SEPHORA

Just like Nordstrom, I think that is all I have to say in a title letting you know that SEPHORA is finally coming to town!  And, actually, is already in town.  In the JC Penny at Park Place, where the new and improved Forever 21 (that I am going to today) there is now a SEPHORA!  Yes, fashionista's, JC Penny and SEPHORA are partners.  But, beyond that, we will also be getting a free standing SEPHORA at Tucson Mall very soon!  Both Tucson Mall and Park Place Mall (which now has a COACH store) are transforming drastically.  We might actually have places to shop besides La Encantada (which I have to share that J. Crew is having a fab sale right now and students get an extra 15% off already reduced prices!)....so, maybe there is hope for a Nordstrom...let's cross our fashion fingers:) 

I just ordered all of these products I have been needing for a while and now, I won't have to...isn't that fab!?

Fashion Meet Up

Come for fashion prizes and to discuss the new fab sale website, Shop It To Me that is like a personal shopper for all things sale!  Meet with Tamra, a rep from California for the company and learn about what is to come for the company and give your fashion input!

Fashion Show

Check this out...it is not only for a great cause (and the first event for the local non-profit), but, our very own Philip Manus, will be presenting his designs.  Manus has been featured in Oro Valley Marana and has auditioned for Project Runway.  His designs are AMAZING!  I want a couple of his pieces and would wear them in New York or LA and I know I would be stopped!  So, attend the fashion show and enjoy all of Philip Manus' designs. 

I have been so MIA, but there is so much coming up, I have to share!

Keep a look out for all of my exciting updates...a lot is happening in Tucson right now...so, don't miss out!

xo

AZ Fashionalities

What's Happening Downtown...Check it Out

Channel 12 attended a fashion show that I worked on backstage at Dinnerware's Art Gallery on Broadway and has a great amount of footage from the show if you missed it and a few shots of moi:)  Also, I just found out that on the last Saturday of each month, there is a great downtown event that everyone should try attending at least once for food, boutiques open late as well as art spaces open for viewing galleries and participating in a new style of art.  

So Many Things Happening Right Now

Everyone, check out these events that are happening right now...

• St. Phillips Plaza is having a sale of all sales, 80% off for sale items!  That is a deal you can't miss!  The stores are open from 5-8 pm for the sale tonight so do not miss out!  For some of the stores, the sale will continue until August 2nd, so get in there and shop!
  
• ArtFare's Sixth Avenue Block Party 4-10 on Saturday August 2nd...this sounds like so much fun!
  
• I am very excited about a fashion show happening downtown on Saturday at the Dinnerware Art space showcasing local designers pieces.  This is going to be something to watch---with a variety of styles you will not believe your eyes!  I will have pictures on Monday to share with everyone!
  
• Check out my blog on KVOA for some other great stories I've got!
  
• Save the Date for a great benefit, Clean out your closet for voices of education!  October 4,5,6...I will give more information soon.
  

Now Sharing on KVOA---Local finds and fun things you can use everyday

KVOA Beauty and Fashion Expert: ME!  

Find expert advice from local experts and moi.  Send questions to fashionalities@gmail.com and I will make sure your questions get answered.  

Getaway Locally

Why have to get away for a BIG BUCK this summer?  Save your plane ticket and travel only a couple of miles to save your gas with one of these options:

In Town:

The Hotel Congress had discount specials for locals this summer for weekends at the Hotel to enjoy everything from the Cup and also tasty drinks at the bar.  What more can you want?  The rooms are authentic and look like what they might have looked like years ago.

A little Drive:

Hacienda Coronada, a bed and breakfast in the desert...a location that was updated and kept the old glamor of the location.  Each room has its own distinct feature and styling.  This is a romantic getaway near wineries or just stay, relax and enjoy the stars and nature surroundings.  

A train ride away:

The most romantic way to travel, the train...and what better way to do it than with wine?  Verde Canyon Railroad brings you that and more with their many packages.  After you take the day riding on the train and enjoying wine complete you day at Jerome Hotel...a location you would never expect out in the desert...

Summer Style: Arizona Vs. Everywhere Else

I read an article in the August issue of Lucky magazine comparing LA style vs. NYC style...Since everyone seems to think LA and NYC are the only places that have style...I figured I would share what we, in Arizona wear.

As we all know, it is scorching HOT out here, so we need to keep cool, it seems all year-long.  Summer essentials:

Mini Dresses

*Anything that breathes

Fabrics: Natural Cotton and Linen

Shoes:

Sandals, flats or heels, we drive everywhere...can we say air conditioning? 

Skirts--(from Forever 21...it's not about cost...no need to put all of your money into all the pieces for this summer)

Shorts--(from shopbop)there are such a wide range of styles out there right now, high waist shorts, wide leg shorts, longer loose styles...etc...you are not only left with the super short, shorts...they are styles for every shape and that can be worn with more than just flip flops...if done the correct way, you can pair heels with shorts and look very chic.

