Five Points Jazz Festival: Babies, BBQ and Break Dancing…

This gorgeous duplex mansion we parked in front of. Please have me for tea if you are reading this…

Last Saturday I FINALLY made it to the 4th annual Five Points Jazz Festival. I woke up to clouds and drizzly rain coming down outside my window. That did not stop me nor my adventurous new momma friend from Toronto. She bundled that baby up in her Britax and we had a ball!
We found easy parking on the street at 24th and Washington and strolled on over to Coffee at the Point. We figured we could fuel up here, and wait for the rain to subside. We caught the timing just right and found a comfy leather couch to snuggle up on. Guess what another favorite part of mine was…they served Novo coffee!

Me in a Disigual sweater purchased at an outlet in Barcelona on our honeymoon last March, layered over a blouse from H&M, funny, also purchased on our honeymoon but at H&M in Florence. Oh, and that’s my chopped off due…from Daniel at Matthew Morris- the best.

We listened to Chris Kroger Trio, and then just as we were about to head out, we were lured back to our seats, literally lulled right back down, by this awesome group called Impromptu! Must download or find their tunes stat! They were incredible! The violinist, Katie Glassman, “returned to America from studying Gypsy Jazz in France with the renowned violinist Didier Lockwood,” and she must have picked up on the Parisian fashion, because she had an incredible sense of style- you know as those artsy musicians do- sort of Florence Welch wearing tattered Versace.

We wandered out hesitantly, we left their set early to get some fresh air and a bite. My friend fancied jerk chicken, I had a beef Philly cheese steak sandwich- nom nom NOM! Vendor food, but I remember it was called Flava and they had an Aurora location. We took snaps of the awesome architecture and stumbled upon a stage wear they had youth break dancers and hip hop. It was such a fun afternoon! I know I missed some booths, like the Colorado Creative booth and all the art installations, but for two girls traveling with a 3 month old baby, in the on and off rain, I thought we saw, heard and tasted what the jazz fest was all about. You can follow me on instagram @gschinagl and search #5pointsjazzfest.

Up To…

Okay, now THIS is the life. I am sitting comfortably on our new patio furniture under a covered patio, with cotton flying and birds chirping and Pandora playing…As they say on Instagram #nofilter, well, here I’ll insert #nolying. Ahhh this is the perfect setting to….BLOG damn it!
I am super inconsistent, as you regulars well know. #badblogger So here is an update of things I’ve seen, places I’ve been, food and drinks I took down, and tidbits of life worth sharing.
I want to preface by stating that my friends and acquaintances have much more exciting lives than me- raising amazing kiddos and running marathons, biking across California, getting financing for their entrepreneurial idea, creating and running their own businesses….just to name a few.
My loved ones and really near friends know that my finances are more “Walmart” than “Neiman Marcus,” and most nights I am sprawled out on our American Furniture Warehouse sectional watching C.S.I. just like the rest of middle America!!! I started Fashion Folio to showcase fashion from a Denverite’s perspective. To inspire people to shop at new places, discover new designers, local stores, and small businesses, encourage readers to step out of their comfort zone and attend a party or event, and for others to notice us- DENVER! We are a fantastic city, with amazing people and things to do, see and taste- this is my space to showcase my little experience with it all. So keep enjoying Fashion Folio, and ALWAYS keep living YOUR life, your fable, your own version of your own blog.
XO,
Glo
I saw Beckham on the field at Dick’s Sporting Goods Field! Rapids v. Galaxy game! (That was the best shot- sorry folks.)

I visited the Denver Botanic Gardens by myself on a Free Day. So relaxing and meditative. I sat on bench and read. Smelt lavender bushes..it was nice.






I tried Bittersweet with some girlfriends. We just had some Rose and the meat and cheese plate or as Tess so eloquently ordered for us, the “Charcuterie Plate.” It was scrumptious. The owner/chef has a garden right outside and I can’t wait to go back because they have a glorious patio! I want to try their main courses too. It’s on Alameda in between Pennsylvania and Pearl I believe- and I highly recommend it for a date night.

And then it was off to the Kitchen, downtown location on 16th and Market for drinks. Naturally, I ordered the “Persian,” and it was delicious! I also ordered the Lamb and it was excellent! Great atmosphere, great service, nice layout and overall a great place for dates, events or drinks with friends. I recommend it!

