Two Skirts Turns Sweet 16

11 Mar Two Skirts Turns Sweet 16

At Two Skirts’ Sweet 16, March 16, 5- 8 p.m., everyone who joins in the celebration will receive a gift. There will also be special gifts-with-purchase. Co-owner Kristin Holbrook plans to serve pink drinks, petite apps, sweets and, of course, pink cake. On a personal note, our gift is ongoing: Kristin began supporting Telluride Inside… and Out right out of the gate, starting almost nine years ago. For that, we are deeply grateful.

Kristin Holbrook & Joanne Brown, co-owners, Two Skirts.

Special store.

Special owners.

Special celebration.

Kristin Holbrook is co-owner (with Joanne Brown) of one of Telluride’s best known and best-loved retail stores – Two Skirts – which celebrates its Sweet 16 on March 16, with a special event at the store from 5-8 p.m. That special day, being “in the pink” takes on a whole other meaning.

“We will have gifts for everyone and special gifts-with-purchase as well. We are serving pink drinks, petite bites, yummy sweets and pink cake.”

However, a person does not become Citizen of the Year just by selling threads, however fine and trending or throwing parties.

Kristin Holbrook is someone with her feet (however beautifully shod) firmly planted on the ground. She understands that life is a trade-off and in Telluride, philanthropy is an essential part of the bargain: you give what you get.

And in response to community support for Two Skirts, Kristin’s generosity has never been on sale.

For all that she has done and continues to do – support of the Telluride AIDS Benefit, the San Miguel Resource Center, Telluride Elementary School, on July 3, 2014, the Telluride Foundation selected Kristin Holbrook as its 2014 Outstanding Citizen of the Year, an award that honors individuals who unselfishly make extraordinary contributions to the Telluride region’s quality of life.

(As an Outstanding Citizen, Kristin received a commemorative plaque and a grant of $5,000 to be given in her name to the local nonprofit of her choice. She granted $3,000 to the Resource Center; $1,000 to TAB; and $1,000 to We R-1.)

“At Two Skirts, we know most of our customers by name. It makes me happy knowing many second homeowners wait to shop until they return to Telluride. I am also really proud of the fact so many locals shop at our store too. It is also important to me that Two Skirts is really part of the greater Telluride community, and so I try to give back as much as possible by donating, fundraising, and recognizing locals by having Local Appreciation parties during the off-seasons. I think my customers, many of whom are like-minded, understand and appreciate my share-and share-alike philosophy and also contribute to the Telluride community in meaningful ways.”

Kristin, Kevin, Brady, & Leyton Holbrook. Kristin was Citizen of the Year, plus wife and mother, as well as co-owner, Two Skirts.

It is fair to say that the history of Two Skirts begins down the road a piece: Kristin followed the man who became her husband, who followed his ski school client, Joanne Brown, from Vail to Telluride.

“Kevin decided Telluride was going to be the next great place, so he moved to town in 1998. I followed in 1999 with a desire to open a business for two reasons: 1) I wanted to have something of my own to keep me in this remote town since I knew my husband would never leave; and 2), the timing seemed right to become an entrepreneur in Telluride.” 

Kristin approached Joanne about partnering in a women’s boutique.

The concept for Two Skirts was born in 2000.

Joanne, Kristin, & Sutton Schuler Errico outside Two Skirts. The store is located dead center of Telluride’s Main Street.

“We opened our doors March 1, 2001. At the time, there were only two other women’s clothing stores in town, Scarpe and The Toggery, which both filled very specific niches. Two Skirts offered something different, a more feminine shop with dresses, heels, and all things feminine and pretty. We featured selections for special occasions, as well as cozy cashmeres and jeans for everyday. We had swimwear, footwear, outerwear, and now, we even carry make-up and lingerie. I like to offer a little of everything for our singular, special customers.”

Two Skirts regular customers, locals – like me – as well as second homeowners and travelers  tend to rave about the boutique’s curated selections and edited pics.

Kristin’s fashion philosophy? It can be summed up simply: “Get Dressed.”

“In this day and age of ‘dressed down dressing,’ of yoga pants and athletic gear, I say ‘Get Dressed.’ Personally I feel better about myself when I’m dressed better than in workout or sports gear. The way you dress says a lot about who you are and how you feel. I say ‘Dress well; Feel good.’ For me, anyway, that works. I like to make women feel pretty and confident and clothes really do help. I feel so lucky that the Telluride region and beyond, way beyond, has supported Two Skirts so well for so long. I am truly grateful!”

Sweet 16 and never been…

Happier,

or

Deservedly prouder.