Writing and photography by Elisa Scharton

Driving along scenic Highway 89 in Fruit Heights, Utah, passersby may (or may not) notice a sign announcing “Rock Loft, next right.” Naturally, you might assume that the Rock Loft is a store that sells rocks. And unless rocks are items that pique your interest, you’re likely to drive on. However, failure to make that turn would only result in your missing out on a hidden local treasure.

The Rock Loft a delightful group of shops nestled into the side of the mountains of Fruit Heights, Utah. In previous lives, this enclave on Old Mountain Road (which once connected Weber County to Salt Lake City pre-HWY 89 or I-15), housed a gas station, a dance hall—even a cherry warehouse. Nowadays, it’s home to artworks at the Canyon Gallery; delightful knicknacks at Secret Haven; designer clothing at the Hidden Closet; and, my favorite, the Bun Basket.

The Bun Basket is family-owned and operated. Upon entering, you might feel as though you stepped into Grandma’s country cabin—complete with her oversize kitchen table. A bakery and sandwich shop, the menu includes loaded ‘wiches of all kinds stacked on homemade bread. Perhaps best-known for its baked goods, you can stop by the Bun Basket for a standard cinnamon bun, but don’t miss out on the blueberry and raspberry varieties. You’ll want seconds … even thirds.

Like any trip to Grandma’s, guests never feel rushed at the Bun Basket. You’re allowed to slow down, enjoy homebaked goods, and talk with friends. But unlike Grandma’s, you won’t feel too guilty when you leave. Unless you had one too many blueberry cinnamon buns.

{Nice Buns}

The Rock Loft & Bun Basket
281 S. Mountain Road
Fruit Heights, Utah
(801) 593-9756
Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

We like to be reminded that people still use pens and pencils. That they jot things down in notebooks, write thank-you cards, use the Postal Service. So tuck away that iPhone or Blackberry (unless you’re reading this right now courtesy of one of those devices, of course), and step into Salt Lake’s Floribunda where you’ll find Crane, Vera Wang, Kate Spade and PaperSource stationery alongside Moleskines and address books. Maybe even a fancy pen to go with.

Another local staple that we’ve mentioned time and time again, this bundle of a shop serves as the go-to place for classic and classy paper goods from personal stationery to greeting cards, whether elegant or humorous. Some of our other Floribunda favorites include sold-separately sheets of designer wrapping paper, stylish datebooks and a great selection of 2009 calendars from Cavallini and Co.

Also keep your eyes peeled for timeless home accessories like glass birds and artisan jewelry as well as brag-worthy seasonal collections—the kind devoted patrons anxiously await. (Halloween isn’t too far off, you know.)

And if you’re planning a fall or winter wedding, you might consider a Floribunda stop more seriously. We’ve located tasteful guestbooks here, and Floribunda will gladly arrange your letterpress invitations for you. And have them printed on environmentally-friendly paper recycled from cotton, if you so desire … a good option for the 2008/2009 bride.

{Bunda of Joy}

Floribunda
920 E. 900 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 359-4013

If you’ve called SLC home long enough, chances are you have some degree of an attachment to the Children’s Hour. We’re pulled to it like a couple of shop-hungry moths to the flame. It’s probably their European-inspired shoes. Or owner Diane’s book recommendations. Or the collection of doodads made by locals like ourselves. Its proximity to Maza doesn’t hurt, and neither do the frequency of sidewalk sales.

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. Plus, it’s pretty much as cute as it gets.

In case you don’t already know what it’s like, step into the new location at the northwest corner of 900 East and 900 South. The new spot showcases the inventory better than ever—now you’ll notice all the Cath Kidston linens, ceramic tea cups and designer women’s lines from Converse. Even if you’re not up to dish out $125 on a Free People blouse or $60 on a Room Seven frock for your little one, it’s likely that you’ll walk out with a piece of jewelry, a case for your glasses or a good-looking wallet. Maybe even a lunch pail.

