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[shop] Cute Jewelry and Accessory Stores

Molly Martin — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:05:25 +0000

Although I own a small amount of jewelry, I have a great appreciation for the most unique of accessories. Never mind the latest trends — accessories should express who you are. I have found a handful of boutiques throughout the Wichita area that can help with this self-expression. Each of these places impressed me with its details. They are some of my favorite hometown treasures, each with a sparkle and a different definition for practical.

1) Pink Saloon (4730 E. Douglas) has the look of a high-style boutique minus the I’m-better-than-you atmosphere. Its name put me under the impression that it might be country-bumpkin chic, but instead it offers a variety of designer-brand accessories. The jewelry easily catches my attention; bold, flashy necklaces adorn the clothing hanging up throughout the store. I think this is a wonderful, eye-appealing idea that make both the clothing and the jewelry much more attractive as a combination. Other fun accessories include Betsyville handbags and the hard-to-find TOMs shoes (including the new wedges!). The store is also wonderfully spread out, with room to walk around and appreciate each item without the clutter of excess.

2) Aspen Boutique (4724 E. Douglas) has been one of my favorite boutiques since I realized Claire’s Accessories is only cool during the preteen years. I remember shopping there with my mom when I was younger, just amazed by the amount and variety of accessories. I still wander throughout the store, marveling at everything as if I were visiting a museum of fine art. It has a western feel but with worldly and religious influences. I always make a stop by the hair accessories near the back. The bejeweled hair clips and dramatic headbands exude elegance. Although the jewelry is a bit pricy, anything from here is sure to warrant compliments (and it is having a sale starting July 9). One of my favorite pieces in the store right now is a beautiful necklace with bright orange pieces that hang in layered rows.

3) The Onion Tree just opened in May at 120 N. Hillside, and is a refreshing addition to the area. All the accessories are homemade, from coconut jewelry to crochet pop-top purses. Like these purses, many items are also made from recycled materials, such as skirts and tank tops made from bamboo. The store offers a wonderful opportunity for local artists to showcase and sell their products. The owner is especially friendly, as is her canine friend, who is incredibly sweet. As it is new to the community, I would love for more people to give the boutique a warm ICT welcome.

4) The Pink Boa, located in Andover (217 W. Central), is full of girly fun for all ages. Babies, moms and preteens each have their own special section. What I like most about this boutique is its spunk. Many items have either boa feathers or flowers attached to them, including crochet baby hats, tutus (for both children and adults) and decorated wine glasses. Other accessories also reflect the spunky environment, such as the blinged-out (yet tasteful, and inexpensive) jewelry. This boutique also carries pop-top purses, but with flower accessories attached of course. I think it’s the perfect place to get a fun gift for a girlfriend, whether she is your grade-school BFF, the bride-to-be or someone who has always been young at heart.

Whether you prefer homemade artistry or shiny jewels, the ICT is full of boutiques that can give you that sparkle that you need. I know there are many other lovely jewelry/accessory stores throughout town that I did not mention, so please sound off and let me know.

[nest] Great Car Repair Shops in Wichita

Maria Mannani — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:58:29 +0000

I’m convinced that living life without a car would be very difficult or impossible for me. I need my car. It takes me anywhere I need or want to go. It’s reliable. However, there are two things that keep it in working order: gasoline and maintenance. The only unpleasant aspect that comes with owning a car is vehicle maintenance and repairs. It can get costly. Fortunately, there are several affordable car maintenance centers here in Wichita that do quality work.

