5280 magazine (named for the number of feet in a mile, mile high city…you get it) has more readers than any local magazine in Colorado. They review restaurants, sniff out good deals, expose trends and keep us informed about everything from sports to politics to the latest new cocktail. Every year they put together a special issue with their recommendations and top picks. This past year Common Era was lucky enough to be their Editor’s Choice for Best Accessories!
OK, so this photo is a little blurry…but look how cool this necklace is! Where can you find anything like this in Denver? Where can you find anything like this anywhere? Hand-crocheted lacey bits combined with metal chains of all sizes and a string of rhinestones. This is the ultimate tribute to the “tough but sweet” attitude. And you won’t find any two pieces alike, ever. Heck, you could even tell people you had it custom made for you and then they’ll slink back over to their table and ooh and ahh about how cool you are and how they never would have thought of that…
But we have so much more than just necklaces to offer! Glitzy clutches and messenger bags with monster faces! Gobs of faux pearls and delicate little bracelets… no matter what your style, we can jazz it up. What good is the perfect dress if you don’t have the perfect chandelier earrings to make heads spin? And remember- in this cold weather when you are all bundled up in a dowdy navy pea coat like every other poor sap- the best way to set your self apart is with a little fashion flair. Whether it be some fingerless gloves with an owl face, a knit beret or a fringed and studded purse, Common Era is queen of the accessories and we welcome you into our fashion kingdom…
Tags: 5280, accessories, best, editor's choice, magazine, top of the town
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Denver à la mode is “the scoop on Mile High Fashion, Beauty and Trends.” So it makes sense that they would come to Common Era and ask us to put together some stunning outfits for their newest feature “Four hot looks and seven hot books to warm up winter.”
From our one-of-a-kind embellished cardigans to our cozy knit berets, mini dresses and vibrant hued tights, there is no reason to look like a drab winter marshmallow when you walk out the door. Our fab faux fur jackets paired with our adorable gloves, eye catching clutches and our amazing earrings will keep you warm and stylish, whether you’re reading a great hardback at the Tattered Cover, sipping a latte at Paris on the Platte or strolling down the 16th Street mall with your pals.
And don’t forget- while this is a Denver fashion story, we also have our original Common Era location with all the same dazzling fashion finds in Boulder and 16th and Pearl!
Tags: cool looks, denver a la mode, hot books, outfits
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Also, commonly referred to as: card cases. Look how sensational these are! This lovely pair, along with ALL of our card cases are one-of-a-kind. That means you will never see anyone else with the same one. They are like snowflakes, only better because of the storage capacity and the vibrant colors and their resistance to melting (unlike snowflakes.)
So now that we’ve established that these unique mini pieces of artwork are amazing, let’s take a look at what goes inside. I mean, what exactly do you use these for?
Well, as the name indicates, their most common use is as a business card holder. How cool is it when someone asks for your phone or email and instead of scribbling on a coffee stained napkin you pull out one of these babies and casually flip the lid to reveal your cards inside? It doesn’t matter if you have the lamest business card- all thin and flimsy, black ink on a white background with a generic blue globe-looking logo. No one will even think to question why you are still at that crummy job when you keep your cards in a case like this.
They’ll be too concerned with guessing what other kinds of cool secret stuff you have and what kind of life you live- they’ll begin by imaging that you retro-fitted an old car to run on biodiesel, that you are busy designing your own line of super witty greeting cards, that you make a great massamon curry and you are taking capoeira classes in your free time.
Feel free to imagine your own way cool life, maybe even drop hints that you are planning to move to Milan for a year just to “expand your horizons.” Why not? With these card cases anything is possible!
Last but not least- not the business card type? You can store other things as well:
- other people’s business cards
- those punch cards for sandwiches and smoothies
- credit cards
- money
- a maxi pad
- to-do lists…
- a match book?
- ???
Don’t see one you like? Our amazing and crafty employees/salespeople/artisans are making new ones every day, so you can always check back. AND!!!!! If you feel like making your own, you can come to our OPEN STUDIO every Sunday (1-4) and Monday (3-5) at our Boulder location. For the same price as the card case we make, you can make you very own- using our supplies and workspace and getting help form our crafty, crafty employees. It’s really quite amazing.
Tags: card cases, Our Latest Obsession
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Amy’s top 9 of 2009
- Sons of Anarchy
- Mad Men
- long sweaters
- Seychelles “Dutches” t-straps
- Charlie Harper designs
- wearing lots of long necklaces all at once
- my husband’s garden
- Sunday night stitch and bitch with the girls
- The Rosebuds
Michelle’s faves
- Mad Men
- Danny Devito in skinny jeans
- The Hangover
- Day Man
- My new home in Boulder
- infinity scarves
Kelly’s Top 9 of 2009:
- the Planet Money podcast
- maternity style tanks
- the hype machine
- A Single Man directed by Tom Ford
- old lady shorts
- statement earrings!!
- empire state of mind by Jay-Z
- my rooftop terrace in the summer
- stuff white people like
Tags: staff picks, top picks of 2009
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Who better to let us know her top picks from 2009 than our very own founder of Common Era, Debra Mazur? Stay tuned for next week when the rest of us girls publish our favorites from 2009!