Birthday brunch back in April at Table 6. Fun place, with a live DJ spinning during brunch. The place fills up literally 10 after 10. Great mimosas, but this was NOT my favorite dish. It was basically like a thick tomato soup with a Bisquick top. I should have stuck to an omelet. No matter, I love Table 6 and will be back.

I also was treated to a Birthday lunch at Kitchen. The beet salad was really good, and the garlic fries were finger lickin’ good!


I discovered a new coffee spot towards the end of the spring semester, called Crave Desserts and Wine Bar, but yes, they are open in the morning and have a great selection of pastries, and my fave, NOVO Coffee! I stumbled upon it after getting off the Light Rail at the Convention Center. It is on 14th and Champa. The staff is SO SO sweet and helpful, and although the interior is super modern, it feels very homey and comfortable. I have been back several times. Try the ricotta cheese and spinach danish with sea salt. MMMMMmmmmm.. I am craving one now!



I also stumbled upon David Cho’s graffiti artwork on 13th & Champa this very same day of exploring!



Husband and I had a Sunday date at Lola’s in LoHi and we ate up the entire a la carte menu and had this really refreshing cucumber vodka drink. The shrimp tacos were delicious, I’d skip the goat cheese queso- too sweet, and had a funny after taste- but such a great view and fun people watching! Plus, on Sundays from 2-5 pm they have a Happy Hour and live music!

FINALLY tried Z Cuisine- the adorable French place in LoHi. Drinks were VERY good, I forget what I had, but I am most certain it had vodka and something fruity in it. Of course…we had the cheese plate too! I would recommend drinks and apps here if you don’t eat pork or cheese. The menu was very, how shall we say…FRENCH. Meaning we were still hungry when we left after this very teeny tiny offering of cheese samplings.

I visited my friend Tess Vigil’s showroom space at Walnut Workshops. She has decorated the space so cute and her dresses were a hit!


I made quiche for Mother’s Day brunch…they turned out really good!

Leg shots…
That there is a fabulous blue clutch purse by Steve Madden, a birthday present from my sister in law! And the shoes are Forever 21, jeans Hudson.

And that there is a Rebecca Minkoff from last year, purchased from her site online before I went on my honeymoon. Jeans by Tory Burch scored on sale at Alicia boutique in Cherry Creek back in January, and those are Elizabeth and James wedges scored at Nordstrom Rack back in early April.

I also had niece’s birthday parties (three turned 3!) an anniversary, Maz and I celebrated our first year already! I think that has me all caught up..for now anyway! Off to watch Pregnant in Heels and eat hot dogs and potato salad with husband who just got home from soccer. See, a dose of reality gets peppered in…

“Southern Charm” with Hospitality by Neiman Marcus and Hpnotiq

Photo of Tinsley Mortimer and Glorianna Schinagl by Debbie Crecelius of WonderWorks Photography (Thanks!)

Last week, I received a surprise invitation to attend a book signing for Tinsley Mortimer’s new book, “Southern Charm,” at Neiman Marcus. I did not want to pass up the opportunity to meet the NYC socialite herself; the blonde, Tinkerbell-esque southern girl I had once watched on television a couple years back when she had her own reality series, “High Society.” (I warn, not the best reviews and hence its cancellation I presume.) Having an understanding of Miss Mortimer and her background, I knew what I was in for, and the fete did not upset. Cupcakes by our local love Happy Cakes, fun purple hued champagne concoctions by Hpnotiq and a new take on the mint julep featuring Mortimer’s storied character’s name, “Minty.”



The purple and white floral bouquets set up around the shoe salon of Neiman’s welcomed a select group of girls from the Denver scene, as well as fashion bloggers and editors. Suzanne Brown of the Denver Post, who I admire immensely, was able to get an impressive and somewhat fruitful interview out of the bubblegum debutante whereas I was barely able to gather from her what her book is about. She describes the tome as, “An easy and fun read… Really, a fish out of water type story.”




