Best Jewelry 2014 | Mother of Gideon | Shopping & Services | Phoenix
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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.

Best Boutique

Frances

Stuck in a fashion rut? Head to Frances. Each time we swing by the CenPho boutique we find something — whether it's a purse, a pair of teensy stud earrings, or a lovely summer dress — that recharges our style mojo. Which isn't to say the shop's full of wacky wares. Instead, the perennial favorite mixes standbys like Toms shoes, against the grain jewelry, and Frye tooled-leather bags with Free People rompers and other of-the-moment items. In addition to women's styles, the shop houses a second room of menswear, home goods, and things for the kiddos. Swing through and it'll be near impossible to leave empty-handed.

Best Homegrown Boutique

GROWop

If loving Anthropologie's a crime, then lock us up. We're suckers for its candles, housewares, and impeccably styled boho-chic clothing. Guilty as charged. But what if you had a locally owned and operated alternative? You do. With local artisans contributing goods such as jewelry, succulent planters, and buttons, new and vintage clothing curated by owners Josh Hahn and Kenny Barrett, and handpicked items from select designers and vendors like the Portland Collection and 1820 House candles, there are plenty of reasons to swing by the bungalow boutique. That's in addition to the fact that we sound just a smidge cooler when we tell people where we scored that fab vintage purse.

Best Online Vintage Boutique

Luxie Vintage

Cory Martinez takes fashion risks we wouldn't dare try in our wildest sartorial dreams. Patterned leggings, floor-length hippie dresses, and punky acid-wash jeans are all on the table — and a little scary to the all-black-clad set. And more power to her. The Tempe fashion maven, who runs online boutique Luxie Vintage, inspires us to push the envelope. And browsing her shop via Etsy and eBay (both complete with modeled shots of her handpicked pieces), makes us see how doable it is to incorporate splashes of Luxie's leopard print palazzo pants and Mexican sundresses into our otherwise monotonous closets. We'll get there — one daring item at a time.

Best Place to Buy Vintage Clothing

Vintage by Misty

When Misty Guerriero-Navon announced plans to move her vintage boutique from downtown Phoenix to Scottsdale, we were a little bummed. But we understood. The upscale boutique, which specializes in high-end fashion from decades past, seemed out of place next to a shuttered CD store and a Greek restaurant. Vintage by Misty's new home is located in Old Town Scottsdale's historic Brooks Building, with floor-to-ceiling windows and racks stuffed with the rich colors and eclectic patterns Misty's best known for carrying. Oh, and designers galore. We're talking Chanel, Pucci, and Yves Saint Laurent. Beyond the jaw-dropping, wallet-draining couture, you'll find home goods and budget-friendly picks. And for all those reasons, the new Vintage by Misty is more inviting than ever before.

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