Chris’ Mobile Auto Service (1905 S. Lulu St.) offers quality work for a fair price. Most oil changes are below $42, and their service is impressive. Speaking from experience, they are friendly and reliable. Aside from oil changes, they are experienced in transmission repairs and maintenance. Chris, the owner, is the only female mechanic in Wichita. She ensures their prices are affordable for their customers. Their hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Basics and Beyond (1001 E. Pawnee St.) is also an affordable option for car repairs. Their oil changes are $29.95 and they offer a variety of other services, including major transmission work and tire repairs. The staff is very familiar with both domestic and foreign vehicles. Basics and Beyond is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tracy’s Automotive (three locations in the Wichita area) is a well-established automotive maintenance and repair shop. They offer a variety of services, from basic maintenance to major work. Oil changes, alignments, transmission repairs, and engine repairs are all services the staff is very familiar with. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Unruh Automotive (four locations in the Wichita area) has been in business for over 60 years. Some of the services they offer are air conditioning repairs, brakes maintenance, oil changes, and other basic maintenance. All of their technicians are ASE certified and are qualified to work on both foreign and domestic vehicles. Hours of operation: Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

These are just a few of Wichita’s reasonable and honest automotive repair shops. There are many more. Are there any that stand out to you for their excellent service, quality work, or reasonable prices?

(Image Credit)

[shop] Cute Clothes for Kids on the Cheap

Dani Stone — Sun, 23 May 2010 19:58:01 +0000

Before my daughter was born, my mother-in-law was very familiar with the boys’ clothing section. She raised two sons and was blessed with three grandsons. For years she was relegated to blues, greens, browns and purchased more T-shirts than Simon Cowell. Finally, in 2004, she was able to cross the aisle and shop in the land of pink and frilly. And when she shopped, wow, did she make up for lost time. For Christmas, birthday and really whenever the season changes, we get a nice package from Grandma Stone containing girlie skirts, dresses, etc. Unfortunately, as most parents know, I barely get things off the hanger before my daughter has outgrown them. Thankfully, Wichita has a variety of children’s resale and consignment shops where I can sell and trade these almost-new clothes.

We often hear the words resale and consignment used interchangeably when referring to secondhand stores, but there is a distinction. Curious about the true difference in the two, I called Kid To Kid, a west side resale store. Whitney Pulen explained that a consignment shop accepts clothing and merchandise and the seller gets a percentage of the profit. With a resale store, the customer sells the clothing and merchandise to the shop outright, receiving cash or check immediately.

Did I mention resale and consignment shops buy and sell more than just clothing? Well, they do. If you need to furnish a room for the new baby, you can find an ever-changing variety of cribs, car seats, playpens and other baby accoutrement all in one place. However, if you’ve decided the kid factory is closed for business and you’re ready to unload all that baby gear, this is a quick and often lucrative way to do it.

Another great tip I learned from Whitney at Kid To Kid: if you accept store credit rather than cash or check, you can often net up to 20% more.

Local resale shops include:

Kid To Kid – 2243 N. Tyler
Trendy Tots – 3101 N. Rock Road
From Me To You – 9121 W. Central.

Stores offering consignment opportunities:

Twice Is Nice 2 – 783 N. West St.
Hannah Banana – 2828 E. Douglas

Each store has different “buy days,” policies and hours of operation, so contact them directly for more details. If you’ve already discovered the secret of the kids resale shop and I didn’t list your favorite, let me know in the comments!

[shop] The Dos and Don’ts of Mother’s Day Gifts

Andrea Anglin — Fri, 07 May 2010 12:46:47 +0000

As Mother’s Day approaches, there is still time to get your mom a gift. A good gift. But just as the Christmas Eve shoppers know, the selection of thoughtful, decent gifts starts to dwindle quickly, so don’t wait until Sunday morning to make your selection. To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of the top five things NOT to get your mom/wife on Mother’s Day.

1. Exercise DVDs or equipment – Unless Mom has been dropping hints about absolutely wanting the kettlebells she’s seen on “The Biggest Loser” or is dying to see what the heck that rascally Richard Simmons is up to now, steer clear of these kinds of gifts. It’s kind of like saying, “Hey, I know I helped make you fat, being born and all, but you might want to do a little something about it.”

2. “As Seen On TV” – Is the PedEgg one of the greatest inventions ever? Sure! But paired with some Mighty Putty and a ShamWow set, a gift from the “As Seen On TV” section seems last-minute.

