Goods & Services

Some say this purplish bud first came on the scene in 2009, its scent reminiscent to some of a newly opened box of Thin Mints Girl Scout cookies. The indica side of this hybrid strain gives it a mule kick of an effect, but the real stuff also has a buzzy sativa feeling. How do you know when you get real GSC? Ask a botanist — otherwise, you may never know for sure. The strain’s popularity has undoubtedly led to creative labeling. And worse for GSC lovers, the strain has been vanishing from local dispensaries like its namesake would in any cannabist’s kitchen cabinet. The stash itself isn’t going away, but its name is. That means GSC may be found under other names these days, so look out for those initials and any alternative spellings. See, the real Girl Scouts are sort of pissed at the marketing ploy. The venerable club’s green logo has been tarnished, leaders think. They’ve threatened dispensaries in Arizona and other states with legal action unless they changed that trademarked name. Most did, but mom-and-pop shops in rural areas probably haven’t gotten the message yet. Whether it really is GSC or not, as in the fashion world, sometimes it’s the label that counts. But if you get your hands on some actual GSC, you’ll know it by either the soft, cookie scent, or the wallop on your brain.

The jackalope — jackrabbit meets antelope — is a mythical creature, but now you can make your very own if you’re lucky enough to nab a spot in a Curious Nature taxidermy class. This Central Phoenix shop celebrates all things scientific, particularly if they’re hip, and what’s hipper than taxidermy? The best part of the classes — all materials are included, and no animals are harmed. So put down your gun, and don’t call PETA. This is all about preserving and enjoying nature. If that’s your kind of thing.

The wooden floors, blue walls, and large dome ceiling of 17,500-square-foot The Ocean Floor are meant to make you feel like you’re in a shipwreck, or at least a cool aquarium store. It works. This place has it all, starting with a reptile section behind the massive aquariums for sale. Then, take the bridge over the little koi pond for over 150 aquariums stocked with freshwater to tropical and saltwater fish — everything from rare fish to the standard red and blue bettas in little cups on a shelf. Admire the tenants of the Reef Tank, then check out the Swim Tank. There are also supplies of fish food, aquarium filters, lights, gear, barrels of colorful rocks and decor, corals, about 2,200 gallons of real harvested seawater, and plenty of kids with faces and hands pressed against the glass.

Anyone who’s ever stepped foot in a big-box guitar store knows what a hellscape the place can be. Imagine it: dozens of wannabe shredders workshopping their pinch harmonics while uninterested sales people consider what they might have to do to make a commission. Bizarre Guitar isn’t like that at all. Filled to the brim with vintage gear, new axes, amps, and best of all, a chill staff, the shop feels homey and stress-free. Whether you’re browsing for a stomp box, picking up strings, or even looking to trade up for something new, the locally owned Bizarre Guitar makes it clear that instrument stores don’t have to suck — the corporate competition doesn’t even come close.

Kimber Lanning’s record store has been around for 30 years, and it’s easy to see why. Stinkweeds is all about curation. It kinda has to be, given how small the CenPho shop is. But damn if they don’t make every square foot worth it — particularly when it comes to CDs. You’ll find a well-stocked selection of locally made albums and EPs, as well as super-specific small releases from choice labels that you might have to dig around for elsewhere. That the shop is picky about its staffers is also a plus. Both manager Lindsay Cates and longtime employee Dario Miranda have great taste (both are musicians, too), and you’ll be rewarded for being a return customer with killer recommendations.

No record shop in town does it quite like Zia Record Exchange. That’s partly because nobody rivals the sheer square footage the local chain’s shops cover, and also because pretty much every record store in town was founded by somebody who used to work at Zia. Hard to compete with the big kahuna. Really though, Zia carries everything from silly gag gifts and stocking stuffers to Criterion Collection films, and a bananas array of preowned items like action figures, musical instruments, and gaming gear. But the store really shines when it comes to vinyl. Where else can you ogle a Beatles butcher cover, spend hours digging through crates of dollar records, and pick up the latest DJ Khaled LP? Nowhere but Zia.

