I'm as bad as anyone else when it comes to expanding my horizons. I get in a rut shopping in the same old places again and again, forgetting about the fantastic resources we have in this city, much less those right outside of it.

Like the RiverWalk in Jenks. This area often just slips my mind, but after hearing about a boutique on the RiverWalk while researching for two previous articles, I realized this store must be onto something, so I went to investigate.

I know, I know. I'm behind on the times. This store has been a fixture in our neighboring city for a handful of months, so forgive me if this is all old news to you fashionistas. Location can be a prominent factor and this store has scooped up the latest in fantastic real estate, facing the Arkansas River (too bad it's not in Tulsa). Besides that, X&Y has aesthetics to boot.

Science has devoted plenty of time into researching how sensory analysis affects our shopping patterns, and darn it if they aren't right. With X&Y's hot pink ceilings, black and white vertically striped walls and polka dot dressing rooms, I was already excited about shopping there, clothing be damned.

And the clothes themselves are hung on bars that suspend from the ceiling. While the clumsy part of me feared a swift gesture while glancing through the clothing would result in a domino effect of disaster, the rest of me was intrigued by the trapeze-like fixtures. By now I would have been pretty disappointed if the clothes didn't correspond to the chic interiors.

So what will your drive to Jenks get you? How about stylish clothes and accessories that come from the trendy labels of Los Angeles and locally crafted and craved lines?

Owner Terri Cox looks for items that are close to being unique, almost one-of-a-kind in the metro area. She carries clothing that is feminine, polished and sophisticated, but with an edge.

Of the hodgepodge of labels you'll find, the most recognizable will be Kitson. From this label, expect to find items that look as trendy as the clothing worn by today's fashionably famous on budgets of a typical Tulsan. Other labels include Voom, Karlie, Frenzy, Fighting Eel and Sailor Jerry. In the near future, expect to see handmade clothing from designers in San Diego.

As far as what you'll find currently, it would be easier to list the items X&Y doesn't carry. Uh, raincoats, snow boots, leotards . . . chaps? Really, the assortment is plentiful. There are pieces that look great for the daytime, like brightly colored v-neck dresses as comfortable as t-shirts.

There are also dresses to wear on a date (or out to the bar to look for a date). Go crazy and try on the silk blend dresses with unusual prints or the halter-tops with low, low backs. Or start gathering up your fall wardrobe. X&Y carries a long-sleeved tunic top with a mock turtleneck in a big, black'n'white hounds tooth pattern. Wear it over skinny jeans or a pair of dark tights and high-heeled booties and you're quintessential fall.

To complete your outfits, X&Y also carries shoes and bags. In the shoe department, er, wall, there are tennis shoes by Kitson with colors and patterns not typically found on your feet. Heels by Kitson and Naughty Monkey, like multi-colored stripes and pale cheetah prints are popular. For purses, there are big canvas totes dedicated to Andy Warhol. From his prints to his pictures, you'll look like the word he coined: superstar. If pop art isn't your thing, there are also bright yellow leather bags.

Because Cox herself is creative in clothing construction, she knew it was important to feature the clothing and accessories representing T-town. There is the previously raved about Ra$pberry Grunt vintage couture line, the delightful Felix and Jayne bags, Greenhouse Clothing and Louis and Cluck tee shirts. While I've never personally written about the Louis and Cluck tees, you've undoubtedly seen them. You don't need an invitation to jump onto this bandwagon.

Guys, Take Note

While many boutiques focus on us ladies--we are shopping's target market--don't let the pink ceilings fool you, gentlemen. X&Y sells the kinds of men's merchandise I have been aching for you Tulsa boys to have at your disposal.

The assortment of graphic tees X&Y offers are a real treat. Start with 30 Thousand Dollar Millionaire, a Dallas-based company whose shirts feature the portrait of Ralph Macchio with his best Daniel-San look. There's also the "Chicks Dig The 'Stache" tee with the likes of Mr. Tom Selleck.

And while the left and right battle for the White House in the next year, those of you who've stepped out of the boxing ring can proudly wear it on your shirt with the "Independent" option, a shirt whose graphic states just that under a half-donkey, half-elephant creature. And just like the gals have, there's Louis and Cluck as well as men's Ra$pBerry Grunt short-sleeved button downs.

And 7 Diamond's long-sleeved button downs are exactly the kind of shirts I have suggested you guys wear. With slight adjustments in texture and detailing--studs and graphics on the back of the shirt, striped shirts with upturned floral cuffs, and stitching patterns that are monochromatic--there's no excuse to look blah this fall. X&Y also has men's denim by UKnighted.

And a few surprises for men and women alike--a graphic tee line called 3 in 1 Trinity which features tees with crosses and clothing tags that quote Revelation 5:22. Yeah, that Revelation. It's an industry rarely tapped into in typical boutiques, but Cox says the shirts are popular because they send a positive message without being preachy. And the looks aren't your average wooden cross, but crosses that look more Gothic or Celtic.

In keeping with that more-than-just-a-shirt vibe is OmniPeace, a line of men and women's t-shirts whose entire (yes, 100 percent) profit is donated to ending poverty in Africa. At the corner of each t-shirt is 2025, the year of which they hope their goal will be achieved. (Or, coincidentally, the year local Visionaries hope all the downtown, river and county development have recast the metro area into an international hotspot).

While paying $65 for any other tee might be extreme, this time it is just right. Rise above just being fashionable and help save some lives.

Don't Forget the Kids

There is fun to be had when picking out children's clothing at X&Y. Cox took inspiration from her fashion-conscious daughter Bailey and decided to offer unique kids clothes that weren't currently available in Tulsa. While there are now only items for little girls (think toddler-age), little boys will also have options at X&Y soon.

The Kitson tees and tennies are great for chic moms who want modern looks for their tykes. For glamour girls, there is the line of Betty and Dean tees.

The company's theme of "Rockin threads for Kids" is evident in its rhinestone tees that declare "Eat Sleep Shop" or the shirt with jeweled pictures of a heart, peace sign, and smiley face.

For the tougher chicks out there under the age of five, there is always the shirt that says "rock and rollin" and features a pin-up girl. Cox says there will soon be more kids' lines available as well.

And to keep the kids entertained, X&Y will soon feature a fashion runway and mirrors for the kids to catwalk while moms and dads shop. Ah, savvy fashionistas in the making.

Weekday hours are kind of rough: closed on Sundays and only open Monday through Thursday from 11am to 6pm. To tide you over until Friday or Saturday, when the store is open 11am to 9pm, glance at what there is to offer online. At www.xyunique.com you can find links that tell you about upcoming sales, find directions to the store and information about new arrivals.