Mention names like Monique Lhuillier, Augusta Jones and Melissa Sweet, and we might get a little tipsy. Now add price tags as low as $400 – $1000, and you’ll have to be putting us back in our chairs.

You can expect some bewilderment this weekend when favorite bridal boutique Alta MODA puts on its annual sample sale. To make room for new arrivals, they’ve marked down over 50 designer dresses at 50 – 85%. Seriously. The once-a-year sale is first-come, first-serve and begins at 10 a.m. You best throw on your comfies and grab some hot cocoa, but rest assured you’ll wait for your turn in style: the front parlour will be open and refreshments will be served.

As for light-headedness, we can’t make any promises. News of this kind just has that giddy effect. In the meantime, take a deep breath and grab a glass of water.

{See Stars}

Alta MODA Annual Sample Sale
Saturday, December 12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Alta MODA Bridal
637 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City
(801) 531-1215
www.altamodabridal.com

She hails from the Midwest and New England and lives in Utah, but don’t be surprised if you find Stephanie Brubaker shacking up in France or tip-toeing into Italy. Our favorite Francophile doubles as a Chalet-owner in the French countryside but in this neck of the woods, you’re likely to run into her at the market where she’ll recommend a good gruyere for your grilled cheese, or thumbing through Sevens at the Rack. (Go with the high-waisted boot cut, she’d say.)

What we love most about this Odyssey-drivin’ hot mama is her good sets of eyes … and ears. She knows it all, and around here, she shares her favorite local finds—be it Tulie Bakery or TV personality. Get more tips from Stephanie at her blog, www.stephmodo.com. You can follow her posts here.

Still looking for that one shop? You know, the one you love so much that at the thought of it, you find your lips painted cherry red and hair covered with your grandmother’s beaded pillbox hat. Some places just have that kind of dress-up and step-into-a-new-self appeal. (Even if that new self oddly mimics your grandmother at your age.)

Meet newbie Lucille Elaine. As its name suggests, this soon-to-be boutique taking residence in Fashion Place Mall is started up by the same stylish crew that brought us Kaleidoscope, and aims to impart a bit of ladylike class, 1950′s etiquette and style on its 2009 counterparts with the help from the likes of Roost, Tulu, Odd Molly and new favorite line Suzabelle.

But first, this shop needs a boost in the shopgirl area. Want to hang out in this friendly atmosphere for 20-or-so hours each week? You might be tempted to pull out your typewriter, but all you have to do is send an e-mail touting why you’re the best candidate for the fun and fashionable position to megbingham (at) hotmail.com.

It’s never too late to change your name. Or at least the name of your employer. Here’s to a new, old self.

{Now Hiring}

Lucille Elaine
Soon to open at Fashion Place Mall
Salt Lake City, Utah
Send e-mails to megbingham (at) hotmail.com with “Lucille Elaine position” in the subject line

Photography by Cody Buell

Most days, we’re happy with our little spot on the map. But today, we wouldn’t mind changing addresses for one a tad north of here. Why the wanderlust? Think See Kai Run baby shoes, Petunia Picklebottom bags and handfuls of Melissa & Doug toys all under one charming roof on a historic, walkable street. The kind of little shop that will have you coming back again and again. Even commuting for.

Nestled among award-winning Ume clothing boutique and the ever-popular Needle Point Joint on Ogden’s more-charming-than-ever Historic 25th Street, Little Cherry Blossoms is giving moms (and many baby shower attendees) something to shout about. A haven for baby shopping, this boutique is known for scouting out the lastest and greatest in the kiddo community.

Let your registry get more sophisticated than the Babies ‘R Us route, and give this shop a try. Your shower guests will get all the hand-holding they need, plus they have the really cute ‘n necessary stuff you really want like lightweight Aiden & Anais blankets, Trumpette socks and the softest pima cotton convertible gowns from Kissy Kissy.

