Volume 3, Issue 25
December 6 - December 19, 2001
by Kity Ironton
Kity Ironton finds the pur-r-r-r-fect his-n-her threads to make the season sizzle
That jolly fat man in the funky red suit is back, and he’s checking that damn list again. Regardless of where you and yours rate, Go-Go Magazine has scanned some of Denver’s most popular boutiques for the most sought after holiday gifts in sugar and in spice.
Shimmering, beaded, and beautifully trimmed – a handcrafted item is always a kind and unique gift, but a custom tailored outfit by a local designer is a thoughtful and distinctive act of love. Custom tailoring is a budding concept for most Denverites, and the specialty items available at these area boutiques are sure to be triumphant under the tree.
They may not look like Santa Claus, but Serina and Terry Gray of Serina Gray Designs Boutique (2412 E. Colfax) know all about making that special gift with the personal touch for Christmas Day. The mother-daughter team opened their business in "NeCo" (Near Colfax) in July and has been hard at work custom designing specialty evening gowns, personalized pant sets, and elite lounge wear. Serina Gray designs were the highlight of last year's Annual Westword Artopia, and this year in an unprecedented move, the Gray's have been invited back to strut their sophisticated designs down Artopia's cat-walk once again.
Essential pieces for their holiday line include a very sexy, angle cut red vinyl dress ($58) perfect for a New Years celebration. Check out the iced light blue faux suede set with a crop jacket ($52) and a matching pair of full pants ($50). Also popular is a shimmery purple and iridescent silver blouse with matching skirt ($99).
For an extra special savior faire, the Grays will custom design a gown or wedding dress. One recent lucky bride had a fully beaded corset, with a satin bottom, beaded shawl and matching veil--all sewn with love by the Gray's for $700. Serina Gray Designs Boutique will tailor any of their items to the perfect fit, including junior sizes. You don't have to worry if you've never ordered custom garb before, there is no pseudo-chic attitude in this family owned boutique. Instead you will find welcoming and warm personal service like a motherly hug from the time you walk through the door. Chic is the hidden essence of Shi Shi boutique (5 E. Bayaud). This little Broadway boutique has been held as one of neighborhood's best-kept secrets for elegant fare. Nurtured by owner Crystal Sharp, Shi Shi hand crafts almost every item in their store. Fantastic bags, whimsical pillows, suave jackets, delightful scarves, and elegant gowns--Shi Shi is a sophisticated trove of delightful designs.
Custom corsets ($80-120) in colorful and eclectic fabrications are made to be stylish and clean, and can be dressed up for a night on the town, or worn with a pair of re-styled, ripped, and torn jeans for a forward fashioned and avant-garde look. Remarkable handbags ($20-120) are offered in an array of styles from cute and collectable satchels to current and stylish elaborately beaded box frames.
Shi Shi also crafts handmade soaps and body products. Indulge yourself with a large glass bottle of green tea bath salt ($17), or add an accompanying green tea bath soap ($5) for an ideal holiday gift for the most discerning of friends. Explore the transcendental world of Shi Shi, and spoil your loved ones with a truly unique and specialty gift Ð or forget them, and just pamper yourself with a pre-holiday delight.
Sometimes the best holiday treat for the one you love (or the one you wish to love) is a gift that keeps on giving. Christmas shopping has never been so much fun, as you peruse through the specialty stores that offer unique, luxurious, and spicy items to heat up the holiday season. Stuff the ol' stocking this year with a tactile tidbit that promises to tease and tickle your toes.
"Ignite your passion" is the mantra at Pandora's Toy Box (528 S. Broadway) and is a chic and discreet shop of elegant and sensual fare. The top of her wish list probably includes something by Cosabella, Italy's lingerie virtuoso. Cosabella is renowned for their comfortable, beautiful, and tastefully seductive garb, and has been spotted on trend setting celebs like Sharon Stone, Mariah Carey, and Jennifer Aniston. Tantalize her spirit with one of Cosabella's infamous Soire mesh thongs ($14) available in a spectrum of 32 shades.
Aubade, another of Pandora's Toy Box exquisite lines, offers delicate "lingerie de femme." The sophisticated French line has been featured in Elle and Cosmo magazines, and creates lovely tone on tone fabrics almost too pretty to wear "inspired by tapestries of yesteryear." Wrap your betrothed in a beautiful Bahia French-lace set in holiday red. The Bahia bra ($69) and garter ($64), perfectly accentuate the ultra-sexy Bahia tie back thong ($45).
The discerning male seeking sexy yet savvy wear, will worship JM's "Wave" collection. JM boxer briefs ($19) are comfy and cozy enough to cuddle up to, yet snug in all the precise places. JM has created a unique contour pouch in and set fabrication to, as JM states so eloquently, "give the boys a home."
Need something a little less confidential, but still intimate for that special guy? Pandora's Toy Box also offers bathrobes, cigars, and silky jammy bottoms for that extra extraordinary someone.
Wylde Wear (364 S. Chambers) also specializes in the more intimate of reindeer games. Wylde Wear is stocked full of romantic videos, savoir-faire toys, and assorted remote control devices.
A chocolate paint set for lovers might be the perfect gift for that sexy chocolate connoisseur in your life. The kit ($42.99) provides the paintbrush and the passionate pallet of white chocolate, dark chocolate, and a milk chocolate melee. Role play Picasso and paint your aficionado with silky smooth lusciousness for a truly sizzling holiday.
Wylde Wear also suggests the elegant Escante gown set ($74.99) that includes a floor length gown, sweeping robe, and matching panty in your choice of black, white or enchanting midnight purple. Wylde Wear offers a vast selection of affordable lingerie in a rainbow of colors and also provides a full size range, including plus sizes.
Wylde Wear is the quintessential stop for the Yule-tide pleasures of the vibrating kind offering an extensive collection of various shapes, sizes and colorsÐ the Wylde recommendation is dubbed the "Decadent Indulgence" ($119.99). This mighty monarch of the electro-pulsating world has three different rotations, eight different speeds, and comes fully loaded with shaft beads and all the other essential but classified accessories. And just one look at this mighty maestro pledges satisfaction guaranteed.
So break out of the mold, add a little extra spice to your cider, and get a bit more cozy this sizzling holiday-- after all, 'tis the season!
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