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.

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I kicked off the weekend by hitting the fashion social circuit. Event season is in full swing and it was nice to get out and about again. Our first stop had me ogling at these beautiful baubles at Cusp by Neiman Marcus.


Then, we popped by one of my favorite Scottsdale boutiques, Amy Inc. who just moved into a new location a few doors down at The Mix Shops and threw a two-day grand opening soiree.

{And then, there was Prada….}



{That’s me with the lovely & talented ladies, Jan of J. Lauren PR and Cynthia of Fabulous Arizona}

Unsurprisingly, the Prada party was quite fabulous. There was plenty of fashion to lust after, interesting cocktails, new bags that I must have and models bringing us bubbles and bites.

What were you up to this weekend?

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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??

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Today, Arizona is celebrating its centennial. And though I may pick on AZ at times (hey, we all pick on our loved ones, right?) it’s been my home for almost my whole life and I couldn’t be more proud.

Arizona has the best sunsets

It sucks to travel the world and meet those who have little understanding of how beautiful our state is and how amazing the people are. The media just loves to perpetuate stereotypes that I’m not even going to get into, this is a fashion blog, after all. But, there are definitely some fabulous things about living in Arizona that the rest of the country should be jealous about.

1. We Love Style

120 degree weather and heat waves be damned, there is totally a hot shopping scene around here! Prada and Stuart Weitzman just opened at Scottsdale Fashion Square not to mention, we recently welcomed a Barney’s New York too. But it isn’t just high-end shopping that’s a plenty; there’s tons of independent boutiques too. Tempe is chock-full of fast-fashions for the college set and Downtown Phoenix has its own burgeoning fashion scene too. Forget shorts and tanks, there’s definitely desert style around here.

2. We Love Food Festivals

The majority of the year, it’s absolutely beautiful out. Which is probably why there are so many great outdoor food festivals. One of my favorites, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, is just around the corner. And did you know there is also Arizona Cocktail Week, multiple Arizona Beer festivals, Arizona Restaurant Weeks and more? There is plenty to fill up on to keep us busy year round.

3. We Love Pool Parties

Hotel Valley Ho pool

There are pool parties and then there are Arizona pool parties and let’s just be honest, we’ve got tons of practice on how to do it right. If you’re thinking of hitting the pool this spring, check out this list of some of Arizona’s Best Swimsuit Shops.

4. We Love Spring Training

Scottsdale Stadium

Speaking of spring, did I mention Spring Training? I may not be a baseball fan myself, but the Valley is overrun from tourists spanning the entire country to catch a few games for a reason. The weather, the entertainment and all is just lovely.

5. We Love Our Neighbors

Sin City, Baby!

It’s a quick 5-hour or less drive to sunny Los Angeles, San Diego beaches or dancing the night away in Sin City. Seriously, could we ask for any better neighbors than this? (Speaking of Sin City, check out this guide on What to Wear to Las Vegas if you’re planning a trip.)

6. We Love the Outdoors

Conquering Camelback

While I’m personally not a hiker, it would be a lie to say Arizona isn’t known for and absolutely loved for the beautiful weather and chance to go exploring the outdoors. From a Saturday morning Camelback Mountain hike to horseback riding, running the canals and more, outdoor adrenaline junkies can easily get their fix here.

Really, the list could go on.

By the way, if you’re looking for some cute memorabilia to show your love for Arizona, check out Jaimee Rose’s blog for some cute picks today.

What’s your favorite part about living in Arizona?

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Just in time for the holiday season, Stuart Weitzman is opening up shop at Scottsdale Fashion Square December 7. It’s the second in the Valley (the first is at Biltmore Fashion Park) but one of only five stores in the country to carry the Young Hollywood Cares collection, a line co-designed by young starlets like Scarlett Johansson, Hayden Panettiere, Olivia Palmero and Michelle Tractenberg to benefit ovarian cancer research.