What’s that you say? You don’t live in Weber or even Davis County and you’re not much for driving? Then hop over to Little Cherry Blossoms online, where you’ll find the same cute stuff,  and be taken care of just as nicely.

As for those of you calling Ogden home, we’re sorry if we’re not our regular selves next time we see you. Just like those girls in middle school, we’re just jealous.

{Now Blossoming}

Little Cherry Blossoms
184 Historic 25th Street
Ogden, Utah
(801) 334-0184
www.littlecherryblossoms.com

You’ve got that old dresser all dolled up with no place to go. Same goes for the yard sale chair you overhauled and the antique bassinet you completely made over. You’re the makeover queen. You love to revamp. It’s the re-use part you’re having a hard time with. Ever think of turning this little habit of yours into a little business?

Provo’s Kaleidoscope Boutique is turning things up a notch, for all you consigners and consignees. As of right this minute, this cute shop is opening its doors to consigned furnishings—whether it’s a vintage settee or a classically-styled PB mirror trio. Just bring your items by the shop in Provo’s Riverwoods to get the yea or nay.

As for the chic clothing you know and love the shop for, it’ll still be there too. Phew. Along with a brand-new (to us) and well-edited home collection.

{Consign Here}

Kaleidoscope Boutique
4801 N. University Avenue #350
Provo, Utah
(801) 225-1352

By Liz Stanley

Spotted: Brand new eclectic furniture consignment shop. Now & Again mixes yesterday’s vintage with today’s modern and opened just last week.

Good For: Getting a good deal whilst mixing and matching Grandma’s style with more streamlined, midcentury modern pieces.

Where: Now & Again (501 E. 300 South, Salt Lake City)

How Much: Prices vary as much as the selection

As for the FranklinCovey giveaway, congratulations are in order for Marae who wouldn’t mind having this bag “one little bit.” Marae, send an e-mail to ali at yourheartout.com with “doorprize winner” in the subject line to learn how to get this hot number slung over your shoulder.

As for the rest of us, it’s not too late to shop FranklinCovey’s Biggest Sale of the Year. Organization (and sanity) are just a click away.

Photography by Allison Cox

You married your home for its architectural elements. The lofty exposed beams, copper trim, extensive exterior stonework and old-timey masonry impossibly turned your ordinary Utah address into an exotic European villa—it was love at first sight, no doubt.

And with all those Old World elements comes a equally traditional interior, right? That’s where you’d be mistaken, dear decorators-in-the-making. At a new home in Stone Crossing in Provo, Principal Designer Jessica Bennett of Alice Lane shows how to punch up a classically rustic atmosphere with the help of poppy textiles, shiny finishes, colorful ceramics and an animal print or two.

At home number 14 at the Utah Valley Parade of Homes (located at 4283 N. Stone Crossing), you can see how to embellish with a Thomas Paul rug or Oly bedframe and still be true to your home’s traditional bones. Jessica juxtaposes old (think reclaimed ladders, magnifying glasses and camera reels) and new-but-timeless trends to create an interior that’s eclectic and interesting. The kind of place you want to call home, European villa or no.

{Alice’s House}

Alice Lane at the Utah Valley Parade of Homes
House No. 14, 4283 N. Stone Crossing, Provo
Now through June 13, noon – 9 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
www.utahparade.com
www.alicelanehome.com

By Ali Anderson Smith
Photography by Cody Buell

It doesn’t really matter what you’re trolling for. Sundress for summer picnic? New denim to jazz up your jeans routine? Frock for roommate’s wedding? Blousy top for job interview? Check, check, check aaand check.

We love a cute ‘n reliable shop that offers a little something for anyone on any occasion—whether the shopping list is long or short. And if it’s easy on the wallet and the eyes, then you’ve got us hooked.

That’s how it goes with Salt Lake’s Koo De Ker. The pink outfit that neighbors Hip and Humble in the quaint Ninth and Ninth shopping area has earned a reputation for bringing together affordable and forward-thinking fashions for the last eight years. (Eight years? Surprised us too. Time flies when you’re having fun shopping.)

