Talking Shop

Boots are big this year, but for the vegan on your list, all those sleek miles of leather are a real bummer. Ahimsa Footwear, new this fall at 1668 Marion Street, has an answer to that fashion dilemma: Every product in the store is 100 percent vegan. Owners Lisa and Phil Young stock Doc Marten-style work boots, healthy negative-heel hemp boots by Earth, tall or short tight-fitting black stretch boots (with or without heels), and fuzzy faux-fur and suede boots, along with plenty of fashionable party pumps for the holidays. Call 303-860-8344 or visit www.ahimsafootwear.com.

Five Green Boxes, with locations at 1596 and 1705 South Pearl Street, has stuffed both stores with across-the-board gifts and holiday trappings, including colorful boiled-wool Christmas stockings for the mantel and patterned socks, wind-up toys, ornately painted rescued furniture, fluffy arm warmers and sock-monkey hats for kids. And in the big store, at 1705, a new men's department includes belts, wallets and a selection of funky screen-printed T-shirts that women love, too. Call 303-777-2331 or 303-282-5481.

In the Wash Park/Bonnie Brae neighborhood, Pome, 1018 South Gaylord Street, is decked out with vintage bouquet ornaments, kids' aprons, bath or hot cocoa kits, Jil Cappuccio coats and market bags and so much more (call 303-722-2900), while Pink's, a trendy clothing boutique at 745 South University Boulevard, has new things arriving daily through Christmas, from dressy party wear and splashy antique medallion necklaces to inexpensive cashmere-like wraps and the cheapest, nicest camis and leggings in town (call 720-570-2486).

And these days, grownups want toys, too. At Plastic Chapel, 3109 East Colfax Avenue, you'll find Frank Kozik's holiday Labbit. Also new for the season: The Gingerman Dunny, accessorized with a little spatula and cookie recipe, and a series of flocked and furry characters from the Yo Gabba Gabba kids' show. Call 303-722-0715.
Dec. 12-24, 2007