3. Unwanted kitchen gadgets – If your mom or wife is the next Rachael Ray or Paula Deen, then this message is not for you. But if your special lady doesn’t care about zesting her own lemons, skip kitchen gadgets.

4. Household tools – A sure-fire way to irritate many moms is to give them something that seems to say, “You don’t work hard enough already, we expect better vacuuming out of you.” Your mom or wife may be the exception to this rule, but I doubt it.

5. Breakfast in Bed – This tradition usually involves children creating something on their own or with minimal input from Dad. That, combined with the fact that most moms cringe at the idea of eating in bed, makes this a tradition you can skip.

So how can you avoid these gifts? I have some ideas about what you can do and where you can go to get just the right gifts for moms, wives and moms-to-be.

1. LuCinda’s – This popular Old Town store is brimming with eclectic jewelry, clothing, knick-knacks and handbags. Perfect for the mom who loves all things shiny and sparkly.

2. Perfect Peace – If you are looking for a wide-selection of Christian-themed music, books and art, this is a great place to start. Jewelry, frames and other mom-a-riffic products abound.

3. Cocoa Dolce Artisian Chocolates or Cero’s Candies – First, these two gems make the kind of chocolate creations you dreamed about after first seeing “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Second, these shops are locally owned and operated, which Mom will love. Sweet!

4. Spa gifts – There are really too many great places in ICT to mention in this section (check our [primp] archives for ideas). There is no better way to say, “Hey, thanks for loving me even though I put a grilled cheese sandwich in the VCR” than giving your mom a massage, facial, or mani-pedi.

5. Budget-friendly – Take your mom on a walk if she likes to do that and just talk about whatever she wants or if you are a dad, take the kiddos to the park and let your wife have some time to herself. Cook your own Mother’s Day Special brunch, but let mom sleep in first. Handmade cards from kids and/or spouses are special as well.

The bottom line is, no matter what you get Mom this Mother’s Day, make it personal for her and you will have made it special. Don’t wait until the last minute and throw something together. Put some thought into it – after all, she brought you into this world and she can take you out! That, and it’s just the nice and appreciative thing to do.

[shop] Garage Sale-ing for Dummies

Shea Sylvia — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:25:58 +0000

I love garage sales. I love estate sales. I love rummaging through other people’s junk, hoping to find something to take home and love forever… Or at least until I sell it at my own garage sale.

Wichita is a garage sale aficionado’s paradise, with sales starting on Thursday morning and continuing through Saturday afternoon. True treasure hunters pore over the garage sale listings in the Wichita Eagle and on Craigslist and map out their plan of attack. I prefer the less structured approach of driving through my favorite Wichita neighborhoods and hoping for the best, usually with a latte in hand and my boyfriend in the passenger’s seat. Bringing along a garage sale-ing buddy is beneficial for multiple reasons; you have someone to laugh with when browsing through what can best be described as tragic home decor, an extra set of muscles when buying something heavy, and someone to convince you that you really don’t need that 8-track player no matter how nostalgic it is.

I realize the idea of shopping in a complete stranger’s driveway may not seem super enticing, but I promise it’s worth it. Some of my recent garage sale bounty includes a huge white ceramic platter for $2, two mid-century modern chairs for $5, a stack of like-new, recently released books for fifty cents apiece, a Cusinart ice cream maker for $3 and a floral wreath with the Target tag still on it for $5.

