OFC OUTstanding Awards 2012: OUTstanding Shopping

People – Places – Services – Shopping – Restaurants – Nightlife – Write-ins

OUTstanding Pride Gear – Heaven Sent Me (Recently renamed “1 in 10”) 116 South Broadway, 80209 Heaven Sent Me is a place to find all-things-gay, from LGBT paraphernalia to sex toys and a healthy dose of activist spirit on top. It’s no surprise OFC readers chose the newly-renamed “1 in 10” as their favorite place for pride gear. OUTstanding Leather Gear – CJ’s 116 South Broadway, 80209 OFC readers liked CJ’s leather as much as they liked Heaven Sent Me – which is convenient, because the two are combined at the store at 116 South Broadway. Tailor and designer Carlos Larranaga is happy to make custom-fitted gear at the Denver location. OUTstanding Adult Toys – The Crypt 8 Broadway, 80203 OFC readers favored the Crypt for adult gadgets, accessories and apparel. Aside from its vast collection of Adult DVD’s, The Crypt has got you covered if you need bondage gear, bedroom toys, lubes, condoms, lingerie and anything that is sure to satisfy or assist in your playful passions. OUTstanding Underwear Local – Needz 135 Broadway, 80203 The place is called Needz since it’s widely agreed – everybody needs underwear; join the stampede! Our readers all wear it (except a few, we concede), so follow their lead and proceed there with speed. OUTstanding Drag Queen Store – Studio Lites 333 Broadway, 80203 Readers decided that Studio Lites has got what they need. From medical and costume wigs to hosiery, clubwear and exotic clothing, Studio Lites is the favorite for quality accessories to keep the girls classy and sassy. OUTstanding General Shopping – Cherry Creek Shopping Center On 1st and Steele Is it any surprise that Cherry Creek Shopping Center is the top-shop-spot for OFC readers? The upscale retail detail in the heart of Denver is a hop from Downtown and Capitol Hill – a preferred stop for locals and tourists alike. OUTstanding Bargain Clothing – Buffalo Exchange 51 Broadway, 80203 This thrift-and-exchange on Colorado’s Front Range lets you rearrange your wardrobe for pocket change. A favorite among hipsters, college students and the thrifty fashionista, Buffalo Exchange won our reader’s vote for a place to buy, sell and trade clothing. OUTstanding Clothing, Women’s – Fancy Tiger 14 South Broadway The women’s apparel at the little boutique on Broadway and Ellsworth is what won the OFC reader’s vote for Fancy Tiger, a company for clothes and crafts – and in this case, lines from local independent designers. OUTstanding Clothing, Men’s – Soul Haus 1225 E. 17th Ave., 80218 For men, clothing shopping starts at Soul Haus. This boutique that sells limited lines from cutting-edge designers around the world offers everything from retro-style brand name jeans and screen-print t-shirts to classy fedoras, and even the occasional selection of bowties. For urban-chic apparel, Soul Haus is the style supplier for men’s clothing. H&M 500 16th St. #130, 80202 The boys love the fashion at H&M, and OFC readers voted it a favorite after its highly anticipated entry on Denver’s retail market last fall. With great prices and an incredible selection, H&M assures a one-stop-shop for that sassy new street coat or a new business suit and great collard shirts in every variety. OUTstanding Hats and Accessories – Kitty Mae 3559 Larimer St., 80205 Kitty Mae is home to your “happy hatter,” where Susan Dillon’s hats have been all the chatter. Her handmade women’s headpieces have an artistic touch, and Mae’s new men’s line every bit as much. OFC readers elected Kitty May their 2012 favorite. OUTstanding Liquor Store – Argonaut 760 East Colfax Ave., 80203 Argonaut’s is a bona-fide warehouse, with wide selections of beer and booze. At walking distance from the densely-packed apartments of Capitol Hill’s gayborhood, it’s a prime remedy for the tragic realization you’ve run out of liquor halfway through the party. Our readers count on it as a mainstay – and an affordable one to boot.