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  PHOENIX PICKS
  life + style in the Valley of the Sun
November 21st, 2007

Recently we’ve discovered there’s more to life than a great pair of jeans, a pair of trusty old flip flops, and a job that allows us to show up like we just rolled out of bed. We’ve come to realize we’re ready to act our age.

Some might call it a mid-30s crisis; we like to think we’re dressing up our mature side. In the last month, we’ve indulged in a stylish haircut that embraces our go-get-’em attitude, scored a swank position that makes us swell with pride inside, and we’re finally dressing like a bonafide executive.

Our rebellious youth still manages to shows its ugly face at times, especially when we’re forced to wear pantyhose with skirts, which we outright refuse to do… ever. And even more importantly, we’ve already started mapping out a strategy on how to make footless tights fit into the corporate business dress code. If you’ve had any success, we want to know pronto!

       
  Phoenix Picks:  
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It’s Getting Haute in Here

We love mommyhood, but this week has been one for the books. Our bundle of joy is teething, and suddenly has a mouth that looks like something out of Shark Week. We’ve heard that little voice cry “Mama” so many times that we’re even hearing it on our sleep. That is, when we get some sleep.

Weeks like this can be harrowing, and we have to remind ourselves that we are still hot mamas, which always results in a trip to Anastasia’s Boutique. The Parisian-inspired “boudoir boutique” is filled with high-end lingerie all hand-picked throughout Europe by owner Lilly Norman, who wants to provide a luxurious alternative for women who aren’t necessarily 16 years old anymore.

With ooh-la-la options like satin corsets, lace garter belts, and (gasp!) a leather bustier, we’ve never been so happy to be in our prime. In addition to haute stuff that will put you in the mood for hot stuff, Anastasia’s offers jewelry imported from France, as well as decadent fragrances and gifts.

Anastasia’s Boutique
8787 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 218
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
480.443.4555
www.anastasiasboutiques.com

       
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Twisted Reasoning

Life has been somewhat, how do you say, nerve-racking for the past few weeks. Our shoulders have so many knots in them that people have been asking us if we ring the bells at Notre Dame. We've tried wine, but that just makes us pissy and hate the light. We've tried muscle relaxers, which make us unable to operate heavy machinery (aka drive), which is not so good. And we've tried eating our feelings, which just makes us feel, well, like a manatee.

When we heard about the new Urban Yoga studio, we figured we'd give it a shot. And lordy, lordy, are we glad we did! With the soothing scent of incense in the air, soft lighting and a Zen atmosphere, we felt immediately calmer.

The actual work-out, however… Honestly, we found it difficult to sun salute while wiping sweat out of our eyes, making sure our rolls were covered and glaring at the elfin waif next to us who was touching her nose with her feet while balancing on her vulva. Nevertheless, we persevered, and were pleasantly surprised to find we felt so much better.

Urban Yoga
3225 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
602.277.9642
www.urbanyogaphx.com

       
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Onesies and Ruffles, Oh My!

Ever since we’ve been given the prestigious title of Godmother, we can’t help buying the cutest outfits for the little miss and making sure she has all the fashionista-in-training bases covered. We’re taking this new role seriously and have completely fallen in love with the baby couture goods at Spoiled Royale.

With everything from True Religion jeans for the future ladies’ man, satin-ruffled diaper covers for those blossoming prima donnas, and cuddly soft Giraffe blankets (we wish we owned for ourselves) it’s hard to decide what to get. We did fall for the Ooh! La! La! Couture hot pink dress with ruffles and ribbons—so much so that we’re staging our own Project Runway competition with the bestie to see if we can make one in our own size.

P.S. Recessionista alert! Almost everything in this baby boutique is 40 percent off through the end of the month! Your little ones are sure to be the cutest couture-toting tykes on the playground (after our God-daughter, of course!).

Spoiled Royale
3355 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 6
Chandler, AZ 85226
480.722.7672
www.spoiledroyale.com

       
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Give a Little Bit

Our desire to save the world and do good has never faded, especially around the holidays when we're on the hunt for gifts that reflect our humanitarian nature.

We've found the perfect solution and plan to send every mother we know Mercy Corps' Breastfeeding Kit for the holidays. By purchasing the kit you contribute to educating breastfeeding counselors to support new moms at clinics in the slums of Jarkarta, Indonesia. We hope you'll join in helping the cause!

www.mercycorps.org

       
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Now That is Tight!

You already have an idea of the wardrobe item we’re completely crazy for this fall. Tights. We are totally obsessed—colored tights, footless tights, tights with patterns, tights with mini-dresses, tights all day, every day.

Our favorite tight look is pairing our rocker chic oversize buckle booties with a pair of tights by Shibori. Seriously, these tights are fabu—colorful, hand-dyed, and each pair is totally unique. It’s like wearable art.

www.shiborilove.com

       
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Memento Mori

We love antiquing for Victorian mourning jewelry. Once upon a time, you could find such trinkets at Chic and Cheap for under $5. That was almost ten years ago—now that thrift store is long gone and it’s nearly impossible to come across Victorian hair jewelry in CenPho.

The only options left: spend a shiny penny on Ebay or collect jewels by Made Her Think. They are perfect for the inner Alexander Wang girl—rings with diamond talons or pyramid diamond studs. Get yours now!

www.madeherthink.com

       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
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The Sound of Transcendence

If you’ve taken a yoga class in the last five years, you’ve definitely heard Wah’s lovely voice. Now see her live at Urban Yoga next week! Her unique sound combines reggae, Hindu chanting, and pop—and it is known to carry her fans into bliss. Don’t miss this rare event.

What: Wah! Live
When: Tuesday, Nov. 25, 7:30 pm
Where: Urban Yoga, 3225 N. Central Ave.
Call: 602.277.9642
Visit: www.urbanyogaphx.com

       
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Tacos and Tequila

The things you crave, long for, daydream about, nearly commit hara kiri for when you move away from this beloved city. Our biggest craving was for really good Mexican food. Now, we’re back in heaven and counting the days until we can sink our teeth into some grilled Ahi Tuna with Chayote Squash… sounds good doesn’t it?

What: Grand Opening of Blanco Tacos + Tequila
When: Monday, Nov. 24, 2008
Where: 6166 N. Scottsdale Road (in The Borgata)
Call: 480.305.6692
Visit: www.foxrc.com

       
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Get Your Glam Face

Get prepped for those holiday parties by stopping into Glam Lounge for free makeup classes. While the gals can definitely help you master smoky eyes, there’s no way they can save you from the day-after realization that you consumed too much ego nog and smooshed face with the IT guy at your annual company party.

What: Five-Minute Face Free Makeup Class
When: Thursday, Dec. 4, 1 pm and 6 pm
Where: Glam Lounge, 7137 E. Stetson Dr. #10, Scottsdale
Call: 480.945.1760
Visit: www.glamlounge.net

       
 

MySpace flyspace… but did you know Phoenix Picks has its own MySpace page filled with blog tangents written and photographed by our contributors? Check it out! Be sure to add us as your BFF and we’ll do the same: www.myspace.com/phoenixpicks

       
 
 

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