Growing up in the sixties, I've forever had a fondness for that era - the clothes and design, from furniture to automobiles. They had it going on. They had innovation, class and a carefree attitude that is so hard to find today. Nobody was suing anyone every time they burned their mouth on coffee or got lung cancer. We could ride our bikes at night without fear of abduction. My dad actually worked from 9 to 5, and had a cocktail hour with friends at the house all the time, breaking out the guitar on occasion. People drank and smoked whenever they wanted, wherever they wanted, and did so with immeasurable style. It's no wonder I love parties to this day. It was part of our lifestyle.

So when it was time to come up with a theme for the Kaffeine Buzz Launch party, there was no question. We had to go Tiki. Also growing up in the Bay Area, we had a number of Tiki bars to choose from. The most frequented place was Trader Vics, where my mom would be dolled up in her turquoise silk dress with matching pumps and handbag, my dad in his sharp black suit and skinny tie, all of us in a pack with my aunts and their hubbies. Rounds of Mai Tais and Pina Coladas would cover the table while tropical noises and music permeated the room.

Since Tiki bars have not quite made it to Denver, we will do our best to reenact those days gone by through some décor activities at the Red Room. We're also asking our party goers to do the same by dressing in the era of that time.

For some of us, all we have to do is peruse through our closet. For others, it's not that easy. I discovered this while shopping with a friend of mine last weekend at Boss Unlimited on Broadway, "I have no idea what to buy." So we've put together a guide to vintage clothing stores so you too can get all dolled up for the occasion. If you think along the lines of Ann Margaret or Janet Leigh from Bye Bye Birdie, Elvis from Blue Hawaii, or the Rat Pack in Oceans Eleven, you're right on track. And so you have a little more dough for cocktails, we've also worked out a discount with some of the stores when you mention Kaffeine Buzz or print this story and present it at the counter when you make your purchases.

Boss Unlimited is located in one of the coolest shopping areas in Denver, the Baker district on Broadway. Here you can actually walk from one store to another, where small business owners offer a variety of funky shopping opportunities, from vintage clothing to retro furniture. Boss is one of the larger vintage stores, carrying a wide array of both women's and men's clothing, hats, and other household décor. For the gals, dresses from that time run pretty small, so don't go on a Slim Fast diet just because you can't fit in a size 6. That is more like a size 2 of today. Ya see, in addition to giving up our cigarettes, alcohol, and aprons, our girdles are also a thing of the past. But they have a good stock of cocktail dresses to choose from in various sizes; so don't get your panties in a bunch.

For the guys, your kit will be pretty damn easy. Many men's lines, including BC Ethics, have gone retro, picking up shirt designs from the fifties and early sixties. So you may be good to go already if this type of style is your gig. After complimenting the shirt with some pressed slacks and sharp shoes, you'll be good to go. If not, American Aces carries replicas of those lounge styles and Hawaiian shirts, in addition to a smaller selection of vintage wear.

A few doors down from Boss is All American Vogue, who also carry a mixture of new retail clothes and vintage, so you'll be able to mix the old with the new to compliment your look.

A few months back I discovered Blooming Deals when I was searching for a vintage western shirt as a birthday present. The owner, Honey, was such a kick in the pants, taking me around the store and helping me to pick out different items while she took me back to her days in the fashion industry in New York. If you've been wondering why they are no longer on Marion and 12th, they recently moved over to Colfax. Although things are still getting pulled from boxes and rearranged, their staff is very helpful and will spend the time to pull items from the racks or their basement to make sure you get what you want.

Heading down to Colorado Springs, Zeezo's is located right in heart of downtown, and is mostly known for their wide array of costumes and accessories. But right when you enter the store you'll be greeting by a rack of guys vintage shirts that run at an affordable $14 - $18 each. If you peruse further you'll also find women's cocktail dresses that range from $20 - $38, which is still cheaper than many of the mass-produced crap you find in the mall today.

So go get crazy. Draw in your eyebrows and break out the Aqua-net, and twist and shout with a cocktail. If you need more inspiration, check out some of the links below. And don't be afraid to ask the store personnel for assistance. They're all pretty cool people and will do you up right.

BOULDER

Candy's Vintage Clothing
4483 Broadway St
303.442.6186

DENVER

All American Vogue
10 South Broadway
303.733.4140

Aces Dry Goods
78 S Broadway
303.733.2237

Boss Unlimited
8 Broadway
303.871.0373

Blooming Deals
2826 East Colfax (at Fillmore & Detroit)
Denver, CO
303.831.9505l

Buffalo Exchange
230 E. 13th St (at Grant)
303.866.0165

COLORADO SPRINGS

Zeezos
3 East Bijou
719.633.2571

LINKS TO INSPIRE

www.shag-art.com
cocktails.about.com/library/bltiki.htm
www.tikifarm.com
www.tiki-lounge.com

-Kim Owens, kim@kaffeinebuzz.com