Uptown Cheapskate owner Heather Martinez’ love for resale fashion started as a hobby. Now, five years later, her dream became a reality.
“I always had an interest in fashion and wanted somewhere to express it. I now run Uptown Cheapskate. It’s been such an exciting journey so far,” says Martinez, who aims to inspire men and women to embrace themselves through fashion with
affordable, accessible items.
Spring 2019 fashion trends available at Uptown Cheapskate include coral colors, sequins, and neon. Follow the store on Instagram @Uptown_Tucson and like them on Facebook to stay updated on
current trends.
Durre Mubin Raina was 16 when her family moved from Pakistan to Tucson to be near her newly married sister. She attended Canyon Del Oro High School and was pre-med at the University of Arizona, but a yearning for business led her to open Trendz and Traditionz in 2011, after her children were grown.
The boutique offers items for a diverse clientele, including bridal wear, prom purses, and silver and gemstone jewelry from India and Nepal. Handmade items include hand-carved wood from Kashmir, hand-painted glass candleholders, and hand-woven bed covers and tablecloths of pure Turkish cotton. The store also offers custom alterations for women and men.
Kara Moeller and her father, Bob Couchman, own La Contessa, located in Plaza Palomino, where they have
offered a diverse selection of women’s casual and formal wear since 1985. Clientele include not only loyal Tucsonans but
out-of-towners who stop by the boutique every time they visit, says Mueller.
Current trends she is seeing include ankle-length wide-leg pants, complemented by shorter tops. “The suit look is getting stronger, with matching tops and bottoms,” she says. In addition, different shades of yellow will be popular for spring 2019.
Arlene Antzis started The Bag Company in 1985 after a career as a real estate broker. She began with a concession in a clothing store but soon moved to her own store, specializing in handbags, belts and jewelry.
Located in Ventana Plaza for the past 17 years, The Bag
Company has evolved into a boutique with clothing and gift items as well as a large selection of handbags, small leather goods, jewelry and other accessories. Customer service is key, says Antzis, who adds that the boutique always offers a sale
section. To receive special sale notices, join the store’s email list.
Maya Palace celebrated its 41st anniversary in November 2018. Maya Palace owners John and Susy Kopplin met and married in Santa Cruz, Costa Rica, where John was a Peace Corps volunteer and Susy was owner of a trendy boutique. In their first meeting, Susy sold John a pair of Costa Rican jeans that were six inches too long, saying cuffs were in. John already had six brand new pairs of Levis, but, somehow, could not resist the purchase. Known for vibrant fabrics and luxurious colors, Maya Palace also carries an array of jewelry, handbags, shoes, scarves, and other accessories.
