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Slide Show!

On Friday, April 18, Erico Motorsports, 2855 Walnut Street, hosted a night of fashion, shopping, music and free drinks -- four of my very favorite things. The event was packed with revelers enjoying margaritas, martinis and champagne cocktails made from St. Germain, a versatile French elderflower liqueur that works well mixed with vodka, tequila, champagne and wine, and even stands alone served straight-up with a twist.

The fashion show featured tons of Euro style with looks by Ducati, Vespa, Triumph and ReVit, and got off with a bang when a model climbed atop a motorcycle above the runway and revved away-- capturing the attention of everyone and eliciting concerns of potential carbon monoxide poisoning from a few. Once the fumes cleared away, though, it was all fabulous fashion.

Check out this slide show with photos by Jim Narcy for a play by play of the evening's festivities.

-- Aubrey Shoe

Find cute totes and more at Talulah Jones this spring.

Michael O’Neal of Altitude Exchange admits he’s more hip to the men’s fashion scene, but that doesn’t mean he and partner David Shoulz don’t know quality girl garb when it comes knocking at the door. When faced with the opportunity to pick up some 700 overstock women’s swimsuits and summery cover-ups from the likes of Macy’s and Nordstrom at next-to-nothing prices, “no” was never an option. The entrepreneurial duo will host a blowout Women's Swimsuit Warehouse Sale this weekend at another brand-new venture, Common Threads Boulder, 2707 Spruce Street, a community-minded consignment clothing store, local product outlet and creative craft lab. (That, darlings, is a story in itself, which is coming soon.)

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Sporting a pretty sweet suit he found at a local thrift store, Denver actor/comedian Charlie Schmidt wears his “green” politics on his sleeve -- literally. Mr. Schmidt is currently tearing up Breckenridge in the Backstage Theatre’s production of Reefer Madness, a farcical exploration of America’s other hot, “green” political debate.

Based on the 1936 exploitation film-turned-cult film-turned off-Broadway musical, Reefer Madness is a tongue-in-cheek morality tale dealing with the “dangers” of recreational marijuana use. The original film was rediscovered in the 1970s and became a cult phenomenon among the very population it was initially intended to scare straight. Now the Backstage Theatre offers Reefer’s musical adaptation for Breckenridge tourists as an alternative to the slopes.

Charlie takes a fashion cue from young Hollywood and wears his green suit with a pair of solid colored Converse sneakers, a la Justin Timberlake. Though most of the men’s fashion mags might advise you to (puff, puff) pass on this particular trend when attending a formal event, rocking the rubber soles with your favorite formal duds can be a fun diversion from the conservative norm in a more casual environment. Of course, being blessed with youth and beauty like Charlie certainly makes it easier to pull off this look.

Well, being blessed or being really, really high. (Not that we, at Westword, would ever condone such behavior, mind you.)

Backstage Theatre’s Reefer Madness closes this weekend. For last chance tickets to this wacky camp-fest, please call 970-453-0199.

- Steven J. Burge

If you somehow accidentally missed last night's episode of 30 Rock (and no, there is no valid excuse for missing the funniest show on TV), then you simply must visit www.nbc.com pronto to catch up.

While 30 Rock regularly shines with genius, last night's one-two punch of a Project Runway reference followed by a hilarious send-up of the film Amadeus was truly not to be missed.

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Denver has a thriving fashion scene and tons of great local designers, but thanks to Kevin Larson, a new type of fashion is popping in this town. This Saturday, April 26, you can experience a balloon couture fashion show as part of Kevin Larson's Sixth Annual Birthday Bash.

The fashion show will feature ball gowns and themed costumes, including animals and Carmen Miranda, and all of the clothing will be created from balloons by Quill, a local professional balloon sculptor. In addition to the unique fashion show, expect to hear DJs Brian Howe, Devo and MLE.

"This is something different that I've never seen done in Denver," says Larson. "Every year we come up with a crazy, bizarre idea." Last year's bash featured Mini Kiss, a Kiss tribute band comprised of little people.

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Rock The Cradle, Denver's new, hip baby store opened at 18 South Broadway on Saturday. Families milled about, remarking on the cute-yet-edgy designs while sampling tasty treats from the Shoppe.

Owners Brian and Melissa Ball opened their store as an alternative to the treacly, pastel-laced baby stores and they've filled the racks with clothing that had many of the adults present at the opening declaring, "I want to wear that! If only it came in my size."

The store carries clothing by regional and indie designers, off-beat toys, and blank t-shirts, bibs and onesies that can be customized with a patch or iron-on design for $5.

