Top ShopsAn indispensable guide to 25 of the newest and hippest boutiques in and around town. (Warm up your credit cards.)
By Alyssa Brandt, Katherine L. Sontag, Amanda Boyd Walters, and Kathy Y. Wilson
Photographs by Ryan Kurtz
HighStreet, 1401 Reading Rd., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 723-1901
The entirety of HighStreet’s 8,500 square feet is nothing short of an aesthetic knockout—soulful furniture groupings, custom-designed hand-tufted banquettes, and a selection of books that includes comedienne Margaret Cho’s rants and tomes on bespoke design. In fact, HighStreet co-owners Leah Spurrier and Matt Knotts (right inset) are so confident you’ll be taken by the moods and spurred by the possibilities in their retail space that they tout HighStreet as a purveyor of “Fierce objects, design, and London style.” They are neither wrong nor arrogant. If there is another space in Cincinnati that so adroitly mixes classicism, modernism, humor, balance, color, and clean lines all while satiating the need for beautiful order, then it must be in the owners’ homes. For two years the design duo co-owned Over-the-Rhine’s Aesthetica Life Aesthetics, the marriage of their two previous, independently owned boutiques. This month, HighStreet celebrates its second anniversary. Weekday afternoons bring a steady stream of the curious, drawn by the trumpeting red-and-black banners outside their improbable location (wedged at the base of Mt. Auburn on Reading Road, just before Liberty Street). Weekends attract a faithful parade of hip new downtown denizens, wealthy housewives, design addicts, and tastemakers, who mill about hoping to leave with something palpable. We couldn’t resist a two-tier shell and resin hourglass-shaped lamp ($300), antique rice huskers ($48-–$63), and 30-inch brown taper candles ($18 for a pair). Mere samples from the HighStreet life. • Kathy Y. Wilson
American Apparel, 243 W. McMillan St., Clifton Heights, (513) 721-3078, www.americanapparel.net
Ah-ha! So this is where rock bands with dreams of overdosing on stardom get their hot blue pipe cleaner jeans, tissue soft deep v-neck T-shirts, and wristbands. Since opening the Clifton location in the fall of 2006, American Apparel has stocked logo-free wardrobe essentials that are all proudly manufactured—sweatshop-free—in downtown Los Angeles. The crisp, color-ordered store is an obsessive-compulsive’s dream. American Apparel churns out hoodies, socks, underwear, swim trunks, sweatbands, duffel bags, sweatpants, turtlenecks, cardigans, and anything else cotton that can be zipped or pulled taut by a drawstring in a kaleidoscope of colors. Stay focused—it’s easy to be overwhelmed by variations on a theme. Our favorite Ts? The sheer jersey knit Summer Shirt and the polyester, cotton, and rayon Tri-Blend (both $21). If you become distracted and want a wardrobe worthy of Olivia Newton-John’s “Let’s Get Physical” music video or if, like me, you’ve held a closeted lifelong desire to be Bobby Brady (all those fly striped shirts!), then at least go all the way and cop that 80/20 nylon/spandex Lamé Windbreaker ($58). It comes in black, red, gold, or silver. Don’t be mad if you’re mistaken for a pimp on your way to band practice or class. • Kathy Y. Wilson
Unheardof, 323 W. Fourth St., downtown, (513) 744-9444
While rapper Lil’ Wayne snarled over a Nina Simone sample in Unheardof’s West Fourth Street space in the Soapbox District, a two-room tour revealed a well-chosen selection of head-to-toe gear at surprisingly reasonable price points. Rightfully, the sneakers get the royal treatment: displayed like little kings sitting on wooden light boxes in their own room. The Adidas and New Balance kicks come in electric Kool-Aid colors, but standouts are two styles by New Balance: the 576 Limited Edition in purple suede with an X/dot pattern on the toe ($110); and the Louis Vuitton Leather Luggage Collection in chocolate brown with crocodile skin ($150). Other sneaker pimps go overboard with choices from Nike, but co-owner Phil Lipschutz keeps only a few styles in stock. Called a hyper-strike for its quick, unannounced release, the Zoom Edition of Nike’s Dunk High Supreme ($159) was part of Nike Sportswear’s Olympics campaign and comes in black, red, or royal blue quilted patent leather. The clothing—labels include Hellz Bellz (women only) and Kid Robot, whose pieces are numbered limited editions—is perfect for scenesters who want to look like they’re not. A peach-colored women’s short-sleeved hoodie—no. 26:777—is $150. Budget clubbers, fret not. You can nab a black DC women’s knit top for $20 or a lime green track jacket with three-quarter length sleeves from LRG Luxirie for $79. For the fellas, To Die For’s graphic Ts ($24–$30) are super soft; Crooks & Castles ($32–$42), formerly available only on the West Coast, wittily offsets graphics on the left chest or along the bottom hem. Still, perhaps the coolest item in the store isn’t even for sale: A mural of the Big Red Machine, its members rendered with green, slimy, melting faces, and Johnny Bench crouching down in front holding a brain instead of a catcher’s mitt, anchors the wall behind the counter. So Cincinnati. Yet so not. • Kathy Y. Wilson
