You voted for more than 4,000 nominees in nearly 400 categories (equaling 1.5 million-plus views at AZFoothills.com). Now, it is time to get to know your Best of Our Valley 2014 winners. From your favorite restaurants and resorts to your choice schools and shops, Arizona Foothills Magazine presents Best of Our Valley 2014.
Whether you are shopping for the latest technological gadget, a special gift for a special someone or even an organic treat for your pet, the Valley is well-equipped to satisfy all your shopping cravings.
Story by Elizabeth Liberatore
BEST LOCAL JEWELRY DESIGNER: FEMALE – LISA GARBER, GALICIA FINE JEWELERS
LISA GARBER, A GIA-CERTIFIED GEMOLOGIST, is a second-generation jeweler who takes pride in offering her clients exceptional service and quality. She also takes great care in making her clients feel welcome by giving her undivided attention to helping them find that perfect piece. Galicia Jewelers offers every customer a unique piece of jewelry as each selection is hand-picked by Garber during her travels. www.galiciajewelers.com.
BEST LOCAL BOUTIQUE AND BEST PLACE TO HOARD FASHION & ACCESSORIES FOR CHEAP – FASCINATIONS
FASCINATIONS IS A ONE-STOP SHOP for items like bachelorette party supplies and alluring lingerie, but not everyone knows the boutique side of the store. There are lots of bath and body products in stock for both men and women, many with all-natural ingredients and multi-functional usage to provide ease and comfort for your most intimate hygienic routine. Whether you are budget-conscious or are looking for something specifically for him, her or even something fun for two, the staff will help you find exactly what you’re looking for. www.funlove.com.
BEST ANTIQUE, VINTAGE OR SECONDHAND STORE – A SECOND LOOK
Rather than skim over merchandise while shopping, give it a second chance—better yet, a second look.
A Second Look is one of the world’s largest clothing and housewares consignment stores and processes more than 15,000 individual and one-of-a- kind items per week at the Phoenix location (think watches, electronics and top designer brands for men and women). www.asecondlook.com.
BEST ATHLETIC GEAR – LULULEMON ATHLETICA
Athletic clothing has come a long way— and thanks to lululemon, it is more comfortable and more fashionable than ever before. lululemon started as a simple yoga retailer; now it has grown to be a top stop for technical athletic apparel for yoga, running, dancing and most other sweaty pursuits. So get your sweat on and look fierce doing it in lululemon’s athletic apparel made with ultra-durable fabrics in a variety of colors. shop.lululemon.com.
BEST COSMETICS & SKINCARE – CITRINE NATURAL BEAUTY BAR
Founder of Citrine Natural Beauty Bar, Melissa Lenberg, has changed the makeup industry and that change started in Phoenix. Her store at Biltmore Fashion Park strives to maintain the utmost integrity by providing the highest quality in all-natural beauty products. In doing so, Citrine Natural Beauty Bar provides customers with the confidence that they are as naturally glamorous on the inside as they are on the outside. www.citrinenaturalskin.com.
BEST DEAL WEB SITE – GROUPON
True fashionistas are bargain hunters. It is no surprise that the Valley’s most fashionable turn to Groupon.com for all their fashion, entertainment and dining discounts. Groupon—“group coupon”—is a deal-of- the-day Web site that features discounted gift certificates usable at most local and national companies. www.groupon.com.
BEST NATIONAL JEWELER – KENDRA SCOTT
Kendra Scott is truly an inspiration for the dreamers of America. In 2002, with just $500, Kendra Scott launched a mini jewelry collection. Today, Kendra Scott is a global, multi- million-dollar brand sold at renowned retailers, with a boutique locally at Scottsdale Quarter. She has become a household name to women around the world thanks to her unique, bold designs. Her success proves that if you dream it, you can do it. www.kendrascott.com.