Some people wait all year long for Christmas. Or their birthday, the NBA playoffs, the beginning of elk season — we’ve all got our thing. For Phoenix bibliophiles, that’s the VNSA used book sale, which is traditionally held the second weekend in February at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. “Book sale” doesn’t begin to cover it: Each year, VNSA offers up hundreds of thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, games, sheet music, magazines, and much more at ridiculously low prices to thousands of shoppers, some of whom travel across the country and even the world to attend. Bring a backpack, bring a suitcase, bring a trash bin (we’ve seen people do it), and start filling it with enough reading material to get you through to the next sale. And best of all, VNSA is a nonprofit organization, which means that going overboard on purchases just sends that much more money to local charities. Everybody wins.

Since 1974, Changing Hands has been synonymous with Phoenix’s book culture. Currently operating two shops, one in Tempe, the other in central Phoenix just off the light rail, Changing Hands has more going for it than the best and most diverse selection of literature in Phoenix (though it certainly has that). What truly sets the shops apart from other book nooks is a dedication to community. Whether hosting family workshops, book club discussions, or lively author Q&As and signings, Changing Hands makes it clear that people who read together grow together, and Phoenix is better for that commitment and inquisitive spirit.

Small? Yes. A good selection just the same? Also yes. Among the loud banter and busking of Mill Avenue, you’ll spot the hanging sign for Old Town Books just south of Fifth Street. That is, if you don’t first spot the small, mobile bookshelves wheeled out onto the sidewalk, or the imaginative window display they have going on. Owner Chris Smith has run the bookshop since 1984, and settled into the Mill Avenue storefront in 1987. The narrow bookstore has all the same sections as a larger shop, so you’ll find titles delicately crammed in any shelf space available, along with copy paper boxes filled with books along the edge of the floor. Those interested in Arizona, Native American, and Old West history will find a good mixture of titles on the north shelves, while others can look for the vintage, first-edition, and out-of-print books the shop has to offer. Oh, and one more thing: It’s cash only.

A sister bookshop to the Arcadia location, Book Gallery is set in quaint downtown Mesa in what used to be a movie theater — and you can tell, too. This spacious bookstore has a main floor, and the back of the shop splits off into an upstairs and downstairs area. The store is packed with books on tall wooden shelves equipped with rolling ladders and decorated with posters, author images, and just cool stuff overall. Toward the back and up the short staircase, you’ll find a fiction section with books in hardcover and paperback, and many with little bookmarks sticking out the top reading “Signed.” Around the corner is a whole wall of Western-themed novels and pulpy paperbacks. Of course, there are plenty of nonfiction books about the American West and its history, covering every figure from Teddy Roosevelt to Quanah Parker to Kit Carson. You can also smell that this old bookstore has been around for 30 years, but in a good way.

Don’t listen to the print media naysayers: Now is a great time for comic books — maybe the best time. More diverse comics are being printed than ever before, and the quality’s never been better. Doubt it? Stroll into Ash Ave Comics & Books in Tempe. The neighborhood mainstay has all the big names — check out the Wonder Woman and Spider-Man titles if you dug those silver-screen blockbusters — but also a heady selection of underground, autobiographical, sci-fi, horror, and left-of-center fare. Owner Drew Sully has a distinct grasp on it all — he’s the kind of guy who can clue you in on obscure Marvel trivia as well as dive into Japanese manga and Alan Moore’s legendary run on Swamp Thing via the Ash Ave Comics Book Club, which meets monthly.

Anyone can toss together some flowers. The staff at Camelback Flowershop goes above and beyond, blending locally sourced plants (along with flowers from small producers in California, Oregon, and Washington) with an aesthetic that subtly mixes natural beauty with a modern, industrial touch. It’s a low-stress spot, too, with arrangements casually — but always artfully — displayed and same-day delivery of bouquets, gift boxes, succulents, home goods, and art. But owner Teresa Wilson’s design sense isn’t restricted to the shop: By offering classes and workshops, Wilson offers you a chance to extend her thoughtful touch to your own home.

There’s an oasis in the middle of Phoenix. As you enter, the scent of hundreds of colorful flowers will flood your nose, and it will feel like the temperature of the air around you drops several degrees. And no, you aren’t losing it. Those are the calls of macaw parrots cutting through the air. This is Dig It Gardens. In addition to gorgeous flora (and even some fauna) blooming from every corner of this plant haven, Dig It features the best selection of native desert plants in the city. Add in the expertise of the owners and staff, and even the most novice horticulturist will be cultivating their own green thumb in no time.

