For the past decade, my husband and I have taken a week’s vacation in Aspen, Colorado every summer. We love to hike, eat out, go to concerts, read books, and John likes to cook in our apartment. We always stay at Aspen Square Condominiums which is across the street from The Little Nell and one of the best locations in town. The people who work there are so friendly and welcome us with open arms every summer.
So, two things you need to know about Aspen shopping:
- Most of the stores are high-end retail…
- …and their consignment shops are second to none!
So let’s get started and talk about my two favorite consignment shops in Aspen! The first one is The Little Bird (on Cooper Street), which is high end fashion resale. My treasure while shopping there several years ago was a sheer black Fendi blouse. Last year, I found a great pair of new black leather fashion sneakers that I wore on our recent trip there!
Another favorite consignment store in Aspen is Susie’s Consignment (on Main Street). They, too, have designer clothing but also items from stores like Zara and J. Crew. In other words….more affordable. On this trip, I purchased a beautiful black, sheer Theory blouse. It will be a great addition to my year-round wardrobe!
Speaking of consignment stores, my Fort Worth favorite is Crystal Tag on Vickery. The owner, Karen, is a lovely lady and very pleasant to work with. I have purchased and sold items at her store. I also take my clothes and my client’s clothes to Arborlawn United Methodist Church, 5001 Briarhaven Road. The church offers a “boutique style” shopping experience for those in need to select clothing for women, men and children. It is a wonderful mission that serves our community.
But back to Aspen….”What does Holley wear in Aspen?” I have to admit, Aspen is not your typical mountain town. Some of the wealthiest people in the world have vacation homes there and of course, expensive taste. So, I do my best to blend in with my “creative” style and budget. Truthfully, the women who actually live and work there are very down to earth. Khaki shorts and jeans are their go-to looks. A local Texas store where you can recreate their “mountain style” is the Sundance Store in Southlake Town Square. And since my husband and I walk/hike every day, I take a pair of black Nike pants, long sleeve t-shirts, a jacket, backpack, sneakers or hiking boots. Layering is always a good idea when on the trail.
Our tradition on the day we arrive is to unpack, and then head straight to Hotel Jerome to have lunch and a Bloody Mary at the outdoor Terrace Cafe. The food and beverages are delicious, and the style and people-watching are a bonus. On our recent trip, I wore an ethnic print maxi skirt, blue chambray shirt, a navy tassel necklace, a pair of brown Sam Edelman sandals and carried a large Goyard tote. I also wore this outfit on the plane and brought a denim jacket. Later that week, I wore the same skirt with a white flowy blouse tied at the waist to The White House Tavern…..which, by the way, is one of our favorite restaurants in Aspen.
Another favorite, is Kitchen…be sure to check out the pictures of their beautiful view and interior on my Pinterest board “Mountain Vacation.”
We love going to the farmer’s market on Saturday morning. The people, adorable pups, delicious food, and music lure us in every time! Since I like to look “Aspen chic,” I wore a perforated yellow midi skirt I purchased last year at H&M, repurposed the blue chambray top, and wore a pair of blue denim espadrilles. Having my Goyard tote on hand was an added bonus for all my market purchases! Since it is still cool at nights in early June, my go-to look was a pair of jeans, button-down shirt, and a black blazer or a linen army green jacket. Some nights I wore my leather sneakers from Little Bird and some nights, I wore a pair of Coach Espadrilles I purchased at TJ Maxx.
Besides shopping, hiking, and eating out, there are so many fun things to do in Aspen. The link to “72 hours in Aspen” on our Pinterest board will give you a lot of ideas. And if you go, be sure to visit the John Denver Sanctuary….a very special and serene place. It’s off the beaten path and just like Aspen, it’s guaranteed to give you a “Rocky mountain high!”
From Mrs. Twist: As I read this post from Holley this week, I am thinking what an invaluable resource Holley would be if you are packing for a trip and don’t know what to wear! Reach out to Holley with your destination and activities planned and let her research the best wardrobe ideas to make your travel plans a breeze! Check out her style on our Pinterest board for more ideas.
Holley Williams is a personal stylist specializing in closet inventory, seasonal shopping, closet organization and wardrobe consultation. Contact Holley at [email protected].
Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.
