With gratitude, I just filed my tax returns – I just sent my love to the IRS with gratitude and thanks that I am able to do so.

Just as I sent the IRS some love, I received some cash-love from reselling a number of pretty little numbers I wasn’t loving anymore at Poor Little Rich Girl Resale.

That’s the way love works, right? Give and receive. Receive and give. Both ways are equally valuable and purposeful.

If you need help giving your pretty little numbers to Poor Little Rich Girl so you can receive a little cash-love (especially after giving to the IRS!), please email me at kira@fashionphoenix.com for rates and schedule.

First and foremost, shopping requires a positive attitude, time, and patience. Rushing out at the last minute to buy something in a hurry is almost always a recipe for disaster.  Another common shopping pitfall is expecting that you will find what you are looking for right away.  Mindfulness is as essential to shopping as it is to any of life’s tasks. By slowing down, removing expectations and staying in the moment, you will be more likely to complete your shopping without the stress and fatigue often associated with this process.  Hopefully, you will enjoy yourself as well!

If you’re looking for a mindful shopping partner, email us at kira@fashionphoenix.com. Fashion Affirmations are by Corey Urbina of Washington D.C. at fashionforstylematters.com.

Do you wear baggy clothes that conceal your figure or are you pouring yourself into clothes that used to fit when you were thinner? Stop! Wearing clothing that is either too large or small makes you look heavier than you are. Before you leave the house each day this week, look at yourself in the mirror (preferably full length), and pay attention to how your clothes fit on your frame. If you come to the conclusion that your clothes are ill fitting, then it’s time to do some shopping! Practicing this week’s fashion affirmation will help reinforce your decision to dress for your shape.

More than anything, Fashion Phoenix stresses Fit, Fit, Fit!

By Corey Urbina of Washington, D.C., www.fashionforstylematters.com.

Ladies, our “personables” have become a bit more personal thanks to the Bra Fit Stylists at Intimacy Scottsdale Fashion Square’s new luxury lingerie store.  I must admit, when the topic of lingerie and undergarments creeps into conversation, rather than blush or dream of French lace and silk, I cringe and shoo away thoughts of sagging bra straps and stretched-out satin. Sadly, I am one of the 85% of women who violate more than one of Intimacy’s “Code ‘36-24-36’”: bouncy and saggy bosoms caused by an unsupportive bra, unsightly backfat forming as the bra rides up, appearance of double boobs caused by the breast overflowing cup or falls beneath underwire. If you too are experiencing any of these unflattering undergarment violations, it’s time for an intimates intervention at Intimacy.

Susan Nethero, The Bra Whisperer and creator of Intimacy, was recently at the new Scottsdale boutique educating Fashion Phoenix on the importance of properly fitting bras and panties, proper care for lingerie and introducing the women of the Valley to new, high-end luxury and international lingerie brands including Le Mystere, Chantelle, Aubade, Simon Perele and so many more. Susan was trained under the Queen of England’s royal bra fitter and has hoisted, squeezed and adjusted over 100,000 pairs of breasts.

My experience was amazing. I’ve been wearing the wrong size bra for…well…ever. And, the instant transformation and gratification for going up a cup size (YES!), and wearing a snug-fitting, black lace bra that is both classic and sexy and properly enhances my bosom is both cheaper than plastic surgery and well worth the embarrassment of wearing the worst, most horribly tattered bra I own to meet the American Queen of the Brassiere.

Another sad bra found in my dresser

By no exaggeration, I wore the most heinous undergarment I had to meet Susan, knowing full well that I was going to have to disrobe in front of her. Furthermore, on the outside I looked okay – nice watch, nice sunglasses, clean and trendy clothes. But underneath, closest to my body and for only me to see, experience or enjoy, my personables were unmentionable, and in all honesty, unacceptable. I didn’t want Susan to see me, the messy me, underneath the trendy exterior and I secretly hoped that if I had something so ridiculously awful on she would promptly kick me out of her store, deeming me undeserving of something so fabulous. She didn’t blink. Instead, she gave me a much needed hug, a warm smile, a quick pep talk and brought 10 beautiful bras to pep me up.