Quince & Quinn, 3235 Madison Rd., Hyde Park, (513) 321-3343
If you feel light-headed when you walk into Quince & Quinn, the newest member of Oakley’s Design District celebrating its grand opening this month, don’t worry. We did. It might have been the massive, fit-for-a-castle-instead-of-a-foyer chandeliers or perhaps the Kensington button backed settee ($3,300) in a buttery leather that did us in. Manager and visual director John Hinger (who has dabbled in floral, event, and now interior design) is truly a purveyor of uncommon goods. The retail space evokes inspiration in every corner. Example: a pair of white lacquered Asian Foo Dogs ($795 for both) perch atop a heavy antique chest. An unlikely coupling? Yes, but they work together. It’s this ambrosia of interior trends and styles that Quince & Quinn masters. “The goal was to take a range of items and offer them as a calculated mix of new, vintage, and antique and weave them together through color or style,” says Hinger. “Our customer is well traveled, very confident, and especially fun. We definitely have some whimsical pieces and to really appreciate them you have to throw out any preconceived notions about interiors.” Done. Boxwood topiaries ($35–$300), silk plants, and antique bird prints reproduced onto bolts of tea-stained fabric ($68 a yard), are a nod to the popular nature theme currently seen in home décor. Allow yourself time to take at least three turns around the expansive shop (seriously) or you might miss something. On our third stroll, we found a set of black velvet shadowboxes ($70 each) and voodoo dolls ($17) that we can’t stop thinking about. This fall, expect to see more small gift items (candles, faux crocodile picture frames, bold pillows) at souvenir price points. “This new category allows anyone to take home a little something,” says Hinger. Wrap it up; we want it all. • Katherine L. Sontag
Outside, 16 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 744-9344, www.outsideinthecity.com
OK, so it’s only been open since April. Still, Terry D. Lee’s bright and airy outdoor living shop in the Gateway Quarter has quickly assumed the mantle of urban outfitter for the downtown gardener, grillmeister, and anyone with a fetish for metropolitan beautification. Homeowners with spacious decks and sprawling gardens can appreciate the large-scale architectural tin and South African–made terra-cotta planters, while loft dwellers, who have only the measly square footage of a fire escape or a co-op rooftop garden to cultivate, can still play in the dirt with Blooms In A Bag ($10–$12). Snip off the top, add a little water, and place on a windowsill; soon enough Thai dragon peppers, Italian parsley, or basil will sprout. Ditto for Garden in a Bag, which comes with its own greeting card message: “With Love” (Cosmos), “Happy Birthday” (Viola Mix), and “Thank You” (Ageratum). SeedBallz look like chocolate-dusted truffles, but don’t put them to a taste test. They are actually balls of dirt packed with seeds. Drop ’em in the ground and water them wherever you want clusters of sunflowers, poppies, wildflowers, black-eyed Susans, or basil to grow. Bob’s Your Uncle melamine plates make outside entertaining easier, as do cool lanterns ($20–$55) made from recycled, misprinted tin cans, and the Grill Time 19-piece BBQ grill set ($70), which comes in a James Bond-like aluminum case. Offer your guests a seat on a sexy Lebello Scandinavian chaise ($500) with a woven plastic exterior that mimics rattan and is fortified by an aluminum tube frame. We also couldn’t stop rockin’ in the retro, scallop-backed Torrans glider chair ($150). It comes in a rainbow of Easter egg pastels and reminded us of burning our bare thighs on hot summer afternoons on grandma’s porch. • Kathy Y. Wilson
Choo-Choo’s Children and Baby, 502 Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, (513) 821-3600
