Archive for the ‘ Shopping ’ Category

Fashion Week Favorites: Top 8 April Fashion Events

Spring has sprung and so has your social calendar, thanks to this month’s edition of our ‘Fashion Week Favorites’, listing off the top fashion events to attend in April.

Gallery Talk: Digital Print Fashion at Phoenix Art Museum - Wednesday, April 3rd, 7pm

Curator Dennita Sewell explores how technological advances in graphics software, photography and ink-jet printing have expanded the range of possible image sources, the potential for image manipulation, and the rapid production of intricate patterns in limitless colors.

IMAGE: Alexander McQueen, Dress, spring 2010. Printed. Lent by Suzy Kellims Dominick.

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Fashion Journalism Lecture at Phoenix Art Museum - Thursday, April 17th, 7pm

Christina Binkley, who writes for the Wall Street Journal, discusses her recent article on digital prints in fashion and other technologies that impact the fashion world.

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Green Street Realty Presents: Spring/Summer Fashion Show + Celebration - Thursday, April 18th, 6pm

Partnering with Phoenix Fashion Week for the 2nd year in a row, join Green Street Realty for another rooftop fashion show event featuring top local designers, sips and lite bites, along with a live silent auction to benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital!

Details + tickets here: http://springsummerfashion2013.eventbrite.com/

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The Shine Project Beauty Bar Event at The Fashion Hub  - Saturday, April 20th, 6-9pm

This event is a beauty bar hop located at Phoenix Fashion Week’s newest office location, The Fashion Hub. Come with your friends and join other women in the valley to get your nails, hair, eyebrows and make up done, with all proceeds going to our charity, The Shine Project! In addition to being pampered, there will also be a raffle, silent auction, live entertainment, light food, and drinks!
Details + tickets here: http://shineproject.eventbrite.com/

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Latino Live at Wild Horse Pass Hotel + Casino – Saturday, April 20th, 7pm

Latino Fashion Live is a two hour fashion extravaganza featuring fashion shows, musical entertainment and dancing. Fashion shows displaying fashions meticulously crafted by top designers including Phoenix Fashion Week’s own Established Designer Silvia Bours, will feature top Latina models in a high energy display.

Details + tickets here: http://bit.ly/Z03T56

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Spring Swap Phoenix Presented by CO-OPhx  - Sunday, April 21st, 11am-4pm

CO-OPhx presents the Spring Swap PHX, a clothing swap, clothing drive and community shopping occasion for ladies and gents. Hosted by 3 neighboring vintage shops on 6th Street and Garfield (GROWop, cellardoor vintage and Annie Boomer’s Vintage) this is a great swap-ortunity to meet new friends and find new-to-you items.

Tickets include tasty sweets, savory treats and spring time drinks. Please see full schedule for included style tutorial times and topics as well as DIY booths and live music!

Details + swap tickets here: http://swapphx.splashthat.com/

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Vintage Market at Westworld  - Saturday, April 27th, 8am – 3pm

With a commitment to unique and creative local Arizona vendors, attendees are sure to find something they love. From all things chippy, rusty, vintage and handmade, you are sure to find that perfect vintage dress, a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture, handmade jewelry, or one of hundreds of other amazing treasures for your home or garden. You can also look forward to fabulous giveaways, vintage photo opportunities and infinite amounts of design inspiration!

A portion of all ticket sales will help support the Paradise Valley/North Scottsdale Young Life chapter.

Details + tickets here: http://junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com/vintage-market/

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2nd Annual Arizona Blogger Conference Hosted by the Phoenix Style Collective – Saturday, April 27th, 5pm

Blogging enthusiasts from all over the state will get out from behind their computer screen and come together for an evening of fun with other blog chatting, instagraming, outfit posing, ladies and gentleman! Year two of this fantastic event will take place at the Hotel Palomar in downtown Phoenix, starting at 5 p.m. There will be a mini pop up shop marketplace, delicious bites to nosh while you network, mix and mingle with other blog lovers. And of course, there will be those famous goodie bags!