Should you be so inclined to give garage sales a try, here are a few tips straight from the pros (or, um, me):

Go early for the best selection, but go late for the best bargains. Thursday mornings are prime time for those who want to snag the best items, but Saturday afternoons usually net the best deals. Hot, tired and bored homeowners are ready to close up shop and are willing to negotiate (or start giving things away).
Bring cash. And make sure you have lots of ones on hand for small purchases – books, DVDs, housewares and clothes.
Don’t be afraid to haggle. I know, I know… It seems silly to try and wheel and deal when an item is only a few bucks to begin with. That said, people tend to think their junk is worth more than it is. If you think something is overpriced, make an offer that seems reasonable. More often than not, your offer will be accepted. And remember – you are shopping in someone’s garage, not Nieman Marcus. Haggling is totally acceptable.
Try before you buy. If you’re eying something electronic, plug it in and make sure it works. Anything mechanical (like a lawn mower) should absolutely be tried first before you hand over the cash.
Know your neighborhoods. If a garage sale is in an older, more established neighborhood, you’re likely to find a bounty of “vintage” items (read: old stuff). Newer items can usually be found in newer neighborhoods full of young families. Eclectic neighborhoods like College Hill and Riverside have a nice mix of both.
Don’t judge a book by its cover. If you like the lines on a piece of furniture, but hate the color, you can always turn it into a DIY project with a little bit of paint or fabric. A dirty vase or dish can easily be washed until it sparkles like new.

Are you a garage sale guru? Share your tips in the comments!

Photo courtesy of Steph Barnard

[shop] For Gifts on the West Side

Dani Stone — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:41:24 +0000

At one time or another we’ve all found ourselves in this situation. You look at your calendar and suddenly realize you’ve forgotten someone’s birthday. You know you’ll have to pick up something on your limited lunch hour, so there’s no time to visit a big box retail store and a QT gas card just won’t do, especially since Grandma no longer drives. What you need is a fun little gift shop. If you live or work on the west side of Wichita, I have a few stores I think you should know about.

Personally Yours: Located at 21st and Tyler across from Old Chicago. The phrase “Ladies and Babies” is prominently displayed on the front glass, so fellas, you know what you’re getting into here. This is not the place to go looking for a college basketball T-shirt or beer stein, although I did see KU/K-State bibs and sippy cups. For the ladies, this shop had a fun selection of jewelry, purses, candles, and the prettiest bath wraps you’ve ever seen. True to its name, Personally Yours has an abundance of gifts that are already monogrammed and they specialize in personalizing hundreds of other items. This was especially true of the baby gear, including blankets and many styles of framed pictures for the nursery wall that can be custom-printed with a child’s name. In the back of the store, I also spied a small selection of wedding frames, bags and wine glasses. Whether you know a bride-to-be who has spent countless hours writing her new last name in cursive or a mom-to-be who has labored over baby name books trying to find the perfect one, they’ll appreciate a gift that prominently displays the new moniker.

Kay Wiggins Jewelry: Located just off Kellogg, at Maple and Tyler, Kay Wiggins is the largest jewelry/gift shop the West side has to offer. Originally known for their hand-beaded mother’s bracelets and necklaces, Kay Wiggins now has an entire beading room in which to create jewelry for customers, as well as offering bead classes and parties. This is what I call a great “girlfriend store” because it’s filled with items that make you squeal and think, “My girlfriends would love this.” Pandora charms, novelty mugs, Lolita martini glasses, Miche bags, Webkinz, even homemade fudge and dip – this store has something to offer tweens, grandmothers and every age in between.

Hallmark: Two locations: Reflection Ridge at 21st and Tyler and NewMarket Square at 21st and Maize. Ask any woman who enjoys shopping and she’ll tell you Hallmark isn’t just for cards anymore. Oh sure, I still spend time cackling at the hilarious greeting cards, often to the annoyance of my fellow card shoppers, but over the years Hallmark has stepped up their game in the gift department. They just introduced a new line of recordable storybooks and they are still the premiere place for Keepsake Ornaments and other holiday goodies.

Perfect Peace and Family Christian: Located at Central and Tyler and New Market Square, respectively. These two Christian lifestyle stores carry much of the same merchandise, but Perfect Peace is roughly twice the size of Family Christian. Both stores carry items you might expect, like Bibles, gospel music, books by popular Christian authors like Max Lucado and Veggie Tales toys/movies for the kids, but they also carry baby gifts, tabletop décor, faith-based jewelry and novelty gifts. At Family Christian, don’t miss the $5 specials at the front of the store. While shopping at Perfect Peace, be sure to stop and gaze at their large display of gorgeous but reasonably priced framed prints.