It may be called the Children’s Hour, but there’s plenty of time for you, too. Come here next time you’re in need of a stylish sundress for your cousin’s wedding or some killer satin heels. They’re just the kind of thing you’ll want to step out in.

{Time for Local Shopping}

The Children’s Hour
898 S. 900 East
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 359-4150
www.childrenshourbookstore.com

Even six years ago, we wouldn’t have been caught dead in a vintage clothing boutique. Actually, around these parts, they scarce existed save the uber-retro varieties like Grunts & Postures and Decades.

We were all about scouting-out our own corduroy OP shorts and high-waisted, patterned skirts. If you found a pair of mint-condition Frye boots for $4.99 at the local D.I. or Savers, the resulting high could last years, and so would the boots. The hunt was as fun and important as the find.

Since we’re not in college anymore (soak up those glorious years whilst you can), we don’t have the same commitment to logging hours at the the thrift stores. Plus, the good stuff’s harder and harder to find thanks to the rising popularity of yesterday’s style (and the resulting overuse of the word “vintage” itself). But we still like to mix some history into our wardrobes, which is why a place like Coal Umbrella is so welcome in 2008.

Located on the hippest part of University Ave in Provo, Coal Umbrella is a true vintage shop (read: not junk) mixed up with brand-new paper goods and products crafted by local artisans. You can browse old T-shirts or Western button-ups for him, or look at breezy tops, ’80s skimmers and apron dresses for her. There’s also a nice variety of records to thumb through, and cool artwork always decorates the walls.

We’ll be adjusting our attitudes and heading to Coal Umbrella more often. (The employees here sure don’t dish out any attitude of their own.) The Frye boots won’t a be a prize $4.99 like back in ’01, but $19.99 for a one-of-a-kind top ain’t half bad. Especially not when time is money.

p.s. We used the word “vintage” just three times here. Well, now four.

{Under My Umbrella}

Coal Umbrella
157 N. University Avenue
Provo, Utah
(801) 369-4124
www.coalumbrella.com

There’s no shame in looking for a good deal or two. We like ‘em; you like ‘em. Go to Cherie Daniels’ home decor shop tucked in near Oneity and Granatos on 2700 East, and you might learn what a real deal is. That’s the shop’s name, afterall. (Hint: A real deal is just as good if not better than a good deal. Music to your ears, eh?)

Not to be confused with a discount outlet, bargain warehouse or consignment store, Real Deals Holladay is a sizeable Thursday-and-Saturday shop packed with fairly-priced items for outfitting your home—”fairly-priced” being the key phrase, here. Cherie carries goodies from more than 50 vendors worldwide, alll carrying reasonable price tags.

You might go for a raspberry-inspired wreath for your door ($10.74) or a batch of decorative glass eggs ($1.58 each). An eye-catching Asian-style urn goes for just $42.40, while a pair of lion bookends is $21.26. A steal-the-show Cherokee red dresser is just over $300.We liked a set of simple, cinema-themed wall hangings reading “Popcorn,” “Now Showing,” and “Movie Night,” made cuter by complementary popcorn bowls. But head to the back of the store, and you’ll really have fun. Shelves of items marked down 50-60% include a set of white wire birdcages and Adler-esque, oversize knight chess pieces.

There are glass bowls, wooden benches and twig vases to be had—and all the $30-$50 mirrors you can get your hands on. There’s a little something for everyone here, even if it’s not so little. (We had our eyes on a floor-to-ceiling class-paned hutch in sage green.)

Plus, Real Deals Holladay always has a movie-watching area for the kiddos, making shopping here cinchier than it already is. As long as you come on Thursday or Saturday.

{The Real Thing}

Real Deals Holladay
4048 S. 2700 East
Holladay, Utah
(801) 272-8899
Open Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
www.realdeals.net

{Doorprize!} Cherie wants to treat one of y’all with a $75 gift card to Real Deals Holladay, to be used at your leisure. And to your pleasure. At Real Deals, it’ll go far. If you want a chance to win (and we know you do), leave one comment on this post before 10 p.m. on Friday, August 8.