It was a fun event and it was a pleasure to have a light brush with fame, but even more interesting than discovering I look like a giant beast next to reality starlets, it was fun to get out and meet fashion lovers in the community like Rachel Garcia, the blogger of Dress Up Denver, a newbie on the fashion blogging scene here, who, within 10 minutes of conversing with, shared a passion and drive I saw in myself when I started little ole Fashion Folio…can’t wait to meet up and exchange notes with her more, and no, I am most certainly NOT cooler than she is When in line to get my book signed I was complimenting the three gals in front of me and it turned out I was standing behind the owner of Gracie’s Unique Apparel on South Pearl Street in Denver and her lovely daughter! Small world Denver is….I love her shop and you should check it out too! In fact, her daughter was wearing an awesome, tangerine blouse by BCBG from the shop- WANT. I have to say, Coral, tangerine and navy were all very present colors in the crowd, and I was happy I had picked up my Webster Miami shift dress from Target the night before.
The Owner of Gracie’s Unique Apparel in Middle and her gorgeous daughter in orange top

Rachel Garcia of Dress Up Denver



I also ran into fashion folk like Paulina Szafranski the marketing brains behind some of Denver’s hottest clubs like Chloe, Suite 200 and 24K. I finally met her face to face. I have always seen her on Larimer Square, darting to meetings or grabbing a coffee at the Market, but it was good to finally shake her hand. I also ran into an old co-worker from my days at Nordstrom, Park Meadows. That was back in 2007, what a blast from the past! She was as cute and bubbly as I remember her and is doing marketing and ad sales for a new fashion mag in Denver…Affair….watch for it.
I sipped on two Hpnotiq Harmonie beverages, those are the nummy champagny ones, and enjoyed the scenery of Chanel shoes at Neiman’s. All in all, not a bad way to spend a Thursday evening. Order the book on Amazon, try a Hpnotiq Harmonie at your next outting. Summer’s up!

LA Designer with a New 5280 Address: Welcome 50 Dresses!

I have blogged about this cutie patootie designer, Tess Vigil of 50 Dresses, before, and I also gave away one of her awesome dresses back here. She reached out to me a couple weeks ago to meet for a coffee upon moving back to Denver to talk fashion, and I have to say, I want her as a new best friend! Super bright, she was a school teacher in LA schools before getting into design, not to mention gorgeous inside and out, with an intense knowledge of wine and food and Russian literature, everyone I introduce her to seems to also fall under her sweet spell. We are so happy she is back here in Colorado for a time! Take advantage ladies, and visit her showroom this Saturday night and get your hands on an original Tess Vigil piece, she’s going to explode. Yup, she’s that organized and business savvy to already have set up shop after being here less than a month. I got a sneak peek of her dresses last Friday, and a couple girlfriends and I were spoiled and played dress up over homemade cosmos. It was so fun to have Tess tell us how it was supposed to fit, where it should hit on lenght, etc. She will be on hand Saturday to help you get the perfect dress too. Let’s just say, pre-sales are in order.

So this is where I will be this Saturday, along with other smarty pants fashionistas who know what’s up: 50 Dresses Open Studio Party- Click here to RSVP!!!
WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 2012 TIME:6:00pm until 10:00pm WHERE: 3525 Walnut St. #2

You can expect to see all of these dresses below, and then some. Wanna know the best part? Current spring dresses, as well as past season samples and one-of-a-kinds, (we love those), are $10-$30 off of their original retail prices, which are typically $70-$130 which means some of them are starting at $40! That’s two twenties folks… for an original design, with excellent craftsmanship and detail. She was telling us that some of the fabrics were vintage and from Italy, some were imported, she has a great eye! Her designs can also be found currently in Fred Segal in Santa Monica and a couple boutiques in New York. There will also be sweets and other studios in the building are also having open houses that night, so it should be a festive evening of studio hopping, beer tasting, mingling and again, playing dress up!

True Love Shoes: Best Kept Secret No More

After Buffalo Exchange last Saturday, I popped in Sweet Action ice cream, conveniently situated directly across the street from BE, and binged on a double scoop in a cake cone. I have forgotten what the bottom scoop was now, because the top one was so incredible- Shanahan’s Whiskey Brittle- YUM!

After scarfing down I popped into True Love Shoes next door. I love chatting with the owner, Sara, and checking out the latest. She started carrying adorable mini shoes for girls about 6 months ago! Suri Cruise heels and Violet Affleck flats in store for your tot.