Some medical-marijuana dispensaries have nicer showrooms. Some get you to the cash register quicker. But Bloom has something most others don’t: quality cannabis on the cheap. The typical price for an ounce of decent weed at Bloom these days is $185, which can be substantially less expensive than other outlets. It’s difficult to compare strains at different dispensaries, because the products with the same name often aren’t grown from the same crops. But for many strains, only a purist or connoisseur could tell the difference between one premium sativa or indica versus another. An ounce of good-looking, high-THC buds might cost you $250 or even $350 at dispensaries that claim their product is much better. Bloom’s concentrates are cheaper, too, with a half-gram of shatter usually going for $20 instead of $25 or more. Yes, you can find good deals or discounts occasionally at other places, and it’s good to shop around because cannabis prices everywhere in Arizona are falling. But Bloom’s lower prices have been a consistent feature of the dispensary for the past few years, which is very cool. Paying $100 less for an ounce of indica or sativa at Bloom will surely help your pain, or whatever else ails you, because you’ll have money left over in your pocket. If you’re a frequent flier, cost is probably your biggest concern. So go to Bloom, and be less concerned.

Between the year-round shedding and the worrisome “What did you just roll in?”, dog groomers are the unsung heroes, saving us from what could easily be an entire morning of coaxing, sudsing, and, heaven forbid, nail-clipping. Fortunately for us and our four-legged friends, the best canine coiffures in town don’t come at a cost that will leave us howling. Doggy Daze offers a variety of all-inclusive services for pooches big and small, from self-service washes to double-coat de-shedding — all of which come with the complimentary “royal treatment” (ear-cleaning, nail-trimming, and yes, even gland-checking). As an added bonus, the pet parlor also features a retail area for purchasing dog food, treats, and toys, so you can do your one-stop shopping while Spot gets the salon treatment.

Put this on your “how to lose a weekend” list: Nature’s Medicines’ Nature’s Vapes Live Resin Pen cartridges, indica strain. No muss, no fuss — screw the cartridge into a vape-pen battery and inhale. Best of all, no singed fingertips, because unlike dabbing concentrates like crumble or wax, which is like trying to learn glass-blowing, a vape pen is probably not going to hurt you. This oil product set us back $40 for a half-gram, 350-milligram cartridge. The box said the indica strain is derived from the company’s AMF OG strain, which is a cross between Obama Kush and Skywalker OG. AMF stands for “adios, motherfucker.” The concentrated oil version provides a solid, heady sensation that settles into a cloud-like body high. Nature’s Medicines promotes the liquid resin as pure cannabis oil — that is, it contains no additives that didn’t spring from cannabis plants, and is about 70 percent THC. The natural terpene flavors make for a mighty tasty buzz. It’s a good choice for concentrates connoisseurs and weekend vapers alike.

Inexpensive, tasty, and healthy. And stoney. Very stoney. Find the 100-milligram Flourish AZ Date Brownies for $15 in dozens of Arizona dispensaries, or even better, find them for $12 in some shops. Comparison-shopping is always recommended with edibles, which can be especially pricey for the THC-tolerant. For novices and those with a low tolerance, a single brownie provides two or three doses. Flourish’s THC infusion is seamless. Every bite counts, with a noticeable consistency of psychoactive effect in each one. In fact, watch the dosing: It’s 100 milligrams that acts more like 150 for some reason. (Be sure to keep them away from kids.) They’re perfect for muscle pain or for medicinal-level relaxing, and the Williams, Arizona, company makes them in a 40-milligram size, too. So let’s get back to the taste and health-food aspects. Even without the cannabis, they’d be a good treat. Dates are not our thing, but the Flourish brownie has us reconsidering. Maybe it’s the beet sugar. Or the splash of espresso. It all comes together for superior flavor. Marketed as the next best thing to health food, Flourish brownies make you feel good about what you’re putting in your body. With their wallop of THC, they’ll make you feel good, period.

Looking to sheetcake from scratch? ABC’s got you covered. From pans to boxes and all the icing that comes in between — as well as decorations for every holiday and plenty of red, white, and blue — this old-school baking supply store can make just about any baking dream come true. For the non-cake-eaters, there are plenty of cookie cutters, candy molds, and pie tins. Start your ovens!

What began as an aisle in a hardware store is now a micro chain with locations all over the Valley and a loyal, paint-splattered following. From pens to pastels, Arizona Art Supply has kept Phoenicians creating for more than 60 years. You can order online, but what fun is that when there are so many aisles to wander?