BEST DENIM – SCOTTSDALE JEAN COMPANY
IT IS HARD TO COME across a good, these- were-made-for-me pair of jeans. Well, look no further because Scottsdale Jean Company is here to satisfy all your denim dreams. Scottsdale Jean Company features the largest selection for men and women in designer jeans, tops, dresses and casual clothing. www.scottsdalejc.com.
BEST DISCOUNT STORE – NORDSTROM RACK
Nordstrom Rack, the off-price division of Nordstrom, Inc., is a fun and easy- to-shop destination where style meets savings. The Rack carries top designer brands in shoes, clothing, skincare and cosmetics and handbags and accessories—all at unbeatable prices. The Rack, with five Valley locations, carries merchandise from Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com at 50 to 60 percent off original Nordstrom prices. shop.nordstrom.com/c/nordstrom-rack.
BEST GIFT SHOP – DO ME A FAVOR
Do Me A Favor has something for everyone. Whether you are shopping for a friend, someone special or family member, Do Me A Favor brings styles and functionality to any gifting occasion. Every product in the store is hand-selected—paying particular attention to fine workmanship and the modern conveniences for everyday living. www.domeafavorphx.com.
BEST GLASSES – OPTIQUE AT THE RIDGE
Whoever said “four eyes” are dorky clearly has never been to Optique at the Ridge. Optique at the Ridge makes glasses into fashion statements with its vast selection of frames; brands like Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade and Gucci can be found at this stylish boutique. With two physicians and the friendliest staff, their goal is to provide the best one-on-one experience. www.azopticalillusions.com.
BEST LOCAL FASHION DESIGNER – ANGELA JOHNSON
When looking for the niftiest ensemble, Valley residents trust local fashion designer Angela Johnson. Johnson hand-crafts cutting-edge, eco-friendly clothing consisting mainly of dresses created from recycled or thrifted T-shirts. She is best known for her exquisite T-shirt ballgowns—because of which she is a local and nationwide hit. www.angelajohnsondesigns.com.
BEST DEPARTMENT STORE, BEST FRAGRANCE SELECTION, BEST HANDBAGS & ACCESSORIES, BEST SHOE SHOPPING, BEST WEB CLOTHING SHOPPING AND BEST PLACE TO PURCHASE SUNGLASSES – BARNEYS NEW YORK
PERFUMES, HANDBAGS, SUNGLASSES, OH MY! Luxury department store Barneys New York sells top-of-the-line fragrances, handbags and accessories, sunglasses and shoes as well as high-fashion and everyday looks for both men and women. The lush merchandise and beautiful storefront at Scottsdale Fashion Square makes Barneys New York a local favorite. Plus, the Barneys Web site makes it a cinch to shop for the latest Stella McCartney clutch or Oliver Peoples shades anytime, anywhere. www.barneys.com.
BEST LOCAL JEWELER AND BEST LOCAL WATCH SELECTION – HAMRA JEWELERS
Holding true to their motto, Scottsdale-based Hamra Jewelers is truly “The Essence of Luxury.” Presidents Paul and Jeff Hamra and their staff pride themselves on delivering the finest products, from exquisite jewelry to watches, with excellent customer service, to boot. Stop by to peruse custom designs and awe-inspiring masterpieces from designers like Michael M., Charles Krypell and Jack Kelege. www.hamra.com.
BEST LOCAL JEWELRY DESIGNER AND BEST LOCAL JEWELRY DESIGNER: MALE – RANDY COFFIN, COFFIN AND TROUT FINE JEWELLERS
Randy Coffin, of Coffin and Trout Fine Jewellers, knows exquisite taste. Coffin had a simple notion when establishing Coffin and Trout with his business partner, David Trout. That thought was to create jewelry that is unique, beautiful and well- crafted. The proof is in the pudding with Coffin and Trout’s innovative designs, impeccable quality and unconditional trust. www.coffinandtrout.com.
