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6.04.2010

Cardigan Empire Giveaway + A Fashionable Day in Mesa

Today our guest post comes from Reachel of Cardigan Empire.  Reachel is a mother, stylist, triathlon competitor, vegetarian, and a Mesa transplant.  And you know what?  She loves it here.  She has made Mesa her home in every sense.  She wants to see Mesa flourish like we do.  I love this quote that Reachel has on her blog: 

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” -Coco Chanel.  

Today Reachel is here to help us see a more fashionable Mesa and has a generous giveaway to go along with it.  Thanks Reachel for loving Mesa.  


Bonjour Mesa-nians and convivial Mesa visitants. 
Today, I, Reachel of Cardigan Empire, will be your escort on a fashionable day in Mesa.  Now, I live in Central Mesa, not easty or westy or somewhere on the perimeter of this fine city, right smack in historic Downtown.  I stroll Saturday afternoons on Main Street and I regularly run laps around Pioneer Park.  So I feel undoubtedly qualified to guide you on on a lovely day trip in my city of residence.



Stop un: Val Vista Anthropologie 
A chain establishment true, available in cliche malls across North America, but there's still something native about this tranquil nook where the sales associates greet you by name and the sale room rarely has more than two people in it.  I recommend dropping in on a Wednesday morning between 10 and 12 for complimentary Children's Hour.  During said hour, your progeny can participate in a 15-20 craft while you are free to meander. 


Stop deux: Domestic Bliss/Found
Remember the general mercantile in Little House on the Prairie or Where the Red Fern Grows?  The Ingalls would get fresh calico and Billy would buy penny candy.   Domestic Bliss is a generally pretty mercantile.  Complete with wax, fabric, stationery, dishes, and miscellaneous lovely things.   Sister-store Found is a practical museum.  Each piece is one-of-a-kind treasure and the inventory ranges from bicycles to bedding.

 
Stop trois: Blossom Salon
Name me a higher profile ornamentation than your locks?  Your coiffure is a constant frame to your visage.  When sharply trimmed and radiantly highlighted, a reasonable investment drills down to pennies per wear.  At Blossom you can enjoy your remodeled reflection in a pretty boudoir setting and find a necklace or pretty frock to complete the look on your way out.



Stop quatre: Antique Plaza
Whether hunting down mid-century modern at the annex or trying on hats in the basement of the main store, Antique Plaza is teeming with unique and adventure.


Pretty starts from the inside, and a yoga class at Inside the Bungalow will rejuvenate you starting at your heart's center.




Now, to guide you in all your fashionable selections, get your own Cardigan Empire exclusive fashion lookbook. This guide is like a friend, that you keep in your purse, and has lots and lots of opinions. Good, tactfully phrased opinions. Opinions that will make you walk away from that clearance top that's shaped like a pillow case. Specifically the fashion look book tells you your body type, what colors you can wear, how to successfully clean your closet, how to buy a better wardrobe for less, and more.
 
All you have to do is leave a comment telling us what makes Mesa (or the city you live in) fashionable to you.


And here are the rules: 
You do not need to be a Mesa resident to win, but if you live outside the U.S. we expect you to pay your own postage :)


Giveaway ends Sunday night, June 7th, at midnight. 
Winner will be announced Monday, June 8th 

Want an extra entry?  Leave a separate comment letting us know if you do any of the following:
1. Post our button on your blog.  (Look to the right for the info)
2. Tweet about I Heart Mesa (with a link to our blog)

45 comments:

jen said...

I love Le Salon downtown. I can't live without visits to Debbie for hairdo help!

The Wizzle said...

Ah. I love all those places!

Although I get my hair cut at Tantrum, which is right around the corner form my house, and it is pretty darn fashionable. It's cute, and I come out looking cute too!

The Wizzle said...

This gets more embarrassing with each passing day, but I subscribe to I Heart Mesa.

The Wizzle said...

I follow I Heart Mesa.

