Top of the Town 2017: Shopping

Fine Jewelry

Metalmark Fine Jewelry
Editors’ Choice

Co-owners Samantha Larkins and Mary Leppert attended the Gemological Institute of America in California before opening this LoHi boutique in 2016, and they’ve been tempting us with their beautiful bling ever since. They can craft you a custom creation if you’d like, but you’ll also find stunning ready-to-wear pieces from local designers like Belle & Bone, which conjures sophisticated elegance with its 5 Diamond Bar Studs ($735). Chic brides-to-be, take note: Metalmark’s nontraditional bridal jewelry—from the Black Diamond White Gold Eternity Band by Samantha Louise Jewelry ($2,025) to the 18-karat gold TAP by Todd Pownell Amorphous Top Diamond Ring ($3,960)—is so unique, you would be hard-pressed to find a match anywhere in Denver. 1600 Boulder St., 720-441-4635

Abby Sparks Jewelry
Readers’ Choice
3216 Tejon St., Unit 200, 303-957-6502

Baby/Kids’ Boutique

Heloise Children’s Boutique 
Editors’ Choice

If “sophisticated” and “fashion-forward” are two terms you don’t normally associate with children’s clothing, you haven’t visited this four-year-old shop in Cherry Creek North. Owner Allison Perkins imports most of the wares in her airy boutique from Europe. That means you can expect high-quality, très-chic designs for infants, tykes, and kids alike, including bright Bambiola rompers, elegant I Love Gorgeous dresses, and mod Mary Janes from Manuela de Juan. Bonus: You can’t find these upscale duds anywhere else in Denver, so you’ll never suffer the embarrassment of your little imp wearing the same outfit as someone else’s during story time at the Denver Public Library. 300 University Blvd., 303-997-5261 

Wish Gifts 
Readers’ Choice 
750 S. University Blvd., 303-722-2900

Kitchenware

Carbon Knife Co
Editors’ Choice

When the onions for your Fourth of July hot dogs look less chopped and more mashed, it’s time to visit this seven-month-old RiNo store. Chef-owners Tina Chon and Craig Field, who met on the line at Rioja, stock their minimalist shop with Japanese brands, like Takeda and Sakai Takayuki, which are lighter and thinner than the German blades at big-box retailers. Decide for yourself by pulling any one of their blades off the store’s magnetized wall to see how they feel in your hand. Once you’re convinced, also pick up a sturdy apron made by the Denver artisans at Valentich: Heavy-duty cotton provides strong protection from spills, not to mention an added layer of defense against your new knife. 3264 Larimer St., Unit B, 720-292-4277

Sur La Table
Readers’ Choice
Multiple locations

Local Jewelry Designer

Amanda Harper
Editors’ Choice

Nashville native Amanda Harper’s jewelry line, Harper Made, manages to look bohemian without sinking into the dreaded costume zone. Her refined geometric rings, earrings, and necklaces feature uniquely cut pieces of semiprecious stones, such as amethyst, drusy, turquoise, lavenderite, pyrite, and quartz, so that Harper can keep her prices down. In her Englewood studio, Harper encases the rocks in sterling silver or 24-karat-plated settings, resulting in earthy, tasteful, eye-catching jewelry—trinkets that no one will suspect cost you less than $50.

John Atencio
Readers’ Choice 
Multiple locations 

Antiques

Scandinavian Antiques—Design and More
Editors’ Choice 

Half the fun of shopping for antiques is the search for that perfect piece—and nowhere is the hunting happier than in the 12,000 square feet of Scandinavian Antiques’ South Broadway shop. Owners Henrik and Mary Follin have an eye for the best of 18th- to 20th-century European craftsmanship: handsome French armoires, painted Hungarian trunks, carved Danish armchairs (some with fresh, modern upholstery), and—our personal favorite—spindled Gustavian benches from Sweden, ideal for your home’s entryway. The store takes restoration very seriously (no squeaky hinges or loose drawers to be found here), so once your foraging yields that just-right item, you can feel good about splurging on what will most certainly become a family heirloom. 1760 S. Broadway, 303-722-2541

