Thanks to the influx of local daily coupons to the Valley, I have tried several new yoga studios, gotten a discounted massage, eaten at one of my favorite fast-food Japanese joints and joined the Botanical Gardens for half-price.

I still have coupons for a class at Trapeze U (which I’m scared to try), a day of ice skating, and a trail ride.

I have friends who have used them for laser hair removal. I’m tempted to try one for a rock climbing wall if it comes up again.

Basically, these (usually) 24-hour coupons are a good catalyst to try something new, often at half the price.

I sign up for all I can and enjoy checking my email in the morning to see what opportunities await.

• Groupon
• Dealmap
• Snag and Save
• Buy With Me
• Living Social

Am I missing any?

Poor Little Rich Girl (PLRG) a women’s-wear consignment store,  is located right around the corner from my house.

I saw it go in several months ago, but didn’t give it much thought until a friend raved about it, “I got my new favorite dress for $8!”

With that ringing endorsement, it could no longer be ignored.

PLRG, located in the Sunbrite strip mall next to Luci’s and the old Richardson’s, specializes in casual clothing and accessories and carries brand names like DKNY, Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers, and other popular, classic brands. The items are nearly new — don’t plan on selling your well-worn kicks and ratty clothing here.

The store is small, but well-organized. Shirts and sweaters are arranged by size along the wall. On the shelf above, shoes are lined from small to large. Hanging on the wall are some of the standout outfits and bags. Racks of dresses are scattered around the store. There are several areas dedicated to accessories: necklaces, bangles, flower pins, etc.

The prices are reasonable ($14 for a top or $24 for a dress) and their deals are a steal (blue tagged items are currently 75% off).

Put your clothes on consignment and get 40% of the sale price in cash or 50%  in PLRG credit, which is good at both locations. Take a look at their list of acceptable items; they are currently only buying up fall items.

The best thing, since the store is consignment, there’s an ever-changing rotation of clothes. I plan on stopping by frequently.

Poor Little Rich Girl
1576 E Bethany Home Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

OR

3730 E. Indian School Rd.
Phoenix, AZ
Open Monday – Friday from 1 – 8 p.m.
Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday from 12 – 5 p.m.

You know, last year I searched far and wide for a decent cross-body bag…and while I found a few, they were pretty elusive.

This season, however, I’m not looking, and they are EVERYWHERE.

Isn’t that always the way?

1.) Deena & Ozzy Leather Cage Bag, $68

2.) Tano Thin Lizzy, $190

3.) Nine West Crossbody (more colors), $49.99

4.) Back in the Saddle Bag, $59.99

5.) Cantina Mini Bag, $99

View more cross-body bags >>

He’s always been that way. Even in high school, he pegged his slightly baggy jeans, untucked his shirt just so, and had an easy way of carrying his backpack that made his whole look seem effortless and cool. You never get the idea that he stood in his closet for hours wondering what he should wear — or whether his jeans make his bum look big (for the record, he’s never done either of those things).

When my guy friends ask me about men’s fashion, I often point to him as a model of what I think a boy should wear: equal parts rumpled prep school student and street kid, with a dash of nerd.

Here are a few things that are in his summer rotation:

Tops:

• Polo shirts, $8
• Button-down shirt (in blue and white striped, white or blue), $59.50
• Madras shirts, $95

Bottoms:

• A not-so-baggy khaki, $54
• A not-so-baggy jean, $54
• A thin-legged short, $41.99

Shoes:

• Sneakers, $30
• Saddle Shoes, varies
• Oxford Laceup, $245
• Flip- flops, $22

Accessories:

• A giant watch, $135
• A preppy tie, $45
• Belt, $18

Favorite men’s stores:

• J. Crew
• Urban Outfitters
• eBay

If money is no object:

• Billy Reid
• Band of Outsiders

In it, you’ll find diaphanous pieces as light and airy and we wish our summers were in Phoenix. There are a few items fit more for a foggy London summer, but would be well-suited for a southwestern fall: Suede Cutwork Shorts or a Sequin Embroidered Cape.

Here are a few of my favorites:

• Circle Lace Blouse, $80
• Open Back Playsuit, $160
• Embroidered Dress, $145

See the whole line >>

A friend sent me a Tweet today alerting me to the existence of Fashion by Robert Black. I’d heard of it but don’t often to get to Scottsdale, so I’d never been.

As luck would have it, I was at my parents’ house very near Scottsdale when aforementioned Tweet arrived, so I stopped in on my way home.

The large space is  filled with rack after rack of carefully preserved vintage pieces ranging from the 1920s to the 1980s.

