Shopping

Women's Clothing (Splurge)

Editors' Choice

MAX

This year MAX is celebrating 25 years in business. Suffice it to say, owner Max Martinez knows what—and more important, whom—Denver's fashionistas want to wear. From hipster labels like Isabel Marant and Marni to couture looks by Givenchy and Lanvin, Martinez's well-edited inventory is the result of the weeks he spends traveling to international fashion capitals such as Paris and New York City, snapping up designer pieces coveted by every in-the-know lady around town. Multiple locations, www.maxfashion.com

Readers' Choice

Nordstrom

From young design stars like Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang to fashion legend Giorgio Armani, Nordstrom's Via C and Collectors departments offer credit-limit-be-damned styles for all tastes. Visit the Cherry Creek store and let the outstanding sales staff help style your look. Multiple locations, www.nordstrom.com

Women's Clothing (Affordable)

Editors' Choice

Blue Ruby Design Boutique

Historic Downtown Littleton's newest spending destination definitely boosts the area's fashion quotient. Hosting a solid group of contemporary labels such as Custo Barcelona, Nanette Lepore, Splendid, Da-Nang, and AG Jeans, along with novelty home gifts and decor, this shop is a chic space offering pizzazz and an accessible price point for the designer selection—important draws in a boutique-hungry zone. 2510 W. Main St., Littleton, 720-519-0515, www.bluerubydesignboutique.com

Readers' Choice

Nordstrom

Nordstrom swept the women's shopping categories for our readers this year, proving just how versatile its selection really is. With a ton of reasonable price tags (score a Caslon T-shirt for $22 or a Halogen boyfriend blazer for $128), Nordstrom gives women on a budget a healthy range of options for a little retail therapy. Multiple locations, www.nordstrom.com

Men's Clothing (Splurge)

Editors' Choice

Lawrence Covell

This family-owned Cherry Creek staple has done well by its clientele for more than 40 years, carrying luxury labels like Kiton, Luciano Barbera, and Jil Sander. But in a year when many retailers simply retrenched and put familiar names on the racks, the Covells continued to introduce new brands into their store—a savvy strategy, in our book—keeping their inventory fresh and appealing. Now, the hipster set can shop for Rag & Bone and Levi's Vintage Clothing in addition to their tony favorites. 225 Steele St., 303-320-1023, www.lawrencecovell.com

Readers' Choice

Nordstrom

Who said men and women can't shop together? At Nordstrom, guys have just as impressive a selection as their counterparts. Our well-dressed gentlemen readers head to Nordstrom for a mix of fine suiting, tailored separates, and smart-looking basics by labels such as Canali, Boss by Hugo Boss, and Marc by Marc Jacobs. Multiple locations, www.nordstrom.com

Men's Clothing (Affordable)

Editors' Choice

The Garment District

From upscale business wear to trendy weekend jeans and everything in between, the GD offers guys the perfect one-stop shop. Got a thing for labels? Snag a suit by Hugo Boss or Z Zegna. Part of the jeans-at-work camp? Go casual with a Robert Graham shirt and denim by William Rast. Plus, avoid a fashion faux pas—no offense, guys—and just ask the attentive and friendly sales staff for guidance. 2595 S. Colorado Blvd., 303-757-3371, www.garmentdistrictcolorado.com

Readers' Choice

MetroBoom

For the second year running, MetroBoom is your go-to plan for looking tops without breaking the bank, and we think it's because owner Jung Park makes understanding clothing and style so easy for his clients. You can even combine your shopping spree with image consulting or personal grooming at this salon-slash-men's-boutique—Park definitely has you covered when you need to step it up a notch. 1550 Platte St., Suite A/B, 303-477-9700, www.metroboom.com

Jewelry Designer

Editors' Choice

Andrea Li

Denver-based Andrea Li's necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, hand-layered with vibrant gemstones and inspired by the aesthetics of nature, are like works of art. When Li began creating jewelry for her personal accessorizing about 10 years ago, the response when she wore her pieces was so strong that she taught herself the business of design, and today sells her line at Starfish Jewelry in Boulder and B'Jewel in Aspen. Our favorite, from the spring '09 collection, is a stunning, asymmetrical necklace, almost collarlike, in icy-blue and aquamarine stones. It demands attention when you walk into the room, and it's perfect for that little black dress with the plunging neckline, or even glamming up a simple tee and jeans. 720-292-6028, www.andreali.com

