Peter Harden and his pals at Lucky

Today my favorite mall, Scottsdale Fashion Square, is all a buzz with the opening of Barneys, the East Wing and Simon Doonan’s visit. Though I’m excited about the fashionable hoopla and can’t wait to shop the new stores this morning, I’m also excited to pay a visit to “The Mayor “of Scottsdale Fashion Square, the fabulous Peter Harden.

Have you met Peter? If you’re a celebrity, like Britney Spears or Diana Krall, chances are you have.  If you’re like me and had no idea that big celebrities come here almost weekly, let alone shop here, you’ve been missing a very special experience to know and shop with Peter.

Peter and the hardworking valet men

Peter’s job is simple – to make sure shoppers at Scottsdale Fashion Square get the red carpet treatment, whether you’re Britney or not. I had the pleasure of accompanying Peter on a mock-shopping spree.  (Surprisingly, I didn’t actually spend any money!) He led me through the mall, introduced me to the store managers, let me shop, lovingly gave me opinions when I asked about a certain shoe or necklace and kept me laughing the entire time. No he doesn’t carry bags or push strollers, but I had a phenomenal time shopping, meeting people and having an honest male opinion for once!

Peter describes his job as his “calling.” He started in retail at J. Riggins many years ago, after moving here and working at MCA/Motown Records.  After J. Riggins, Peter moved into mall security and was let go after a short while for being “too friendly.” But after 2 days without Peter, Fashion Square called him back in to work in this special VIP position created just for him.

Ask anyone at Westcor and they will tell you, Peter can’t be duplicated. Or take it from me, he can’t.  This darling, charming man describes Fashion Square as his “indoor neighborhood” and he gets to chat with his friends, make new ones, make people feel special and shop all day long.

So I had to ask the man who spends more time at the mall than I do, what are some of his favorite stores? Though he shops each and every store and tailors his VIP tours to the tastes of the client, he does have an affinity for Anthropology, Optical Shop of Aspen, LaCoste, Lucky Brand Denim and Jimmy Choo – to name a few! But of course, anything trendy and fabulous that he sees in Vogue or GQ he could probably find for you at Scottsdale Fashion Square.

Peter and Me

If you’re headed to the Grand Opening party today, please make sure to introduce yourself to Peter if he’s not swarmed by friends, celebrities, VIP’s and me! And if you would like to shop with Peter, call the mall at 480-945-5495.

0 comments permalink |  6:07 AM |  10.15.2009 | 

Hilarious blog by my dear friend Shannon and her adventures as a local single, shoe-loving woman!

Just Me…and My Shoes. Tell your shoe-loving single friends too!

0 comments permalink |  7:58 PM |  10.13.2009 | 

The moment we’ve all been waiting for, dreaming about is nearly here! The opening of the new “East Wing” of Scottsdale Fashion Square. The new addition to my favorite mall includes Barneys New York, Forever 21, a HUGE Banana Republic, True Religion Store, Modern Steak and more! I’m super duper excited.

The fabulous ladies at Westcor invited me recently to tour the new wing.  Here’s a few pictures from my tour. Cannot wait until Thursday! Will you be at the Barneys or Banana Republic opening? What’s the first thing you plan on buying at Barneys? If you eat at Modern Steak, make sure to check out the interiors! The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous with the sparkly back walls, white lattice on the ceiling and the sexy, hot pink bathroom. I wish my house looked as fabulous!

The interior of Modern Steak

I’m really excited about this new section of the mall. It’s palatial, shiny, new and welcoming! Happy shopping! Keep checking for more fabulous events surrounding the opening this week!

0 comments permalink |  8:31 PM |  10.12.2009 | 

So, I think I’ve finally recovered from this past “Fashion Week Weekend.” (it’s only Wednesday, right!) And want to share my weekend highlights…

I’m not going to review the runway of Phoenix Fashion Week for a couple of reasons. The first, many people reviewed and took great pictures of the show. Azcentral.com posted a review of each day.  Click here to catch up on the opinions of Day 3 by Ginger Murphy. I agree with all reviews for the most part. And love the azcentral.com runway pictures. But I’m still wondering what LOCAL designer won the “Emerging Designer” competition?!

The second reason, and most important reason, I sadly didn’t have a media seat up close from which to watch   I know, boo hoo! I did sit front and center for 5 whole minutes as a seat filler BEFORE BEING ASKED TO MOVE DURING THE SHOW!! Ouch! But rather than let that little mishap “rain” on my fashion parade, I marched over to Scottsdale Fashion Week’s “Designer of the Year” Competition at SMoCA!

Angela Johnson Design dress

What a great time! My favorite part of the evening, wearing an amazing dress by local design hero Angela Johnson and being asked at least 10 times, “Is that an Angela Johnson dress?” And if that wasn’t cool enough, my dear friend Angela was at the show as the emcee and we took a picture together! Me and Angela Johnson in my Angela Johnson Design! So fun!

Photo by Ryan Walsh - Me, Angela Johnson & Corbin Chamberlin

If you missed the show, there’s still time for you to participate in choosing the SFW “Designer of the Year” by voting online with azcentral.com. Click YOU CHOOSE.

And if you are looking for a one-of-a-kind dress, expertly crafted by a local fashion designer for that special event or fabulous evening, click Angela Johnson. In fact, she’ll be showing at Scottsdale Fashion Week. Wouldn’t it be fun to wear an Angela Johnson to the Angela Johnson show? I think we ALL should!

0 comments permalink |  7:19 AM |  10.7.2009 |