Talulah Jones- Holiday Open House

And I must not forget…Talulah Jones on 17th and Downing! I used to work at this amazing boutique some years ago and still stop in every now and then; wish it was more often. You can find delicate clothes for children, and alternative toys that stand up to the test of time, rather than the sort you might find at a chain that ends in “Us.” For home there are bath mats and decorative hooks, pretty glass plates and yummy smelling soaps. For the kids there’s a big tree to sit under and read books while snuggling stuffed animals by Jelly Kat. For everyone’s eyes, there’s a jewelry case filled with pretty pieces to dress up the ears, neck and wrists! Stop in next Wednesday, December 2nd all day for a special Holiday Open House where you will certainly be impressed. Robin, Talulah’s owner, gives us a tour of the jewelry box:

Jane Hollinger Jewelry* “Jane’s simple and beautifully designed jewelry is one of the best sellers at Talulah Jones, and we were happy to find out when we made our ‘No Mined Gold’ policy that they too were a green company, and had that policy themselves since 1998. Since attending the gold exhibit last year at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and discovering the detrimental effects that gold mining has on the environment, gold suddenly did not seem so beautiful after all. But Jane only uses recycled metal in her jewelry, as well as many other great green practices.”

Jane Hollinger Earrings- Picture via her website

Alex and Ani* “This is another one of our fun jewelry lines (a bit newer) They are an eco-friendly line that creates gorgeous bracelets that are fun to wear alone or stack with others….they have a rustic feel to them that make them a must have! Around $20…they’re super affordable too!”

Alex and Ani Bracelet- Picture Courtesy of their website

Dana Kellin* “An all time favorite around Talulah Jones, her elaborate designs are truly works of art. Her jewelry is timeless….I have pieces that I purchased back when the store first opened and I still wear them today…I never get sick of them and I continue to receive complements every time I wear them! We’re excited to unvail some beautiful new pieces this season with truly spectacular stone colors….greens and blues that will simply melt your heart!”

Earrings by Dana Kellin- Courtesy of Moondance Jewelery's website

LuLu Designs* “Another California based artist that offers the most vibrant colored jewelry around. Using all re-claimed metals, her earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets are truly something special! Lulu jewelry is detailed and has special little touches that mean a lot to our customers. Things as simple as a beautiful necklace that is finished off with a beautiful stone near the clasp….You can just tell there is a lot of thought that goes into her jewelry!”

Thank you so much Robin for taking the time to share a few of your favorite lines with Fashion Folio! For more information about Talulah Jones, or to hear what other lines or items are carried, please e-mail Robin.

Glove Love

No, it has nothing to do with a flashback to your 5th Grade health class, but it has everything to do with the Green Thing’s initiative to save mismatched gloves in the world! Glove Love is their little project to help recycle lost and mismatched gloves across the UK. They wash them, pair them with a new significant other and sell them for 5 GBP’s a pair. I purchased mine last week and can’t wait to see what turns up in the mail- hope they’re mittens! See the video of the Glove Love story here. Remember that no man, or mitten for that matter, should be left behind. To purchase a pair, and help stop garment waste, click here.

Glove Love gloves

Thanks Be to CO

Mayor Hickenlooper is fulfilling his mayoral duties by declaring the week of Nov. 30th through Dec. 6th, “Buy Local Week.” As a Denver business owner himself, Wynkoop Brewing Co., he knows a thing or two about the importance of supporting and stimulating your local economy. It’s not about spending more than you have or shopping frivolously, but it’s about the decisions and choices you make with what you do have. Instead of dialing Pizza Hut, hit up Angelo’s on 6th Ave. or Wazee Supper Club for an amazing pie. Instead of GAP for knit hats and scarves, try Loft-22 or Kismet Accessories in the Highlands. Instead of large department stores for shoes and handbags, try Scarpaletto, on Larimer, and http://www.dsadditions.com/, in Cherry Creek. You can check out the city’s map of featured local businesses at Colorado Local First which will include stores who are participating and offering special sales the week of Nov. 30th-Dec. 6th. I felt like their list wasn’t exactly comprehensive and could be expanded upon, as far as clothing and accessories retail goes, so see my edited list below. I am not paid in any way to advertise for any of these stores. They are truly unique, special and rare to me, and I count most of them as friends first. This season, fuel your hard earned cash back into your neighbor’s store, otherwise, you may not have them to go to at all one day.

