Uncovering Stunning Style and Amazing Accessories at Jewelius

Straying from the typical tourist trail can reveal absolutely amazing places you would have never known you were missing. On my recent vacation through Colorado, I made a point to stop at boutiques and restaurants along the way that would help me to see why Denver locals rave about their city. By the time I’d wrapped up my trip, it’s safe to say the area also stole a piece of my own heart.

Late on a Tuesday evening, I ventured to Denver’s Highlands — the “it” neighborhood packed with trendy shops, restaurants and bars. The leftover happy hour crowds bustled in the windows nearby while I walked down the quiet, warmly lit street. Stepping onto the curb at the northwest corner of 32nd and Zuni, I discovered Jewelius.

Outside, the shop glittered. Warm light peeked through the window topped with marquee letters spelling its name. I stepped through the door to unveil Charlie’s Chocolate Factory for the accessory obsessed. Every inch of the store reflected an unbelievable story told by its owner — Rachel Lubow.

Sipping white wine and exploring the store after hours, I snapped away while Rachel told me about Jewelius. Each and every piece in the collection is inspired by her own tastes. She hand-picks clothing, jewelry and more from markets and shows across the nation to bring to life the Denver boutique. While some may sneak in that don’t appear as she remembered — like a florescent pink blouse — the beloved store flows with an edgy, eclectic beauty that can mesh with a wide range of individual styles. Of course, it resonated perfectly with my own — more than once, I’ve seriously considered the 9-hour trip back to bring home one of everything.

Not only is her collection phenomenal — but even the displays are unique and thoughtful. Much of the store is a DIYer’s dream — antique frames converted to necklace hangars, a ladder-turned-shelf stand, vintage ski poles upcycled into a clothing rack. From tables to display cases — the store is a stunningly eclectic outpouring of love for fashion, design and style beyond the clothing and accessories it sells.

Years ago, Jewelius began as a jewelry distribution company. Rachel had noticed rapidly changing trends in the accessories women were buying and wearing, so she quickly built her business to support those new styles. Taking her grandfather’s name, Jewelius later evolved into a brick-and-mortar shop on 32nd Avenue and expanded its jewelry focus to include gorgeous accessories and clothing for local style addicts.

Moving toward warmer weather, Rachel shared her go-to look for the season — denim and blush. She showed me the extreme flexibility of a light denim vest, which was gorgeous especially with her linear silver whistle necklace. She didn’t stop at denim though — and pushed it even farther with a jaw-dropping blush leather jacket. The official report: denim is in and the beautiful, soft pastel in the jacket will be the perfect wardrobe addition for celebrating the transition to Spring.

Whether you’re just passing through or you already call Denver home, Jewelius alone is well worth the trek to Highlands. The beautiful collection, exceptional variety in accessories and awesome price point make it a fantastic shop for buying gifts or updating your own wardrobe. I’ll be adding Jewelius to my list of must-shop boutiques as well as yet another reason I simply must go back to Colorado.

This post originally appeared on Prettyography.