The major draw for this Broadway boutique is, well besides its cuteness factor, is price point says Sara. Most everything is under $38! For a handbag or pair of shoes lately, that is an absolute steal! If you are in the market for a pair of summer sandals or wedges, this is where you need to go. Also, every first Friday of the month she hosts a champagne evening from 5-8 pm. So, now that we are into May, that means THIS Friday! She also let me in on a little secret too, this Friday she is having a major sale to make room for new merchandise. Buy 3 pairs of shoes for only $77! That’s less than one pair at Aldo! I know many of you have already discovered this hot spot, but for those of you who haven’t yet made it in, the approaching holidays are a good excuse. My mom loves this store! Mother’s Day is May 13th and they have gift cards…wink wink…

Here are some of my faves:

These were awesome- reminded me of Rebecca Minkoff’s Baha sandal, no?

And Rebecca Minkoff’s Baha Sandal for $165.00

How patriotic?! These would be so cute for Memorial Day or July 4th!

Taffy colored peep toes!

These bad boys came in black and cream and were flying out of there.

Make a trip to Broadway this Friday and hit that sale hard!

Buffalo Exchange Denver’s New Digs: Where the Style Set with Rotating Closets Shop

Last weekend I took the bus downtown to get a haircut. My guy is at Matthew Morris, and I haven’t been in so long, I was REALLY looking forward to getting these split ends off. It took me an hour and a half to get there, taking two buses and walking 10 city blocks. Needless to say, I missed my trim. The disappointment didn’t last long; I had planned to peruse the shops along Broadway and make a day of it. So I packed a bag of my closet discards and had planned to sell at Buffalo Exchange’s new Broadway location. I also wanted to check out TaRosa Jacob’s new vintage shop Wishlist Vintage, also on Broadway, but I didn’t make it there. Ran out of time, but I hope to make it there soon!

As soon as I spotted the refurbished building housing the new Fancy Tiger and Fancy Tiger Craft boutiques, and Buffalo Exchange at the corner, I got a giddy feeling that this was going to be a million times better than their cramped, neon lit space next to Quiznos on 13th and Grant where the parking situation was less than easy. This old building, preserved, polished and newly inhabited by some very cool retailers brought a new life and collection of people to this part of Broadway.

I also thought ahead and brought a book and the latest Vogue, prepared for the long wait. Everyone sells on Saturday! I know this, but this is what worked for my schedule. If you want to sell, go on a Tuesday morning when everyone else is working or in school. Anyway, after all that waiting, they took NONE of my clothes and took two old necklaces (nothing worth photographing, trust me) and I got $11 in trade. Yikes! Of course this is sort of a trap right? You get tired of waiting and all the clothes behind you are calling, and the oohs and ahhs coming out of the dressing area behind you just lures you into a shopping frenzy you never meant to indulge on because, well, you were there to SELL clothes and get cash! Every time this happens.

So Here I started browsing the racks and thought, what the heck, I’ll try some things on. After chatting up some of the girls who worked there I did learn that this new location was faring well for them and they were getting a lot of new faces in there to sell. Perhaps because it is because the new location is further south, closer to the affluent areas like Cherry Creek and Washington Park, and in a hip shopping/eating district on Broadway which draws tourists and trendsetters alike. It worked! I saw dresses from Dian von Furstenberg, Nicole Miller, Calvin Klein, plenty of lines from Anthropologie, Betsy Johnson, Sunner (a new line I just discovered that Kourtney Kardashian apparently sports often), Anna Sui for Anthropologie, and lots of great, old, no-name, vintage stuff. When I shop at Buffalo, I always go for the polyester no-name number for $6 over the really worn and sometimes dated designer piece for $50 (like the green and white printed column dress by DVF I saw on this trip.)

Before shopping though, I took photos of the new bones. Exposed beams, roll out garage style windows letting lots of much needed natural light in, hardwood, creaky floors, and plenty of shelf space for shoes and rounder racks for clothes. The Buffalo crew also made a lot of the furnishing like the incredible, circular book case behind the buying counter, the awesome metal buying table on industrial type wheels and the very crafty light fixtures made of drop hanging light bulbs underneath Charlie Chaplin style top hats. The NEW Buffalo Exchange in Denver is worth visiting- to shop, to sell, or in my case, to trade!

A Cute Shopper

Tryons

This cut-out Nicole Miller was a tiny size 4. I did not even attempt to try it on- but wanted to share with you all. Go get it!

This DVF is from a few springs back. 2007 to be exact. I know because this came into the Savvy Department at Nordstrom when I was working in San Francisco. It brought back memories. Love the print, hate the style. Could be great on you though! I did not try on, just sharing with you!