For Kristan Pruitt, opening this toy store in Wyoming was a no-brainer. “Forty-two percent of the population of Wyoming are kids under 18,” says Pruitt, whose nieces used to call her “Auntie Choo-Choo” because she lived so close to the train tracks. An experienced gift retailer, Pruitt has stocked her cozy shop with unique toys and accessories for boys and girls infant to 16. Best-sellers include roll-up chalkboard placemats and I Feel... chalkable T-shirts ($21) by Zookies, as well as a veritable ark of hand-cut, hand-painted animals from Holztiger, a German company that uses only water-based inks and lacquers ($5 and up). For your next shower gift, pick up a package of PeePee TeePees (no more golden showers when you’re changing your little man!) in either blue or green camo ($11 for five) or a pair of lovely leather Baby Cakes booties ($38). No need to wrap anything, Pruitt will do it beautifully, for free. Little grabbers will love The Busy Baby Chain ($21), a soft fleece necklace for mom (or dad) with teether, pacifier, and soft toy charms to keep baby occupied while you work the phone. For the holidays, expect the arrival of classic toys and games like Slinky dogs, Magic Eight Balls, Operation, and Cootie. Naturally Auntie Choo-Choo has a carefully chosen selection of train-themed items including The Little Train by Lois Lenski, a pedal-powered pink locomotive, and a variety of wooden train cars and puzzles handmade by a retired Wyoming police officer ($10 and up). • Alyssa Brandt
The Wardrobe, 6904 Miami Ave., Madeira, (513) 271-4800, www.thewardrobecincinnati.com
Lesley Hern may have serious New York fashion chops (FIT grad; stints at Barneys and Ralph Lauren) and she may stock designers from Gotham’s shopping holy trinity (Bendel’s, Bergdorf’s, and Barney’s) but her so-new-it-still-smells-like-paint boutique is all California cool—a bit of swanky Santa Monica that has touched down in Madeira. Hern carries a lot of international designers you won’t find anywhere else. A Rene Lezard skinny-belted dress in sable ($560) sold itself before Hern had even steamed out the shipping wrinkles. A black balloon-sleeved button-down blouse by Danish designer Tina Casmose ($358) is a work of art and engineering. Asian designer Munchumart Numbenjapol (whose label is the much easier to pronounce Munchu’s) creates one-of-a-kind pieces like the long, face-print top ($446) The Wardrobe carried this summer. “We want to be exclusive,” says Hern. “We have one size of everything and when it’s gone, it’s gone.” The Wardrobe also stocks American lines from the likes of Cynthia Rowley, Castle Star, and Geren Ford. Locavores can pick up bold tunics from DAAP grad Natalie Jonston’s Nakai label. For fall, Hern likes layers—think button-down shirt with a cardigan and a belt. Hern, who gave birth to her first child two weeks after opening, is focusing on accessories for herself this fall. Metallic clutches, colorful scarves, newsboys and fedoras, but especially belts. “I’ll have a waistline back,” she says, “so I’m excited.” • Alyssa Brandt
IKEA, 9500 IKEA Way, West Chester, (513) 779-7100, www.ikea-usa.com
Confession time: Going to IKEA makes me giddy. I know how that sounds. It’s just a store, after all. Still, I cannot resist the blue and yellow. Those room vignettes thrill me—I love their illusion of order, the whispered promise of organization. Buy the Komplement shoe boxes ($9.99 for four), baskets ($39.99 for three), and multi-use hanger ($7.99), and your closet will magically become an oasis of calm. With Billy bookcases ($89.99) and Ektorp chairs ($349–$399, depending on the slipcover), you can finally corral all those books and have a cozy reading corner. There can be a place for everything, and everything can be in its place. And the Marketplace, where all those boxes and bins and containers are lined up neatly? Let’s just say I have more Flyt magazine files ($2.99 for five) than I have magazines to fill them, which is pretty scary. I’m not totally IKEA-addicted, but it’s not likely that I’ll kick my urge for an occasional fix anytime soon. • Amanda Boyd Walters
La Silhouette, 6914 Miami Ave., Madeira, (513) 272-8100, www.lasilhouettelingerie.com
