Common Era loves sharing their style with everyone, so we are participating in yet another fashion show- this one is for a good cause with profits benefiting Un Mundo and INVST.
The show is this Saturday, February 4th at Absinthe House, 1109 Walnut Street in Boulder and begins at 6:30 pm.
Tickets are $15, $30 or $50 available at the door or for advance purchase online at www.unmundo.org/fashionforabetterworld
See you there!
My favorite image of a bow is the soft, floppy one worn by Alice from her trip through Wonderland (I am of course talking about the classic Disney animation from 1951. No Johnny Depp here.) The image of Alice was one of a precocious and curious girl and the petite bow provided her with just the right touch of femininity and practicality (after all, her adventures would have messed her hair up pretty badly.)
But bows aren’t just for little girls, think about the return of the bow in the 80′s. Madonna made bows seem crazy tough by pairing them with fingerless gloves, leather and lace.
And now, bows are back- still a symbol of soft, girly charm but with punches of color, vintage materials and quirky new interpretations!
We can’t get enough of them. You should follow our lead.
PS.- You don’t actually have to look like a crazy squirrel who fell into a bucket of bows and superglue like in the last picture. One or two is just fine.
As you may already know, our very own founder, Debra Mazur, was presented with the 303 Magazine Award for pushing fashion forward in Colorado. For those of you who did not attend the ceremony (which is pretty much everyone since it was a very posh, VIP only event), we bring you Debra’s acceptance speech and a few photos form the event to give you a little taste of that special Common Era glamor.
“First, let me say that I’m flattered to be recognized by 303 magazine who always has their finger on the pulse of what’s happening in Denver.
As for my journey, I’ve always loved art and to me fashion is art. Growing up in the 60′s, on the east coast, my mother frequently played host to a parade of eccentric characters. One woman in particular I remember vividly. She was dressed in a way I’d never noticed or had even seen before. Creative, artistic and unique. This is my first memory of what fashion could be.
Many outfits later, I’m still a visual person. I see everything in shapes and colors. I can look at a garment and know how it will fit and who it will fit. Today, it could be said Common Era has become my canvas. I take a great deal of satisfaction when I find the perfect piece for my customer. In a sense, I’m painting the world one person at a time.”
Not to brag, but our owner Debra Mazur has just been given a 303 Award. According to the Denver magazine, “the award is given to people and entities who have contributed to progressing the fashion industry in Denver in 2011.” That’s right, Common Era, through its incomparable commitment to accessible prices and cutting edge fashion is helping Denver (and Boulder!) progress!
Here’s what we have to say about Common Era and its role in our community.
Only one boutique was asked to participate in our first Colorado Fashion Week. Showcasing up and coming local designers, Justice Kwesi’s vision of bringing a broader spotlight to Denver’s designer presence included Common Era because of it’s distinctive style and staying power. Like any design house there is a specific eye, interpretation and passion for perpetuating fashion. Debra Mazur, owner, founder and buyer, styled her show into three looks for the season: color block, cuddle cozy and power women. Housed within each were the trends to watch. Bold color blocks, longer hemlines, cutout details, crop tops, bells,pattern on pattern, sequins and lace. All of these trends have staying power as we move into Spring simply by switching to lighter weight fabrics.
Being the buyer with a ‘head for design’ gives Common Era’s two locations an advantage over pricey boutiques. Mazur explains her philosophy this way, “I’m what you’d call the opposite of a ‘brand snob’. I believe in cut, fabric and wow factor of the small manufacturer with a small price tag. I choose items I’d make if I had the time and resources. I encourage the production of trends I see coming and applaud those designers and manufacturers willing to take the risk. Showcasing up and coming trends before they hit is the kind of risk I like to take as well.”
Invested in big fashion concepts, small prices and local designers, Common Era also produces “one-of-a-kind” clothing and accessories in-house. Working with various materials, (recycling and re-purposing everything available) they create anything their imagination dreams up.