Another dress I thought worth sharing, but did not try on myself. A dress by Anna Sui for Anthropologie. Love the fabric and print, but strapless isn’t what I am in the market for. Perhaps you need a summer dress?

Here’s that SUNNER stunner I was telling you about- a new line I just discovered. Loved the fabric and print, but the sleeves were too Kimono-y- and it was too big.

I loved these little shorts! They look vintage but ther were new. Also way too small for me, but someone who has an itty bitty bum reading this needs to go get them!

I was really drawn to this dress by Calvin Klein! Very Rachel McAdams in Wedding Crashers, right? Sort of country club-ish. Anyway, I have zero boobs, and it was also too big.

I really liked this one too! Much better on than hanging. It was slightly too baggish on me though and the color is not for me- washes me out.

I am really drawn to anything kelly green, including this dress by Theory. But the style just didn’t excite me.

Okay these handmade shorts were soooo comfy, but I decided against them. Not flattering.

Finally, I took these items home:

A sexy, body-con, purple skirt. I am loving this color lately and this is my first purple thing in my closet!

An Ikat print wrap skirt- $6! Doesn’t it look so now?! No tag…

This awesome, gypsy style dress with patchwork fabric in purples, pinks and blues. This dress also look so contemporary and now, but I think it is actually an old thrifty piece. The smocking elastic in the middle is slouchy and the tag looks old…also 100% polyester. That’s a sign.

This little lovely and sweet dress by Alison Albert??? Also very old, missing the attached belt, but that’s okay! I just bought a brown leather belt with a little silver owl from Target for $3.88! I love the puff sleeves and the very girly print on this! Can’t wait to wear it!

And this crazy skirt, $11. I thought I would wear it with a slim tank tucked in and flat sandals. Can you tell I was shopping for print, color and femme?!

I would love to hear about your thoughts on their new location and your best finds! Always feel free to comment here and leave feedback!

