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Artisan Wallet
Denver-based designer Ava Goldberg explores her interest in design and construction through her Animal Handmade line. Her collection of handcrafted clutches and wallets feature intricate motifs of exotic animals, fauna, and flora, and are crafted using a blend of traditional leather tooling and printmaking techniques. Our pick is the Hex wallet (pictured above) for it’s roomy interior, which includes six card slots, a zippered coin compartment, and two cash slip pockets. It holds everything a girl needs in one elegant case.
$290; available at Lore, 2952 Welton St., 720-507-8407; shoplore.co
Ambient Light
If you’re looking for non-toxic candles with unique scents, check out Castle Rock-based H2Design. These hand-poured soy candles are packaged in vintage mercury and retro-inspired glass containers. Best of all, each scent is an exotic blend of premium fragrance oils, making Gingered Bergamot and Tobacco Vanilla our new holiday faves.
$16–$36; available at Wax + Lash Denver, The Walkway, 1423 Larimer St., 720-550-6673; waxlashdenver.com
Best Bath Soak
Up the pamper quotient with a box of handmade Fizzy Truffles. These ultra-moisturizing bath bombs contain eight essential oils—including coconut, grapeseed, sweet almond, olive, avocado, and jojoba—and are frosted in shea butter “icing” for an extra dose of hydration. The best part? These oils won’t stain tubs, linens, or the skin, so you can simply relax post-bath.
$20; available at Ulta stores and fizzandbubble.com
Chic Beanie
Regardless of whether your Colorado girl likes to spend her time in the high country, city, or a mix of both, a chic knit beanie is always necessary. The new Lux line by Chaos will keep her looking good (and feeling warm) no matter where she’s headed. The Scarlett cable knit beanie is our pick for its fashionable color palette and super plush cashmere.
$66.99; available at chaoshats.com
Fresh Faces
Discover under-the-radar design talent with the Ora Et Labora Collection. Launched by international stylist Gisela Borghi and Denver-based marketing guru Mary Margaret Hocker, OETL (from the teachings of Saint Benedict, it’s Latin for “pray and work”) is an online-only retailer that curates small-scale artisans from Italy and Argentina. A perfect example is Labø: An Argentinean design studio that crafts vegetable-tanned leather totes that are are minimal and utilitarian in style, but made by researching time-honored leather techniques. It’s a perfect balance of old-meets-new.
Labø Walking Tote Rounded, $260, & Walking Tote Squared, $280; available at oetlco.com
Spiritual Talisman
Keep ill will at bay (while staying on trend) with a talisman. Local designer Taylor Kenney‘s creates ancient sacred symbols that are rustic and sexy, yet delicate, which make them effortless to wear. Her handcrafted Thorned Hoop necklace, which represents protection and strength, is a perfect example; the 18-karat gold vermeil hoop is adorned with responsibly sourced diamonds and hangs from a chain of black spinel gemstones.
$270; available at Artisan Center, 2757 E. 3rd Ave., 303-333-1201; artisancenterdenver.com
Luxe Leisurewear
Being a homebody doesn’t have to mean sitting around in grungy sweats. Give her something comfy, but luxurious like Lunya’s washable cashmere and merino wool loungewear. The classic crewneck and jogger pant are perfect for staying cozy indoors and stylish enough to wear while running errands or heading to the airport.
Crewneck, $178, and matching jogger, $198; available at lunya.co
Sumptuous Scarf
A scarf is a perfect gift for any woman. The only thing you need to consider is what color will look amazing next to her face (and this shouldn’t be too hard; just think about the colors she usually wears). If you want to be sure she has options, go for one by Blue Pacific. Their cashmere and silk ombre scarves feature gorgeous color combos and a wonderfully long length (about 80″), allowing her to either wind it artfully around her neck or use it as a wrap.
$72; available at Kismet, 3640 W. 32nd Ave., 303-477-3378; 200 Quebec St., 303-366-0513; and 2500 E. Orchard Rd., 720-335-6496; kismetaccessories.com
High-End Handbag
If your lady has been extra nice, gift her a luxury handbag from the house of Delage (read up on how to buy a high-end bag here). Originally launched in 1905 as an automobile maker, Delage was celebrated for its top-performing, ultra-luxurious cars. Fast-forward to today, and Delage has created a line of handbags that references its vehicles’ Art Deco-era beauty, from incorporating the shape of its famous radiator grill to the channel-stitch detail of the padded interior. Finally, the inside is lined in Delage red leather, in honor of the company’s signature hue.
$1,560; available at Garbarini, 239 Detroit St., 303-333-8686; garbarinishop.com
Perfect Poncho
This cashmere ruana by Minnie Rose is uncomplicated for her to wear and for you to buy. The classic poncho with an asymmetrical hem can be thrown over everything from a tank top to a turtleneck. We like that it comes in statement-making hues like orange and teal. Plus, it’s a one-size-fits-all piece, so no need to stress out over picking the perfect fit.
$150; available at Rebel, 5910 S. University Blvd., 720-283-1004; shoprebel.com