Two west side honorable mentions go to specialty stores Wind Heaven and Yankee Candle, located side by side in New Market Square. Wind Heaven boasts “Kites, Flags Windsocks” and it goes on my list if nothing else for the sheer volume of inventory they have in the store. It’s crammed without feeling cluttered. I challenge you to walk in and not find a whimsical windsock you’d enjoy. Yankee Candle is a classic. Women love their votives, tarts and jar candles, plus you can purchase boxed sets, tart burners and even personalized candles for special occasions.

Whether you’re searching for a birthday present, shower gift or last minute office goody for the person who sits near you in cubicle city, chances are you’ll find it at one of these west side gift shops. You might even find something to make your own day a little brighter.

[wear] Men’s Spring/Summer Essentials

Matt Tharp — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:59:26 +0000

As I look through my closet preparing for Spring 2010, I find myself carefully evaluating my clothes from previous summers with almost complete regret. Aside from my Lacoste polos, which are timeless, I find summer clothing so casual it’s sad – a collection of overly pocketed shorts from mall stores like American something and that place next to Aber-whatever. Mall stores are apparently all buying from the same manufacturer in China, and everything looks falsely worn out and utterly temporary. Maybe it’s my age, but I’m wondering if I’m suffering from mass produced burn out.

I used to love a clean pair of Nike runners each summer, but now they seem ho-hum. I enjoy the ironic t-shirt as much as the next dude, but it’s starting to feel played out. And the pseudo-frayed polo from the generic brand of the week just feels tired. I find myself looking more at the quality of the goods and less at price, and also thinking about whether I will like the item next summer. As I think through my look for this spring, I’ve come up with the following as acceptable items that can be found in Wichita.

1. Shoes: Adidas Stan Smith. Granted, they’re no Common Projects Achilles, but you can find a pair of (almost) all-white Adidas Stan Smith’s at any shoe store in the mall for under $70.

2. Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider. These are definitely the trend this summer, and while I’ve never been one for boat shoes, I may finally have to commit. They’ve updated the colors and materials, and Sperry is popping out some of the hottest shoe trends this year. Cost: Between $70-100 at Dillards and Von Maur. (Also, if anyone knows a local retailer that carries any of these, please post a comment.)

3. Shoes: Driving Mocs. Banana Republic is carrying some and I typically find them at Dillards and Von Maur. They’re great if you’re wearing pants that actually fit. Note: if you still think pants need to be wide legged, you can’t wear driving mocs or Sperry boat shoes. Stick to Air Force Ones.

4. Pants: Selvage Jeans. Good luck getting me out of these, especially this summer. I will however, be rolling those bad boys up. Where to buy: not here. Cost: $150+

5. Pants: Lightweight Khakis. I love these pants from J.Crew. I’m sure there are good ones to be had elsewhere, but Von Maur and Dillards carry old-guy pants, Gap stuff feels cheap, and I’m not sure what happened to Banana Republic but they just don’t do khakis like they used to. Gap is probably the best bet in Wichita, unless you’re okay with pleated pants. Cost: $70+

6. Shirts: Brooks Brothers Sport Shirts in Extra Slim Fit. Any pattern works, they are well made, wrinkle free, and last forever. Plus, the weight of the (typically) all-cotton shirts is great for spring/summer. Trim up the italian chest beard and go without an undershirt. Cost: $80

7. Shirts: Lacoste Polo Shirts. Here is the thing, if you can get through a couple seasons without shrinking them, these will be the best investment ever. They go all spring/summer, you can get away with them untucked because they are neither too-long or too-short (if they are a tad long on you, go ahead and let them run through the dryer on low heat. This should raise the hem-line perfectly. DO: get colors and wear untucked. DON’T: Wear two and pop the collar. Cost: $75, buy them at any department store.

