20 Swimsuits to Scoop Up Right Now

Originally published on THE SCOUT GUIDE on June 28th, 2022

While our cooler counterparts might be halfway through swimsuit season, we’re facing a few more months poolside. To help us stock up on this essential, The Scout Guide asked our editors across the country to share their favorite local boutiques for chic swimsuits. From classic one-pieces to retro bikinis, this roundup will have you ready to dive in the nearest swimming hole to cool off. First up? A local find…

LOCAL FIND

Plunge Belted One-Piece / / Available for purchase online from Amy Atelier in Phoenix, Arizona.

Member Spotlight: Framed Ewe

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…

Photo by Scott Foust Photography

Christy Kimball, the owner of the independent eyewear boutique Framed Ewe, is a Phoenix-born world traveler with an impeccable eye for style. Over the past ten years, her store has gained quite a reputation - both locally and across the West Coast - for its impressive list of hand-crafted, independently owned eyewear. Learn more about Christy in our Member Spotlight interview below. 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What inspired you to take the entrepreneurial leap and start Framed Ewe?
Christy Kimball: I am an avid traveler, and in my early travels throughout Europe I encountered the coolest vintage eyeglasses stores in cities like Amsterdam and Barcelona. These shops were handcrafting eyeglass frames on-site, which I found so inspiring. I knew that, one day, I wanted to bring the model to Phoenix.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What did the early years of Framed Ewe look like?
Christy Kimball: Most are really surprised to learn that, when we first started, we were essentially operating out of a closet. I mean the space was tiny. It was a 60-square-foot room in The Union at the Biltmore Fashion Park Mall. From there, we’ve just grown. After three years in the tiny space, we opened at our big shop on Seventh Street, and we’ve also grown with two locations in LA.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: To what do you attribute that growth?
Christy Kimball: What makes us unique is that we only carry independent eyewear brands. So the glasses you find in our store are hand-crafted by artisans from around the world. What I love to remind my customers is that when you shop at Framed Ewe you’re not only supporting our local store, you are also supporting small businesses from around the world. We source eyeglasses from artisans and creators who are doing what they love to do and expressing their own personal style and perspective.

Photo courtesy of Framed Ewe.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What are some of the most sought-after eyewear brands available in your store?
Christy Kimball: I am thrilled to offer Jacques Marie Mage. Framed Ewe is the only place in Arizona where you can find this very special line. The designer is French, but the glasses are hand-crafted in Japan. Each style is a limited run, never repeated, so you’ll be one of the handful of people in the world with a pair. My other in-store favorite is Vada, another Japanese brand. This is a more feminine line beloved for its fun bright colors and interesting shapes.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: You seem to favor Japanese eyewear, is this intentional?
Christy Kimball: I like to say, you buy your champagne from France, your olive oil from Italy and your eyewear from Japan. Japan has a reputation for making the best eyeglasses in the world. Of course, other countries also are making gorgeous hand-crafted eyewear, but Japan is known for having some of the leading artisans in the trade.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Clearly, Framed Ewe offers exceptional expertise, in addition to truly fabulous eyewear. What else can someone in the market for new optical or sunglass frames expect from the Framed Ewe?
Christy Kimball: We offer a huge variety of shapes, styles, and sizes, so be prepared for many unique options. We take drop-ins, but we also offer appointments for customers who would like to be paired with the same person from the start to finish and have a truly personalized experience.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Can you walk us through what an in-store appointment looks like?
Christy Kimball: First, we work with our customers to identify fit based on their preferences and style. Next, we use our latest and greatest tech to identify the correct lenses and protective applications. This includes chatting with our customers to understand their lifestyles. Most don’t realize that there are different types of lenses suited for different lifestyles. For example, we opt for a different lens for customers in front of the computer all day than we do for customers who lead more active lifestyles.

Photo by Scott Foust Photography

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Earlier you mentioned your expansion to LA. Share with us a bit about how you grew your business to another market?
Christy Kimball: Growth has always been serendipitous for Framed Ewe. I was approached to run the eyewear department for Fred Segal through word of mouth. Ready for the challenge, I jumped at the opportunity. At Fred Segal, I curate the ready-to-wear glasses sold in the boutique. What I was curating became so successful that we opened a Framed Ewe location in Los Feliz to expand on those offerings in a new, hungry market.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Eyewear is so clearly a passion. Is there a certain aspect of your work in the industry or as a small business owner that is most fulfilling?
Christy Kimball: I love creating the spaces in my stores, and strive to curate a comfortable, modern, laid-back space that feels like a boutique hotel lobby. I like to include bright and happy vibes in our stores. I also draw inspiration from the Arizona desert. So, we have one big crystal in each store, which I picked up at the Gem and Mineral Show in Tucson. They are beautiful and they help set an intention for an open, welcoming place. We have a big neon sign that says “Only Love.” We also have an art gallery in our Phoenix store where we feature local artists and love to host events.

