Shopping And Services

Elise Albert knows what women want in a swimsuit. They want options; they want to feel sexy, comfortable and confident. As the owner of Tempe’s swimwear boutique, What Women Want Swimwear, Albert has helped thousands of women find the perfect suit for their body type. She can give any woman the once over and know the cup size, designer and cut that would work for her. Her shop is the only one in the Valley that welcomes women of all sizes and women looking for a custom-made suit, including women who have had a mastectomy and need a suit designed to hold a breast-shaped prosthesis. Now that’s attention to detail. 1825 E. Guadalupe Road, Ste. 108, Tempe, 480-777-2535, whatwomenwantswimwear.com.

 

When looking for a statement-making outfit, look to Carole Peterson, owner of Carole’s Couture in Scottsdale. Peterson is known for her fashion-forward sensibility, as well as taking pride in making women feel and look fabulous. The boutique is packed with chic and eclectic clothing from designers such as Vera Wang, Nicole Miller, Chaiken and Robert Rodriguez. Even if you’re not married to any of these labels, chances are you’ll find something uniquely “you,” especially since Peterson keeps her clientele in mind when purchasing pieces for the store in New York City. 16459 N. Scottsdale Road, Ste. 101, Scottsdale, 480-275-7387, carolescouture.com.

 

What did Valley shoppers do before funky Frances? This hip Downtown Phoenix boutique is full of cool finds that meet the needs of even the pickiest shopper. You can’t go wrong with an embossed leather belt or a one-of-a-kind necklace by Georganne Bryant, the owner of the shop. Whether you’re looking to revamp your entire anthology of accessories or just pull together one outfit, Frances’ collection of vintage-inspired trimmings will do the trick. 10A W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602-279-5467, francesvintage.com.

 

Promoting world peace shouldn’t be a fashion crime, and thanks to Gilbert-based Sir Alistair Rai, it isn’t. Sir Alistair Rai’s funky, Bohemian-meets-rock-star T-shirts, dresses and scarves not only make people look good, they make powerful statements. Some shirts are embellished with simple messages like “think” and “peace,” while others convey a snarky sense of humor with lines like “Barack the Vote” and “Global Warming – That’s Not Hot.” This local line of clothing has even hit it big with socially conscious Hollywood starlets like Halle Berry, Angelina Jolie and Drew Barrymore, who have been seen sporting Sir Alistair Rai pieces. Visit siralistairrai.com for Valley locations.

 

Our favorite new Valley boutique will enhance your wardrobe and make you realize how overpriced so many other shops in town really are. eNhance, the Scottsdale boutique next door to Canyon Falls Spa, has only been open a handful of months, but it’s already a raving success. Natasha Finestead, the buyer for eNhance, has had to schedule additional buying trips just to keep the inventory stocked. Women flock to the quaint shop because of Finestead’s impeccable taste and the style options she offers. eNhance caters to women searching to add a little rock ’n’ roll to their wardrobe, a sassy date dress, a stylish addition to the work pile, or a casual afternoon tank. 14891 N. Northsight Blvd., Ste. 121, Scottsdale, 480-998-0333, enhanceboutique.com.

Nestled near a discount department store and a Burger King, ICON’s location feels nothing like the Sunset Strip. But if the posters of fashionistas like Audrey Hepburn, Sarah Jessica Parker and Gwen Stefani in this posh store don’t change your mind, the dresses, tops and accessories will. ICON’s trendy looks scream California style, from funky hoodies from Heatherette, a little-known designer from New York, to patterned tanks by C&C California and Kitson flip-flops that are perfect for the beach (if only we had one). Just be prepared to spend like you’re in California, too – prices range from $30 to $500. 1290 N. Scottsdale Road, Ste. 111, Tempe, 480-557-0334, iconfashionboutique.com.

 

Each web that Beth Church weaves is one-of-a-kind, eye-catching and dazzling. Church’s jewelry makes statements, making her our favorite local jewelry designer. Her necklaces are the centerpieces of any ensemble. Her belt buckles are like exclamation points. Church incorporates vintage charms, gold, silver and antique chains, beads and gems into her creations, and ladies, you may feel as if you’re carrying around a 5-pound weight, but trust us, it’s worth it. Visit bethchurch.com for Valley locations.

