Summer style should be easy, effortless really. You should just be able to reach into your closet and pull out perfect sundresses in the most flattering cuts and patterns and then pair them with shoes that feel like clouds on your feet, yet still look runway ready (of course). Sadly, this is not the world in which we live. Truth is, when it’s this hot out, you want to throw on something you can really sweat in. We have an answer to your summer styling woes. While it’s no fashion revelation, the white tee is just the effortless essential piece you can wear with anything that is always in style. You can throw it on with a pair of shorts and a simple, brown belt or knot it at the waist and pair it with your favorite maxi skirt. You can even go oversized and wear it off the shoulder over your favorite dress for an updated take. Heck, wear a white tee any (or every) day the sun shines bright, hot and unbearable during an Arizona summer. We will applaud your creativity and commitment. Check out some basic ways to wear your white tee in our gallery after the jump.

»READ MORE

With Memorial Day coming up next week, it’s time to start thinking about your plans for the long weekend. Whether you’re staying in town or traveling to a cooler climate, we can bank on there being an abundance of booze and food. It is an American holiday, after all. Rather than show up to your gathering of choice empty handed, we saw this awe inducing Strawberry Tart on Cupcakes and Cashmere and thought it selfish not to share. Bright, festive and drool worthy in appearance alone, this tart will have everyone thankful for a day dedicated to its enjoyment. C &C blogger, Emily, scored the recipe from Smitten Kitchen and recommends Seascape Strawberries for their sweetness, fragrance and vibrant color. Check out the recipe here and watch the process step-by-step to inspire your inner domestic goddess.

image via Cupcakes and Cashmere

We all know that Phoenix becomes an eerie ghost town in the summer. People travel from air conditioned home, to car, to office rarely letting their skin see the sunlight for fear it will burst spontaneously into flames. This means that local businesses suffer and restaurants must pull out all the stops to get people in the (air conditioned) door. It’s great news for us locals because it means we can hit up some of the best restaurants for very little cash. Here’s a few of our favorite Summer-time happy hours: »READ MORE

If you’re going to wear a t-shirt that says something on it, may we recommend these “hardcore” options from the one and only Marc Jacobs. For just $28, you can display your level of awesomeness right there on your chest for the world to see. Finally, there will be no more doubt and no more speculation as to whether or not you can make that jump, take that shot or see that really terrifying movie with your eyes open the whole time. Sadly, you can only snag these bad boys in Marc By Marc Jacobs stores, so if you do happen to swing by a location, pick us up a few. Not that it needs to be said, but we will be requiring the “Super Hardcore” option.

T-Shirts found on the Nylon Blog (where else?)

While it seemed after three games and three bitter losses to the Los Angeles Kings, the Phoenix Coyotes were done for this season, yesterday’s last ditch effort in game four proved they have a little fight left in them. Captain Shane Doan scored the only two goals in the game while Mike Smith had his third playoff shut-out game on the road, this time in the Staples Center. The fans were angry, the Kings were frustrated and the Coyotes, well, they were the team we expected to see. While there has been speculation that it would be in the best interest of the league to have the Kings play the Rangers in the Stanley Cup Finals, our inkling is that the hardest working team in the NHL isn’t going to just roll over and die. Teams that have trailed 3-1 in the playoffs have come back a total of 229 times (or 8.7%) according to NHL.com meaning that the Yotes aren’t dead in the water just yet and we still have something to root for, however small of a sliver that may be.

“When you have nothing to lose, you just throw it all out there and see what happens,” said Doan in a post-game interview. We’d like to see it all out there again during game five in Glendale Tuesday. Read more of what Doan had to say in this Sports Illustrated article and get to howlin’, Arizona.

photo credit: Joseph D’Hippolito NY Times

Before ‘Sweet Disposition’ became the “it” song for every indie film, diet coke commercial and teenage girl’s “summer” playlist, it was just one of those great songs that made you smile from a formerly underrated new band. Now we can judge accordingly with a new track entitled “Trembling Hands” off their upcoming self-titled sophomore effort expected to drop June 5th. Here’s the tuneage.

It’s no secret we love when we can turn empty bottles of alcohol into some creative home project. This is due in part to our love for recycling and chic home furnishings, but more so because of our excessive drinking habits. We kid, but this DIY project on how to turn empty wine bottles into beautiful lights is no joke. Simply round up your empty wine bottles, soak them and remove the excess glue and get to drilling a small hole in the bottom so you can filter in light strands. Get step-by-step instructions from blog, Taste of Home and then there is no stopping how many of these you can filter through your home. It will give the feeling of an outdoor garden party with beautiful twinkle lights while indoors because let’s face it, that ship has sailed.