Wickenburg is about an hour’s drive from town, but if you’re a fiber fan headed to Isabelle’s, it’s worth it. The walls are covered floor to ceiling with high-quality fibers from well-loved companies like Malabrigo and Tahki, as well as yarn from indie dyers and spinners like Arizona-based Mary Gavan. Persian rugs, antique vanities and dressers, and chandeliers create a charming setting for Isabelle’s carefully designed displays of notions and needles and everything else a knitter would need. Generous samples and a knowledgeable, friendly staff are always available, as is a beautifully appointed room just for knitting. A work table is available for laying out bigger projects, and coffee, tea, and treats are waiting — along with piles of wonderful yarn — for discerning knitters like you.

We’re a town full of bead stores, but this one is the best. It’s more than just Bead World’s wide selection of Czech glass beads, Japanese seed beads, and high-quality findings in a variety of metals. True, we love the large selection of pearls, glass baubles, and ethnic ceramic pendants. But the staff here is so friendly that we always end up feeling like an old friend rather than just a repeat customer. How is it possible that no matter who’s working, they always seem to remember us and our area of beading interest from our last visit? Interesting classes taught by knowledgeable teachers are nice, but what we love very most about Bead World is its hyper-organization. Both locations are tidy and well-kept, and beads, tools, and clasps are all neatly arranged by media and price. Even the clearance aisles at both stores are carefully arranged. If only the rest of the world were like Bead World.

Find everything from gold and quartz to metatorbernite at the annual Flagg Gem & Mineral Show — a three-day, tailgate-style event held the first weekend in January as a major fundraiser for the Flagg Mineral Foundation. In its 45th year in 2017, the outdoor FGMS show is a collection of jewelry, gems, beads, fossils, minerals, and lapidary supplies ideal for local mineral and lapidary clubs, enthusiastic collectors, and even the general public. Stations and vendors are set up to showcase their assortment of rocks and minerals for children, teachers, and rockhounds in an informal atmosphere, also known as the west parking lot of Mesa Community College. Parking and admission are free, and kids usually leave with a free sample of something.

We read Goop religiously and indulge occasionally in hippy-dippy endeavors. But the world of herbs and essential oils? It can be intimidating AF. Lucky for aspiring know-it-alls who aren’t sure where to start, that’s not the case at Desert Sage Herbs. The suburban shop has dealt in teas, herbs, spices, and oils since 1999. It’s run by mother-daughter team Vicki Greener and Brittney Sounart, an aromatherapy specialist and clinical herbalist. Housed in a fittingly chill, homey storefront, it’s our favorite spot to buy sage for burning and shamelessly ask newbie questions about the 300-plus herbs and spices Desert Sage stocks.

This Arcadia-based bookstore is your one-stop-shopping spot for metaphysical literature, as well as gifts, home decor, and tools for feng shui, yoga, and meditation. The Vision Quest Psychic Bookstore houses a couple thousand titles, though the shop started as a 900-square-foot bookstore in Canoga Park, California. Books aside, Vision Quest hosts classes and events like Get Your Astrology Chart or Report, the UFO Starseed Activation Workshop, and Mediumship 101. The store continues to wow metaphysical fans with its small army of psychic readers available by appointment each day, plus astrological charting services and consultations, and additional retail like crystals, gems, wind chimes, tarot and divination cards, and supplies for a personal sacred altar.

Having a run of bad luck? Can’t seem to shake a feeling of dread or impending misfortune? You might need the protection of the evil eye. In a superstition common in the Mediterranean world and beyond, a blue-and-white teardrop-shaped ornament on your wall or wrist can fend off malevolent energy. Also known by its Turkish name, nazar, the glass charm is placed over a door frame or on the wall in Turkish homes and businesses. Short of taking a trip to Istanbul, your best bet for finding the evil eye in the Valley is at Bernie’s Beads. Owner Bernie Lawitz specializes in international beads, including the nazar variety. He has tons of the blue-and-white beads, not to mention a few historic ones that were crafted several thousand years ago. Lawitz’s previous store, Beads Galore, was open for 40 years in Tempe before he closed down last year to move to his current location in Mesa. In addition to the evil eye, he stocks run-of-the-mill beads of every color and shape. No guarantees that those will turn your luck around.

