The DL: No matter your style, Downtown has something to suit

Downtown Tucson is well known as a hot spot for entertainment and excellent dining, but it also has a lively retail and shopping scene. Dozens of locally-owned shops dot the landscape, providing goods that can't be found anywhere else in town. As the Sun Link streetcar rolls into town and hundreds of students, working professionals, and people of all ages move into the housing currently under development, that can only be expected to increase.

Since Downtown is Tucson's hub of all things artistic, it's no surprise that there are a number of galleries displaying and selling a wide range of work. Obsidian Gallery features a wide range of hand-crafted and locally made jewelry that would be at home in any of the finest galleries in New York, as well as sculpture and paintings. Old Town Artisans is made up of several smaller merchants, selling everything from pottery to high-end jewelery. Even more jewelery can be found at Perri Jewelers, a family-owned shop that has been located Downtown since 1945.

There is also plenty of clothing and accessories for sale, for both men and women. Revloutio, Desert Bloom, Hydra, ReThreads and Candy Strike are just some of the downtown locations for women's fashion.

Candy Strike, from designer and owner Elizabeth Albert, has a focus on providing clothing designed to encourage women of all sizes to feel sexy in their own skin. Another designer/owner operates out of Revolutio, where Heather Lindquist sells fine designers in addition to her own line of clothing and art.

More duds and accessories for the professional woman are available at Desert Bloom, and the iconic Hydra has recently expanded to offer a vintage shop and professional wear in addition to their more infamous items. ReThreads recycles clothes to benefit adults recovering from mental illness, while Buffalo Exchange's downtown location offers the high-end resale experience that many Tucsonans know and love. Men can get in the action at Hydra and Buffalo Exchange, as well as at VII Grand, which is co-owned by former University of Arizona Wildcat and current Minnesota Timberwolves player Derrick Williams and offers carefully selected streetware and accessories.

Looking for a gift, accessory, or just something to perk up your day? Downtown has you covered. forsSHOP, by husband and wife architect team Sonya Sotinsky and Miguel Fuentevilla, has some amazingly quirky and playful stuff, including an ice cube tray that freezes liquid shot glasses and hip jewelery and household accessories. Buffalo Exchange also offers quite a few gift items, and A Perfect Pantry has everything you need to throw or attend a perfect party, in addition to vintage furniture and accessories.

There is plenty of retail downtown - the shops listed above are some of the more than 50 in Downtown. See a full list of retail shops at DowntownTucson.org, or head out a little early before dinner and a show and see for yourself.