Shopping in Paradise Valley

Amy Tuso aims to capture in vibrant acrylics and oils the joy of both the creative act itself and the subject of her choice–whether that be a minimalist, abstract take on cloud formation or a somewhat-pulpy rendition of a cowboy riding a mechanical bull. Browse her gallery to sample the radiant spectra of her brushjitsu. Small pieces start at $25, while her largest pieces range from $55–$65, with all gradations of pricing and dimensions in between.

For more than 25 years, Phoenix Home & Garden has served as the area’s authoritative voice on household style and garden innovation. The magazine’s Southwestern-minded writers inform more than 450,000 readers each month on domestic topics such as growing plants in the desert, pulling off Spanish Colonial décor, and effectively dunking on a Nerf hoop. Brimming with high-quality photographs, a calendar of local events, and art-gallery updates, the magazine proves an indispensable read for homeowners and renters with lofty ambitions.

Jean Eyre lives a busy life. When not busy filling her three Lighting Design show rooms across Arizona and Utah, the interior decorator also juggles a family and her own electrical contracting business. Yet her passion, dedication, and keen eye for style have helped her and Lighting Design earn recognition from Parade of Homes and guest appearances on ABC 4.

Elegant light fixtures and floor lamps by brands such as Murray Feiss and Emerson light up the Chandler location’s 11,600 square feet of show-room space. Within, a skilled sales staff—trained in interior design and certified by the American Lighting Association—guides customers to the best illumination for their living room, bathroom, or coal mine with free in-home consultations. Aside from lighting, the shop also stocks elegant home accents, such as rugs and vases, and chic furniture, including cocktail tables and bookcases.

The dancing outfits at Sadie Jane are wearable jewels. Apparel comes in dazzling hues and textures, including bright leotards and rhinestone-adorned gladiator sandals that don't simply allow kids to dance and move freely but make their tiny forms shine as brightly as their smiles from head to toe. Whimsical touches such as lace, floral, and leopard print give the store's leotards an edge, and the shop also offers two-piece dance sets from brands such as Lexi Luu Designs, Sweet Sodypop, and Second Skin. Tiny dancers can feel free to express their personal style by mixing and matching different tops and bottoms, giving their wardrobes an opportunity to teach their pint-size owners about exponents. Inside the boutique, boys and girls can enjoy parties with themes such as fairytale ballet and hip-hop, complete with a hostess, refreshments, and dance sessions in the nearby Dance Connection studio.

Drenched in elegant blue and cream hues and dotted with modern furniture, Brilliant Bridal perfectly emulates a high-end bridal boutique with its helpful consultants and VIP bridal appointments. The shop’s wide array of off-the-rack dresses and designer duds, however, sport up to an 80% discount and bear the labels of such style powerhouses as Justin Alexander, Mori Lee, and Maggie Sottero. Brides can peruse the shop’s selection on their own or invite opinionated friends and family to relax and spew advice in a private bridal suite during a one-hour appointment. In addition to vending everything the bride needs, Brilliant Bridal outfits mothers-of-the-bride and bridesmaids in formal dresses—which also double as prom or special-occasion gowns—and rents tuxedos or black-and-white body paint to grooms.

The company's 8,000-square-foot space brims with apparel and accessories by more than 80 designer brands, including 7 For All Mankind, True Religion, and Big Star. New inventory arrives daily, replenishing racks with classic, casual clothing as well as on-trend attire bedecked in freshly inked timestamps.

Family-friendly amenities and helpful employees help the shop keep its high-fashion stock accessible. Throughout the store, staff members stand ready to recommend fits and styles that complement each customer's body type. Eight dressing rooms invite visitors to slip into a pair of jeans, and the walk-in mirror room allows them to inspect the fit from every possible angle. To make shopping easier for parents, the boutique also features a play area where children can entertain themselves while their parents shop.