Men's Gift Guide

When it comes to men, we females all become a bit flustered- It’s just the way of life. But when it comes to exchanging gifts we become more flustered than ever. What in the world do we get our dads, our brothers, our boyfriends?! Buying gifts for the men in our lives isn’t an easy task. Men aren’t easy to figure out, but then again, are they ever?

Here’s what the results have yielded as the five most wanted gifts for the gentlemen we so dearly love:

1.     Gadgets

With gadgets we’re talking about iphones, ipad, ipods (pretty much anything apple) along with any other smart gadgets. With the busy schedules men carry in their lives, these gadgets will help alleviate some of that overwhelming stress and give them more time to show us love.

2.     Sports Game Tickets

Okay, we’re talking about men now. What man on this God’s green earth would not love this gift? You can’t go wrong here. And if he’s the one percent that doesn’t watch sport, then forget about the tickets and give him a good book.

3.     New Kicks

As women are so particular with our handbags, men are the same with their footwear; whether it is with their sneakers or with their loafers. There are a few things men care about when it comes to appearance, and footwear is definitely one of them.

4.    Gift Cards

So this one isn’t going to touch their heart like a hand made card would have but gift cards never fails to disappoint. If he likes music, get him an itunes giftcard, if he’s a foodie get him a free meal at his favorite itailan joint…etc etc.. 

5.     Video Games

Lastly, men love their video games. Especially with Modern Warfare just hitting the shelves, your brother or boyfriend will love you…or dad, if he’s into that stuff.

At the end of the day though, you know your man best. Have fun with it and happy holidays!

Nathalie Anaya
Photoset courtesy of Polyvore

Phoenix Blogger Series: Indie Stitch

As what is described as a collaborative to help push local fashion forward, Indie Stitch creates an outlet for local bloggers and fashion fans to experience all that Phoenix has to offer.

While Phoenix isn’t globally known as a fashion capital, the local style scene is definitely something to consider. Without the help of internationally known magazines and style icons, Phoenix’s main fashion expression comes from its local bloggers and followers.

Indie Stitch creator Dustin Hoyman started out in the marketing field and always had a taste for fashion and a passion for art. But it wasn’t until his first run at Phoenix Fashion week nearly four years ago that he really jumped into the local fashion scene.

“I kind of tripped and fell into it,” Hoyman said. “I just fell in love with it, fell in love with the people and just really wanted to support it.”

Photo courtesy of Hoyman

Born and raised in Phoenix, Hoyman’s love of the city is what fueled him to bring awareness to all the local art. He saw the potential the valley had to really become a staple in the fashion world on a larger scale.

“I really want to bring fashion into Phoenix,” Hoyman said. “Nobody gives Phoenix any credit…we have a uniqueness to us and it’s always growing and getting better.” 

Indie Stitch came about in the last few years from Hoyman’s innate desire to bring attention to Phoenix fashion even though as Hoyman said he isn’t as into the fashion specifically as he is into the whole scene.

Thuy An Bui, a contributing blogger for Indie Stitch, said the blog is all about support for local art, whether it’s fashion trends or events and it’s the devotion of the bloggers that has made it such a well-known aspect of Phoenix fashion and style.

“Phoenix really has something but we haven’t done as much in the past to promote it on a wider scale.” Bui said. “With Indie Stitch we want people to see that we have a real fashion scene here and there’s more to Phoenix than what people expect.”       

Hoyman said he wanted to bring in contributors to his site to really expose them to the industry and bring more and more notoriety to their ideas and writing. He said Indie Stitch was and is about connections.

“Everybody wants to support each other…It’s more based on community than competition,” Hoyman said. “Most people want to help build this community and push it forward.”

Photo courtesy of Scottsdale Fashionista

Indie Stitch has proven itself to be a real outlet for the local fashion community and continues to grow and bring attention to the Phoenix style scene.

