Looking for a cool new area to shop? This occasional series takes a peek at one great block. Submit ideas to editor@denveralamode.com.
By Lesley Kennedy
Photos by Joe Mahoney
On the hunt for funky, flirty, unique gifts this holiday season? Take a little time to step out of the malls and onto Old South Pearl Street.
We strolled down the block between Iowa and Florida Avenues on a recent Friday, and found everything from purses to pashminas, candles to cards, baby clothes to body products and paninis to pastries.
Old South Pearl Street
Our first stop: 5 Green Boxes, 1596 S. Pearl St., 303-777-2331 and a new location just a few feet away at 1570 S. Pearl S., 303-282-5481. You can knock a lot of people off your list with one visit to this stylish store. For Mom: pretty scarves for around $36, a dolman sleeve sweater for $59 or Toms shoes for $46. For sis: cute socks in whimsical prints (sushi, dots, stilettos) for around $8, perfumes, lotions or soaps, a cool Flying Tomato kimono-style blouse for $44. For your bestie: an of-the-moment sequin tank for $38, knit caps for around $15 or a large selection of jewelry in the $15-$30 range. If you can leave without picking up something for yourself, you’re stronger than we are.
Next, we crossed the street to Polkadot, 577 S. Pearl St., 303-282-4307, PolkaDotDenver.com. Seventy-one local artists have their designs on display in this gift store. Find all kinds of jewelry — we like the charm necklaces (pick your chain, charm and letters) — along with watches, hats, bath and body products, soaps, kids clothes and toys, purses, barrettes, candles, cookbooks, tea and wine accessories, cards and more. And definitely check out the pashminas — at just $28, they’re a perfect holiday present.
Head down the street just a bit, and you’ll be drawn into PJ’s, 1509 South Pearl St., 303-777-8912, pjsboutique.net, a contempory fashion boutique. The store caters to both mothers and their teen and older daughters. The staff will put together great looks for both age ranges, so you’ll look coordinated, but not too matchy-matchy for your next family event or outing. Find fantastic price-points (we fell in love with a super-soft Pink Soup plaid jacket for just $68!), labels like BCBG and BB Dakota along with fab zipper-detailed purses, retro dresses, jewelry, sweaters, jeans and scarves. Once you discover this gem, we think it will become a regular on your shopping route.
Right next door, pop into The Green Monkey Baby, 1511 South Pearl St., 303-698-2229. Specializing in organic and eco-friendly items, you’ll find books, baby carriers, bubble bath, wooden toys, diaper bags, organic cloth diapers and swadlers, musical instruments, baby blankets, sippy cups, CDs, tutus, tights, parasols, seat cushions, strollers, Trumpette socks, bibs and more. Plus, a play area in the back keeps your child occupied while you shop.
Finally, we needed some fuel, so we grabbed lunch at The Crushery, 1579 S. Pearl St., 303-733-4117, thecrushery.com. We tried the tortilla soup (with lots of cheese) and half a turkey panini and were more than satisfied. This eatery serves all sorts of paninis, salads and bagels (build your own or choose from the menu). Next time we’re in (and have finished a 10 mile run!) we’ll try this treat: Stuffed Pound Cake filled with Cheesecake Cream Cheese & Caramel. Whoa.
Check out these retailers and more Dec. 4-5, when Old South Pearl Street hosts its annual WinterFest holiday event on the 1400 and 1500 blocks of Pearl. On Friday, Dec. 4, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy roasted chestnuts, hot cider and hot cocoa, an appearance by an Olde World Santa and horse and wagon rides. On Saturday, Dec. 5, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., visit the open air market featuring live music, a Christmas tree lot, more wagon rides, ice sculptures, Santa and lots of vendors. Click here for more information.
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- Old South Pearl Street
Editor’s note: Some of the retailers featured in this story are Denveralamode.com paid sponsors, but this story is not “pay for play.”
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