Spend Thrift

Inquiring Mind: Hey! Where'd ya get that outfit?

Me: Oh, this? It's vintage.

Inquiring Mind = jealous

Me = uber cool

There's no better way to cause a sartorial shake-up than by browsing your local thrift store. Also called consignment or resale stores, these 'boutiques' stock their shelves with never worn or gently used clothing and accessories.

If you've got champagne taste on a beer budget- this one's for you. Nifty fashion at a thrifty price (yes... I said nifty)

CENTRAL Ave Consignment offers chic, classy clothing at an incredible price. The look for less starts here.

Best Buys: skinny leather belts, shift dresses and chain strap purses

Look for less: Chanel inspired tweed shift is a summer option for the office.

Poor Little Rich Girl the upscale, resale boutique makes it easy to economize. Visit them in either their Arcadia or Uptown location.

*CR Insider* Have a specific designer in mind? Text labeljunkie to 69302 to receive updates on your favorite labels the minute they go on sale!

The perfect preppy shirtdress for surviving the sultry summer heat

Mint condition! These striped shoes are a steal!

Happy Shopping!

xx

Trippin'

All I can think about lately is getting the -bleeeeeeep- out of town. I miss the ocean and need to revitalize my senses, so instead of waves, I give you a list of oceanside awesomeness from east to west.

1. Topsail Island, N.C.

Topsail Island

Stargazer

Bring on the bias- this is where I grew up. Before the jealousy begins, remember that I am now land-locked in a desert, far, far away. This funky beach town offers locals and visitors miles of pristine sand, gnarly waves and the best sweet tea 'n seafood in the south.

Stay: Stargazer Eat: Daddy Mac's, Mainsail, NY Deli and Crabby Mike's Shop: Spinnaker surf shop

2. Folly Beach/Sullivan's Island, S.C.

Poe's Tavern in Sullivan's Island

Taco Boy in Folly Beach

Across the bridge from my alma mater and the heart of downtown Charleston, S.C., these beaches provide college students, professionals and tourists the chance to escape the heat and humidity. Bring chairs, a cooler full of your drink du jour and a bocce set for some fun in the sun.

Eat: Taco Boy at Folly Beach and Poe's Tavern at Sullivan's Island

3. The Hamptons

My first summer in NYC led to some sweaty city situations, but as all Manhattanites know- a reprieve from the cement playground sits only miles away. Finding a summer share is both difficult and expensive, so save for 1 great weekend, do it right and then get back to life as you know it.

Stay: The Capri Eat: 75 Main Play: Madame Tong's

4. Hermosa/ Manhattan Beach, CA

Volleyball at Manhattan Beach

Hermosa Beach

Sangria

Bump, set, score! This west coast destination attracts serious volleyballers but if you're athletic prowess is more badminton bad ass than queen of the court- stick to beach cruisers and a local watering hole.

Eat/Drink: Sangria

Shhh! Can You Keep a Secret?

Good, because I've got a tasty bit of info from last night's secret supper club and I just have to tell someone.

Chef Eric put on a spread for me and my fellow diners. None of that bite sized business here. We were served large portions of perfectly cooked courses that satisfied both my curiosity and my appetite.

Chef Eric and diners

Chef Eric explaining his menu

fascinating dinner guests

my fabulous date

BYOB: MacMurray Pinot Noir. Selected for the simple fact that Pinot and pigs usually pair well...

Course #1: Chef's Amuse- blue cheese, basil, citrus explosion

Course #2 Crabcake with orange aioli, roasted red peppers, marcona almonds, orange-sherry reduction. My absolute favorite of the evening. Deeeeeelish!

Course #3 Seared pork loin with grapefruit gastrique, corn and radish summer salad in a jalapeno-cilantro dressing. Unfortunately, this is the reason my Kosher friend had to decline my invite...

Course #4 Lemon zested sticky toffee pudding. Hello sugar high! A couple bites and stick a fork in me- I'm done.

This is the last dinner of the summer, but visit mftasty and add yourself to their mailing list for future secret supper club updates.

Also- if you have a large home that would be interested in hosting one of these dinners, please contact Chef Eric at the aforementioned website.

Ciao!

Coffee Talk

Sundays, for me, are filled with tradition. Maybe it's my Southern roots talking but I find comfort in the laziness of a summer Sunday.