Deja Blue: A Denver Boutique for the Thrifting Challenged

I had mentioned before that Goodwill had decided to open up a new concept boutique in Cherry Creek North, in the old Brooks Brothers space on 2nd and University, Deja Blue Boutique. Well, yesterday I finally found myself smack dab in front of the place after getting off the #24 bus from an afternoon at the Denver Botanic Gardens. I was headed to Ink! Coffee and realized where I was, and that it was open, and that I had been wanting to check this place out.
There’s been numerous press coverage on the place, which opened March 24th and a grand opening on April 5th. The Denver Post wrote not one article, but at least two. I bopped in on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon around 4:30 in the afternoon. Not once was I greeted or offered help. In fact, the manager stood behind the counter the ENTIRE time I was in, for at least a half hour. This struck me as odd, because the decor and layout are very much like a consignment shop, and they are advertising themselves as a boutique. So which is it? Boutique or thrift store?
I saw a trendy fashion shopper, a young girl who looked to be in her twenties, holding a funky, cropped western jacket. I complimented her on it. Sadly, it would turn out that she would go on to purchase the best piece in the joint. Good for her for finding a nugget in that sea of Banana Republic though!
That leads me to my next point, I already went in questioning the idea of a “thrift” store who was cherry picking “designer” pieces out of donations and shuttling them into Cherry Creek and slapping on a higher sticker price, but I really did try to come in with an open mind, I did. Designers? Designer anything was nowhere to be found. Wait, i take that back. I found a pair of gold Nicole Miller sandals. For the most part though, it looked like the old wardrobe of a retired woman who used to work a 9-5 in an accountant’s office.
The merchandise was comprised of a whole lotta mall brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chicos, and on the older spectrum of taste. The prices ranged from $8.99, $14.99, on up. Ooh, I did “spot” another designer piece. I saw a navy blue, David Meister dress for $99.99! Can you believe that?! And it was dirty! See the photo below, there was a spot near the crotch…on a blue dress….conjuring up a political snafu.
I checked out the shoes, all were very worn except for a pair of black Guess sandals and a black pair of BCBG pumps. One pair of heels was so ill fitting, that the soles of them didn’t even sit on the shelf straight, they were so warped. Really? TIn my humble, fashion blogger opinion, I would pull the warped shoes and stained dress stat! If you are hiring people to hand pick the “good stuff” then you might want to give them some guidelines. Buffalo Exchange buyers may confuse the hell out of you when you sell clothing to them, (they took my heart sweater from the 80′s but gave me back my Banana Republic skirt?) but at least they took try to take their time and check for stains, rips, and problems.
If you take a glance over to Yelp, you can see that I am not being too harsh a critic, and that other shoppers have experienced the lackluster Deja Blue as I did. Unlike the Yelpers, I completely disagree that there is an excuse for being newly opened that they should not have enough selection. It is because they JUST opened, that they should most definitely have a full store of awesome SPRING wear. On the contrary, there were racks of woolen slacks and jackets and suit sets from what appeared to be an older set of donating clientele. This was certainly NOT one of my best thrifting experiences.
However, it might be the store for you if thrift stores make you nervous, you think they are loud, crowded and “dirty.” The store was nicely decorated and merchandised, with plenty of natural light, and it was very quiet. The clothes were easy to sift through on the racks and there were no buggies. If you love finding 10 year old mainstream brands, including tons of Mossimo (Target brand) and Old Navy, (Seriously?!) then this, THIS might be the store for you. Too old to be current, yet not old enough to be “vintage” or good again. But, if you love the thrill of the hunt and finding that Oscar de la Renta tie, or Yves Saint Laurent tweed sport coat for a boy, or that awesome green blouse, or that incredible costume jewelry that I have found, then this is NOT going to be a frequent stop for you. I was so hopeful to find something, ANYTHING, that I took a peek at the jewelry “selection.” I surely could find a pair of cool clip-ons, right? Wrong. It was even sadder.
I did finally question a girl I saw fixing scarves on the floor. I asked her where they get the clothing from. She told me that they get it from the 24 stand alone donation spots for Goodwill, or the main Goodwill Center, but claimed they do not take it from Goodwill stores. It seems like that is a lot of donation sites they ARE tapping into when you see that there are only 15 Goodwill stores across the metropolitan area. So they are basically intersecting the flow of donations. Huh.
The only positive that comes from this is that if by chance you do find something you’re willing to pay for, “88 cents from every dollar received going to career development programs that help special-needs individuals and at-risk youth gain the skills needed to find, and keep, a job.” (Davidson, Denver Post)
I will try to pop in again in a few months to see if Goodwill is listening to the feedback and made any improvements, but for now, I’d rather take my $20 and hit up my favorite ARC where my dollar will go a lot further and I can find that awesome treasure I always hope to find when I go digging; real thrifting.

The one rack of somewhat weather appropriate dresses. All in poor taste.


A decent button down, but not worth $14.99.

An okay jacket…but again…not designer, and not worth the price tag.

Eek! The blue dress for $99.99- can you spot the spot?


The jewelry. Great display and easy to see, the selection was just not there.

The chicest shopper in there making her purchase of the Western jacket. The sad thing is that the jacket was probably a serious pick, or a donation from an older woman, but it turned out to be a vintage, funky piece for the young fashionista.

Please do check it out for yourself if you are down in Cherry Creek. I would love to hear YOUR thoughts and opinion. Certainly don’t let me steer you away. You might have a different opinion and you might hit it on the nail the day they receive a new shipment. Whether it’s here or anywhere, just get out there and THRIFT!!

