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All week we’ve been flashing back through the top stories of 2011 and here’s our final post of the year! Have a safe and happy New Year and we’ll see you in 2012!
You’ve gotta wash that hipster boyfriend right out of your hair, or at least have him wash his own. It’s all possible thanks to a Brooklyn-based soap company, Wembé, and their interactive Facebook campaign to promote personal hygiene and put an end to the growing problem of dirty hipsters that seems to be sweeping the nation. Just send in a picture of the smelly guy in your life (or of yourself) and the picture with the most “likes” will win all kinds of eco-friendly soap. Check out the Facebook Fan Page here and get to voting. If there is any question as to what qualifies someone as a hipster, read more and find out. »READ MORE
We can’t condone all of the early holiday decorations littering local shopping malls and it is way too soon for Christmas tunes (cough, cough Starbucks), but it is never too early to start looking for the perfect holiday dress. Parties, family gatherings and New Years Eve are just a few reasons to check out what’s out there now so you aren’t scrambling later. Whether you are one for lots of sparkle or just little, pops of color or the traditional LBD, we have some great looks to keep you looking your best come party season. Strappy heels, sheer tights and the perfect clutch is all you need for simple holiday elegance. Just consider it an early present… for yourself. »READ MORE
Loving this from PerezHilton.com. And we still flinched when watching the mother swinging the baby in baby yoga. What’s your favorite viral video of 2011?
We’re flashing back through the top stories of 2011. Check back daily for what you missed loved this past year on DLT. Happy New Year! We’ll see you in 2012!
Gift buying is stressful, even if it is just for your office’s lame exchange party. No one wants a fruitcake or a whoopie cushion, so why would anyone want to put another human being coworker in such a position? You’re in luck because we have the solution for all your white elephant woes. The details on some inexpensive, yet awesome gifts that will have everyone reeling and dealing at the end of the night are after the jump. Now, if only everyone would play this nice.
We’re flashing back through the top stories of 2011. Check back daily for what you missed loved this past year on DLT. Happy New Year! We’ll see you in 2012!
And you thought recovering US Congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords had an amazing view of today’s Space Shuttle launch. Check out this pic snapped by airplane passenger, Stephanie Gordon, as she flew into Palm Beach, FL this morning. According to Gawker, the images have been viewed more than 120,000 times since she uploaded them to Twitter.
3…2…1…Happy New Year! Here’s our ultimate New Year’s Eve guide with our list where to celebrate around the Valley.
NYE DINING HOT SPOTS: Make your last meal of the year special with the following prix fixe menus…
Roka Akor Steak & Sushi – $98 per person, with optional champagne pairings availalble. Get your celebration started with a savory five-course meal by acclaimed Roka Akor Executive Chef, Jason Alford. Seatings at 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Call for reservations and menu 480-306-8800.
Lon’s at The Hermosa – Choose from three dinner seating options, including “A Quiet Dinner” at 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. for $85 per person, “Midnight at The Hermosa” from 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. for $150 per person and optional wine pairings available for $55, or “Dessert Fest” at 10:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. with just desserts and a champagne toast for $25. For more information and for reservations, call 602-955-7878.
Tanzy Restaurant – Prix Fixe four-course dinner with fresh seafood rock bar and two glass champagne for $75 for 5:00 p.m. seating and $95 for 8:00 p.m. seating. For reservations, 480-483-3255
Cuoco Pazzo – A five-course “New York State of Mind” meal is available for $85, or for $125, guests can include wine and cocktail pairings with an Empire State twist (Manhattans, anyone?). Born and bred New Yorkers and desert dwellers alike will kick the year off in comfort and style, thanks to Chef DeRuvo’s ambitious specialty menu of award-winning, Italian fare and intimate setting reminiscent of a cozy NYC bistro. 480-265-9814
ROCK ON FOR NYE: Where to rock for NYE…
Gin Blossoms headline this year’s Fiesta Bowl Block Party in Tempe, Saturday, December 31. Party starts at 5:00 p.m. with the Gin Blossoms playing at 11:00 p.m. For a full list of acts and activities, click here.
Watch Jerry Riopelle with special guest Garland Jeffereys at the Orpheum Theatre. The show starts 9 pm and tickets start at $45 and are available here.
