LOCALS ONLY | Liz’s 2021 Holiday Gift Guide
As we approach the end of 2021 and I close out my 17th year of business, I am constantly reminded of the wonderful individuals that have supported me on this journey – friends, family, clients, clients-turned-friends… the list is seriously endless. At the end of it, I guess what I’m trying to say is, I couldn’t do it without each and every single one of YOU. I am so lucky and beyond grateful to have you in my life.
In keeping with that spirit, I find it exceedingly important to put that same energy back into the universe by supporting local businesses. There are so many local artisans and talented curators right here in Denver and I am obsessed with the value that they add to my community.
In the beginning of this year, I set my mind on moving to Cherry Creek. I had fallen hard for its community feel, walkability, and charm; nothing else would do! Fortunately, I was able to purchase a truly remarkable home and with the input and skills of many of my talented friends, I am nearly on the other side of an extensive remodel. Everything is coming together beautifully and I cannot wait to share more of it with you all. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to make this move. Cherry Creek is amazing and I am head-over-heels, completely, madly in love with my new neighborhood.
I am committed to enriching my community by supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs and I hope that I might just inspire you to do the same. Below, I’ve curated a list of several of my favorites; maybe there’s something for each person on your list, or maybe there’s just a little something special for yourself – either way, I hope it inspires you!
I believe that shopping small and buying local are the easiest ways that we can spread holiday cheer. The holiday season is all about making genuine connections and by supporting locals we do just that. There is nothing more thrilling than meeting the maker behind a product or learning why an item was hand-selected and where it comes from.
So please, go out, shop small, support local businesses, and spread some holiday cheer – it means the world to those individuals. And, really, who wouldn’t benefit from just a little more joy?!
All my love,
Liz
JC Buck Photography
From the artist:
LISTEN TO THE TREES
LONG BEFORE YOU, LONG BEFORE ME,
A UNIQUE TREE STOOD, HIGH ABOVE THE CLOUDS IN COLORADO.
“Trees are often considered representative of life, wisdom, strength and power. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why they are so magical; but we’ve all stood completely still in nature and marveled at the trees. We all know the feeling. It’s part of what makes Colorado….Colorado.
And so yes, that was the feeling I was swimming in one quiet weekday evening in the Mt. Evans Wilderness Area. It wasn’t just ANY tree in Colorado that sent me into the deep end of this emotional state of wonder. It was an ancient Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine, part of a small grove of elder trees dating back to the fall of the Roman Empire with ages between 1,000 and 2,000 years old.
We have much to learn from our elders, they will tell us, repeatedly, what to focus on, what is most important, but do we listen?”
Visit His Collection Online: JCBuck.com
Haven | Now Open in Cherry Creek!
Part treasure hunt, part lifestyle boutique, Haven is all about the thrill of the perfect find. Some of my favorite purchases this year have been from Haven! A well-curated lifestyle boutique features indie designers, clean beauty, wellness, and an eclectic mix of home and vintage goods.
My Favorite Picks:
Baby Alpaca “Peyote” Blanket from Blacksaw
Blacksaw’s stunning reversible blankets are woven from alpaca fiber, one of the finest materials on the planet. This means you get luxury, durability, and comfort. This eco-friendly material is as soft as cashmere, 7x warmer than wool, and durable to stand the test of time.
Not your grandma’s potpourri. Handmade in France, these Mad Et Len potpourris are both magical and sustainable. Drop some Perfume Recharge on Pot Pourri Apothicaire stones and let the scent envelop you. Choose from three scents – Spirituelle, Terre Noire, and Nightsouk, all made of all natural ingredients, and create a custom gift bound to impress everyone on your list.
Visit The Shop Online: HavenBoulder.com
Original Works by Local Artist Kristen Larson Moore
untitled floral, 12×12 acrylic on canvas
“look” 40×30 acrylic on canvas
I am so proud to know the wildly talented Kristen Larson Moore! Her evocative pieces never fail to catch my eye, provoke thought, and thrill. I actually have several of her originals in my home. She’s seriously the coolest – you’ve got to check her out on Instagram @gallerygirl303.
CODA Studio
CODA Studio, a lifestyle boutique in Cherry Creek North, features unique gifts from local artists & makers. You will find chic home and personal accessories, furnishings in exotic woods and perfect table top pieces for your holiday entertaining needs.
My Favorite Picks: Mountain-Modern Luxuries
BuxieJo Bags and Straps
Crafted right here in Denver, these bags are the work of talented designer/maker Kerrin Pogozelski. Each bag is an artistic expression of rustic charm and individual potential. These are the perfect accessory for a mountain getaway.
Moroccan Glassware
Good glassware doesn’t always get the appreciation it deserves, but I believe it can set the mood for any occasion. These beautiful pieces from Morocco are the perfect gift for anyone looking to curate the perfect rustic-chic look of effortless elegance.
Hide Pillows
Can anyone really ever have too many throw pillows?! These beauties are the perfect pop of texture that every comfy couch or bed needs. They’re the perfect pairing of mountain and modern.
Visit The Shop Online: CODA.studio
SDB CANDLE CO
SDB CANDLE CO. was created by Scott Brown, who, while traveling the world, discovered his passion for luxury candles. Committed to the true art of candle making, Scott is devoted to delivering a clean, natural candle product, which is handcrafted with the finest ingredients, sustainably sourced from all over the world.
