Spring is nearly in fling and pretty pastels and whites make for lovely Spring evening wear. Of course, adding a touch of shine gives a pale dress a little something extra special for a big date, a fancy charity event or even an at home Oscar Party. The Louis Vuitton version may be a bit too much when prancing around your house, watching your favorite stars on the red carpet with your besties on Sunday, February 26th. However, I think this Ted Baker “Hasse” Sequin Panel dress at just $275 is the perfect everyday runway option for a little bit of lovely this Spring 2012.

As mentioned in our trend report this morning, the 90s are officially back. That’s right. Pop in your copy of Clueless for a refresher on Cher and Dionne’s ensemble fashions. Or add just an on trend touch of 90s to a little black dress or a pair of cut off shorts with these $14 floral leggings from Urban Outfitters. Cynthia Rowley showcased floral covered stems at her Spring 2012 runway show in New York this past fall. Now, everything’s is coming up roses in lesser-priced trend stores.

Check your calendar and take a big whiff because the 90s are back and that, my friend, is the smell of teen spirit wafting under your nose. Time to bust out your plaid, rough up your jeans and walk those Doc Martins right out of the closet and onto the catwalk that we call everyday life. Doth thou protest? Do you feel you’ve had your days in so-ugly-they’re-cute floral patterns? Do you feel this revival was just revived? Apparently the trend gods didn’t get the memo, but we aren’t complaining. Bring on the Marc Jacobs circa-1992 and mix some of your favorite 90s looks with the pretty, chiffon-y looks of this year for a fresher take. Check out our favorite grunge-inspired looks in the gallery after the jump.  »READ MORE

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

Design lovers like us, register now for the “Designing Head to Toe and Back Home” lecture presented by Fashion Group International of Arizona, tomorrow November 17 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Want to learn about color and how your dress influences your home’s interior design and vice versa? With live models and showrooms, Sue Aronson, principal designer & owner of Artful Concepts in Design, and Celine Hacche, stylist with the Arizona Republic, will demo how a woman’s wardrobe translates into the outfitting of her home at Century Showroom in Scottsdale for an interactive evening of design and education. Also up for discussion, the psychology of color and what a woman’s style says about her personality. We are super excited for this event!

Purchase tickets starting at $20 for members and $30 for non-members, $10 for students online by clicking here.   

Century Showroom | 7350 N. Dobson Road #154 | Scottsdale, AZ 85256 | (480) 362-1832

Each week, find a luxe look for less with the “laid off and looking good” ladies of Pink Slip Style, making it a must to bring the runway to your everyday.

A lady-like leopard blouse is not just a must for fall, but is a piece that is chic all year round. Whether tucked into a black pencil skirt or mixed with masculine jeans, it’s a versatile top that adds instant glamour.

Each week, find a luxe look for less with the “laid off and looking good ladies” of Pink Slip Style, making it a must to bring the runway to your everyday.

The Diane von Furstenberg fall collection was filled with polka dots, geometric patterns and our favorite: bold colors. The freshest way to sport these sharp primary shades is by dressing in the same color family and layering with various shades. This type of tonal dressing keeps your look current and is a styling trick that can be applied to various outfits all year long. If you can’t afford the head-to-toe runway ensemble, you can achieve a similar look by pairing this v-neck cardigan, $26.94 at Old Navy (buy bigger so it fits loose like a boyfriend cardigan) with this extra-fine sweater and palazzo trousers, each $59.90 at Zara.com. DVF Image via Style.com

Since we’re constantly being bombarded with new beauty products, it’s hard to choose the right skincare regimens without a little skepticism. Fashion Group International of Arizona is hosting an expert panel, Healthy Beauty on June 16th at the Montelucia Resort & Spa to share the latest innovations in skin care and discuss the relationship between beauty products and health. In the hot seats will be Christine Sandoval of Saks Fifth Avenue, Liz Bishop of Lily.B Skincare, Dr. Julia Files of the Mayo Clinic and aesthetician Helena Newell from  Silver Leaf Golf Club & Spa. RSVP here to enjoy an hour of networking beginning at 6pm (wine and appetizers will be served..woo!) before the panel discussion at 7pm.

