Wowzers! It’s a fashion catfight over a case of copy cat platforms. Derek Lam slamming Ivanka Trump with a cease and desist for her latest wedge shoe the “Cadie.” Refinery 29 reporting on an original WWD article, “Says CEO of Derek Lam, Jan-Hendrik Schlottmann, ‘We have seen similar copies before, but we have never seen a shoe that perfectly copied.’ Ivanka’s shoe costs $150 while Lam’s is $780.” See for yourself.

The photo includes the Lam at the top and Trump’s Cadie at the bottom. It’s a bit too exact close for our comfort, though we like the $150 price tag better. What do you think?

Now, we know what you’re thinking and yes, wide leg jeans have been trending circa spring 2010 and slowly, but surely, made their way into the wardrobes of fashion mavens the world over, but we aren’t talking about wide leg jeans here. No, we are talking full on flowy, patterned, Hello 1969 called and they want their pants back kind of pants. They are out a little out there, some even may say zany, but they are fantastic and comfy to boot. Want to see just what we’re talking about? Read more to see the wide leg pant mecca after the jump.

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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

It’s on my Christmas list this year. The Clarisonic Mia cleanses six times better than with your hands alone in just 60 seconds. The popular hand held device works with the skin, not against it, to gently massage away impurities trapped within pores. The Mia prepares skin for better absorption of creams, serums and moisturizers and is gentle enough to use twice daily. The Clarisonic Mia is a fashionistas beauty staple that comes in a variety of colors including tangerine, ice blue, light pink, white, and light yellow. Get it for $119 at Van Dyke Laser & Skin and check out there fabulous product selection including Vivite and Kerastase. Plus, Van Dyke is the exclusive home of the Clear + Brilliant Laser treatments that I personally love.

Van Dyke Laser & Skin | 5206 N. Scottsdale Road | Paradise Valley, AZ 85253. (480) 948-5045

We’re just days away from Christmas and the stress of gift-giving is starting to creep up the back of our throats. Sure we love giving, but getting a little something in return kinda eases the stressful sting of finding a suitable gift this late in the game. The following restaurants are giving you a little in return when you get a little something for that someone on your list:

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar: Get a $100 gift card, get $25 bonus card.
Bonus cards must be used January 1 – February 5, 2012. Order online and check your gift card balance here or pick up at any of the four Valley locations. Click here for locations.

Fox Restaurant Concepts:  Get a $100 gift card, get a $20 bonus gift card.
For every $100 worth of gift cards purchased by December 31 from any Fox Restaurant Concepts establishment, receive a $20 bonus gift card. The Fox Restaurant Concepts gift cards are good for 12 unique dining experiences including The Arrogant Butcher, Blanco Tacos + Tequila, Culinary Dropout, The Greene House, Modern Steak, NoRTH, Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace, Sauce, True Food Kitchen, Wildflower and Zinburger. Fox Restaurant Concepts gift cards are available in denominations of $10, $25, $50, $75 and $100. Purchase the gift cards online here, any of the above restaurants, or call 480-905-6920.

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant: Every $50 gift card, gets you a $10 bonus card.
Available until December 31, 2011. The $10 bonus cards must be used between January 2 and March 31, 2012.  RA Sushi gift cards can be used at all 25 locations nationwide, including the five locations in Greater Metro Phoenix. For locations click here. Gift cards may be purchased in person at any RA Sushi location or online.

Carefree Station: Get a $10 bonus gift certificate with every $100 gift certificate.
Through December 25, 2011, Carefree Station will be offering a $10 bonus gift certificate with every $100 worth of gift certificates purchased. Gift certificates are available in denominations of $25, $50, and $100, and they can be purchased in person at Carefree Station or by calling 480-488-8182. For more on the Carefree favorite, click here.

Kona Grill: Get a $20 bonus gift certificate or e-card with every $100 gift certificate or e-card purchase.Bonus cash can be used starting January 1, 2012. Purchase the cards online by clicking here and have it mailed to your recipient. How easy is that? Or pick them up at your nearest location here.

We’re famous. And now so are some of our favorite Valley restaurants. Eater.com selected us to give our top picks for the hottest and newish Valley restaurants. Wanna see what we picked for their updated Heatmap? Click here. Or just check the quick list:

Distrito, Old Town Whiseky, Cuoco Pazzo, Pane Bianco, NoRTH Fattoria Italiana, The Strand Urban Italian, Dominick’s Steakhouse and Province at The Westin.