What I’ve found is that the classics in summer and spring styles are somewhat conservative, but put an emphasis on fit and quality. A crisp navy polo and khakis can look overly mature – tucked in, belted, pleated, a bit baggy – or look modern – well fitted, plain/flat front, proper length. Throw on the right accessories and no one will think you look old.

[go] Lindsborg, Kansas

verb [ICT] staff — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:00:38 +0000

Guest post by Marco Benitez

Nestled in the rolling hills of the fertile Smoky Valley, Swedish heritage is alive and well. Välkommen till Lindsborg!

Lindsborg was settled in 1869 by a group of Swedish immigrants from the Varmland province of Sweden who envisioned a community rich in culture, learning, religion, business and farming.

These values remain strong as indicated by a city rich in the performing and visual arts. It is also home to the Smoky Valley School District and Bethany College, and multiple churches thrive there. Lindsborg is a place where businesses flourish and agriculture continues to play an important role in the community.

I embarked on a voyage across Lindsborg and here are some things to do, sites to see and places to eat that I recommend to visit for a complete Little Sweden experience.

Activities and Events

Search for the Wild Dala – For those of you asking, “What the heck is a Wild Dala?”, don’t be ashamed, I had to ask too. A Dala is a bluntly rounded, tail-free horse, usually red with white stripes, and is perhaps known as Sweden’s best-known icon.

The Dala can be found everywhere in Lindsborg. Traditional horses are on front porches, on coffee mugs and even on the side of police cruisers. In 2000, inspired by Chicago’s cows on Michigan avenue, Lindsborg transformed the traditional Dala shape into a fiberglass form. These horses add a boosted feel of Swedish heritage as these uniquely decorated and themed horses parody aspects of the city’s culture. Open-air tours of the Dala horses are available, and new Wild Dalas are still being rounded up.

Messiah Festival of Music & Art – Going on now until Easter Sunday, Lindsborg continues an annual tradition started by Johann Sebastian Bach. This year marks the festival’s 200th anniversary. Concerts featuring the music of Handel and Bach will be performed at Bethany College during Holy Week. In addition to the concerts, the Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery hosts the Midwest Art Exhibition. The exhibition features works from the permanent collection and new works by regional artists.

Restaurants

Butcher, Baker & Candle Stick Maker (130 N. Main) –This locally owned shop features daily fresh bakery items, deli sandwiches, traditional Swedish soups, hand-poured candles and farm fresh meats.

Courtyard Bakery & Café (125 N. Main) – Courtyard offers a variety of homemade Swedish specialties, including cardamom rolls, kringler, Swedish Limpa and rye bread, skorpor, rusks and mouth-watering tea rings.

Jalisco (107 N. Main) – This is one of Lindsborg’s most pleasant surprises. Jalisco is a Swedish-themed Mexican restaurant. I was a little disappointed Jalisco did not offer a Swedish twist to the Mexican cuisine, but their traditional and Tex-Mex dishes did not disappoint.

Swedish Country Inn (112 W. Lincoln) – This bed and breakfast serves a lavish Swedish breakfast buffet to Inn guests and the public. The menu includes Swedish meatballs, pickled herring, (It’s an acquired taste) knackerbrod, cheeses, and waffles with lingonberries.

Shopping

Hemslojd (201 N Main) – Located at the north end of downtown, Hemslojd is one of the country’s largest Scandinavian gift shop, and it sells everything Swedish. Swede pop CDs, movies, candy, postcards, novels and wooden crafts are the tip of the iceberg of what Hemslojd has to offer. A woodworker or folk painter is usually at work in the store’s arts and craft center. Hemslojd offers free workshop tours and presentations on how to make a Dala horse.

