Clothing by Odd Molly
The driving force that led Blue Ruby Boutique Owner, Julie Watson, to open a second location in Larimer Square (the first opened in Littleton in August 2009) was simply the love of fashion. And, hey, we can relate. “I love the fun of it,” she says. “I love the customers and the stories they tell. I love the shows and the searching. I love people watching and seeing what they say by their clothes. I just love all of it.”
Those of us who love the hunt for unique items will find a little bit of everything – from Halston gowns to yoga clothes – at Blue Ruby Boutique. Labels include Alp-n-Rock, Custo Barcelona, Nanette Lepore, Odd Molly, Splendid, AG Jeans, Robert Rodriguez and Rebecca Minkoff. The Larimer shop also features men’s clothing from Scotch & Soda. “My boutique is an extension of me,” Watson explains. “So, the brands I pick are usually artistic and funky – sometimes sophisticated – but always with a bit of an edge. I carry big-name brands as well as locally made items. I try really hard to be considerate of all price ranges, and all body types and sizes. I strive to ensure that every shopper who comes in to Blue Ruby can find something that suits them.”
Trends this spring are heading toward fun, flirty, fresh and preppy, and Blue Ruby Boutique has a nice mix of must-have items like sexy scarves, beaded belts, dainty dresses and preppy color schemes. Watson also suggests buying a few key pieces that will easily transition into the fall, including shorts that you can wear on sunny fall days, fitted white blouses to be worn all year long, espadrilles (especially in patent leather) and at least one pastel-colored cotton sports coat. “These items can bring your wardrobe up-to-date and give you a great head start on your fall look,” she says.
Watson puts a lot of thought and care into picking out each item offered at the boutique. Her hope is that every customer walks out smiling – and keeps smiling every time they wear a Blue Ruby purchase. “I’m also blessed to have dear friends on each coast who constantly keep me up-to-date on trends near them,” she says. “And when customers ask about any particular products or lines that I don’t carry, I listen and go searching for them. It’s a constant learning curve.”
While Watson says she’s excited for Blue Ruby Boutique’s future, that can’t compare to our excitement of having a new shopping jewel right in Larimer Square. “I’m thankful to God, my family, my customers, my friends and to the person who told me years ago that I was only good at shopping,” she says.
Misty Milioto is affectionately known as Denver’s Fashion Gal. She covers haute trends and local designers in the Mile High City, all while keeping a close and critical eye on national trends that are currently rocking the runways and the major glossy magazines. Stay tuned for all the best in fashion that Denver has to offer.