Fabulous Fashion Finds in Florence

By Sandy Dale

Let me alliterate and, perhaps, reiterate. I believe I might have mentioned back in May there were a few shops in Florence with some fun clothing. I had NO IDEA. On my walk this morning (and the better part of the afternoon), I investigated the Fashion World of Florence. Admittedly, I am a clothes junky. Contemporary, ethnic, vintage, and pieces that are falling apart but still look great on the wall. I am listing below the shops along a little over four blocks of Main Street that have, tucked in with their fine collections of antiques, little corners and tiny boutique stalls of fun fashion finds. Walking east from the 200 West block, north side of the street to the corner of the 200 East block of Main Street, crossing Main and heading back west, this is what I found:

1. Salvage, Antiques, Vintage, Etc. – T-shirts, vintage aprons, military clothing
2. The Pour House Coffee Shop – T-shirts (get coffee here to sustain you for the journey)
3. Oil City Merchants – some military clothing, a little vintage clothing
4. Heartland Antiques – hats, accessories*, vintage clothing
5. Florence Consignment Corner – military, vintage, retro clothing, hats, aprons, accessories*
6. Crystal Emporium – accessories*
7. Manna House Thrift Store – used clothing and accessory finds
8. Blue Heron – vintage military, retro, aprons, hand-painted jackets, T-shirts, sweat shirts, hand-woven vests and scarves, accessories*
9. Florence Antiques – doll clothes, vintage wedding dresses, hand woven scarves, military and Western clothing, accessories*
10. Heartland Boutique – classy contemporary clothing and accessories*
11. Antique Warehouse – ethnic, vintage and retro couture fashions
12. Vintage Market – vintage clothing and accessories*
13. Florence Flower Shop – a boutique corner featuring contemporary and vintage clothing
14. Main St. Gallery/Spirit Rider – lots of vintage, Western and Steampunk wear**
15. Aspen Leaf Bakery – handmade aprons, bags, ethnic clothing
16. Barn and Barrel – retro, vintage and contemporary clothing and accessories*
17. Autumn’s Attic – resale boutique clothing and unique Colorado T-shirts
18. The Mezzanine – baby clothes, vintage military, wedding dresses, hats, and accessories*
19. Legends and Lace – vintage lingerie, Victorian dresses, hats, military and Steampunk**

19. Blue Spruce – vintage hats, clothing, children’s clothing, cowboy boots, accessories*
20. Willie’s Antiques (just around the corner heading west on Main St.) – vintage clothing and accessories*

So, next time you’d like something fabulous to wear or hang on the wall, I’d be willing to bet you can find it in Florence, Fashion Capital of Fremont County.

*I have included under accessories, antique jewelry, vintage shoes, bags, and custom hand-made jewelry.

**If you don’t know what Steampunk is, google it. It could be the topic of a whole book, actually several books (and is). Florence is a virtual Steampunker’s paradise. Come see for yourself.