Vanja Veric

Victoria's Secret Diamond Bra: 1996 - 2011

When peeling back a woman’s clothing, what she wears beneath her Chanel dress or Rag & Bone jeans characterizes who she is when no one is looking. Stripped down, undergarments define a woman’s sacred identity. In an act of flaunting the concealed, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show features an annually-crafted, diamond-themed bra that epitomizes a woman’s beauty and opulence.

The first diamond bra was introduced in 1996, a year after the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debut, as the Million Dollar Miracle Bra.  It was worn by Claudia Schiffer and drizzled in diamonds from strap to under-wire, costing $1,000,000. Schiffer wore the bra in a photo shoot, but the bra was not presented on the runway. 

The following year, Tyra Banks wore the $3,000,000 white diamond, Diamond Dream Bra, which, although pricier than its predecessor, also did not appear on the runway.  

Maintaining the trend in price-tag raising, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show presented the Dream Angle Bra in 1998, worth $5,000,000 worn by Daniela Pestova, and the diamond-encrusted, star-studded $10,000,000 Millennium Bra adorned by Heidi Klum in 1999.

Next came the Red Hot Fantasy bra and panty set, a $15,000,000 lingerie coupling that broke the Guinness World Records book as the most expensive underwear in the world.  More than 1,300 stones including Thai rubies garnished the red satin bra, which was worn in 2000 by Gisele Bundchen in a photo shoot, and also did not grace the runway.

In her second time around, Heidi Klum broke the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show spell when she wore the $12,500,000 Heavenly Star Bra on the runway. The 2001 million-dollar bra was drenched in 1,200 Sri Lankan pink sapphires and a 90-carat, emerald-cut diamond. 

After Klum set the standard, the 2002 Star of Victoria Fantasy Bra, valued at $10,000,000 worn by Karolina Kurkova, and the 2003 Very Sexy Fantasy Bra, the third million-dollar bra donned by Klum, were shown on the runway.  The Very Sexy Fantasy Bra was worth $11,000,000 and featured the second largest diamond in the world, a 70-carat diamond.

In 2004, Tyra Banks wore her second coveted Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show bra, which cost $10,000,000 with a 70-carat pear-shaped diamond placed at the center of the bra.  After Banks debuted the Heavenly “70” Fantasy Bra, Gisele Bundchen also modeled her second million-dollar bra, the 2005 Sexy Splendor Fantasy Bra that was worth $12,500,000 in diamonds, ruby gemstones and white gold.

The onset of dramatic Victoria’s Secret wings under way, Karolina Kurkova strut down the runway at the 2006 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show wearing the Hearts on Fire Diamond Fantasy Bra and a matching set of wings. The $6,500,000 bra was comprised of more than 2,000 diamonds, complete with a 10-carat diamond-brooch centerpiece. 

In 2007, Selita Ebanks was dressed in the $4,500,000 Holiday Fantasy Set, which as she described was not as pretty as it looked.

“Yeah, diamonds hurt,” she said in an interview with huffingtonpost.com.  “I don’t know about wearing diamonds on your crotch.”

The set included the bra, thong and garter, which were embellished with diamonds, rubies, emeralds and yellow sapphires.

“It’s like you’re walking and scraping,” she said.  “This is not cohesive to get a man.  No man wants a scratchy vagina.”

Adriana Lima came next in 2008 after the holiday vixen, wearing the Black Diamond Fantasy Miracle Bra.  The black-diamond bra, worth $5,000,000, was designed by celebrity jeweler Martin Katz who jeweled the bra with 3,575 black diamonds, 117 one-carat round diamonds and 34 rubies.

Also dripping in diamonds was the 2009 Harlequin Fantasy Bra that was worn by Marissa Miller and had 2,300 diamonds with a 16-carat, heart-shaped diamond pendant as the focal point.

The Bombshell Fantasy Bra, modeled in the 2010 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show by Adriana Lima, was next in line for the million-dollar bra title. Six Diani craftsmen spent more than 1500 hours to complete the $2,000,000 bra comprised of more than 3,000 white diamonds, light blue sapphires and oval-shaped topazes, which were all set in 18-karat white gold.

