'Cause I Love Your Style...

Call me a sucker for a great book about fashion, but I am currently infatuated with this book I purchased at Papyrus, where I buy my stationary, wrapping paper and greeting cards--it was admittedly an impulse purchase because it was positioned close to the cash wrap, caught my attention, and immediately was picked up and added to my bill. "This looks like the type of book you'd enjoy," the pleasant woman who was ringing up my purchase told me. As though women who wear Tiffany bracelets, 5 diamond rings, Movados and platform Jimmy Choo heels do not read books about politics or foreign affairs (the irony is, I actually do. I may be obsessed with shopping and fashion, and I may be the best dressed chick on the block, but I also have a passion for politics & plenty of opinions on issues that have nothing to do with shoes and designer labels.)

One look at my eclectic bookshelf, however, and you will notice that my passion for fashion runs deep and that I am inspired by fellow writers who feel inclined to share that love with the world. Amanda Brooks' smart little collection "I Love Your Style" not only gives readers the chance to explore photos from throughout history, it is informative and inspiring, and made me want to run to my closet and take an inventory of new options and ideas for putting myself together from head to toe.

I believe you can be smart and chic, and sometimes, they go hand in hand.
When it comes to THIS girl, they will ALWAYS go hand in hand...and are two parts to one very fashionable identity.

That's just me.

Purchase your copy today at Barnes and Noble or Borders Books & Music, or your favorite bookstore.

Oh, To Be a Recessionista

How excited am I? H&M will soon be opening close to me…no more picking up a boatload of clothing & accessories on my vacations where there are actually H&M stores…which can be a real bitch when you have to load all your new goodies into your suitcase (I apologize profusely for those 50 lb suitcases that nearly burst at the seam, Southwest Airlines. You guys rock.)

H&M is the ultimate store for the recessionista and the smart shopper—you can purchase beautifully crafted pieces that seriously stand the test of time (at least, they have for me) on the cheap. Not to mention, you can get gorgeous accessories, like the 2 necklaces I bought in San Francisco which I get compliments on 24-7. Those 2 necklaces, a sweater, a top for my niece, a skirt for myself, and two tops which I dubbed my “career wear” pieces, only cost me $78.00. Where else can you get so much for so little, and still be a stunner when you slip into your new wardrobe?

For more information on stores near you, or for specific info on the Scottsdale grand opening, visit: www.hm.com. Happy shopping, bargain babes!

Raising My Glass to Barney's New York

I spent a fantastic afternoon at Barney’s New York store opening in Scottsdale, Arizona, at Scottsdale Fashion Square. I was greeted by the friendliest associates, indulged in champagne and a pleasant afternoon browsing all the new lines, from Mason to Cynthia Vincent to Carmen Marc Valvo to Diane von Furstenberg, and that’s just women’s clothing. I fell in love with cool weather pieces from Vince and DVF and all the beautiful jewelry in exquisite display cases, merchandised to pure perfection.

Ahhhh. Nothing excites me quite as much as fashion, shopping, and finding the newest creation from the latest designers…and Barney’s has a wonderful, distinctive selection. Go see for yourself…whether in Arizona, or in a city near you. I’ll definitely toast to you, Barney’s.

www.barneysnewyork.com

Aveda's Shampure...My Undercover Lover

To quote Usher, "these are my confessions:"
--I love buying hair products so much, it is a borderline addiction
--I spend an ungodly amount of money on beauty buys that support my vanity
--I think the world of my hairdresser, who is not only handsome but also the sweetest guy, but even though he promotes TIGI products, I admit that sometimes, I am a cheater. (But only when it comes to my products. I am very monogamous when it comes to getting my haircut by the same man every time. Hey, give me points for fidelity. I will not stray from his chair.)

Now that all that is out in the open, it is the perfect opportunity for me to declare my undying affection for Shampure by Aveda. This gentle, eco friendly shampoo not only strengthens my hair and makes it soft, sexy, and flowy, it also smells like heaven for TWO days after you shampoo it. (I am so not kidding you. I pushed the limits to test this out for you, people. My hair still smelled like Shampure,two days later, even in July, even after working out three days in a row.)

Find it for yourself today at Mood Swings Salon in Tempe, on Mill Avenue, which is an adorably quaint salon nestled into the shops on Mill, or at the Aveda Store at Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. You can also find these products online at www.aveda.com, for locations nearest you or to have it shipped directly to your front door.

