By Alyssa Tidwell
Best Antique, Vintage or Secondhand Store: Everything Goes
In operation for almost 25 years, Everything Goes is a local antique store that gives visitors the chance to discover their own unique treasures from more than 28 vendors, all bringing to the table their own one-of-a-kind items. Offering a variety of antiques, jewelry, collectibles, garden décor and other unique furnishings and items for the home, the store has more than 4,000 square feet of space. everythinggoesaz.com. Also a 2018 winner!
Best Cosmetics and Skin Care: MELT by Melissa
MELT is a beauty and skin care company, owned by Melissa Pruett, that strives to help customers feel like the best versions of themselves. Offering microblading, brow maintenance, eyelash extensions, organic sugar hair removal, organic spray tans, facials and more, the friendly atmosphere and attention to detail sets them apart from the rest. MELT also has its own line of cosmetics that are paraben-free, hypoallergenic and never tested on animals. They have four brow powders, four colored brow gels and a clear brow gel, a clear peppermint gloss, 10 matte liquid lipsticks and more in the making. meltbymelissa.com. Also a 2018 winner!
Best Denim: Loop Jean Company
Loop Jean Company will make sure you’ve never looked better rocking your new pair of jeans. They’ve got you covered in the Phoenix area and Tucson, with a variety of top-quality denim jackets, jeans and other apparel by brands like Brockenbow, Citizens of Humanity, Fidelity, Hudson and Alberto. You can also dress up your current pair with belt straps and silver buckles as elaborate or simplistic as your style calls for. loopjeancompany.com. Also a 2018 winner!
Best Eyewear: Tatum Eyecare
Tatum Eyecare is a state-of-the-art optometry office and a full-service optical department with more than 1,700 eyewear frames available to choose from. Located near Bell Road and Tatum Boulevard, Tatum Eyecare carries on a family tradition of providing quality vision care for people of all backgrounds, cultures and walks of life. The company strives to provide every client with the utmost level of care and compassion with fantastic customer service and some of the best optometrists in the Valley. tatumeyecare.com. Also a 2018 winner!
AFM Fave! Best Ford Dealership: Peoria Ford
An award-winning dealership known for its impeccable service, Peoria Ford is the Valley’s top Ford dealership serving thousands of drivers each year. Test drive a Mustang or F-150, or rest assured your baby is in safe hands at the auto repair shop, which employs factory-trained technicians and always stocks OEM parts. Peoria Ford is also one of the only car dealerships in Phoenix that offers repair services for commercial vehicles and RVs. peoriaford.com.
Best Fragrance Selection: Cos Bar
Luxury skin care and cosmetics boutique Cos Bar offers sumptuous, high-end brands like Bobbi Brown and Tom Ford at Scottsdale’s Kierland Commons, as well as locations across the U.S. In addition to the services offered at the chic and sleek boutique, which include face serums, toners, mists, and mani and pedi kits, the luxe retailer boasts the best fragrance selection in the Valley, offering scents for men and women, as well as bath and home fragrances. cosbar.com.
Best Gift Shop: The Paper Place
Founded in 1978, The Paper Place is a family-owned and -operated boutique located in Old Town specializing in custom invitations, stationery, gifts and décor. In addition to its mix of specialty gifts and home accessories, The Paper Place works alongside customers to create custom invitations and announcements for special events including weddings, showers, bar mitzvahs, birthdays, anniversaries and graduations. thepaperplaceaz.com.
Best Handbags and Accessories: Alixandra Collections
Alixandra Collections was born out of a love for all things shiny. Its journey began 15 years ago out of a deep love of jewelry, and its clean, chic and simplistic handbags and accessories always keep jewelry in mind, often with touches of gold and silver implemented into the designs. Committed to making a statement with every item and offering options that appeal to a wide age range, Alixandra Collections has 11 locations throughout Arizona, California and Illinois. shopalix.com. Also a 2018 winner!
