Best Turquoise and Silver Jewelry
Lucky Roadrunner Silver
What’s a better symbol of the Southwest than a real scorpion encased in resin, adorned with stones and silver, and soldered into a wearable piece of art? Inspired by the dusty landscapes of the desert, self-taught silversmith Mercedes McCluskey makes stunning sterling silver jewelry under the Lucky Roadrunner moniker, sourcing gems, metals and even critters from the desert itself. She collects turquoise from Bisbee, agate from Moab, Utah, and white buffalo stone from Tonopah, Nevada, to create unique rings, necklaces and wrist cuffs right here in Phoenix. luckyroadrunnersilver.com
Best Local Trendy Merch
State Forty Eight
Your pooch needs a collar decorated with little saguaros, and your 1-year-old could use a onesie with a map of Arizona printed on it. You’re in luck, because this locally based virtual boutique offers both – as well as drinkware, wallets and hats emblazoned with the state flag, all well-made and very Arizona. statefortyeight.com
Best Vintage Clothing Boutique
Rare Scarf Glam Vintage
Responding to the out-of-control vintage collection that once commanded an entire bedroom in her house, multi-faceted artist Michelle “Mitch” Phillips started RSGV to “share all the fabulousness” with fellow retro-rockin’ enthusiasts. Ranging from the 1960s to early aughts, her styles have an unexpected edge that have appealed to various celebrities including 1990s supermodel Susan Holmes McKagan. etsy.com/shop/therarescarf
Best Place to Score Comfortable Shoes
The Shoe Mill
Here’s the truth: Boots were most certainly not made for walking. Not far, anyway. If you’re looking to walk the extra mile – in style – head to this Mill Avenue staple for a pair of green suede Birkenstocks or some black patent leather clogs. Looking slightly ‘90s never felt so good. 398 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, 480-966-3139, shoemill.net
Best Place to Indulge Your Inner RuPaul
Hauz of Smalls
This unique Midtown boutique prides itself on all-inclusive fashionwear defined by neither size nor gender. That means pink leather chokers, kicky eyewear or a coin purse shaped like a can of Sprite. Apparel lines include T-shirts and pin sets printed with images of local drag queens, all of it locally sourced and a good deal of it out-of-this-world. 1817 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 602-736-7876, hauzofsmalls.com
