Cancel Your Thursday Plans — Jason Wu Wants to Hang Out With You

At least twelve times this summer, we uttered this unheard-of-in-Chicago sentence: “We can’t wait for January!” We were met by stares, glares, and expressions of flat-out dismay, but we can explain! It was July when we learned that Jason Wu, the Vogue-adored designer who crafted Michelle Obama’s ethereal inauguration gown in 2009, was launching a new, more affordable line this month. The collection, dubbed Miss Wu, is out now — pardon us while we drop a quick inauguration pun — at last!

The dresses and separates that make up the polished-but-edgy collection are suited for the girl who sips her champagne from a straw. They’re easy but edgy, and shot through with gamine appeal that channels a modern-day Audrey Hepburn. But you know who can tell you more about the collection? Wu himself, who will be in town on Thursday, January 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. for a personal appearance at Nordstrom on the Mag Mile.

Wu will present his spring and summer collection — so um, now we can’t wait for summer — and stylists will be on hand to help you pick out personalized ensembles. The line just arrived in stores on Monday, so you’ll be among the first to sport the pretty pieces. Wu hoo!