Continuing the celebratory expression of femininity, Miranda Kerr will wear a $2,500,000 bra on the runway Nov. 29 during the television debut of the 2011 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.  The Fantasy Treasure Bra features yellow diamonds, white diamonds, citrines, aquamarines, pearls, white gold and yellow gold.  Accessorized with a touch of everything, the Fantasy Treasure Bra preserves the legacy revealing the grandeur and elegance beneath every woman’s surface.

Jessica Abercrombie
All photos courtesy of Fashionista

The aftermath of Black Friday

I’ll admit that I was a little bit crazy to volunteer to work Black Friday, but money is money right? Though trying to park to clock-in on time for my shift was a challenge and so was weaving my way through the mall between ladies’ massive Victoria’s Secret bags, parents wielding huge toy boxes from Target and everything else on sale being dragged down the walkways.

Photo Credit

I work at Justice, but that didn’t mean the clearance-searching maniacs steered clear of the store looking for better bargains, because in reality, the store was ultimate chaos.

The store looked much like any other 40% off sale or super clearance sale we ever have plus about ten times the people looking for holiday gifts, birthday gifts for next summer just because it was cheap, and parents taking their kids on shopping sprees and taking advantage of the sales.

Seeing all of the shoppers did make me jealous and the food court was just as insane and packed full of people and things. I should have contemplated going shopping instead because work was nothing short of hectic.

I remember a few years back, my mother and I had woken up at 4 a.m. to get the cheapest deal on Kitchen Aid mixers at Kohl’s. Apparently everyone else had seen the commercial on TV as well, because when we got there all they had was a huge line stretching around the entire store and sales that weren't worth waiting in line for. I don’t remember exactly, but I’m pretty positive we just went home after that.

Aside from working today and that one Kohl’s venture in the past, I haven’t really taken any intense trips to brave the Black Friday crowds unless I find something I really need or want for a great price, which is rare.

Things I have learned: Get up early because you still have a tiny chance at getting what you woke up for, be prepared to be patient and focused because everyone else wants what you want and make a list of what you’re after. I definitely lost count of how many parents walked into Justice today asking if we have any more of that one blue sweater you have to buy for all the girls in the family or if I can check back stock for the extra purses, because honestly, someone probably got to them first.

For those who were not braving the cold weather Friday morning, be sure to check out all the insane online deals today for Cyber Monday!!

Ashley Loose

Phoenix Blogger Series: Pink Slip Style

With bubblegum pink borders, colorful photos of chic ready-to-wear outfits and anecdotal entries detailing inspirational looks, it isn’t difficult for fashion fanatics to get wrapped up in Pink Slip Style, a Phoenix fashion blog.

In a city where fashion has been moved to back burner at many local publications, a haven for style news is being made on the web with the help of fashion blogging.

When the style section at the Arizona Republic folded this year, Casey Hagarty and Ginger Murphy, style section contributors, took their talent to the web and launched their blog, Pink Slip Style.

“We both had worked for the style section and we felt that now there was no fashion outlet,” Hagarty said. “For some reason, fashion is being pulled out of publications because no one is investing in luxury like they used to.”

Hagarty, whose style can be described as “eclectic and vintage inspired” said that a blog seemed like the best way to get the word out about fashion news here in Phoenix.

The blog is not only a creative outlet for the two fashion savvy women, but a business venture as well.

“With this blog we have been able to connect with a lot of businesses and now public relations,” Hagarty said. “People are sending us press releases and we are getting deals with local boutiques.”

Hagarty mentioned the freedom involved with blog writing as opposed to working for a publication.

“When working for a publication it becomes obligatory to write about the advertisers,” Hagarty said. “You can’t try out the products and experience them when you are with a publication.”

With a fan base established while working for The Arizona Republic, Hagarty and Murphy realized that they have a voice in the fashion industry here in Phoenix. Already, there have been 75 people that have subscribed to their blog since it was first launched this July.

