Word of Mouth Phoenix.com

Trouve Is A Phoenix Hidden Treasure

Trouve is a hidden treasure in Phoenix.  Although it's located just west of the busy intersection of Camelback Road and 44th Street, you might miss it if you didn't know the exact location.  And I think it's a shop you won't want to miss, especially if you like antiques, home accessories and wonderful unique gifts. 

So I'd like to spread the word about Trouve.  And what better way to do that?  Write about it on Word of Mouth Phoenix, of course.

Trouve is owned by Joan Colangelo and her daughter Kristen.  And yes, they're related to Jerry Colangelo who has been so active in the Phoenix sports community.  Joan is his wife and Kristen is his daughter.  They also have another location in beautiful downtown Carmel, CA which is one of my favorite places to visit. 

The name Trouve, pronounced "troo-va" is a French word that means "found".  That goes right along with my first impressions of this place; a real find.  As you enter the draped entryway, it easy to forget you're in Phoenix with the peaceful courtyard, fountain and overgrown trees. 

As I walked into the main showroom, the sound of soft jazz music was playing.  Lisa and Marcia greeted me and invited me to browse amongst the two showrooms.  There is currently a sale in progress until the end of September with up to 50% discounts off selected items. 

It was such an inviting room between the sounds, smells and sights of precious treasures.  This would be a great place to shop for a wedding gift, that's for sure.  I noticed a variety of coffee table books about France, including a few cookbooks.  There were many candles and sweet smelling soaps with containers to hold them.  I also found unique frames that would be perfect for my ever expanding photo collection of family and friends that I love to  display. 

In the center of the room a table was set with the most beautiful and yet simple white dishes.  All of the accompanying pieces were in place.  And the glass stemware and serving dishes just happened to be my style. 

I was glad to see that the display of Annie Glass dishes which I especially love and happen to own myself.  I know where I can come for any additional serving pieces.

The second showroom I explored contained many other unique items.  There were much larger pieces of furniture including dining tables, bed frames, nightstands, and sofas.  Many of the items were purchased with loving care in Europe.  It was fun to walk from room to room exploring.  There were lamps, mirrors and numerous accent pieces. It's definitely a designer's paradise. 

Now just to be sure you don't miss Trouve, here's a picture of the shopping plaza where it is located.  As I mentioned, it's easy to miss since the store is located in the back.   

I would highly recommend visiting Trouve.  Once the summer is over and the cooler weather returns, I look forward to visiting the farmer's market at Vincent on Camelback's that is held each Saturday and then wander over to Trouve for some fun shopping.   

Thank You Safeway

I shopped at Safeway this past Saturday during their grand reopening.  The store was packed and I had to be careful navigating my shopping cart because of all the people.  I wish I hadn't eaten prior to shopping but I've always hated to go food shopping when I'm hungry.  Whenever I do, I always end up buying much more than I actually need.  But this time, I couldn't believe how many samples they were handing out.  They must have hired extra people just to walk around with trays of food.  And of course, I had to try a few of them.

Although I purchased quite a few groceries, I got the best deals.  I got 4 pounds of ground beef for only $5.  I divided it into one pound packages and froze them for future use.  I also bought a pound of ready to eat shrimp for less than $4.  It seemed like everything was on sale.  I also used my 10% off coupon for my entire bill since I had a Safeway club card.  I saved a total of $33!

I decided to use their new self service check-out since the lines were long.  Once I completed this, there was an alert that sounded and the screen said "Congratulations!  You won an IPOD Shuffle.  See customer service for details". 

All right...was I happy about that.  I simply had to give my name and I was handed a new silver IPOD Shuffle. I'd say it was a great shopping trip! 

Safeway Grand Re-opening

I am excited about the grand re-opening of the Safeway grocery store on the northeast corner of Camelback Road and 32nd Street.  They have been open throughout construction all summer.  But the staff has tried to minimize the inconvenience as much as possible.  However, I'm so glad they're finally finished and the store looks great.  Everything looks so inviting, including the hardwood floors in the produce section. 