Downtown Area
Larimer:
Loft-22- I’ve wrote about these girls before, but I’ll say it again. Adorable dresses and “Going-Out” tops for date nights and cocktail hours. Adorable handbags and shoes and cute cami-panty sets.

Camisole at Loft-22

Violet- Another re-write here, but Stacey knows how to buy. She’s been around long enough to know what Denver women want. She’s also filled her jewelry cabinet with Bloom designs, a local jeweler. Great leggings and tops- casual or work wear.
Eve- Always a fun stop! I once found an Italian, blown glass ring here! Last time I was in she had great tribal inspired necklaces- huge and bulky, and very now. She get’s 2-3 shipments a week, so I’m sure you’re bound to find something.

Eve's Featured Items- Courtesy of their website

Scarpaletto-Stop in to truly experience first class service. I coveted a pair of black suede and patent leather, over-the-knee boots they had in the window by Stuart Weitzman. They also have another fave, Donald Pliner. Shoes and handbags and I recently spotted eye wear!

Scarpaletto Interior- Courtesy of their website

Platte Street:
A perfect occasion is on the horizon to fully experience the scene on Platte Street downtown, just across that big, white bridge. Bundle up and head out on Thursday December 3rd, for a Winter Toast fete! Local magazine 303 will be out and about filming the festivities. I suggest grabbing a piping hot chai tea latte, at Paris Wine Bar, on Platte, and dotting down the street.
Common Era: Sweet dresses by Sole Mio, super comfy, and stylish, Seychelles shoes, and many other fabulous finds. Also, what I love about Common Era is the prices! Super affordable, and unique! The staff all seem to have “creative” on their resume- just ask to see things they’ve all created themselves.
Unity-New on the block, this store is for the “green” girl. Carrying mens and womens sustainable clothing and accessories. You can tick off that tricky, environmentally conscious person on your list.
Emage-Gear for the snow bunnies! You’ll find that perfect boarding jacket you’ve been searching for, as well as bindings,goggles, mittens and socks. Snow and skate boards are the draw-in for most, but once inside it’s also a sneaker head’s paradise and ski bum’s haven. Fave label RVCA, super comfy and kitschy tees.

Oakley Sunglasses at Emage

A fab Grandpa Cardi by RVCA- at Emage

Around the corner on 15th Street:
Mona Lucero Boutique- A notable local designer, Mona will be showcasing her latest designs in a fashion show on December 6th. Last year I also found an awesome wallet and hat for my beaux at her store. Counting Elsa Schiaparelli as a design muse, Mona Lucero’s designs are feminine, practical, and unique.

Highlands Square- 32nd and Lowell:
My old hood…sigh…I used to live in a little studio right above what used to be Swank Space, which is now Dragonfly. December 6th is also a happening weekend in Highlands Square with a visit from Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, hot cocoa, and shopping of course.
Wordshop-Can’t say enough about this spectacular papery store. Get your Holiday invitations designed here! Thank you notes for your wedding gifts, not a problem. Baby announcements, count them done. Amazing, talented and knowledgeable staff. This is the store for the guys and gals in your life who cherish that specially contrived piece of snail mail.