Photo by Scott Foust Photography

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Speaking of Arizona, can you share a few of your favorite experiences unique to the Valley?

Christy Kimball: I love so many places in Phoenix it’s hard to list them all, but some of my favorites are Local Nomad, For the People, Now or Never, Phoenix General, IVOL, MANOR, The Vintage Arizona, Modern Manor, The Fred, Camelback Flowershop, and Heaven’s Closet.

My favorite activities include visiting Liberty Wildlife and The Farm South Mountain, hiking in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, walking on the canal, or tubing the salt river. I can’t forget the Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard Museum. I’ve also been dying to take a ceramics class at PIP Coffee and Clay.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Finally, any recommendations for drinking and dining like a local?
Christy Kimball: Absolutely! For drinks, I opt for First Place Coffee, The Dirty Drummer, Durants, and Parlor. For dining, Bacanora, Glai Baan, Anything Bianco.

Stop by The Colony (5538 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85012) for a peek at their collection of independent eyeware and sunglasses. Or, make an appointment for a more personalized full-service experience to snag a limited edition frame for yourself!

17 Patterned Pieces to Add to Your Wardrobe

Originally published by The Scout Guide on March 29, 2022.

Spring is the ideal time to add a breath of fresh air to your wardrobe, and whether you tend to lean more toward neutrals or prefer bolder hues, a little pattern can work wonders. To help those in need of a closet refresh for the warmer month ahead, The Scout Guide asked editors across the country to share their favorite options from local boutiques that embrace the power of print. From subtle floral motifs to eye-popping gingham to punchy abstracts, this selection of dresses, blouses, pants, and rompers will put a spring in your step all season long. First up? A local find from Stephanie’s. Find 16 more selections here.

LOCAL FINDS

The day-brightener

CIAO LUCIA ILARIA TOP // Available for purchase online from Stephanie’s in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

8 Classic Spring Pieces to Invest in According to Scouted Fashion Experts

Originally published by The Scout Guide on March 24, 2022.

The arrival of spring tends to inspire a wardrobe reassessment. And while adding a few pieces to keep our attire fresh and current is always a highlight, it’s also helpful to determine which classic go-tos might be missing or in need of replacement. To help us scout out this season’s collection for items that will stand the test of time, The Scout Guide asked the owners of three stylish scouted boutiques to identify the key pieces that belong in any spring closet. From flattering dresses in long-favored fits to an equestrian-inspired accessory that will never go out of style, read on for inspiration from Amy Yount of Amy Atelier and click here for two other Scouted fashion experts.

AMY’S ADVICE

WHO: Amy Yount, owner of Amy Atelier
WHERE: Scottsdale, Arizona
THE CLASSIC PIECES: Paperbag short, Western bootie, midi dress

Paperbag Short: “Thank goodness the days of unflattering Bermuda shorts are gone. Enter the paperbag short that’s the modern-day long short. This flattering style goes great with a tucked-in top and mid-to-long boyfriend blazer for a breezy-but-pulled together look.” 

Western Bootie: “The Western boot is having a moment nationwide, but in the Southwest, it’s never gone out of style. It works with dresses, skirts, and shorts of all lengths. An off-white bootie will never go out of style, and this particular boot keeps things interesting with silver stud detailing.” 

Midi Dress: “The midi dress is the epitome of feminine, and in a timeless floral print it’s personally something I would always have in my closet. Made of silk, this particular style goes the distance because it will never wear out.”

Member Spotlight: Beauty & Propaganda

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. And so, as we prepare to launch Volume 2, we are thrilled to kick off our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…

Photo by Michael Franco

Meet Beauty & Propaganda, the Volume 2 Member and lifestyle salon offering a whole new approach to beauty. To simplify self-care, sister duo Karla Zaragoza and Zuleika Zaragoza established Beauty & Propaganda with a specific mission: to bring all forms of beauty services under one roof and, most importantly, celebrate all forms of beauty - no matter its shape, size, or color. Read on for our Q+A to get to know the sisters, their business, and their Scottsdale…

