Lov’d
Vintage denim
@this.is.lovd
Melissa Keosann, Owner
How did you develop a love for vintage denim?
I found a pair of vintage, made-in-the-USA Levi's one day and became curious about the history and craftsmanship. I have memories of the denim I wore in high school—lime green Wranglers, and a blue-and-white pinstriped Rocky Mountain jeans and vest set.
What inspired you to open Lov’d?
I never thought I’d have a storefront, but when I discovered the magic of a by-appointment-only experience, everything clicked. I source denim from longtime collectors, individuals who find me online, and during my travels. My focus is on vintage denim, especially Levi’s, Wranglers, and Lees. I’d love to eventually stock small-batch brands or Japanese denim, which I deeply admire.
Why don’t you offer alterations?
I believe great denim doesn’t need to be altered. It can compromise the structure or character of the piece in a way that takes away from what makes it so special. The only modification I consider is shortening the length. My business is about finding the right pair that works for your body, just as it is.
What’s your go-to style?
I live in vintage Levi’s 501s, worn loose and easy. I can style them a hundred different ways without overthinking it.
Low Rider
Vintage clothing, jewelry, home
@shop_lowrider
Susan McGrady, Owner
Everything in the store has its own story. How do they tie together?
Through a celebration of the traveling artifact. For example, a vintage piece of pottery: “Who made it? Look at this incredible glaze! How did it stay unchipped all these years? It’s Italian—how did it end up in Arkansas?” Then it comes to Low Rider, and someone loves this piece of pottery and takes it home. The story continues.
How do you decide what vintage clothing to sell?
It’s not so much about a specific style but more about the cut of a jacket, the perfect fade of a shirt, the vintage fabric. Wearing a cool vintage piece can inspire confidence, start a conversation, and connect the past and the present.
What’s most challenging about running a small business?
Staying relevant while also staying true to yourself. Technology makes it easy to see what’s trending, but we don’t select something for the store simply to be on trend.
Your favorite things in the store now.
We are fools for patches. Talk about the traveling artifact! A patch shares so many stories of our human experience. Patches like “Day Camp 1968,” “100 Mile Rally ‘72”, and “Pathfinders Selma TX.”
Fine Grit Gold Hill
Vintage denim, workwear
@finegritgoldhill
Caroline Wockner, Co-Owner
What made you passionate about workwear and denim?
My sister [and co-owner] Julia and I grew up in Fort Collins. We spent a lot of time unsupervised and digging holes in the yard. Maybe that was what inspired both of us to love workwear. Denim is an unassuming and highly storied material that only gets better the more you use it. When you personally destroy a pair of jeans, that is something to be proud of. Heavyweight denim is the ultimate slow fashion.
Where do you source what you stock?
Much of the inventory is sourced by Julia, who is a savant for flea markets, estate sales, and Facebook Marketplace. Also in the shop are ceramics made by fiancé, Ty [on Instagram @brookhartceramic].
Your shop is pretty unique.
It’s a family property with no utilities or water. This makes it ideal for fair-weather pop-ups. We’d like to take our pop-ups on the road, too, and have an 18,000-pound 1994 military surplus vehicle that would be suited for this task. Stay tuned!
Describe the meaning behind your business name.
One of my favorite towns in Colorado is Mancos—their motto is “Where the West Still Lives.” Gold Hill is a little bit like that. It's a fun Friday night, but do you possess the grit to chop wood and carry water? “Fine Grit” is about sandpaper and clay grog, and having a personal style that is distilled and refined, yet utilitarian.
"I believe great denim doesn’t need to be altered. It can compromise the structure or character of the piece in a way that takes away from what makes it so special." - Melissa Keosann