We just finished an epic White Out for the Arizona-Texas Tech game this weekend–which actually worked out well for us Wildcat fans as we notched up a W! But, it got me fantasizing about other stylish white outfits you could wear for such a theme!
Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty ImagesSunscreen Created in the Desert, Like it Should Be!
Though Sun Bum, Blue Lizard, Supergoop and other trendy sun protection brands often steal the spotlight, one Arizona sunscreen has been sold all over the world for almost 40 years.
Arizona Sun Products Inc. has produced its signature sunscreens, moisturizers, lip balms, bath products and sport sprays since it was founded in 1982 by Bob and Ellen Wallace–who’ve received numerous awards through the years. The couple even accepted one honor in the White House Rose Garden from President George H.W. Bush.
Though the company is based in Scottsdale, Arizona Sun products can be found locally at AJ’s, as well as, resorts and boutiques around Tucson.
Arizona Sun heralds its use of soothing and fragrant desert ingredients such as aloe vera, wild rose, jojoba and cactus in its formulations and truly, the heavenly smell of its ‘World Famous” moisturizer makes it perhaps one of the line’s most coveted products. Arizona Sun also prides itself on being the perfect “swag” for weddings, parties and events. A definite product to keep in mind for your next event. www.arizonasun.com
The Bear Down Buying Guide
On the eve of Arizona’s first home football game, here is the definitive guide to buying Wildcat swag in Tucson. Whether it’s buying that crucial clear purse, getting that gameday dress or finding some unexpected things to help cheer the team to a future Rose Bowl berth, I hope you find it on this list. And if you have a favorite store that’s not listed, please let me know in the comments!
Bear Down!
The Tried and True…
UA Bookstores – it’s a no brainer to start HERE. Whether it’s the large store in the Student Union, the store in McKale Center or the outpost at Park Mall, you will walk out with the latest trends in clothing, shoes, accessories, tailgate items, tattoos, jewelry. EVERYTHING!
Arizona Attire at La Encantada – a family-owned business, Arizona Attire has a trendy selection of gameday dresses and unique tops for women; polos and golf shirts for men; a large offering of clear purses and blingy Arizona jewelry. The store offers a little something extra from the UA bookstores.
Plunkett’s Hallmark – run by the beautiful Plunkett sisters, this east side store offers stylish options for the mature female UA fan, including sweaters, blouses, jewelry, blingy hats and Wildcat entertaining pieces.
Embellish Home Etc. and Pear Tree House- THE gift-buying stores in Tucson, Embellish and Pear Tree House offer Wildcat jewelry, candles and unique red and blue decor like themed pillows, coin purses and dish towels, etc,.
Victoria’s Secret PINK – It’s always worth checking out PINK’s campus apparel each year at its stores in La Encantada, Park Place and Tucson Mall. Best for coeds, PINK has the Arizona crop tops, crop sweatshirts, leggings and red workout tops for those with rockin’ abs.
Target/Walmart – Two stores never to be overlooked. It pays to check out their sometimes-cute shirts, slides, Wildcat hats, kids jerseys, car decals, umbrellas, flags and even the occasional UA-themed, outdoor spotlight. No joke.
The Surprises…
Plato’s Closet – Plato’s has racks and racks of resale Arizona shirts, football jerseys, basketball jerseys and pullovers–many less than $20 and barely worn!
Pop Cycle Tucson – This 4th Avenue store is selling handmade Wilma and Wilbur hats that recently got a nod in the Arizona Daily Star.
The West – The West is a volunteer-run, retail store next to Whole Foods at River and Craycroft that has blingy “A” pins and earrings, Arizona purses and nightshirts in a bag. The store’s profits are returned to the community through grants to local charities- often with a focus on women and children.
AJ’s Fine Foods, Bashas and Safeway – Yep, amidst the produce and dairy aisles, you just might find a rack of UA shirts and sweatshirts for the last-minute purchase. AJ’s offers Arizona scarves and nightshirts in a bag, as well.
How to Rock a Chain Belt
The blinged-out chain belt could be your fall BFF, that is, if fall would EVER get to T-Town!?! Some amazing ways to wear one…
Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty ImagesFashion of a Different Feather
Ever since Stein Mart and a few other stores started carrying feather-embellished clothing, my Pinterest board has been filling up with stylish ways to wear it–from jeans to dresses to jackets–all while trying to avoid looking like an emu.
Here are a few:
Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty ImagesTucson Shopping Got You Down? Try These Stylish Online Options…
When you find yourself at a loss with the retail shopping in Tucson, here are two online clothing sites I recently discovered that are sure to help you stand out in a desert crowd:
Gracia – Launched by Joyce Kim in 1998, Gracia features moderately- priced, embellished tops and dresses that really top the hum-drum state of clothing options these days. From lace trench coats to architectural sleeves, Gracia apparel can be found not only on www.graciafashion.com, but also online at Rue La La and Nordstrom Rack.
Vici – I first saw the ad for Vici Collection, www.vicicollection.com on Pinterest as I was trying to figure out what to wear to a party with a ‘Festival” theme. Though this modern, California-cool line definitely caters to the smaller sizes, there are some beautiful–again moderately-priced– dresses, rompers, jumpsuits, tops, etc. Seriously, there are dresses on this site you won’t find anywhere else!
Happy Friday!
The Brilliance of the Lace Duster
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A little fashion lesson from Bachelor in Paradise…
Though I watch this trainwreck of a show each week and then ache for humanity afterward, leave it to Nicole to totally impress with her white lace duster. (BTW: I know that’s Gigi in the picture, but she’s also wearing one) A duster is beautiful, it camouflages the backside and it’s easy to take on and off over jean shorts and a swimsuit. It can also be paired over a slip dress, jeans, a romper, etc.
As luck would have it in T-town, TJ Maxx carries a large selection of lace dusters right now and since it’s 109 degrees with no cool down in sight, it might be a nice purchase for Labor Day weekend!