Brass Armadillo Antique Mall
Readers’ Choice (tie) 
11301 W. Interstate 70 Frontage Road, Wheat Ridge, 303-403-1677
The Pink Attic Cat 
Readers’ Choice (tie)
303-797-4474

Gifts

Copper & Dash
Editors’ Choice 

You might enter this LoDo store just looking for a cheeky card for your BFF’s birthday (“You’re the Bee’s Knees”). But don’t be surprised if you’re quickly seduced by the variety of offerings: bike-themed socks for your office mate, a sloth-shaped tea infuser for your mom, and a set of mini record coasters for your coffee table. There’s a method (or at least some wisdom) to the madness. Store owner Brad Smithling spent years designing gift shops for a company that managed them for zoos, aquariums, and museums—including the History Colorado Center—before going out on his own 14 months ago. If you’re after something more personal, don’t miss the art gallery in the back featuring local artists, such as sci-fi-inspired graphic art by Rob Jordan and the kitschy work of Kaitlin Ziesmer. 1441 Wazee St., 303-534-0382

Wish Gifts 
Readers’ Choice 

Accessories

Midnight Rambler
Editors’ Choice 

Locals flock to this nearly year-old Sunnyside storefront to find the perfect boho embellishments for Colorado’s free-spirited summer concerts. We particularly love owner Ashley McCredie’s commitment to Denver designers—from unique leather goods by Heather & Hide to crystal jewelry from Gigi Stone. Mix and match your faves to create the perfect complement to the bluegrass sound of Colorado’s own String Cheese Incident, which takes the stage at Red Rocks this month. 2438 W. 44th Ave., 303-507-9248

Hailee Grace
Readers’ Choice 
1421 Larimer St., 303-698-2323

Consignment Store

Meek Vintage
Editors’ Choice 

You’re going to think we’ve sent you to the wrong place because there aren’t any plastic hangars or discount tags at Meek Vintage. Although this two-year-old boutique in the Golden Triangle definitely deals in secondhand merch and occasionally buys from individuals, owner Kelly Meeks mostly scopes out antique and thrift shops to score her store’s high-quality attire, which tends to skew ’60s and ’70s (suede dresses, leather clogs). Except for the decidedly ’80s collection of Levi’s jeans, that is. She combines her vintage picks with plants, artwork, and accessories that create an earthy vibe, a tribute to her Arizona roots and the Southwest region. A quick tip: Eschew the website for the store’s Instagram account. There, you’ll find announcements about new items, sales, and giveaways. 39 W. 11th Ave., 720-775-7476

The Paper Chandelier
Readers’ Choice
2370 W. Main St., Littleton, 303-797-9208

Home Accessories/Furniture

Mod Livin’ Modern Furniture
Editors’ Choice 

In a world where most furniture showrooms look exactly alike—what with the little guys copying the big-box retailers because they think that’s what’s cool—Mod Livin’s 10,000-square-foot emporium of mostly midcentury-inspired furnishings and accessories stands out. The East Colfax Avenue shop stocks vintage pieces, by iconic designers like Hans Wegner and Paul Frankl, and reps about 20 of the most stylish, design-forward companies in the country, including our current crush: American-born and -bred Blu Dot, whose furnishings are sculptural, handsome, and practical. In fact, we’re buying the brand’s Buttercup Rocker, with its curvaceous steel legs, just as soon as we scrounge up an extra $900. 5327 E. Colfax Ave., 720-941-9292

Rare Finds Warehouse
Readers’ Choice 
6500 E. Stapleton Drive South, 303-990-9311