 

A tattoo parlor’s clients are its best – or worst – advertisements, and No Regrets has the best sales force in Arizona. Ask anyone in the Valley where they got that amazing tattoo, and chances are better than even that they’ll steer you to this Tempe institution. That doesn’t mean it’s the only great tattoo parlor in the Valley (so please, guys, don’t get up in arms). But if you’re looking to take the plunge, the talented artists and professional atmosphere at No Regrets will certainly ease the pain. 1006 W. University Drive, Tempe, 480-967-5200, noregretstattoo.com.

 

Walking into Mint will take you back to the days when dressing up was a game and the props came from grandma’s closet. The vintage hot-spot, located within Red Modern Furniture on Camelback Road, carries vintage swing dresses, pink-beaded flapper dresses, jackets and pants in bright and bold patterns. The walls are lined with decorated hats, jewelry pieces and purses that round off any look. 201 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602-256-9620, iheartmint.com.

 

Send your man to The Clotherie at Biltmore Fashion Park if you like him to dress in the latest designs from around the world. Owner Greg Eveloff offers his clientele the most up-to-date pieces on the market, and if something doesn’t work as well as expected in the store, it’s replaced. Eveloff offers everything a man needs in his closet – underwear, belts, ties, socks, jeans, casual wear and dress wear. Who doesn’t love a man in Ted Baker, 7 For All Mankind or Eton? 2552 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602-956-8600, theclotherie.com.

Interested in “going green” but concerned that you’ve already spent too many years steeped in toxic chemicals to make a difference? Visit Twig & Twill at The Borgata to pick out a little something for the baby in your life who still has a shot at 100 percent green living, and you’ll see just how easy – and cute! – green living can be for the entire family, including Fido. All of the clothing, furniture, beauty products and pet care products here are 100 percent organic, nontoxic and chemical free, from raw material to production. The floor of the retail space is earth-friendly cork and the walls are painted with nongaseous chalk paint. 6166 N. Scottsdale Road, Ste. 604, Scottsdale, 480-922-0052, twigandtwill.com.

 

Who knew Mesa could be so whimsical, charming and full of Domestic Bliss? Every corner of this Main Street shop reveals exceptional treasures – some old, some new, some flashy and some brassy. This comfy, dreamy shop is our favorite spot to find unique gifts. It’s a one-stop-shop to buy chandeliers, candles decorated with jewels, artwork that doubles as picture frames, couches, boutique-style accessories and hardware. 166 W. Main St., Mesa, 480-733-0552, domesticblissdesign.com.

 

If, with your bulging bump, you’re still concerned with looking like you just stepped off the runway, Belly Boutique in Scottsdale is the place to go, offering the hottest designer maternity wear and couture baby gear. Stylish moms-to-be and new moms will love the friendly service and cozy atmosphere (there’s even a couch in the dressing room for nursing moms). From sassy pregnancy tees and flirty sundresses to trendy baby slings and sexy nursing bras, Belly Boutique is the destination for couture moms and babies. Looking for a great shower gift? The staff will help you create a customized “Belly Basket” that’s sure to give even the most morning-sick mama something to smile about. 8787 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-596-0767, bellyboutiquematernity.com.

 

If you’re a fashionista living west of the I-17, you may be tempted to head for the keyboard and mouse rather than trek to one of the East Valley’s fashion-forward hotspots. But who, then, will ooh and aah at the made-in-heaven fit of those premium William Rast jeans? For the total boutique experience on the west side, head to one of two Arrowhead locations of Haute C Boutique, where owners Claire and Karol Martin have made it their mission to offer West-side men and women big-name brands like Michael Stars, Ben Sherman, Lacoste and Betsey Johnson while providing a personalized shopping experience. 6685 W. Beardsley Road, Ste. 120, Glendale, 623-572-6894; Village at Arrowhead, 20022 N. 67th Ave., Ste. 122, Glendale, 623-376-6316, shophautec.com.

 

With its impressive inventory of new and used books; friendly, bibliophilic staff happy to place special orders; newsstand stocked with hard-to-find magazines and journals; full calendar of readings, seminars and signings; and extensive selection of gifts and cards for book lovers, Changing Hands, which turned 33 this year, has long been a quiet Valley favorite. This year, the secret’s out. Changing Hands was named Publishers Weekly’s Bookstore of the Year for 2007, a coveted national honor that is the bookseller’s equivalent to the Oscar. Catherine Zeta-Jones was 33 when she earned her first Oscar. Let’s just hope Changing Hands is never departed. 6428 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe, 480-730-0205, changinghands.com.

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