Jason woos
One of the relatively new darlings of the fashion world, Jason Wu famously outfitted first lady Michelle Obama for the inaugural ball in 2009, for a Vogue cover and on official trips to England. His whimsical designs — pleated dresses, bows at the neck, polka dots — have made him a favorite with women who like feminine designs. Customers will have their first chance to wear a more affordable version of Wu’s aesthetic beginning Feb. 5, when Target stores and its website offer a line of dresses, sportswear, handbags and scarves. Target says the line was inspired by “the vision of an American girl in Paris,” and looks range from from $19.99 to $59.99 for clothing and $19.99 to $49.99 for handbags and scarves. Let’s just hope the clothes don’t cause the mad stampede that ensued when the retailer teamed up with Missoni last fall.
How the West is worn
If it’s mid-January, it’s time for Cry Baby Ranch’s annual blowout, when retailer Roxanne Thurman, left, invites customers as well as VIPs from the Western-wear industry in town for its semi- annual trade show to visit her Larimer Square store. Starting at 7 p.m. Saturday, Cry Baby will be taking orders for custom kickers from Liberty Boot Co., above. In addition, it will be offering jewelry by Christy Lea Payne, silver pieces from Comstock Heritage, Lucky Lou handbags, Barranada shirts, and photographer and author Jim Arndt will be on hand. 1421 Larimer St., 303-623-3979;
Makeup wake-up
January is a good month to assess your cosmetics and grooming tools as well as your wardrobe. If you’re wondering whether that old lipstick or eye shadow is worth keeping, here’s what Denver makeup artist Michael Moore recommends.
When to throw it away:
• Mascara — 3 months
• Liquid foundation — 1 to 1½ years
• Liquid concealer — 1 to 1½ years
• Powder — 1 year (he says his own mineral makeup lasts longer)
• Pressed powder and shadows — 6 to 9 months
• Lipsticks and glosses — 1 year. If a lipstick smells “off,” get rid of it
• Skin-care products — about 1 year
• Cleansers and moisturizer — 6 months
• Toners — 1 year
• “Natural” cosmetics — 6 months (most of them have no preservatives and are susceptible to bacterial growth)
Here’s how to care for brushes and tools:
• Natural brushes — Wash once a month.
• Synthetic brushes — Wash three to four times a month. People with oily or acne- prone skin should wash their brushes more often.
• Sponge applicators — Wash after every use and throw away after one month.
Through January, Moore is offering a discount on his own makeup brand, as well as skin-care specials at his makeup and skin- are studio, Simply Moore, 3000 E. Third Ave. No. 4; 303-399-4151;