Walking into La Silhouette is like opening the door to a fine European pastry shop, except owner Britt Cruikshank’s confections are the lace-and-silk kind. “I buy what I like,” says Cruikshank of her exquisitely tasteful lingerie and sleepwear inventory. Her brands include Chantelle, Cosabella, and Simone Perele. She also sells Wolford’s famous lingerie, stockings, and bodysuits and is the area’s exclusive dealer of La Perla. Indulge your inner Varga Girl with La Perla’s sheer lace high-waisted pink panty, with delightful ruffles on the derriere. A short and sweet eyelet nightgown from Betsey Johnson ($68) will feel fresh on muggy, late summer nights. Sure, you could sleep naked, but then you’d have to deny yourself the rose printed Badgley Mischka chemise in cool aqua satin ($98). You’ll also find negligees by Oscar de la Renta and French nightgowns from Féraud. According to Cruikshank (who’s Swedish), American women “freak out” if their lingerie can be seen through their clothes. That may be why the Marie Jo Avero bras ($104 and up) are her best sellers. These lightly padded, smooth cup bras come in subtle pastels and feature delicate daisy, diamond, or rosette appliqués on the straps. If your style is more siren than subtle, try Macpherson’s racy punk/Victorian demi-cup in black and fuschia. Should it have the desired effect, nine months later you can come back and get Macpherson’s gorgeous La Mere nursing bra. • Alyssa Brandt
Sassy Boutique, 3437 Michigan Ave., Hyde Park, (513) 871-2500
Seasoned thrift store pirates and flea market aficionados know that there is no greater thrill than the rush of adrenaline that comes when you discover an item worth coveting. Unless it’s the thrill of discovering Sassy Boutique, where owner Sally Bullock has already done the digging, sifting, and hunting to create a trove of hand-picked treasures. We’ve seen silver serving platters, hollow stem champagne and wine glass sets circa 1920–1950 ($75–$120), and on another visit a vintage croquet set ($110–$130). Not everything at Sassy Boutique is of another time, but Bullock is careful to carry pieces that look the part. Our favorite: a table designed as a cross section of a tree with stump stools by Tozai ($1,645 for the set; stools also sold individually $175). “The stools are great because they have a gnarled organic shape that is modernized in white ceramic,” says Bullock. “I like to buy new items that somehow incorporate vintage materials or are reminiscent of vintage items, like these darling new linen aprons I got that feature an antique French linen appliqué of a skull and crossbones.” Bullock also makes and sells tailored A-line skirts using wildly patterned fabrics from the ’40s ($88–$228). We can’t resist the flower pins made from vintage upholstery fabric, stuffed animals made from old sweaters and suit jackets ($18–$60), or the belts that Bullock crafts using patterned trim and Bakelite buckles ($39–$59). If we had only paid attention in home-ec, maybe we’d be crafting one-of-a-kind treasures in our own Michigan Avenue boutique. Since that’s not the case, we’re thrilled to let Bullock take credit for everything. • Katherine L. Sontag
Snap Boutique, 2732 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, (513) 871-8333, www.snaphydepark.com
Last fall, rumor had it that a new tween clothing boutique was to open in Hyde Park Square. Thankfully, for those of us who are a decade beyond our tweens, like most rumors this wasn’t true. Snap Boutique is young, yes, but it’s not just for tweens. “We saw a market for the tween age group,” says co-owner Mary Farmer. “There’s not much out there for stylish young girls at affordable price points, but once we started doing the research we realized it was going to be really difficult to cater to such a niche market.” Instead of casting such a narrow net, Farmer and her three partners carry a range of deliciously girly junior-esque lines (Miss Me, HardTail), well-made and tailored basics (LA Made, SweeTees), more sophisticated trends by Alice + Olivia ($200–$350), and Billy Blues trousers ($90–$250). “Billy Blues makes the best fitting pants. Everyone looks good in them,” says manager Megan Grove. For fall, Grove boasts about holiday dresses by Lauren Conrad ($100–$180), star of MTV’s The Hills, and outerwear from the edgy glam brand Miss Sixty. The clothes are definitively youthful (average age of a Snap customer: 20), but not so young that anyone over age 18 would feel immature and impish shopping there. It’s not all about the threads—Snap’s aesthetic packs punch in every corner. The front of the shop is designed like a lounge with a 40-inch flat screen display (hello Style Network!) and a circular white leather banquette. Fashion magazine pages tuck behind white ribbons crisscrossing the banquette’s center. Floor-to-ceiling pink velvet curtains close off each dressing room and a white upholstered cube awaits your bag or clothes while you play dress up. • Katherine L. Sontag
