Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Posted By on Wed, May 6, 2020 at 1:00 PM

You can ditch the suit-and-tie look while working from home, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't still dress in stylish T-shirts. That's why we're excited to announce that we are teaming up with Arizona Uniform in the TUCSON2GETHER program to offer a new T-shirt that allows you to look good in your next Zoom meeting and show off your Tucson Weekly pride.

The TW T is just one of several you can choose from when you visit this virtual showroom. Here's the deal: $10 of the $24 price goes to the Weekly (or any other biz or nonprofit whose shirt you purchase).

But don't delay: This limited-edition T-shirt will only be available through midnight on Wednesday, May 20.

With the current pandemic-related economic crash rippling across our newspaper enterprise just as it's hammering many others, you'll also be supporting independent local journalism, which is vital in this day and age. Plus, we'll be donating half of our $10 take to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, so you'll also be helping feed the community with your purchase.

Get yours today! 

Monday, July 29, 2019

Posted By on Mon, Jul 29, 2019 at 1:22 PM

Looking for a new friend with stylish clothes you can wear as well? Girlfriend's Closet is the new best friend you need. Located on the East Side, Girlfriend's Closet is a consignment shop that caters to those sizes 0 through 3x. The shop is owned by Ivonne Haskins.

Deeming itself "the chic resale boutique", the shop gives customers a collection of designer items as well. You can find an assortment of clothing, bags, shoes and accessories. A $5 sales rack is also accessible daily. Girlfriend's Closet is a veteran-owned boutique that gives other veterans a 10% off discount. You can find Girlfriend's Closet at 60 N. Harrison Rd. and you can learn more about it at www.girlfriendscloset.shop.

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Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Posted By on Tue, Aug 21, 2018 at 4:27 PM

What is Eller College of Management up to these days? Figuring out if you are wearing that Justin Bieber t-shirt because you are a legitimate Belieber or because you are being ironic. Trucker hats, are they really cool? PBR, is it actually good? Or is it all in the name of irony?

New research by Assistant Professor of Marketing at Eller, Caleb Warren and his research partner Gina Mohr, Associate Professor of Marketing at Colorado State University, indicates that consuming brands ironically is a way to secretly signal our identity and beliefs to those that know us.

The researchers define this phenomenon as ironic consumption. The term includes using a brand or adopting a behavior as an attempt to signal identity, trait or belief opposite from their perceived conventional meaning of the product, according to a UA press release.

"Throughout history, consumers have re-appropriated products to make a statement," Warren said in the press release. "For example, trucker hats were at one time low-status products and originally came into fashion through rural workers. They've since been revalued by young urban consumers."

Ironic consumption allows for an in-group and and out-group. Those who get it, and those who don't.

Another way that ironic consumption is used is to signal status. Researchers use the example of Bruno Mars eating at a Waffle House. It wouldn't be ironic if the star ate at a mid-level restaurant, but the contrast of an extremely rich celebrity and the humble walls of a Waffle House are where the irony comes in.

Warren and Mohr also found that ironic consumption can offend some audiences, for example those who like Justin Bieber might be offended at a hard rocker wearing Bieber's shirt in a way that makes fun of him or his fans.

Those that are wearing a Bieber shirt ironically, however, probably like the idea of offending his fans. It's all part of the irony.

Ironic consumption can also safeguard those who might actually like the subject of their consumption, researchers found.

click to enlarge UA Researchers Say Irony is the New Black (2)
Valerie Hinojosa
"Consuming something ironically is also a security measure," Warren said in the press release. "No one wants to be mocked for watching, say, Jersey Shore. But if you so do with a behavior that suggests you're watching ironically, you won't suffer any stigma related to the product."

So, to those hard rockers out there in Bieber shirts, is it too late now to say sorry?

Why is this relevant to professors of marketing you ask? Ironic consumption can often lead to a new and desired brand identity. According to the press release, Pabst Blue Ribbon is an example of a product with an uncool legacy and known to be not the best product, that through ironic consumption has become the chosen brew of many-a-hipster.

The newest ironic consumption trend? Remember when big white ugly sneakers used to be just for dads? Think again. 

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Thursday, July 27, 2017

Posted By on Thu, Jul 27, 2017 at 2:32 PM

Then fetchingly monikered Lola Torch explains the Tucson Libertine Leagueā€™s second event with this tagline: ā€œWe guarantee weā€™ll make you sweat, but we promise youā€™ll love it."

Itā€™s unlike anything else that you likely see in a Moldy Pueblo summer. 