Save your Spencer Pratt jokes, because being “into” crystals is totally en vogue. Don’t buy it? Pop by CenPho shop Fantasia Crystals just north of Camelback Road on Seventh Street. There, you don’t need expertise or any relation to Heidi Montag to indulge in occult, metaphysical, or Wiccan pursuits. Indeed, Fantasia is home to a School of Magickal Arts, where you can learn in courses on the basics of paganism, an intro to divination, and spell-casting. Not ready to commit to your inner Sabrina Spellman? No bother. Fantasia also offers in-store psychic readings, jewelry, and, of course, enough crystals to make the reality TV villain smile from ear to ear.

The key to killer denim is timeless appeal: Cuts and styles may sway with the times, but broken-in jeans always look great. Phoenix General’s selection is limited — check the sale section for brands like Corridor and Bridge and Burn — but the trendy central Phoenix shop is the spot for Levi’s Made and Crafted and Vintage Clothing collections, which split the difference between greaser chic and classic miner-styled dungarees. This is the place for only the most serious denim shoppers and those with plenty of space on the credit card. You’ve got to look the part, too. Not everyone can get away with bib and brace overalls, but if you’re someone who can, Phoenix General has you covered (in distressed denim).

Frances has been a shopping beacon in the Medlock Plaza since 2006. Carefully curated by boutique owner Georganne Bryant, the small shop carries selections from major fashion brands like hippie-chic Free People, sparkly accessories and doodads by bando, and stationery crafted by floral favorite Rifle Paper Co. Such must-haves are counterbalanced with locally sourced shirts from Hello Apparel, jewelry from The Shine Project, and more cactus-adorned home decor than your kitsch-filled home could possibly handle. The CenPho store’s still a destination, of course. But these days, so much retail has popped up at the intersection of Camelback Road and Central Avenue that it’s all too easy to make a day of shopping the block. Sorry not sorry, bank account.

Made Art Boutique

Small wonder that Robert Black, the former head of a modeling agency, would have stellar taste in fashion. Black and Doreen Picerne are the dynamic duo behind Fashion by Robert Black, downtown Scottsdale’s longstanding vintage go-to. Located in a 1950 building that was home to the White Hogan Navajo jewelry shop, Black and Picerne’s 2,500-square-foot store marks another chapter in Arizona fashion. Shoppers can expect high-end labels like Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, and Bob Mackie alongside such Southwest throwback staples as Harwood Steiger prints and Leona Caldwell patio dresses. In search of a totally luxe statement piece? Look no further.

Buffalo exchange

Wanna make a fashionista’s jaw drop? Direct her to Black Cat Vintage, the online boutique run by Claudine Villardito. She’s collected rare, odd, and beautiful items for decades, and they’re available for purchase — as well as ogling. Shoppers are encouraged to think of the digital shop as “a fashion museum where all the exhibits may be purchased.” The pieces you’ll find here are spectacular, and they’re also very expensive. Makes sense, considering that stock includes ’70s Halston safari separates, Oleg Cassini gowns, and a Schiaparelli straw hat. For a more budget-friendly take on high-quality vintage, Black Cat has Mrs. Robinson’s Affairs, a boutique-within-a-boutique of women’s clothing and menswear better suited to daily life. Oh, and should you want to see the goods in person (and, you know, try things on), Black Cat does host a pop-up shop with limited weekend hours.

Don’t you just hate it when you need some fast cash and you have to sell your Rolexes? Yeah, that doesn’t happen to us, either. But when the 1 percent find themselves in need of a little extra scratch, they take their worldly goods to Biltmore Loan and Jewelry, a very, very high-end pawn shop in Scottsdale. The merchandise changes often, but a quick perusal of the elegant interior can reveal treasures like art and antiques, fine jewelry, luxury watches, and yes, even a coveted Hermes Birkin bag; when the store opened about a year ago, the jewel in its crown was a custom-order Crocodile Himalayan Birkin, purchased from a customer in Chandler and priced at a cool $185,000. But there are plenty of great finds at lower price points, and service is courteous and attentive whether you’re buying or selling.

Six years in, Sweet Salvage is widely considered the gold standard of vintage sales, a curated collection of other people’s trash waiting to be your treasure — but only for four days a month, always on the third weekend. It’s a formula that’s worked incredibly well for the organizers of Sweet Salvage, which has relocated and expanded and still appears ready to burst its buttons in a good way, with adjacent warehouses and a yard. From perfect vintage cowboy boots to mint-condition velvet tufted couches, we never find what we came for, but always leave with what we didn’t know we needed. And now can’t live without.