For more information, visit www.rockthecradlebaby.net or call 303-733-3707. Store hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

- Aubrey Shoe

It’s coming up on us fast and furious: wedding season. We’ve all been to one, we’ve all seen them in movies and TV and seen those women (affectionately dubbed “bridezillas”) on reality shows who apparently have no grip on reality. But many of us do get married, and most of us are perfectly kind and sane, and don’t want to end up in yet another version of the strapless princess dress. So here are my personal favorites (disclaimer: I am indeed getting married this spring, but none of these are my dress, just other ones I long for) for the more stylish and adventurous Colorado bride:

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In April, Peter began a journey across the United States and Canada on a Vespa. But rather than just making the trip about riding across 49 states and 8 Canadian provinces, he decided to make the undertaking count. Peter is riding in a journey he has dubbed a "Vespadition" in order to "promote kindness, compassion and volunteerism," he says, and this mission has brought him to Colorado this week.

On Wednesday, Peter rode into Boulder from Wyoming and he spent the day volunteering with Eco-Cycle. Yesterday he rode to Golden to volunteer at the Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum.

You can catch Peter in Denver tonight, where he will be attending Erico Motorsport's Fashion Moto. The event will showcase European motorcycles, scooters and fashions. The 8 p.m. cocktail hour, featuring complimentary drinks by St. Germain (a tasty new French elderflower liqueur), and 9:30 p.m. fashion show should be one of tonight's hottest events.

Tomorrow, Peter will spend the day volunteering with Project Angel Heart, the nonprofit dedicated to providing meals for people with life-threatening illnesses. He'll depart to Durango on Sunday before heading into New Mexico on his traveling volunteer mission.

For more information about the Vespadition, visit www.vespadition.com. If you are over 21 and want to attend tonight's Fashion Moto event at Erico Motorsports, 2855 Walnut Street, RSVP to lisak@ericomotorsports.com.

- Aubrey Shoe

Carla Kaiser-Kotric’s friends seem to agree that she is one of the nicest people in the world. They say if you are friends with Carla, you can expect a myspace message almost every day telling you how great a person you are (Even if you are, in fact, not a great person.) You can expect “love gifts,” small tokens of her affection for no reason in particular. You can expect constant support in everything you choose to do, reasonable or otherwise.

And, apparently, you can expect her to look pretty great, too!

Here is the uber-congenial Carla Kaiser-Kotric, herself, in a black ensemble by Catherine Toby. Ms. Kaiser-Kotric shows off a turquoise pashmina with matching jewelry to give her basic black a little kick. This particular color choice also brings out that special, little sparkle in Carla’s eye. Her entire look is, at once, striking and flattering.
Well done, Carla! A fabulous ensemble to compliment a fabulous woman!

Slacks and Blouse by Catherine Toby
Pashmina from Macy’s
Turquois necklace and earrings from Sak’s Fifth Ave.

Carla shows off her comic timing, her powerhouse voice and, of course, her fashion sense in Theatre Off Broadway’s touching musical, The Last Session, closing this weekend. For last chance tickets, call 303-777-3292

- Steven J. Burge

Slide Show!

Wilde Dancebar and Lounge celebrated its “soft opening” last week, and with two floors, two bars and lots of dark corners perfect for dark deeds, owner John Costelloe seems to hold the key to Denver’s newest, gay hotspot. The boyz were pretty, the girlz were sassy, and the cute bartenders’ drink specials left me with enough cash at the end of the night to give my much appreciated cab driver a big, fat tip.

Last Friday’s Wilde crowd was a nice mix of ages and genders and styles. Though a person could find everything from blue jeans and t-shirts to neckties and jackets on the backs of Wilde’s patrons, the latter look seemed a better fit for the bar’s ambiance that night.

Named for Oscar Wilde, I saw lots and lots of potential for Wilde Dancebar and Lounge to fill a niche in Denver’s alternative scene. It’s going to be dark. It’s going to be glam. It’s going to be stylish. And, most refreshingly, I think it’s going to be different.

So “Fags,” grab your “Hags” and go Wilde!

-- Steve Burge

Wilde Dancebar & Lounge can be found at 2157 Downing Street and will introduce a food menu next week. Until then, enjoy a few drink specials while DJ Iron Feather spins chill, lounge tunes this Friday in the Living Room at 4 pm, followed by DJ Chaotic on the dance floor at 10 pm. Happy Hour: 7 days a week from 4 – 8 pm. For more information, call 303.860.WILDE.

Slide Show!