Combining the raw power and tension of rock ā€˜nā€™ roll with the expressive movement of dance, Tucson Libertine Leagueā€™s Burlesque Battle of the Bands promises to be a monumental clash of sorts. Think of it: Hellfire rockers the Sugar Stains will battle against blues titan Tom Walbank while providing raucous live music for acro-act Les Femmes Marveilleuses, a maverick half-time marching band Hi Polish Floor Show and Tucson Libertine Leagueā€™s burlesque dancers.

Torch, aka Emilie Marchand, president and producer at Tucson Libertine League, fleshes out, ā€œI wanted to bring something different to the Tucson stage. We haven't really seen burlesque done to these types of music live. Usually when live music is involved it's more traditional ā€™40s music. We're bringing the rock ā€˜nā€™ roll!ā€

Hereā€™s the tale of the tape:

Monday, January 30, 2017

Posted By on Mon, Jan 30, 2017 at 10:25 AM

A phone case with an intergalactic kitten. A coffee mug with enough turquoise cactuses that it practically screams "Tucson." Laptop case stickers with quotes from your favorite sitcom or Netflix binge. Even products with the campaign logos of whatever political statement you want to make. It's all on Redbubble, and once you peruse their site, you'll be convinced it just "gets" you.


Redbubble is an online marketplace that sells art designs from more than 400,000 independent artists. This artwork can be placed on your pick of clothing, phone cases, stickers, wall art, home decoration, stationery and bags for a relatively low price. With as many options as you have for artists, it is near impossible to not leave the site with items emptied from your shopping cart and on their way to your home.

My last order from Redbubble consisted of 10 laptop case stickers that encompass the essence of my personality and interests perfectly, and the entire order was only $15.66. The best part of the order, being so incredibly busy as many of us are, was that it took me approximately 20 minutes maximum to find all these unique designs and consequently fall in love with them. They were delivered in both a protective and aesthetically-pleasing envelope.


I can personally vouch for these stickers' high quality, too. My laptop has now ventured to school, home, work and a friend's apartment for about a week now with these new bad boys and I have noticed they seem to be scratch-resistant and won't be peeling any time soon.

Personalize that phone case, laptop case, reusable water bottle or anything else your heart desires with this company. I'll definitely be a returning customer.


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Thursday, December 1, 2016

Posted By on Thu, Dec 1, 2016 at 3:18 PM

Calling all barbers, stylists, and overall hair enthusiasts: It is that time again for the Annual Clipper Combat Barber Competition. The southwest region original was created by local barber Manny Vidal just three short years ago. But, since then the competition has grown to one of the largest barber competition in the southwest and it truly is a testament to the hard work put in by Vidal.

Vidal, who has been a barber in the Tucson community for 10 years, currently cuts at HiEndTight Barber Shop (2926 E. Broadway Blvd.) but every year he takes time out of his regular schedule to plan and host this competition.

Clipper Combat was created to to give both barbers and stylists a platform to showcase their talents and gain exposure to the greater public. They are also able to win awards and prizes based upon their efforts.

The competition is open to all ages and will take place at the Tucson Convention Center (3750 E. Irvington Road). The event runs from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will not only feature hair competitions, but also food and the opportunity to shop around at the different vendors that will be in attendance.

Don't miss out on one of the best barber competitions in the southwest! Click here to purchase tickets!

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Posted By on Wed, Nov 30, 2016 at 10:01 AM


On the corner of Fifth Ave. and 31 St., stands a building. Itā€™s not elaborate, it doesn't draw much attention, and it could easily be overlooked. But, despite the unadorned physical appearance, Preloved Chica Clothing has made a name for itself for what happens on the inside.

The mission of Preloved Chica Clothing is to create a positive impact in the lives of women through reselling used clothing.

It was created by four women who care deeply about women issues and the wellbeing of women in the South Tucson community: Maritza Broce, a union organizer and administrative manager; Lorena Howard, a domestic violence counselor; Leatanya Koppa, a high school counselor; and Rosalva Fuentes, a human and civil-rights advocate for immigrant communities founded Preloved Chica Clothing in 2011.

The boutique was built upon the principle to stray away from a typical non-profit model, but still have the ability to make a difference in the South Tucson community. Most non-profit organizations are built by using the grant method, but with this method if the grant is lost or if the supporters shift their focus, the organization is put at risk. Preloved Chica Clothing is founded upon the product sales model, meaning that the product that they are giving back is donated to them. With this model, the organization is able to be self sufficient.

Preloved Chica Clothing is a local resale boutique that not only provides a clothing outlet for the community, it makes a conscious effort to touch the lives of women in the South Tucson community in a positive way. The boutique is using clothing as a common ground to foster community and improves the lives of women in South Tucson.

The original idea for the clothing store was to provide gently used clothing to women who are re-entering the workforce. The idea was to provide these women with low cost, but quality professional attire. Since then it has grown to affordable clothing for all different aspects of a womanā€™s life, including clothing for children.

