Best of the West: Critics’ Picks Retail

Best shop for any women: Barbara & Co.

Rare is a shop that can please all ages and styles of women. But Barbara & Co. in downtown Boulder is such a place. The boutique could leave a 20-something saying “OMG!” while making her mother’s eyes light up with joy. Here, chicness knows no bounds.

Best newcomer that’s been around: Go Lite

Welcome, Go Lite, to the neighborhood. The outdoor gear and clothing company has been a local mainstay for years, but only recently has it opened a permanent shop in Boulder. Don’t worry, we’ll show you around.

Best place for foodies to drool: Peppercorn

How is it that a kitchen shop has become both a local favorite and a tourist attraction? Well, because the Peppercorn’s massive space is packed with fun gadgets, beautiful décor, shelves of glossy books and so much potential deliciousness.

Best future favorite: Trader Joe’s

As a college student in California, everything was Trader Joe’s: Chinese chicken salad for lunch, trailmix for snacks, enchiladas for dinner, and Two Buck Chuck whenever. Now, as an adult in Colorado, Trader Joe’s is coming back into my life. Does that mean I’m gonna gain my freshman 15 again?

Best spot to find bling, Just don’t call it bling: Walters and Hogsett

Boulder’s Walters and Hogsett has been around for three decades, and despite drastic changes in styles and designers, the shop is consistently on top of its game. Stop by, and get iced out.

Most style per square foot: Ville de Luxe

Ville de Luxe is packed from floor to ceiling with the cutest clothing you’ve every laid your eyes upon. It’s a small space, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in cuteness.

Best online tool  for shopping local: Etsy

We are not usually proponents of shopping online, but when it comes to Etsy, it’s the easiest way to track down tons of local artisans in one stop. You can see their collections, send them little love notes and even buy something special.

Best musician mecca: HB Woodsongs

Bluegrass rules in Boulder County, and HB Woodsongs is the hot spot for those who love guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukuleles and violin. Keep on pickin’.

Best way to connect with local craftspeople: Firefly Handmade Markets

You want to shop local, you want to support local craftspeople, you want to bathe in the glory of local creativity. Firefly Handmade Markets are one very good way to do all that. These seasonal pop-up shops are a tribute to small-batch art and crafts, including the market on April 21-22 at Chautauqua.

Best doggie vacation: Cottonwood Kennels

My dog once spent a whole week at Cottonwood Kennels, a beautiful facility outside of Boulder, and I’m pretty sure she was disappointed to see us.

Best way to save your back and marriage while moving: Taylor Moving

Did you know moving is one of the most stressful things a person can do? But it doesn’t need to be. Taylor Moving is legit—and we can testify—taking the pressure off of you and the family.

Best shop for a statement piece: Fuzzy Antler

Louisville’s Fuzzy Antler is packed full of pieces that make a room a room. Elegant, classic and refined, the shop is all about décor and furniture that says something. What will it say about you?

Best shopping when you don’t know what you’re looking for: Suburban Hill

Suburban Hill is an ideal spot for shopping for something. You may not know what it is you’re looking for, but once you get there, we think it’ll suddenly occur to you.

Best deal: Twin Peaks Mall

Earlier this winter, NewMark Merrill Mountain States purchased the Twin Peaks Mall for just $8.5 million. At the same time there were several Boulder County homes for sale for
more than $10 million. We’re just saying.

Most exciting retail newcomer: H&M

When H&M came to Denver last year, we were like “OK, cool. I should check that out.” But then, H&M announced it was coming to FlatIron Crossing, and we were totally stoked, like, “WTF! This is like awesome!”

Best place to get lost: Lafayette Flea Market

Lafayette Flea Market is a cavernous space filled with tables, shelves, cabinets and cupboards that are cluttered with all sorts of neat stuff. From military collectables to crystal sorbet glasses to vintage leather coats, you can take a cache of antiques and knick-knacks home with you. Or just stay a while and explore.