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Every day Westword receptionist Steve Burge gives you the fashionable view from the front desk.

Remember college?

That magical time when anything was possible? When you were sure you were going to rule the world? When you could wear your pajamas in public?

Come to think of it, college was like elementary school in many ways. A lot of the same rules applied, didn’t they?

I had no idea I had anything to be ashamed of in elementary school. I had no idea my life would be anything but thrilling or I would be anyone but a fireman-astronaut who moonlighted as a movie star and/or Superman in elementary school. And if I woke up late, and the elephant shaped pancakes my mom made for my sister and me demanded to be savored because they were just too fun to rush through, so be it. My sister and I would go to school in sweat pants and mismatched socks, sporting a rogue clump of syrup on the t-shirts we probably wore to bed the night before and somehow, everything was still all right.

Somewhere in middle school, though, something happened. Cliques were formed and name-brands were a must, and by high school I was all too aware of the fact that life wasn’t going to be easy and that the world was a little less beautiful and available than I had originally thought.

But in college, it wasn’t long before I remembered that I could do anything again. And if I woke up late, and ran to the dining room in my sweats and found my new best friend and the morning coffee and conversation demanded to be savored because it was a little too fun to rush, so be it. I’d go to class in my pajamas and, lo and behold, so would have most everyone else.

Trisha wore her slippers to work today. And pajamas worn in public is a sign that everything will be all right, right? Just ask a kindergartner or college freshman.

- Steven J. Burge

Every day Westword receptionist Steve Burge gives you the fashionable view from the front desk.

These firemen came in and I knew, immediately, I had my Look of the Day. I could talk about “men in uniform…” or “the look of a hero.” I could. But, see, there’s something much bigger to be discussed here.
When these gentlemen pulled up, the lobby area filled almost immediately with my female (and at least one male) co-workers who all suddenly, really needed my “help with the… umm… you know… the… I need…to....”
Because that really happened. I’m not kidding. They came from everywhere. Instinctively, or something. It was ridiculous.
So I’m not looking at the clothes this time. I’m looking at the situation as a whole. And what have here is a photograph of “Cosmic Injustice.”
The woman surrounded by these big, strapping firemen is a lesbian. She’s a lesbian. And she is the one they asked for when they arrived. She is working with them on an account or something. I don’t really know, because… you know… I wasn’t listening. I was distracted by the firemen. But yeah… here come the firemen with their truck and their boots and their sexy uniforms and their muscles and their big hose… and who do they want to see? The lesbian. Totally bullshit.
As she led them away, a female co-worker of mine grabbed my hand and squeezed it, tightly.
“It’s so unfair,” she sniffed, her voice barely a defeated, little whisper.
I pulled her close to me and wrapped my arm around her shoulder.
“I know. I know. Shh, now…” I rocked her and brushed a wayward hair from her brow.
“I wish I were a lesbian,” she reached for a Kleenex. “They get all the cute guys.”

- Steven J. Burge

Every day Westword receptionist Steve Burge gives you the fashionable view from the front desk.

Denver’s resident Diva, Ms. Karen Slack is an All-American girl from the shoulders down, sporting a simple black sweater and, a staple in every American’s wardrobe, a pair of blue jeans. Ms. Slack adds a little Middle Eastern touch to her ensemble, however, by transforming a violet scarf into a Hijab. The Hijab is worn by Muslim women as a part of their traditional garb whenever they leave their homes.
“When a Muslim woman steps into the community, she must be covered,” Karen explains. “Her hands can be seen, but no other skin can show. Her hair is worn under a Hijab and her body is covered by an Abaya.”
Ms. Slack wears the clothes and skins of nine different Muslim women in her one-woman show, 9 Parts of Desire, playing now at the Curious Theatre. Slack mesmerizes her audience with this powerful performance and proves that though these women may hide their bodies, they certainly do not hide their passions.
“I think there’s something sort of freeing about the idea of an Abaya. You can be wearing anything underneath. Anything. It’s a mystery, isn’t it? It offers some anonymity which, I think, can be very attractive.”
Indeed, there is a lot of mystery attached to the Muslim world still, and certainly to the women of the land and faith. Ms. Slack gives us a rarely seen glimpse into the psyche and heart of a strong and beautiful people with a performance that is bound to leave you speechless.
Like the women she portrays, Karen Slack, herself, is gorgeous and mysterious. And as far as her make-shift Hijab is concerned? It’s not just fun and fashionable. It also serves a purpose when worn in Colorado, versus the Middle Eastern deserts.
“It’s kind of cold outside today,” she giggles. “This keeps my head warm.”
Pretty and practical. Makes sense to me, love.