My Favorite Pick: Colorado Candle
Colorado is one of the most coveted destinations in the entire world. Known for its sprawling landscapes, its towering mountains, its lush forests, and its stunning diversity of flora and fauna, Colorado is a natural wonder full of exploration and discovery. The unique characteristics that make up the state of Colorado are the very same characteristics that make up the Colorado candle. Imagine yourself outside in nature, on a hike in the Rocky Mountains, observing a rippling river with a picturesque sunset behind you, and of course, within a grove of tall aspen and pine trees. This vision is brought home to you in the form of a wonderfully aromatic candle, featuring a heavy top layer of pine, eucalyptus, and mint. The middle layer of cypress seamlessly complements the base notes of tonka bean and smoke. The true natural beauty of Colorado is something that you can embrace all year round with a handcrafted candle that evokes all of the wonderful features of Colorado.
Visit The Shop Online: SDBCANDLECO.com
intelligent elixirs
Give the gift of good skin! I can’t live without Intelligent Elixir products. They offer clean products, free of toxic ingredients, that actually produce results! And they are locally owned and co-founded by a dear friend, Cat Tatman. Keep skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing into 2022.
My Favorite Picks:
Super Serum Kit
Perfect for the skincare aficionado, the one obsessed with healthy, vibrant skin. It’s the ultimate combination of products to promote collagen, hydrate and assist with cellular turnover. It will brighten and improve skin tone & texture to deliver the youthful appearance that your skincare aficionado covets.
Perfect for the moisture seeker on your list, the one who knows the key to a healthy dewy complexion is proper hydration and moisture. These products utilize ingredients to maintain internal hydration and surface moisture. This seeker will say hello to soft, smooth skin.
Visit Online: IEskincare.com
PERCH
Perch carries styles that speak to the many sides of the modern woman on the go – from casual to chic to special events to the mountain weekend, Perch has it all in many different price points! With shops in Denver, Vail, and Aspen, you can always pick up a beautiful last minute gift at Perch.
My Favorite Pick: Anything Miriam Suggests!
My “go-to” gal at Perch is Miriam. Not only does she have an amazing eye for styling, but she is also a pure joy to shop with! Look at her selections here – they are so fun! She has such a knack for putting things together and will definitely be able to help with someone on your list.
Check out Miriam’s picks online:
For assistance with styling and all things Perch-related, call Miriam Willard (303-588-1352); she will help with all your shopping needs.
Visit The Shop Online: PerchVail.com
Homebody
Homebody strives to be Denver’s alternative to the big box stores one sees throughout our city. They subscribe to the philosophy of Georgia O’Keeffe, who, in rebelling against the mass output of the Industrial Revolution, promoted the idea that everything a person chooses to live with — art, clothing, home decor — should reflect a visually pleasing aesthetic, and should be done beautifully. Homebody embraces hand-made items derived and produced from individual creativity and skill. Every item in Homebody has been carefully hand selected with love and will bring a splash of beauty into your home and life. They carry beautiful items from Europe, Africa, South and Central America, Australia, Iran, India, Japan and the US. They’re motto: No bunk. No junk. No imitations.
My Favorite Picks: European Luxuries
A French Gift
including a waffle weave linen hand towel in greyish blue, a lavender filled Liberty of London fabric eye mask and a luxury laundry detergent for your special fine washables that will make your clothes and laundry room smell divine.
Herbal Teas
made with medicinal plants and flowers from the Austrian Alps. Dried and mixed for you with love in Salzberg by Be My Friend, an Austrian Earth Friendly company + a French glass tea diffuser with a wood lid.
Leather Luxury Games
made in France including a travel backgammon set and playing cards.
Visit Online: HomebodyDenver.com
The Woods Fine Jewelry
Sisters Shawn and Sam founded they’re one-of-a-kind statement jewelry collection in 2005 in Aspen and have been making waves ever since. I love their unique approach to jewelry, incorporating their passions for art, fashion, music, architecture, nature, and spirituality into every piece. You’re sure to find something unique and exciting that will leave people wondering where you found such distinctive designs.
My Favorite Pick: Pave Diamond Circle Clasp Sterling Silver Chain
A statement chain on its own, but it goes great with one or more pendants. Shown here with: Dumortierite set in Sterling Silver with Pave Diamonds.
Visit Online: TheWoodsFineJewelry.com
Modern Puzzles
Modern Puzzles is the vision of two graphic designers, Gavin Levy and William Logan, who have united their passion for mid-century modern architecture and design with their newly found passion for challenging puzzles. During the stay at home orders due to COVID-19, both designers saw an opportunity to create fun puzzles that included themes and motifs that incorporated modernist design elements.
My Favorite Pick: “Billy’s Burgers”
Like everyone lately, I’ve found a new joy in simpler pleasures. Sometimes you just need something relaxing to focus on while you recharge at home. On your own or with a friend, this puzzle’s round edges (!) present a unique challenge and a beautiful mid-mod design. Perfect for the modernism enthusiast on your list!
Visit Online: ModernPuzzles.com
OAK Market
At OAK Market, an expansive selection is always available to delight the senses and power you through your day, whether you’re stopping in to work and relax, or grabbing packaged goods for later. I have taken to stopping in for coffee, or the occasional lunch meeting. This place has a vibe and I am loving it.
It’s also the perfect place to drop in while shopping all of Cherry Creek’s wonderful boutiques!
My Favorite Pick: Gift Cards
Easy-peasy for that tricky gift on your list – I love this place and encourage you to check it out!
Visit Online: ClaytonDenver.com