Anyplace where there is a significant number of golf courses, early-bird specials or AARP members will, most likely, also have a significant number of treasure troves in the form of vintage and consignment stores.

Take Palm Springs, California, for example, where estate sales run amok. Or—better since it’s just a wee five hours from Salt Lake City—St. George, Utah. A recent jaunt to the southern portion of the state turned up many pleasantries, but one that shined brightest was Urban Renewal, situated right on the Boulevard alongside mid-century hotels with kidney-shaped swimming pools.

Urban Renewal scouts out consigned and found vintage furnishings as well as used-but-cute apparel. Walk inside, and your inner antique scout will steer you directly toward a vintage blue tablecloth with white scalloped stitching or a tea set fit for your grandmother’s windowed hutch. Or maybe it’s a ’40s-era striped cigarette case or gingham apron that will speak to your heart.

Our crew left with a set of yesterday’s place mats, embroidered dishtowels and a baby blue train case. We left behind vintage kitchen chairs, enameled brooches, midcentury cribs and, as you can probably imagine, house-fulls more.

The best part is that unlike many of Salt Lake’s consignment stores, a glance at the price tags at Urban Renewal won’t leave you gasping. Plus, it’s easy to shop thanks to the store’s no-clutter (or at least low-clutter) merchandising. And, let’s get serious, it’ll leave you with a Boulevard experience worth bragging about. (Unlike Spring Break ’99.)

{Treasures Untold}

Urban Renewal
5 E. St. George Boulevard
St. George, Utah
(435) 634-8031

*Photography by Lacey Pappas

Knitting needles and balls of yarn are no longer relegated to grandma’s top drawer. Nowadays, every snowboarder-turned-mom knits her kids’ beanies, if not the sweaters and socks to go with.

But when you’re ready to take things up a notch (or just try your hand at knitting; save the snowboarding for later), we recommend you head to the Wool Cabin. The ladies inside this knits-and-needles shop are as friendly as their name implies, and knitting is a family trade passed down from generation to generation. Sisters Suzette and Alison have been keeping up shop since taking on the family business from their mother Renee five years ago.

At the Wool Cabin, cozy tables and chairs are topped with the latest in knitting trends (think adorable sweaters, striped stockings, and the cutest all-knit Mary Jane socks you’ve ever seen). Wall-to-wall yarn displays are as colorful as a candy store, and include some from recycled silk kimonos and Debbie Bliss Cashmerinos.

These ladies also keep their walls stocked with cute knitting accessories like Delia Q and Go Knit totes and they have what’s arguably the largest selection of knitting needles we’ve ever laid eyes on. Knitters will get starry-eyed.

Our favorite part? The pros at the Wool Cabin are happy to share their original patterns with you if you purchase the yarn from their store. And they offer “help time” each Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. til noon. You’ll get all your questions answered for just $5. Or, if you’re just after some knitting buddies, come to Wool Cabin’s knitting group meeting on Friday afternoons.

Suzette recommends you step it up and try a sweater or baby blanket. But if that’s too much for now, a knitted baby beanie topped with a flower should do the job. Celebrate 25 years of the Wool Cabin with a sidewalk sale beginning July 7. If you want to get all those sweaters and beanies done before Christmas, there’s some incentive for you.

{Wool of Thumb}

The Wool Cabin
2020 E. 3300 South Suite 11
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 466-1811
www.thewoolcabin.com

There’s nothing like full-price designer jeans to give you a case of the blues—especially if the blues you’ve stepped into hold the rump up, streamline the thighs, and give your stems a miraculous six-inch boost. Perfect in every way, save the blasted sticker shock. It’ll get you every time. Almost.

For savvy jeans shoppers, bringing on the blues refers to stocking up on designer stovepipes that’ll put on the wow factor without breaking the bank. And if you know a savvy jeans shopper in SLC, it’s likely that Urban Blues is her—or even his—shopping secret.