The Wizzle said...

Is it possible to win every giveaway? Because I have your button too.

Cortney said...

I don't live in Mesa... but this post makes me want to visit at least... wonderful shopping spaces! I live in Boise and think Boise's fashionable because it is very eclectic, laid back, and allows people to be themselves. Small boutiques are easier to find than run of the mill chain stores and I love it!

em said...

I don't live in Mesa but some of my bestest besties grew up there and some have even moved back. Which gives me every excuse to visit!

I live in Philly and, although known for little more than greasy cheesesteaks and warm soft pretzels, she's definitely got her own sense of style. I love the clean, charming style of the streets in Old City, where modern meets historic in a way few cities in this great country can intermingle.

Andrea J said...

I live in Santa Monica and I think it's a very fashionable city. From Main Street, to the Promenade, to the fantastic walkable neighborhoods there is inspiration everywhere.

Unknown said...

JUNE 2010 2ND FRIDAY !!
Main street sidewalks in Downtown Mesa will be full of artists, six bands, a summer fashion show with clothing by local designers followed by a reception to meet the models and designers, and the radio station 103.9 attending -they will be broadcasting live. Spread the word bring some friends and enjoy a free Friday night event in OUR Downtown. Sign up for the Fashion show at 2ndfridaynightout.com or show up at 101 East Main street on the 11th at 6:30 to register and set up!

Cath said...

Aw, I used to love going antiquing on Main Street. I miss the Valley.

But alas, I live in Salt Lake. I love the architecture of downtown. Unlike some downtowns, the buildings are varied and interesting, like a woman who puts on makeup even though she has no plans to leave the house.

cathieanne at gmail dot com

The Mrs. said...

I live in Reno. My tailor is what makes this place fashionable. I love having the perfect pair of jeans fit just right.

Jamee
xoxo

Jaime said...

Your comments on Mesa make me want to visit! I live in Pacific Grove CA and I think what makes my quaint, cute town fashionable is our perfect weather that allow the cutest clothes all year round along with the naturally beautiful scenery found nowhere else in the world and the quaint and colorful Victorian homes that line our streets. One is likely to see a deer family strolling down those streets right in the center of town and upon passing a native, a hello will always be given.

Rebecca Irvine said...

I think the Mesa Arts Center makes Mesa tres chic! I have loved seeing Shakespeare plays, classical music, as well as the latest and greatest in entertainment. And an evening stroll through downtown Mesa to see the sculptures makes for un soir formidable.

Rebecca Irvine said...

I am now a follower

Paul and Rebecca Jones said...

I love how many shopping places there are in Mesa. i also love living close to the Val Vista Anthro.

Paul and Rebecca Jones said...

I also follow I heart Mesa.

Paul and Rebecca Jones said...

I also am a fan on facebook

Paul and Rebecca Jones said...

And wahoo your blinkie is on my blog

Juliet said...

I don't live in Mesa. I live in Houston, sadly I don't think its very fashionable mostly just a big suburban sprawl of chain resturants and malls. Don't get me wrong Houston has some great spots you just wouldn't want to spend your vacation here.

Kelsey said...

I don't live in Mesa, but this post sure makes me want to visit! I reside (for the moment) in West Palm Beach, FL, which is pretty funky and wacky. A compact, colorful, Art Deco-meets-Mediterranean downtown, a glistening waterfront, and high-end boutiques just blocks away from down-home Cuban and Guatemalan cafes make it special.

laura said...

Anthro is why I visit Mesa... I'm in the West Valley.

Kate said...

Mesa has it all. Some great places to eat, museums, yummy food.

Kate said...

Fan on fb, have the button, follow the blog, everything!!

Natali Puga said...

I live in mesa.
And what makes Mesa, fashionable to me, would have to be down-town Mesa.
The scene is very hipsteresque, and unique. All the cute boutiques, vintage shops, and consignment stores are to die for.

