Anyone who’s spent a little time in Europe or a little time with a European knows that sneakers are a whole different thing across the pond. European guys and gals can polish off any getup (business suit, pencil skirt, designer denim) with a sleek pair of Asics or vintage Pumas without looking over-athletic or too into comfort.

They have proven to us Americans that sneakers can be a thing of fashion, as the owner of this nice little retro/urban shoe and clothing shop learned. ‘10‘ (870 East 900 South) is one of the newer boutiques in the fun 9th and 9th district with a truly unique collection of sneaks: “Which one is the one you can’t get anywhere else in the U.S.?” you might hear a patron ask.

After playing soccer in Sweden for a time, owner of 10 shoe store came back to Utah and couldn’t find the shop to satiate her cool sneaker craving. So she decided to start her own. And there’s nothing else in Salt Lake quite like it. 10 carries Adidas, Nike, Puma, Asics (and Tiger), and newcomer Keep shoe lines, all with vintage, classic or retro appeal.

You’ll also see Mondrian-inspired t-shirts (just $25) and vintage-looking Tiger t-shirts ($40) in fresh colors and prints. 10 also brings cool warm-up suits and fashion-forward hoodies to the our market. Favorite hard-to-find shoe styles at 10 include original Nike Air Max and low-top Dunks.

Next time you’re in need of a birthday present for a hip teen, a rare shoe for a sneaker-loving friend or just a little urban treat for yourself (like a Kangol purse) head to 10 at 9th and 9th.

Got a hankering for a night of history? Of culture? Of silent movies? Of organ music outside the chapel?

Head to the Organ Loft (3331 S. Edison St.–just one block east of State Street and 3300 South) tonight at 7:30 p.m. where a Mighty Wurlitzer organ will keep the house rockin’ while showgoers view Buster Keaton’s silent classic, “Go West” and Charlie Chaplin’s “The Floorwalker.”

The Organ Loft has just released its film schedule for Spring 2007. (Doesn’t it feel good to hear the word ‘Spring’?) After today, the next showing takes place on Jan. 25 and 26, featuring Fred C. Newmeyer’s “A Sailor Made Man.”

This little place of interest also hosts dinner and dance parties on some Saturday nights and occasional cook-outs. If you’re in the market for an unusual wedding, it also holds receptions and other banquets. We aren’t too sure about that, but can you imagine how cool a private Halloween bash would be? OK, now we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

It’s just a few weeks old so we aren’t 100 percent sure that it’s fair to judge, but from the looks of it, the new DownEast location (1170 E. 2100 South, Sugarhouse) is more invested in its new-ish, undershirt-ish apparel than it is furniture. The move is a little regrettable, since DownEasts have come to be known for bringing goods from merchants like Crate and Barrel and West Elm to Salt Lake–and all at a nice, discounted price.

Because we’re lovers of eclectic and modern design, we’ve become a little obsessed with local DownEasts over the years: In the ’90s they brought us European duds from Camper and Diesel. More recently, we’ve struck gold at the Draper and Layton locations. Granted, it takes time and dedication, but when it pays off, it pays off well: Favorites include a floor mirror with shelved framing for $100 and a Danish modern buffet for $250, which we spotted in the West Elm catalog for $500.

The new Sugarhouse location, then, is a tad disappointing. The retail space is much smaller (which is natural for its location), and though the rear of the store is relegated to home goods, the vast majority of floor space mirrors an American Apparel store minus the fashion-forward designs (cute leotards were recently spotted in an AA store) and supersoft fabric.

It’s worth mentioning, though, that basic tees are just $9.99. And if you’re in a need-an-undershirt-pinch, this DownEast will come to your rescue. The selection is anything but lacking. Still, if outfitting your home remains your sole reason to step inside a DownEast, skip over Sugarhouse and try any of the other locales.