Mastro’s Restaurants – All three Mastro’s Restaurants in Scottsdale will host an evening of entertainment with New Years Eve party favors and decorations for entertainment, plus a toast at midnight with a complimentary glass of Moet Chandon Brut Imperial. Take in the sounds of Rick & Linda and Band at Mastro’s Steakhouse, The Nate Williams Band at Mastro’s City Hall, The Joey & Link Band at Mastro’s Ocean Club. For more, click here.
The Compound Grill’s New Year’s Eve party features Texas rockers Uncle Lucius and local band the Sugar Thieves. $25 admission to the show at the popular Scottsdale club includes a midnight champagne toast.
Get ready for a midnight Tequila toast. Scottsdale’s Ultimate Block Party hosts Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers for $35. Gates open for all you Banditos at 6:00 p.m. Show is for 21 and older so make sure to show your ID card to the block party guards.
LBD’S FOR NYE: Where to be dressed to the nines for New Year’s Eve…
MercBar’s “A Black & White” Classic celebration starts with hosted bar from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for $50 per person. Reserve a table at the popular Phoenix bar with drinks, bubbly and more for $125 per person with a minimum of 8 people. Classic cocktail attire requested. 602-508-9449
Scottsdale’s The Casablanca Lounge will host a spirited NYE party on their 2,500 sq. ft. patio with fireworks, live music and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Dress your best and head to the lounge with over 360 spirits behind the bar to choose from. 480-970-7888
CELEBRATE AND STAY FOR NYE: The hottest parties at the hottest resorts…
Toast to 2012 and all the possibilities the new year brings at The Montelucia Resort & Spa. Live entertainment begins at 8:00 p.m. as a DJ XXXclusive begins spinning your favorite music and continues with a performance by Radio Junket at 9:30 p.m. Admission is $55, call 1.888.71.TICKETS or click here to purchase online. For info on rooms and rates, click here.
W Scottsdale hosts Cirque Nouveau. Cirque Nouveau promises a night filled with astounding draws and exhilarating sights. A range of unexpected attractions will delight Cirque revelers, including stage and ground acts, a wacky hall of mirrors and an array of fun carnival-inspired games. Individual tickets to Cirque Nouveau are $75 for women, $100 for men and can be purchased here. Overnight stays in a Wonderful room including tickets to Cirque Nouveau, in room hosted bar and more start at $519. For room reservations, call 877-782-0104 or click here and reference rate plan NYEVE1 for a one-night stay, or NYEVE2 for a two-night stay.
Countdown to 2012 downtown at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel’s “Dine, Stay and Play” package with rates starting from $299. Enjoy dinner at District American Kitchen, then journey to CityScape for ice skating and a champagne toast. To book, call (866) 716-8134 and mention rate code NYEVE. For more information and to check availability, click here.
FUN FOR THE FAMILY:
Noon Year’s Eve at the Phoenix Zoo! 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, December 31. Come ring in the “noon” year with Radio Disney, tons of snow, music, prizes, snowball targets and much more! The event comes to a close with a countdown to 12 noon and a New Year’s sparkling cider toast for the kids. Free for Zoo members or with a regular paid admission. Happy Noon Year!
AZ Air Time’s New Year’s Sleepover: 7:00 p.m. on December 31 – 7:00 a.m. January 1. Let the kids have a night out at AZ Air Time for the New Year’s Eve All-Night sleep over event for ages 7 to 17 years old. The event will include a pizza party dinner, trampoline races, a dodgeball tournament, karaoke, basketball games, a dance contest, movies, music, New Year’s Eve ball drop and sparkling apple cider toast and more, followed by a light breakfast in the morning. Drop your kids at 7:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, then pick up 7:00 a.m. New Year’s Day. $65 per child includes t-shirt. Click here for more.
We’re counting down the top stories of 2011. Check back daily for what you missed loved this past year on DLT. Happy New Year! We’ll see you in 2012!
As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (or at least since we launched way back in 2010).
As we get ‘Gleek-ed’ up for the return of “Glee,” we’re bringing back this Q&A with everybody’s fav cheerleader and former ASU student, Heather Morris (aka Brittany).
While in town for the launch of Glee Live, Heather Morris, aka the dippy cheerleader, Brittany, took a few minutes to swap some one liners with us. As ASU’s favorite drop-out and a former back-up dancer for Beyonce, Morris dished about her lack of party skills, as well as preserving her perfect make-out record when she smooched a local youngin. Interview after the jump.