Urban Blues seriously stocks up on and shows off a generous selection of goodies from faves like Paige Denim, 1921 and People’s Liberation. There are tops to be found too, as this stylish overstock outlet is packed with yesterday’s Urban Outfitters tees and extra-discounted Forever 21 blouses. You’ll see fashionable trousers, cute sundresses and a wall of affordable and colorful handbags, all from a variety of mid-range and no-name lines whose prices put the fun back into shopping on a budget.

When it comes down to it, it’s the jeans that we’re jonesin’ for. Go there for these alone. If you’re extra hip, you might like to know that we spied a wide selection of Cheap Mondays going a song. The whole shabang will have you singing.

{Beat the Blues}

Urban Blues
2919 E. 3300 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 486-5326
278 E. 12300 South
Draper, Utah
(801) 676-0203
www.shopurbanblues.com

Usually when we step inside a castle, we keep our eyes peeled for treasures like William and Harry. When we visited Draper’s Castle Couture last week, there weren’t any prizes of the princely kind, though we did behold enough handsome treats to hold over our initial craving.

Only a shy two months old, Castle Couture is serving up a collection of L.A.-worthy high-end apparel for girls and guys. We spied shelves of cool denim and racks of breezy button-downs for dudes, but naturally, it was the vortex of women’s designer jeans, colorful tanks and feminine jackets that we got sucked into.

An almost-frilly, deconstructed Da-Nang blouse greeted us at the door, along with a table paved with tattoo-esque Ed Hardy tees. We rifled through racks of Kowboy & Co. T-shirts and mini trenches by Twill 22. We got a crush on a group of patterned scarves by none other than Lucky Brand. (Who knew Lucky was getting so stylish?)

But what really stole our hearts was the big ol’ rack of denim housing pretty stovepipes from People’s Liberation, Blue Tattoo and Joe’s (our personal favorite). There was even a nice selection of capri and knee-length varieties in hip washes and flattering cuts, ideal for your summer beat-the-heat arsenal.

You’ll also see some jewelry, some belts and some girl-centric items for boudoir. Like we said, when we need a handsome treat in the form of apparel—or maybe just a new pair of designer duds—this might be the place we’ll go. No British accents necessary.

{Fit For a Queen}

Castle Couture
715 E. 12300 South
Draper, Utah
(801) 501-9111

Remember that adorable shop Meg Ryan’s character owns and operates in “You’ve Got Mail?” (Also, remember the popularity of her haircut?) The Shop Around the Corner, as we think it was called, reeked with charm: the wooden floors, the bookshelves, the selection of cute reads … and then-cute haircuts.

We think we found Utah’s Shop Around the Corner. It’s not exactly around the corner as we ventured north to Bountiful in order to check it out, but you definitely feel at home when you’re there. It’s a warm and neighborly place full of fashionable and functional doodads and knicknacks.

All Tucked In carries a little bit of everything, which makes it ideal for gift shopping. Somewhat simultaneously, 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.

Cute clothes for the likes of us came from lines like Free People and Hazel. We also spied the cutest pair of brown leather boots by Jeffrey Campbell on sale … but you had better hurry, there were only two pairs left!

{Cozy Up}

All Tucked In
115 S. Main Street
Bountiful, Utah
(801) 298-7262
www.alltuckedin.net

If you don’t already know about ONEiTY, then you gotsta read this post. Not only does this local company craft super-cute and classy apparel for kiddos, it’s centered on creating jobs for women in third-world countries and replanting revenue in communities where its clothings is manufactured.

In a nutshell: when you shop with them, you feel all warm and fuzzy. And you get cute stuff.

Recently, a small workshop in Madagascar that produces ONEiTY’s merch was robbed. These people lost their computer, their sewing equipment, their cash … everything. Recovering from a loss like this around here would be rough, but you can probably imagine the obstacle it creates in a place like Madagascar.