Can you guess which celeb designed which shoe?? I’ll post the answers later this week!

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Thus far, our Shops that Sizzle have included three budget-friendly fashion hubs: Pitaya, Divaz Boutique and Francesca’s Collections. This week’s featured Shop that Sizzles is one of my upscale favorites-Ruby Boutique.

Ruby Boutique was formerly at DC Ranch; now it calls the Shops at Kierland Commons home. You’ll find tons of cute, contemporary lines like  Tibi, Poleci, Alice & Olivia and Milly. Plus, the staff is super-friendly; don’t be surprised if you’re offered a glass of wine while shopping for a new party dress.

The Kierland Commons store features two floors of cute tops, dresses, skirts and more. And the owner, Lisa, definitely knows how to buy for her shoppers; you won’t find fabulous-yet-totally-not-practical fashion items here. Instead, you’ll encounter tons of wearable pieces that are fantastic and perfect for our desert lifestyle and weather.

Here’s a peek at their selection.

Perfect for a day at the pool or shopping

Everyone loves a classic maxi

The LWD-a sexy summer staple

Ruby Boutique- 480.538.7817

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Last Monday, the Shops that Sizzle series kicked off, where a particularly awesome local boutique will be featured every Monday throughout the month of August. This week’s spotlight is on Divaz Boutique, which has two locations in Tempe: one on Mill Ave. and another at Tempe Marketplace.

I’ve always been a fan of Divaz for carrying reasonably-priced tops and dresses perfect for a casual day or a night out on the town. They clearly know the secret to dressing “high and low” as they also carry tons of designer denim, designer bags and fun accessories too.

You can pick up a blouse for under $50, some Steve Madden shoes and  a pair of 7 for all Mankind jeans, all in the same place. And trust when I say, you won’t want to miss their accessories collection. This is hardly the cheap-chic accessories of F21 where your sparkles will fall apart after just one wear; instead you’ll find tons of faux necklaces, rings and other pretty baubles, just under $40.

740 S. Mill Ave. #110, Tempe (480) 968-1783

2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy # 1062, Tempe  (480) 966-7467

Check back next Monday for another spotlight on a Shop that Sizzles. And if you have or know of a store that truly sizzles, leave a comment below or contact me! 

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

Scottsdale boutiques may come and go as quickly as reality TV stars, but the ones that truly sizzle, should be noted. That’s why every Monday this month, I’ll be spotlighting Arizona boutiques that are absolutely worth checking out.

This week’s hidden gem is Pitaya in Tempe. This Mill Avenue boutique isn’t full of tacky, cheap clothes like some of its other Tempe counterparts; instead you’ll find cheap chic fashions that rival the likes of H&M and Forever 21. The bonus? Unlike these supercharged fast-fashion chains, you won’t be buying something every other girl on the block is wearing.

Pitaya actually has a few locations throughout the country and online shopping too. You’ll find trendy tops and dresses from $12 to $42 and up and plenty of denim and accessories too.

I picked up this long, sheer tunic that’s perfect with leggings or tucked into skinny jeans with a skinny belt for just $34.

Awesome with leggings and just $34

This navy polka dot dress is super cute and under $50, a total steal.

$49 and super cute

And this twist front mini skirt, perfect for a night out on the town, comes in right under $30.

Just $29 and perfect for date night

Although I’m not usually into Mill Avenue shopping, shops like Pitaya make it worth the trip.

–> Tip: Take a buddy. I went by myself and was more than bothered when the shop girl advised me I couldn’t take my purse inside the dressing room. I looked around and true, there were signs everywhere that said no purses in dressing rooms. “Would you mind if I hold your purse behind the counter?” she asked me. “Yes, I mind.”

She told me I could take out the contents of my purse if it made me feel better. Well, not really. Am I really going to use my $800 purse to steal a $40 dress? No, I’m not. And I’m far more paranoid my purse will get stolen than my cash-less wallet that’s inside.

