shopping
Aspen Shopping: Ski Fashions, Jewelry, Designer Consignment, Art Galleries
Chic boutiques for clothing, gifts & more in Aspen, Colorado
Normally I'd say to skip the major luxury brand shops in Aspen, but my editor Chantal just spent a week there and reports that, in this economy, it's worth stopping by the likes of Burberry, Zegna, Loro Piana, Dior and Ralph Lauren to see if they've got any sales going on. Still, it's the locally-owned and specialty stores that really caught her eye, especially the art galleries, home decor boutiques with alpine-inspired gifts, ski apparel emporiums and the resale shops with finery recycled by affluent residents. Aspen has many shops for you to browse, but your time is precious, so we've compiled a few choice picks—just don't let the high-altitude cloud your sense of budget (and if it does, that's your excuse …)
Contemporary Art: The Aspen Gallery at Highlands
Fans of contemporary art shouldn't miss the Aspen Gallery at Highlands, where passionate collector and world-traveler Tim Mitchell curates an impressive array of paintings and sculpture from up-and-coming artists from the U.S. and abroad, as well as work from such established talents as Hunt Slonem, Gino Hollander and Comer Jennings. Tim is also a horse-lover who helps promote the World Snow Polo Championships held at Aspen Highlands every December. NB: If you’re shopping in Aspen Highlands Village, take a lunch break for some decadent comfort food at Willow Creek Bistro, the slopeside restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands.
The Aspen Gallery at Highlands
0133 Prospector, Suite 4115B
Aspen Highlands Village, Aspen 81611
CO
+1 970 920 4278
theaspengallery@gmail.com
Contemporary Art & Jewelry: LivAspenArt
"I might not have discovered the eye-catching jewelry here if I hadn't been tipped off by Beverley David, the Director of Marketing from the nearby Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands," says Chantal, an editor at Suzanne's Files. "I ended up splurging on a gorgeous, beaded lariat necklace and cool studded leather cuff bracelet. LivAspenArt is a working art studio and gallery helmed by the charming artist Olivia Daane Reische. In addition to making and displaying her own paintings in the gallery, and curating the collection of hand-made jewelry, Liv is a big supporter of local artists, and at different periods throughout the year she'll host select artists to paint in her studio. She's very friendly and has lots of tips on Aspen in general, so stop in and say 'hello' and check out her eclectic display of paintings and photographs. If you're there near the end of her business hours, around 4 p.m. (Aspen Highlands' galleries tend to close early), you might get to see her adorable baby boy, who gets dropped off by his nanny in the afternoon. He's a living piece of art, but he's not for sale, of course!"
LivAspen Art
0115 Boomerang Road
Suite 5201 E
Highlands Base Village, CO 81611
United States
+1 970 544 0411
livaspenart@mac.com
Ceramics: Harvey Meadows Gallery
"You don't have to be a serious art collector to find something at this contemporary ceramics gallery, as they have several affordable items that you can use in your home everyday" says my editor Chantal. "The Harvey Meadows gallery carries a large number of functional tabletop accessories that are as practical as they are artistic, from abstract trays, vases and teapots to mugs and cups decorated with colorful glazes or whimsical hand-painted motifs, especially the quirky line from New Mexican artist Michael Corney. The gallery is owned by two ceramic artists, who sell their own items as well those of internationally renowned artists. Prices start at $25 and most items are under $1,000, although some sculptural pieces can go for $50,000. It's a great place to pick up a little something for your home or for a gift."