The Weeknd has just released a new mixtape much to the cheers of everyone waiting for a repeat of the genius that was 2011′s, House of Balloons. You can download the whole thing for free on his website. Also, the trio that rocked the music world with their debut album is back with a new demo. That’s right, you can hear The xx’s “Open Eyes” below to tide you over until the album drops some time in 2012. Happy listening.
From left: Kim Lewin, Raquel Miller, Pat Smith, Tina Majerle and Lori Citron
We’re flashing back through the top stories of 2011. Check back daily for what you missed loved this past year on DLT. Happy New Year! We’ll see you in 2012!
[Update] We just received a Tweet (pictured below) from Fox 10 producer, Emily Graham, asking Real Housewives head honcho, Andy Cohen, to confirm the rumor, and he wrote “No Truth.” So we’ll just have to see on this one.
Great scoop out of AZ Foothills, as it looks like the long-rumored “Real Housewives of Scottsdale” is coming to a TV screen near you. We’ve heard that the show will start filming this week at the VIP opening of the trendy DryBar hair salon in North Scottsdale. More important, the cast will feature local ladies-who-lunch such as Tina Majerle Dwyer (ex-wife of longtime Phoenix Suns star, Dan Majerle), Lori Citron, wife of anesthesiologist Gregg Citron, and Kim Lewin, pictured together a few years back at a private brunch inside Louis Vuitton at Scottsdale Fashion Square.
We’re counting down the top stories of 2011. Check back daily for what you missed loved this past year on DLT. Happy New Year! We’ll see you in 2012!
Have you seen the Direct TV commercial with the miniature giraffe called “Opulence, I Has It”? (If not, do yourself a favor and watch it the video link below.) Either way, ladies and gentleman, meet the breeder of those ridiculously-cute miniature giraffes from that commercial…
Or not. After poking around their website, this is either a completely ridiculous and elaborate (Go Direct TV) hoax, or they’re legit. And yes, we realize that if they are in fact real, they are animals not objects. Really this is just an excuse to point out their adorableness, real or otherwise.
See a full gallery of photos (calling all Photoshop experts) and sign the “I Want Giraffe Wait-list” here because apparently, the latest newborn is reserved for a Prince. So you know, you’ve got that to compete with.
Here’s the original commercial. Note the dogs playing poker in the background.
Enjoy this quick flashback of 2011′s hottest hits by DJ Earworm.
Turn your holiday gift snub into cash with Gawker’s Worst Gift Contest. One winner wins $100 Visa gift card for submitting the picture of the worst gift. Gawker says, “Is it an ugly tie? Is it an apron that your mother-in-law sewed for you? Is it feminine hygene products your crazy Aunt Ethel regifted? If you wanna win, click here for details for how to play.
Image via Gawker
Here is the most popular story of ALL TIME aka last week for your holiday enjoyment just in case you missed.
You may have seen Studio Joy Li at the Scottsdale Waterfront Mix Shops and thought it’s a pricey designer boutique from New York or Los Angeles. Though the design, craftsmanship and the storefront would rival any NYC or LA boutique, Studio Joy Li houses the local designer clothing of Joy Li.
The warm and friendly woman-owned boutique of Studio Joy Li houses the brilliant, wearable collection of designs by Joy Li, a veteran designer in the fashion industry working during her career for companies such as Liz Claiborne and Guess. The philosophy of design is described by the designer as “confident, comfortable” and is unconcerned with trends. Rather, she focuses on the customer and her lifestyle with an emphasis on the European contemporary color-palette, which centers on sophistication and neutrality allowing pieces from Studio Joy Li to mix-n-match almost effortlessly. Li says, “Our Scottsdale store is our testing lab,” meaning this first and current flagship boutique is where Li tests her merchandise for quality, listens to feedback from customers, responds to the market and runs her business with business partner Jean Bartolomei.
Studio Joy Li creates “styles that empower women to lead life with confidence and balance of mind, body and spirit.” With three lifestyle focuses of her collection including: Go, Lead, Be. “Go” includes styles that travel well. “Lead” incorporates styles that project confidence in a professional setting and “Be,” styles that work for chill weekend or personal time.