Long story short, take a friend with you who can hold your purse while you try things on. I had a stack of clothes on my arm and there was no one else in the store so I hung it on the other side of the dressing room (ridiculous) and tried on my clothes as fast as possible. It was an anxiety-ridden shopping experience. BUT, I did walk out with a handful of crazy cute outfits for insanely reasonable prices. Now that I know how to shop the store, I’d definitely go back, just with a buddy this time.

Pitaya in Tempe on Mill Avenue is definitely a Shop that Sizzles.

Check back next Monday for another spotlight on a Shop that Sizzles. And if you have or know of a store that truly sizzles, leave a comment below or contact me! 

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

To call the luxury behemoth that is Scottsdale Fashion Square “overwhelming” may be an understatement, to say the least. If you have ever set foot in this mall three things probably come to mind:

1. Wow, it’s huge.

2. It’s pretty!

3. Where do I even begin?!

Scottsdale Fashion Square

To be honest, there was a point where if I knew I was shopping for just a few things, I’d try and avoid Scottsdale Fashion Square. The potential for chaos frightened me. But once you know how to shop this mall, and how to shop it just right, it’s perfect. After all, no other mall in town houses luxury names like Barney’s, Neiman Marcus, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry and a soon-to-open Prada, all under one roof.

If luxury shopping isn’t your thing, there are plenty of budget-friendly trendy shops too. Think: Forever 21, H&M, Francesca’s Collections, bebe, Ann Taylor and more.

Still a little intimidated? Don’t worry. Here’s your quick guide to be coming a Scottsdale Fashion Square shopping Pro.

1. Parking

I’ll be honest: Parking here can be aggressive. Especially during the holidays. And especially on weekends. But there are three fail-safe lots I can just about guarantee you’ll find a spot at.

First, try the underground parking lot on the East side of the mall, right under E4 where there’s a big X drawn. (The reason for the X is above-ground, this parking lot that sits across H&M and Modern Steak is total madness. But underneath the lot is totally brimming with spots.)

You can also try the lot underneath and on the opposite side of Barneys New York marked 1B and P3 for easy access to parking spots and all the shops in Tip 2, below.

2. High/Low shopping

The secret to any successful shopping mission is having a strategy in place.  If you’re in a pinch for time and want to get the best high-low shopping in a two-hour visit or less, stick to the recently renovated East side of the mall.

Start upstairs and hit the Barney’s co-op for your luxury treats. Next door, you’ll find an awesome Forever 21 and an H&M. These are great stores for stocking up on budget-friendly wardrobe basics. For a cheap accessories thrill, load up at Charming Charlie’s, next door to H&M.

Banana Republic's new concept store

On your way out, exit the mall downstairs. You’ll find a boutique-style Banana Republic unlike any other in the Valley with accessories that believe me, you won’t want to miss. Next door is the Valley’s first and only Ted Baker stocked with plenty of cute and trendy pieces. End your trip by hitting the Barneys shoe department because, well, is there any better way to end a shopping trip?

3. People watching

Modern Steak, Scottsdale Fashion Square

If you aren’t much of a shopper or all are shopped out, one thing you can always count on at Scottsdale Fashion Square is the people watching. But where are your best bets?

For cougars on the prowl and the trendy set, station yourself at Modern Steak. Tip: Order the truffle fries and some Champagne. It’s a magical combination. Trust.

Maybe you’re more of the “ladies who lunch” set; if so, you’ll be among your own at Fred’s (located in Barneys).

Beer lovers and the casual crew can be found at Yard House where there is a ridiculous amount of beer on tap.

And Happy Hour fanatics are all about Kona Grill and Z Tejas. The latter at which, they cut you off after just three margaritas. But hey, at least you’re already at the mall. Is there anything better than a good buzz followed by some shopping? I think not.

Are you a Scottsdale Fashion Square Pro? What are your tips for shopping this mall? Leave them below! I love comments

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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?

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