Boutique Shopping: Beyond Colorado Casual

Whether you’re looking for that upscale designer jacket or a one-of-a-kind jewelry creation, you’ll find it at one of our unique home-grown stores. A few to keep your eye out for:

1. Mariel Boutique, Denver

The personal stylists on hand at Mariel, in Denver’s upscale Cherry Creek neighborhood where more than 16 blocks of shops can help you make a weekend of it, offer a personalized shopping experience to help craft the perfect look for your next soiree. From exquisite gowns to dramatic Vilaiwan jewelry, Mariel’s sumptuous pieces are hand-selected and guaranteed to be unique — the store only carries three of each item, so you’ll never show up in the same dress as your hostess.

2. Decade, Denver

Browsing is half the fun at this South Broadway boutique, where funky jewelry jostles for real estate with handmade purses, vintage belt buckles and Honeydew underthings. At Decade, you can very easily pop in for a bottle of Tokyomilk perfume and leave with a refurbished vanity table, a form-and-function diaper bag and all the clever birthday cards you’ll need for the coming year.

3. Cedar & Hyde, Boulder

A modern-day mercantile, Cedar & Hyde selects its apparel, home goods and gift items with an eye to handcrafted, quality products. Every item in the store is ethically made, from the artisan chocolates and Sefte baby alpaca scarves to the custom-designed rugs (which are created by the proprietors’ sister). Hop a few blocks over and you’re right in the middle of Pearl Street Mall, the town’s open-air shopping hot spot.

4. Two Sole Sisters, Boulder

Also nestled along the historic buildings of Pearl Street, look no further for your next pair of favorite shoes. From unforgettable Bos. & Co boots in the smoothest suede to super-hot Corso Como leopard-print heels, Two Sole Sisters has you covered. They also carry gorgeous Liebeskind and Tano handbags, scarves and sophisticated jewelry. Worth the splurge, these high-end pieces will make you feel like a million bucks.

5. Details, Littleton

Passersby can’t miss Details’ eye-catching window displays or the signature, flower-draped antique bicycle parked outside. Inside, Archipelago Soy Monogram candles, darling bottles of Lollia bubble bath and colorful Old Gringo cowboy boots line the shelves. Located in Littleton’s historic district, this charming little boutique is housed in an old theater and is the perfect place to find that little gift for your friends back home.

6. Vintage Sweet & Chic, Breckenridge

This warm, welcoming boutique is a love note to mountain living and vintage-inspired fashion. You'll find everything from home decor — like colorful mugs, super-cute knicknacks and embellished throw pillows, to mountain-casual duds spanning colorful joggers, oh-so-stretchy yogawear, stylish sweaters, flowy dresses, statement jewelry and so much more.

7. Gorsuch, Vail

Jet-setters, rejoice. This lavish boutique, opened by former Olympians Dave and Renie Gorsuch, has everything you need for luxe style in one of the nation’s see-and-be-seen locales. From luxurious Frauenschuh ski jackets to Bottega Veneta boots, you’ll find designer clothes as well as a selection of refined housewares and gifts in Vail Village, which will have you surrounded by dozens of other shops, galleries and restaurants.

8. Alpen Schatz Boutique, Telluride

Telluride boasts not one single chain store within its boxed-canyon borders. Truly a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, Alpen Schatz fits right in with all things alpine — from darling little dirndls and lederhosen for the kids to traditional Swiss dog collars for Fido. They carry an extensive selection of authentic alpine wear, like embroidered Swiss farmers shirts, alpine hats, stunning sweaters and gorgeously crafted leather jackets. They also sell genuine Swiss cowbells, adorable imported stuffed animals, delicate Austrian linens and a small selection of European furniture.

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Photo: Cedar & Hyde/Natalie Pigliacampo