Harvey Meadows Gallery
0133 Prospector Road
Suite 4114 A
Aspen Highlands, CO 81611
United States
+1 970 920 7721
Upscale Consignment: Susie's Limited
Fashionistas in Aspen shouldn't miss the great consignment shopping to be had there. Think about it: the town attracts lots of wealthy folks and retirees fleeing their former lives in the Big City, and when they get there, many of them empty their closets of all the fancy party clothes they no longer need. Your first stop should be Susie's, which stocks an ever-changing array of used and vintage clothing, accessories, shoes and ski outfits—many of them from well-known designer brands. "You can find a little bit of everything there from Chanel and Dior to great denim," says Lisa Johnson, founder of Aspen Fashion Week. "Be sure to check out the Designer Corner." At Susie's, the styles and quality vary greatly, and you'll have to sort through the racks to pull out hidden gems; it's best to come back often to snap up new arrivals and sale items. Just down the alley is Susie's home furnishings consignment shop, if you're looking for recycled antler lamps, affordable furniture and decorative accessories. You never know what you'll discover there …
Susie's Limited
623 East Hopkins Avenue
Aspen, CO 81611
United States
+1 970 920 2376
Upscale Consignment: The Little Bird
Opened in 2007, the Little Bird looks looks more like a fine boutique than a cluttered vintage and consignment store. Stop in to browse the color-coordinated, neatly arranged rows of well-edited designer jackets, sweaters, skirts, dresses and furs, most from major U.S. and European fashion houses. You'll also find clutches from Oscar de la Renta, belts by Celine belts, shoes by Christian Louboutin, vintage pill-box hats and a diverse collection of jewelry. While the items are sold at much less than their original value, don't expect thrift store rates—this store is definitely upscale in its presentation and pricing.
The Little Bird Aspen
205 South Mill Street
Aspen, CO 81611
United States
+1 970 920 3830
thelittlebirdaspen@gmail.com
Fashionable Ski Jackets: Moncler
If you've schussed down the pistes of Gstaad or Megève lately, you may have noticed chic ski bunnies sporting shiny, puffy ski jackets from Moncler, a cult French/Italian label. While other luxury brands are scaling back, Moncler is so hot that it continues to open shops in top resorts, unveiling its first U.S. boutique in Aspen in late 2008—and it's become the talk of the town. One convert is Clayton Dahlman, a ski instructor and TV host for Plum TV, for which he does morning ski reports from the top of Ajax Mountain. "The boutique is very sexy, and the staff is kind and attentive," says Clayton. "I've been stopped in the street and on the slopes with compliments on my new performance ski puffy. The color rocks—Denver Broncos orange! It's filled with goose down for the chilliest of days; I've been comfortable at minus 6 degrees Fahrenheit, before the sun rises on early mornings. Be sure to layer appropriately so that it's easy to peel away the layers—when it gets to 20 degrees, you'll be down to your merino wool Icebreaker T-shirt and the puff!" In addition to ski attire for men and women, Moncler sells boots, hats and gloves, plus handbags made with the signature puffy material.
Moncler
432 East Hyman Avenue
Aspen, CO 81611
United States
+1 970 544 5558
Western Hats & Boots: Kemo Sabe
Whether you're a Rocky Mountain native or an Urban Cowboy or Cowgirl, Kemo Sabe is the place to go for authentic Western boots and hats, which look good with their chunky silver belt buckles adorned with longhorns. Kemo Sabe specializes in made-to-order Stetson cowboy hats, and they have a vast collection of men's and women's boots from Rios of Mercedes, Stallion Boot Company and hand-made Lucchese Classics. Many of the boot designs and skins used are exclusive to Kemo Sabe. "Shopping at Kemo Sabe is an old fashioned, fun experience," says Lisa Johnson of Aspen Fashion Week. "Stop in and say 'Hi" to Zippy, and ask him to find you a Stetson and stamp your brand on it." If you do plan on scheduling a custom-hat appointment, feel free to take advantage of their "Reserve a Beer" amenity, and they'll have a cold one waiting for you …
Kemo Sabe
Aspen, CO 81611
United States
+1 970 925 7878
Pet Fashions & Gifts: CB Paws
It seems like everyone in Aspen has a dog, and, of course, they need to dress up their pooches for the cold winter weather. "I shop for Romeo at CB Paws frequently," says Shana Tyler, a fashion-conscious diamond broker who lives in Aspen with Romeo, her five-pound Yorkie. "I've bought everything from his carriers to his cashmere sweaters, crystal collars, cookies and more. We love it all! We stop in whenever we pass by to pick up treats for him. He gets excited when he knows we're getting close, and if he sees someone with a CB Paws shopping bag, he always tries to get into it!" NB: If you desire a one-of-a-kind accessory for your four-legged-friend, order a bedazzled custom collar or leash from Aspen's D. Haft, which will soon open a retail location.
