Phoenix Style Collective Launch Party

I was thrilled when my friend from Phoenix announced to me that she was launching a cool project called the Phoenix Style Collective. I was even more ecstatic when I was able to attend their official launch party, held at the GROWop- a local boutique in Roosevelt Row dedicated to vintage finds and local designers and artists. The Phoenix Style Collective is the brainchild of Courtney, who writes the fab fashion and lifestyle blog- Phoenix is Haute. After doing her homework, attending community events and building a sturdy team of local bloggers for the past year-and-a-half, the Phoenix Style Collective was formed. The other founding members include: Chelsea from the lovely Tea Talk blog, Kara from the delightful Sunshine Cupcakes blog, Katharine from the sweet blog- A Bit of Sparkle Farkle. Josh-one of the owners of the GROWop is also a founding member of the group. Courtney founded PSC in hopes to help build the bourgeoning fashion industry in the Phoenix area. “There is so much talent, passion and culture here that I find is often overlooked because it’s a secondary market…We are building this network to change that, really get the movers and shakers talking to each other; by planning elevated networking events, fashion shows, blogging and really giving us some style street cred,” she explained. Fellow PSC member-Kara S. added, “I love, love, love being part of a team and this goal is close to my heart-uniting creative people who love Phoenix! Because, after all, isn’t there strength in numbers? I hope to develop a supportive gang of creative people that serves to encourage and promote each other for the benefit of our beautiful city!”

That evening, I experienced a small portion of what the fashion industry in Phoenix had to offer, thanks to Courtney. There were yummy drinks and treats and guests were treated to options from the Luncha Libre food truck. Guests also made their own button name tag, thanks to button-maker extraordinaire, Brendan McCaskey. I bonded and mingled with local bloggers (like Chelsea and her BF-John Scott, Kara, Mandy of Kini Style Files, Nadia of Nadia Shea and Kristine of Kristine or Polly); vintage shop owners from Superstition Vintage; Brian and his fab team at Phoenix Fashion Week and other friendly tastemakers in the Phoenix fashion industry. There was a fun photobooth set up in the back fitting room and put on by local photographer- Brenda Eden. She was extremely sweet and helpful on pose ideas. The GROWop had plenty of vintage options, including two beautiful dresses that made my heart flutter…I just couldn’t leave the store without them. I met the boys behind the boutique- Josh and Kenny, who are extremely sweet and warmly welcomed me into the store, set in a reworked one-story home. The space was small, but merchandised very well with vintage, furniture, knick-knacks, jewelry and wears from local designers.

The group aims to connect bloggers, stylists, designers, artists by hosting numerous networking events and writing on the Phoenix Style Collective blog to get people to promote their passion and utilize local talent for projects. “The PSC was built to be a network of style-enthused Phoenicians who come from any background in the business, not strictly design or even strictly clothing. We do want to contribute to and help build the growing fashion presence in our community…” Courtney finished.

I am very excited to see more events and happenings from the group. If you’d like to join the group (and you can still join if you’re not in the state of Arizona), simply go to their website, Facebook or Twitter.