The Perfect Petal- Not only a first rate florist that has been featured in Martha Stewart, but also my favorite stop for a special pair of earrings or a show stopping necklace. Unique home gifts for that special someone with a new address. Candles, soaps, and funky gadgets to stuff the stockings.
Max Outlet- Denver’s little black book for designer fashion. A little known secret situated in the Highlands is Max’s outlet. Find a Stella McCartney resort tunic or a Dries Van Noten blouse. It may be last season, but designer classics never go out of style. Lanvin, Prada, and Chloe- yes please.
Dragonfly- They website appears to be down now, but they are next to Max. Free People is a great find here and I always loved the brand of nail polish they carry, it escapes me now, but check around for the square bottle of enamel. Cute belts and sweaters are always in stock.

A Holiday Look from Free People via their website

Another look from Free people- via their website

Babareeba- A favorite consignment/vintage shop. I’ve wrote about them before, but it’s a favorite pit stop on 32nd. Find a rare, vintage pin, or silk scarf for the fashionista on your list or the mature woman on in your life who appreciates quality.
Pout Beauty Boutique- This is a newbie to me. Let me know if you’ve been or have stopped in. This is more of a, “on my list to visit” than a recommendation, but it looks intriguing.
Starlet-Tiny shop but sweet baubles and girlie items. They’ve also expanded with a second store on Broadway.
http://www.kismetaccessories.com/-On the corner of Meade and 32nd, you won’t miss it because you will have stopped in Wordshop first. Carries clutches by Ellington, clever wall hangings, and pretty silver jewelry by Jeanine Payer.
Real Baby-Hands down, the best baby boutique in Denver. Funny onezies with phrases like, “My Dad’s a Nerd,” nifty gadgets and cutting edge gear. If you or someone you know is expecting, this is the place to pick up something special. Who doesn’t like shopping for babies? I’ll admit I wander in to see what I might like for my hope chest.
The Uncommon Thread- A place to get hot “jeans.” Oldies like, 7 For All Mankind, Taverniti, and Joe’s, and David Khans for the woman who has a “real” body and doesn’t want her crack hanging out at dinner. Also, some newbies that I am not familiar with-Married to the Mob, Jedidiah, and Junk Food. Mens and womens, nice.

Uncommon Thread

Frolik- Hanky Panky panties and super comfy, wide-legged pants by XCVI.

Cherry Creek:
Garbarini-Another shop filled with designers, you’ll find Hudson jeans, the perfect long sleeved tees by Majestic, and those sexy BCBG finds. AG denim, Milly and Yoana Baraschi are also hanging the racks at this Cherry Creek North stop. Donald Pliner shoes are always in store.

Garbarini

DS Additions-Denver’s 5280 Magazine chose this boutique as Top of the Town in 2008. Luxe is bountiful here. Included in the mix are handbags by Rebecca Minkoff, clothing by Samantha Treacy and a dozen or more jewelry artists.
Max-As I mentioned before, minus the last season. This is where the designer duds start in Denver. A step up, you can find an Yves Saint Laurent or Bottega Veneta handbag with your holiday bonus check here. Maybe even a bondage wrap dress by Herve Leger that everyone’s been clamoring for.

MAX

Blush- An adorably chic boutique that reminds me of San Fran! Carries comfy jersey by Rachel Pally, Velvet and Graham and Spencer and Billy Blues.

Blush Boutique

Well, this list is becoming quite long and I only covered a few areas. I missed Gaylord and Pearl Streets, and the entire SOBO hood but this is a pretty intensive start. You get the idea… So this holiday season, step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself to shop locally- every dollar really does matter. Make it an event with friends or loved ones. In all of these areas there are amazing coffee shops and restaurants to break at. I want to point out that sometimes it is only in our head that “boutiques” cost more because they have a fancy name, but you can still find sales and you can still find merchandise that is priced the same as if it were at Macy’s or Nordstrom, you’re just supporting a face and possibly a future friend rather than a big, monopoly. I’d love to hear about your favorite local stores and why too! Write me!

Here’s a laundry list of others I must not miss mentioning:
Fancy Tiger Clothing
Decades
Regal Vintage
Boss Vintage
True Love
Pink’s
Coquette
Denim Bar
A Line

Grazi Broox!

Big thanks to Broox Pulford for my new design! Love it!