I am faithful to my hairdresser, after years of searching for the perfect fit. Hey, when something works, you keep going back for more, am I right? But when it comes to products, if you're going to cheat, honey, make it WORTH it. ;)

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.

I Can See Clearly Now...

Yesterday I drove out to Scottsdale Fashion Square, and had a pleasant day, shopping, lunch at Nordstrom Cafe, and browsing the bookstore aisles at Borders.

I woke up early yesterday to work out, so by the time I got ready to leave, I forgot a few important things to pack in my purse. When I got into my car, I started digging through my purse to look for my sunglasses, and realized I'd left them in my sunglass drawer at home (yes, I'm an organization weirdo and I have a whole drawer devoted to sunglasses and perfectly folded scarves.) Completely bummed, I walked into AJ's Fine Foods for my iced green tea with extra ice & sweetener (my favorite!) and realized just how important sunglasses really are.

Not only do they shield my eyes from the sun, and keep out harmful UV rays, they also prevent wrinkles. (Something I've been concerned about since I was 12.) They also allow me to walk through Fashion Square and not be bothered by people, because sometimes by oversized shades say "kick rocks" without the words having to come out of my own mouth. They give me the look of a celebrity who doesn't want to be bothered by the paparrazzi, and they add an instant touch of glamour to my outfit.
The pair I've purchased more recently is by Marc Jacobs, they're very Lauren Conrad from The Hills, square and oversized, and I totally love them.

Since I forgot mine at home, I was almost tempted to buy these Prada glasses at Nordstrom sunglass boutique at Fashion Square. They're also available at Sunglass Hut at Fashion Square, and Solstice at San Tan Village, and you can also find them online at www.nordstrom.com, for those who don't live close to these stores.

Hey, if I can't be a Hollywood star, I might as well look like one. Protect your eyes from the hot sun, and step out in style by treating yourself to a much deserved pair of glam new glasses. Put your stunna shades on, honey, because the sun is shining, and, best of all, so are you.

Bringin Sexy Back

One of my biggest dreams in life is to own my own boutique. I've always wanted a store of my own. Since I spend a bulk of my time shopping, and since everywhere I go, people either ask for tips or ideas, or ask where I bought something or how I happened to style a particular piece I have on, I figure it'd help make my style accessible to consumers. I also know I'd feel a deep sense of satisfaction serving my community and the fashion community by carrying chic labels and styles at different price points. Anyway, this is my vision, my dream. I love fashion in a way most don't...I love the aesthetics, the stories behind the designers and the labels and how they brought their ideas to life, the craftsmanship and the timeline and hands that touched the clothes to bring them to the racks...THOSE are reasons to love fashion. As if you needed any more? And one day, I aspire to be one of those hip boutique owning hotties running around in my heels, a cute skirt and having people walk in and ask, "Can I get the skirt you have on in a size 4?" That would make one of my dreams come true.

That being said, I'm quite the picky bitch when it comes to boutiques, merchandising, selection, and most importantly, customer service. If I walk in and get snubbed, I am going to tell you and your chic boutique where to go and also, where I'd like to shove my stiletto. I will also take my Am Ex and my pride someplace where it will be appreciated.

How happy was I to walk into Elan boutique at the Mix Shops on Stetson Drive in Scottsdale only to find the sweetest, most personable staff, in addition to the owner herself, running around grabbing all the new dresses she just got in to show me. She wasn't sittting behind the counter pretending to both ignore me and organize receipts; instead, she was having an in-depth conversation with me about shopping, labels, and the new things she's bought for herself lately.

Elan carries sexy chic clothing in a wide range of price points. There are jersey knit dresses that are cut in a sexy V to show your gorgeous tans, ladies; and there's plenty of jewelry to choose from to accessorize your ensemble. The store's merchandise caters to the type of woman who likes to look luxe, fashion forward, chic, but also sensual. If Gabrielle Solis on Desperate Housewives was a real person, this is the type of store where she would spend boatloads of Carlos' cash. While the store may seem a little small, Elan is neat, clean, organized, and very well stocked with styles reflective of the owner's taste, which I think is the most important quality to look for in a boutique. If you're an eternal Abercrombie girl, why would you carry clothing that looks much more glam? You're a representation of your business, honey.

And Elan Boutique? You are representing, for all the hottest ladies out there. Get it, girls. :)

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.