Fun Things to Take Advantage of Doing This Summer In Tucson

Date Night And Dive In Movies

At: Loews Ventana Canyon Resort 299-2020.  Movies Screen after sunset call for more information.

Summer Movie Fun

At: Harkins Tucson Spectrum 806-4275.  Movies go through Aug. 1.  

First Thursday Art Event

All Summer for $5

Let me know what you all are doing for fun this summer in Tucson! 

Local Fashion Star

I was surfing the Elle.com site and saw Crystal Flynt one of the owners of Bon featured and had to share her look and where she was! 

More SATC...Take Advantage of All of These Fun Events!

I can't wait for Friday...there is so much planned...the SATC movie of course!  Two after parties...drinks with the girls...the night could go on and on and I doubt I will get tired.  Cosmos for everyone!  Cheers! 

Gentlemen's Spot

I usually focus on women's events and shopping...but, I was excited when I heard about Anthony's Cigar Emporium that actually has classy events like Cigar Rolling Parties that I had to do some research and share with all of my gentlemen friends:)

Perdomo Cigar and Tequila Tasting 5/30/2008 From 4:00:00 PM to 8:00:00 PM - click here for details

Fonseca Cigar Tasting 6/6/2008 From 4:00:00 PM to 8:00:00 PM - click here for details

CAO at East Anthonys Cigar Emporium 6/27/2008 From 12:00:00 AM to 12:00:00 AM - click here for details

Event Scheduled at North store Call for details  7/4/2008 From 12:00:00 AM to 12:00:00 AM - click here for details

Event Scheduled at East store Please call for details 7/25/2008 From 12:00:00 AM to 12:00:00 AM - click here for details

Camacho event at North Store 9/5/2008 From 12:00:00 AM to 12:00:00 AM - click here for details

Celebrate Sex and the City!

I am going out on May 30th to royally celebrate Sex and the City, there will, of course be a fabulous ensemble, chic cocktails and fabulous after parties...one I will be attending is at Collage boutique...Check out the invite below:

Urban Outfitters Weekend Graduation Sale

There is a super sidewalk sale this weekend at URBN! You should def go by and check it out---there are items that are only $10 for men and women! Happy Shopping!

Shoe Party

Stems offers the most fabulous shoe parties ever! Invite all of your girlfriends to the Stems boutique for a private party with wine or margaritas included and everyone gets 10% off! What a way to relax with all of your friends getting to buy what every woman needs, shoes:) It would be perfect to have a party before or after the Sex and the City movie! How fitting:)

Local Designer Taking Off

Local Designer, Celine Fisk (Purple Mouse) has created the most adorable top ever and it is made from a vintage pillow case, believe it or not!  I saw it in person and fell in love and had to know where to buy the fabulous top!  Now, everyone can purchase the top at Toque de Pasion for only $80.  

Phoenix Has So Many Fashion Shows...Get Inspired and Attend 1

 

The pleasure of your company is requested

at the  premiere of

Runway Beauty Magazine

 

Sunday, June 8

12:30 PM – 4:00 PM

at the beautiful new

Roka Akor

 

 

Contemporary Japanese Cuisine

7299 North Scottsdale Road

Scottsdale

 

Champagne . Hors d’oeuvres . Fashion Show

 

Couture fashions from the Paris showroom of

Debra Davenport

 

Event Sponsors:

 

Phoenix Runway

Roka Akor

S.I.M Modeling Agency

 

RSVP by June 1 to :

amandajjames123@aol.com

RSVP: Giving Back to the Community

Macy's Expansion

We have more to come in the AZ area:

"The department-store giant is also opening three new Macy’s stores in the Phoenix area over the next two years. Stores are planned for SanTan Village in Gilbert, Ariz.; Estrella Falls in Goodyear, Ariz.; and CityNorth in Phoenix."

BREAKING NEWS: H&M is Coming to Scottsdale

I finally received the official press release with more information this morning and I had to get the information out ASAP.  The store will open at Scottsdale Quarter, a brand new outdoor lifestyle mall...I guess like the ones that are signature in AZ, like La Encantada.  

Is Downtown Growing, Hopefully

There are buildings popping up everywhere, regardless of the so-called recession...does that mean something great for Tucson?  Lets hope so...There is soo much potential downtown for Tucson...that is where it is supposed to be HOT in most cities...I hope these new buildings takes us there.... 

