Photo  by Christiaan Blok Spoken Boutique

Spoken Boutique
610 E. Roosevelt St., Ste. 148, Phoenix, 602-687-9755,
spokenboutique.com

If you walk into Spoken and swear you recognize one of the dresses from the pages of InStyle or the latest episode of Entourage, you’re right. The hip designs being doled out by owners Amber Dennsion and Jodi Mickelson (two pretty, personable fashionistas themselves) are quickly gaining steam among both locals and celebrities as the place to go to turn your wardrobe from drab to fab. Whether you’re in your 20s or 60s, you’ll find something appropriate, fashionable and unique here. Don’t miss the chance to draw from the expertise of Dennison and Mickelson, who act as your personal shoppers – and your honest critics – while you try things on. For a fee, they’ll even come to your home and revamp your closet.

Photo by Ryan Nelson Silk Road Spirit

Silk Road Spirit
Online shopping only
602-714-6646,
silkroadspirit.com

Just because we can’t wear scarves year-round doesn’t mean we don’t covet them. Silk Road Spirit knows the feeling, so they’ve compiled a beautiful collection of affordable but fashionable scarves for both women and men, drawing inspiration from Indian textiles, Asian artists and an array of materials. You’ll find every color and texture here, including every type of silk and wool (yes, there are several) and cashmere and pashmina.








The Village Eye Works
539 E. Glendale Ave.,
Phoenix, 602-258-5040;
10625 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste. 110, Phoenix, 480-607-0775
thevillageeyeworks.com

We appreciate the motto of Village Eye Works’ owner, Bob Royden: “Glasses are an accessory, not a necessity. They are the first thing you put on in the morning and the last thing you take off at night.” With this piece of Chanel-like wisdom, this family owned and operated optical boutique has been helping Valley customers frame their eyes in more fashionable ways for 25 years. The shop carries more than 45 designer brands of glasses (both for seeing and blocking out the sun), including Gucci, Prada and Christian Dior.

Photo by Ryan Nelson Twisted Sisters’ Designs

Twisted Sisters’ Designs
48 S. Robson St., Ste. 102, Mesa, 602-617-0997,
twistedsistersdesigns.net

Local artists Debra McKee, Rita Offutt and Mary Heldenbrand may not actually be sisters, but they are united in their goal to create some of the most unique jewelry in town. Using wire that they twist and wrap into eye-catching creations, along with an array of other materials, such as beads, glass and metal, the “sisters” offer a vast collection of bracelets, chains, chokers, pendants, rings and earrings for affordable prices. (Mostly everything falls under the $100 mark, and some simple rings and necklaces can be had for a mere $10.)







FOOD & GROCERIES

Bashas’
Multiple Valley locations
bashas.com

Founded 77 years ago by brothers Ike and Eddie Basha Sr., Bashas’ is synonymous with Arizona, and for good reason: It’s the largest family-owned grocer and eighth largest employer in the state. Bashas’ owns and operates more than 130 grocery stores, including Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods and Sportsman’s Fine Wine & Spirits. The company is famous for donating to numerous local charities and holding food drives for the needy.

Photo by Ryan Nelson Kokopelli’s Kitchen

Kokopelli’s Kitchen
9116 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix,
602-943-8882,
kokopelliskitchen.com

All of Kokopelli’s Southwest specialty foods are made in Arizona from ingredients indigenous to the Southwest, including elusive items like mesquite meal and blue cornmeal. Inspired by their longtime research into prehistoric peoples of the Southwest, original owners Carol and James Cunkle resurrected ancient flavors with dishes like Anasazi bean soup. Modern foodies will appreciate their gift baskets stuffed with salsas, chips and cactus candy.

Photo by Nicole Roegner La Grande Orange Grocery

La Grande Orange Grocery
4410 N. 40th St., Phoenix,
602-840-7777,
lagrandeorangegrocery.com

Likening this funky gourmet grocery to soulless supermarket chains is like comparing apples to oranges. This community hub can’t boast one-stop shopping, but it does offer one-stop socializing with a coffee/breakfast bar, café, bakery and pizzeria, serving simple but stellar food. The perpetually full parking lot, buzzing atmosphere and habitués who hang out for hours speak to LGO’s popularity.
 









The Meat Shop
202 E. Buckeye Road, Phoenix, 602-258-5075,
themeatshopaz.com

There’s nothing mysterious about this meat: This family-owned butcher shop raises Yorkshire pigs on a farm in Palo Verde, Arizona, feeding them on a diet of fresh corn and soy. No antibiotics. No hormones. And every Saturday is Fresh Day, when customers line up for never-frozen pork three-to-five days from the farm. Favorite cuts include thick pork chops, sirloin tip pork steaks, ham, ham hocks, bacon (regular and Irish), six flavors of sausage, ground pork and guanciale.

Photo by Eric Cassée Poppa Maize Gourmet Popcorn

Poppa Maize Gourmet Popcorn
15414 N. 19th Ave., Ste. P, Phoenix, 602-942-1414,
poppamaize.com

To devote an entire store to popcorn, you either have to be crazy or creative. Thankfully for us, it’s the latter. Try wrapping your mind around these popcorn flavor concoctions: banana, S’mores, backyard barbecue, German chocolate, pineapple-jalapeño, strawberries and cream, or chili y lime. Can’t fathom it? Pop on in and taste them for yourself. And if you’re generous, gift baskets also are available.

Photo by David Moore Studio Vino

Studio Vino
1825 E. Guadalupe Road, Tempe, 480-897-1800,
studiovino.com

Do you dream of moving to Napa and becoming a vintner? Studio Vino can grant half of that wish. Here’s how it works: First, you taste wine varietals to determine your favorites, then mix the initial ingredients. Over the next 75 days, your wine is fermented, racked, clarified and filtered. You design your logo, then bottle, cork and label 14 or 28 bottles, et voilà: You are a vintner.
 









Superstition Farm
3440 S. Hawes Road, Mesa, 602-432-6865,
superstitionfarm.com

Got milk? Siblings and fourth-generation Arizonans Casey and Alison Stechnij run this 1,000-cow dairy farm, where they lead educational tours and introduce lactose lovers of all ages to their eco-friendly techniques. Don’t miss the milk bar (choose from 12 flavors), ice cream bar and their sister ice cream shop in Gilbert, Udder Delights. Coming soon: Make your own butter.

COME BACK NEXT WEEK FOR MORE GREAT LOCAL PLACES TO SHOP!