Taos residents now have a new shopping destination on Bent Street. Wylder Goods opened its doors in July, filling the space left by the beloved Box & Co. after its May closure. Owner Lizzie McCabe, who spent six years working alongside former Box & Co. owner Tracy Engelien, wanted to preserve the community vibe while adding a fresh twist.
Balancing New and Vintage Selections
Wylder Goods is organized into two distinct areas. The first showcases brand‑new women’s and men’s clothing, accessories, locally crafted skincare, jewelry and gift items. The second, dubbed the “Wylder Nook,” features curated vintage and pre‑loved garments, antiques, home décor and furniture that McCabe refurbishes herself. “I kind of took this opportunity to have that balance of the new and the old,” McCabe explained, noting that the mix helps keep price points accessible.
Why Pre‑Loved Matters
McCabe prefers the term “pre‑loved” over “used” because it signals items that have been well cared for. “Someone took really good care of it and when I put it on the racks, it’s great. You wouldn’t know it had been worn,” she said. Her own background as a former kindergarten teacher turned thrifter informs the boutique’s mission to offer stylish, sustainable options.
Environmental Impact and Local Sourcing
Concerned about the wastefulness of fast fashion, McCabe cites data from Earth.org that roughly 92 million tons of clothing end up in landfills each year worldwide, with the U.S. EPA reporting 11.3 million tons discarded in 2018—6.5 times the amount in 1960. To combat this, she seeks out smaller, eco‑mindful clothing lines less likely to overproduce. “They definitely have their finger on the trends, but they’re not wasteful,” she added.
Community Roots and Personalized Service
Wylder Goods continues many traditions from Box & Co., including elaborate Halloween costumes and festive décor for the annual Bonfires on Bent Street (Dec. 12, 4‑7 p.m.). Staff members Gabby Scott and Dani Herrera, both former Box & Co. employees, have become trusted style advisors. Scott, for example, can often gauge a shopper’s size at a glance and offers personalized styling tips based on facial shape and personal taste rather than fleeting trends.
Family‑Friendly Offerings
Looking ahead, McCabe plans to revive the Charm Bar, a jewelry‑making station she ran at Box & Co. The space will allow families to design necklaces and bracelets together, a activity she says she’s seen dads and daughters enjoy most. “It’s the sweetest part, when daughters will make necklaces for their mom,” she noted.
Convenient Shopping and Delivery
Wylder Goods also addresses a local need for affordable furniture by offering free delivery within the Town of Taos limits, with distance‑based pricing for farther locations. McCabe’s weekly “treasure hunting” trips ensure the boutique’s inventory stays fresh and varied.
With its blend of new, responsibly sourced fashion and carefully curated vintage pieces, Wylder Goods aims to give Taos shoppers a reason to smile both when they walk in and when they leave.
Original reporting: Taos News — read the source article.