Li’s current collection photographed by Christos Sewell at the award-winning Desert House by Circle West Architect’s Peter Koliopoulos, is an exquisite expression of fashion meeting architecture. For Li, Desert House was the perfect setting for her latest designs, saying Desert House “speaks” with the layers of organic and modern textures from the house including rock, water and earth, like the interchangeable, contemporary and textural pieces found at Studio Joy Li. Koliopoulos said this of Li, “Joy’s design aesthetic moves beyond the mere symbols of fashion. Details express what the basic idea of the design requires for each relevant piece: belonging or separation, tension or lightness, friction or fragility…When I design building environments, I try and give them this kind of presence.”
Beyond a successful fashion designer in Arizona, it’s not often in our community of fashion professionals to hear of a business partnership. Li told us having a business partner and having a strong team is key to her success and growth. “Jean means what she says,” said Li of the integrity of her business partner. This overall company integrity and the agility of being a small business, has led to the steady growth and expansion of Studio Joy Li. Starting from just over 400 square feet with shelves, desk and merchandising sets designed and built by Li and her husband Glenn, the store now claims over 870 square feet with “a lot to see in a little space,” said Li. Surprisingly, Li’s team includes a growing infrastructure of local seamstresses, offering job opportunities for local women, keeping the entire production of some garments within Arizona.
For more information about Studio Joy Li or to shop online, please click here.
Studio Joy Li at The Mix Shops | 7144 E. Stetson Drive, Ste. 100 | Scottsdale, AZ 85251 | 480-970-1043
Photography by Christos Sewell
These aren’t the sounds of Santa and Rudolph. Check these hot new tracks for your post-holiday party from DJ William F-ing Reed. Listen. Enjoy. Repeat.
AVICII – LEVELS (SKRILLEX REMIX) by AviciiOfficial
Passion Is Dead (Long Live Fashion) by fevers
Collect Call by Metric (Adventure Club Remix) by Dubstep.net
The perfect drink for the holiday weekend, the Peppermint Patty from the Living Room at W Scottsdale. Enjoy this minty cool cocktail while looking forward to Cirque Nouveau on New Year’s Eve, where vintage circus meets a modern twist celebration at the popular Scottsdale hotel hotspot. Guests of this unforgettable night will enjoy exciting sideshow-inspired attractions, a spectacular midnight firework display, live musical performances, stage and ground acts, a wacky hall of mirrors and an array of fun carnival-inspired games. For more information including ticketing, click here.
Ingredients
3 oz Adult Chocolate Milk
.5 oz Green Creme De Menthe
Preparation
Shake, strain and serve in a martini glass.
Nove’ is one of my favorite up-scale boutiques in the Valley. Not only does this locally owned women’s clothing and accessories store have a beautiful selection of name brand styles, it also features incredibly sophisticated fixtures and decor. Expect to be instantly overwhelmed by all of the uber-chic eye-candy. You’ll fall in love with the whimsical displays designed by Jonathan Adler, as well as the artistic arrangement of Fornasetti plates carefully sprawled across the red lacquer walls. This Scottsdale boutique is definitely worth checking out, even if you’re on the “window shopping” budget. 
Are you the lucky one (who can’t cook or bake) in charge of wine for your family dinner? We recommend you check Fox 10′s list of “Top 10 Affordable Wines” for what to bring home for the holidays. The fabulous list of recommendations including sparkling, whites, reds, roses and dessert wines starting at $9 can be found here. May we also suggest you check out the lists from the Wall Street Journal here and Gawker’s super affordable and laughable list of boxed, bottled and jugged grapeables here.