A holiday greeting from our favorite button-pusher Nathan Simpson. Catch his monthly musings on Wednesdays as he documents the trials and tribulations of dating in the world’s most unhip suburb.

Happy Holidays to you and yours. I forgot to send out my Christmas cards again this year, so consider this as a last minute but well-intentioned substitute. If you don’t read my column you make my naughty list (not the good one I keep in my night stand) and are therefore, undeserving of my Yuletide greetings.

I’d like to share with you a holiday tradition my family has adopted for the last several years. It’s a sweet and wonderful tradition that involves reflection and reminiscing on old memories. Each year, my family gathers together in my grandma’s living room, stuffed with turkey, ham and trimmings but nibbling on Christmas sweets anyhow and they turn the discussion toward my singledom. »READ MORE

Deck the halls with turkey and stuffing… or challah french toast and a couple extra pounds. Whatever your holiday traditions, now is the time to let loose and really embrace what this time of year is all about: eating. Here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

Nothing says “family togetherness” like a big ‘ol batch of chocolate chip cookies. We know everyone has a standard recipe (thanks to the break and bake packages of Toll House and Mrs. Fields), but Chow Bella has a real one to try out before copping out. Thanks to a 12 day cookie exchange extravaganza documented on the blog, Chow Bella writer, Claire, shared her sisters’ recipe for Chocolate Chip, Fool Proof and Better Than They Look (Really) Cookies. For a girl who claims she can’t bake, this sounded like the perfect recipe for all the cookie challenged hosts and hostesses out there. Read the recipe here and make sure to check back to get all 12 recipes as they roll in. »READ MORE

Poor David Dopp, winner of the Maverik Joe Schmo to Lambo contest in Utah, won a brand new $380,000 Lamborghini and crashed his fancy new ride just 6 hours later. AP News Reports, “He said he was taking friends and family on joy rides that evening on the outskirts of town. He said he took a curve at 40 or 50 mph when the vehicle hit ice or loose gravel and started spinning.”  The damage to the car is repairable and Dopp, a Frito-Lay delivery driver, plans to have the car back in a couple of months. Read more about this Joe Schmo crashing his Lambo by clicking here.

Image via IBTimes

Just a bar since 1992, MercBar, is just the place for holiday happenings this year.

First, celebrate the season at MercBar this Thursday, December 22nd with a special performance by the popular local band, Elvis Before Noon at 9:30 p.m. Fronted by lead singer, Daylon Greer, with guitarist Scott Johnson of Gin Blossoms, DJ Mr. Peabody on bass and Richard Ringo Williams on drums, the Elves Before Noon will rock your holiday socks off with their eclectic mix of covers and original music.

Also, join MercBar for their Black & White New Year’s Celebration on December 31st starting at 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. $50 per person is required for the hosted bar, hor d’oeuvres by Chef Jesse and midnight champagne toast. Or, reserve your table for $125 per person for a minimum of 8 people with 2 Magnums of Champagne, 2 bottles of ultra premium spirits, hor d’oeuvres, comfortable party seating, and midnight toasting package. Classic cocktail attire is requested. Ladies, it’s the perfect place for your LBD. And gents, impress the lovely ladies in your cocktail jacket or tux. Advance reservations are required by emailing Thomas@mercbar.com or call 602-508-9449.

MercBar | 2525 E. Camelback Road | Phoenix, AZ | 602-508-9449

What a way to ring in the New Year! NYPD Pizza is offering 99 cent cheese slices December 31 and January 1st from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days at all 10 Valley locations. Stop in and stuff your face before your New Year diet resolution kicks in. Limit of 2 slices per person for the deal, cheese pizza only and no coupon necessary, just mention the 99 cent special. Find a location nearest you by clicking here.

Correction to original posting: The deal is for cheese slices only.

Huffington Post listing their top 15 funniest Christmas Movies of all time and it has put us in the mood for yet another giveaway! What’s your favorite Christmas movie of all time? Elf? National Lampoo’s Christmas Vacation? Comment on this post your favorite Christmas movie and WHY and one lucky random winner will win a gift card to iPic Theatres in Scottsdale.

