Comfort and contentment live within smiles. At least that is what Betty Graulich tries to nurture at her new clothing boutique Philosophy and Vines. Walking into her quaint, eclectic shop located along Pineapple Avenue on the southern end of Burns Square is like being invited into her home. Polaroid photographs of friends and family are on display, as well as mystery novels her grandmother treasured. If it’s not the engaging window displays that will draw you in, then the warm, familiar smells of lavender, earl gray and pomegranate will surely ease you through the door.

Graulich is all about comfort. She is drawn to pieces that epitomize the art of “day to night” dressing. At Philosophy and Vines, the most basic joy of getting dressed comes from how you feel in the clothes, not from how much you spent or which designer brand you’re wearing. “This is suppose to be a happy place to come to, and to feel good about yourself,” Graulich says. “I believe if you save money, the money that you save can be spent doing something that you love to do instead of trying to keep up with the Joneses.” Graulich supports local designers as often as she can, especially those who create new pieces from repurposed materials, whether it may be custom floor-length dresses made out of doilies or leather key chains with details made out of salvaged metals. “I completely believe in promoting everyone around us,” she says. “It’s about supporting each other and I will promote other stores and businesses frequently. I love that camaraderie.” The new store represents a more calm and peaceful Graulich, whose first store Urban Betty was completely different from the “earthy, Colorado-vibe” of Philosophy and Vines. There is also meaning behind a lot of the decor that she chose for the interior. “You really don’t know someone until you start talking to them and start peeling away their layers,” she explains. “All these pieces around the store are like layers. You’re peeling off something and finding out more and more things that we do and create."

Graulich encourages shoppers to interact with the store. An entire wall made of chalkboard is dedicated for shoppers to leave messages. Wigs, masks and other fun quirks can be found throughout the store to play with. An iPad station is set up for customers to share their favorite store finds on social media, and Graulich even has plans to set up a photo booth. She lists a whirlwind of ideas she wants to bring to the store including ways to give back to the community and a clothing line called “Love” that will reflect the free-spirited nature of Philosophy and Vines: “Every day what you put on to wear is a reflection of how you feel and what you want to put out into the world.” SRQ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EVAN SIGMUND