But what makes us notice Chester's is the picture window facing Seventh Avenue that encases an amazing collection of 10 or so antique cars in a makeshift museum, some dating to the late 1910s. Chester's works on modern cars, too, and has been in business for 32 years. While your car is being fixed, you can replace the usual perusal of last month's Sports Illustrated with a waltz around some amazing pieces of automotive history.
Readers' Choice for Best Place to Get Your Oil Changed: Jiffy Lube
Whether your passion is clothes, knickknacks, furniture or kitsch, there is some of everything. You can walk in wanting a matching set of nine handkerchiefs and actually find what you're looking for. The merchandise is arranged in small nooks all over the store, so you can browse for hours without being in anyone's way.
From the turn of the century, to "vintage" from the last decade, it's all there. A few of our favorites are the collection of 1950s aprons, the clothing racks, and overflowing cases of every type of jewelry. The prices are very reasonable, and we doubt you can find a better selection anywhere in the Valley.
But our all-time favorite remainder table is the one at Borders' Biltmore store on East Camelback. Don't ask us to meet you for lunch anywhere near this particular bookshop if you mind that we'll arrive late, dragging along a bagful of cool finds. Just last week we scored a leather-bound Martin Chuzzlewit, a pop-up Book of Job, and a first-edition hardcover of John Irving's last novel, the version with the alternate cover art. Yeah, okay. So we're word nerds. And as long as Borders keeps plying us with gorgeous page-turners at rock-bottom prices, we'll stay that way.
Readers' Choice for Best Auto Repair Shop: Sun Devil Auto
The youngest among us can get in on the trend. At the back of the store is Baby Bliss, featuring baby linens, as well as a large selection of Baby Lulu clothing (the choice of any self-respecting shabby chic mom) and quaint toys and iron cribs that look like they came from a yard sale, but without the lead paint.
Who would have thought that inside a small storefront in drab downtown Mesa, of all places, we could find such style? Maybe someone should hire Domestic Bliss to decorate the town! Mesa could use a little chic to go with the shabby.