Happy 3rd Birthday Loft-22!!!

Last Friday, yes, November 13th, marked the third birthday of Larimer Square boutique, Loft-22! I stopped in last Thursday to talk with owner, Brittin Asbury, over chai tea lattes, and shop the fall/winter merch. Brittin and her sister Kelly, Dallas natives who grew up in Colorado’s ski town Steamboat, started the boutique off a passion for owning a women’s retail boutique one day. Brittin has a college degree in graphic design and illustration and has worked for Hallmark Greeting Cards. Brittin’s eye for design is blatantly aparent in the, well, lofty, boutique on Larimer and 14th, downtown. Kelly’s background in business and marketing at CU Boulder goes hand in hand and together the two sisters have a thriving business. Their merchandising is very much geared towards the trendy, savvy shopper and has a bit of a west coast flavor. I love stopping in for Lumiere candles which smell amazing, and recently splurged on an awesome new handbag by Nicole Lee. Other special lines carried include French Connection, which is a storied label, the famous FCUK campaign, but becoming harder to find in Colorado’s fashion market. Other lines Loft-22 is proud to represent, are Ark & Co., adorable holiday dresses for upcoming Nutcracker soirees and Cocktail parties, and Sang Real Jeans, an amazing fit for $100. Here’s a few of my favorite pieces in the shop right now. Stop in and say “hello,” to Brittin or Kelly, the only two employees at Loft-22. Tell them Glorianna sent you!

Summer Shoe Sale!

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Metro State Jewelry Pics

I stopped by the Metro State jewelry show today and thank goodness I had a couple extra dollars!!! The artists were brilliant! I loved so many things! I was able to pick out some things for me, but also a couple Christmas gifts! Gorgeous earring for $10, $13, and $15, all hand made, you cannot beat that price at any boutique! Today, Thursday November 12th, is the last day, 10 AM- 6 PM, so get over there! If you don’t attend classes on Auraria campus, you can still get the goods. Ask a pedestrain where the Metro State art building is, across from the Auraria campus libarary. Once inside the art building, you can’t miss the show- it’s on the first floor near the entrance closest to the Light Rail. Just look for the crowd of happy shoppers!

Scarves and Voo-Doo Dolls

Pretty Pendant

My Favorite Necklace! $116

Amazing Metal Work Necklace and Ring

The Rings! The Rings!

Romantic Necklace

Chain Metal Earrings In A Rainbow of Hues

Stone Necklaces-$40-$60- Gorgeous!

Porcelain and Hand Painted Earrings

Chain Metal Head Piece- Amazing on!

Cuffs by Metalsmith Candice Vostrejs

Daily Candy and Target Team Up

Who knew? Just when you thought Daily Candy couldn’t dominate any more e-space when it comes to letting us all know about where the hippest place to have Friday night cocktails is, or give us a riff on the new “it” designer, DC has joined up with another retail God, Target. Yes, my friends, there is now a hip little spot, “Red Hot Shop,” to be exact, on Target’s site to give you the Daily Candy dish on what’s hot at the big, red dot. Last month they featured a skirt by Heidi Merrick and Shuella Rain Boots, which look to me like a submission from that show Shark Tank where everyday people submit their business ideas. Anyway, the DC does a nice job of editing so that next time you go, red basket in hand, you may come out with just the well selected, preview pieces and not a buggy full of bs. Heidi Merrick’s L.A. designs can be seen locally at The Gallerie in Aspen and Lulu in Colorado Springs.

A Heidi Merrick Fall '09 Design- Courtesy Heidimerrick.com

Metro State Jewelery Club Sale

Saw a flier today for the Metropolitan State Jewelry Club Sale. Today through Thursday, November 12, 2009. Showing on the first floor of the Art Building from 10 AM- 6 PM, outside Room 166. Support your fellow students and stop by for a stunner! I plan to check it out in between classes on Wednesday. See you there!

Where the Stylish Things Are!

