Before I start off…I’d like to address all local retailers who like to be in the loop. Blessed with an excess of creative and professional energy, Deanna Inniss, owner of freckle face, is really keen to get as many area retailers as she can to help her bring Fashion Night Out (a NYC event that’s spreading across the globe) to Milwaukee. Interested in joining her? Learn more at fashionnightout.com; 244 N. Broadway, 414- 298-1488, frecklefaceboutique.com.
Every year, August 15 marks the birth of yours truly, this year it’s also the date of the much-anticipated Historic Third Ward Sidewalk Sale featuring deals and steals at over 30 of the neighborhood’s trend-defining boutiques, salons and restaurants. Whether you’re shopping for him or her, a little one or a furry companion, your condo or home, believe you me, there are savings to be had. Along with deep price-cutting specials, this summer sizzler offers free beer, artist paint, stations, activities for the kids and complimentary Irish hairdos. In short, way too much to list here, so take my advice and discover the details to plan your day accordingly at historicthirdward.org. Historicthirdward.org.
Hey, my birthday also coincides with the opening of the city’s third Luci Boutique at Bayshore Town Center. The store, along with its downtown and Shorewood cohorts, supports developing personal statements of style by bringing in a wide variety of trendful fashions for women of all shapes and sizes including scads of handbags, jewelry and accessories. They also pride themselves on putting a real emphasis on personal service along with providing fun monthly shopper events and private shopping parties. Help celebrate by stopping in during the grand opening party, August 14 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and catching their fashion show scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. on August 15 (yup, that’s right on my birthday) at Bayshore’s Town Square. 5724 W. Center Way, Bayshore, 414-967-7933, 532 n. water street, 414-226-0114 & 4405 n. Oakland Ave., Shorewood, 414-967-1404, luciboutique.com.
Throughout this month at Boutique Vieux et Nouveau owner Heidi Calaway is offering a 25 percent discount on any one purchase of regularly priced goodies (some restrictions apply) to those flashing an ID showing an August Birthday (hey, that could be me). She’s also taking 10 percent off everyone’s purchase of vintage items through August 31. Plus, tipping her hat to her neighbor Cempazuchi Restaurant’s mention on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives show, now through September 30, she’ll take 25 percent off the purchase of anyone who shows a Cempazuchi receipt. 1688 N. Franklin Place, 414- 287-9049, boutiquemilwaukee.com.
CHECK IT OUT
August 7 – 18 at Sprout: The store’s annual Sweet Pea Summer Sale shaves 30 – 80 percent off all kids clothing, 30 – 50 percent off summer maternity dresses, tops and tees and offers a buy one, get one free special on engaging Malissa and Doug floor puzzles. 320 E. Buffalo, 414-289-0844, sproutmilwaukee.com.
August 12 (7 p.m.) at Waterford Wine Company: Expand the scope of your taste buds by comparing and contrasting the nine most common grapes in the wine world at an Introduction to Wine tasting. $15 per guest. 1327 E. Brady St., 414-289-9463, waterfordwine.com.
August 13 (7 p.m.) at Boswell Book Company: Seep yourself in the city’s roots when associate professor Jennifer Watson Schumacher, author of German Milwaukee, discusses her book which was inspired by her German literature students who also assisted in collecting its research materials. 2559 N. Downer Ave., 414 – 333-1181
August 15 at Lela: Just in time for my birthday, the store holds its annual Brown Bag Sale. Get half off all the cool stuff you can stuff into a shopping bag from 8 a.m. till 6 p.m. 321 N Broadway. 414-727-4855, lelaboutique.com.
August 15 – 22 at Valentina: Save 30 percent off stylish sunglasses from designers like Tom Ford, Roberto Cavalli, Erickson Beamon and more. 1505 W. Mequon Rd., (262) 241-4122, evalentina.com.
