Have you ever walked into the latest boutique and the sight of a $300 price tag dauntingly dangling off one scarf sends you almost running for the door? Yea, we’ve been there.

In order to help out all of our low-income and low-budget shoppers, we designed a Best Boutiques on a Budget guide for the next time you are out for a quick shopping spree, or perhaps splurge, in the Lower Highlands (LoHi) area.

Looking for cost-friendly boutiques in LoHi may sound like a nearly impossible task, but this rising region is swarming with up and coming boutiques – most selling merchandise for under $100.

Boutique #1 – RusticThread

RusticThread2

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Markway.

Where: LoHi location, 3716 W. 32nd Ave., Denver
Phone: 303-351-3535
Hours: Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Low Down: RusticThread is a lush bohemian boutique that provides everything from rompers to tapestry bags.

Most items range between $40 and $120, but don’t let the price tag scare you off. Even though some of the high-end items are in the higher price range, the sales and in-store promotions assist in balancing out your wallet. Currently all shorts are $45.99 or less and there is always a sales rack that can go as high as 60 percent off.

To further assist shoppers on a budget, the boutique keeps their close customers in the loop by posting all sale promotions through social media and newsletters. They are also offering a 10 percent discount to any customer that follows their social media accounts or subscribes to their newsletter.

Boutique #2  Common Era

Common Era

Photo Courtesy: Holly Estrow.

Where: LoHi location, 1543 Platte St., Denver
Phone: 303-433-4633
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Low Down: Common Era provides everything a woman could ever ask for. From sleek statement pieces to a little black dress – this store can offer apparel, shoes and accessories for an affordable price.

Prices usually range from $20 to $70. The most expensive items are shoes, which can max out around $150 or $160. Base prices for dresses are around $30 and tops are anywhere from $18 to $30.

They just ended their big summer sale, but be on the look out for a labor day sale on Sept. 5. Current in-store sales consist of marked down items, which begin at $10 off, then the price continues to get marked down until the item is sold.

The owner states that there isn’t a person out there who can’t afford to shop at Common Era. They offer prices as low as $5 for earrings, $12 for bralettes and even $10 for jeans – talk about cheap thrills.

Other items that can be found in this store are deodorant, face cream, lip butter, purses, dresses, hats, jewelry, vintage pieces and umbrellas.

Boutique #3 – Sol Shine

Sol 2

Photo Courtesy: Jack Wolberg.

Where: LoHi location, 1501 Boulder St., Denver
Phone: 303-854-9188
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The Low Down: Sol Shine is a 2,500-square-foot eco-friendly boutique, art gallery and yoga studio located in the heart of LoHi. This multidimensional shop currently offers unbeatable deals when it comes to both health and beauty.

Nothing in the store is over $100 and the cost of tops can range from $20 to $50. Dresses and yoga pants are closer to the $70 or $80 range, but the owner likes to keep things affordable by throwing a “Boss is Outta Town Sale.”

The upcoming “Boss is Outta Town Sale” will begin August 14 and go through August 17. It entails 10 to 50 percent off all spring and summer lines.

Yoga is also currently on clearance, as they have their $30 for 30 days of unlimited yoga promotion.

If their prices aren’t enough of a reason to drop in, there are many other reasons to check out this booming boutique. Sol Shine supports manufactures and designers that are eco-conscious, organic, fair trade and/or made in the US.

They carry 18-24 different local artists every month and display their art throughout the boutique and yoga studio walls. They also believe that collectively they can make a positive impact on the planet through their choices in how they spend money.

Boutique #4 – Inspyre

150325InspyreBoutique001

Photo Courtesy: Britni Jensen.

Where: LoHi location, 4170 Tennyson St., Denver
Phone: 303-718-2645
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The Low Down: This inspirational boutique has it all. Prices range from as low as $4 to as high as $99, but the price will never exceed $100.  With everything from sundresses to winter coats, this store ensures a fashionable statement for every season.

They are currently offering multiple $10 racks in their LoHi location as well as 90 percent off discounts throughout the store. Tops generally range from $28 to $42 and dresses are anywhere from $28 to $60, but usually $54 is the maximum price.

Even though the price tags won’t exceed $100, they ensure everything is high quality, including winter coats and boots. The store carries an assortment of jewelry ranging from $18 necklaces to $38 statement pieces. However, no matter how trendy, jewelry rarely surpasses the $40 mark.

They are are just wrapping their latest blowout sale and the next big sale will be on Black Friday.

Boutique #5 – Starlet

Starlet 2 2

Photo Courtesy: Kristi Walstra.

Where: LoHi location, 3450 W. 32nd Ave., Denver
Phone: 303-433-7827
Hours: Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Low Down: Starlet has two locations in the Denver area – one in LoHi and the other at 26 Broadway.

The most expensive item in the store right now is about $55 at full price. There is a 30 to 50 percent off sale going on that will go through the end of the month. Shop associates say at the end of the month things will get a little more extreme, meaning more than 50 percent markdowns are in order.

In store prices generally range from $30 to $40 per item. Dresses run $40 to $50, and the most expensive thing in the store are jeans, which can average out at about $50 or $60.

They are slowly putting out fall items, so this would be a good place to get a head start on sweaters, scarves and other seasonal attire.