Mobile Store

Patterns & Pops
Editors’ Choice

While New York City fashionistas favor melancholy black and gray, here in sunny Denver, we’re not afraid to rock some color. Shoppers can find plenty of vibrant pieces—from flowy floral blouses to brilliant green fitted dresses, all less than $100 and all new (no moth-bitten consignment garb here)—at Patterns & Pops. The bright store on wheels has gained a loyal following by making regular appearances at diverse locations and events, such as the Denver Tech Center and the Nosh & Posh food-and-fashion-truck festival in Civic Center Park. In mid-March, the owners unveiled a brick-and-mortar shop on Platte Street. That doesn’t mean that the boutique is abandoning its roots: The truck (called Patsy) still rolls through Denver, bringing colorful clothing to the masses. 1620 Platte St., Suite F, 720-955-0884

Denver Fashion Truck
Readers’ Choice 
720-299-0795

Local Women’s Boutique

A Line Boutique
Editors’ Choice 

Know the feeling you get when your best friend from college finally decides to relocate to Denver? That’s what it was like when A Line Boutique opened a Mile High City satellite of its perennially fabulous Greenwood Village store. The new location, on Third Avenue in Cherry Creek, launched last summer and stocks all the things we love about the original, like flirty Rag & Bone dresses that are perfect for date nights and on-point jeans from trendy brands like Amo Denim. But it’s the customer service—including complimentary tailoring, stylists who will send you advice via text message, and home and office delivery—that makes this chic boutique the best in town. 2445 E. Third Ave., 303-773-8200; 5375 Landmark Place, Suite 107, Greenwood Village, 303-773-8200

Hailee Grace
Readers’ Choice

Local Men’s Boutique

Berkeley Supply
Editors’ Choice

Neither rugged outdoorsmen nor indoorsmen who wish to appear rugged will be able to depart brawny Berkeley Supply empty-handed. New Hampshire native and owner Eli Cox (yes, his beard game is strong) opened his shop on Tennyson Street five years ago with a simple objective: Sell American-made goods that last. The result is a store so macho chic that up-and-coming country artist Jason Eady—he of the Merle Haggard comparisons—shot the cover of his recent self-titled album there. The boutique is stocked with manly wares, from thick Tanner Goods leather belts to an impressive denim collection from Freenote, Railcar, Rogue Territory, and Tellason. (Did we mention the flannel? There’s lots of flannel.) For gentlemen who prefer to display their masculinity through accessories, there are Filson daypacks, Huberd’s Shoe Grease, and cozy (but still totally tough) Pendleton blankets. 4309 Tennyson St., 720-445-6818

Bespoke Edge 
Readers’ Choice 
970-231-4588 

Local Fashion Designer

Anne Fanganello
Editors’ Choice 

Fanganello, who worked for New York City designers Nanette Lepore and Zac Posen before returning to her hometown of Denver, understands that the love of revelry knows no bodily boundaries. She designs her labels, AnnaFesta and FestaSports (the Italian word “festa” translates to “party”), to fit all curves—up to size 3X. FestaSports delivers customized or ready-to-wear athletic clothing (think: bright skorts and custom uniforms with forget-me-not floral patterns) to an overlooked demographic. Meanwhile, AnnaFesta showcases colorfully decorated dresses and perfectly fitted pencil skirts, and its latest line debuted online in June—which means you’ll only be a month late to this party.

Never A Wallflower
Readers’ Choice 
770-329-4631

Wedding Gowns

Compleat Couture 
Editors’ Choice 

With gorgeous gowns from esteemed designers such as Amsale and Kenneth Pool on sale for a fraction of their retail costs, buying the dress of your dreams at two-year-old Compleat Couture is as good for your wallet as it is for your soul. Owned and operated by the James Resource Network, a local nonprofit, the Centennial shop sells new dresses as well as samples ($199 to $2,499) from elite labels and then spends the proceeds on services, resources, and housing for single-parent families in the Denver metro area. With some inevitable Bridezilla moments ahead, stocking up on karma points by shopping here might not be a bad idea. 7562 S. University Blvd., Centennial, 720-287-4077