This year’s speakers will include Jessie of Style and Pepper, Danielle of Sometimes Sweet, Sarah of Emma Magazine, and Sara of Frances Vintage.

More details + tickets here: http://arizonabloggerconference13.eventbrite.com/

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*Which April event are you most looking forward to? Share with us in the comments below! 

Article by Lauren Pfingstag for Phoenix Fashion Week

“The Resource For All Things Fashionable”

http://www.phoenixfashionweek.com

MIM Rocks Fashion: A Tribute to Top Stylists

From top left to bottom right: Brian Swan, Fawn Cheng, Yeka Bruner, Amir Saebi, Rochelle York

No need to stress over spring style inspiration, the Valley’s top stylists have got you covered with some of the most compelling and wearable trends they’ve found to take from the runway to your closet!

Get to know the Valley’s top stylists, featured at the 4th annual MIM Rocks Fashion Friday, March 29th:

Brian Swan, Styling Bri Seeley

Brian J Swan is a seasoned, creative, reliable Professional Fashion Stylist. Brian has been styling for over 6 years & is the owner of Right Hand Man Image Consulting. He continues to work with both men & women of all ages, professions, sizes and backgrounds. Brian’s work includes celebrity styling, personal styling, photo/video shoots, TV, fashion shows, editorials, campaigns and more. Most recently, Brian has relocated to Las Vegas to join the Zappos.com team as a stylist. “Sometimes I have to pinch myself like, ‘I’m getting paid to do this?’ I am beyond thankful and humble,” Swan said. Styling Bri Seeley’s show for MIM Rocks Fashion this year, Brian is thrilled to have been invited back the third year in a row. “For the fashion community to think so highly of me to invite me back three years in a row is AMAZING. This so is beneficial because I’m able to network with other fashion professionals. Plus there’s nothing like it out there!” Expect the unexpected when it comes to Brian’s runway show styling this year for Bri Seeley. “My inspiration for this show came from Milan fashion shows and their entertainment value…ladies, you’ll see me include growing trends like fluid garments and the color Emerald Green.”

Fawn Cheng, Styling ENVY by Khanh

Styling for clients since 2007, Fawn’s philosophy stems from her affinity to capture and express what is artfully unique about her clients. “Beauty comes from within; how we dress and share our physical selves with the world is a powerful expression of that.” Fawn is a featured keynote speaker and fashion expert on Good Morning Arizona and is currently a Project Manager at JANI Model Management. Joining MIM Rocks Fashion as a top stylist for the second year in a row, working with designer ENVY by Khanh came as a natural fit for Fawn, whose feminine, sophisticated styling perfectly compliments Khanh’s form fitting garments. “The Spring collection of Envy by Khanh is graphic oriented. What I noted at first glance was his  affinity for angles, asymmetry, space, color blocking in triads of color and form fitting designs. This inspired me to style the runway show to also includes the juxtaposition of curves, sensuality, and mystique. Expect to see these elements included in this show, ” Cheng said.

Yekatherina Bruner, Styling Divaz Boutique 

A world citizen, Yekatherina’s global travels have shaped her culturally-diverse approach to fashion. In addition to her love for style, Yekatherina has a wide experience as a fashion show producer. Yekatherina Bruner has recently been named as a Glamour Magazine “Glambassador ” for 2013. Based out of Tucson, Yeka looks to bridge the fashion gap between Tucson and Phoenix through styling the Tucson-headquartered Divaz Boutique. “Branding is key to any business and us, as fashion stylists, have our own signature style. That’s what I am coming to the runway this March to let people know what I am all about as a stylist,” Bruner said. While pulling together the pieces for the Divaz Boutique fashion show, Yeka was inspired by “everything about spring in France, the colors, textures, even macaroons!” In fact, guests should expect a breath of fresh air in Yeka’s styling, featuring “lots of bright colors with a not so typical french flair.”

