Pronounced just like “hot,” she’s our favorite local blogger, fashionista, amateur chef and aspiring TV host. Look for Amanda every other Thursday, as she serves up recipes (especially desserts), outfit suggestions, do-it-yourself home and fashion projects and the trials and travails of a wannabe television host and personality.

Although cut-offs and tank tops might be a staple in the Valley of the Sun during the summer months, it’s time to step up your style game and opt for one of summers hottest trends – maxi dresses. I know you’ve been working on your fitness all spring to show off your curves this summer, but if all of the bbq and booze from Fourth of July foiled your goals, don’t fret, these boho frocks are slimming and figure flattering; fitted on the top and flowey down under.

Can’t fathom the idea of wearing a floor-grazing frock in a thousand degree weather? Squash those maxi dress fears and rock the floor-grazing frocks at pool parties, festivals, bbq and concerts, shopping, or dates, or anywhere that calls for a more casual-chic look. Whether you choose a solid color number or go all out with ruffles and floral print, I’ve picked out the cutest options to help take your sizzling summer style to the max. See our picks (pictured) below. »READ MORE

Pronounced just like “hot,” she’s our favorite local blogger, fashionista, amateur chef and aspiring TV host. Look for Amanda every other Thursday, as she serves up recipes (especially desserts), outfit suggestions, do-it-yourself home and fashion projects and the trials and travails of a wannabe television host and personality.

I wont school you on the hazards of laying out in the sun all day, but I will admit that having a nice golden (faux) color does make one feel thinner and sexier. Want a sun kissed glow without increasing your changes of developing the Big C? Self-tanners are the way to go. I’ve got all the pro tips and trips on how to look like a bronzed babe after the jump – I promise you won’t end up orange-ified like my favorite little nugget, Snookie. A step by step guide after the jump.  »READ MORE

Here’s the latest from DLT‘s latest contributor, Amanda Szot. Pronounced just like “hot,” she’s our favorite local blogger, fashionista, amateur chef and aspiring TV host. Look for Amanda every other Thursday, as she serves up recipes (especially desserts), outfit suggestions, do-it-yourself home and fashion projects and the trials and travails of a wannabe television host and personality.

IKEA is known for inexpensive, contemporary, hard-to-assemble furniture, and who could forget the meatballs, but the big box furniture stores fans have spawned a whole new level of creativity by personalizing and repurposing the inexpensive products. So naturally when I needed a new desk, I stopped by the as-is section and scored a small wood desk for $75 that proved well for function, but not so much in aesthetic. Me, being the DIY queen, always wanting to re-create or enhance something to its fullest, was down to repaint the ugly wood and refurnish the desk into a modern piece with my own personal flare and bring some new life into my room. »READ MORE

Here’s the latest from DLT‘s contributor, Amanda Szot. Pronounced just like “hot,” she’s our fav local blogger, fashionista, amateur chef and aspiring TV host. Look for Amanda every other Thursday, as she serves up recipes (especially desserts), outfit suggestions, do-it-yourself home and fashion projects and the trials and travails of a wannabe television host and personality.

For only the luckiest of Phoenicians, summer simply means packing up the kids and jetting off to a luxury summer rental home somewhere by a beach, in the mountains, or…okay, who cares where they go, somewhere that doesn’t feel like you live in hell’s basement. For the rest of us poor saps, summer means long days, excessive heat and lots of sweaty buns. Bring a fresh breathe of life into your home with the following chic, yet inexpensive Summer pieces that incorporate shiny gems, lacquer finishes, cool corals and naturals. My picks, after the jump.  »READ MORE

Here’s the latest from DLT‘s contributor, Amanda Szot. Pronounced just like “hot,” she’s our fav local blogger, fashionista, amateur chef and aspiring TV host. Look for Amanda every other Thursday, as she serves up recipes (especially desserts), outfit suggestions, do-it-yourself home and fashion projects and the trials and travails of a wannabe television host and personality.

Hello, my name is Amanda and I’m addicted to blowouts. Nothing gets me going more than fabulously bouncy, luscious and shiny hair. Never been lucky enough to experience one first-hand at local blow dry salons like The Dry Bar? Think head massages, smoothing creams and round brushes galore with a silky long-lasting result. At $35 a pop it’s perfect for when you need a sassy mane for fabulous parties, openings and dates. But what about all those days in between? To look fabulous all week long follow my professional tips as I walk you through a step-by-step process for results that won’t fall flat. Pictures and instructions after the jump! »READ MORE

Here’s the latest from DLT‘s contributor, Amanda Szot. Pronounced just like “hot,” she’s our fav local blogger, fashionista, amateur chef and aspiring TV host. Look for Amanda every other Thursdayish, as she serves up recipes (especially desserts), outfit suggestions, do-it-yourself home and fashion projects and the trials and travails of a wannabe television host and personality.