The Spotted Goose Co., 3048 Madison Rd., Oakley, (513) 351-9600, www.thespottedgoose.com
Moms and dads who long for stylish kid clothes that fall somewhere between baby-ish and too-grown-up will find that The Spotted Goose Co. has laid the golden egg. The brainchild of Renee Dustman and Renee Lentz, the Goose began as an online shop specializing in personalized items—onesies, baby blankets, bibs, etc.—and is now housed in an airy just-off-Oakley Square shop with hardwood floors, white walls, and bright orange dressing rooms. Kid shoppers are definitely welcome here: there are huge glass jars of animal crackers and pretzels on the counter for wee ones who get cranky. The custom pieces, like initial Ts ($28–$38) and monogrammed baby boxers ($18) are still available, but they’ve been augmented with thoughtfully chosen clothing and products from other designers. Take the Right Bank Babies reversible dresses ($42). One side sports a wild pattern (our fave: an organic, William Morris-style design), the other a more muted print. Even little girls know there’s nothing better than two outfits in one. Enviro-savvy ’rents will find products to love here, including the super-hot stainless-steel sippy cups ($14.95) from The Safe Sippy. “Everybody’s getting rid of their plastic,” Dustman says. The Dante Beatrix backpacks are moving fast, too. “We got 20 of them on Thursday, and that’s all that’s left,” she adds, gesturing toward the five remaining packs on a Tuesday morning. The Little Kids’ Packs—each with an animal on the back, including a not-too-scary shark—are specially sized not to overwhelm your wee one, and the larger Eco Packs are made from nylon fabric that’s created from recycled plastic drinking bottles. Moms and moms-to-be in need of bags should check out the satchels ($325) and clutches ($105) from Cake by Petunia Pickle Bottom. The updated, carpetbag-with-an-edge look definitely doesn’t scream diaper bag. This fall, look for highly patterned pieces from Swedish designers Plastisock as well as Harmony Ball rattles. “I think a lot of rattles sound plastic-y,” Lentz says, “but these have a beautiful sound.” That’s music to our ears. • Amanda Boyd Walters
NVISION, 4577 Hamilton Ave., Northside, (513) 542-4577, www.nvisionshop.com
In the space that once housed Avant Garage, Emily Buddendeck has opened this schizophrenic shop—equal parts consignment, art gallery, thrift store, clearinghouse for handmade clothing and accessories, and furniture hospital. Her cache of mid-century modern and retro furniture (provided mostly by dealer Stephen Seta) never stays around long. Downstairs, where overflow furniture is stored, you might find Buddendeck performing surgery on old dressers, cabinets, and even Art Deco-looking lightboxes salvaged from old department stores, returning them to shinier versions of their former selves. Her skillful hands work magic on clothing, too. She deconstructs and then reconstructs thrift store clothing into good-as-new pieces. The service is free for threads purchased at NVISION, but you can bring pieces from your wardrobe and for $10 an hour Buddendeck will customize, alter, or refit them. She keeps rock star hours (2–9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday) to pick up foot traffic from hipsters at the Comet next door. If they’re lucky, they’ll get in on the rapidly revolving stock of women’s designer shoes. We spied turquoise suede open-toe Manolo Blahniks ($150) and strappy Chanel heels adorned with ladybugs ($100). The parade of accessories continues with vintage velveteen or sequined handbags (starting at $30), and Helen Smith’s fitted handmade vinyl hats ($35) that look like something Marlene Dietrich would’ve worn to stave off the cold. • Kathy Y. Wilson
Joseph Williams Home, 550 Reading Rd., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 721-3600, www.josephwilliamshome.com
When Contemporary Galleries closed earlier this year, downtowners lost one of the city’s foremost dealers of modern home accessories. Things were looking bleak until Fred Arrowood, a former accessories buyer for Furniture Fair and Thomasville, quietly opened Joseph Williams Home in January. The Reading Road space was gutted to look like the lofts its wares might someday occupy with cool blue walls and lots of brown. While the furniture collection could use a color infusion, Arrowood’s showroom has plenty of scrumptious accessories—a slew of bold mirrors in wood, copper, or steel frames that are reasonably priced for their size (low $200s); steel-and-ceramic vases; and chrome floor and table lamps that harken back to a modish 1970s design ethos. And the chairs—with beautiful modern shapes and lines—save this shop from sitting down on the home design job. Standouts include the Owen in Jersey Pearl leather ($699.99), the Stylus Erin ($749.99), and the Best Mariko club chair ($499.99). If you’re looking for accessories and/or accents to finish the room, JWH just might have your last detail. • Kathy Y. Wilson
