Whoever said "out with the old" clearly hasn't seen this city's collection of well-loved, vintage treasures in all categories. From furniture and decorations to clothing and craft supplies, Phoenicians know good junk when they see it.
So if you're on the lookout for the perfect scarf, a brownie camera, a few frames for your salon-style wall, or a dool-worthy cake plate, here are just 10 spots around the Valley where we recommend you start.
10. Vintage by Misty Misty Guerriero has a good eye for treasure. The local fashion fiend and owner of Vintage by Misty travels to Israel, London, Paris, Canada, Vegas to collect cool clothing, jewelry, and housewares that span distance and time. Her stock generally reflects whatever she likes at the moment -- right now, that's Missoni prints, giant gold Mimi belt buckles, and anything made from shells. Sip espresso in the back bar area of her boutique off Central Avenue, then shop the racks and cases jammed with colorful, graphic (often designer) apparel and truly unique jewelry at a range of price points.
9. Retro Ranch This funky store is stocked with a whole lot more than your typical coterie of furniture, barware, and velvet Elvis paintings. The owner has scored an eclectic selection of clothing so enticing it would make Carrie Bradshaw -- and Sarah Jessica Parker -- jealous. Cheery '50s skirts, prom dresses, '70s skiing sweaters, and straw handbags are waiting to be snapped up. Label-lovers and luxury hounds know which racks stock the fancy stuff, with finds that regularly include cashmere coats, mink stoles, and Lilly Pulitzer dresses. For for $20, who doesn't need another 1940s black leather handbag?
8. Butter Toast Wander into Butter Toast's historic home on Roosevelt Row and you'll find a wide selection of vintage threads, including filmy tops, broomstick skirts, and cotton dresses that make up a sweet Bohemian-chic wardrobe. Prices are affordable and co-owner Jasmine Jarrett's will never lead you astray on just what summer get-up will suit your shape.
7. Zinnias This 15,000-square-foot vintage-and-collectibles mall features more than 30 different vendors, where bargain hunters have scored everything from vintage globes to chandelier earrings once worn by Mama Cass on the Tonight Show. Proprietor Michael Robertson knows the business: He grew up in his great-grandparents' antique shop and has been scouting estate sales across the nation for decades. We're just happy he brings them home -- and into his store.
6. QCumberz Whether you're looking for a rug or an over-sized jar for your latest terrarium endeavor, we'll send you to QCumberz where a maze of rooms and hallways will snake you through decades and styles of furniture, collectibles, and as many jars and vases as you could fit on all windowsills. The Seventh Avenue shop is surrounded by other vintage stop-ins, but stands apart in its pricing and selection. And we can't be thankful enough that they take plastic.
5. Fashion by Robert Black When Phoenicians think of fashion, the name that comes to mind is Robert Black, who began his career as a model and talent agent in the '80s and went on to found the Ford Robert Black Agency. Today, you'll find him in his landmark White Hogan building in downtown Scottsdale's arts district with a hoard of one-of-a-kind, vintage, red-carpet couture for men and women. There's nowhere better to play retro fashionista.
4. Red Modern Furniture Red's a gem for those on a retro mission. The is a small furniture boutique has an eclectic selection of rare finds including Eames, Wakefield, Miller and Knoll. You'll find that piece of 20th-century furniture -- and if you don't dig the fabric, you can have it reupholstered in-store with a wide range of fabrics from contemporary to modern. It's the perfect place to glam up your pad or to get that piece that you remember from childhood.
3. Mint Vintage And while you're in Red, pop into Mint, where you're not going to find cheap, easy-to-thrift crap from the '80s. Instead, you'll spot mod, disco trash and glam -- as well as the occasional lovely '40s frock. Yep, there are plenty of summer parties on the horizon, and if you're on the hunt for a one-of-a-kind dress that's bound to draw as many jealous glances as compliments, you'll look no further.
2. Kooky Crafts Whether you're crafting a mutant pinata or a quirky diorama, Beatrice Moore has your supplies. The Grand Avenue Arts maven has been collecting some of the best vintage craft supplies around -- we're talking bump chenille and sequins, doll heads and more ribbon than you'll know what do with. That is, unless you're like us and already have a hoarding system of your own ...
1. Sweet SalvageCheck your calendar and thank god if it's the final weekend of the month -- that means the ladies at Sweet Salvage are unloading their latest truckload of treasures into their new spot on Seventh Avenue. The shop's only open for a weekend per month, but the two have no problem emptying their stock to a crowd full of Xavier moms, Arcadia socialites, and vintage hipster hopefuls. Here, you'll find lockers, loveseats, and letters that would put your latest Restoration Hardware catalog to shame ... and you won't have to pay for shipping.
