Under the Tuscan Sun

I absolutely love Italian food.
I love it even more when the ambience of the restaurant is just beautiful.
I love it perhaps even MORE when I am mad as hell at my lover, and want a meal that is so delicious, it takes my mind off of him.
And I love it most when the cute doctor sitting across from me at a table picks up the tab for my meal.

I'm not saying this will happen to you, but hey, it was one hell of a dinner, compliments of Dr. McDreamy across from me, and I still walked out solo.

I also walked out reminded that I wouldn't have to dine alone by choice for the rest of my life, which is priceless.

To try this delicious restaurant for yourself, visit Brio Tuscan Grille at San Tan Village in Gilbert today. Whether dining alone or with someone special, the food is incredible, and the atmosphere is sensational.
www.brioitalian.com
Ste 118
2150 East Williams Field Road, Gilbert, AZ 85295-0730
(480) 917-9177

Ankle Boot Affection

About 2 or 3 years ago, I found the cutest pair or slouchy but sleek ankle boots with a 4' heel that made my legs look a hell of a lot longer (since I'm 5'2 and vertically challenged, this is always a tremendous benefit) and I bought them immediately and saved them for cooler temperatures. Suddenly, ankle boots hit the fashion world in a major way: they were everywhere. Even my previous skeptics who said, "Lorraine, why the hell are you buying those boots, you look like Salma Hayek in Studio 54 the movie" were picking up pairs for themselves, choking on their own words (see why you need to trust my vision, and keep your words a whole lot sweeter?)

I imagined pairing them with a little skirt, or, in my biggest vision for these killer boots, a pair of cute, comfy cutoff denim shorts and a band tee or slouchy sweater, cute belt, with tanned legs on display for the world to see. However, I also knew I had to wait for the day when I'd clocked decent amount of time at the gym so my legs would look much more like Olivia Palermo's in this photo, and less like, well, my legs. (Although one could question whether or not my legs would EVER look like Olivia's. I think my muscle in my upper thigh is bigger than her entire leg--and yes, ordinarily, I do put in significant time exercising. That's the way the biological cookie crumbles, I guess. Some of us are destined to have legs like a small sparrow, (cough! OLIVIA!) and some of us will always have Beyonce legs, and there's no shame in that game, my friends.)

Nevertheless, the vision may happen because I just found another lust-worthy pair of ankle boots from Aldo that I have been shamelessly counting my pennies (literally) to purchase. If I can justify buying myself a $130 pair of shoes (hey, they could always be Manolos, baby, and those puppies are $400 bucks a pop) in spite of my impending medical bill crisis, I will be stepping out on the town in new ankle booties, complete with that whole biker-slick chick-take me, I'm a rockstar vibe goin on.

Cutoff shorts, optional.

Buy your ankle boots today at Aldo or www.aldoshoes.com for a store near you, or to shop online, and visit my favorite Aldo store at San Tan Village in Gilbert, Arizona for more info on the latest and greatest for your footsies this fall and winter season. By the way...you can copy my look and buy these shoes, just remember...nobody rocks 'em like LC rocks 'em, honey.

Did I Shave My Legs for This?

Those of us who are in the dating game completely understand what it’s like when you meet someone new, and the flirtation and tension builds and builds. Perhaps the most exhausting part of it all is the anticipation that mounts every time you know you’re going to see that person. It’s most difficult for the ladies. We carefully pick out our best ensemble, make sure our hair looks like we just stepped out of the salon, and get our routine mani/pedi/bikini wax. We slip on our “sexies” under our clothes to feel a little more sensual, and we make sure our brows are plucked and our skin is soft.

Maybe this is just me.

We try to make certain that we look like we were at a photo shoot for People’s 50 Most Beautiful issue, or as close to it as humanly possible. We try to ensure that when we do see the person we’re into, that things will go according to plan (or at least in line with your expectations and hopes.) But in the end, it is a gamble. No matter how utterly flawless you may feel when you walk in the door and see them, they may not say or do exactly what you’d like them to. And sometimes? The disappointment from what they do (or don’t do) can make you feel like you put a whole lot of energy into all of this. You walk away feeling a little rejected and like the day was a total waste of makeup.

For the guys out there reading this, the only comparison I can give you that would maybe help you understand what I’m talking about would be blue balls, and cold showers.

Those of us who don’t have balls? We experience this frustration on a pretty routine basis, generally between the ages of 14 and 40. It’s called the world of dating. And it can be a real bitch.