Local Attractions

Coronado Heights – Three miles northwest of Lindsborg, Coronado Heights is a dominant geological feature of the Smokey Valley. It rises 300 feet above the surrounding plains, giving an admirable view of the landscape below. The park was crowned with the “Spanish Castle” built with federal WPA funds in 1936. The park is a comfortable yet exciting place for a picnic and is accented with miles of tree-graced trails.

Kanopolis Lake (105 Riverside Dr, Marquette, KS) - This 3,000-acre lake 20 miles west of Lindsborg provides anglers a fishing paradise which includes a series of caves, horseback riding and boat rentals. Kanopolis’ most sought-after species include crappie, white bass and channel catfish.

[do] Neighborhood Guide: College Hill

Jessica White — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:04:48 +0000

Few things can bring equal parts happiness and satisfaction. College Hill does it for me. There’s just something about the tall trees, hilly streets, and well-kept houses that is completely refreshing. Something special lives here. Maybe it’s history, a loving neighborhood culture, or the houses themselves, but this is the only place you can find it.

College Hill received its name as it went up alongside Fairmount College, the beginnings of Wichita State University. Ever since, the neighborhood has been an important part of the community, housing many influential Wichitans and their families. Today, you see a variety of people who have nestled into the neighborhood: young families, single folks, lucky college students, empty nesters, and aging adults. This quiet surrounding of chirping birds, blooming flowers, and fun holiday decorations appeals to any palate. With attractive sensibility and simplicity to the neighborhood that you can’t build these days, College Hill is a sought-after place.

In this neighborhood you can find College Hill Park, a terrifically hidden secret that serves as an excellent host to both dog-walking and picnicking. If you drive the streets, you will find house after house that you swear you will buy when it goes on sale. But watch the road — the potholes and intersections will make you bottom out! A small price to pay for the beauty of sightseeing in this neighborhood.

Another beautiful thing about College Hill is its close proximity to everything. It is nestled in a neutral eastside/central Wichita location, so you can arrive at your destination in just a few minutes. A nice walk or bike ride will get you downtown in no time, and the restaurants, home décor stores, and boutiques nestled along the sides of Douglas create too many fun opportunities to shop. Many of these little stores are like hidden gems, producing so many of my favorite finds.

So what should you do on your next Saturday off? Visit my home, College Hill, and you’ll feel the satisfaction of which I speak.

Begin with a nice walk through the neighborhood and bring your dog with you. He’ll probably get a chance to meet some other nice dogs, and you’ll both get some fresh air. If you don’t have a dog (or want to let him sleep in) then go garage saling. The neighborhood is notorious for them, so start early to find the best items. Once you finally recognize your stomach’s growling, stop into Jeanne’s Cafe and try my personal favorite, the coconut pancakes. Take some time to walk around at Douglas and Oliver. Some places you don’t want to miss are Watermark Books, Aspen Boutique (formerly Aspen Traders) and Ferguson Phillips. Need even more variety? Hit up Dean’s Designs, Country Bumpkins, Traditions, The Bag Ladies, Hippie Chick and Clifton Square shopping center, all just east of Hillside and Douglas. Clifton Square always has the coolest shops, being a popular place for budding entrepreneurs.

For lunch, try the new Dolci and Joe’s or College Hill Deli and Catering (recently reviewed by verb’s Liz Sothman), try a sandwich from Watermark Books, or cross the street for pizza on the patio of Il Vicino. Sport Burger isn’t much for looks, but serves up one of the tastiest and cheapest burgers in town. China Inn also dwells in the old Squires Phillips 66 building, close to the Central and Oliver intersection. An amazing transformation from gas station to restaurant, this place is one of the best kept Chinese food secrets around. Try the chicken lo mein, garlic shrimp or China Inn appetizer. You will not be disappointed.

