The holidays are behind us, and after all the planning and trimming and cooking and partying, you must be exhausted, poor thing. So put that check you got from Aunt Mable to good use and treat yourself. And where better to find all the goodies that are near and dear to your heart than A Stone's Throw?
It has everything you want in the feel-good department: locally owned (Minocquan-turned-Madisonian Heather Higgins opened it in 2004); hip (small shop on the always fashionable Monroe Street); popular active-wear brands like Patagonia, Ice Breaker, Prana and Horny Toad, and lesser-known ones such as Lolë, Nau and Creme Fraiche; do-goody (they donate to and raise funds for such causes as Dane County Humane Society, Girls on the Run, Madison Children's Museum and Wisconsin River Alliance).
The store has a cool, relaxing feel, and its muted colors and bluesy music are just what the doctor ordered for the holiday-frazzled. Sweaters are displayed on chunky wooden tables scattered with lake stones and pinecones, and hats hang from a wrought-iron tree of life on the wall.
If you like puffy coats, this is the place - they come in all styles and prices. I had the misfortune of falling in love with a sumptuous metallic bronze number from the Swedish company Nils (at $420, way, way out of my range). Closer to Aunt Mable's check size are baabaaZuzu's wonderful mismatched felt mittens in a kaleidoscope of colors made from recycled sweaters and lined with polar fleece ($48), and goofy-cute furry wool bomber-style hats from Iceland's 66 North that will keep you warm and stylin' on the coldest winter day ($80). There are pendants from local mother-daughter team Debbie Garten and Ali Stone - metal discs engraved with phrases like "swim bike run" and "26.2" (starting at $40; personalized orders welcome).
A Stone's Throw also has a discount/resale store called the Upstairs Closet (located, uh, upstairs), where you'll find the same brands, at perhaps a better fit for your pocket. Its hours are limited, so I haven't made it there yet, but when I do, I'm crossing my fingers that the Nils puffy coat will have wended its way to the second floor.
A Stone's Throw Clothing Co.
1925 Monroe St., 608-255-1925
10 am-7 pm Mon.-Sat.
The Upstairs Closet: 11 am-5 pm Thurs.-Sat.