9 Parts of Desire closes this weekend, so order your tickets today by calling The Curious Theatre at 303-623-0524. (Shows start at 8:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.)

- Steven J. Burge

Every day Westword receptionist Steve Burge gives you the fashionable view from the front desk.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right? Right. Our House Accounts Manager, Noel, proves that point in a retro style shirt from True Love worn under a tailored business suit by Nine West. Noel’s clothes may mean business, but her untamed mane screams “Party Girl!” Noel’s wild, cascading locks and tiny nose ring defy her conservative, buttoned down attire, proving that “professional” and “daring” need not be mutually exclusive.
Love her.

- Steven J. Burge

Every day Westword receptionist Steve Burge gives you the fashionable view from the front desk.

Something awful has happened. A “Look of the Day” featuring our classified advertising director, Teri, and a pair of amazing red crushed velvet pants was accidentally erased. Tragic, no? Luckily, our Siren of Sales was willing to make a repeat appearance, this time in polka dots. Teri’s black and white frock from Decade gives us a hint of Go Go Girl and a reminder of the flirtatious fun of the 1960’s. For the office, Teri has chosen a pair of simple, black heel’s from Jessica Simpson’s footwear collection. Something tells me, though, that this Westword Wonder Woman might just have a pair of vinyl go-go boots and a big, pink hula hoop stashed away somewhere… you know… just for fun. *wink*

Steven J. Burge

Money might not be able buy everything, but it sure can buy some sweet threads. Who’s our Look of the Day shy guy? I’m not supposed to name names but I’ll give you a hint: His suit is, appropriately enough, by BOSS. And as we all know, BOSS is definitely not SCOTT free. You’ve got to be of a certain socio-economic status TO BI (oops… typo… I mean buy) a suit AS nice as this one. Our mystery stud looks great in three buttons and charcoal pinstripes. He throws a little “casual” into his “Friday” by going sans necktie, but doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of style, class or confidence. Who needs a necktie when you’ve got “panache, power and clout” as accessories? Right? I can assure you, ladies, our headless executive has nothing to be shy about. The missing part of this picture is just as hot as his designer duds. And what does our bashful fashionisto wear under those tailored trousers of his? Probably neither boxers nor briefs… but he’s shy. He won’t say for sure. Guess we’ll just have to speculate, huh?

Every day Westword receptionist Steve Burge gives you the fashionable view from the front desk.

Denver starlet and avid Broncos fan, Amy Board, shows off the perfect outfit for a classy Valentine’s night out. This floral frock by White House/Black Market references the dark, romantic style of the 1940’s. Amy keeps it simple by forsaking unnecessary accessories, allowing the dress to speak for itself. Being an actress, though, Amy can’t help showing a little flare for the dramatic. Her open-toed “come and get me” heels are fierce, fierce, fierce, adding a splash of color and a little sex-appeal to this elegant and timeless ensemble. Ms. Board has delighted audiences all over Denver with her killer smile, brilliant comedic timing and flawless vocal stylings. You can catch Amy’s next theatrical endeavor this spring when she’ll step into the skin of another glamour girl, “Corrinna Stroller,” in the Arvada Center’s production of The House of Blue Leaves. Until then, however, Amy will be content to fill her ongoing role as Colorado’s resident sweetheart.

Happy Valentine’s Day, boys!
XOXO,
Amy B. (And her fabulous shoes…)

- Steve Burge

Every day Westword receptionist Steve Burge gives you the fashionable view from the front desk.

This is why I’m glad I don’t work in a “normal” office environment. This guy's look is dull, dull, dull in his uber-beige office attire. Now, I do give him props for his four button jacket. Four button is cool, and perhaps worn open over the right graphic tee with a pair of distressed jeans by Diesel or something… yes, the jacket could stay. But as shown here? No. I just don’t understand how this kind of thing happens. How does a person wake up in the morning and say to himself, “I have an idea… I think I’m going to wear as much tan and light brown and beige and khaki and YAWN as I possibly can. Isn’t that a great idea?"
And what? The name brand sunglasses worn as an accessory inside are an improvement? Ugh. And this, my friends, is a look I call: Yuppie Douche.