Post shOP: Denver Sample Sale Scores

A couple weeks ago I wrote about a new girl in town Katie Gartner, who aims to bring Sample Sales to Denver, at least bi-annually, with her venture Frock Shop Sales. I warned you that it would be good; after I saw the lineup of boutiques participating, I knew I was planning to go, and set a budget.
Quick side note. Some of you may or may not know, but everything on this blog is unpaid editorial, meaning I do not get paid to write about anything. This is purely authentic and I promise to tell you if and when I ever write a paid piece. That said, at first when I heard the pitch about this sale, I wasn’t sure I’d write about it, because I genuinely only write about events I plan to attend or did attend, believe in, know first hand, etc. Sadly, I wasn’t sold until I saw which boutiques were participating. But now after experiencing the sale, I can firmly give my stamp of approval for the sales to follow!
So, last Saturday, I hopped on the bus headed to downtown, equipped with a cloth bag for my hopeful purchases, wearing my spongy wedges and comfy clothes. Umbrella, check. Wool poncho, check. I stopped in Roster Moon for a coffee and a burrito, no girl should shop on an empty stomach. I was bright and early so I could get in the sale right when they opened at 10 am. Once I entered, there were already a couple gals shopping. I met the petite and quiet Katie, super cute in her Of a Kind zebra print top and skinny black jeans, and then I got down to business. I asked for the Blush and Goldyn boutique racks, two of my favorite shops in town had participated!
So here’s how I shopped the sale, keeping these thoughts in mind:
1. If I am going to buy anything, it must be the best deal to be had, at least 50-75% off.
2. No pants. Even though I did try on a pair of really great dark washed skinny jeans by Levi’s, and was this close to getting them, but I told myself that I’d rather invest in dresses, a whole outfit, and quality pieces with detailing and great fabric, than a pair of pants. That’s usually the route I take anyway. I felt I have enough great fitting denim.
3. It must fit well, feel well, suit my skin tone and I must REALLY like it and see myself wearing it multiple ways.
I ended up walking away with three dresses. A long sleeved, grey silk leopard print Rebecca Taylor from Blush, a long sleeved, black mini tunic with gold sequin detailing by French Connection from PJ’s Boutique, and a long black, jersey maxi dress by A.L.C., also from Blush. I had tried on this emerald green dress by Cynthia Steffe, which fit like a glove and was killer, but I already have a similar fitting dress in a forest green, same length and body conscious fit, too similar so I axed it. I was also torn between the black French Connection dress and a beautiful cream blouse with tan flossing near the collar, super bohemian and light and would have looked great with jeans, but decided on the dress instead. On that choice, I am still wondering if I made the right choice…
As I tried on my items, I would pop out for another size and listen in on other shoppers debating on a pair of shoes or a pair of pants. All of the women were so helpful and NICE to one another, offering up advice and suggestions, practically selling the items! This surely is now your typical Sample Sale experience, at least not like what you would expect from say a pack of Manhattanites, but we are not, we are Denverites, and we all kept it pretty damn civil and ladylike. The check out process was so easy, fast and convenient too! Just a swipe on this cool gadget called Square, for i-phones to scan credit cards, and a signature straight on the screen, super tech savvy, and I was dunzzo. I had a cup of champagne and a cupcake before heading out the door of my first sample sale.
Overall, I would have to say it was a success, for me most definitely anyway! The sales were ringing when I left that afternoon, and they had a storefront full of ladies, and the sale went on into Sunday. Katie even had her own tags and labels, signage and rolling racks prepared. The whole sale was really well organized for their first go at it, and I am sure she is already mulling over what to do to make the next one even better! I even overheard Katie offer up a clean pair of socks to a customer contemplating a pair of boots! For more sample sales and events hosted by Frock Shop Sales click here. I overheard that the next one would be sometime in the fall, after the season.

Here’s what I tried on…

Sweet Katie Gartner of Frock Shop Sales

Things I tried on but passed on:

Cynthia Steffe dress.

Elizabeth & James Top. Weird cropped cut.

Sheer navy top by Ever.

Plaid top by Ulla Johnson. Surprisingly, or not,I do not own a plaid top. But I figured it’s so trendy I could probably find something similar on the cheap at Target or Urban.

And here’s what I left with:

Hope you all can make the next one!

ADORNable

The view from Judith King’s loft….

On Tuesday night, I attended Goldyn’s shop-cause event ADORN at Judith King’s lovely loft in downtown Denver. Her view is amazing! I had the privilege of visiting this pretty penthouse back in October for Posh’s shop-cause event, Glam Bomb, (disclosure, which I did PR for), and raised funds for the same charity, One of 99. One of 99 helps underprivileged students have the experience of art classes, activities and excursions. Great cause, being a Denver School of the Arts alumni myself.

ADORN was a success and by auctioning off amazing little leather clutches by local designer Grey Sunshine, I need this oversize ostrich stamped green clutch they auctioned, as well as a few other trinkets, plus ticket sales, and a good amount of damage done by the attendees, I think One of 99 will be pleased.

Grey Sunshine “Rough” clutches, retail value- $330

Desserts too pretty to grab and chomp, but don’t worry, it didn’t stop us too much, were provided by a beautiful Venezuelan woman named Mariana Lazo of Caoba Events.

I had my eye on this sheer black tunic by T by Alexander Wang, but I’ll need to save for this one.