BEST OUTLETS OR DISCOUNT SHOPPING CENTER – THE OUTLETS OF ANTHEM
The Outlets at Anthem has won over the hearts of Valley bargain hunters. The 374,000-sq.-ft. outlet mall features a wide variety of brand name retailers, from Calvin Klein to Coach, Columbia Sportswear to DKNY and many more at everyday discounts. www.outletsanthem.com.
BEST PERSONAL SHOPPER – SHANNON CAMPBELL
For all your fashion dos and don’ts, there is only one name to trust: Shannon Campbell. Campbell graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology and her looks have been published in countless magazines like Italian Vogue and Maxim. Her fashion tips continue to win over the fashionistas of the Valley as she reels in win No. 3 for Best Personal Shopper. www.shannoncampbellstylist.com.
BEST SHOPPING CENTER: INDOORS – SCOTTSDALE FASHION SQUARE
SCOTTSDALE FASHION SQUARE is Arizona’s leading luxury indoor shopping destination. It is among the top 20 largest malls in the country and is home to numerous local and international brand name retailers, some of which cannot be found elsewhere in the Valley. Be prepared to shop until you drop because Scottsdale Fashion Square is approximately 2 million square feet of fashion, fashion and more fashion. Shops include Anthropologie, Bulgari, Cartier, Barneys New York and many more. www.fashionsquare.com.
BEST PET SHOP – OH MY DOG! BOUTIQUE + SPA
Hey, dogs need their r-n-r, too. Oh My Dog! Boutique + Spa (OMD) in Scottsdale is dog heaven for any pampered pooch. OMD specializes
in providing the best merchandise and services for Valley residents’ furry friends, from local and organic treats to the latest grooming styles and techniques. One trip to OMD and your dog will be the talk of the dog park. www.ohmydogboutique.com.
BEST SHOPPING CENTER: OUTDOORS – DESERT RIDGE MARKETPLACE
Whether you like to shop, dine, play or all of the above, Desert Ridge Marketplace has you covered. With more than 100 stores and restaurants, you will be sure to find what you are looking for. Enjoy amenities like the children’s play area, fireplaces and a splash pad within the District Area. Friday and Saturday nights you can enjoy free live music by local musicians at both the AMC Fountain area and the District Stage starting at 7 p.m. www.shopdesertridge.com.
BEST SWIMWEAR SHOPPING – BEACH BUNNY SWIMWEAR
Arizona is known for its 365 days of sunshine. Seasons are foreign concepts to Phoenicians because bathing suit season runs all-year long. And there is only one place to shop for the best swimsuit: Beach Bunny Swimwear. Beach Bunny is the leader in women’s designer swimwear with innovative luxury fabrics and sexy styles. www.beachbunnyswimwear.com.
BEST TECHNOLOGY & GADGETS – MICROSOFT
Whether you are shopping for the latest consumer electronics, computer software, tablets and anything else technology- based, Microsoft at Scottsdale Fashion Square is here to accommodate all your needs. Microsoft aims to “improve the PC and Microsoft retail purchase experience for consumers worldwide and help consumers make more informed decisions about their PC and software purchases.” www.microsoftstore.com/scottsdale.
BEST YEAR-ROUND RESORTWEAR – TOMMY BAHAMA
Celebrate your island spirit with legendary retailer, Tommy Bahama. Tommy Bahama uses a variety of quality fabrics and materials to create clothing and accessories that make the luxury lifestyle wearable and comfortable. Looking to embody the island life year- round? Tommy Bahama is your answer. www.tommybahama.com.
BEST NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL BOUTIQUE – LOUIS VUITTON
The infamous mantra that “the way to a woman’s heart is with diamonds” may be true, but another way to wow her is with a timeless LV-monogramed handbag. Louis Vuitton is one of the world’s leading international fashion houses, selling a wide range of monogrammed leather goods and ready-to- wear pieces. Phoenicians get to experience the timelessness of French fashion at Louis Vuitton’s Scottsdale Fashion Square location. www.louisvuitton.com.