Patina At Home, 500 Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, (513) 821-0300
You know those cute shops you read about in decorating magazines? The ones where locals score unique furniture and accessories with a handmade touch? Patina At Home is that shop. Owner Patty Pfahler has taken her love of recycling to an elegant new level in her airy corner store. By refinishing, repainting, and reupholstering, Pfahler breathes new life into vintage furniture. “If I’m not at home painting furniture, I’m lost,” says Pfahler, who previously owned Patina Home & Garden across the street. Charming vintage fabric pillows ($29 and up) pop on a creamy French settee ($879), which would look fabulous in a foyer. Even the most mundane grocery list would look great on an ornately framed chalkboard ($85), and a wicker rocker ($195) need only be accessorized by a good book and a glass of lemonade. For a last-minute hostess gift, pick up a pair of mercury glass candlesticks ($35) or a bottle of Savon de Marseille ($18) hand soap. If you really want to ingratiate yourself with lake-house owning friends, arrive for your visit with one of Pfahler’s pretty, ingenious (her mother makes them from juice cans!) flower-shaped step-stools ($45). The bulk of Pfahler’s business, however, never makes it to the selling floor: she does lots of commission work. So don’t throw away mamaw’s old armoire or dark wood bedroom set—bring it in for a face lift of fresh paint and new hardware. • Alyssa Brandt
Plum Diore, 6099 Montgomery Rd., Pleasant Ridge, (513) 351-7586, www.plumdiore.com
Ivy Pitzer’s shop is like the closet you’ve always wished for: an open, airy lair of sophisticated yet edgy clothes. Pitzer will know you by name after one visit and help you walk the line between trendy and classic or achieve just the right balance of soft femininity and punky irreverence. The former Anthropologie manager carries a well-edited collection of unique but very wearable clothes, and taking a cue from her former employer, wraps them up for you with a bow atop a beautiful plum-colored bag. A black and white gingham jacket from Fred Perry ($298) would bring Victorian refinement to skinny black pants. Jackets and jewel tones remain big for fall and Pitzer suggests pairing a Ben Sherman tweed motorcycle jacket ($150) with a flowing royal blue jewel-toned blouse. A bright green kimono jacket in cotton fleece by Stacy Woo ($188) is a great beyond-the-hoodie basic. Pitzer is sticking with high-waisted denim in both straight and wide leg variety for fall, as well as introducing a denim/twill legging by Level 99 ($60) that will pair perfectly with tunics or oversized boyfriend sweaters. And she is so excited about a leather belted, hand-knit shawl-style dress from British designer Ruth Cross ($118) and ruched leggings from Level 99 ($110) that she might just pinch them for her own closet. • Alyssa Brandt
Adaptique, 712 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, (859) 360-1800, www.adaptiquellc.com
“It’s like a Chinese puzzle,” Joseph Miller says. He’s talking about putting together the collection of lighting, furniture, and home accessories that fill his new consignment boutique. “Things are coming and going daily.” Miller’s lifelong love of the hunt—and his background in visual merchandising, furniture design, and sales—have helped him assemble an eclectic mix in the three rooms of his shop. It’s easy to browse, even though the spaces are small, because Miller has ruthlessly edited his merchandise, making the possibilities clear. (Would that unpainted hutch fit in the dining room? Hmm.) Right now, he’s loving hammered aluminum holloware from the 1930s and ’40s ($9–$55), especially the pieces with patterns inspired by nature (we saw pinecones and acorns), and a 1920s occasional table with rope-twist legs ($155). If you’re looking to off-load rather than acquire, Miller wants to talk to you, too. “I’ll accept anything really useful with great lines,” he says. And after you open a consigner’s account ($20), you’ll split the sale price of your item 50-50. “It’s great to be able to find new uses for these things,” Miller says. “They’re made to last. Remember, the finish can be changed, the fabric can be changed.” So by redecorating, we’re really recycling? That’s my kind of green living. • Amanda Boyd Walters