Oh, the joys of home ownership, a never-ending cycle of repair, remodel, repeat. Lucky for you, there’s Stardust Building Supplies, one of the better-kept secrets of frugal home flippers and historic-home pickers alike. Admittedly, the local home improvement store — with three locations in Mesa, Glendale, and Phoenix — relies on donated materials, so finding that special something is hit or miss. Some weeks, there’s nothing but discarded cabinetry and kitchen appliances. Other times, you might stumble upon the salvaged deco hardware of a downtown office building. Your best bet is to be patient as you peruse aisle after aisle of preowned windows, washers, and everything in between. Because for those who are willing to put in the time, Stardust can really deliver.

When dumpster diving doesn’t sound ideal and cover charges for vintage markets seem absurd, there’s one place yesteryear enthusiasts can always turn: the antique mall. With locations in Phoenix and Goodyear, the Brass Armadillo is Arizona’s seven-day-a-week solution to sought-after knickknacks, collectibles, and, you guessed it, brass. Each behemoth store is a labyrinth of long-lost ’50s Pyrex, Victorian dolls, and the occasional vintage ambulance gurney — all organized neatly by more than 600 dealers. Like any successful antique shopping expedition, a trip through the Brass Armadillo takes patience, a keen eye, and, more often than not, a shopping cart to carry everything you didn’t know you needed.

Brass armadillo antique mall

Since 1961, Scottsdale Fashion Square has been steadily building a retail empire, evolving over time from a two-anchor-store destination to a nearly 2-million-square-foot shopping oasis. Despite three stories of retail and restaurant space, a newly remodeled theater, and claiming the title of being the largest shopping mall in the Southwest, developers of the high-end hub are showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, just next year, they plan on debuting The Luxury Collection, an upscale annex complete with personal shoppers, style consultants, designer stores, runway shows, and VIP concierge services. A little much? Sure. But in the era of abandoned malls and Amazon Prime, we can’t help but be in awe of Fashion Square’s success.

scottsdale fashion square

We are longtime fans of Bunky Boutique, a sweet little shop named after owner Rachel Malloy’s grandmother, featuring a lovely collection of men and women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories, and cards. Malloy went sky-high this year when she opened a second Bunky outpost on the main concourse (pre-security!) at Terminal 4 at Sky Harbor. The shop features the same wonderful, carefully chosen items, and we even spied Malloy’s signature jackalope hanging on the wall as we passed by recently. We’re glad world travelers can bring a little Bunky home with them. Now if we can just get ourselves to the airport early enough to do some serious shopping before they board our flight.

Historic Downtown Glendale packs a wallop when you need a place offering unique items — especially if that gift or little something for yourself needs to be a shade of pink. Spot Pink House Boutique off 58th Avenue across from Glendale’s Velma Teague Branch Library, and head in for apparel, jewelry, travel items, bags, some frilly or rustic decor, and Hello Kitty accessories up the yang. Local designers include Bliss by Nikki G., Bri Bridge, and Gina’s Original AZ, while the array of styles offered range from rockabilly to wild child. What’s more, the boutique’s only other location is in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Though not everything is pink, you’ll have a very good chance of finding something you like in that particular hue.

We’ve found a kids clothing shop that carries brands like Oilily, Camper, and Converse, all at a small fraction of the original cost. There’s one catch: The clothes are used. But always the highest quality, some never worn. Given how quickly Junior grows out of his pants, we can’t pass up a deal this good. On a recent visit, our arms were full of Gap dresses, Abercrombie & Fitch jeans, and Minnetonka boots, all for sale for a few dollars each. A limited selection of toys and baby gear (think Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags and Junie B. Jones books) is also available, and the staff couldn’t be nicer. And best of all, once you outgrow what you buy here, you can bring it back, trade it in — and buy more.

hissyfits

The thing about living in Phoenix is that it’s T-shirt weather pretty much all year round, so we like to keep our closet well-stocked with stylish, well-made tees. Enter Dovetail Vintage, a local company that sells its wares on Etsy and occasionally at events like Phoenix Flea and Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. Despite the name, the duds are new, and owner Kylie Durkin designs shirts with a casual, low-key vibe that still manage to be stylish and hip. The items are made of high-quality, super-soft cotton that doesn’t shrink or fade and feels like a dream to wear. We’re partial to the “Phoenician” tee, which features the word in stacked letters next to a line drawing of our beloved state, showing our local pride and our love of well-made casualwear in one comfortable package.

state forty eight

Rubymint General Store is a stylish, interesting, and (most important) affordable boutique. Though you won’t be able to grab some fresh produce or cough syrup at this general store, you certainly will be able to stock up on your new favorite style staples. Locally made, desert-centric jewelry, flavorful cocktail mixers and unique vessels to serve them in, and bow ties for Fido await.