For entertainment, there’s so much to do in College Hill. If you’re looking for a girls’ day out, look no further. With many a spa sprinkled throughout the neighborhood, it’s a great area to get a pedi then “see what you’ll find.” Check out the beautiful Crown Uptown Theater, and catch a matinee or a dinner show with a buffet that will make you grab multiple plates. Walk around the corner and hopefully you’ll be lucky enough to watch a packed show at Rockin’ Daddy’s, a.k.a. C Major Guitars. Don’t forget Final Fridays in College Hill, with a great stop at the new Springpark Gallery. My interest has been peaked after hearing about Clifton Wine & Jazz, open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I’ll be checking out the place the first chance I get!

So whether you have lived in the neighborhood since you were born, or if you’re brand new to the area, College Hill has something for everyone. But remember when you visit, this place is has an entirely unique culture and personality. Take a moment to appreciate it and enjoy it as much as you can. Peace lives here.

Photo courtesy of Eric Wittman

[shop] Where to Buy Men’s Clothing in Wichita

Matt Tharp — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:27:07 +0000

It’s no secret that I bemoan the men’s shopping options in Wichita and the general lack of fashion that it creates, but I do occassionally find a hidden gem from time to time. Here are the places I check regularly to update my style:

Von Maur Shoes – Each season, Von Maur finds something unexpected and I try to take advantage. Sometimes I’m even lucky enough to catch that item on the sales rack. My favorite pair of saddle brown Allen Edmunds were a Von Maur sale item.
Dillard’s Shoes – You have to hunt for things because it’s a huge selection of mostly so-so stuff, but Dillard’s occasionally drops a surprise in my lap. Found a pair of Jack Purcell Converse there. Lucked into a pair of crepe-soled desert boots before they got all trendy and popular. Just like Von Maur, you have to know what to look for, but it is possible to get lucky.
Banana Republic – Again, this store is really hit or miss. Sometimes an entire season can be mistaken for Express Mens, and other times it feels like the Banana Republic of old. I mostly like Banana Republic shirts because they understand what slim fit means. Nothing irritates me more than the giant balloon like shirts that you get anywhere else. I tend to avoid the ultra-trendy stuff, because I don’t like to look like I’m still clinging onto the “metrosexual” style (i.e. Kenneth Cole and Perry Ellis) and their polo-style shirts shrink at the nearest sign of warm air, but they can make a sweater and a button-up that don’t look like they are made for a 250 lb. dude. (Editor’s note: No offense to 250 lb. dudes intended.)
Brooks Brothers – This one is dangerous if you’re not REALLY sure what to look for, because without a lot of effort you will leave looking a grandpa. The Wichita location notoriously forgets to order anything in the slim fit, or plain front. If you get tricked into listening to a few of the ladies that work there, you’ll be convinced to buy a men’s dress shirt that will be about 12 inches longer than necessary (also making it impossible to leave untucked). What you want: Slim fit or extra slim fit button up Sport Shirts (look for the blue label inside the collar). Avoid the Country Club label unless you like your shirts/sweaters roomy throughout the torso. If money is no object, check out Brooks Brothers’ shoes. They are a great choice for your staple loafers and laceups.
Red Wing Store – That’s right, we have a Red Wing store, and Red Wing has some of the best boots around. The updated Iron Ranger is fantastic, and despite becoming trendy, I still totally love them.

Who didn’t make the cut:

Gap – I’m tired of crap quality and far too generous fits.
Gentry – Sorry guys, great store for the right clientele, which I am not. Shirts are too loud, pants are too “dad”, the style is more “updated accountant” or “older sales guy who deals with really high end corporate accounts but has no idea how to dress.” They did have some rocking bow ties, which they get credit for, but my wife shot down the idea.
Bricks – Seriously, Bricks is like the stories everyone tells about Paris. When I go in, I feel like the stupid American who doesn’t speak the language. And frankly, it’s the same basic style as Gentry.
Section 37 – It’s basically a more expensive version of the Buckle. If you like style, skip it. If you want to represent BRANDS, shop there.

I’m sure I’m going to get flamed for this, and that’s OK. I want to hear opposing view points or, God willing, a place I haven’t found yet!