FAVORITE BRAND:
Our very own one of a kind line.
I myself own 3 sweaters and a lot of jewelry.
You own what you sew!
Open Studio has made that true for all our customers as well. In fact, we’re going to start open studios on Sundays, 1:00-4:00 starting next Sunday, January 17th. That’s so our working gal can get in on the action.
A BRAND OTHER THAN US?
I love what Luluvia, Solemia, and Esley have been up to.
My favorite coat every season so far is Ark.
My favorite jeans are Just USA.
My favorite dress is always Collective Clothing.
But I love what Minuet has been up to.
Beautiful, going out on the town to be noticed, kind of stuff.
All the little brands I carry did a bang up job on leather-like jackets.
So many styles, so many subtle interpretations…
With 20% off you can have your pick!
AND OUTSIDE OF COMMON ERA?
I saw Sherlock Holmes on New Year’s Eve.
I also watched Holmes for the holidays, the Basil Rathbone series, all 14 episodes on Turner classics.
And what about Madmen…
I think it’s the most cathartic show on television.
The American dream exposed.
It always hurts and yet we can’t stop watching.
Very well done for cable TV.
Tags: 2009, debra mazur, favorites, open studio workshop, picks, review, top
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Yay for the holidays! Yes, it’s freezing bloody cold out and no you don’t feel like leaving the house but now is the perfect time to get for yourself what wasn’t under the tree! What better way to warm yourself up than by trying on clothes- it’s a very brisk activity and is sure to lift your spirits. Especially when you consider all our CRAZY SALE PRICES.
And let’s not forget- New Year’s is only a week away! Now maybe you can get away with a big reindeer sweatshirt on Christmas morning, while you are scarfing down your pancakes and ripping open presents. Sure, go ahead. But New Year’s is for looking hot! Celebrating the beginning of a new year is like celebrating the beginning of a new you- a hotter you, a flirtier you, a dancier you and a more confident you. We’re not saying you’ve got to go with a mini skirt and 4 inch heels (now that’s a challenge with this weather and these icy roads!)
But why not slip into some of our great flirty dresses layered over some adorable stockings and a crocheted cardigan? Or what about some slim black jeans with ankle boots and a jewel toned halter? Already have an outfit in mind? Come on in and see our wide range of clutches, purses, necklaces, earrings and all kinds of holiday inspired accessories meant to cure your winter blues and get you started on the right foot for 2010!
Try updating a more sophisticated look with these chunky strands of pearls
One of our favorite trends this season is fringe!
Don’t forget the purse! The studded embellishment on this one gives the boring black color a little more edge.
Tags: fringe, happy holidays, new year's, pearls, studded purse, trends
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Almost everything gets cuter when you shrink it: people, ipods, desserts…Some people would say dogs too, but I tend to disagree since I find all small breeds to be yappy and without much personality. Hats, though, are great when they are small- a touch of refined elegance in a sea of dark overcoats that mask our individuality. Wearing one of our hand-made mini hats lets you show the world that these fabulous creations aren’t only for church-goers or people with names like Liza Doolittle- they are for anyone awesome enough to make a statement. Come on in and try yours on today.
Tags: hats, latest obsession
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What is DIY Open Studio? It’s the best way to have a fun and productive afternoon where you come away with an awesome, hand-made object, customized by you! I mean, we all totally respect that one creative friend who makes her own clothes, or jewelery or handbags, right? We at Common Era are always bragging about our one-of-a-kind earrings and necklaces and card cases and now our embellished sweaters for the winter… But who says you can’t do the same thing? Of course you can and we are here to help!
At our Boulder store on 16th and Pearl from 1:00 – 4:00 pm on Sundays and from 3:00 – 5:00 pm on Mondays, you can come in and make either earrings, a card case or embellish a sweater for the same price as we sell it on the floor! Which means there is no paying for our help, our instruction or our materials.
Here’s an example: you and your pal have always thought we have cool card cases but have never found “the perfect one.” So you come in, you each get a “blank” one and you hang out in our studio using all the same materials we use to customize them. One of our staff will also be on hand to help instruct you and what kind of glue to use (transparent, spray glue, mod podge), whether or not to use tape as a protective layer on top, suggestions on themes, colors, layout, etc. You could make one with all birds, one with your name on it, one with images of all the same color…the possibilities are endless. And this is an awesome gift to make for a friend or relative- completely personalized!
- We sell a card case for $12-$18.
- We sell our sweaters from $36-$45.
- We sell our earrings for $10-$20.
But what about private parties?!?!?!
Don’t worry, we thought of that as well. You and 5 of your friends can reserve the workshop space to have a party- birthday, bachelorette, or simply a “ladies’ night out.”
Each party will be about making a specific item- it could be a sweater party, a card case party, or an earring or necklace party.
For a party of 6:
- sweater party $240
- card cases $96
- earrings $90
Every member of the party goes home with the knowledge of how to make our product as well as the product itself! And if that isn’t enough- what do you say to an additional discount? We’ll also give you a discount coupon to shop in the the store that day for 15% off.