Readers' Choice

Samantha Louise Larkins

Larkins' line of sophisticated, yet down-to-earth jewels is all designed and manufactured locally, and retails at Oster Jewelers. From her simplest oxidized silver cuff and bold strands of stone beads to her exquisite, handmade, 18K yellow gold pendants, every one of her pieces is a home run when it comes to sprucing up a day-to-day ensemble. We like that you can customize certain pieces, such as the studs, bangles, and stackables (rings), with exotic stone and metal choices like black diamonds, green sapphires, or rose gold. 303-565-0304, www.samanthalouisedesign.com

Wine Shop

Editors' Choice

Incredible Wine & Spirits

How does one judge a wine shop? Is it the sheer volume of selections? Or how the inventory is curated? Is it the competence of the staff? Or is it—let's be blunt—the prices? We like to think it's a combination thereof, and this shop, despite its thoroughly un-incredible Tech Center location (no offense, Techies), delivers on all fronts. All the usual suspects are here, but Incredible's selection is so broad—yet so intuitively organized—that you shouldn't be surprised if you find something new and enticing. (We recently landed a Spanish Rioja Crianza that had just been written up in the New York Times.) The staff is knowledgeable without being wine-snobby—always a welcome treat for us novices. 5060 S. Syracuse St., 303-488-9463, www.incrediblewinestore.com

Readers' Choice

Mondo Vino

This Highlands Square hotspot is our readers' go-to wine shop, and for plenty of good reasons: The selection of wines is intriguing, but not overwhelming; the staff is a friendly, chatty group of oenophiles; and with its central location and manageable size, Mondo Vino has become a bona fide Denver institution. 3601 W. 32nd Ave., 303-458-3858, www.mondovinodenver.com

Retail Beer Selection

Editors' and Readers' Choice

Argonaut Wine & Liquor

Oh, Argonaut, how you taunt us—and our readers—with your borderline ridiculous inventory of beer. We stop by on the way home with the intention of buying a bottle of wine for dinner—and leave with a sixer of some cool, local microbrew (Breck's Small Batch 471 IPA) or a fun import (Brasserie Lefebvre Blanche de Bruxelles), or, more likely, both. On the drive home, we pine for the Stone Smoked Porter and the Odell Woodcut No. 3 Oak Aged Crimson Ale that we passed up because, alas, we cannot spend our entire paycheck on beer. But thanks for offering us a selection that would make this theoretically possible. 760 E. Colfax Ave., 303-831-7788, www.argonautliquor.com

Bookstore

Editors' Choice

The Bookery Nook

For true bookworms, the neighborhood bookstore is a sacred place, and the Bookery Nook deserves the designation: thoughtful staff, comfy chairs, a weekly knitting group, and, for the rug rats, an oversized stuffed frog offering free hugs. The small Berkeley shop even lets polite pooches sniff around inside. The shelves are stocked with must-reads, including plenty of page-turners penned by local authors. Plus, the staff will special-order anything not in stock, at no extra charge. Now that's one nook we can get comfortable in. 4280 Tennyson St., 303-433-3439, www.thebookerynook.com

Readers' Choice

Tattered Cover Book Store

Simply the best. So say our discerning readers, year after year. And it's no wonder: Aside from the always up-to-date inventory (tip: look for stickers on book bindings that indicate bargain prices), the TC is known for corralling big-name authors for book signings and events. In the last year, Madeleine Albright, Craig Ferguson, Dave Eggers, and local fiction writer Sandra Dallas all have made appearances. Multiple locations, www.tatteredcover.com

Gift Boutique

Editors' Choice

Pome

Whenever we're faced with an occasion, from routine birthdays to just-because-I-love-you days, we always head to Pome on South Gaylord. In fact, last Christmas we did 90 percent of our shopping at this jam-packed shop. Need adorable note cards for a wordsmith? Check. Handcrafted jewelry or embellished headbands for a fashionista? Check, check. The list goes on—old-fashioned candy for those with a sweet tooth, a collection of cookbooks for the foodie, and cute baby toys for the new mom. Pome may be small, but it's mighty. 1071 S. Gaylord St., 303-722-2900, www.pomedenver.com