Rochelle York, Styling Clothes Minded

Rochelle is a native from Glendale, Arizona and has been a personal stylist since 2006. She has had over a decade of experience in retail and working with photographers, television personalities and women in the valley find the right style for them! Rochelle is also a featured fashion expert and stylist on 3TV’s ‘Your Life A-Z’. Bringing her bubbly personality to the MIM Rocks Fashion stage for the first time, Rochelle felt incredibly honored. “When I received my first call from Phoenix Fashion Week..it was a little bit of a blurred conversation because I could not believe I was getting a call from a organization that I have been following and blogging about for years! This experience is amazing to me because I want women to know that there are personal stylists out there; like me, that truly care about them,” York said. Styling for Clothes Minded, Rochelle’s inspirations for the shows styling are far-reaching, from the blogs she reads to the window displays at local boutiques. Guests should expect looks that are “bright and fun with a floral twist.”

Amir Saebi, Styling Amir’s La Voute

Originally from Tehran, Iran, Amir Saebi got a taste for European fashion at a young age. Fashion has always been a big part of his life and his family’s life, coming from a family of senators and industrialist, they always had to look their best to represent their family. As a new business owner of Amir’s La Voute, Saebi feels this MIM Rocks Fashion opportunity is the perfect fit. “We have just reached our one year anniversary and what better way to celebrate than to partner up with only the best of the best (Phoenix Fashion Week) to kick off the celebration with a one of a kind fashion show. This opportunity will not only help us grow but will give us a chance to showcase and share our talent with others in the Valley.” Naturally drawing inspiration from the 1940’s-60’s, fashion forward Amir will style his own unique vintage menswear line, showcasing the best mens spring trends. “Attendees can expect to see a timeless fashion mix with some unique edge, envision Frank Sinatra mixed with a little bit of Hendrix!”

Don’t miss these showstopping designer shows Friday, March 29th at MIM Rocks Fashion! For more details and to purchase standing room tickets, visit: http://mimrocksfashion2013.eventbrite.com/ 

Article by Lauren Pfingstag for Phoenix Fashion Week

“The Resource For All Things Fashionable”

http://www.phoenixfashionweek.com

 

Spring Fashion in Full Bloom

Spring fashion has officially bloomed, and I couldn’t be more obsessed with the latest trends and colors hitting the stores and fashion blogs.

Whether it’s reaching for boyish accessories in feminine prints, saturated stripes or pops of fruity color,  here are some of my favorite spring looks I am currently drawing inspiration from:

Speaking of spring trends, Phoenix Fashion Week is in the mood to ‘Spring into Fashion’ with all the latest trends and colors of the new season. Join us for our 4th annual MIM Rocks Fashion event Friday, March 29th and runway show to glimpse the top spring trends in a high-energy fashion show, styled by top local stylists and featuring designer pieces to transition your wardrobe into spring.

For more information, visit our Facebook event page or Eventbrite!

*What are some of your favorite spring trends? How will you revamp your closet for the new season? Post a comment below and tell us!*

Article by Lauren Pfingstag for Phoenix Fashion Week

“The Resource For All Things Fashionable”

http://www.phoenixfashionweek.com

Swimspot Boutique Brings Cali Flavor to SanTan Village

March is around the corner, and for fashionistas in the Valley, it is the start of swimsuit season!

SwimSpot swimwear boutique has come to Arizona in perfect time for you to get an early peek at what swimwear trends are coming for this spring and summer. They’ve recently brought their Orange County flavor to the SanTan Village shopping center in Gilbert, making it their first Arizona location.

“We’re ready for what the Phoenix market will bring, and we’re excited because the swimsuit season here lasts longer,” regional manager Nikki Meier said.

This boutique gives a taste of Southern California beaches, as most of the swimwear is designed and made in Orange County. The shop offers styles for women of all ages from designer brands such as Athena, Ella Moss, Ella Moss Girls, Guess, Hurley, Luxe by Lisa Vogel, Nautica, NEXT by Athena, Reef, Splendid, and St. John.

