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!

Let’s Make a Pack

With summer trips just on the horizon, it’s time to start editing the suitcase; yes before it’s even packed. I’m so excited and very honored to be a bridesmaid in the wedding of a great girl, Brittin Asbury, this July in Steamboat, Colorado. Congrats Britt and Tommy! A weekend wedding will call for a very different packing list than below which I’m sure I’ll post about later, but I’m also planning my very first trip outside the U.S. this summer! Although it’s just south of the border, I’m no less excited! With my passport on its way, I am trying to contain my excitement with distraction by planning what to bring to hot, humid, gorgeous Playa del Carmen, Mexico! Here’s a few things I already have in my closet that need to make it in. Below, a fedora, sandals from True Love, a couple of sarongs purchased from Ross years ago, I wear them to African dance class, a plaid romper from Buffalo Exchange last summer, and a green, spandex American Apparel ice-skating dress, there’s not many places suitable for a dress that fits like a ballet leotard so I figure Mexico is perfect for it, and a Liberty of London scarf I thrifted a couple weekends ago for $1.50, total score; they retail online for 195.00 British Pounds!

Then there’s the things on my wish list. Why is there always a list going before you even get to your destination? I’ve been wanting a straw bucket bag for a while, but haven’t managed to find the perfect shape or softness. This gorgeous Balenciaga, my favorite, has been in many editorial spreads lately. Sigh… A caftan by the talented Melssa Odabash whom I discovered on Net-a-Porter recently, would be amazing, but I did see a Michael Kors caftan tunic last weekend at the new Nordstrom Rack on Colorado Blvd. It was a blah, tan color though and didn’t cut the mustard. Then there’s this year’s version of the gladiator sandal, the hooded sandal. A few pairs of beaded gladiators by Sam Edelman at Nordstrom Rack caught my eye too. A floppy straw sun hat that I tryed on at the Goorin hat store on Larimer Square this weekend, less than $40. Last, but not least, the bikini. Many, many bikinis. I LOVE swimwear by Vix, but Target isn’t looking too shabby!

Balenciaga Spring 2010 Classic Straw Bag- $945

Elizabeth and James Hooded Sandal- Nordstrom.com

Hermes Printed Beach Towel

Melissa Odabash Cover-up- Melissaodabash.com

Melissa Odabash Caftan- MelissaOdabash.com

Prada Straw and Leather Shopper

Denver Weekend Guide

Eat: Start with a Dangerous Monkey drip coffee at Pablo’s Coffee to get you wide eyed and bushy tailed. Stroll down 6th Avenue to the Esquire Theater and see Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell on the silver screen in Crazy Heart, at the Esquire Theater. After all the hard drinking and broken marriages Bridges’ goes through, you may have worked up an appetite. Head straight to Table 6 and nibble on Little Phillies and Fried Brussel Sprouts before cutting into your Sirloin Minute Steak. Cap off the evening with a closing Novo espresso (served at Table 6). Voila! Perfect date night!
Pablo’s Coffee: 630 East 6th Avenue, Denver, CO 80203 303.744.3323
Esquire:590 Downing Street, Denver, CO 80218 303.352.1992
Table 6: 609 Corona Street, Denver, CO 80218 303.831.8800

Pray: With Good Friday and Easter this weekend, if you are spiritual or a believer, be sure to count your blessings and give thanks to the Lord. What better place than the gorgeous, magnificent Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, on Colfax and Logan, to attend an Easter service.

Fashion Denver First Friday attendees-photo courtesy of FashionDenver.com

Love: This also happens to be First Friday of the month which as you all know means, art, shopping, drinks and more than enough to do. My top picks would be the champagne First Fridays at True Love Shoes and Accessories on Broadway first and foremost. Get your shop on! Spring has arrived, and you’ll definitely find a strappy sandal and bright, shiny handbag for that Easter egg you have to man this weekend. Next, shake it up and take a break from the usual Santa Fe Art District crowd, and cab it over to the Golden Triangle District for the First Friday festivites. Courtney Cotton’s work is the perfect eye candy to start April off with a pop. “Cotton’s work tends toward the experiential—capturing the emotional essence of an instant, often in a riot of rich color.” Meet the artist from 5-9 pm. And since you’re in the hood, head to Bannock Street to celebrate Fashion Denver’s one year anniversary of their showroom space! Have a beer from Wynkoop brewery and listen to jams by Sammy T. and give your congrats to Brandi Shigley and company for their constant support of Denver fashion designers!!!!
True Love: 42 Broadway, Denver, CO, 303.860.TRUE
Courtney Cotton Studios: 1280 Sherman St. Suite #201, Denver, CO 80203, 720.289.9323
Fashion Denver Showroom: 1070 Bannock Street