MiCA 12/v, 1201 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 421-3500, www.shopmica.com
Its exposed brick, rough-hewn hardwood floors, and judiciously chosen merchandise make MiCA 12/v look like its GPS broke on the way to Brooklyn. In January, husband-and-wife team Carolyn and Michael Deininger—their names comprise the MiCA mash-up—opened their second store in Over-the-Rhine’s Gateway Quarter, offering a wider selection of the urban, loft-inspired wares found in MiCA contemporary craft in O’Bryonville. What keeps MiCA 12/v from the magpie fate of stores where the owners stock everything is a philosophy of edited collecting borrowed from museum gift shops. Think MoMA or CAC, only in a neighborhood. There’s an appropriate sampling of gift-y things like votives, candles, small textiles, vases, graphic T-shirts, and plastic wallets, as well as a smattering of home design items like Camille Cier’s Animal ID digital photo series of billy goats, concave ceramic sconces from 18Karat, retro sunburst wall clocks ($74–$138) like the one in Darrin Stephens’ study on Bewitched, and Angela Adams’s sumptuous and bold wool rugs ($298–$1,324). Best of all, MiCA 12/v supports local visual artists by selling their work on consignment. Western Hills Viaduct I and II, impressionistic oil paintings by UC student Pat Meier, belong with any respectable collector. And, thankfully, MiCA 12/v belongs to Cincinnati. • Kathy Y. Wilson
Denim, 3212 Madison Rd., Oakley, (513) 321-1892, www.shopdenimonline.com
Denim has been the go-to spot for chic jeans since it opened back in 2005. That hasn’t changed. What has, though, is the breadth of inventory. Like a closet divided down the center with a piece of tape, this concrete-floored shop reserves one side for women and the other for men, and that’s the side that’s bulked up. Hardcore denim aficionados will love the Kicking Mule Workshop ($330) Japanese denim—the fabric is thicker, with little stretch. And emo boys will swoon over Ksubi’s skinny jeans ($242). Poseurs beware: Squeeze into these stovepipe legs when you’re not ready and you’ll hurt yourself. But best of all are the T-shirts. The tri-blend (cotton, poly, rayon) OSU logo shirts from Homage ($32), a brand started by Columbus native Ryan Vesler in his parents’ basement, are super-soft and broken in just the right way. And local brand Nati Evolvement is well represented here, too. Our favorite item? The white cotton jackets ($60) with an Ohio flag on the front and “Born & Raised” on the back. This is one closet that we’ll raid any day of the week. • Amanda Boyd Walters
Khaki’s, 3434 Edwards Rd., Hyde Park, (513) 871-1212
This clean-cut purveyor of gentlemen’s fine sportswear may be the original home of preppy (it opened in 1985!) but you’ll still find plenty of color and kitsch here. Take the Berle walk shorts ($80). Each pair is covered with tiny embroidered trout, horses, or sailboats. Imagine your favorite jet-setting CEO shedding his suit for a pair while vacationing at Martha’s Vineyard. Super! “The end of September and early October is actually my favorite time of year in the shop,” says owner Peggy Statzer. “It’s when we see all the beautiful fall-colored tweeds and wools.” At Khakis, fall colors are anything but bland. Byford cashmere sweaters ($225–$500) come in bold hues (burnt orange, sage, purple, red, yellow), or choose from 12 colors of Berle corduroy trousers. Scott Barber sport shirts ($125–$145) come in double brushed cotton flannel sport checks, and tartan and glen plaid prints. Statzer says Vineyard Vines is one of their best-selling lines, especially with high school and college students. It’s certainly not hard to imagine a prep-school lad dressed in a gingham VV sport shirt ($85) sporting the tell-tale whale logo on the breast pocket. A wild paisley Tailorbyrd sport shirt ($95) stands out in this conservative mix, and we applaud the country club man with enough style to flaunt it. For men who can only express themselves via their neckties, Statzer has plenty of options, including ties printed with beach umbrellas, beer mugs, dogs, golf clubs, blue whales, and watermelons. But if you’re coming for the Nantucket-style resort wear (hello, chinos covered in lobsters!), you’ll have to wait until spring. • Katherine L. SontagOriginally published in the September 2008 issue.