Remember the good old days when your parents shipped you off to camp every summer? Ropes courses, riding horses, campfires, smores, crafts and first loves – it’s all so dreamy looking back. Well, I’ve discovered a way to bring at least a little nostalgia back, but with a twist – braided hex nut  bracelets. These edgy bracelets are super easy to make and are the perfect way to toughen up any outfit. Check out the step-by-step guide below courtesy of HonestyWTF and feel free to swap out white twine for black leather for a little extra edge. Full directions and a step by step photo guide after the jump. »READ MORE

Here’s the latest from DLT‘s contributor, Amanda Szot. Pronounced just like “hot,” she’s our fav local blogger, fashionista, amateur chef and aspiring TV host. Look for Amanda every other Thursdayish, as she serves up recipes (especially desserts), outfit suggestions, do-it-yourself home and fashion projects and the trials and travails of a wannabe television host and personality.

Although the Golden Globes were months ago, I still can’t get my mind off my favorite pick of the night – a classic white silk chiffon gown with a nude crystal embellished capelet worn by the sultry, yet elegant Jennifer Lopez. Although some thought the Zuhair Murad Spring 2011 gown was a bit matronly, it was divine in my opinion. I saw it, I liked it and I made it thanks to the queen of fashion DIY, Erica Domesek, from P.S. – I made this. Now any evening event will be that much more diva-licious and decadent with this sophisticated and sparkly capelet. You’re welcome. Directions, materials and photos after the jump! »READ MORE

Get the inside Scoop on the season’s hottest styles as Amanda Szot crashes Neiman Marcus’ Spring showcase. 

Here’s the latest from DLT’s contributor, Amanda Szot. Pronounced just like “hot,” she’s our fav local blogger, fashionista, amateur chef and aspiring TV host. Look for Amanda every other Thursday, as she serves up recipes (especially desserts), outfit suggestions, do-it-yourself home and fashion projects and the trials and travails of a wannabe television host and personality.

For anyone know knows me on a personal level, it should come as no surprise that I like weird stuff, especially when it comes to food. I’m not the least bit embarrassed to admit I used to drink malt vinegar straight out of the bottle, or suck the salt and vinegar flavoring off of chips and dropping the remnants back in the bag. Fortunately I’ve matured and developed healthier snacking habits. Enter kale and sweet potatoes! I won’t bore you with the healthy deets of the super veggies, but simply add a bit of cayenne pepper seasoning and olive oil and you’ll never think twice about trying these baked, not fried goodies again. I got the recipe for kale chips here and the recipe for sweet potato chips here. Full recipes and photos after the jump! »READ MORE

Here’s the latest from DLT‘s latest contributor, Amanda Szot. Pronounced just like “hot,” she’s our favorite local blogger, fashionista, amateur chef and aspiring TV host. Look for Amanda every other Thursday, as she serves up recipes (especially desserts), outfit suggestions, do-it-yourself home and fashion projects and the trials and travails of a wannabe television host and personality.

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Did you miss last Thursday’s grand opening of the Valley’s first Tea and Champagne lounge? Well fear not, because our gal about town, Amanda Szot, was there at Narcisse with a microphone in one hand and a Champagne flute in the other to get all the decadent details.

Here’s the latest from DLT‘s latest contributor, Amanda Szot. Pronounced just like “hot,” she’s our favorite local blogger, fashionista, amateur chef and aspiring TV host. Look for Amanda every other Thursday, as she serves up recipes (especially desserts), outfit suggestions, do-it-yourself home and fahsion projects and the trials and travails of a wannabe television host and personality.

With my best friend’s nuptials only weeks away (I’m her Maid of Honor) everything wedding has been on the brain for the past year. And it seems the wedding world (especially regarding gowns) is filled with clone brides. »READ MORE

DLT‘s, Gal About Town, Amanda Szot is back with another video report card. This time, she tackles sugary soiree that was our exclusive tasting event at Sprinkles Cupcakes in Scottsdale. Can you say German Chocolate cupcakes and drinkable chocolate? Amanda can, but it sure is hard to talk when your mouth is full of golden caramel laced with fresh coconut and crunchy pecans.

Here’s the latest from DLT‘s latest contributor, Amanda Szot. Pronounced just like “hot,” she’s our favorite local blogger, fashionista, amateur chef and aspiring TV host. Look for Amanda every other week, as she serves up recipes (especially desserts), outfit suggestions, do-it-yourself home and fashion projects and the trials and travails of a wannabe television host and personality.

»READ MORE

Here’s the latest from DLT‘s latest contributor, Amanda Szot. Pronounced just like “hot,” she’s our favorite local blogger, fashionista, amateur chef and aspiring TV host. Look for Amanda every other Thursday, as she serves up recipes (especially desserts), outfit suggestions, do-it-yourself home and fashion projects and the trials and travails of a wannabe television host and personality.