But sometimes we experience this feeling when we get all pumped up over something new and exciting that we hope to experience or purchase, and then it disappoints us, or lets us down in some way. It isn’t what we thought it would be. Or, we aren’t treated quite the way we hoped we’d be treated.

I felt this way this past Friday when I was shopping a little late at Ann Taylor. I had been leafing through Elle and Vogue all afternoon, and saw all the pretty new ad campaigns for Ann Taylor. I saw the silky fabrics and professional looks, and was so excited to walk in and see what I could add to my Fall wardrobe, especially because Ann makes great clothing for professional women.

So what let me down?

The customer service, that’s what.

I’ve been to Scottsdale Ann Taylor so many times and had exceptional service. I’ve bought a few tops and skirts at Fashion Square, and also when I’ve been traveling, and had a good experience. Of course, Ann Taylor can be a little pricey, but they have awesome investment pieces, too, so it’s a trade-off that’s worth it.

At San Tan Village, I was totally ignored, looked at, up and down, but not acknowledged.

I shop like a madwoman. I spend money. I keep the economy going. I love fashion, and when I shop, I am always put together. Pay attention to me, or at least act like I exist. This is the cardinal rule of working in retail; customer service is crucial.

I guess I had hoped for so much more from my shopping experience, and, unfortunately, this store just didn’t deliver. But, just like this game we call dating, I’ll eventually throw myself back out there, and hope for the best, and hope that I’m not let down again.

Because just like shopping, at times, you may have your disappointments. But the euphoria of the experience? That’s what keeps all of us going back for more.

The Sweet Life

I'm very particular about declaring my undying devotion for places where you can shop. Even more particular about places where you can sleep (hotels). And I'm even more selective when it comes to raving about eating establishments.

So when I rave about the gelato at Leonidas Chocolate Shop at San Tan Village in Gilbert, I really am sincere about my love for this place. It is a small little shop, but the gelato is heaven-sent. Try the pistachio gelato, or the macadamia and coconut flavor. Or, one of my favorites, sugar free raspberry gelato. And for those PMS days we'd all like to sleep through, indulge with a tiny piece of dark chocolate, or go all out and take home a box of chocolate splendor of your very own.

Keep this business afloat, treat your sweet tooth, and take a break from the scorching heat in a sweet shop that's a little piece of heaven.

Good Vibes, & Bad Vibes...

I have to make this confession: I would much rather write about stores where EVERYBODY can find a great deal, where clothing is available at a reasonable price point, where you can treat yourself to a beautiful new outfit without feeling like you may not be able to make your mortgage payment. But once in a while, I have to dish about stores where clothing is a little more high-end and where the price tags may be hefty, but the merchandising, labels, and selection is to die for.

Vibe Boutique (there's a super cute location at San Tan Village--yes, I love that mall) is one such store. Although the jeans are quite pricey, you're going to find a selection that rivals a lot of other local boutiques, not to mention really gorgeous accessories, handbags, and adorable peasant tops, which are a great transition piece between summer and fall.

Probably my only complaint was that the customer service wasn't the best, and I've been in and bought items on a few occassions. I felt like the girls were a little arrogant and like they were doing ME a favor by ringing up my purchases.

If you can deal with stuck up girls in $300 jeans who don't want to help you, then I think it's a go, if anything, you'll score some cute fashion finds, and while you may charge a little more on the old Visa, you'll walk out with something great, like this adorable maxi dress at Vibe, also on their website: www.vibetheboutique.com.

Service with a Smile

I just have to write a quick note to say that when I get great customer service, I remember it forever. I worked at Nordstrom in college and I will eternally remember the “tire” story that I heard my very first day on the job: a lady took tires back to Nordstrom, Nordies doesn’t sell tires, but they gave her the money back for the tires, anyway, to appease her, and she became a lifelong customer.

I’m a big fan of MAC cosmetics, and if you’ve read my blog, you know I mention MAC products quite often. But one of the things I love most is that when I walk into the MAC store at Scottsdale Fashion Square, the makeup artists are always so cordial, polite, and helpful. The same goes for the MAC counter at Dillards at San Tan Mall, especially Jenny, who is one of the most genuinely kindhearted people you’ll ever meet and who I used to work with when I worked as a makeup artist in college. She not only has a ton of product knowledge and experience, she’s funny and personable and makes your shopping experience top-notch.

You always remember kindness and thoughtfulness. And if you can carry out a bag with the perfect shade of eye shadow, that’s even better.