Lovin' Mesa
{natali}

Natali Puga said...

Added you're blog button, to my page.

{cup-of-natali.blogspot.com}

Morgan said...

So many cute shops in Mesa! I want to visit!

I live in Chico, California, a small(ish) city in Northern CA. My city doesn't have lots of the big chains, but it does have lots of cute, local boutique.

Sarah Beau Bera said...

I live in Gilbert. But Gilbert is often times called "the new Mesa" and since I hail from Mesa I have to agree.

What makes Mesa fashionable ... maybe the cameo Mesa's Golfland/Sunsplash plays in the movie North Shore.

Do I increase my odds of winning by making lame jokes?

Melissa Stringham said...

This post makes me want to live in Mesa. I live in Salt Lake - right in research park at the U of U. Though at first it seems strange to live in a business park, I love the quiet serenity, the trees, being nestled up to the foothills, and best of all: we are within walking distance of red butte gardens, a little piece of heaven on earth! Pick me!

Kathleen said...

I love Blossom salon, I go there just to check out the clothes.

Gina said...

I don't live in mesa, but I lvoe where I live because I grew up hear and we are close to the mountains for great campfires!

bensgirll@yahoo.com

Britt said...

I live outside of DC, and am seriously missing the casual-comfiness of my West Coast hometown. But my fave is my good friend who will color my hair for free...gotta love that!

Sherry Leal said...

I recently moved from Mesa to Fountain Hills, but I still love to go back and visit. I am a "beginner" in this realm of fashion. Having only lived in Arizona for a year, I have not been to the places listed, but I do plan on visiting them soon. So, to me, Mesa is fashionable for its ambiance. It's small town feel/big city convenience attracted us a year ago. I love the way that the citrus orchards, the saguaros, and the palm trees all harmoniously coexist. The fashion to me is partly in the landscape and surroundings.

Diana said...

I love thrifting in Mesa. I love to hunt for treasures.

Anonymous said...

I love Mesa! We live in Queen Creek now, but still drive to the adorable (fashionable) downtown Mesa the other day and ate at our favorite, Mangoes! Yum! I love how despite the economic downturn Mesa is still flourishing. It is definitely fashionable with all of the new shops I noticed. Go Mesa!

beccastreb said...

I am not from Mesa, but I think it is quite fashionable because one of my best friends, Jenny lives threre. Also my grandparents fell in love in Mesa. That makes it romantic too. I live in Clovis, CA. It is about an hour away from everywhere super fashioble like the beach, yosimite, & sequoia national parks. Is that fashionable enough?

Katie said...

Mesa is fashionable because of the small home-town vibe.

Jeni G said...

We've got a few things in common...We're Mesa transplants and we live downtown historic Mesa too. And I always tell my best friend and neighbor, "I believe in our hood!" We'll have to meet up sometime...we'd love to invite you to join us in some neighborhood fun.

Cajsa said...

I recently moved to downtown mesa. Just a short walk from most of these places and everytime I walk by I beg myself to let me go in one day! Downtown Mesa has always been my favorite part of the city! I love the look of the buildings and especially Main Street during Christmas time!

Robyn said...

Here in my Pacific Northwest town it's fashionable to be outdoorsy and green. Organic food is everywhere, Saturday morning at the Farmer's Market is mandatory, and if you're in your car instead of on your bike then you're a little behind the times!

Lydia said...

My town of Grass Valley, California has the cutest little boutiques downtown that has people from all over coming to visit them!

Jane said...

I love that the people who grow up here, all want to come back. Everyone knows everyone or someone related to someone they know and it makes it feel homey. I'm glad to be a part of that.

Ashlee said...

I love Tia Rosa's in Mesa! (food can be fashionable right?)

Melissa said...

I think mesa's downtown area is it's most fashionable part. I think it's a hidden treasure (too bad on the hidden part though)

Melissa said...

I follow on facebook

Melissa said...

tweeted!!