“Our favorite donation to local fundraisers are our ‘one-of-a-kinds.’ It’s important for the public to know we make things.” Good will to our community has forged life long friendships with people like Fran “Grey Braids” who at the age of 80 still collects donations several times a year for the Indian reservations up north, distributes food to the elderly and continually demonstrates how to age gracefully with a purpose. Mentoring students of design or business has allowed Debra another way to pay it forward.
Providing clothes, accessories and styling for fashion shows, fashion shoots, magazines and articles has in turn given Common Era wonderful exposure. Just in this past year, Common Era presented in Denver Fashion week, Frenzy, FNO, CFW, Green Streets and Fashion for a Reason. They also got to play host during the annual Taste of Pearl event.
Check out the reviews and posts on social media’s like Yelp, Metromix, the Examiner, First Class Fashoinista, CU independent, Valentine on the side, Denver a’la mode and Fashion Folio. Recognized by Westword as the “best boutique on the Pearl St. Mall,” 5280′s “best accessories” and the “hanger award” from the 2nd edition of ‘A Fashion lovers guide to the best shopping in Denver and beyond’ “best outfit for under $100.”
All this buzz means we must be doing something right! Congratulations to Debra Mazur for helping to push the fashion envelope forward!
The awards ceremony is next week and we will be sure top post photos ASAP!!
It’s always nice when a trend is aptly named- I’m sure if you’ve never heard of of “colorblocking” you could probably figure it out. It basically consists of combining 2 or more blocks of colors in an outfit. Does a white tee shirt and khaki pants count? Not so much, unfortunately. Usually it involves vibrant colors, or at least one vibrant color with a neutral (such as orange with beige.)
This trend was somewhat popular in 2009 but has come back with more force for 2011 and Common Era is all about it. While you could go out and try to find a dress or skirt with a color block design (see above skirt by Kylie Motel) and pair it with a plain top, for those of you who aren’t convinced, it may be easier to color block your entire outfit using separates.
Common Era has some great new pieces in that fit the trend but are easy to wear. For those of you who were at our fashion show as part of Colorado Fashion Week, you’ll remember that colorblock was one of the trends we presented.
Here are a few tips for getting it right:
1. Keep it to under 4 or 5 colors. Once you go over that you’ll simply look “colorful” and lose the effect of the big blocks which make such a visual impact.
2. Use colors that contrast and compliment each other- blue/orange, mustard/white, fuchsia/dark green or even black/white. A light blue top with dark blue pants won’t achieve the desired effect.
3. While more tropical colors were appropriate for Spring/Summer, add a neutral such as grown or grey to adapt the look for Autumn/Winter.
Here are a few of our employees sporting some inspiring colorblock looks:
And if you can’t handle this much color in your life, we have the best black and whites you’ll ever own!
The best part about this trend is that anyone can wear it- you don’t have to be a certain age or body type. Come in to Common Era to see what we’ve got for you and let our ever trendy staff have you walking out of there feeling like a million colorblocked bucks!
Colorblocked antlers and heels courtesy of Honestly WTF. Colorblock purse- Meredith Wendell.
It used to be that wearing glasses was the surest way to secure membership in the “outcasts and nerds” crowd. Wearing braces didn’t help either, but that’s another story….
Lots of people try to hide their defective vision with contact lenses or corrective eye surgery, but we’d like to introduce you to a cheaper and cooler solution: vintage frames.
Thick framed black glasses “a-la-1950′s” have been seen on many a young rappers’ face- including Jay-Z, Kanye, Childish Gambino and the new baby-faced rapper Astro on the X-Factor. I’m not saying I watch that show, I’m just heard some people talkin’…you know….”
Big or small, cat-eyed with sparkles or transparent grannie goggles that harken back to Warhol’s famous factory years, vintage frames are a great way to make a statement and add style to any drab old outfit.
So if you’re blind as a bat (like me) or just want to flaunt some vintage style on the slopes this winter with some one-of-a-kind sunglasses, stop into Common Era and check out our selection!