At SwimSpot, women can choose a young, contemporary swimsuit look or go the more classic swimsuit route. Whichever look you choose, they’ve got what you’re searching for. The boutique has cute accessories and cover-ups to create the perfect poolside outfit.

In this shop, you will find nothing but swimsuits from the 2013 season, because SwimSpot at SanTan Village holds no 2012 repeats. So expect to surprise everyone at the pool with styles they haven’t yet seen. Meier let Phoenix Fashion Week know that one of the biggest swimsuit trends this season is the cropper flutter top, and at SwimSpot, you’ll find this style in many different colors and textures. Another popular trend for the season is the revamped fringe top Meier said.

For SwimSpot, suits and accessories are not enough. The employees want to help every woman feel comfortable in their swimsuit, so they even have a free, walk-in Fit Specialist Service to help fashionistas in finding the perfect swimsuit for their personal body type and style. “We want people to find the cool styles they like, but feel comfortable as well,” Meier said. The Fit Specialist Service is open for anyone who needs help, and it is even available online at http://www.swimspot.com. “All of our girls are trained on silhouettes and styles, we’re like your own personal stylist,” Meier said.

Unlike department stores, the small intimate setting of employees offer you the best help and tips for finding the perfect swimsuit for you!

*SPECIAL OFFER: Stop in Swimspot and mention this blog post for 10% off your next purchase! Offer ends March 1st.* 

Article and Images by Tiffany Hopkins for Phoenix Fashion Week

“The Resource For All Things Fashionable”

http://www.phoenixfashionweek.com

PHOTOS: Clothes Minded Opens to Fashion Focused Crowd

Phoenix Fashion Week’s Media Team ventured out to the Ahwatukee Foothills area last Friday evening for a fabulous Grand Opening Happy Hour event hosted by brand new boutique and PHXFW supporter Kim Kendall of Clothes Minded! After being in the retail industry for nearly 20 years, she felt it was time to open a shop of her own and what better place to do it! The store features hand selected, on-trend garments, from loads of talented local designers, many of whom have shown at PHXFW in the past year.

PHXFW designers sold include: Mabella Chic, Ofrastyle, Living Dreams Clothing, MELIS Accessories, Jhaus Denim, JOI by Jewel Oribe and Shawl DawlsClothes Minded also sells an array of recognizable designer names, including LA Made, Eight Sixty, Ella Moss + BB Dakota, perfect for your Spring wardrobe and beyond.

Watch the slideshow below for a recap of our evening and a look into Clothes Minded!

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Don’t miss out on their next event this Thursday at 5:30pm for the MELIS Accessories Trunk Sale! Preview her unique pieces (recently featured in Phoenix New Times!) and take advantage of special promotions! For more info and to RSVP, visit the Facebook event page!

Article and Images by Lauren Pfingstag for Phoenix Fashion Week

“The Resource For All Things Fashionable”

http://www.phoenixfashionweek.com

Karen Walker Sunnies + Advanced Style = Obsessed

The obsession started last year when I heard about the Advanced Style documentary film. The Advanced Style team, headed by creator/blogger Ari Seth Cohen, visited Phoenix recently (seen here) to offer a presentation at the Phoenix Art Museum on personal style and discuss their new  film.

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The obsession continues with the official announcement by Refinery 29 that celeb favorite sunnies brand Karen Walker has partnered with the Advanced Style team for their latest campaign. Shot by Ari Seth Cohen, this insanely chic group of ladies (aged to perfection I might add) don the newest Karen Walker sunnies collection in a campaign that is a serious breath of fresh air in a sea of typical.

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Makes me want to drain my bank account on sunnies AND raid my grandma’s closet for vintage gems…at the same time.

Article by Lauren Pfingstag for Phoenix Fashion Week

“The Resource for All Things Fashionable”

http://www.phoenixfashionweek.com

A Lunch Date with Oscar de la Renta

This lunch date calls for gorgeous embroidery, bold stripes, and a little bit of latex. The Oscar de la Renta spring 2013 campaign was shot by Craig McDean, styled by Alex White, starring Liu Wen and Caroline Brasch Nielsen.

