Recently, the Ray-Ban® brand and Brooks Brothers announced the launch of a new collection of sunglasses for both men and women, Ray-Ban® for Brooks Brothers. This stunning collection features two iconic styles–the Aviators and the Wayfarers.

Both styles are accented with the signature BB#1 repp stripe, which has become a prominent feature of Brooks Brothers merchandise and was designed after British regimental or club ties. The stripe became Americanized in the 1920s when Brooks Brothers reversed its direction, and it has since become an iconic signature accent to any Brooks Brothers tie with its legendary “Ivy League” status. And now they have fused their high-quality reputation with that of Ray-Ban’s (due to their invention of the anti-glare sunglasses in 1937) to create a simple must-have piece of eyewear.

The sunglasses are available to purchase at Brooks Brothers stores worldwide and online at their WEBSITE. The collection offers the signature stripe in two colors–burgundy and yellow. The Wayfarers price at $145, while the Aviators price at $139.

If you’ve never explored the Phoenix Art Museum’s stunning Fashion Design Collection, you’re missing out on one of the Valley’s best-dressed gems. Founded in 1966, the museum’s fashion & costume collection is one of the longest-running, most-comprehensive programs in the nation. And three times a year, they crack open the vault to strut out stylish exhibits such as this showcase on Ann Bonfoey Taylor, the original It girl of the ski-chic generation.

Recently, we sat down with Dennita Sewell, Fashion and Design Curator for the Phoenix Art Museum, to talk about the new exhibit, Fashion Independent: The Original Style of Ann Bonfoey Taylor. As it’s closing on Sunday, we encourage you to stop by and view this amazing display of fine fashion before it’s gone, but now we will treat you to a more in depth look at the exhibit and the woman behind the wardrobe. Check out our interview after the jump. »READ MORE

What happens when you combine a retired person with construction skills, an abandoned pickup tuck and a passion for childhood toys? You get a Radio Flyer that flies down the highway. Meet Fred Keller and Judy Foster, an Alaska couple who spent 11 month turning a 1976 Mazda pickup into a giant (and street legal) red Radio Flyer.

[AP]

Attorney General Reportedly Launching Inquiry Into Schwarzenegger Cheating Scandal [Radar]

Watch Oprah’s Final Episode in Three Minutes [NYM]

Supreme Court Backs AZ Immigration Law To Punish Businesses For Hiring [CNN]

Impossibly Cool, Always

Remember how your parents always told you things were so much better back in the day? Well, it turns out they were right, at least when it comes to the scourge that is light pollution. Check out this breakdown of how our electrified lives have ruined out appreciation for the majesty of the nighttime sky. Large format photo after the jump.

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Made of sticks and stones (literally) The Natural Speakers by Joon & Jung are amazing hand-crafted cubes of sound. Created to bring back the natural tone in music that most speakers lack, the seemingly simple design is deceptive. With an internal design that compresses and reflects sound, the result is sweet acoustic sounding love. For a more technical breakdown of how they work, click here.

It’s a rich man’s world, and Scottsdale is seeing dollar signs. Depositing itself onto the nightlife scene is The Mint; a self described restaurant and “ultra-lounge.” Opening publicly tonight, if you’ve got the looks and someone else has the money, this is bound to be a new favorite.

Although you may not (yet) be familiar with The Mint, chances are you’re familiar with the brains behind the ‘branch’ or at least sipped some libations at one of Valley restauranteur Dean Slover’s properties. Seeing recent successes with the wildly popular RnR and multiple locations of Sandbar, we’re putting money on the fact that The Mint will be no exception. The property, which used to house a bank, remains true to it’s roots with classic decor (think dark wood and marble), a centerpiece of the original bank vault and martinis dirtier than mob money. The menu which includes dishes such as Loganberry Shrimp, Green Papaya Spring Rolls and Japanese Green Tea Cheesecake will taste perfect on the gynormous patio, complete with fireplaces and cabanas.

Want to open an account? This evening’s celebration starts at 9pm with dining, drinks and dime-pieces. So grab your gold diggers friends and head on over to the new spot that’s sure to be worth it’s weight in gold.

Bankable
7373 E. Camelback Road Scottsdale, AZ 85251
www.TheMintAZ.com

Good news for Tempe urbanists and well-heeled ASU students as the posh West 6th Street Tempe Towers are finally open for business with move in scheduled for as early as August 1. Never heard of West 6th Street? Well, that’s because it was formerly known as Centerpoint Condos, i.e. the half-built high-rise towers that have been hulking over Mill Avenue for years now.

Take a full gallery of these deeeeluxe apartments in the sky-hi-hi after the jump. Or click here to learn more about this once-cursed project, including why it was one of dozens of high-profile projects that came to a crashing halt after Phoenix’s infamous ‘Tuxedo Suicide.’

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How adorable is this? Postgarden by Brooklyn 5 and 10, is a postcard ready for a total crash growing session. Complete with seeds, this is a perfect gift for green thumbs or those simply needing a little light in their life. Lasting for 2-3 weeks, we’ve got a whole new reason to be excited about snail mail. Signed, sealed, delivered, I’m yours.

The Real Estalker brings news or rumor rather, that Mrs Palin might have purchased a little crash pad away from Alaska right in our very own  backyard.   If anyone has any legit local insight send it our way.