We fell in love with feathers awhile ago (you may recall our obsession with the feather hair clips awhile back) but our affair is still going strong. Feathers are great because, depending on the ones you choose (the color, the length, etc.) you can go from bo-ho chic to rocker grrrl to straight up hippie. Long hair or short, feather earrings look great on anyone and add an air of whimsy to even the simplest outfit.
Come see why we love feather earrings and try on a few! If you can’t find the exact perfect pair, call our Boulder store to make an appointment for open studio where we can help you make you own!
It’s always fashion season when we go from warm to chilly and cold to hot. Fall and Spring is when we look in our closet and wonder ‘what ever shall I wear?’ We understand your dilemma and we’re at your service once again.
Today is the 1st day of Colorado Fashion week taking place in and around the Buell Theater at The Denver Center of Performing Arts. September 27th through Sunday Oct. 2 many local talents will present good cause to take our Colorado fashion seriously.
This Saturday at 6:00 pm Common Era will reveal what we love most about this seasons choices with 3 distinct looks: color block, cuddle cozy, and power women. The models will walk among the art of the DCPA Sculpture Park.
Art and fashion at it’s best. Join us for a sneak peek of why we love the change of seasons.
WHAT!!!!??!?! I didn’t think it was possible for Boulder to make a big deal out of fashion! In a town where every day is casual Friday and CU hoodies are as common as a May snow shower, fashion forward events don’t seem to fit the bill.
That’s about to change.
Thursday Sep. 8th, Boulder will join forces with fashionistas from New York, Italy, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Russia and many more places to celebrate fashion. It’s the kickoff for fashion week in New York, but its success has spread far and wide. They have been so successful that other cities have come on board and Vogue magazine, who sponsors the event, approached 11 more cities to participate this year. Boulder is one of them. Let’s not let them down!
The event begins at 6:00pm on Pearl Street in front of the Courthouse. We can’t tell you what, but something awesome will happen. Seriously. Then, all night long (from 6-10pm), we’ll have music by DJ Crab Cannon, food samplings from Snooze, wine tastings, and a makeover contest.
Tina Gill from worthwhilestyle.com, stylist to the everyday star, and Sameera from makeupbysameera.com will team up to create the “afters” of the “befores.”
Audrey Michel will be documenting the evening through her excellent photography skills. We’ll then upload photos of the contestants on our facebook page and let the public vote! On September 15th we’ll announce the winners.
1st place: $100 Common Era gift card
2nd place: $50 Common Era gift card
3rd place: $25 Common Era gift card.
But, of course, anyone who shops at Common Era is already a winner. Duh.
This summer has been hot enough to make even the most dedicated fashionista abandon all attempts at a stylish appearance in favor of a halter top and hot pants…or maybe just a swimsuit. There are a lot of factors that may dissuade you from spending time on looking good- the weather certainly being one. When it’s too hot you don’t want to wear almost anything but the easiest, quickest, coolest choice. When it’s winter, the cold can make us cringe- and since we cover up with hats, scarves and coats anyways, why bother?
Another reason we may not focus on keeping up with all the trends is cost- with the constant changes in colors, the cut of a pair of jeans, mini skirt or maxi-dress, lacey boho or bold color blocks, a-line or pencil…a normal working girl can’t be getting a new outfit every weekend. We know, we’ve tried….
However- Common Era is famous for our super ridiculous hipness AND our super ridiculous prices. To make matters even more tempting- this Friday through Sunday at our Boulder store on Pearl Street we will be participating in the yearly Sidewalk Sale. We’ll be offering 25% off all markdowns, and we’ll have a lot of markdowns!
Marking down our prices even further allows you to experiment more, take risks and discover how wonderful it can feel to give yourself a new look and still have money left over for a cupcake from Tee and Cakes.
Businesses all along Pearl Street will be participating in the Downtown Boulder Sidewalk Sale. , so if you live in Denver, head on up for the day and enjoy a warm stroll along the foothills.
Our friendly staff is always available to make suggestions- how to wear a certain style, whether or not to use stockings, how to accessorize, etc.