Readers' Choice

Decade

Ever since Decade opened its doors in 1998, it's been an anchor in the come-and-go boutique scene. While many shops lose steam after a few years, owner Kris Tait always keeps her inventory fresh and in tip-top shape. Whether you're in the market for retro furniture, a yummy-smelling candle, a stylin' collar for Fido, or a funky throw pillow, you'll find it—and then some—here. 56 S. Broadway, 303-733-2288, www.decade-gifts.com

Home Accessories

Editors' Choice

Silk Road

This eclectic spot touts a medley of interesting, handmade accessories, textiles, and garden gear from more than 30 countries, as well as local designers' creations. Owners Baki and Karla Akpinar provide professional interior design services and have even invited clients on a personally led cultural tour of Turkey (Baki's home country). From hand-painted ceramic dishes to shabby-chic lamps, you can find gorgeous conversation pieces for every taste; we're eyeing the cheese platters crafted from wine bottles flattened in a pottery kiln. 1065 S. Gaylord St., 303-734-0582, www.shopsilkroad.com

Readers' Choice

Patina Antiques & Home

Named after a certain surface finish popularized by its mellowed, vintage appearance, this antique shop dabbles in everything from urban-chic to country French, whether it's traditional furniture or funky found objects you're after. With a team of experienced antique dealers arranging the inventory, the charming in-store displays could be a part of your own decor—ask about the shop's personalized home styling sessions and consultations. 5989 S. University Blvd., Greenwood Village, 303-795-0816, www.patinaantiquesandhome.com

Shoe Boutique

Editors' Choice

Sous le Lit

Every time we walk into this airy, carefully curated shop, a certain sense of Zen washes over us. It's like the Sous le Lit buyers knew exactly what we were pining for that day (at present, it's the funky Pink Studio "Leo" tan wedges), and made sure it was sitting neatly in its wall-cubby display, beckoning to be ogled, tried, and considered. With versatile brands like Seychelles and Blowfish that agree with our checking accounts, and with two convenient locations, it is darn near impossible not to have the most killer kicks collection around if you shop here. 1550 Platte St., 303-455-1622; The Streets at SouthGlenn, 6879 S. Vine St., Unit 710, Centennial, 303-730-2741, www.souslelit.com

Readers' Choice

True Love Shoes & Accessories

Yes indeed—true love it is. You love the spot-on footwear trends; you love the kelly-green peep-toe flats as much as the shiny, hot-pink pumps; and love doesn't begin to describe how you feel about the espadrille wedges with the ankle strap and buckle. Most of all, you love that none of these shoes—Blossom, Classified, and more—are ever more than $38. 42 N. Broadway, 303-860-8783, www.trueloveshoes.com

New Clothing Boutique

Editors' Choice

The Uncommon Thread

Tucked away in Highlands Square is a year-old denim and T-shirt boutique that we visit again and again for sassy new updates to our weekend wardrobes. We love that guys and girls alike can find casual but up-to-the-minute pieces at this hip little spot. Let owner Elizabeth Lacy help you zero in on great finds like a graphic T-shirt by Chaser LA or a Joe's Jeans pencil miniskirt (dare to do the mini—this place has a hard-to-resist youthful vibe). 3455 W. 32nd Ave., 303-635-6790, www.theuncommonthreadclothing.com

Readers' Choice

Tie: Spruce and Wild at Heart

Wash Park's Spruce—look for the striped awning and cheery window display—is quickly becoming a favorite (after not quite a year) of women in need of both a personal style update and an interior design fix. We're totally digging the darling party frocks and easy-to-wear extras, like the sassy red anorak by Ali Ro. Farther west, in the former Composition space in Belmar, Wild at Heart captured your, um, heart with its off-the-beaten-path lines of clothing and accessories with a funky edge. The artisan's boutique reopened in a new location earlier this year. Spruce: 1069 S. Gaylord St., 720-524-8166, www.denverspruce.com; Wild at Heart: 7180 W. Alaska Drive, 303-922-0784