Forget a December to Remember. It would be more like a 2012 to remember gliding around town in the new 2013 SL550 from Mercedes-Benz. The new two-seater roadster is lighter, faster and fresh-faced with a new front design among the laundry list of new accolades. Check the impressive list of features here from the official Mercedes-Benz site.

Your modern kiddos will love the circle playhouse from Modern Playhouse.com. Fitting for the modern family in the modern home, the Circle Playhouse will keep your kids busy in the sustainable and non-toxic house that’s way cooler than any cardboard box you ever played in. $1,299. For more gift ideas, check our The Gifted 2001 Guide.

Jet setting to Vegas New Year’s Day for the opening of Hyde Bellagio sounds like a perfect was to start the year. On New Year’s Day, join Hyde Bellagio at 5:oo p.m. for their grand opening celebration featuring three-time Grammy Award winner DJ Paul Oakenfold, small plates from Circo and award-winning mixology cocktails served by white tuxedo clad butlers. Reserve one of 40 VIP tables, including some on Hyde terrace overlooking the famous fountains at Bellagio Las Vegas. Cover charge begins at 10:00 p.m. with $30 cover for women and $50 for men.

For more information, call 702-693-8700 or click here.

In its final weeks, see Juan Downey: The Invisible Architect at ASU Art Museum. “Juan Downey: The Invisible Architect is the first U.S. museum survey of the work of Chilean artist Juan Downey (1940-1993), an unsung video-art pioneer whose career Artforum magazine calls ‘brilliant and idiosyncratic.’” Using a variety of artistic mediums, Downey surveys our interest in modernism, post-colonial theory and contemporary art. The Chilean-born video artist has installations throughout the world including The Museum of Modern Art in New York, The Bronx Museum of the Arts, Centre Pompidou/ Musée national d’Art moderne in Paris, France and more. Now through December 31st. Closed holidays.

ASU Art Musuem | 10th Steet & Mill Avenue | Tempe, AZ | 480-965-2787

Image by Harry Shunk via ASU Art Museum.

You’ve made your list and checked it twice, but everyone knows there are a few gifts that go un-gotten as the holiday approaches. People who you may have forgotten about suddenly make an appearance and bam, you suddenly have to make yet another trip to the mall. We have some great ideas to stock up on that are perfect for any last minute addition and they won’t seem like a regift.

1. iTunes gift cards are the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone. For real. Who wouldn’t love to buy a new CD straight to whatever music playing device guilt free? Any denomination works and you can pick them up in packs from any grocery store to ensure preparedness for any gift giving bind.

2. Essie Glitter Nail Polish. Everyone’s favorite inexpensive nail polish brand has come out with Glittery holiday colors perfect for this time of year and perfect for your nail obsessed girl friends (isn’t that all of them?)

3. Chic notepads. Available at any Barnes & Noble or Target, notepads are a great last minute gift for the girl or guy who has always yammered about wanting to start a journal or loves to doodle. With all this new fangled technology taking over our lives, penmanship has really suffered….help to revive it by picking up these options provided by Refinery 29.

4. Harkins Movie Passes. The most universal gift also helps out a local business and is easy to buy in bulk. Add a couple of  those nifty souvenir cups and  it is a gift everyone will enjoy and be thankful for later.

5. Disposable cameras and frames. We know what you’re thinking and “do they even still make those?” is certainly a legitimate question, but the answer is yes. Seems like framed photos are a thing of the past thanks to smart phones and digital cameras, but giving your forgotten friends the ability to create their own memories and have actual print photographs not plastered on Facebook is a gift that gives back.

Lisa Landry takes the stage Saturday night, December 24 at Stand Up, Scottsdale Comedy Club for her performance of Jewish Christmas Eve. The act chronicles her own life as a Catholic married to her Jewish husband – Oy Vey! You may have seen Lisa on Comedy Central or Craig Ferguson or heard her iTunes best seller Put Your Keys in the Key Bowl. See her live this Saturday night only at 8:00 pm, just before you swing by midnight mass for your yearly appearance.

Stand-up, Scottsdale! Comedy Club is the premiere comedy club in Scottsdale, bringing standup fans the best in relevant, original comedy! The new double show club offers an unparalleled comedy experience in Old Town Scottsdale and the very stage where local comedy heroes David Spade, Mark Cordes & Mike Bailey got their starts in the early ’80s. What used to be Anderson’s 5th Estate, is now Stand Up, Scottsdale Comedy Club.

