For those of you from Scottsdale or Orange County, you will be quick to notice that Tucson is by no means hip and tends to be a few years behind on trends. You are more likely to see women in Birkenstocks than in Christian Louboutins at dinner.
Casual attire aside, there are still some places in town that cater to the rich and trendy and will leave you feeling like you never left home.
Rincon Market
2513 E. Sixth St., has been serving the Sam Hughes neighborhood and UA students since 1926 and there are plenty of reasons why. Buy fresh produce, fresh fish from Hawaii and kosher foods or stroll in on a Sunday morning and delight your palate with Belgian waffles.
NoRTH
2995 E. Skyline Drive, offers delicious Italian eats and a place for you to put your latest minidress on display. The angel hair pasta with fresh tomato, basil and ricotta cheese ($15) is to die for, as are the views of the city. The only downside to the restaurant would be the acoustics; expect to spend the night shouting across the table to your friends, so make sure to sit next to someone who can carry a good conversation, because they will be the only one you can hear.
ZoÇ Boutique
735 N. Fourth Ave., offers not only the latest in Juicy Couture, GSUS and Double Zero, but also a bevy of jewelry and artwork. The prices range anywhere from $7-$400, but there are some great one-of-a-kind finds from Tucson designers that make the price worth the buy. The store is just near Hang Up, 739 N. Fourth Ave., which carries styles for men and women, as well as vintage and used designer bags. And, honestly, who doesn’t need a vintage Fendi?
Barrio
135 S. Sixth Ave., proves that food is always hipper when its downtown. While restaurants in the Foothills scream of affluence and prosperity, the heart of the city allows for breathing room – a place to don a pair of nice jeans and heels or dress shoes, and to kick back and enjoy the food. Where else in town can you get an Anaheim chile stuffed with roasted garlic, black beans and goat cheese ($7.50) that’ll still leave you craving a big dinner?
Pour Moi
1865 E. River Road, is not for the starving college student, as the clothing runs from $100-$600. The store offers designs from Nicole Miller, Just Cavalli and Theory, as well as a nice selection of vintage designer handbags. Owner Paula Taylor is not only a shopper extraordinaire, but a writer as well – she earns major props for penning a column for the Tucson Citizen on all things clothes and accessories.
Starr Skates
1927 E. Grant Road, is stocked with all the skateboarding paraphernalia you need to get to class on time. From stickers, wristbands, decks, hats and clothing, the skate shop offers enough gear to keep men and women in the lifestyle. Accessories start at $1, with Bones Swiss bearings clocking in around $40.