Maternity Wear

Editors' Choice

Becoming Mothers

Long gone are the shapeless tunics that used to define maternity clothes. Thank goodness for boutiques like Becoming Mothers in Boulder, which keeps soon-to-be mamas looking sharp with stylish lines such as Olian and Juliet Dream (yep, you probably saw that top on Gwen Stefani or Angelina Jolie). The store makes the often-frustrating shopping experience easy, with a friendly and knowledgeable sales staff that's quick to delicately suggest a more, ahem, flattering style. 2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303-546-6262, www.becomingmothers.com

Readers' Choice

Hot Mama

Readers love this haven for all things maternity—perfect-fit jeans from Serfontaine or Citizens of Humanity, flirty dresses and tops from Michael Stars and 9Seed, and comfy Ingrid & Isabel leggings. Once the little one arrives, Hot Mama delivers with baby gear (slings, diaper bags, nursing bras) and non-maternity clothing lines that offer just the right incentive to work off the baby weight. 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, 303-703-4145, www.shopmama.com

Pet Boutique

Editors' Choice

Lil' Angel Pet Boutique & Gallery

Ever feel like you love Spot so much that he should be immortalized? That's exactly what Lil' Angel owner Meredith Brooks can do for you. Just hand over a decent photo of Spot, and Brooks will paint a custom portrait—a darn good one, suitable for legitimate wall art—to your size specifications. But don't leave the shop without browsing the wearables. We won't laugh if you purchase the Bark'n Boot sweat-resistant doggie socks; after all, he can't wear the Grip Trex doggie booties without 'em. That would be ridiculous. 1014 S. Gaylord St., 303-777-0224, www.lilangelboutique.com

Readers' Choice

Mouthfuls

Everyone agrees about this Top of the Town regular: It kicks tail when it comes to keeping your four-legged friends well fed, groomed, and entertained at all times. The happily cluttered Berkeley shop manages to provide all the extras your pooch could ever want—sweet embroidered collars, super-luxe beds, slow-roasted ostrich bones for gnawing—while still maintaining a down-to-earth vibe that lets you shop for Buster without feeling like an overindulgent parent. 4224 Tennyson St., 720-855-7505, www.mouthfuls.net

Fashion Accessories

Editors' Choice

Francesca's Collections

OK, yes, it's a chain. But again and again, we pop in when we're in need of that extra little something to make a look go from cute to "Love this! Where did you get it?" The affordability is a huge draw; you won't feel guilty scooping up an eye-catching bohemian scarf or string of sparkly beads that you can only wear with that one particular top in your closet. Take your pick of blingy brooches, giant bangles, adorable clutches, even sunglasses cases with funky prints. You can't go wrong here if you need to make a statement without breaking the bank—and when do you not? Multiple locations, www.francescascollections.com

Readers' Choice

Pandora Jewelry

This eclectic, colorful space is brimming with the kind of funky finds that you never knew you needed—but suddenly must acquire once you walk in. From beaded wrist cuffs and vintage-inspired earrings to geometric, hammered-metal necklaces and iridescent scarves, the shelves are always overflowing with accessories fit for a rock star. The most recent to-die-for item we're coveting: a retro, cherry-printed apron that's so cute it just might justify eating in on a Saturday night. 220 E. 13th Ave., 303-832-7073, www.pandorajewelrydenver.com

Fine Jewelry

Editors' Choice

Oster Jewelers

For more than seven years, Oster Jewelers has continually evolved its collection of styles and materials and, in turn, has introduced customers to leading international designers such as Armenta (we love the Spanish baroque-style look) and Sevan Bicakci (peruse the extravagant Byzantine-inspired rings). The carefully edited selection, available at every price, also includes unique pieces such as beautifully produced bronze and steel jewelry by Rebecca and organic, eco-gold pieces by Monique Pean. 251 Steele St., 303-572-1111, www.osterjewelers.com

Readers' Choice

Hyde Park Jewelers

With a strong stable of luxury brands like Chopard, Chad Allison, and Roberto Coin, Hyde Park's impeccable customer service, year after year, is what makes this longtime reader favorite a go-to for any occasion—after all, any occasion is appropriate for those candy-colored bangles by Ippolita. 3000 E. First Ave., 303-333-4446, www.hydeparkjewelers.com