If you’re feeling like a boho-chic goddess today and reaching for your inner flirt tomorrow (ruffles, anyone?), this boutique has offers the hardware for building any silhouette. If the staple you’re in need of is as simple as a dress, visiting this haven for the ultimate easy outfit is a a no-brainer. This shop is crawling with one-piece wonders: sleeved, spaghetti-strapped, striped and smocked.

Other favorites in-store right this minute? Billowy tops perfect for high-waisted shorts and skirts. Diamond pendants for dressing up summer dresses. Stacks of premium denim from the likes of Hudson and James Jeans. And handfuls of markdowns in the sale section—as well as tops that start as low as $24.

And that’s where we say check again, mateys.

{It’s Koo}

Koo De Ker
1037 E. 900 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 359-4870
www.koodeker.com

{Doorprize} This one’s triple the fun! Koo de Ker is feeling the YHO love and handing out three different $75 gift certificates to three readers. Is this your idea of summer lovin’? Leave one comment on this post before midnight on Sunday, May 24.

{YHO Special} Make it more than a fling and print out this coupon to get 25% off your Koo de Ker purchase through the end of June, 2009.

By Liz Stanley

Spotted: Green Ant’s fabulous (as always) mid-century finds in a great new location

Good For: Decorating a modern home on a budget

Where: Corner of 300 South and 200 East in Salt Lake City

How Much: Prices vary

By Liz Stanley

Spotted: Brand-spankin’ new vintage shop, Misc. (Pronounced “Miss C.”)

Good For: Letting someone else do the hard work in tracking down budget-friendly vintage wardrobe pieces and housewares.

Where: Salt Lake City’s “antique district” at the corner of 300 South and 200 East.

How Much: Prices vary, ranging from $10 – $18

It’s the last minute. Your sister’s best friend’s cousin’s 30th birthday tea celebration starts in one hour … and you haven’t got a clue. As to what to bring as a gift, of course. Here are five of our fail-safe favorites for gift shopping in and around Salt Lake City—whether it’s for your neighbor friend or best friend, you’ll find something in one of these five stops. Most offer nice gift wrapping, to boot.

Hip & Humble: Some of our favorite in-store stops include the rack of Meyer’s soap products (which just so happen to complement the shop’s minty exterior), the rows of colorful colanders, the antique tub filled with three-by-five rugs, and aprons decorating the walls. Other good hideouts include the baby section and women’s clothing racks harbored at the back of the store, as well as a jewelry case sitting opposite the register that’s filled with products from local designers. Read the entire post here.

Artichokes & Co.: Here’s a quick prep: You’ll see tabletops covered in everything from Papaya stationery to candy-filled paint cans; a vintage bathtub spewing with supersoft robes by Barefoot Dreams and Elizabeth W bath products; as well as shelves stocked with culinary treats like Barefoot Contessa mixes and O Olive Oils. Read the entire post here.

Frosty Darling: At Frosty Darling, it’s all about fun, which isn’t to say that a certain level of good taste isn’t part of the picture. Owner and artist Gentry Blackburn thinks of it as “a selling place for local crafties”—as the store is filled with screen-printed sofa pillows, cloth napkins and aprons in minty greens and bright pinks. These sit alongside graphic paintings and prints by local artists, and all are intermixed with vintage finds and things like brand-new flower-printed glass plates. Read the entire post here.

Nailed!: It goes without saying that you don’t have to be in need of a glycolic mask or nail refill to step inside this city respite. With Valentine-sy notecards from Paper Source (site we love), and pretty afternoon teas and Fig & Olive bath products by Mor, as well as nice bar soaps, fancy velvet slippers, pearl studs and bracelets, a little rack of pink-and-red unmentionables, urban-inspired handbags and hats, this boutique-in-a-house proves it’s more than just a dayspa. Read the entire post here.

