When it comes to shopping, there’s nothing I like better than a destination ‘road trip.’ Whether is a short trek to neighborhood hot spots like the Third Ward or the Historic Village of Wauwatosa, jaunt to Cedarburg or Madison, or holiday trip to London or Milan, there’s just something relaxing about pairing up poking about in shops with a great lunch or dinner. If I’m singn’ your song, you best not miss the Sidewalk Sale going on in Delafield Saturday, August 23 between 9am and 4pm. Especially since it presents a great opportunity to take advantage of all the deep, discounted, end of the season sales on eyewear, kids wear, leather goods, furniture, stationery, gifts, decorative accessories and of course lots and lots of fashion sure to be spilling forth from innovative independent retailers like B’Lou, Blue Iris, Touch of Whimsy, Donna Lee, Lieblang Leather, Bark River Kids, Eye Candy, Jamie Wilke, and Tadpole. Oh and whether you go casual or fine, be sure to tag on lunch or dinner at an area resturant.
Though not normally one to associate reading with eating, even I’m intrigued by a deal Wauwatosa’s Little Read Book and Pizzeria Piccola have cooked up. For their Twilight Sale they’ve combined two of my favorite things – books and authentic thin-crust Neapolitan pizzas baked in wood burning ovens, all in celebration of the restaurant’s new outdoor dining patio. Throughout the month of August, all you need do is present a dinner or lunch receipt from this yummy Bartolotta restaurant and you can slice 20 percent off the price of any single item purchased in the bookstore. 7603 W. State St., 414-774-2665, littlereadbook.com & 7606 W. State St., 414-443-0800, pizzeriapiccola.com.
Hey, it appears the new owner of The Tool Shed is coming through with her promise to provide customers with lots of new and intriguingevents and products. For instance, those in the market for the world’s most ‘technologically advanced’ programmable vibrator, which promises a totally customized experience thanks to multiple modes and the ability to remember which one is particularily enjoyed, should make note that the boutique will tell you all about it over complimentary refreshments when they host a SaSi Smart Vibe Party August 23 noon until 7pm. Should you decide to buy one, you’ll also receive a free bottle of Frolic water-based lubricant ($15 value) as well. Also on that date, anyone signing up for their new email newsletter will receive a free 30 minute acupressure session complements of Bay View’s Hundred Grasses Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. 804 E. Center St. 866-630-9338, toolshedtoys.com.
Speaking of gift giving…if you have no time to shop but need to hand one over that simply shouts you put a lot of thought into it, violet.com might be a good place to start since this cool site makes saying you care practically mistake proof. It’s simply a matter of choosing gifts by occasion, recipient traits (precise, cosmopolitan, courteous etc.), category (baby, travel, spa, kitchen stuff etc.) or price ($1 – $100 and up). Best of all, the products are so interesting and cool it will look like you searched high and low and went to a whole lot more trouble than you really did. But hey, I’m not saying a thing.
With a new second Utrecht Art Supply shop located on the MIAD campus (How’s that for a smart business move?) opening this week, lots of students, serious and burgeoning artists have will find a wide selection of fine quality paints, canvases, brushes, paper, pencils and anything else needed to express their creative sides. 143 N. Broadway, utrechtart.com.
Tight on space? Expecting company? Got nowhere to sleep? Check out modern classic options for sofa beds that break the mode at Design Within Reach. Buy during their Upholstery Sale running through September 2 – and you’ll save 15 percent on your purchase.167 N. Broadway, 414-224-5353, dwr.com.
Thinking about extending your repertoire of summer wines beyond Pino Grigio before the season ends? Easy to do at the Italian Whites wine tasting event being held at Waterford Wine Company August 27 at 7 pm. Sure it will set you back $25 per person, but seriously, having sampled some stellar wines, you’re guaranteed to leave a somewhat wiser wine connoisseur. 1327 E. Brady St., 414-289-9463, waterfordwine.com.
