Best Kids Clothing 2017 | Love Child | Goods & Services | Phoenix
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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.

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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.

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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).

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.

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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.

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.

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