The Blues Jean Bar stocks some 40 brands in its 18 US stores and features a mobile jeans bar trunk show in Aspen.
 

Outfitted with a wooden bar, worn-in bar stools, and a staff of “jeantenders,” The Blues Jean Bar isn’t your typical watering hole. Founded by Aspen denizen Lady Fuller, the national retailer caters to men and women looking for the ultimate pair of blue jeans. “I wanted to create a store that was very different [and] that met people’s needs, but also felt warm and homey,” explains Fuller. “Being from New Orleans, I thought a blue jean bar was a fun play on a blues bar.”

Stocking more than 40 designer labels, including Genetic Denim, Citizens of Humanity, Joe’s, and MiH Jeans, the store features a “menu” above the bar, breaking down the well-edited merchandise by brand, wash, size, and style. “Every single body type is different, so a jean that fits one person won’t necessarily be right for another,” she says. “The perfect pair is the jean that complements your individual body type.” In addition to its 18 brick-and-mortar locations, The Blues Jean Bar now offers a BJB Express service, allowing online shoppers to receive five head-to-toe outfits based on their personal measurements and taste. And while there’s no store here in Aspen just yet, the retailer offers trunk shows in the form of a mobile jeans bar, which is rolling into town this summer so that locals can shop classic styles like boot cut, flare, and skinny, as well as a variety of contemporary offerings, including colored, printed, and embellished denim. Although Fuller continues to expand her reach, it is her local surroundings that most inspire her. “In Aspen, the world comes to you. Everyone passes through here,” she says. “Our small town’s transient lifestyle of having people like the Dalai Lama, Julia Roberts, and Bill Clinton in the same grocery store is something special. It’s the brain gain of all the different people who visit that inspires me.” 720 E. Durant Ave., Ste. E7, 970-429-8028

Silk anorak, Kendy 2 ($800).
 

With summer in full bloom, our winter layers are officially out of sight and mind, leaving our daily wardrobes in need of some freshening up with new, season-appropriate activewear. Rather than resorting to the tired yoga brands of years past, Aspen’s athletically inclined are turning to Jet Set for its assortment of superior sportswear. Situated on East Hyman Avenue, the local boutique is the St. Moritz, Switzerland-based brand’s only stateside outpost, and it stocks exclusive items for men and women. For summer, the selection of womenswear that is especially noteworthy includes a covetable lineup of lightweight jersey and crepe de chine T-shirts, silk anoraks with chenille linings, and printed vichy nylon sport shorts in the most vibrant shades of coral, banana yellow, and plum, which are particularly on-trend this season. 433 E. Hyman Ave., 970-429-8336

Known for hospitable service and a vast knowledge of original Westernwear, owners Tom and Nancy Yoder of Kemo Sabe have established the quintessential Colorado outpost for those who appreciate the Western aesthetic. The Baby Buffalo calf boot ($625), designed by Kemo Sabe and produced by Lucchese Classics, combines fashion and function, incorporating contemporary style with Aspen flair. 434 E. Cooper Ave., 970-925-7878

Aspenite and style writer Diane Tegmeyer sharpens her fashion acumen with the launch of Shop Away Aspen, an exclusive personal shopping service. A customized schedule is crafted for clients, who are then escorted to premiere local boutiques. “There are more than 40 stores specific just to Aspen,” says Tegmeyer. Shop cutting-edge labels at Nuages, find runway items from Balenciaga and Lanvin at Distractions, and browse Italian goods at Brunello Cucinelli. Chat with individual store owners, attend private trunk shows, and discover unexpected local treasures such as the youthful jewelry selection at Pitkin County Dry Goods. 222 Roaring Fork Dr., 970-379-3844

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMY SWANSON

Moncler gave new meaning to the expression “runway to real way” this season, presenting a collection complete with male moon-booted ski attendants and a working chairlift. The design house’s usual array of fur boots, shearling jackets, and suede outerwear appeared once again, but it was the modern iterations of oversize cocoon coats that most impressed. Cast in a dynamic gray ombré, snow-capped mountains made for alluring graphics that wrapped around the garments, immediately calling to mind the beauty of Aspen’s own scenery. Layer the coat over an evening dress and bring a bit of stylish personality to your après-ski activities, or keep it sporty with form-fitting ski pants for a day out on the slopes. Inspired by traditional 1950s alpine goggles, Moncler’s Achille sunglasses complete the athletic look, with an anti-fog finish and leather side detailing that protects against sun glare. Available in standout red and blue shades, or in a versatile black, the round-mirrored sunnies flawlessly balance style and function. 432 E. Hyman Ave., 970-544-5558

Barcelona-based skincare brand Natura Bissé has welcomed a new jewel to its luxury lineup. The recently debuted overnight treatment, Diamond Life Infusion, boasts a patent pending retinoid-replicating complex (known as Bio-Magnet Nanosomes) that combats sun marks, dryness, irritation, and inflammation. The potent serum also incorporates 16 additional anti-aging ingredients to further its rejuvenating power and help eliminate wrinkles and under-eye sagging. In pre-launch testing, participants lost an average of 3.9 years off their skin's age. Best suited for women over 35, you can bet this super-luxe overnight treatment will be on the bedside tables of Aspen’s society elite—an .08 ounce bottle checks in at $590. Celebrity fans of Natura Bissé include bombshells like Sophia Vergara, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Beyoncé. 

Longhorn cuff links, Ralph Lauren ($12,000). 501 E. Cooper Ave.,
970-925-5147

Images of the Old West have long inspired Ralph Lauren. The classic American label’s new Longhorn cuff link, pictured above, is the most chic interpretation of the trend we’ve seen yet. In the shape of a steer head, each cuff link is made from 18k white gold and white diamonds, and is hand-finished in England by master craftsmen.

Frames from Barton Perreira Fall 2011 collection

Barton Perreira’s eyewear has a cult-like following. Even with famous fans like Jennifer Lopez and Brad Pitt, the brand still maintains an under-the-radar aura of cool. The modern new space on East Cooper Avenue, designed by renowned architect David Spinelli, showcases the frames that keep the A-listers coming back. Patty Perreira, the house’s designer, got her start in eyewear at Oliver Peoples and then went on to design for Prada, Paul Smith, and Jil Sander. With Patty’s talent and (business partner) Bill Barton’s knowledge of the industry, the dynamic duo is thrilled to call Aspen home. “Aspen is where I began my optical journey,” says Barton, referring to his start with the Optical Shop of Aspen 27 years ago. “Aspen’s international customers and loyal locals will give the Barton Perreira brand amazing worldwide exposure.” Managing partner Dwight Chiles of Aspen runs the shop. The buzzworthy eyewear speaks for itself, and with the support of the well-groomed Aspen community word should spread fast. 525 E. Cooper Ave.

Ralph Lauren introduces a brown stirrup shoulder bag ($1,750) that draws upon the designers’ tradition of the great American West. Gold hardware, which recalls stirrups and bridle buckles, adorn the sumptuous brown nubuck leather satchel, creating a design that is both country rugged and city chic. 501 E. Cooper Ave., 970-925-5147

In an ode to “non-colours,” as Prada calls them, the label recently launched Prada Montagna, a mountain capsule collection of accessories and clothing chic enough for evening and technical enough for mountain sports. The crocodile leather military-style boot acts as a prime example, both tough enough for a snowy day and dressy enough for dinner at Syzygy. 312 S. Galena St.