No. 43

Tuesday happened to be our 43rd anniversary! Typical Lawrence Covell style (understated to say the least) we celebrated it with little fanfare.  However, it's amazing to think that 43 years ago we began as a small leather goods shop on the Hill in Boulder at 13th and College (aptly named Phantasmagoria - grooooovy!).  We initially sold custom-made sandals, belts, handbags and the occasional set of rolling papers (it was the 1960s after all).  This soon morphed into importing English and Italian leather goods and then into French and Italian clothing in the mid-1970s.  Armani, Versace, and Prada all made their Colorado debut in our store in the late 1970s/ early 1980s! The same is true with Boss, Dolce & Gabbana, Dries Van Noten, John Varvatos, Kiton, Paul Smith and others in the years that followed.  We have always sought to find great lines which offer impeccable quality and design and fit within our eclectic mix. 

Now into our second generation, the fun continues . . . new lines, new ideas and new adventures!  So, thank you very, very much for supporting us throughout the years.  We wouldn't be here without you.

Colorado Shops For Kids Starts Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the kick off for the annual Colorado Shops for Kids fundraiser.  Purchase a $50 book here at our store and receive 30% off of one item of your choice (some exceptions may apply).  The book sales benefit the Colorado Children's Campaign, a local charity that works with some of Colorado's neediest children.  The shopping card is valid from Saturday May 1, 2010 through Friday May 14, 2010.  In addition to ourselves, there are several other neighborhood shops and restaurants participating.  It's for a great cause.  You get some great clothes and save money along the way.  For more information visit http://www.coloradokids.org/. 

Rainy Day Man

We love spring. It's days like yesterday that inspire us. Rick put this outfit together. He started with a pair of casual navy cotton jeans from Gant ($195). From there you can see he "lost control" (his words) with a blue striped Etro shirt ($325), a super cool Kiton striped tie ($265) - awesome colors - see how the avocado green and sky blue put a smile on your face. And then a wonderful classic silk wool and linen windowpane sport coat from Caruso ($1195). To top it off, dig the new Etro pocket square and Fil D'Ecosse cotton socks from Falke - your feet will thank you!

That's how you should pull off a fun outfit. Start with whatever (trouser or shirt) and let it happen. Guess what? The sun is shining!

Exciting events at LC this weekend...we are hosting two very special men's trunk shows:  

Caruso and Bontoni, Friday and Saturday, April 16 and 17.

Bontoni is the small but renowned shoemaker who by their own definition make special shoes for a special few.  Their craftsmen are known for their abiding dedication to the art of shoemaking and spend their days handcrafting one of the most special shoe collections in the world.  We are proud to carry their line in our store.  Bontoni's workmanship exemplifies the long but vanishing tradition of the Italian calzolaio (shoemaker) who for centuries has insisted upon the strictest standards of artistry.  Come see these beautiful shoes for yourself.   Mr. Lewis Cutillo will be in the store to present the collection.

Caruso  Since 1958 this Italian manufacturer has demonstrated a longstanding tradition  and innovative vision and been a leader in the global high-end menswear market thanks to an optimal mix of quality, service and price.  In addition to producing goods for a host of the best international menswear designers, Caruso also supplies the world's best retailers with their highly respected Caruso collection as well as a superb "su misura" offering for clients who enjoy made-to-measure clothing.  Mr. Enrico DiGiovanni of the New York Caruso office will be in the store to assist customers with the line.

The Pochette

Pochette, mouchoir, pocket square, hanky . . . whatever you want to call it, the pochette adds a little flare to every gentleman's outfit and is definitely a sign of sophistication.  Don't want to be too much of a dandy? Then keep it simple with a white linen square kept parrallel to the pocket (hence the name "square") so that only a sliver is visible (think JFK, Cary Grant, Sean Connery - masculine, timeless and elegant)  or point one of the corners up so that a triangle is formed (like Thom Browne).  With silk pocket squares, we like to just wear them naturally, stuff them in your pocket as you would a tissue (not that you walk around with a tissue hanging out of your pocket).  We have some fantastic pochettes in now from legendary French maker Simonnot-Godard (since 1787!) as well as Etro, Barbera and Kiton. 

Etro

Luciano Barbera

Etro

Kiton and Barbera

Etro's Blue Period

How's this for mixing some patterns? This season we bought a blue story from Etro.  Various shades of blue in various patterns (checks, stripes, plaids, etc.).  Here we have a navy and white check cotton jacket ($1195) paired with a blue plaid shirt ($275) and navy and white big gingham tie ($140) and blue and white mouchoir ($65 from Simonnot Godard).  Takes me back to the early 60s.