This week, I lie in wait for a possible new reality show addiction, tip my hat to Macy’s commitment to the health of my (and every other woman’s) heart, consider the felting trend, recognize one local retailer’s singular stance in a mall made up of major players and encourage moms to think ahead to next year’s shopping needs.
OK, I’ll admit it. I once sneered at the concept of reality TV, rolling my eyes when friends raved about “Survivor,” “The Amazing Race” and “American Idol.” To my mind, such commercial fluff took a definite second seat to what I programmed my television to tape commercial free (“The Charlie Rose Show,” assorted public television documentaries, my weekly dose of “The Soup”). And then I happened to see an episode of “Project Runway” and immediately became hooked. For a while I even watched “Wickedly Perfect,” a show that pit people in a bid to unseat Martha Stewart as a home maven. But unable to put up with the plasticity of host Joan Lunden or the competition between less-than-stellar stylists, I quickly grew bored. I’m hoping that won’t happen with “Top Design,” a new interior design show debuting on Bravo Jan. 31. Hosted by Todd Oldham, it’s being promoted as “Project Runway” meets “Survivor.” With its ties to the Pacific Design Center in California, you better believe I’ll be watching. Shamelessly.
Something we can do with heads held high and proud is support heart health by taking part in the American Heart Associations “Wear Red Day” on Friday Feb. 2. As a national sponsor of “Go Red for Women,” Macy’s dedicates itself to raising the profile of women’s heart health. The department store offers shoppers who are clad in red on Feb 2 a 15 percent savings pass for the day’s purchases. (If you’re not wearing red, a $2 donation earns you a “Go Red For Woman Red Dress” pin along with the same pass.) Buy a tube of Clarins universally flattering “Go Red For Women” lipstick any time in February and the store will donate a dollar to benefit the cause. They’ll also hand over 10 percent of all proceeds from the sale of the store’s cool custom-published book, Kiss & Tell ($14.95; purchased in the store or at www.macys.com). This fun read features the first-kiss confessions of more than 50 celebrities – from Paris Hilton to Donna Karan, along with reproductions of their lip prints. There’s also the chance to bid on blow-ups of these same puckers on an eBay auction ending Feb. 3. And finally, check out Macy’s participation in an early March episode of TLC’s “What Not to Wear,” which will offer a wardrobe makeover to a deserving heart disease survivor. (Macy’s, all locations)
Speaking of fun stuff, the art of felting (i.e., intentionally shrinking wool) is hot! And the ladies at Loop Yarn Shop know it. Committed to the inspired pursuit of creative handwork, they’re offering a felted bunny class (two Saturday sessions of two hours each). The bunny is designed by fiber artist Bev Galeska and knit with Scandinavia’s Fritidsgarn felting yarn. Feb. 3 and 17, 9-11 a.m. (Classes: $15 an hour) 2900 S. Delaware Ave., 481-4843.
A David among the Goliaths of the national retail chains since the 1980s, Viktor Viktoria has been holding its own at Mayfair mall catering to the funky woman, ages 15 to 50. The store recently moved to a new space almost triple in size of the old one. This success against all odds makes perfect sense for a store that’s all about keeping it real and individual. Shoppers will find a new swimwear department with plenty of cute and reasonably priced bikinis for $29.99 – great for both summer break and spring cruises. There’s also more sandals and shoes, cute dresses and sexy tops, as well as lots rhinestone jewelry and ever popular prom garters. And if you’re into bling, the store can customize any T-shirt purchase with Swarovski crystals. 2500 N. Mayfair Rd., 479-9860. www.viktorviktoriashop.com
Like most retailers, Ragazza needs to free up space for new spring stuff by selling off what’s left of fall and winter fashions. Shopping the ultimate sale at the ultimate girl’s store, smart moms (who are thinking ahead and making slight size adjustments for growing girls ages 4 to 14) can stock up on fashionable clothing, boots, shoes, hats and pajamas for next year’s cold snap, all up to 50 percent off. Among the treasures they’ll find is a gorgeous ostrich feather-trimmed coat that was $127 (now marked $64), along with some stunning designer holiday outfits (once $170 , now $40-$95). 19115 W. Capitol Dr., 262-781-8186.
Colleen Heather Rogan chats about shopping on WKTI 94.5FM every Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m.
