GUEST EDIT: TSG PHOENIX & SCOTTSDALE
Last fall I had the privilege of visiting Editor + Owner of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale / dear friend Sasha Clements. I’ve worked with Sasha for several years to highlight and celebrate the locally-owned businesses and brands that make Phoenix and Scottsdale a distinctive place to live, work, and — in my case — visit. After years of writing from afar, it was a delight to finally experience the best of the Valley in person.
The most fabulous host, Sasha shared with me the highlights of Phoenix & Scottsdale living, from her favorite restaurants to her must-visit shops. And what a lineup of locally-owned shops the Valley has… Here, I’ve shared my trip highlights, including where (and what!) to shop, eat, and do. This is by no means a comprehensive list. In town for roughly 48 hours, I missed a ton. I’m already planning a return trip.
where to SHOP
AMY ATELIER // A fab, fashion-forward shop that’s a go-to for many of the Valley’s most stylish women, I picked up a sweater I wore every day for the next three months and a leather card case. I’m also eying this.
CAMELBACK FLOWERSHOP // The best flower shop I’ve ever encountered. Their arrangements are divine and their selection of home goods and accents are unparalleled. Expect to discover new brands + artisans and leave with armfuls of flowers and inspiration.
CAVE + POST // Walking into Cave + Post is like entering the closet of the coolest, most carefree person you know. Think Leon Bridges meets a version of Ralph Lauren that grew up in Austin before Californians arrived. It’s the kind of place where being offered a beer feels more like a genuine extension of hospitality than a retail gimmick. Expect a fine balance of new and vintage offerings, curios and indie publications.
CITRINE NATURAL BEAUTY BAR // If you’re a beauty junkie or if you’re interested in making the switch to clean products, a visit to Citrine Natural Beauty Bar is simply a must. Wondering why everyone is making the switch to clean beauty and what that actually means? Read why here.
MODERN MANOR // For the design-minded, a visit to Modern Manor should be on the top of your to-do list. They’re a great Chairish vendor and experiencing their offerings IRL is so fun.
WILLOWS FINE GOODS // My host, Sasha Clements, talked up Willows Fine Goods in a big way. So, I demanded it be our first stop when hitting the town. And it, in no way, disappointed. Owner Bev and in-house designer Billy have the most incredible eye and palpable passion for interiors which overflows into their excellent selection of apparel and accessories. Religious Round Toppers and avid collectors, Willows has an heart-rate raising selection of vintage and antique furnishings and furniture. It’s worth noting that one of my biggest regrets of 2023 was passing on the antique bamboo mirrors they had in stock. To think I was nervous about what I’d look like tucking the perfectly-patinaed thing into the overhead compartment…
a full list of must-visit shops can be found here.
where to EAT
TARBELL’S // We rolled into Tarbell’s for a post-launch party dinner and though we were quite literally the only guests in the restaurant (it was very late), the staff treated us to the most special meal. Think pulled to order mozzarella, four-day marinated bolognese, a perfect classic Margherita, and profiteroles worth dying for.
PIZZERIA BIANCO // I didn’t make it to Pizzeria Bianco (yes, the of the James Beard award-winning restauranteur, Chris Bianco) and I’m still sad about it. As amateur pizza makers, Chris is an icon in our household.
a full list of must-try restaurants can be found here.
what to DO
PHOENIX ART MUSEUM // TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale treated me to a night at the museum for the launch of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale Volume 3. It was the first time I’d visited a museum in years, and made me a bit nostalgic for the days I lived in a big city. Not that I ever went to museums when I lived in Austin. Now, I make it a priority to visit one whenever I travel. Anyway, I digress. Currently “Barbie: A Cultural Icon” is on display, so I highly recommend stopping in!
a comprehensive selection of travel guides can be found here.
VALLEY [OF THE SUN] GIRL
*JANE BIRKIN FLOWER BASKET // If I’m sending flowers, I’m opting for a local florist. And Camelback Flowershop is the creme de la creme.
*COQUI COQUI ROOM SPRAY // I learned of Coqui Coqui by way of Allison Crawford Design (who has a delightful Substack, by the way). It’s a Mexican brand beloved for its light, yet deeply interesting scents. It’s easier to find now that the brand enjoys more popularity, but I still like to pick it up whenever I can! Local Source: Camelback Flowershop.
*VINTAGE BURLWOOD CREDENZA // I’m an absolute sucker for burl wood, and this Modern Manor offering is next-level.
*RALPH LAUREN: A WAY OF LIVING // This is the next book on my reading (perusing?) list! Local Source: Willows Fine Goods.
*BRASS PEPPER MILL // If it’s going to earn a permanent spot on my counter, it better look pretty. And since my in-house chef (a.k.a. boyfriend) loves to use lots of pepper, I love this pepper mill. Local Source: Willows Fine Goods, urbAna.
*RRL ROUGHOUT SUEDE JACKET // This is sex-appeal in jacket form. Local Source: Cave + Post (Phoenix, AZ).
