Boulder and the Beautiful

The women we are writing about for the “transition” series are posting blogs about their experience with the makeovers.

Check out Tia’s here:
www.dailycamera.com/blogs/transitions-tia-sauceda/

In her words: “Ok, so this whole makeover thing is pretty amazing! I mean really amazing!”
Part two of our series comes out March 16.

What is Vern wearing today?

My friend Vern is known for her quirky outfits, and about to become even more known for them.
Here is what she is rocking today: A puffy white vest, pink shirt, jean shorts and flat brown boots.
My analysis: Love it, especially the boots. The vest is great to keep her warm in her blizzardly office, where she sits huddled next to a space heater, even in the height of summer. But just in case she gets hot, she has the knee-length shorts for mid-lower-leg ventilation. The shorts-vest combo is almost like an outfit mullet. Or a S’mores. Pretty much genius.

The boots close-up:

Start Slide Show with PicLens Lite

I just moved on Sunday to an old beauty parlor converted into a house in Denver. The fashion inspiration is built into my walls.While unpacking my poorly packed clothes (I had a contest with friends who could cram the most into boxes in 30 seconds because I didn’t start packing until 8 p.m. the night before I had to be out), I noticed that I had very few items I had bought new. The overwhelming majority of my clothes were vintage or had been bought used. There are so many well organized and quality second-hand shops in Boulder, I can rarely think of an occasion that I need to buy something new. OK, underwear, bras, tights and earrings. But something about new dresses, jackets, necklaces and skirts seems so boring — and predictable. Sort of like moving into a tract home versus an old beauty parlor.

Consignment stores, such as Rags in Boulder (3129 28th St.), have noticed a happy boost in sales thanks to earth-friendly initiatives that have more shoppers recycling their clothes and buying used. Groups like The Compact made their 2008 resolution to borrow, barter or buy used. This helps lower production costs, the use of natural resources and consumerism in general, according to Rags’ spokeswoman.Want to feel even better about shopping?
* Rags donates all unused items to charity.
* The first Friday of every month the store gives 5 percent of sales to nonprofits, such as the homeless shelter, Dairy Center for the Arts or Emergency Family Assistance Association. 
Check out www.iloverags.com.

I heard some guys call another guy a “poser” because he was wearing skater brands, such as Billabong, but he did not skate.
If a poser is someone who tries to act a certain, unauthentic way just to fit in — in other words, someone who basically just copies everyone else — wouldn’t the guy, in fact, be a poser if  he DID skateboard and wear Billabong? Because that is what everyone else does; that would be copying.
Doesn’t the fact that he wears a skater brand but does not skate make him sort of an anti-poser? Like he likes the clothes, but doesn’t really fit a specific mold? And if he doesn’t fit a mold, that makes him authentic — his own person.

Ahh, deep thoughts to kick off your Monday.

These styles are done by a Thornton-based barber whose name is Chito. He is quite attractive, so his nickname is Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.

Who says a buzz cut must be simple? These shave-jobs are hairy works of art.

We built this city…

I wouldn’t want this done to my hair, per se, but it entrances me, nonetheless.

Matches his tattoo.

AND the grand finale….
The dog.

Start Slide Show with PicLens Lite

Join Camera movie critic Jeanine Fritz for a live Web chat during the Oscars on Sunday:
www.dailycamera.com/chat

Also, are you psychic? Or do you pretend you are when it comes to predicting the Academy Award winners?
If so, come play with us. Check out ”Video Station 2008 Academy Award Contest.” Fabulous prizes. Make your pick for each of the categories.
http://dailycamera.com/academy

Look how cool the Camera is. Seriously, guys, we are striving for total domination on the hip front. And we’re doing this all for you. Because we LOVE YOU.  

On that note (OK, not really, this is unrelated), here’s my current musical obsession:  
“Tear you apart,” by She Wants Revenge, www.myspace.com/shewantsrevenge 
 

My latest obsession is Sailor Jerry: www.sailorjerry.com

Here are a few of my faves. I will post the links below because each of the items has a great story about the artist with it.

Patience T, $25.
http://www.sailorjerry.com/detail.php?i=294

Work shirt, $52.
http://www.sailorjerry.com/detail.php?i=710
I love you Blue Collar Boys.
Also, these clothes are a great alternative if you like the edgy look of tattoos but would rather be able to take it off at night.

Swallows hoodie dress, $76.
Looks comfortable. I might recommend wearing a little more clothes with it, though.
http://www.sailorjerry.com/detail.php?i=791

Patches, $12.
http://www.sailorjerry.com/detail.php?i=564

Dottie dress, $48.
http://www.sailorjerry.com/detail.php?i=666&more=251

And my favorite…

Dot dress, $165.
http://www.sailorjerry.com/detail.php?i=539&more=104

Start Slide Show with PicLens Lite

Note: I wore the fake tattoo sleeves out last night and had about 20 people ask if they were real. Huh? They don’t even look remotely believable. Anyhow.

Today, my questionable style decision involves a bandana. I woke up feeling a lot like Rosie the Riveter: empowered, motivated, tough, a bit feisty.

And this is what happened to me.

I thought it appropriately echoed my current rockabilly phase, but then a coworker told me I looked like Aunt Jemima.

Which is true.
Now instead of women power, I just want pancakes.

Start Slide Show with PicLens Lite

I’m not sure if this is a good idea or ridiculous.
My friend Vanessa bought me these fake tattoo sleeves from the dollar bin at Target, and I am wearing them today under a dress. Sort of the same concept as a long-sleeved printed shirt underneath, except these only go up to my shoulders. So far, no one seems to realize they are part of a costume.

Regardless, they were only $1 and definitely unique.
(Which is what people say to put a positive spin on “crazy.”)

Start Slide Show with PicLens Lite

Be my work-related Myspace friend so my boss can see how “cool” I am!
I am hip to the jive with the youths.

www.myspace.com/boulderbeautiful