The Cat's Pajamas

Look of the Day - American Idol Look-A-Likes

2008-05-14 14:58:03

Here’s the thing - I sorta think American Idol has become a parody of itself, but I still can’t stop watching it. As near as I can tell, the show panders to three specifics demographics. As long as there are opiates there will be heroine addicts and as long as there are gays, girls and cougars, there will be American Idol fans.

Last night, while watching the semi-finals, something profound hit me: David Archuleta looks like a Monchichi Doll.

And you know what else? Syesha Mercado looks like a Bratz cartoon and David Cook has the exact same haircut as Bette Sue from the latest installment of The Biggest Loser. It’s true. I couldn’t make this stuff up.

But don’t take my word for it; see for yourself. My friend and fellow blogger (and birthday girl, by the way), Aubrey Shoe, and I have created a slide show to prove my point.

I’m not saying these things to be negative. I think all three contestants are exceptionally talented. Yes, if I had my “druthers,” I “druther” see Carly than Syesha in the Top 3, but Syesha is very talented. And in the end, it’s going to come down to a battle of the Davids, anyway, so who cares, right?

Quite frankly, I’m not even emotionally invested this season. Ever since Melinda got voted off last year, I’ve been giving serious thought to seeking professional help for my addiction.

Melinda totally should have won. I love Melinda. I love her. I love her. I love her.

Whatever. Just look at the slideshow.

Steven J. Burge

The Pajamas Letter: The Response, and New Challenge!

2008-05-14 13:00:51

A large, anonymous envelope was left at Westword’s front desk early this morning. Click on the photo to see what we found inside:

That’s right. Nearly two months after we discovered a strange letter in a downtown ATM machine asking for a drawing of our “normal pajamas” – which Westword’s editorial staff did en mass – the pajamas lover (or lovers?) has responded. And what a response it is, one that tops even the brilliant pajamas submitted a few weeks ago by a member of the Magnet Mafia.

]]> Are these all the evening attire of our original pajamas lover and his or her colleagues? Or, better yet, could these be the responses he or she has received from people all over Denver -- and possibly beyond -- who found a similarly mysterious yet compelling normal pajamas letter? For the time being it's a mystery, since the envelope we just received contained no clue as to the author's identity or motivation -- but did offer a new, outrageous challenge. This was the last page of the package:

View larger image

So now you get to take part in this long, strange mystery. As you now know, there’s an elf slipper hidden somewhere in Denver. We want you to find it. Shouldn’t be that hard. Maybe there’s even a clue hidden somewhere in this letter or the pictures – though if there is, we here at Westword aren’t clever enough to figure it out.

So take to the streets, dear readers, with your eyes peeled for pointy green toes and shiny yellow buckles. Let us know what you find; as our pajamas lover promises, you’ll get a “kick” out of it. – Joel Warner

A New Look for Spring

2008-05-14 10:38:24

Get a free cut and style for spring, and help out kids, too.

Talk about inspiring. Paul Guerrie is only a sophomore at Ponderosa High School in Parker, but he's already majored in community philanthropy. When he was in 8th grade, Paul decided to grow out his hair with the hope of donating it to Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that makes and donates wigs to kids under the age of 18 who've lost their hair. Many of these kids are cancer patients who have lost their hair from chemo, and others suffer from alopecia, an incurable disease that causes hair loss.

]]>
Now that Paul's hair has reached the length requirement (a minimum of 10 inches for the longest layers, shorter layers can be mixed in) he is ready to cut his pony tail and he's inviting everyone to join in. If you've been looking for a new spring hair style, you can sign up to get a free hair cut and style this Saturday from I Capelli Salon, 5123 S. Yosemite St., Greenwood Village, and help out kids at the same time.

Paul is trying to make this a real event, and he's giving away Southwest Airlines vouchers, an iPod Shuffle, and tickets to the Denver Zoo, Elitch Gardens and Water World to participants.

Please call 303-841-8752 or email registerforlocks@gmail.com to sign up for a time slot on Saturday. They are requesting that people register by Thursday evening so that the salon will know how many stylists to have on hand.

Bangs are really in this summer, so why not get that cute bob with bangs you've always wanted. There's no better time.

- Aubrey Shoe

Crocs' Big Idea: Upscale Shopping in Downscale Shoes

2008-05-13 17:10:17

Eat your cyberpumping hearts out, YouTubers. Starting today you can get a peek at the latest bit of inexplicable online cross-marketing from our favorite plastic shoe purveyors. Yes, that's right, www.CitiesbyFoot.com, which Crocs is billing as a "unique travel guide" plugging various shops and restaurants in six U.S. cities, is now live!

Well, sort of.

]]>
What all this has to do with selling monstrous, crayola-colored boat shoes beats the heck out of me. But if you follow the link, you'll find web videos in which a crack team of Crocs guides take you inside a bunch of — well, boutiques and bars and such in Denver, Aspen, Vail and other places. Larimer Square gets a workout (Cry Baby Ranch, Dog Savvy, Gelazzi — I guess if you're shuffling along in Crocs, you don’t want to walk too far), along with some venerable institutions like The Tattered Cover and Rockmount Ranch Wear.

Presumably the perky guides are Crocs-shod, but the camera's too jumpy to focus on their feet. They ask inane questions (one tough-nosed interrogator asks the manager at the Corks wine store how he manages to lead customers "down the primrose path," like that's a good thing), and the store and restaurant people try to come up with polite answers. It's all non-marking, lightweight, super-casual and a bit silly — kind of like the shoes! — Alan Prendergast

Over the Weekend: FRESH Fashion Market

2008-05-12 11:56:01

Slide Show

Saturday's Fashion Market featured original work by over 25 local designers. The looks were fun, fabulous and most definitely fresh. If your spring wardrobe needs a breath of fresh air, check out this slide show, featuring accessories and runway fashion from the market.

