Best Women's Clothing '98

Best Women's Clothing (Locally Owned)

Buffalo Exchange
2001 E. Speedway Blvd.
7045 E. Tanque Verde Road

READERS' PICK: Celebrating its 25th year in business, Buffalo Exchange is at least as old as much of its clientele. It carries a vast and ever-changing array of clothing, accessories and shoes, as well as a counter to trade in your old duds for something shiny and new-to-you.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Maya Palace, 6332 E. Broadway Blvd.; 2960 N. Swan Road.

CLUE IN: From start to finish, Zöe (735 N. Fourth Ave.) offers one of the most delightful boutique shopping experiences around. Its oft-changing but always chic window displays call like a siren's song just south of the corner of University Boulevard and North Fourth Avenue. Their uniquely styled evening wear includes skirts and dresses of all lengths, tailored pants, blouses and jackets, with equal parts fun and elegance. Whether you're dressing for work, club-hopping or your best friend's wedding, Zöe will make you look like a million bucks. They also have a great selection of Irish-wool caps, sunglasses, luxurious soaps and aromatherapy candles, and designer novelty items (like picture frames and home decorating items). One of the best deals at Zöe is the jewelry case: vintage-looking silver, beaded necklaces and stone pendants for relatively little cash. And if the tags on those lovely clothes are somewhat daunting, keep an eye on their frequent sales and clearance racks.

1997 Winner: Dillard's
1996 Winner: Dillard's
1995 Winner: Dillard's