Check out the following short movie by Lisa Landry, “Three Item Maximum,” spoofing popular cooking shows.

Stand Up, Scottsdale Comedy Club | 6820 East Fifth Avenue |  Scottsdale, AZ 85251 | 480-882-0730

Donate a pint of blood to the United Blood Services and receive a general admission pass to the Waste Management Open. Donors of all types are welcome, with the greatest demand for type O-negative needed. Call 877-827-4376 or click here for more information on where to give.

The Waste Management Open was recently awarded the “Best Title Sponsor Integration” award from the PGA for their efforts to promote their core message “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover” throughout the event. And this year, don’t leave those cell phones at home. For the first time in history, the Waste Management Open will allow cell-phones and PDA’s.

For more information about the Waste Management Open, click here.

Join SanTan Brewing Co. tonight for their Monday Night Movie. Tonight’s show is a holiday favorite “Elf,” starting at 9:00 p.m. with beer specials, $3 Three Olive vodka drinks and free popcorn during the show. Stick around for the show on 7 HD screens while sipping a pint of their holiday favorite “12 Daze Caramel Spiced Amber.” Or just in time for your holiday gathering, get your “Winter Warmer” tapping as the Weekly Cask on December 22 at 3:00 p.m.

SanTan Brewing Co. | 8 South San Marcos Place | Chandler, AZ 85225 | (480) 917-8700

Pluck from our gift guide “The Gifted 2011“, we’re lusting for the Lytro Camera the only camera that catches “life in living pictures.” The company states, “Unlike a conventional camera that captures a single plane of light, the Lytro camera captures the entire light field, which is all the light traveling in every direction in every point in space.” Awesome. Our favorite feature – focus after the fact. Focus and re-focus your image after you’ve taken it. Stuff one in our stockings please Santa. $499

My personal favorite of the holiday dessert spread: the Buche de Noel. Have you ever tried the tender Genoise cake rolled, filled with ganache and decorated to resemble a yule log? Oh la la – c’est tres bien. Beyond the basic cookie spread, the Buche de Noel is a fancy-schmancy addition to your holiday gathering. Check out the following local bakeries baking up the buche this year. And hurry, most orders need to be placed by Wednesday for Christmas Eve pick up:

Scratch Pasteries: $45, feed 6-10. Flavors: Chocolate, Red Velvet and Chocolate-Hazelnut Cream.
7620 E. Indian School Road | Scottsdale, AZ | 480-947-0057

Au Petit Four: Authentic French, recently relocating from the Esplanade to Old Town Scottsdale. Starting at $29. Flavors: Chocolate, Hazelnut, Grand Marnier. Lighter logs: Mousseline with Fresh Raspberries, Bavaroise with White & Dark Chocolate.
7217 East 4th Avenue | Scottsdale AZ | 480 946 3834

Essence Bakery: The makers of the perfect croissants are making the buche! Chocolate Raspberry is $36.95 and Tiramisu is $32.95.
825 W. University Drive | Tempe, AZ | 480-966-2745

Vincent’s on Camelback: Order the buche for $6.50 per person. Flavors include Chocolate or Vanilla cake with chocolate mousse or vanilla filling.
3920 E. Camelback Road | Phoenix, AZ | 602-224-0225

La Tartine: Authentic, amazing French bakery in Fountain Hills. 5 sizes to choose from, starting at $27 dollars. Flavors include: Chocolate mousse, raspberry with lemon, buttercream chocolate and red velvet with cream cheese.
16650 E. Palisades Boulevard, #103 | Fountain Hills, AZ | 480-816-4222

Image via La Tartine

We’re like Hanz and Franz meets Jack LaLanne with today’s LivingWell column ready to “pump you up” with vitamin packed, fresh squeezed juicing tips from local Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Suneil Jain, the founder/owner of Rejuvena Health & Aesthetics. Juicing is becoming a mainstream diet staple, delivering a blast of antioxidants, oxygen and more to your cells. Here’s Dr. Jain’s top reasons to incorporate juicing into your New Year “New You” resolution after the jump:

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In the spirit of the holidays (and face melting rock) listen to the new track, “Born to Lose” from Sleigh Bells latest album, Mom and Pop. The album drops in February, but lucky for us they released the single just days ago for the world to hear. Sure, you may not want to roast any chestnuts after listening, but the world may seem a little merrier.