They're clever, stylish, and more niche than ever. The new shops of Denver's indie retail scene say something about our evolving town (and taste). Vegan footwear? Handmade papers? Japano-funk? Premium olive oils? We've found your purveyors. Not to mention an influx of fashion hotspots brimming with urban-inspired threads, flirty dresses, and handmade jewelry. If the vibe seems decidedly feminine, chalk it up to our burgeoning tribe of women entrepreneurs. Another trend: the movement toward ecologically and socially responsible merchandise. Here, in no particular order, our 20 favorite discoveries.
Reported by Julie Dugdale, Amanda Faison, Natasha Gardner, Stephanie Gerlach, Ashley Inman, Lindsey B. Koehler, Cheryl M
November 2008
Page 2 of 2
Wordshop
The goods Quirky and artisan-made cards line the walls of the three-room converted Highland house-turned-papeterie. Need to send an irreverent birthday wish? Try Bald Guy Greetings for smarty-pants witticisms. Want to send a note to your eco-freak pal? Invitations by Smock are made from organic bamboo and pesticide-free veggie ink, and even come from a studio that's wind-powered. Don't miss the handmade gift wrap imported from Nepal, Thailand, and India.
The wallet damage Single cards start at $2, while custom letterpress can run from $150 all the way up to $2,500.
Why we'll go back To visit the separate outdoor nook, complete with vintage desks and a writing bar, where we can sit with a latte, our thoughts, and a pen and paper. 3180 Meade St., 303-477-9673, www.wordshopdenver.com
Gimme Gimme Pillow Toast
The goods Japano-funksters, this is your mother ship. Behold, an exuberant Asian pop-culture scene (aka "kawaii," a widespread Japanese trend characterized by sometimes-disturbing cartoonlike cuteness) filled with whimsical trinkets, off-beat decor, and young-at-heart duds mostly plucked from countries like Japan and Thailand. Think anime-emblazoned ringer tees and quirky accessories such as artsy metal lunchboxes and umbrellas plastered with those signature big-eyed "cute" characters.
The wallet damage $9 for a "hamburger bento box"—a clever lunchboxlike snack carrier with utensils—makes a tasty (and affordable) gift for that way-hip kid in your life.
Why we'll go back "You can get Hello Kitty stuff anywhere," says co-owner Janene Hurst. "I really strive to have weird Hello Kitty stuff. Like Hello Kitty sleeve protectors, to put over your sleeves when you're washing dishes. My other favorite thing is this Bruce Lee candle. We just found him in a random place, like most of our stuff." 445 S. Saulsbury St., Belmar, Lakewood, 303-872-7706, www.gimmegimmepillowtoast.com
Chandler Farm
The goods It's rare to find a home store that combines vintage and modern in a perfectly seamless way, but that's exactly what this treasure trove of "heirloom chic" goodies does. From retro-inspired kitchenware and trendy floral aprons to refurbished furniture and feather dusters straight out of the '50s, this shop is a jackpot for nostalgic housewares that add a touch of fun to your daily routine. Besides having a solid selection of Earth-friendly and socially conscious items, 95 percent of the products are made by women.
The wallet damage The finds here run the gamut, from $3 fair-trade gift wrap to a restored 1820s butcher block for $1,800.
Why we'll go back For the (unexpected) custom options; as in, we can't wait to flip through the in-store catalogue to mix and match quilts, shams, and bedding to revamp our bedroom. The store has a good relationship with retailers, and generally has quick turnaround time on special orders. 2440 W. Main St., Littleton, 303-797-6633, www.chandlerfarm.com
Sous le Lit
The goods Mother-daughter team Judy Bowers and Liesl Beckmann founded this well-edited collection of stylin' shoes (think along the lines of Jeffrey Campbell, Chinese Laundry, and Dollhouse), oversize purses, funky belts, and chunky jewelry. We think of Sous le Lit—which is French for "under the bed"—as a grown-up version of Forever 21.
The wallet damage We scored a pair of fab, striped, open-toed wedges for $48—that's full price.
Why we'll go back Edgy, funky, sleek, or sweet, these accessories keep our look fun and current, and we know we won't be walking around in the same shoes, toting the same handbag, or rocking the same shades as everyone else. 2340 W. Main St., Littleton, 303-798-0432, www.souslelit.com
Scribbles
The goods In this darling new LoHi nook, look for handmade vintage-fabric cards from Tori Higa, or support local artists like Lauren Kitchens of 7Petals Design who creates fabulously whimsical greeting cards out of discarded paper scraps from her own artwork. You'll also find planners, notepads, address books, journals, and other must-have paper goods.
The wallet damage For $16, you can score a box of eight handpainted note cards by Happily Ever Annie; for $80, you can hire a calligrapher to make a personalized calligraphy stamp—the perfect way to make 200 professional-looking RSVP envelopes and be cost-effective.