Jeans

Editors' Choice

Weekends

This breezy—and, OK, a little spendy—shop on Boulder's Pearl Street Mall spreads its trendy denim throughout the space, but the real jackpot lies at the back in the Denim Store. That's right, there's an entire room dedicated mostly to blues. You can shimmy into a dozen different brands—Paige, 7 For All Mankind, True Religion, J Brand Jeans, Nudie Jeans—one of which is sure to make your booty look so smokin' hot you'll be willing to lay down two bills to take them home. 1200 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-444-4231, www.weekendsboulder.com

Readers' Choice

Nordstrom

It really is hard to avoid temptation for just about anything here, including a denim department stocked silly with popular brands like Hudson, Citizens of Humanity, Joe's Jeans, and Rock & Republic. Wanna know the best part? You can take those baby blues down the escalator and pick out a killer pair of heels to match. Multiple locations, www.nordstrom.com

Wedding Gowns

Editors' Choice

Little White Dress Bridal Shop

With just two and a half years under her belt, Cate Malone has transformed a between-major-cities retail space into a major bridal shopping destination. Having amassed a collection of designers including Matthew Christopher, Claire Pettibone, Angel Sanchez, St. Pucchi, and Colorado's own Alisa Benay, Malone has brides-to-be traveling from as far away as Louisiana and Minnesota to find the gowns of their dreams. 611 N. Wilcox St., Castle Rock, 303-814-8972, www.lwdbridal.com

Readers' Choice

Anna Bé

Formal and stuffy? Not for our readers—hence your devotion, for the fourth year in a row, to this airy, loft-style dress shop. Owners Anna and Breanna encourage brides to play dress-up—bring your girlfriends for complimentary champagne-sipping—while perusing gowns by Vera Wang and Monique Lhuillier, as well as creations by lesser-knowns like South African designer Adele Wechsler and glamorously romantic looks by Martina Liana. 1575 Boulder St., 720-855-1111, www.anna-be.com

Art Supplies

Editors' Choice

Clementine Art

As a teacher, Boulderite Diana Mercer was uncomfortable with not knowing exactly what ingredients were in the crayons that her little students were chewing on—and whether they could be harmful. So Mercer began cooking up art materials of an all-natural variety in her kitchen: crayons, markers, paints, glue, and modeling dough that included ingredients such as flour, soy, and plant dyes. And Clementine Art was born. You can find these super-safe-yet-still-kid-approved art supplies at Whole Foods, Starbucks, and local shops like Real Baby and Talulah Jones. 303-447-0473, www.clementineart.com

Readers' Choice

Meininger Art Supply

If you have even the slightest desire to follow a long-hidden artsy twinge, walking into Meininger Art Supply will only spur that longing. There's a creative energy—an ambience fanned by tubes of oil paint, bricks of clay, rows of brushes, pens, and pastels, reams of paper, and walls of canvases—that seeps inside you at this place. Multiple locations, www.meininger.com

Furniture

Editors' Choice

Djuna

Take the coziness of your most out-of-the-way furniture haunt, mix it with the best estate auction you've ever attended, and put it into Cherry Creek North, and you get Djuna. This two-story outfit mixes old and new, though you'd be hard-pressed to figure out which is which. Comfortable is the word for this place—from the homey, dark-wood dining-room tables and hand-wrought iron bed frames on the first floor to the well-worn chairs upstairs, there's something for everyone at this hideaway. 221 Detroit St., 303-355-3500, www.djuna.com

Readers' Choice

Room & Board

Maybe it's a telling sign that you think the economy is finally loosening, but Room & Board ran away with this category just one year after the affordable American Furniture Warehouse took the title. Room & Board has an extensive selection of all-over pieces that will set you back anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. But perhaps most impressive is the friendly, upscale vibe that the big-box outlets are missing. 222 Detroit St., 303-322-6462, www.roomandboard.com