Where to buy your wine this holiday? Here’s a quick list of Valley wine shops for that holiday bottle:
Sportsmans: Knowledgeable staff always helps us pick a dinner winner. 3205 E Camelback Road | Phoenix, AZ 85018 | (602) 955-WINE
AZ Wine Co.: We love this South Scottsdale shop. 2515 N. Scottsdale Road, #15 | Scottsdale, AZ 85257 | 480- 423-9305
Postino Winecafe: Take a bottle home after a bruchetta board for the holidays. 3939 E. Campbell Avenue | Phoenix, AZ 85018 | 602-852-3939
Tops Wines and Liquors: A Tempe institution. 403 W University Drive | Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-967-5643
Sun Devil Liquors: Second location from the owners of Tops in Tempe. 235 N Country Club Drive | Mesa, AZ 85201 | 480-834-5050
Vino 100: A new way to buy, based on flavor and body. 30835 N. Cave Creek Road | Phoenix, AZ 85331 | 480-502-8466
Grapeables: Yes, there’s a cool place for wine in The Hills. 12645 N. Saguaro Boulevard, #9 | Fountain Hills, AZ 85268 | 480-816-5959
If you have yet to discover the wonders of chalkboard paint, allow DIY blog Wit & Whistle to introduce you with this easy step-by-step guide to making a personalized mug. Plus, it is an easy solution for a last minute stocking stuffer that shows real heart….especially if you use the chalk to draw one right on there. You will just need a porcelain mug, Pebo porcelaine chalkboard paint (the special kind that works for this project), a soft bristle brush and some painter’s tape. For the full directions, click here and find out how to make your morning coffee even more personal than Starbucks.
A great show is always in fashion.
Join the all-star cast of “Love, Loss, and What I Wore,” January 3 – 8, 2012 at the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts. Featuring Emily Dorsch (Law & Order, Gossip Girl); Tony Award winner Daisy Eagan (The Secret Garden); Emmy Award winners Sonia Manzano (Maria on Sesame Street) and Loretta Swit (‘Hot Lips’ on M*A*S*H); and Myra Lucretia Taylor (Wicked, Nine) Love, Loss, and What I Wore uses clothing and accessories and the memories they trigger to tell funny and often poignant stories to which all women can relate.
Written by sisters Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, based on the book by Irene Beckerman and recollections of Ephrons’ friends, the production opened October 1, 2009 in New York City’s Westside Theatre and the New York Times wrote that the “funny, compelling” piece “brought down the house.” Love, Loss and What I Wore was honored with a 2010 Drama Desk Award and a Broadway.com Audience Award and has hosted an impressive list of actresses to the production including Alexis Bledel, Kristin Chenoweth, Fran Drescher, Janeane Garofalo, Melissa Joan Hart, Carol Kane, Stacy London, Jane Lynch, Rosie O’Donnell, Rhea Perlman, Brooke Shields, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Loretta Swit, Rita Wilson and more.
Showtimes and tickets starting at $39 are available online by clicking here.
Virginia G. Piper Theater | 7380 E. Second Street | Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Actors Theatre Phoenix presents a one performance run of A Christmas Carol in Concert. The special fundraising event to help Actors Theatre Phoenix reach their 2011 financial goal will take the stage Saturday, December 24th at 1:00pm at the Herberger Theater Center. With no sets or costumes you can listen to the traditional holiday story as performed by cast members from the last 10 years of A CHRISTMAS CAROL.
Can’t make the show but want to help, click here to donate to Actors Theatre Phoenix.
Herberger Theatre Center | 222 E. Monroe | Phoenix, AZ 85004
Stella McCartney’s sheer influence on her Fall 2011 runway is perfect for our fair weathered winters in Arizona. A sheer top, tucks nicely into a pencil skirt, wears easily over a bathing suit during a tropical holiday or layers under your favorite sleeveless, cropped sweater for a quick wintry wardrobe update. Trade the pricey McCartney look for the Kensie 3-Way Blouse found for $66 dollars on their online shop here.
Runway image via Style.com
A “random act of Christmas culture kindness” is happening at CityScape in downtown Phoenix tomorrow December 23 from 12:00 noon to 12:30 p.m.
Two thousand people are expected to mob CityScape in Downtown Phoenix with a mass sing-along of favorite Christmas songs directed by Kay Randolph of the Mountain View Presbyterian Church. Gather near the Christmas tree at the NRG Ice Rink to participate.
Check out last year’s mob at Scottsdale Fashion Square:
The Hot Cocoa Peppermint Pedicure from Revive Spa at JW Marriott Desert Ridge & Resort is a soothing and refreshing holiday treat for your feet using the natural remedies of cocoa and peppermint. While enjoying a cup of hot cocoa, relax with a chocolate and mint scrub exfoliation followed by a cocoa mole clay mask containing organic cocoas to heal the skin. The luxurious 60-minute pedicure concludes with a chocolate massage oil treatment. Enjoy through December for $55.
For pedicure reservations, call 480-293-3700 or click here for more information.
