Best Magazine Rack 2014 | Bookmans Entertainment Exchange | Shopping & Services | Phoenix
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Best Magazine Rack

Bookmans Entertainment Exchange

You've come a long way, Phoenix. Except when it comes to that urban mainstay, the magazine rack. A few spots around town have a decent selection, but, really, this is one of the few Best of Phoenix categories that punts. Unless you find yourself at Bookmans. Technically speaking, Bookmans' magazine rack isn't legit: These are not new magazines. They are used, as is the lion's share of the merchandise at this mini-chain. But on many occasions, we've scored the latest issues of The New Yorker or Vogue (at a big discount!), and there are always a few periodicals with titles we don't recognize, which makes for fun browsing. You're on notice, Phoenix: We want a giant, legit, indie magazine rack. We just wish someone else did, too, or rather, a whole bunch of someones, because we know how expensive that kind of endeavor is. For now, you'll find us at Bookmans.

Best Adult Clothing Resale

Buffalo Exchange

Whether it's "vintage," "used," or "resale," there are three qualities common to great secondhand clothing stores, all on display here. First is interesting stuff on the racks, thanks to buyers who aren't just going for labels and trends. You'll find a range of options, from club festive to period pieces to classics you could wear to court if you had to. Second: deals, like $35 for a pair of new J Brand jeans that retail for $150 and up. And third: conviviality (not to be confused with fake friendliness). Sure, the buyers will reject most of what you bring in to sell, but they won't be rude about it, and their pickiness is what keeps the selection strong. Bonus: good music to shop to.

Best Kid Clothing Resale

Love Child Style Exchange

It seems we can barely get new clothes home before the kids have outgrown them. Luckily, we found Love Child. The staff is friendly, the prices are super-reasonable, and the selection is amazing and always changing. You can outfit kids for ski season, find just the right dress for the junior high dance, and walk out in a teeny-tiny pair of sparkling Toms. Bring your own piles for resale, and anything Love Child doesn't take, it will donate to charity so you don't have to haul the rejects in the back of your car waiting for a Goodwill to come along.

Best Kids' Clothing

Baby Teith

That designer Tiffe Fermaint recently had a daughter is a style blessing for babies everywhere. Known for her club-ready wearables, Fermaint has shifted her focus to dressing her kid in cool duds. We're talking onesies bedecked with Morrissey's face, T-shirts that read "I am the future," headbands, bandanna bibs, and leggings in such prints as purple lightning, gemstones, galaxies, and black-and-white punk studs. All Baby Teith items are made in Phoenix and in Fermaint's spectacular style. Because your kids should be as well dressed as you, right? 

Best Jewelry

Mother of Gideon

Charis Elliott and Seth Fainkujen approach jewelry differently than your average bauble-makers. Instead of creating one ring to rule all, the duo specializes in designing and creating bespoke pieces with ethically sourced stones. Named for the Biblical warrior, the company's intricate pieces of jewelry look not unlike pieces of armor. Hefty rings, angular necklaces, and naturalistic materials combine for a collection that's a little intimidating but totally covetable. Try the wearable art on for size at the brand's pop-up shop at Biltmore's Union.

Best T-Shirts

Hello Apparel

A dead giveaway you've spotted a shirt by Hello Apparel? Well, a lot of them have "hello" in a loopy cursive font emblazoned across the chest. Those T-shirts, tank tops, and sweatshirts are manufactured in Arizona by Sam Means' Hello Merch, which works with touring bands to create quality merchandise. But you don't have to be musically inclined to partake. A sense of humor and an appreciation for design will do just fine. A few of the brand's non-name-related designs read "I'm so tired" (with a children's top that counters "I'm not tired") and "I'm So Broke." At $24 a pop, you might be the former, but you can't blame the shirt for the latter.

Best Leather Goods

Bison Made

Simplicity and quality are the first words that come to mind to describe Phoenix-based leather goods purveyor Bison Made. Manufactured by hand in a studio space at Roosevelt Row's MonOrchid, the iPhone cases, wallets, and straight razors look timeless. And that's the idea. Meant to last a lifetime and beyond, these meticulously constructed accessories are made with nothing more than leather and stitching. With a limited range of colors in browns and black and a limited number of designs, these pieces boast craftsmanship that puts your duct tape cardholder to proper shame.

Best Denim

Lawless Denim Co.

Think nothing can get between you and your Levi's? Check out the Lawless Denim's setup at CityScape and get back to us. Roman Acevedo's boutique specializes in creating custom jeans in-house and by hand — and with the help of a brigade of vintage sewing machines. Here's how it works: You pick your denim — either American or Japanese selvedge. Decide on a style, like high-waist or boot cut. And then select finishes like buttons and thread color. For around $245, you'll have a pair of jeans made to your specifications and measurements. If you're not quite ready for custom-made pants (or dropping serious dough), head for the ready-made rack, where you'll find denim for about half that price.

Best Men's Boutique

HUB

Gentlemen, take note. HUB owner Jennifer Mumford has quite the eye for style. And she curates her Central Phoenix boutique with pieces that'll have you turning heads — in a good way. Mumford seeks out up-and-coming designers from around the globe to feature in the light-filled shop, where you'll find pieces by WRK, Zanerobe, and Naked and Famous. With a killer denim selection from Diesel, Nudie, and APC and accessories to boot (including Red Wing boots), you'll be set from head to toe.

Best New Boutique

Pepper

We want to be the kind of girl who's perpetually dressed in finds from Pepper. She's stylish but not trying too hard; put together but not a perfectionist. The Old Town Scottsdale shop specializes in laid-back California cool that looks effortless. Owned by the oh-so appropriately named Cathy Beach, the store brings a decidedly Venice Beach vibe to the Valley, carrying selections from bohemian-chic brands Free People, Alternative Apparel, and Mink Pink. Think Panama hats, sunny yellow maxi dresses, and slouchy floral print harem pants. The shop's named for Beach's pup, whom you might spot lounging around the boutique.

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