Kira Brown, editor of the style section at Desert Living Today, a magazine that focuses on design, architecture, fashion and art, also has her own Phoenix based fashion blog, fashionphoenix.com.

Brown has worked with Hagarty and Murphy through Desert Living Today by featuring several of their reviews in the magazine.

“I love their blog,” Brown said. “You have to have variety, and in my own blog I have featured other people, it’s not just about you but also the industry.”

A blog can be used as a platform to the next step in a career, Brown said. Her own blog led her to her job now as style editor.

“You never know who will be looking and reading,” Brown said.

For those looking to start up their own fashion blog, Hagarty has a tip:

     “If you don’t have a big budget, you have to be informative,” Hagarty said. “Start off making it about other people, bargains and shops.”

Though the economy left Hagarty and Murphy out of a job, their passion for style still survives. The header on their blog reads their new mantra, “laid off an looking good.”

Newlin Tillotson 

Because I'm Addicted

 

One of my favorite bloggers is Geri Hirsch, who is also a loyal blogspot member. I ran across her blog via a tumblr follower. I love her post. They're inspirational and beautiful. The images are just stunning. I like going to various types of blogs. Some like THE CUT, NYMAGS jewel is perfect for fashion news while others like because I'm addicted are perfect go-to blogs that can refresh your wardrobe in a way you never imagined. It gives you the perspective of an LA girl in the fashion world. How could you not love her?

Check Geri Hirsh out at : 

http://becauseimaddicted.net/

Stay Classy and Fabulous darling fashionistas,

Jacqueline Valle

September Issue of Harper's BAZAAR

Last chance to check out Jennifer Aniston as Barbra Streisand on the cover of Harper's Bazaar! Like you have never seen Jen before: America's original funny girl. Check out Harpersbazaar.com or grab the issue on the newsstand to see more pictures!!

This Septemeber issue also includes a spread on Rachel Zoe: "I Die." The stylist is photographed being "killed" by America's top designers. Like the one above of Marc Jacobs electrocuting Rachel.

XOXO

Dani

Fashion Designer of the day: Tom Ford

Story by: Eric Lomahaptewa

Tom Ford was born in the State of Texas but had lived most of his childhood in Sante Fe, New Mexico. While growing up Ford moved to "The Big Apple" to attend New York University and enrolled in classes that had pertained to art history. Later, he altered his studies towards architecture and later enrolled in Parson's School of Design in New York City and Paris.

As the years continued to progress, so did Ford along with his job offer with Gucci in Milan, France as the company's women's wear designer. Not too long after, Ford stepped up further with his career by becoming Designer Director. Shortly after that, Ford was positioned as Creative Director for Gucci. His job entitled responsibility for all aspects of the company such as designing all the new lines of clothing, perfume, as well as the advertising of the company and the company's building design.

The following years at Gucci were nothing but success for Ford. He has been labeled one of the most successful men in the fashion industry. Gucci then opened another line of clothing, Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), which was established under the guidance of Ford's consistent success with Gucci. Ford then had the duty of working with the design team of YSL and helping them with defining a signature image of the company.

Ford finally removed himself from the Gucci to establish his own company, TOM FORD company which continues to thrive with his launch of his signature fragrance, the TOM FORD FOR MEN in 2007and partnership with Marcolin Group for optical frames/sunglasses, which have been helpful for his stability for his company for a fresh start. Ford then partnered with another group, Ermenegildo Zenga, for the production of men's luxurious ready to wear clothing, shoes, and accessories with the TOM FORD label.

Ford received numerous awards after his achievements. He earned awards with dedication and passion for his skills in fashion, business, and creativity. To me, Tom Ford is today's Fashion Designer of the day.

Until next time this is Eric Lomahaptewa, future well known Native American Fashion Designer.

Information about Tom Ford and clothing can be found at theOfficial Tom Ford homepage:
http://www. tomford. com/