AFM Fave! Best Handbags: SAGE AUBREY
SAGE AUBREY handbags are small-batch-crafted in Florence, Italy. The brand, which was launched in 2015, is best known for its simple aesthetic and fine craftsmanship, displaying distinct geometric designs—in vogue with today’s current trends. SAGE AUBREY has built global distribution with large retailers, is sold in distinct specialty stores, among luxury e-retailers, and coveted by celebrities and top fashion influencers in the age of social media. sageaubrey.com.
Best Local Apparel Designer: State Forty Eight
Founded in 2013 by local entrepreneurs, Michael Spangenberg, Nicholas Polando and Stephen Polando, State Forty Eight was born out of a shared passion and appreciation for the great state of Arizona. From sports fans to outdoor explorers, the homegrown brand offers gear for all that is both stylish and comfortable. With a strong dedication to the local community, the company has morphed into more than just a T-shirt company—through creative collaborations, State Forty Eight has donated nearly $65,000 to local charities and nonprofits across Arizona since its launch. statefortyeight.com.
Best Local Boutique: Posh North Boutique
What started as a small consignment boutique established in 2012 in North Central Phoenix has grown into a wonderful Valley gem for cute and unique attire. Nicole Dougherty owns and operates the successful women’s clothing shop, known nowadays as Posh North Boutique. Located at the Shops at Norterra, the independent shop is known for selling contemporary fashion and accessories with a bright and friendly ambience. And good news for Posh fans: a second boutique is slated to open at The SHOPS Gainey Village in early May. poshnorth.com.
Best Local Fashion Designer: Julliana Garten
Julliana Garten is the founder and chief creative director for the lifestyle brand J.Garten Design. Garten has worked with the best architects in the industry, and it was while designing Victoria’s Secret stores that she fell in love with fashion. Launching two boutiques in the Valley, she then began designing her own shoe and accessories collections. Constantly designing new jewelry and accessories, as well as working with her clients to transform their houses and businesses, Garten is able to fulfill her passion for both fashion and interior design. jgartendesign.com.
Best Local Female Jewelry Designer: Galicia Fine Jewelers
Lisa Garber lives and breathes fine jewelry. Born and raised in New York, Garber is the owner and designer of Galicia Fine Jewelers, creating gorgeous and elegant trinkets oozing with style and confidence. With a variety of diamond cuts, Garber has created unique engagement rings, wedding bands, bracelets, earrings and more. She describes her designs as an evocation of feminine beauty and strength, created to empower the women who wear it, allowing them to express their unique tastes and personalities. Garber, who is a Gemological Institute of America certified gemologist, takes pride in her impeccable attention to detail, using the finest materials and latest expert techniques. Located at Scottsdale Quarter, Galicia Fine Jewelers also offers custom designs and repairs. galiciajewelers.com. Also a 2018 winner!
Best Local Male Jewelry Designer: Cornelis Hollander Jewelry
Founding his company in 1984, Cornelis Hollander is the most awarded jewelry designer in Arizona and is known as a master of innovative style. The current studio in Scottsdale is now the artistic legacy of this legendary jewelry designer who passed away in 2017 after a storied career. His son, Walter Hollander, now creates these dazzling pieces, including one-of-a-kind rings, bracelets, pendants, earrings and even custom jewelry. Engagement ring designs and original jewelry can be viewed on the Cornelis Hollander Jewelry Web site or in store in Scottsdale. cornelishollander.com.
Best Local Jewelry Store: London Gold
London Gold has been Arizona’s premier jeweler for more than four decades. London Gold can create custom designs and has professional CAD designers available at every location. In addition, it has top designers like Meira T, I. Reiss, Yael Designs, Isadora and Beverley K, and offers a massive selection of loose diamonds and engagement rings, among other precious treasures suited to fit any occasion. The family-owned and -operated business has been a part of more than 100,000 engagements and weddings and has worked hard to be the best. londongold.com. Also a 2018 winner!
Best Local Watch Selection: Coffin & Trout Fine Jewelers
Located in Chandler, Coffin & Trout Fine Jewelers is more than just a fine jewelry company. The business was founded by Randy Coffin and David Trout, and the establishment’s bright aesthetic and friendly environment truly set it apart. They’ve won a number of jewelry design awards and are a part of the noted worldwide network of Official Rolex Jewelers, allowed to sell and maintain Rolex watches. They employ experts with the necessary skills, technical know-how and special equipment to guarantee the authenticity of each and every part of a Rolex watch. coffinandtrout.com.