And this mini MAC clutch by rebecca Minkoff in cherry red…

It must have been a cowhide-clutch-kinda night, because I was really digging Christy Lea Payne’s new clutch line and really loved this lil guy…

There was also a new discovery, a local designer, who makes caftans from vintage fabrics reminding me of 60′s Pucci…Watch for The Dream Refinery popping up in a boutique near you…

Other new discoveries were Andrea Li fine jewelry fabricated from vintage costume jewelry. Andrea uses handcrafted jeweler skills, and creates clustering effects with new materials to create one, entirely new piece that looks completely cohesive, not crafty. LOVED so many of these pieces… Here are a couple of my faves…

And… Cosmic Thread’s laser cut necklaces from acrylic and wood…

And really cool rings by Reliquiae…

Goldyn is in the LoHi neighborhood, right next door to the restaurant everyone has been talking about, Linger. Eek, ahahah, I just sounded like Stefon, the illustrated New York tour guide from SNL’s Weekend Update with Seth Meyers. Denver’s hottest restaurant has everything like, “Psychos, Furbies, newborn babies in Mozart wigs…” Anyway, no excuses, make a date night and hit both up…tonight!

Oh, and here’s what I threw on in 5 minutes, literally, (I almost didn’t go as I was cozy in my jammies sipping hot cocoa with my love and it had snowed this day.) A thrifted green blouse, a Lela Rose skirt from a design sale at Dress for Success last June, (watch for their sale coming up this year), black tights, and Marni for H&M platform sandals. Vintage clip on earrings from the accessories swap.

Tonight is also First Friday, that means art walks galore. It’s also Passover, so “KHAG kah-SHARE v’sah-MAY-akh,” or, “a kosher and joyful festival” to you and your loved ones! Happy Easter for my Christian, Catholic and Orthodox friends, and happy spring to everyone!

Sample Sales in Denver?

(Image courtesy of NeverPayRetailNYC.tumblr.com, which I JUST discovered and am definitely following.)

Yes, that headline is a question, and I’ll answer it for you now- YES!  Finally we have fashion entrepreneur dedicated to gathering up last season’s boutique racks and compiling them into one, hellova sale! 

Katie Gartner, a CSU Fashion Merchandising Grad, is doing just that for those of us on the prowl for deeply discounted, designer threads with her company Frock Shop Sales.  On April 14th, that’s a Saturday folks, and Sunday, April 15th, from 10am-6pm, you can shop name brand clothing and accessories slashed by 50-80% off from these local boutiques:

Blush, Garbarini, Goldyn, PJ’s Boutique, Free Ravin, Audrey Marie, GoGoMarj

Where is this awesomeness going down you ask?  At the previous headquarters of Fashion Denver, and our dear friend Brandi Shigley’s current office, at 1070 Bannock Street,in the Golden Triangle area of downtown. (Roughly 10th and Bannock-ish, off of Speer)

So many times I am asked where I find things, where I bought this dress or where I got that pair of shoes, and I do try my best to share with you all on where, but the truth of the matter is, ALL OVER!  I love to hunt.  I love sales, thrifting, fleas and bin shopping.  I shop at Ross, department stores, Anthro and local boutiques too.  Not too into online shopping, I really do love the experience of shopping, feeling fabrics, trying things on and seeing the fit right then and there.  I am very impulsive.  I dig, and I always keep my eyes peeled.  If I know I have a wedding next summer, and I happen to spot the perfect dress, I buy it now and save it.  I shop fall/winter sales now for next season and spring/summer sales when the snow flies.  Some trends last a couple years, eh em, stripes, maxi skirts, oxfords, and some pieces you find are forever- a black blazer, a great pair of dark washed denim, a crisp white button down (which I still am on the hunt for.)  Heck, I still have dresses from high school!  So, please, please do not miss this first ever sample sale in Denver by Frock Shop Sales!

One last point while I am thinking of it, please lose this perception now that “boutique” means “expensive.”  I am here to tell you that is false, untrue, an urban myth and frankly, ignorant.  If you are paying full price for retail at the mall, or even spending $100′s of dollars at Target, then you can afford any of these boutiques on a full priced day too.  Don’t let the fancy word, “boutique,” scare you away from finding something unique, special and as wonderful as you are!

That’s my bit, see you on the 14th! Tell Katie I sent you!

Glo

Oh, oh, AND….I almost forgot to mention! Champs will be served courtesy of Vino Vino, and cupcakes from Sugar High Cakes. Done and done.