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Karla, Zuleika, we are so thrilled to welcome you to Volume 2 of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale! Let’s start by sharing a little more about what inspired you two to create Beauty & Propaganda.
Beauty & Propaganda: Thank you! Beauty & Propaganda was inspired by the frustration we experienced as we jumped trying to get from appointment to appointment for beauty services. We wanted to solve that pain-point and time-suck of driving all over town. We also loved the idea of incorporating Latin American flair by bringing different beauty services together under one roof for the ultimate pampering experience! And, finally, we wanted to celebrate all forms of beauty.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Can you tell us more about bringing different beauty services under one roof?
Beauty & Propaganda: At Beauty & Propaganda, we pride ourselves on our New Way to Beauty. By this, we mean that our services are all done simultaneously. Get a mani and a blowout, a dry style, and glam sesh - all at the same time. We strive to bring impeccable services without ever compromising convenience or quality. It sets us apart in the industry. We love the experience - and our clients love it, too!

Photo by Michael Franco

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let's backtrack to part of your origin story. More specifically, your beliefs about beauty. Can you share more about this?
Beauty & Propaganda: We believe beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. And Beauty & Propaganda is our way of celebrating that and sharing it with other women. We want our clients to come as they are and to feel beautiful and connected. Whether it’s through a fun, chic environment or stylists versed in all types of hair, it’s our mission to create a welcoming experience.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: We’re truly so lucky you two started Beauty & Propaganda in our community. Can you tell us what you love about living and working in the Valley?
Beauty & Propaganda: Scottsdale is such a wonderful town. It’s gorgeous, has great restaurants, events, and - certainly not least - the best winters. We love that, as a tourist destination, we get to meet people from all over, but also develop connections with our locals.

 

“We believe beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. And Beauty & Propaganda is our way of celebrating that and sharing it with other women.”

 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: While we’re on the subject of the Valley, will you share your local favorites?
Beauty & Propaganda: Absolutely! For eats, Fàme Caffe, Francine, Zinc Bistro, Café Monarch, and AZ88 are can’t-miss spots for us both. As for lifestyle, Amy Atelier and Camelback Flowershop are favorites. And when it comes to giving back to our wonderful community, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Hope Women’s Center are dear to our hearts.

Photo by Michael Franco

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Some of our favorites too… Speaking of favorites, what’s your favorite part of your work?
Beauty & Propaganda: Helping women feel beautiful. It is so rewarding to connect with clients and witness their reactions to hair and makeup. Of course, we have to mention the joy of helping tweens get ready for their first school dance. So fun!

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: As industry experts, can you leave our beauty-loving readers with one insider tip?
Beauty & Propaganda: Of course! Don't be afraid to try new things. And don’t be intimidated! The beauty industry is here to guide you to feeling your best. That said, we don’t recommend trying something brand new on the day of a big event. Instead, use dinner with girlfriends as an excuse to try out a new style!

To learn more about Beauty & Propaganda - from their services to their next available appointment - head over to beautyandpropaganda.com - and don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!

38 Beautiful and Breezy Spring Dresses

Originally published by The Scout Guide on February 18, 2022.

Whether you’re getting outfitted for a day of errands, an afternoon soiree, or a night on the town, having a few stylish and versatile dresses in your wardrobe can make dressing a breeze. To help those who might need to refresh their spring closets, we asked our editors across the county to share their favorite options from local boutiques for the upcoming season. From floral maxi dresses to ladylike midi frocks to go-to neutral tunics, this selection will take you from when the temperature starts to warm right through the hottest days—and nights—of summer. Read on for local finds and head here to browse selections from boutiques across our network.

LOCAL FINDS

Ready-to-wear ruffles

ULLA JOHNSON NIA RUFFLED PRINTED COTTON MIDI DRESS // Available for purchase online from Amy Atelier in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The instant day-brightener

CIAO LUCIA ALESSIA DRESS // Available for purchase online from Stephanie’s in Phoenix, Arizona.

25 Pieces to Pack for a Warm-Weather Getaway

Originally published by The Scout Guide on February 11, 2022.

Even the most devoted fans of winter usually start daydreaming about warmer days come February. If chilly temperatures (or snowstorms) have you counting down the days until spring, a little wardrobe refresh can do wonders for brightening up your mindset. To prepare you for a getaway, The Scout Guide rounded up 25 pieces that are perfect for packing in your warm-weather getaway bag - including a find from a local favorite. Whether you have a trip to a tropical paradise planned in the near future or are simply looking forward to saying goodbye to your sweaters for the season, this bright, breezy, and beautiful look will have you feeling instantly transported. Read on for our local favorite and find more pieces to pack here.

LOCAL FIND

The ocean-ready pant

PATBO STARGAZER JUTE TRIM PANT // Available for purchase online from Amy Atelierin Scottsdale Arizona.