In an effort to get their friends back on their feet, ONEiTY is hosting a generous three-day fundraiser this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. When you shop with ONEiTY on these three days, every single dollar you spend will be sent directly to Madagascar. Every. Single. Dollar.

On top of that, every shopper to make a purchase online and in-store will be entered to win a drawing for sweet prizes like prints from Sarah Jane Studios and Fall Down Tree; customized alphabet blocks from Hiccup Inc., cupcakes from So Cupcake, and, get this:

A YEAR of free clothing from ONEiTY! Woowza.

Obviously, you don’t want to miss out. Head to the store tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday to help them help their friends. You’ll feel good, and your kids will look good because of it.

{Shop and Save}

ONEiTY Madagascar Fundraiser
May 27, 28 and 29
4010 S. 2700 East
Holladay, Utah
(801) 231-0867
www.oneitygoods.com
www.oneity.blogspot.com

p.s. ONEiTY is also hosting a 3-For-2 sale this week at the store and is now booking “hosted sales” at area homes like yours. Get the scoop over here.

Spotted: The best in vintage, antique and costume jewelry

Good For: Your ring finger: beyond-ordinary engagement bands, wedding bands, anniversary bands with stories to tell

Where: Antoinette’s Antique Jewelry (239 E. Broadway, Salt Lake City)

How Much: Depends how much you (or he) want(s) to spend….

What do you do when you like to collect and antique so much that the door on your storage unit won’t close, thanks to a few too many vintage chairs and antique dressers? You open up an eclectic consignment boutique so that others can browse and purchase your your treasured collectibles, of course. It’s more fun that way, anyway.

A scenario along those lines brought about Salt Lake’s 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.

Ask any interior decorator and he’ll tell you that while filling your house with fresh, modern pieces is a must, it’s the few conversation-worthy pieces that will morph yours walls into a home. It could be the bright yellow cuckoo clock that greets visitors in the entryway, or the unusual collection of salt-and-pepper shakers decorating the top of your console.

Though not quite as thrifty as the thrift store—not to mention the garage sale or your grandmother’s linen closet—Abode offers a serious handful of vintage doodads fit for making your home interesting. You might have to look high and low until you see the one item (a teacup? a spoon? a skeleton key?) that speaks to your heart, but when you find it, you’ll know.

Abode also hosts flea markets in their parking lot on summer Saturdays beginning May 3. If you’re interested in becoming a vendor, visit the Abode website.

{Gone To Market}

Abode
1720 South 900 East
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 486-2633
www.abodepfm.com

Spotted: A hodgepodge of colorful chairs (and benches and lamps and linens and serving trays and clothing)

Good For: Getting your flea market on, minus the flea market

Where: Retro Rose (207 E. 300 South, Salt Lake City)

How Much: Where would we begin?

Spotted: Cool vintage radios and cute little clocks, as well as a now-trendy owl jar

Good For: Collecting, displaying, listening to; making your home an eclectic one

Where: Jitterbug Antiques and Toys (279 E. 300 South, Salt Lake City)

How Much: prices vary

What was once Nectar boutique is now a fun little shop called Fawn. The owners pulled a little switcheroo as far as we can tell, but many staples remain: same location, same cute clothing lines, same reasonable prices, same cool displays.

Yep, you’ll still see breezy, colorful casuals by the likes of Billabong and Element (skate companies continue to give us feminine, un-skate designs), though this time around you’ll find slightly more dressed up frocks and smocks by brands like Trinity, BB Jeans, Minuet and Farfalle. The variety of color and pattern are likely to have you itching for spring. As are the prices: you’ll pay as little as $30 for a dress, $28 for a cute top, or $60 for a structured jacket.

Other additions include jewelry from local designers like Moxie and MD Sparks; simple, nature-inspired graphic prints by Christianna Parn and photography by Laura Goulding.

