You know it’s summer when the list of things to do and see gets longer and longer as the days get hotter and hotter. Thank goodness for those nights. Here’s what’s up this week:

Art Party: The Utah Arts Festival kicks off its fifteenth year today and runs through Sunday at Library Square. We don’t know where to begin with all that goes down in this four-day extravaganza, so we’ll just direct you to the site. Start your search here.

Look Alive: The funniest musical you’ve never seen took the stage at Capitol Theatre yesterday and stays through Sunday. It’s not too late to stay up with The Drowsy Chaperone. Get your tickets here.

Funny Guy: For a good time, hang out with Jerry Seinfeld when he takes Abravanel Hall with his live comedy act tomorrow night. Even his old material never gets old, but here’s to hoping for some new stuff. Get your last-minute tickets here.

Lavender Blues: If you’ve got a hankering for some lavender (or a paddle boat or pony ride), head to Young Living Farms in Mona, Utah, for the Lavender Days taking place Friday and Saturday. You’ll see 120 acres of lavender waiting to be harvested. More info here.

Sale Away: If you’re looking to stimulate the economy this weekend with some local shopping, here are some tips: Bastille is celebrating ten years in SLC with a 10%-off-sale-price sale beginning Saturday morning. Mode Boutique is currently holding a summer sale with 30% off items from its first spring shipment. And Ken Sanders Rare Books gives a generous 25% off everything in store beginning July 1 for its month-long sale.

Other things worth checking out include a sidewalk sale along Broadway (300 South) with live music on Saturday; the Gallivan Center’s fifteenth birthday today with free cupcakes and pizza; and Independents Week, where you can be educated on the benefits of eating and buying locally.

There’s a little treasure on 100 East in Lehi that you might pass by if you didn’t know better … or if you never ventured off Lehi’s main drag, or passed through Lehi at all. But 125-year-old Broadbent’s is the kind of place you’ll like knowing about, whether you’re looking for a porcelain collectible to add to your collection, or the hippest new fabric to top your latest project.

Broadbent’s Dry Goods has been around since 1882—same location, and operated by the same family. Only in 2008, instead of stocking the shelves with sugar from the Lehi Mill or denim overalls as in the days of yore, you see stuff like the cutest ensemble of vintage-inspired glass ornaments and tinsel tree-toppers (if it’s December), classic candies and a drool-worthy selection of fabrics—only a glass case of what appear to be handknit doilies and gloves show what Broadbent’s might have been like half a century ago.

But down to business. Our favorite thing? The fabric. You’ll see prints by Moda, Amy Butler, Free Spirit and Kaffe Fassett—even some Michael Miller, Anna Maria Horner and Alexander Henry. And we might have also gotten a crush on a rack of classic paperdolls that made us wish we were ten again. Whatever your thing is, chances are Broadbent’s nooks and crannies of odds and ends have something for you. Otherwise it wouldn’t be considered the legendary department store is is and was. If you’re like us, you’ll wish your grandma was around to peruse the shelves with you.

See for Yourself:

Broadbent’s General Store
128 N. 100 East
Lehi, Utah
(801) 768-9201

Spotted: Oversize ricrac

Good for: Trimming the tree, cute dog leashes, creative minds

Where: Whimsy Cottage (4647 S. 2300 East, Salt Lake City)

How much: $1 – $1.10 per yard

You think of yourself as the loyal type. Your monogamous lifestyle and BFF mentality have always worked for you. You’re content with the way things are. That’s why we’re hesitant to introduce you to one of Salt Lake’s truest gems, sure to rock your happy little world, though you’ve probably driven by without a second thought a thousand times.

This diamond-in-the-rough is called Fashion Affair and it is thee place of all places to go for the finest fabrics in our neck of the woods. Walking into this shop is like stepping into your great aunt’s house and discovering that she’s been hoarding bolts of French lace and Chanel-worthy chiffon in her cupboards. (The emotional attachment is setting in, isn’t it?) Among rolls of dupioni and Georgette, you’ll see panels of pretty trimmings, delicate pin-on flowers (only $11!) and actually-chic double-faced wool.

Sure, its purple exterior keeps the store looking bright, but Fashion Affair is even more colorful inside. The shop is operated by two expert designers and dressmakers named Margit and Leena (the former from Germany, the latter from Finland). This pair, full of wisdom, ideas and a little sass, are the kinds you know you could learn volumes from, whether you’re in search of the person who can build the best custom wedding gown, or trying to decipher which stitch will polish off your lace bolero.

These two keep their fingers on the hip fashion scene, pinning the latest high-fashion magazine silhouettes to bolts of fabric for inspiration and instruction. And they won’t look at you like you’re crazy when you go in telling them you’re looking for extra fabric so you can lift your curtain rod a foot or two to stay in suit with current design trends.

Our favorite things included shelves-full of vintage kimono fabric swatches, usually $4-$14 (can you imagine the beautiful scarves you could wrap around your head?) and old-timey sewing kits constructed with Thai silk.

Go, and go often. And don’t be shy. Margit and Leena certainly won’t be.

{See for yourself:}

Fashion Affair
2828 E. 3300 South
(801) 486-7600
Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by appointment

Thanks for the lead, Christy!