MAGAZINES 
New Boulder-ready looks that suit our style
By Vivienne Palmer
This just in, folks: Boulder made No. 40 on GQ’s Worst Dressed Cities in America list! The magazine grudgingly admitted that while we may be the worst dressed, we look great naked—I suppose GQ would know. But if GQ is going to throw down, I’ve got to respond. First, where are they seeing all these offending fanny packs? On hiking trails? Second, if they hate Uggs in the summer, they should go to L.A. and talk to Pamela Anderson, because she started it. And third, Crocs. OK, there’s no excuse for Crocs, but they are ridiculously comfortable.
While improving your physique involves a lifetime of deprivation and chronically aching muscles, changing your style involves less pain and commitment. Some good advice and an open mind are all you really need. You may be surprised to know that Boulder’s got many fashion gurus that you can trust.
For instance, way back in 2004 we featured a lovely, self-styled young woman modeling a vintage dress and yellow Wellies while standing in Boulder Creek. Fast-forward to 2011 and that very same woman became a household name as the winner of Project Runway’s eighth season. That’s right, Gretchen Jones’s first piece of fashion press was in this very magazine.
Also on hand is Jessica Shinyeda, owner of The Face Lab, a local freelance artistry company that supports makeup, hair and fashion trends. And finally, Olivia Miles, a Los Angeles costume designer and stylist, recently selected by Variety as one of 10 film artisans to watch. What these three women have in common, aside from rock-solid credentials, is that they have all lived in Boulder and are uniquely qualified to interpret this fall’s fashions.
‘brazen rebellion’
Gretchen Jones, currently living in Brooklyn, N.Y., recently launched her eponymous label for Fall 2011 and debuts her Spring/Summer 2012 line at this September’s New York Fashion Week. Jones was born and raised in Fairplay, Colo., and lived in Boulder from 2000 to 2006 during what she considered a vital chapter in her evolution as an artist and designer.
“Boulder is full of well-off world travelers who bring back coastal trends and interpret them into a day-to-day accessibility,” she says. “What I admire about the Boulder woman is her brazen rebellion against being too pretty. Pretty is about being who you are. A high-plains-desert climber diva who wears no makeup is no less beautiful than a bombshell on the beach or boulevard.”
For this fall, Jones sees a trend toward rich colors, and encourages shoppers to invest in a tailored jacket in emerald green or plum. Or fuchsia, if you are really bold. She loves the way stunning
color stands out on cold winter streets full of people in blacks and browns. Jones believes comfort and femininity can go hand in hand. Higher waistlines, ladylike proportions, midiskirts, thinner pants that show the ankles, natural-waisted sweaters and English riding silhouettes all layer easily and appeal to both function and fashion. 1970s styling is also here to stay. The contrast between flowing and draped fabrics against refined tailoring brings dimension to the average wardrobe.
boulder’s functional fashion
Jessica Shinyeda is a self-proclaimed jack-of-all-trades who got her start as a makeup artist 13 years ago. For the last five years she has worked as a wardrobe stylist for catalogs, magazines, television and short films. Her specialty is “lifestyle work”—everyday functional fashion. “What I love about Boulder people is that they are all about being functional,” says Shinyeda. “When I first moved here in 2003 I noticed that women were moving into fall and winter by wearing summer dresses over pants. It was big here because you stayed warm while transitioning your summer wardrobe. I see it coming back with dresses over ’70s high-
waisted bell-bottomed pants.”
Shinyeda admits that she agrees with GQ’s complaint that Boulderites spend too much time in technical gear like North Face and Patagonia. “People wear hiking boots and Tevas out to dinner. While I would like to see people wear more fashionable shoes when going out, it’s also what I love about Boulder—it isn’t pretentious. I can pick someone up at the airport and take them out and they will feel comfortable.”
Almost as important as what’s going to be “in” this fall is how it’s applicable to this area. Shinyeda believes the trendy runway pairing of maxiskirts and chunky cable-knit boyfriend sweaters will appeal to locals. And surely Boulderites can run with camouflage-
inspired prints. Skinny pants, jeggings and leggings will be redefined with bright and bold colors. I had to ask how an older woman could pull off such a youthful look. Shinyeda’s advice is to be age appropriate. Mature women can pair a slim bottom half with patterned tunics and animal prints. Younger women can create a hipster feel with cropped tees. To update your wardrobe, she advises plugging in small, trendy pieces with floral prints, polka dots and pops of lace.
The “shoebootie,” that cross between the boot and the shoe, is still popular in every kind of heel, from the stiletto with a platform to the chunky cowboy heel. Shinyeda says, “You can pair it with a floral skirt or a skinny legging. I think that is something Colorado women can incorporate because of the selection of heel heights. They can match it to their lifestyles and level of fashion. Motorcycle boots, mid-calf or knee-high riding-style boots are great for Boulder because they are flat, warm and practical.”
Shinyeda works with menswear, and sees a movement toward loose tailoring and deconstructed military elements. There will be more pockets on less-formal pants, blazers and jackets. When asked what her new favorite look is, she said, “I’m a huge fan of texture, color and patterns on men. I am declaring that the men’s cardigan is going to come back.” How to keep from looking like Mister Rogers? “Funky styles, colors and layering are the key to not looking frumpy and old.”
stuck in a fleece-lined rut?
Olivia Miles lives and works in Los Angeles as a costume designer and stylist who does television (Entourage and Jane by Design), films and commercials. She comes to Boulder several times a year to visit family and brings the West Coast perspective to this conversation. Moving to L.A. from Boulder and Portland, Ore., she found that her attitude about fashion changed from dressing for function to dressing for oneself and having an identity in a sea of people.
Miles believes, and is probably right, that Boulder is stuck in a fleece-lined rut. “I’d love to see the trail-running and rock-climbing looks stay in the Flatirons,” she says. “But dressing in Boulder is all about the layers. You go from extreme temperatures and weather conditions to social events. It’s a very walkable city, so sensible yet fashionable shoes are a must.”
To stand apart from this crowd of technical wear, look to this fall’s trends and layer it up. Miles predicts nude hues, menswear-inspired jackets and pants, ikat (similar to batik) and ethnic prints. Body-conscious leather jackets still seem to be a trend, and don’t box up your thick knit leggings and patterned hosiery quite yet. Accessories are chunky, earthy and statement-making, like giant bib necklaces, big cocktail rings and vintage pendants. An upscale clog-boot or a shoe with a clog sole fits the sensible-yet-fashionable bill.
Shinyeda, who has a background in hair and makeup, recommends trying a wavy bob or fringed bangs paired with smoky eyes and bold lips. For her own wardrobe she admits she is obsessed with gold accessories, statement necklaces and watches. She says, “I’ve got my ’70s bell-bottom jeans; now I just need to find a good ’70s-inspired shoe that is comfortable, casual and dressy.”
Jones has the last word when it comes to getting out of that fashion rut. “Your rut is only as deep as you make it. I break all the rules and try on everything that piques my interest,” she says. “Trying on things that you never thought you could pull off comes with fun surprises. Play dress-up every day! After all, we have to get dressed every day, so instead of feeling like it’s a trap, why not have fun with it?”
Vivienne Palmer lives in downtown Boulder with her husband and two sons. She has written Boulder Magazine’s annual fashion essay for eight years, and works as a freelance writer, artist and property manager.
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