CB Paws
420 Hyman Avenue Mall
Aspen, CO 81611
United States
+1 970 925 5848
Alpine Apparel, Gifts & Home Decor: Gorsuch
Like its flagship shop in Vail, the two Aspen locations of Gorsuch stock a beautifully displayed array of ski and alpine-inspired designer fashions for men, women and children, plus a well-curated selection of home decor accessories and gift items, many imported from Europe. Browse their collection of stylish but functional parkas from Bogner, less practical fur jackets from Roberto Cavalli, tops and jackets from Etro, cashmere men's sweaters from Brunello Cucinelli, and adorable Austrian-style dirndl dresses for girls. Looking to add some Rocky Mountain touches to your home? Pick up an antler candelabra or a pewter photo frame trimmed with a pine-cone and bear motif. Gorsuch also carries a selection of scented candles and Kiehl's skincare products. (The second Aspen shop is adjacent to The Little Nell hotel, and its third, slopeside location is just for ski gear rentals and sales).
Gorsuch
419 East Cooper Avenue
Aspen, CO 81611
United States
+1 970 925 7576
Home Accessories & Gifts (for kids too!): Eclectic Aspen
"For great, unique gifts, I shop at Eclectic Aspen, formerly called Les Chefs d'Aspen," says Lisa Johnson. Originally a purveyor of gourmet products and cooking accessories, the inventory of the locally-owned shop has evolved to include stylish home decor and garden accessories, and cute products for kids and pets. Stock up here on hostess and housewarming gifts!
Eclectic Aspen
400 East Hopkins Avenue
Aspen, CO 81611
United States
+1 970 925 6217
leschefs@comcast.net
Designer Children's Clothes: Bonnie Young
A relatively new arrival in town is the first-ever stand alone shop from Bonnie Young, a children's fashion designer who formerly worked as a creative director at Donna Karan. The light and airy contemporary shop is the perfect showcase for her exquisite line of minimalist knitwear for infants in natural or organic fabrics, and her fashion-forward dresses and sportswear for little girls—which, until Young opened this Aspen shop, could only be found at select upscale shops, such as Barney's New York and Harvey Nichols in London. Bonnie Young also sells hand-carved furniture and stuffed animals. Pricey, but worth it for an impressive gift or a statement piece for your budding fashionista.
Bonnie Young
675 East Cooper Avenue
Aspen, CO 81611
United States
+1 970 925 7299
Cool & Cutting-Edge Ski Fashions: Performance Ski
Stylish locals swear by this little shop, which, from its nondescript name, you wouldn't know stocks a wide range of designer ski jackets and pants from both up-and-coming and established European brands, as well as a collection of cool knit ski hats. Faithful patrons include snowboarding teens and grown men and women alike, including Lisa Johnson. "I get my ski gear there," she says. "They carry exciting lines from Authier, Frauenschuh, Prada Sport, Marithé François Girbaud and Jet Set, plus adorable accessories and fashion pieces." My editor Chantal loves the cotton and hemp knit headband she bought there. "It's from Kask, a hip apparel line started by a former professional free skier from Sweden, who learned to crochet during long drives between resorts, and started knitting beanies and hats." she says. "My headband is olive green and embroidered with a skull-and-bones emblem in pink—a rad-meets-preppy accessory to keep my ears warm on the slopes or in the city."
408 South Hunter
Aspen, CO 81611
United States
+1 970925 8657
lee@performanceskiaspen.com
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