Having already filed their taxes, or not, these Denverites were looking relaxed and warm and happy to be wearing their spring clothes for a change.
By Molly Kreck

With the weather this week, it’s hard to deny that spring is in the air (at least until we get that one last cold snap that's bound rain or snow on our parade). So here's to a sunny Colorado spring full of flirty, feminine dresses. The dress is a staple of any wardrobe this season, and the variety of styles, fabrics, and cuts tells us that feminine is definitely in. So go on, put on that dress and heels and show them you’re the goddess you are.

Nordstrom
Nanette Lepore “La Dolce Vita” red eyelet dress, $360
This little number is a little more than we usually like to pay, but Nanette Lepore’s exquisite cut and styling would make any of us feel like we really are living “la dolce vita.”

Delia’s
Helena Eyelet Dress, $44.50
For those of us on a budget (who will occasionally shop at Delia’s but won’t admit it), here’s a great alternative to the luxuries of Nordstrom shopping —delicate and feminine, but still fun.

Bluefly
Sweetees knit “Jules” dress, $57.00
Don’t believe everything they say about horizontal stripes. This Sweetees dress will not only look fabulous on—notice the sash to accentuate your waist—but will feel like you’re still in your p.j.s. Add some red peep-toe pumps and you’re all set.

Banana Republic
Cap Sleeve Silk Dress, $150
On the more conservative—except for the color—side of things, this yellow dress screams spring. Tone it down a little with a black cardigan and oxford pumps for a great day/night outfit.

-- Keelin Burke

Despite Colorado’s refusal to accept the truth, it is technically spring. Do you hear me, Colorado! It’s spring!!! It’s spriiiiiiiiiiiiiing!!!
And you know who’s going to celebrate spring, in spite of it all? This girl!
Denver actress, Chelley Canales, throws caution to the wind (that is currently blowing snow around outside as I write this) by sporting this flirty, little frock perfect for post-show cocktails on some patio somewhere. A pair of cute, sling back, peep toed wedge sandals completes Chelley’s fantasy that it is, in fact, warm outside. (It’s not.)
Ms. Canales is part of a multi-talented and multi-racial cast taking the stage at the Aurora Fox this weekend in their production of The Emperor Jones, “a cautionary tale for rulers and the ruled” set in the Haitian Islands. Jones was Eugene O'Neill's first play to receive great critical acclaim and box office success, effectively launching his career.
But, see, this isn’t Haiti. Is it?
No.
This is Colorado.
And while Chelley’s plunging neckline and Miss America calibur smile are certainly heating things up for the men in her life, her ensemble probably does little to keep her warm on this fine “spring” day. Oh well. At least she looks pretty fabulous. And isn’t that what really matters in life?
Break a leg, love!

The Emperor Jones opens tonight and runs through May 11 at The Aurora Fox Theatre, 9900 East Colfax Avenue. For ticket information, call 303-739-1970.

- Steven J. Burge

We received a pajamas letter response in the mail!

No, it didn't come from our original pajamas lover. This one came from one of you, dear readers, someone who was obviously so inspired by our pajamas drawings that she just had to send us a depiction of her jammies.

And what a depiction it is, considering it comes from Kitzchy, a member of the fantastic local street art syndicate the Magnet Mafia:

Click for closeup

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To pleat or not to pleat: that is the question.

Our uber-hot marketing guru, Megan, (her Look of the Day will be coming soon, boys. And she is well worth the wait. I promise.), has this to say on the subject: “Flat front. Always. Pleats remind me of my dad.” Megan’s brow furrows a bit. Her pretty, brown eyes gloss over for a split second as she further ponders the pleat. “Eww,” she shudders. “Definitely flat front.”

But the thing is, Megan, the answer to this hard hitting question is far more complicated than one might first assume. Turns out, flat fronts aren’t for everyone.

This is John.

John is hot.

But more importantly, at least in regard to this question, John is tall and slender. So, you’re right, Megan. In this case, the answer is not to pleat. Well done.

Flat front pants are made to be worn by those with a lithe build and should almost always be avoided by the svelte man’s huskier brother. This particular breed of trouser is traditionally worn without a cuff and, when tailored properly, provides a sleek and sophisticated look by offering a clean, slim fit.

Because this style of trouser does have a tendency to elongate the legs, it draws attention down to a man’s shoes. Details magazine recommends a pair of square toed shoes, like the ones our tall drink of water is sporting here, be worn with flat fronts.

Ogle while you can, ladies. Sadly, John has announced that this is his last day as Westword’s resident guy-candy. He is moving on to bigger and better things, so it is with a heavy heart that we wish John a bon voyage! This Dreamboat has sailed.
And cliché though this may be to say, while we hate to see John go, we do love to watch him walk away.

Shirt by Nautica
Slacks by Kenneth Cole
Belt by Nautica
Shoes by Kenneth Cole
Watch by Fossil

- Steven J. Burge