>>> BEST PLACE TO BE A GROOVY GAL
Purple Peacock
I'm surprised they haven't called The Man on me or brought in a bonafide Smokey to shoo me away. Call me the funky jewelry junky, candle fiend, and jive talkin' shopper of all things groovy and great, downtown Tacoma's Purple Peacock, jewelry, gifts, and antiques has it all. Gads of GORGEOUS and affordable jewelry, sweet smelling candles and lotions, dream worthy furnishings and accessories that are swoon-worthy. And Ashleigh, the Purple Peacock owner, is so chill and so darn nice; you just wanna hang out, chat about her world travels and be girly. Need a gift for gal, dudes? Go here. 1744 Pacific Ave., Tacoma - Kim Thompson
>>> BEST PLACE TO CHANGE YOUR STYLE EVERY TWO MONTHS
Millesime Designs
Millesime is a compelling shopping adventure filled with a little whimsy, a lot of wonder and sometimes a bit of the bizarre. The charming location on Broadway features clever up-cycled treasures from centerpieces for your home like coffee tables to small-framed accents and knick knacks. What makes this shopping experience especially unique is their inventory transforms every eight weeks featuring a wholly different theme with each new display. You can go in and expect to see understated vintage designs, bright kitschy pieces or classic simple allure depending on what owner Summer Hess Briggs has concocted. 745 Broadway, Tacoma - Jackie Fender
>>> BEST PLACE TO DRESS YOUR PUNK-ASS DOG
Wag Pet Market
My border collie is two things: a princess and a punk. Part sugar and spice, all naughty or all nice, this dog can be spoil-worthy or totally yank my chain. She's got my heart anyway, and so does Wag Pet Market. Located in the heart of Tacoma's Proctor District, this wee shop is loaded with pet goodness: fashionable duds and accessories, toys galore, yummy and healthy treats of all kinds, and nice employees who love what they do. On my list: non-destructible toys, delicious snacks (anything sweet potato and salmon for my girl), and a collar and leash with skulls and crossbones. What better? 2703 N. Proctor, Tacoma - KT
>>> BEST PLACE TO MAKE GRANDMA SHABBY CHIC
The Design Cottage
The Design Cottage located in the Three Bridge District in Tacoma's Northend neighborhood has fabulous finds for your home, your granny's cottage and your mama's house. Pastel accent pieces, delicate designs and shabby chic flair fill this little store. As an added bonus, The Design Cottage has a lovely selection of Annie Sloan Chalk Paints and even hosts workshops if you're looking to take on some DIY projects with some of your pieces that need to be livened up to a newfound home accent piece glory. 2624 N. 21st St., Tacoma - JF
>>> BEST PLACE FOR AN OLD SCHOOL SUGAR SMACKDOWN
Sugar
My fave candy of the 1970s? Hands down the Charleston Chew. Cheap, substantial, and available in three flavors, this waxy, chocolaty, nougat filled yumminess was best eaten one way: Frozen. Freeze it, smack it against the counter and enjoy the bite-sized pieces. Heaven! Speaking of heaven, Sugar, the teeny tiny old school and new school confectionary deep in the mix of Tacoma's Proctor District, is totally right on. This place is loaded with the chewy, savory, sugary, crunchy, and gooey. Best part? My beloved Charleston Chews. Bring your sweet tooth to Sugar. 3901 N. 27th, Tacoma - KT
>>> BEST PLACE TO 'DO TWO DECADES
Salon Swish
I (heart) my hairstylist Michelle Longmore of Salon Swish. I hang, rap and let my girl do her thang. Result? Out of sight gorgeous! It also helps that Salon Swish has this cool, comfy and far out vibe. I mean, who wouldn't love their skeletal mascot that doles out teas and sugar? One more notable: great, nearby (and FREE) parking in a fabulous downtown Tacoma locale? Can. You. Dig it!?! So, Michelle's personal '70s ‘do? Long, straight, part in the middle (she sighs). Ah, but my guru lights up and grins like a Cheshire cat with her '80's 'do - long, big, spiky on top ala Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue. That's my girl! 1328 Market St., Tacoma - KT
>>> BEST PLACE TO DISCOVER YOUR INNER FAIRY GODMOTHER
Urban Alchemy