There are no sizes here. Due to the sizing discrepancies (I’m a modern 4/vintage 14), not to mention the sturdy foundation garments worn back in the day, sizing is difficult, so they don’t even bother. If you want to know if an item fits, you’ll have to try it on.

You’ll want to try stuff on.

Sundresses, cocktail dresses, ball gowns, jackets…they’ve got it all. I even saw a little white shift with a detachable tulle/bow skirt that made me want to renew my vows.

There’s also shoes, gloves, hats and jewelry…which is both vintage, or recreated from vintage pieces.

Each of the 2 dressing rooms is situated next to a 3-way mirror and equipped with a 1940s bathrobe (which I hear are difficult to find) so you can meander the store between try-ons.

Don’t expect thrift store prices. Dresses I saw today ranged from a $75 cotton dress to a $450 1920s gown, but the prices seem reasonable for such pristine pieces.

Fashion by Robert Black
7144 E. 1st Ave.
Scottsdale, AZ 85281
(480) 664-7770

During a family trip to Phoenix,  DiDenizen (aka Cara Jean Means) ditched the kids for a spell and we lunched and perused some vintage shops. (See her account).

She bought earrings — I bought a warming bean pot.

On our excursion, I learned that, while she likes vintage, she really, REALLY likes thrifting. Her blog is full of “look at what I made from this old thing” items.

Her ingenuity is inspiring me to do more altering of thrift-store goods.

The operative word there is “inspiring.” I haven’t yet worked wonders with a $2 top…but I can feel the ideas percolating.

Maybe I could do something with this dress?

• 1960s Gold Malcolm Starr Dress, $375
• 1970s Maxi Dress, $175
• 1940s Silk Swing Dress, $275

Truer words have never been spoken.

We had visited the store a few months back when it was filled with $1200 dresses and visitors weren’t allowed to touch. Someone must have forgotten to tell the owner he opened a store in Phoenix.

I guess he got the memo, because the new and improved store has done away with the couture (it’s in the back for those of you who can afford it ). The store is now filled with designer vintage from the 1950s – 1990s at the upper-end-of-reasonable price points. A 1950s black dress from Bullock’s is tagged at $145. A vintage DVF wrap dress is in the $200s.

The staff is friendly and helpful. While trying on aforementioned black dress, the sales woman came by with a drop-waisted lace number from the ’60s she thought I might like.

I did. It’s now in my closet.

As I said, dangerous.

Vintage Fashion, Inc.
4700 N Central Ave #121
Phoenix, AZ 85012
(480) 280-6838

11 a.m. Head to Central and Camelback to Frances Vintage for a great accessories and gift selections. Some things you’ll find:  Cool, arty dresses and tops, vintage picks, handmade accessories, and eclectic home items.

Next door, stop into Stinkweeds, one of the best local music stores in town. Listen to the newest indie albums or peruse their flyers for upcoming shows and events.

One door down: Red Hot Robot. Get inspired by their collection of vinyl toys, books and other Japanese-inspired accessories.

Next up, get a mid-morning pick-me-up at Smeeks, the cute candy shop at the end of the row.

12:30 p.m. Head a mile or so down Central to Pane Bianco, of Bianco’s Pizzaria fame, for a delicious sandwich and a Bubble Up.

If you’re a sweetie person (like me), stop next door at Lux for a baked treat. My suggestion: Anything with chocolate and/or peanut butter.

1:30 p.m. A block or so down the road, check out Vintage Fashion, Inc.  for an amazing mix of designer vintage ranging from barely-affordable to not-so-much. Walk a few steps to Central Consignment next door for a brand names at discount prices.

2:00 p.m. More vintage. Head a few miles west to Hollywood Regency and peruse their selection of retro classic clothing for men and women.

Across the street: Retro Ranch for a funky collection of well-priced vintage fashions, furniture and home decor.

3:30 p.m. Stop off at Grand Ave. – home of vintage shop, Butter Toast.

Grab an iced tea next door at Paisley Violin and sit on the patio (October-May) or inside (June-Sept) and think about your purchases.

4:30 p.m. Downtown is a little sparse, but you can still check out some locally made items at
Bunky Boutique and Made.

Happy hour – You’ve been living la vida retro all day, stay in that mood with a martini from Durant’s. All it takes is one.

6:30 p.m. Take the 20-minute trip to Scottsdale. Work up an appetite trolling Scottsdale Fashion Square, home of some great high and low-end shopping.

For big spenders: Barney’s, Neiman Marcus, and Kate Spade.
For the spend-thrifts: Forever21, Charolette Russe and coming soon — H&M.

8 p.m. Depending on the damage you’ve incurred throughout your day, you might choose a less expensive dining option, like the home-style fare at Orange Table, or splurge a little at new (and much talked about) FnB for some gourmet fare.