Posted by Trina George on October 23, 2009 10:14 a.m

I seem to run into the greatest places when I don't mean to. Strolling along the historic highlands area of northeast Denver, on my way to meet a friend for a glass of wine, I fell upon a unique jewelry lover's dream; Kismet.

The curious name wasn't the reason it caught my eye, but it did explain how I had stumbled upon a boutique gem. Kismet is Turkish for destiny or meant to be, and it was in fact destiny for me to stumble upon this accessory store.

Shana Colbin Dunn, a former jewelry rep from New York City, started Kismet three years ago. She decided she would set her store apart by being a boutique that only sold accessories and home decor.

By only selling accessories, her jewelry selection is extensive, from $15 jeweled studs to $250 Jeanine Payer pendant necklaces. With over 200 pieces in the store, you are bound to find your perfect jewelry piece, most likely more then one.

Kismet has a wide variety of home decor including metal creations made by Dunn's husband as well as stand-out picture frames and unique vases.

Even with all the wonderful displays and tempting wearables, I was late to meet my friend and exited the store without a purchase. But while catching up with my friend and swirling the glass of Shiraz in my hand, I couldn't stop thinking about a necklace I had fallen for.

After I hugged my friend goodbye, I returned to the necklace that caught my attention; a Kathy Bransfield necklace with coin shape compass pendant covering a second circular pendant that reads "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."

As I purchased this distinct piece of wearable art, the sales woman said, "You just couldn't walk away could you?"

I replied, "No. I just kept thinking about it."

She just smiled at me.

That is why Kismet stays in business and is even building a new store. Because the pieces are irresistible and you might just find that accessory that was meant to be.

5280 Magazine's "Atmosphere - Fashion"

By Georgia Benjou; Photography by Joe Hancock

Kismet was featured in Denver's 5280 Magazine June 2008 issue in the "Atmosphere Fashion" section (page 46). Our World Traveler bracelet made the "Pool Party" apparel list!

May 08, 2008

Spotlight on Mom

Thu May 08, 2008 at 09:48:43 AM

It certainly doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg to show Mom you care this Mother's Day -- although if you have the cash, you sure can score some beautiful, keepsake items. In case you haven't done your shopping yet, here are few fashionable ideas for Mom.

Kismet, a local boutique at 3640 West 32nd Avenue in Highland, carries unique jewelry. If your mom is the type who appreciates one-of-a-kind artisan pieces, this is the shop for you. Two nice, very different choices:

Sterling silver wrapped square drop earring with blue topaz and chalcedony. $194, by Dana Kellin -- an artist out of Los Angeles who is known for her intricate, fine-gauge wire work.

Antiqued sterling silver, hand-carved wishbone. $67, by Avindy Designs, a mother-daughter duo out of Atlanta. Very rock-and-roll chic!

If you stop by Kismet at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 10, not only can you get all of your shopping done, you can also help celebrate the shop's second birthday. Champagne, live music, door prizes and cupcakes from Happy Cakes are planned,and a percentage of the sales will be donated to the Cambodian Children's Fund and the Tennyson Center. You'll even be entered to win a leather Tano bag with purchases of $75 or more, so you might just have two great gifts for mom (or you can keep the bag for yourself -- I won't tell). Call 303-477-3378 for more information.

For the complete blog: http://blogs.westword.com/catspjs/2008/05/spotlight_on_mom.php

May 07, 2008

A (Window) Shopping Spree

Cat and Cheese Bikini spent the weekend window shopping, scouting for interesting home and fashion items for Westword’s annual Summer Guide. Cat was on Tennyson and Tejon, Larimer Square, South Pearl and South Gaylord and South Broadway, and even 13th Avenue. . .

. . . We also stopped in at Kismet on West 32nd Avenue, where we found some delightful summer hats. (You’ll recognize Cat from the Brooklyn hoodie; Cat really needs to update with a Denver Neighborhoodie. She rocks for Cole now.) Then we popped into Perfect Petal, where Cat oogled a pair of the feather lamps that she’s always wanted but which would be instant cat toys – for the three little “c” cats -- at her house.

May 5, 2008

Rocky Mountain News - Spotlight
Eat! Drink! Shop!: Denver's Highland Neighborhood

By Maria Cote

This close to Mother's Day, we looked around for a shopping area that would help you out with the old "what to get Mom" dilemma. If you can't find the perfect gift in the shops along 32nd Avenue in the Highland area, sorry, but there's no hope for you.