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Posted By on Sat, Oct 15, 2016 at 7:05 PM


I feel something akin to culture shock when I walk into Tucson Fashion Week on Friday night. The showroom and patio at the Museum of Contemporary Art are full of bodacious babes with mega hair and clothes that are too coolā€”even for Buffalo Exchange.

The three-day event, which began Thursday, Oct. 13, featured different venues, designers, music performances, food and drink each night.  Maybe itā€™s from living too long in this laid-back desert town, but Iā€™m out of place. The only thing I have that I can relate this scene to is Sex and the City. (Yes, Iā€™m a child of the ā€˜90s.) So I just imagine Iā€™m Carrie and dive in. Although the lights, the music, the heels and the clothes that seem to defy gravity are unlike an average Friday night downtown, the fashion weekā€™s roots are all Tucson.

ā€œHopefully we can spread the love a little bit and bring a little awareness around fashion to our community,ā€ says TFW co-director Paula Taylor, whoā€™s worked in fashion for 20 years. ā€œWe have this incredible community with so much talent here, and nobody gets to showcase it.ā€

Taylor and her cohort Melanie Sutton curated the show with local and national talent.
ā€œWeā€™re actually a really international city, and I think weā€™re starving for content,ā€ Taylor says. ā€œIf we provide the platform people will actually come.ā€

Four years ago, TFW founder Elizabeth Denneau was running the show as a small artsy production. Taylor and Sutton bought it and turned it into the national production it is today.

One of Fridayā€™s presentations features the designs of Tucson-born Quinlan Wilhite. Founder of the fashion company Qmulative, Wilhite began sewing only three years ago when he had an idea for a shirt and asked his grandmother to show him how to sew.


Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Posted By on Wed, Mar 2, 2016 at 4:00 PM


Time to start clearing out your closet: the Body Revolution called, and it wants you to attend a Pop-Up Clothing Swap this weekend.

Never been to a clothing swap? The basic idea is this: Go through your wardrobe and pull out the gently-used clothes you never wear these daysā€”you know, the clothes you're always surprised to see Buffalo Exchange pass on. Bring 'em to the exchange, go through somebody else's former favorites and come home with a bunch of new-to-you goodies. 

Typically, clothing swaps are events organized between friends. The Body Revolution is taking it to the next level.

For starters, they're emphasizing inclusivity: clothing of any size or style, and the event is open to all genders. 

In addition to whatever clothes people bring to swap, local designers and retailers will be hanging out in a Pop-Up Shop. Among them will be Erin Cox of Southwestern Belle Alterations & Design and Elizabeth Denneau of Candy Strikeā€”our first and second place 2015 Best of Tucson finalists for Best Local Designer. 

Cox is bringing something different to the mixā€”live alterations.

"That way, if you find something that doesn't quite fit, you can make some quick adjustments and still take it home," says Erin Jaye, one of the people leading the Body Revolution in Tucson. 

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Saturday, February 27, 2016

Posted By on Sat, Feb 27, 2016 at 7:33 AM

Like most children, I loved watching Disney princess movies and trying to dress up like them. But incredibly talented and creative Malaysian makeup artist @queenofluna takes classic dress-up to a whole other level.

"Using only her hijab and killer makeup skills, she gives herself the face AND the hair of our favorite princesses, and even a few fierce villains," said Lauren Gordon in an article for Revelist.
Get a look at some of her creations (assuming her account isn't private when you see thisā€”it's been going back and forth since she got noticed)

Check out her Ariel! She even includes one of those "dinglehoppers!" 

Her Jasmine is absolutely gorgeous.

And my all time favorite, Mulan!

Hi, Hua Mulan here. šŸ˜œ I would like to wish all Chinese people around the world, a very happy and prosperous new year. Gong xi fa cai! ā¤ #花ęœØ蘭 This look was requested by @tialacakeface. Sorry Tiala, it took me forever to do this look. Hope to see you here soon. Miss ya! šŸ˜˜ . @promisetamang, thank you for inspiring me. šŸ’– . #princessmulan #mulan2 #muamalaysia #malaysianmakeupartist #charactermakeup #makeupgeek #makeupjunkie #mycnybeauty #lorealparismy #universodamaquiagem_oficial #amazingmakeupart #universalhairandmakeup #inssta_makeup #hudabeauty #disneymulan #lunarnewyear #fantasymakeup #makeuptransformation #promisetamang #disneyside #gongxifachai #gongxifacai2016 #disneymovies #malaysian #tahunbarucina

A photo posted by @queenofluna on


Go follow her on Instagram. It is well worth your while. @queenofluna

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