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October 16th, 2009
Dearest friends and readers, We're thankful for the support and TLC you've given Phoenix Picks. You've remained loyal to us through our questionable fashion choices (aka disco and platform heels, grunge and legging infatuations) and during big life-changes—dating fiascos, marriages, first-home purchases, layoffs, career moves, bad haircuts, babies and more babies. Phoenix Picks has been therapeutic to each of us on staff, helping to open the pearly gates of womanhood and to liberate ourselves from some major insecurities (even if we do still wear them like jewelry). We never anticipated Phoenix Picks would become such a crucial part of our lives—like a first-born child—until we sat down to write this issue, which is going be the last one for a little while. We tried to keep afloat the best we could, but, as everyone knows these days, times are tough and the difficult decision was finally cast in stone. We met some wonderful people, made some great friends, and were saved by strangers who helped us when we were down (the benefits of being brutally honest). We also loved working with Phoenix Picks’ team of talented writers (who are all looking for freelance writing jobs, BTW) and of course the City Picks ladies, Kathi and Alisa, who allowed us to run free with our tangents and gave us the creative carte blanche to make Phoenix Picks what it is today. Finally, thanks to all of you for letting us in your life and for sharing Phoenix Picks. If it wasn't for your support and encouragement, this parting would be easy. But it's not. So for you, we've got tears in our coffee and we even started smoking again. Maybe this is a good time to finally start writing that trashy romance novel? |
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| Phoenix Picks: | |||
| 1 | Got a New Attitude To mark the start of a new job, we recently decided it was time to get rid of the top knot, polish those gray hairs, and return to the world of the coiffed and beautiful. As our mother-in-law so lovingly mentioned recently: "Have you ever given thought to a professional makeover?" We first laughed it off and then went immediately to Sassoon Salon for a major overhaul. It only took Tien Agbayani, the Assistant Creative Director, a few minutes to convince us of the hairstyle we needed to get our sass back on—super short (to bring out our cheekbones), a little unkempt (for our rock n' roll hard-assness and days when we need to play nice in the sandbox) and totally modern (to complement the first-day-of-work ensemble). The end result delivered on all points as he had promised, especially two weeks later when the newness died down and we were stuck with the reality of our decision. We're still in love. Sassoon Salon |
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| 2 | Mission Possible We are always on the hunt for perfection. The perfect shade of lip gloss, the perfect bra (which we may have found on Nordie’s sale rack, compliments of Betsey Johnson), the perfect glass of red wine, the perfect date, but "perfect" is hard to find—except on Brown Avenue. As we dined with an old friend who served as our sister, boyfriend and fellow party/dining/drinking partner during the former years of our youth, old memories of October house-parties, keg beer and haunted houses were reignited. The Mission was the perfect backdrop for our descent into memory lane. The Mission’s taciturn, barely lit dining space was crowded with Scottsdale's chichi "Who's Who" list and whispers from fellow dining patrons. The mood was soft and intimate, but the fusion arriving on our plates was screaming for attention. We fell hard for the Almejas Al Vapor, a Peruvian clam stew, which we're sure to crave along with the hand-made corn tortillas and the not-too-sweet Pumpkin Bread Pudding made with Scotch and French-press decaf. Best gal pal, remembering the days when you could hang with the beer bong, and delish food…now that's what we call total perfection. The Mission |
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| 3 | The Place to Be After our Prince Charming popped the question, we were certain what the tone of our wedding would be. “Elegant, laid-back, and lots of fun—just like us!” we told ourselves. After all, we’ve seen enough We TV in our day to understand the potentially dark path we could take. But in our efforts to win the award for “Chillest Bride Eva” we went a little too far. We hit three months before the big date before we realized that our invitations should have been ordered months before. We needed major help from the pros, and luckily we knew just the place. The Paper Place to the rescue. This delightful little shop is filled with fine stationery, precious greeting cards, and shelves of unique gifts, designer paper, and fun knick-knacks. The back is dedicated to customization, with binders full of Crane’s, Vera Wang, Kate Spade, and many other stationers one would be remiss not to explore. When our gorgeous invitations arrived, we also discovered The Paper Place offered assembly, envelope-lining, and calligraphy services as well. With that, we happily considered converting our title from “Chillest Bride” to “Laziest,” and were even happier to proclaim that no bridesmaids were harmed in our wedding-planning process. The Paper Place |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Move Over, Nancy Sinatra Summer is definitely our favorite season, but fall is a close second—simply for the clothes. Chunky sweaters, cozy coats, and the boots… oh, the boots! This year, thanks to the “R” word, there are no new boots in our closet, but we have found a way to make the old “new” again. The 2 Bandits dress up your boots with bands that slide over them—from embellished, metallic and Ikat print bands to Native American-inspired designs, chains and jewels. Kickin. |
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| 2 | Pretty is as Pretty Does Coco Chanel said, “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” So true! And one of our favorite ways to show how unique we can be is with accessories. So of course we absolutely swooned over these colorful felt brooches from Digs. They’re handmade in Lima with reclaimed felt from an Andean hat factory, yet look right at home on stylish Phoenicians, from hipster students to soccer moms. Love! |
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| 3 | Wei Cool Craving some sweet mystical luvin? Want to calm your spirit animal? Wei of Chocolate has found the perfect way to calm the inner monkey with an organic, vegan, Fair Trade affection. Wei’s dark-chocolate infusions aren’t only tasty, but also good for the mind and the soul with their herbs, spices and flower essence creations. Finally, we can get that chimpanzee off our back! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Constant Craving Is this cool weather beckoning you to do a little Saturday-afternoon day drinking with more than 200 of your favorite wineries and palatable bites from more than 40 restaurants like it is for us? Well then, Crave Arizona is the perfect way to quench your thirst. Come on, get your drink on! What: Crave Arizona, The Arizona Grand Tasting |
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| 2 | Uncorked and Unplugged Throw on your best fall dress and Michael Kors wedge heels and head over to North Phoenix for an evening canopied with stars, treats from local restaurants, and cocktails to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale. See you there! What: Uncorked and Unplugged |
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| 3 | Finally!!!!!! If you're like us, you've been waiting over two years for H&M to finally open its doors in Arizona. No more special trips to LA; instead, we'll contend with a hipster girl or two who’ll be rocking the same H&M score we found first. P.S. The first 300 shoppers in line will score an H&M T-shirt and Access to Fashion Pass, a shopping card valued from $10 to $500. What: H&M Grand Opening |
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Well gang, this is it. Please do us a small favor—hire one of our writers or write us a “Dear John” email and send it to Picks@PhoenixPicks.com. Maybe, just maybe, if we get enough response, this won’t be a permanent goodbye; instead it’ll be a temporary “I need my space” episode. (Fingers crossed and hoping.) |
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