Best National Jeweler: Cartier
Cartier is one of the premier jewelers in the world and is the pure embodiment of luxury and sophistication. Cartier, a name synonymous with open-mindedness and curiosity, stands out with its dazzling, high-quality designs. The Maison offers fine jewelry, watchmaking and fragrances as well as leather goods and accessories, blending exceptional craftsmanship and a timeless signature. The company currently has 275 boutiques worldwide. cartier.com.
Best Pet Shop: Oh My Dog! Boutique + Spa
If you have a pup, Scottsdale’s Oh My Dog! Boutique + Spa should be on your speed dial. For smaller dogs, up to 50 pounds, the unique boutique/spa/hotel offers grooming, day play and boarding (it is the first boutique hotel for dogs!) There is also a too-cute retail component with drool-worthy cookies from local bakeries and organic treats and chews, as well as the latest accessories and clothing for pooches. Oh My Dog! is celebrating 10 years in the Valley. ohmydogboutique.com. Also a 2018 winner!
Best Pop-Up Shopping Market: Phoenix Flea
A modern market showcasing some of the top makers and curators today, Phoenix Flea is not your typical flea market. Visitors can peruse handcrafted goods and fine art from skilled craftsmen and artisans, curated fashion designs both vintage and modern, as well as a variety of food and drink options. Phoenix Flea was started in 2013 and is held every spring and fall (Small Business Saturday in November and the first Saturday in March) at Heritage Square & Science Park in Downtown Phoenix. phx-flea.com.
Best Shopping Center Indoors: Scottsdale Fashion Square
When looking for a chic, high-class destination for shopping in the Valley, Scottsdale Fashion Square is often the first to come to mind. With luxury shopping, dining and entertainment options, this large-scale shopping center offers the best in every category with more than 200 shops and exclusive brands like Cartier, Gucci, CH Carolina Herrera, Saint Laurent, Salvatore Ferragamo and Burberry. Scottsdale Fashion Square also features Industrious, a premium co-working and private office space that gives guests the opportunity to turn their workplace into something extravagant. fashionsquare.com. Also a 2018 winner!
Best Shopping Center Outdoors: Park West
Park West is an outdoor lifestyle shopping center that features more than 30 national and local retailers and restaurants as well as cozy areas to stop and take a break from your shopping rush. Sit under one of the many shaded structures and—if you brought the kids along—they can have a blast at the splash pad, opening this summer. A massive 2019 renovation solidifies Park West as a prominent destination for dining, fitness and entertainment for Valley dwellers. shopparkwest.com.
AFM Fave! Best Shopping Center Outdoors: Scottsdale Quarter
Scottsdale Quarter combines luxury retail and one-of-a-kind eateries within a beautiful backdrop that has won both local and national design awards. The town center is home to more than 70 retail, dining and entertainment options—including apparel stores like Intermix, Joie, lululemon and Vince, as well as high-end restaurants like Dominick’s Steakhouse and Eddie V’s Prime Seafood—along with numerous signature events and activities throughout the year. A dynamic offering of things to explore and shops to browse keeps guests returning to this Valley favorite over and over again. scottsdalequarter.com.
Fast Favorites
Best Athletic Gear: Lorna Jane, lornajane.com.
Best Department Store: Nordstrom, shop.nordstrom.com.
Best Discount Store: Nordstrom Rack, nordstromrack.com.
Best Motorcycle Dealer: Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale, hdofscottsdale.com.
Best Outlets or Discount Shopping Center: Outlets at Anthem, outletsanthem.com.
Best Place to Buy a Costume: Mardi Gras Costume Shop, mardigrascostumeshop.com.
Best Place to Purchase a Bike: Rage Cycles, ragecycles.com.
Best Shoe Shopping: tie between Nordstrom, shop.nordstrom.com and Saks Fifth Avenue, saksfifthavenue.com.
Best Swimwear Shopping: Beach Bunny Swimwear, beachbunnyswimwear.com.
Best Technology & Gadgets: Apple Store, apple.com.
