In December, I declared Artifact Creative Recycle to be one of our cities best options for vintage clothes. And I meant it. Owner Leah Meijer—taking after mother Marcee, who runs the worth-the-visit Village Merchants up the street—curates the vibe for the young and hip. If you're looking for high-end, super luxe gowns try Xtabay a few blocks away. Here, “vintage” leans more Courtney Love than Betty Draper, with walls of killer cowgirl boots, faux-fur leopard jackets, ripped jeans, and beautiful kimonos. 

Meijer and marketing director Cora Schleicher are on top of their game, assembling a spring lookbook just when we’re getting splashes of sunshine between the gray. They credit the inspiration for the Sass collection to lyrics from local musician Blossom: "I've got the fire, I'll be the one to take you higher / Why you questioning me, there's nothing that I can't be?"