- Aubrey Shoe

Costume Party

2008-05-10 13:34:36

After two decades, Sandy Tessier is closing the doors of Seams Like Olde Times, her costume shop at 1501 South Pearl Street. Today, May 10, is her last day of business; she's selling off as much inventory as she can and will be back in the store next week just to box up what's left and donate it, primarily to Denver Public Schools for theater costumes.

But in the meantime, this costume party offers bargains galore!

]]> While picking up a pair of choir robes (that will do just fine as judges' robes) earlier today, I ncountered a crew of hipsters trying on elf costumes, as well as a couple of girls attempting to lace up antique high-button shoes. The Hawaiian shirts in the basement are 80 percent off (and Honolulu-authentic), and there's a particularly cunning, if uncomfortable, white-and-turquoise Tony Lama leather cowboy hat from the '50s. (Sorry, I bought the pink straw version.) And, of course, there are racks loaded down with the usual Renaissance costumes, Civil War uniforms and harem outfits.

Hurry down to South Pearl, and grab yourself a piece of history.

Because the neighborhood is changing fast. When this space reopens sometime this summer, it will be home to an Asian furniture store. -- Patricia Calhoun

Spring Fashion Extravaganza

2008-05-09 14:44:59

Today's weather is absolutely beautiful, but I can barely enjoy it since all I can think about is the sad state of my closet. I want flirty skirts and kitten heels in the freshest colors and styles for spring, yet my warm wool trousers and cashmere sweaters are still taking up prime real estate in my closet.

You better believe that after tomorrow's FRESH fashion market, I'll be singing a happier tune. Fashion Denver's FRESH Spring fashion market features over 25 local designers showing off their warm-weather clothing and, lucky us, also happens to be taking place the day before Mother's Day. You can check out the hot styles from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 10 at The Oriental Theater, 4335 W. 44th Ave. Fashion shows will be at 3 and 6 p.m., with Denver musicians and DJs performing throughout the day. Admission is $5 at the door, and benefits Dress for Success Denver. For more information, visit www.fashiondenver.com.

So, before heading outside to soak up the spring weather, head inside to FRESH so you can really enjoy the season in style!

- Aubrey Shoe

Get Your Naughty On

2008-05-09 11:28:44

If you love sexy pin-up photography, don't miss tonight's Naughty Mambo Pin-Up Party. In addition to in-the-flesh pin-up babes, the party will feature a fashion show, art, music, dance, comedy and more. For more information, click here.

Look of the Day - Paulina Szafranski

2008-05-08 15:45:53

Madonna called. She wants her boots back.

Lotus Entertainment’s marketing director, Paulina Szafranski, dropped by the office, channeling Madonna’s Vanity Fair cover (and maybe a little bit of Julia in Pretty Woman) in a pair of crazy-fierce, over-the-knee boots.

You want a pair?

Too bad.

They will, eventually, be available at Nine West, but not for a while. These particular boots are part of a limited edition collection, found exclusively in New York’s Nine West stores until this fall. Ms. Szafranski bought them hot off the runway from a fashion model friend of hers in NYC.

Sorry ladies. You’ll just have to wait.

Dress – Diane von Furstenberg

Bag – Marc Jacobs

Boots – So Not Everywhere Yet

- Steven J. Burge

Spotlight on Mom

2008-05-08 09:48:43

It certainly doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg to show Mom you care this Mother's Day -- although if you have the cash, you sure can score some beautiful, keepsake items. In case you haven't done your shopping yet, here are few fashionable ideas for Mom.

]]> Kismet, a local boutique at 3640 West 32nd Avenue in Highland, carries unique jewelry. If your mom is the type who appreciates one-of-a-kind artisan pieces, this is the shop for you. Two nice, very different choices:

Sterling silver wrapped square drop earring with blue topaz and chalcedony. $194, by Dana Kellin -- an artist out of Los Angeles who is known for her intricate, fine-gauge wire work.

Antiqued sterling silver, hand-carved wishbone. $67, by Avindy Designs, a mother-daughter duo out of Atlanta. Very rock-and-roll chic!

If you stop by Kismet at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 10, not only can you get all of your shopping done, you can also help celebrate the shop's second birthday. Champagne, live music, door prizes and cupcakes from Happy Cakes are planned,and a percentage of the sales will be donated to the Cambodian Children's Fund and the Tennyson Center. You'll even be entered to win a leather Tano bag with purchases of $75 or more, so you might just have two great gifts for mom (or you can keep the bag for yourself -- I won't tell). Call 303-477-3378 for more information.

If your pockets are a little deeper, you might check out Tiffany & Co.'s new line of Frank Gehry pieces. They are beautiful, totally collectible, and timeless and unique at the same time. I'm particularly smitten with:

Frank Gehry Flux earrings in 18k gold.

Finally, for all you DIY daughters out there, stop by Fancy Tiger, 1 South Broadway, where you can stock up on crafting items and then make Mom something special. The store has a "Pretty Pantry Gifts" set that includes recipes and packaging for making jams and sauces for $19.95; there's also a cute and environmentally conscious kit for making a market shopping bag ($30, includes pattern and yarn). And if you stop by between noon and 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, Fancy Tiger will be hosting a free event for kids aged 7-16, with sewing instructors on hand to help the youngsters make a secret Mother's Day gift.

For more information, visit www.fancytiger.com or call 303-733-3855.

- Aubrey Shoe