Oooh, la la Urban Alchemy. After only a short stint of calling Opera Alley home, Urban Alchemy has relocated to Sixth Avenue transforming what was once Laughing Lotus into a gallery like space with serious shopping potential for lovers of all that is artsy. Featuring a delightful collection of local art finds for your walls and handcrafted accessories that define a portable form of art, entering Urban Alchemy's doors will surely make your eyes light up with delight. It's a whimsical space that makes you want to curl up with a glass of vino and a good fairy tale story or shop for a piece that will make your home feel the exact same way. 3013 Sixth Ave., Tacoma - JF
>>> BEST PLACE TO RUN INTO A HOT WHEELS FREAK
Tricky's Pop Culture Emporium
Only about 0.001 percent of the population would actually go looking for the kinds of things you'll find in Tricky's Pop Culture Emporium in Tacoma. Nevertheless, I insist everyone on the planet must visit, even if only to see with your own eyes that such a place exists. I'm not usually one to sing the praises of Americana, but it is pretty cool that you can sell a candle shaped like Jesus next to a Star Wars action figure without governmental retribution. Tricky's isn't your average collector's shop, toy store or thrift outlet - it's an emporium in the truest sense. Although most of the references go over my head (because (a) I am pop culturally challenged, and (b) I didn't grow up in the ‘70s), the store has a timeless quality everyone with a sense of humor will enjoy. Visiting Tricky's taught me an important lesson: Just because something's pointless, doesn't mean you can't sell it, or that people don't want it. That's what I learned from owner Eugene Kirk. Oh, and stay away from Hot Wheels collectors. Those people are nuts. 17 N. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma - Anne Anderle
>>> BEST PLACE TO SHOP FOR A WINE DINNER
Harbor Greens
Break out the fondue pots and wine glasses; we are having a party! Newly opened Harbor Greens in University Place has a truly dyn-o-mite variety of cheeses and an out of sight wine selection for your eating and drinking pleasure. In fact, when this joint has a wine special, the prices are so absolutely criminally low, you can't go home with just one bottle. Throw in a fantastic deli, delectable produce, friendly butchers, candy and chocolate madness and a dazzling garden center; this small grocer delivers. Be there, or be square. Enjoy two locations in University Place and Gig Harbor. - KT
>>> BEST PLACE TO SHOP WITH A LONGBOARD
BLEACH
Anyone who has some street cred, or is just looking to exude it has shopped at BLEACH on Pacific Avenue. Technically a skate shop, Bleach has loads of rad Tacomacentric duds like tees that holler TACOMA with brass knuckles, because you're hardcore like that or emblazoned with depictions of Rainier, both the tall boy and mountain variety. You'll also find shoes, sweatshirts, hats and other swag like boards and beanies from some of the lead skater culture brands. 1934 Pacific Ave., Tacoma - JF
>>> BEST PLACE FOR A FIRST KISS
Tiffany's Skate Inn
Since opening in 1969, Dennis and Carole King have provided generations of anxious Pierce County teens the ideal place to hold hands and work their way toward that delicious first kiss. Colorful balls, black lights and disco balls light up the couples' skate. Saturday Retro Skate Nights with music hits from the '70s, '80s and '90s and holding a sixth grader's hand as you both stiffly circle the floor on four wheels. Of course, there's that one guy who "rubber-legs" to "We Will Rock You" by Queen. Hate that guy. 1113 N Meridian, Puyallup - Weekly Volcano
>>> BEST HIDDEN WOMEN'S CLOTHING STORE
Sonja - Clothes To Live In
You're going goon over your salted caramel frozen yogurt, slipping a spoonful in, rolling your eyes back and actually launching a half twirl right in the middle of Proctor Frozen Yogurt. You teeter from one foot to the other then with spoon in mouth lean into a newspaper clipping on the wall. You dip away and turn with your left foot two feet off the floor. You're so good. Your blissful meandering leads you to a back room. You do that spoon in the mouth moan with big eyes. Am I allowed back here? rings you inner monologue. "Oh, shoes! Oh, dresses! Oh, jeans I can actually see myself wearing!" Welcome to Sonja - Clothes To Live In. The small women's boutique carries beautiful, high-end, well-made items ranging from suits to casual. Yes, owner Sonja Silver has very good taste. Yes I buy all my wife's clothes there. No I didn't write this to get a discount. Yes, I performed all the aforementioned moves. 2510 N. Proctor St., Tacoma - Ron Swarner