Purikura, the ultra-cute Japanese take on the old-fashioned photo booth, was tailor-made for thirteen-year-old American kids, especially girls, and it's hard to understand why it hasn't swept the nation yet, in this age of the photo-booth renaissance. But in Denver, you can have your purikura at Q Club, a little bit of Tokyo located in a Colorado Boulevard strip mall. Just step inside the extra-large booths, which can accommodate a fairly large group of brace-faced giggling girls, and take your shots. But the fun really begins afterward: The photographed gaggle moves to a screen where they can embellish pictures with glittery backgrounds, clip art, drawings and other delightful nonsense. That done, the machine spits out pages of the sticker-backed photos, which come in sizes from ultra-teensy to wallet-fitting. Scissors and other cutters are provided, and the cutouts can be affixed to cell phones, in photo albums, on foreheads or wherever else a silly photo might be desired; if needed, copies are available for an additional price. Finish the experience with a round of candy-colored boba drinks and some foosball at Lollicup, which is just a few doors away.

Jil Cappuccio and her friend and colleague Kirsten Coplans, of Pearl Clothing, go together like a rather stylish Mutt and Jeff, creating two unique lines of clothing using vintage fabrics that are both very different and incredibly compatible. That the duo is showing up regularly now at gift and fashion markets around town is proof that some unions are just meant to be: Pearl's recut and embellished sweaters do look sweet over a swingy flowered Cappuccio shift, especially when tied all together by a solid pair of vintage Frye boots, which the pair also collects and sells. Visit the websites for news about where they'll turn up next.

Hotel Monaco is known for its pet-friendliness; the upscale spot offers all manner of four-legged comforts, including a doggy boutique, dog room service and in-room bowls and pet beds, among other things. But the hotel can also provide pets — of the fishy kind — for anyone who didn't bring a pet but would like a little company. The staff keeps a hundred-gallon tank full of goldfish in the basement, and they'll bring you a complimentary one upon request. Afraid it might end up in the toilet bowl? No worries: Hotel employees are trained to feed and care for your fish. Just keep your own paws off your new pet. "Some of them are in danger of being talked to death," a hotel spokeswoman says, "but no one has eaten one, to my knowledge."

Nicole Schaap loves vintage, but for her, it's got to be the real thing, not a knockoff. Schaap, who admits to having gotten teary-eyed once when she practically stole a Dior hat for five bucks at a yard sale, did time at Nordstrom and Neiman's, but is now turning a hobby into a business at her Englewood storefront, Crème de la Couture. The resale shop with a lot of personality exudes Schaap's true love for couture and antique garments, but there's more to Crème de la Couture than her favorite designers: You'll also find more affordable vintage and near-new high-style duds. "Let's all stop wearing jeans to the opera" is Schaap's credo. Crème de la Couture is the place to start heeding it.

When Wrangler opened its first-ever retail store here this past fall, executives gave several reasons why they picked Denver: the beautiful weather, the city's adventurous spirit, and because once a year, Denver turns into Cowboy Central for the National Western Stock Show. And if that's not reason enough to scoot your boots to Lone Tree, maybe seeing rodeo clowns and suburban moms shopping side by side is.

Why does it seem like finding a great wine shop is harder than getting a BOGO deal on a case of Silver Oak? It might be because wine lovers are a bit of an unsufferable bunch when it comes to procuring wine. We want a worldly glut of wines, wallet-friendly prices and helpful, educated salespeople who care about making sure we take home bottles we actually like. We want a fat selection of easy-drinking Tuesday-night wine candidates, right alongside bottles worthy of wedding gifts or years of cellaring. Well, that rare instance of wine-shop nirvana exists at Mondo Vino. Offerings from every corner of the globe are organized cleanly and explained with passion by a team of total wine geeks (and we mean that in a good way) who seem psychically aware of whether you truly need assistance or just want to be left to browse in peace. Free weekend tastings offer a chance to sample the edgier bottles in the store. Oh, that last critical ingredient we need? Love, plain and simple — and this shop's mondo love of vino is more than obvious.