There’s no fighting it. Athleisure is comfortable, and the trend is apparently here to stay. Nobody in Phoenix does gym chic quite like R&R Surplus. Founded by Steve and Andi Rosenstein, the couple behind The Duce, the workout wear label and its CenPho storefront offer outfits that’ll look great at spin class, brunch, and while you stress your way through a Trader Joe’s trip. We’re partial to the drapey hoodies, lightweight dusters, and super-soft leggings. But regardless of the piece you pick, it’s all but guaranteed to be comfy, casual, and stylish without being showy. Which, you know, is the whole point of athleisure.

Thank goodness Birkenstocks are trendy again, because our feet were killing us. And thank goodness for The Shoe Mill, the best place in town to stock up on ‘Stocks. Don’t want to bare your toes? That’s okay, we didn’t really want to see them. The Shoe Mill stocks all the big brands in comfortable footwear, including Naot, Dansko, and Merrill. From sandals to clogs and a few choices in between, you’ll be standing proud after a trip to The Shoe Mill.

Although the weather might suggest otherwise, Arizona is a breeding ground for runners. And from cross-country to sprinting, trails to tracks, there’s no place that caters more to your cardio obsession than the Runner’s Den. The nearly 30-year-old Phoenix establishment has been a long-standing source for all things racing and training in the Valley. In addition to carrying all the essential brands like Asics, Brooks, and Saucony, the store also offers a selection of running apparel, accessories, and marathon fuel. And if you’re new to the racing scene or just not really sure where to start, the knowledgeable staff that eats, sleeps, and breathes running will be happy to help you out.

nike

For the sneaker connoisseur, Undefeated (a.k.a. UNDFTD) needs no introduction. But for those who balk at the idea of paying thousands of dollars for a pair of OG Air Jordans, the mysterious hash mark logo that appeared on Central Avenue back in December may need some backstory. Undefeated is a Los Angeles-based streetwear boutique and brand specializing in must-have kicks as well as limited-edition collaborations with the likes of Nike, Converse, Vans, and Adidas. In addition to being one of the most influential urban retailers over the last decade, Undefeated also carries a reputation for being selective with their storefronts. Before opening their newest chapter in the Valley, Undefeated stores could only be found in Las Vegas, parts of California, and cities in Japan. Talk about upping Phoenix’s cool factor.

The little shopping plaza on Central Avenue just north of Camelback Road has some good retail: Central Barbershop, Curious Nature, Cheese N Stuff — and the original location of Cowtown Skateboards. Though additional shops are found in Glendale, Tempe, and Litchfield Park, this central Phoenix storefront is the reason why the skate shop can support the slogan, “Skateboarding Only Since 1997.” Decks, parts, tools, apparel, shoes, magazines, DVDs, and attentive employees pack the mini skateboard market (it’s so easy to just get things online, you know?), and brands range from AZPX, Brixton, Huf, Birdhouse, Pizza, Slave, Toy Machine, and Girl to big shots like Nike, Adidas, and Levi’s. There’s even Cowtown’s own in-house brand. The people here also put in some major legwork to host the annual PHXAM skateboarding tournament and event held at the skateboards-only (seems like a theme here) Desert West Skateboard Plaza.

Cowtown skateboards

Landis Cyclery has a lot riding on its history. Landis has four locations now — but at one time, way back in 1912, the year Arizona became a state — it was the only shop around. Benjamin Harrison opened Arizona’s first bicycle store in 1912, capitalizing on the newfangled sport of bike-racing. His sons, Dick and Ben Landis, took the handlebars after him, and now Harrison’s grandkids, Dick Jr. and Bob Landis own the business. They intend on being here another century, clearly, from their huge product displays and warm staff. Bicycling has changed over the years, and Landis keeps up the pace. You’ll find some of the priciest, highest-quality metal steeds at their stores for road- and mountain-biking needs, a few cheaper utility bikes, and an impressive midrange of, well, everything: fixies, kid bikes, fat-tire cruisers, and the right accessories for most anything you want to do on two wheels. Service is outstanding and reasonably priced. You can trust a bicycle shop that’s as old as Arizona to treat you right.