The Lucky Ones

We have been chosen to be the Premier Dillards Contemporary store out of all the stores in the US...the owners daughter has taken over the contemporary department and is choosing all of the fabulous brands we see in our Tucson Mall store...there have also been a lot of fabulous events taking place in the contemporary department as well like fashion shows showcasing all of the Spring trends...so, check out the store and see all of the brands you think that Tucson does not have!

xoxo

EXCLUSIVE: H&M Coming to AZ in Spring 2009

I kept hearing things, but now I know for sure...I received an email from LAFORCE & STEVENS...so, I am sure that this is legit!  We will have an H&M (I am not sure where yet) in AZ!  No more needing to rush to LA or LV or NYC for that matter...we will have one right here in AZ!  As soon as I hear more info I will share...Still, I am excited I will be in LA next week shopping the racks....makes me even more excited to have it accessible locally! 

Some Changes at Park Place Mall

I think that the opening of COACH in the Park Place Mall on June 6th is going to begin drawing new customers in...not only is it the closest mall to me in Vail...but, it is now going to be moving on up with what they offer with the emergence of COACH...maybe this will become the locale for Nordstrom...that is just me talking...but, it is worth wishing...until Nordstrom does greet us here in Tucson, at least we know we are getting another Coach:)

Enjoy! 

xo

If I was Young Enough...I would Make sure I was Apart of this!

If you know someone who is in the right age group for participating and LOVES fashion---check this out! 

Styling Made Easy In AZ this Spring

These styles are so easy to achieve and at a great price here in Tucson!  Take this inspiration and run with it---it's so easy!  Even Phoenix publications are talking about the Southwester style for the Spring. 

New Moi

I am so about health now...I saw Oprah and was transformed...I also heard if I read "Skinny Bitch," I will go veggie all the way.  I just might have to...Indian food makes it easy to be vegetarian anyway:)

But, today I went to a couple of yoga locations and health food stores and got a couple of flyers that I thought I would share.

Dr. Deal's Lecture Schedule May 2008:

May 6: Permanent Weight Control

May 13: Vitamin K

May 20: Licensed Acupuncturist 

May 27: Vegetarianism 

Old Farms Apt. Activity Center, 6161 E. Grant Rd. Starting at 8 pm.  Call Swan Clinic for more info 323-7133

Dillards has a lot of fun workshops and classes for their new Tranquility department for all things yoga.

Life Force Yoga: Yoga to Lighten Your Hear

Sundays May 4th thru June 1st.  More information at www.yogafordepression.com

*Get a coupon from department for one free class!

The Yoga Connection

A fab nonprofit Yoga Studio that only costs $10 for each yoga session!  Great deal...and on Tues. students will teach for only $3!

www.yogaconnection.org

Non-Stop Events, Take Note

This Friday, May 2nd, First Fridays will be hosting a "Spring in Paris; The Art of Fashion."  The event will feature boutiques in Tucson like Sigi's, Pour Moi, Zoe, Stems, Kelly Rae, and many more!  This will be so worth attending!  

Wine Testing: May 6th 6-8 pm RSVP 326-9095

@ Ghini's French Caffe

Step Out, Step Up Event

Thursday, May 8, 2008
4:00pm - 6:00pm

Step Out Step Up will invite local women to join our commitment to provide women and girls of all backgrounds with the necessary resources to bring personal and professional success, balance, health and joy to their lives. On this day, women will gather to feel good while doing good. Together, they’ll create inspirational “wellness bags” for local women cancer patients.  And while our guests are making a difference for others, they’ll be enjoying themselves as well with musical performances, a fashion show and much more.

Store Closing, Store Openings in Town

Boutique openings and closings going on:

Boutique Isolde closed in February.

Kelly Rae opened in March.  (which is over in the white stucco buildings across the street from La Encantada that have art galleries.) 

Posh Boutique will be closing by May, right now, everything is 75% off, but will be dropping by the last days, so keep checking! 

Is H&M Coming to Phoenix?

Well, the PR reps at H&M are saying now, but I spoke to someone at the H&M store in Las Vegas and was told that they are coming in July.  Let's keep our fingers crossed, this could be good:)

Louis Vuitton first TV ad [where will life take you?]

The New LV Commercial...breathtaking...it gives me the feeling of a Nike ad, no?

94.9 Fashion Show March 9th

From 11:30-1:30 at La Encantada, the 6th bi-annual fashion show will take place.  The event sounds like fun, and if I remember correctly, they have a lot of giveaways on the day of the event. Oh, and the event is free and the theme is, "Black and White party."

Threading: An Amazing and natural way of taking off the hair on your face

I LOVE Threading!  I have had my whole face done before--which was kind of crazy, but I did it and had a face as smooth as a babies bottom:)  But, I regularly got my eyebrows and lip, yes I said lip threaded and it lasted much longer than waxing.  And it seems more natural than taking wax and yanking hair out...it is like plucking, but doing it much quicker with a thread. Mena Aldulaime at Visual Expressions, 5632 E. 5th Street, near the intersection of 5th and Craycroft. Phone (520) 584-8888.