Montelucia Resort & Spa
4949 E. Lincoln Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85253

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

Incredibly intricate yet still whimsical, we’re big fans of Mystic Pieces, the new jewelry line created local artist, Shelly Brooks. Plus, they make the perfect gift for that steampunk aficionado in your life. (What’s a steampunk? Read on)

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LADIES: Tired of unfashionably lugging around that Glock 45 on your hip? Or worse, not having it by your side while strolling through dangerous neighborhoods like Scottsdale Fashion Square? (Dangerous to your credit cards, that is. Hey-o!)

Well, have we got a solution for you. Don’t be fooled, this stylish tote pictured at left is no ordinary handbag. No, it’s a gotta-have-it, super-secret gun holster! And better yet, it’s designed right here in the Valley and comes in a variety of coordinating colors, shapes and styles, too! Only in Arizona, right? Check out more gun slingin’ fashions and where to snag one of these gems after the jump.

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We have bad news for all you gentlemen out there (and the women who love dress them). Your pants are lying to you. You know how you’ve been magically squeezing into size 36 pants since high school, even though you’ve packed on more than a few pounds over the years? Well, the truth is clothing manufacturers have been secretly adding a few extra inches to their waistlines for decades. It’s called Vanity Sizing, and you can read all about it in this Esquire expose that shows how a pair of size 36 Gap pants are really 39-inches around, while the same sized Old Navy slacks are actually a beer-belly-hiding 41 inches.

So what can you do about it? (You know, besides exercise and eat healthier?) Well, you can start buying clothes that are actually cut to fit you and flatter your unique body shape. Enter Button Co. of Scottsdale, a bespoke clothing company specializing in custom (and surprisingly affordable) suits and casual wear.

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Style starts at the top, so refresh the look of your locks with this handy guide to late Spring/early Summer’s hottest hair

Extreme side parts, ultra volume and messy waves, these are the trends that really turned heads at the Spring 2011 runway shows held in NYC last fall. (Yes, the truly fashion forward know what you’ll be wearing in Spring as early as last summer.) That said, just because something looks great on a professional model, doesn’t mean it will automatically translate to your own noggin. So we called up Salon JO-ELs head hair guru Joel Porter, who whipped up several tricks and tips to help you stay ahead of the curl curve this season. Even better, Porter’s offered up a special spring deal just for you and your tresses.

Click here to learn more about Salon JO-EL. »READ MORE

As chosen by you, here are the most popular stories OF ALL TIME (aka last week). Just in case you missed it

All weekend long Gap clothing is pulling back the curtain on its newest locations (including Gap, GapBody, GapKids and babyGap) with a can’t-miss style extravaganza at the Scottsdale Quarter. No seriously, there will complimentary food & drink, fashion shows, live music, plus fun for the kiddies such as face painting and a rock climbing wall. Meanwhile, Gap stylists will be on-site and offering up expert advice on today’s hottest Spring and Summer fashions. Not to mention, Gap will be giving out 1,000 VIP shopping passes offering 10% off any purchase for Scottsdale Quarter locations for an entire year.

Get the full itinerary for this coming weekend after the jump:

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Historic downtown Glendale has always been a charming, pedestrian-friendly respite from the Valley’s sea of cookie-cutter strip malls. However, aside from a few hepcat furnishings shops and the classic Cerreta Candy Shop, there really wasn’t much to get our fashion-loving hearts a’racing. Until, that is, a reader tipped us to the chic, carnation-colored clothing co-op that is the Pink House.

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Starting this Friday, April 15, Gap is pulling back the curtain on its newest locations (including Gap, GapBody, GapKids and babyGap) with a can’t-miss style extravaganza at the Scottsdale Quarter. No seriously, all weekend long there will complimentary food & drink, fashion shows, live music, plus fun for the kiddies such as face painting and a rock climbing wall. Meanwhile, Gap stylists will be on-site and offering up expert advice on today’s hottest Spring and Summer fashions. Not to mention, Gap will be giving out 1,000 VIP shopping passes offering 10% off any purchase for Scottsdale Quarter locations for an entire year.

Which is great and all. But dang it, you’re a DLT reader. And you won’t settle for any ol’ giveaway. Which is why we’ve locked up an exclusive prize package just for you.

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So we’re all for going green, especially on St. Paddy’s Day, but this is ridiculous. Meet Dave Rittinger, an artist, blossoming fashion designer and amateur model, who’s designed an entire line out of leaves. Not faux leaves, or leaf-printed fabric. But leaves, like the kind you’d pick up in your yard. You know, if we didn’t live in a desert.