Got Beauty: From cheeky reads and Aunt Sadie candles to cute underpairs and myriad lipglosses, you’ll find something for your favorite office mate or your bride-to-be bestie. Don’t forget to dabble in the fairly-priced shoes or sassy selection of carry-alls from Melie Bianco and Hobo International. With sweet clutches and trendy totes, there’s something for every maintenance level. Read the entire post here.

By Ali Anderson Smith
Photography by Lacey Jane Pappas

We don’t know who this Babinski character is, but we do know that he/she has a super good eye for scoping out baby stuff. This end-all, be-all boutique for baby shower shopping in Foothill Village isn’t new to the ‘hood, but its always-consistent inventory of cutting-edge cute items keeps it continually under your radar, whether you have a kiddo or not.

Think Oeuf’s sweet grey Sparrow Crib or modern Dwell bedding. Or snatch up a classic Storytime rocking chair or forward-thinking Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair. Blabla soft toys are in full effect as are Boon’s dining doodads. But aside from the come-to-see-it-in-person stuff, you’ll also see essentials like shelves of children’s books and urban BundleMe blankets, which makes us like this place even more.

One part clothing store, one part furniture shop and another part stroller gallery, it’s fair to say that Babinski’s has something of everything. There are diaper bags to try on for size, every shape and style of baby sock-shoe and several different Bugaboo strollers to try your hand at folding up. But some of our favorite items are those typically placed around the register. That’s where you’ll find truly special items from small-time (and local!) designers like Lou and Lee headbands and one-of-a-kind onesies from V. Lou Textiles. We love to see locals supporting locals. That’s what we’re here for too.

{B-b-baby)

Babinski’s Baby
1324 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City
(801) 583-2229
www.babinskis.com

By Liz Stanley

Nestled near the 9th and 9th area of Sugarhouse, from a first glance, Emilie Jayne might seem like yet another upscale consignment boutique with home furnishings in good condition, classic servingware and general, tasteful decorative household items—displayed in very nice monochromatic displays (which is one of the easiest ways to make goods look appealing, in my opinion).

But you would be pleasantly surprised to find that among the classic pieces are hidden vintage treasures scattered about … and for a steal. Of particular appeal is the vintage children’s section hidden in the rear of the store. I would go as far as saying that it just might be the best vintage children’s section I’ve ever laid eyes on—especially if you like to scout-out good deals like I do.

I picked up a good-sized basket filled to the brim with old alphabet blocks for a mere $25. I also got hung up on a huge, framed vintage map for $29 that took every ounce of self control I could muster up to walk away from. Anywhere else, those items would have been ticketed at twice the price, at least.

Cottage classics and items from yesteryear made for a unique selection, and the employees are particularly friendly, making things only more tempting. I’ll definitely be back to turn over more treasure, but I’ll be lucky if I can harness my self control the next time around.

{Emilie with an “ie”}

Emilie Jayne
801 S. 800 East, Salt Lake City
(801) 359-3356

They’re the little people in our lives but they acquire a lot of stuff, and fast. Shops like these four local favorites that stock their shelves with necessities for kiddos like myriad sock monkeys, colorful tutus and embroidered cardigans aren’t helping the situation. Whether you’re shopping for your niece’s birthday or your bestie’s first baby, here are the stops we recommend looking in to. It’s likely you’ll find a little treasure for you, too. (Never have we used the word “cute” so much as we did in these four stories. Sometimes, there just isn’t a better word for the job.)

Kinder Winkel: Despite the wide array of cute products, Kinder Winkel is easy to shop and fun to browse. You’ll enjoy children’s artwork, banners swinging overhead, bookshelves stocked with parenting guides and children’s reads … and the blessed sale rack. We see good stuff marked down every time we go. We daresay Sandy has never looked quite so cute. Read the entire post here.

The Children’s Hour: Three parts boutique (women’s, children’s and gift) and another part children’s bookstore, the Children’s Hour is the kind of place that, if threatened, we’d gladly put on our fight faces for. It’s one of Salt Lake’s gems, offering locals some hand-holding in terms of style forecasting, but warm enough to make you feel at home. Read the entire post here.