I received a booklet in the mail with all kinds of additional savings.  You have to use your Safeway Club Card.  The special savings are for Saturday, August 16th but many of the coupons extend beyond that day.  If you didn't receive the booklet in the mail, you might be able to obtain one at the store.  To receive many of the discounted items, you must have the coupon to obtain the special price.  You can also check their website for their weekly circular. 

Save Money at Consignment Shops

In this uncertain economy, consignment shops might be a new way to shop.  My Sister's Closet has been around the valley for some time now.  There are several locations. 

I recently had the opportunity to consign some of my husband's clothes that he no longer wears or fit.  The men's shop is called Well Suited. 

There are two locations; one is at the Town & Country shopping center and the other at the Lincoln Village shops on Scottsdale Road just south of Lincoln, behind AJ's.  They make it very easy to consign clothes.  You bring the clothes in to the store and they select the ones they know they can resell.  Every item has to be cleaned and on a hanger.  If there are any stains or damage to the item, they won't accept it.  They particularly like designer labels since they are easier to resell.  You fill out the forms and there is a number you call to see how much they owe you.  You have the choice to receive cash or credit for clothes in the store.  Whenever I'm in the area, I stop in and check my balance and leave with cash.  It's great!

I recently stopped by the Lincoln Village shops and noticed that they also have a furniture resale store called My Sister's Attic and a children's resale named Small Change.  The kid's resale has baby strollers, cribs, furniture, maternity clothes and much more.  Since the little ones outgrow everything so quickly, I thought this was a great idea for moms.  The items they sell are clean and in excellent condition.  And the prices are so much lower than retail stores. 

My sister owns a consignment shop in Florida.  So whenever she visits me, we have to check out the resale shops in Phoenix.  We visited My Sister's Attic and I was surprised to find Annie Glass, which is an expensive line of dishes.  I own a set but I found a serving piece I didn't have and it only cost $10.  What a bargain; so of course I had to buy it.   

My Sister's Closet has 11 resale boutiques around the valley.  Visit their website for  store locations  and hours. Many of their already great prices are currently lower right now as they're showcasing their fall lines.

Shopping Tours

Shop America Tours offers shopping tour packages so you can easily shop 'til you drop.  There are two pricing options.

The Shop & Play package costs only $15 and this is what you get:

• From Macy's: Your very own Macy's VIP wardrobe and home consultant to assist you, complimentary refreshments, an 11% Macy's discount savings pass, complimentary gift wrap on purchases, a special welcome gift and a complimentary beauty consultation/makeover/stress free treatment at your favorite cosmetics counter.  An appointment is required by calling 602.468.2100 ext 2222.
• Bailey Banks & Biddle offers free ring cleaning and a jar of jewelry cleaner along with a bottle of chilled water (which you will need for Phoenix)
• Biltmore Fashion Park gift
• Biltmore Fashion Park directory
• Visitor Rewards Book with more than $750 in savings for dining and shopping
• Many other guests services such as information on resorts, golf tee times, transportation assistance and much more

The Shop & Spa package costs $75 but includes much more:

• A spa pedicure at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa (must make a reservation by calling 602.553.8800)
• A complimentary Peace of Mind treatment at Origins
• A relaxing hand massage and shea treatment at L'Occitane en Provence
• A complimentary makeup demo at MAC
• A complimentary chocolate truffle from Godiva
• Champagne while shopping from Roberto Botticelli
• Biltmore Fashion Park gift
• Biltmore Fashion Park directory
• Visitor Rewards Book with more than $750 in savings for dining and shopping
• Complimentary concierge services

We really know how to treat our Phoenix visitors in style.  This is a great price for all you get in each of these packages. You can link to purchase tickets here. I often shop here and they have the best stores.