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December 19th, 2008
It’s hard to believe that 2008 is almost over. One of the things we’ve learned as we’ve aged another year is how much our short-term memory has failed us and the amount of noticeable gray hairs that have sprouted up. We’ve also noticed our little po-dunk town is finally gaining some fashion cred and sparkle. Independent boutiques and businesses are staking claim to what was once regarded as a paradise of strip malls. We’re proud to see so many newbie mom-and-pops make it through their first year of growing pains. So in their honor, we’re presenting our very first year-end Writers’ Favorites, 2008 issue. The Phoenix Picks gals are stepping out of hiding to offer high fives to some of the newest kids on the block, and at the same time, you’ll get to know a little bit about our amazing contributors. Enjoy! |
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| Phoenix Picks’ Writers’ Favorites, 2008: | |||
| 1 | Una Bella Boutique
West Siiiiddde There are times when it’s convenient to live in the West Valley. You know, when we have Coyotes tickets, or when it’s time to pick up a new crossbow at Cabela’s. Other times – like when we commute to work, have a lunch date, and need to shop for anything that can’t be purchased at Target – we have to navigate this crucible we stylishly call “the Valley” over to Scottsdale. Fortunately, more high fashion boutiques are migrating our way. West Valley fashionista Tanya Spencer has always had a passion for haute couture, and realized her dream of opening Una Bella Boutique in Glendale this past May. Una Bella carries prêt-a-porter fashions right off the runways of New York and L.A. fashion weeks. Designs include Yoana Baraschi, Single by Theresa Matthew and Plush Premium Denim, worn by Madonna and the Kardashian sisters. Who wouldn’t want to look like Kim Kardashian in jeans? (Does an ample caboose count?) While Una Bella fashions are haute couture, they are as wearable for everyday occasions as they are for a night out clubbing in… Scottsdale. Una Bella Boutique |
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| 2 | Rise Up Boutique
Rising for the Occasion We've been under a lot of stress lately, which means we So now, not only do we go to work with exhausted raccoon eyes, we also have puffy eyes, thanks to the gut-wrenching "Feed the Children" spots that feature Ubanwa, her distended belly, and a plastic bag and a mirror shard that are her only toys (seriously). Besides learning that Ubanwa is one of the 300+ million malnourished children in Africa, we also learned it's hard to dial the phone and make a pledge while sobbing uncontrollably. Rise Up boutique in downtown Phoenix gives us the perfect excuse to shop and feel like we’re good people. A branch of Rise Up Intl., Rise Up contributes 10 percent of sales to help fight poverty in China, India and Nicaragua through fashion and art. So instead of buying that latté and scone that your ass doesn't need, swing by Rise Up and support those who will truly appreciate a helping hand. Rise Up Boutique |
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| 3 | Urban Yoga
Twisted Reasoning Life has been somewhat, how do you say, nerve-racking 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 whosie-whats-it. Nevertheless, we persevered, and were pleasantly surprised to find that we felt so much better. Urban Yoga |
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| 4 | The Purple Skirt and Boulevard 48
Everything is Coming up Purple We're getting swamp arse just thinking about how hot Arizona is right now. While last weekend's monsoon showers were beyond heavenly, this week the delightful humidity (combined with 110 degrees) has nearly broken the camel's back. We're thisclose to falling out of love with this state. Of course, just when we're about to pack up and move to some beachside paradise, we're suddenly comforted by those not-so-distant memories of cooler weather (only three more months!). It also helps that new fall gear has been popping up in boutiques across the Valley, and the kick-arse sales on summer's skimpy fare are sending us full-throttle into buyer's remorse. The Purple Skirt and Boulevard 48 boutiques in Chandler The Purple Skirt and Boulevard 48 |
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| 5 | Dragonfly Boutique
Dungeons & Dragonfly We’ve concluded that we are living a lie. Behind the designer jeans and daily attempts at fashion, there lies a giant geek. Now the question remains: how long can we keep up our Owner Gabriel Diaz prides himself on his international palette of clothing lines, particularly his exclusives. CenPho fashionistas will totally fall for lines like Chilli Pepper Couture from London, Apartment from Colombia, and the fabulous Rockabilly line Stop Staring! from the good old U.S.A. With so many fabulous finds, Dragonfly will help us keep up our façade for a little bit longer. |
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| 6 | The Art of Soup Café
Soup-er Duper What a week! From our new baby kitty having explosive diarrhea all over the floor to a horrible case of the stomach flu for us, then having to clean up kitty poo with the stomach flu, we're totally drained. And while our gorilla has been doing his best to soothe our fevered brow, we're just not having any of it, especially when he insists that a nice chili-cheeseburger is just the thing to get us back on our feet. (Hey, at least he tries, right?) We finally made it back to work, weak and in need of some nourishment, so our bestest cubie mate piled our sorry ass into the car and took us to The Art of Soup in Central Phoenix. Our spirit and body were revived with a healing bowl of homemade chicken noodle, reminiscent of what our Nana used to make. Heaped with delicious buttery noodles, organic veggies and so-free-range-that-they-got-massages-before-we-ate-'em chicken, our appetites were once again whetted and we managed to suck down a raspberry Italian soda for dessert. The Art of Soup Café and Soup Boutique |
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| 7 | The Glass Slipper
Who Needs Prince Charming? Watching “Cinderella” as children, we fell in love with her glass slippers. We watched in anticipation as Prince Charming tried the shoe on dozens of young ladies’ extra-large feet, wishing we were there for our chance at those five-inch glass heels. Our shoe history, unfortunately, is far less glamorous. We began with Mary Janes, then Converse, clomped through high school in Doc Martens and went for our first job interview in a pair of heels that were too high. Lately our shoe tastes are more refined: Coach, Christian Louboutin, Marc Jacobs, Manolo Blahnik, and Jimmy Choo. And thankfully there is a store that serves them up on a satin pillow just like our dreamy Prince Charming—The Glass Slipper in Scottsdale’s Waterfront. Owner Danielle Pinot meticulously selects and stages an intense array of beautiful shoes (we were salivating with desire), and we were tempted to forgo food (and eat only ramen) just so we could have a pair or three of our very own. And while we can't promise Prince Charming is hiding in the back room, we do firmly believe that a new pair of shoes from The Glass Slipper will definitely fill that cold spot in our bed. The Glass Slipper |
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We’ve started reflecting early. There are many things we’re discovered about ourselves this year, especially with the challenges that came our way. New jobs, new houses, babies turning into toddlers, returning to school as the oldest gal in every class and getting engaged are just a few of our milestones. We’ve been fortunate to share our journeys with you. Your support, emails and comments have been jewels during this very exciting roller coaster ride. Thank You, dearest readers. Because of you, Phoenix Picks is alive for another year. We look forward to hearing and sharing more goodies with you in 2009. Happy New Year! |
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