The wait is almost over. May 19th marks the kick-off of Arizona Restaurant Week much to the cheers of Valley residents (and the subsequent jeers of our waistlines). This means now is the time to book your tables and gather your favorite dining partners. For nine glorious days, over 150 Arizona restaurants will be offering pre-fixe menus at killer prices (just $30-$40 a head not including beverages or tip) and there is still plenty of time to map out an appropriate game plan. Check out the list of participating restaurants here to find out which of your favorite restaurants are in on the action, or you can scope out the ones you’ve always wanted to try.  There is no better time to get out there and sample the best of the best so get out those stretchy pants and prepare yourself for some amazing meals.

Image from Binkley’s Restaurant, a participant in Arizona Spring Restaurant Week 2012

Oh, hello triple digit temperatures. While we haven’t missed you in the slightest, we do realize you are as inevitable as death and taxes in the desert and have come to accept it (with the help various coping methods and modern technology). One of these methods involves staying cool while still looking hot. Shades of mint have been prominent this season and for good reason. The color is flattering on most anyone, it looks good with everything and it’s easy to accessorize with chunky mixed metals or bright neon pops. Check out our favorite “minty fresh” looks after the jump.  »READ MORE

What do you do when you’re depressed your team got beat down 4-0 at home in the playoffs? You eat through the pain. We’re not giving up on our Coyotes, but we will cope with the stress of such a devastating loss with some good eats around town. Here’s our redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs: »READ MORE

Slightly less subtle than the spy cam in the tip of your pen, yet far more adorable, the Nylon Blog has brought to our attention this Juice Box Camera now available at Urban Outfitters. For $34, you can snag this lo-fi 35mm cam that will give your photos a faded, vintage quality. It will be almost like you took the pictures around the time it was socially acceptable for you to carry around a juice box. The best part? The picture snaps with you push down the straw.  You can grab your choice of OJ, Chocolate Milk or Lemonade to continuously embarrass impress your friends at all your future gatherings. Yeah, we need this. Now.

We have all come to accept HUB Clothing as the go-to place for denim in Scottsdale. Carrying all the latest styles from brands so cool, you probably haven’t even heard of them yet, walking into the Fashion Square boutique is a style education as much as it is a shopping experience. So naturally, when we had questions on how to navigate Summer denim trends, we looked to co-owner, Jennifer Mumford, to tell us how to wear well.

DLT: Colored denim and printed denim have both been huge trends the past couple of seasons, how would you recommend women incorporate the newest styles into their wardrobes without being too trendy?

JM: White denim is the most classic way of going about it because you can actually wear white denim year-round now. People assume white is very “Spring/Summer”, but it also looks great in Fall as well if you pair it with more of the neutral tones like grey and brown. But what I really do love about colored denim is that it gives a pop of whimsy and a fun flair to your wardrobe and they just look great with a sun kissed glow. It adds a little playfulness to your wardrobe.  »READ MORE

Just in time for summer, Beach House is coming out with a new album to follow up 2010′s Teen Dream. Prepare yourself to get whisked away on an audio vacation with Bloom, which drops May 15th. Check out the single, Myth, below.

How brilliant is this idea? Keeping your life organized and your home looking good has never been so easy thanks to DIY blog, Life at Our House, discovered by way of Pinterest. Simply find an unused window with glass panes and hang it somewhere in your home. Use dry erase markers to write in your appointments, notes or daily reminders. The choice is yours and the freedom, well, you may find yourself getting a little carried away with all the possibilities.

Taking the plunge to permanently (or semi-permanately) dip dye or streak your hair like the mane of your childhood My Little Pony takes a lot of commitment and dedication that can only be found during a certain stage of unemployment. It all seems to stem from a  rebelliousness that shouts, “No, this won’t wash out by Monday” and “Yes, I do love Gwen Stefani more than what’s good for me.” For many of us, this means a longing look at the Kate Bosworths and Lauren Conrads of the world who just dip their hair in blue all willy-nilly, but have no fear, there is the most temporary of solutions. You can streak your hair any color thanks to good old fashioned chalk. Yep, just rub chalk all in your hair, look like a rockstar for 24-48 hours and wash it all out before Brunch on Sunday. Check out this awesome tutorial on how to channel your inner Rainbow Brite here.

In the wise words of Aladdin,” you gotta eat to live.” This is a mantra we take pretty seriously here at DLT, but only when paired with the idea that you have to eat food that tastes good. Not exactly what the handsome cartoon had in mind when running for his life over a loaf of bread, but hey, it’s an example of how Disney helped shape our lives. Another important factor to life shaping? Mothers. This is why this week’s redux of the happenings in our favorite food blogs is dedicated entirely mostly to good ‘ol mom.  »READ MORE

Renegade Canteen has undergone some recent renovations to both their staff and their menu. Newly appointed Executive Chef, Donald Fawcett, has brought a whole new element of “regional American comfort food” to the Scottsdale restaurant by creating a whole new menu including a light and affordable lunch menu and some classic dinner items with a twist. Everyone loves a good braised short rib, but how about one that’s Dr. Pepper braised with chili cheese grits? Sounds just rebellious enough to try. Check out the menu here and make some plans to walk a little on the wild side.

