Style is fluid. Stagnation and restriction are the death rattles of creativity. Simply harken back to the blended weeks of fear-drenched monotony that started the pandemic: homes became both sanctuaries and cells. We got bored and scared––purchases of delivery home goods shot up while supply chains ground to a halt. That sense of fun, aliveness and discovery that was vintage shopping just… kind of vanished. And now, a few years out, we’re learning to rediscover the pleasures of shopping local, secondhand and with intention. If you’re looking to refresh your home and return a sense of movement, contradiction and aliveness to your dwelling, here are four incredible local picks that will inspire and connect you to your community, yourself and the wider world.
Amazing Garage Sale
A combination antique and consignment store, this ever-evolving treasure hunt has been a Boulder staple for over 25 years. Owner Judi Lesta deftly curates the collection of midcentury modern furniture, statement jewelry, vintage finds and designer classics. What sets Amazing Garage Sale apart is the curation. You can walk in with $20 and find a unique piece for your home or with a bigger budget, you can snag one of their designer gems like an Eames chair.
Located in the NoBo Art District (4919 N Broadway Street) and is open for your shopping pleasure from 12 noon to 5 p.m. every day April-November, with additional hours for consignment dropoff. In the winter months of November-March, they are closed on Monday and Tuesday. Stop in or give them a call at (303) 447 - 0417.
Vintrey
Venturing 11 miles east of Boulder you'll find Vintrey––an ethically sourced and thoughtfully curated boutique in downtown Lafayette. Family-owned and operated for over 10 years, Vintrey’s inventory is equal parts secondhand vintage, locally handmade and ethically sourced goods. Everything in the shop is “good for you” and has a story. From how it was made (sustainable, natural processes) to who made it (fair labor), the brother-sister owners, Ricci and Jordan, source everything. They are dedicated to offering honestly good brands, not just stocking the shelves with whatever is cute and trendy right now. Their Vintrey branded goods (leather, textiles, jewelry) are handmade in India by community members whom the siblings have worked directly with for years. Proceeds support their family's anti-trafficking nonprofit, Child Restoration International [hyperlink for online article: ChildRestoration.com. You can shop Vintrey online or in person at 107 S Public Rd. Lafayette, where they host events like happy hours, Galentine’s Day tattooing and local business meet-ups.
Haven
With two locations, Haven’s timeless selection of vintage, designer and apothecary goods is always evolving but the vibe remains consistent: soulful desert, a little beachy and always wild and modern. The mother-daughter team that founded Haven in 2016 vehemently supports independent designers, rebellious artisans and handcrafted goods. Keep an eye out for some of the frequent events they host like flower arranging, wreath making, cosmic clarity readings, custom hat making and branding, botox parties, styling events, local business “sip and shop” social gatherings and fundraising events to support local causes like animal shelters or uninsured colorado children. You can shop at Haven in downtown Boulder (943 Pearl St Boulder, CO 80302) or Denver (257 Fillmore Street, Denver, CO 80206).
Low Rider
The Cinderella Story of an old gas station that stood empty for six years before transforming into a multidimensional retail event space is a contemporary fairytale. Owner Susan McGrady is the visionary who brought Low Rider to life in 2022 and she has been a creative community conduit ever since. Where can you always find expertly curated vintage and modern home goods? What about in-person style classes that bring your Pinterest dreams to life? How about pop-up markets for local artistic youths? Or evening mixology classes? One answer––Low Rider. A dreamy 25-minute drive north of downtown Boulder will deliver you to 7507 Hygiene Rd., Longmont, home of this Meow Wolf-esque boutique. If you’re lucky, you might see McGrady in person. She loves hearing stories from customers who connect to objects in the shop, so don’t be shy, join the fun.
