2011 Resolution Guide: Extreme Edition

We’re nearing the end of January, which means it’s OK to admit it: You’ve already given up your New Year’s resolution … or you’re on the fast track to forfeiting. Instead of shame, take comfort in the stories of four people who are in the resolution minority. In the past…

Misha Renteria’s European Street Style

Misha Renteria loves running but not nearly as much as she loves fashion. After spending most of 2010 traveling Europe and swooning over street fashion, she’s back in Phoenix, managing the new G Star RAW store in Fashion Square Mall, finishing half marathons and inspiring others with her fresh fashion…

Sweets and Beats to Close at the End of January

As reported on Chow Bella this afternoon, Liam Murtagh and Emily Spetrino-Murtagh — the husband and wife team behind Sweets and Beats — are closing the doors to their candy, record, and locally made craft store at the end of the month and liquidating inventory this week. Read more about…

Locally Made Valentine Love

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and let’s be real: Drugstore candy boxes, stuffed animals and red roses are so unoriginal. Luckily, we have some local creatives who are cooking up a few things for the holiday and taking orders ahead of time …1) Set of 5 morbid valentines ($12)…

The Photography of Timothy Archibald

Take a look at the image to the left about photo etiquette (in case it’s hard to read, go here for a larger likeness) and tell us, with a straight face, that you’ve never photographed a pet, bridges, puddles, or your car’s rear-view mirror. You have, haven’t you?! This image…

Corbin Chamberlin’s Devotion to All Things Gaudy and Glam

Given: We can’t all pull off what’s in Corbin Chamberlin’s closet. For starters, he says he truly believes “the world would be a better place with a few more Birkin bags and diamond brooches.” In addition to writing about fashion for Paper Magazine, New York Magazine’s -The Cut, FashionEtc, Arizona…

Barrett-Jackson Kick Off: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Those who couldn’t wait for the upcoming Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction gathered at the Scottsdale Pavilions on Saturday to check out a lineup of muscle cars and hot rods. We’ll keep you updated with takes and numbers from the auction, but in the meantime, take note of the preview — Good,…

Pajama Jeans: Because Spandex Cameltoe Never Looked Better

A simple “no” should suffice here. But in case you really need an explanation, Pajama Jeans are described by their manufacturer as “The style of your favorite jeans, together with the comfort of pajamas!” with the tag line: “Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you can’t look sharp!”Hopes were that…

Mercantile Brings Vintage Finds and Cutting Edge Styles Downtown

The downtown Phoenix shopping scene is getting a little cooler in 2011 with the official opening of Mercantile this Saturday.Shauna Thibault’s storefront on Central Avenue between Roosevelt and McKinley streets started years ago as a small, sign-free salon and studio space. Recently, the spot had a bit of a face-lift…

10 Most Anticipated Video Games of 2011

Last year is over and with 2010’s top games played and beaten it’s time to look ahead to see what kind of digital death and debauchery 2011 has in store for us. A handful of sequels and a few original properties will keep gamers busy well in to 2012.  Here…

Mark ‘Ellery’ Leach’s Independent Style

If you go out in Downtown Phoenix, chances are you know Mark “Ellery” Leach. His skill behind the DJ Booth isn’t the only thing commanding our attention during one of his weekly gigs at Bar Smith or The Lost Leaf; it’s his distinguished sense of style–and maybe his penchant for…

The Bra Whisperer to Open Scottsdale Store This Month

Apparently, 85 percent of women need some serious boob help. Before you go all Gloria Steinem and start screaming about how you don’t need beach balls that still float when you’re 90, we’re just talking about the boulder holders here — not the actual boulders. According to bra expert Susan Nethero, most women are uncomfortable wearing a bra…

Downtown’s First Friday (Jan. 7)

Art walks are more often about people watching and shenanigans and less about the actual art. We’re here to guide you through both. Presenting our very own Field Guide — an evolving guide to art walks around town. From time to time, we’ll introduce some of our favorite spots and…

Spanair’s Christmas Eve Surprise — Watch This

Nerd alert: We actually teared up when watching this. You’ve got to see it. Really. Thanks to our pal Chris Fiscus over at Moses Anshell for sharing. And to U.S.-based airlines — food for thought. This is way better than charging for extra bags and witholding the peanuts!…

Local Boutiques — On Sale

If your Christmas wish list wasn’t fully granted, shopping local is one of your New Year’s resolutions, or you just want to get some good deals — local boutiques are kicking off 2011 with some amazing markdowns. Vintage frocks, holiday accoutrements, handmade jewelry? Check. Here’s a list of some of our favorite indie…

For Rent: Paisley Violin Town Spots

Have you resolved to get yourself some space in 2011? Take note: Paisley Violin Town is looking for renters. Two little spots behind the coffee house/cafe/art gallery on Grand Avenue are available immediately, and open for everything and anything from one-on-one flamenco lessons to a non-profit’s HQ to a craft shop,…

Happiest Penguin Ever

  Ever seen the sweaty (if penguins can sweat) penguins at the World Wildlife Zoo, on the westside of town? Not happy. In contrast, check this one out. Clearly not from our neck of the woods. Maybe that’s why it’s so happy.  …

Harem Cropped Sweatpants: A Whole Lot of Ugly

Harem pants are a recent fashion trend we’d rather soon forget.But designer David Lerner’s take on this garment is totally unforgettable…for all the wrong reasons.This gray heather drawstring elastic waist-banded hunk of hideous looks like grandpa’s saggy-crotched long johns.And the worst part? This thing costs $121. Oof.You can see photos…

New Year’s Eve: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Nothing brings out fashion weirdness quite like the death of a year. This new year’s eve there were plenty of oddities to be seen on the mean streets of Scottsdale. Check out the good above and the bad and ugly after the jump. Or, if you need an extra dose…

“Blog” of “Unnecessary” Quotation Marks

Bethany Keeley-Jonker’s “Blog” is “pretty” ‘darn’ funny.”” Since 2005, the Athens, Georgia blogger and writer has exposed people’s diarrhea of the quotation marks. And like real liquid feces, it’s not very pretty…