Our personable are just that: personal as well as foundational for the outfit. And as someone who believes that the outside should reflect and enhance the fabulousness of what’s inside one’s heart, wearing a tattered, saggy bra just doesn’t fit and I promptly threw mine in the trash at Intimacy.

So ladies, turn that frown upside down. A pretty, fitted bra for YOU is a great place to start.  If you want someone to go along with you, contact us. I’ll be your friend, your pseudo-Susan, to give you a hug and a smile and remind you that you deserve something gorgeous and fabulous, just like you!

Lots of love today. xoxo

Is wearing a name brand sooooo important that we must succumb to long lines, rude shoppers with baskets full of handbags and shoes I’m doubtful that they actually NEED and shoes that looked as if someone returned them moments after running the “P.F. Chang’s Rock-n-Roll Marathon”? Just entering the gawd-awful place, trudging down the basement is like a stairwell to hell.

I love savings. I hate paying full price, just as the next shopper. But I love my sanity more.

Do you think you’ll ever see me at Last Chance again? No way… FAT CHANCE.

Inspired by rock n’ roll and old Hollywood glam, Danielle and Jodie Snyder design eclectic statement pieces for DANNIJO Jewelry. All jewelry is hand-made in New York and has been featured in ELLE and WWD. Many celebrities including Natalie Portman, Blake Lively, Beyonce Knowles, Milla Jovovich and Katy Perry wear DANNIJO.

(Lakshmi Cuff with Sword Closure ~ $231)

(Baila Ring ~ $79.50)

Danielle had this to say about DANNIJO: “Our personalities are different but complementary, which makes for great synergy. I’m much more bohemian and rock-n-roll inspired. I’ve always loved Native American Indian and tribal aesthetics, whereas Jodie finds more inspiration in Old Hollywood glam, films and music of past generations, This contrast has given us a very open-minded point of view that is translated in our range of designs.” You can find DANNIJO jewelry online at their official website, Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel and Net-a-Porter.

(Zarina silver plated Swarovski crystal necklace ~ $545)

Last November I wrote about Josie Maran Cosmetics and my adoration for the Argan Lip Gloss. Recently, Josie Maran Cosmetics added a few new products to her brand. My new favorite product is the Argan Color Stick in Rosey, for cheeks and lips. This stick is infused with Argan oil, which is an incredibly rich source of vitamin E and essential fatty acids.

Another favorite product of mine is the Limited Edition Argan Eyeshadow Quad. The natural colors are Argan infused, easy to blend and long lasting. All products are made with natural and organic ingredients. You can learn more about Josie Maran Cosmetics by going to the official website. Don’t forget to check out Josie’s blog as well!

STOP VERBAL ABUSE.

From author of “The Verbally Abusive Relationship”, Patrica Evans…

Verbal abuse creates emotional pain and mental anguish. It is a lie told to you or about you by your abuser. Generally, verbal abuse defines people telling them what they are, what they think, their motives, and so forth. The best way to deal with a verbally abusive relationship, whether you are the target of verbal abuse or the perpetrator, is to find out everything you can about verbally abusive relationships and their dynamics. Usually one person is blaming, accusing, even name calling, and the other is defending and explaining.

There is a lot of information at verbalabuse.com. Please don’t miss the links both at the left side-bar and near the bottom of this page. As you find out about verbal abuse, you can find out what is wrong with people who are verbally abusive, and what you might do about it.
A phone consultation pulls it all together in just 1 hour. Please call 925 934 5972 for details.

Most people targeted by verbal abuse explain why what they’ve just heard is not true or not okay. They explain themselves because they believe the perpetrator is rational and can hear them and the relationship will then get better. Then they usually hear more verbal abuse, for instance, “You’re too sensitive.” At that point they don’t usually realize that they have just been defined, and, therefore, verbally abused again.

Since the target of verbal abuse is often blamed, ignored, or yelled at, s/he may have difficulty recognizing just what is going on in the relationship.

I hope that if you suspect verbal abuse in your relationship, that you will read all four of my books. Each is a quarter of the picture.

Verbal Abuse ranges from insidious manipulation and confusion to direct outbursts of anger. Please, please, please!! If you are in unhappy in a relationship, counselors and therapy isn’t working, and you can’t seem to communicate with rationally your partner, I URGE you to read The Verbally Abusive Relationship as part of your discovery/healing process.