SERVICE

Florist

EDITORS Bouquets
We hate getting phoned-in flowers. You know, gerbera daisies with some sprigs of willow, or blah mixed blooms with the odd iris to keep things interesting. You want interesting? Bouquets' arrangements (ask for the tropical and exotic) are as fearless as they are lovely—kangaroo paws pairing with forsythia and palm fronds. There's an Ikebana-esque sensibility to the precise choices and fierce editing of blooms, as well as sculptural modern containers (no frumpy fluted-glass vases here). Multiple locations, 303-333-5500, www.bouquetsonline.com

READERS The Perfect Petal
This hip Highland shop wins hearts with ever-changing store windows and some of the most artful displays of floral and home accoutrements in the metro—readers love ducking into this sweet florist/boutique for strange succulent houseplants, funky pottery, letter-pressed thank-you notes, and even vintage jewelry. 3600 W. 32nd Ave., 303-480-0966, www.theperfectpetal.com

Tailor

EDITORS Y&Y Tailoring and Alterations
The best thing about Y&Y, besides the friendly, efficient, and impeccable service, is the private fitting space. With a large mirror and several curtained-off dressing rooms, the try-on area is completely separate from the entryway where customers stand in line. No twirling about in front of strangers, no standing awkwardly in your too-big bridesmaid gown while Joe Schmoe from down the street picks up his suit jacket. And, for a totally doable price, pants always come back cuffed exactly as they were when you brought them in and requested four inches off the bottom. 2645 E. Second Ave., 303-377-9887

READERS Cherry Creek Tailoring and Alterations
Husband-and-wife team Hamdi and Kiraz Sahin of Turkey have been stitching away for 23 years in Cherry Creek, building themselves a faithful clientele. From the front counter you can see the back room where the craft happens, sewing machine and all, and feel confident that your suit/skirt/trousers/gown are going to come back like they were custom-made for you, just like you envisioned. Don't be afraid to put a rush order on your request—they'll be honest about the turnaround time. 211 Clayton St., 303-321-6278

Dog Groomer

EDITORS Vanity Fur
Located in South Hilltop, this huge pet salon has four certified groomers and more than 1,000 clients. The salon is lauded for its quick turnaround, so if you plan to stay, no need to bring a book. Besides, the wood-and-glass French doors allow you to watch Fido get beautified. Grooming starts at $38 (for small dogs) and includes two baths, nail trim, haircut, and paw cleaning. 5075 Leetsdale Drive, 720-974-5064, www.vanityfurpetsalon.com

READERS Takoda's Pet Depot
Some kids had lemonade stands; Laura Thornburg had a dog-grooming stand. The former show-dog handler is now the head groomer of Takoda's. She returns naturally groomed dogs with a scissor-finish trim. Splurge on the Comfort Spa treatment, which includes a choice of animal cologne. 7735 West Long Drive, Littleton, 303-932-7387, www.takodaspetdepot.com

Customer Service

EDITORS Ritz-Carlton, Denver
Sure, we expect ace service, what with the posh price point that accompanies all things Ritz-Carlton, but the arrival of the hotel in our fair city has brought a fresh level of excellence to downtown. The minute you cross the threshold, the refrain "my pleasure" is on the lips of every staff member. From valet to desk to hotel shop, even (and especially) to the service at Elway's restaurant within, the level of calm, sophisticated attention is top-notch—and never snooty. Overheard from one happy guest on our latest visit: "Where do they import these people from?" 1881 Curtis St., 303-312-3800, www.ritzcarlton.com

READERS Nordstrom
Everyone's got a Nordstrom story—the clerk who overheard you worrying about a hot date, hand-picked three perfect outfits, and brought them to your fitting-room; the sympathetic barrista at the café who gave your squalling toddler a nip of hot chocolate in his own tiny cup. Front to back, these folks know how to care for people. Multiple locations, www.nordstrom.com

Salon

EDITORS and READERS Luxe Salon
This LoDo institution pleases with a hip locale and concept, but what we bank on is Luxe's consistency—evidenced by years of excellent client feedback and a roster of longtime industry pros with extensive training and top-notch credentials. Of note, too, is the relaxed and professional vibe in the salon. A visit is pleasant and client-centered, neither too clubby nor too ordinary, and service is low-pressure but attentive. Bonus: The junior staff is well trained and capable. 1743 Wazee St., 303-296-0166, www.luxesalon.com

Barbershop

EDITORS Al's Barber Shop
This is not your father's barbershop—there are no old-timers hanging out and debating the relative merits of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, and there are certainly no Playboys lying around (believe us, we looked). Instead, tucked among the swank Larimer Square eateries, Al's offers a hip, urban environment with blond wood floors, exposed brick, and classic tunes from the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty. Not least, the "barbers" (all women when we were there recently) know how to cut hair—they are fastidious, down to the straight blade they use to clean up your neck fuzz. It may be a little more expensive than your father's barbershop (a cut with shampoo and conditioner runs $35 before tip), but, as they say, you get what you pay for. 1425 Larimer St., 303-534-1583