Baby Boutique

Editors' Choice

Rock the Cradle

Ever tire of those pastel-colored baby clothes with too-sweet sayings? Worry not—this South Broadway shop is the go-to outfitter for hip parents who want their kids decked out in the coolest baby gear around. Walk in, pick out a onesie, choose from the book of $5 iron-on images ("heat transfers"), and have the staff create your little guy's getup right in the store. We dig the "If it's too loud, you're too old" guitar-print option. Don't pass over the extras, either—those imitation Ray-Bans are way hip in Munchkinland. 18 S. Broadway, 303-733-3707, www.rockthecradlebaby.net

Readers' Choice

Real Baby

With a little something for every little someone (and his mom), Real Baby owners Hilary and John Horan have created a one-stop baby shop with adorable furniture, strollers, baby duds, books, trendy diaper bags, and more. The polka-dotted storefront and colorful window displays hint at brands like Angel Dear, Melissa and Doug, and Baby Legs. Next time the stork lands on your doorstep, aim for the store with it all. For real. 3616 W. 32nd Ave., 303-477-2229, www.realbabyinc.com

Consignment Store

Editors' Choice

Goodwill Industries

Alright, this isn't quite consignment, but it's tough to beat the prices at these secondhand outposts. The key is knowing the inventory at each store. If you're into paperback novels and men's sport tees, the Goodwill at 5000 Leetsdale Drive has an impressive variety that won't set you back more than a few dollars. If it's kids' books for summer reading, the Goodwill at 4160 S. Broadway in Englewood has a small, but noteworthy selection (think: Pride and Prejudice and Treasure Island in paperback for 98 cents, combined). Looking for higher-end women's clothing, funky men's shirts, and DVDs? Try 14400 E. Belleview Ave. in Aurora. If you're concerned about the well-worn factor, we've gotten shirts with the original sales tags still attached and books that were in gift-quality condition. Multiple locations, www.goodwill.org

Readers' Choice

Buffalo Exchange

The Buff's two Colorado resale stores are worthy emporiums of unique jeans, men's T-shirts, women's ensembles, and a pretty hefty shoe selection. Denim is usually in the $25 range, while pricier shirts can set you back around $16. Happy hunting. 230 E. 13th Ave., 303-866-0165; 1717 Walnut St., Boulder, 303-938-1924, www.buffaloexchange.com

Outdoor Gear

Editors' Choice

Wilderness Exchange Unlimited

Across the way from everyone's favorite outdoor rec behemoth, the Exchange gets points in our book for providing an independent alternative. The consignment option is great if you're looking to snag (or trade in) some quality used gear in good condition—the $40 fleece and hard-shell jackets in the basement still have plenty of good years left in 'em. They practically give away year-old Black Diamond skis. And someone on staff has probably ridden that trail you're jonesing for or that line you've been eyeing. 2401 15th St., Suite 100, 303-964-0708, www.wildernessexhangeunlimited.com

Readers' Choice

REI

We had a hunch on this one. We'd list all the outdoor essentials you can get in one trip to the flagship location...but we'd run out of room. Don't miss the clearance zone, on the third floor next to the women's section. With a membership program that puts money in your pocket every year, REI might just be the only outdoor sports store you'll ever need. Multiple locations, www.rei.com

Used Bookstore

Editors' Choice

Denver Book Fair

With jazz beats wafting out the front door, it's hard not to detour into this hideout on South Broadway. Once you're inside, navigate the narrow labyrinth of racks stacked full of paperbacks, and bag one of Norman Mailer's classics or that fantasy novel that's always sounded entertaining. Or, just skip right to the store's specialty: a comprehensive collection of decades-old magazines like Life, Sports Illustrated, and Playboy (we read it for the articles). What was on the cover of your favorite magazine the year you were born? Give yourself an hour or two—nostalgia has a way of taking over. 44 S. Broadway, 303-777-9946, www.oldmagman.com

Readers' Choice

Capitol Hill Books

There's something about the location of this bookstore that we love. Situated between a gritty stretch of Colfax and the more polished veneer of downtown, it's the perfect place to escape without actually leaving Denver. Scan the wonderful collection housed on perfectly cluttered bookshelves, and you'll leave with a novel or two and an inkling to beeline it to your favorite soothing spot and plow through a few hundred pages. 300 E. Colfax Ave., 303-837-0700, www.capitolhillbooks.com