All Tucked In: You can browse a handful of European shoes for ladies, scan jewelry from local designers, spy gorgeous satin ruffled dresses for little gals, shop for popular children’s games, find a cute frock for you, and thumb through lots and lots of books for the kiddos in your life—you’ll even get recommendations from resident experts. Read the entire post here.

Four and Twenty Sailors: It’s fun when the place where your Grandma used to take you to pick out a special “Easter dress” as a kid turns out to be the same place where you wouldn’t mind treating yourself to an “Easter” dress, top, pant or shoe in your adult life. There’s nothing quite like a personal attachment to a local boutique. Read the entire post here.

We like after-dinner mints, peppermints, wintermints—even those 25-cent pearl-of-the-sea mints. But nowhere do we like mint so much—not even in grasshopper pie—as when we see its greenish hue wrapping the walls of one of Salt Lake’s best shopping locales: Hip & Humble.

What we remember as a kindly home boutique in Sugarhouse has matured into a full-blown, packed-to-the-gills shop that’s expertly merchandised and stylishly stocked. Consistently the answer for weary gift shoppers, Hip & Humble keeps goods on-hand for peeps off all strolls of life (with the exception of dudes), from cheeky onesies to elegant throw pillows to cool overhead pendants.

Some of our favorite in-store stops include the rack of Meyer’s soap products (which just so happen to match the exterior of the joint), the rows of colorful colanders, the antique tub filled with three-by-five rugs, and aprons decorating the walls. Other good hideouts include the baby section and women’s clothing racks harbored at the back of the store, as well as a jewelry case sitting opposite the register that’s filled with products from local designers.

Ladies can also look forward to perusing myriad soaps and lotions, gift cards, kitschy tea towels—even humorous sticky notes. And to top it all off, Hip & Humble is anything but skimpy when it comes to gift wrap. They’ll make it look better than you could have with your own two hands, or send you home with all the supplies you need to make it your own. And that’s a gift in and of itself.

{Hip to the Hop}

Hip & Humble
1043 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City
(801) 467-3130
559 W. 2600 South, Bountiful
(801) 298-3373
www.hipandhumble.com

Spotted: Spendy home boutique-turned-outlet store

Good For: Bella Notte, Yves Delorme, Peacock Alley, Sferra and Pinecone Hill for less

Where: Details Designer Odds & Ends (6213 S. Highland Drive; original store at 1993 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City)

How Much: Home goods for 20 – 50% off

So you’re ready to hop on the vintage train. Or maybe you’ve been riding that train since high school. Whether you’re a new convert or old pro, there are a handful of reasons to shop vintage now—and not just because Hollywood tells us it’s cool. Aside from one-of-a-kind appeal, bringing history into your home and thinking green, here are five favorite local reasons to keep up the old habit:

Moriarty’s Antiques & Curiosities: In a day when faux-vintage runs rampant, Moriarty’s gives a rare opportunity for a style- and history-conscious urbanite to scout-out treasures and knicknacks of her own. Moriarty’s serves up eclecticism and culture—if not a little oddball-ishness. It’s the kind of place we can see Brooklyn dwellers being wild about, but we prefer that it be kept one of Salt Lake’s little secrets. Read the entire post here.

Abode: The bright turquoise box-of-a-building on 900 East is filled (almost to the brim) with colorful items from yesteryear, both found and consigned. Alongside vintage aprons, dishes and serving trays that will brighten any living quarters, you’ll see antique hutches, retro lamps and mirrors fit for your grandmother’s parlor … and now yours. Read the entire post here.

Second Hand Chic: Displays here are color- and theme-coordinated and easy to shop, despite nooks and crannies that are practically packed to the brim. Vintage cookbooks sell for $6, a clear glass bird goes for $3, a set of pretty indigo china bowls are $12 for a set of six. Fun antique birthday and get-well cards go for $1 each. You’ll also see cake stands, glass buckets, and old chairs, desks and settees—even beds—and maybe an Elvis poster or two. Read the entire post here.