It doesn’t get any better than that!
Don’t forget- OPEN STUDIO in our Boulder location every Sunday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and every Monday from 3:00 – 5:00pm!! Now go tell a friend.
Tags: activities, boulder, card cases, DIY, jewellery, mondays, Open studio, parties, sundays, sweaters
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WHAT: awesomeness
WHERE: Denver Common Era, 1543 Platte Street
WHEN: Thursday December 3rd, 2009 (5pm – 8pm)
Winter Toast! No, it is not another recipe of ours for some sort of hearty, bread based appetizer. Here, “toast” means to celebrate and on Thursday, December 3rd that’s exactly what we plan to do (and you’re invited!)
The Winter Toast is actually an annual event held for the past several years in which the businesses along Platte street in Denver host an afternoon (5pm – 8pm) of delight for their loyal customers. If you are not a customer, don’t worry, this event is for you as well- to get to know this charming neighborhood and all it has to offer.
Common Era will be participating, as usual, with our fabulous finger foods and fierce fashion advice from a professional expert, Tina Gill of worthwhile style. Tina was at the Denver Common Era for our Girl’s Night Out event last September, giving advice on flattering colors, styles, and dressing for your body type.
And while you browse our newest winter gear, you may also revel at our Winter Window Display. 303 magazine is documenting a project that will take place across all of Denver this holiday season (not just Platte Street) in which they showcase the amazing window displays that Denver’s creative geniuses put together. They will be at Common Era filming (we are told) so if you’d like to get in on the action be sure to dress cute (duh) and maybe stand in front of our window display with this sort of doe-eyed look and point one trembling finger while with your other gloved hand you cover your mouth as if to say “I’ve never seen anything quite so beautiful.” That’s sure to please. Then you can go around bragging about how you were in a documentary, something very few people will be able to trump.
Oh- and once you have eaten your fair share of crackers, cheese and fruit and after you have gotten advice from Tina and Deb about whether or not you can pull off 4 inch long earrings, you will pleased to know that there are also discounts. Discounts! At the register you can dip your hand into a magical jar and pull out an instant coupon of between 10% off and 30% off!! Could it get any better? Well, considering Rob Pattinson turned down our invite to join in on the fun, I guess the answer is no, it doesn’t get any better than this. That is, until December 4th, when we’ll do it all over again in Boulder, only with OPEN STUDIO CRAFT TIME!!!
Tags: 303 magazine, common era, denver, documentary, platte street, tina gill, window display, winter toast
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WHAT: awesomeness
WHERE: Boulder Common Era, 16th and Pearl
WHEN: Friday December 4th, 2009 (all day)
First Friday! While Boulder may not be the fashion capital of the world, (or even Colorado for that matter), you wouldn’t know it from walking into Common Era on 16th and Pearl. And to celebrate our dedication to fashion forward thinking, Friday, December 4th we’re having a party (and you’re invited!)
First Friday is actually a monthly walking tour of participating Boulder art galleries that has widened its scope to include shops along the East End of Pearl and any other local businesses who feel like hosting a monthly event.
Common Era will be participating, as usual, with our fabulous finger foods and fierce fashion advice from a professional expert, Tina Gill of worthwhile style. Tina was at the Denver Common Era for our Girl’s Night Out event last September, giving advice on flattering colors, styles, and dressing for your body type. Unlike our Denver event the day before (Winter Toast) we will also be blessed with the presence of Sameera Ahmed, who will be offering makeup tips and touch ups.
And while you browse our newest winter gear, you may also revel at our Winter Window Display. 303 magazine is documenting a project that will take place across all of Denver this holiday season in which they showcase the amazing window displays that Denver’s creative geniuses put together. While this project does not involve Boulder, we at the Common Era Boulder store decided to participate anyways. I mean, come on! We have about 1000 feet of window space on a busy downtown corner. We’d be crazy not to take this opportunity to really wow all Boulder residents lucky enough to stroll by Pearl and 16th, not just our loyal customers.
But let’s not forget the most amazing thing about this day, and the main difference between our Boulder and Denver events- OPEN STUDIO. For those of you who know our Boulder store you may have noticed that this year we did some serious renovating! With a more open floor plan and decidedly more modern dark wood dressing rooms we are investing in our image and the customer experience. In fact- that’s why we’ve added a whole new section of the store which is used as a “workroom” of sorts. Complete with work tables, shelves full of knick-knacks, glue, sparkles, magazines, yarn for crocheting and sewing machines, the only thing you need to bring is your inspiration. The workshop will be open all day for you to make your own projects with our materials (for a nominal fee). From necklaces and earrings to card cases, pill boxes and appliques, we provide you with everything you need to walk out of Common Era with your own, unique, hand-made product.
Some come on in and give it a try! We will also have our OPEN STUDIO WORKSHOP every Monday for you to come back again and again. And just in case you need any more reason to show up: you will receive from 10% to 30% off of any purchases at the register when you reach into our magical jar. I’m just saying.
Tags: boulder, clothing, common era, deals, event, fahsion advice, first friday, open studio workshop, sameera ahmed, snacks, tina gill
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