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The Storybrick
LoHi’s newest salon is the Storybrick, a whimsical, intimate space that opened earlier this month in a historic house built in 1891. Owner and hair stylist J Audrey Nelson’s latest venture features details like upholstery fabric for wallpaper, various references to children’s books (Nelson is also an aspiring author), and even an Alice In Wonderland-themed garden where clients can enjoy a glass of wine while waiting for their hair color to process. On Sundays, Nelson’s salon turns into an impromptu photo studio when portrait photographer Melanie Watson takes over the space for headshot sessions. Of course, clients can get professional hair and makeup done beforehand (call ahead for an appointment). Tip: Parking in the ‘hood is tight, so Nelson suggests either using the lot in front of the Community Plaza Park (across the street) or Root Down’s valet for a mere $5 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Haircuts begin at $75; the Storybrick Hair Salon, 3215 Osage St.; 970-485-4053; thestorybrick.com
Warby Parker
Warby Parker first visited Boulder during its 2013 Class Trip (a six-month road trip to nine U.S. cities in the company’s school bus showroom). They must have been impressed by the college town, because this month the brand opened its 53rd store here. Launched in 2010, Warby Parker is recognized for its stylish, vintage-inspired specs and sunglasses, as well as for its buy a pair, give a pair program. The company’s library-theme store is a perfect fit for Boulder, especially with its walnut shelving, book displays (some are for sale), and even a reference desk for questions. The cozy, yet open space allows customers to easily try on eyeglass frames, while the sales associates keep the vibe relaxed. To celebrate the new store, the brand’s in-house design team has created an exclusive sunglass frame—the Ormsby in crystal aqua with mirrored silver lenses. The design looks equally chic whether you’re hiking in the high country or walking to class. Frames start at $95; Warby Parker, 1949 Pearl Street, Boulder; 720-606-2863; warbyparker.com
Brilliant Earth
Shopping for an engagement ring can be stressful before factoring in where and how to find responsibly sourced diamonds. If you’re a conscientious consumer, head to Brilliant Earth’s new showroom on the upper-level of an office building in Cherry Creek North. The San Francisco-based company has created a private, sophisticated, and calm space to show off its natural, conflict-free, and lab-grown diamonds, as well as vintage estate jewelry. So how does Brilliant Earth do it? Because gemstones go through several middlemen before landing in a retail store, Brilliant Earth traces every diamond through each stage of the process, all the way back to the source mine. To see the shop’s glitz in person, make an appointment for a showroom visit and an associate will walk you through the displays, as well as what’s available via the website. Clients can also go for the made-to-order service, where they choose the stone, setting, metal (all are recycled), and finish or work with Brilliant Earth’s San Francisco design team to create a fully custom dream ring. By appointment only; 100 Fillmore St., Suite 200; 303-502-2650; brilliantearth.com
Dress For A Cause
If your wardrobe is in need of some TLC, get to the Dress For Success’ (DFS) annual Dress For A Cause Pop Up Shop, happening July 28–30. Featuring clothing, handbags (Coach, Escada, and Burberry, to name just a few), and accessories donated by local boutiques, including A Line, Garbarini, and EverEve, as well as Denver designers Brooks and Anna Festa, women can shop at up to 75 percent off the original price. Plus, you’ll be helping women in need with their own wardrobes, as 100 percent of the proceeds benefit DFS Denver. To get a preview of the sale, purchase a $25 VIP Shopping Experience ticket for the evening of Friday, July 28 and splurge before everyone else. Friday, $25; Saturday, free and open to the public; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Double Tree Hotel, 7801 E. Orchard Rd., Greenwood Village; Sunday, free; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Mile High Flea Market, 7007 E. 88th Ave., Henderson; denver.dressforsuccess.org