Last Friday, I attended Illiterate Magazine’s art gallery opening on Broadway. Not only was the “Where the Wild Things Art” hanging on the walls an eyeful, but so too was the style seen on graphics designers, artists, photographers and ad people filling the space. Can I just say that copy writers have the best sense of style. Chris Reinhard wore an organic cotton jacket from Loomstate, and Jay Barker wore a pair of fabulous, YSL-looking eye glasses; which btw, were $4 frames from a bin at Flossy McGrew’s on Broadway. I unfortunately did not make it to the Goldyn fashion show; by the time we left Illiterate and drove past TAXI, it was 11 pm, empty, and the balloons, and white table cloths strewn on empty cocktail tables sent a message that I had missed a good party. So, over to a coffee shop opening on 29th and Larimer we went, to Crema. An awesome little shop, featuring the ultra romantic and lost art of the French Press. Crema owner is no newcomer to entrapaneurship; Noah Price is also the cream of the crop when it comes to Denver’s fashion scene, it turns out, he is the owner of local fave DVLP Clothing. I was over the moon to hear that Creme sources their coffee beans from the best, NOVO Coffee, another Denver company, owned by the Brodsky’s. On the corner of 29th and Larimer, I spotted what looks to be a new boutique, random, called the Strategy Room. Obviously the late hour meant no browsing for me, but I plan to stop in on a free weekend soon; from the window it appears they have designer denim and I can’t wait to check it out. Anyone with any details please comment! Just a few doors down on Larimer, we popped into Andenken Art Gallery and saw Scot Lefavor’s artwork. Lefavor’s work is amazing-mental note, must purchase a piece for my apartment before he get’s too famous and too pricey- LOVE the one with a man and his bags saying he’s getting the “F” out of here! I met so many interesting people and saw so many beautiful things Friday night, it gave me this excitement to be a Denver native. My best friend Dani Rose would have loved Friday evening. The art, the happy, easy going people, the stencils on the sidewalks, the coffee, the ideas and energy and talent in Denver. I’m so proud! Here’s a few pictures from the evening.

Countdown to Velardi Fashion Show at Invesco

Gino Velardi is a Colorado native, fashion designer extraordinaire who is self taught, self made, and a top shelf local designer. You have exactly one week to get your tickets for his show at Invesco. I was able to do an e-mail interview with Velardi; he’s in crunch time which didn’t permit a face to face over lattes. Hope this gives you a glimpse of his passion and dedication to design, and perfection in his craftsmanship, but to really get a flavor and feel for his talent you and I will have to sit runway-side next Friday. Can’t wait to see it live! I have the perfect LBD! Click here for details on his upcoming show. Read the full interview below.

Fashion Folio: When did your fascination with design and fashion begin?

A: As a kid, I watched my mother getting ready for events and how glamorous she would be, and that charged my desire for fashion. She would instruct me on how a woman should dress and what she should focus on, then once she showed me a fashion magazine…that was it! I knew what industry I wanted to be in. I worked as a make-up artist, hairstylist and an event planner…and all those experiences made me decide to do fashion design. I knew what kind of woman I wanted to design for and that I wanted to create my own business and it’s been a long, long road…but worth every experience.

Fashion Folio: Who is your muse for your designs? If a celebrity were to wear your designs, who would you love that person to be?

A: My muses are the old Hollywood heroins of the 1940’s. To me, that was a true epitome of a glamorous woman…that cared about how she dressed and how she was perceived by others. Their grace and elegance filled the screen with confidence and beauty. I couldn’t take my eyes off of them. I was hypnotized by their presence. But the celebrity I would love to design for is Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman.

Fashion Folio: Did you go to school for fashion design?

A: No, didn’t attend school for fashion design. I didn’t have that option as a kid growing up. I come from a large family and had to make due with what I had. I’m completely self-taught and through time and determination…I developed my sewing skills and with every show I push myself to create something new that I was afraid of doing before. I’m a perfectionist and anything less than that was not acceptable. I look back at my history, I see how much I grew as a designer and as a person. It’s invaluable to me.

