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March 6th, 2009
We’re having mixed feelings about our mid-30s. One part of us loves that we survived the blackout period of our 20s and can tell the tale (much like Courtney Love); but the other part went to the drugstore last night and stocked up on two jars of Oil of Olay night cream (the same kind our mother uses). It’s not that we’re worried about a wrinkle or two or a gray hair; we actually dig the novelty items of old age. It’s just that we’re having a hard time figuring out how we’re supposed to behave. Secretly our train wreck persona wants out of this 9 to 5 existence, wants to stir up some trouble, trail through Beverly Hills in crusty old ballet slippers, and convert her dining room into a shrine devoted to her five cats. If you can relate, forward this issue to 5 or more friends and CC picks@phoenixpicks.com, and you could win a custom hand-painted original portraiture of your furry or feathered BFF by Menagerie Design (see below for more info). |
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| Phoenix Picks: | |||
| 1 | In Stitches It’s been a long time since seventh grade Home Ec., but lately, we’ve been feeling the urge to break out the old Singer and get a little crafty. Maybe it’s because we’re inspired to become the next Christian Siriano after endless “Project Runway” marathons. Maybe it’s because, in tighter economic times, we’ve realized that we could easily copy the $300 dress at the mall. Whatever the reason, we’re ready to hunker down and make it work. And The Sewin’ Asylum is just the place to do it. We pick our projects, and owner Erica Doyle teaches us the techniques and brings in the goods we need to put them together. The workshops are friendly, hands-on, and creative. And best of all, we always leave with something amazing that we crafted ourselves. Thanks to Erica—and our mad skills— we’re bringing home-sewn back. And it never looked so good. Watch your back, Siriano! P.S. If you mention Phoenix Picks, you will receive $5 off your initial enrollment. Sewin’ Asylum |
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| 2 | Hungry Like the Wolf Dressed to the nines, we sashayed across the parking lot like girls on film toward a new Phoenix hotspot/steakhouse. The electric blue light illuminated our way, and suddenly we wanted the evening to be a Duran Duran video from the 80s… we had the outfit and the swanky destination… all we needed now was for John Taylor to be waiting for us at the bar. In fact, the meal was far from anything this ordinary world could offer. The Sonoma goat cheese raviolis with golden oak mushrooms were so delish that we’re going back to try them again. Who knows? We may run into Simon LeBon… we’ve heard he’s a fan of steak… and of girls with big, um, imaginations. Ocean Prime |
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| 3 | Pout It Out We have fond memories of being little darlings—like the one of us skipping through the aisles of Target in pink jellies, squeezing our Daddy’s finger with excitement at the very sight of the Barbie aisle… and some not so fond memories, like the one of us having a temper tantrum on the floor of said aisle when Daddy said one new Barbie was plenty. Ahh, the good ol’ days. When we walked into the chic new children’s boutique, Pout! Klothing for Kidz, we let out a little gasp of joy. Adorable clothing for little ones lines the walls and fills the tabletops, along with fashionable accessories for moms and dads (like the faux fur Spoiled Little Mama diaper bag that a certain pop-princess’ teen sister schleps around La La Land). Our favorite score was the Lunch Box Bottle Pet stuffed-animal baby bottle holder, which we had every intention of giving it to our bestie with the newborn. However, we’re not ready to part with it, especially since it looks so great wrapped around a bottle of Mich Ultra. Pout! Klothing for Kidz |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | The Glass Menagerie Our childhood tea parties were not your conventional Cabbage Patch Kid soiree; instead, we invited punk rock Strawberry Shortcake with a mohawk and a fishnet dress, or our stuffed monkey with a beehive wig and a DIY Victorian ball gown made from cheesecloth. We have a weak spot for uncommon interpretations of the ordinary, especially when it comes to our beloved pets. Local artist Laurel Morley is brilliant, offering original paintings of your furry friends in Elizabethan or Renaissance costumes. Check out her online shop for a taste of her amazing talent! |
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| 2 | Spend Some Time at the Zoo The internet has been abuzz with the sounds of "ZooLoo." We've done some online stalking, analyzed their viral marketing campaigns and just can't seem to figure out what, exactly, it is. More importantly, how did they manage to get Corey Feldman to do a video for them? |
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| 3 | Read My Lips When we were in middle school, a mood ring was pretty much the coolest accessory a girl could rock. We had several, and we lived and died by the wisdom of the mood ring—convinced that it always told the truth. So we were delighted to stumble upon the Mood Swing lip gloss from Too Faced. Ranging from clear to deep fuschia, it gives us a more “grown up” chance to wear our emotions on our sleeve—er, lips. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | No More Streaking One of our gal pals is the embodiment of perfection—5’11, size 0 waist, pouty lips and great hair. But she is absolutely awful with bronzers and fake tanners. We’re talking noticeable orange streaks on her legs and hands. Poor thing, we just have to help her out. So this one’s for her. What: Glam Lounge’s “How to Bronze without Streaking” Class |
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| 2 | Life Is But a Dream Sometimes we need to spend a Saturday night amped on cappuccinos and lost in the ballads of a chanteuse named Mer. We love kicking over desert stones and finding new artists and talent—they breathe life into the local art scene. Be sure to check out this winner at Drip Coffee during the very hip Coronado Neighborhood Home Tour. What: Local Musician Merrily Performance |
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| 3 | Hello, Cowgirl in the Sand It’s always a challenge trying to find something new that will keep the kiddies’ interest. We think ostriches and emus will whet their whistle, but just in case their tastes are more refined, how about a sea lion show, a demolition derby or ostrich races? And if they’re really stubborn, then Foghat on March 13 should win them over. What: Ostrich Festival |
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