Need the perfect last minute Holiday gift for that shoe-a-holic or jewelry addict in your life? Why not buy them credits or gift cards to the latest craze that’s sweeping the fashion nation: ‘of the month clubs’. Trust me, these aren’t your good old-fashioned jelly of the month clubs. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian (ShoeDazzle.com), Cristian Siriano (SendTheTrend.com), Kate Bosworth (JewelMint.com) and the fabulous ladies from WhoWhatWear (JustFab.com) bring designer-inspired shoes, purses, jewelry, scarves and more to the masses at monthly memberships that start at $29.95. »READ MORE

Here’s the latest from DLT‘s latest contributor, Amanda Szot. Pronounced just like “hot,” she’s our favorite local blogger, fashionista, amateur chef and aspiring TV host. Look for Amanda every other Thursday, as she serves up recipes (especially desserts), outfit suggestions, do-it-yourself home and fashion projects and the trials and travails of a wannabe television host and personality.

Save your hair from the boring pony or loose waves this Holliday season and choose a chic chignon. A chignon (pronounced sheen-yon ) is basically a fancy bun that is usually worn low, soft and loose, on the side or middle of the head. Step by step tips after the jump!  »READ MORE

Couldn’t make it to the 5th Annual Frances Vintage & Smeeks Candy Crafeteria event on Friday night? Join DLT contributor Amanda Szot as she chats with the lovely ladies of Seesaw Designs and some fellow crafters who nabbed some sweet swag. We came, we saw, we crafted.

Introducing DLT‘s latest contributor, Amanda Szot. Pronounced just like “hot,” she’s our favorite local blogger, fashionista, amateur chef and aspiring TV host. Look for Amanda every other Thursday, as she serves up recipes (especially desserts), outfit suggestions, do-it-yourself home and fashion projects and the trials and travails of a wannabe television host and personality.

Whether you’re with family, friends or in-laws this Thanksgiving, you want to be dressed appropriately. Let’s face it, the only thing you want to worry about is stuffing your face, hanging out with family and wearing comfortable clothes with forgiving elastic waistlines. I just want to make sure that your version of relaxed isn’t a t-shirt and stirrup pants (ew). Okay, onto the fashion! I’ve put together two appropriate Turkey Day outfits; one classic and the other a little more rock and roll, but both will make you presentable and fashionable all while staying comfy. And if you haven’t noticed, both options include a major shine factor – sequins! Outfits and drool worthy pics after the jump! »READ MORE

Didn’t make it to this weekend’s DLT-hosted INDULJ Champagne brunch at Caffe Boa? Well fortunately, our gal-about-town, Amanda Szot, was there and put together this video wrap-up. Please do enjoy!

Introducing DLT‘s latest contributor, Amanda Szot. Pronounced just like “hot,” she’s our favorite local blogger, fashionista, amateur chef and aspiring TV host. Look for Amanda every other Thursday, as she serves up recipes (especially desserts), outfit suggestions, do-it-yourself home and fashion projects and the trials and travails of a wannabe television host and personality.

On my recent and very fashionable trip to Scottsdale Fashion Week (view the video here), I was in embellishment heaven. Tory Burch, Betsey Johnson, Ted Baker, even various designers from massive retailer Neiman Marcus dazzled the runway with feathers, shimmer and sequins. There were tons of drool worthy pieces but one of my most favorite pieces spotted on the runway, well at least the most DIY-able, was a sequin trimmed cardigan from Tory Burch. Not having the luxury to blow $325 on a cardigan with a bit of sparkle on it, I put on my DIY-cap and made my way to JoAnn’s. I used an old boyfriend cardigan I picked up at Old Navy for $20.

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Didn’t make it to Scottsdale Fashion Week? Check out this video wrap up, whipped up by our newest contributor, Amanda Szot, as well as DLT‘s own, Carlyn Mumm, as they take you backstage to meet the fasionistas behind this annual runway show and style showcase. And be sure to keep an eye out for an awesomely bow-tied, Dan Mitchell, aka the editor of 944 Phoenix. 

Introducing DLT‘s latest contributor, Amanda Szot. Pronounced just like “hot,” she’s our favorite local blogger, fashionista, amateur chef and aspiring TV host. Look for Amanda every other Thursday, as she serves up recipes (especially desserts), outfit suggestions, do-it-yourself home and fashion projects and the trials and travails of a wannabe television host and personality.

Bacon lovers rejoice for I have found a little piece of heaven masked as a pumpkin caramel bacon dessert bar. It’s true; I actually slaved away for a good two hours and created the most perfect dessert bars with sprinkles of crisp bacon pieces on top.

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Read along with our fav local blogger, aspiring TV host and former stand-up comedienne, Amanda Szot.

Ask anyone who’s tried it, running a daily blog is hard work. Sure, it’s easy to slap up a few posts and pics and call it a blog. However, few people have the combination of tech savvy, witty writing skills and, most important, dedication to keep posting day after day. (And frankly, if we read another blog breaking down what someone had for breakfast, we’re going to lose our lunch.)

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