*SEBA. CABINET OF CURIOSITIES // I’m a sucker for a good coffee table book and Cave + Post tested my self-restraint. Local Source: Cave + Post (Phoenix, AZ).
*2-3/4 IN. ROSEWOOD COMPANION – 219R // This would be a major upgrade to the box cutters I carry around in my purse. I know, I know, admitting that I’m rarely without boxcutters (or a tape measure) makes me sound deranged. But you’d be surprised how frequently they come in hand. Local Source: Cave + Post (Phoenix, AZ).
*JANESSA LEONE HALSTON HAT in SAND // I’ve never been a hat girlie, but if I was, this would be the one. I hear great things about Janessa Leone! Local Source: AMY Atelier (Scottsdale, AZ).
*BEZEL DIAMOND DANGLE PIERCING EARRING // Always on the hunt for interesting additions to my ears and Metalmark did not disappoint. Local Source: Metalmark Fine Jewelry (Phoenix, AZ).
*PAVE BAGUETTE DIAMOND RING // How fun would this be as an elevated alternative to a simple wedding band? Local Source: Metalmark Fine Jewelry (Phoenix, AZ).
*SALT & STONE BERGAMOT & HINOKI BODY WASH REFILL // We’ve already established that I’m obsessed with the Salt & Stone Bergamot & Hinoki scent, so I might as well stock up. Local Sources: Citrine Natural Beauty Bar (Phoenix, AZ).
*LIMITLESS LASH MASCARA // Went on a years-long, half-hearted hunt for the best mascara. Requirements included: non-waterproof but non-smudging, lengthening, and non-clumping. Ilia’s Limitless Lash Mascara checks all the boxes and more, because if Citrine stocks it, it’s definitely clean. Local Sources: Citrine Natural Beauty Bar (Phoenix, AZ).
*GARRETT LEIGHT WORLD // I’m finally at a point in my life when I no longer lose sunglasses (I only sit on them once a week). So, I think this means I deserve a big-girl pair of sunnies. With a selection of the most interesting and covetable sunnies, a stop at Framed Ewe (pronounced “you”)is a must if you’re looking for new sunglasses. Local Sources: Framed Ewe (Phoenix, AZ).
*HERMES GOLD KELLY 32 // God, I’ve seen what you’ve done for other people and I am asking that you bless me with this bag. It’s vintage, so it’s good for the environment, after all. Local Sources: To Be Continued (Scottsdale, AZ).
*KEITH OCCASIONAL CHAIR // Although it’s new, this story looks like it has stories to tell. Local Sources: Found Home & Design (Chandler, AZ).
*RILEY FRAYED PILLOW // This pillow would last about 2 minutes at my house, but it would be the most glorious 2 minutes my couch has ever experienced. Local Sources: Found Home & Design (Chandler, AZ).
*RIALTO COUPE GLASS // Rialto is a fabulous Italian glassware brand that makes fun, whimsy cocktail glasses. I love this color way and coupe silhouette! Local Sources: urbAna (Arcadia, Gilbert, Scottsdale locations).
*AMATEPEC LAMP TABLE // Read about the maker and tell me you can resist this lamp table. Local Sources: The Collector’s House (Scottsdale, AZ).
*LINEN NAPKINS // You simply must come back from the desert with color, preferably in form of colored cocktail napkins. colors Local Sources: urbAna (Arcadia, Gilbert, Scottsdale locations).
*PEPE PITCHER // Picturing this for al alfresco Mexican themed dinner. Local Sources: The Collector’s House (Scottsdale, AZ).
*CIRE TRUDON CANDLE // A little luxury you’ll love. Local Sources: Valerianne (Scottsdale, AZ).
*TORTOISE STEAK KNIVES // The best steak knives available! Local Sources: Cornelia Park (Phoenix, AZ).
*C.O. BIGELOW TOOTHBRUSH // This might be one of the simplest pleasures I’ve ever purchased. I truly cannot tell you why it brings me such joy, but it does. I don’t even use the toothbrush, I just style it in my bathroom and pretend I use it. (I do brush my teeth, just with a different toothbrush). Local Sources: Valerianne (Scottsdale, AZ).
I can already feel you asking… No, this guest edit was not paid. All opinions are my own and I am thrilled to share them in hopes of amplifying Phoenix and Scottsdale’s truly incredible local business scene. As noted by the asterisks (featured in every WEEKLY edit) every business featured in this guide is independently and locally owned.
Many of these businesses have online shop that allow you to support them from afar. I encourage you to do so! If the product is not available online (many are one-of-a-kind), I have linked to their Instagrams. I encourage you to call to shop. You’ll be delighted by the customer service. Only one link — the Modern Manor burl wood console — included in this guest edit is commissionable. If you’re interested in supporting my business, just tell them at checkout (or reach out via Instagram or email) that the WEEKLY sent you!
Thank you for supporting my small business!