Why we'll go back Wedding planning. The sophisticated suite upstairs is a bride-to-be's personal haven for wedding-theme selection, resplendent with binder upon binder of save-the-dates, invites, thank-yous, tips, and finishing touches. Just make an appointment, take a seat on a chic and cozy sofa, grab a bridal book and glass of champagne, and start perusing. 2368 15th St., 303-477-1677, www.scribblespaper.com
Fancy Tiger Clothing
The goods Hipster, fresh, and fancifully fun, this South Broadway hideout is a mecca of screen print and indie fashion. The balance of nature-inspired, leaf-printed threads like Little by Jenny, comfortably chic lines like All-Mighty Clothing, and locally made accessories provides happy relief for those seeking big, bold style from small, independent designers.
The wallet damage No denim for more than $100; great deals on hard-to-come-by duds exclusive to Fancy Tiger.
Why we'll go back Stress-free shopping that's intimate without being intimidating—the clerks don't pressure or push. In fact, most of the salespeople have roles beyond the register, such as designing and buying, that add to the personal boutique experience. 14 S. Broadway, 303-282-6590, www.fancytiger.com
Jesela Blues, A Denim Boutique
The goods Find chic but affordable denim by MEK, William Rast, Lucy, and Dollhouse, plus a small but well-edited selection of tops, tees, and dresses by stylish but lower-priced labels like Peppe Peluso...which all makes Jesela a great place to pick up that last-minute holiday party outfit.
The wallet damage We didn't see many jeans in the store that cost more than $150. Pretty good in today's whole-paycheck denim world.
Why we'll go back Because we might catch another one of the jaw-dropper seasonal sales (once the entire store was 50 percent off). 1855 29th St., Suite 1164, Twenty-Ninth Street mall, Boulder, 303-440-1000
PJ's Boutique
The goods It might be the eye-catching green and orange, oval sign that pulls you in, but it's the eclectic collection of scarves, intricately designed glam jewelry, and look-at-me clothing that will keep you here for potential spending. Samoë ruffled purses are perfect with the selection of colorful summer dresses. The Stop Staring! line of retro dresses, with designs named after icons like Billie Holiday, is a gold mine for a night on the town or at the theater.
The wallet damage You can buy a clutch, belt, and scarf without spending much more than $100 (unique artisan labels cost more). Plus, most dresses go for less than $150.
Why we'll go back Because everyone who walks in the door is greeted with a smile—a personal touch that's a wee bit lacking in certain other retail establishments. 1509 S. Pearl St., 303-777-8912, www.pjsboutique.net
Stylelicious
The goods The designer labels at this trendy kids' (preemie to 14-16) palace make it easy to out-cute the likes of Suri Cruise. Try Petit Joie's striped cashmere dress paired with black leggings, super-soft graphic tees by Charlie Rocket for boys, and tutu-inspired skirts by Ooh La La for girls.
The wallet damage Pony up $212 for the Petit Joie dress.
Why we'll go back The young, hip, and super-attentive staff will help you find clothes you'll adore—but more important, that your kids will love. 3201 E. Second Ave., Suite A, 303-333-3344, www.styleliciouskids.com
Ahimsa Footwear
The goods All vegan, all the time. There isn't a scrap of material in this shop that comes from an animal—nor comes out of a sweatshop—and yet the shoes, bags, and belts (guys' and girls') actually look like leather (we swear). Our pick: The Crystalyn Kae bags are woven fabric coated with glazed resin and stretched for that subtle crinkled appearance of real leather.
The wallet damage You'll fork over $99 for a sleek, locally made Vamp Bags wallet—but remember, you just saved the skin on some critter's back.
Why we'll go back Each brand displayed on the shelf is accompanied by a placard that explains the company and its practices—specifically, how it makes each item—so you know exactly what you're buying and why you can feel good about it. 1668 Marion St., 303-860-8344, www.ahimsafootwear.com
Common Threads
The goods These consignment owners are picky, and it shows. Plus, they're blessed with great consigners; we spotted nearly new Prada shoes, a Louis Vuitton handbag, and a gorgeous Rebecca Taylor dress. And, we love the way-adorable maternity section in the back.
The wallet damage You can get a blouse for less than $15, or a Louis Vuitton bag for less than $700. Both are deals...in their own ways.
Why we'll go back Half the store, called the Creative Lab, is dedicated to the art of making clothes, with classes such as sewing and knitting almost daily. 2707 Spruce St., Boulder, 303-449-5431, www.commonthreadsboulder.com
Page 1 | 2
Save to del.ico.us
)
Sign up for 5280's weekly e-newsletters. Want the latest restaurant scoop? The latest happenings around town? Access to exclusive events and deals just for 5280 readers? 