One such tradition is coffee talk with my dad. Here are my faves for when the man himself comes to town.

Hava Java offers their dependably delicious coffee and made-to-order teas in a small, but cozy environment to a diverse crowd. Whether you're studying for finals, catching up with friends, or simply blogging on it's merits.... this is the place to be.

Lola Coffee Bar a minimalist approach to your average coffee joint. Decidedly euro, but above all else- satisfying. These brewmasters take their caffeine seriously, so be prepared for greatness. Make sure to sample something yummy from the pastry case. Lola's has an in-house bakery that bakes up treats to tempt your inner fat kid.

Luci's Healthy Marketplace As a child, I spent many an afternoon grinding my own peanut butter with dreadlocked hippies at a local natural foods co-op where my mother worked. Luci's embodies that same feeling of comfort and convenience. The full-service food and drink bar sits adjacent to aisles of health food, with tables for working and mingling at the forefront.

First Friday

meditation

street food

gowns made of recyclable material

Time to take a walk on the wild side.

Downtown Phoenix comes alive on the first Friday of each month to a spectacle of artists and performers from all walks of life.

Tonight, break dancing club kids, crafty creations and culinary delights fill the streets from 6-10pm. Go alone or with friends, arrive early or late- make it your own, but don't forget your camera.

Visit Artlink for more info on the free shuttle service and printable maps.

Cheap Thrills

I’ll admit it- I enjoy the finer things in life. My wallet? Not a fan. So in lieu of creating a profile on sugardaddy.com or the millionaire’s club, I’ve decided to search for cheaper ways to enjoy my favorite things.

Happy Hour: the budgeter’s best friend

Stingray Sushi- a personal fav because it lasts until 7pm, a whole 30 minutes longer than most happy hours in the area.

Hula's- nothing says happiness like a fruity concoction, cheap tacos and surf paraphernalia. Hang 10 or just hang out.

St. Francis- high class, but lots o sass. Excellent vino, gourmet bar snacks and an attractive staff make this a go-to spot.

Reverse Happy Hour: the workaholic’s best friend

Stay late at the office AND get your drink on, it’s a win-win. If I had known about this little gem while in NYC, I would’ve been one happy lady, but unfortunately, I first heard of the idea upon moving to AZ. Here’s a few places that got it right.

Power Hour at Morton's- the steakhouse's version of happy hour (5-6:30)and reverse happy hour(9-11). Take advantage of this amazing deal for $5 bar bites that include crab cakes and steaks.

Trader Vics- Yum. I think it’s pretty obvious that I like things with a tropical twist, but this place offers a diverse selection of food and drink for cheap during both their regular and reverse happy hour.

Zen 32- Sushi for me? Shi shi. Maybe that’s ‘Thank You’ in Chinese, but this place is so good, I get confused… be sure to snag the free food by the bar.

Links to Live By:

http://reversehappyhour.com/ Wants to know where you’re drinking tonight. If you don’t know yet…look no further.

http://phoenixonthecheap.com/ The author’s name is Kate and she knows what’s up when it comes to finding a deal in Phoenix.

http://www.groupon.com/phoenix/ deals upon deals with an extra side of... you guessed it- deals!

Workout Wednesday

Get your physical fix at Sumits Yoga. I just completed their '2 weeks for $20' introductory offer and all I have to say is... namaste.

Know Before You Go:

Beware- this studio is not for the faint of heart. It is bikram yoga, meaning that the room is heated to 95-100 degrees during your practice.

Warrior Instructors- they will reprimand you for leaving the class during their guidance of your practice, trust me, I know... So if you find yourself overwhelmed, just lie there and meditate, or at least try not to pass out.

Bring water, your own yoga mat and 2 towels: 1 to put over your yoga mat and another one for wiping down the massive amounts of sweat (and thus toxins) running down your body. I'm thinking a retro sweatband is appropriate for my next visit... Olivia Newton John had the right idea- get physcial, but first- get properly sweat banded.

Since looking the part is the first step, visit the lululemon Borgata or Biltmore location for yoga inspired apparel.

*insider tip- join the lululemon crew for yoga in the Biltmore Fashion Park on Sundays from 10:30-11:30.

Enjoy healthy treats in-store immediately following the classes, and don't worry if you forget your mat, lululemon will loan you one for the class.

For more information on Yoga in the Park, please call lululemon athletica at 602.956.1402.