READERS Floyd's 99 Barbershop
You really can't go wrong at Floyd's, with its friendly staff, clean cuts, and rock 'n' roll-poster decor. (Fun game: While waiting for your appointment, count how many of the bands on the posters were popular when you were in high school.) You want a buzz cut? Try Floyd's. A faux-hawk? Ditto. And they'll do a pretty darn good job on more conservative trims—if that's your thing—for a price that won't break the bank. Multiple locations, www.floydsbarbershop.com

Hairstylist

EDITORS Dana Huskey, Buhok Modern Hair
After 10 minutes in Dana Huskey's chair we were already planning to schedule our next appointment. She had quickly analyzed the mess we were calling a hairdo and strategized a plan for updating our look. An hour and a half later, we were in silent awe as this detail-oriented, 17-year veteran fine-tuned our strands like she was working on a piece of art. Our hair as art? You bet. And that's why we'll be going back in six weeks. 3195 Blake St., 303-295-2300, www.buhokmodernhair.com

READERS Matthew Morris, Matthew Morris Salon
Some might balk at the months-long waiting list for an appointment with Matthew Morris, but his legion of die-hard fans just provides testament that the anticipation is well-worth it. Morris brings Big Apple fashion to Denver's streets, crafting 'dos that are runway-worthy and hiking-trail compatible. 277 Broadway, 303-715-4673, www.matthewmorrissalon.com

Colorist

EDITORS Jeffery Miller at Flirt

A co-owner of Flirt salon, Jeffery Miller has a knack for using color to complement skin tone, eye color, and hairstyle, rather than just covering up gray. Plus, we found when he goes a bit lighter around the visage it really brightened us up. But with his skillful color technique and charmingly sweet personality, don't expect to get a last-minute appointment; Miller's top clients know his schedule fills up fast. 1039 S. Gaylord St., 720-570-3540




Massage

EDITORS Elixir
Not all massages are created equal. Anyone who's ever had a bad one can attest to that. But what makes a good massage a great massage? Affordability, a comfy setting, good use of pressure, and customizable options. We found all four of these elements at Elixir, an unassuming massage-focused spa in LoDo. The hour-long signature massage costs only $65, the treatment rooms are completely cozy, and massage therapist Lisa Stacey took time to ask us our preferences (we wanted her to concentrate on the upper body) while adjusting her pressure throughout the treatment to suit our desk-weary muscles. 1518 Wazee St., 303-571-4455, www.elixirinlodo.com

READERS Woodhouse Day Spa Denver
Located just off 17th Avenue in Denver's Uptown district, the Woodhouse Day Spa caters to an eclectic crowd of young urbanites, brides-to-be, and suburban moms taking a day in the city. That diverse clientele, much like our ultra-knowledgeable readers, understands that at Woodhouse a spa-goer can find peace, relaxation, and a darn good full-body massage. We usually go with the old standby—a one-hour Swedish massage ($80)—but the sports and joint relief and neck and shoulder relief massages certainly don't disappoint. 941 E. 17th Ave., 303-813-8488, www.denver.woodhousespas.com

Manicure & Pedicure

EDITORS Ten20
Sex and the City reruns on a giant screen. A Diet Coke-filled mini-fridge. M&M's everywhere. Oh, yes, and the manis and pedis. Have you died and gone to chick heaven? Nope, you've just made your way up Highway 36 to Boulder's first-class nail spot, Ten20. Situated at the corner of 20th and Pearl streets, this funky-clever business boasts cushy chairs for pedicures, tall tables for the manis, and a swanky retail area, all of which have a perfect view of the giant TV screen. We got a French mani and pedi that looked elegant, but it was the detailed filing and cuticle removal that will bring us back for more. 2005 Pearl St., Boulder, 720-565-1020, www.ten20.tv

READERS Tootsies, the Nail Shoppe
This retro-cool nail salon, complete with Audrey Hepburn posters and fancy teal walls, is hard to beat for more reasons than one. We appreciate the salon's focus on hygiene—no jets in the pedi tubs, and new files for every customer. We also love the fact that the manis and pedis seem to last a week longer than the ones we've gotten at the quickie places in town. Note: They've opened a new, equally adorable location on Tennyson. 1021 S. Gaylord St., 720-570-0971; 4230 Tennyson St., 303-433-0898, www.tootsiesnailshoppe.com