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A Conversation with Gilt Groupe Founder Alexandra Wilkis Wilson

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Every shopaholic knows their true weakness and for many, that is online shopping. As one of the biggest innovative e-commerce sites in the world, Gilt Groupe  provides instant insider access to today’s top designer labels, at up to 60% off retail. Founded by Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson in 2007, this “small office startup” has gained millions of devoted members in just a few years time.

To the excitement of Valley fashionistas and industry professionals alike, Alexandra visited Scottsdale recently as a Special Guest at the Arizona Chapter of Fashion Group International’s annual Spring Trend Report, discussing the success of Gilt Groupe and one of her newest projects. Alexandra, with Gilt Groupe cofounder Alexis Maybank, authored the book, By Invitation Only: How We Built Gilt and Changed the Way Millions Shop. If you are an entrepreneur or fashion professional, this book is a must-read.

I had the amazing opportunity to catch up with Alexandra during her busy workweek in New York City and chat about her fashion start, how Gilt Groupe has grown from 2007 and what you will currently find hanging in her closet.

Many of our readers are aspiring fashion entrepreneurs looking for inspiration or advice. Would you mind sharing with us the path that lead you to success?

“I grew up in New York City, where I attended a girls school for 10 years, then high school in New Hampshire and onto Harvard Undergrad. Education was incredibly important to my family. Out of school, I focused on banking full time in NYC and gained international experience during my time in London. I also had the amazing opportunity to work for retail guru Marvin Traub at Financo Inc. At Louis Vuitton (managing Leather Goods Sales Planning) and BVLGARI (managing retail operations), I honed my skills for selling and learned that I could sell nearly anything.”

You previously worked for luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and BVLGARI. How did these experiences influence or help you in founding Gilt Groupe? 

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Alexandra (2nd from left) joined Phoenix Fashion Week and other fashion professionals for a lunch meeting at Hotel Valley Ho during her visit

“Working in the luxury goods industry provided me invaluable knowledge and was crucial in helping me understand how to effectively frame Gilt Groupe to our customers and the fashion industry. These experiences not only gave me credibility, but allowed me to interact with top executives and build my network that supported my future work with Gilt Groupe.”

Your first designer ever on Gilt Groupe was Zac Posen in 2007. How did this come about, what was the reaction like from the designer/members and how did this effect the future of Gilt Groupe?

“We felt very lucky and pleased to work with an already recognizable fashion brand like Zac Posen. Our member feedback was great! They loved the mixture of ready to wear, dresses, handbags, polo, and trousers and embraced the idea of a flash sale. Alexis and I had interacted frequently with the brand’s then-CEO, Susan Posen (Zac’s mother) and had a personal relationship with her. It took a lot of convincing, but the Zac Posen team felt that if they were going to do it, they wanted to be first.”

As a former “small office” start-up, what advice can you give to other emerging designers/brands/entrepreneurs? 

“We created a culture of excitement, one in which we had never worked in before. At Gilt Groupe, we were encouraged to take calculated risks, test ideas and learn from our mistakes. I definitely feel like that kind of environment was the key to true innovation.

Building your personal networks is huge, especially working on an area that you may be weak in. Always look for mentors, and create an inner circle of supporters. You will only do as well as those around you want you to.”

How would you describe your personal style, and who are some of your favorite designers? 

“I would describe my personal style as classic, but I like to have fun. I love accessories, especially jewelry, and I’m not afraid of color. My closet is diverse, featuring global brands, fast fashion and timeless pieces I plan to pass onto the next generation. I love Marni, Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, and Lisa Perry lately. I also shop vintage from time to time.”

What are your favorite hobbies? Name one thing people may not know about you.

“I love to travel and meet new people. I also love learning and I am fluent in five languages. Funnily enough, I actually met Alexis in a Portuguese class!”

Seeing as Gilt Groupe has its own buying team, what kind of advice can you offer emerging designers preparing to present their line to a buyer/boutique? 