You’re apt to leave with a delicious-smelling Ripe Bartlett Pear candle by Pacifica. It’s the first thing you notice when you walk in the door, and you’ll want to take it out with you.

{Say Hello to Fawn}

Fawn Boutique
2343 E. 3300 South, Salt Lake City
(801) 746-5094

Sandy’s newest children’s boutique Kinder Winkel is hosting its very first Tea party, and you’re on the guest list. The super-cute Tea Collection is just one of the favored lines Kinder Winkel carries. In case you aren’t already in-the-know, we think you’ll find that Tea designs present a fresh, no-fuss version of sweetness. Trust us on this one. And they’re even better on sale.

Through Saturday only, Kinder Winkel is offering 20% off your Tea Collection purchase. All you have to do is print out the coupon below.

Tell one, tell all. But you had better hurry before it’s gone….

{Gone Sale-ing}

Kinder Winkel
10367 S. State Street, Sandy
(801) 571-9465
www.kinderwinkelusa.com

Ever wondered where you can get stylish dishes, stylish soaps, stylish flower arrangements, and even stylish cheeses, all in one swoop?

Sounds too good to be true, but it isn’t. You’ll find all these lovelies (cheese included) and more at Artichokes & Co., seated in a cool structure on 1100 East with also-stylish Lunatic Fringe. We like to swoop by Artichokes whether we’re headed to a baby shower, a birthday dinner or a bridal luncheon, so we can grab something like Lorina lemonade or a Voluspa candle. (And if we need a little hair-styling, it’s just a staircase away.)

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.

Some of our favorite things include four city-themed “bon voyage” mugs with European scenery decorating them, bath salts by Watermarket, and a handful of luxury PJs. We also cooed over a collection of dishes covered in bright red polka dots.

Also special? Artickokes’ flower arrangements—we especially like the ones that incorporate their namesake: unexpected and stylish artichokes.

{See For Yourself}

Artichokes & Co.
1790 S. 1100 East, Salt Lake City
(801) 474-2784
www.artichokesandcompany.com

Our friend Chelsea tipped us off to Kinder Winkel about a month ago. Since then, we’ve visited twice—the second time because all of our photos were accidentally deleted from our first trip—but that’s OK because we liked it just as much the second time around. Especially because much of the spring collection had arrived, doubling the fun.

Hip-to-the-hop Kinder Winkel is pretty much as cute as it comes. This Sandy baby-and-toddler’s boutique carries everything that’s cute under the sun: For starters, you have wall-to-wall apparel from favorite lines like Baby Lulu, Tea, Imps & Elfs, Angel Dear and Ollie Baby. And then you’ve got your Rockabye Baby CDs, baby slings, hair clips, shoes from See Kai Run, socks from Trumpette, hats, placemats and more. We weren’t kidding when we said “everything.”

Despite the wide array of products, Kinder Winkel is easy to shop and fun to browse. You’ll enjoy the children’s artwork, the banners swinging overhead, the bookshelves stocked with parenting guides and children’s reads … and the blessed sale rack. We see good stuff marked down every time we go (which has been twice, now, as we said. The third is probably just around the corner). We daresay Sandy has never looked quite so cute.

{See For Yourself}

Kinder Winkel
10367 S. State Street, Sandy
(801) 571-9465
www.kinderwinkelusa.com

Seventh South’s “Nailed” calls itself a “hands and feet boutique.” One part shop and one part spa, not only can you get your hands and feet on an “ultimate” mani-pedi, but you can treat them to slippers to slide into, stationery to be written on, purses to be clutched, potions and lotions to be lathered, etc.

We guess 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. Next time we’re browsing for a thoughtful gift, Nailed might be at the top of our to-visit list. 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.

A dayspa nonetheless, Nailed offers services like mani/pedis, express facials, waxing, eyelash tinting and more at fairly reasonable prices. You can see a full list of services here.

{See For Yourself}

Nailed! Boutique
875 E. 700 South, Salt Lake City
(801) 532-NAIL
www.nailedboutique.com