[The Real Estalker]

Yesterday we learned about an interesting family feud.   It turns out that Cathy Bua, of Cathy’s Rum Cakes has a daughter who has broken off from the family biz, knocked off her mom’s logo and is trying to piggy-back on the long history of Cathy’s success.  We love Cathy, we covered her back in the DL “Magazine” days, and we love those rum cakes.  So what drives a daughter to do this to her very own mother?

Check out Cathy’s site to see the old DL picture of her “eating cake.”

Tyda has more, Here.

Curiouser and curiouser. With this elusive sign as the only form of identification, and this sterile website, we can’t help but be a little curious as to what’s opening here. Have any info? Email us and fill us in. Don’t you know how much we love gossip?

Take a cue from this summer’s bold and bright palettes with smudgy summery makeup. All aboard to Tinsel Town!

President Obama has made the most epic gaffe in United States presidential history, just a little while ago. During his visit to Westminster Abbey today, he signed the guest book along with the date “24 May 2008.” Not only did he not write “May 24″ like a Real American would’ve, but he was also off by a year or two — at least.  (click on image to enlarge)

[Gawker]

With seemingly every celebrity hawking a new fragrance (Khloe and Lamar, must you torture us?), you would think celebrity driven fragrances were the top sellers in 2010. Surprisingly, no. Check out WWD’s list of the  top 25 selling women’s and men’s fragrances for 2010. Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò Pour Homme is still the #1 men’s fragrance while women still love Chanel. Want to see where your favorite ranks? The full list is after the jump. »READ MORE

Even if you hate Duke you have to admire this guys crazy skill at swishing buckets. Let’s see what some of our ASU or UofA students have to compete? Send us a link if you know of anything.

With triple digit looming, warmer weather calls for light, fresh dishes. Try this yummy grilled scallop salad from Chef LaPrad at Quiessence made with local ingredients. Are you ready to get fresh?

Wood-Grilled George’s Bank Sea Scallop Salad: Yield 4

Salad Ingredients
1 large fennel head
1/2 lb. arugula
1 Arizona Rio red grapefruit
1 Arizona navel orange
1 Arizona tangelo
8 jumbo sea scallops
A pinch each of fresh-picked fennel tops, fresh tarragon, basil and parsley
Salt and pepper to taste »READ MORE

Quick, what is this odd-shaped structure at left? A condo complex? No. Vertical arboretum? Wrong. Airport control tower? Good guess, but still, no. This mind boggling structure has been erected in India of all places and is 27 stories tall. Keep the guesses coming, you’ll never get it (unless you cheated). Find out more after the jump.

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DLT is very much looking forward to all the June magazines but one in particular really has our attention, Arizona Foothills Magazine.   And why?  Check out the recent tweet by owner Michael Dee.  Mr. Postman please come to our offices first.

If you’re traveling to Los Angeles any time soon, we’ve got a cheat sheet that will help you navigate your way through some of that on-the-road decision-making. Actress Dominik Garcia-Lorido, (daughter of Andy Garcia) gives us an insider’s perspective on her hometown. [CITY]

My Los Angeles’s:

Best hotel? Chateau Marmont, SLS and Beverly Wilshire.
Best place for breakfast? Aroma Cafe, The Griddle and Dupars.
Best place for lunch? Aroma Cafe, The Farm, Umami Burger
Best place for dinner? Pace, La Loggia and Kat-su-ya (the original on Ventura).
Best bar/nightspot? Bar Marmont and The Belmont are chill spots to meet for a drink.
Best boutique? Dari.
Best bookshop? Bookstar in Studio City, Borders on Sunset (it’s huge) and the used bookstore in Franklin Village.
Best art gallery? The galleries at the Huntington Gardens and the galleries at the Getty.
Best place for people watching? The Grove, any club and City walk.
Best-kept secret? Forget those fancy sushi restaurants on the Westside…best sushi you’ll ever eat you will find in the valley on Ventura Boulevard! (Not a huge secret though) is the Cardio Barre workout in Studio City…best work out.

To read more about Dominik, click here.

Trust us, if you like her go HERE Here and Here to check out the launch of her new lifestyle blog.

Always on the search for the ever elusive perfect T-shirt? Us too, which is why we’re simply tickled pink that Splendid will be opening it’s doors at Scottsdale Fashion Square on June 17th.

Known for super comfy, bright and versatile pieces, the LA based brand will be celebrating their new space with a crafting event on Saturday June 25th from 11:30-2:30pm. Crafts such as necklace and throw pillow making sure sound fab, especially since the patterns from which to choose promise to be endless. With sizes and styles available for the whole bam family, this will be a perfect way to spend a steamy summer afternoon indoors.

Welcome to AZ Splendid, we can’t wait to wear you!

For the past 23 years AZ 88 has been the answer for the Valley’s swanky and chic crowd. With razor sharp decor and martinis to match, AZ 88 is also home to some incredible art pieces. Local artist and designer Janice Leonard is responsible for a majority of the decor, however on our latest trip to the Valley’s most coveted patio, we couldn’t help but notice a new piece: Paint In Her Face by local architect/artist/Renaissance Man, Bill Tonnesen.

Created by casting a mold over a local woman (look for her chipped pinky toenail on the left foot) and using high gloss enamel paint, the strenuous process resulted in a fully erect, life-sized plaster statue that greets guests upon arrival. As one of the first commissioned works to be brought into the space by owner Karl Kopp, this mysterious yet beautiful piece is a stunning addition to one of Arizona’s most famous spaces. A truly incredible process went into creating this piece, and when words fail, we turn to photos. A full gallery  of the creation process is after the jump. We can’t wait to see what’s next… »READ MORE