On Newsstands now! South West Style

The publication that I write and style for will now be available (so to get more of me...just check the publication out):

Beginning THIS Sunday, you can pick up SWS in a single copy paper in any of these zips:

 

85653

85658

85718

85737

85749

85750

 

Starting with March, all locations containing SWS while be marked with rack cards as to be more visible.

Check Me Out on an Outlet Shopping Special from 20/20

It's all about getting deals, see what deals I get on 20/20:)

Shoe Heaven

I am now the blogger for Stems Inc a shoe boutique in Tucson.  I am really excited about sharing my LOVE and EXCITEMENT for all of the fab shoes at Stems.  So, check out the blog that will be updated at least 2-3 times a week for new styles I have fallen in love with and new trends you should be aware of for yours stems.

Tucson Mall Changes

With the loss of Macy's at the Tucson Mall, Forever 21 will begin to resemble the likes of Forever 21 stores across the U.S. that are 2 levels and Bebe will also open at the Tucson Mall...I hope this will trigger an effect to bring Nordstrom's to Tucson...but, we can only hope at this point...I even think that Nordstrom leasing the space at El Con Mall...and I am looking into JC Penny having Sephora here in Tucson...wouldn't that be magic?  If that happened, El Con Mall would BOOM!  But, who am I???  Just a fashion slave who understands what every woman wants...as far as shopping goes:)  Aren't we tired of driving to Phoenix for Nordstrom? 

There's A New Boutique In Town: C Boutique

Check out the new trendy boutique in town that has a lofty style decor that is as cute as the glam rock clothes, C Boutique.  The boutique will be open from 11-7 from Tuesday to Saturday to be open to attend to your fashion needs.  The shop has clothes and accessories from brands like Armani glasses , Sean Jean for Women clothes and many others. Clothes are similar to what you would find in LA or SoHo. 

The boutique is at 2924 E. Broadway, cross streets Broadway and Country Club 

Organized 08: Get All Organized With KOLD For the Month of February

This is just like what you see on the Style network, Oprah, and any other home organized focused television reality shows you see on TV today, but it is local...KOLD is still looking for people to participate, so go sign up soon to be featured on KOLD and receive a FREE room adjustment.  I am going to sign up today for my office that is just crazy with all of my magazines (for fashion research of course:) everywhere.  There needs to be a balance between my and my husbands needs for this room.

It's all about getting your life organized because if it's not, then everything else will be a clutter.  Like author Peter Walsh, the author of, Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat? that was on Oprah last week said, the way you upkeep your home is going to reflect on how your body and mind function (healthy or unhealthy).

Local Organizers featured on this show:

The Clutter Buster

Tucson Professional Organizer 

Sharing Is Caring: Here is an Invite to a Nordstrom Sale That I Wanted To Share With Everyone

Fashion Show Alert: Ebony Fashion Fair

Purchase your ticket soon, Ebony Fashion Fair's traveling fashion show,“GLAM ODYSSEY: A Fashion Journey Into Bliss & Beyond!” is taking place on April 4, 7PM at Hotel Arizona.  The event is set to be a haute couture fashion show like New York fashion week.  You will not want to miss the styles that will capture you down the runway. Designers that you are familiar with like Christian Dior, Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana, Carolina Herrera, and Jean Louis Scherrer will be involved in this spectacular event.  Plus, the proceeds will benefit charities locally and nationally. 

So, buy your tickets for $40 and help make a difference in someone's life and have fun doing it! 

For tickets, call Ticket Chair Edith Batiste at (520) 290-7227.

Spring Consultation-from shoes, to clothes to makeup

Get all your questions answered from the experts you need for free!  So, come with your questions and pictures from magazines that you want to do this spring! 

Here are the details:

It all happens February 19 from 6-8 PM

Experience a shopping event that puts your needs first with Jane Harvey a fashion consultant fromDoncaster showcasing spring 2008 trends for clothes from Doncaster and shoes from Stems and how to make them yours.  Get expert advise from Jane Harvey and Natasha Holstine.  Wine and cheese will be served at event.  Also, Donavan from Face Me will be answering all of your spring beauty questions. 

The Vitamins You Need

These are the vitamins Dr. Oz says that every person needs.  

Vitamin D

Calcium and Magnesium together

Omega-3

Baby Aspirin

Multi Vitamin

I also take:

Biotin for my hair

Vitamin B to get rid of zits and help me keep energized since I stopped having coffee

Also have 4 cups of green tea a day

Close Is Better Than Not At All

I am soo excited!  The Container Store is Coming to Scottsdale Summer 2008...now I know this isn't Tucson...but, it is closer than any other location right now.  Hopefully after they start with Scottsdale they will start to expand out to us:) So, get ready to get organized with great trendy, low price items. 

I think that plastic is so chic and modern right now.  I am recreating the look from a magazine that was so excited with pieces from the Container Store for less than $50 for everything!