North Phoenix Blog

North Phoenix has blossomed as its own pocket of Valley culture, including car shows, the Scottsdale art walks — lucky for us, the “North Phoenix Blog has got it covered. The blog provides the normal rundown of events, stores, and art galleries in the north Valley, but we really love…

The Arizona Gathering is a Cult Classic for Crafty Types

​Sometimes the coolest events have the worst marketing. Take the 2010 Arizona Gathering, for example. Friends of ours have raved about the amazing workshops and fab supplies they’ve discovered at the annual event, but the generic name makes it sound like a creepy cult retreat. And the website…let’s just say it’s…

Universal Furnishings and Offerings (UFO)

We’ve had our eye on this dynamic space along 16th Street (between Osborn and Indian School Roads) that offers vintage, antique, and unique discoveries.Owner Leonardo Ramirez is super energetic and has an infectious personality. He coined the term “recyclitude” to describe his business (and life) approach. His latest endeavor is…

Amsterdam Modern in Phoenix

We’re always thrilled to find out about new local mid-century modern furnishing shops. Needless to say, we’re excited about Amsterdam Modern. …

Bunky Boutique Finds a New Home

The day has arrived. Bunky Boutique has officially moved.We’ve been looking forward to this since we heard about it in early April. We got a first look at the space this morning as the dust was still settling (check out our slideshow for more snapshots).Yes, Bunky Boutique is now open…

Loveland Boutique Hosts BUYcott Sale Starting Today

Are you sick of all of this SB 1070 boycott bullcrap? We sure are. And so are the folks over at Loveland Boutique, the adorable little clothing and accessory shop for ladies, kids and their four-footed pals at Mill Ave. and Baseline in Tempe.  In response to other states’ boycotts of Arizona businesses, the boutique is hosting…

Go-Kat-Go and Bo’s Funky Stuff

We’ve noticed two trends lately, in the used stuff business — first, a general proliferation of vintage/antique/thrift stores, particularly in the Melrose shopping district around 7th Avenue, very roughly bordered by Camelback and Indian School roads. Second, folks are joining forces — such a good idea, in this tight economy…

Hand Stamped “Edit” Pillow from Joshua By Oak

Really, how could we resist the message on this hand-stamped pillow from Joshua By Oak? We figured the name had to belong to a hipster living on Oak Street, when we learned this etsy.com seller resides in the Phoenix area. Instead, JBO is a woman named Debra, who writes on…

Baker Nursery, Let’s Shop

Every Arcadian has a special place in their heart for family-owned Baker Nursery (this writer included).The 10-acre property is filled with every flower, tree, cactus and seed imaginable and has been a neighborhood institution for 42 years.See? Independent businesses can survive in Phoenix.While the weather is still tolerable, we recommend…

Sydney Bienniale Blogged Arizona-Style

It’s an embarrassment of Arizona riches, down under. First, word spread that not one, not two — but three Arizona artists will be featured at the 17th Bienniale of Sydney, an enormous and important art extravaganza beginning this Thursday in Sydney, Australia. All three artists are repped by one of…

Kate Crowley, What Are You Wearing?

Kate Crowley, the Marketing and Communications Manager at the Heard Museum in Central Phoenix, has a lot on her plate. She keeps media folks well-informed about the cycle of art shows and events at the Heard and is the mastermind behind the third Friday NU (Native + You) monthly evening…

Erik Gustafson, What Are You Wearing?

When we approached Erik Gustafson about doing a “What Are You Wearing?” piece, the Phoenix Chorale tenor and opera singer responded with, “I’m literally the least fashion-conscious person I know of.” We’re not so sure about that. Seems like Gustafson – who, when he’s not singing, creates some pretty hilarious…

3 Snaps Opens in Melrose District

Get ready for the “glamorous, gay Goodwill.” Don Hammill’s resale shop, 3 Snaps, opens its doors on Friday, May 7. The opening weekend bash will include a fashion show and possible appearances by Valley drag queens.Hammill says he named the store after the flamboyant finger-snapping gesture synonymous with gay men…

Princess Sparkle Pony’s Photo Blog

OK, so the guy’s from Tucson and now lives in Washington, D.C. And we’re not really sure where Princess Sparkle Pony comes in. But we still adore Peter Huestis’ blog, and we think you will, too. He moved away many years ago, but Arizona’s been on Huestis’ mind. Recently, he…

Dana Stern, What Are You Wearing?

If you’ve ever seen JJCnV play, you may have observed that the two killer dude musicians in the trio — Pete Hinz and Jeff Barthold — aren’t exactly tearing it up in the clothing department. (No offense, fellas.) On the other hand, Dana Stern, the group’s co-singer and guitarist (and…

The Fifty Cent Moustache, Just in Time for Cinco de Mayo

Here at Jackalope Ranch, we love a good gumball machine. You know, the kind that takes a quarter or fifty cents and spits out some piece of useless plastic. It’s always a piece of useless plastic (or a crappy fake tattoo or a faux-metal ring) but somehow, we always fool…

Here on the Corner Boutique Midnight Sale Today

I can’t count the number of times I’ve been out shopping for a dress, cash in hand, at ten at night when all of the good stores are closed. It blows when you need a last-minute party outfit and all that’s open is Wal-Mart. Am I right, ladies? ​Apparently, Tempe’s here*…

Pimp Your Plastic Ride at Westgate’s Ridemakerz Shop

Tickle Me Elmo’s incessant giggling could drive a parent to bust a cap in that red stuffed ass and Bratz dolls look like the offspring of Ru Paul and one of Santa’s elves. But every once in a while, someone comes up with a brilliant idea for a new toy. Or, in…

Modern Manor Celebrates Grand Opening

  As Phoenix continues its celebration with Mid-Century design, Ryan and Kylie Durkin and Jeremy Briddell celebrated the grand opening of Modern Manor, a warehouse of new-to-you finds at 716 W. Hazelwood Street in Phoenix. Modern Manor’s been open since March; business hours are Wed – Sun, 11 am – 6 pm…