If you needed to build your wardrobe from the ground up, with everything from athletic wear and going-out shoes to work clothes and party attire, we’d point you in the direction of one shop: Poor Little Rich Girl. Come to think of it, we’d also recommend the shop if you were on the hunt for a new bag and didn’t have something particular in mind. And, honestly, if we take the time to consider it, it’s tough to think of an occasion when we wouldn’t recommend the resale spot. Okay, so you probably won’t find a bridal gown there. But you could easily find options for all the weddings on your agenda. That’s the beauty of this place. You’ll find cute Kate Spade sunnies, barely worn Rag and Bone jeans, and a Valentino purse — all for totally different outfits, all under one roof.

Long gone are the days of being ashamed of spectacles or risking names like “Four Eyes.” Finally, the style tides have turned, glasses have become fashionable, and all those plagued by less-than-perfect vision can rejoice. And since daily eyewear frames your face, you know, every day, doesn’t it only make sense to ensure your specs are eye-catching? Take one step into Framed Ewe and you’ll see why this shop is known for the coolest, most unusual, and absolutely show-stopping eyewear in town. Plus, at this one-stop glasses shop, you can get your eye exam, step into the modish showroom, and tap into the style expertise of one of Framed Ewe’s helpful, chic associates. Whether you’re looking for new readers or a fresh pair of sunglasses, you won’t leave with anything less than the perfect pair of frames just for you.

costco

Street art meets nail art in the work of Jimmy Nguyen, whom you might know better by his Instagram handle, @buddhasnails. The Phoenix native is just as capable of decking your fresh set of stiletto acrylics with Old English lettering as he is of painting a playful homage to Japanese fashion label Comme des Garçons on your natural square tips. Which is to say, Nguyen’s range and technical proficiency are, to use a technical term, totally bananas. This is a special-occasion manicure you’re going to want every two weeks. The artist is available by appointment only at Stash House AZ, Phoenix’s nail art mecca located in the Windsor Square Historic District.

We trust Beyoncé implicitly. So the fact that she and Jay-Z honeymooned at Paradise Valley’s own Sanctuary Resort in 2008 is basically an ad infinitum endorsement of the luxury spot. And since the power couple stayed at Sanctuary, the spot’s made several upgrades, including freshening up its world-class spa. The Asian-inspired facilities have indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a meditation garden, and a pool reserved for the practice of watsu, a form of aquatic therapy. We’re partial to the Wild Lime-Blossom massage and the Wakai facial. While we can’t say what Bey’s faves happen to be, we do know that the spa also offers nail treatments, a massage specifically for golfers, and watsu sessions paired with facials. Surfborts not included.

Juniper botanical spa

Not to nitpick, but there’s no such thing as a Sonoran rose. Yes, roses can grow in the Sonoran Desert. And there’s such a thing as a desert rose. But it’s called adenium, and while lovely and vaguely Seussian, the flower is native to the Arabian Peninsula and Africa. Like we said, though, not nitpicking. Because Camelback Inn’s so-called Sonoran Rose Facial delivers relaxation and our favorite floral note to such a degree that it calms our skin as well as our know-it-all tendencies. Seriously. The combination of glycolic acid and rose oil paired with a hand and foot massage make for quite the chill, mind-mellowing experience. Call it whatever you want. We’re on board.

To twist a line from Apocalypse Now, the light and space of Sky High Smoke Shop can really put the zap on your head. Enter while buzzing at your own risk. The sheer number of shiny glass pipes and bongs in Sky High is in itself dizzying. Two walls are lined with rows of top-quality water pipes, the displays rising above cabinets of bubblers and pipes of all colors. A tall case in the middle of the shop has shelves packed with dabbing rigs and gear galore. Be prepared to spend a while here assessing your choices. Sky High has cheaper glass and acrylic to consider, too. Perhaps best of all, the store seems like it’s always open. Stop in after breakfast at 9 a.m., or just before breakfast at 2 a.m. on weekends. This is especially convenient when your own glass equipment inevitably breaks, or if you unexpectedly receive stuff to put in a pipe but don’t have a pipe. Sky High’s friendly employees are the icing on your baked cake.