Carey Mulligan looking gorgeous in Prada. Photo: Fashionologie

Last night was the 2012 Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan (more commonly known as the Met Ball), which is arguably fashion’s biggest night next to the Academy Awards. It was a sea of beautiful celebrities clad in everything from Lanvin to Prada to Givenchy, oh my. Enjoy the full on fashion porn in the gallery after the jump.  »READ MORE

Before you start to panic, remember you still have six days to find your mom the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. If you don’t, she’ll probably hold it against you for the rest of your life, but really, no pressure. Have no fear, DLT is here with a short, yet incredibly helpful (and affordable) gift guide to ensure you that special lady opens a present worthy of her continued amazingness.

“Mom Always Said” Bangle by Kate Spade – For only $58, you can give your mom two gifts: a lovely bracelet she’ll wear every day and the satisfaction of knowing you listened…at least once. Pair it with a sweet card with some of her famous sayings and you might win offspring of the year.

The Williams-Sonoma Cookbook: The Essential Recipe Collection for Today’s Home Cook – Sure, it’s a mouthful, but for a mom who loves to cook, there is nothing better than a whole new book filled with inspiration. Throw in a one of those clever “coupons” where you offer to cook a meal of her choice for an added touch. »READ MORE

In honor of all the recent and soon-to-be graduates, here is a catchy and very upbeat song from a band whose name can totally be applied to post-grad life. That is, until you realize that the real world sucks and all those “summertime feelings” are fleeting. At least you can shake your case of the Monday’s while bopping along to the sweet sound of Eternal Summers new song, “Millions”. Adjust the base and let the alpine blast.

There are a million ways to make a margarita. We’ve counted down the 10 best Valley-made margs in honor of National Margarita 
Day, but with Cinco de Mayo happening tomorrow, we thought we’d share this interesting recipe for Magarita Popsicles from Emeril Lagasse and Food Network. Beat the heat and get a little buzz? Yes, please.

Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons tequila
2 tablespoons orange liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier)
Kosher salt, for garnish
Special Equipment: 4 small cups (recommended: Dixie), 4 popsicle sticks

Preparation

Combine sugar, lime juice, water, lemon juice and orange juice in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Cook, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Once cool transfer to a blender with tequila, orange liqueur, and lime wedge and process until smooth.
Pour into the cups and cover the top of each cup with foil.
Place the popsicle stick in center of cup (down through foil, which will hold it in place).
Freeze until hard, preferably overnight. Remove from freezer and run cup under warm water to loosen popsicle. 
Garnish with kosher salt and serve.

If you’re feeling culture deprived and need to get your weekly/monthly/yearly fix of the arts (we don’t judge), why not kill two birds with one stone by going to see the Arizona Theatre Company’s production of Red, Center Stage at the Herberger Theater. The play takes a look at the life of the famous abstract expressionist, Mark Rothko, after he was commissioned to paint a series of murals for a very high profile client. Based on a true story, the production aims to capture Rothko’s ambition and takes a look inside of the artists’ mind as he aims to put forth his most extraordinary work yet. Boom, you get your theatre and art fix all in one fell swoop. Tickets are on sale now for the production which runs through May 2oth.

Photo by Chris Bennion

Time to take one of this season’s hottest trends for your closet to the garden. That’s right my fashion-minded friends, color blocking is not just for your shoes, it can also be for your pots. Well, after completing a few easy steps in a great DIY project courtesy of Whit & Whistle, of course. Just gather a few of your favorite terracotta pots and acrylic paints in your favorite shades to jazz up your indoor gardening. Check out the blog for step-by-step instructions and enjoy the world of haute couture and horticulture.

photo via Whit & Whistle 

Isn’t is just the way of the world? You pine over sun dresses and pastels all winter long until you can finally bring them into daylight and then suddenly, all you can think of are fall sweaters and stylish jackets to put over them. Maybe it’s just us, but our fashion conscience is screaming that every piece of outerwear purchased from now until 2013 needs to have leather sleeves. The look is so genius. Perhaps it started with Alexander Wang’s faded denim jacket with goat skin sleeves (a knock off version can be found at Urban Outfitters currently for around $80) that was spotted on everyone from Rihanna to Lindsay Lohan, but now even Zara is getting in on the action with a military take that is to die for. Check out the street style inspirations and where you can get one for yourself in our gallery after the jump. »READ MORE

Talk is cheap, but laughs should be free. We feel this must be why Stand Up! Scottsdale is hosting four free comedy shows with recent Last Comic Standing finalist, Adam Hunter. On May 4th and 5th (Cinco de Mayo), you can catch the up-and-coming funny guy with a comedic routine that is “brash, deep and hilarious” all for the low, low cost of nothing. Reserve your seats on the website today and read up on more of what Adam’s been up to here on Stand Up! Scottsdale’s website. Drinks not included.