Araceli’s Denver Fashion Picks: Pay what you can at Denver’s Free Boutique

Posted by aracelil on Apr 10, 2009 in Boutiques, Colorado Boutiques | 2 comments

by Araceli Lerma, Style Correspondent – araceli@dfbeat.com and Rianna Brown, Staff Photographer – rianna@dfbeat.com

Today we have such a wonderful unique boutique. Why is it so unique? At the Free Boutique the only free fashion store in town, they provide a curated and cultivated approach to pre-owned clothing, and they make it all available to you, under a pay-what-you-wish-model. They trust you to decide what you can pay, and if it’s nada from time to time…well, that’s cool too. All they ask is that you keep in mind that they have to pay rent and supply and that they need a little something to keep it going on. Founders Adam Tinnell and Kate Kershenstein came up with the idea with after exchanging clothes from a pile, and have now moved the operation to the Denver Art Gallery, thanks to the gallery’s Executive Director, Charles Liken. The store is mixed with art and donated clothes from the community. Charles also has plans to carry five designer lines, and the Free Boutique plans to create more satellite boutiques in various stores around Denver.

Jumper dress and vest

I put this playful springtime look together to wear anytime. This jumper dress is roomy, and with the cinched-up sides, you can play around with the skirt length. Give it a boost with a lightweight neon tank top, and pair it up with a neutral-toned mesh spaghetti strap. It is adaptable for many occasions with an addition of a sweater, a jacket or even dressier shirt. I added a long vest that doesn’t overwhelm the outfit, and buttoning it up is a second option for giving a little shape. A matching headband is the perfect accessory. It adds to the girlish charm. Or simply tie your hair back in well-placed braids, and remember the looser and messier the braid, the sexier the overall look.

Plaid jacket and newsboy knickers

Here’s a bold plaid jacket perfect for the office, with subdued solid colors that flatters all skin tones. Since big patterns can overwhelm the average woman, stabilize the shifting patterns by pairing with solid colors. The boyish look is kept feminine with the opening of the blouse, and the hip length jacket, all tied together at the waist with a belt. The narrow lapel slenderizes the chest. The newspaper boy knickers clarify the businesswoman’s sturdiness, and they never go out of style. Keep it sleek with a mid-length ponytail; it’s an extra smooth and sexy look. Add your favorite antique trinkets, from family heirlooms to thrift-store finds, the older the better. Simple shoes complete the classic image, either strappy heels or flats.

Lace tube dress

From class to bash this lace tube-dress will be a hit anywhere.  Its simplicity works to your advantage. The varied repetition of lace tucks and plain spaces creates a rhythmical movement that attracts the eye. Too much symmetry in a tubular silhouette lacks motion; to balance a design, add a point of interest along the right or left half of the dress. The perfect match would be a double-breasted jacket. Pick a color that flatters your skin tone. Add jewelry that tells your personality. Keep the neck and shoulders bare. Instead, try some crystal and filigree earrings and a metal beaded bracelet of a matching color.

The Free Boutique is located at 2516 E. Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80206 (click here for map). Open Mondays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Myspace.com/thefreeboutique or Thedenverartgallery.com. Painting featured: Post Human Androgenous Unification Mixed Media Painting by Travis Egedy $1000.