“I know how hard it is for designers to get a break in the industry, especially when they are just starting out. For retailers, one of the first questions they will ask is, “what is your current distribution?”. It makes a difference and the buyer/retailer will take your brand much more seriously if you already have placement in a major department store, or online stores like ShopBop.com, Intermix.com, etc. Designers should be prepared to tell a story with their brand and explain their vision, showing they are commercially-minded. It’s not just about selling clothing that’s beautiful, but the idea that they can turn shoppers into loyal customers.”

Where do you see Gilt Groupe going in 5/10 years with the constant changes in technology/e-commerce?  

“Seeing as we’ve only been around for five years, it’s hard to look that far down the road. However, we will strive to continue to be a fast paced, savvy company, especially when it comes to mobile-commerce. We are strong in our mobile applications and spend a lot of time and effort in the personalization aspect of our shopping experience, acting much like a personal shopper.”

Thanks Alexandra! We can’t wait to see what 2013 will bring to you and Gilt Groupe! You may even see Alexandra make a guest appearance at Phoenix Fashion Week 2013!

*We love our readers! And so does Gilt Groupe! Post a comment below with your favorite designer pieces to shop on Gilt Groupe for a CHANCE TO WIN a personalized copy of By Invitation Only: How We Built Gilt and Changed the Way Millions Shop, signed by Alexandra and Alexis!*
by invitation
Article by Lauren Pfingstag for Phoenix Fashion Week
“The Resource For All Things Fashionable”

Fashion Week Favorites: Prabal Gurung x Target Collection

We have spring fashion on the brain and what better way to ease our mind than to pick and choose our favorites from the new Prabal Gurung x Target designer collection!

Known for instilling glamour and indelible style into every one of his pieces, designer Prabal Gurung is a celebrity favorite among Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lawrence and more.

While we weren’t floored by the Neiman Marcus holiday collection recently, this newest designer collaboration has us in a color frenzy! From the neon pops of color to jaw dropping prints and great accessories, here were some of our favorites looks:

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Look #1: Prabal Gurung for Target Sleeveless blouse in First Date print, $26.99; pleated skirt with lace in Sulfur print, $29.99; lace miniaudiere, $34.99; floral earrings in Dresden blue, $14.99; bangles, $16.99 each; wedge sandals, $29.99, available at Target.
Look #2: Prabal Gurung for Target Lace front blouse in white, $34.99; shorts in Floral Crush print, $26.99; crystal teardrop earrings, $16.99; lace-up pumps, $39.99, available at Target.
Look #3: Prabal Gurung for Target Shirtdress in Nolita print, $39.99; lace miniaudiere, $34.99; wedge sandals, $29.99, available at Target.
Look #4: Prabal Gurung for Target Dress with full skirt in Floral Crush print, $49.99; ankle-strap pumps in Sulfur Spring, $39.99, available at Target.

We are marking our calendars for February 10th, aren’t you?

*Post a comment below and let us know which pieces you will be scooping up from the collection!

Article by Lauren Pfingstag for Phoenix Fashion Week, Images Courtesy of Target

“The Resource For All Things Fashionable”

http://www.phoenixfashionweek.com

Get Your Coffee-Shop On at Mercantile Vintage Trunksale

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Doesn’t pursuing great racks of vintage gems sound like the perfect edition to your usual coffee break? Us too!

Don’t miss local vintage shop/salon Mercantile on Saturday January 26th starting at 10am, for their trunk sale event, hosted at Songbird Coffee and Tea House in Phoenix. Shop the best of this popular boutique’s great selection, including clothing, shoes, accessories and more!

What’s more, spend $50 or more and receive $10 off

!If you haven’t heard of them, Mercantile is a salon and vintage boutique located in the heart of downtown Phoenix. The salon specializes in natural looking cut and color for both men and women. The boutique carries a large assortment of vintage apparel and accessories for men and women, as well as some handcrafted local goods.

For more info, visit their FB event!

Article by Lauren Pfingstag for Phoenix Fashion Week

“The Resource For All Things Fashionable”

http://www.phoenixfashionweek.com

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