  Michael Kors Gia Ostrich satchel, $895. Splendid neon yellow racerback tank,$95. Nars lipstick, $24.

After all the nude we’ve seen the past few seasons, a bit of color is definitely refreshing. And this spring 2012, the color splash is coming in with a bang. Though I’m personally not nuts for neon, there are some pieces that are fun and fresh to update your wardrobe. After all, who am I to say no to those peppy and fabulous Bottega Veneta strappy sandals? Definitely not me.

Are you feeling the neon trend for this spring?

 

neon

For constant style and beauty chatter, connect with me on Facebook and 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

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

I hate taking a blogging break and starting with excuses but, alas, sometimes excuses is all you really have. It’s been a super busy month between the holidays, New Year’s and celebrating our engagement with mine and my fiance’s family this past weekend. In fact, I’m not even sure where to begin. So, I’ll share a few snippets.

We celebrated the holidays

We made delicious treats

We celebrated Christmas eve

And were morphed into superheroes too...

 We were a wee bit spoiled

With friends and good laughs

And brought our families together

To celebrate...

Love.