Fashion Folio: Which fashion designers out there today inspire you and why?

A: Valentino is my favorite designer. I feel his attention to detail and the tailoring of his clothes are amazing. Versace was my first love at the time and that developed my interest in fashion design. His daringness in his cuts and sex appeal was very alluring to me. I also love Alexander McQueen…his visionary creations are jaw-dropping and he amazes me every season. He doesn’t hold back and his ideas of what a woman should wear is undeniable. Plus…I love all their fashion shows every season. Very inspiring!!!

Fashion Folio: What made you want to design for women? Would you consider a men’s line?

A: When I design a collection…I always have my mother, sister and grandmother in mind. I want to make clothes for every type of woman and they all can pick something from the collection that works for them. I do men’s wear and had a full men’s collection about 5 years ago, but most men don’t consider having something made especially for them. But I sew things for myself all the time. And I have men ask me where I got my suit or shirt and I tell them it’s my design, but again…they don’t special order anything. I plan to do one again, but my focus is woman’s wear for now. My new venture is developing a line of handbags…so keep a look out for them! J

Fashion Folio: What is this line’s inspiration/theme? Where is it sold? Where can readers find it?

A: My inspiration for this show was elegance! I’m very proud of this collection because it’s representing a new maturity in my designs and myself. This show is the most detailed and focused on collection I’ve ever done. All my clothes are custom made. BUT not expensive. For what you would pay at a high end boutique or major department store…I can do it for them, but make to fit their body perfectly. I love tailoring a garment to make it look its best on every woman. Anyone that wants a custom made dress can contact me on my website www.ginovelardi.com . It’s a real couture process. We have a consultation and discuss the garment, shop together for fabric and in the process of fittings and the end product…women love that level of attention. I want to make them feel special and unique.

Fashion Folio: Are you a Denver native? If not, when did you move here and why? Where else have you lived? Talk about Denver ’s style and if you design for Denverites and incorporate that style or not.

A: I was born a Colorado native and very proud of it. Never lived outside of Denver , but I know that day is coming to branch out and be in the city that affords me more opportunities. I’m really a big scardy cat, to be truthful. But the Denver fashion and art community has such great support for its local talent. We have some amazing designers here and that just fuels my desire to do more. I think Denver has a strong fashion outlook, yet it’s small, but we’re not a cow town anymore. My clients are local celebrities and socialites. But I dabble in everything…from my evening wear to sportswear…lingerie to swimwear…costuming and children’s wear…just everything. I’m always pushing myself and my creativity to the limit.

Fashion Folio: What are your favorite local boutiques/retail spots and why? Favorite coffee shop, restaurant/bar or other? Fave Denver places and faces

A: I’m a little bit of a recluse, but I enjoy dining out at a nice restaurant or even a local dive. My favorite is Sushi Den…love that place!

Fashion Folio: How do you dress day to day? What are your go-to wardrobe staples for yourself and what would you suggest for women to have?

A: My dress changes from day to day…depends on my mood. I love dressing up and being fancy and then the next day, I have a baseball cap on and flip-flops. But my fashion staples are a great pair of jean, of which I found at Target, and a great watch…then I build an outfit around that. My fashion suggestions for women is to focus on accessorizing. Woman can wear a simple pair of jeans and a tank top, BUT with the right accessories…can make an outfit. Be daring and have fun! There are so many fun things out there a woman can get away with, rather than men, but a true gentleman is always a woman’s best accessory!!!

Fashion Folio: Last words before show next Friday!!!!

A: I’m just excited about the show!!! I don’t have much to say, but I hope tons of people show up and enjoy an evening of high fashion and a fun event. It’s my biggest one to date and on top of that…it shows my maturity and dedication to fashion. I want to show the people an “experience” with fashion!

Gino Velardi Designs- Photo Courtesy of Chris Hibner