Boring slacks by: Who Cares.
Boring shirt by: Blah.
Flowered necktie by: What-Was-I-Thinking?
Jacket by: So Close, Yet So Far.
Shades by: Wanna-Be.

- Steve Burge

I grew up in New Mexico and attended UNM as an undergrad, so I’ve had a long-standing awareness of the artist Luis Jimenez. In college, I would pass by Jimenez’s “Fiesta Dancers” sculpture daily and the piece always looked like a man and a drag queen dancing to me. I was never really a fan.

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Every day Westword receptionist Steve Burge gives you the fashionable view from the front desk.

Here’s an early Valentine to the ladies (and one out of every ten gentlemen) out there. When Taylor, our Classified Cupid, aims his arrow (and those baby blues) at you, you’re a goner… but what a way to go, huh? Taylor’s layered look does more than just battle the Colorado cold. His sweater and collegiate-style striped tie worn under a navy blue blazer is totally Ivy League chic. Counter the academic looking clothes with a few days' worth of scruff and some tousled blonde locks and you’ve got yourself the perfect combo of “sexy” and “smarty.” Here is a fantastic, preppy alternative to a dull office dress code. Well done, Taylor (aka – Professor Love).

Navy Blue Blazer from J. Crew
Polo Shirt and Sweater from Ralph Lauren
Collegiate Striped Necktie from Banana Republic
Cute L’il Dimples from God

- Steve Burge

Every day Westword receptionist Steve Burge gives you the fashionable view from the front desk.

This Retail Romeo shows off the two accessories no man should be without: a classic, striped necktie and a cocky, little smirk.
Lorenz keeps it simple in a baby blue silk shirt and matching tie by Burberry. By keeping his knot a little loose, Lorenz looks confident without being intimidating and professional without being stuffy. Top it all off with his cute, little mischievous grin and you’ve got the newest addition to the Westword’s ever-fashionable sales staff. Welcome aboard, Lorenz!

- Steve Burge

Every day Westword receptionist Steve Burge gives you the fashionable view from the front desk.

Notice the lonely chair, the forsaken computer, the inactive telephone. These are all accessories to the latest trend seen sweeping the Westword halls… a look we’re calling “Cubicle Contagion.” Everyone is showing it off. No department here is without a model. For the few people who haven’t embraced the latest look, it’s only a matter of time. What I’m saying is… it’s a ghost town in here. We’re suffering from some plague or something. Have you seen the movie Outbreak? Dawn of the Dead? Moulin Rouge? Yeah… Don’t come down here unless you absolutely need to. I’m not kidding. If you do, come Monday your cubicle will be empty. And this is one look I’m sure you don’t want to adopt.

Next up: The return of the S.A.R.S. Mask.

- Steve Burge

Call them what you will: galoshes, rain boots, Wellingtons—when it comes down to it, these rubbers are a fabulous choice for wet Colorado winters and spring showers alike. And now you can get them in all shapes, sizes and colors, running from the extensive selection of patterns and colors at Target, to couture, with Coach and Burberry adding their own stylish selections to Wellie millieu. From cheap to chic, there is a Wellie for everyone, so grab yourself one of these and find a puddle for frolicking:

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Every day Westword receptionist Steve Burge gives you the fashionable view from the front desk.

Corporate Cutie, Christine, proves that a classic never goes out of style in this vintage blouse by Jones New York, circa 1976. “My sister got this for me when she used to work for Jones New York. Its one of those shirts you can just never seem to get rid of. And look! Now it’s back in style!” We agree, Christine!

Look for the latest styles by Jones New York at your local Macy’s Department Store.

- Steve Burge

Every day Westword receptionist Steve Burge gives you the fashionable view from the front desk.

Sometimes I think that Animal Rights should be extended only to the cute animals. I mean, it’s a lot easier to feel empathetic toward a cute little roly-poly polar bear cub than it is toward… oh I don’t know… a nasty, scaly python, for example. Right? But as it turns out, snakes, themselves, may be super gross, but their skins are pretty attractive. Our Senior Classifeid Account Executive, Amy, proves that point in an ankle-length snakeskin print skirt, paired with a ¾ sleeved simple, black blouse. A look like this one is professional enough for the office, but sassy enough for post work cocktails (and maybe a little venom-spewing) with the girls.

Skirt & Blouse: Available at Macy's
Boots: Franco Sarto
Jewelry: Anne Klein

- Steve Burge