Elemente: Elemente has been around for 20-odd-years, providing Salt Lakers with nearly one-of-a-kind items spanning the thirty years from 1940 to 1970. Offbeat and unusual, this treasure trove serves up a hard-to-find touch of nostalgia minus the cutesy, cottage-esque feel of your average antique shop. Read the entire post here.

The Green Ant: Green Ant is packed with original designer furniture from such heavy architectural hitters as Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen. While some pieces might require a little TLC—a sanding or a new coat of fresh white paint—many of Green Ant’s originals are in near-mint condition. Read the entire post here.

Photography by Lacey Jane Pappas

Lately, the news has been a bit on the ugly side. If your vote isn’t enough to make things look better (but fingers crossed it is), why not try a different take on pretty?

Don’t be scared off by Got Beauty’s dairy-reminiscent name. Instead, cruise by this local salon-store combo for a quick beauty boost. You might not be able to fix Wall Street’s flyaway funds, but a Phytocitrus hair mask will make quick work of your flyaway curls. Or why not pick up some Du Wop Lip Venom for plumping up that pout of yours?

Multi-faceted for the multi-tasker, Got Beauty’s floor-to-ceiling shelves are lined with high-end hair products and beauty brands. Bumble & Bumble stands ready to solve your every woe, Du Wop is out in full effect (think eye color-specific eye shadows and aromatherapy blush), and lotions and potions from Blue Q sit tabletop—old and reliable Dirty Girl body lotion, anyone? And don’t forget to try your hand at OPI’s latest clever-named nail polishes.

Aside from the plethora of pick-me-ups, Got Beauty is also there for you if you’ve got gift shopping to do. From cheeky reads and Aunt Sadie candles to cute panties and semi-naughty what-have-yous, you’ll find something for your favorite office mate or your bride-to-be bestie. Don’t forget to dabble in the fairly-priced shoes or sassy selection of carry-alls from Melie Bianco and Hobo International. With sweet clutches and trendy totes, there’s something for every maintenance level.

And if you’re in the need of a last-minute costume, stop by to peruse what’s left of the Halloween selection. We spied a platinum mullet wig that’s calling your name. Unless a sexy Dorothy getup is more your thing. If nothing else, there’s always a lot of makeup to draw with, and countless kinds of false lashes. How’s that for good news?

{Get It, Got It}

Got Beauty
904 E. 2100 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 474-2090
www.gotbeauty.com

Writing and photography by Liz Stanley

At last, YHO features Elemente—an eclectic furniture and household consignment store on Pierpont Avenue where midcentury meets modern. Interested yet? You should be.

Elemente has been around for 20-odd-years, providing Salt Lakers with nearly one-of-a-kind items spanning the thirty years from 1940 to 1970. Offbeat and unusual, this treasure trove serves up a hard-to-find touch of nostalgia minus the cutesy, cottage-esque feel of your average antique shop.

Smack-dab in the middle of SLC’s art district, yesterday’s mirrors, paintings and maps cover the high walls of the vast, converted loft-style warehouse. I can always find a must-have knick knack on their well-stocked shelves, and their prices are reasonable too. Sofas go for around $300; table lamps as little as $15.

Retro desks and coffee tables sit aside full sofa sets reminiscent of your hip grandma. And unlike most vintage stores, Elemente is good about keeping sets of furniture together: You can often find an entire set of chairs or a pair of matching floor lamps.

Even better, be loyal to Elemente and they’ll be loyal to you. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, they’ll take your name and number and call if and when that original ’70s-era arching floorlamp shows up. And they really do call. Take my word for it. It’s no wonder they’ve been around for more than 20 years.

{Elemente, My Dear Watson}

Elemente
353 Pierpont Avenue
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 355-7400