Facial

EDITORS The Retreat on Larimer
What makes a great facial? First, your aesthetician should talk to you about your skin, examine it, and then treat it according to its condition (this part isn't necessarily enjoyable...extractions, ugh). Then comes the relaxing part. Creams, moisturizers, and hydrating masks massaged into the face, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. If you find yourself nodding in and out of sleep during this stage of the facial, your therapist is doing something right. At the Retreat on Larimer, a two-year-old hideaway just north of downtown, they get it all right. Licensed aesthetician Jaclyn Losie performs the spa's 90-minute signature facial ($110) so capably that, even after an hour and a half, you'll be begging for more. 2111 Larimer St., 303-292-4600, www.theretreatonlarimer.com

Eyebrow Wax

EDITORS Brows on Upper 15th
We threw the ultimate test at this perennial favorite: We hid our tweezers for two months and walked into our appointment with a pair of very unkempt eyebrows. Amber, our unlucky aesthetician, pondered the situation for a full two minutes before setting to work. The result? Graceful but effortless-looking brows. And, if that weren't enough to win us over, the staff's patience when we showed up atrociously late did. 2540 15th St., 720-855-3021, www.browsonupper15th.com

READERS Studio Urban Wax
The aestheticians at Studio Urban Wax are all about making you feel comfortable. So next time you head in to clean up your brow line, bring along your iPod—they totally don't mind if you're not in the mood to chit-chat. 40 S. Broadway, 303-325-3479, www.studiourbanwax.com

Bikini Wax

EDITORS Studio Urban Wax
Getting a bikini wax is one of those necessary evils. Then we walked into Studio Urban Wax's new location. The spacious room—no claustrophobic cubicle-like rooms here—was filled with natural sunshine, and the easygoing conversation of our waxer, Rebekah, meant that the dreaded bikini was actually quite pleasant. We left with such a confident grin that when we met up with a friend a few minutes later she couldn't believe we'd just been waxed. 40 S. Broadway, 303-325-3479, www.studiourbanwax.com

READERS Wax in the City
With discreet online booking, a no-tipping policy, and three locations—in LoDo, the Tech Center, and Boulder—it's no surprise that Wax in the City is your pick for a bikini wax. And their extended hours (as late as 7 p.m.) ensure that you can often nab a same-day emergency appointment. Multiple locations, www.waxinthecity.com

Health Club

EDITORS Pura Vida Fitness & Spa
If you're going to sweat, you might as well do it in style. At Pura Vida, Cherry Creek North's new athletic club, you can do nearly anything—Pilates, spin class, yoga, kinesis, treadmill, free weights—in a setting with flair to spare. The sleek, four-level club dresses out in pale blue and brown hues, which accent the clean white walls adorned with contemporary art. But while the decor is fabulous (even the locker rooms have panache), it's the first-class equipment (TVs on every treadmill) and accessible yoga and Pilates classes (many of which are included in membership) that really get your heart pounding. 2955 E. First Ave., 303-321-7872, www.puravidaclub.com

READERS Denver Athletic Club
It's really hard to disagree with you on this one, folks. The Denver Athletic Club, with its combination of elegance and hard-core fitness, feels exactly how you'd want your gym to feel. Plus, there's rarely a wait for machines, the pool always has an open lane, and the café serves up killer smoothies. 1325 Glenarm Place, 303-534-1211, www.denverathleticclub.org

Shoe Repair

EDITORS Westerfield Cobblers
When we took a long lunch to drop off our broken boots, the friendly owner, Frank Westerfield, offered a practical, affordable solution for fixing our beloved shoes. It's no wonder 5280's fashion editor takes her shoes here, and nowhere else. www.westerfieldcobblers.com

READERS Dardano's Shoes
After three generations of reheeling, restitching, and resoling the shoes of Denver, the Dardano family is pretty confident that if it's broke they can fix it. 1550 S. Colorado Blvd., 303-692-9355, www.dardanos.com

Car Wash

EDITORS Waterway Gas & Wash
Quick and thorough, with locations everywhere in the metro area, Waterway is the place to take your car before putting it up for sale. Pay the extra money for the mat shampoo. Multiple locations, www.waterway.com

READERS Fire House Car Wash
Great service + great wash = Denver's best destination for your extra-filthy vehicle. Multiple locations

Veterinary Clinic

EDITORS Alameda East
Excellent general-practice care can be found at Alameda East, but it might be better known for the famous crew from TV's Emergency Vets (you watch Animal Planet, right?), as well as the top-flight grooming services, "lodge" boarding options, physical therapy programs, and world-renowned advances in animal prosthetics. 9770 E. Alameda Ave., 303-366-2639, www.alamedaeast.com

READERS Firehouse Animal Health Centers
Locally based chain Firehouse Animal Health Centers wins high marks from our readers—the hip, friendly practices offer well-rounded care (including dental) as well as a special mobile animal health service, with hospitals-on-wheels making house calls for routine check-ups as well as at-home euthanasia. Multiple locations, www.myfirehouse.com