The Brass Razoo

Australian born Elise Vaughn opened a boutique in downtown Nampa shortly after settling into the town with hopes of “providing quality products at affordable prices.” In small but rapidly growing Nampa, Vaughn notes the excitement and support the community gives to local merchants and loves seeing the old downtown Nampa charm being mixed with progression. Open since last July, The Brass Razoo (an Australian equivalent to the American term “wooden nickel”) is filled with Vaughn’s very own redesigned jewelry. The range is eclectic from dainty to bold, vintage and winsome to modern and minimalist, yet all fit perfectly in the store together. Vaughn deconstructs and reconstructs past finds in efforts to “combine the new and the old, capturing the beauty of the past and making a new statement for the present. Each piece is to be worn not only as a vision of restored beauty but also as a reminder that each of us is also beautiful and irreplaceable.” And because older materials are used, the quality is high while the prices remain unsurpassed. Most necklaces are under $30 while earrings, bracelets, and rings are typically under $20.

Not only will jewelry browsing take up your entire afternoon but the Brass Razoo also carries overstock, returned, and damaged clothing from department stores and boutiques at huge markdowns (average price is in the $20’s) and there is rarely more than one of each piece. The brands can range from Volcom to Free People to Marc Jacobs. Vaughn also embellishes simple cardigans and short sleeve sweaters with lace and buttons and appliqués. Think Anthropologie on a smaller, more affordable scale. You’ll also find screen-printed shirts, high-end jeans, and cool belt buckles for guys. What is Vaughn’s vision for the Brass Razoo? “The goal is to cater to people who love quality, unique, and beautiful pieces to express their own existing style.”Store perks: New store shipments weekly, jewelry customizations are available, the always overflowing sale trunk, vintage pins and broaches starting at $1, and the feeling of discovering something that no one else could.