Wannabe Designer – Plus, My Fav Local Stores In Phoenix AZ

May 21, 2022

STYLE

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved fashion design, interior home design, landscape design, I could go on. I’ve also been a longtime supporter of local stores in Phoenix AZ.

It’s true. I am a woman with no formal design education. I do not possess a degree, certification, accreditation, or even a certificate from a design class. Yet, my passion runs deep.

I am a wanna-be designer.

…I’m Also A Self-Proclaimed Style Junkie

I call myself a self-proclaimed style junkie. I have so much appreciation for anyone who can “style” and pull together an outfit, a face, a hair-do, an office, a room, a home, and/or a front or back yard.

Without exaggeration, I could sit for hours admiring a picture-filled mag, Pinterest, Houzz, or a fav online fashion store. Does anyone else revel in how people channel their creative side to make something out of nothing?

My Fav Local Stores in Phoenix AZ

I also love supporting local small businesses! If you check out any of the below-listed, local, sneaky-hidden, or more known hot spots, you will see I definitely have a design style for both my fashion and my home that I lean towards.

Here are a few of my favorite local stores in Phoenix AZ to shop for clothing, accessories, and home goods. They are total hidden gems!

Alixandra Collections

Alixandra Collections is everyday wear meets resort wear!

My favorite find from here is my light and flowy linen pants with a smocked waist and wide leg. They’re perfect for weekends spent at my kids’ games or a casual outside dinner, especially in the summer.

Visit: 4410 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018

Shop: https://www.shopalix.com/https://www.shopalix.com/

Alixandra Collections

Willows

I love going to Willows when I’m on the hunt for unique and vintage home collectibles, custom decorating, and art. They also have clothing, accessories, and even offer design assistance—seriously everything you could think of!

Visit: 5625 E Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018

Shop: https://willowsdesign.com/shop/

local stores in phoenix az
Willows Fine Goods & Design

Bungalow

This is a large space, resembling a warehouse, that is packed from floor to ceiling with beautiful furniture, clothing, accessories and one-of-a-kind furniture that mix southwest with boho. I recently bought a few one-of-kind furniture pieces for my living room and den which pair perfectly with our newly remodeled “modern hacienda.”

They even have a small upstairs space filled with vintage rugs.

Visit: 15330 N Hayden Rd #120, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Shop: https://bungalowfurniture.com/

local stores in phoenix az
Bungalow Furniture & Accessories

Muse

Over the years, I’ve followed Muse through three different locations. They’ve consistently been the perfect spot if you’re looking for a charming mix of boho and youthful. I always find clothing, shoes, and perfume here, it’s my go-to place to find gifts for friends!

Visit: 100 E Camelback Rd, Suite 108, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Shop: https://www.shopatmuse.com/

Muse

Found

Found by Domestic Bliss is an oversized space for someone with an equally oversized appetite. They have captured the return of a small emporium that seems to have everything but groceries. I could hang out at this store all day long and still miss seeing something I might fall in love with. I want to buy everything there!

This store has almost everything for a girls-abode, and everything is ready-made and ready to take home – which holds a lot of value during our current supply-chain-challenged environment. They lead with home furnishing, art, and accessories but you can also find clothing and jewelry.

They have done an awesome job creating small vignette’s throughout the store to help you see how to style, stage, and design your space, big or quaint.

Visit: 7131 W Ray Rd #13 Chandler, AZ 85226

Shop: https://founddesign.co/

local stores in phoenix az
Found by Domestic Bliss

I love classic, traditional, and timely silhouettes mixed with organic textures and a bohemian flair. As a working mom, I do not have a ton of time to devote to shopping in-store.

Because of this, I also love finding those stores in Phoenix AZ that are more of a marketplace concept where you can shop for your closet, your kitchen, a friend’s gift, and your home decor all at the same time.

Urbana

What a fun find! This small and quaint local boutique is packed with goodies for all parts of your family and home. You’ll discover home goods for your kitchen, bar, bath, and bedroom. You’ll find a small selection of cool and unique kids’ toys. They even stock a small selection of baby clothes and gifts as well! 

Urbana is a great place to shop during the holidays; you will surely wow a friend, co-worker, or family member with a creative and hard-to-find gift.

Visit: 5027 N. 44th St, Phoenix, AZ 65018 | 15125 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Shop: https://urbanashop.com/

local stores in phoenix az
Urbana

Local Nomad

This is such an interesting can’t-quite-figure-you-out store! When you walk in, you immediately sense western meets mid-century modern. And the store merchandises it perfectly in a minimalist style.

You can find organic, hand-made, and artisan artwork, crafts, pottery, jewelry, and clothing. My favorite thing to buy here is locally made baby gifts.

Visit: 100 E Camelback Rd #168 Phoenix, AZ 85012

Shop: https://www.localnomadshop.com/

local stores in phoenix az
Local Nomad

The Lifestyled Co.

Although I love the Lifestyled Co. location in Phoenix, my ‘wow’ really comes from how this company brings its brand to life online. Unlike most local find-anything stores, they have nailed window shopping online. 

They do a phenomenal job of creating a teaser-campaign for each of their home remodel and make-over projects, as well as their new seasonal clothing lines. On top of being a voter to all their online pics and posts, I love that their prices will attract a buyer of any age.

Visit: 4113 N. 44th Street Phoenix, AZ 85018

Shop: https://thelifestyledco.com/

local stores in phoenix az
The Lifestyled Co.

The Vintage Arcadia

This is the next chapter for prior Chestnut owners (for those who live and love Arcadia). This “restaurant meets clothing and home-goods” store packs a punch, as there really are two stores in one. The Vintage has clothing, accessories, and a small collection of rugs and furniture –– all unique and well-priced. But, you also get the opportunity to shop in the “back-alley” of the store at B5 designs.

One of my favorite aspects of B5 (owned by Bettina) is that she is constantly on the hunt for furniture and accessories that can be repurposed or reupholstered. You can also find favorable-priced custom pieces that she herself designed.

Visit: 4418 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018

Shop: https://thevintagearcadia.com/

The Vintage Arcadia

One more thing to note: We don’t travel that often, but when we do I love finding those small local neighborhood spots with unique inventory that support local artisans. 

Plus, My Fav Non-Local Stores

And yes, although my heart is with supporting local, there are a few mainstream stores that I love too.

  • Anthropologie
  • Arhaus
  • Article
  • Burke Decor
  • Cost Plus World Market
  • Houzz
  • J. Crew
  • Kathy Kuo
  • Lumens
  • Nordstrom 
  • Nordstrom Rack
  • One Kings Lane 
  • Parachute
  • Ralph Lauren
  • Serena & Lily 
  • Spoonflower 
  • Tory Burch

One Last Tip

One last suggestion: while shopping at local stores in Phoenix AZ, try to exercise patience and wait for your favorite items to go on sale.  For as much as I love shopping, I rarely pay full-price, ever.  Stay tuned for my strategy on how I often get what I want by not paying full price!

Enjoy shopping!

Have any favorite local stories in Phoenix AZ that I missed? Send them my way, I’d love to discover and share new local gems.

Stephanie Gonzalez

Biz Woman, Mama, Style Junkie, Mindset Manager, and CEO at North&Co.

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