STYLE

RICH RAGS

The clock, once again, threatens to strike midnight on a new year. Not since the filming of A Space Odyssey has wardrobe in 2001 been such a dilemma. Did Santa effectively sack your holiday budget, bursting your bubbling New year's Eve plans? Dash down to Rich Rags, one of Denver's favorite women's consignment boutiques, where you can get a dress and still have a little left over for a bottle of the good stuff.

Pat Lickly opened Rich Rags on the corner of 6th Avenue and Downing nearly 13 years ago. "I have always loved clothing," Lickly said, "I was burnt out in my graphic design career É so I had to start from scratch." The shop markets to women mostly 25-55 years old; however, Lickly is quick to add, "All people like good bargains."

Rich Rags is a two-story boutique packed floor to ceiling with merchandise, including the "almost free" room upstairs. They offer a vast selection of accessories including gloves, jewelry, shoes, and bags. "We often have a Gucci or Louis Vuitton handbag," Lickly said, "and we might have a couple of Armani's, but next month we will have Saint James instead."

Rich Rags obtains most of their merchandise primarily from private individuals, but through its solid history, has also managed to establish a steady flow of good regular consignors.

"We are known, though, for our evening wear," Lickly said. As well they should. An awe-striking collection of magnifi-cent gowns and evening dresses is avail-able in the latter half of the first floor. All of the gowns are for sale and Rich Rags even rents many of the dresses for that 'one-nighter' special occasion. "You could rent one of our $300 gowns for about $65," Lickly said.

Still didn't find that perfect dress? Just ask Pat, and she will put you on a call list and contact you when an item comes in that fits your every desire. "We like to give extra service," Lickly said. "It has become so impersonal shopping in a mall."

Excellent customer service and quality merchandise at affordable prices makes Rich Rags your one-stop consignment-shop to find that uniquely mouth-water-ing gown, without tapping you dry.

--Kity Ironton