Hey Dave, the Jolly Green Giant called, he wants his tunic back.

[Fashionista]

Sophisticated suits and snazzy sneakers, what more could a stylish man want? Watch as Scottsdale’s own High Point Shoes and Button Co. Suits (a cool bespoke clothing company) strut their latest down the catwalk at the W Scottsdale tonight for the Ultimat Experience.

And, as if the word “fashion show” isn’t enough to get men across the Valley to jump in their cars and screech over to a trendy cocktail party, these local companies will also be giving away prizes to one lucky sneaker and suit enthusiast in the form of a made-to-measure Button Co. Suit and a $500 High Point Shoes shopping spree.

Check out a gallery of the goods after the jump. »READ MORE

As we say goodbye to winter weather, whose closet doesn’t need a little Spring cleaning? However, in these economic, blah, blah, blah … Couture fashion, off-the-rack prices, need we say more?

The first rule of upscale resale seems to be having a catchy name, which is probably why you never heard of Fournier’s Petite Armoire. Quickly renamed Poor Little Rich Girl, this small shop in North central Phoenix and now Arcadia has built a loyal following by bringing consignment shopping out of the Stone Age.

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OK, we get it, the whole 70s retro look is “in.” And while we’d be lying if we said we weren’t on the hunt for the perfect floppy felt hat for months now, or that we weren’t watching watching re-runs of the original Charlie’s Angels for Farrah, Kate and Jaclyn inspiration, we are here to propose something new and fresh for your wardrobe consideration. In short, we’re smitten Scottsdale’s latest import, Ted Baker London and its Spring/Summer 2011 Lookbook.

Sure, there are still jumpsuits to satisfy the trendoids among us, but think more Bilson, Bosworth, Chung and less Fawcett, Jagger, Ladd. Check out the gallery of our favorite looks courtesy of Uncle Ted after the jump. »READ MORE

Regularly featured in magazines such as Vogue, Town&Country and Harper’s Bazaar, Ann Bonfoey Taylor was the It girl of the ski-chic generation. Even cooler, her amazing drool-worthy wardrobe filled with custom gowns and couture pieces from iconic designers like Givenchy, Charles James and Balenciaga has been donated to the Phoenix Art Museum, where it will go on display starting this Sunday, February 27. See a full gallery of Mrs. Taylor’s most alluring, fashion-forward pieces after the jump.

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Normally, we’d be too embarrassed to admit that among many other magazine blogs on the internet, we also frequently stalk Teen Vogue. But there’s something whimsical, charming and downright adorable about this DIY bow-tie necklace they featured from designer Timo Weiland. For this reason, we are going to share with you the details on how to create your own and rock this nouveau-nerd style as soon as humanly possible. Get the step-by-step instructions from Teen Vogue‘s website after the jump.  »READ MORE

Do you know this man? If you have no idea, feel free to disregard this post. But if your answer was, “duh”, then we may have a great opportunity for you to channel that inexplicable love of the fashion industry while socializing with those who feel the exact. same. way.

The AZ chapter of Fashion Group International is hosting a membership drive this Thursday (6-8 pm) at the Local Talent boutique on Fifth Ave (Scottsdale, not Manhattan). RSVP for a night of wine, appetizers and your kind of people here and check out FGI’s website to get all of the details on this non profit organization. Karl not included.

Strut Bridal Salon is a stylish new boutique in central Phoenix featuring a wide variety of designer gowns, including styles from Eden Bridal, Allure and Justin Alexander. Even better, unlike the stereotypical Scottsdale boutique, Strut specializes in dresses sized 12 and up.

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Meet Robert Black, the most fashionable man you’ve (probably) never heard of. Currently the owner of the vintage fashion trove, Fashion by Robert Black, Black is better known as the founder of one of the Valley’s premier modeling firms. Named the Ford Robert Black Agency, it was formed 15 years ago after Black partnered with the iconic NY-based talent agency, Ford Models. Recently, we spoke with this couture clothier about life in the fab lane, including his involvement with the last Fall’s Valley Vintage Fashion Show. Check out the full Q&A and savor more photos of Black’s fav fashions after the jump.

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