A few shop owners acknowledged that the stretch is jammed with "girly-girl" stores, but even the most virile of men will enjoy stepping into the past to admire the classic Victorian structures in Highland, which became a city in 1885. Many of the boutiques and eateries in this northwest Denver area are nestled in some of the area's oldest structures. You'll hear old wooden floors creak, admire exposed brick interior walls and wind through tiny rooms that have lovingly embraced generations of families.

Shopping along this stretch, you're as likely to see people who live in the neighborhood as folks who have driven to the destination. Get hungry and you might grab a quick bite at the very first Heidi's deli or a relaxing meal at Coral Room, Bang! or Stella.

Still struggling? Why not pick up a gift certificate to one of the many restaurants, spas or shops in this trendy area? Trust us, she'll love you for it.

Kismet

It's stuffed full of eco-friendly and local merchandise, so we had to wander into this treasure. If you're searching for a gift for a handbag- lovin' mom, here's one of many shops along the street that will draw you in. But we loved the jewelry, much of it by local artists, some of whom give proceeds to charity. Mom might like to know that the gift she's holding is helping the planet in some way.

Don't miss: Envirosax, eco-friendly bags that fold up tight; tuck them in your handbag when you shop. 3640 W. 32nd Ave.; 303-477-3378

Photo Above Right by Marie Griffin © The Rocky Mountain News

For the complete list of neighborhood haunts and story: CLICK HERE

April 2008

SELF

StyleInsider

Pack like a pro!
CLP Jewelry at Kismet

North Denver Fashionista- Kismet

Written by Rossy Kay
North Denver News, Friday, 02 June 2006

North Denver - Like the store window proclaims at 3640 W. 32nd Ave., Kismet means destiny or meant to be. And destiny it was that brought the newest of shops to North Denver. Shana Colbin Dunn opened Kismet just two weeks ago and already the buzz is starting. Located on the corner of 32nd and Meade, the door is always open and welcomes people into the sunny interior, complete with hardwood floors and fresh colors.

What sets the shop apart from other boutiques is that it only sells accessories. A past jewelry rep, Shana selects funky eclectic pieces that would top off any outfit. Adorning the walls are beautiful bags from such brands as Tano, Latico and Bunnera. Some are embellished and flashy, while some are understated and classy. They range from leather to felt, from aqua to black.

There are sunglasses that look like they belong on any Hollywood celebrity, and jewelry so original it literally makes women squeal. You can find thin wood hoop earrings by Bauxo or a hammered silver necklace from Christy Payne. Dress your feet up with bejeweled flip-flops or step into summer with a bright ribbon belt.

Kismet also carries distinct home decorations. These include funky picture frames, magnets and wall vases that would make the perfect housewarming gift. Many of the wares are displayed on beautiful metal creations made by Shana's husband David. The store is a mini art gallery, and makes you feel cool just by walking in. With such a plethora of beautiful objects, anyone with taste could find something appealing. Shana knows what's in style, and how to bring that style to the people of Denver. I myself had an eye on a certain burnt orange bag that I couldn't stop thinking about.

After about the fifth time walking around the store with it, Shana pointed out how good it went with what I was wearing and I was sold. Of course, it also looks good with my pajamas and my yoga gear because I can't put it down. But that's the great thing about buying something original, no one else will have it and you can always say nonchalantly, "Oh, I got it at Kismet."

-- Rossy Kay

Find your destiny at Kismet

By Susan Froyd
Published: Westword, December 7, 2006

It's the little things that count - at least in Shana Colbin Dunn's little corner of the world. And the jewelry rep raised in New York City knows her accessories inside and out, so her decision to open an accessories boutique was, well, an act of Kismet. The theme works its way throughout the store, which is accentuated by symbols of fortune and good luck.

But today the good fortune will be all yours when Dunn hosts a holiday Christy Lea Payne Trunk Show, showcasing casual-chic looks by the Sundance catalogue mainstay - including a limited-edition gold collection and pieces set with rough-cut diamonds. "It'll be a treat even for me," Dunn says, adding that a percentage of the day's sales will go to the threadbare art and music programs at Skinner Middle School. And while you're shopping, check out the super-savvy gift items lining Dunn's little gallery of a shop: hand-knit, retro-look scarves and hats; wall-mounted folk art and metalwork; sea-colored jewelry made from ancient Roman glass; novelty socks; and hundreds more affordable adornments and functional goods.

Visit Kismet , at 3640 W. 32nd Avenue in the Highlands Square shopping district, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. tomorrow for the trunk show; wine and snacks will be served after 3 p.m. Call 303-477-3378.
Wed., Feb. 7, 5-7 p.m.

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