Cara Nicole (a.k.a. AZ Powergirl) and Her Superheroine Cosplay

If you’ve attended Phoenix Comicon at any point over the past couple years, it’s likely you’ve seen Cara Nicole dressed in costume in the Exhibitor Hall, probably as her best-known alter ego AZ Powergirl. Frankly, she’s pretty hard to miss, even among the crowds of countless cosplayers that regularly attend…

Ashley Cooper’s Modern Brush Strokes iPhone Case

Gem features one standout piece from a local shop. Whether it’s a jacket, necklace, or handbag, it’s on our have-to-have list. What: If you’re of the opinion that your phone should be just as stylish as the rest of your outfit, Ashley Cooper has some celly cases you need to…

We’re Doomed: Pilotless Flights May Be the Future of Air Travel

Okay technology, we were alright when you replaced our plane tickets with mobile apps, our check-in desks with kiosks, and our in-person safety demonstrations with cartoon videos, but when you took the pilots out of the plane, we began to get concerned. An unmanned air vehicle (UAV) took its first…

Phoenix Boutique LollyPOP Vintage to Close

We have good news and bad about Seventh Avenue shop LollyPOP Vintage. First, the bad: Owner Heather Powers announced that she’ll close the Phoenix boutique Sunday, May 26. See also: Phoenix Shop Hard Goods to Close Phoenix Boutique Vintage By Misty Opens Scottsdale Location Inside Nové…

10 Self-Tanner Tips, Tricks, and Techniques

Pool parties, BBQs, and long lake days means summer is just about here — and with it come shorts and bikinis. Since we won’t be ordering an at-home lipo kit anytime soon, getting a tan is the easiest way to look a few pounds lighter, reduce cellulite, and get more…

Phoenix Shop Hard Goods to Close

Sad news for fans of Hard Goods: Owner Brandon Gore announced via Instagram that the store, which carries concrete wares, along with local art and other home accessories, will close up shop soon. “It’s been a fun ride, but the Hard Goods pop up shop is coming to an end…

Bad News, Snapchat Users, Those Nude Selfies Didn’t Disappear

As if Monday wasn’t grievance enough, Utah-based company Decipher Forensics found another reason for cell phone users to mourn. Snapchat, one of the top-selling free apps for Android and iPhone, was exposed last week for some serious security flaws — namely, the permanence of presumably long-lost photos. See Also: Flashbang:…

Target Announces 3.1 Phillip Lim Collection

And we thought the era of big boxes carrying high-end designer diffusion lines was all but over, thanks to lagging sales and a super-saturated market. Wrong-o. Target announced today that a 3.1 Phillip Lim capsule collection will be released this fall, to much shrieking and geeking from fans of the…

Little Black Dress from Litter & Vintage

Gem features one standout piece from a local shop. Whether it’s a jacket, necklace, or handbag, it’s on our have-to-have list. What: An LBD for all seasons, this flowy 1970s frock by Leslie Fay is a cocktail hour requirement. Where: Litter & Vintage Cost: $49 See also: – Great Gatsby…

Great Gatsby Fashion: The Good, The Bad, and The Must-Avoid Looks

Baz Luhrmann’s highly anticipated film adaptation of The Great Gatsby hits theaters Friday, May 10. With sparkly, soirée-ready costumes designed by Miuccia Prada and Catherine Martin, the decadent flick has spawned a slew of Daisy- and Jay-inspired fashions that range from glamorous to downright gaudy. While it may sound appealing,…

ASU Undie Run After Parties: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

No photographers were allowed into the ASU Undie Run this year, as the student-run charity event has tightened its policies (and likely heard from someone that running around wearing next to nothing isn’t great PR for the New American University). Luckily, plenty of the bars up and down Mill Avenue…

Floral Button-Down from Vintage by Misty at Nové

Gem features one standout piece from a local shop. Whether it’s a jacket, necklace, or handbag, it’s on our have-to-have list. What: This 1980s Dorothy Perkins silk blouse has a bold botanical print that unites summer brights with the inescapable (and über-comfortable) pajama trend. Where: Vintage by Misty at Nové…

Phoenix Comicon Reveals 2013 Badge Art Winners

Attention Phoenix Comicon fanatics: While there’s still more than three weeks left to go until the event itself — 24 long, agonizing days to be exact — its organizers offered up a tasty appetizer earlier today to help whet your appetites and make the time pass more quickly. This morning,…

Beard Season: A Field Guide to Summer Facial Hair

Gigi Arredondo has been working in the industry for nearly a decade as a hair stylist, makeup artist, and beauty consultant in Old Town Scottsdale. She’s constantly learning, trend-hunting, and shopping — all with access to beauty products not available to the public. And she’s here to share the good,…