Spring wildflowers may carpet the nearby desert, but North Scottsdale Road blooms with tempting shops. Spend the afternoon stopping at local boutiques that carry everything from home furnishings to clothing. If you're a fashionista looking to score something that's one of a kind, keep your eyes peeled for clothes and jewelry created by members of Arizona's burgeoning design industry, who rival the fashion minds of Los Angeles.
Objects.
WHAT: Half the store is dedicated to home furnishings best described as a deft blend of contemporary lines with ethnic accents; some highlights include thick wood coffee tables, Asian cabinets, and '50s-influenced sofas. The other half displays contemporary and edgy women's wear, artist-made sweaters, and tempting choices for handbag collectors. WHEN: Open daily. WHERE: 8787 N. Scottsdale Rd. (in the Shops at Gainey Village); 480/994-4720.
Artafax.
WHAT: Architecturally influenced home accessories and tableware, with clean designs that are heavy on the metals. Snap up a European-designed wall clock, some asymmetrical plates, or a troika of leggy barstools. For your favorite design geek, get a miniature chair from the Vitra Design Museum Collection, such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona chair, small enough to fit on a nightstand. WHEN: Open daily. WHERE: 15054 N. Scottsdale Rd. (in Kierland Commons); 480/951-8484.
Blush.
WHAT: Glamour meets weekend wear ― definitely not for the introvert. Think pretty pink and gray tank tops trimmed with sequins, Swarovski crystal-studded baubles by teenage Valley of the Sun designer Cassy Saba, and local label Red Button 7 fitted Ts for men and women. WHEN: Open daily. WHERE: 8787 N. Scottsdale Rd. (in the Shops at Gainey Village); 480/922-1139.
The Herb Box Catering Eatery Market.
WHAT: A pocket-size charmer where you'll be tempted to take home multiple bags of sweet-potato chips. Save room for the lunch entrées, including a chicken, gorgonzola, and arugula wrap, or, our favorite, the grilled corn and goat cheese pizza. WHEN: 11-4 Mon and Sat, 11-7 Tue-Fri. HOW MUCH: $$. WHERE: 6990 E. Shea Blvd.; 480/998-8355.
Info: The next SMoCA Night, a funky fashion show at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (7374 E. Second St.; 480/994-2787), is 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Mar 2 ($15).
